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 25: Preparation in Traverse Town
Arthur, Sora, Eilonwy, Calla, T.J., Donald, Goofy, Max, P.J., Robin, and Tod leave Olympus Coliseum and return to the Gummi ship.
"Okay. Let's head back to Traverse Town and talk to Cid." Arthur said.
"We can't waste any time. Let's go." Robin said.
The Gummi ship uses Warp Drive to teleport to Traverse Town and disembark back to the First District to make their way for Cid, but Arthur heads for the doors leading to Third District.
"Artie, where're you going?" Sora asked.
"To Merlin's house and...I wanna be alone." Arthur said.
"No. I'm coming with you." Sora said.
"Me too." Eilonwy said.
"Same here." Calla said.
"No way I'm lettin' ya outta my sight!" T.J. said.
"If you're going, so am I!" Donald said.
"Ya can't just expect ya to go off on your own." Goofy said.
"We're coming with, like it or not." Max said.
"We don't want ya to be alone, Artie." P.J. said.
"You'll need all the comfort you can get." Robin said.
"If we let you off on your own, what kind of friends are we?" Tod asked.
"Fine. You can come with me." Arthur said.
The party arrive at the Third District, but unknowing to them, someone is watching them from a roof of a building and they make their way for Merlin's house, which is still ruined by the flames.
"This is what happened to Merlin's house..." Arthur said, kneeling to the ground.
"Before you say what you're gonna say, it's not your fault." P.J. said.
"Morgan did all this." Eilonwy said.
"I know. I just can't believe she'd..." Arthur stops talking.
"Arthur..." Donald said.
Arthur makes his way for the ruined house while the others follow him and they go inside to find the inside of the house ruined, as most objects are destroyed.
"Merlin..." Arthur stops talking, remembering his encounter with Bete Noire and Cauchemar in Olympus.
"Are you okay, Arthur?" Calla asked, as Arthur starts crying.
"Gawrsh, he's really upset." Goofy said.
"You'd be too, Dad! He lost someone he saw as a father." Max said.
"Let it out, Artie..." T.J. said.
"I'm sorry... First, you guys were beaten and tormented back in Mobius. Now Merlin's house is gone because I wasn't there... What's worse is he..." Arthur stops talking while still crying.
"But you haven't lost him." Robin said.
"Arthur, there are times during adventures, we have to face some hardships, doubts, pain, suffering, and sorrow, but the important thing is to overcome them. Once you do that, you'll be able to keep going with your head held high. You're wanting to give up because that's what our enemies want, but you have to fight that urge and just believe in yourself." Eilonwy said.
"She's right, Artie. You're a special kid. You're capable of doing amazing things. I know when we first met, you were unsure of yourself, but look at how far we've come." Sora said.
"Besides, we're gonna help you save Merlin." Calla said.
"But...Noire and Cauchemar told me..." Arthur was cut off.
"They're obviously lying. They're trying to get under your skin to get an advantage." Robin said.
"Don't forget you're the wielder of Excalibur, but you're also our friend." Donald said.
"Dipper taught me one thing; if danger keeps tryin' to take you down, just get back up and stare it right back at its ugly face." T.J. said.
"Thanks, guys. I needed that." Arthur said.
"That's what we're here for." Tod said, licking the blond's face.
"There's the Artie we want to see more of." P.J. said.
"Now, no more cryin', okay?" Goofy asked.
"So, ready to go talk to Cid?" Sora asked, placing his hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"I think so." Arthur said.
The party leave Merlin's house and return to the Third District, but as they make their way back to the First District, cards come flying down at the party, blocking their path.
"You're not planning on leaving so soon, are you?" A voice asked, as they see Dr. Facilier levitating down.
"What do YOU want?" Arthur asked, taking out Excalibur while Sora takes out his Keyblade while Eilonwy takes out her tome while Calla takes out her lyre while T.J. takes out his daggers while Donald takes out his staff while Goofy takes out his shield while Max takes out his sword and shield while Robin takes out his bow while Tod takes out his stick.
"Honestly, are you all willing to be barbaric that you won't bother having a civil conversation?" Dr. Facilier asked.
"Not with YOU!" Sora yelled.
"You're a scumbag!" Calla yelled.
"Leave us alone!" P.J. yelled.
"You have two options, Facilier; get lost or you'll be dealing with ALL of us!" Arthur yelled.
"How droll!" Dr. Facilier said, blowing out pink powder dust at Arthur, who starts coughing.
"Wh-What's going on?" Arthur asked, as the Third District changes to what looks like a castle throne room with many knights, servants, and other people all over the throne room. "What's this...?" Arthur asked, looking at a mirror, showing him wearing royal clothing and a crown. "Huh? How's..." Arthur was cut off.
"Such a regal sight, wouldn't you say, boy?" Dr. Facilier asked, leaning against the castle wall. "You see, Arthur, I've always found you to be quite a very special person. We have one thing in common; we were both born with nothing and treated like nothing. There are many like us, who are willing to struggle and claw our way to gain power, but this... This can be yours." Dr. Facilier said, showing a card of Arthur being king.
"I don't...believe this..." Arthur said.
"Believe it, boy. Just imagine what's in store for you. Simply hand that sword and your heart and you'll be granted your own kingdom. You'll no longer have to called 'Wart' or 'Useless'." Dr. Facilier said, conjuring projections of Ector and Kay of how they treat and abuse Arthur in the past. "You can be so much more. People will be calling you 'King Arthur'. What say you?" Dr. Facilier asked.
"But, Sora, my friends..." Arthur was cut off.
"Oh, who needs friends when you can have servants? Who needs loyalty when you can have obedience? They've done nothing but hold you back. You don't need anyone. Just let me have that sword." Dr. Facilier said, reaching for Excalibur.
"You... You're LYING!" Arthur yelled, elbowing the witch doctor and tries to slash with Excalibur.
"You little rat!" Dr. Facilier yelled, as something grabs Arthur and holding him in the air.
"What?" Arthur asked, seeing Facilier's shadow holding Arthur's shadow.
"I offered you this chance, but you spat in my face!" Dr. Facilier yelled, casting his spell to revert the throne room back to the Third District, as Facilier's shadow throws the blond across, but Sora catches him.
"You okay?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. Thanks, Sora." Arthur said, as he casts Voltra to get Facilier, who conjures a shadow barrier to block off the lightning orbs.
"What did he do? Did he make some kind of illusion?" Donald asked.
"Maybe, but we're not gonna fall for whatever lies you're giving Arthur!" Calla yelled.
"So, you want to play hardball, do you? Fine by me!" Dr. Facilier said, throwing cards at the party.
(Boss Theme: Extreme Encounters)
Facilier unleashes two shadow tendrils to try and attack the party, only for Tod to deliver four strikes with his stick followed by Bite while Robin uses Arrow Flurry and fires many arrows to strike down the witch doctor, who transforms into a shadow and crawls around the ground and then attempts to strike with a shadow blade, only for P.J. to deliver two heavy swings with his hammer followed by a slamming hammer strike and then uses Blazing Bow and fires three firey arrows. Facilier retaliates with unleashing shadow spikes from the ground to get the party, who dodge the shadow spikes, only for Facilier to unleash shadow hands and use them to grab the party, but Max uses Super Shield Boomerang and throws his shield while Goofy uses Super Tornado. Facilier sinks into the shadows and then takes out five cards and throws them at the party, only for Donald to cast Aerora for protection and then unleashes four magic blasts from his staff followed by shooting four magic bullets and then casts Earthra, but Facilier sinks into the shadows while transforming into a shadow snake and tries to deliver a giant bite. T.J. delivers four horizontal slashes with his daggers followed by three vertical slashes and then uses Trick Slash and teleports and slashes, but Facilier unleashes shadow tendrils from the ground to attack the party followed by unleashing more shadow spikes, only for Calla to cast Triple Fira followed by casting Briara and unleashes thorned vines. Facilier takes out more cards and throws them at the party, who dodge, but the witch doctor transforms into a shadow spider and moves around while attacking with spider legs, only for Eilonwy to cast Blazra to deal burning damage to the shadow spider and then casts Magic Pulse. Facilier unleashes more shadow hands to try and get the party, who avoid the shadow hands, as Sora delivers five slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Vortex and then casts Thundara while Arthur delivers three diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by Arcane Blast and they knock Facilier back.
Facilier uses his cane to stop and then uses his shadow to grab the others' shadows, sending them into the air while Facilier conjures shadow blades.
"Enough games, boy! Either submit or your friends suffer a fate YOU will be held responsible for!" Dr. Facilier yelled.
"Don't listen to him, Artie!" Sora said.
"LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE!" Arthur shouted, as he casts Blazra at Facilier's shadow and tackles at the witch doctor to the ground while freeing the others and then starts punching Facilier's face. "You...will...NOT...HURT...MY...FRIENDS!" Arthur shouted, still punching Facilier's face over and over, but Facilier swings his cane to get the blond boy off.
"You INSOLENT brat!" Facilier yelled, conjuring shadow tendrils to attack.
"Enough, Facilier!" A voice called, as they see Maleficent.
"Oh, Maleficent. Forgive my uncouth display. I was just..." Facilier was cut off.
"You had best calm yourself, Doctor. We are not to go too far, since we need him." Maleficent said.
"Leave Artie alone!" Sora yelled, getting in front.
"The boy thinks he's frightening!" Dr. Facilier said, unleashing shadow hands to grab Sora, Eilonwy, Calla, T.J., Donald, Goofy, Max, P.J., Robin, and Tod.
"Let my friends go!" Arthur yelled.
"You clearly need to learn your place, child! Allow me to teach you." Maleficent said.
(Boss Theme: Extreme Encounters)
Arthur charges at Maleficent and then tries to deliver two slashes with Excalibur, only for Maleficent to swipe her staff to push the blond away from her, but Arthur casts Voltra to try and strike the evil fairy, who counters with casting purple and black lightning orbs and manages to land a strike at Arthur, who casts Mendra to heal himself and attempts to strike at Maleficent again, but the witch creates thorns to block off Arthur, who slashes at the thorns. Maleficent conjures green and black flames on the thorns to try and burn Arthur, who casts Hydrora to protect himself and then casts Frostra to try and strike at Maleficent, who teleports and reappears behind Arthur and delivers a strike with her hand followed by a vertical strike with staff and then conjures ice needles to deal some damage. Arthur deflects the ice needles, only for Maleficent to conjure two black whirlwinds to try and get the blond boy, who avoids the whirlwinds and then casts Voltra, but Maleficent uses telekinetic magic to lift Arthur in the air and unleashes more lightning to strike down at Arthur, dealing even more damage.
Arthur tries to slash with Excalibur, only for Maleficent to teleport away again and reappears while unleashing five green fireballs and shoots them at Arthur, who dodge flips and then tries to vertical strike with Excalibur, only for Maleficent to block off the sword slashes and then telekinetically lifts the blond again and slams him to the ground three times followed by creating ice blades, dealing damage. Arthur casts Mendra to heal himself again and then casts Galra to strike the witch, who warps away and reappears behind to deliver another staff strike, but Arthur quickly counters and delivers four slashes with Excalibur followed by a roundhouse slash and then casts Quakra, only for Maleficent to retaliate with unleashing pillars of green flames to deal burning damage. Arthur casts Hydrora for protection and then tries to strike at Maleficent again, but the evil fairy unleashes more thorns to trap the blond boy, who slashes the thorns and break free, only for Maleficent to unleash a giant green and black flame in the shape of a giant dragon and sends it at the thorns with Arthur still in them, causing even more burning damage. Arthur recovers and tries to fight back, only for Maleficent to deliver a swipe with her hand, knocking Excalibur out of the boy's hand and then attacks with her staff, sending Arthur back, only for the blond to try and take back the sword.
"No you don't! STOPGA!" Maleficent chanted, freezing time and everyone while unleashing ten green fireballs around the blond boy and then sends them to damage the boy while unstopping time. "Have you had enough, boy?" Maleficent asked, but Arthur goes for Excalibur and picks it up.
"I'm not finished, you hag!" Arthur yelled, charging to attack.
"Fool." Maleficent said, unleashing another purple and black lightning bolt, striking Arthur and him drop the silver, pink, yellow, green, blue, and magenta Light Crystal pieces.
"What a wonderful turn of events!" Dr. Facilier said, taking the six Light Crystal pieces.
"He's taking them!" Max said.
"No! Get away from them!" Arthur yelled, but Maleficent sends the blond back with telekinetic force.
"Thank you kindly for the remaining pieces of the Light Crystal. You have done well keeping them safe for us." Maleficent said.
"Give them back! They're ours!" Arthur yelled.
"Do you really expect us to do what you wish just you're barking orders? Such typical bratty behavior. Ector raised you poorly." Dr. Facilier said, releasing the others.
"Impudence will get you nowhere, child. If you truly wish to try and stop us, you must come to Hollow Bastion. I promise you we will settle this final matter there. We shall see if you are a hero or a meddlesome fool." Maleficent said.
"And there's a good chance to see your ebloved wizard...for the final time." Dr. Facilier said.
"You can bet we're going to Hollow Bastion!" Eilonwy yelled.
"We WILL stop you!" P.J. yelled.
"You'll PAY for all the suffering you've caused to many worlds! We'll be ready for you!" Calla yelled.
"Glad to hear it. We'd just go ahead and take Arthur's heart right now, but...the cards have other plans. We'll exoect you fools to arrive at our humble abode. Do come without delay." Dr. Facilier said, sinking into the ground.
"Let me assure you fools, your path was doomed the moment you pulled that sword. Hollow Bastion shall be your final stand, I promise you." Maleficent said, disappearing in green and black flames.
"More like YOUR final stand!" Robin yelled.
"I can't believe they have the remaining Light Crystal pieces..." Arthur said.
"We're not done, Artie!" Calla said.
"We still have a chance. All we gotta do is get to Hollow Bastion and beat the froop outta them!" T.J. said.
"Let's hurry and talk to Cid." Goofy said.
The party make their way for the First District and go to Cid.
"Howdy! How can I help ya?" Cid asked.
"Well, we found another Navi-Gummi and we were wondering if you can install it on our ship." Sora said.
"Well, Nelly! Wouldja look at that! Turns out ya got a set! Hang on. I'll git it installed fer ya!" Cid said, leaving.
As the party are waiting for Cid, Arthur and Sora are feeling down.
"Sora! Arthur!" Donald said.
"Now, remember what Donald said to ya; no frownin' and no sad faces." Goofy said.
"How can any of you be so cheerful? In case you forgot, Riku is still on the wrong side and took Kairi when I finally found her. We went through a big hardship back in Mobius. Artie's still not feeling himself anymore. Not to mention, there's still sign of your king and your count." Sora said.
"What's more is that I lost all the Light Crystal pieces. Aren't any of you guys worried?" Arthur asked.
"Aw, phooey." Donald said.
"King Mickey told us to follow the Keybearer and the wielder of Excalibur and we found you two." Goofy said.
"Besides, we've even formed a team together." Eilonwy said.
"Just remember that things may be bad now, but as long as we all stick together, everything'll work out okay in the end." P.J. said.
"Ya guys gotta believe in yourselves. That's all." T.J. said, putting his hands behind his head while grinning.
"That's it...?" Arthur asked.
"Just believe?" Sora asked.
"I believe in you." Kairi's voice said.
"Huh?" Sora asked.
"I know you'll prevail." A mysterious voice said.
What's this...?" Arthur asked.
Sora is flying in what looks like a bright light and later, the teen is now in what looks like a library with many bookshelves and stained-glass windows and while looking around, Sora sees what looks like a little girl with red hair and wearing a white and purple small dress running to an elderly woman with grey hair tied to a bun, wearing a purple dress with a white apron, a dark cloth around her neck, and a white ring on her finger.
(Theme: Kairi's Theme III)
"Dear child, let me tell you a tale I'm sure you'll remember. Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light, but then, people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep the light for themselves, then darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness began to spread, swallowing the light and many people's hearts. The darkness covered everything and the world disappeared. Then, small fragments of light survived...in the hearts of children. With these fragments, the children began to restore the lost world. It's the world we live in now, but the true light still sleeps, deep within the darkness. That's why the worlds are scattered, divided from each other. Someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open and the true light will return. So, listen, child, even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and will push the darkness away. Do you understand, Kairi?" The old woman explained.
"Kairi?!" Sora asked, but then, a bright light covers the Keybearer.
"SORA!" A voice called.
Arthur is flying in what looks like a bright light and later, the blond is now in what looks like a white space and while looking around, Arthur finds what looks like a woman with long dark brown hair tied to a braid, hazel eyes, and wearing a dark purple dress.
"Hello, Arthur. My, look at how you've grown. You look just like your father." The woman said.
"My...father? What're you talking about? Who...are you?" Arthur asked.
"Allow me to tell you a tale that you'll remember. Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light, but then, people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep the light for themselves, then darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness began to spread, swallowing the light and many people's hearts. The darkness covered everything and the world disappeared. Then, small fragments of light survived...in the hearts of children. With these fragments, the children began to restore the lost world. Despite this, the true light still sleeps, deep with the darkness. That's why the worlds are scattered, divided from each other. Someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open and the true light will return. So, listen, Arthur, even in the deepest darkness, there will always a light to guide you. Believe in the light and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and will push the darkness away." The woman said.
"Why are you telling me this? You still haven't told me who you are." Arthur said.
"You will know in due time. I used my magic to be able to communicate with you in this astral plane to tell you to never give in to the darkness." The woman said.
"This story... Can you at least..." Arthur was cut off.
"ARTHUR!" A voice called.
"It seems this spell is getting weak. Our communication time is running out." The woman said, as she starts fading.
"But I still have questions!" Arthur said.
"I know, but as I've said, you'll know soon enough. Please, Arthur, save the Realm of Light. The fate of the worlds depend on you." The woman said, as she fades.
"WAIT!" Arthur called, but a bright light covers the blond boy.
"ARTHUR!" Another voice called.
Arthur and Sora open their eyes and look around to find themselves back in Traverse Town.
"Wh-What just...?" Sora stops talking.
"What was that...?" Arthur asked.
"Guys, are you okay?" Max asked.
"We've been calling your names for a minute, but neither of you responded." Calla said.
"You two looked like you were staring at something." Donald said.
"Oh, sorry." Sora said.
"What exactly happened?" Tod asked.
"Um, nothing." Arthur said.
"Yeah. We're okay." Sora said. "Just what did I see? Was Kairi calling me?" Sora asked in his mind.
"Just who was that woman? How did she know my name? What was she trying to tell me?" Arthur asked in his mind.
Later, Cid returns to the party.
"Great news, y'all. The Navi-Gummi's installed." Cid said.
"Oh, boy!" Donald cheered.
"Thank you, Cid." Eilonwy said.
"Don't mention it, but y'all better watch yerselves. The next world you fellers're headin' fer, it's crawlin' with more Black Xetis and Heartless than usual and they're stronger than the ones y'all've been fightin' so far." Cid warned.
"Maybe so, but as long as we work together, there's nothing we can't handle." Sora said.
"Well, just don't say I didn't warn ya." Cid said.
"We've been dealing with dangers before. It won't be any different." Max said.
"No way we're turnin' back!" T.J. said.
"In that case, good luck to ya." Cid said.
"Time to get going." Robin said.
"We better be prepared for anythin'." Goofy said.
The party make their way for the doors.
"Something tells me this is gonna be an all-or-nothing kinda thing. Artie, you ready for this?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, you?" Arthur asked back.
"Always, as long as we stick together." Sora said.
"Let's go, gang! HEROES OF LIGHT!" T.J. said, raising his fist in the air.
"Ugh, you're STILL doing that?!" Calla asked annoyed.
"Well, it's time." Arthur said, as they go for the doors, as they leave Traverse Town.