All That's Left [Alpha Draft] - Pt 31;

[keybearer]

Chapter 31: Turbotastic Pt. 2

WHAM. CRASH.

The fighting dragged on. Beads of sweat dotted Riku’s armor. Even with darkness oozing through his veins, he began wobbling as he dashed across the battlefield. The sky shimmered in a glassy dome that spanned from the top of the rainbow ramp all the way to the finish line’s golden frame, but cracks had already begun wedging their way across the barrier’s surface. Even so, Kairi stood her ground at the foot of the bridge, one hand wrapped around her necklace while she flung her weapon in repeated Strike Raids, fired off wavering white spheres, and smothered flaming Cy-Bugs with whips of water.

Springing across the toppled stands, Sora latched onto Cy-Bugs foolish enough to try fluttering toward the barrier and tore his way through their shells with claws ablaze. Lasers continued to fly, lighting the air in a deadly display, but was it enough?

Riku choked out a husky laugh as he cleaved across another insect. Frozen by Dark Splicer, it became a stepping stone as he flung himself at the next bug and lobbed a ring of electric orbs at six charging foes. He’d have to thank Aqua for introducing him to Shotlocks later, but as for Ralph…

He hovered by the finish line, thrusting his fists at any Cy-Bugs that dared approach. Poor Felix stood beside him, repeatedly gesturing toward the bridge.

“Ralph, that’s enough! You’re gonna wear yourself out at this rate.”

“I don’t care,” he said, swinging another punch. “It’s my own fault for letting this happen!”

“Oh, fiddlesticks!” said Felix. “Beatin’ yourself up ain’t gonna make ya feel any better.”

“But it’s true!” BAM. Another punch sent a Cy-Bug skidding straight into a minefield. “I really thought I could be like you, Felix, but now this whole game’s falling apart. If I hadn’t gotten so caught up on that stupid medal, then—”

Felix placed his hand against Ralph’s arm, sighing. “But you only went that far because of us. I’d say that makes me the bad guy.”

“Oh, please!” said Donald. “The only real bad guys’re that Gene jerk and King Candy!”

“Ya mean Turbo!” said Goofy.

“Turbo, Candy, who cares? It’s not like he can do anything without a kart!”

True, Xion had taken care of that, but where was she? And what about Vanellope? Once he’d sliced across one Cy-Bug and slammed into another, Riku stole a glimpse at the screen, but three more bugs rammed into it from behind, sending it toppling toward his head like a freshly chopped tree. Grunting, he flickered out of the screen’s path, landing a short distance on the ground. The cracks along the barrier widened as the Cy-Bugs outside continued ramming both above. The small saving grace came in the form of another surging sphere, sucking up the flailing bugs with its magnetic might.

Others slowed, and Sora sniffed the air, perking moments later. That’s gotta be him! He flopped down from a smoldering Cy-Bug corpse, skittering toward a capsized box that once made up part of the stands.

If Sora was that pumped, it must’ve been for a reason, so after stabbing another circle of bugs with a ring of stalagmites, Riku hustled in hot pursuit of his friend. He tore around the corner just in time to catch Sora flying at a towering, lanky man with insane red spikes for hair. At first, he simply peeked around the edge of the box, but as soon as Sora tapped his shoulder, he sprung back. Flames swirled around his wrists, but instantly died down the moment Sora waved hello.

His enthusiasm was met with a deadpan stare, and Axel pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hey, don’t you kids have an apocalypse to deal with?”

Riku swished his Keyblade out, aiming it at Axel’s chest. “We do, but word on the street’s that you’re here for some souvenirs, and I won’t let that slide.”

“Great. So you know, too? Is there anyone here who isn’t in on it?” He threw up his hands, swiveling around. “Next thing you’ll tell me is that you found a way through the barrier…”

Head tilted, Sora rubbed his cheek. Nah. We just came here for a vacation.

He cocked an eyebrow. “You mean this whole mess was just a giant coincidence?”

“For us, anyway. The only reason we know about your plan’s because of a cat and his giant pink marshmallow.” A screech from above made Riku roll forward, and he launched his Keyblade at a Cy-Bug that came diving at Axel’s back. “But you’re right; we really do have other flies to swat. Guess we’ll have to chat about this later.”

“Heh. That’s if I stick around.” Axel threw out his arms, and a swirl of fire brought two spiky chakrams into his grasp. “In case you forgot, I’m a bad guy.”

True. Sora got down on all fours, catapulting at Axel’s chest but stopping just a few inches away. I guess we’ll have to make you stay!

“Yeesh. Ever heard of personal space?” Two more bugs dropped down, and he launched his discs at their underbellies, slicing their shells wide open. “C’mon, it’s just a game. If you were smart, you’d bail, too.”

“Yeah? Well, I guess we’re—”

CRASH. At long last, the barrier shattered into glittering shards, and the remaining Cy-Bugs drew toward the track like a tidal wave from the sky. Immediately, Riku whipped back around. He scrambled for the bridge. For Kairi, and as he ran, several Cy-Bugs slammed into the finish line’s frame, ripping its poles from the dirt. Moreover, Felix, Xion, and Ralph bolted past the wreckage, Vanellope now cradled in Ralph’s arms. Kairi had collapsed on her knees, but Donald and Goofy pulled her back on her feet. Quickening his stride, Riku jabbed his weapon forward, coating Kairi’s skin with a shimmering green glow.

The Cy-Bugs pursued Axel and Sora like a pack of ravenous sharks. As if they’d forgotten their personal alliances, they bolted side by side, scampering at Riku’s tail. The three rampaged over the bridge, blasting fireballs, lightning bolts, and sending tremors behind them. When they finally reached the top of the slope, Calhoun descended, twirling her pistol with a snarl.

“Well, look who decided to show his face again!”

Growling, Axel flung his chakrams at the approaching horde. “Look, lady, you’ve got every right to hate me, but shouldn’t you save your ammo for these guys?”

“But why are you still here?” said Xion.

“You better talk!” said Donald, smacking his staff against his palm, but to Riku’s surprise, Calhoun pulled her weapon from Axel’s neck.

“Forget it. We need to blow this bridge now, or the arcade’s history.”

“But the game—” said Kairi between gasps, and for once, Calhoun’s glare softened, grief seeping into her features.

Meanwhile, Ralph ran at the tunnel, but while he passed through, Vanellope ricocheted back. Though Ralph ran back out and tried pulling her through again, a wall flashed between them. Kept flashing as he tugged and pushed.

“Ow! Ralph, stop it. Please…” She pulled her way out of his grip, slowly backing away. “It’s okay. Go on without me…”

“No!” said Xion, grabbing her little hand. “We can stop this! We can still save you… right?”

“Not without a beacon,” said Calhoun, but as soon as she spoke up, Ralph squeezed past her and latched onto her hover board.

“Hey, lady! Lemme borrow this for a second.”

“Are you crazy?” said Felix, but Ralph only chuckled, already kicking the board into the air.

“Kid, stay here with the others. I’ve got some wreckin’ to do.”

With a wobble and a lurch, the board shot toward Diet Cola Mountain. Then it clicked. The Mentos. The cola… Was he seriously gonna bring the whole thing down? Once Ralph became a speck on the horizon, and it didn’t take long, Riku ripped open a corridor and thrust himself into the twisting black smog. However, he stopped halfway through, poking his head out at the others.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but there’s no way I’m letting him do this on his own.”

Brow creased, Sora turned to Axel, pointed to his chest, and then the bridge. He then sprung into the portal, but before Riku pulled it shut, Xion squeezed her way in as well.

“I want to go, too, if that’s okay...” She refused to look Riku in the eye, but he smiled anyway.

“Heh. Guess another Keyblade couldn’t hurt.” He cupped his hand over his mouth and raised his voice. “Keep an eye on Axel! We’ll see you guys at the finish line.”

With that, the portal closed around them, casting them into the dark. The blackness soon faded, dropping them onto a wide, round, and white field. When Riku escaped the portal, the Mentos sagged under his weight. Gulping, he pulled his focus off the ground just in time to catch Ralph battering the minty terrain. Streams of smoke burst through the gaps. The ground sank even further, but the moment Sora galloped his way, Ralph halted his assault and stared.

“What’re you kids doing here?”

Riku started to reply, but only managed half a syllable before sudden weight smashed into his back, sending him and Xion flying into Ralph’s chest. The impact shoved them to the volcano’s edge, but Ralph dug his heels into the mints and gently pushed them back. Scooping up his Keyblade, Riku whipped around just in time to meet a face full of bright pink claws. He ducked at the last second, rolling beneath two sets of orange, spider-like legs. While their attacker’s long, purple, and lobster-like body rang wholly unfamiliar, his nasally cackling coupled with his round, bald face painted a sickening picture that was only amplified by his flickering flesh and distorted voice.

“Welcome to the boss level!”

“Turbo!” Xion charged at the giant Cy-Bug, but as she drew near, he snatched her by the arms and fluttered into the air.

“Oh, did I hit a nerve?” He giggled, launching her at the mountaintop. On her way down, she flipped onto her back, tossing a Strike Raid at his chest. Chuckling, he swatted the weapon with his whip-like tail, but lightning surged down his spine. He crashed into the center of the Mentos, making the whole platform shudder. Small, circular chunks dipped down. Between the cracks, steam, bubbles, and cola spewed toward the sky. As he wobbled upright, Turbo steepled his claws and grinned.

“This is going to be more fun than I thought!”

Fangs bared, Sora rushed in from the left, but Turbo curled into his shell and launched himself like a giant cannonball. At the last second, Sora flattened himself, evading the spear-like spines lining his back. As soon as Turbo stopped, Ralph sprung up, delivering an uppercut to his cheek. The blow sent him teetering to the left, but he retaliated by lashing Ralph’s chest with his tail. That one launched him through the air, but just to up the ante, Turbo reared back and pounded the ground with his legs, rattling the Mentos with the impact.

Small segments sank further, and steaming geysers gushed up in Ralph’s path. Hissing, Riku swept up a breeze that swatted Ralph away as he drew within inches of the steam. He would’ve done more, but another CRASH rocked the mints beneath him, making his knees buckle, while he rocked straight into another steaming pillar. The scathing hot gas made him wail, launching him sky high, and while he flipped forward to steady himself, Turbo’s claws tore across his chest. True, his armor shielded his flesh from the blades, but the force alone knocked him further back, and Turbo immediately followed this up by kicking up a gust with his enormous wings.

Clutching his chest, Riku flickered behind Turbo. He hacked at his spine, but where Dark Splicer petrified weaker Cy-Bugs, Turbo whirled around just as Riku warped to his right and seized his arms in a crushing grip. The metallic weight pressed his muscles to the bone, threatening to snap them in two. Stars flooded his vision, blurred with the color red. Everything else became a haze until bright orange streaks assaulted Turbo’s eyes, neck, shoulders, and chest. His grip relinquished, Riku dropped toward the mountaintop, his arms throbbing, but bones thankfully intact.

A glimmer of green softened the sting, and he flashed back to the solid terrain. Though he spent a few seconds gasping for air, he stopped the instant a wall of Cy-Bugs blew over the mountaintop, swirling around the edges like a living tornado. After taking one look at the rising swarm, Ralph resumed pounding the ground, but five of the bugs zoomed away from the whirling wall. As they drew near, he twirled around, smashing his knuckles into each of their shells. Unfortunately, more insects continued pouring over the peak, diving and slashing, chomping, and screeching.

They shoved the group toward the spreading geysers. With each wobbling step Riku took, more Mentos dipped downward. Faint glimmers of blue light crawled down Riku’s skin. He grabbed Oathkeeper in both hands and started ramming his way through the reinforcements, and blasted his way toward Turbo while Sora clapped his hands and Xion shoved her Keyblade toward the mechanized storm.

Clocks ticked, joined by a cacophony of sheep bleats, but while some of the bugs slowed, more dropped from the air, and others stiffened in place, Turbo rocketed above them, his speed intact. Riku’s charges made him tip from side to side, but he swatted him back just as he sprung up for the finishing blow, and when he thrust out his claws, Riku’s dark armor peeled away. Those nails tore through the back of his vest and ripped through his flesh. Though Sora dragged his claws down Turbo’s scalp, he shook him off, cackling even wilder than before.

“This new body is so thrilling! Now I’m the most powerful virus in the arcade. I can take over any game that I want, and even your little spells can’t stop me!”

“Kids!” Ralph thundered toward Turbo, drawing his fists back for another punch when a wall of Cy-Bugs dived before him. “Gah! Get outta my way!” His attempts at smashing through the horde only brought about more laughter.

“Oh, but Ralph, this is all your doing! Yours and that little glitch…” A wicked smile spread across his face, jagged and inhuman, and he slowly set his eyes on Xion.

“No way!” said Ralph. “She’s not a glitch.”

“Oh, but she is! She said it herself…”

“Ngh… Xion…” Riku pressed his palms down, pushing himself up on his knees. “Ignore him. He’s just trying to get to your—”

“Shut up!” She wove between geysers, Keyblade glowing bright blue. Once she drew close enough, she kicked off the mints and smashed her Keyblade over his head. She jumped, then smashed, jumped, then smashed, until Turbo wised up and grabbed her around the waist, squeezing her middle while his other hand peeled back her hood.

Silver streaks bled through her otherwise black hair. Her eyes, sky blue, clashed with her face, a dead ringer for Kairi’s in every other respect. Momentarily stunned, Riku could only watch as Xion squirmed in Turbo’s metallic clutches.

Riku, look out!

When a smaller Cy-Bug lunged at his shoulder, he ducked, tumbled, and fired two small, electric spheres, but the Shotlock swayed, merely grazing the Cy-Bug’s sides. While Sora flung himself at its front and shredded its back, Turbo struck Ralph with his tail again, then ascended once more.

“Do you want to know a secret?” He lifted Xion closer, her face hovering inches from his. “I nearly deleted Vanellope’s code. That’s why she’s a glitch…”

“You what?!” Ralph roared, but Turbo only laughed, hurling Xion over his shoulder and straight at a steaming column. She shut her eyes, warping back to the ground, then cruised toward his back, rolling away from his tail. While Ralph smashed his way through more Cy-Bug interference, Turbo curled up, crashing into him like an enormous, spiky bowling ball.

Though the impact shoved Ralph back, he threw his hands forward, shoving Turbo to a halt and following it up with another uppercut. However, Turbo flew up before he landed the blow, and when Xion dashed up his spine, he flipped in a barrel roll, using his tail as a tennis racket to swat her back to the edge of the mountaintop. Luckily, she caught herself on the ledge, but as Turbo’s face flashed and distorted again, his grin stretched wider, and he howled another laugh.

“Even if you save her, you’ll never be able to save yourself. Those memories are part of your code. They are you, and they’ll devour you!”

Though Xion had lifted herself onto her elbows, Turbo’s scalding words paralyzed her. She stiffened against the ledge, ducking her head and shutting her eyes. Hands locking up, Riku glanced from her to Turbo, but Sora barreled ahead of him, thrusting himself onto Turbo’s neck and slashing at the back of his skull. Though Turbo flailed and clawed and shook with all his might, Sora clung to his rippling flesh. Seizing the moment, Riku hobbled towards Xion, weaving through geysers despite the continually descending floor. While the mints below him continued sinking, he leaped up, dragging himself onto ledge of stable Mentos. Closing in, he threw out his hand, but she refused to take it.

“Xion, c’mon! What’s gotten into you?”

She tensed, dragging herself onto her elbows again. “It’s nothing.”

“Then why are you—”

She vanished in a swirling black cloud, and a loud CLING rang in his ears. He spun back around just in time to catch Xion’s Keyblade ricocheting off of a crumbling Cy-Bug. “Forget it. We need to stay focused!”

“I…” Great. More Cy-Bugs hurtled out of the whirlwind. Clamping his jaw shut, Riku thrust himself at the nearest insect, hammering in a flurry of slashes and strikes. As the bugs scattered, he slid down the incline. Though Xion hesitated, she soon pursued. On their way down, the mints slipped and shuffled. His darkness and magic spent, Riku flailed his Keyblade blindly at the continued insect shower. Two more geysers blew up in their faces, and the two sprung in opposite directions.

Rearing back, Turbo flung himself at the duo, but Ralph smashed into his side. “Kids, get off the mountain! I can take it from here.”

“Can you?” His tail smacked Ralph away, and he lunged once more, flexing his spindly fingers. As he came down, Riku rolled beneath his belly, and Xion parried his claws, but he drove his legs down again, halting them both with bursts of searing gas. The steam coupled with the tremor stunned them long enough for him to snatch them both up, crushing the air from their lungs while he blasted toward the clouds. Though Sora continued ripping through his scalp, he persisted, quickening the beast of his wings. Crouching low, Ralph sprung up and latched to the tip of his tail, but the added weight did little to slow his ascent.

Turbo’s extra legs snapped against Xion and Riku’s waists, digging into their skin, while he grabbed their heads with his metallic fingers, fixing their eyes on the distant rainbow path. Hundreds of colored specks crept up the slope. Flashes of fire, lightning, and lasers blew at the horde, but the bugs persisted. Soon the lasers stopped. Smoke replaced the fire and lightning assaults, and the mountain grew smaller.

Sora’s slashes became more erratic, and though he clawed at Turbo’s eyes, the glorified insect pried him off and flung him down. He flickered back, tried again, but each time, Turbo tossed him away. The points his legs dug deeper into Riku’s skin, forcing shaky breaths from his lungs. Each time he tried breathing deep, Turbo pricked him and made him scream, but he still struggled, shifting and jerking until he finally flashed onto Turbo’s back.

Xion remained frozen, her face white, her eyes dilated, and her voice but a whimper. “Vanellope…”

“Too bad! Now you’ll die together…”

“You wish!” said Riku, hacking at the base of Turbo’s wing. The slash made him yelp, momentarily stunned, and Riku grabbed Ralph’s hand, hoisting him up. “C’mon. We’ve gotta end this now.”

“Haha! I’ll end it all right!” Turbo swiveled his head around, grinning at them both. “It doesn’t matter if you knock me down. You’ll just fall to your deaths! It’s game over for all of you…”

“No,” said Ralph, gazing down at the mountaintop. “Just for me.”

It was his only warning before he plunged off Turbo’s back. The moment he dropped, a blur of blue light streaked down the rainbow bridge. Riku ripped his focus off Turbo, throwing his arm out to catch Ralph, but he stopped himself midway. From this high, he’d smash through the mints like a missile. It was their one shot. Their one chance to end it all…

But at what cost?

As Ralph took the fall, Xion pried herself out from Turbo’s legs, flashing above him and smashing her Keyblade’s teeth against his forehead. He flinched, and Sora flung fireballs into his eyes, while Riku grabbed the front of his vest, pulling a smoking ripple of darkness open and whistling for the others to follow. Ralph kept falling all the while, clutching his heart-shaped cookie medal in one hand, while he extended his other fist, and to no one in particular, began reciting a chant.

“I’m bad, and that’s good. I will never be good, and that’s not bad…” He unfurled his fist, eyes locked on the medal. “There’s no one I’d rather be than me…”

He smashed through the Mentos bed, and Riku, Sora, and Xion sprung through the corridor. Fleeing Turbo, they crashed onto the pink wafer ramp just above the hot springs just in time to hear a car horn honk.

“Hey, outta the way!”

“Vanellope!” Beaming, Xion grabbed Riku and Sora’s wrists, lunging into the car as it sped by. The four of them crammed in so fast, the tight confines of the car barely registered. The Mentos kept falling, and above them came Ralph, and for a split-second, Riku’s skin tingled. The car, Vanellope, and everyone on board vanished in a flash of blue, only to flicker right into Ralph’s trajectory, scooping him up on the hood.

“Kid!” Ralph grinned, and Vanellope grinned right back.

“Don’t worry.” She gave a salute. “I’ve got it under control!”

As further proof of this, she drove the kart straight at the wall, but instead of crashing they all flashed once more, phasing straight through it and splashing into a giant chocolate pond just in time to catch a bright orange pillar gushing out of the mountain, and a giant cloud of green specks fluttering to their doom.

And Ralph, who once hated chocolate, gleefully splashed and flopped on his back. After such a grueling fight, they all started laughing. The battle was done. The day was saved, and now only a few loose ends remained.

Once the gang returned to the ruined track, Kairi flung herself at Riku and Sora, dragging them both into a suffocating embrace. The citizens came spilling down the ramp, cheering and squealing at the now vacant skies. Well, all save for one sour green ball. The second he appeared, Donald pinned him down with his foot until Ralph scooped him up and popped him in his mouth. With Turbo gone, he had some explaining to do, and it didn’t take long before he spilled the jelly beans.

“…And if she crosses the finish line, she’ll become a real racer, and she won’t be a glitch anymore!” Whimpering, he added, “Now, can you please take me out of your filthy mouth?”

“Heh. Suit yourself.” Ralph plucked him out, sticking him to a nearby lollipop. Brushing his hands together, he then turned to Felix. “So, is this the part where I say ‘Fix it, Felix?’”

Twirling his hammer, Felix chuckled. “Well, I can fix it.”

And fix it he did. With just a few swings of the hammer, the broken up chunks of the finish line snapped together. The golden frame glistened, shooting upright. In mere moments, Ralph nudged Vanellope and her kart toward the line, and both Sora and Xion hovered beside them. Sora even patted Xion’s shoulder, and though she tensed, a tiny smile unfurled along her hooded face. Then, when Vanellope passed over the finish line, the checkered patterns lit up. She floated into the air, surrounded by a whirlwind of glittering pink sparkles… kinda odd, given her attitude, and the ruffled pink dress that flashed over her street clothes.

If that wasn’t strange enough, the second she touched the ground, the dull, ruined landscape flooded with color. The holes, the rubble, everything flashed back into place, and sparks literally shimmered in the eyes of the racers and Sour Bill.

“Now I remember!” Plucking himself from the lollipop, Sour Bill toddled closer and cleared his throat. “All hail our rightful ruler, Princess Vanellope…”

The other racers gasped, exchanging hurried glances. The blonde girl up front inched closer, hands clasped.

“Hey, I’m so sorry about the way I treated you.”

A blond boy in a chocolate cap chimed in. “Yeah, they were just jokes!”

Another girl with a candle head pointed at the blonde girl. “I was just doing what Taffyta told me to do!”

“Tut, tut,” said Vanellope, waving her lollipop baton. “As your merciful princess, I hereby decree that everyone who was ever mean to me shall hereby be… executed.”

The racers all started sobbing and pleading for mercy, and though Donald kept his staff aimed up at Axel’s chest and Kairi’s Keyblade pointed at his neck, he still managed a snicker. “Well, that’s dark.”

“Hey, I’d take it over the sunshine and lollipops,” said Calhoun.

But while tears started flowing from the racers’ cheeks, Vanellope snorted and waved her free hand. “Oh, I’m just kiddin’! Stop crying, Taffyta.”

With a soft little giggle, Xion knelt behind the new princess. “I think you overdid it, Vanellope.”

“Pfft. Hey, just because the code says I’m a princess doesn’t mean I’ve gotta start actin’ all prissy.”

“Of course not,” said Kairi. “I’m technically a princess, but that doesn’t stop me from beating monsters with a giant key.”

“Yeah, well that’s nice and all, but I could do without all the lace.” And though she’d already passed the finish line, she still flickered, slipping from her dress back into her hoodie and jeans.

Both Ralph and Xion rushed closer.

“Uh, maybe we gotta do this again—”

“I thought you were supposed to—”

“Guys. Really?” She rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you see me back there? I was here.” She flickered across the track. “I was waaay over there!” She flashed on top of the finish sign. “I was glitching through walls… I don’t care what I’m supposed to be. I’ve got the coolest super power out there, and there’s no way I’m giving that up.”

Still, that raised a few questions among the gathering of racers and sweets. Who would rule without a princess? Just what’d it mean for Sugar Rush? Well, Vanellope answered with a smirk and a snort.

“Hey, I wouldn’t leave you guys hanging. I’m just thinking more along the lines of a constitutional democracy… President Vanellope von Schweetz!”

“Whatever makes you happy,” said Ralph, patting her on the head. “I’d take your attitude and dirty hair over a prissy princess any day.”

“Yeah, it’s good that you’re staying true to yourself...” Xion rubbed her neck, and Vanellope set a hand on her knee. “I just wish it was as easy for me.”

“Hey, hang in there. I’m sure you’ll get fixed up sooner or later.” She tipped her head toward her kart. “If you want, we could put you in the race…”

“Actually, I’m about raced out… at least for now.”

“Nooo kidding,” said Ralph. “I’m starting to think I’m not cut out for all this hero stuff, and I should stick to what I do best.” As a small demonstration, he smashed a dent in the ground.

“But ya worked so hard!” said Goofy.

“Yeah!” said Donald. “Aren’t you tired of all that garbage? And what about all those jerks at the party?”

“Hey, if being a hero means I’ve gotta fight monsters all the time, I think I can handle a few snobs.”

“Well, I’ll have a little talk with the others,” said Felix, smiling sheepishly. “We really have been treatin’ ya like dirt, and I think it’s time I fixed that, too.”

‘But wait a sec!’ Sora wrote. ‘You got the medal, so doesn’t Gene owe you a penthouse?’

Ralph dug the gold medal from his pocket, gave it a short look, then tossed it over his shoulder. “That crummy old thing’s what started this mess in the first place, and I don’t need a reminder of how lousy a hero I was.” Instead, he clutched the cookie medal around his neck. “Besides, I’ve got a better medal now, and if Gene doesn’t like it, that’s his loss.”

“Well, you could always come live at the castle,” said Vanellope. “I’d give you the ritziest room we’ve got, and if anyone gave you a hard time, they’d have to deal with me.” Eying Xion, she added, “And that goes for you, too!”

“Aw, kid. I’d love to, but I’ve got a job to do. Might not be as fancy as being president, but it’s my duty, and it’s a big one.”

Though Xion bit her lip, the tiniest squeak of laughter crept out of her. “Ralph’s not the only one. I’ve got… business to take care of, but I promise I’ll visit every once in a while.”

“Works for me! Just try to cheer up, okay?”

“Well, I’ll see what I can do.”

Throwing up his hands, Axel squeezed his way through the crowd. “Hey, I hate to interrupt, but I’ve kinda got places to be, so if you’re gonna interrogate me, you might wanna make it fast.”

Glowering, Calhoun yanked him by the hood of his coat. “Oh, you’re not getting off the hook that easily.”

He pulled away, tugging his hood free. “No need to tell me twice…”

Folding his arms, Riku traipsed in front of him. “So, what’s the deal? Why does the Organization want those bugs in the first place?”

“Couldn’t tell ya,” he said, and Donald smacked his knee. “Gah! I’m telling the truth. All they told me was to grab some samples and get outta here.”

“And you just went with it?” said Vanellope.

“Kinda had to. It’s my job.”

“Oh, so you’re a doormat…”

“No, I’m just playing smart.” He pointed to his head. “At least, that’s what I’d say, but after seeing those things up close, I’m thinking we’re better off with the Heartless…”

Calhoun smacked her gun against her palm. “And the eggs?”

“Oh, my container got busted during the fight. See?” He pulled up his sleeve, revealing a smoking metal band. “Zex isn’t gonna be happy that I broke his new toy, but hey. That’s life.”

Eying the ground, Xion wrung her hands. “So you’re gonna keep working with them?”

“Well, yeah. It’s not like I care about any of you guys—I’m a Nobody, remember?”

Hmm… Sora crawled closer, standing up straight and squinting in Axel’s face. Though Axel leaned away, Sora stayed put as he wrote a new note. ‘But what if you joined us? I bet you’d make an awesome spy, and at least then you’d have some real friends instead of being stuck with creeps like Zexion.’

“Please, if I stuck with you runts, it’d trash my image. You’re all so… sappy, and I don’t want it rubbing off on me.”

Kairi smiled wryly. “You know you didn’t have to help us, right? You could’ve left that battle at any time…”

“Yeah, but the boss wants you alive.” He turned away, flapping his hand. “Anyway, don’t expect this to be a recurring thing.”

“Fair enough,” said Riku. “I’d hate to ruin your reputation…”

“Ha. Well, that’s all I know, so if you’ll excuse me…”

“Tch.” Calhoun holstered her gun, though she continued glaring daggers at the back of his head. “You better be telling the truth, or so help me—”

“It’s okay,” said Kairi. “Axel’s helped us before. I’m sure there’s a little good in there, even if he won’t admit it.”

Though Calhoun groaned, she took a step back, letting Axel skirt by. “Hope you know what you’re doing, rookie. Once he’s out there…”

“I know, but if it turns out he’s lying, then I’ll take full responsibility.” Leaning forward, she tapped Axel’s shoulder. “But you probably don’t want that. I can be pretty scary when I’m mad.”

“You’ve got no idea,” said Donald, but Axel shrugged and kept moseying long… well, at least until Sora became a roadblock.

Hey, before you go… take care of that heart. And don’t be a stranger!

“A heart?” He peered halfway over his shoulder, sniggering. “Hate to break it to you, kid, but I’m hollow to the core…”

Though Sora didn’t reply, a crooked grin lined his face, and he tucked his hands behind his head while he watched Axel vanish through a dark corridor.

With Axel gone and the Cy-Bugs defeated, the excitement in Sugar Rush slowly wound down. The racers and citizens dispersed, their new destinations unknown, and frankly irrelevant as far as Riku was concerned. It almost seemed too convenient. Had Axel told them the truth? And what was that about a heart? Though the group mulled it over for a while, they ultimately let it rest, though not without protest from Riku and Xion. Could they really let a Nobody off the hook that easily? What if the band was just a cover up? Sadly, they had no proper guarantee, so instead of dwelling, they shifted gears and prepared to say their goodbyes.

Needless to say, they had their share of fist bumps and even hugs from the more sentimental members of the group. Goofy, Kairi, and Sora in particular closed in to give Ralph a big squeeze, and his cheeks grew rosy red when they finally stepped away.

“Aw, guys. You’re making me feel like a big teddy bear.”

“That’s because you are,” said Kairi, making Vanellope spit out a gumball.

“Well, I wouldn’t wanna sleep with a teddy bear that smelly!”

“Heh. Well, smelly or not, I’d say you outdid yourself,” said Riku, extending his fist. “I’m gonna miss you, Ralph. Take care, all right?”

“You got it.” He bumped his knuckles against Riku’s, then proceeded to do the same to Sora. “Just try not to get eaten by any monsters. And, uh… do your homework.” Ralph paused. “Unless heroes don’t have homework, and I just made myself look like an idiot.”

‘No way!’ Sora wrote. ‘We’ve got the coolest homework ever: saving the worlds from the Heartless!’

Kairi brought her hands together, grinning. “I guess that kind of counts.” She looked to Calhoun. “Anyway, good luck protecting humanity, sergeant. Just try to smile every now and then.”

Crossing her arms, the sergeant snorted. And yes, the faintest hint of a smile crossed her face. “Well, I guess I’ve got a reason to smile this time around.” She overlooked the distant candies and sweets, then turned her focus to Felix, who shuffled in place, cheeks bright red.

“Oh, uh… Well, it was an honor fightin’ by your side, ma’am.” After a moment of fidgeting, he hopped up and gave her a peck on the cheek, but she grabbed him by his collar, spent several seconds staring at him, then pulled him into a full on kiss on the lips.

The others watched with a mixture of gins, wide eyes, and some awkward shuffling. And then there was Vanellope, who covered her eyes and groaned about how gross it was. When the impromptu PDA ended, Calhoun popped into the escape pod, and after Ralph and Vanellope exchanged their goodbyes between vulgar nicknames, they sped back to the station, leaving Riku’s gang and Xion alone on the multicolored bridge.

Clamping a hand on Xion’s shoulder, Goofy said, “Are ya sure you don’t wanna come with us?”

She stepped away, head low. “I do, but…”

“Let me guess,” said Riku. “It’s too much to handle, and you’re not ready.”

She looked up for a moment, then ducked her head again. “There’s something I have to take care of, but that’s all I can say.”

“Are you sure?” said Kairi. “I swear we won’t judge you, no matter what it is.”

She squeezed her hands again, but turned the other way. “Sorry, Kairi. Maybe someday you’ll understand…” The shadows at her feet rose up, but before she slipped away, she took one last look at Riku, opened her mouth, but then slumped and sank into the darkness without another word.

x.x.x

Ah, what a peculiar turn of events… To think that the little puppet had uncovered Axel’s objective, seemingly from thin air. With the barrier coiled around the castle, it was impossible for her to infiltrate on her own, so how? What was her secret? It seemed the Heartless was not to blame, if his interactions with Axel were any indication. Of course, even with the sigil’s innate properties, it would have been foolish to draw conclusions based on distant observations. Much remained unclear, but once Axel had relayed his findings, Xemnas pivoted away from Kingdom Hearts’ light, offering a nod.

“You have done well, Axel. True, the Keybearers’ intervention was… unexpected, but I applaud you for staying the course.” Had a mole burrowed its way into the castle? What an amusing thought, enough to force a near inaudible laugh from Xemnas’ lips. “Now, as for the samples…”

Axel lifted his left arm and pulled down his sleeve, revealing a metal band identical to the one on his right, save for the cracks and stray wires. “I’ll pass ‘em to Zex on the way down, but are you sure you wanna use these things? I still don’t see the point.”

“All shall become apparent in time. We do not simply assign missions for curiosity alone…” He strode around Axel, sweeping his arm toward the glistening moon. “You needn’t concern yourself with the specifics. So long as you remain steadfast in your duties, you shall receive your inevitable reward…”

He rubbed the back of his neck, face downcast. “Heh. Right… But haven’t you gotten enough hearts already? We’ve been at this for over a year…”

Ah, but of course. Xemnas stopped at the edge of the platform, lifting his chin and spreading his arms as the warm, blue moonbeams caressed his cheeks. Pressure bubbled in the air, as if Kingdom Hearts was gently pushing at his flesh, then tugging him ever so closer. It had retained the full shape of a heart for some time, yet now it appeared… bloated, like a moon on the horizon, and with each new collection of hearts, its girth expanded, spreading further across the blackened sky.

What Axel failed to realize was that Kingdom Hearts had long since been completed, though Xemnas had no intention of revealing it. Ignorance was bliss, as they said, and what harm was a couple more hearts, especially if DiZ intended to intervene with his plans directly? A surplus had multiple uses, all beneficial to his plight.

“Patience, Axel. We are close to the end…” He paused, clasping his hand over his chest. “In any case, you may go. Spend the rest of the night however you wish…"

Axel made a soft grunt, like he was about to speak again, but he turned toward the stairs instead, shrugging as he descended.

Once he vanished, Xemnas tucked his hands into his pocket, then looked to the sky once more. Alas, the stars remained consumed by a smoky black veil. Perhaps she fared better, and was gazing upon a glittering array. Alas, without a heart, their dazzling lights would only bring apathy. A tragic curse, or perhaps a blessing… It was difficult to say.

“Hmm… Perhaps it is time we crossed paths once more.” Soon, at any rate, though Riku remained a top priority. After all, he couldn’t stay clueless forever, and sooner or later, he’d uncover the truth.

The sigil had served its purpose well.

TO BE CONTINUED