The sun was bright in the blue sky and clouds were moving slowly. There was nothing by sky here, but there is a clear figure laying in it. 

That figure was Sora after that battle. Sora slowly opened his eyes and saw the sky. He then heard a voice.

???: I saw someone here. He was clear.

??? 2: Are you sure someone was here?

??? 1: I'm sure. Look, he's still there!

Sora slowly got up and saw two figures approaching him, a male and female.

The female has very long, wavy, pastel yellow-blonde hair that reaches down to her feet with a small ahoge; large green eyes with no pupils; peachy skin and a slight child-like build. She was wearing a frilly, pink layered robe with a red ribbon tied in a bow around her neck. Around the chest are three blue diamond patterns with two blue triangles above. Each series of these is outlined in a hot pink. She wears wing-like adornments around her ears and small hoop earrings. She also had no shoes on.

The male was a young man who was wearing high-collared black robes with gold trim, along with a large, flowing white toga draped around his torso. He has short black hair, dark eyes, and abnormally sharp canines. He also wears a pendant around his neck.

Girl: He's awake! (ran up to Sora) 

Man: Wait! (follows her) 

Girl: (held out her hand) Are you alright?

Sora: Um, yeah. (grabbed her hand and she pulled him up) Where am I?

Man: We don't know. We're new to this place, but we arrived here a while ago.

Sora: Oh.

Girl: It's not bad. It's really pretty.

Sora: Yeah. I guess it is. (looks at the girl) I'm sorry, but who are you two?

The girl became surprised.

Mavis: Oh, I'm sorry. I never introduced myself. My name is Mavis Vermillion.

Sora: My name is Sora. (turns to the man) And what's your name?

Zeref: My name is Zeref Dragneel.

Sora: (surprised) Huh? You're Zeref?!

Zeref: (confused) You know who I am?

Sora: Yeah. You're that Black Wizard who created demons, and you're Natsu's older brother.

Zeref and Mavis then became shocked.

Zeref: You know Natsu?

Sora: Yeah, he's my friend. He said he would help me fight the Organization along with the rest of Fairy Tail and the Earthland wizards.

Zeref and Mavis smiled.

Mavis: I see. They haven't changed.

Sora: (to Mavis) I can see why Zeref knows Fairy Tail, but what's your connection?

Mavis: I am the one who created the guild. I am it's First Master.

Sora: (surprised) What?! But you're so young and Makarov is so old!

Mavis: It's kind of a long story. Let me just say, I became immortal after casting a forbidden spell.

Sora: Oh. (turns to Zeref) I'm sorry for asking this, but why did you create all those demons?

Zeref's smile faded and he had a guilty look on his face.

Zeref: I was cursed with immortality by the god Ankhseram for trying to revive my younger brother. I've always wondered why people live and die, there should there be a way to bring back someone. Immortality wasn't the only thing I was cursed with, I also had the Curse of Contradiction which kills anything I come in contact with. It comes out at random and the more I value life, the greater the effect of the curse is. After that I wished to die, so I created demons from the Books of Zeref, known as Etherious, to kill me. But none were successful. After wandering for a few centuries, I saw the rise and fall of mankind and saw how evil they can be. I then created the Alvarez Empire, but I don't get involved in their politics. Then I met Mavis and taught her how to use magic.

Mavis: After I became immortal after using a forbidden spell, we met again and he noticed that I too have the curse. It was hard for me to accept it, but when I accidentally killed a friend, I ran away from the guild and met Zeref again. After some events happened, my life force was sucked away when me and Zeref were happy together and I was placed inside a lacrima underneath the Fairy Tail guild. As a result of that, an incredibly powerful magic was created inside of me.

Zeref: After a while, I met Natsu again, but he didn't recognize me. I was heartbroken because he wasn't strong enough to kill me. Eight years later, after the destruction of the first Magic Council, I started to gather my forces from Alvarez to attack Fairy Tail and get Mavis magic power. I wanted to reset time before I became immortal and that Acnologia would not kill all the dragons. But Natsu came in and defeated me. After that me and Mavis both expressed our deep desires to be together and we died.

Sora was taken back a bit by all this.

Sora: Wow. That's some story. You don't seem as bad as I thought you did. All you wanted was to not see people suffer. You did do some mistakes, but you still cared for people. Maybe you would've done something different. If you're truly happy here, then that's alright. Besides, everyone has moved on and they're enjoying their life.

Zeref: (surprised) Sora...

Sora: You mention Acnologia, but who is he? I only heard he was a dragon that nearly destroyed Hargeon and Magnolia.

Zeref: Acnologia, also known as the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse or the Dragon King, was a cataclysmically powerful Dragon Slayer that can take the form of a dragon at any time due from his overuse of Dragon Slayer Magic and bathing in the blood of the Dragons he killed. He has complete hatred over dragons and only desires destruction. It was the reason I wanted Mavis' power because he was a great threat to everyone.

Sora: Well you don't have to worry about that. I heard he was defeated.

Mavis: I guess that means that the Dragon Slayers have completed their mission. Now that you know us, why are the Earthland wizards helping you defeat this Organization?

Sora then explained what he had been doing to Mavis and Zeref.

Zeref: So you're a Keyblade wielder and this Organization wants to create a balance of light and darkness by starting a war?

Sora: Yes."

Mavis: I don't think war will help create that. It will only cause destruction and sorrow, which darkness will increase.

Sora: We were about to fight them, but we were attacked and- (gasps) Wait, if you two are here, then does that mean-?

Mavis: We don't know. You were the only one we found. If your appearance is different from ours, there might be a chance for you to leave and find your friends.

Sora: I wondered if they are really here?

Zeref: There must be a way to leave this place.

Mavis: Mind if we help you? You're a friend of Fairy Tail and we want to help you in any way we can.

Sora: Sure. Thank you.

The three of them walked in one direction of this place. But after a while, they did not see anything that could help them and they started to become bored. Suddenly, they all heard a voice.

???: Can't stay away, now, can you?

Sora: Hello?

They then looked up and saw a ball of light falling down towards them. When it came to their feet, the ball glowed brightly, causing everyone to look away for a moment.

When the light dimmed, a creature appeared before them. It had grey fur accented by black stripes and had large spherical heads with small ears, narrow blue eyes, and a white snout. It's limbs are quite stubby, lacking distinct digits, as are their tails. It is dressed in a gold and blue cape, while also bearing a small pink purse around their necks that has a star emblem on it.

Chirithy: The name's Chirithy. And this is The Final World.

Sora: I'm Sora.

Mavis: My name is Mavis.

Zeref: Zeref.

Sora: What's the... 'Final World'?"

Chirithy: There's nothing else beyond this. You wandered here more than once before on your visits to the Station of Awakening, buuut...I let that slide. The edges of sleep and death touch, and one can't help the occasional crossover.

Sora: Wait, 'death'?

Chirithy: Yes. The natural end for those whose hearts and bodies perish together. But some persist, and arrive here.

Zeref: Then why are we here? Me and Mavis both died together at the Fairy Tail guild hall.

Chirithy: You two are special. You did die, but since you're immortal, you ended up here rather than heaven or hell. Because you're immortal, your bodies and souls can't truly be moved on, so this place is like a special sanctuary for people like you.

Zeref and Mavis seemed to understand and accept the answer they got.

Sora: So, my heart and body perished? Un, does that mean...

Chirithy: Something is holding you here-refusing to let you go. You're hanging by a thread.

Sora: What about my friends?

Chirithy: I'm afraid that no one else arrived with you. And if they're not here, they're either gone forever, or they're clinging to the world you came from.

Sora: (determination) I'm going back!

He then summoned his Keyblade and started to run in a different direction.

Mavis and Zeref: Sora

Chirithy: Whoa, whoa! (Sora stops) How exactly? You can't just wander out like your other visits.

Sora: What?

Chirithy: I told you. The other times you came here by your own choice. This time is very different. To become your old self again and return to the real world, you'll have to piece yourself back together in this world first.

Zeref: Piece him back together? How do we do that?

Sora: Agh! Why am I in pieces?!

Everyone gave a sweat drop.

Chirithy: What? No, not literally, of course. (sighs) You're conceptually on pieces. On the inside, who knows, but on the outside you're just fine.

Sora: Oh, okay. You kinda freaked me out there!

Chirithy: Oh boy...

Both Zeref and Mavis chuckled.

Sora: What's so funny?

Zeref: Nothing. It's just that you remind me of Natsu.

Mavis: Yeah, only Natsu would've said something like that.

Sora: (smiles) I guess that's true...

Chirithy: Usually, only a heart can reach The Final World. But since you've clearly managed to retain some kind of form, that can only mean your body was cast into this world as well.

Sora: Okay, so...then if I can find my body, that means I'll be able to go back?

Chirithy: Precisely. But there's a lot of you to find. You're going to be busy. (disappears) 

After Chirithy had left, multiple Sora's appeared in the area and they showed his complete form. Along with these Sora's, there were small stars that connected and formed a larger star in the area as well. One of the copies came close to Mavis. 

She then reached for it and put her hand on it's shoulder. But after she touched it, it turned into a ball of light and it flew towards Sora's chest, which then went inside his chest. This surprised them.

Zeref: I guess if we touched the copies, you should be able to return to normal."

Sora: Alright, let's get to work.

But before they could, one of the stars started to glow brightly, blinding them. When the light cleared, they saw a woman lying down.

She was a pale-skinned woman with long dark purple hair, red eyes, and has a rather voluptuous figure. Her outfit now consists of little more than a tabard-like garment that exposes her back. The attire is open on both sides of her body except for a small attachment at her waist, and she dons long black boots that leave her upper thighs bare.

Sora: (went up to the woman) Hey, are you okay?

The woman slowly opened her eyes and saw Sora standing above her.

Woman: Who are you?

Sora: I'm Sora. (held out his hand) Need help?

The woman looked unsure. But she took his hand and Sora pulled her up.

Woman: Thank you.

Sora: How'd you ended up here.

Woman: I remember I was helping two little girls when time stopped and after giving them power, everything went black.

Sora: Oh.

The woman then saw Mavis and Zeref approaching them. Her expression changed to shock and anger.

Woman: Zeref! (charge towards him) 

Zeref: (surprised) You're the one who attacked me on that island.

Ultear: I will stop you!

Sora: Wait! He's-

Zeref: If you're here to kill me, you're wasting your time.

Woman: (stops) What?

Zeref: I'm already dead.

The woman became shocked. 

Woman: You're dead?

Zeref nodded.

Woman: Then that means...Crime Sorciere has completed its mission. (collapsed onto her knees) That's good... (starts crying) 

Sora: Hey, what's wrong?

Woman: Nothing. I'm just relieved. In the past, I wanted to use Zeref to create a world where only mages live so that I can go back in time to kill my mother when I thought she abandoned me at a torturous place, but I was wrong. On my quest I committed many sins in order to gain that power.

Sora: You joined Crime Sorciere to defeat Zeref in order to atone.

Woman: (surprised) How do you know that?

Sora: Someone from Fairy Tail told me about it, since me and the members of Crime Sorciere are allies.

Woman: 'Allies'? Who are you?

Sora then explained to her what has been going on.

Woman: I see. So they're helping you fight?

Sora: Yup.

Woman: I guess that explains why I'm awake here.

Mavis: How did you end up here?

Woman: Who are you?

Mavis: My name is Mavis. I'm a Fairy Tail wizard.

Woman: I see. Anyway, it began during the Grand Magic Games in Fiore where seven dragons were attacking the city. All of the mages were fighting and they were getting killed. To save them, I used a forbidden spell to rewind the planet which caused me to age rapidly. A year later, I appeared in this form when time stopped on the planet.

Zeref: That must've been Dimaria's magic, Age Seal.

Woman: That's correct. While there, I activated a forbidden technique on a God Slayer to defeat her, but my physical appearance, as you see now, disappeared from that world.

Sora: So why are you here now in this form?

Woman: I'm not sure, but I sensed that danger was falling upon my friends and I couldn't stand it.

Zeref: (came up to her) I am sorry for what I caused. After everything that has happened, I want to atone. That's why we are helping Sora get back to the real world by collecting the copies of him in this place. Please help us.

The woman still looked angry and unsure. But Sora put his hand on her shoulder.

Sora: You wanted atonement for your sins, now he wants to atone. Everyone deserves a second chance. Please help us. With your help, we can save everyone.

Ultear: (sighs) Alright. I'll help. My name is Ultear Milkovich, I am the daughter of Ur and a member of Crime Sorciere.

Sora: (shocked) What?! Ur's your mother?!

Ultear: You know her? 

Sora: Yeah. She's one of the new members of Fairy Tail, she was revived by Drake who gave him some of his demonic power.

Ultear: (shocked) She has?! (smiles) So, she gets a second chance in life after all.

Mavis: (smiles) Thank you for your help.

Sora: Alright, let's get to work!

After that conversation, they all started to collect the copies, each one returning to Sora. Eventually, Sora began showing his physical form at the top part of his body while collecting his copies, proving that those copies were pieces of him. While collecting copies, they heard the voices of the stars that were there.

First star: After long years of service,my one one regret is that I must pass on before my master. I suspect he will not notice my absence. I doubt he so much as knew my name. Yet how, then, can I explain this sight? The artworks that I was tasked with tending now bear a thin layer of dust. That he feels my absence. Grieves for me. I am awash with gratitude at the thought of it. I must do all that I can to reciprocate...

Second star: I was defeated. That was supposed to be it. I'd just...fade away. Yet a part of me remains. But why? I have no regrets. No reason to cling to this life. I turn these questions over in my head again and again, and again and again I remember. Our clash. The feeling of exhilaration. Of pleasure. I would dearly love to cross blades with him again...

But Sora took notice of one star and went up to it. Others saw Sora going up to the star and followed him.

Sora: Hello?

Star: Good day.

Sora: Oh cool! You can talk!

Star: You look like a person. How is it that you retain your appearance? Are you special?

Sora then noticed his upper body was not clear anymore. 

Sora: (smiles) Umm... I'm a little hazy on the details.

Star: As are we all. Are they special, too?

Sora turned and saw Mavis, Zeref, and Ultear behind him.

Sora: In a way.

Star: I see.

Mavis: Sorry for disturbing you.

Star: It's fine. It's not everyday I get visitors.

Sora: So whose heart are you?

Star: No one's anymore. They took away my name-everything about me.

Ultear: How terrible...

Sora: No way. They couldn't have taken away your heart.

Sora: Only because it pines for another.

Star: Yeah? Someone's coming for you?

Sora: I cannot be certain. He's been changing beyond recognition-his heart replaced with another's. But, were he to regain his old self again, he would be distressed by my absence. So I choose to wait here, where he can find me.

Sora: Good. You have to believe.

Star: Believe? Oh, you mean know in my heart he will return? Without any proof?

Sora: Exactly, believe. I thought it was all over for me, but a friend of mine looked me in the eye and said, 'You don't believe that.'

The star chuckled while Sora gave a smile. The others were smiling too.

Sora: So, uh...who did this to you? Heartless steal hearts, so...a Nobody?

Star: A...somebody.

Zeref: So you were murdered by a human?

Star: Yes.

Sora: Really? Hmm...Well, I wish I could help...but my situation's no better.

He then sat down next to the star, then the others did the same thing too.

Star: You must see to the tasks before you first.

Sora: The tasks before me? There's so many.

Star: All the more reason for you to make an effort.

Mavis: She's right. All three of us worked so hard to get where we are today for others to be happy.

Sora: Yeah. You're right. I just wish I knew what to do.

Star: Here you are on the brink, and yet you hold on to who you are. You possess a strong sense of purpose. And in that purpose you will find direction.

Sora: Thank you. I'm really glad we met. You cheer me up. I hope that friend of yours finds you soon.

Ultear: We wish the best luck to you.

Star: Thank you. Me too."

Sora: Oh, hey. If I see him, I'll tell him that you're here. What's his name?

The star went up towards Sora's ear and whispered something. Once she was done, Sora's eyes widened. 

Sora: Huh?

The star backed away.

Star: Our secret.

Sora became awkward when she said that.

Zeref: I guess she can't tell us.

Mavis: It's okay.

Sora: Well I have to get going. Good-bye.

Star: Good-bye.

After leaving the star they continue to gather more clones until there is none left. After the clones were gone, a pink crystal sphere with small pink crystals circling around it appeared in front of them.

Ultear: My guess is that this will probably lead you to more of your pieces.

Sora nodded and they all headed towards the sphere. But, they then heard a voice.

???: Sora?

Everyone turned and saw another star in front of them.

Sora: Yes?

Namine: It's me, Namine.

Sora: (surprised) Namine?

Sora: I'm so glad that you managed to hold on to who you are.

Mavis: Who's Namine?

Sora: She is a friend of mine and is the Nobody of Kairi, who is another friend of mine.

Mavis: It's nice to meet you Namine. My name is Mavis.

Ultear: My name is Ultear.

Zeref: Zeref.

Namine: It's nice to meet you all.

Sora: Why are you here?

Namine: I was in Kairi's heart, but then we were struck by a powerful darkness...and I woke up here.

Sora: And Kairi?

Namine: I can feel her heart. She's fighting with all her strength to keep you from fading away.

Sora: (sad) So, the reason I retained my form in this place...

Namine: It's because she's holding you together.

Zeref and Mavis put their hands on Sora.

Zeref: We know what that is.

Sora: You do?

Mavis: It's love! She's keeping you alive because she loves you.

Sora then blushed, but he smiled at the same time.

Namine: Go to her.

Sora: (snapped out of it) I'm trying. But, what about you? I can't just leave you stuck here.

Namine: It's okay. Really. Kairi is where I came from. So, once she's safe again, Kairi is where I'll return.

Sora: Namine, I know that I'm supposed to thank you. The datascape doesn't count. I need to say the words myself. But...not like this. You and Roxas can't tell me you're okay with this. I know how much you're hurting. I...felt that pain through Roxas.

Namine: He's the one they all miss. It's...not me.

Sora: Wrong. What about me, Kairi, Donald, Goofy? The King! Roxas too, he misses you!

MavisYou can say that nobody will miss you but that is not true.

Zeref: Everyone misses someone and they will do anything to see you again.

Ultear: Hear it from him, a lot of people want to see you again.

Sora: And someone else special I know won't let you down.

Namine: Sora. Thank you.

Sora: Well, then I'm gonna go save Kairi so at least you'll be free of this place. Okay?

Namine: Oh, wait!

Sora: Huh?

Namine: While sifting through memories, I spoke to Terra, the Keyblade wielder you've been looking for. He has a strong will, and it keeps him tethered to the realm of light. I'll try tracing that connection. Maybe that'll be enough to tip the scales in the other direction.

Sora: Huh?

Namine: Umm... Let's just say I've got your back?

Sora: That part of you-it reminds me of Kairi. Thanks Namine. Oh! That's not the official thank-you!

Namine: Uh-huh.

Sora: Well, see ya!

The four of them started to head for the crystal.

Namine: Be careful.

When they all touched the crystal, they disappeared.

The four of them opened their eyes and saw that they were still in the open sky, but now they were standing on a labyrinth that consists of a multitude of crystalline cubes and pillars, suspended in the sky. 

Suddenly, the crystal beneath them began to rise, causing them to lose their balance a little. Once they reached the top, they had a perfect view of the area, where tons of Sora clones were wandering.

Sora: What a weird place.

Mavis: At least we found more clones.

Ultear: Now we need to collect them.

Sora: Let's go

The four of them traveled to every area in the labyrinth and collected more clones of Sora. There was also a blue glowing cube there and whenever someone hits it, the entire labyrinth rotates, making it easier to collect more clones in hard areas. 

As they collect more clones, Sora's physical form slowly returns to normal on the lower part of his body.

After a while, with Sora's body completely visible, Sora saw another clone coming towards him. Sora then touched the clone and the pink sphere crystal from before appeared in front of him.

Mavis: I believe that is it.

Zeref: You're completely whole now.

Ultear: Now you can save your friends.

Sora: Right.

The four of them touched the crystal and they disappeared from this area.

The four of them returned to the open sky. Sora was then examining himself as he saw no clear spots on him.

They then heard a noise and the ball of light from before flew down in front of them. The light then transformed into Chirithy and Chirithy landed in front of them.

Chirithy: I see that you found them all.

Sora: Yup

Chirithy: Then, isn't it time that you left?

Sora: (annoyed) Oh, thanks. (the others chuckled)

Chirithy: What? I'm doing you a big favor here you know. Don't push it.

Sora: Hey, Chirithy. You still look like you, right? Would you like me to help you find your pieces?

Chirithy: Oh, I don't work like that.

Ultear: What do you mean?

Chirithy: I'm a Spirit Dream Eater, but a special kind of Dream Eater.

Sora: So, like...you're waiting for someone to rescue you?

Chirithy: Mmm...sort of?

Sora: Well, tell me who! I'll find 'em.

Sora then put his hand against his ear so that Chirithy could tell him. But Chirithy didn't say anything, which made Sora confused. 

Chirithy: Uh, no no no no, that's okay. "He doesn't remember the past. Besides, I'm sure that he's much happier with his new friends. But I 'll wait. He'll arrive here one day.

Sora: Okay...

Sora then crouched down so he can be closer to Chirithy. 

Sora: I'll be back to visit you.

Chirithy: (surprised) What?!

Sora: You and me are friends now. (faces Zeref, Mavis, and Ultear) And so are you guys.

Mavis: Thank you, Sora.

Zeref: I don't know if I should have friends.

Sora then put his hand on Zeref's shoulder.

Sora: Since you're dead, your curse won't affect anyone anymore. I know you feel you don't have the right to have friends, but no one should be alone. I'll be your friend.

Zeref: Sora...

Ultear: It's been a while since I made a friend.

Chirithy: I've missed having friends.

Sora: (smiles) Well, see ya 'round! And thanks!

Sora then started to walk away from the others, but then he stopped. The others now looked confused. 

Sora: Umm... Could I get a hint how to save the others?

Chirithy: (annoyed) Seriously?

Everyone else gave a sweat drop while chuckling. 

Chirithy: Are you a Keyblade wielder, or aren't you? Haven't you already learned how to restore someone's heart after it's been lost?

Sora thought for a moment. 

Sora: Restore their hearts? Is that the same thing as...the 'Power of Waking'?

Chirithy: I'm not sure, but...give it a shot?

Sora: No. This'll take all my heart. Okay.

Sora then summoned his Keyblade and pointed it at the ground. A keyhole then appeared and Sora fired a magical lazer at it. The keyhole then started to glow brightly and the ground was broken apart like glass when a magic circle appeared around the Keyhole, which became a pillar of light.

Chirithy: There's one more thing I have to tell you. I can let some people leave this place using my power, since you're kinda alive. But it will only last for one day. After that, you're back here. But since we don't have a lot of time, I will only be sending one of you to assist him.

Mavis: One of us can assist him? I should go. My family is fighting, I should too.

Zeref: Can your powers be helpful in this situation? I don't think we'll be any help. Our powers revolve around death.

Mavis: (sad) You're right.

Ultear: I will go. I am still technically alive and my guild is fighting for you. I will assist you in any way I can.

Sora: What is your magic?

Ultear: My magic is Arc of Time. A Lost Magic that allows me to manipulate the 'time' of organic and inorganic.

Sora: That sounds perfect for this job! Thank you!

Mavis: Good luck.

Zeref: Be safe on your journey.

The two were about to head towards the light. 

Zeref: Oh, Sora? (Sora turns to him) Tell Natsu that I'm sorry. (Sora nodded)

Chirithy: Look for the light in the darkness

Both Sora and Ultear entered the pillar and left this world.

Mavis: Please be safe.

Zeref: Natsu... Please help him.

Chirithy: May your heart be your guiding key.

Mavis: I wish we could do something to help them. 

Zeref: 

???: Perhaps I could help you with that. 

Zeref, Mavis, and Chirithy turned behind them and saw a tall man with blue eyes, and slicked-back white hair. He wore a purple Victorian outfit, with a white cravat and a monocle over his left eye.

Chirithy: Um, who are you? 

Sparda: My name is Sparda, and like I said, I've come to help. 

Chapter 96 ended.