Lilith's breathing was labored, and she clutched her chest as blood seeped through her clothes. The deep wound stretched from her shoulder down across her chest, a cruel testament to Vanitas's power. But she didn't falter. She kept her feet planted, her back straight, her eyes blazing with determination.
Vanitas, still holding his scythe, gritted his teeth in irritation.
Vanitas: Seriously, you would throw yourself away like that?
Lilith's voice, though weak, was steady.
Lilith: Because... you're not taking her...you won't take Edalyn, Vanitas.
She winced but didn't back down. Her body shook from the sheer pain of the wound, but her will remained unbroken.
Eda's face twisted in horror.
Eda: LILITH!
She was struggling against her stone restraints. Lilith was now standing between her and death itself, and there was nothing she could do.
Sora and Luz finally reached Eda's side, and Steve wasn't far behind. Sora raised his Keyblade high, ready to break Eda's bindings, while Luz quickly drew out glyph cards beneath Eda to weaken the stone around her.
Vanitas stepped back, eyeing Lilith with frustration and morbid curiosity.
Vanitas: Such a waste. Belos was right to think of you as weak. But hey, I was gonna kill you anyway.
Lilith took a ragged breath, her eyes filled with pain but also resolved.
Lilith: As long as I stop you from getting to Edalyn...
Vanitas's face twisted into a cruel smile.
Before he could move again, Sora slashed through Eda's stone restraints with a clean cut, freeing her. And his voice was right with concern.
Sora: Eda, are you alright?
Eda's eyes were locked on Lilith, her heart pounding in her chest.
Eda: I'm fine, but Lilith—
[Play Tsuioku Mezameru Tamashii OST]
Eda stood frozen, her heart pounding as Lilith stumbled in front of her, coughing up blood. The deep cut across her chest was bleeding heavily, and the strength in her legs was fading fast. Eda's eyes were wide with shock, the words caught in her throat as she stared at her sister.
Eda: Lilith...
She gasped, her voice trembling.
Eda: W-why?
Lilith winced in pain, but her expression softened as she looked at Eda, blood dripping from her lips. Her voice was strained, each word a struggle, but she pushed through, knowing she didn't have much time left.
Lilith: I... I've always felt guilty about cursing you...
Lilith's breath became shallow.
Lilith: I thought... if I could fix everything if I could make things right... maybe we could go back to the way we used to be. But... that was wrong of me. It was selfish.
Eda's hands trembled as she knelt beside Lilith, tears welling in her eyes.
Eda: Lilith, stop... you're gonna be okay. We can fix this, we can—
But Lilith shook her head weakly, coughing again as more blood spilled onto the ground.
Lilith: No... Edalyn, listen... At first, I thought... if I just fixed things, it would be enough. But it wasn't.
Eda looked at her sister, her heart breaking with every word.
Eda: What are you talking about? You don't have to—
Lilith: Edalyn... after I deserted the Emperor's Coven, I went to Mother...
The revelation hit Eda like a punch to the gut, her eyes widening in surprise as Lilith never mentioned her mother earlier.
Lilith: I told her everything. About the curse... about what I did to you. Everything.
Eda stared at her, stunned.
Eda: Ma? You told her?
Lilith nodded, her breathing labored.
Lilith: I did... then she turned me away. She said that fixing things, explaining my intent, wasn't enough. She told me... that taking responsibility for my actions was what mattered. And I wanted to... I really did. But now... it looks like I won't get the chance.
Eda's throat tightened, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend everything Lilith was saying. The idea that Lilith had been genuinely carrying this guilt, that she had gone to their mother and been turned away... it was too much to bear.
Eda: Lilith... no... I—
Lilith kept going, her voice growing weaker with every word.
Lilith: This morning... I saw two little girls. Sisters, even.
Lilith's voice was breaking even more.
Lilith: One of them knocked the other's ice cream over... and she apologized. She gave her sister her own ice cream to make up for it. It... it reminded me of us. Of how we used to be.
Eda's heart clenched. Memories of their childhood, of the times they had been close, flooded back, bittersweet and painful.
Lilith coughed again, her strength fading rapidly.
Lilith: It hit me then, Eda... I never actually... apologized to you properly. For the curse... for everything.
Eda felt tears streaming down her face, but she couldn't speak. She couldn't stop Lilith's words from coming.
Lilith: I'm sorry, Edalyn. I'm so sorry for cursing you...for putting you through so much pain. If I could take it all back, I would. But I can't. The least I can do now...is make sure you don't die today.
Lilith's voice cracked, and she coughed up more blood, her body trembling with the effort. Eda reached out, her hands gripping her sister's shoulders, her voice choked with emotion.
Eda: Lilith, stop! Don't do this, don't—
Lilith gave her a weak smile, her eyes glassy with pain.
Lilith: I dragged...your son...
Eda's eyes widen as she gulped.
Lilith: The human girls... And Steve is into this mess, too... I'm sorry to them all as well. They shouldn't have been part of this.
Sora, Luz, and Steve stood nearby, watching in stunned silence, the weight of Lilith's words settling over them. Luz wiped away a tear while Sora's face was filled with sorrow, his grip on his Keyblade tightening. Especially when he realizes that Lilith has included Kairi in her apology.
Lilith turned back to Eda, her gaze softening.
Lilith: I know you... you have every right to hate me, Eda. I don't blame you. But... even so, I need you to know... I still love you as my sister. Always.
Her voice was barely above a whisper now, her strength almost gone.
Lilith: I'm sorry, Edalyn... I'm so... sorry.
With that final word, Lilith's body slumped forward, her eyes closing as her breathing slowed to a stop.
Eda let out a broken sob, catching her sister as she collapsed, cradling her in her arms.
Eda: No, Lilith... Wake up...please...
The warehouse fell silent, the weight of Lilith's sacrifice hanging heavily in the air. Sora, Luz, and Steve stood in quiet reverence, their hearts heavy with the loss.
Eda's mind spiraled, memories flashing before her eyes like a whirlwind—her and Lilith running through the woods as children, the way they used to laugh, play, and scheme together. Lilith had always been there, her partner-in-crime, her best friend, her sister. The curse had changed everything. It had torn them apart, but deep down, Eda had always held onto the hope that they could somehow return to those days. Now, that hope was shattered.
Tears streamed down her face as the realization hit her like a tidal wave: Lilith was gone.
Eda: *whispering* No...
Her voice cracked as she rocked Lilith's lifeless body in her arms. The weight of the loss overwhelmed her, pulling her down into a pit of despair. She tried to hold back, but her emotional dam finally broke.
Eda: LIIILYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Eda's scream echoed, her voice raw and filled with agony. She clutched her sister tighter, her grief overwhelming everything around her as she sobbed.
[End Tsuioku Mezameru Tamashii OST]
Vanitas, leaning against his scythe, loudly laughed at Eda's sobbing. He even began mocking her at it.
Vanitas: *mocking* Waaaah! Waaa-haa-haa! Waaaah! Wiwith go bye-bye fowevah!
He snorted right before his laughter grew louder.
Vanitas: Thanks so much, Lilith! For giving me one hell of an entertaining drama story! *clapping* I almost wish for an encore!
Everyone else, especially Eda, began feeling their blood boil upon hearing Vanitas applauding and enjoying Lilith's death.
Vanitas: Lilith gave her own life to save Eda's, but she should've understood that I'm not letting her, or anyone else here, leave alive—
Just as Vanitas was about to finish his declaration, Eda's grief turned to rage. With a growl of fury, she clenched her fist and, with all her strength, aimed at Vanitas and blasted him with a massive beam of light magic, sending Vanitas flying backward into the wall, the force of the blow shaking the entire warehouse.
Eda: DAMN YOOOUUU!
Eda roared, her voice shaking with rage. Her entire body trembled with the intensity of her emotions, her chest heaving as she glared at Vanitas with pure hatred.
Sora ran to her side, trying to calm her.
Sora: Eda!
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Unbreakable Chains- Extended]
But just as he reached her, Eda's body began to emit a dark red energy, swirling around her like a violent storm. Her eyes, filled with angry tears, locked onto Sora's.
Eda: Sora...
Sora: *nervous* E-Eda?
Eda: Rage Form...
Sora's eyes widen.
Eda: USE IT!
The command hit Sora like a bolt of lightning. His expression shifted, something snapping inside him. His own body began to emit black and red energy, the air around him crackling with power as his Rage Form took hold. His usual calm demeanor faded, replaced by a dark, primal energy that coursed through him. The Keyblade in his hand pulsed with that same sinister power.
At the same time, something snapped in Eda, and she began to transform as well.
All the color on the gem above Eda's chest instantly turned black as her body contorted. The dark red energy swirled more violently around her as she began to change. Her familiar Owl Beast form emerged, but this time it was different—larger, more feral as if her raw emotions were feeding the transformation. Her eyes and mouth glowed a fiery orange, her entire face distorted with rage. Her tail grew longer, her fangs and talons sharper, more menacing. Three pairs of massive wings sprouted from her back, each one flaring out as if ready to strike.
She then let out a deafening screech, its sheer force causing the walls of the warehouse to tremble.
Luz and Steve stared in shock, their eyes wide as they took in the terrifying new forms of their allies. Even Vanitas, who had picked himself up from the floor, couldn't hide his surprise. For a brief moment, his cocky grin faltered as he took in the sight of Eda and Sora standing side by side, both radiating uncontrollable power.
Luz: *whispering, trembling* Oh my...
She had seen Sora in his Rage Form before, but this... this was different. To Luz, this instance felt darker. More intense. This was the same for Eda's new state of her Owl Beast form.
Steve, gripping his staff tightly, took a step back in fear as he couldn't utter a single word at what he was seeing.
Vanitas, shaking off his initial shock, forced a grin back onto his face.
Vanitas: Well, well. Looks like things just got interesting. But it won't matter. You two can turn into whatever monsters you want—I'll still crush you both!
Eda's Owl Beast form let out another ear-splitting screech, her fiery orange eyes locking onto Vanitas. Her talons scraped against the floor, sparks flying from the sheer force of her movements. Her voice, though distorted, was filled with wrath.
Sora, now fully engulfed in his Rage Form, clenched his Keyblade tightly, the dark energy pulsating around him. His eyes, glowing with a dangerous light, turned toward Vanitas, ready to fight.
Vanitas readied his scythe, his dark grin returning in full force.
Vanitas: Show me what you've got!
With that, Eda and Sora launched themselves at Vanitas, their movements swift and ferocious, their combined power shaking the very ground beneath them. The warehouse became a battlefield, the air thick with the sound of clashing weapons and the roars of combat as both sides fought with everything they had.
And this time, it wasn't just about survival. It was about vengeance.
The two attacked Vanitas with a ferocity neither had displayed before. Their movements were almost a blur, every slash of Sora's Keyblade and every strike of Eda's talons pushing Vanitas to his limits. He barely had time to parry Sora's strikes with his scythe before Eda was upon him again, her claws slashing across his armor, leaving deep gouges in its surface.
Vanitas growled in frustration as he was driven back, struggling to keep up with their relentless assault. Sora's Keyblade swung with lightning speed, slashing diagonally across Vanitas's chest while Eda lunged in tandem, her talons raking across his side. The coordinated onslaught was brutal, each attack more savage than the last.
The sheer power behind their attacks sent Vanitas staggering. His cocky grin from earlier was gone, replaced by a furious scowl as he struggled to defend himself.
Vanitas: How... how are you two this strong?!
Sora's glowing red eyes remained fixed on Vanitas with unyielding intensity. He struck again, this time spinning his Keyblade with blinding speed, the force behind the attack nearly knocking the scythe from Vanitas's grip. At the same moment, Eda roared and slammed her claws down, piercing Vanitas's defenses and forcing him back yet again.
Vanitas skidded across the floor, panting heavily. For the first time since the fight began, doubt flickered in his eyes. He wiped a trail of blood from his mouth, his expression darkening as he glared at the two enraged warriors.
Vanitas: No one... NO ONE defeats me!
He lunged back at them, but his movements were slower now, more desperate.
Sora sidestepped Vanitas's attack, his form nothing but a blur of black and red energy, and then countered with a fierce upward slash that sent Vanitas stumbling into Eda's waiting claws. She didn't hesitate. Eda's talons slashed across Vanitas's chest, and she followed up with a brutal punch to his face, sending him crashing into the far wall of the warehouse.
Meanwhile, Luz and Steve stood frozen, watching the scene unfold in stunned silence. The sheer power and rage radiating from Sora and Eda was something they had never seen before, and it shook them to their core. Vanitas, who had always been one step ahead, was now being overwhelmed.
Luz: We have to do something!
Panic crept into her voice as she saw the uncontrollable fury in Sora's movements.
Steve nodded, gripping his staff.
Steve: Yeah, let's go—
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Unbreakable Chains- Extended]
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Dreams- Extended]
But before they could move, a golden light caught their attention. Both of them turned toward Lilith's lifeless body, eyes widening in disbelief. Lilith, who had just moments ago been lying motionless, was now surrounded by a glowing, radiant golden light.
Steve: W-what's happening?
Luz: I don't know!
Lilith's body seemed to shimmer as the golden light grew brighter, her wounds beginning to close, the deep cut from Vanitas's scythe slowly knitting itself back together. It was as though something—or someone—was healing her. The golden aura pulsed, its warmth spreading through the room.
Steve took a step forward cautiously.
Steve: She's... she's healing?
Luz didn't reply as she could only watch in awe at this moment.
As they stood watching, the glow around Lilith intensified, her form becoming bathed in golden light, and for the first time, a spark of hope flickered within them. Something miraculous was happening—but whether it would save them or not, they couldn't yet say.
Meanwhile, Sora and Eda continued their ferocious assault on Vanitas, completely oblivious to the golden light behind them.
Vanitas, barely standing, gritted his teeth as he blocked another strike from Sora's Keyblade.
Vanitas: *snarled* You... think this... will stop me?
Black blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. But even as he said the words, he knew he was losing—badly.
The force of their combined attacks was overwhelming him, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep up with their speed and power. Each hit left him more battered, more broken. Sora slashed at him again, and as Vanitas raised his scythe to block, Eda swooped in, driving her talons into his side and twisting viciously.
Vanitas gasped, collapsing to one knee, his scythe slipping from his grasp as he struggled to breathe.
Vanitas: This... can't be happening!
His voice was shaking with disbelief. He looked up, his vision blurring as Sora and Eda loomed over him, both ready to deliver the final blow.
But behind them, the golden light around Lilith continued to grow, shining brighter than ever.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Dreams- Extended]
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Night Of The Dark Dream- Extended]
Lilith's heart pounded in her chest as she blinked, slowly regaining consciousness. Her body felt weightless, her limbs tingling as she pushed herself up from the cold, damp ground. Everything around her was dark, save for the faint, eerie blue glow emanating from the walls of the strange underground location. She looked around, eyes wide with confusion. The air felt thick and unnatural, and unfamiliar sounds echoed from deep within the caverns.
She glanced down at her body—her wounds, the fatal ones Vanitas had inflicted, were gone. But the memory of that final blow remained fresh in her mind.
Lilith: Where am I?
Lilith staggered to her feet, her legs unsteady beneath her. That's when she noticed the line of ghostly figures ahead of her—humanoid shapes, barely distinguishable, floating silently in front of her as if waiting for something. Her breath quickened as panic settled in.
Lilith: W-what is this?
The spectral figures offered no answer, standing still, their faces obscured by the eerie blue glow. She scanned the area, frantically searching for any sign of where she was, why she was there, and what was happening. The memories of the battle flooded back—Vanitas, Eda, and the scythe slicing through her. She stumbled back, her hand over her chest as if expecting the wound to still be there.
Lilith: *muttering, gasping* No... no, no, no! This... this can't be happening. I—I was—
She felt her pulse racing, her panic rising uncontrollably. Lilith clutched her head, her breathing erratic, her chest heaving as she tried to make sense of the surreal environment. "Am I dead? Is this what happens after...?" The thought made her hyperventilate. She crouched down, knees buckling beneath her.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Night Of The Dark Dream- Extended]
Her panic was cut short by a sudden tug on her leg. She gasped and looked down, only to see two strange little creatures at her feet. One was a fat, magenta-colored imp with little horns and a bitten bat wing on its left side, grinning up at her mischievously. The other was a thin, teal-colored imp with long, crooked horns, staring at her with curious eyes.
Magenta Imp: Hey! Hey, calm down, lady!
Both imps tugged at Lilith's legs to try and calm her down.
Magenta Imp: You're freakin' out for no reason!
Teal Imp: Yeah, no need to be afraid!
Lilith's eyes widened in sheer confusion.
Lilith: W-what—who—
Before she could gather her thoughts, her panic exploded into action.
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix - The Underworld- Extended]
Without thinking, Lilith screamed and began wildly swatting at the imps, her hands flailing as she swung at them in a frenzy.
Lilith: Get away! Get away from me!
Her voice became shrill as she kicked and punched at the tiny creatures.
The imps yelped, ducking and dodging her blows, but they weren't quick enough to escape her frantic attacks. Lilith's fists connected with the magenta imp's head, sending it spinning into the air. The teal imp squeaked in fear and tried to scurry away, but Lilith grabbed it by the horn and flung it aside.
Magenta Imp: Ow! Hey, hey, lady! Cut it out!
Teal Imp: We're just trying to help!
Lilith wasn't listening. Her mind was consumed by fear and confusion as she continued to lash out, sending both imps tumbling across the ground, their yelps and cries echoing through the underground space.
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix - The Underworld- Extended]
Suddenly, a burst of blue fire erupted in front of her, scorching the ground with a loud fwoosh. Lilith stumbled back, startled, as the fire blazed for a brief moment before dissipating into smoke. Her gaze shot up to see a tall, blue-gray male humanoid figure standing in front of her. He had flaming blue hair, a face etched with tired irritation, and was draped in a black robe with a smoky, ethereal base that trailed off into nothingness.
The figure crossed his arms and stared at Lilith with a deadpan expression, clearly unimpressed by her frantic display.
Blue-Grey Man: Okay, okay, enough with the punching and the screaming.
The man spoke to Lilith in a slow, annoyed drawl before speaking normally.
Blue Man: You're dead, I get it. It's a shock. But can we not turn this into a wrestling match, huh? *looks at the imps* Pain. Panic. Why don't you take 5?
Pain/Panic: Thank you, boss!
He flicked his hand dismissively toward the imps, who scrambled to their feet, glaring at Lilith from a safe distance.
Lilith's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the figure, her mind racing to process what was happening.
Lilith: *stammering* W-who... who are you?
The blue-grey, fire-haired figure sighed, rubbing his temples as if this were the thousandth time he'd had this conversation.
Blue-Grey Man: Hades. Lord of the Underworld. How ya doing? Your host with the ghost. Welcome to your afterlife. Try not to freak out—too late for that, I guess.
He waved his hand again as if to dismiss the whole ordeal.
Lilith blinked, her mind reeling. Hades? Afterlife? She glanced around the cavern again, at the line of ghostly figures, at Pain and Panic now grumbling at a distance, and then back at Hades.
Lilith: Afterlife?
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Lilith: So... I'm really... dead?
Hades rolled his eyes and threw his arms up in exaggerated frustration.
Lilith: Bingo! We have a winner! Yes... *sing-song* You are dead! Dead! Dead! *normal* And this—
He gestured around to the cavern.
Hades: —is the Underworld. My domain. Congratulations, you're officially a resident. Now, can we move on, or do you wanna keep turning this place into a wrestling ring?
Lilith took a deep breath, her body still trembling slightly, but the fire in her eyes had dimmed. She looked around again, the bizarre scene starting to sink in. Slowly, she stood up straight, her hands falling to her sides.
Lilith: *muttering* I... I'm sorry.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -My Heart's Descent- Extended]
She then glanced at Pain and Panic, who were grumbling under their breath, glaring up at her as they dusted themselves off.
Hades waved her apology away dismissively, the irritation present on his face slowly fading away.
Hades: Yeah, yeah, don't sweat it. Panic attacks are, like, the number one reaction down here. I've seen it all before.
He gave a dramatic sigh.
Hades: But seriously, let's keep the violence to a minimum, okay? It's a hassle cleaning up after these things.
Lilith nodded slowly, still processing the gravity of what had happened. Her gaze shifted back to Hades, and she finally worked up the courage to ask the question gnawing at the back of her mind.
Lilith: ...Is this Hell?
She winced a little, bracing for the answer.
Hades let out a sharp laugh, loud and short, almost like a bark.
Hades: Ha! Hell? Nah, you've got it all wrong, sister. THIS isn't Hell.
He scratched the back of his neck, looking at her as if she'd just asked the most basic question ever.
Hades: You're in the Underworld, not Hell. Different place entirely.
Lilith blinked, visibly confused.
Lilith: But… isn't the Underworld where bad people go?
Hades shrugged.
Hades: Eh, kinda, but not exactly.
He stepped closer, hands gesturing as he explained.
Hades: Okay, so here's the deal. The Underworld is basically where everyone goes when they kick the bucket. It's not about whether you were a saint or a sinner. The Underworld's for the dead—period. If you're breathing, you're topside; if you're not, you're here.
Lilith frowned, still not quite getting it.
Lilith: So… it's not punishment? There's no eternal suffering or flames?
Hades held up a finger.
Hades: Whoa, slow down there. You're thinking of the BAD part of the Underworld. See, this place is divided into sections. You got the Fields of Asphodel, where most people go. It's pretty neutral—boring but not torturous. Then there's the Fields of Elysium, where the good souls get to live it up for eternity, sipping ambrosia and whatnot. And, of course...
He put up a devilish grin,
Hades: there's Tartarus—the part where scumbags go to get what's coming to 'em. Hell goes below that. You know, for the worst of the worst.
Lilith absorbed the information, starting to feel a little more at ease.
Lilith: So… where am I then? Which part?
Hades tilted his head, looking her up and down with a critical eye.
Hades: You? I dunno yet. That's still up in the air, but I wouldn't worry about it. We gotta sort all that out first. And you—
He pointed at her with a lazy finger.
Hades: —you've got a complicated case, considering how you went out.
She swallowed, her mind briefly flashing back to the moment she took Vanitas's blow, shielding Eda.
Lilith: Complicated?
Hades: Yeah, you did something… heroic, I guess.
He said the word "heroic" like it left a sour taste in his mouth.
Hades: Taking a hit for someone, sacrificing yourself—all that noble, selfless stuff. It's not typical for folks I see down here.
Lilith's expression softened slightly, her thoughts lingering on Eda.
Lilith: So... what happens now?
Hades: *smirking* Now, you wait your turn. I run a tight ship down here, but paperwork's a nightmare. We'll figure out where you belong soon enough. But don't worry, I don't think you're headed for Tartarus.
He winks at Lilith, though it is far from comforting.
Lilith: So this isn't... Hell...
She repeated it to try and reassure herself. The tension in her shoulders began to ease.
Hades: Nope.
Hades made a popping the 'p' sound with a smirk.
Hades: It's just the Underworld. A place of transitions, sorting, and... well, afterlife bureaucracy. Not exactly glamorous, but hey, could be worse.
Lilith was still trying to wrap her head around everything.
Lilith: *muttering* So all those preconceived notions… they were wrong? All this time, I thought it was just Heaven and Hell. Heaven with the Lord of Heaven, and Hell with the Demon Lord.
Hades gave a short, unimpressed laugh, shaking his head.
Hades: Yeah, a lot of folks think that. But nope, it's more complicated than that. Tartarus and Hell? Similar, yet different places. You've got Tartarus for the scumbags, Hell for the extra spicy scumbags. And the Demon Lord?
He rolled his eyes and leaned back casually.
Hades: Oh, that guy's real, alright. But trust me, you don't wanna tango with him. Real piece of work.
Lilith: *blinks* He IS real?
Hades waved a hand like it wasn't that big of a deal.
Hades: Oh yeah, big time. You probably won't cross paths with him, though. Not unless you start causing serious trouble and something tells me you're not that type. But if you do somehow end up running into him, best advice I can give is… don't. Just don't.
Lilith's eyes widened slightly.
Lilith: What's he like?
Hades: *shrugs* He's a total ass. Like, you ever met a guy who's got, like, too much power and thinks that gives him the right to be a total jerk to everyone? Yeah, that's him. Loves to make deals, but they always come with a catch. Nasty piece of work. *pause* Kinda like me, but with less charm.
Lilith wasn't entirely sure how to respond to that. However, she did think back to Belos, comparing the two as similar based on Hades's description. She moved on to the other side of the equation.
Lilith: And what about Heaven? The Lord of Heaven?
Hades's tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious.
Hades: Yeah, they're real too. Heaven exists. But lemme tell you, that place is way above anything we've got going on down here. The Lord of Heaven? You won't see him checking in on Underworld business unless he has to. *muttering to himself* Like that time with that total ass's "uprising" of his. *normal* They're pretty hands-off when it comes to us here.
He raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer.
Hades: Heaven's exclusive, like VIP access for the best of the best. You think Elysium's the cream of the crop? Heaven's for those who go way beyond the good quota. The ones who are basically saints with a capital' S.' You gotta be a real stand-up person to get in there. So, not impossible… just unlikely for most.
As soon as Lilith heard that, she thought of Sora, believing that he could possibly be worthy of Heaven based on Eda's words of praise to him. She then got back to the topic at hand.
Lilith: I see… So, no shortcuts then, huh?
Hades chuckled.
Hades: Not unless you've got a golden ticket hidden somewhere. But hey, Elysium isn't half bad. It's more attainable. Besides, it's a place where you can kick back and relax for eternity. So, it's all good.
She glanced around at the ethereal blue glow that bathed the Underworld.
Lilith: I guess I was expecting something different.
Hades: *shrug* Most people do. But trust me, it's not as bad as it sounds. You'll get used to it.
Lilith's gaze wandered as she pondered over what he said, trying to reconcile the mystical afterlife she had always imagined with the reality before her.
Lilith: To think... all those stories... about Heaven, angels... Hell...
Hades: Stories? Eh, there's always some truth mixed with the fantasy. But here's the thing, Lily—may I call you Lily, babe?
Lilith: Um—
Hades: The afterlife's not black and white. It's more like a messy gray, with a lot of paperwork. So yeah, Heaven's real. Hell's real. But most people—
He motioned toward the line of souls moving through the Underworld.
Hades: —they end up in the in-between. That's just how it is.
[End Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -My Heart's Descent- Extended]
Lilith gave a soft nod, still absorbing everything. It wasn't what she had imagined, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
Hades watched as the line of souls slowly dwindled, and soon, the space ahead was empty. He sighed, giving Lilith a look.
Hades: Welp, looks like it's your turn to face the music. Time to see where you land.
Lilith, feeling the weight of his words, turned to see what lay ahead of her: a large stone check-in station carved from dark, jagged rock. At the front of the station stood three distinct figures, each bearing an air of authority and finality. Hades pointed them out with a wave of his hand.
Hades: Those three yutzes are Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus. The big three when it comes to judging souls down here. Meaning, they're the ones who decide where you end up.
Lilith swallowed hard, her nerves flaring as she stared at the trio. With a sigh of resignation, she relented.
Lilith: Alright… no point in stalling, I suppose.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance OST - Ever After]
She steeled herself and started walking forward, determined to face whatever fate awaited her.
Minos, the sternest-looking of the three, leaned forward as she approached.
Minos: State your full name.
Lilith: Lilith Clawthorne.
She stood as tall as she could manage, though the weight of judgment bore down on her like a heavy cloak.
Minos's eyes narrowed as he made a mark on a stone tablet. Beside him, Rhadamanthus, with his grim, weathered face, studied her with deep scrutiny, while Aeacus, who appeared the most neutral, his face calm but calculating, seemed to weigh her soul by merely looking at her.
For a moment, silence hung in the air as the three judges seemed to silently confer with one another, though no words passed between them. Lilith could feel their eyes piercing through her, as if every action, every thought, and every sin she'd ever committed was being laid bare before them.
Finally, Rhadamanthus, with a voice as deep as thunder, spoke.
Rhadamanthus: Lilith Clawthorne… you have lived a life of both honor and dishonor. You served an empire of cruelty, but you also defied it. You sought redemption, but it came at a great cost.
Lilith winced memories of her betrayal and the curse she placed on Eda flashing in her mind. She couldn't hide from her own guilt.
Minos leaned in, his sharp voice cutting through the air.
Minos: You cursed your own sister out of selfish ambition. You pursued power, but you were led by jealousy. These acts are not forgotten, nor can they be ignored.
Lilith lowered her head, the weight of those words heavy. She knew what she had done, and she had tried to atone, but the path of redemption was over for her now.
Aeacus, whose voice was calm but firm, spoke next.
Aeacus: And yet, you abandoned that power. You chose to protect your sister in the end, at the cost of your own life. A selfless act, but not one that absolves all.
Lilith nodded with her head lowered, for she knew that this would be the case.
Minos: That said, we must carefully deliberate our decision of your fate.
Lilith waited, her breath held as they huddled together, whispering in tones she couldn't quite make out. Her mind raced, replaying every mistake, every misstep she had made, and every good she had tried to do. It felt like hours passed before the three judges turned back to her.
[End Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance OST - Ever After]
Minos opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, a strange golden glow began to emanate from Lilith's body.
[Play Link To All - Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance OST Extended]
Lilith gasped, looking down at herself in confusion as the glow intensified. She tried to move, but her limbs felt weightless as if they were being pulled by some unseen force.
Lilith: What the—? What's happening?!
The judges looked just as bewildered, and even Hades tilted his head, though not really in surprise as if he'd seen something like this before.
Hades: Well, whaddya know...
Before she could get any answers, the golden light enveloped Lilith entirely, and with a flash, she vanished from the Underworld, leaving only an echo of her confusion behind.
Hades scratched his head, looking at the empty space where Lilith had been.
Hades: Well, that's one way to skip judgment.
He turned to the three judges.
Hades: Guess that's out of your hands, boys.
Minos crossed his arms, frowning.
Minos: You don't suppose that...
Rhadamanthus: That perhaps her story isn't quite over after all?
Aeacus: It would appear so.
Hades, with a lazy grin, leaned back, watching the spot where Lilith had disappeared.
Hades: Lily has been given a second chance... *sigh* Better not blow it.
Lilith's body glowed with a radiant golden hue, catching Luz and Steve's attention as they finished their battle. The light faded slowly, and Lilith, who had been lifeless only moments before, stirred. Her eyes fluttered open as she found herself lying on the cold warehouse floor once again, dazed and utterly confused. Luz called out, her voice filled with surprise.
Luz: Lilith?
Steve, eyes wide and filled with emotion, couldn't hold back.
Steve: Lilith!
He rushed forward, his usually calm and composed demeanor breaking down as he fell to his knees beside her, gently pulling her into an embrace.
Steve: Thank the Titan! You're alive! I thought we lost you!
Lilith, still dazed, blinked in confusion as she felt Steve's arms around her. Slowly, the realization of where she was started to sink in. She returned the hug, her head resting against Steve's shoulder.
Lilith: *muttered* I... I'm okay? But... how?
Trying to wrap her mind around what had just happened, Lilith glanced around.
Luz, standing nearby, couldn't help but grin, both in surprise and relief.
Luz: Lilith! You're okay!
She rushed over and knelt beside them, her eyes scanning Lilith's body.
Luz: You're not even injured anymore.
With Steve and Luz's help, Lilith rose to her feet, still feeling unsteady. She glanced down at her chest, where Vanitas's scythe had struck her, but the deep wound was gone—vanished without a trace. Her voice left in clear disbelief.
Lilith: *whispering* My injuries... they're gone.
Just then, Lilith felt something in her pocket, a weight she didn't remember being there before. Reaching in, she pulled out a small coin—gold, with a distinct design of a little creature imprinted on its surface. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she stared at it.
Luz gasped, eyes widening in excitement.
Luz: Wait, is that a Kupo Coin?!
Steve blinked, still trying to process.
Steve: A... what coin?
Luz: A Kupo Coin!
Luz practically jumped with excitement, remembering the time when Sora had used one in their battle against Belos.
Luz: I've seen Sora use one before! It's basically a "Get Out of Death Free card." Or coin, in this case.
Lilith looked at the coin, feeling its weight in her palm.
Steve, still in shock but regaining his composure, glanced at the coin.
Steve: Wait a minute... that was earlier today, wasn't it? When we ran into that little creature?
Lilith's eyes lit up with sudden realization.
Lilith: Yes, that's right!
She turned to Luz and Steve, her confusion starting to clear.
Lilith: There was a small flying creature. We accidentally bumped into each other and I helped her pick up her items. And she gave me this coin as a thank you.
Steve nodded, his memory coming back.
Steve: It's true. Didn't think much of it at the time, but I guess it was more than just a token of gratitude.
Lilith looked at the Kupo Coin in her hand, a wave of gratitude washing over her.
Lilith: I never would've expected something so small to have such power... but it saved my life.
She took a deep breath, still trying to wrap her head around everything that had happened.
Lilith: I owe her my gratitude and life.
Steve grinned softly.
[End Link To All - Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance OST Extended]
The Kupo Coin in Lilith's hand began to glow softly, its golden light gradually fading. In moments, it dissolved into shimmering particles of light, disappearing entirely. Lilith, Luz, and Steve stood in awe, watching as the charm that had saved Lilith's life vanished.
Lilith: It... it's gone.
Lilith stared at her now-empty hand.
Lilith: One-time use, I suppose.
Steve helped Lilith up to her feet, still steadying her as she regained her full balance.
Steve: Seems like it.
Lilith nodded, though a bit shaken by everything that had transpired. She looked around the warehouse, the remnants of their earlier battle still visible.
Lilith: What... happened? Where's Edalyn? And Sora? And Vanitas?
At that question, both Steve and Luz exchanged a nervous glance. They winced, clearly uneasy about what they were about to say.
Luz took a deep breath before speaking.
Luz: While you were... out, Eda lost it. Vanitas taunted her, and, well... she got so angry she transformed into the Owl Beast.
Lilith's eyes widened in shock.
Lilith: The...Owl Beast?
Lilith suspected the curse might have been involved, but hearing that Eda had fully transformed still sent a wave of concern through her.
Steve, seeing Lilith's shock, jumped in to finish the explanation.
Steve: That's not all. Sora, he—well, he used that transformation that beat us up badly. The two of them teamed up to fight Vanitas, and they... well, they fought hard enough that they all flew out of the warehouse. The fight moved to the forest clearing nearby.
Lilith's expression shifted from shock to worry. The last time she had seen Sora's Rage Form did not end well for her. The memory of that brutal encounter flashed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine.
Lilith: THAT transformation...
Luz nodded sympathetically.
Luz: Scary, I know. He's pretty intense in that form. But Eda's Owl Beast... it's wild and unpredictable, and now they're both going up against Vanitas. We don't know what'll happen next.
Lilith took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her fear of seeing Sora's Rage Form again gnawed at her, but Eda needed her, and they couldn't leave Sora to handle it alone. She clenched her fists, summoning every bit of strength she could muster.
Lilith: I... I don't know what we'll be able to do, but we can't just stand here. We have to find them.
Luz: Let's go.
Steve: Right.
With newfound resolve, the three of them rushed toward the forest clearing, ready to face whatever awaited them. They knew that between Eda's Owl Beast transformation and Sora's Rage Form, the situation was already volatile, but they had to try to intervene—before things got even more out of hand.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Master, Tell Me The Truth- Extended]
The clash of powerful energies echoed through the forest clearing as Rage Form Sora and Owl Beast Eda unleashed their fury upon Vanitas. The air crackled with tension as Sora wielded his Keyblade with unmatched agility while Eda's claws slashed with primal ferocity.
Despite his skill, Vanitas found himself on the defensive, unable to land a single hit on either of his opponents. Every swing of his scythe was met with swift dodges or counterattacks. Eda lunged at him, her fiery orange eyes blazing with intensity, while Sora flowed around him, using his enhanced speed to his advantage.
Sora launched a series of rapid strikes at Vanitas. In one decisive moment, he swung his Keyblade with all his might, slicing through the air and shattering Vanitas's scythe in half. The weapon clattered uselessly to the ground, its dark magic dissipating into the ether.
Vanitas: *growling* No!
His eyes widened with fury and disbelief. He staggered back, scrambling to summon another weapon. With a surge of dark energy, he attempted to call forth his Void Gear Keyblade, its sinister form materializing before him.
But Eda was quicker. With a savage roar, she lunged forward, raking her claws across Vanitas's chest, preventing him from completing the summoning. Eda's snarling flare forced him to stagger backward.
Meanwhile, Luz, Steve, and Lilith finally reached the clearing, their eyes widening in shock at the fierce battle unfolding before them. Sora and Eda were a whirlwind of power, completely overwhelming Vanitas. The sight was awe-inspiring, yet terrifying.
Steve: Oh my Titan…
Luz: Look at them go!
Lilith's heart raced, her eyes glued to Sora's transformed state. While she admired his strength against Vanitas, the memory of their last encounter in Rage Form flooded back, tightening her chest with anxiety. Her voice tinged with worry.
Lilith: *muttering* What if he loses control?
Steve: Hey.
Steve placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Steve: He's fighting Vanitas. Eda's with him. It'll be okay.
Lilith glanced at him, trying to muster a smile in response, but the tension remained. She could only hope that Sora could keep his rage in check long enough to ensure their victory.
As for Eda, Lilith's shame and guilt washed over her even more than ever before, seeing Eda in her transformation.
Lilith: Edalyn... I did that to you... I have to make this right.
Luz: I know you wanna make amends, but I've been meaning to ask... How are you gonna do that?
Lilith: While I don't have the means to cure Eda's curse now, there is one thing I can do to help her. A spell to help alleviate her.
Luz: A spell? What kind?
Lilith turned to Luz and Steve and began explaining what her idea entailed.
Meanwhile, as the battle raged on, Vanitas realized he was outmatched. He darted away from Eda's claws, trying to regain his footing, but Sora was relentless, pressing the attack.
With a powerful swing, Sora sent a shockwave of energy surging toward Vanitas, who barely managed to sidestep the blow, but it was clear to everyone that he was losing ground.
Realizing he was cornered, Vanitas glared at Sora and Eda, a snarl twisting his lips.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Master, Tell Me The Truth- Extended]
Vanitas: THAT'S IT!
But the duo was ready. Eda and Sora exchanged a glance, understanding each other without words. They charged forward together, a powerful force united in purpose, prepared to end this battle once and for all.
As Luz, Steve, and Lilith watched, they could feel the shift in energy around them—this was a moment of reckoning, and the outcome was uncertain, but they knew they had to stand together against the darkness that Vanitas represented.
Vanitas, panting heavily and cornered, felt the crushing weight of defeat looming over him. His anger flared as he glared at Sora and Eda, their overpowering forms bearing down on him with unrelenting ferocity. The overwhelming humiliation of being bested by them sent a surge of fury through his veins.
Vanitas: I'M DONE DEALING WITH YOU! I'LL END YOU BOTH RIGHT NOW!
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX -Guardando Nel Buio- Extended [Redux]]
Vanitas roared, his voice echoing through the forest clearing. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous, dark energy. In his desperation, he reached deep within himself, summoning the one power he had yet to reveal.
His body began to contort and shift unnaturally as he tapped into the power of Grom—Grometheus the Fear Bringer—the creature he had once merged with to restore his body during Hexside's infamous Grom event. Dark magic crackled around him as his form warped, transforming him into something far more monstrous than before. His skin became scaled and black as night, his eyes glowed a menacing yellow, and his body elongated, turning into a hulking, reptilian quadruped. Massive claws dug into the earth, and his spine was lined with jagged, obsidian-like spikes. The ground trembled beneath his feet as his transformation completed.
Luz, Steve, and Lilith stared in shock as Vanitas's new form emerged from the cloud of dark energy.
Luz: He's using Grom's power!
Steve, eyes wide with astonishment, instinctively took a step back.
Steve: Did you just say "Grom?!" From Hexside?!
Luz: I recognized that magic anywhere. The first time I saw Vanitas, he merged and took over Grom's body to rebuild his body.
Lilith's face paled as she watched the monstrous Vanitas, seeing him as an insane monster.
Vanitas let out a guttural, earth-shaking roar that echoed through the forest, sending shockwaves through the air. His yellow eyes locked onto Sora and Eda, which were filled with nothing but hatred and rage.
Despite the dangerous tension in the air, Sora and Eda stood firm, their rage-fueled forms glowing with immense power. Eda's Owl Beast form flared up, her wings spreading wide as she snarled back, her fiery orange eyes daring Vanitas to make a move. Sora, still in Rage Form, gripped his Keyblade tightly, his black and red aura flickering wildly around him.
Vanitas, now in his Grom-enhanced form, charged at Sora and Eda with terrifying speed, shaking the ground with each massive step. The sheer force of his movement sent debris flying as he lunged, aiming to crush them with his powerful claws.
Eda responded instantly, leaping into the air with her enhanced Owl Beast agility while Sora darted to the side, avoiding the initial strike. The battle had taken on a new, more dangerous turn, and the stakes had never been higher.
Luz, Steve, and Lilith stood on the sidelines, watching in awe and horror as Sora and Eda faced off against the now monstrously transformed Vanitas. They knew they had to stay ready, just in case their friends needed backup—but for now, this was Sora and Eda's fight.
Sora and Eda unleashed a relentless assault on Vanitas, their combined speed and ferocity turning them into a blur of violence. Vanitas, now in his Grom-enhanced reptilian form, struggled to keep up with their savage strikes. Sora darted in and out, his movements fluid and unpredictable, while Eda's Owl Beast form was a whirlwind of claws and wings.
Sora, with his Keyblade in one hand, delivered a brutal punch to Vanitas's glowing yellow eyes with his other. The impact sent shockwaves through Vanitas's skull, blinding and disorienting him. He let out a guttural, pained roar as Sora followed up with another punch to his second eye, further disorienting the monster.
Seizing the opening, Eda lunged at Vanitas, her claws ripping into his tough, scaly hide. She tore into him with feral precision, slashing and tearing as Vanitas desperately tried to fend her off. His claws swiped wildly, but Eda was too fast, her Owl Beast form overwhelming him with raw power and speed.
Sora's rage-fueled form only intensified. Dark tendrils erupted from his back, snaking through the air like living shadows. With a swift motion, Sora sent them piercing through Vanitas's body in a barrage, striking again and again. The tendrils tore through Vanitas's reptilian flesh, each one striking with deadly precision. The final tendril pierced through Vanitas's chest, sending a shockwave of pain through him as he howled in agony.
With a gasp, Vanitas's monstrous form began to crumble. The Grom-enhanced power faded, and his body shrank, reverting back to his normal form. His black cloak was torn, his body covered in deep wounds from the battle. He dropped to one knee, panting heavily, his strength nearly gone.
But Sora wasn't done yet.
Summoning the last of his Rage Form power, Sora surrounded himself with dark, crackling orbs of energy. They pulsed and glowed ominously, filling the air with oppressive energy. With a shout, Sora unleashed the orbs, scattering them around the battlefield. Sparks of darkness exploded from them, each one striking Vanitas directly. He grunted in pain, his body jerking with each impact.
Vanitas, despite the barrage of attacks, refused to fall. His breathing was ragged, his body trembling, but his determination hadn't wavered. He summoned his Void Gear Keyblade, using it to support himself as he collapsed onto one knee.
Vanitas: *snarling* I… won't… fall…
He gritted his teeth as he pushed against the pain. His body was battered, his eyes half-closed in exhaustion, but his hatred for Sora and Eda kept him going. He leaned on his Keyblade, refusing to be defeated, even as his body screamed for rest.
Sora, still radiating dark energy, and Eda, her Owl Beast form looming beside him, stared down at Vanitas. Despite his stubbornness, the battle was nearing its end.
As the darkness surrounding Sora intensified, he shocked everyone, suddenly speaking with a demonic, layered tone that echoed through the forest.
Sora (Rage Form): It is time... to seal your fate. For you see, death... is for you to await.
The chilling words sent a shiver through Luz, Steve, and Lilith as they watched in stunned silence. They never heard Sora speak in his Rage Form. Much less, in an eerie manner at all. Even Vanitas, who had been bracing for another attack, seemed unsettled by the change in Sora. The feral rage in his eyes, the overwhelming power radiating from his body, and the way he moved with deadly intent filled the air with tension.
Without warning, Sora and Eda rushed at Vanitas in a blur of black and red energy. Vanitas quickly raised his Keyblade, prepared to defend himself, but just before the impact, they vanished from sight.
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX -Guardando Nel Buio- Extended [Redux]]
[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 OST Beyond The Door]
Vanitas's eyes widened in shock, frantically scanning the area. He wasn't the only one confused; Luz, Steve, and Lilith exchanged worried glances, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
But Vanitas felt it—an ominous presence behind him. His heart raced, and before he could react, both Sora and Eda reappeared out of thin air, positioned at his back like predators ready to pounce. Vanitas barely had a second to comprehend what was happening.
Then, the final onslaught began.
Sora, with his Keyblade blazing with darkness, delivered a final, devastating vertical slash, slicing Vanitas's body in half from his head to his waist. Vanitas gasped in shock, staggering as he realized what had happened. His body began to disintegrate, black mist leaking from the wound.
With terrifying speed and precision, Sora and Eda unleashed their combined fury. Eda's claws tore through Vanitas's flesh, rending deep gashes across his body as Sora's Keyblade slashed with lethal power. Each strike sent Vanitas reeling, his body shuddering under the barrage. Vanitas's defenses crumbled as he struggled to keep up with their brutal attacks, overwhelmed by the ferocity of their assault.
In the end, it was too much.
But Sora and Eda weren't done. With one final, violent act of rage, they each grabbed hold of Vanitas's separated halves—Sora gripping the left side and Eda the right. Together, they roared as they pulled with all their might, literally ripping Vanitas apart. His body split in two as he let out one last, bloodcurdling scream of agony that echoed throughout before his form exploded into dark mist.
The mist swirled around them for a moment, then dissipated into nothingness, leaving behind only silence. Vanitas, the Dark Remnant, was gone.
Sora and Eda stood amidst the fading remnants of his existence, their bodies still glowing with the dark energy of their transformations. Together, they let out a primal roar of triumph, their voices echoing in unison beneath the rain of dark mist that had once been Vanitas.
Luz, Steve, and Lilith stared in awe and shock, speechless as they witnessed the brutal, final end of Vanitas. For a moment, it felt like the world had stood still, and Sora and Eda remained victorious, their enemy vanquished at last.
[End Kingdom Hearts 1.5 OST Beyond The Door]