Second Arch: Chapter 3

The Treasure at Last

Eventually, the gummi ship made it to the end of the path. The beam ended before a deep canyon, stopping just off the side of the cliff. The KH team and their allies exited the gummi ship and looked about.
“Where is it?” asked Delbert.
“I…I don’t know.” Jim uttered. As they neared the point where the path ended, the laser path itself retracted into its metal sphere. Jim tried to open the map again, but this time it remained closed.
“Well, that’s not a good sign.” said Sora. “If Jim can’t open the map anymore….”
“I wouldn’t think of it as a bad sign.” added Riku. “There must be something here that’s letting the map act this way.”
“Well, this be a fine kettle of fish.” uttered Silver. “Where the blazes could the treasure be.”
“Perhaps we have to activate the map in a different way.” said Jim. He looked down to the ground and by chance saw a bizarre imprint of the ground. He pondered at what it was for a while.
“What did you find?” asked Sora.
“I don’t know, but it looks like the inscriptions are identical to the surface of this map. Perhaps if I…” Jim placed the map into the imprint. Suddenly, when the map made contact with the imprint, a green light bellowed forth and glimmered in a miniature sphere of the galaxy. In addition, a triangular object appeared just behind the sphere, sitting on the edge of the cliff.
“What in the world…?” said Delbert. “How fascinating.”
“But what is it?” added Silver.
“A big door opening and closing.” Jim uttered. He reached over to the sphere and touched one of the planet icons in the holographic map. As soon as he touched an icon, the triangular object revealed that same destination. “So that’s how Flint did it. He used the map as a big door to move from one end of the galaxy to the other in very little time. That’s how he vanished without a trace after every attack he made. He would immediately return to this planet.”
“But where did he stash it all, Jimbo?!” said Silver, angrily. “He never gave precise directions on where the treasure is!”
“Think about it, Silver. If you had the loot of a thousand worlds, you would need to find a big place to stash it all. I think the treasure isn’t buried anywhere on this planet, I think it’s buried in the planet.”
“And how are we supposed to get there?!”-
“Just by opening the right door.” Jim pressed the icon of Treasure Planet and immediately, the door opened to the center of the great sphere.
Before the group, appeared the grandest sight they ever laid their eyes on. Gold and jewels were piled like mountains upon each other. The group slowly entered the vicinity of riches.
“This is it.” uttered Delbert. “This is Flint’s legendary trove.”
“It’s even better than I imagined it would be.” added Riku.
“Look at all that gold.” said Donald.
“There’s so much of It.” added Mickey. “This is, without a doubt, the loot of a thousand worlds.”
“Now I can see why the Empire wanted me to find this.” Osiris uttered. “There’s enough treasure to increase their income a thousand fold.”
“That’s why we can’t have the Empire getting their hands on this.” said Riku. “This gold would have given the Empire and endless revenue. They would have no financial problems for a thousand years, or more.”
“After a lifetime of searching,” uttered Silver, falling to his knees and grabbing a handful of gold and jewels, “now at last I can touch it!”
“I guess wishes do come true.” chuckled Goofy.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I don’t intend to go empty handed!” Silver reached down and picked up jewels and coins from here and there, stuffing his pockets full.
“We’ll be rich.” Donald said. He scooped up a handful of riches and placed it into his hat.
“I haven’t seen this much gold since the Cave of Wonders back at Agraba.” added Sora.
“There’s something wrong here.” Riku uttered.
“What do you mean?”-
“You think that having this much wealth stowed away in one place, there’d be better security to keep robbers from taking it.”-
“You think this place is booby trapped, Riku?”-
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was and we didn’t know it.”-
The party made their way to an old ship that was half buried in gold and silver. Jim and B.E.N. were the first to reach the old hull.
“You know,” uttered B.E.N, “this all seems so familiar. I have a feeling of some impeding danger beating around the bush.”
“Captain Flint?!” Jim suddenly said. B.E.N. looked to see what Jim had discovered.
“Captain Flint! In the flesh!” Before them, upon a grand throne, the remains of Captain Nathaniel Flint sat vigilantly watching over his treasure. “Well not really. I mean if you count out organs and living tissue, or anything that resembles flesh.” Jim observed the skeletal remains of Flint closely as B.E.N. continued his commentary. “You know it’s a funny thing, but Flint wanted me to remember something really important. If I only remembered what it was.”
It was at that moment that Jim noticed a contraption of wires and circuits clutched in Flint’s hand. Jim took the contraption and examined it.
“What is this?” he uttered.  He then realized what it was. “B.E.N! I think I just found your mind!” Grabbing B.E.N, he placed the piece into the empty socket at the back of his head.
“Hey! Hey!” said B.E.N, suddenly filled with a new energy. “You know Jim, I was thinking that maybe…. Hey! I’m thinking! Now I remember why Flint extracted the memory from my circuits! That way I wouldn’t warn anyone about his big booby trap!”
“Booby trap?!” said Riku, who just climbed aboard. “Did you say booby trap?!”
“What booby trap?!” added Sora.
Suddenly, there was a powerful rumble from beneath their feet.
“Speaking of which…” uttered B.E.N. The entire trove began to collapse around them. “Flint told me that if anyone were to stumble upon his treasure, then this entire trove was to blow sky high!”
“How sky high?!”-
“The entire planet will be destroyed!”-
“Then, we better get out of here!” shouted Jim. “Everyone! Get out of here now!”
“You don’t have to tell us twice!” Delbert replied.
“Come on, fellas!” cried Mickey. “Let’s get back to the gummi ship!”
The party quickly exited the vicinity, going through the door and reaching the gummi ship. At the same time, the ground gave way beneath their feet and millions of tons of gold and silver fell into the blazing inferno within the center of the core.
“Hurry up, Jimbo!” shouted Silver. “We haven’t a lot off time!”
“But all this gold!” said Jim.
“I know! I know! But what’s the point of it if you lose your life?!”-
“Good point!”-
Jim and Silver ran towards the exit, but the ground suddenly cracked beneath him. Jim suddenly fell into the core, but managed to cling onto the side of the crack’s walls.
“Jimbo! Grab me hand, boy!” Silver ordered.
“I can’t reach!” cried Jim.
“Come on, by thunder! I know you can do it! Do you really intend to die here?!”-
“No! No! I don’t wand to die here!” Jim swung as best he could and reached for Silver’s metal hand. With a good shove, he leaped up and grabbed hold. Silver pulled him up.
“Silver! You…”-
“Just lost a lifelong obsession? I’ll get over it!” The two jumped over each crack and made their way to the exit.
Meanwhile, Sora looked around to see if anyone was left behind. It was then that he saw Osiris running towards the exit.
“Hurry, Standing Eagle!” cried Sora. “Hurry!”
“I know!” Osiris replied. Using his energy, he accumulated a great amount of wind and blew away most of the falling debris.
“The entire trove is caving in!”-
Osiris took to the air, flying about and dodging the falling slabs of metal. Using the wind element, he used all in his power to maintain a protective perimeter around him. Suddenly, an explosion erupted in front of him and a shard of metal slashed into his side. The young shinobi fell into one of the cracks.
“Standing Eagle!” cried Sora.
But at that moment, Riku suddenly appeared and managed to grab hold of the falling young man by the arm.
“No one is dying here!” he said. “Not even you!”
“R…Riku.” Osiris uttered. Riku pulled him up.
“Riku!” cried Sora, running to assist. They pulled the maimed warrior from the ever widening gap.
“Come on, Sora! Get him out of here!”  Riku said, slinging Osiris’s arm over Sora’s neck. “Let’s get going!”
“Right!”-
The three continued on their way. But again another explosion caused immense rumbling beneath their feet. Riku lost his balance and fell into the boiling core.
“Riku!!” cried Sora, as he could only helplessly watch his lifelong friend fall to his doom. Riku fell nearer into the core and the molten lava below. But from out of nowhere, a figure appeared and grabbed hold of him. Sora couldn’t bare to see his friend die, but hope presented itself before him. Sora looked up in shock, not believing who it was that helped Riku from certain death. “It…it’s…. Lu Bu!”
“You can kill yourself, but not while I’m around!” said Lu Bu, dropping Riku on the ground. Riku slowly rose to his feet and saw who it was that saved him.
“Lu Bu.” uttered Riku. He smiled. “I guess you don’t want me to die after all!”
“Only until we face each other again! But right now, let’s stop stalling and get out of here now!”-
“I hate to admit it,” said Sora, “but I’d have to agree with Lu Bu on this one!”
The four ran out of the cavern and back to the gummi ship.

On reaching the gummi ship, Mickey and the others were waiting for them.
“Hurry up you guys!” shouted Donald
“We have to go!” added B.E.N. “We have fifteen seconds before the planet’s instability causes it to explode!”
“Hurry up!” It was then, as the four boarded that they laid eyes on Lu Bu. “Oh God! It’s…!”
“Not right now!” shouted Lu Bu. “You can be shocked later! Let’s get out of here for the time being!”
“Alright! Alright!”-
Donald shut the doors and the gummi ship blasted off into the distance. The planet, reaching melt down, exploded into millions of tons of debris.

Upon reaching the planet Montressor, the party returned to the estate of Dr. Doppler. There, they presented the treasure than they managed to save. Though the amount seemed like very little, the price they would be paid for was a great deal. Sora peered down upon the mound of gold and jewels as they gleamed in the morning sun.
“Well, I know it’s not as much as I promised, Mom.” uttered Jim. “But it’s still enough.”
“Enough?” said Delbert Doppler, examining one of the jewels. “That’s more than enough. Do you realize how rare some of these crystals are? This shard alone is worth a great deal.”
“Then, I guess it was worth it.”-
Mrs. Hawkins however, could only wrap her hands around her son tightly. Jim hugged her tightly.
“The best thing I ever had in my life was having you as a son.” uttered Mrs. Hawkins. “I’m so glad that you’re home.”
“I sure like happy endings.” Goofy sobbed. “It brings tears to my eyes.”
“I don’t know whose worse,” uttered Donald, “you or him.”
“Donald. Shush!” said Mickey.
“Well, that’s done with.” said Riku. He then gazed about at the faces of the company, but realized that two of them were missing. “Hey! Where are Osiris and Lu Bu?”
“They’re gone.” Sora replied.
“What do you mean they’re gone?”-
“They left when we landed.” Sora held out his hand. “Standing Eagle gave me this as payment for our troubles.” Sora presented before Riku with the information disk.
“I guess it was a parting gift, telling us that he was sorry. He was an OK guy after all.”-
“He also gave this to me as a token of his appreciation for battling against him.” Sora opened his hand accumulated a small whirlwind in the palm of his hand. “I now have the ability to deploy tornados. This was Standing Eagles Twister Strike.” He then put out his other hand. “He also left this for you.” He handed Riku an energy icon. Riku was suddenly filled with a great energy. He had learned the Hurricane Slash. “He said if he ever wanted to give his best attacks, he would give it to those who were willing to befriend him.”
“Standing Eagle.”-
The KH group reassembled and faced Jim and the others.
“Well, it’s time we get on out way.” said Mickey.
“But must you go now?” asked Mrs. Hawkins. “I was thinking about having a celebration honoring your return.”
“That’s sound like fun!” Sliver chuckled. “Drinks all around!”
“That sounds tempting,” said Riku, “but our job here is done. We must continue on our way to stop the Dark Empire from further expanding.”
“I see.” said Delbert. “Well, if you must do what you must do, then we will not delay you any further. But feel free to visit us anytime. We would look forward to your company.”
“We appreciate that.”-
“Thanks, you guys.” said Jim. He then stood before Sora and extended his hand. “I must thank you personally, Sora. You’ve done so much for me.” Sora and Jim shook hands.
“I have no regrets in my actions.” With one last glance, the KH team departed the estate and headed back to their gummi ship.

When reaching their ship, Donald placed the information disk into the decoding machine. When completed, the message read.

Madam Caesar will be awaiting your success and hopes that you will join her in the “Ico Realm.” Her task is to retrieve the mystic blade so that we may analyze the energy resonating from it and attempt to upgrade the blades of our mobile droids.

“I take it that the ‘Ico Realm’ is our next destination?” asked Sora.
“Seems that way.” Riku replied.
“But first things first.” said Mickey. “We must first return to Traverse Town to restock on Senzu beans. Also, we need maintenance on the gummi ship and we need to refuel.”
“We also need to write out a progress report to Sneer.” Donald added. “It’s what he requested.”
“Then, let’s get back to Traverse Town.” said Riku.
“Hey!” Goofy stated. “We have an incoming transmission!” A message had made its way through to the gummi ship. Donald activated the transmission screen.
“It’s Lu Xun.” Sora uttered. “I wonder what he wants.”
“This is a declaration from Sneer.” Lu Xun began. “There is some Imperial activity taking place in Halloween Town. We believe that they are constructing a powerful weapon called the Apocalypse Cannon, which is capable of wiping out a galaxy. You must destroy the cannon before it reaches completion. General Durovano and the other Gatler Generals are their overlooking the project. Defeat them and destroy the cannon.” With that, the transmission ended.
“That’s serious!” said Sora. “We better take care of that right now!”
“But we still need to restock on supplies!” said Donald.
“Taking out that cannon is the most important thing right now!” Riku replied. “I don’t think we should delay!”
“He’s right!” said Mickey. “If we resupply, that cannon might already be completed by the time we depart to destroy it!”
“By the map, Halloween town is directly between us and Traverse Town.” said Goofy.
“Then, we’ll take care of that situation on the way to Traverse Town.”-
“But this time, we’ll have to be careful.” Donald explained. “We have no more Senzu beans to heal us.”
“He’s right.” Sora uttered. “So we’ll have to be extra careful.”
The gummi ship’s engines began to spark and roar. The gummi ship coordinated itself towards space and took off in a flash, vanishing without a sight.
At the same time, two solitary individuals watched as the KH team departed from the “Treasure Realm.” Lu Bu and Osiris watched as the gummi ship disappeared from sight.
“So, it’s over.” Lu Bu uttered. Osiris sat up; his wound had been bandaged up. “How’s your wound.”
“I’ll live.” Osiris replied.
“So now what?”-
There was a dead silence between the two for a few minutes before Osiris spoke again.
“I’m going to turn myself in to the alliance authorities.” He uttered.
“Why?” asked Lu Bu.
“I’m tired of fighting. That’s all I’ve been doing for the past ten years of my life. I’ve been fighting, killing, and being sent to the front lines constantly. General Kai said that we could end this war against the alliance within a month. But it’s been ten years now and I still see no sign of peace. I’m tired of it. So that’s why I’m going to turn myself in.”-
“That will not bode well with the Empire.”-
“That’s alright Lu Bu. As far as they know, I’m dead.” He looked at the giant warrior. “What will you do?”
“I don’t intend to give up that easily! Not until I settle the score with Riku! He will pay for my last defeat! And I will see to it that he pays in his own blood! Only then, will I return to the ranks of the Empire and claim title as the mightiest man alive. Until then, I’m KIA!” Lu Bu began to walk away. “This is far from over, Riku! I swear to it!”
“The Empire is doomed to fail.” Osiris said to himself. “They intend to expand beyond their reach and there are only so many resources to keep them stocked. Sooner, or later they will crumble! Most definitely from within! Knowing the conflict between Arakis and Ameba, it is definite that even if they do achieve total unification, the chaos won’t end amongst them and war will again erupt. That means their present sacrifices would all be in vain.”
With a final sigh, Osiris picked up his cloak and jumped to his feet. He headed northward as Lu Bu headed south. The two went their separate ways, but neither was to join the ranks of the Empire ever again.  


Meanwhile, in the city of Vandor, the capital city of the Empire, plans were being set for the completion of the new Apocalypse Cannon. Lord Arakis oversaw the transportation the necessary materials needed to finish their devilish weapon.
“With the Apocalypse Cannon completed, we’ll be able to defeat our enemies from a great distance away.” he thought to himself. “But what would the point be for us to maintain our abilities to fight if we can no longer touch the enemy.”
General Kai entered the facility. Spying Lord Arakis, he approached him. He bowed respectfully to him.
“Preparations for the Apocalypse Cannon’s completion no doubt.” said Kai. “What would the point be of it though, to destroy our enemies from a great distance away and not be able to have a crack at fighting them?”
“I understand your concern, General Kai. By eliminating the use of soldiers, not only do you lose the romance and excitement of battle, but also the sorrow and pain of battle. When you are able to destroy your enemy without having to see them up close, then that is the most cowardly of acts. We depend too much on the use of machines and technology nowadays. Because of that, no one knows what it feels like to really enjoy the ability to test one’s true strength.”-
“But I’m sure that the venerable General Ameba is tickled pink at the idea of wiping out an enemy. Not just an enemy, but an entire civilization.”-
”We must face the facts General Kai. We abide by philosophies that are outdated. But despite that, these so-called outdated ideals are a necessity for us. Without honor and pride, we could care less about what happens and who gets hurt. We would wage war amongst each other like mindless fools who don’t know the concept of cause and sorrow. For those who believe war has no limit to how much destruction they can wreak upon people, they have no concept of life’s value.”-
“But we do the same thing though, my lord. Despite our philosophies, we at times had to carry out with such acts.”-
“There are times when we cannot stop intervention of non-combatants. As a result, those non-combatants who become victims of circumstance become casualties of the conflict.”-
It was then that General Ameba approached the two.
“Well, well, well.” said Ameba. “I didn’t expect you to be here, Your Excellency.” He overviewed the supplies being placed into the carriers. “I take it that the supplies being stocked are resources to help with the completion of the Apocalypse Cannon? With that weapon in our hands, we’ll be able to force our opponents to submit without having to lose any resources of our own and suffering any casualties on either side. Is that not what you want, my lord, being able to win a victory without taking the lives of others?”
“You misinterpret my philosophies, General Ameba.” Arakis replied. “Either that, or you are attempting to mock me of my ideals, hoping that I would become unstable!”
“I would never do such a thing, my lord.”-
“I know you, Ameba. And when you say something to me, you usually say in an indirect manner. The reality is that I show sympathy only to those not involved in a fight. I know they don’t wish to fight, so I don’t force them. However, when it comes to soldiers and warriors, or any combatants for that matter, I show them no quarter. If a few civilians die by my hand, it’ll be only by a twist in fate, or by accident. However, the fates of combatants are already decided for. Thus, I wipe them out, men and supplies. A soldier’s purpose is to die. They are hired to die for the sake of others, whether it be to protect, under orders, as self sacrifice, whether they are willing to give up their lives or not.”-
“But what about Sora? He is a warrior as well, but still you spared him.”-
“He is the one exception though. I intend to see how far he’ll go for his friend, Kairi.”-
“But what if something were to happen to Kairi though?”-
“Then, Sora will fight for vengeance, or he will diminish.”-
“But as we speak, that brat is intervening with all our activities in the other dimensions. He’s already managed to prevent our takeover of the ‘Seed Realm.’ But from what reports say, he and his friends prevented our attempt to retrieve the riches of Flint’s Trove from the ‘Treasure Realm.’ With that money added to our revenue, the Empire would have been able to sustain prosperity for a thousand years. But thanks to that boy, we gained nothing. From what accounts say, both Lu Bu and Osiris were killed by the KH team. They are interfering with our activity. And if I recall, you said that if Sora and his friends were to step out of line, and begin meddling in Imperial affairs, that you would see to it that quarter would no longer be a qualification for them.”-
“And I stand by my word on that.”-
“Yet what actions have you taken to stop him?!”-
“Not me. It’s not my responsibility. It’s yours.”-
“What do you mean it’s mine?!”-
“I can’t always be there to stop Sora. I have greater matters to attend to.”-
“And what greater threat could possibly be greater than Sora?!”-
“One name. Kakarrot.” Ameba’s eyes grew wide with fear.
“Son Goku?”-
“That is correct. Kakarrot has been intercepting our forces and has managed to defeat each of them with very little effort. The Z team has already managed to kill several of my best men, including two members of my own unit, the Death Lords. With every passing day, he and the Z team draw nearer to Vandor. Thus, I must concentrate on confronting the might of the Z team. And believe me, the power of the Z team dwarfs Sora’s threat by far.”
“We can’t allow that Saiyan to draw any nearer. But at the same time, we can’t allow Sora to continue interfering with our activity.”-
“That’s why you will take care of Sora. Since facing Kakarrot is out of the question, you’ll just have to deal with the key bearer.” Arakis turned to General Kai. “Where is Sora headed now?”
“Last reported, they are heading back to Traverse Town.”-
“That’s where you should send your two assassins, Ameba.”-
“You mean you knew about my plot?” asked Ameba.
“Do you take me for a fool, Ameba?” Arakis chuckled. “I know you sent out the Asphyxia Twins to silently kill the young keybearer. But you must understand that we don’t want any of them dead. Sora and his friends would be worth more to us alive.” Arakis began to walk away, with Kai by his side. “If you can somehow ensnare Sora and bring him before the Imperial council alive, I will see to it that you gain rank as lord. My authority is absolute and the council cannot object to it unless they engage in a unanimous vote. And knowing some of them, they are either close acquaintances of yours, or they concur with your no-quarter ideals. Either way, I think your services to the Empire are impeccable, despite the fact that our philosophies counter one another.”
“You mean you are willing to help me despite our rivalry within the Empire’s political aspect.”-
“You are a fellow soldier, General Ameba, so I can’t complain. You definitely earn your keep around here. And after two thousand years of loyal service, I think you need a better position than that of a mere general. Bring Sora and his friends alive and I will see to it that you are given your Lordship.”-
“I will, Your Excellency! Thank you very much!”-
Arakis smiled and he and Kai walked away, leaving Ameba thirsting to achieve his goal.
“Do you think it was wise to allow that promise to reach Ameba’s ears, my lord?” asked Kai.
“It will be interesting for sure.” said Arakis. “However, even if Ameba were to gain status as lord, it would make no difference. If he wishes to express his opinions, then so be it. However, he will need a unanimous decision from all the lords of the Imperial council in order to veto a decision laid out by one of the Three Excellencies.”  Arakis gazed at the resources for the Apocalypse Cannon. “General Kai. I want you to accompany the shipment of resources and overlook the progress. General Durovano will be there and I will send word to him that you are on your way.”
“Yes my lord.” Kai replied. Kai boarded the cruiser as Arakis continued to watch the shipment being loaded.








Imperials in Halloween Town


It wasn’t long before the team made it to Halloween Town. The town was as before, a sight to be seen. The streets were dark and teaming with local ghosts, ghouls, goblins, and monstrosities of all types. However, the atmosphere seemed different, in a way threatening. Sora and his friends didn’t bother to disguise themselves as monsters. Instead, they each wore dark capes, cloaks, and overcoats, placing a mask upon their face. Sora, wearing a half mask like the phantom of the opera, gazed around. Halloween Town had become a different atmosphere. Before, when they first came to Halloween Town, though dark and sinister, there was no danger that put them on the edge. But now there was a great fear that lingered in the town.
Sora and his friends walked about the Guillotine Square and saw a definite transformation. Upon every building, along every street and alley, the banners displaying the symbol of the Dark Empire hung about waving like grand banners in the calm wind.
“The Empire.” Sora uttered. “Their the ones responsible for this.”
“They really placed a mark on this world didn’t they.” added Riku. “No wonder there’s isn’t anyone about.”
“And this time, the atmosphere seems threatening.”-
It was at that moment that they heard a whisper beckoning them.
“Psst!” said the voice. “Over here, Sora!” Sora looked behind him to see his old friend, Jack Skellington beckoning him from behind a stone wall.
“Hey Jack!” said Sora, softly. “What’s going on?”
“I’ll explain it back at Dr. Finklestein’s laboratory.”-
Jack led the party to the large, ominous structure and entered its massive iron door. There, Dr. Finklestein, Sally, and the Mayor dwelled.
“Look who I brought to visit.” said Jack. Sora and the KH team walked in.
“Well, well,” Sally said, “it’s been a long time hasn’t it, Sora.”
“Good to see that you and your friends are alive and kicking still.” Dr. Finklestein added.
“What’s going on here?” asked Sora. “Why isn’t anyone about in the town?”
“Well, since the Dark Empire arrived,” Jack explained, “Things haven’t been the same. They ordered that we remain in our homes and not come out unless told otherwise.  For some time now, I think at least three weeks, the Dark Empire has been wondering about in our town, carrying these giant contraptions to where Oogie Boogie Manner used to stand.”
“Uh-oh!” said Mickey.
“That’s bad then.” Donald added.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Riku?” asked Sora.
“I know exactly what you’re thinking.” Riku replied. “The Empire is on the verge of completing their destructive weapon, the Apocalypse Cannon. With that weapon, they could easily spread fear and pandemonium to every dimensional realm.”
“What’s the Apocalypse Cannon?” asked Jack.
“The Apocalypse Cannon is a weapon that accumulates a great amount of energy that’s capable of wiping out an entire galactic system. With one blast, thousands of planets and billions, perhaps trillions upon trillions of people and other living things would be wiped from existence in an instant. Total annihilation and complete genocide.”-
“With a weapon of mass destruction like that, it wouldn’t take a week’s period for the Empire to do away with the Universal Alliance and gain political control.” Sora added. “No one would be safe to hide from the forces of the Empire.”
“What do we do then?” asked Sally. “We can’t let something like that take over other worlds.”
“That’s what we’re planning to do.” Riku explained. “You said that they were constructing the cannon at the old sight of Oogie Boogie Manner right?”
“That’s right.” Jack replied.
“Well, then all we have to do is get there and destroy it.”-
“Easier said than done.” The Mayor interrupted.
“Why’s that?” asked Sora.
“Three reasons. One, there are Imperial troops guarding the road to Oogie Boogie Manner around the clock. Therefore, trying to smuggle in is out of the question and nearly impossible. Two, patrol parties of the Dark Empire march up and down these streets, looking for any suspicious people. And finally, Halloween Town has been put under Marshall Law. We have to abide by a certain curfew and return to our homes, or we will be executed without hesitation.”-
“That’s right.” Jack added. “You arrived just before the curfew. Had it been any later, those Imperial troops would have been on you like a bad itch.”
“Then, we’ll just have to find a way to break through and get to the cannon.” Riku explained. “Do you think you can somehow get two Imperial uniforms?”
“I can do that.” said Sally. “They always send their laundry to me when they need washing.”
“Excellent. Goofy, Jack, I’ll need your assistance too.”-
“Gotcha, Riku!” said Goofy.
“Understood.” Jack added.
“You have a plan I guess.” said Sora. “You need us too?”
“You’re the most important, Sora.” Riku explained.
“I am?”-
“You’ll play the victim.”-
“What do you mean the victim?”-
“The one we captured. What I plan to do is penetrate through the Imperial defenses and take them out from within.”-
“Great plan.” Mickey said.
“I have to agree.” Donald added. “I’m surprised I didn’t think of that myself.”
“Alright,” Riku said, “let’s do this.”
“Victim?” Sora reiterated.

Upon reaching the defensive position of the Empire, Riku, Jack, Goofy, and Sora deployed their strategy. Riku covered himself with a long black cloak. Jack and Goofy, dressed as Imperials while Sora, acting as the captured individual, dragged along with a black bag over his head. At the same time, Mickey and Donald watch from afar ready to attack as soon as the signal was given. The four reached the defensive line where an Imperial sentry stood vigilant. The sentry stepped before the party, prohibiting further entry.
“Halt!” he said.
“We’re of the 5th Cetorburg volunteers.” Riku uttered, faking an aristocratic type accent. “We’ve caught a spy who has been leaking out information to the Alliance regarding the Apocalypse Cannon.”
“Do you have the necessary papers?”-
“Right here.” Riku handed forged documents to the Imperial sentry. As the sentry examined the authenticity of the documents, Riku decided to play with his psychology a little. “Fancy this situation! How could you let spies like this penetrate your lines?”
“Sir?”-
“How secure is this outer perimeter line?”-
“It should be…”-
“Not very from my perspective! If you’re stupid enough to let a spy get through the lines, then I must curse the Empire for hiring such incompetent soldiers!”-
“Now listen here…” said the sentry.
“Where are my papers?! I’m in a hurry!”-
“Here then!!” the infuriated sentry shouted, shoving the documents back to Riku. “I’ll have you reported for insubordination! Out of my way, peasant!”-
The sentry stomped off to the side. Riku then turned around and shouted out.
“You better make sure no one gets through!” he cried.
“That’s the signal.” Mickey uttered.
“Five minute interval has begun.” Donald added. “After five minutes, that’s when we attack.”
Upon reaching a safe distance between the lines, Goofy and Jack let Sora go and Sora took the back off his head. He shook his head, causing his hair to take its original shape.
“We’re safe now.”-
“That’s the last time I play the victim.” Sora protested. “What were you trying to do, Riku? Suffocate me?”
“We had to put the bag over your head. That way the Imperials wouldn’t want to inspect your identity. At least with the bag on your head, they knew better than to try and look at you.”-
“Sure you did.”-
“I thought you put on one heck of a performance.” Goofy uttered.
“Enough talking.” Jack uttered. “There’s where Oogie Boogie Manner used to be.” The four snuck to the cliff side where they could observe the construction of the cannon. Before them, they saw a massive construction sight. And there, surrounded by a circle of lights, was the cannon.
“That must be it.” said Sora.
“That’s the Apocalypse Cannon?” Jack questioned. “You said it was powerful enough to destroy a galaxy, but that’s no bigger than guns used on a battleship.”
“Believe me,” Riku explained, “that thing may be small, but it packs an awful lot of power. If I were to have seen that before our journey, I probably would have said the same thing. But after what I saw, I realized that nothing is impossible.”
“Let’s start working our way down there.” Sora uttered.
Suddenly, there was a loud roar from above. The party looked up to see three large cruisers appear from the sky. They hovered down on three grand platforms which were situation not too far from the main platform where the Apocalypse Cannon sat. The KH team observed three individuals walking towards the cruisers. The three men were well dressed in uniforms of grey and red.
“I wonder who those three guys are?” asked Sora.
“I don’t know.” Riku replied. “But they must be the guys in charge of this operation.”
From the opening cruiser doors, a familiar face appeared, walking towards the three.
“General Kai!” Sora said.
“What’s he doing here?” Riku added. “He must be here to oversee the progression of the Apocalypse Cannon.”
“Hey, this’ll be a perfect opportunity for us, Riku.”-
“What do you mean, Sora?”-
“We can take out General Kai and get the information of Arakis’s and Kairi’s whereabouts!”-
“I know what you mean, Sora. But right now, we have to take out that cannon, first.”-
“But we can’t do that with all those fellers down there, guarding the thing.” Goofy uttered.
“That’s where Donald and Mickey come in. They should be leading the charge anytime now.”-

At the same time, amongst the Imperials lines, General Kai met with the three Gatler Generals.
“Generals King, Triiken, and Durovano I presume?” said Kai.
“General Kai, Sir.” Durovano replied. “You honor us with your presence, being the leader of the Cavendish Shinobis. His Excellency, Lord Arakis has told me that you were arriving to oversee production of our new Apocalypse Cannon.”
“That’s correct. And how is the progress on our new weapon doing?”-
“Would you care to see, Sir?” Durovano accompanied Kai to where the cannon sat. There it was, gazing into the sky like a vigilant idle. “We’ve already managed to upgrade the energy capacity so it would have twice the effect expected by its creators. Think of it, with this new weapon we’d be able to bring the Alliance down to its knees within a week, or so. And we would be able to take over all dimensional realms within a month.”
“It would certainly make our efforts easier.”-
“And you would no longer have to send in a team to plant a Galactic Killer! All we have to do is power up this greatest of weapons and annihilate an entire galaxy from a nice, safe distance.”-
“This weapon is definitely an achievement, but that also acts as a disadvantage. With such a powerful weapon, we warriors would not be able to test our strengths against the countless numbers of worthy opponents out there.”-
“That is the one disadvantage to having such a powerful weapon.” General Triiken explained. “It makes soldiers and warriors obsolete.”
“That is the one reason why I detest the sight of this contraption!” Durovano added. “I will no longer taste battle. My men will become fat and useless like cattle meant only for the slaughter house. That is not the way I wanted my career as a general to end, to end up at a desk job filing papers.”
“I understand that General Ameba is rather excited about seeing this weapon completed.” said General King.
“What do you expect from a weakling like him?” Triiken replied. “He’s of no more use to us on the battlefield that a corpse.”
“He certainly talks big, but his power is ridiculously small. I wonder how a man as weak as Ameba ever gained the position as General.”-
“Well, his record of success is unrivaled.”-
“That’s no excuse why he should walk and talk as if he were one of the Immortals!”-
“That’s the one reason why he always wants these radical ideas of no-quarter.” Kai explained. “He’s afraid of losing his own life as well as his position. If he had his way, he’d annihilate the enemy and their civilization entirely. But what’s the point of trying to conquer the universe if we plan on destroying it because a handful of peasants decided to rebel?”
“General Ameba is such a paranoid individual.” Durovano added. “He’d chain his own shadow to keep it from following him.”
Suddenly, the alarms began to bellow throughout the compound. Soldiers were suddenly seen running towards the outer perimeter defenses.
“What is going on?!”” shouted General Kai.
“We’re being attacked!” one of the passing soldier replied.
“By who!”-
“The KH team! The KH team is here!”-
“That’s impossible! Reports said they were on their way to Traverse Town! Someone must’ve told them about our activities here!”-
“So that Sora brat is here?!” asked General King.
“It seems that way!” Durovano replied. “Let’s get him!”
“Wait!” shouted Kai. “We can’t leave the Apocalypse Cannon unguarded! General King! General Triiken! You two stay here and protect this cannon!”
“Sir!” the two replied. With that, General Kai and General Durovano went off to where the disturbance was taking place, leaving Triiken and King to stand vigilant over the Apocalypse Cannon.

Sora, Riku, and others saw the panic and knew what had happened.
“Donald and Mickey must’ve done it.” said Sora. “Excellent.”
“Don’t rush in though.” Riku explained. “We might have been able to divert most of the Imperials, but there are still several troops and two generals on guard. And I don’t know about you, but those guys don’t seem to be big pushovers.” Riku huddled the four together. “Here’s what we’ll do. Sora and I will catch the attention of the Imperials while Jack and Goofy overload that cannon pass its limited capacity and blow it up.”
“Right!” the three responded. They all slapped hands together and began their run. Riku and Sora drew their swords and jumped off the cliff, yelling their lungs out.
General King and Triiken gazed up to see the two key bearers descending upon them.
“It’s them!” shouted King.
“Good!” added Triiken. “We could use a challenge!”
The two generals drew their swords as Riku and Sora landed upon the platform and began fighting off the Imperial troops, one at a time. The Imperials were 3rd class swordsmen. So their fighting abilities were either equal to, or less than the key bearers’.
“Come on! We can take you all on!” shouted Riku.
“Worthy opponents!” added Sora. “Come at me!”
The Imperials fought with all they had, but were no match for Riku and Sora. Slash and thrust, they defeated the Imperials who dared to attack. Many of them were maimed to the point where they could no longer fight.
“We have killed before!” Riku said. “So we won’t inflict massacre on your forces!”
“They are quite humane and quite chivalrous.” General King uttered.
“Then, let us show chivalry of the Empire as well.” Triiken added. “We too shall not all be seen as only bloodthirsty and savage.”
At the same time, Goofy and Jack managed to swoop down to the cannon platform without being seen. They snuck up to the cannon and looked at the control panel.
“I wonder how you overload this thing?” asked Goofy.
“The limit capacity is being upgraded to take on 75% of the cannon’s full energy.” Jack replied. “Well..,” he turned off the upgrade program and increased power levels to full, “not any more.”
“That was easier than I thought.”-
The two scampered away leaving the new cannon to overload beyond its tolerance.

At the same time, Mickey and Donald harassed the outer perimeter, jumping from one tombstone to another, firing magic spells at the Imperial line.
“I really hope that Sora and Riku managed to sabotage that cannon.” Mickey said.
“I hope so!” added Donald. “We only have five vials of Ether left.”
“Donald! Look!”-
The two peeked over the tombstones to see General Kai and General Durovano land at the line. They led the Imperials out of the barracks and began their advance.
“Uh-oh! This isn’t good.” Donald uttered.
“We won’t be able to take all those guys on by ourselves.” Mickey stated. “But still we have to try! We need to give Riku and Sora as much time needed!” The two rolled over behind the same tombstone. “Are you ready, Donald?!”
“Yeah!” The two slapped hands together and clutched tightly. Then, will a blood curdling scream, they jumped out from behind the tomb stone and attacked the Imperials head on. They rammed themselves into the bulk of the attacking Imperials and took down as many as they could. Many of them wounded limped off the battlefield to rest.
“Don’t be afraid to fight them!” General Kai ordered. “There’s only two of them!”
“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a mouse king and a loud-mouth water fowl!” Durovano added.
The Imperials eventually surrounded Mickey and Donald, their sabers and blasters at the ready. Mickey and Donald came back to back, protecting themselves from all sides.
“Um, this is bad.” Donald uttered.
“We can’t give up now.” Mickey whispered.
“And what do you propose we do?!”-

At the same time, Riku and Sora were facing their own difficulties. They had underestimated the number of Imperials present, as they seemed to somehow pop out of the woodwork. The two eventually found themselves surrounded by ranks of Imperial troops.
“This isn’t good.” said Sora.
“You think?!” Riku replied. The Imperials slowly closed in and Riku and Sora tightly pressed back to back with each other.
“This is definitely a tough spot.” Sora uttered.
“Hopefully, Jack and Goofy managed to fulfill their mission.”-
“Riku. In case we don’t get out of here alive. I just want to tell you that you and Kairi were the best friends I ever…”-
“Shut up, Sora! We can’t just kick the bucket right now! We still have a friend to rescue!”-
“Well excuse me for being sensitive!”-
“I told you to stuff it!”
“Well Gentlemen.” said General Triiken. “It seems that you’ve met the end of your road.” He worked his way forward, presenting himself before the two key bearers. “I must say that you have definitely gone so far and achieved so much in such little time and for ones as young as yourselves. And that, will commend you handsomely. However, I will not allow you to tarnish the reputation of the Empire for its might any further. You have a cause and so do we. The only way to determine which cause will rise on top depends upon the strength of those who fight for it. Superior numbers have proven the outcome off this fight. So, I hope you have last words to utter, my friends because your execution has been decided. Kill them.”
The Imperials began to edge closer to the two young fighters. Riku and Sora pressed their backs together even more.
“Sora.” Riku uttered. “Do you still feel sentimental right now?”
“Why?” Sora asked.
“Because you and Kairi were the best friends I ever had too.”-
“Thanks.”-
The two braced themselves as the forest of swords came closer.
Just then, two voices scream out from above. The Imperials looked up to see Goofy and Jack coming to the rescue.
“Here we come to save the day!” the two sang out. “Jack and Goofy on the way!”
The two came flying into the Imperial ranks and broke the ring that surrounded the two key bearers.
“What took you guys so long?” asked Riku.
“You know how we like to make a heroic entrance.” Jack explained.
“Well better late than never.” Sora replied. “Now that we’re reinforced, let’s break these Imperials up!”
“Yeah!” they all cried and continued their fight.

At the same time, Mickey and Donald were completely surrounded by the Imperial troops. General Kai and General Durovano edged their way to the mouse and duck.
“Well, it seems your little attempt to break through our forces proved futile.” He uttered.
“That may be so,” Mickey uttered, “but we at least served our purpose.”
“Tell me, your majesty. Where are the two key bearers and that dippy dog you were with? Don’t tell me that they decided to frolic on their own.”-
Mickey saw that General Kai wasn’t aware of where the others were, so he decided to make up a tall tale to stall Kai as well as their own execution.
“Riku! Sora! Come and get them!” Mickey acted out. There was silence around them, nothing stirred about the mist of the graveyard. “Oh no! Where are they?!”
“Your Majesty!” Donald explained. “Aren’t Riku and Sora demolishing the Apoca…?” Mickey stepped on his webbed feet.
“Shush!” Mickey began talking in Pig Latin. “Icksna! Ethya on’tda know where ikuRa and oraSa are!”
“Oh!” Donald realized what was going on. “Yeah! Yeah! Uh…Riku and Sora should have been here to back us up!”
“Do you idiots take me for a fool?!” Kai chuckled. “I know that Riku and Sora are attempting to destroy the Apocalypse Cannon and you are only playing the diversion! That’s why I took the liberty of leaving two of the Gatler Generals behind to guard the cannon. They should be more than a match for your friends.”
“You mean you knew?”-
“For one thing, Riku and Sora would never put you in such a dangerous position for an attempted ambush! And you two are too smart to attack such a well fortified defense head on, knowing the risk that you take. As we speak, your friends have already lost and their attempt to destroy the cannon was in vain. There’s no way they could have won to General King, General Triiken, and a thousand well trained Imperial troops.” General Kai turned his back on the two. “Now you can join you friends in the after life. Kill them both.”
The Imperials set their blasters and aimed at Mickey and Donald. Just then, from out of the darkness, a figure appeared.
“I can’t allow you to have your way!” said the figure.
“Who’s there?!” shouted Durovano. “Show yourself!”
From out of the mist, a dark figure appeared, silhouetted by the mist. Long feelers were mounted atop his head. This head dress was all to familiar to Durovano.
“Is that who I think it is?!” he uttered.
“It’s Lu Bu! Lu Bu’s here!” shouted one of the soldiers.
“What?!” Kai burst out. He looked to see Lu Bu standing behind them.
“I can’t allow you to kill Riku, or his friends.” said Lu Bu. “I have an old score to settle with the KH party, especially Riku. And I won’t allow anyone to interfere!”
“You dare to stand against us, Lu Bu?”-
“Does that disturb you?!”-
“You know what the Empire does to traitors?!”-
“I know very well, but I could care less! As far as they know, I died back in the ‘Treasure Realm.’ Now I stand here fighting against you!”-
“So what they said about you was true! You only care about the side of strength! Well, I’ll make sure than to let you live with this mark of betrayal that you cast upon yourself! I can’t let you have your way!” General Kai took out his iron tusk mounted on his back, behind his cape. “I warn you that you don’t stand a chance against me, Lu Bu!”-
“Then this fight could be interesting.”-  
“Let us begin! I shall be the one to show you the path to the spirit world!”-
But before they could begin their battle, a strange energy signal began to rise and General Kai immediately knew what it was he sensed.
“Oh no!” he thought to himself. “The Apocalypse Cannon! It’s overloading beyond its limit!” He began to fly back to where the cannon stood.
“What’s the matter?!” Lu Bu mocked. “Do I scare you?!”
“I have no time for maggots! I have higher matters to attend to!”-
“General!” shouted Durovano. “Where are you going?!”-
“Sora and Riku have somehow managed to sabotage the cannon! I have to deactivate it!”-
“How do you know?!”-
“Idiot! You can’t sense power levels, but I can! And this impeding danger is as bright as day! General Durovano, stay here and fight off those three! I have a couple of key bearers to deal with right now!” With that, General Kai flew back to the cannon sight. Durovano turned to his men.
“Well, you heard what he said!” he ordered. “Kill all three of them!”
“Yes sir!” the soldiers replied. They surrounded Lu Bu, but the mighty warrior only smirked.
“Just because I’m surrounded doesn’t mean that you’ll win!”-
“You’re outnumbered Lu Bu!” said Durovano. “You can’t possibly defend yourself from all sides! Attack him!” The Imperial troops launched themselves against Lu Bu.
“Pitiful insects!” said Lu Bu, crouching down. “You will all perish!”
Lu Bu released his powerful foot stomp and blew all his attackers away. He then attacked without warning and killed several of the men while they were still in mid-air.
“Impossible!” Durovano uttered. “How could he do that?!
“That’s right!” Lu Bu chuckled. “You’ve never actually seen me fight! Well, here’s your first taste of fear!”
“You don’t frighten me!” Durovano drew his sword and attacked the giant, but Lu Bu was ready to take his blows head on. The two clashed together with incredible force. The grappling they engaged in was unrivaled by anything that anyone there present had ever seen.
“Will you look at that?” Mickey said, while fighting off more Imperials. “Have you seen anything like that before?”
“Lu Bu’s a lot stronger than before.” Donald added. “Too strong if you ask me.”

At the same time, Riku and Sora went hand to hand with General Triiken and General King, clashing steel against steel. All four were so evenly matched, some of the Imperial troops believed that their skills were virtually unrivaled by anyone. Their sword play looked as if they had been rehearsed like a dance because each hit and each swing was a graceful and as strong as the last.
“I can’t believe it.” Triiken thought. “How could these boys be so evenly matched with us, the great Gatler Generals?”
“It’s as if they can predict every one of our moves.” Riku thought to himself.
“You’re more skilled than I gave you credit for.” King uttered, fighting against Sora.
“I’m just as surprised.” Sora added. “You are truly a worthy opponent.”
“We could use a power like yours for the Empire.”-
“Sorry, but that’s not an option. I’m fighting against you and that’s all there is to it.”-
“Then, despite not wanting to kill you so eagerly, I have no choice but to do away with you. I hope you won’t take it personally.”-
“I don’t intend on dying today when there’s a friend out their, whom I still need to save.”-
At the same time, Jack and Goofy were fighting off the bulk of Imperial troops who descended upon them like locusts.
“There’re too many of them!” cried Goofy.
“We have to keep fighting!” Jack replied. “We didn’t come all this way just to croak from these fellas!”
Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light. The fighting stopped momentarily as the Imperials and the KH team looked to see where the light bellowed from. From the platform, they saw the Apocalypse Cannon combust inward and outward, cracks beginning to break through on it’s surface, with beams of light spilling out.
“The cannon!” cried General King. “The cannon’s about to explode!”
“For your lives,” Triiken added, “flee away from here! Flee away! Withdraw! Withdraw!”
“I hate to admit it,” Sora shouted, “but he has a good point!”
“Then let’s get out of here!” cried Riku.
“Time to go.” Goofy uttered.
The KH team and the Imperials wasted no time, dropped their guards, and fled from the sight. At the same time, General Kai worked his way back to the sight, only to see all the Imperials retreating.
“I’ve come too late.” He said to himself. “Blast that Sora.” A smirk suddenly emerged on his face. “But I guess it was for the best. Perhaps Sora has given the Imperial warrior a purpose again by destroying that weapon.” He landed amidst the fleeing Imperial troops. It was then that he spotted the KH team running from the scene as well. Amongst them, he saw the young warrior Sora running alongside the frightened Imperials. Sora suddenly glanced over and made eye contact. For a second, their eyes locked into one another.
“Kai.” Sora uttered.
“Sora.” Kai added. “So we meet eye to eye again, eh?”
“Sora!!” shouted Riku. “Keep running!”
Within seconds, there was a mighty explosion and the entire sight of the former Oogie Boogie Manner was consumed by a bright light. The misty night turned to day as the explosion illuminated all far regions of the Halloween Town County. Lu Bu, Mickey, and Donald felt the effects of the sound waves sweeping throughout the countryside, blowing everything away.
“You will not have my life so easily.” Lu Bu uttered. He jumped into the air and hovered over the sight. From his perspective, he saw an incredible display of light, followed by falling debris and bellowing clouds of dust and smoke. Gazing down, he saw the Imperials troops being blown away from the sight. In the sky, he saw that a few cruisers managed to lift off safely before the explosion erupted.
At the same time, Mickey and Donald were blown away from the sight. They flew back towards Halloween Town. The explosion had bellowed forth with such force that much of the land within a five mile radius was leveled to the ground.