I am NO ONE'S slave
I am NO ONE'S puppet
I am MY own boss
I am MY own master
I bend to NO ONE'S will
The only will I bend to is MY OWN
Chapter 15: New Enemies
In the dark chapel, Gideon informs Maleficent and Dr. Facilier what happened in Oz while giving the cyan Light Crystal piece.
"Such a pity that the Wicked Witch fell to the fools. She was a good addition to our cause." Dr. Facilier said.
"No matter. What happens to her is of no consequence." Maleficent said.
"But I did manage to ta git somethin' outta this!" Gideon said, taking out the Wicked Witch's robe and hat. "This is what remains of the Witch and I can make use outta these! I can use 'em for my experiment!" Gideon said.
"Very well done, Gideon! We'll allow you to to your projects. Speaking of which, what of the other boy in your lab?" Dr. Facilier asked.
"He's good as complete! He's rarin' and ready ta fight!" Gideon said.
"Excellent. In that case, my dear Maleficent, perhaps the time has come to send our newest soldiers to test their powers." Dr. Facilier said.
"Yes, I concur. I shall send them." Maleficent said.
"By the way, how are Riku, Morgan, and Silver Knight cooperating?" Azula asked, entering the chapel.
"They seem to be very cooperative. Riku will do anything to help Kairi, making him easy to control. As for Silver Knight, he's already a perfect puppet for Morgan and of course, Morgan is fulfilling her role." Maleficent said.
"Sounds perfect for me." Azula said.
"Now, I'll be goin' ta my lab and do more experiments." Gideon said, leaving the chapel.
Just then, Ector arrives in the chapel.
"Yes, Ector? Do you need something?" Maleficent asked.
"I know what you're all about, Maleficent. You, Dr. Facilier, and Ruber agreed to never bring harm to the boy!" Ector said.
"It's not our fault. Arthur was the one, who chose to go on this journey. We can't help it if he's the one willing to be in harm's way for his friends." Dr. Facilier said.
"Besides, the deal has slightly been altered. You'd best pray it doesn't alter any further." Maleficent said.
"If you have nothing else, Ector, kindly leave." Dr. Facilier said.
"I swear, this deal is getting worse all the time..." Ector said, leaving the chapel.
In the dark lab, Gideon arrives while placing the Wicked Witch's robe and hat on a counter and goes for Pacifica.
"Gotta say, ya put on quite a show fer me, Pazzy! Very good!" Gideon said, petting Pacifica's blonde hair.
"I didn't have a choice! Not to mention, isn't hurting T.J. bad enough?" Pacifica asked.
"Hmm, no! Since he chose the wrong side, he deserves to suffer even more, along with Artie and Sora! We're not done with 'em yet, ya know!" Gideon said and turns around. "Ya coulda helped out too, Bill!" Gideon said, as Bill appears.
"Ah, c'mon, Giddy! It was fun watching people try to kill each other! Also, I wanted to observe how they fight and I got a good idea of what they're capable of." Bill said, touching a generator, causing him to be electrocuted. "No doubt they're dangeroues despite the odds against them. They need a little...push to be broken." Bill said.
"Broken... Hmm, ya just gave me a good idea! Perhaps, I can give that to Maleficent!" Gideon said.
"By the by, Giddy, what're ya gonna do with that?" Bill asked, pointing at the vial with Arthur's blood in it.
"I got reasons fer my own. Durin' our fight, not only did I obtain some of Artie's DNA, I was also able ta git some of his combat data, but it ain't enough, since Arthur's still pretty weak, but I'll obtain more once we meet again. Before I do consider breakin' Artie, maybe he can be stronger...once he sides with us and unlock his true potential!" Gideon said, smirking.
"Just what are you planning to do?" Pacifica asked, only for Gideon to smack her.
"YOU shut yer mouth! What I do ain't yer business! Just keep quiet and be a good girl! All ya need ta know is that I'm gonna be makin' a PERFECT masterpiece. It'll be a FLAWLESS weapon I ever created, next to my other creation." Gideon said.
"Other creation, eh? What did you create? You can tell me." Bill said.
"Ya knew I always treat my stupid old man like a servant. Never hurts ta make him into somethin' even MORE than that!" Gideon said, showing a metallic doll that looks like a man wearing red and black armor with the black star and crimson eye in the center.
"Don't tell me that's..." Pacifica was cut off.
"Hey, yer dad helped me with that too! He's gonna help me bring the heroes to an END!" Gideon said.
"Wow, you're one EVIL kid!" Bill said, smirking.
"Don'tcha fergit it!" Gideon said.
Meanwhile, Arthur, Sora, Eilonwy, Calla, T.J., Donald, Goofy, Max, P.J., Robin, and Tod leave Oz and return to the Gummi ships to continue their journey, but as they're about to head for the next world, the ship's screen appear, revealing to be Chip.
"Fellas! We got a big problem!" Chip said.
"What's wrong, Chip?" Arthur asked.
"Apparently, there's a huge reading on the Black Xetis and Heartless goin' on in Traverse Town." Chip said.
"It's VERY bad!" Dale said.
"What? The Black Xetis and Heartless are still in town?" Sora asked.
"But that doesn't make any sense. Sora already sealed Traverse Town's Keyhole." Goofy said.
"They shouldn't be back." Calla said.
"It's true Sora did seal the Keyhole, but there's a very strong darkness lurking in town. You fellas better hurry and investigate." Chip said, as the screen turns off.
"Well, guess it's back to Traverse Town." Donald said.
"Leon and Erza might have an idea of what this strong dark reading is." Eilonwy said.
"Let's hurry back before things get even worse." Robin said, as the Gummi ships use Warp Drive to telelport.
The Gummi ships warp back to Traverse Town and disembark.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the back alley of Traverse Town, a dark corridor appears, revealing two figures.
The first figure is wearing a black and dark green organic bodysuit with a Black Xeti symbol on the bodysuit's chest, black and dark green loincloth around the waist, and wearing a black helmet mask with the same Black Xeti symbol on the center of the mask.
The second figure is wearing a black and dark yellow organic bodysuit with the Black Xeti symbol on the bodysuit's chest, dark yellow spikes on the bodysuit's shoulders, black and yellow torn loincloth around the waist, black claws, and wearing a black helmet mask with the Black Xeti symbol on the mask.
"Are you two ready to test your strength?" A voice asked, revealing to be Maleficent, who emerges from the dark corridor.
"Yes, Mistress Maleficent." The first masked figure said and it's a dark boy voice.
"I'm always ready! I'm excited to fight! When will they arrive?" The second masked figure asked and it's a sadistic boy voice.
"Very soon. Arthur and Sora will be arriving soon. I want you to test your powers, as well as theirs, but make sure you don't kill Arthur. He's ours. You can do whatever you wish with Sora." Maleficent said.
"I understand, Mistress. It will be done." The first masked boy said.
"I'm so excited!" The second masked boy said.
"Excellent. Don't forget, have fun." Maleficent said, disappearing in the dark corridor.
"Cauchemar, get ready." The first masked boy said.
"Ooooh, I can't WAIT to kill, Bete Noire! I can't contain my excitement!" Cauchemar said.
"First, they need to be baited. Then, we strike." Bete Noire said.
Meanwhile, the party arrive in the First District, only for find the district empty.
"It's quiet..." Arthur said, looking around.
"TOO quiet..." Goofy said, also looking around.
"Where is everybody?" Sora asked.
"It's almost like last time..." Tod said.
"If the Black Xetis and Heartless are really back..." Max was cut off.
"Look out!" T.J. yelled, as Soldier Heartless, Air Soldier Heartless, Large Body Heartless, Yellow Opera Heartless, Violet Minuet Heartless, Zombie Black Xetis, Vampire Bat Black Xetis, Werewolf Black Xetis, Imp Black Xetis, and Volt Viper Black Xetis appear.
"Wak! Black Xetis and Heartless!" Donald said, taking out his staff.
"They ARE back!" Calla said, taking out her lyre.
"Well, ya know what to do!" Sora said, taking out his Keyblade.
(Battle Theme: Hand in Hand)
The Soldier Heartless deliver spinning kick attacks while the Air Soldier Heartless deliver aerial attacks while the Zombie Black Xetis spin attack with their arms while the Vampire Bat Black Xetis unleash sonic screams, but Arthur casts Hypno to make the enemies sleep and make them attack each other and then triple slashes with Excalibur followed by Crescent Slash while Sora vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by casting Gravity. The Large Body Heartless slam on the ground to create shock waves while the Werewolf Black Xetis attack with their claws followed by biting with their fangs, only for Donald to cast Sleep on the enemies and then casts Blizzara while Eilonwy casts Hydro to protect the party and then casts Quakra. The Yellow Opera Heartless unleash lightning attacks to strike down at the party while the Violet Minuet Heartless unleash poison to deal damage, but Max vertical slashes with his sword followed by Shield Boomerang while Goofy uses Tornado, only for the Imp Black Xetis to unleash blasts of magic while the Volt Viper Black Xetis slither while unleashing lightning to strike. Robin uses Windmill Bow and delivers a spinning bow strike while P.J. double heavy swings with his hammer followed by Ground Pound and slams his hammer to unleash shock waves while Tod uses Tackle, only for the Soldier Heartless to attack with their claws while the Vampire Bat Black Xetis deliver swooping attacks. Calla unleashes five magic music notes from her lyre followed by unleashing four more magic music notes and then casts Aqua Blast, but the Large Body Heartless deliver charging belly attacks while the Werewolf Black Xetis deliver spinning claw attacks, only for T.J. to use Dagger-Nado and spins slashes with his daggers. The Imp Black Xetis deliver leaping attacks while the Violet Minuet Heartless unleash globs of poison, only for Arthur to use Virtue Maelstrom and delivers a spinning slash with Excalibur while unleashing waves of light and delivers the final spinning slash while unleashing a giant wave of light while Sora summons Simba, who uses Proud Roar and they defeat the enemies.
"Chip and Dale weren't kidding when they said the Black Xetis and Heartless were back." Eilonwy said.
"They said there's a strong darkness lurking around town." T.J. said.
"That's gotta be what the Black Xetis and Heartless're attracted to." Goofy said.
"But WHAT'S causing that strong darkness?" Sora asked.
"The better question is WHO?" P.J. asked.
"Hmm..." Arthur starts thinking.
"Artie...?" Sora asked.
"Sorry, just using my head. I mean, think about it; the cause of darkness can be ANYONE, right?" Arthur asked.
"Arthur has a point. We have to remember the Black Xetis and Heartless are attracted to the darkness in people's hearts." Robin said.
"But whose heart is full of darkness?" Tod asked.
"Well, EVERYONE'S heart is full of darkness, including ours..." Eilonwy said.
"But there's gotta be someone of evil intent." Max said.
"Right. Maybe it's Maleficent, Dr. Facilier, or Ruber." Arthur said.
"Or Gideon and Kay." Donald said.
"Or that Belial guy?" T.J. asked.
"They could be in town right now as we're speaking." Tod said.
"It has to be all of them." P.J. said.
"This is getting nowhere. We'll have to figure this out ourselves." Calla said.
"I agree with Cal. Let's go find Leon and Erza. They might have an idea." Sora said.
"Good thinking, Sora. They could be in the Third District." Eilonwy said.
"Let's head on over." Goofy said.
"Huh?" Tod asked, seeing something.
"What is it, Tod?" Arthur asked.
"I thought I saw something goin' in the accessory shop." Tod said.
"Really? You did?" Donald asked.
"Hmm, then we'd better go in a investigate. We have to be careful. We don't what's in there." Calla said.
(Field Theme: Traverse Town)
The party go into the accessory shop to look around, but they later find someone and it's a stout man with tan skin and wearing a green shirt, khaki shorts, black shoes, and a grey hat stocking items on the shelves.
"Um, excuse me." Sora said, getting the man's attention.
"Oh, hey, dudes! Welcome to the Accessory Shop! My name's Soos! How can I help ya?" Soos asked.
"Wait, you're working here?" Arthur asked.
"Yep! I asked Cid to take care of this shop for me while I was out. Now that he's workin' with the Gummi business, I'm back to managing this shop." Soos said.
"Oh, we thought there was a Black Xeti or a Heartless here." Max said.
"Oh, believe me! I would never allow anythin' like THEM in here! Speaking of which, you dudes should get to somewhere safe. This town's a Black Xeti and Heartless zone. They've been poppin' up like weeds." Soos said.
"Don't worry about us. We know how to handle them." Robin said.
"Yeah! We can smash 'em!" Donald said.
"You dudes are braver than I am... If you're gonna be dealin' with the Black Xetis and Heartless, give 'em a good thrashin' for me." Soos said.
"Sure thing, Soos." Arthur said.
As the party begin to leave the Accessory Shop, they see someone behind the counter and it's a small boy with black hair, blue eyes, wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt with a white collar, black vest, blue bowtie, red shorts with overalls, a yellow hat with a small red feather, and black shoes.
"What the...?" Eilonwy asked.
"Huh? You found me?" The boy asked.
"Who're you supposed to be?" T.J. asked.
"It's just a boy." Calla said.
"Actually, I'm a puppet." The puppet boy said.
"A moving, talking puppet?" Max asked.
"Well, what's your name?" P.J. asked, but Jiminy hops out of Sora's hood.
"Well, well, well. As I live 'n' breathe! It's Pinocchio!" Jiminy said, jumping down to the puppet boy.
"Oh, hi, Jiminy!" Pinocchio said.
"What in the world are you doin' here?" Jiminy asked.
"Um, playin' hide-and-seek." Pinocchio said.
"I just don't believe this... Here I was up all night, just worried sick about you. Why of all the..." Jiminy stops talking, as he sees Pinocchio's nose growing a bit, shocking the cricket. "Pinocchio, are you tellin' me the truth?" Jiminy asked.
"Yes." Pinocchio answered.
"Then, what's this?" Jiminy asked, pointing at an item next to the puppet.
"It was a present from a boy in the mask." Pinocchio said.
"What?!" Arthur asked shocked, thinking about Silver Knight. "Is Silver Knight in town again? Did he meet Pinocchio before?" Arthur asked in his mind.
"Pinoke, no fibbin' now! You know you're not supposed to tell lies! A lie will only grow and grow until you're caught! Plain as the nose on your face." Jiminy said.
"But if you want somethin', why wait? Why not just take it? That's what the boy in the mask told me." Pinocchio said.
"Listen, Pinocchio, that boy in the mask was lying to you. You shouldn't be trusting him." Arthur said.
"He's right, Pinoke. You should be listening to only your conscience." Jiminy said.
"You're right, Jiminy! I know you're my conscience! I won't lie when you're around!" Pinocchio said, as his nose gets small again.
"You need to be good so you can become a real boy. You promised Geppetto." Jiminy said.
"Say, Jiminy, have you seen Father?" Pinocchio asked.
"He's not with you?" Jiminy asked.
"Jiminy, I'm worried about Father. Let's go find him." Pinocchio said.
"Not so fast, Pinoke! There are all sorts of dangers and temptations out there. I'll find Geppetto while you wait here." Jiminy said.
"We'll help out too." Sora said.
"You will...?" Jiminy asked.
"Sure. That's what you want, right?" Arthur asked.
"Thank you, Arthur, Sora. Let's go find Geppetto." Jiminy said.
"Pinoke, you stay here and be good, okay?" Eilonwy said.
"I will. I hope you find Father." Pinocchio said.
"I guess there's nothing else around here." Goofy said.
"Yeah. Let's go to the Third District. See ya, Soos." T.J. said.
"Be careful out there, dudes!" Soos said.
The party leave the shop and make their way for the Third District and they find Cid.
"Cid." Max said.
"Howdy! Back again, eh?" Cid asked.
"Yeah. We heard the Black Xetis and Heartless are back again." Eilonwy said.
"Yep. They're all over the place." Cid said.
"But that shouldn't even be possible. I sealed this town's Keyhole." Sora said.
"We heard there's a strong darkness lurking around somewhere in town." Arthur said.
"Maybe. Y'all're gonna see Leon 'n' Erza, right?" Cid asked.
"That's what we're doing right now." Calla said.
"Well, watch yer backs. Lotsa Black Xetis 'n' Heartless're lurkin'. I know y'all can handle 'em, but ya never know what'll happen." Cid said.
"We'll be careful. Thanks, Cid." Arthur said.
The party make their way for the Secobd District while dealing with Black Xetis and Heartless in their way and keep moving and they later arrive at the Third District and go for the same house to find Leon, Erza, Yuffie, Gray, Aerith, and Lucy.
"Hey, you're back!" Yuffie said.
"We heard this town's having a Black Xeti and Heartless problem." Sora said.
"You heard right and it's good you're here to help out." Gray said.
"But why're they back? Sora sealed this town's Keyhole. They shouldn't be back." Arthur said.
"But we heard there's a strong darkness is somewhere in town." P.J. said.
"Maybe." Leon said.
"We're currently unsure where this strong darkness is coming from, but that must be what the Black Xetis and Heartless are attracted to." Erza said.
"There're Black Xetis and Heartless all over the First District, Second District, and even here." Lucy said.
"We were able to evacuate everyone, but the Black Xeti and Heartless activity is getting even worse." Aerith said.
"Leave that to us. We'll go and investigate that strong dark reading." Sora said.
"Sounds like you've got a plan already. Just be careful. You might be able to handle the Black Xetis and Heartless, but you have remember they're not pushovers. Never let your guards down." Leon said and they nod.
"We'll also help how we can. In fact, here's what we're going to do; Leon and I will handle things in the First District. Gray and Yuffie will be going to the Second District. Lucy and Aerith will handle things in the Third District." Erza said.
"In that case, we'll help out too!" Arthur said and they nod.
"Great! By the way, we have some additional help. They'll be helping with protecting the town." Lucy said.
"Who're they?" Goofy asked.
"You'll see." Aerith said.
"Okay. Since we're in the Third District right now, I guess we'll handle the Black Xetis and Heartless here." Eilonwy said.
"It's easier that way." Robin said.
"In that case, Aerith..." Lucy stops talking.
"Right." Aerith said.
"You two sure you can handle things?" Donald asked.
"Oh, just watch us." Aerith said.
"You'll be surprised what we'll do." Lucy said, as they leave the house.
"Don't worry. Lucy and Aerith know what they're doing. Just help them out here and then meet us in the other districts." Leon said.
"Got it!" Arthur and Sora said.
"Good luck!" Yuffie said, as they leave the house.
"Time to go." Tod said and they nod.
"Hey, Artie?" Sora asked.
"Yeah?" Arthur asked.
"If things get really rough, don't hesitate to back out. I can handle the fighting." Sora said.
"I appreciate it, Sora, but...I wanna do my part too. I don't want people to fight for me. I wanna prove myself." Arthur said.
"You already have, Artie!" T.J. said, grinning.
The party leave the house and return outside to meet with Aerith and Lucy at the district's plaza.
"Here they come..." Aerith said, as many Large Body Heartless, Blue Rhapsody Heartless, Bronze Bolero Heartless, Volt Viper Black Xetis, Imp Black Xetis, and Spider Black Xetis appear.
"Ready?" Lucy asked, taking out her gold keys.
"Let's do this!" Aerith said, taking out a rod.
"Okay, let's go all out!" Sora said.
The Large Body Heartless deliver double punches while the Volt Viper Black Xetis slither around and unleash lightning trails, but Arthur vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by two 360 slashes and then casts Blazra while Sora delivers four slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Fira, only for the Blue Rhapsody Heartless to unleash shards of ice while the Imp Black Xetis deliver leaping attacks with their claws. Lucy uses one of her gold keys to summon a bull-like figure known as Taurus, who attacks with his axe followed by creating a quake while Aerith shoots magic shots from her rod and then unleashes a barrage of magic shots followed by casting Fira, but the Spider Black Xetis unleash webs to try and trap the party while the Bronze Bolero Heartless unleash earthquakes. Donald casts Gravity followed by casting Blizzara while Eilonwy unleashes magic blasts from her tome followed by casting Volt, but the Large Body Heartless slam on the ground to create shock waves while the Blue Rhapsody Heartless shoot more ice shards, only for Calla to cast Triple Fira while Max uses Cymbal Dance and delivers a combo shield strike while Goofy uses Charge. The Bronze Bolero Heartless unleash rocks to attack while the Spider Black Xetis try to attack with their legs to create poison, only for Robin to shoot three arrows followed by Sniper Shot and fires a sniper arrow while P.J. uses Boulder Bombs and throws two boulders to make explosions, but the Imp Black Xetis unleash blasts of magic while the Volt Viper Black Xetis deliver electric bites while the Blue Rhapsody Heartless unleash ice mists. Tod uses Growl to deal stunning damage while T.J. uses Trick Slash and teleports while slashing, only for the Bronze Bolero Heartless to unleash pillars of rocks while the Spider Black Xetis shoot more webs, but Aerith casts Thunder while Lucy summons a scorpion-like figure known as Scorpio, who unleashes a whirlwind while Sora casts Earthra while Arthur casts Frostra and they defeat the enemies.
"That's it for here. More will keep coming." Lucy said.
"Guys, go help the others. Lucy and I will handle things here." Aerith said, as more Black Xetis and Heartless appear.
"Okay, but please be careful." Eilonwy said.
"You two got this." Sora said.
"Let's get moving." Robin said, as they leave the Third District.
The party return to the Second District and they find Gray and Yuffie.
"Just in time..." Yuffie said, as Air Soldier Heartless, Red Nocturne Heartless, Violet Minuet Heartless, Vampire Bat Black Xetis, Werewolf Black Xetis, and Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis appear.
"I've been waiting for an excuse to beat 'em to a pulp!" Gray said, coating his fists with ice.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Gray." Yuffie said, taking out her shurikens.
"We're ready too!" Sora said.
The Air Soldier Heartless deliver aerial atatcks while the Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis deliver slashes with their swords followed by throwing bones, only for Sora to deliver three horizontal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by two diagonal slashes and then casts Gravity while Arthur casts Attract to bring the enemies to him and then vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by three diagonal slashes, but the Red Nocturne Heartless shoot fireballs while the Werewolf Black Xetis unleash howls to deal damage. Gray uses his Ice Make magic to create an ice cannon and fires three ice shots at the enemies and then creates an ice hammer and delivers a giant bash while Yuffie throws three shurikens followed by throwing the fourth shuriken, but the Violet Minuet Heartless unleash globs of poison while the Vampire Bat Black Xetis unleash sonic screams, only for Calla to unleash three magic music notes followed by casting Geo Impact while Goofy uses Tornado. The Air Soldier Heartless fly around while deliver flying punches while the Werewolf Black Xetis pounce and attack with their claws, only for P.J. to deliver two heavy spin swings with his hammer followed by Blazing Bow and fires three fiery arrows while Tod uses Bite while Robin uses Windmill Bow. The Violet Minuet Heartless spread clouds of poison all over to deal poisonous damage while the Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis deliver leaping attacks with their swords, but Eilonwy unleashes four magic orbs from her tome followed by casting Gale while Donald casts Gravity followed by casting Water. The Vampire Bat Black Xetis deliver swooping attacks with their feet while the Red Nocturne unleash more fireballs, only for T.J. to deliver three slashes with his daggers followed by Knife Barrage and throws many knives while Max diagonal slashes with his sword followed by a spinning shield bash and then uses Shield Missile. The Werewolf Black Xetis get into their frenzy mode and deliver rapid strikes with their claws while the Air Soldier Heartless deliver flying charge attacks, only for Yuffie to take out a giant shuriken and throws it all over to deal damage while Gray creates an ice sword and delivers many slashes whuile Arthur uses Virtue Maelstrom while Sora uses Strike Raid and they defeat the enemies.
"Whew, hardly broke a sweat!" Yuffie said.
"Still, more will..." Gray stops talking, as more Black Xetis and Heartless appear.
"Oh, great! More of them!" P.J. said.
"Don't worry. We'll take care of things here." Gray said.
"Head over to the First District and help Leon and Erza." Yuffie said.
"Okay, but don't overexert yourselves." Calla said, as they leave the Second District.
The party return to the First District and they find Leon and Erza.
"Any Black Xetis and Heartless here?" Sora asked.
"Yeah and they're here now." Leon said, as Soldier Heartless, Yellow Opera Heartless, Search Ghost Heartless, Zombie Black Xetis, Hostile Treant Black Xetis, and Killer Machine Black Xetis appear.
"Shall we, Leon?" Erza asked, taking out her sword.
"Let's, Titania." Leon said, taking out his Gunblade.
"Artie?" Sora asked, taking out his Keyblade.
"Yes!" Arthur said, taking out Excalibur.
The Soldier Heartless attack the party with their claws while the Zombie Black Xetis attack with their limbs, only for Arthur to cast Hypno to make the enemies sleep and attack each other and then triple slashes with Excalibur followed by Arcane Blast and unleashes orbs a magic while Sora casts Sleep to make the enemies sleep as well and then vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a wide slash, but the Yellow Opera Heartless unleash lightning while the Killer Machine Black Xetis fire lasers to deal damage. Erza enters a different type of armor known as Purgatory Armor and delivers a massive slash with her sword while Leon delivers triple slashes with his Gunblade followed by firing a fireball from the blade's gun section, but the Search Ghost Heartless disappear and reappear while attacking with their hands while the Hostile Terant Black Xetis deliver strikes with their wooden claws followed by unleashing vines from the ground. Robin shoots four arrows followed by firing five more arrows and then uses Arrow Rain while Max uses Cyclone and spin attacks with his sword and shield, only for the Killer Machine Black Xetis to deliver spinning attacks with their ethereal blades while the Yellow Opera Heartless deliver lightning surge attacks. Tod delivers four strikes with his stick followed by a spinning tail attack and then uses Tackle while T.J. uses Divide, creating two clones and then they deliver diagonal slashes with their daggers followed by somersault slashes, but the Soldier Heartless deliver spinning kick attacks while the Zombie Black Xetis go underground and deliver rising attacks. P.J. delivers three heavy swings with his hammer followed by a double vertical swing with his hammer and then uses Freezing Flail, only for the Search Ghost Heartless to try and drain energy while the Hostile Treant Black Xetis unleash razor leaves, but Calla casts Thunder Shot followed by casting Whirlwinds. The Yellow Opera Heartless unleash more lightning while the Kill Machine Black Xetis fire more lasers, only for Eilonwy to cast Telekinesis and then casts Frostra while Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Gravity while Goofy uses Discus and throws his shield, but the Soldier Heartless attack with their claws while the Zombie Black Xetis throw their limbs. Erza enters Fire Empress Armor and unleashes fire attacks while Leon makes his Gunblade glow with energy and delivers strong slashes, but the Killer Machine Black Xetis deliver slashes with their ethereal blades while the Search Ghost Heartless attack with their hands, only for Sora to cast Blizzara while Arthur casts Blazra and they defeat the enemies.
"All clear for now." Leon said.
"But more will show up anytime." Calla said.
"By the way, we picked up a reading on the Black Xeti and Heartless attack." Leon said.
"Really? Where?" Max asked.
"The Fifth District." Erza said.
"There's a FIFTH District?" Donald asked.
"Then we'd better get through the Fourth District." Eilonwy said.
"Be careful. There's a massive darkness reading in that place. Might be the one you're investigating." Leon said.
"I think we'll be fine. Right, Artie?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, I think we can handle it." Arthur said.
"Then, good luck and be careful." Erza said and they nod.
"To the Fifth District." Robin said.
The party head for the back alley and go through it while fighting off Black Xetis and Heartless in their way and they later arrive at the Fountain Plaza, but as they keep moving, Zombie Black Xetis and Soldier Heartless appear.
"Ugh, more of them!" Eilonwy said.
"They just won't quit!" Calla said.
"Get ready!" Sora said.
Before the Black Xetis and Heartless can attack, someone attacks them, destroying them.
"What...?" Arthur asked.
"Are you people okay?" A voice asked, revealing to be a young man with shoulder-length blond hair, small blond goatee, blue eyes, wearing gold and blue armor, brown gloves, brown boots, and blue cape.
"Yes, we're fine. Thank you." Eilonwy said.
"But who're you?" P.J. asked.
"Phoebus!" A voice called and arriving is a young woman with medium-brown skin,emerald green eyes, long raven black hair with a pink ribbon tied at the back, wearing an off-shoulder long sleeved white top with a gold-striped turquoise bodice, dark purple sarong with gold trims, gold earrings, gold bracelets, and a long lavender skirt with a white petticoat. "I thought we'd agree to attack on my signal." The woman said.
"Sorry, Esmeralda, but you know I'm all for an all-out attack." Phoebus said.
"I can't stay mad at you. At least no one got hurt." Esmeralda said.
"Uh..." Sora was cut off, as Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis, Soldier Heartless, Spider Black Xetis, and Azure Serenade Heartless appear.
"Looks like we'll have to talk later! Phoebus, get ready!" Esmeralda said, taking out two violet and gold fans with emerald blades.
"With pleasure!" Phoebus said, taking out a sword with a white blade, the hilt is blue with a red pearl on the hilt, and gold markings on the white blade.
"Guys, let's do this!" Arthur said.
The Spider Black Xetis attack with their legs to try and poison the party while the Soldier Heartless attack with their claws, but Arthur casts Hydro for protection and then delivers four slashes with Excalibur followed by a somersault slash and then casts Quakra while Sora delivers four slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Thunder, but the Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis slash with their swords and throw their bones while the Azure Serenade Heartless unleash blasts of water to deal damage. Phoebus delivers five slashes with his sword followed by followed by two horizontal slashes and then unleashes an energy wave while Eilonwy casts Gale followed by casting Blazra while T.J. delivers vertical slashes with his daggers followed by a break dance style kick and then uses Stink Bombs to deal poison damage, but the Soldier Heartless deliver leaping attacks while the Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis deliver leaping attacks with their swords. Tod uses Tackle to knock the enemies back while Robin fires five arrows followed by firing four more arrows and then uses Arrow Bombs, only for the Azure Serenade Heartless to unleash orbs of water while the Spider Black Xetis shoot webs, but Esmeralda delivers three slashes with her fans followed by a dance-like kick and then coats her fans with flames and throws them to deal burning damage. The Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis deliver spinning slashes with their swords while the Azure Serenade Heartless unleash more blasts of water, only for Goofy to block with his shield and then uses Turbo while Max delivers horizontal slashes with his sword followed by Cyclone while P.J. delivers three strong swings with his hammer followed by Shoulder Tackle. The Soldier Heartless deliver spinning kick attacks while the Spider Black Xetis unleash webs to try and trap the party, but Calla unleashes magic music notes followed by casting Geo Impact while Donald casts Earthra followed by casting Fira, only for the Skeleton Warrior Black Xetis to throw bones while the Azure Serenade Heartless to unleash orbs of water, but Sora uses Sonic Blade while Arthur uses Virtue Maelstrom and they defeat all the enemies.
"Thanks for the help back there." Goofy said.
"Actually, we should be thanking you. Your fighting skills are impressive." Phoebus said.
"Are you two the allies Lucy mentioned?" Calla asked.
"You could say that, yes." Esmeralda said.
"So, does that mean...?" Sora stops talking.
"Yes, I'm afraid our world was gone, but that doesn't going to stop us from defeating these abominations." Phoebus said.
"Just what are you people anyway?" Donald asked.
"We're fighters against the darkness, just like you. We're working to protect this town from Black Xetis and Heartless." Esmeralda said.
"Leon and Erza asked us to help defend this town and to make sure these heart-eating monsters don't destroy any more worlds." Phoebus said.
"That's what we're doing too." Sora said.
"Let's join forces to stop the Black Xetis and Heartless." Arthur said.
"Excellent. Glad we're all on the same page." Phoebus said.
"Leon and Erza told us you'd show up during this whole Black Xeti and Heartless crisis." Esmeralda said.
"It's true and the source is coming from the massive darkness in the Fifth District." Robin said.
"The Fifth District, you say?" Phoebus asked.
"That makes sense. If you're going to investigate, watch yourselves. Whatever this massive darkness is, I doubt it's something to take very lightly." Esmeralda said.
"Don't worry, ma'am. We'll be careful." Arthur said.
"Phoebus, let's go find Leon and Erza and see if we can help them fend off any more Black Xetis and Heartless." Esmeralda said.
"Good call. We also need to make sure if Quasimodo is doing his part as well. He's strong, but he..." Phoebus stops talking.
"I'm sure he's fine. We'll meet with each other again very soon." Esmeralda said, as the two leave.
"Let's hurry to the Fifth District." Robin said, but then, more Black Xetis and Heartless appear.
"Not now...!" Arthur said.
"Arthur, Sora, you two should go on ahead!" Max said.
"Wait, what?!" Sora asked.
"If we all stay here and deal with this now, we won't be able to find this reading!" Donald said.
"You two go on ahead and leave these jokers to us!" T.J. said.
"We're NOT leaving you!" Arthur said.
"Don't worry! We're not pushovers!" Calla said.
"Besides, you two stand a better chance against this dark reading. You two have Excalibur and the Keyblade." Eilonwy said.
"But..." Sora was cut off.
"Get moving!" T.J. said.
"I promise, we'll meet back with you! Trust us!" P.J. said.
"Okay, but please be careful!" Arthur said, as he and Sora start moving.
Arthur and Sora leave the Fountain Plaza and later arrive at the Fourth District, where they find more Black Xetis and Heartless, only to fight them off and continue through the Fourth District and they later find a door.
"I've never seen this door before." Arthur said.
"Maybe it'll lead to the Fifth District. Ya ready, Artie?" Sora asked.
"I'm nervous, but I'm not backing out." Arthur said.
"That's the spirit!" Sora said, grinning.
The boys open the door, leading them to the Fifith District, where they find a huge building in the center with water surrounding it.
"That's a big building." Arthur said.
"I don't see any Black Xetis or Heartless around." Sora said.
"They might be on the building. Let's get to the roof." Arthur said, as they make their way on the building's roof, which is made of glass.
"No sign of them here either." Sora said.
"How odd..." Arthur said.
"Oh, it's not odd. This place DID have Black Xetis and Heartless, but we did away with them!" A voice said.
"What was that?" Sora asked, looking around.
"Where are you?" Arthur asked, but they look up to see two figures at the top of the building.
The two figures jump down to confront the boys, revealing to be Bete Noire and Cauchemar.
"Lemme guess; you two're the ones, who sent the Black Xetis and Heartless here." Sora said.
"You guessed right, idiot." Bete Noire said.
"Don't insult him! Who are you two?" Arthur asked.
"Hehehe, glad ya asked! We're the newest soldiers of Maleficent, Dr. Facilier, and Ruber! Name's Cauchemar!" Cauchemar introduced.
"Call me Bete Noire." Bete Noire introduced.
"Cauchemar...? Bete Noire...?" Sora asked.
"Don't bother remembering the names. You'll forget 'em soon enough!" Cauchemar said.
"And why's that?" Arthur asked.
"Good question. Very soon, when this is over, this place will be your grave!" Bete Noire said.
"A grave? For us? Ha! That's funny! Ya don't realize, but we're tougher than ya think!" Sora said.
"If you're looking for a fight, then we won't back down!" Arthur said.
"Hahahaha! Bete Noire, did ya hear that? They think they can take us!" Cauchemar said.
"You're either brave or stupid. Let's give 'em a lesson on what happens when they challenge us." Bete Noire said, taking out a falchion sword with the blade being black while the hilt is crimson from darkness.
"This is gonna be FUN!" Cauchemar said, taking out a seax sword with the blade being black while the hilt is azure from darkness.
"Nobody lasts long against the two of us! You'll see why!" Bete Noire said.
"We don't have to fight, but you're not giving us an option." Arthur said, taking out Excalibur while Sora takes out his Keyblade.
"Heh, they don't even have their stupid friends with them!" Cauchemar said.
"Won't make much of a difference. Let's see how long you two last without 'em." Bete Noire said.
"Watch us!" Sora said.
"Try to make this interesting." Bete Noire said.
(Boss Theme: Terreur Noire)
Bete Noire delivers four slashes at Arthur and Sora with his falchion known as Furieux followed by unleashing a dark blade while Cauchemar delivers diagonal slashes with his seax known as Desespoir followed by slashing with his claws and then unleashes shadow drills, only for Sora to strike back with horizontal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a spinning slash and then uses Sonic Blade while Arthur vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by Frost Slash. Bete Noire vanishes in black mist and reappears above the two and delivers a downward slash with Furieux, unleashing spikes of darkness, but Arthur blocks the attack and counterattacks with three diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by thw 360 slashes and then casts Quakra. Cauchemar teleports in black smoke and reappears the blond boy and delivers four slashes with Desespoir followed by a spinning slash while unleashing black and azure energy from his seax to strike at Arthur, who dodges, as Sora casts Blizzara to try and freeze the masked boys, only for Bete Noire to summon a shadow hand from the ground to try and get Sora, who dodges. Cauchemar delivers slashes at the two boys with his claws followed by a flipping slash with Desespoir while Bete Noire summons more shadow hands to grab the boys and slams to the ground, creating small cracks on the roof, but Arthur casts Attract to to bring the two over, allowing Sora to deliver five slashes with Kingdom Key. The two masked boys manage to break free from Arthur's gravity spell and Bete Noire delivers three diagonal slashes with Furieux while Cauchemar vertical slashes with Desepoir followed by unleashing four shadow drills, only for Arthur to counterattack and lands three strikes with Excalibur followed by Holy Blade while Sora delivers five slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive.
Bete Noire and Cauchemar back off and use both their wapons to create an X-shaped crimson and azure energy slash streak at Arthur and Sora, who manage to dodge out of the way, only for Bete Noire to shadow dash and then delivers an insane combo strike with Furiex while Cauchemar moves at great speed and delivers a fast and strong combo slash with Desespoir followed by unleashing shadow tendrils from the ground, dealing great damage. Arthur casts Mend while Sora casts Cure and Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times while Arthur casts Quakra followed by casting Volt, only for Bete Noire to vanish in black mist and then reappears while unleashing spikes of darkness while Cauchemar delivers brutal horizontal slashes with Desespoir followed by unleashing black flames. Arthur casts Hydro while Sora casts Aero and Arthur delivers diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by three vertical slashes, but Bete Noire delivers an upper slash, sending the blond boy into the air, making Sora go to try and help Arthur, but Cauchemar unleashes five dark blades and sends them at the Keybearer. Bete Noire and Arthur clash with each other, as the two lock weapons and Arthur manages to deliver a headbutt strike at the masked boy, sending Noire back, but Bete Noire strikes back with conjuring a black fireball, throws it into the air and it rains down more black fireballs at the boys. Arthur and Sora avoid the raining fireballs, only for Cauchemar to create an azure and black crossbow and fires ten dark shots at the two boys, who dodge the dark shots, only for Bete Noire to deliver five slashes with Furiex followed by unleashing more shadow hands while Cauchemar rains down dark shots followed by diagonal slashes with Desespoir. Arthur casts Frostra and traps the two masked boys in ice, but the two manage to free themselves and Bete Noire unleashes bolts of black lightning, dealing damage to the boys, but Sora uses Sonic Blade while Arthur uses Virtue Maelstrom and they manage to push the two masked boys back.
"Hehehe, you two aren't half bad..." Cauchemar said.
"But playtime's over!" Bete Noire yelled, charging Furiex with black and crimson energy while Cauchemar charges Desespoir with black and azure energy.
"You're both goin' DOWN!" Cauchemar said, as the two masked boys jump high in the air.
"Are they..."?" Arthur stops talking.
"BLACK DESPAIR!" Bete Noire and Cauchemar shouted, as they dive down on the glass roof, creating a dark explosion.
Arthur and Sora fall into the building and are now in the building's garden.
"That attack..." Sora stops talking, casting Cure.
"That was very dangerous..." Arthur said, casting Mend.
"Heh, you two have some tricks up your sleeves, but so do we!" Sora said.
"Oh, really now? Just what good will that do to us? Despite havin' the Keyblade, you're stupid!" Cauchemar said.
"Not to mention, Arthur's swordmanship is laughable and his magic's WEAK!" Bete Noire said, making Arthur blush with embarrassment.
"Don't EVER make fun of Artie!" Sora yelled.
"Aww, did we touch a nerve?" Cauchemar asked, as he summons shadow tendrils while Bete Noire summons shadow hands.
"You have two choices; call it quits or DIE!" Bete Noire yelled.
"Neither." Arthur said.
"We're just gettin' started!" Sora said.
"Fine by me!" Cauchemar said.
"Then more pain for you!" Bete Noire said.
Bete Noire charges at the two boys and delivers five slashes with Furieux followed by two somersault slashes while Cauchemar delivers diagonal slashes with Desespoir followed by unleashing shadow drills from the ground, only for Arthur to deliver four vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by Crescent Slash while Sora diagonal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive and then casts Blizzara. Bete Noire vanishes in black mist and reappears above the two and delivers a diving strike, only for Arthur to cast Hydro for protection and then casts Quakra and unleashes rocks to strike, but Cauchemar strikes at the blond boy with his claws followed by wild slashes with Desespoir, only for Sora to deliver four slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Sonic Blade and strikes the two dark entities. Bete Noire sinks into the ground while unleashing shadow hands while Cauchemar vainshes in black smoke and then teleport slashes over and over with his claws followed by unleashing blades of darkness, but Arthur and Sora manage to avoid the attacks, as Sora casts Thunder to strike at the masked boys while Arthur uses Holy Blade and delivers many slashes with his light-coated sword. Bete Noire and Cauchemar create their crimson and azure X-shaped energy strike to attack the boys, who dodge, only for Bete Noire to dash at the boys and delivers many slashes with Furieux while Cauchemar delivers many slashes with Desespoir and they both unleash black energy to strike the boys, sending them back.
"Give it up! Ya can't win! Not against us!" Bete Noire said.
"I'm not done yet...!" Arthur yelled, trying to attack Bete Noire, who vanishes in black mist.
Cauchemar delivers an impaling strike at Arthur's back, making the blond boy cough out some blood.
"Artie...!" Sora cried.
"Time to finish this!" Cauchemar said.
Bete Noire unleashes twenty shadow hands from the ground, as they grab both Arthur and Sora, sending them into the air, allowing Cauchemar to summon ten shadow tendrils, as they deliver many lashes at the two boys, dealing damage while Bete Noire throws Furieux at Sora while Cauchemar throws Desespoir at Arthur and they both unleash a powerful dark blast, finishing off the two boys, as Sora is semi-conscious while Arthur is unconscious.
"Artie..." Sora said.
"You two are pathetic!" Bete Noire yelled.
"I know Maleficent told us to not kill you, but this is too much fun! You're both done!" Cauchemar said.
"I think a good idea would be to cut you twi up wide open, rip out your hearts, and deliver 'em to our masters!" Bete Noire said.
Just then, two shields, three arrows, and three knives come flying at the dark entities, making them back off.
"Get away from them!" A voice yelled, revealing to be Robin, who is readying an arrow.
"We came just in time!" Eilonwy said, as everyone arrives.
"Now you're dealing with US!" Donald said, pointing his staff.
"Ugh, bad enough we dealt with two weaklings, but now we an entire circus!" Bete Noire yelled.
"Aww, boo! I was havin' too much fun!" Cauchemar said.
"Just who are you two?" Calla asked.
"Shut UP!" Bete Noire yelled, but Tod bites the dark entity's leg.
"Get offa him, ya fleabag!" Cauchemar yelled, kick Tod off.
"Enough of this! Let's kill 'em!" Bete Noire yelled, as they prepare to attack.
"Enough, Bete Noire, Cauchemar!" A voice called and it's Maleficent.
"Maleficent! We were just..." Cauchemar was cut off.
"Your orders were to test your powers and theirs. I think that's quite enough. Don't worry. You'll deal with them again in good time." Maleficent said.
"If those're your orders, then fine." Bete Noire said and turns to the party. "Listen up, losers, we'll let ya off for today. Ya better learn to put up more of a fight next time. Later." Bete Noire said.
"We'll play again!" Cauchemar said, as they disappear in darkness.
"Farewell, fools. I promise, you shall learn the meaning of power in due time." Maleficent said, vanishing in green and black flames.
"Get back here!" T.J. yelled.
"Jerk...!" Sora yelled.
"What a bunch of chickens!" Donald yelled.
"Shut up, Donald!" Calla yelled, making the duck mage glare at her.
"This isn't the last we'll see of them." Robin said.
"Yeah, I can feel it too." Eilonwy said.
"We gotta help Sora and Arthur." Goofy said.
"Donald, I'll need your help." Eilonwy said.
"Right." Donald said, as they go for Arthur and Sora.
"Tend to Artie first. He needs it more." Sora said, casting Cure on himself.
Eilonwy casts Mend while Donald casts Cure on Arthur.
"Ugh, what happened?" Arthur asked, waking up?" Arthur asked.
"Noire and Cauchemar beat us and left." Sora said, offering his hand, which Arthur takes to get up.
"We managed to show up and drove them out." P.J. said.
"Oh..." Arthur said, hanging his head down.
"Don't worry. They might have left for now, but we'll win against them next time." Robin said.
"They were such jerks." Max said.
Just then, Phoebus and Esmeralda arrive.
"Good. Are any of you hurt?" Phoebus asked.
"No, we're okay." Tod said.
"Good. We wanted to make sure if you were able to find that darkness." Esmeralda said.
"We did, but..." Arthur stops talking.
"What matters is this town is safe." Sora said.
"You're right. We've secured the town and it's Black Xeti and Heartless free, for now." Phoebus said.
"In that case, let's meet back with Leon and Erza." Eilonwy said, as they leave the building.
The party later return to the First District, where they find Leon and Erza.
"Welcome back. How was the Fifth District?" Leon asked.
"We managed to find the ones responsible for the Black Xeti and Heartless crisis." Arthur said.
"But..." Sora stops talking.
"They got away." P.J. said.
"I see..." Leon said.
"Arthur and Sora did their best against them, but..." T.J. was cut off.
"Fear not. What matters is we're all safe. The Black Xetis and Heartless are gone, for now. You've all done a wonderful job. Thank you." Erza said.
"No problem." Arthur said.
"Since Traverse Town is safe, we oughta get back to our journey." Goofy said.
"Dad's right. Let's go." Max said.
"Good luck out there. I know I don't need to remind you all to be careful and watch each other." Leon said, as they leave.
The party make their way for the town's gate, but Arthur stops moving.
"Artie...?" Sora asked.
"What's wrong?" Eilonwy asked.
"It's nothing." Arthur said.
"Look, Artie, I'm not too happy we both lost, but I know we'll get stronger together! We'll show our enemies who's boss!" Sora said, placing his hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Thanks, Sora. I needed that." Arthur said.
"Good. Let's get moving." Sora said, as they go for the Gummi ship and leave Traverse Town.