LAST CHAPTER! Hope you enjoy it!
After the battle, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey and Shifu decided to stay in Gongmen City a for a few days in order to recover from the whole battle, a celebration for Shen's defeat, and a proper funeral for Master Thundering Rhino, the latter two being held by Croc and Storming Ox.
Wolf Boss had survived Shen's stab to the chest, and he and his wolves surrendered. The leader did admit that he followed under Shen's power, but when it came tot threatening his pack, that was where he drawled the line. Still, that didn't stop him and his pack from getting locked up in the prison where they found Ox and Croc, along with the gorilla henchmen And that was fine for them.
The thirteen heroes were staying at a hotel in the city, recovering from the events. The funeral and celebration was to be tomorrow.
Sora and Co. were lounging around the lobby when they saw Po walk in, sit by a window, and look out to the sky with a sad face.
"Are you ok Po?" asked Donald.
Po jumped a little, but his face settled when he turned to see his human, mouse, duck, and dog friends.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." he said dismissively.
Sora shook his head. "Po, Tigress could tell when something was bothering you, and so can we." he said.
Riku nodded. "You can tell us Po. We're your friends." he told the panda.
"We're all here for each other until we have to leave this world." added Kairi with a smile.
Po smiled a bit before it fell. "I was thinking about what I learned when were in the old village... my old home." he answered with a sign. "About all those innocent pandas... my parents... what Shen did to them..."
Sora and his friends' faces fell, but their hearts were full of sympathy.
"Awwww..." Donald sighed.
"Gawrsh..." whispered Goofy.
"We're sorry Po." said Sora.
Po smiled a little. "It's ok. It's just... never easy to talk about, you know?
Mickey nodded. "I know Po. That's how I felt when I talked about Terra, Ven, and Aqua's disappearance." he explained, making Sora and Riku exchange guilty looks. Mickey noticed and smiled reassuringly. "It's ok fellas. It's like I told you back in the prison: I don't blame you for getting angry." he said kindly.
Sora and Riku smiled a little at the mouse king.
Po smiled a little wider. "Thanks King Mickey."
Kairi then had an idea. "You know, one of the best ways to help someone deal with remembering a bad experience is to talk to the ones who are close to you. And they just so happen to be in the the kitchen right now." she suggested to the Dragon Warrior.
Po didn't seem too sure about the idea, but after seeing the world travelers encouraging faces, he decided to go for it.
"Alright. I'll tell Shifu and the Five."
Sora smiled. "Good on ya Po!" he cheered.
The panda master chuckled. "Thanks Sora. Thanks guys."
With that, the seven friends left for the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Tigress and Viper were playing checkers, Shifu, Monkey, and Mantis were playing a card game, and Crane was doing some calligraphy.
"And that's another king." said Viper, moving another piece to Tigress' side.
"And I've got gin." said Monkey, placing down a couple of cards.
"Looking good..." Crane muttered to himself, looking at his calligraphy.
Just then, Sora, Po, and the wordly-travellers walked in.
Viper was the first to acknowledged their presence. "Oh hey guys!" she said with a smile.
"Hey!" greeted Kairi.
"What's up?" asked Monkey.
Po opened his mouth to speak, but he closed it, a nervous expression on his face. Shifu and the Five were confused.
"Something wrong panda?" asked Shifu.
Po wasn't sure where to begin. But then, he felt Sora's hand on his shoulder, making the panda turn to see the brunette and his friends give him encouraging nods.
Po sighed. "I-I just... I'd like to talk to you guys." he explained.
Tigress raised an eyebrow. "What about?" she asked, getting up along with the rest of the Five and their master, standing in front of Po.
Po sighed. "About my past..." he answered.
This greatly surprised Shifu and the Five.
"You mean you found out?" asked Crane.
Po nodded and began his explanation.
"Remember when me, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were shot by that cannon out of the factory?" he asked.
Tigress, Viper, Crane, Monkey, and Mantis immediately had pained looks on their faces, but they and Shifu nodded, the latter having been told of the situation after Shen's defeat while they were recovering.
"Well, we landed in the river, and we floated towards an old village. Sora pulled all of us out before he and the Soothsayer – who was there at the time – took us into the village to heal us." continued Po.
"Whoa, you mean Sora pulled all of you out of the water while still injured?" asked Mantis in surprise. His teammates and master were in shock as well.
"Yep." nodded Sora, putting his hands behind his head while smiling.
"Wow... not that's pretty B.A." chuckled Mantis.
Sora chuckled.
Po smiled a bit before he continued. "The Soothsayer helped us cope with our painful memories of our past." He then sighed heavily. "And that was when I learned the truth... it turns out that the village was where I was born."
"Really?" asked Crane in surprise.
Po nodded. "And then... things took a turn for the worse." at his friends and master's concerned looks, Po sighed and then explained. "Shen arrived to the village with his wolves, having heard of the prophecy from the Soothsayer and he..." Po began to struggle to get it out. "...he... he... had all the pandas in that village... killed..."
Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and Shifu gasped in shock and horror, their eyes as wide as dinner plates and jaws dropped.
"He... what?!..." Viper asked, horrified.
Po nodded, as did Sora and Co. "Yeah... he killed them. But I survived thanks to my parents. While my dad distracted them, my mom left me in that radish crate my adopted dad found me in before she distracted Shen and the wolves to lead me away from them. That was how I ended up with my adoptive father."
Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and Shifu stared at Po, shocked and horrified at what they had just heard. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Riku, Kairi, and Mickey only sighed with sad looks on their faces, even though they had heard the story before, it still broke their hearts.
"Dear gods..." Tigress muttered in shock.
"I cannot believe he did that..." muttered Shifu.
"Oh Po..." Viper sighed in sadness.
"We're so sorry." said Monkey in sympathy.
"That must've been really hard for you to learn." nodded Mantis in agreement.
"I knew Shen was evil, but killing all the pandas just to stop a prophecy, that's just insane!" exclaimed Crane.
"The only guy I can think of that's eviler than Shen is Master Xehanort. And that's just from what the king told us." remarked Mantis. "But at the same time, that's still pretty terrible."
Tigress sighed. "We're really sorry Po. That you went through that whole ordeal and had to experience it like that." the feline told her friend.
Po then smiled. "It's ok guys. I've come to terms with my past. I mean, if my mom never left me in that cart, I never would've been found by Mr. Ping, become a noodle chef, and have six of the greatest best friends..." he then paused as he then smiled brighter. "No... six of the brothers and sisters I never had in my life."
Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and even Shifu were surprised at that last part, but did feel touched inside their hearts.
"You... you consider us your four brothers and two sisters?" asked Monkey in surprise.
Po smiled and nodded.
"Aww, that's so sweet!" gushed Viper.
"That really means a lot Po." smiled Crane. "Thank you."
Smiling, the seven kung fu masters from the Valley of Peace joined in a group hug.
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy smiled at the scene.
"Aww..." cooed Donald.
"That's so sweet." gushed Kairi.
Sora watched the scene... and then his face feel slightly. He looked at his fellow world-travelling companions before speaking up.
"Hey guys... can I speak to you in private?" he asked.
Riku, Kairi, and the Disney trio were confused by Sora's question, but smiled.
"Sure Sora." smiled Mickey.
Riku turned to the warriors. "We'll be right back guys."
Po, his master, and his friends dispersed from the group hug.
"Ok. Do what you need to do." said Shifu.
Nodding, the six friends left the kitchen.
In the room Sora, Riku, and Kairi were sharing, they Mickey, Donald, and Goofy entered, the mage closing the door.
"What did ya want to tell us Sora?" asked Goofy.
Sora sighed before looking his friends. To their surprise and slight worry, Sora looked upset.
"Guys... well... I don't know how to say this but..." began Sora, suddenly sounding like he was trying to hold back tears. "When... when I woke up from falling into the river... you know, after Shen shot us and Po with that cannon... I-I didn't know where you were. Even though it was only a minute before Roxas showed me where you were, I was still worried. Beyond worried." the then started to sound choked up. "I didn't know if you even survived or not!..."
"Sora..." Riku exclaimed softly.
And just like that, Sora burst into tears, mush to his friends shock. He then held Kairi and Riku tightly.,
"I WAS SO SCARED!" he exclaimed, crying into their shoulders.
"Oh Sora!..." gasped Kairi, feeling tears fall down her face, embracing Sora in the hug.
Riku felt tears suddenly fall down his face as he embraced Sora in the hug too.
Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were shocked beyond belief at what Sora said. He really thought they were dead? They too felt tears int heir eyes, and quickly joined in the hug.
The six friends hugged each other, crying for a few minutes, letting their emotions flow like that. Mickey finally broke the silence.
"Oh Sora... (sniff) I had no idea you cared for all of us like that..." sniffed Mickey, tears falling from his eyes.
Sora sniffed some more before smiling as the six let go of the hug. "Of course I do. I... I-I really care for you guys. Don't me wrong, I was worried about Po too... but I was more scared when I though you were dead." he then smiled some more, tears still flowing down his face. "Y-You guys aren't just my friends... you're my family."
Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy gasped.
"Y-You think of us as family?" asked Donald, shocked.
"Just like Po with Mr. Ping, Shifu, and the Furious Five?" added Kairi.
Sora smiled. "Yeah, y-you're like the brothers and sister I never had. We've been through Hell and back together." he replied, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Aww Sora..." Goofy smiled.
"It's true... I really mean it." replied the brunette.
Riku smiled. "You know... I feel the same way." admitted Riku.
Everyone looked at him in shock.
"You do?" asked Mickey.
Riku nodded. "Sora and Kairi are like the younger siblings I never had. And you, Donald, and Goofy are like the older brothers I never had the first time." he replied with a fond smile.
"Aww Riku!..." gushed Kairi with a smile. "I-I feel the same way about all of you." she admitted.
"Me too!" added Donald.
"Yeah, me three! A-hyuck!" nodded Goofy. "Why do you think me, Donald, and Sora stood in front of you three when Shen fire his cannon?"
"You 'bout you Your Majesty?" asked Sora.
Mickey chuckled. "Of course I do!" he replied with a smile. His face then looked like a pleading one. "But it's like I said back while we were fighting Shen's wolves; you don't have to keep doing that anymore Sora." He then turned to Kairi, Donald, and Goofy. "None of you do."
"What are you talking about Your Majesty?" asked Kairi, puzzled.
"That." replied Mickey.
Riku gasped. He then smiled as he placed a hand on Mickey's shoulder, making the king look up at him. "You're giving them the same permission you gave me back at Castle Oblivion, aren't you?" he asked with a smile.
Mickey chuckled. "Ha-ah! Of course I am!"
Sora was now very confused, as were Kairi, Donald, and Goofy.
"What are you taking about?" asked Sora.
Mickey smiled brightly up at his four other friends. "It's just that... you don't have to be so formal with me anymore."
Donald and Goofy gasped while Sora and Kairi remained puzzled.
"Y-You mean?!..." began Donald, wide-eyed.
Mickey nodded. "Yep. From now on... Sora, Kairi, Donald, Goofy... just call me 'Mickey.'"
Sora and Kairi gasped in shock. Donald and Goofy were speechless.
"Y-You really mean it?!" asked Goofy.
"Even though we're your Court Magician and Captain of the Guards?" asked Donald.
Mickey smiled and nodded. "Of course! I may be a king... but it's like what Sora said; we're a family." He then admitted sheepishly, "And I'll be honest, I'm not really one for such royal titles, and neither is Minnie."
"Really?" asked Kairi, surprised.
Mickey nodded. "Plus, I miss Donald and Goofy calling me by name. We were friends since childhood just like you three." he added, looking up at the islanders.
"That's cool to hear." said Sora before asking, "So you really mean it?"
The mouse king nodded. "Of course Sora. We're family." he told the brunette with a smile.
Sora smiled. "Very well then... Mickey."
Riku smiled as he remembered saying those same words two years ago while he and Mickey were at Castle Oblivion.
Mickey smiled happily as the six friends... no... six family members shared another heartwarming group hug.
Outside the room, Po, the Five, and even Shifu stood outside the door, having heard everything. They had heard Sora scream and came to make sure everything was alright. They smiled when they heard the warming conversation between the six world-travelling friends.
"How sweet." Viper whispered with a smile.
"Very touching." Crane nodded, placing a wing on Viper's back,making the snake smile.
Po, Shifu, Tigress, Monkey, and Mantis nodded in agreement.
The next day, the thirteen heroes were attending the funeral for Master Thundering Rhino in the arena in front of the destroyed tower, among the majority of the city. The deceased rhino's hammer had been removed and placed in a museum in his honor.
Croc and Storming Ox held the ceremony. It was Croc who spoke first.
"I remember the day we first met Rhino. He joined in one of our silly little fights during our youth. We used to use kung fu for stupid reasons. And he would always want to earn his father's pride. But the late Master Oogway saw potential in us, and wouldn't give up. And wouldn't you know it, his belief in us helped form us into quite the team. We were able to defeat the Wu sisters and save an entire village. And sicne that day,w e vowed to use our gifts for good." said Croc, who motioned for Ox to speak.
"Indeed, and after that, we eventually came to live in Gongmen City. We eventually became the official members of the Masters Council. Me and Croc decided that Rhino was more than worthy to be our leader. And during that time, Rhino would also become famous for defeating the Ten Thousand Serpents in the Valley of Woe with a variety of techniques." Ox then sighed heavily. "And just only a few days ago... Master Thundering Rhino died a hero, trying to protect China against Shen. But his death did not go in vain, and neither did all the pandas that villainous bird killed; expect for the Dragon Warrior. And it was thanks to him, his master, the Furious Five, and the six travellers – three of them masters like us – that Shen's wrath was over once and for all. And now Master Thundering Rhino can now rest in peace, and reunite with his parents, including his father, Master Flying Rhino."
Ox and Croc then looked up to the sky, as did the guests to the funeral.
"May you rest well Master. You were a great leader... and a good friend." said Croc with a smile.
After the funeral, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, Shifu, Ox, Croc, and the Soothsayer were walking towards the old panda village. Although Po had come to terms with his past, he felt like there was something he had to do, for a full closure: a small but nice memorial for all the pandas that died at in the hands (or rather, feathers) of Shen.
He told his friends and master, and they were more than happy to come with him. Croc, Ox, and the Soothsayer were also happy to attend as well.
It wasn't long until the group of sixteen arrived at the village, Po stood in the center of the village, the others standing behind him. He then turned to Sora, Riku, Mickey, Donald, Tigress, Monkey, Shifu, and Croc, who each had shovels with them, and nodded towards them. The eight complied as they dug a decent hole in the ground. Kairi, Goofy, Ox, and the Soothsayer each put up a pillar in the hole. Viper and Mantis then put up a plaque on the pillars that read:
"In loving memory of those who now live in peace in a new life."
After the two masters put up the plaque, Crane set down a framed-picture of the following symbols:
Love
Peace
Family
Harmony
Once that was done, Po stood up in front of the small memorial sight before looking up to the sky. Sora, Shifu, Croc, Ox, the Soothsayer, the travellers, and the Furious Five stood together behind the panda.
Po then spoke.
"Uh, hey Mom, Dad... everyone. It's me... Po. A panda who survived the invasion of our village. So, things have been going good down here. I'm the son of a noodle chef, I reside in the Valley of Peace... and not to mention I am THE DRAGON WARRIOR! How cool is that?!" Po allowed himself to smile a bit before he continued. "...Yeah well, as the Dragon Warrior, that also makes me a kung fu master, just like the majority of my friends behind me, heh... And, it's fun you know? Defending the innocent from danger, going on awesome missions, learning new-old stuff almost everyday... and making new friends, including three humans."
Sora, Shifu, Croc, Ox, the Soothsayer, the travellers, and the Furious Five all smiled at the panda.
"So yeah..." continued Po. "Well, Shen's gone for good. But I didn't want to kill him, I mean, none of us did, but he kind of left us with no other choice... and it was kinda on himself for what caused his demise... so yeah. And I can admit now; the idea of killing that peacock did cross my mind, especially since he lied to me, killed all of you and Master Thundering Rhino, conspired with a mad man, a witch, & their allies, and tried to kill me and my six friends who aren't from this world with his cannon... especially after reminding Sora, Riku, Kairi, the king, Donald, and Goofy of their painful memories, but... I-We... all knew that you wouldn't want that. We weren't gonna stoop to such evil he is... even though that guy Xehanort my six friends I mentioned earlier mentioned the other day seems more evil than that peacock..."
Po sighed. "But hey, what's done is done right?" he asked half-jokingly. "And I'd also like to say, despite all that's happened, I still refuse to believe I'm the last panda in all of China. I know there have to be other out there who survived the attack, or who didn't live here that Shen didn't know about. And even if that chance is slim, I'll still believe in it. Just like how Donald, his family, and his friends still believe that Della's alive."
Donald smiled at those words, touched.
Po walked up to the memorial and placed his paw on it. He let out a longer sigh as he looked up to the sky one last time. "Mom, Dad... I know I never met you... but I hope you'll continue too watch over all of us. And although I will still miss you, I know that you would've told me to not dwell on it too much... and I'd thank you very much. I love you guys very much..." he then smiled a little. "And if you can... tell Master Thundering Rhino, Master Oogway, Goofy's wife, Donald's parents, Ansem the Wise, and Master Eraqus 'hi' if you ever see them... I know it would mean the world to my friends."
Po's friends all smiled at the panda, who were touched that he was thinking of them too.
Po moved his paw away from the memorial. "Well, I'll see you guys around. I love you..."
And with that, Po moved away from the memorial and rejoined his friends. Sora, Kairi, Mickey, and Tigress walked up to the panda.
"That... was beautiful Po." said Tigress with a smile.
"Yeah. It really touching." nodded Sora.
Kairi and Mickey nodded in agreement.
Po smiled as he and his embraced in a warm hug.
After they broke the hug, the Soothsayer spoke up.
"I believe we should head back to the city. The fireworks that start the celebration begin in a couple of hours." said the old goat.
Nodding, the group of sixteen left the old panda village back to the town.
But as they left, none of them saw a whole group of spirits behind them. The ghosts were Po's mom, Master Oogway, Master Thundering Rhino, Goofy's wife; Donald's parents; Quackmore & Hortense Duck, and all the pandas that died in the attack. They all smiled fondly at the group before disappearing.
Yet strangely, Master Eraqus and Ansem the Wise weren't among them...
Later that night, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and Shifu sat on the rooftop of their hotel, just as the fireworks began. Ox, Croc, and the Soothsayer were tending to the celebrations.
"Wow! What a sight!" exclaimed Sora.
"It sure is purty!" chuckled Goofy.
"You said it!" said Po with a smile.
Kairi turned to the Jade Palace residents. "Do you guys normally have celebrations like this back in the valley?" she asked, curiously.
"Usually during special events." replied Viper. "Or if s a dangerous threat like this one has been averted."
"That sounds cool." said Riku with a smirk.
Mantis looked at the world-travellers. "How 'bout you?" he asked.
"Usually during the 4th of July." replied Riku.
"And New Years Eve." added Kairi.
Shifu smiled. "Ah yes. The American holidays."
"Same for us too, as well as during the Dream Festivals." added Mickey.
"Hey! Here comes the big finale!" quacked Donald in excitement.
And the mage was right. Soon, dozens of fireworks burst into the sky, bursting into various shapes and colors, brightening all of Gongmen City like it was under a blinking colorful disco ball.
"WOOOOOW!" everyone (even Tigress) exclaimed, except for Shifu, who merely smiled at the display.
"It's so beautiful!" said Kairi in awe.
"It sure is..." admitted Sora.
The two were so focused on watching the show, they didn't even notice their hands touch on top of each other. Riku, Donald, and Goofy noticed, the Keyblade Master smirking, and the mage and captain snickering in amusement.
Hearing Donald and Goofy's snickering, Sora and Kairi looked at them and Riku puzzled, but seeing the three's looks, the Disney duo glancing their eyes towards the two islander's hands, Sora and Kairi looked down. Their eyes went wide as they quickly moved their hands away, blushing like mad. They quickly shifted their gaze to the rest of the fireworks show as Riku, Donald, and Goofy smirked, before looking back at the show themselves.
The next morning in the arena near where Shen's tower once sat, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Shifu, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, and Monkey were getting ready to head back to the Valley of Peace. Croc and Storming Ox were there to see them off. Po also had two baskets of radishes to take back for his dad.
"We would just like to thank you all one last time for helping save Gongmen City." said Ox.
"Indeed, you must be very proud of your students Master Shifu." commented Croc.
Shifu smiled and nodded. "Yes indeed."
"Well I am honored, but Riku, Mickey, and I aren't students at the Jade Palace." Kairi sheepishly pointed out.
Shifu smiled. "Nonsense Kairi. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Po, and the Furious Five told me how well the three of you have been doing in learning kung fu. And you were being taught by the Five, who are masters."
Kairi giggled. "Yeah, that's true." she admitted.
"We hope your journey back to the Valley of Peace goes well." said Ox. He then turned to the travellers. "You lot too. Hope you get back to your world safely."
"Thanks Master Ox." thanked Sora with a smile.
Just then, the Soothsayer and Lin strolled up. The group of fifteen acknowledged their presence.
"Oh hiya Lin!" called Mickey.
"Good to see you again!" smiled Kairi.
"Same here." smiled the sheep. "I was hoping to run into you lot before you left."
"Well that's nice to hear! A-hyuck!" said Goofy with a smile before thinking of something. "Oh, and thanks again for helping the other day." he added.
Lin smiled. "No problem."
Shifu, Croc, and Ox were confused. But the Furious Five seemed to recognize her as did Po, Sora, and Co.
"Hey, aren't you that rice-cook we saved when we first came to the city?" asked Crane.
Lin nodded.
"You've met this sheep before?" asked Shifu.
Sora, the travellers, the Five, and the Dragon Warrior proceeded to tell Shifu, Ox, Croc, and the Soothsayer how they met, and how she had also risked her safety in the town to tell where the two masters of this town were after Thundering Rhino's death. This made the masters surprised and the Soothsayer amused.
"Wow. That's pretty brave of you ma'am." commented Croc.
Lin smiled shyly. "Th-Thank you Master Croc." she replied.
Viper then looked at Po, Sora, and the travellers with a confused expression. "Wait, what did you guys mean that she helped you a few days ago?" she asked, curious.
"After we left the village and heard what Shen was up to from Marluxia and Larxene, we went to the harbor." began Sora.
"But there were ten wolves at the entrance. And given that we were still recovering from being shot by that cannon out of the factory, we decided not to fight all of them." added Riku.
"Not to mention that one of them could've snuck away to warn Shen and that peacock could've executed the Five on the spot." added Po, shivering at the tonight, as did his friends except for the Soothsayer.
"And while we were thinking of a way to get in, Lin came up to us and helped us sneak in by launching a cart of fireworks at the wolves so they wouldn't notice us." finished Mickey.
Kairi then giggled. "Of course, Lin was already going to launch the cart at them as payback for threatening her with something that was out of her control."
"And what was that?" asked Storming Ox.
"Because the wolves took away her pots and pans, she couldn't cook her rice for a wolf, who didn't seem to care." explained Donald.
That made all the anthropomorphic animals (except Po, Lin, Soothsayer, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy) look shocked.
"That's horrible!" exclaimed Viper.
Tigress turned to the sheep. "That was pretty brave of you. Especially when you helped Po and the travellers sneak in." he complimented with a smirk.
"Yeah, takes a lot of bravery to do what you did." said Crane with a smile.
"Indeed, even small acts of help can lead to big things." said Shifu with a smile as well.
"Yeah, first these guys and now you? Looks like were having a gathering of those who helped save this city." chuckled Croc.
Lin was too modest and shy to receive mush praise, but smiled none the less.
"Thank you very much." the market sheep replied.
"And speaking of those who helped save Gongmen City..." Sora began before looking at the Soothsayer. "Thanks for helping heal us. Physically and-"
"-Literally?" finished the Soothsayer with a smile.
Sora chuckled. "Yeah."
Po then strode forward. "And thanks for helping us find our inner peace. It really helped during the battle with Shen." he said to the goat with a smile.
Soothsayer smiled. "The inner peace was discovered by you yourselves. Yes, the pain will always be there, but you should always come to terms with it, and learn from it as well."
"Good words indeed old friend." said Shifu with a smile. He and the Soothsayer, unsurprisingly, had known each other long ago, and had told Sora, Po, the Five, and the travellers about it.
Po's face then fell slightly. "And we're sorry for what happened to Shen."
Riku nodded. "Yeah. Ox and Croc told us that when Shen was younger, you were basically his nanny whenever his parents were busy ruling the city."
The Soothsayer let out a long sigh. "There is no need for apologies. Shen chose the path of darkness, and that was what ended up killing him. I just hope he can find peace in the afterlife... just like his parents."
"Once again, wise words." Shifu nodded in agreement.
Po the smiled. "Well, I hope we can meet again." he then added, sheepishly, "Under better and much more nicer circumstances."
Soothsayer smiled. "Indeed Po Ping. I wish you, your fellow masters, and your fellow travellers a safe journey back home, and back to your home world."
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and Shifu smiled at the goat, Ox and Croc nodding in agreement. Lin was a bit puzzled.
"'Home world?'" she asked.
"We'll explain later, but you must promise to keep it a secret." said the Soothsayer. She and the others thought that after Lin had helped the heroes, six from other worlds, she deserved to know the secret of the other worlds too. Like the travellers, Po, Shifu, and the Five, the Soothsayer, Storming, Ox, and Croc knew about the other worlds too.
Lin smiled and nodded.
Soothsayer then turned towards Sora and Kairi. "I can also see that you two will have a great bond that will blossom into greatness in the near future." she told them with a smile.
Sora and Kairi were taken aback and began blushing like mad. Riku smirked, Donald, Goofy, Po, Monkey, Mantis, and Croc snickered, Viper and Lin giggled, and Mickey, Po, Tigress, Crane, Shifu, and Ox rolled their eyes at the others' behavior.
Shifu then cleared his throat. "With that said and done, I believe that we must head to the harbor to continue our journey back to the Valley of Peace."
Those going with Shifu nodded.
"Right." Sora said in agreement. "But first, can we take a picture before we go?" he asked, puling out his Gummiphone (which miraculously survive the cannon [and was waterproof]).
"What's that?" asked Po.
"It's something from our world that takes pictures." explained Mickey.
"I don't see why one picture wouldn't hurt." shrugged Ox.
With that, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, Tigress, Viper, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, Shifu, Storming Ox, Croc, Soothsayer, and Lin all got together. After setting a timer on the Gummiphone to take the picture, Sora used that selfie stick that came with the device, stuck it to the phone, and held it out while making sure everyone was in the shot.
"Everyone smile!" said Kairi.
Everyone did so as the picture was taken.
"Did it work? How's it look?" asked Viper.
Sora brought the phone back, stuck the stick into his jacket, and showed the picture to everyone.
"Looks good! A-hyuck!" chuckled Goofy.
"Not bad." commented Tigress.
Sora chuckled as he pocketed his Gummiphone.
After saying their goodbyes, Croc, Ox, Soothsayer, and Lin watched the group of thirteen depart from the town to the harbor, Po carrying his radish baskets.
On the boat, the group of thirteen sat and talked about their adventures, which included travelling across China, and travelling across the worlds. Even Roxas and Namine joined in the conversations outside of Sora and Kairi's hearts.
Conversations included:
Sora: "I never knew Tai Lung had a nephew."
Po: "A cursed prince got turned into a beast?! Wicked!"
Mickey: "So Junjie is actually a bad guy... huh."
Viper: "An undersea kingdom. How mystical."
Kairi: "Wow Viper, I never knew you liked ribbon dancing!"
Crane: "And suddenly I'm scared of Wonderland."
Goofy: "I didn't know Mr. Ping could do kung fu himself too! A-hyuck!"
Tigress: "This Hades character sounds pretty odd for the Lord of the Dead."
Donald: "Po was going to be married?!"
Mantis: "This Sephiroth guy sounds pretty wicked for a guy with a long sword and a large wing."
Riku: "Mei Ling sounds like a nice person to give out good advice."
Monkey: "So pirates and superheroes are the real thing. Interesting."
Roxas: "Who knew that you could use kung fu to blind people or make them forget things."
Shifu: "I find it really interesting how Lea has a keyblade too."
Naminé: "So it was Zeng who inadvertently gave Shifu the idea for 'Dragon Warrior Challenge Day.'"
After several hours of storytelling, night rolled around. Everyone was asleep, except for Po who was on night watch. Sora and Kairi opted to join him to keep the panda company.
As the three were watching the sights, they suddenly heard quiet footsteps. They turned to see Tigress step out, and look out to another side of the boat.
"Tigress?" asked Sora, softly.
Tigress jumped slight, but relaxed when she remembered that it was just three of her friends.
"Oh it's just you three."
"Something wrong?" asked Kairi.
"Couldn't sleep." replied Tigress. "Just came out for some fresh air."
Despite the understanding looks, given after everything that went down in the city, Po couldn't help but say, "Ok Tigress. But remember, if something's bothering you, you can talk to us."
Sora and Kairi nodded, the latter saying "Yeah, any of us."
Tigress smiled slightly before it fell. She stared at the water for a bit before looking back with her friends.
"Think maybe we can for a bit?" she asked.
Slightly surprised, Sora, Kairi, and Po smiled as they sat down with the feline. The four sat in an awkward silence before Sora spoke up.
"Listen Tigress, uh... I think we know what this is about."
Tigress raised an eyebrow.
"It's about what happened back in the factory, isn't it?" asked Sora.
Tigress sighed heavily and slowly nodded.
Guilty looks went on Sora, Kairi, and Po's faces.
"We kinda figured that..." muttered Po.
Tigress was now confused. "Whaddya mean?"
"While we were on our way to the harbor from the village, we saw Marluxia and Larxene patrolling the grounds. We overheard that after the seven of us were blasted out of the factory, you were so angry and heartbroken." replied Kairi.
Tigress sighed heavily, a sad expression on her face. "You are right. We all thought that you were truly dead. I was so ready to kill Shen, but Viper and the boys snapped me out of it... even though the Organization still hurt and captured us."
Po sighed guiltily. "Tigress, I'm sorry for what we did."
Tigress looked at him, puzzled.
"What I mean is, we're sorry for scaring you that day. Especially me..." Po muttered sadly. "These guys were just trying to do their job..." He then gestured to Sora and Kairi. "...but it nearly costed all six of them their lives when they were helping me at the same time. And all because I wanted answers about my past. I should've listened to you. I was selfish and impulsive... not thinking clearly... and I'm sorry." he said with regret in his eyes.
"Me, Kairi, and our fellow travellers are sorry too." sighed Sora. "I guess when Shen started making our painful memories resurface, it caught us off-guard and by the time he presented that cannon, we were just too shocked and horrified."
"Even though it wasn't enough to prevent you, Goofy, and Donald from standing in front of Riku, Mickey, and me to protect us?" asked Kairi with a small smile.
Sora nodded with a small smile of his own before he frowned again. "All the same, I guess the pain of our past caught us off-guard like Po... and were really sorry."
Tigress sighed a little before, to her friends' surprise, she smiled a little. "Although I wasn't proud of your actions that day, I can't say that I blame you."
"Really?" asked Kairi.
The feline master nodded. "I admit, I would've done the same thing if I wanted to desperately know the truth. And I know that the seven of you were just doing your job: helping and protecting the world and its inhabitants"
Sora, Kairi, and Po were taken aback.
"I just... I really thought that the seven of you died. Like you said Kairi, I was angry, heartbroken, and distraught. Angry that Shen killed you, and heartbroken thinking that all of you were dead. I had lost all hope after thinking we lost you all for good. Only Monkey seemed to be the one not to give up... but I just couldn't bring myself to fight or even bother to escape. Viper, Crane, and Mantis felt the same way." said Tigress sadly before smiling a bit. "But when we saw all seven of you up on that roof, alive... I suddenly felt hope again." her face fell again. "But when Shen aimed at all of you again, I instantly remembered that moment in that factory. I wasn't gonna let him get you again, or worse. I had failed to reach you all because of those stupid Nobodies, and I wasn't going to let you guys suffer such a fate... even though we were all blown away before we finally beat that bird."
Kairi smiled. "Well, friends to crazy stuff sometimes just for their friends."
Sora chuckled. "Yeah, especially when they try to save them."
Tigress smiled. "In the end, all is forgiven."
Po and the two islanders smiled in thanks.
"Thanks Ti'." smiled Po.
Tigress smiled and nodded as she got up. The others followed suite.
"Better?" asked Kairi.
"Yes." the feline replied. "I'm gonna head back to sleep." she turned around to go back inside, but paused and looked back at the three. "Thank you Po. Sora. Kairi."
The three smiled as Tigress went inside, going back to sleep. Sora, Kairi, and Po continued their night shift before heading to sleep when it would be over.
Castle That Never Was:
Demyx was sitting in the Grey Area once again, strumming his sitar. After playing a couple of notes, he dismissed it and wandered down the hall to the Training Room.
"Might as well see what the others are up to." he muttered to himself.
In the Training Room, Young Xehanort was keyblade sparring with another keyblade wielder. The wielder wore a black and red organic-looking bodysuit, which was quite similar to Riku when he was possessed by Ansem and the Riku Replica. He also wore a silver helmet covered with dark glass, hiding his face from view. This boy was Vanitas, Ventus' darkness that was extracted from his body fifteen years ago. Yet was somehow revived.
Ansem, Xemnas, Xigbar, and Maleficent watched the two train.
"That masked kid really knows a lot." commented Xigbar. "Tell me, how was he revived?"
"Xehanort kept control of the Unversed for Vanitas, until I found a world where toy could collect enough scream and sadness from others to rebuild his heart." explained Maleficent.
"The process was completed not long after we first met up with Shen before he retook his home tower, but Vanitas can't speak, just yet." added Xemnas.
"All the same, he'll be a perfect addition as a member of the new Organization. One of the chosen." mused Ansem.
As the two keyblade wielders kept sparring, none saw Demyx enter the room and was right behind Young Xehanort.
"Uh, hey guys." he greeted casually.
Startled by the sudden voice, Young Xehanrot suddenly swung his keyblade into Demyx's chest, making the mullet-haired Nobody scream in shock. Master Xehanort's young incarnation quickly realized what he had done and quickly withdrew his weapon and dismissed it.
"Oh it's you." he muttered. "Apologizes Demyx. We didn't know you were in here."
"No, no, totally cool." said Demyx, waving it off. Though his voice sounded weak and full of pain as he clutched his hands in front of his chest.
"Head to your room and rest. Report for your next mission when you're better." instructed Xemnas.
Demyx nodded, wearily. "Got it, thanks." he wheezed as he left the room.
"Think he'll be ok?" asked Xigbar, raising an eyebrow.
"He'll be just fine." said Xemnas, not bothering to look at his old second-in-command/double-agent.
Shrugging it off, Xigbar and the superiors continued to watch Vantias and Young Xehanort spar once more.
In his old room, Demyx stumbled in, groaning as he shut the door.
"Oh, my chest... it hurts..." he wheezed as he collapsed on the bed.
Suddenly, he felt another pain roar through his chest.
"W-What's goin' on?! What's happening?!" he cried in alarm.
Suddenly, he began to glow in both light in darkness. Demyx suddenly began to scream in pain as he then floated a few feet above his bed.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! MY CHEST! WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?!" he screamed.
Suddenly, a small glowing orb flew out of the chest of Demyx as it disappeared. Demyx's screaming started to falter as he quickly landed on the bed with a small thud, closing his eyes in pain as the darkness disappearing around him. He still glowed slightly before it faded away.
Demyx opened his eyes and slowly sat up, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Oh man..." he wheezed. "What the heck was that?..."
He placed his gloved-hand over his chest... and gasped when he felt something. Two somethings: warmth, and a beat.
"Huh?" Demyx muttered in confusion.
He placed his hand over his chest again, and felt three beats. Demyx gasped.
"Is that... my heart?" he asked in a mixture of shock and confusion.
He ran into the bathroom, flipped on the light switch, looked in the mirror and gasped.
He still looked the same, but instead of having gold vessel eyes, Demyx's eyes were now green again. He was restored.
Demyx was shocked. "I'm a person again... I have my heart back..." He began to smile. "I-I'm no longer a Nobody." He beamed from ear to ear. "Haha! Yes I'm back to normal! Demyx-wait..." He paused his cheering. "Demyx was my Nobody." He smiled again. "Right... Myde is back."
Demyx, now known as his Somebody, Myde, walked out of the bathroom and looked outside his window.
"So I'm human again. That means I don't have to stay here anymore." he paused. "But what should I do now? If they find out, I'm so dead."
Myde walked to the side of his bed and sat down, facing the door, wondering what to do. Then, he remembered what Sora, Kairi, Mickey, Po, and Tigress said to him after he battled them as Demyx.
Flashback:
As Sora rejoined the others, Demyx slowly got up, dismissed his sitar, and clutched his arm.
"Aw, what was I thinking?!" he groaned.
Sora sighed. "Demyx, is this what you want to do?" he asked.
Demyx sighed. "It's not like I have a choice Sora. I'm stuck in this group as ling as I'm a reserve vessel."
"But you don't have to remain this way." said Kairi. "Leave the true Organization Demyx. You don't really seem like a bad guy."
"Kairi's right. Just because you're stuck in that group, doesn't mean that you can't make your own choice and leave." nodded Mickey.
Demyx sighed before his expression turned serious. "Well even if I wanted to leave them I can't."
"Why?" asked Viper.
"Backstabbing those guys would be stupid. If they find out that I ditched them, I'm yesterday's toast." replied Demyx. "I mean, what's in it for me?"
Po walked up next to Sora, Kairi, and Mickey. "I don't know... a normal life? One where you don't have to be on the wrong side? I'm just saying." he told the Nobody.
Demyx sighed deeply. "All the same, even if I wanted to, I'm still stuck as a benched member." His expression then turned angry. "Heck, I don't even know why they even bother keeping me around, chosen or not! I'm useless, I'm chicken. I'm not even friends with any of them, even the members from the old group. I can count the number of times I've hung out with them on one hand. Less than one hand. I didn't even know them in the old life!" he shouted.
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Po, and the Five were now taken aback.
"Demyx..." Viper softly exclaimed.
Tigress strode up. "But is this the life you want Demyx? To hurt the innocent? Just like Shen?" she asked.
Demyx sighed. "Not really. I mean, I only stayed in the old Organization because I just wanted to get my heart back after loosing it."
Sora then walked up to Demyx. "I don't know what else to say... except... the truth."
Demyx was now surprised and confused. "What truth?" he asked.
"Last year, Axel found out through Xigbar that you all were lied to. Kingdom Hearts was actually never going to give you guys you're hearts back. Xemnas lied to you all so you'd follow him blindly. Their goal was actually to do what Xehanort is doing now: Gather thirteen vessels, place a piece of Xehanort's heart into them, turn into the same person, and clash against seven lights." explained Sora.
Demyx's jaw dropped.
"It's true." nodded Mickey. "You were right Demyx, Nobodies did have hearts, they just needed time to develop. Xemnas lied about that so you'd still follow him."
Demyx couldn't believe it. "We were never getting our hearts back..." he muttered, betrayed.
"Now you know the truth. What are you gonna do know Demyx?" asked Po.
Demyx now wasn't sure. "I-I don't know... I'll think about it." With that, he teleported away.
Present:
Myde pondered over their words for a couple of minutes. He knew that he couldn't stick with them as Demyx due to being stuck as a "benched" member. But he then realized something: he had his heart back. It was no longer blocked by the piece of Xehanort's heart that made him vessel. He could leave.
"But, to where?" he asked out loud.
Then he had an idea.
"That's it! Disney Castle! That's where Sora, Axel, and the others are staying before the war. Even if it means hard work, joining them might be the only option for me."
Myde tried to summon a corridor to Disney Castle, but found that he couldn't.
"Huh? That's odd. Never happened before." he muttered.
Before he could try again, he heard a voice that made his blood freeze.
"I swear, Demyx had better have a good reason for screaming like a maniac at this hour!"
Myde gasped. "Larxene!" he exclaimed softly, but hin horror.
Knowing that he couldn't let the Organization or any of their allies see him restored, knowing that they would kill him, Myde opened the door an rand own the hall to the Gray Area.
"I hear footsteps!" came a Larxene's voice from down the hall.
"Don't let him or her get away!" came Marluxia's voice.
"Oh crud, Marly too?!" Myde hissed in panic.
He was in too much of a panic that he missed the entrance to the Grey Room. But he knew that he couldn't go back with Marluxia and Larxene on his tail.
"Ok, think Myde I can't get to Disney Castle, I doubt the Restoration Committee will take me in, my home world is nowhere to be found..." he muttered as he ran to the castle's main entrance/exit.
As he ran outside, he saw sighed in relief as the bridge formed. ½ way down, he leaped into the air, and landed on the ground and ran into the town.
As he rounded a corner to where the entrance to the digital Twilight Town was, he skidded to a stop and groaned as he saw that it wasn't there.
"Oh no, no entrance to the digital Twilight Town!" he groaned in dismay and in panic. Then, Myde snapped his fingers as an idea flew into his head. "Wait, Twilight Town! That's it!"
Hearing the faint footsteps of Marluxia and Larxene, Myde wasted no time in opening up a corridor of darkness to get to Twilight Town and leaped through it.
As soon as Marluxia and Larxene rounded the corner, scythe and knives ready, they stopped suddenly when they saw no one there.
"Great, a dead end." groaned Larxene, dismissing her knives. "Wonder who that was."
"Whoever it was, they won't get far." said Marluxia, dismissing his scythe.
Nodding, the two teleported back to the castle to report what had happened.
Back inside the castle, Saïx was standing in his usual spot in the Grey Area, having just watched the whole scene through a window.
"So Demyx, you've been restored and left." surmised Saïx. He then suddenly smiled slightly. "Good luck. Sora an his friends will need all the help he can get."
The Luna Diviner then teleported away to the throne room.
Valley of Peace:
At Dragon Warrior Noodles & Tofu, Mr. Ping was sweeping the the floor, still worried for his son's safety. Po's words from the day he had left still circled in his head.
"I gotta go! I'm the Dragon Warrior, it's kinda my job to save kung fu. And I need to help my friends save this world from the darkness. Which includes you. And if I don't... what am I?"
As he continued sweeping, he suddenly heard something. Or rather, someone.
"Hey dad."
Mr. Ping froze, his heart skipping a beat. He dropped his broom as he looked towards the entrance, and saw Po there, carrying the two crates of radishes.
"PO!" Mr. Ping exclaimed happily.
Po smiled and laughed as he set the crates down, just as the goose ran up and hugged the Dragon Warrior, who returned it.
"So how did it go? Did you save China?" Mr. Ping asked, exiting the hug.
"Yep." nodded the panda.
"I knew you would... that's why I had these new posters made... (pulls out a poster of Po) 'My son saved China. You too can save, buy one dumpling get one free'!" said Mr. Ping.
"Hey, that's a pretty good deal." chuckled Po. His expression then turned serious. "But first... there's something I should tell you."
Mr. Ping gulped, nervous.
"While I was gone... I found the village where I was born... I found out how I ended up in that radish basket." Po explained.
Mr. Ping was taken aback. "You did?" he asked.
Po nodded. "I know who I am."
"You do?" asked Mr. Ping, barely speaking.
(A beat...)
"...I'm your son." finished Po with a smile.
Mr. Ping smiled happily as the two embraced lovingly.
"I love you dad." said Po.
"I love you too, son." said Mr. Ping.
The two broke their hug again.
"So... where are Sora and his friends?" asked Mr. Ping.
Po smiled. "The Jade Palace. And Master Shifu has something he wants to say to three of Sora's friends when I get back." he explained. "Wanna come?"
"Why of course." the goose beamed.
With that, Po and Mr. Ping left the noodle shop to the Jade Palace.
Po and Mr. Ping entered through the gates to the Jade Palace, where they found Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Shifu, Tigress, Mantis, Crane, Viper, and Monkey waiting.
Riku, Kairi, and Mickey were standing in a straight line in front of the steps that led to the Sacred Hall of Warriors, while Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the Five stood to the side. Po quickly joined his fellow kung fu masters while Mr. Ping stood next to them near the exit.
Shifu addressed everyone. "Thank you all for coming. Now, after recent events of these past couple of weeks, I would like to congratulate all of you. For your brave efforts, you helped save Gongmen City and the rest of China, and the rest of this world from Shen's wrath, and once again from falling into the Organization's grasp. And for that, I am very proud."
Riku, Mickey, Kairi, and the kung fu masters smiled in appreciation before saluting and bowing while Mr. Ping just smiled at them, proud himself.
Shifu smiled as he addressed Mickey and the islander trio.
"Po, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the Furious Five have told me how quickly the three of you learned kung fu in just two weeks. How they are very impressed at your skills. And like the first four, you managed to master inner peace, two of you at such young ages. And for that, I am very proud." Shifu then smiled some more. "Therefore, after the events in Gongmen City, and the good words the nine masters put in for you... Riku, Kairi, and Mickey... consider yourselves kung fu masters."
Riku, Kairi, and Mickey gasped in surprise, as did Sora, Donald, Goofy, Po, Mr. Ping, and the Furious Five. There were a few moments of silence before Kairi finally broke it.
"We're... kung fu masters?" she asked, still shocked.
Shifu nodded. "Congratulations." he told them.
Mickey, Kairi, and Riku then smiled happily as Sora, Donald, Goofy, Po, and the Five approached Shifu and stood beside them.
"Masters." Sora and Po said in unison, saluting and bowing.
"Masters." Donald, Goofy, and the Five said in unison, saluting and bowing too.
Shifu just smiled warmly as he too saluted and bowed.
Riku, Kairi, and Mickey smiled as they saluted and bowed.
As soon as they all stood up, Sora, Donald, and Goofy immediately stood beside their friends.
"Way to go guys! You're kung fu masters like us!" cheered Sora.
"Congrats!" congratulated Donald.
Kairi and Mickey giggled and Riku smirked.
"Thanks guys." smiled Kairi.
"Yeah, really means a lot." said Riku with a smile.
"And you, now Mickey and Riku are both kung fu and keyblade masters! A-hyuck!" Goofy pointed out.
Mickey chuckled. "Yep, that's true!"
Donald looked at Sora teasingly. "But Sora still has a lot to learn if he's gonna be both as well." he teased.
"Oh thanks a lot!" said Sora sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, so do I!" giggled Kairi.
Tigress smirked. "Well, given how fast these two learn, and how hardcore they are as well, I'm pretty sure they'll catch up with the two of you in the keyblade master ranks."
Sora smiled. "Thanks Tigress."
Mantis chuckled. "Yep, soon boyfriend and girlfriend will be masters of both soon."
Sora and Kairi immediately blushed at that. "We're just friends!" they said at the same time.
Before any snickering or eye-rolling could go around the arena, Mr. Ping spoke up as he noticed something.
"Um, Shifu, the building is glowing." said the noodle-chef.
The thirteen kung fu masters turned to face the Jade Palace to see that it was indeed glowing. Kingdom Key immediately summoned itself in Sora's hand. Sora nodded, knowing what this meant. He turned to Kairi and Mickey.
"Watch this guys." he said.
Kairi and Mickey watched with interest along with Riku, Donald, Goofy, Po, Shifu, Mr. Ping, and the Furious Five as a crown emblem appeared under Sora's feet. Suddenly, a beam shot out from the Jade Palace into the sky, revealing the world's keyhole. Sora aimed Kingdom Key towards it, just as a beam shot out from the keyblade and into the keyhole, making a locking sound heard.
"Wow!" Kairi exclaimed in awe.
"Haven't seen that in a while." muttered Donald.
"Guess that means you're leaving again." sighed Viper in sadness.
"Hey, we'll come back and visit. No worries." promised Kairi.
Mr. Ping and the Jade Palace residents smiled.
"We'd like that very much." said Shifu.
"Good luck on your mission guys." said Po with a smile.
"Thanks Po." smiled Sora.
The group of thirteen then shared a group hug.
After that, Mickey pulled out a device, typed in some numbers, and he, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Donald, and Goofy disappeared in six beams of light to the Gummiship.
Once the beams dispersed, Mr. Ping spoke up.
"You're probably hungry, let me make you all something to eat!"
"We'd like that very much Mr. Ping." smiled Shifu.
"What are you talking about? I'll cook!"chuckled Po as they walked to the bunkhouse.
"No, I'll cook." assured Mr. Ping.
"Dad..." muttered Po.
"It's the least I can do, you all saved China." Mr. Ping pointed out.
"It's the least I can do, you raised me. And I usually always cook for my friends and master." Po also pointed out.
"Po..."
"Dad..."
"Po..."
"Okay, lets both cook together." suggested Po.
"Together... no, I'll cook!" Mr. Ping exclaimed.
Then, they, Shifu, and the Five all laughed as they stepped inside the kitchen.
Mountains far away from the valley:
In a little shrine-like structure, a circular shape enshrouded in a green robe sat. The shape suddenly stood up, and is revealed to be a male panda. Po's birth father, Li Shan.
"My son is alive..." he softly exclaimed.
He stepped out of the shrine and looks down upon a small farming village, which was populated by pandas just like himself. The pandas below caught his gaze.
In the Lanes In Between, Sora was sailing the Gummiship. Donald sat in the co-pilot's chair, and Mickey sat in the weapons seat. Riku, Kairi, and Goofy sat in the passenger seats.
"Seem to be no other worlds in trouble just yet." Sora commented.
"Hmm. You're right." Mickey nodded. "We should head back to the castle to recover for a bit."
"Good idea Your Maj – er – I mean Mickey." Donald said in agreement, while also correcting himself, from saying Mickey's royal title. Boy was that gonna take some time to get to used too after not saying it for so long ever since Mickey and Minnie became king and queen.
With that said, Sora sailed to Disney Castle.
Disney Castle:
Queen Minnie, Daisy, Max, Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, Pluto, Chip, Dale, and Lea were in the throne room. After the nightmare they (except Webby, Pluto, Chip, and Dale) had that stormy night, they were all worried for Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy.
"I just hope they're ok." sighed Minnie in concern. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost Mickey."
"Me neither with Donald." Daisy nodded. "And I have to apologize to him for missing our date two years ago when Naminé was restring his, Sora, Goofy, and Jiminy's memories."
"Aye, we're hoping the lad and his friends are ok too." sighed Scrooge. Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and even Webby nodded in agreement.
"What I wouldn't give to see Dad alive and well after what happened that night." sighed Max.
Webby looked towards Lea. "Same thing with you Lea?" she asked.
Lea sighed heavily. "Yeah, I'm worried about them too. Mostly Roxas and Naminé."
"Ya really care about them don't ya?" asked Scrooge with a small smile.
Lea nodded. "Yeah. Back in the Organization, Roxas was like a little brother to me. And during Castle Oblivion, I was basically the only thing Naminé had. Ansem the Wise - as DiZ - was nuts in the mind, and I was the one who truly cared about her aside from the others."
"Even the replica?" asked Louie.
Lea nodded. "Yep. Even if his memories were fake, his determination was real."
Minnie smiled at Lea before looking down at the ground. "Oh, I just hope everything's ok." she sighed with worry.
Just then, six beams came down from the sky, catching everyone's attention. They gasped when they saw Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy appear from those beams.
"Mickey!/King Mickey!" Minnie, Chip, and Dale cheered at the same time.
"Uncle Donald!/Donald!" cheered the mixed voices of Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby together.
"Dad!" Max exclaimed.
"Sora! Kairi! Riku!" exclaimed Lea.
Pluto barked in happiness.
Immediately, everyone joined in a group hug.
"Aw, it's good to see you all too!" chuckled Mickey with a smile.
"We're so glad you're ok!" said Max in happiness.
Sora raised an eyebrow. "Why? Did something happen?"
After everyone separated from the hug, Lea, Minnie, Daisy, Max, Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, and Louie explained about the nightmare they all had.
After they finished, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy were shocked and horrified by what they had said.
"My god..." gasped Kairi, placing her hand over her mouth.
"How awful!" gasped Donald.
Lea nodded. "Yeah it was pretty scary." he said in agreement.
Riku sighed. "You know, I think we may know what might've caused it."
He and the others received curious and confused faces.
"Whaddya mean?" asked Chip.
"Well, it all started later in the day after we arrived to the Valley of Peace..." began Sora.
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy then told their friends and family about their adventure, which received mixed reactions.
Minnie, Lea, Daisy, Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Webby, Louie, Max, Chip, Dale, and even Pluto were:
Surprised that Sora, Donald, Goofy, Lea (when he was Axel), and now Mickey, Riku, and Kairi were kung fu masters,
Shocked and horrified when they learned that Shen killed all of the pandas in China with only Po surviving and when Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, & Po were blasted out of the factory by a cannon, yet survived,
In happy tears when they learned about how Po got adopted,
Surprised that Sora, Po, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald & Goofy mastered inner peace, and were able to touch, maneuver, and attack with cannonballs,
And touched when they learned that Sora considered Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as family, but also surprised and happy that Mickey was allowing them, and now the group that was already in the castle awaiting the six's return, to call him by his real name. This in turn gave everyone else in the room's permission to call Mickey by his real name. Minnie also kindly gave them permission as well.
After the story, they were met with mixed reactions.
"Wow! What an adventure!" Webby exclaimed in excitement.
"That is so cool how we have seven hung fu masters in this room!" Dewey exclaimed.
Minnie giggled at their reactions as she went up to Mickey. "I'm just glad that you are all safe."
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy smiled. Nut Kairi suddenly frowned.
"There's still something that I don't get." she muttered out loud.
"And what's that?" asked Daisy.
"How come most of you had a nightmare about bad things happening to all of us when we were blasted out of the factory?" she answered/asked.
Everyone was surprised and now puzzled as well.
"Good question Kai'." muttered Sora.
"I've got nothing." said Mickey.
"Me neither." shrugged Ludwig.
"I might." came a voice.
Everyone jumped as they turned to see, standing at the castle doors, Master Yen Sid.
"Master Yen Sid!" they all exclaimed, immediately bowing in respect to the wizard/retired keyblade master.
Yen Sid nodded as he walked up to them.
"Perhaps the reason that Lea, Queen Minnie, Daisy, Max, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Ludwig, and Scrooge experienced the same nightmare is because of your connections." said the wizard.
"Connections?" asked Goofy.
"I think I know what he's talking about." came a voice.
Suddenly, Naminé came out from Kairi's heart. Roxas came out of Sora's at the same time. Both still faded.
Minnie, Daisy, Max, Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Chip, Dale, Webby, Pluto, Scrooge, and Ludwig all jumped in surprise.
Lea chuckled. "Relax you lot It's only Sora and Kairi's Nobodies." he told them.
That made them relax.
"Oh I see. You two must be Roxas and Naminé, the ones Lea, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy told us about." said Minnie with a smile.
Roxas and Naminé nodded.
"What Master Yen Sid means by 'connections' is our bonds that tie us together. Like family and very close friends." Naminé explained.
Yen Sid nodded. "Well said Naminé." he told the special Nobody, who smiled at the wizard in appreciation.
Yen Sid addressed the others. "When Po, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy were blasted out of the factory by the cannon, you all felt something wrong within your hearts. That was how you experienced the nightmare." He turned to Minnie. "You experienced it because you're Mickey's wife. And his longtime girlfriend ever since you were children."
Minnie considered those words and smiled at Mickey, the mouse king returning it.
Yen Sid then turned to Max. "You are Goofy's son. His own flesh and blood. So it would make sense for you to experience it as well."
Max nodded and hugged his dad, making Goofy return the gesture.
The wizard turned to Daisy, Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. "You three are very important in Donald's life. Daisy's his very special sweetheart,.Huey, Dewey, and Louie, despite being his nephews, are like little son's to Donald. Ludwig VonDrake is one of Donald's favorite uncles. And Scrooge McDuck is not just another one of his favorite uncles, but was also his and Della's guardian after the deaths of their parents. So ti would make sense for all six of you to have the same experience."
Daisy, Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, and Louie all looked at each other before nodding in agreement and then hugging Donald, Webby joining in.
Finally, Yen Sid turned to Lea. "And you shared bonds with the rest. You saw Roxas and Naminé as your younger brother and sister throughout your days in Organization XIII as Axel, and continued that bond even when being friends with Sora and Kairi. Riku as well, since the both of you teamed up to watch over Sora, Donald, and Goofy in the Valley of Peace last year."
Lea nodded as he looked at the five mentioned and smiled at them. Sora, Riku, Kairi, Roxas, and Naminé returned the smile with their own.
"Connections are hard to explain, but they are a very strong bond that binds us together." Yen Sid said. "I too felt the worry of something bad happening I my young pupils, back in the tower, the day they were shot out of the factory."
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Donald, Goofy, and especially Mickey looked at each other with guilty expressions.
"Aw gee, I'm sorry we made you worry Master." apologized Mickey.
Yen Sid smiled sightly. "Do not blame yourself Mickey. I think what matters is that you are all ok."
"He's right." said Minnie. "That world is safe thanks to you six and your friends, and your back safe and sound."
"If only we had a way for us to celebrate their safe return." chuckled Lea.
Yen Sid smiled slightly as he raised his hand, and in three seconds, bars of Sea-Salt ice cream appeared in Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Lea, Minnie, Daisy, Max, Scrooge, Ludwig, Chip, Dale, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby's hands.
"Whoa! Cool!" Huey exclaimed.
"Ah, Sea-Salt ice cream." Scrooge said with a smile.
"Now this takes me back." murmured Lea.
They all took bites of their ice cream.
"Sweet." said Chip.
"But very salty." added Dale.
"Just melts in your mouth." said Kairi with a smile.
"Delicious!" giggled Minnie.
"Thanks Master." thanked Mickey.
Yen Sid smiled slightly. "Now then, I must return to Mysterious Tower. I recommend you six get some rest after your adventure. The worlds aren't in trouble yet." he told Sora and Co.
"Right. Thank you Master." nodded Sora.
Nodding, Yen Sid then vanished into thin air.
"Hey dad, wanna go see some new tricks I learned in my skateboard?" asked Max.
"Of course Maxie! A-hyuck!" chucked Goofy.
With that, the two left.
"Say nephew, how about some fishing with yere family? To calm yurself after everything that happened?" suggested Scrooge.
Donald smiled. "Of course Uncle Scrooge."
With that, Donald, Dasiy, Scrooge, Ludwig, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby left the throne room.
"Were gonna do a maintenance check on the Gummi Ship!" said Chip.
"Go ahead fellas!" said Mickey.
Nodding, Chip and Dale hopped onto Pluto, and they left to the Gummi Garage. Minnie giggled as she followed them.
"I'm guessing you guys just beamed in here for fun instead of just waling in?" asked Lea.
"That, and it was a good way to repair the injuries we got in Gongmen City." said Riku, smirking.
Lea chuckled. "All the same, it's just nice to see you guys, along with Donald and Goofy alive and well after facing off against a senile peacock."
"Same here Lea." said Roxas with a smile.
Taking another bite of her ice cream, Kairi spoke up after gulping down her bite. "So tomorrow, after we relax from our adventure. You and all of us in the ring." she suggested.
Mickey nodded. "Yeah. It wouldn't hurt to train some more in between missions." he said in agreement.
"So long as you don't strain yourselves." giggled Naminé.
Lea smirked. "I'm ready for that."
"That's the spirit." said Sora with a goofy grin.
"Don't hold back Lea." added Kairi. "Promise?"
Lea was about to reply, but when he looked at Kairi again, he gasped.
As the sun shone through the window, on of the rays casted itself on Kairi, and in Lea's eyes, there was someone else in her place.
But it wasn't Naminé, as she was standing next to her Somebody.
Instead, it was a girl who looked just like Kairi and Naminé. Same face, same blue eyes. But she had short black hair, and wore an Organization cloak.
Lea gasped again, small tears rolling down his eyes. He dropped his ice cream, but Riku noticed and caught it.
"Whoa Lea, you almost dropped your ice cream." he said to the redhead.
But as he and the others looked at Lea, they were shocked, confused, and a little worried.
"Lea, are you ok?" asked Roxas, concerned.
Lea blinked. "Huh?" he asked.
"You're..." Mickey began.
Lea noticed the tears on his eyes and wiped them away.
"Sorry about that." he apologized sheepishly. "I guess I'm still recovering from that nightmare. I was the only one who knew that it was real... I just didn't know how."
Kairi smiled reassuringly. "It's ok Lea." she soothed.
Lea chcukled sheepishly. "Heh, thanks..."
With that, the five Guardians of light continued to eat their ice cream, Roxas and Naminé chatting alongside them.
Two days later, the Gummi Ship picked up readings of another world consumed by darkness. After saying their goodbyes to Minnie, Daisy, Max, Lea, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, Ludwig, Scrooge, Chip, Dale, Pluto, and even Horace and Clarabelle, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald and Goofy boarded the Gummiship and sailed away... after experiencing the dropout exit... again.
The "family" was sailing around with Mickey at the controls, Donald in the co-pilot's chair, Goofy at the weapons control, and Sora, Riku, and Kairi in the back.
It wasn't long before they saw a very unfamiliar world. It had a clocktower on top with a small town and a school underneath.
"Whoa! A new world!" exclaimed Sora as he turned over to Mickey. "Have you ever been to this one before Mickey?"
The mouse king studied the world.
"Nope. Never been here before. But by the looks of it, it appears to be consumed by darkness." he replied.
"Well if it's covered in darkness, we'd better take care of it." declared Riku.
"Let's kick some Heartless butt!" exclaimed Donald enthusiastically.
"Gwarsh, someone's excited, a-huck!" commented Goofy.
"I have every right to show the bad guys who's boss!' retorted Donald.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh and that reply. Mickey then parked the ship and it wasn't long until they were beamed down.
The Moon:
Meanwhile, Della continued to do repairs on the Spear of Selene, using a hammer on some parts. She stopped fro a breather to look at the picture of her, Donald, Scrooge, and her three eggs. She smiled sweetly at it.
"Don't worry boys. I promise I'll see you soon." she said.
With that, Della continued her hammering, determined to get back to earth.
The end
(Kung Fu Fighting plays)
(CAST)
Sora
Haley Joel Osment
Riku
David Gallagher
Kairi
Hayden Panettiere
Lea
Quinton Flynn
Roxas
Jesse McCartney
Naminé
Meaghan Jette Martin
Ansem
Richard Epcar
Xemnas
Paul St. Peter
Young Xehanort
Benjamin Diskin
Xigbar
James Patrick Stuart
Saïx
Kirk Thornton
Demyx
Ryan O'Donohue
Luxord
Robin Atkin Downes
Marluxia
Keith Ferguson
Larxene
Shanelle Workman
Leon
Doug Erholtz
Po
Jack Black
Tigress
Angelina Jolie
Viper
Lucy Liu
Crane
David Cross
Monkey
Jackie Chan
Mantis
Seth Rogen
Master Shifu
Dustin Hoffman
Mr. Ping
James Hong
Shen
Gary Oldman
Soothsayer/Narrator
Michelle Yeoh
Wolf Boss
Danny McBride
Master Croc
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Master Storming Ox
Victor Garber
Master Thundering Rhino
Dennis Haysbert
Lin
Lauren Tom
Li Shan
Fred Tatasciore
(archive audio)
With the Disney character voice talents of:
Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck
Susanne Blakeslee as Maleficent
Paget Brewster as Della Duck
Corey Burton as Yen Sid, Dale, Ludwig VonDrake, Bushroot, and Liquidator
Jim Cummings as Pete and Darkwing Duck
Bill Farmer as Goofy and Pluto
Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse
Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck and Chip
Jason Marsden as Max Goof
Kate Micucci as Webby Vanderquack
Bobby Moynihan as Louie Duck
Danny Pudi as Huey Duck
Ben Schwartz as Dewey Duck
Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse
David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck
And I am finally DONE! Rate and review, and look out for more stuff in the future! See you all soon!
Coming up next: Kingdom Hearts: Enchanted Christmas