Pure Heart : Kingdom Hearts II :

Echoes of the Heart

The secret passage revealed the grandeur of the west hall. Lush carpeting spread out before them, guiding them up a grand staircase toward a set of magnificent double doors. As they made their ascent, the all-too-familiar dark silhouettes of the Heartless sprang forth, encircling them. Their malicious forms disrupted the hall's regal ambiance, thrusting the group into action.

Donald wielded his staff, launching a spell that showered ice, freezing several Heartless in their tracks. "We don't have time for this!" he exclaimed. Goofy deflected another group with his shield, advising, "Stay close, folks!" Sora, agile as ever, cleaved through adversaries, his Keyblade illuminating his path. Side by side, Valerie and Ava collaborated, dispatching arrows and conjuring spells to prevent the Heartless from regrouping.

Eventually, the doors of the West Wing beckoned. Yet, more Heartless awaited them inside. Their battles were rapid and fierce, determination fueling every strike. At the corridor's end, a door adorned with handles carved in the image of a Beast awaited. As they neared it, Cogsworth, clearly anxious, met them. "This is the Master's chamber," he declared, his voice shaky. Inside, they found the imposing figure of the Beast, his back to them, lost in thought. A tall, black-cloaked figure stood beside him.

The mysterious man's voice cut through the silent chamber, cold and taunting. "It's time you dealt with Belle," he whispered, his tone dripping with malevolence. Stepping slowly, the cloaked figure began to circle the Beast like a predator circling its prey. "She's scheming, don't you see? Dreaming of taking this castle, your precious rose..."

As the cloaked figure moved, the Beast's muscles tensed, his stance growing rigid. His deep voice, trembling with emotion, countered, "I've had enough of strength. There's only one thing I want..." However, the cloaked man interrupted him with a mocking laugh, "What? To love, and be loved in return? Who could ever love a beast?" Enraged, the Beast roared, confronting his antagonist. Noticing Sora and the others, the cloaked man smirked, "See? She has allies." In an instant, he conjured a barrier, trapping everyone. With one last scornful look, he vanished, leaving his haunting laughter behind.

Unfazed, Sora and the others approached the Beast. "What's up, Prince?" Sora greeted, seemingly oblivious to the evident danger. Valerie tried to move closer, but Ava swiftly grabbed her arm, halting her. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. "Something's not right... The darkness," Ava murmured. "What do you mean?" Valerie asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. Ava's focus remained on the Beast as she whispered, "It's consuming him."

Suddenly, the Beast's anger manifested as a dense mist, hampering vision. His thunderous roar sent Donald into a frenzy and prompted Cogsworth to cry out, "Good heavens! Master!" As the Beast lunged, the group nimbly evaded his strikes, hampered by the enveloping fog. Cogsworth took shelter behind a pillar, sneaking peeks occasionally. The group's goal was clear: to pacify, not injure. As the mist swirled around, Ava, her hands aglow, whispered, "We must reach his heart." The team nodded in understanding, readying themselves to free the Beast from the shadows smothering him.

With the Beast looming menacingly, Sora and the team braced themselves. Every defensive move countered the Beast's aggression. Sora's Keyblade, now not just a weapon but also a shield, parried the Beast's oncoming blows. Goofy utilized his shield for defense, managing to thwart some of the Beast's lunges, while Donald's spells were meant to distract and delay.

Despite the growing tumult, a desperate voice broke through. "Master! Please! Remember who you are!" Cogsworth implored from his hideout. Yet, the Beast, ensnared in his fog of fury, seemed deaf to his pleas. Ava, harnessing her magical prowess, began a spell radiating a calming luminescence. Valerie, preparing an arrow with a similarly radiant tip, aimed at the Beast's heart-not to wound but to awaken his humanity. As the arrow soared, it transformed into a burst of luminous sparks, enfolding the Beast.