Up, Up, and Away

[Rikugurl]

Kairi pulled her hand around her mouth, seeing what was going on. She could feel the pain in everyone's heart... especially Riku's. Yes... there was a heart in that beast... the same heart she use to play with on the beach. The same heart she use to sit by watching the sunset. And its beating was fading as the bone dragon was pulled more and more into the water.

The black smoke coming from its horns blew into the twilit sky. It mixed with the light and soon faded. She blinked when she heard something next to her. Sora's collar... it burst into the same black smoke. Was... was it really over?

She swallowed as she walked over to the crowd at the beach, seeing the wet and bleeding heroes.


Seeing that they were in the more deeper end of the pool now, Ven was a bit surprised that his feet didn't touch the floor.... for awhile. Shit... Ven knew how to swim... but swimming with one arm would be tough. That too... wasn't a problem. He blinked as he felt strong arms around him. Familiar strong arms. He was quickly pulled up to the surface and looked over, seeing Terra.

His eyes brightened as they reached the beach pretty quickly. "Terra..." He smiled up at the other one... but noticed that this was no time to...
He wrapped his good arm around Terra's waist and rushed with him to the others.


Seeing that Fujin... obviously having the power over wind like Ventus, she was able to walk on the water. She looked down at the woman looking up at her with her red eye. Those blue were a lot more nicer. She smiled softly and held Aqua closer for comfort. "Fujin." Slowly she treaded over the water and when they reached the beach, she placed the blue haired woman down.

Quickly she and the other raced to the group nearby. She moved next to Seifer and looked up at him. "Rajin?"


When Axel saw Roxas at the shore, he looked down at Tidus and smiled. "Hey, it's ok... this happens to me all the time!" He waved slightly as he limped over to his love. "YAY! You didn't die!" He joked as he wrapped his arms around the blonde. He could of probably said the same for himself.


That was when Sora started to circle around them. Everyone's eyes and heads followed Sora, feeling the amount of warmth in them as they healed. God.. it was good having him back.

Goofy smiled and hugged Donald for no real reason, just happy that the other one was safe.

Kairi walked down the the group. She walked through the crowd to where Mickey and Tidus stood. She smiled down at the King and nodded, then looked at Tidus. "Thank you..." She said softly before her hand found his.
She blinked though when she saw Sora hover over the water. The sight... broke her heart. But her eyes widened as she saw him dive into the black waters. "SORA!"


The whole group watched the waters... seeing if Sora would find anything... but when he finally came up, there was a horrible look on his face. Everyone went into silence. Goofy looked down, taking off his small hat and holding it over his chest.
Poor Riku.... Poor Sora....
A tear pushed down the dogs face and dropped into the dark sand.

Kairi looked down as well. Riku.... There was something though... she... could still feel his heart somewhere...


That was when a large light came from behind the group. Kairi blinked and looked back, hiding her eyes since they were already adjusted to the twilight.


There was a door. A single large door of Light. The same door that Sora and Riku had passed through when they thought they were stuck here.
The door was opening, sending out pure light towards the group.
Looks like this was their portal to go back home.

Kairi looked back to see Sora reach the beach finally. He looked weighed down by the water... and obviously his heart. She bit her lip and looked down at the mouse.

Axel's green eyes looked over at the door, he too holding a hand to help his eyes adjust. He could hear a yip from the door. Xio! He was ok! He knew... behind that door was home. "Come on..." He called softly to Roxas as the group started to move towards it.

Fujin stood next to Heyner and Seifer, watching the door open. Rajin... maybe he was behind the door too. She hoped that her friend had made it. They had been inseparable since they were kids. Her father said that they were meant to be the best of friends, just by their names.
She followed her leader and chicken wuss as they walked towards the door, but couldn't help but look back at Aqua for a brief moment, seeing her stand next to her own group.

Ah yea... Home sounded good. Ventus looked up at Terra and then at Aqua who was close. "What a shitten good time." He grinned, still somewhat slouched over the strong man. "Guess we'll have a muffin feast when we get home." He laughed softly before looking back at his brother. He would of gone over to comfort him... but he could do that after they got out of this damn place!


As the group walked towards the door, the pool of water slowly started to drain into the hole were Riku had fell in. No one seemed to notice at all. By the time they were close to the door, the water was completely drained as a small bit of dark smoke came from the hole.


The door slammed shut.


Everyone's eyes widened. Ventus growled as he felt Aero Maxim suddenly appear in his hand.

Axel saw Bond of Flames appear in Roxas's hand and frowned, looking behind him.


From the hole, a pale arm reached up and black nails dug into the ground like claws. Another arm raised that the black nails of that hand did the same.
Slowly silver hair was pulled up, embedded in it were two broken horns.

The body was pulled out of the hole and slowly he stood. Amber eyes peered out. He panted, his body not as straight and proud like before.
Riku was close to being finished. His amber eyes looked determined though, scouting out everyone.

A sudden Darkness wrapped around him. Sora off the bat would know it was Dark Shield. Way to Dawn appeared in his hand and the pale fingers clutched onto the handle tightly. This fight... wasn't over.

[Reno]

"Mine's Aqua." She said with a smile, enjoying the warmth the other was sharing with her. Heh, why did her savoir have to be cute?

And a girl. had to remember the girl part - though, pressed so close to the other it was kind of hard to FORGET. When she was set on her own feet, she smiled once more in grtitude, before breaking off, going back to her two friends who looked like cuddly bunnies at the moment. She stuck her tongue out. "Pff, shitfaced lovebirds." she mumbled crudely.

Terra just stuck his tongue out at her, holding Ven all the closer. they were wet and a little cold and ready to go and take a loooong nap.


Seifer looked at Fujin, merely shaking his head - indicating he knew nothing of where Raj had ended up. No clue at all. but he hoped his darker skinned friend was alright.


Roxas glared at Axel. "Who said I was going to?!" He tugged on red spikes, leaning up to give him a sweet kiss on the chin. Axel was a ltitle to tall for him at times. "And look you weren;t even really IN the fight and you still got hurt." he chastised.


"Gah! you big palooka!" Donald cried when he was hugged huffing.

Tidus blushed when Kairi held his hand, smiling brightly to her, but when she looked away and yelled, everyone took notice that Sora - who had just been above the water had disappeared.


For many heart wrenching moments Sora did not come back up. The time seemed to slow and tick by quickly at the same time - 'is he trying to drown himself?' Some of the more pessimistic thought. 'Come back Sora. come back up!' others began to panic.

Roxas took a step forward - looking like he was about to bolt into the sea and drag Sora out when drooping spikes broke the surface. Sora gasped for air, but the solemn look on his face told all.

Roxas bowed his head, frowning, unable to look at the wretched and pained face. It hurt him just thinking about it.

"I don't know how you deal with it Roxas. Axel's nearly died like... five times." Sora said, chuckling faintly.
"It's not hard really - i'm jsut glad he's always alright."
"I dunno Rox - if it were me i'd just break to pieces. I don;t know what i'd do if i lost Riku like that. I can't imagine how it must feel."

Now you know Sora. Roxas thought. Now you know.

The door began to shine upon them, warming them and congradulating their success. Everyine stared at the beauty, ready to go home.

Sora dredged back onto the beach, a hand held over his pained heart, a little golden chain and stunning pendant of a moon dangled from his fingers. He said not a word as he apporached the group, unable to dredge up even a smile - but no one made him.

Roxas watched his brother, but a yip drew his attention. A smile fell onto his lips as he looked towards the door. Xio was alright!! At Axel's insistence he began to walk forward, the red head at his side.

Seifer sighed, glad it was over. He wlaked forward - not knowing if he wanted to trust anymore doors or anything but this one seemed safe. Hayner had his arms crossed, frowning a bit as if he were deep in though. he was thinking of Olette...

Aqua smirked at Fujin when she caught the other's glance. She chuckled, before glancing at Ven as he spoke. a muffin feast...? "Oh no..."

"Oh yes!" Terra said with a large grin, His arms tightened in a more personal embrace around Ven. "i like how you think Venny!" He say the other;s faraway gaze and glanced over at who now took up the rear of the group, looking very much like he didn;t want to leave. Sora. Terra frowned a bit, looking away.


roxas was nearly sighing in relief, the glow of the door warming his face -

when it slammed in his face. Bond of flames was in his hands almost instantly. "Geez if it didn;t want me to walk through it coulda asked." Roxas grumbled sarcastically. He turned around, seeing a familar figure in the distance. "Crap."

Terra and Aqua blinked in surprised as their keyblades appeared in their hands,. Terra groaned. "Stubbornness in villians is NOT what i like to see."

Mickey frowned as the Kingdom Key apepared. He knew it had been too easy.


Sora turned around slowly, even as Ultima shimmering in his hand. He looked at it, as if shocked or disgusted to see it. It wanted him to fight Riku - no... the darkness.

He saw the dark shield that appeared over his lover. Riku was still willing to fight even with only half a soul and half the energy - but his opposition was three Chasers, a king, a mage, a knight, two 'police' enforcers, two men who had trained since young ages, two former nobodies, a princess of heart and... his self.

Riku would be slaughtered.

Sora grit his teeth. Not wanting to let that happen, he was the first to run forward, but not in an offensive move. He skid to a stop, only a few feet before Riku, looking unafraid of the darkness but terrorized at the thought of losing him completely. "Riku... stop. please. It's over... You can't win and we don't want to fight you anymore." Sora looked down, then held his hand out, showing him the necklace, the Twilight symbol shimmering faintly. "Please... we can go home together Ri. You're still in there I know you are!"

[Rikugurl]

Ven growled more as he pulled away from Terra. He watched as Sora suddenly went to Riku. He was a bit iffy... couldn't Riku just rip into Sora's chest for his heart!? Sora seriously had to be more careful. He got on his toes, ready to dash after the silver haired man at any moment if he tried something.

Axel growled too as he watched. He too was worried about Sora... they couldn't lose him again or they'd really be shit out of luck. All of them just wanted to go home... but not without Riku... at least the ones that were tied to him. He was sure Seifer, Hayner, Fujin, and Tidus just wanted to go home.

"Riku!" Kairi called out. She let go of Tidus's hand and ran over, seeing if she too could talk Riku out of it as she did with Sora... but at her surprise, he couldn't even get near him. A force stopped her that was unseen. She blinked, her hands holding onto a solid nothing.


Amber eyes moved down to look at the necklace. The shine of it glowed in his eyes even if it was dim. There was silence between them, as if something good was happening... but that all stopped.
His free pale hand hit Sora's, making the necklace fly to the ground.

Riku suddenly disappeared and appeared a bit further away, his keyblade now glowing.


"Damnit!" Ventus growled, not able to hold it back. They weren't going to bring him back... at least not now. "Darkness really needs to take a fucking vacation." He suddenly dashed towards Riku... and oddly enough... he passed Kairi through the unseen barrier.

Axel blinked as he saw Roxas leave his side as well. All the keybladers seemed to dash at Riku at the same time. This time... he was going to fight by his lover's side. Quickly he ran after the blonde... but like Kairi, he hit the barrier. "H...HEY!" He growled as he pounded on nothing. Damnit... why couldn't he be a keyblader? He felt so fucking helpless.

He watched as the other keybladers went through the barrier. Looked like... this battle was for keybladers only...

[Reno]

"Kairi!" Tidus called when the girl seperated from him. On instinct he ram after her, stopping when she did. He blinked, rasiing his hand to touch the barrier. Well damn...


"Riku!" Sora choked out as the necklace was hit from his hand. He stared at the other, tears slowly trickling down his face, watching the other move from right in front of him to a farther space away. His knees shock and then suddenly folded out under him, the edges of his blade slipping across the sand with a quiet whisper.


Terra blinked as Ven left his side. He didn't even relaly pause to think about it before he was following the other, Aqua two steps behind him. They... they still had a chance. If they could get the keyblade from Riku it'd be okay.


Mickey frowned, seeing Sora's dilemma, and hurried forward, pausing Kairi easily. The 'barrier' that surronded the area intrigued him. Riku had congered it no doubt.


Roxas growled, hearing his brother. He suddenly started to run towards the battle - hearing Axel two steps behind him. But then the red head let out a yell and he turned seeing that the other was stuck in back beside Kairi. He frowned. Well - at least Axel wouldn;t have another near-death experience. He slid to a stop next to sora, grabbing his shoulder and shaking him roughly. "Snap out of it Sora! If your not going to fight then just... just stay back okay?" He said more softly before he turned towards Riku, taking a more offensive position.

[Rikugurl]

Fujin left the side of her friends as she ran towards the fight. Even if she couldn't enter, she wanted to make sure what was going on. She stopped next to Axel and looked out, seeing the six keybladers standing around the edge.
Was that man nuts!? Did he really think he could defeat all those keybladers single handedly?


Kairi frowned as she felt how broken Sora's heart was. This was terrible. Was Riku really lost?
"Sora! You can do it! Fight the Darkness out of him! You're the keyblader of Light! Show him the right path!"

She knew that if Sora and Mickey did their best... to fight and talk Riku out of it... then Riku could come back. Darkness and Light together... to pull out the Twilight.


"Roxas!" Axel called, banging on the barrier. It was hopeless... there was no way he could get in for aid. He just hoped that he could heal his lover from here...


Way to Dawn continued to glow as Riku watched the rest of the keybladers enter the arena. Only the keyblade had the power to pass his Dark Barrier.
He got into stance and grinned, moving his hand as a taunt.

Unfortunately, Ventus was a wild child... and answered to taunts. "Alright fucker! Let's do this!" He quickly left his friends side and dashed towards Riku as fast as possible. They weren't over a cliff so let's see if he could keep his right piece of mind.

He jumped and quickly slashed his keyblade down at the other, but it was quickly met. However, unlike a usual push off, time froze for a second, making Riku push power into his keyblade. Time returned and he pushed Ven back.

Ven went flying. "AAAAAAHH" His body hit a nearby rock hard and he fell to the earth. He growled as he pushed himself up and stumbled a bit.

[Reno]

The other's all came forward, crowded around the barrier. They wanted to see the outcome of this fight too - and offer encouragement if they could.

Donald held his staff, wondering the same as Axel. could magic still pass through? "Haste!" he tried to cast, the magic sparking... but surronding no one. Magic didn;t go past the dark shield. the duck bowed his head.


Sora glanced back at Kairi's words, before looking back down at the sand, clenching his fingers in it.

"We can do this Sora." Mickey murmured, patting his arm encourageingly.

They all looked up however when Ven gave an angry cry and shot forward. Riku had already managed to rile one of them up.

It was strange - like watching a movie as Ven's body seemed to slow and then when time snapped back he was slashed backwards.

"Ven!" More then one person cried. sora had gotten back to his feet, worried for his twin.

Terra gave a furious growl, rushing forward. He'd make him pay!

Aqua gripped her keyblade, before rushing after Terra, and in a few quick strides was at his side. "Terra!"

The earth keyblader glanced at her and then nodded. UIn mid-run they tapped their keyblades together, one glowing gold, the other blue. Rather then meeting Riku head on, Aqua dodged left and Terra right, both digging their keyblades into the ground, causing a deep incision that glowed with power. They circled around him, meeting again at Riku's back. The circle they had dug became to glow. Pure energy shot upwards, curving and then dipping again to crash into Riku - much like the wave had circled and crushed into Axel weeks ago.

[Rikugurl]

Kairi saw Ven go flying and hit the rock, even making an indent in it. She gasped and looked away. She.... she couldn't watch.

Axel watched the duck try to use majick and it failed horribly. He frowned as he looked back. There was no way the stand byers could help...


Ven growled, feeling the pain... wishing that he had that armor suit again. He waited though, and watched his friends do their limit.

Riku watched them calmly as they started to do their limit and wrap it around him. As they reached around his back, time stood still for another moment before the blast pushed through. When it came down, Riku was gone. He appeared next to Terra and caught keyblades, doing the exact same thing to Ven.

A second later, he was on Aqua's toes and pushed her clear out of the way.

Ven growled as he rushed towards Riku again, only to swing right by him and got a hard blow in the back, sending him forwards into the ground violently. He was pushed through the dirt for a good few feet before stopping.

[Reno]

Terra gave a cry as he befell the same fate as his lvoer, grimanicing as he hit hard. He shook his head, struggled back to his feet.

Aqua barely had time to register what happened before Riku;s keyblade came down hard, catching her own. The pwoer behind it sent her spiraling into the ground.

And then Ven was back - only to be knocked down again, enraging Terra further.


Roxas gave a growl as he watched - unable tot ake it anymore. they needed speed damnit and he was the one who had stolen Quick Run from Sora. He rushed forward, and once he got in range, used an extra boost full of magic to shoot forward even faster, swiping the sharp end of his keyblade at Riku.

Roxas' actions spurred Mickey forward as well, his feet quick across the ground. As Roxas attacked from the front he went around back, slamming his keyblade towards the boys legs.


Don't just stand there move! Sora commanded himself, watching his friends anf family get knocked back again and again. But... but it's Riku... he argued weakly. Then we'll jsut have to beat the light back into him! Sora grit his teeth, watch Roxas and Mickey leave his side. On shaking legs he charged forward as well - no real plan in mind. He was back-up until he found an opportunity.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus blinked as he looked up, his face bloody and cut from the rocks. His blue eyes looked back and forth as Mickey and Roxas passed him. He slowly got up and gripped onto his keyblade. He turned and watched, seeing that Aqua was at one end and Terra at the other. How did he....?


Riku got his speed from the Darkness... and seeing that he was now in the Heart of the Realm of Darkness.... he was untouchable.


Fujin grimaced as she saw Aqua hit the ground. For some odd reason, she took a liking to the woman. She soon turned too, not able to watch the rest.


As Roxas came into range and boosted, the blade came swinging at him. Time slowed again and as Roxas's blade swiped, Riku leaned back, making the blade miss inches. Time came back and now Riku caught the back of Roxas's blade with his own, swinging it away and violently kicked him in the back.

Now that his foot was midway in the air, he slammed it down on Mickey's key before he got his legs cut. Way to Dawn slammed down next to Mickey, making a powerful wave, blowing the mouse away.

[Reno]

Roxas gave a yell, sliding across the ground, grimancing a bit. How did riku move that fast?! It was... impossible!!

Mickey gave a surprised cry as he was blown backwards, unable to right himself before he hit a rock. He blinked his eyes blearily, shaking his head.


"Your majesty!!" Donald cried, before shutting his eyes as well, turning his ebak down. This was... to horrible.

Tidus suddenly wrapped his arms around Kairi, turning away as well, tyering to offer her comfort. He couldn;t watch anymore. He didn;t want to see anyone get slaughtered.... not by a childhood friend.


Now!!! Sora thought, dodging right into Riku;s personal space and tackled him. "Riku snap out of it!!"

[Rikugurl]

Kairi sniffed as she felt Tidus's embrace. She looked up at him, her green eyes watering. This was so wrong... why.... why Riku, why?

Goofy too hid his eyes as Mickey went flying. This wasn't the Riku they knew!

Ven growled as he looked at both Terra and Aqua get up from their attack. This wasn't good... even with people who were faster than them couldn't touch him!

Riku's amber eyes widened as he was tackled. Silver hair covered most of his face as he looked up at Sora. A growl came from him as he quickly pushed the brunette off and slammed his keyblade down into the ground again.

Another wave went through the arena, making Ventus go flying again.

[Reno]

Tidus looked at hersadly, cupping her cheek and wiping his thumb across some of the etars thta began to fall. but would could he say to make her feel better?

The ripple hit all of them - sending them all back. Terra and Mickey cried, still to close to the rocks and smacked into them a second time.

Aqua, who had just regained her footing, yelped as she was thrown back again, rolling acorss the ground.

Roxas growled, not even able to get back to his feet before he was hit back further, hitting the ground hard on his back. He coughed.

Sora felt his body fly back, before he braced hsi feet on the unseatdy sand, using his aerial ace to soot unwards and into the sky. He pointed his keyblade at Riku. "STOP!" The magic flowed across the other, before Sora suddenly glided forward quickly slashing his keyblade at Riku's blade - trying to yank it from his hands. "Riku listen to me!!"

[Rikugurl]

Ven coughed as he pushed himself up again. They were all hurt pretty badly. Damnit... he wasn't this strong as the dragon. His eyes narrowed. He probably had that majick that boosted strength when he was close to being finished... that had to be it.
He looked back at the crowd, most of them with their eyes away.


Riku looked up at Sora, seeing that he was the only one who managed to avoid the attack.
His eyes were crazed with rage and power. When the majick flew around him, it acted more like Slow again like when Donald had put it on him.
But any speed would be better than his Hastega.

Their blades connected but Riku's hold on his was much too strong for Sora to pull it away.

[Reno]

Terra groaned, struggling to his feet. Riku was stuck... They... they had to combine all their strength... they had to... had to finish Riku now! Energy began to wrap around his keyblade and he pointed it towards where Riku. He looked across at Ven, trying to get him to see the meaning. They all had too, together.

Mickey, Aqua and Roxas - seeing what Terra was planning, soon pointed their keyblades at Riku as well.


Sora looked at Riku over the blades that locked in a stalemate, his eyes desperate and searching. "Riku this isn't you!" He said. "Don't you remember? Just... Just a few days ago we had our anniversary. You proposed. You were laughing and happy and... and please Riku." He reached across their locked keyblade, cupping his hand on the other's cheek. "I love you Riku. I always will no matter what."

[Rikugurl]

Hearing the light and energy from behind, Kairi slowly looked back at the dome, seeing all the keybladers but two point their energy at Riku. What were they doing...?

Axel watched too, making sure that Roxas was ok.


Amber eyes stared down Sora in the stalemate. His fangs clenched as his brows lowered. A sudden blast from four keyblades pushed him down more, not able to move from the power. His face didn't change as Sora reached over, his fingers touching his cold face.


Ventus growled. There was only one way to get a keyblade from a keyblader...
He didn't follow the others but just dashed towards the two.

Riku, now noticing that Sora's grip was weaker now that a hand was gone from the handle, he reached behind Sora and grabbed the back of his shirt. As quick as he could, he pushed Sora away...

Ultima flew into the air and the black claws reached for it... only for it to be snatched quickly.... and shoved into his chest.


Blue eyes stared into the amber as Riku's mouth gapped. Ultima stuck out of his chest, black smoke swirling around it. Ventus backed away, wanting to get out of the other's reach if he backfired.

The Light of Ultima pushed through Riku's Dark heart. Ocean eyes slowly appeared. His legs gave out and he fell to the ground. Now black claws reached to his chest and pulled the keyblade out, but his panting continued as both Ultima and Way to Dawn fell to the ground.

He hunched over, his body swirling in Darkness. Suddenly a shadow like guardian was pushed out and faded away. Behind that... a shadow version of Ansem.
Riku screamed as the Darkness started to fade... and finally he collapsed to the ground.