Kingdom hearts requiem of dawn 

CHAPTER FIVE

It had been about a week since they had all reunited. Riku and Yozora, to everyone's surprise, had actually grown to be friends. Their initial unease toward one another had melted away through late-night talks and shared battles, both realizing they weren't as different as they thought. Yozora had a quiet strength that Riku respected, and Riku's unwavering determination earned Yozora's trust.

Meanwhile, Kairi and Sora were finally able to do something they had never really gotten the chance to before—just be together. No heartless, no looming threats, no battles to fight. They went out, exploring Quadratum hand-in-hand, finding little cafés to sit in and watch the world go by. They laughed, they talked about the future, and for the first time in what felt like forever, they allowed themselves to just live in the moment.

But even in the peace of the city streets, they couldn't fully escape the weight of their next move. The call to return to their own world was growing louder with each passing day. The dark presence of Noctera lingered in their minds, and they knew they couldn't stay in this world forever.

Finally, the day came. The sun hung low in the sky as they gathered to prepare for their return to their home. It was bittersweet—saying goodbye to the strange yet somehow familiar world of Quadratum, and leaving Yozora behind—but there was still so much to do, and they had to face Noctera.

Sora, Kairi, and Riku stood ready to leave, the Keyblade between them all glowing faintly as the portal home began to form. But before they could take a step forward, a thick shadow began to creep along the ground. The sky, once bright, suddenly dimmed, and an unnatural darkness began to swallow up the city. It started at the horizon, rapidly spreading toward them like an all-consuming wave.

"What is that?" Kairi gasped, taking a step back.

Riku drew his Keyblade, already prepared for a fight. "This isn't normal darkness. It feels... different."

Yozora's face hardened. He knew this wasn't some random attack—it was something much worse. His eyes flashed with recognition. "It's her," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Noctera is already here."

Sora clenched his fists, stepping forward with determination. "We have to stop her—"

Yozora interrupted, shaking his head firmly. "No. You go. Get out of here. Return to your world. I'll hold things off here."

"What?" Kairi asked, her eyes wide. "But you—"

"There's no time to argue," Yozora snapped, his expression fierce but steady. "This is my world, and I'll protect it. But you need to go. You're the only ones who can stop her for good."

Sora hesitated, looking at Yozora with a mixture of respect and concern. "Are you sure?"

Yozora gave him a small, determined smile. "I'll be fine. Go save your world."

Riku and Kairi exchanged worried glances, but they knew Yozora was right. They didn't have time to waste. The darkness was closing in, faster and faster, and they had to stop it at the source.

Kairi turned to Yozora one last time, her voice soft. "Thank you. We won't forget this."

Yozora nodded, his eyes softening for a moment before he focused on the encroaching darkness. "Go. Before it's too late."

With that, Sora, Kairi, and Riku ran toward the portal. Just as they stepped through, they heard the clash of weapons behind them—the sound of Yozora facing off against the encroaching shadow alone. As the portal closed behind them, plunging them into the familiar light of their world, they knew they were about to face the final, ultimate battle. But in their hearts, they carried the strength of their bonds—their love, their friendship, and the promise that they would fight for the light, no matter the cost.