The scene first starts in white, but then reveals the gang on a different world completely. It was unlike anywhere they've been to before. They were on an island with white buildings and windmills, and around it were other islands that held the same structures, all in a large ocean.
Sora: whoa. Where are we?
Arcturus: it's Scala Ad Caelum. The sister world to Daybreak Town.
Mickey: I've heard stories of it as a student, but... I thought this world was gone a long time ago.
Goofy: it's beautiful.
Donald: admire it another time.
Riku: Donald's right. We need to find Kuroi.
Kairi: let's check the town.
Together, everyone went to the town, and Arc did a wide scan of it. Aside from them, there was no one else there. In fact, no one was on any of the islands. The entire world was abandoned.
Goofy: it sure is awful quiet here.
Donald: there's no one around.
Ruby: why do you think everyone left?
Arcturus: it could've been lost in darkness, or, something came and wiped them out.
Naminé: either way, no one's home.
They stopped and looked, and Sora thought he saw Xehanort. However, they all see different Xehanorts at the same time. They started to static a bit, and suddenly, transformed into armored warriors. There then came seventeen total
Roxas: what are those things?
Chelsea: ugly, is what they are.
Arcturus: let's bring them down!
Everyone: right!
Moving around town, they fought the armored villains, until they were all beaten one by one. From a top of the windmill, Kuroi watched with the X-Blade in his hands.
Kuroi: after our first battle, we've been in this loop where we'd fight forever. You would win some, I'd win others, and we'd both be killed in many. And here we are again. (Eyes glow red) let's settle this, Shrio.
He teleports down to them, and everyone gets in stances.
Sora: Kuroi!
Kuroi: (gestures around) behold, this town... Once a seat of power for all Keyblade wielders. It is the nexus from which all worlds spring. This was one of the original worlds formed from the shell of the World Lion Turtle. Here, I and my rival shall battle. Here... in Scala Ad Caelum.
The group knew it was now or never. Despite first fighting Xehanort, now they realize this is bigger than him. Kuroi and Shiro were going to fight one way or another, and they had to end this nightmare once and for all.
Arcturus: you guys ready?
Everyone: ready!
They point their Keyblades at Arc and he activated his dragon arm. He closes his eyes, and opens them to show dragon eyes. Everyone gains their own blue dragon eyes, and they chanted as well.
Everyone: I, who shall awaken.
I Am the White Dragon Master who shall break the curse of supremacy.
I shall fight those who threaten the soul's hopes and the eternal dreams of the worlds.
I shall become the Light Dragon that will brighten this darken world.
I shall show you the future which shines in true radiant light for all hearts!
DRAGON KING, KIBŌ NO HOSHI!!!!!
The dragon appears and everyone is filled with a powerful energy. As the beast roars and merges with them, they become stronger and merged as one. When the energy dies down, there stood Shiro, and in his hands were Pure Ultima and Ultima Weapon MK3.
Kuroi: hello, Shiro.
Shiro: hello, Kuroi. I see you've gotten stronger since we last met.
Kuroi: as have you. Of course, that's is always inevitable, considering we're equal in power. So, tell me, how many times have we fought?
Shiro: I'm not certain. It's one of the few memories I've hold of us since we were cursed. But, it doesn't have to be this way for us. Aren't you tired of it all? Always being reborn into new vessels, with new memories, and even new lives. Don't you want it to end?
Kuroi: we both know that is never possible. Now, let's end this.
Reality begins to twist, and the whole world starts changing. They catch a glimpse of the other worlds being part of it all and beginning to break and collapse. This was resulting in the power struggle between these two beings. They then began to fight.
*IN THE MIND*
In Arc's mind, Arcturus, Sora, Donald, and Goofy were in control of the situation while the others were forced to watch and contain Kingdom Hearts and Dominion Souls.
Kairi: this fight will be the toughest yet.
Naminé: even without the god forms, they're still too powerful.
Axel: so, if we can't stop him, what happens?
Aqua: I don't know... But, there's no question in my mind that that's the true Kingdom Hearts and Dominion Souls. I can't imagine what'll happen if he succeeds.
Ventus: if Shiro wins, it might vanish.
Terra: no. Only the X-Blade has the power to stop it.
Ventus: (worried) but...
Riku: we all need to trust Sora and Arc.
Mickey: that's right!
Ruby: yeah. If anyone can win, it's those two.
Everyone smiles in agreement, but Roxas notices Xion's expression.
Roxas: what's wrong, Xion?
Xion: look!
They look to see from the hearts, a vortex begins to form. At the same time, both the beings have fought so much, that they practically destroyed all of Scala. The boys saw everything happened and were shocked.
Arcturus: was this what I was like when I nearly destroyed Remnant?
Sora: more or less.
Donald: only difference was you were a giant dragon and had no self awareness.
Goofy: do you think Xehanort knows what's happening?
Arcturus: not sure.
Their thoughts were broken when the two landed on top of the windmill.
Shiro: you've killed our kind and all these people for this!?
Kuroi: they didn't understood. And, I hate our kind for putting us in this position in the first place.
Shiro: I paid the price for it. Now, it is my duty to protect the hearts and souls of light. I will save them!
Kuroi: then let's end this, old friend. And they thought they could contain me, knowing all about connections?
Back in the mind, they see dark orbs flying out of the vortex. The then form into the armored warriors, and dozens and dozens of keyholes appeared.
Kairi: what's going on!?
Weiss: this doesn't look good.
Riku: get ready!
By the force of the vortex, they were pulled into it, and found themselves outside of the destruction of the reality.
Axel: whoa whoa, this is some serious trouble.
Blake: it's just like when the worlds were collapsing at Future City.
Roxas: hold up guys. We're not outta the loop, yet.
True to his claim, the dark warriors appeared again, all of them wielding Gazing Eye. They surrounded them, and everyone got their weapons out.
Ventus: we're trapped!
Terra: come on! We all have to work together!
Aqua: trust our bond!
Chelsea: let's kill these freaks!
Mickey: are you all ready?
Riku: yeah...we can do this! Let's go!
Kairi: together, now!
They then functioned as one. Riku, Axel, Terra, Ventus, Roxas, Ruby, Blake, Yang, and Chelsea acted as attack, while Mickey, Aqua, Xion, Naminé, and Weiss were defense. They worked to get her to beat the warriors, and for a while, they were successful.
They had used their ultimate moves such as Roxas's "Twilight Eclipse", Terra and Riku's "Dark Firaga Cannon", Kairi, Naminé, and Xion's "Seven Wishes", and many more.
Outside, the dragons fought with such skill and power that still brought much destruction. Sora and Arc were also giving it their all as it felt as if in different moments, either one of them were in control.
With the others, they were soon knocked down, and scattered with the armored warriors floated down to them, ready to attack. However, due to all the fighting, everyone was wounded, and lacked enough energy to continue.
However, Mickey used all his strength to get up. When he does, he's slowly walking, but is filled with determination to keep going.
Mickey: no...I can't give up!
Despite his lack of energy, and weakened form, he walks to the keyhole, and fights back against the warriors. After a few moments, they fire multiple beams of dark power at him. The others soon get up, and helped push back.
Mickey: no matter how far... The light will connect our hearts!
Sora: (appears with Arc) we are
Arcturus: all of us
Everyone: connected! STARBURST NEXUS!!!!!!!!
They break the energy, and together, fire a powerful beam that broke he warrior's armors.
*REALITY*
Outside, Shiro was blocking a powerful energy from Kuroi. But, with help of Arcturus, Sora, Donald and Goofy, the pushed through.
Kuroi: what is this!?
Shiro: after all this time, you still don't get it, do you? Their hope is stronger than your rage. And with it, they'll prevail.
They kept the power going, until the crown shape emblem appears and they fired a blast that broke through, and the force separated everyone from each other. When it calms down, they looked and saw Arc, still in the armor without the helmet, locking hands with Cronos, who's also in his armor without the helmet.
Arcturus: it's over, Cronos!
Cronos: no. As long as light and darkness exist, it will never be over!
Arcturus: in that case, we go down together.
Sora: (worried) Arc, what are you doing!?
Arcturus: (smiles at him) it's okay, Sora. Everything's gonna be okay.
Arcturus dazes Cronos enough for him to pull out the horsemen's rings, that are in a formation, throws it to the ground, and says a spell.
Arcturus: Bytmon Tabges Babalon!
Kuroi: you fool! What have you done!?
The ground breaks, creating a portal leading somewhere. The two struggle a bit, until Cronos puts Arc in a choke hold. However, Arc takes his Ultima and stabs himself right through Cronos. Then, the dragons scream as the armors fade, the blade dismisses, and the two speedsters fall in the portal.
Sora: (runs to him) ARCTURUS!!!
Time seemed to slow down for Arc. In his mind, he remembers his moments throughout his journey; all the people he met, the friends he made, the silly moments he made with his friends, when his mom and him spread his dads ashes, Richard teaching him to paint, Chelsea singing a lullaby to him when he was very young, and finally, his first kiss with Ruby when she confessed her feelings to him.
Ruby's Voice: it's not who you are on the outside, but inside that matters. Even with this arm, you're still you. And it's you I want to be with.
Arcturus: (smiles and closes his eyes) I love you, Ruby Rose.
Sora makes it and tries to reach for him, but it was too late. He watches as both speedsters descend and fade from view. The portal then closes and the force sends Sora back as he sees the rings burning. Donald and Goofy see what happens, and felt awful as Sora collapses to his knees, holds his head, tears running down his face, and screams in agony.
Sora: (emotionality) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! (Pounds his hands to the ground)
*FUTURE CITY*
In her house, Lightning feels a pain in her heart. It causes her to stop what she was doing and fall on the couch. She knew something was wrong. Because the last time she felt like this, was when Chelsea was killed.
*REMNANT*
In the Land of Darkness, Salem feels the same pain in her heart. She then realizes that her child was in fact dead. She then screams in full agony that was great enough to shatter the windows, and even crack the castle walls and kill half the Grimm wondering in the area.
*RIKU*
Riku stands up to see the evil clone struggling. It was clear he was dying, but was holding on to something.
Dark Repliku: you're not...real...
Riku: huh?
Dark Repliku: I'm...the real one...
Riku: Arc was right. You aren't my past self. From when Ansem possessed me.
Repliku: (appears in a golden glow) no, you beat Ansem and you're still here. This guy...is me!
He flies right toward him and stabs him the chest. He screams and the darkness flows around. When it fades, it shows the clone now in the black coat with the hood up.
Repliku: I knew it. It's a replica. A soon-to-be empty vessel. I've been waiting for a chance like this.
He goes through the body, and emerges with the darker version of him in his arms. The body then collapses and is a blank mannequin.
Riku: hey! What are you doing? Take the vessel!
Repliku: no. (Turns to him) the world already has you. There's someone else who needs the replica more. You know who I mean.
Riku: (realizes it) Strelizia. You're saving her.
Repliku: (smiles) you make a good other.
He and the darker clone then disperse in a column of light and dark energy. Riku looks sadden, and pays respects to him.
Riku: rest in piece. You were just as real as I was.
He then hears groaning, and looks to see Ansem struggling as well.
Riku: (approaches him) Ansem...
Ansem: what...a journey you and I have had... I've been part of your life so long. How will you get along without me?
Riku: you know, it's strange. I think I'm gonna miss you.
Ansem: your strength is faster than darkness. I knew I never stood a chance. Part of me wanted to defy my fate...but when the others betrayed us, I found I did not care. And then, nothing else seemed to matter anymore.
He fades away, and Riku couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, that man made him betray his friends and nearly cost him his soul. But, at the same time, he was a part of him in darkness. Not thinking much else, he picks the replica up and walks back to the others.
*TERRA and AQUA*
Terra had helped Aqua up, and they looked to see Xigbar, weakened.
Terra: it's over, Braig.
Xigbar: figures. If I had a Keyblade, it'd be different...
Aqua: you would never be worthy to use one.
Xigbar: (small smile) oh, I am worthy.
Aqua: whaddaya mean?
Xigbar: (stands up and walks backwards) the old coot promised to bequeath me his. Why else do you think I would ever put up with all his nonsense?
Terra: it'd be wasted on you.
Xigbar: (scoffs) as if.
With the remaining strength, he gets all the way to the edge. The two wielders ran over to catch him, but the sharp shooter falls back and fades away. They watched a bit, and run to where the others are.
*VENTUS*
Ven wakes up to see Vanitas coughing badly, and looking sickly.
Ventus: you don't look so good.
Vanitas: I'm dying, idiot. Of course I wouldn't look so good. (Coughs) you and I were forced apart, and I never had enough light in my heart. And yet, we're brothers, who together make a greater whole.
Ventus: then why kill Strelizia!? Why do you stay with darkness?
Vanitas: because I am darkness. And I do stand by your side. I'm the shadow that you cast. How much closer could I be?
Ventus: but I didn't ask for this. To be sifted apart, nice and neat. We should be free to choose. Not just light, not just darkness. We decide what we are.
Vanitas: but... Ventus, I did decide who I am. You see?
Ventus: and what you are is darkness?
Vanitas: (coughs) what I am, is darkness.
The two stare down on each other. Not as intense as Arc and Cronos, but close enough. After a moment, Ventus makes his response.
Ventus: okay.
Vanitas smirks, and fades away. Ven then couldn't help but feel, that a burden he had carried for so long, had finally been lifted.
*XION and AXEL*
Xion slowly opens her eyes, when she's almost choked by Azrael who looks angered.
Azrael: no! No, no, no! Why can't you just die!?
She kicks her off, and hurried back up as Axel arrives to her. Xion then looks to see Azrael was actually crying.
Azrael: you...did this to me!
Xion: what?
Azrael: the sisterhood, ruined my mind through your pain. Your suffering.
Xion: I'm sorry. If I knew what happened to you, I could've helped. I'm just a victim from Xemnas, just like you.
Azrael thinks a moment, and, despite the anger, knew she was right. Xion then crouches down to her level, and even offered words of comfort.
Azrael: why feel any sympathy? I'm nothing but a copy to you.
Xion: you know what's funny? Even after everything you did, I still would've saved you.
Azrael: why?
Xion: because, like it or not, we could've been sisters for real.
Azrael: (chuckles after a moment) you know? That actually is...pretty funny.
She fades away, leaving behind a seashell. Xion picks it up, and she and Axel hear groaning. They turn and look to see Saix dying as well. Axel immediately runs over to him.
Saix: why...so sad?
Axel: (sad and mad) you let them reduce you to this!?
Saix: I thought...you outgrew the marks under your eyes.
Axel: (touches where the marks were) so?
Saix: you look...like you need them...
Axel: stop it. The whole act. I thought this was all for her.
Saix: at first. I sacrificed everything to try and track her down. You're the one who went off and made other friends. Left her and me both in the dust. It infuriated me how you just exited our lives.
He grabs his side in pain, and Axel crouches down to his side.
Saix: I lost...all sense of purpose...
Axel: I didn't forget you.
Saix: ye...I know. You wouldn't do that. (Long pause) but... I was jealous.
Axel: you admit it.
Saix: well, if I make it back...you won't get it out of me a second time.
Wincing more in pain, he falls down in Axel's arms, and the two friends say one more goodbye, for now.
Axel: (sad smile) see you, Isa.
Saix: (sad smile) see you, Lea.
With his last breath, Saix fades away, and Axel was sadden. Xion places a comforting hand on his shoulder, and he grabs it in reassurance.
Xion: you gonna be okay?
Axel: I could ask you the same thing.
Xion: I'll get there. How about you?
Axel: I'll get there.
They then left off to the windmill to meet with the others.
*MICKEY*
Mickey had woken up to hear laughter. He turns to see Young Xehanort beginning to fade.
Mickey: what's so funny?
Young Xehanort: Death told him. There's high price to pay for all of this.
Mickey: what?
Young Xehanort: (ignores and stands up) I'll go back to my time, and live out my life. But for Sora? He's done now. His journey ends here.
Mickey: what are you talking about!?
Young Xehanort: good-bye, Mickey. His time...in this world is-
Before he could finish, he had faded away. Mickey then remembers what Chirithy said before, and runs to find the others.
*ROXAS and NAMINÉ*
Roxas was helping Naminé up as they looked to see their enemies. Marluxia was the first to react, as he looks down to his hands.
Marluxia: oh... So, now it all comes back to me. (Laughs)
Naminé: why are you laughing?
Marluxia: because... My heart is remembering how to feel. And now, I realized what I've done. Naminé... I know you can never forgive me, nor do i have the right to have your forgiveness. But... I am truly sorry.
Naminé: what will you do now?
Marluxia: I am on the cusp of reclaiming my identity... My purpose for being... Thanks to you, Naminé. (Fades away)
Larxene: are you kidding? After all of that!?
Roxas: you'll be recompleted.
Larxene: I didn't ask for your garbage opinion.
Naminé: (sarcastic) well, nice to see your personality's intact.
Larxene: I lost! To a bunch of losers like you! (Both wielders glare at her) but...could be worse. Become that freak of nature's puppet? No thanks.
Naminé: then why get involved in all of this? Why didn't you back out like before?
Larxene: for starters, that Black Dragon of Damnation is way scarier than the old geezer. And secondly, I was really just along for the ride.
Naminé: with who?
Larxene: (small smile and puts a finger to her lips) my secret.
She fades away, and they turn their attention to the man that brought them into this. Xemnas looks down on his hands, and knew he was done for.
Xemnas: bested...yet again...
Roxas: I'd say sorry, but I'd be lying. But tell me, if you have a heart, what do you feel? Was it worth it?
Xemnas: I feel...the emptiness where my companions once stood. I took them for granted. And now, I have...nothing. My first surge of emotion in years...for as long as I can remember... and it's...loneliness. Do you see? A heart is just pain.
Roxas: pain is being human, Xemnas.
Xemnas: (long pause) really? It must take... incredible strength...
He then fades away, and Naminé holds Roxas's hand in comfort. He gives a little squeeze, and the two hug. Now feeling free from their abusers, they knew they had to leave and find their friends.
*KAIRI*
Kairi wakes up to find herself where Luxord is. He's crouched down and dying, but has a smile on his face.
Luxord: you were all born for these sorts of games. Here, (throws a card to Kairi) when you see him again, give that to Sora.
Kairi: what's this?
Luxord: a wild card. You've all earned it. Tell him to hang on to it. Could turn the tables.
Kairi: let's play again someday, when we're just people.
Luxord: (chuckles) I should like that very much, Kairi.
As he fades away, she feels a pain in her heart. Kairi then realizes something terrible happened, and runs to find the others.
*RWBY*
Ruby wakes up to find her teammates helping her, as they and Chelsea look to see the horsemen. War, Famine, and Pestilence had their rings back and faded away, but Death stayed a bit.
Ruby: did it work?
Death: yes. The leash is broken, and we're free from their control.
Weiss: good for you.
Yang: sooo... What will you do now?
Death: now that I'm free, I'm going to collect Xehanort's soul. Then, back to work in keeping the natural order. Something you people keep messing with.
Weiss: s-sorry, sir.
Death: not as much as your speedster friend. Speaking off, you might want to go see him. Something tells me he really screwed himself this time.
Chelsea: (worried) what? What happened?
Death: it's not my problem, now. I know what will happen. And remember, my siblings and I are never far, are forever eternal, and one way or another, I'm the end to everything.
Blake: what will happen?
Death: it doesn't matter...
He disappears in a blink of an eye, and they girls knew something was wrong. They hurry to where Sora was.
*SORA*
With Sora, he was still crying at what happened. The others arrive, and knew something was wrong. Kairi runs over to Sora and saw tears down his face.
Kairi: Sora, what happened?
Riku: and where's Arc?
Sora: Arc's... gone.
Chelsea: (eyes widen) whaddaya mean "gone"? Where's my brother?
Goofy: Arc used the horsemens' rings and threw himself and Cronos through the portal.
Everyone: (shocked)
Sora: (crying) I tried to grab him. I tired to save him. But, I wasn't fast enough, and I lost. Chelsea... Ruby... I'm-
He was interrupted by a hug from Chelsea. She was angry that her brother took this move to save them. But, she knew the risks it came with this job. And, seeing Sora in pain, reminded her that despite what he's been through, he's still a kid. And, her big sister instincts were coming back to her.
Chelsea: don't say you're sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for.
Sora: but, why not? Arc's gone, and I tried to help and failed.
Chelsea: that's the toughest part about this job, Sora. Sometimes, not everyone can be saved. We loose people, and we have to carry that weight. But, I know Arc wouldn't blame you. And, we'll find him.
Ruby: Chelsea's right. (Places hand on her heart) I can feel it.
Kairi: so let's bring him home.
Sora's helped up, but they hear groaning, and looked to see the man that caused all this. The man who hurt them, tortured them, and made them loose so much, all in the sake of his so called destiny. However, when they see Xehanort's eyes, they were his original gray ones from when he was young.
Kairi: your eyes...
Xehanort: why... how...
Sora: it's over now! You lost!
Xehanort: (tries to stand) no, look... You're too late...
They look up to see both heart shaped moon and sun still open.
Goofy: are we really?
Donald: I don't know.
Sora: what's gonna happen?!
Xehanort: a purge... The World will be returned whence it started. The World began in darkness. And from that darkness came light. From the light came the people, and the people had hearts. Evil burgeoned in those hearts, begetting more darkness. And that darkness spread across the World like a plague. The light, the symbol of the World's hope, was devoured by shadow. Leaving nothing but ruin... An utter failure. But, the first light—the light of Kingdom Hearts—it can give us a new start. An empty World, pure and bright...
Sora: that's why you did all this? All the lives who suffered, all the people you murdered, was all just so you can restart the world!?
Xehanort: it was my destiny to do so.
Kairi: but not your decision to make.
Xehanort then grabs the X-Blade, plants it in the ground, and stands up, still weakened for the fight.
Xehanort: then whose was it? The World need someone to stand up and lead. Someone strong, to stop the weak from polluting the World with their endless darkness. Someone to dictate their destiny.
Riku: you don't get it, do you? The worlds aren't meant to be ruled over by one force, or one person. They're ruled by their own will and forces. Not yours.
Sora: and even if there was someone... you're not that person, Xehanort. A real leader knows that destiny is beyond his control...and accepts that.
He and Xehanort stare down at each other, when he suddenly smirks.
Xehanort: you...make me think of a couple of old friends.
Goofy: (looks up) look!
Everyone looks to see a keyhole opening u, and a single light flies down. When it lands, it materializes into Laura. The others are confused, and Xehanort is in shock.
Laura: don't worry. Kingdom Hearts and Dominion Souls are closing on the other side. I figured I could lend a hand. (Turns to Xehanort) why am I always the one cleaning up after you two?
Not understanding, the others watch as Terra approaches them. Aqua grabs his arm to stop him, but he gives her a reassuring look that means everything will be alright. Then, from Terra, he says a familiar quote from long ago.
Terra: there's more to light than meets the eye. As I told you.
Xehanort: (wide eye) you sly fox...
Laura: (smirks) you always were a trickster.
Terra then glows, and a heart comes out into the form of Master Eraqus. Aqua and Ven are shocked, and Eraqus holds his hand out.
Eraqus and Terra: now hand over the X-Blade, Xehanort.
Xehanort: it is too late.
Eraqua: for us, perhaps...but not for them.
Laura: those kids are our future. Maybe they're the ones to make the world a better place.
Xehanort: (holds sword up) no... I can do this.
Laura: (lowers the blade) it's time for the game to end.
Xehanort still tries, but Eraqus grabs one of the handles and lowers it too. Then, he places a hand on his shoulder.
Eraqus: enough. Checkmate.
*PAST*
With the game, the board was clear with only one piece left. That being the white king piece.
Eraqus: I told you that you might be surprised.
Xehanort: yeah, you got me.
Eraqus: huh? Really?
Xehanort: what?
Laura: you usually don't yield so easily.
Eraqus: yeah. You never admit it when you lose.
Xehanort: that's cause I never lose.
Laura: and now he's back.
Eraqus: oh, come on.
The three then share a laugh together.
Xehanort: good game today.
Eraqus: I try.
Xehanort: maybe I won't go as far as you.
Eraqus: huh?
Xehanort: (touches the piece) when the World needs a defender, they'll pick either of you two.
Eraqus: (nervous) y-you think?
Xehanort: but that doesn't mean that I can't be there for you.
Eraqus: yeah. And I'll be there for you.
Laura: and someone's gonna need to keep an eye on both of you.
*PRESENT*
Remembering that day, Xehanort finally stops. He walks over, gives Sora the X-Blade, and Sora slowly takes it. Eraqus then looks over at his three pupils, and knew he needed to make this right.
Eraqus: Terra, Aqua, Ven. Forgive your foolish teacher.
Not taking it anymore, the three run over and hug him, crying. After things ended badly last time, they feared they wouldn't be able to make things right. But, seeing him again, brought all those emotions back.
Eraqus: Ven, I put you through such a harrowing experience. And Aqua, I left you with such a heavy burden. Terra, look after them for me. Please.
Terra nods his head yes, and the three break the hug. Laura watches with a smile as she knew Eraqus raised them right. But, then notices that Death must be taking effect, as Xehanort nearly collapses until Eraqus grabs him.
Eraqus: (hoists arm over his shoulder) ready, my friend?
Xehanort: yes...
Laura: let's go.
The two master glow, and suddenly look like their younger selves. The three friends chuckle, and fades away. As they look for a moment, Kairi gave the card to Sora, telling him what Luxord told her. Now, there was one thing left to do. Together, with everyone's light, they closed Kingdom Hearts and Dominion Souls, restoring Scala back, and the X-Blade ceased to exist.
*KEYBLADE GRAVEYARD*
Everyone was back to where the blades were planted. They were looking out to the sky, seeing that after all the hard work, they stopped Xehanort. They won, but they were one person short.
Mickey: it's finally over.
Sora: (looks down) ...no.
Riku: (knowing what's he meant) we'll find Arcturus. Let's head back to Master Yen Sid. We can figure it out.
Sora: no, I know what to do.
Mickey: Sora...
Sora: (turns to them) his journey began the day our hearts connected to his. And since then...he's always put everyone's safety before others. I thought he'd finally be free of the burden he's carried. But he's out there, alone. (Determined) I'm bringing him home.
Donald: we'll go too!
Goofy: that's right!
Sora: thank you, Donald, Goofy. But this time, I have to go it alone.
Roxas: but, what about what Chirithy said?
Naminé: he's right. This could end badly.
Xion: and if you don't find Arc, you both will be gone.
Mickey: Sora, listen. The power of waking isn't to go chase hearts around! Even if you do locate Arcturus, you might never come home to us again.
Sora: (smiles) I will. And we'll both be back before you know it.
Mickey: please...
Ruby: Sora, you don't have to do this. We'll find another way.
Sora: I have to, Ruby. Because I know Arc would do the same. Don't you want to see him again?
Ruby: I do, but, I don't want to lose a friend, too.
It was after a moment, that they see he's not changing his mind. This was something they knew Arc would do no matter what. Riku and Kairi looked at each other, and knew which call to make.
Riku: let him go, Mickey.
Mickey: Riku...
Riku: his heart and mind are made up. Now, believe in him.
Mickey: (after a moment) yeah... Safe journey, Sora.
Sora: thank you. (Turns away)
Kairi: Sora, wait.
He turns to her, and she kisses him. For years, they've had feelings for one another, but we're too nervous to act on them. But, the dreamworld helped them with that, and they finally acted on them. After a moment of the two embracing, they depart, and Sora looks down to see the famous lucky charm, the keychain to forge Oathkeeper, in his hands.
Kairi: remember, no matter where you go, or how apart we are, we'll always be in each other's hearts. Use this to help guide your way back, and promise no matter what, you both will come home.
Sora: I promise, Kairi.
He turns back around, summons Kingdom Key, shoots a beam of light to the sky, and creates a keyhole. The others watch as he goes off one more time to find wherever the universe took Arcturus. The scene then transitions to the mural in Daybreak Town that focuses on Sora and Arc dead, and the two dragons falling. In the end, this one did come true, but more was to come.
Author's note: I know what you're thinking.
Before you get mad at me, I will say that this was the best way to introduce one of the 'secret episodes' this would have if it was a game. Don't worry, both our boys will come back, and everyone will get a happy ending. But, in order for the third book to work, I have to have a little tragic.
Both final battles happened. I will say I didn't find this one nearly as epic as the first book's, but I'm okay with that.
Arc's jump was the final decision. I kept jumping back and forth for a while on how I wanted to end this, until I came to a perfect way that would work.
Laura returns. I was never satisfied with the way how the others reacted to the reason why Xehanort did this. Because, you mean to tell me that the man who practically murdered people was really a hero? None of that! I remember seeing a passage on Facebook someone wrote that changed the dialogue that would've made it more satisfying. But, I can't find it anymore. Regardless, I hope this turned out okay.
Sora and Kairi kissed. They'll do it again before this story ends, but there's where the tragic comes in.
The next chapter will be the last main chapter, and then an epilogue.
Next chapter: Arc vs ???