[center][u][b]~Land of Dragons - Attack on the City~[/b][/u][/center]
It took just about all of Sam's skill and concentration to keep from getting skewered. He and Mulan had formed a rough plan of attack that involved aiming all of the remaining cannons at the big monster so that they could be set off as the battle progressed. That also meant that Sam had to keep the creature's attention on himself so that Mulan could move with at least some impunity. And so Sam tried to get in as many slices as he could with the Lightning Edge, but then the creature started shooting out the thorny tendrils in an attempt to turn Sam into a human shish kebab. Now Sam had to put all his focus into using his sword and metal arm to deflect the tendrils and keep from getting skewered.

When several tendrils converged into one spot Sam barely managed to side step it, but was relieved when that finally gave him a way to fight back. He quickly and lightly jumped up onto the mass of tendrils and dashed along them like a trail leading right to the monster's face. Sam made one more leap to avoid a swipe from the creature's arm and then put everything he had into a Blitz, translating into a trio of jump slashes across the monster's head before he returned to the ground with an almost stylish flip.

[i]"Is this the parting gift red hair was talking about? How nice."[/i]

It was Ashe! There was no time to reply or ask about the Emperor, the large creature went on the attack again, this time aiming its thorny tendrils for both Sam [i]and[/i] Ashe. With only half as many tendrils targeting him, Sam had a much easier time avoiding them, but was in for a shock when he went to deflect a tendril with his sword. That was the moment when he realized that the Lightning Edge had broken at some point during his last attack, the blade snapped off at the center point. The surprise from that was enough of an opening for the tendril to pierce his shoulder and then fling Sam to the ground. Even worse, Sam didn't look like he was conscious.

"Sam!" shouted Mulan, who had just finished aiming the last cannon, "Mushu, now!" suddenly one of the faraway cannons appeared to fire on its own. And then another, followed by another. For only a brief moment Mushu's small form came into view only to go back into hiding again. He appeared to be a red lizard of some kind. Then again, his apparent ability to light the cannons on his own meant that calling him a tiny dragon was likely a more accurate description.

"Yeah! Let's see how you like the taste of MY heat, baby!" the tiny dragon shouted from somewhere in a tone that didn't at all sound like any of the Chinese people that lived in this world.

[center][u][b]~Dive into the Heart - Sam~[/b][/u][/center]
Sam found himself knelt down in a peaceful place. The creature, and everyone for that matter, was no where to be found. He pushed himself to his feet, and Sam found himself at the center of a circular platform within what looked like an endless dark void. The platform itself appeared to glow with light, upon it a giant image of Sam facing one direction. Behind the picture's head with circles containing images of people Sam knew in San Fransokyo, namely his brother Rilely and friend Hiro Hamada. In the space in front of Sam's image were similar circles depicting his more recent friends, such as Leon and even Ashe.

[i]Power is born in the Heart.[/i]

Sam looked around himself in surprise, but could see no one else in whatever this place was. He was still alone in here. And yet again he heard the voice.

[i]But you have to give it form before you can truly fight.[/i]

As if on cue three objects appeared around Sam in flashes of light. A sword, with a golden hilt. A red and black shield bearing what looked like the symbol of Disney Castle on its front. A staff, with a blue carving of Disney Castle's insignia serving as the head piece. They floated above the floor, circling Sam within arm's reach.

[i]The Warrior... The Guardian... The Mystic...
The paths are open, but only you can decide which road to walk.
Take your time... and choose.[/i]

Sam was still confused. What was this place? What were these objects in front of him? And just whose voice was he hearing? It wasn't a voice he had ever heard before, and yet... he couldn't help but trust it. Something in his gut told him to take the Shield, and so Sam reached out and grabbed the shield in his hands.

[i]The Power of the Guardian... a shield to protect your precious friends and loved ones.[/i]

The platform suddenly trembled, and then the area became filled with blinding light. Or maybe it was just Sam beginning to regain his consciousness?

[i]Don't be afraid...
...and don't forget...

Your friends are your true power...[/i]

[@NobodiesHero]