Kingdom Hearts: The Dalmatian Bodyguard
Chapter 46: Strength of the Heart
The group landed just outside the castle, ready to fight.
Sora: I got a feeling things aren't going to be easy here, guys.
Donald: Aw, phooey. You're just hungry.
Before Sora could protest, everyone heard a loud roar. Thinking there was trouble, everyone raced ahead, ready to fight. They found Riku talking with a creature. This was the Beast.
Riku: No ship, no help from the Heartless… So tell me, how'd you get here?
Beast: I simply believed. Nothing more to it. When our world fell into darkness, Belle was taken from me. I vowed I would find her again no matter what the cost. I believed I would find her. So, here I am. She must be here. I will have her back!
Sora and company heard everything.
Dolly: Sounds like he's on our side.
Sparky: Ih.
Stone: Best we approach him slowly.
Riku: Take her if you can.
In a fit of rage, Beast lunged at Riku. With Soul Eater in hand, Riku dodged him and took him down easily. Sora and company stepped before Riku did something he'd regret.
Riku: So, you finally made it. About time. I've been waiting for you. We've always been rivals, haven't we? You've always pushed me as I've always pushed you.
Sora: Riku…
Riku: But it all ends here. There can't be two Keyblade masters.
Sora: What are you talking about?
Riku: Let the Keyblade choose… its true master.
The Fairy Harp ended up in Sora's hand then, to everyone's surprise, ended up in Riku's hands as Kingdom Key again.
Riku: Maleficent was right. You don't have what it takes to save Kairi. It's up to me. Only the Keyblade master can open the secret door…
Sora: But that's impossible. How did this happen? I'm the one who fought my way here with the Keyblade!
Riku: You were just the delivery boy. Sorry, your part's over now. (Throwing a wooden toy sword) Here, go play hero with this.
Falling to his hands and knees, Sora felt his heart ache. All he the worlds he went through, all the friends he made, all the enemies he defeated, being General of Hawk Squadron… Was for nothing. Riku walked away.
Donald: Everyone… Let's go. Goofy and I have our mission.
Goofy: Oh! Well, I know the king told us to follow the key and all…
Hesitantly, Donald and Goofy walked away.
Donald: Sora… Sorry.
Stone: For what it's worth… I'll never stop calling you General, sir.
Stone followed with Sparky in tow. Dolly looked at her friend. Knowing she had a job to do, she followed.
Dolly: … You were a great friend, Sora. I'll help Riku remember that.
Dolly left with the others. Sora was numbed with feeling until he heard the Beast moving but collapsed.
Sora: (Running to him) Hey, don't move. You're hurt.
Beast: Why… Why did you… You come here? I came to fight for Belle. (Weakly moving) And though I am on my own, I will fight. I won't leave without her. That's why I'm here.
Sora realized he was there for a similar reason. Looking at the toy sord, Sora knew what he had to do.
Sora: (Joining him) Me, too. I'm not gonna give up now. I came here to find someone very important to me.
Beast nodded, agreeing with his new ally. The pair made their way forward. Getting onto a gondola lift, the pair decided to talk. Taking a chance on trust, Beast told Sora his past and his curse.
Sora: I'm sorry that happened to you.
Beast: Thank you, Sora. Belle… She's the only one not to see me as a monster.
Sora: Guess that makes me the second person.
Beast saw Sora's optimistic smile. Part of him saw little Chip, the son of one of his servants. Guilt washed over Beast like a tidal wave. The curse not only affected him but those most loyal to him. They soon arrived at the castle and were greeted by Heartless. The pair rushed forward. Beast was able to destroy them with ease but Sora wasn't so lucky. Doing the best he could, Sora attacked the Heartless with his toy sword. A ball of light watched Sora try to fight impossible odds. A Heartless knocked Sora down while others kept the Beast from rushing to save him. Some Heartless were about to finish him when the ball of light knocked them away. The ball of light flashed brightly and blinded Sora. When he could see again, he saw a katana in his hand and a white sheath strapped to his back. The blade was red and whit with a strangely designed handguard with a leather wrapped handle. This was Uramasa.
Sora: (Seeing the sword and knowing the name in his head) Where did… Never mind!
Standing strong like a samurai, Sora cut down the Heartless like they were nothing and he had the Keyblade again.
Beast: (As they kept coming) There's no end to them!
Sora: Let's get inside!
Throwing Sora onto his back, Beast raced inside the castle. Elsewhere inside, Belle, Alice, Jasmine, and three others where sealed inside pods while Maleficent approached a dark black capsule with Kairi inside.
Maleficent: O purest of hearts! Reveal to me the Keyhole!
From the six girls' hearts, a beam of light shined and pointed to a heart shaped door behind Maleficent, much to her evil heart's pleasure.