Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction / Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Third Epic: Second Arch ❯ Challenge of Warriors ( Chapter 2 )

A Challenge of Warriors

 

The situation had turned against the KH team once again. Lu Bu had managed to take Jim Hawkins captive and took the map for himself. Sora and the others could do nothing to stop Lu Bu because of the individual who impeded their path. Standing Eagle, widely known as Osiris, prevented their attempt to pursue Lu Bu.

“Stand aside!” shouted Riku.

“I can't do that!” replied Osiris. “I have a goal to achieve! The goal of fulfilling our mission and sending the treasure back to the Empire!”

“We won't let you do that!” said Mickey.

“And what do you intend to do about it?!”-

“We intend to fight!” shouted Sora.

“Sorry, my friend.” Osiris uttered. “But I can't permit you to do that.”

“Why not?”-

“Because I know for a fact that you wouldn't stand a chance against me.”-

“Is that so?”-

“I'm afraid that's the reality.” Osiris began to increase his power. The more power unleashed, the stronger the wind became. The KH team was starting to lose ground. “You've seen what I'm capable of doing. That should be the first clue that you stand no chance against the likes of me.”-

“Well, we won't know unless we try!”-

“You can try all you want, Sora. But even your strong will to endure would not be enough to withstand the true power of the wind master.”-

“Then, I'll take you up on that!” Sora sheathed his sword and stepped forward towards the shinobi. Pointing his finger at the ninja he announced his intention. “Osiris! I challenge you to a one on one duel!”

“Sora!” Riku protested. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“Don't worry about it, Riku!” Sora chuckled. “I can do it! If you can engage in a one on one fight, then I can do the same too!”

“But this isn't a game, Sora!”-

“I know, but I also want to face at least one of these guys in a one on one fight. Besides, you got to fight Anubis one on one. Now, it's my turn.”-

“This is not a contest of egos, Sora! This is serious! The only reason why I fought Anubis one on one was because we had another mission to fulfill! And that was to stop those mobile dolls from destroying the Earth and ZAFT!”-

“This predicament is the same.” Sora walked up to Riku and whispered. “The reason why I do this is so while I'm fighting Osiris, you and the others go and rescue Jim. We can't have Lu Bu gain access to the treasure.”

“I guess you're right, Sora. But this guy's strength is incredible. He makes Anubis look like a joke.”-

“Don't worry, Riku. I can handle him. Just have faith in me.”-

There was a silence between to two boys as each looked into each others eyes.

“Alright.” Riku uttered. “I leave the situation to you.”

“Thanks, Riku.” Sora replied, hugging his best friend.

“OK! OK! Don't get all mushy over me!”-

 

Sora turned to confront Osiris and pointed his finger towards the shinobi once again.

“Well, Osiris?!” shouted Sora, gleefully. “What do you say?! Will you accept my challenge?!” But Osiris began to laugh maniacally.

“You fool!” he chuckled. “Do you think me for a simpleton?! I know what it is you're planning! By challenging me to a one on one duel, you're stalling time for your friends! While you and I fight, they will go ahead and stop Lu Bu from gaining access to Flint's Trove! And by fighting me one on one, your friends will save a lot of time and effort when it comes to the upcoming battle with Lu Bu!”

“So I take it that you're not going to accept my challenge?”-

“Are you kidding! I'd love to fight you one on one! Two warriors fight to the death! I like that! Besides, if I know Lu Bu, you'll need all the strength you can muster!” He walked up to Sora. “I accept your challenge, Sora!”

“Alright!” Sora turned to his friends. “OK guys! Time for you to go and get Jim and the map back from that monster!”

“We gotcha!” said Mickey. “Let's go!”

“Oh...uh...here.” said Goofy, handing a senzu bean to Sora. “You might need it just in case.”

“Thanks Goofy.” Sora uttered.

“Are you sure you're alright with this?” asked Riku.

“I'm sure.”-

“You take care of yourself, alright?” Riku placed his hand on Sora's shoulder. Sora took hold of his hand.

“I will. I'll come back alive.”-

Riku nodded his head. Then turning towards the others, he gave the signal to advance.

“OK, you guys!” he ordered. “Mickey, Donald, Goofy! Get the gummi ship fired up and let's track down, Lu Bu!”

“Right!” they replied. Riku turned to Delbert, Silver, and B.E.N.

“Well, don't just stand there, get in!”-

“Yes!” replied Delbert. “Right away!”

“Oh Boy!” shouted B.E.N. “We're gonna go on a trip! We're gonna go on a trip!”

“Shut your noise, you!” said Silver, grabbing the mechanical man and pulling him into the gummi ship. “We have treasure to find!”

Riku stepped into the ship, looking back at Sora who now confronted the next of the Cavendish Shinobis all on his own.

“Stay alive, Sora. That's all I'm hoping for.”-

The doors on the gummi ship closed and the Leviathan, hovering in the air with its immensely loud boosters, continued on its way to find Lu Bu, leaving the two duelists to battle on the grassy field.

“So it comes down to you and me then.” said Sora.

“Let us begin our little match.” Osiris replied.

“If you don't mind, because I'm in bit of a hurry, can we skip the warm up?”-

“You won't be going anywhere if your dead though. So don't jump the gun just yet.”-

“Pardon me. But it won' be me that'll be dying today.”-

“We'll see about that.” Osiris began to power up with incredible speed. The winds began to blow around him. But still Sora didn't flinch. “I take no pleasure in killing a worthy opponent.”

 

Meanwhile, Lu Bu had stopped for a while, dropping Jim on the ground. Jim, still unconscious remained motionless on the ground.

“Get up boy!” Lu Bu shouted. “Open up that map and lead me to the loot of a thousand worlds!”

“Why...should I?” Jim uttered, staggering to his feet. But Lu Bu picked him up by the throat.

“You'll do it if you value your life.”-

“If you kill me, then you'll never see single coin, or jewel of that treasure.”-

“I could care less on whether you lived, or died. The fact of the matter is, even if you die, the Empire will chart this planet in and out and will search every square inch until the treasure is found. So your death would be in vain.” Lu Bu threw Jim to the ground. “Besides, death is eternity. And I don't think you want to spend the rest of eternity in death do you?!” Jim, having no other choice in the matter, began to unlock the maps code.

“No Jim!” a voice cried out. “Don't do it!”

Jim and Lu Bu looked up to see the Leviathan coming in for a landing. From the descending gummi ship, Riku landed onto the ground. Presenting himself before Jim and Lu Bu, he drew his sword at the giant warrior.

“Well, you guys are more resourceful than I expected.” said Lu Bu. “But your efforts to track us down was in vain. If you insist on getting in my way, then I have no option but to kill you.”

“You're not going to go any further.” said Riku. “This fight is between you and me.”

“Us too!” shouted Mickey as he and others landed safely on the ground. “We can't let you fight this guy on your own, Riku!”

“He's right.” added Goofy. “`All for one and one for all' as we always say.”

“We'll fight him together.” said Donald.

“Jim are you OK?” asked Delbert, running to his friend. Jim slowly rose to his feet. “You're not hurt are you?”

“Not really.”-

“You best be gettin' to safety, Jimbo.” uttered Silver. “This is no place for you to be. Stay out of harm until we win this thing.”

“But why?”-

“What would the point be in us trekking all the way here if you died? You're the only one who can open the map, my boy.”-

“He has a good point there, Jim.” added Delbert. “It's best that we observe this fight from a safe distance.”

“What about you, Silver?” asked Jim.

“Don't you be worrying about me.” Silver replied. “I'll stay here and battle this here ruffian.”

“Silver.” said Riku. “I suggest you stay behind and protect Jim.”

“But I'm going to fight! I have to take revenge for what he did to me crew! I won't just let him...!”

“But if something happens to us, then you will be the only one that stands in the way of the treasure and Lu Bu. I leave Jim and Dr. Doppler in your care.”-

“Very well then.” Silver turned to his comrades. “Alright you two, let's get out of here.”

 

“OK.” said Jim. The three retreated to the rear while Riku and the others stayed to confront the mighty Lu Bu. Lu Bu only chuckled silently to himself.

“You worthless fodder.” he uttered. “You've stayed behind to fight me then? You've made a terrible mistake, my friends. A terrible mistake!”

“It is you who's made the terrible mistake.” said Riku. “You're outnumbered now and we don't have to hold back any further without anyone else, besides us four, getting hurt.”

“Don't think that there's safety in numbers here. I could take on twelve of you.”-

“We'll just see about that.”-

“Fodder! Come an die!” Lu Bu suddenly rushed the group. “And don't hold back! The one thing I can't tolerate the most is when my opponents don't take me seriously!”

“Don't you worry about that!”-

“Let's get him!” shouted Mickey. The four attacked with great ferocity, but Lu Bu only brushed them aside with his pike like insects. Still, the KH team attacked with all they had.

“We four members of the Kingdom Hearts group will put an end to your tyranny!” said Donald.

“You shall feel the might of our steel!” added Mickey.

“Let's get him!” shouted Goofy. “Come on!”

“Heh! You dogs are all bark and no bite!” chuckled Lu Bu. “Pitiful! Can you do no better than this?!”

“I'll show you!” shouted Riku.

The continued with the KH team attacking the brutish warrior head on. The grand fighter however brushed his attackers off if they were flies. Simultaneously, they assaulted him, and each time, Lu Bu stood their attacks.

 

 

In the meantime, Sora and Osiris were duking it out in an impressive confrontation of skill and strength. Osiris, acting as a shinobi, eluded Sora's sight and attacked him when he least expected it. Sora was continuously on his guard, dodging and deflecting any attack thrown by Osiris.

“Come now, Sora!” said Osiris. “I was hoping for a real fight, not a side show!”

Again Osiris went on the prowl, attacking Sora when he least suspected it. Sora dodged again when the shinobi charged him again.

“This guy is tougher than I thought.” Sora thought to himself. “No! I can't allow myself to be intimidated by him. I'll just allow him to show himself off for a while.”

Again the shinobi attacked with great swiftness, descending upon Sora from behind. Sora turned again, only to be pummeled by the shinobi again.

“I have to somehow strike him when he least expects it.” Sora thought. “The only way I can strike him when he goes on the offensive is to stand still and keep myself open.”

Sora instead decided to stand still, opening himself to any attack. Osiris saw this and suspected that Sora was expecting him to attack.

“Won't work on me!!” he chuckled. Osiris deployed a whirlwind and launched it against Sora. Sora suddenly saw himself caught in a vortex of strong winds. The twister pummeled him around in its funnel before diminishing into the atmosphere, dropping the young warrior onto the ground. Sora slowly rose to his feet.

“Well, I didn't see that one coming.” he uttered to himself.

 

“What did you think of that?” asked Osiris. “Not bad I have to say.” Sora slowly stood up to face Osiris. “Listen Sora. I'm starting to get a little bit bored with this. Now, since I am the chivalrous type, I'll make a deal with you. Now, I won't kill you, but if you manage to get at least three effective strikes on me, then I'll withdraw from this fight. You see in my entire career as a member of the Cavendish Shinobis, no one has ever managed to hit me once. So, if you manage to get at least three hits on me, I will diminish myself and withdraw from this battle.”

“But why would you make such a deal? You have a mission to fulfill don't you?”-

“But that doesn't mean that I can't have any fun in the process. By offering you this challenge, I could see where you stand in strength.”-

“Alright then. I accept your challenge and I'll show you just how powerful I can be! I'll be the first one to ever strike you down!”-

“That's right, Sora! Keep telling yourself that! Boost your confidence! Just don't cry when you lose! We keep fighting until you're drained of all your strength! Just be grateful that I'm not in a bad mood today and have decided to let you live with your humiliation of defeat rather than taking your life!”-

“Enough talking!”-

Sora began his run again, but once more the shinobi evaded and dodged Sora, eluding him for a further round.

“He's calm.” Sora thought to himself. “Too calm. Why is it that he's so calm? Could it be that he has nothing to fear from me?” Just then, Osiris emerged again before the young warrior, hovering in the air as if taunting him.

“Tell me, Sora. This girl you fight for, is she really worth going through all this trouble?” asked Osiris.

“Kairi is always worth fighting for!” Sora replied.

“Don't you see the bigger picture though. A universe is on the verge of destruction, but you only care about a girl.”-

“Both the universe and Kairi are worth saving! What are you getting at anyway?!”-

“If you were to choose one, which would you fight for? Would you fight for one you love so dearly, or would you fight for a million faces which you don't know?”-

“Well, I would...”-

“If you choose to fight for that one person you love, then you have chosen a weak motive. A cause that is insignificant to everything else.”-

“The cause to save Kairi is not insignificant!” said Sora. “She is all the world to me! And that is worth fighting for!”

“So, you're saying that you're willing to sacrifice a million innocent strangers for the sake of one person? Now tell me, do you think that's logical?!”-

“Stop it! Be quiet!”-

Suddenly, Osiris appeared behind Sora and deployed what looked like crescent shaped objects at the keybearer. Sora dodged the attacks, but realized that even though the objects passed by harmlessly, they still managed to create cuts on his face.

“Did you like that attack?” asked Osiris. “That's just one of my minor attacks that I like to call Wind Shurikens. They are actually composed of compressed air which has been accelerated to an incredible speed. With the proper air pressure and the right amount of speed, the wind develops a cutting edge. As you can see, the results have had some rather severe consequences.”

Sora wiped his face of the blood and rubbed it between his fingers.

“Who am I dealing with?” Sora said to himself. “I have to watch out for this guy. He may try something like that a second time.”

 

“Tell me, Sora! Is this really what you want, to suffer so much for the sake of a loved one?!”

“Silence you!” Sora demanded. “I don't like the way you're bad mouthing Kairi!”

“You must be her lover then.”-

“We're just friends! But she's a friend who'd I be willing to fight and die for! I'd do the same for all my friends!”-

“Really! Then, why don't you focus on the issue at hand! While we stand here talking, your other friends are probably being severely injured in the fight against Lu Bu! Can you hear their screams?! I can! They desperately need you!”-

“Don't let him fool you!” Sora said to himself.

“Tell me! What is it that you really want out of all this?! Affection?! Unity?!”-

“I just want to be together with all my friends! As far as I know, Kairi is alone and frightened wherever she is! I have to rescue her!”-

“You fight for a weak cause! You fight for the sake of a friend, who would in the near future forget about everything that you've done for her!”-

“That's not true!”-

“Human ignorance is painful! She'll eventually forget your efforts! She only wishes for you to save her, but when you finally do, you'll only be given a pat on the back and things will go back to what they were! And all your efforts would eventually diminish out of their memories! That's what people always do! They always forget! Always remain ungrateful for the suffering and efforts that others have gone through just for them!”

“Shut up!”-

“But why?! That is the reality, Sora!”-

“I said shut up!” He attacked with great ferocity, but the shinobi easily evaded.

“Try this on!” Osiris lunged forth with a new attack. A powerful sound wave bellowed forth, knocking Sora off his feet. He could feel as the air was blew passed him as he fell to the ground. Sora slowly staggered, seeing the shinobi glaring at him like a vulture.

“As I said before, the cause you fight for has weak motivations.” said Osiris. “As we stand here fighting, thousands of other worlds are falling victim to the Empire. You say that you are willing to protect the masses as well as your friends, but in reality you can only look after one, or the other. Delay in trying to save those people, and you increase the chances that your friend should suffer. The same happens to the masses if you brush them aside to save a friend. But it's the way this universe works, to help one, you must forsake the other.”

“Is my cause so insignificant?” Sora began to question himself. “Have I neglected the reality of the situation, hoping that everything will be alright?” Sora pounded his fist on the ground. “No! I'm not wrong! My cause isn't insignificant! I am protecting someone! I may not be able to protect all people, but I can at least save one!” Sora stood up, his sword in his hand gleaming in the bright sun. “I am not wrong! My cause is worth fighting for! I fight to protect a loved one! That is a cause that is always worth fighting and dying for!”

“But that cause is rendered meaningless if your strive so hard only fail in the end! To see those loved one's of yours die and you're not able to do anything about it! As far as you know, that girl is dead!”-

“You're wrong! You're wrong!”-

 

Sora attacked the shinobi in blind fury. The two grappled violently against each other, but it was clear that Osiris had the upper hand over Sora. He deployed several other wind attacks to repel and anger Sora. Sora, still determined to point out that Osiris was wrong, continued his assault that were many times in vain. Sora hadn't even touched his opponent, let alone delivered a severe blow. It became crystal clear that delivering three blows would not be as easy as Sora expected.

“That's right! She's dead now! They killed her! And the worst part is that you never even knew it!” Osiris continued to mock. “There's nothing you can do against me!”

“Stop talking!” shouted Sora. But again as he lunged at Osiris with his sword, Osiris kneed him in the gut. Sora fell to the ground in pain, his sword falling close by his side.

“I can't believe that you and your friends were the ones who took out Isis, Horus, and Anubis.” Osiris uttered in sheer disappointment. “I thought I was gonna fight a warrior that was strong in heart, mind, and body, but I was wrong and a fool to get my hopes up on a climactic battle with the legendary keybearer. You are a waste of my time Sora. Just as your time is wasted on trying to save a girl.”

“I don't understand it.” Sora thought. “How is this guy beating me? I can predict his every move, but I can't seem to coordinate myself very well.” It then dawned on Sora on how Osiris was able to gain such a great advantage over him. “That's it. I know how he does it.”

“What's the matter, Sora?” said Osiris in a sarcastic manner. “You giving up already?! What a waste of my time alright! I shouldn't have agreed to a one on one fight with you! You are just a pathetic excuse for a warrior! I can't believe I put such much high faith in you!”

But Sora stood up and sighed. He shook his head and smirked.

“You just don't get it do you.” he uttered.

“What do you mean?” the shinobi asked.

“You don't know what it truly means to fight.”-

“You dare to lecture me about a cause.”-

“At least I'm fighting to protect someone I love. You however, fight for a cause that erupts all worlds into chaos. You fight for the sake of your own selfish gain. Isn't that right?”-

“And what if it is?”-

“What exactly are you fighting for, Osiris?”-

“For the sake of the Empire. To assure that it rules over all worlds.”-

“But once you achieve that, what would you have accomplished for yourself? Would you be satisfied with the result?”-

“If it is to end the chaos, then I fight with my full body and soul.”-

“But chaos can never fully be extinguished so long as there are two who are able to start a conflict.”-

“But that will change with the coming of total domination over all worlds by the Dark Empire!”-

“But what have you gained? Have you gained happiness? Have you gained a sense of justice? Would you truly be satisfied with the thought of the Dark Empire taking over everything? If the Dark Empire succeeds, then the lifestyle of many people will die!”-

Suddenly, Osiris was struck by a memories of old, when he was still a young boy. He envisioned his father, his mother, his family. Then suddenly, chaos and blood entered his mind. Images which flashed in his mind in split seconds, coming down on him like rain.

“Is that what you really want?!” Sora continued. “Do you really want to see the destruction of all other cultures for the sake of unification?!”

Once again, the two remained at a stand off. Sora however found the worth of his cause. Now it was Osiris who questioned his cause. The table of battle had now turned in Sora's favor.

 

At the same time, Riku and the others continued their battle against the mighty Lu Bu. Lu Bu, a warrior of exceptional strength, did not easily falter when confronted by the KH group. His heavy armor and large pike made him a force to be reckoned with. And because his body had been conditioned to bear such heavy equipment, it was easy for him to move about with ease. Riku and the others eventually lost ground and had to withdraw from the fight to regain their stamina.

They stood in a group gasping for breath. The fight had taken a lot of strength out of them.

“Alright.” said Mickey. “Where did we lose control of this fight.”

“Maybe someone should tell him that we're the good guys.” added Donald. “This is not how it's supposed to happen.”

“It doesn't work that way.” Riku uttered. “Up to this point, we've been attacking him one at a time, simultaneously. What we need to do is attack him from different directions at the same time.”

“But we would risk putting each other in danger.”-

“Then we'll have to be careful won't we.”-

“Are you sure about this, Riku?”-

“What other choice do we have.”-

“I'm willing to try it.” said Goofy.

“Me too.” added Mickey.

“Then, let's go for it!” Riku replied.

The four ran about and surrounded Lu Bu from all sides. Lu Bu gazed at each of his opponents.

“Planning to attack me from different directions at the same time, I see.” he uttered to himself. “When will you ever learn.”

“Let's get him!!” cried Riku. The four attack from their positions at the same time, but Riku realized that Lu Bu was only smirking.

“Why even try!” shouted Lu Bu. He suddenly pounded his foot on the ground and a powerful sonic boom blew his attackers away. Riku and the others went flying through the air, landing fifty yards away from Lu Bu. Riku managed to regain his stance and jumped to his feet. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy on the other hand fell straight on their faces.

“Did anyone get the number of that rig?” Mickey groaned.

“That was no rig.” Donald uttered. “That was a freight train.”

“Well whatever it was, it certainly knocked the wind out of us.”-

“Mickey! Donald! Goofy! Are you guys alright?!” Riku shouted.

“We're alright!” Mickey replied.

“Oooh! Look at all the pretty stars!” Goofy uttered, as a ring of stars hovered over his head.

“You're lucky!” said Donald. “You got stars! All I got were stupid birds!” The ring of birds still flew around Donald's head before he had to forcibly shoo them away. “Will you get out of here you stupid birds!”

“Come on guys!” shouted Riku. “We gotta keep going!”

 

“Let's get him again!” shouted Mickey. He and Riku attacked Lu Bu head on, but Lu Bu once again pounded his foot into the ground. This time, Riku and Mickey were ready, bracing themselves for impact. However, the blast still managed to break their stance. Riku regained his stamina, but as he did he realized that Lu Bu was coming straight for him. Lu Bu struck at Riku, making severe blows with his pike. With a sudden swipe of the pike, the warrior caused Riku to fly through the air a hundred yards before tumbling on the ground.

“How do you like that attack?!” chuckled Lu Bu.

“Riku!!” cried Mickey. “Are you alright?!”

Lu Bu began to walk over to where Riku was, but Mickey and the others ran and stood in his path.

“Don't go any closer to him!” said Donald.

“Do ya think we can stop him all by ourselves?” asked Goofy.

“I don't know.”-

“We have to try.” said Mickey. “We have to fight him off.”

“If you value your lives, stand down!” Lu Bu shouted.

“We can't and we won't! We intend to fight and defeat you, Lu Bu! We won't run away!”-

“Then, you're making a big mistake!”-

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy took their stance and prepared to battle the giant. But Riku suddenly made his way in front of them.

“Riku?” uttered Goofy.

“What are you doing Riku?” asked Donald.

“I'm going to fight.” uttered Riku

“But you're hurt.”-

“At least that's one fatality. I don't want to gain anymore.”-

“What do you mean?”-

“I want you guys to withdraw from this fight. I'll take Lu Bu on myself.”-

“You can't!” said Goofy.

“Yeah!” added Mickey. “You'll be killed!”

“Please let me do this.” Riku uttered. “Have faith in me.”

“But why do you want to face him alone?”-

“In reality, I can't fight without having to worry about your safety too.”-

“But we're all in the same predicament.”-

“We're a team, Riku!” said Goofy. “And we're gonna stick by you to the bitter end.”

“Are you guys really willing to do that?” said Riku. “But what if the worst were to happen? If we fall today, who would continue the quest for find Kairi and stop the Empire's expansion?”

“He has a point.” said Mickey. “Alright Riku. I see what you're driving at.” Mickey withdrew his keyblade and began to fall back. “Goofy, Donald, let's retreat for now.”

“But your Majesty?” uttered Donald.

“It would serve no purpose to die today. Riku can handle himself if we believe in him.”-

“Gawrsh.” said Goofy. “Are we doing the right thing?”

“Riku will win. We just have to believe.”-

“Alright.” Donald replied.

“OK, Riku. He's all yours.”-

“Thanks Mickey.”-

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy withdrew to a safe distance, joining Jim Hawkins and the others who were watching the fight from behind a line of trees, a hundred yards away. Riku took his sword and held it before him.

 

“Now, it's just the two of us.” Riku uttered.

“Attacking alone?” said Lu Bu. “What are you stupid?”-

“Stupid, or not. I can't allow you to harm my companions any further.”-

“Putting all the burden's weight on your shoulders, eh?! You're brave! I'll give you that much!” Lu Bu drew his pike and lashed it out before Riku. “But do you really dare to stand against the mighty Lu Bu?!”-

“You'll pay for all the suffering you caused! Today, I will cause your downfall!”-

“Just keep barking!”-

The two made their stances, ready to continue in a one on one fight. Riku's face sweated from the anxiety, but he held his ground. Now he stood alone against this most legendary of Chinese warriors.

“Sora.” Riku uttered to himself. “I hope you're having better luck than I am.”

 

 

Luck had been gained in Sora's favor as he managed to find the soft spot which caused emotional sensitivity within Osiris. Something had been triggered by Sora because now Osiris was now the one who felt insecure. This was painfully obvious now due to the slight shift in accuracy and timing in Osiris's attacks.

“What's the matter with him?” Sora thought to himself. “He's slightly slower than he was before. What's wrong with him.”

“I am not wrong.” Osiris uttered to himself. “I do this for the good of the universe. To assure that all worlds will be under the control of the Dark Empire. But if I were to fulfill that, I would be...” flashbacks began to appear in his head, further nullifying Osiris's ability to stay focused. “...be no different.”

“What's wrong with you?!” said Sora. “Why all of a sudden, are you losing your grip?!”

“Shut your noise!” shouted Osiris. “Don't change the fact that we're still enemies and still in combat!”

“What?!”-

“I'll win this! I am a warrior! I have no remorse for my enemies, or my opponents!”-

Osiris attacked Sora head on, swooping down from the sky. But Sora saw the attack and reacted in time. Using his Stopga spell, he paralyzed Osiris for a period of seconds, but it was enough time to land his first effective strike. With his sword still sheathed, Sora struck Osiris in the gut, forcing the shinobi to pummel to the ground. The ninja slowly arose, his face displaying an expression of shock and anger. He stood on his feet and turned towards Sora sneering.

“No one has ever done that to me!” he growled.

“Well, there's always a first!” Sora replied. “And as far as I know, that was hit number one! Two more hits and you withdraw from this fight!”

“Well, I'll be sure not to distract myself this time!”-

Osiris began to use after images, attempting to distract Sora and hopefully put him of guard. Osiris hovered around like a ghost around the young keybearer. However, his emotional stress was still present for his movements were not as consistent as before.

“There's something wrong.” Sora thought to himself. “Is he doing this on purpose? Is he deliberately allowing me to see his movements? I wonder what's going through his head?!”

 

Suddenly, Osiris assaulted Sora again, but his strike was predicted by Sora and he was able to avoid the attack of the ninja. Once again, as Osiris passed by, Sora took the sheath of his sword and struck him at the back of the neck. Osiris once again fell to the ground, tumbling to the dirt causing clouds of dust to accumulate in the atmosphere. Sora backed off, allowing the shinobi to rise to his feet again. By this time, Osiris's expression was that of pure rage.

“That bastard!” he uttered. “He's making a mockery of me! He's laughing at me!”

“Osiris.” Sora uttered. “I can't help think that there's some sort of nagging feeling at the back of you mind.”

“Don't you dare to presume such a notion!” shouted Osiris.

“What's gotten in to you? You were so calm and confident only a few minutes ago. But now all of a sudden, you're acting sluggishly as if you don't want to fight me. What's going on Osiris? Or should I say Standing Eagle.”

“Don't you dare utter my birth name!” shouted Osiris. “Don't you dare unleash the human side of me! In battle, I am ruthless and bloodthirsty!”

“But from what I can see, you're not the type who enjoys killing! Otherwise, you would have killed me already!”-

“Don't you dare assume what I won't do!” Osiris began to accumulate his power to the max. The wind had grown intense now, blowing Sora off his feet. “This time, I finish you!”

He suddenly unleashed a powerful twister, at least and F5. The twister went charging at Sora, pulling him into the vortex. Sora was spun around violently in the twister. Osiris suddenly deployed his wind shurikens and sent them into the vortex. The shurikens began to tear and cut at Sora and the young warrior could only scream in agony as he felt the sting of each shuriken when they gut his flesh.

“No!” Sora cried. “I won't go like this!” Unsheathing his sword, he deployed his Graviga spell. The intense gravity pulled the powerful twister to the ground, diminishing it completely. Sora landed on the ground dropping his sword by his side. But he then saw Osiris suddenly attack him head on.

“This time, you go down for good!!” shouted Osiris. “I change my mind! Because of what you have done to me, I will kill you!!”

Sora took the sheath and struck at Osiris. At the same time, Osiris launched a powerful wind punch. So both combatants were knocked of their feet. But Sora went down with a smile.

“That's three.” he uttered, before hitting the ground. He lay there battered and bleeding. His body had grown heavy and his breathing had labored itself.

“You think that this is over?” Osiris said, as he crawled to Sora. “I intend to kill you and I will!” He straddled himself onto Sora's stomach and lashed his finger around his throat, choking the keybearer. Sora tried to grasp his arms, attempting to resist. His legs thrashed about mildly. “Die Sora! Die!”

“Don't do this...” Sora uttered, but was gagged by the pressure of Osiris's fingers wrapped around his throat. “Please...don't do this...”

“I'll strangle you!” shouted Osiris, with a sinister look on his feet. Sora began to lose consciousness.

“I've come so far...” said Sora to himself. “But only to have it end here...” Tears began to pour from his eyes. Osiris saw these tears in his victim's eyes and slowly began to release Sora. Osiris suddenly began to cry and fell upon Sora, hid head landing on Sora's chest. His fingers released Sora's throat and Sora began to cough and gasp harshly for air.

“I can't...” Osiris said. “I can't do it...” He got off of Sora and closed himself in a ball. Sora slowly arose and kneeled by the ninja.

 

“Why didn't you finish me like you said you were going to?” asked Sora.

“Because you had that same look in your eye as my father did.” Osiris replied.

“Your father?”-

“It's a long story. I don't want to talk about it.”-

“Tell me.”-

“I don't want to talk about it!!” Osiris pushed Sora away and turned his back, but Sora persisted.

“I might be able to help you.”-

“You can't help me! Just kill me! Let me die!”-

“Why would you want me to do that?!”-

“I want to join my family!”-

“Tell me!” Sora kneeled in front of the warrior.

“If I tell you, will you kill me?!”-

Sora hesitated, but nodded his head, agreeing to fulfill Osiris's request.

“Tell me.”-

 

“I remember every detail.” Osiris began. “I was and am still a member of the Lakota Sioux. My family and I were returning to the Sioux reservation in South Dakota, to rejoin the rest of our clan. It was my mother, my father, my older brother and sister, and my grandmother. We had returned from a nearby white settlement, doing trade at the local market. We had been shunned from that settlement and the white man scorned to see us there. To prevent a confrontation, we left the town heading back to the rest of our tribe. But when we were nearing our homelands, we were suddenly harassed by rogue soldiers. `Filthy heathens' they called us. They began to harass us, threaten us, and disturb the tranquility of the morning. I could remember the look on my family's faces as the soldiers began to look about the camp sight we made. They ravaged our teepee and threw out belongings about like trash. Then suddenly, one of the soldiers began to sexually approach my mother, but my father would not allow it. With his concealed knife, he struck the soldier in the gut. The soldier fell dying, but the others immediately retaliated. They shot my father, wounding him in the leg. My mother, grandmother, sister, and brother tried to stop the soldiers, but they shot my family point blank. My father wrapped himself around me, gazing down at me. That's when I remembered seeing that sparkle in his eyes. He was crying and I have never seen my father cry before. `Stay alive' he said to me. `Take revenge for what they've done to us, but remember to attack ruthlessly only those who did you injustice.' Then, there was a gunshot and my father toppled over me, still crouching. I remained still as the soldiers took what they needed and rode away. When the coast was clear, I emerged from my father's arms to see my whole family dead on the ground. I grew angry and sword revenge. But little did I know that a soldier still dwelled there. He found me and chased me through the plains. He suddenly caught up with me and threw me to the ground. Taking out his pistol, he dared to shoot me. But suddenly, a figure appeared and slew the soldier. I gazed up to see him, General Kai of the Cavendish Shinobis. `Come with me and I will teach you how to exact your revenge' he told me. And so I went with him and he gave me to power of wind. I mastered the element and perfected its effectiveness. At the same time, I was taught psychology and I was fascinated with it. I used it in battle effectively, causing my opponents to lose focus, or suffer emotional distress. I never thought that it would be used against me like this. Years later, I took my revenge and killed those who killed my family. But these same soldiers had long since retired from their military careers. Still, I exacted my revenge for my family and killed these men. But the eyes I saw, they were the same as my father when he died. When explaining it to General Kai he told me `If you wish to halt this bloodshed entirely, you must unify all people. That is what we are trying to do, Standing Eagle. If we can unify all worlds, we can end this chaos. Go and kill all who oppose us. Cause their blood to spill on the ground and let people see its tragedy. Once they realize this, they will cease resistance and halt their ways of blood. Unify this universe for the greatness of the Empire.' And that is what I did. But as time passed, I realized that people had died and yet nothing changed. I continued to see that spark and I could never kill without a sense of remorse, or regret. `Keep all life sacred' my father told me `whether they be friend, or foe, never forsake them.' But I could not leave the ranks of the Empire because I had made it my home. But my home had turned to a path where it is responsible for causing the great amount of suffering. That is why I fight and kill. But I can't take it anymore. I can't kill people for the sake of a cause. But I can't withdraw from the place I have already dubbed as my home.”

Tears now rushed down Osiris's face in torrents. His face turned red with sadness. He suddenly felt Sora place his hand on his shoulder.

“Thank you for telling me.” Sora uttered.

“You said that you would kill me.” the young man uttered. “You promised.”

“But do you really want me to kill you when you have so much to repent for? Do you really think your father would want you to die without having you live your life in the way both you and he intended? You may not be able to change everything that's happened, but you can make up for it. Make up for the lives you took. It's very easy to kill yourself and end it all. It's much harder to keep on living.”

“Sora, I...”-

“If you ever need someone to talk to, you always have us.”-

“You?”-

“General Kai only wishes to have you as a disposable pawn. If you lose your sense of purpose, he will reject you. But if you consider us as you friends, we'll never abandon you.”-

Osiris began to cry heavily, throwing his face into Sora's lap. Sora placed his hand on Osiris's head and patted him gently.

“It'll be alright.” said Sora. “It'll be alright.”

Helping Osiris to his feet, Sora picked up his sword and drew it back into the sheath. He then began to walk away.

“Where are you going?” asked Osiris.

“I also have friends who need my help. If you would like to tag along, I'll be happy to have you.”-

“No.” Osiris said, wiping his eyes of tears. “I need to have time to myself to think right now.”

“Alright then.” said Sora. “Then take care of yourself...Standing Eagle.”

Osiris could only watch as Sora disappeared into the distance. Stoking the eagle feathers hanging from his hair, presents from his father, he pondered about his path.

“My father said he'd place these feathers upon my head when I was older.” he thought to himself. “I placed these feathers on my head to make him proud of me. But because of the path I've taken, am I unworthy to wear these in his honor. Father, mother, I will choose the correct path and find my own truth.” He sat down on the green grass and lifted his knees to his chin. With a heavy heart, the young Sioux warrior wept in sadness.

 

 

The Mighty Lu Bu

 

The battle continued on as Riku went one on one with the mighty warrior Lu Bu. However, Lu Bu was not one to be easily thwarted as he easily predicted every move Riku made. The power he accumulated was intolerable. Using the massive pike to do most of the damage, he swung away at Riku relentlessly.

“What's wrong, Riku?!” said Lu Bu. “Not going as smoothly as you had expected?!”

Riku lunged forward striking Lu Bu with one of his swift attacks, but the impact of the assault had no effect on Lu Bu. Due to the heavy armor he wore, Lu Bu was arms much like a tank. And because he was used to the weight, Lu Bu could glide in the armor as if on air, which explained the easy retaliatory strikes he inflicted on Riku.

“You should consider yourself lucky!” chuckled Lu Bu. “Lucky that I haven't withdrawn the protective case from my blade! Your body might be able to withstand hits from the blunt blade, but it would never be able to stand up to the impact of my polished blade!”

“You mean, you haven't been using your sharpened blade?” asked Riku. Looking up at the Maelstrom, he realized that is was a black case with covered the entire blade.

“If I had decided to take this fight seriously, I would've used the full extent of my blade's strength by revealing the sharpened edge of this pike!” Lu Bu swung his blade over his head and then stopped it just behind him. “However, I don't have to take this fight seriously because as far as I'm concerned, you are no threat to me whatsoever!”

“He's right.” Riku thought to himself. “What is I can't beat him? What if fighting him one on one was a mistake? If I can't reach his level of strength in the battle, then that means I'm finished here!” But Riku pounded his fist into the ground. “No! I can't die when I still have so far to go! I won't let anyone get in my way! No even this guy!”

Riku drew up his sword and began to charge Lu Bu. Slow at first, but he began to accelerate his speed within seconds and now was charging Lu Bu at full speed.

“You still don't get it do you?!” shouted Lu Bu. He raised his pike over his head and swung it down, with incredible speed, onto the ground. The Impact of the pike caused a powerful sonic boom to erupt, blowing Riku away. Riku fell to the ground, but while in mid air, Lu Bu made his attack. Swinging his blade over his head, he simultaneously struck at Riku as he fell to the ground. Then, using his foot to cause as second sonic boom, Lu Bu further blew Riku away. Riku tumbled to the ground and soon lay motionless on the ground. Lu Bu continued to approach him as the young warrior began to stand up.

“Riku!” cried Mickey from a distance.

“We're coming to help you!” added Donald.

“You guys stay away!” cried Riku. “He's too much!”

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy ran to face Lu Bu.

“Come on, Lu Bu!” shouted Mickey. “Face us!”

“You fools!” chuckled Lu Bu. “It isn't going to be that easy to take me down!”

Lu Bu pounded his foot to the ground, causing another sonic boom and the three were easily repelled into the air. They landed fifty yards away from where they were.

“Leave them alone!” Riku demanded. “Your fight is with me!”

“Pitiful!” said Lu Bu, disgusted. “I was expecting a tougher fight than this! But if this is as much strength as you can muster, then you really are in trouble!”

 

Suddenly, Riku attacked with another powerful swift attack, lunging straight at Lu Bu, but Lu Bu only somersaulted backwards, evading the attack. Once touching down on his feet, he lunged forward, striking at Riku. Riku flew through the air and tumbled to the ground.

“Pathetic!” said Lu Bu. “Can your pitiful alliance do no better than this?!”

“Stop!!” shouted a voice. Lu Bu looked to see someone running towards him. Sora had finally made it to the battle.

“Sora!” Goofy cheered. “It's Sora!”

“Sora!” added Donald. “You're alright!”

“You're alright!” said Mickey.

Riku looked up to see his friend standing next to him.

“Hey, Sora.” he uttered. “You made it.”

“Are you alright, Riku?” asked Sora, helping his friend to his feet.

“I've had better days.”-

“Well, I'm here now. So we can take him on together.”-

“Yes....yes we can.”-

“Do you really think that Sora's presence will make a difference in this fight?” said Lu Bu.

“You just watch. With Sora here, we can fight in the style we're familiar with.”-

The two warriors drew their swords, ready to enter combat again.

“And we're right there with you!” shouted Mickey, as he, Donald, and Goofy rejoined the fray.

“Your terror ends here!” shouted Sora.

“Is talking all you guys are good for?!” said Lu Bu. “If you wish to end this turmoil, then show your might!”

“If that's what you want, Lu Bu! Then that's what you will get!” cried Riku. “Let's get him!”

The group attacked Lu Bu with everything they had, launching attacks from all sides, but Lu Bu managed to hold his own, despite the numbers again him.

“This guy is unbelievable!” said Riku. “How could he be able to fight us all off at the same time?”

“Don't give up!” cried Goofy, using his Tornado Spin to inflict damage on Lu Bu

“Take that!” added Donald, using as many spells as he could. But the elemental spells didn't seem to be having any effect on Lu Bu.

“Try this on!” shouted Riku. He began to power up. “Iceberg Shurikens!”

Launching a volley of ice blocks at Lu Bu, he hoped to freeze the monster into place, but Lu Bu easily detected the attack and deflected it back.

“Nice try!” chuckled Lu Bu. “But the elemental attacks you use will have no effect on me!”

“Then try this one on!” shouted Sora. He too began to power and used the technique he achieved after battling Isis. “Tundra Canister!”

Several blocks bellowed forth, but Lu Bu easily dodged the attack.

“Haven't you learned that these little parlor tricks won't work on me!” chuckled Lu Bu. But suddenly, the blocks exploded into millions of shards and each shard hit Lu Bu. Lu Bu was suddenly encased in a block of ice. “Impossible! I....!”

“Take this!” shouted Sora and Riku as they attacked with all they had. Riku using swift attacks, and Sora with the Ragnarok, they successfully pummeled Lu Bu to the ground. Lu Bu fell to the ground, but jumped to his feet only a few second later.

 

“I don't think so!” Sora deployed his Tundra Canister again and froze Lu Bu in place again.

“Now to add a little spice!” added Riku. “Let's see how you like Anubis's trick! The Inferno Canister!” Riku suddenly deployed a volley of fire balls that came crashing into Lu Bu. Lu Bu was struck again by each of the balls. The Giant was blown away as each ball made impact.

“Not so confident as you were before are you!” said Sora.

“Let this be a lesson to you!” added Riku. “You can never win against us as you are now! We can predict each of your moves now!”

Lu Bu fell to the ground and lay motionless on the grassy field. Sora and Riku landed on the ground, side by side.

“Come on, you guys!” shouted Goofy. “Go get him!”

“That a boy, you guys!!” added Mickey.

“Show him what you guys are made of!” said Donald.

Lu Bu rose to his feet to confront the two boys again.

“Still haven't had enough, eh!” said Sora.

“Now look at who's stressing!” added Riku. “It's not as fun when you're the one getting thrashed about is it?!”

“Now you know how we feel!”-

Lu Bu stood up and brushed himself off. Riku and Sora were stunned that the warrior had no scratch on him whatsoever.

“I must admit, that you had me going there, but unfortunately your luck had just run out!” chuckled Lu Bu. “Just because you managed to get a few puck shots at me doesn't mean that you'll be victorious! A few parlor tricks won't determine the outcome of this fight!”

“This guy is unbelievable!” Sora uttered. “Even after all that, he has no scratch on him!”

“Don't be intimidated by his endurance.” said Riku. “He has to have a breaking point! We just have to dish out a third serving and give him a good thrashing.”

“Come now, boys!” said Lu Bu. “You wish to fight me a second time?! Well then be my guest!”

“Then let's do this!”-

Sora and Riku began their third attack. Sora powered up and used the Tundra Canister against Lu Bu, but this time the mighty warrior was ready. Using his infamous sonic boom foot stomp, he caused the shards to rebound away from him and the shards flew back at Sora.

“What in the...?!” said Sora. He dodged the attacks, but one shard managed to grab hold of him and Sora's left leg was frozen in place.

“Sora!” cried Riku.

“It's over now!” shouted Lu Bu, suddenly charging full speed. With his pike he blew Sora away, swiping to the right, then to the left, then a blow to the top of the head, before swiping the young key bearer away. Sora flew a hundred yards before tumbling to the ground violently.

“Oh no! Sora!” cried Riku. He sneered at Lu Bu. “How could you?!”

“I hoped you enjoyed your little triumph because that was the last one you'll get in this battle!”-

Sora slowly arose from the ground, blades of grass clinging onto his white shirt. Using his sword for support, he stood on his feet. He could only see a blur however as he had just regained consciousness.

“Riku.” he uttered.

 

“Sora!!” shouted Riku, running up to his fallen friend. “You OK?”

“He caught on to our attack.”-

“I know. We have to some how take him down when he's most vulnerable.”-

“I have an idea. We just have to strike him when he deploys a foot stomp. That seems to be the only way he can deflect elemental attacks.”-

“Good idea, Sora. Lu Bu has a small interval after the foot stomp where he's completely vulnerable. Once he's in the interval from when he deploys his stomp to when he goes back to a defensive stance, that's when we attack.”-

The two began their run again as they began to charge Lu Bu again.

“This is getting a little old don't you think?” said Lu Bu.

“Come on, you guys!” Sora cried. “Let's fight him!”

“Yeah!!” shouted Donald, Mickey, and Goofy, who once again joined the fray of the battle. They attacked Lu Bu mercilessly, but the warrior would not go down.

“Wear him down, fellas!” shouted Mickey.

“Use our numbers to our advantage!” added Donald.

The party attacked head on at Lu Bu, from all directions, at the same time. But knowing the situation, Sora and Riku held back in the attack. Sure enough, Lu Bu crouched down and threw his foot upon the ground. The powerful sound wave blew out, repelling the attacking group.

“Not this time!” shouted Sora, jumping into the air. Powering up, he deployed the Tundra Canister. Instantly, Lu Bu was frozen in place. Riku went on the attack an deployed his Inferno Canister. Lu Bu was struck by each attack. Donald retaliated and continuously shot Blizzaga spell at the warrior. Lu Bu was continuously frozen into place, to be prevented from striking back, and the warriors simultaneously attacked him without mercy.

“We got him where we want him!” said Mickey. “We got him! We got him!”

“Let's give it to him, you guys!” added Donald.

“Take that, Lu Bu!” shouted Sora, attacking relentlessly.

However, Lu Bu had grown quite tired of their mockery and was filled with a great and terrible rage. When the last blizzaga spell wore out, Lu Bu had been freed only to be shot at by Donald again.

“Die!” said Lu Bu. He suddenly unleashed a powerful attack which elemental attacks could not break. Sora and the others were suddenly pummeled continuously into the air as Lu Bu made circling movements, striking his pike downward and upward in a 360 degree turn. Then with a final gesture of strength, selecting Sora as his main target, he slammed his pike upon the young key bearer. Sora went flying through the air, but somersaulted back onto his feet. However, as he regained his stance, Lu Bu was suddenly on top of him, slamming his pike into Sora's body ten times. Then with a sudden stomp of his foot, he blew Sora away with another powerful sonic boom. Sora fell to the ground, rolling on the grassy fields once again.

“Why you!!” cried Riku, attacking from behind. But Lu Bu suddenly pummeled Riku with the same attack which he used to pummel the entire group at the same time. Riku was struck ten times with that same circular movement and slammed onto the ground with the pikes downward blow. Riku fell upon his back. Blood began to drip from his mouth. “Wha...what was that attack.”

“That's the same type of attack Lu Xun used against Leon and I back at Traverse Town!” Mickey explained. “He called it a musou attack!”

“What the heck's a musou attack?” asked Donald.

 

“So that damn brat, Lu Xun has told you about that attack, eh?” Lu Bu suddenly uttered. “Figures. Well, since we're on the subject, I might as well tell you what the musou attack is. It is an upsurge of energy that accumulates from the body's chi. However, this attack can only be used when the chi has reached its maximum level. After that, the musou attack can be deployed at any time when the chi reaches its full capacity. The energy accumulated from the attack is so powerful, nothing can break its destructive power except for another powerful musou attack.”

“That means that not even the elemental attacks will work on him if he deploys his musou.”-

 

Meanwhile, Jim, Delbert, and Silver watched the fight from afar. They could not believe what they were witnessing. A battle of mammoth proportions.

“Can you believe this?” asked Jim. “Can you believe what we're seeing?”

“I see it, but I don't believe it.” added Delbert. “All this trouble just for the sake of treasure.”

“You forget, Doc,” said Silver, “This isn't just an ordinary treasure we're talking about. This is the loot of a thousand worlds.”

“I didn't think that people were capable of this kind of destructive power. And they aren't even depending on the aid of some sort of weapon.”-

“To think that I tried to take that guy on me own.”-

 

“And now! To finish this little scuffle!” said Lu Bu. He suddenly took of the case from the pike's blade, revealing the sharpened, glittering steel. “Now which one should I take out first?!” Lu Bu looked around, first glaring at Mickey, Donald, and Goofy who stood in a terrified manner. He then gazed at Riku who sneered at him. But then, Lu Bu turned his attentions towards Sora, who still remained motionless on the ground. “Yes! He will be the first to go!”

“No!!” shouted Riku. “Leave Sora alone! He isn't even conscious anymore!”

“I know that! That's why I chose him! So he won't feel any pain when I deliver the final blow!” But Lu Bu realized that Sora was slowly standing up. “Well, well, well! It looks like he's awake again! So much for a painless death!”

“Sora!! Look out!!”-

Sora looked back, seeing Lu Bu approaching him. He tried to stand, but could only manage to turn on his back. There he lay helpless as Lu Bu came closer. Lu Bu stood over Sora and placed his foot on Sora's throat. Sore began to choke as Lu Bu added pressure to his neck.

“Leave him alone!” shouted Mickey.

“And what do you worthless maggots intend to do about it?!!” roared Lu Bu. Mickey and the others stood down, knowing that they were no match for him. “That's what I thought.” Lu Bu stared down at Sora and raised his pike over his head. “I'll make sure that you die swiftly, Sora! I hate to kill such a talented young whelp! But you're just a thorn in the side! And I intend to extract you!” Lu Bu held the pike ever higher. Sora's eyes could only look on in fear as the coming doom was about to land itself upon him. “Die well, Sora!!”

Suddenly, a powerful force struck Lu Bu, knocking the giant off his feet. Lu Bu tumbled on the ground, skidding through the grass. Mickey and the others could only look on in wonder at what had happened. Sora looked up to see a familiar figure standing over him.

“St...Standing Eagle?” he uttered. Osiris had arrived on the battlefield to aid in the fight. This time, in Sora's favor.

 

“Is that who I think it is?” asked Goofy.

“It's Osiris!” said Mickey.

“But what's he doing?” asked Donald.

“It looks like he's standing between Lu Bu and Sora. I think he came to help us.”-

“Him help us?”-

Riku gazed up to see Osiris standing between Sora and Lu Bu.

“Osiris?” he uttered. “What's he doing here?” He realized that he was standing in Sora's defense. “Was it Sora who turned you around? Did he show you your true path as well?”

Lu Bu slowly rose up to see his former comrade standing in defense of Sora.

“Osiris? What are you doing?!” said Lu Bu.

“No more.” Osiris uttered. “This suffering has gone on for far too long!”

“Why do you stand against me now?!”-

“I've been fighting for the Empire for twelve years now! And it was only until a short time ago when I finally realized the truth! I thought I was fighting for a cause that would end the pain and the suffering! But instead, I realized that by trying to gain peace through submission, I am no different from those who killed my family! No different from those who wanted to extinguish our way of life! My father would no longer consider me his son if he were to see what I've done!”-

“Idiot! Don't you realize that you're fighting on the wrong side?! Why change your opinions now of all times!”-

“Because I had been following a false path! A path that counters the way of the Lakota Sioux, the way that my father taught me!”-

“Well, if that's the position you take, then you are no longer my ally! From now on, if you stand against me, you are my enemy!”-

“If you treat me as an enemy, then I will do the same thing!”-

Osiris deployed a powerful twister against Lu Bu, but Lu Bu deployed a powerful foot stomp, that extinguished the twister within seconds. Lu Bu suddenly lunged forth with incredible speed and slugged Osiris in the gut with the butt of his pike. Osiris fell to the ground in pain.

“Standing Eagle!” cried Sora, as he stood up. Rushing to Standing Eagle's side, he propped the young warrior up. Osiris hunched over, comforting his gut of the pain. “Why? Why did you come here? Did you come to help us?”

“Yes.” uttered Osiris. “You helped me open my eyes, Sora. You helped me rediscover my humanity.”

“It's OK, my friend.” Sora sneered at Lu Bu. “How could you do that to him?! To your own comrade?!”

“Those who stand against me will pay dearly!” said Lu Bu. “Osiris is of no exception either! If he wishes to stand against the mightiest man alive, then he will suffer just like you!”

“Tell me, Lu Bu.” Osiris uttered. “What is it that you're fighting for? Do you fight for the sake of the Empire?”

 

“I fight for myself and only for myself! I could care less about the fate of the Empire! Power and justice can only be obtained through victory in battle! The only goal I'm interested in obtaining is being the best! To be the greatest warrior of all time! When I first encountered the Empire, the power they displayed was impeccable! Something which I could never hope to obtain in my lifetime! So, I took the liberty of joining the Empire so that I may obtain the secret behind their power. The ability to fly, the foot stomp, and incredible speed are just a few of the techniques I learned. And by learning how to control my chi, I was also able increase the power of my musou attack. At the same time, I learned the weaknesses of each member of the Empire. I took those weaknesses into account so that I may be able to use it against them when I attempted to take over!”

“You mean you joined the Empire only so you could exploit their weaknesses and later use that knowledge against them when you declare a coup?!” asked Sora. “I guess what Lu Xun told us was true! And your personal files were true as well! You have a rebellious and belligerent nature, fighting only for your own personal gain! As a result, you have a tendency to betray even your closest allies!” Sora stood up to face Lu Bu. “Don't you realize that by continuously turning on your allies, you'll be betrayed yourself one day?! And when you need help the most, there will be no one to help you, or even wish to help you!”

“That's why I intend to make myself sufficient in strength so that I don't have to worry about requesting aid!”-

“So that's what you fight for?” asked Osiris. “Fight for your own strength alone! That's a weak motive!”

“When I discard concern for allies and others, then I won't have anything to hold me back! Trying to protect someone is a weakness! Nothing more than that!”-

“That's not true!” Sora protested. “Protecting someone is the greatest motivation to fight! When you fight to protect, you gain a strong sense of duty that you must fight at all cost to save that person! That's what motivates me to fight and that's why I fight you now!”

“But it takes more than motivation to win a battle!” Lu Bu suddenly pounded his foot to the ground and a powerful sonic boom bellowed, blowing Sora away. Sora once again tumbled to the ground, skidding along the grass. There, he lay motionless as Lu Bu continued to approach him.

“Sora!” cried Osiris, but fell to the ground, still trying to recover from the blow. Lu Bu stood over Sora. With half open eyes, Sora could see the giant glaring down at him.

“Well, where's this motivation you were talking about?” said Lu Bu. “I guess it was all talk and no action! Pitiful!” He once again raised his pike over his head, ready to deliver the final blow. “So much for your cause to protect!” He swung the pike at Sora.

Suddenly, there was a loud clang and Lu Bu suddenly feel the pike strike something hard. He looked down to see Riku standing before Sora, using his blade to impede the pike's path.

“I won't let you harm Sora anymore.” Riku uttered, pushing the pike away. “You've gone too far, Lu Bu. You've caused enough pain.”

“And what do you plan to do about it, Riku?” chuckled Lu Bu. “Your friend Sora didn't stand a chance against me. What makes you think that you'll do any better than he?”

“You say that the motivation to protect is weak. I beg to differ.”-

Riku suddenly lunged forward and using the sheath of his sword, struck Lu Bu in the gut. Lu Bu fell to his knees, grasping at his gut.

“What?!” he thought. “How can this be?! He forced me to my knees with one hit?! But how did he achieve so much power so unexpectedly?!”

Riku glared at Lu Bu, who now sneered at him.

“I used to be like you one.” he explained. “I was always out to improve my own strength and gain more power. As a result, I became the most powerful fighter on Destiny Island. I remember how I was able to take out four of my friends at the same time in a brawl. Every time we sparred four on one, I always won. Thus, I became so confident in my own strength that I thought there was nothing I couldn't beat. I developed a sense of how not to fear anything.”

 

“Dare to lecture me?!” shouted Lu Bu. Swinging his pike around, attempting to hit Riku, but the young key bearer saw the attack and easily evaded it. He swung around and kicked Lu Bu in the face, forcing the giant to land on his back.

“I thought that there was no one I couldn't beat.” Riku continued. “I thought that my friends would depend on me always. Especially Sora who was considered the runt of the litter. Unlike the others, he was the weakest back then. But when the Heartless came, everything changed. I thought that I was being strong, accepting the darkness. For a time, I believed Sora had turned against me when he went off on adventures without me. I thought that I was on my own. And I hated him for it.”

Lu Bu attempted another attack, but Riku easily evaded and retaliated. Lu Bu once again found himself on the ground. This time blood ran from his mouth. He wiped the blood with his thumb and stirred it about with his index finger.

“I bleed?” Lu Bu thought. “But how? How could I shed blood before this runt? But then again, where did he accumulate all this strength suddenly?! All of as sudden, I can't even strike him!” Riku carried on with his lecture.

“When confronting Sora, I thought that he was still that naive, weak little fighter I knew him for, back on Destiny Island. But even though I had gained so much strength, he had managed to beat me. In the end, I realized that it was I who was weak. Sora, whom I thought could never surpass me in strength, had gained power that I never thought was deemed possible. What Sora lacked in strength, he made up for in stamina and endurance. No matter how big the challenge, he took it head on without flinching. All that time, when I searched for Kairi, I never realized that her heart had been with Sora the whole time. But by the time I realized that, it was too late and I was consumed by the darkness. However, even though we were enemies, Sora kept our friendship first and his loyalty to me and Kairi was unhindered. I can never fully repay Sora for the loyalty he showed me. So it was Sora's notion to protect others that made him strong and what made him continue on. I, on the other hand, only cared about my own strength. And for that, I betrayed even my life long friend for the sake that he would still depend on me. But now, I realize that it wasn't dependency, but loyalty.”-

“Don't you think you talk too much, Riku?” said Lu Bu. “The reason why you failed was because you didn't put enough faith in your own strength. Had you been more trusting to your strength, you could have emerged as the best. But that's what makes you weak. You weren't able to kill your friend because you knew that you couldn't live with yourself if you did.”

“Believe that you want to believe, Lu Bu. But you only make hypotheses. And that doesn't lead to truth.”-

“Well see about that!” Lu Bu lunged at Riku. Riku dodged again and struck from behind, but Lu Bu suddenly deployed his musou attack, his true musou attack. “Worthless scum!!” Riku was struck by the attack, being slammed around by the pick. Lu Bu threw his pike upon the ground, causing a powerful sonic boom to blast out. Riku was blown away. Landing to the ground a hundred yards away. But Lu Bu was relentless and attacked again. Riku saw the attack and quickly retaliated. The two collided and stopped just opposite each other in a sudden death match. Riku suddenly fell to one knee. He felt a sharp pain on his left shoulder. Looking down, he saw that his arm had received a deep cut and was bleeding ferociously.

“Not bad!” chuckled Lu Bu. But he too felt a pain in his left shoulder. Looking down, he realized that Riku had slashed straight through the armor, cutting his flesh. To make things worse, the staff of his pike was cut in half and the heavy blade fell to the ground. “It can't be.”

 

“It is over.” Riku uttered.

“This isn't over yet, you fool!” shouted Lu Bu. But he fell to the ground again. He realized that his right leg had been cut as well. “But how....?!”

Riku walked up to Lu Bu who know sat on his knees hunched over, grabbing his wounded shoulder.

“It was my notion to protect that made me succeed because I knew that I couldn't let that person down.”-

“But who could've influenced you that much to keep you ironclad even again me?” asked Lu Bu.

“Him.” Riku pointed at Sora, who was slowly arising to his feet.

“Sora? He was what motivated you?”-

“When you have someone, you want to protect, in your presence, you do all you can to make sure that person doesn't receive further pain.” Riku gazed down at Lu Bu. Then with his one good arm, he raised his sword over his head. Lu Bu could only look down. Sweat dripped down his face and he began to shake.

“Just get it over with then.” said Lu Bu. “Let it end here and now with a worthy opponent.” But Riku hesitated.

“Tell me, Lu Bu.” said Riku. “Do you fear death?” Lu Bu suddenly gazed up at him. “Just as I thought. You are afraid of death. If not, death is the only thing you fear. I can see it in your eyes.” Lu Bu looked at the ground again.

“I do fear death. I fear it more than anything else. For me, death is eternity. I would ask and beg you to spare my life, but the evidence is too heavily built against me. The ruthlessness and cruelty of my actions in this fight cannot be overlooked and I am not worthy to receive pity. Just kill me and be done with it.”-

“That's why you wished to be stronger. Because you fear death, or more likely you fear being killed by someone stronger than you. Or by anyone for that matter.”-

“Enough talk and deliver the final blow!”

“Because of what you have done, you will die today! I will show you no pity! Lord Lu Bu! I sentence you to death!”-

“Riku...” Sora uttered. But before he could utter anymore words, Riku's sword rushed down with its sharpened steel aimed at its target. There was sudden silence when the blow was given. The others could only watch, shocked at what they saw.

Lu Bu opened his eyes and realized that Riku had harmlessly struck the ground instead.

“Lu Bu is dead.” said Riku. He sheathed his sword.

“But why?” said Lu Bu. “Why didn't you finish me?!”

“Because death would have been too easy a way out. Certainly, you would have had eternity, but to face moments in life is greater than anything you can encounter in the afterlife. I think the one thing that you fear more than death is losing your pride as a warrior. Well, today I've at least deprived you of that fear.”-

“Do you think it wise to spare me, boy?!”-

“I know you won't try anything. It doesn't seem like your style to stab someone in the back when you know you're no match for them.”-

“You just got lucky that's all!”-

 

“Maybe it was luck. Either way, that was probably as close as you would ever come to death. And now that you encountered it, you are feeling helpless and afraid.” Riku turned towards his friends. “OK, you guys! Don't stand around! We have a treasure to find!”

“Riku?!” asked Sora. “You OK?”

“I'll be fine. And you?”-

“I've had better days.”-

“Hey!” shouted Mickey, as he, Donald, and Goofy ran towards the weary warriors.

“I've never seen such a fight.” said Goofy.

“Right on!” added Donald.

“I must admit I was scared when I fought Lu Bu.” said Riku.

“But how did you suddenly gain so much strength to take him down?” asked Mickey.

“I didn't use accelerated strength. Lu Bu lost all on his own.”-

“What do you mean?”-

“He allowed his rage to get the best of him and he wasn't able to coordinate himself properly. Lu Bu is not the type to do well when blinded by rage.”-

“But what made him so mad?” asked Donald.

“When he fought me, he fought himself. We had something in common, praising our own strength. But perhaps Lu Bu will realize now that strength doesn't always come from techniques and physical and mental stamina, but you need the right motivation. He was fighting for his own gain. When he began to question his strength and lose confidence in himself, he started to become unstable and less effort was made to continue. In the end, he wanted it all to end quickly. Whereas for me, I had a firm cause of protecting my friends. And that was something that one could never give up so easily.”-

“So Lu Bu just didn't have it in him to keep on fighting in the end.”-

“That's right.”-

“Well, now that that's settled, can we get going now?” said Donald.

“That's right.” said Sora. He took out his senzu bean and broke it in half. He ate it and regained his strength. He then walked over to Osiris and handed him the other half. “Here you go Standing Eagle.”

“Sora! What are you doing?!” said Mickey.

“Don't worry, guys. He's one of us now.”-

“After what I've done, I don't deserve any mercy.”-

“Hey, you came to help us. And that's good enough for me.”-

“Alright then.” Osiris took the senzu half and ate it. Once digested, Osiris stood on his feet and wiped himself off. “Amazing. I feel great.”

“Boy, fellers!” Goofy chuckled. “I never would have thought Goten's senzu beans would have come in so handy.”

“How many of those things do we have left?” asked Donald. Goofy opened the bag, but to his surprise, he found only one left.

“Oh dear. We only have on left.”-

“Maybe we should save it.”-

“But what about Riku?” asked Sora.

“I'll be alright.” said Riku.

“That won't be an option though.” said Mickey. “That wound is bleeding severely. Give him the senzu bean, Goofy. We can always go back to Traverse Town and request for more.”

“OK then.” said Goofy. He handed the senzu bean to Riku.

 

“Thank you.” replied Riku. He snapped the bean in half and ate one of the two. Regaining his strength, he flexed his muscles. “That hit the spot.”

“What are you gonna do with the other half?”-

Riku gazed at the bean in his hand. He then turned to where Lu Bu knelt in pain.

“Hey, Lu Bu!” he shouted. Lu Bu looked up as Riku threw the bean at him. Lu Bu caught the bean with his good arm.

“Riku! Have you lost your mind?!” said Sora. “Why are you giving the senzu to Lu Bu!”

“Yeah! Do you want him to come after us again?!” added Mickey.

“You should listen to your friends, Riku.” Lu Bu uttered. “By giving me the other half of the senzu, you might have dug your own grave already. How can you be so sure that I won't come after you when you least expect it?”-

“I'm willing to take that chance.” Riku replied. “Besides, you and I have a rematch right?!”

“You can't do this to me!” said Lu Bu. “Despite all I've done, you insist on letting me live!”

“I want you to live so that you would know that you were never a match for me. You can never defeat me as you are now.” Riku turned his back on Lu Bu. “If your pride means so much more to you, then consider me your pride.”

“What?!”-

“That's right. I hold your pride until our rematch. And when we rematch, it will be on my terms. I will suggest when to fight and where.”-

“What if I refuse to agree with your plans and decide to kill you before that?!”-

“Because you were not the type to experience defeat until now. As a result you want to redeem your pride as a warrior. But in order to do that, you have to fight and defeat your opponent at full strength. If you decide to fight and kill me without my consent, then I won't use my full strength to fight you. And I know how you hate to have your opponent hold back. If you kill me without me using my full strength, then my death will wear on your mind, knowing that you never had a proper rematch.” Lu Bu remained silent after that. Riku turned to Sora and the others. “Let's get going, you guys. We still have to find Flint's Trove.”

“What about...”-

“Don't worry about Lu Bu. He still has a lot to think about.”-

“I hope you're right.” said Sora. He looked to where Jim and the others were hiding. “OK you guys! You can come out now! The battle's over!”

Jim, Silver, Delbert, and B.E.N. popped their heads out of the brush, jumped out and rejoined the KH team.

“That was so cool!” said Jim. “I never saw anything like that before!”

“I'm proud of you, gents!” added Delbert. “Never in my life had I witnessed such a confrontation!”

“That was booming!” chuckled B.E.N. “We won! We won! We won!”

“We get the picture!”-

“If I ever had such talent, they'd be bowing in the streets when I walked by!” Silver laughed. “Well, now that we have all that settled, how about we look for that treasure.”

“That's what we're here for.” said Jim.

“Then let's get going!” said Delbert. “OK Jim, open up that map!” Jim obliged and opened the map. Suddenly, the holographic map appeared and suddenly transformed into a green laser pathway. “I guess all we have to do is follow that beam!”

 

“Well, what are we standing around here for?” asked Sora. “Let's get going!”

“Everyone on board the gummi ship!” said Mickey. But as they troop left, Sora looked back to see Standing Eagle standing idle.

“You coming with us?”-

“I wouldn't feel comfortable.” uttered Standing Eagle. “I fought you and attempted to kill you and your friends. And yet now you want me to accompany you as if nothing ever happened?”

He lowered his eyes to the ground. But as he gaze up again, he saw Sora looking at him with such innocent eyes. Placing he hand on the shinobi's shoulder, he only smiled.

“You're among friends.” said Sora.

“But I...”-

“Let's just get one thing straight!” said Riku, as he walked up to the two. “If Sora trusts you, then that's good enough for me!” Placing his hand of Standing Eagle's other shoulder. “If you truly are sorry for what you've done, then we will gladly take you in as our comrade.”

Standing Eagle's eyes were filled with tears of joy. He smiled and with a pat on the back from Riku, the three rejoined the others and entered the gummi ship. The ship took off and began to follow the laser path set out by Jim's map.

All was quiet on the fields once again. Lu Bu however was not pleased with the outcome as he still knelt on his knees. Gazing at the senzu bean he questioned his motives.

“That brat!” said Lu Bu. “He thinks he can manipulate my pride like that?!” he clutched the bean in his fist. “I'll show you, Riku! You are my new target! And from now on, I will not be satisfied until I defeat you and regain the honor you took from me! You are my only target now! And I will prove to you that my strength can never be overcome!”

With that, Lu Bu ate the senzu bean silently.