Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction / Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Third Epic: Second Arch ❯ Near Death ( Chapter 4 )

Near Death

 

The entire region near Halloween Town was leveled and destroyed. Halloween Town itself was spared however, but the land south of the town was demolished. Clouds of dust and smoke lingered with the mist. From the ashes, Mickey and Donald emerged coughing and choking. They looked around as they stood to find that they had landed back in Guillotine Square.

“We appear to be back in Halloween Town.” uttered Mickey.

“That explosion certainly was massive if it had enough power to blow us all the way back to Halloween Town.” Donald replied.

“I hope everyone else is alright.”-

At the same time, Riku and the others emerged from the ashes. Riku coughed as he staggered to his feet. He looked around at the devastation. Nothing stood around them and the clouds of dust were thick as cotton, obstructing further vision. But from what Riku could gaze at, there was nothing. No structure or tree remained standing. Every tall object had been felled.

“Man.” Riku uttered. “I never would have thought the explosion would have been that great.” Suddenly, he saw Jack's head popping out of the ashes. Riku ran to him. “You OK, Jack?”

“I've had better days.” Jack uttered.

“Don't worry, I'll dig you out.”-

“Don't bother. Just hand me over to him.”-

“Him? Him who?” Riku looked behind him to see Jack's body walking around, stumbling on every piece of debris on the ground. “Hey! Get over here!”-

“No use trying to shout at him, Riku.” said Jack. “I'm the side with ears remember.”

“Oh yeah.” Riku picked up Jack's head and placed it back on the body.

“Thanks a lot.”-

“Don't mention it.” Riku then looked around and saw maimed and weary Imperial troops wandering about in an orderly retreat.

“Boy! That was something else!” a voice shouted out. Riku looked to see Goofy coming towards them, dusting himself off.

“Are you alright, Goofy?”-

“No. Not really.” Goofy uttered. He took the hat off his head and pointed at the top of it where the golden steeple used to sit. “I lost my steeple.”

“Is that it?!”-

“Uh…yeah.”-

“No wonder they call you Goofy.” said Jack.

“Wait.” Riku uttered. “Where's Sora?”

“Isn't he with you?”

“I thought you guys found him.”-

“We thought you did.” Goofy added.

“We better go find him. Let's split up and see if we can find him.” The party split up and looked around the devastated landscape searching for their missing companion. All was quiet and the three found themselves only deeper amongst the devastation.

At the same time, General King and General Triiken wandered about the rubble, looking for missing comrades. They had found several Imperial troops and gathered them up. Their ever-growing train of wounded and dying men extended further and further.

“Any sign of General Durovano?” asked King.

“No sign of him yet, Sir.” One soldier replied, who was on lookout duty.

“How many men have we lost today?”-

“We lost an estimated 63% of our forces.” General Triiken stated. “The majority of them were caught in the explosion.”

“Quite a terrible waste of life, but at least they have died gloriously in battle.”-

“If you can call it glorious.”-

The body of troops continued of their way, the line continuing to pick up more and more soldiers. The mist swirled around the growing column and the two general kept a vigilant lookout for their missing commander.

“Any sign of General Durovano yet?” asked King.

“Not yet.” Triiken replied. “He could be anywhere.” It was then that he saw what looked like rocket boosters flaring through the mist. The column edged their way to the light. Soon there was a rumble and a roar as they came closer.

“Ahoy!” cried Triiken. “Ahoy there!”

“General Triiken?!” shouted a voice.

“It is I, General Triiken! I have brought stragglers and wounded men!”-

“Bring them here then!” The column drew closer to find a carrier, which survived the explosion, being prepared to be deployed.

“I didn't think you'd make it, Gentlemen.” A familiar voice uttered. The two generals looked to see a familiar form taking shape in the darkness.

“General Durovano!” they both shouted. “Good to see you alive!”

“Tell the men that we're leaving here!-

“But why, Sir?” asked Triiken.

“Our mission was a failure. There is no longer a need to stay in this world.” He led the wounded troops into the carrier. “I have issued a general retreat. We're going back to Vandor.”

“It was all such a waste.” said King.

“I know that.” Durovano uttered. “However there was nothing that we could have done about it. We thought that no one would find us here. And even so, we thought no one would have gotten so far as actually destroying the cannon, but it happened.”

“It's all Sora and Riku's fault!” Triiken uttered. “If it hadn't been for them…”

“Don't work yourselves over this irrelevant matter. I'm sure that Lord Arakis and Master Cavendish will forgive us. Besides, by destroying that cannon we might have saved our own positions as warriors.”-

“I suppose you're right.”-

“We should really thank those boys.” It was then that General Durovano noticed that someone was still mission. “Where is General Kai?”

“We don't know, Sir.” said King. “We haven't seen him since he accompanied you.”

“He went back to stop the meltdown of the gravity cannon.”-

“Could it be possible that General Kai is….” uttered Triiken.

“I doubt that.” Durovano uttered. “It seems you underestimate General Kai's ability to survive such a pitiful blast. But I can assure you that General Kai would never allow himself to be caught in such an explosion if he knew he wouldn't survive.” Durovano gazed out into the mist. “Nevertheless, I shall take the responsibility of finding him. Hand me one of the scouters. I shall relay the message when I find him.”

“Yes, Sir.”-

General King ran into the carrier and emerged again with a red lens scouter clutched in his hand.

“A scouter, Sir.” He said. General Durovano placed the scouter on his ear and lay the lens over his eye. He blipped on the scouter and detected several high power levels.

“Well, time to choose which one he is.” With that, General Durovano worked his way into the darkness, leaving General King and General Triiken to oversee the transportation of their wounded.

 

As Riku and the KH team looked for Sora, General Durovano spent his time to look for General Kai. It was at this time that Sora picked himself off the ground, coughing out the dust from his lungs. He looked around to see if there was anyone about, but there was no one around.

“Where is everyone?” he uttered to himself. He hollered out to see if there was anyone near by. “Hello! Is anyone out there?!” There was no sound. “Riku?! Jack?! Goofy?!” Still there was no response.

“You won't find anyone that way.” A voice whispered from the mist. Sora looked about hoping to see who spoke to him.

“Who's there?”-

“So you managed to interfere with our plans again, eh?”-

“Show yourself!” From the mist a figure appeared and Sora knew immediately whom it was that stood before him. “General Kai.”

“I must congratulate you, my boy. You've progressed further than anyone who's gone beyond the safety of their own world.”-

“Fight me!”-

“Why should I?”-

“We have a rematch to fulfill!”-

“Do you think you can defeat me as you are now?”-

“I've improved a great deal since the last time I fought you!”-

“Is that so?” General Kai stepped forward towards Sora. The young key bearer took hold of his sword and prepared to unsheathe it. But Kai stopped just before reaching striking range. “I'm sorry boy, but that is not an option right now.” Kai began to walk away.

“Even after we defeated four members of the Cavendish Shinobis, you won't fight me?!”-

“You're just not ready to take me on yet, my boy. I can sense the different elemental powers accumulating within you and I must say I'm disappointed at what you have achieved since our last fight. You are not worth my time. Now, if you don't mind, I have comrades to catch up with.” General Kai began to walk away.

“You're scared of me aren't you!” said Sora. General suddenly stopped.

“What did you say?”-

“You heard me! You're afraid of me! You don't want to fight because you know I'll win!”-

“You dare to insult me like that?!” said Kai.

“I can do whatever I want! I want you, Kai! By defeating you, I'll find Arakis. And by finding Arakis, I'll find out where Kairi is! But you don't want to fight me because you're scared! Or is it because you want to protect the whereabouts of your lord?! Which is it?!”-

“You forget your place, Sora! You go too far, you'll only end up digging your own grave!”-

“Fight me, Kai and prove me wrong!”-

“Very well then.” Kai unlatched the iron tusk strapped on his back behind his cape. “This fight will be for the sake of my pride and to put you in your place.”

“I fight to save Kairi!”-

“I could care less.”-

“You take that back!”-

“I don't think so! I could care less about what happens to that little strumpet!”-

“I said take it back!!” Sora drew his sword and attacked with great speed, but Kai easily blocked his overhead swing. Banging Sora's blade out of the way, he swung about and cracked Sora on the right side of the head with his heavy weapon. Sora tumbled to ground. Blood seeped from his open wound, dripping on the blackened ground. He could barely open his right eye because of the blood, but still he staggered to his feet.

“What's wrong?” said Kai. “You lose your ego all of a sudden?”

Sora picked up his sword and faced his opponent again. Suddenly, he attacked with sheer ferocity against the shinobi. The two clashed their blades together again and again with no damaged inflicted. Just then, after five minutes of clashing, General Kai parried Sora's blade, slamming it onto the ground. He lunged again and struck the young warrior in the gut. Sora hunched over, falling to his knees. General Kai then slammed his foot across Sora's right cheek, knocking him to the ground. Blood began to drip from Sora's lip.

“Is this it?” said Kai. “Is this what I accepted? A challenge from a worthless insect like you?!” Kai walked away. “This fight is already over.”

“No. wait.” Sora uttered, staggering to his feet. He took heavy breaths and seemed unstable when standing. “This fight isn't over yet.” Sora suddenly deployed his new attack, the Twister Strike, given to him by Osiris. A mighty tornado bellowed forth, coming straight for Kai, but the shinobi only deployed his own attack.

“Monsoon Blast!” shouted Kai. A sudden maelstrom bellowed completely overwhelming Sora's twister and the two diminished on impact. Sora could only watch in shock as his new attack was rendered useless.

“Your efforts are futile.” said Kai. “You must have picked up that attack from Osiris. Did he not tell you? I was the one who taught him how to use the wind element. So what made you think that I could possibly be defeated by my own attack?”

“It can't be.” Sora uttered. He fell to one knee. The use of the Twister Strike drained a great deal of his energy from him.”

“Look at you. How do you expect to fight me when you can't even stand anymore?” Kai began to walk away. “You are not ready. You are far from being my equal.” But for some reason, he turned around and saw Sora attempting to stand again. He took his sword again and held it at the ready.

“Not yet! I'm not dead yet!”-

“I have no right to kill you. Even if I did what would be the point. You're nowhere near my level of strength.”-

“It doesn't matter, I'll defeat you.”-

“Now I know you've lost your senses completely. You can barely hold the sword and yet you say you can defeat me? You make me laugh!”-

Sora attacked again and lunged straight forward. Kai with very little effort dodged the sword and struck it out of Sora's hand. He then swung about and hit Sora at the back of the head. The young man fell to the ground, Blood further gushed from his open wounds. Kai suddenly powered up and fired a barrage of fireballs at Sora, point blank. The heat and flames tore at Sora, burning the shirt from off his back. Kai gazed at his handiwork.

“Now, enough of this.” Kai uttered. “This fight is decided.”

But still Sora stood to face his foe. Deprived of his sword, he reached for the dagger at his side. He held it in front of him.

“I still have enough energy for one last fight.” Sora uttered.

“Even now, you remain defiant. I guess only in death will be you be satisfied.” Kai flicked a latch on the hilt of his iron tusk and revealed a glimmering blade of the sword. “It's not often that I must draw my sword like this. But if I must kill you, I will. I'm sure Kairi can live with only one friend left alive.” Kai stood at the ready. “Now come at me Sora!”

Sora cried out and charged at his enemy. The charge was however futile as Kai slashed upward. The sword cut deep into Sora's abdomen, blood immediately began to gush from the open wound. Sora fell to the ground and this time he did not stand up. Kai sheathed his sword. As he did, he saw someone coming towards him. It was General Durovano.

“General Kai!” he said. “I finally found you.” It was then that he saw the body of Sora on the ground. “Is that…?”

“Yes it is.” Kai replied. “Sora is dead now. So that's one key bearer down and one to go.”

“I have issued a general retreat. We're heading to the carrier and heading back to Vandor.”-

“Our work here is done. Then let's be one our way.” The two flew back to the carrier, but Kai glanced behind for a second or two. “Rest in peace, Sora.”

But Sora was not dead, just badly maimed. He staggered as best as he could, grasping onto the deep wound streaked across his abdomen.

“I have to find Riku…” he uttered as he crawled away.

 

Riku had separated himself from the others, looking amidst the rubble and debris, hoping that he'd spot his life long friend. The mist swirled around him, obstructing his vision.

“Sora!!” he cried. “Can you hear me?!! Sora!!”

There was only silence that surrounded him. Riku kept on going, continuing his search. It seemed hopeless until he got to a stone circle. A few downed lamps still glowed, illuminating the darkness. The only light that was present in the area of devastation. Once again Riku hollered out.

“Sora!! Sora!!” he cried, but still there was no answer. Riku turned away to continued his search until he suddenly heard a faint voice calling his name.

“Riku…” it uttered. Riku looked about.

“Who's there?!”-

“Riku.”-

Riku suddenly looked near a groove of downed trees and spotted a dark figure approaching him.

“Who are you?!”-

“Riku…” The form took shape and Riku was shocked at who he saw.

“Sora…?”-

Sora looked up with half opened eyes and smiled. He staggered to Riku, the blood still dripping from his wounds.

“Sora?!” Riku ran to his friend as Sora collapsed to the ground. Sora landed in Riku's arms, laying his head on his shoulder. Riku placed Sora on his back and held him up, placing his head under his chin. He looked down to see the ghastly wound on his abdomen. “Sora. What happened? Who did this to you?”-

“K…Kai.” Sora uttered.

“Kai? General Kai?”-

“I tried to fight him, but he was too powerful… I…I could have….”-

“Don't talk, Sora.” Riku looked about in the darkness. “Someone help! Someone help us!”

Sora began to close his eyes, but Riku shook him.

“Stay awake Sora! Stay awake!”-

“R…Riku. I..I'm not gonna make it.” Sora whispered with a dying breath.

“You'll make it, Sora. I won't let you die.”-

“I…I can't see. It's… so dark.”-

“Sora. You stay put. I'm gonna get help.” Riku began to release Sora, but Sora clung on to Riku.

“No.” He uttered. “Stay here, Riku. Please.”

“I'll be back, Sora. I promise I won't go far.”-

“Please… stay.” But Riku managed to free himself and walked away to find help. But as he began to trek a few feet away, he could hear Sora calling for him.

“Riku… come back.” Sora uttered as best he could. He reached out into the darkness attempting to feel out for him. “Riku… please come back.” Sora lay his hand down by his side and began to cry. The tears began to drip from his eyes as quickly as his blood did. Riku could hear Sora's weeping and he suddenly turned to see the tears coming from his dying friends eyes. “I'm scared… Riku. I'm… scared.” Sora began tried to move, but could only life his hand. “Riku… come back. Come back… please.”

Riku could not bear the pain of seeing his best friend lying there dying and alone. Quickly, he rushed to Sora's side. Sora jolted back, not being able to see whom it was that held him.

“Sora. It's me. It's Riku.”-

“Riku… You came back.” Sora's eyes were filled with tears. “Don't… leave me alone… Not here… I don't want to be alone.”

“I won't leave you.” Riku whispered. “I'll stay right here by your side.”

“I'm so cold.” The young man uttered in pain. His voice was silent and trembling. “I'm so cold.” Riku embraced his friend tighter, cradling his head under his chin.

“You'll live.” said Riku. “I promise.”

He held Sora tightly in his arms, as if trying to shield him from whatever impeding danger lurked in the dark. Sora slowly closed his eyes.

“I'm so tired…” he uttered. “I'm… so very, very…. tired.”

“You rest yourself.” Riku said. Holding the young man in his arms, Riku could only look up into the darkness. He uttered to himself. “Please darkness, shield us from the eyes of our enemies. Let our friends find us here.” He then peered down at Sora whose delicate skin was almost pale and his blood as red as a rose. “Sora. I am but a solitary soul who pledged loyalty only to you. To keep you warm when you are cold. To cradle you in my arms when you are alone and frightened. Here I will stay to give you new hope.”

It was then that he heard the sound of voices.

“Riku! Sora! You out there?!” It was Jack and Goofy.

“We're over here!” cried Riku. “Come quick! Sora's been wounded!”

“We'll be there as soon as we can!”-

“Did you hear that, Sora? They're coming to help us.”-

Sora, not having the energy to speak any further, could only smile.

 

Mickey and Donald could only watch on as the Imperial cruiser, carrying the four commanding generals of the Dark Empire, lifted off into the evening sky vanished without a trace.

“The Imperials no longer have a purpose for staying here.” Mickey said. “Our mission was successful.”

“Whatever happened to Lu Bu?” Donald asked.

“I have no idea. For all I know is that he disappeared without a trace.”-

“Should we tell the others about him?”-

“No Donald. I think we should keep it to ourselves. I don't know how the others would react. Keep it under wraps until the time is right.”-

Mickey peered through the darkness hoping that the rest of their group made it out safely. Sally, Dr. Finklestein, and the Mayor emerged from the building and walked on to the street, next to the two KH members.

“I hope that Jack and the others are alright.” Sally uttered.

“Don't worry about it.” Mickey replied. “I'm sure they'll all come back safely.”

“Hey look!” shouted the Mayor. Four figures suddenly appeared out from the misty night.

“They're back!” said Mickey. “They made it back alright.”

Sally went running to the group. She encountered Jack and wrapped her arms around her.

“Sally?” Jack uttered.

“I'm so glad that you're alright, Jack.” Sally said, happily.

“Good to see that you fellas managed to come back without a scratch.” Mickey stated.

“Not all of us.” Riku uttered. Mickey suddenly noticed that he was holding Sora who hung almost lifeless in his arms.

“Oh no , Sora!” said Mickey as Riku lay him down. The wounds were dressed in a primitive fashion.

“We have to dress Sora's wounds properly and get him back to Traverse Town.”-

“But why? We could just dress them here and let him rest in Halloween Town.”-

“Mickey has a point.” Jack stated. “Sora's too weak to be moved around any further. We can watch over him.”

“I suppose you're right. Mickey, contact Traverse Town and tell them to send someone over with a supply of senzu beans.”-

“Right.” Mickey replied and ran to the gummi ship still parked on the outskirts of Halloween Town.

“In the mean time, let's get Sora's wounds dressed.”-

He picked up Sora, but suddenly he uttered.

“They'll come back for us…” Sora whispered. “They'll... try and kill… us.”

“Who?” Riku asked.

“The Empire…” Sora half opened his eyes and looked at Riku. “They'll… come… for us. They'll…” Sora gasped and sneered from the pain.

“Don't try to talk, Sora. We're gonna properly dress your wounds.”-

The company went into Dr. Finklestein's laboratory. Placing Sora's body on the cold operating table, the wounded young man recoiled as his skin touched its icy surface. Riku stood by him, holding his dying friend's hand. Sally and Dr. Finklestein, taking antibiotics and clean bandages from the medicine cabinet, began to dress the wounds. They had just about finished when Mickey came barging into the room.

“Riku, Donald, Goofy!” he shouted. “We have a problem!”

“A problem?” Donald asked. “What do you mean a problem?”

“The communication system of the gummi ship has been severely damaged. That massive explosion must've ruptured the electrical system.”-

“That's bad then.”-

“Well, you know a lot about gummi ships, Donald. Can't you somehow troubleshoot the system to make it work again?”

“Darn it Mickey! I'm a wizard, not a mechanic!”-

“It's too bad we didn't bring Chip and Dale along this time. But I didn't think we'd be doing this much traveling.”-

“But we need to get those senzu beans for Sora.” said Goofy. “His life depends upon it.”

“Then I think it best that one of us has to go back to Traverse Town, find Goten and tell him that we need more senzu beans.”-

“But what if we're ambushed by Imperials on the way there?” asked Donald. “We wouldn't be able to take them on alone.”

“Then at least two of you go.”-

“But that'll cut your strength in half.” Mickey stated. “Suppose the Imperials return for retaliation. You know how some of those commanders want out heads on a platter.”

“That's a risk we must be willing to take. I'll stay here and defend in case the Imperials come.”-

“But we won't stand a chance if we're attacked.” Donald replied. “You've seen how their patrols relentlessly attack us when we're in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But right now, Sora is our main concern.” Riku began. “He won't be able to stand the journey. And going into warp speed may cause further difficulties. He's already lost a great deal of blood from that open wound on his abs.”

“Riku…” Sora uttered. The young man sat up. “I can make it… I can make it… back to Traverse Town.”

“Are you sure?”-

“I don't… want to make anymore… trouble for Jack and the others… This is our fight… And I don't want anyone else to… get in harms way. Halloween Town… isn't properly protected from… the Empire… That is why we… must go.”-

“Alright Sora. You win.” Riku turned to Mickey and the others. “Board the gummi ship. We're going back to Traverse Town.”

The KH team boarded the Leviathan and the engines ignited. Riku was the last to board. As he did, he saw Jack and the others waving to him.

“Thank you very much for your help, Riku!” Jack shouted.

“It was a pleasure!” Riku replied. With that, he entered the gummi ship. The airlock doors shut behind him and the gummi ship lifted off into the atmosphere, vanishing into the early morning sky.

Little did either side realize that a solitary individual was still watching from afar. Lu Bu was still on the outskirts of Halloween Town. Getting his space pod ready, he glanced towards the area where the gummi ship had taken off.

“Traverse Town, eh?” Lu Bu uttered to himself. “You're heading back to that backwash settlement, Riku? Well, wherever you go, I'll be right behind you. I intend to regain my pride as the mightiest man alive and that's what I'll do.”

He squeezed himself into the pod and shut himself in. The energy level increased and Lu Bu maneuvered his way off the ground and into the atmosphere unnoticed. Setting his course to Traverse Town, he thirsted to the thought of a rematch against Riku and longed to take back his title as the strongest.

“Soon I will have revenge.” He uttered. The space pod went into warp drive and headed towards Traverse Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assassination

 

Cuchulain stood vigilant in the first district, sitting on the steps of the town entry. His trident, the Gae Bulga lay nestled on his shoulder. With his head bowed down, he could observe passersby without them noticing that he were gazing at them. It was then that he heard a familiar rumble which could only be the sound of rockets from a gummi ship. He stood up and ran to the main gates and before him, the mighty Leviathan landed and took port. Cuchulain stood to where the airlock doors were located and waited for his comrades to come out.

“Could it be that they've come back?” he thought. The doors opened and from the darkness of its hull, Mickey and Donald came out. Cuchulain ran to greet them. “I see you guys made it back safely.”

“Good to be back.” Mickey replied. “How is everything here?”

“We haven't had any incidences with the Imperials ever since you left. I think we scared them off for good. Too bad though. I never got to fight the Imperials.”-

“That's because you were asleep throughout that entire ordeal!” Donald uttered. Mickey whacked his friend at the back of the head.

“Shut up…” Mickey whispered.

“So all of you managed to fulfill your mission without suffering one casualty?” Cuchulain asked.

“Well, not exactly.”-

“What do you mean?”-

Cuchulain then looked up to see Goofy and Riku carrying Sora.

“Hey Cuchulain.” said Goofy.

“What happened?” asked the Hound.

“Sora's been severely injured.” Riku replied. “Is Goten here?”

“Goten? No he isn't. He`s still in Oceansburg with Sneer and Lu Xun. Why do you ask?”-

“Damn. We need some senzu beans for Sora.”-

“I'll tell the others that you've arrived. We'll set Sora up in the hotel in the second district. Come hurry.”-

The party walked to where the Hotel was. Sora having very little energy could only make one baby step at a time. The walk from the main gate to the hotel in the second district was not a far distance. But for a young man in pain and who had lost a lot of blood and almost unconscious, it was a long walk. They eventually made it to the hotel and placed Sora in the red room. Riku laid his friend on his bed. Night fell and the lights from the alleyway peered through the window, creating a shadowy contrast on Sora's face. Goofy lit the lamps in the room, creating a descent yet dim amount of light.

Leon and Yuffie accompanied Cuchulain where Sora lay.

“Is Sora alright?” asked Yuffie.

“He's slightly unconscious and he's lost a lot of blood.” Riku said. “Just give him some time to rest.”

“I wired Goten.” Leon stated. “He says that he's on his way right now.”

“What about the senzu beans?”-

“He says that the senzu beans won't be ready for another day, or so. But he says that once their ready, they'll be delivered to us.”-

“Is Goten bringing it here?”-

“No. His dad, Goku, is going to deliver the beans here. Goten will arrive here within the next hour, or so.”-

“Here you go, Riku.” said Mickey, handing him a bowl of water with a damp cloth.

“Thanks Mickey.” Riku replied. He dampened the sponge and wiped the dirt and sweat from Sora's face. The young man gasped suddenly as if he had held his breath. Sora opened his eyes slightly and gazed up at Riku.

“R…Riku?” Sora uttered. He tried to sit up, but Riku gently forced him down again.

“Lay still, Sora. You must rest your body. You've been through a lot.”-

“Where am I?” Sora's half opened eyes gazed about the room.

“You're in the red room in the Traverse Town hotel in the second district.”-

“We'll leave you two alone.” Cuchulain uttered, shooing the others out of the room. He closed the door behind him, leaving Riku alone with his young friend.

“I thought you weren't going to make it.” Riku said.

“I felt myself passing away.” Sora whispered. “I could feel myself slip away.” Sora tried to lift his head but it collapsed on the pillow again. Sora's eyes closed again and the young key bearer was once again asleep. Riku stroked his forehead and smiled.

“You rest Sora. I guarantee that you'll feel better in a few hours.” Riku exited the room and closed the door behind him. He sat in the green room where Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were sitting.

“Is Sora gonna be alright?” asked Mickey.

“He's fine.” Riku stated. “All he needs right now is some good rest.”

“Gawrsh.” Goofy said. “I didn't think Sora would make it through all that.”

“Ah phooey!” Donald said. “I know Sora and he isn't the type to give up so easily.”

“That's true.” Riku added. “Sora will never give up so long as breath still enters and exits his lungs.” It was then that Riku felt a strange presence from far away. He suddenly turned cold in the face and he gazed out the window.

“Are you OK, Riku?” asked Goofy.

“I'm alright. I just thought I felt something.”-

 

An hour passed swiftly and without notice, Riku and his comrades still remained vigilant over the red room where Sora slept soundly.

“Sora really must be tired.” Mickey said. “Not surprising though.”

“He'll be alright.” Donald assured him. “Just let him be.” It was then that Donald noticed that Riku still had that cold stare on his face. “Riku? Are you sure you're alright?”

“I have this strange feeling that someone is out there?” Riku uttered. “An eerie presence. A threatening presence.”

“It must be your imagination.”-

“If it was, this feeling of fear that I have wouldn't be lasting this long.”-

Suddenly, Cuchulain came into the room and presented himself before the team.

“Hey guys.” he began. “Goten has arrived. His cruiser is just about to land.”

“Come on, Riku.” said Mickey. “Let's go meet him.”

“But what about Sora?” Riku asked. “I can't just leave him alone.”

“Don't worry about him.” said Donald. “Nothing will happen to Sora.” The three joined with Cuchulain and rushed out of the room. Riku gazed at the door leading to the red room, where a slumbering Sora lay defenseless and weak. Riku shook his head. “Maybe Donald's right. Maybe I'm being a little paranoid.” He walked out of the green room and into the hall. He exited the hotel and looked about to see if there was anyone there. The lights illuminated the walkways revealing that there was no one walking about in the second district besides him. Riku continued to walk towards the gates leading to the first district, but he stopped as his conscious nagged him to stay.

“What if something were to happen?” Riku thought to himself. “If something were to happen to Sora I wouldn't be able to reach him in time. Or am I so stressed by the passed events that I can't even determine the difference between a real threat and my own imagination?” Instead of meeting with the others who went to greet Goten, Riku wandered about in the second district, keeping watch.

At the same time, Sora awoke from a deep sleep. He staggered to sit up and moved the end of the bed. He dangled his feet over the edge and laid them firmly on the floor. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His eyes were still half shut. Grasping the bandaged wound on his abdomen, he hoped to comfort the pain. Not a sharp pain, but one that seemed to throb heavily.

“What I had to get myself into.” he uttered to himself.

“Aw. Poor baby.” A voice suddenly whispered. Sora looked up to see a young lady standing in front of the door leading to the green room. “Does it hurt?”

“Who are you?” Sora asked.

“Why I'm the answer to all your prayers.” The young lady replied. “I've come to comfort you. You are so alone in this big room, on such a big bed.” She approached Sora. Sora slightly backed off onto the mattress again. The young lady just stopped at the foot of the bed. “You're name is Sora right?”

“How did you know that?”-

“I overheard your friends talking.” She gazed down at the wounds inflicted on him that had been mended. “Oh, you have been hurt. Did those nasty people hurt you?” She began to climb on the bed and neared Sora. She came up and stroked her hand on his abdomen. “Don't worry I'll make it better.”

“Miss,” Sora uttered, “I don't know how to react to that. You don't need to be so close to me.”

“But why not? You're so handsome and so hot.” She continued to close the distance between her and Sora. “So young too.”

“Please Miss. I don't even know who you are.”

 

Meanwhile, at the main gate, Cuchulain, Leon, and the others watched as Goten's ship touched down and made port. Immediately after it had settled, the airlock doors automatically opened and Goten rushed out.

“It's good to see you again, Goten.” Mickey said. But Goten seemed to be in a hurry.

“Sora! Riku! Where are they?!” Goten asked.

“They're at the hotel in the second district.” Donald implied. He looked around. “I guess Riku decided not to follow us.”

“Why do you ask?” asked Leon. Goten didn't utter a word further. Instead, he rushed to the second district with all possible speed.

“Goten?!” said Yuffie. “Yo, Goten come back!”

“Why is he in such a hurry?” asked Goofy.

“And what's with that worried look in his face?” Mickey added.

“I don't know, but it must be concerning Riku and Sora.” Cuchulain said.

“Well, come on.” Leon implied. “Let's follow him.”

The company was on Goten's heels, still wondering why Goten looked grief stricken.

 

In the meantime, Sora was still confronted by the young woman, who now stood over him. He rested on his elbows and the young woman began rubbing her hand on his chest. She then forced him down on the bed and straddled him across his stomach.

“Please Miss. Don't do this.” Sora pleaded. “I don't even know who you are.”

“Shhh.” She said, looking straight down on him. She tightened her legs over him and pinned both of Sora's hands down. “I just want to see you up close. You have such beautiful blue eyes.”

“Miss! Tell me what is it that you want from me?! What do you expect me to do?!” Suddenly another figure appeared over him, opposite the girl. It was a young man who looked down on him.

“All we want you to do, Sora,” the young man said, “is die!!”

He suddenly threw one of the heavy pillows on Sora's face. Sora realized what was happening now, but it was too late. There was a violent struggle between the three. The young man wrapped the pillow over Sora's head while the young woman kept his arms pinned. Sora thrashed about violently, his legs kicking in the air, and muffled cries bellowing from beneath the cloth.

 

At the same time, Riku awaited for the others to return. He sat quietly on the wall of the walkway, just outside the hotel when Goten suddenly burst through the doors. Riku stood up automatically.

“Goten.” He said. Goten rushed to him, the others behind him. “What's the matter?”

“Danger!” Goten shouted. “You and Sora are in grave danger?!”

“What do you mean?”-

“There are two assassins who have come to kill you and Sora! They're here in Traverse Town!” Goten looked about. “Where's Sora?”

Riku, stricken with fear, rushed into the hotel with Goten and the others flowing him close behind.

 

Sora slowly suffocated as the young man added more pressure to the pillow. Sora's cries became louder and his legs thrashed about more violently then ever. He tired to raise his arms, but the young woman kept them pinned.

“He's a real fighter.” the young man said.

“He was so cute too.” the young lade added. “How is he in his thrashing?”

“Oh you should see those legs kick.”-

“It's not his thrashing limbs I'm worried about.” Letting go of Sora's left, she reached back and began rubbing her hand up and down his crotch. Sora cried out.

“Stop!” he cried. “Someone help me!”

“Ain't no one gonna help you now!” the young man chuckled.

“Yeah.” The young woman said, still rubbing her hand on Sora's crotch. “Just keep thrashing. I like it.”

But suddenly, there was a bang on the door, which scared the two.

“Open up!” shouted Riku from the other side.

“What?!” said the young man. “But how?!”

“They knew we were here?” the young lady added. She turned to the young man. “Let's finish this and go!” As the pounding on the door became louder and more threatening, the young man pressed the pillow down on Sora's face. Sora thrashed about violently for only a few more seconds before they stuck up for a brief moment and fell dead to the bed mattress. His struggle died down and Sora stopped moving. But as he ceased to move, the doors burst open and there stood Goten, Riku, and Cuchulain.

Cuchulain thrust the Gae Bulga and struck the young woman in the back. The prongs of the spear pierced through her back and exited out her chest. She slumped backwards and died. The young man tried to escape, but Goten unsheathed his sword and threw it at the young man. The sword cut the young man on the left shoulder and stuck into the wall.

“This ain't over!” the young man bellowed and crashed through the window. Landing on the ground, he fled into the darkness of the alleyway. Goten and Cuchulain went to see where he had gone, but there was no sign.

Meanwhile, Riku jumped onto the bed and took the pillow off Sora's head. Sora's eyes were closed and his breathing stopped. Riku held his friend in his arms.

“Sora!” he cried. “Wake up! Please wake up!”

Sora suddenly began coughing violently, taking deep breathes at the same time. He panicked, not knowing where he was until he saw Riku staring down at him. Sora's eyes filled with tears and he wept into Riku's coat. Riku held his friend tightly against him.

“It's alright, Sora.” he said. “It's alright.”

 

Later having enough strength to walk, Sora joined Riku and the others to observe the dead corpse of the woman.

“Stifle Asphyxia.” Goten uttered.

“Is she the one you tried to warn us about?” Riku asked.

“She and her brother Smother were the ones alright. That is why they are called the Asphyxia Twins, because they specialize in silent killing in strangulation, or suffocation.”-

“But why would they intend to kill their victims in such a barbaric fashion?” asked Leon.

“The reason why is because they find pleasure in torturing their victims.” Goten turned to Sora. “Tell me Sora. What did they do to you?”

“Well, this young girl attempted to seduce me.” Sora began. “She crawled on top of me and pinned me down. Suddenly, her brother forced a pillow onto my head and tried to suffocate me. I could feel myself dying. I couldn't breathe and tried for fight them off, but this girl pinned my arms down. But suddenly, she let go of my left arm and I could suddenly feel her hand rubbing itself up and down my crotch. But violation of my private parts was the last thing on my mind. I felt myself die and I just went limp, not able to move. I could feel a sinking feeling in my body as if I were very heavy and seemed to pass away.”

“To further emphasize on the question why the Asphyxia Twins did what they did and do what they do is because they also engage in asphyxiating sodomy.”

“What does that mean?”-

“They are sexually aroused by inflicting pain on their victims through strangulation, or suffocation. They enjoy the sight of someone thrashing about violently.”-

“What kind of sick minded individuals are these two?” Leon asked.

“Sick minded and the best silent assassins known in our universe. They can kill their victim and suddenly vanish without a trace. No one was able to catch them in the act, or prevent any of their murders until now. Thanks to an anonymous source, we managed to catch them and stop an attempted assassination.”

“So I guess it's only Smother that's left.” Mickey asked.

“Alone, they were not much of a threat. They aren't physically strong enough to tackle a job alone. It was when they were together that they proved to be a deadly combination.”-

“So I guess Smother is just like one of those bullies.” Riku uttered. “He's alone for the first time in his life and he's afraid.”

“So, I guess the ordeal is over then.” Sora added.

 

However, they didn't realize that Smother Asphyxia was watching them from the door leading to the alleyway.

“This isn't over.” Smother said. “I'll kill you and Sora next time, Riku. This time, I'll kill you for vengeance. You killed my sister and now I'll take your lives.”

“Quite a bold statement.” A voice suddenly uttered from behind him. Smother turned to see a familiar face looking at him.

“General Ameba.”-

“You failed to carry out your mission, I see.” The General uttered.

“They killed my sister!”-

“Aw, that's too bad.”-

“Don't worry. I'll take my revenge by killing both those key bearers.”-

“I'm sorry to hear that.” Ameba suddenly uttered. Smother stood puzzled.

“Why do you say that? And what brings you here anyway, Sir?”-

“I came to tell you that your part in this is over.”-

“What do you mean by that?” Ameba smiled and placed his hand on Smother's shoulder.

“I hope you won't take this personally.” Ameba suddenly revealed a bayonet from beneath his sleeve and thrust it into Smother's gut. The boy gasped as he felt the bayonet enter is body. Ameba released him, forcing the young man to fall dying. The blood seeped from the open wound and Smother could only look up at his employer.

“But why…?” he uttered. “Why did…you do this?”

“I found out,” Ameba explained, “That Riku and Sora are worth more to me alive. By sparing their lives, I would be able to gain my lordship if I were to capture them alive. But had you killed even one of them, my promotion to lord would have once again been denied and that is something which I cannot have. Thus, you must pay the price for attempting to kill them.”-

“But that's…what you hired us…to do…” blood now began to seep from his mouth.

“The situation has changed my boy. You are irrelevant now.”-

Smother tried to crawl away, but Ameba slowly followed behind him. Ameba saw that Smother had dropped his famous death cord, which he used to strangle his victims. He picked it up and knelt behind Smother.

“You seem to enjoy seeing your victims gasp and choke when you kill them.” Ameba then wrapped the chord around the young man's throat. “Let's see how you enjoy your own medicine.”

Smother tried to cry out, but Ameba only tightened the chord around his throat. Finally, with all his might, the young man cried out for help as best he could.

 

His cry didn't go unnoticed though. Riku and the others heard the death cry as clear as a bell.

“Did you hear that?” Riku asked.

“Sure did.” Yuffie added. “It came from the alleyway whatever it was.”

The party rushed to the gates leading to the alleyway. Opening the doors, they gazed upon a trail of blood. Tracing it, they stumbled upon the body of Smother Asphyxia.

“Smother Asphyxia.” Goten uttered.

“Is he dead?” asked Riku, as they bent over the body. They observed a red streak around his throat.

“So,” Leon uttered, “a victim of his own pleasure.”

It was suddenly that Smother gasped and sat up. The party was stunned to see this. But Riku wasn't afraid and grabbed Smother by the collar.

“Oh! You're still alive?!” he said angrily. “You should have stayed dead! Now, you have me to contend with!”

“Riku…don't” Sora uttered as he hobbled to Smother. Smother looked into the eyes of the young man whom he and his sister tried to desperately murder. “What happened?”

Smother looked at his hands, which were covered in his own blood.

“Useless…” he uttered. “Useless…and bloody.”

“You better tell us what happened!” said Riku, violently shaking the assassin.

“He…betrayed us…He betrayed us”-

“Who?” Sora asked. But before he could utter a syllable, a dagger flew from out of nowhere and pierced his chest. The party looked about to see where the dagger came from.

“Spread out!” Leon ordered. “Find the assailant!” Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Leon, and Cuchulain spread out to search the area where the knife came from.

Smother coughed violently and the blood seeped from the sides of his mouth. He grasped onto Sora's shoulder and gazed into the key bearer's eyes.

“Sorry…” he uttered. A solitary tear rolled down his face before Smother fell dead to the ground. Sora placed his hand over the assassin's eyes and closed them.

“It's alright.” Sora uttered. Sora stood up and gazed into the starry night. He noticed Goten and the others scouring the rooftops, looking for the assassin.

“Why would the Empire wish to kill their best assassins?” Yuffie asked.

“I don't know.” Riku added. “Whoever it is, they don't want the word to get out that an attempt on Sora's life was made.”

“I can't stay here.” Sora uttered.

“What are you talking about, Sora?”-

Suddenly Sora collapsed, but Riku and Yuffie managed to catch him before he fell to the ground. Sweat began to drip from the key bearer's forehead.

“Sora.” Riku uttered. He gazed at Yuffie. “He's still weak from his bout with General Kai.”

“Let's get him back into the hotel.” Yuffie said. “Let's get him into the green room this time.”

“Right.”

The two picked up the weary warrior and took him back into the hotel.

 

The night grew colder and the pursuit of Smother's assassin was called off. The KH team reassembled at the green room. Cuchulain and Leon walked about in the hallway, watching for anyone suspicious. Goten and Yuffie stood vigilant on the balcony of the green room. At the same time, Goofy, Mickey, Donald, and Riku stood watch over their dying friend. Riku dabbed a wet cloth over his friend's forehead, wiping the sweat away.

“I've never seen Sora so weak.” Mickey uttered.

“He's been through a lot.” Riku replied. “Goten! How much longer till your dad gets here with those senzu beans?”

“He should be here within the hour.” Goten replied. “I know my dad. He's never come too late before.”

“How's Sora holding out?” asked Yuffie.

“He's doing pretty well right now. Just needs some sleep.”-

“I know. He's been through a lot.”-

Just then, they heard Cuchulain shouting from the hallway.

“Riku!” he cried. “Someone's coming!”

Riku ran out, leaving the others to watch over Sora. He joined Cuchulain and Leon in the hallway.

“What's going on?” asked Riku.

“Someone's approaching from the alleyway leading to the third district.” Riku looked out to see a form approaching from the shadows. Riku walked out of the hotel to meet the figure. He stood on the walkway just outside the hotel and waited for the figure to come closer.

“Are you Riku?” the figure asked.

“Yes!” Riku replied. “Are you…?” But as the figure drew nearer, Riku immediately recognized who it was.

“Arakis!!” he shouted. The figure looked around.

“Arakis?! Where?!” But he realized that Riku had drawn his sword and was rushing towards him. “Hey, wait a minute! Wait a minute!”

Riku chased the figure about the courtyard with his sword held over his head.

“You won't get away, Arakis!!” Riku roared.

“I'm not Arakis!” the figure pleaded. “Put down the sword!”

“You can't fool me!!”-

“Riku!! Wait!!” Goten suddenly shouted from the walkway.

“But Arakis…!”-

“That's not Arakis, Riku.” Goten flew down to the courtyard and sided alongside Riku. “That's my father, Son Goku.”

“Son Goku?”-

“Yes!” the figure said. “It's Goku.” Goku approached the two, slightly leery about how to approach.

“But how can that be?” Riku asked.

“I forgot to mention this to you,” Goten explained, “but Lord Arakis and my father are exact look alikes.”

“But how's that possible?”-

“Simple. My dad and I are descendents of Lord Arakis.”-

“You are?”-

“That's what explains the strong striking resemblance between my dad and Arakis.”-

“Hard to believe?” Goku added. “I wouldn't blame you. We just found that out only recently.”

“You get it, Riku?” Goten asked.

“I understand.” Riku said. He approached Goku and stretched out his hand. “Sorry for what happened.”

“Water under the bridge.” Goku chuckled, grasping at Riku's hand. “You're not the first to mistaken me for Arakis. But believe me, we have nothing in common, he and I. And just for that, I come bearing gifts.” He took out a bag of senzu beans and gave it to Riku. “Here's what you requested, Riku.”

“Thank you.” Riku replied, accepting the bag from Goku. They rushed back to the room where Sora lay. Riku took out one of the senzu beans and, holding Sora's head up, he nudged the bean at his lips. “Sora. Here's a senzu bean.”

“A bean.” Sora uttered. He opened his mouth and Riku placed the bean on his tongue. Sora slowly chewed the bean. Everyone watched with anxious eyes, hoping that the bean would work its magic as it did before. As soon as Sora had swallowed it, his eyes widely opened and he stood up in the bed. “I feel better.”

“That's great.” Riku uttered. Everyone cheered, knowing that the young key bearer would be alright after all.

“Thanks, Riku.”-

“Don't thank me, Sora. You should thank Goku.”-

“Goku?”-

Goku lurched his way forward. Sora gazed into his eyes.

“I see you've fully recovered.” Goku chuckled.

“Thank you…” Sora uttered.

“No trouble at all.”-

Soon after, Sora was dressing himself in a new outfit. Riku leaned next to the door, his arms folded in front of him.

“Why is it that Goku looks like Arakis?” Sora asked.

“He and Arakis are distantly related.” Riku replied. “Arakis is in fact Goku's ancestor.”

“Just how old is Arakis?”-

“Who knows. But if he's called Goku's ancestor, he must really be ancient.”-

“No wonder he's held such high esteem within the Empire.” Sora put a new white shirt on and tucked it into his black jeans.

“If I had my way, I'd like to meet Lord Arakis and fight him. That would save us a whole lot of trouble.”-

Sora suddenly remembered his duel with the might Death Lord. He remembered just how powerful he was.

“He's stronger than you think, Riku.” Sora uttered.

“How do you know?” Riku asked.

“Well, I…” Sora stuttered, not wanting to reveal the details of the duel he had against Arakis. How could he look at Riku and say that he had the chance to fight Arakis and end their search for Kairi sooner, but failed? He knew by revealing such an event, Riku would never forgive him. Sora immediately came up with an alternative explanation. “It was just how Goten and the others were describing his strength.”

“Arakis can't be that powerful can he?”-

“Being a threat to the universe, I say he holds a lot of energy to be a greater threat than either you, or I can comprehend.”-

“Well, when I get the chance to fight him, I will. And I'll win.”-

“Oh Riku. If you only knew.” Sora thought to himself.

“Hey guys!” Goku called. “Come here!”

“What is it, dad?” Goten asked. The others gathered around him.

“Is it something important?” Leon asked.

“I forgot to mention it before.” Goku said.

“Well what is it?” Sora asked.

“Does it have something to do with the Empire?” Riku added.

“Not really.” Goku explained. “It has more to do with the Alliance. Sneer said that he'll be sending a regiment of Alliance soldiers here to fortify a refuge for the refugees.”

“We'll be receiving refugees?” Cuchulain asked.

“That's right. And we need everyone in town to help look after these people.”-

“Very well.” Leon stated. “We'll set up tents in the courtyards of the three districts.”

“I'll see if anyone is willing to provide shelter for any of the refugees.” Yuffie added.

“What about medical supplies?” Mickey asked.

“Yeah.” Donald added. “You can't give aid without medical supplies and food?”

“Provisions will be coming with the regiment of soldiers.” Goku explained. “We just have to be ready to accept the refugees.”

“Where are the refugees coming from?” Sora asked.

“Everywhere.”-

“How many?”-

“From what Sneer was telling me, a lot. At least three thousand.”-

“Three thousand refugees?” Riku said, astonished.

“That's right.” Goku rushed out the door.

“Where're you going, Goku?” Goofy asked.

“I have to return to Oceansburg and meet with Sneer.” Goku explained. “He wants me to report back to him as soon as I gave the message and the senzu beans to you guys.” He placed his middle and index finger to his forehead and prepared to deploy instant transmission. But as he walked outside the hotel, he suddenly felt an evil presence lurking about in the darkness.

“What's up, Goku?” Riku asked as he and the others rushed out.

“Someone is here.” Goku uttered. “An evil power.”

“Yeah.” Goten replied. “And I'll give you a guess who it is.”

“What are they talking about?” Mickey asked.

“You can search me.” Donald replied. “I don't see anyone out there.”

“They have the ability to sense the energy accumulating from the enemy.” Riku uttered. “Every warrior develops this instinct.”

“By the sense I'm feeling,” Sora said, “It's definitely a familiar trait.”

“You couldn't be more right than that!” a voice hollered up. The party looked up to see a shadowy figure standing upon the rooftop of the outlet building.

“There he is!” Cuchulain pointed out.

The figure descended to the courtyard. When his face was illuminated by the lamps of the second district, the party reacted in a hostile manner. Lord Drako Arakis of the Dark Empire had come before them.

“Arakis.” Sora uttered.

“What are you doing here, Arakis?!” Goku said.

“I just wanted to see how my prized opponents were doing.” said Arakis. “I didn't want any of them to meet their fates prematurely. What surprises me though is what someone like you is doing here, Kakarrot.”

“I needed to help these guys.”-

“Just like you, Kakarrot. Always playing the compassionate hero. However, the efforts you take will be in vain. You can't be everywhere at once. Stray but a little from your objective and you would have lost a great deal of time and effort on a lost cause. Just by standing here conversing with the members of the KH group is costing you. As we speak, the Dark Empire is taking over other dimensional realms. Hundreds are on the verge of falling beneath our might.”-

“But what's the Empire if I take out the leaders?!”-

“And what chance do you think you have against me?”-

Goku sneered and jumped to confront Arakis. He stood ready to fight.

“I believe my chances are fair enough.” Goku said. “You wish to fight me?! Then I gladly accept your challenge!”-

“I would love to fight you, Kakarrot.” Arakis chuckled. “However, you're just not worth my time right now.”

“What's the matter, Arakis?! Do I scare you?!”-

“Please, Kakarrot. Can't you think of something more original?”-

“Hey!!” Sora shouted. “Arakis!”

Arakis glared up at Sora, a slight smirk on his face.

“And what is it that you want, key bearer?” Arakis asked.

“Were you the one who killed Smother Asphyxia?!”-

“The Asphyxia Twins were here?”-

“Don't play dumb with us!” Riku shouted. “We know that you sent those two assassins to kill Sora!”

“Why would I want to do that? I have no intention of killing you. Unless it was in a fight.”-

“Well either way, both of them are dead!” Riku jumped aside Goku and drew his blade from the sheath. He presented the sharpened steel before Arakis. “And since we're on the subject, I know that you're the one who knows where my friend Kairi is! Tell me! Where is she?!”

“For you own sake, sheath your sword.” Arakis uttered. “If you value your life that is.”

“You're the only one who knows where Kairi is and I intend to get that information from you. Even if I have to beat it out of you!”-

“Fighting you as you are now would not be worth my time, Riku. You wouldn't stand a chance against me.”-

“We'll just see about that.” But just then, Goku placed his hand on Riku's shoulder. “Goku?”

“Your fight is with me, Arakis!” Goku stated. “No one else! We still have an old score to settle!”

“Still haven't forgiven me for what I did you your son, Gohan and your granddaughter, Pan eh, Kakarrot?” Arakis chuckled. “Well if you wish to fight me, then go ahead, but it won't be here. I don't intend to fight you with my full strength. And I know how you hate to engage in a fight where your opponent is not taking the fight seriously and not use their full strength.” Arakis turned his back towards the two. He suddenly glanced back at Sora, staring at him with he smirking eyes. He then turned his back on the party again and began to hover into the air. “Till the next time we meet, my friends. Next time, you may not be as lucky as you have been in this night.”

With that, Arakis vanished into the night sky, leaving the party standing in the cool night breeze.

“Next time, Arakis.” Riku uttered to himself. “It'll be you that won't be so lucky.”