Kingdom Hearts: The 13th Requiem [PG-13/Not Accepting]

[The Warden]

Haxz was stll waiting in Omcraxs room, when, in a sporadic appearance, Kreix appeared. Before he could greet/be sarcastic to him, the Superior was gone. Haxz rolled his eyes, and the spot he glanced upon was where a Deadbeat appeared. It made a floppy bow and saluted. "You guys finally found the Keyblade?"

 

"Yes my lord. We were searching many worlds, but then followed a trail of high Heartless activity to the Traverse Town. There, we watched as the Kayblade and his allies defeated an enormous Heartless."

 

Haxz nodded thoughtfully, and shifted his legs apart whilst placing his hands on his hips. "Good, except, what's Traverse Town? That hasn't been in any of our databases."

 

"A Traverse Town is a result of many worlds being destroyed by the Heartless my lord. Like how our world is the Nobody of Worlds, & the previous End of the World is the Heartless of Worlds, there are small portions that remain, and they meet in Gummi Space and eventually form a Traverse Town. These small pieces add on to the Traverse Town, but don't look like a puzzle course. The pieces merely become more town. Due to our efforts this Traverse Town is quite substantial in size, and went undetected to us for a while. It was a miracle we even found this one really."

 

Haxz nodded his head, only really hearing the important keywords. "K, fair enough. But, why hasn't it been destroyed then?"

 

"When a world is destroyed, and if there are those not taken by the Heartless; they go with the world and wake up in the Traverse Town. Civilians tend to end up there, and many warriors too. With our efforts, the place should be pretty well defended from smaller Heartless due to all the stray fighters."

 

Haxz nodded again. "Okay, soooo, take me there. Kreix is having a sort-of fit about something, and I want to get away from the others for a while. So, open up and let's go."

 

The Deadbeat saluted and slithered into the wall. It left a portal behind, which Haxz approached. Glancing back to the empty room, he de-robed and left it behind. A Deadbeat appeared from the floor and took it away. Number II blew a kiss to the castle and left.

 

[hr]

 

He appeared out of the portal, and the First District was completely deserted. There were some traces of battle and some smoulder sprouting from up ahead. Strolling through the District, he followed it to a pile of rubble. He pursed his lips and looked right up to the towering pile. "Looks like somebody has been busy. Must've been a tonker of a Heartless, though, those look like blast damage. Maybe some of those spellcasters, though, I doubt it would've been Barrel Spiders. Those things were probably phased out ages ago. But dear me oh my, how will I achieve this climb? Oh wait, I know."

 

His clothing and hair fluttered as he levitated up the pile and stoof on top. There was a lot of damage in the Second District, and plenty of blast wounds. But, there was something worthwhile. A small pile of people that maybe looked like the kids he saw before. It was kinda hard to remember the faces of people he'd probably never see again. Either way, he leapt off the pile onto a clean bit of walkway.

 

He didn't feel like approaching the group yet, and decided to just observe.

[Christian Exodia]

The armored heartless ambled further into unknown territory, unsure of who it would kill. It simply started looking for organic life forms, finding the Fourth district mostly deserted. It saw a sign that spoke of other districts, so it walked under it. It calmly waited to find something.

 

Xawnd further trained, trying to assure its strength. It had defeated other Samurai in simple practices to test strength. When it was alone, it would speak to itself. Mostly, it was about techiques to further strength in battle. "The other Nobodies seem to be at equal strength and they seem to hold the same weapons. I seem to be an oddity among a hive mind." It calmly began to train further with its movements and the sword, to both dodge blows with simple, fluid movements and use this momentum to strike a heavy blow to their opponent. It seemed to prefer its ability rather than some of the styles that each of the other Samurai developed. These differences of style helped for better training and more fit match-ups. Xawnd prefered that to the same styles fighting, because each person would know the other's move.

[Merci]

Cursed... Witch?

 

The Heartless reaver left two extremely ominous words that looked to be directed at Viola herself. She wasn't sure what to think of it. Maybe it had just been some weird form of insult, but maybe there was something about that particular Heartless that they didn't know about. As the flames and smoke died down, it was difficult to tell if there had been anything special about the spiderlike monster apart from the fact that it had been pretty powerful, but she looked worried by those words. As she continued to think about, her thought process was interrupted as a certain boy hugged her right out of the blue.

 

"Uh- uh- uh-" Stumbling on her words, she wasn't sure what to say. She didn't want to push him back, of course, but it was a really awkward situation and... After a sigh, Viola just gave up and returned the warm embrace with a slight smile. After about half an hour passed, Shuren quickly pulled away from her and turned away to hide what must've been an embarrassed face. As she realized that Trevor, Ryan, and the rabbit were there, she too turned around to hide her intense blushing.

 

"O- of course!" Viola followed up as she hid her face, speaking quickly. "We were just finishing off! Um, a Heartless! Yeah! It's nothing at all! Silly Shuren! Ahahaha~"

[Phantom Roxas]

Kreix tried to contain his anger at how this girl really could pose a threat to his plans. The Keyblade wielder was but a rookie, and if she could control Wyverns, that could potentially be a bit much for him. Of course, the wielder likely had allies to help, but it would be better to just test his might, so long as it didn't mean eliminating him. If she underestimated the boy, then maybe the Heartless could be destroyed, but if she was prepared for a strong opponent, she could bring something that could overwhelm them. Then, of course, she had to ask where the Keyblade was, and Kreix had to choose his words carefully.

"The Keyblade wielder is… cunning, to say the least. I believe the library has a record of their last visit, but they are surely at another world now. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to become acquainted with your abilities. In order to prepare yourself for the Keyblade master, of course." Kreix looked at Laxc and Strider. "That is, unless you have some business here that needs to be wrapped up."

[hr]
Balthazar smiled reluctantly at the sight of Trevor and Viola embracing each other after defeating the Heartless. Of course, they were both obviously embarrassed by the hug, so Balthazar thought it best to change the subject. "I have obtained a form of transportation. It should be able to take us between the various worlds more directly, so if you'll follow me." Balthazar didn't notice any immediate danger, so he made his way out of the district, heading back to the inn to find Lightning.

[Yosuke-kun]

Why'd he hug her? What did he think he would have gained from that anyways? Well, asking those questions were more than pointless now, since even Shuren knew he hadn't been thinking about it and just did it. Yeah that kinda attitude was gonna be what killed him on this journey. He could already tell. Fortunately for him, Balthazar had approached the four apprentices before Trevor or Ryan could start their teasing. What was more, he'd said something about a form of transportation.

 

"So, the Star Shard isn't accurate enough after all, huh?" Shuren said placing his hands behind his head in a generic anime hero pose. He DID remember Balthazar saying something about the Star Shard being unpredictable, so a more controlled source of travel seemed to be the best option. Only one question was on Shuren's mind now. What was it they were going to be using? [i]Guess I'll find out when I see it.[/i] Shuren said as he followed Balthazar and the others.

 

Suddenly he stopped though, and hung back a bit. Waiting for Viola before looking back and saying "Umm... Sorry about that. Didn't mean to embarrass you or anything. I guess I just wasn't thinking." Realizing how that sounded, Shuren quickly turned and continued. "I-I mean, not sorry about hugging you of course! Just that everyone saw! ... No wait! That's not what I meant either, I- Oh, forget it." With that, Shuren turned his now cherry red face away and dashed off after Balthazar.

 

There was one other thing he had to do too. Something he'd promised himself he'd do when he got the time, and now seemed like as good a time as ever. Catching up to Trevor, Shuren grinned and slid his hands in his pockets, before casually asking "Sooooo got time to talk?"

[Super Chaos Sonic]

Shuren hugging Viola...yeeeeeaaah...awkward moment was definitely what Trevor and Ryan walked into. And before either one could truly answer back, Balthazar returned, saying that he'd found a decent mode of transportation.

 

Well...suppose it does beat that Star Shard... Trevor thought, chuckling as the group followed.

 

"Sooooo got time to talk?"

 

He turned his head slightly as he saw Shuren, grinning as he casually walked next to him. "Heh, sure. What's up Shuren?"

 

Ryan, on the other hand, walked up towards Balthazar, his hands buried his pockets as well. He glanced over at Balthazar, sighing. "How reliable is this mode of transportation? Is it as reliable as the Star Shard?" His stomach began to turn at the thought of if it was like the Star Shard...yeah, it was REALLY reliable before.

[Love of Ghibli]

Nerhyx as a tad annoyed that the superior left him to go keep Omacrxs in check. Though to be honest it was more jealousy than annoyance. Either way it seemed as if the Superior was going to be busy. Pity that the moment they were sharing could not have lasted longer. Since Nerhyx did not have a particular mission at the present time he decided to retreat back to his own quarters. Here he would begin to experiment with a some more subtle tricks that would hopefully expand his powers.

Once he made it back into his own room the Gentlemen were already lined up at the back of the wall with all of the items he needed. "Like I say the best characteristic of a servant is not obedience, its anticipation." He bowed to his Gentlemen and they bowed in return. He went down the line. First he was greeted with sparkling water to quench is his thirst. Second would come the biscottis to munch on which went well with water. Next was his new polished blade that seemed to transform as his powers became more and more developed. Once he grabbed the sword he unsummoned it. Finally the last Gentleman had in front of it a small heartless with a giant book floating in front of it. He was pretty sure that it was the same barrier heartless that the golden man used to fight the youngsters. 

 

"Time for this old dog to learn some new tricks."

[Mugendramon]

Chloé eyed the black-haired man with bemusement. The Wizards and the Wyvern stared equally bored at Number I. "I don't understand what you mean by become acquainted with "my powers", Mister Kreix. It's not something I'm doing... they gather around me. They follow me and play with me. They protect me from those who want to harm me. I can't- I don't control this."

 

The girl flipped her hair disdainfully. "Since you're clearly not going to help me travel between worlds, maybe somebody else  in this place will show me." She said goodbye to Strider and Laxc with a bow and a smile, "thanks for the talk Mister Strider, I learned a lot."

 

With a final, scared look at the frozen man, still showing monstruous anger through the ice, Chloé and her escorts exited the... garage and wandered into the twisting halls of the castle- she was bound to get lost.

[Phantom Roxas]

Chloé was clearly hopeless. "Fine, then if it comes naturally to you, keep that way. Keep your friends close by, should something happen." The girl left, leaving Kreix with the frozen block that was Omcraxs, and the unfortunately unfrozen Laxc and Strider. Without another word punched the ice encasing Omcraxs, allowing the Nobody to be free. Taking out his flailstaff, Kreix approached the puppeteer. "Alright, whoever you prefer I call you, talk. Why do you know so much about this, and how have you eluded us for so long?" As the ice broke off of Omcraxs, Kreix continued to speak. "Considering how educational you've been to Chloé, perhaps you know a way to stop the impulses my dear friend finds himself taken by?" As the last of the ice broke, Kreix impaled Omcraxs' foot, and the chain coiled around Omcrax's neck, preventing him from making more movements. "Worry not, puppeteer, my friend has your undivided attention."

[hr]
Hours ago, James was fighting desperately against the Dusks. As the last of them was destroyed, James fell down on his back. He rested, dreaming of his friends. Viola, Shuren, Ryan, Trevor, all of them were being led by Balthazar. He smiled, knowing that somehow, someway, they would find him. "They'll save me," he told himself. "That's why they're still fighting, I'm sure of it." He smiled, allowing himself to slip into unconsciousness after the exhaustion of battle.
 

Game of Thrones ~ The Rains of Castamere

Lexamus arrived where he left James, surprised to see that the boy was being covered by tendrils of darkness. "You killed all of them? Heh, guess I got to be impressed." He kicked the boy, and James slowly began to open his eyes. "Wake up. I want you to be awake when I kill you."

James chuckled when he saw Lexamus standing over him. He began to sit up, but Lexamus kicked him in the face, knocking the boy across the darkness. "I'm not afraid of you." Holding both of his hands out, flames shot out at Lexamus, knocking the Nobody make. "So I can still cast a Firaga spell. That's good."

Lexamus' face burned from the attack, so the Nobody clenched his fists, holding his claws out. "Alright, what's your name, kid?"

"James," he replied. "I am James Prewitt, and my master is the sorcerer Balthazar Blake. Why don't you tell me your name?"

Lexamus laughed, and vanished before James eyes. Lexamus appeared right in front of James, but his claws were imbedded in the boy's chest. "Lexamus." Lexamus drew his claws from James' body, and the boy once again fell to his knees. However, Lexamus grabbed the boy's head. "I don't want you to fall down. I want you to have your head up when you die."

"I'm sorry, Viola," was all James could say before Lexamus slashed his claws against the boy's throat. James fell to the ground, lying in a pool of his own blood.

"Don't worry," Lexamus said, carrying James' body over his shoulder. "I'll keep you nice and warm for her." Opening a Corridor, Lexamus appeared at the entrance of his castle. "Hey Kreix, I got a present for you."

[Yosuke-kun]

"Well, how do I put this..." Shuren began looking up at the sky as he spoke to Trevor. As usual, this scenario had played out as being a lot easier in his head. Of course it would be much more difficult to speak now, and he no longer remembered the words he was going to use when he did talk to him. [i]Best to be honest in this situation I suppose.[/i] he thought. Even so, Shuren remained silent for a little while, before finally sighing and beginning to talk.

 

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gYULbtfBrs&feature=share&list=RD02z-oxHgXqO-E]Kingdom Hearts - Treasured Memories[/url]

 

"I don't know if you noticed it or not, but I was kinda avoiding you for a bit for a stupid reason." Shuren bit his lip now, thinking about how to phrase the next part. "I guess it's because I was jealous of you ever since you got the Keyblade, and... honestly, I was afraid of that. Like I said, it's a stupid reason." At that he glanced away, feeling as if he just told him that he liked Viola, and was about to get made fun of. Wait, now he was really being stupid. Before continuing, Shuren shook his head, then looked Trevor in the eyes. "I just wanted to apologize for all of that, y'know? It was messed up. Even if it wasn't really noticed."

 

Now that this was finally off Shuren's chest, he let out a relieved sigh of air. It was both harder, and easier than he thought it'd be to do, but now that it was done, he felt far better about it. As they walked, Shuren stretched his hand behind his head in a rather anime-esque fashion and stared up at the dark sky. "Anyways, I wonder what that new transportation thing is gonna be. I'm kinda hoping it turns out to be the Millennium Falcon honestly. Just for kicks."

[Super Chaos Sonic]

Trevor was a bit surprised by Shuren's words. Him? Jealous...because I have the Keyblade? he thought, as he placed his hands in his pockets, just taking in all that was given to him by the apprentice. Shuren was always the one that didn't seem to let many things get the better of him...well...other than the obvious crush on Viola. On the other hand...Trevor had something that the others didn't: the Keyblade. It was a sudden choice... It was just randomly choosing someone... right? That was the main question that lurked in Trevor Masters' mind.

 

He looked up at Shuren, shaking the questions from his mind, as he put his arm around Shuren's neck playfully. "Apology accepted, Shuren! Though if ya felt like that, ya should've just told me!" Trevor chuckled, as he got Shuren in a playful headlock. Both of the boy shared a bit of laughter as they messed around, as Trevor let go and playfully jabbed Shuren in the arm. "And Millennium Falcon? I think you've been watching waaaaaaay too much Star Wars there amigo." he said with a smile.

 

Kingdom Hearts II ~ Dearly Beloved

 

Still...the question on if the Keyblade's choice being random or not remained in the young apprentice's mind. I gotta find out why it chose me...why me and not Ryan...or Viola...or Shuren...hell even James!! James...damn...I hope you're doing alright bro. We're coming to get you back soon...that's a promise! he thought, as he looked at his right hand...at the ring Balthazar handed him when the training began. His hand formed a fist, as he clenched it, bringing his gaze to the dark sky. It was a bit funny, however, when he looked at the sky. Traverse Town's sky reminded him of the sky that surrounded Manhattan. "Heh...the sky sorta reminds me of home." Trevor smiled, knowing everyone else heard him, but he didn't care.

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

All of a sudden, bursting from the ground surrounding a nearby manhole, a familiar foe emerged, albeit battered and broken. This purple and gunmetal-clad fiend possessed a bell-like torso that was clearly upside-down, as evidenced by the collar-like additive now being on its underside. Its head was the only part of its body that is not actually inverted, but instead its faceplate dropped down to expose that the Heartless does in fact share the pitch-black face and glowing yellow eyes of other Heartless. This beast stood on a pair of strange hand-like feet, while it possessed two foot-shaped hammers for hands. Furthermore, it wore two Heartless emblems on its body, one on the "front" of its torso that was the right position, but another, upside-down emblem on its back. Curiously, there were clear dents and slashes covering this monster's armored form. It prepared to strike at Balthazar and his students, until the beast's head turned up to see a figure that had jumped out of the hole it made suddenly plunge its blade into the Heartless' face. The eyes dimmed, and the armor fell apart as the figure landed nearby, revealing itself to be a rather worn-out and grime-covered Lightning. [color=#FF69B4]"Hey. What have I missed?"[/color]

[Phantom Roxas]

Balthazar held up his hands, prepared to fight back against the Opposite Armor, but the Heartless was struck down by Lightning, who seemed exhausted from her own battles. The sorcerer sighed, happy that she was still alive. "We had to fight many other Heartless, but I see you've had your fair share to deal with."

Before Balthazar could continue, the sound of whirring gears faintly echoed through Traverse Town. Balthazar looked around, but suddenly, the large wooden doors at the edge of town slowly creaked open, revealing Cid. "Hey there, Balthazar! I got the ship ready when you are! Ah, I see you've brought your friends with you. Well don't just stand there, hop aboard!"

Balthazar looked at his apprentices, Cornelius, and Lightning. "That would Cid. He's a friend, and he was able to turn the Star Shard into a guidance system."

Balthazar lead his party towards the doors, with a wooden bridge leading from the door a magnificent, crimson airship. They crossed it onto the ship, and Cid took hold of the steering wheel.

"Back on my world, I beat these things all the time!" Cid explained. "The fleet was called the Red Wings, and I've built so much of them that I could have easily built this one blindfolded!"

"Good thing you didn't," Balthazar said.

"Heh, I see you still got a lot to learn about ol' Cid. Anyway, I call this here ship the Fantasia."

Balthazar chuckled. "It's a good ship."

"I know, I built it! So, where you are guys headed?"

Balthazar took out his Sekaidoscope, scanning for what could possibly be going on in the worlds. It was then that he saw something that made him stand back in horror. He could see someone from the Organization carrying James' body up to the Castle That Never Was. Blooding dripped from James' back, and even if it was just an image, Balthazar could tell exactly what had happened. "No…"

Balthazar turned to face his apprentices, knowing that this was something he could not hide from them. "The Organization… Has killed James."

[hr]
As sword met scythe, the battle between Xelo and Genesis raged on. Hades threw fire balls at Xelo and the Phantom, but the Heartless' orb was glowing blue, so the flames did not affect him, and Xelo jumped over the attacks. However, Genesis could read the Nobody's movements, so he rushed behind Xelo, slashing against his back, knocking the Nobody to the ground.

"You are not the only one who can play with fire, Hades," Xelo warned. As Genesis flew forwards him to continue his barrage, a circle of fire surrounded Xelo, flames sprouting around him. Genesis halted his attack, slowly moving across the flames, deflecting the random streaks of fire that struck at him.

"Xelo," the Phantom called out. "If you insist on continuing the battle with your failed attempt of a lackey, kindly take him elsewhere. You two are becoming rather distracting."

Genesis turned to the Phantom, his sword glowing with a blue energy as he changed his focus. "You believe me to be a failure?" However, as he moved closer, a Corridor appeared around Genesis, taking him inside.

"Very well," Xelo said, before rushing to the Corridor.

"You will stay where you are!" Apollo declared, firing several arrows at Xelo, but the Nobody spun his double-edged scythe around, blocking the arrows as he retreated into the Corridor, which disappeared behind him.

The Phantom sighed, twisting its bodiless form as Hades and Apollo focus solely on him. "You gods are why I have been longing so much for this world. To attempt to conquer this world while you immortal beings watch over it is a glorious challenge, and I'll not be satisfied unless I can see if either of you can produce a Heartless."

"Yeah, I don't see that happening," Hades said.

"More's the pity. The Lord of the Dead would make for a fine Heartless."

[hr]
Doxfer slowly trudged his feet through the snow, groaning as he and Lexyk moved up the hill. "How many times do I have to tell you that I said Halloween Town, and that you're an idiot?"

"I know that," Lexyk responded, "But a part of me… wants to stay here. It feels more welcoming than Halloween Town."

"Ah, shut up, you sap. We've been Nobodies for how long, and now you're getting all emotional over freaking Christmas?"

"Remember, we're supposed to be at Halloween Town because of your loss."

"Hey, I didn't lose! Just… retreated, that's all. Yeah."

"Right. Anyway, here it is."

The two Paladins stood at a tree marked with the image of a Christmas tree. Pushing the image, a space opened up in the tree like a door, and the two Paladins were sucked inside, being teleported to an array of trees with similar icons on them, and the Paladins entered the tree with the pumpkin on it, returning to Halloween Town.

"Alright," Doxfer said, shaking the snow off of his hooves. "Now that you got our stupid little detour done, can we please get on with this?"

"By all means."

[hr]
Xetatyl woke up when she sensed some new presences in the castle. Taking out her rapier, she sighed. "I hate this stupid Organization so much." With the help of her Corridor, Xetatyl appeared within the Crooked Ascension, a simple hallway with a vaguely diamond-shaped platform connected to it, hovering above an endless expanse. Xetatyl held her rapier out as a stranger approached her. He too wore a cloak, but he carried a boy over his shoulder.

"And you are?" Xetatyl asked?

The stranger snarled, which made Xetatyl come even closer with her rapier. "So, I take it Kreix went out getting more little dogs for his little show?"

Xetatyl raised an eyebrow, and simply put stabbed her rapier into the ground. "You're Lexamus, aren't you?"

Lexamus chuckled, almost impressed. "So that crazy fool did mention me. Yeah, that's my name alright."

Xetatyl nodded at the boy that Lexamus was carrying. "Who's he?"

"Called himself James. Worked for some sorcerer. Kidnapped him yesterday and let him fight some Heartless."

"Do you usually have a habit of kidnapping boys?"

"What? No, but you say that like it's a bad thing."

"So you killed him instead of letting him become a Heartless?"

"Yeah, so? Not like I'm going to do what Kreix tells me to."

Xetatyl smiled. "I see why Kreix said you mind your own business."

"Got a problem with that?"

"Not at all."

"Damn right. So what stupid number did he give you?"

"Seven." Lexamus rolled his eyes at Xetatyl's response, much to her amusement. "He told me you're only Number 7 so you can feel important."

"Whatever." Lexamus shifted the weight of his arm, making sure James would say on his shoulder. He made his way past Xetatyl, stepping on the elevator, but the Xetatyl followed him.

"So," Xetatyl started. "You've known Kreix for much longer. Mind telling me what you think of him?"

"The so-called 'Superior'? He's a wannabe."

Xetatyl smiled, leaning back as transparent walls formed around them, the platform rising from the ground as it carried the Nobodies up. "You're easily the most sensible person I've talked to all day."

[Super Chaos Sonic]

"This is a pretty awesome ship! Its better than the normal ships in Manhattan in the Hudson." Trevor smirked, as he got onto the Fantasia along with everyone else, admiring the craftsmanship that this Cid person did on this vessel. That guy really has an awesome talent if he can build stuff like that. he thought, as he heard the Cid begin his conversation with Balthazar.

 

"So, where you are guys headed?"

 

There was a pause, as Balthazar took out his signature Sekaidoscope...but the next words that came out of his mouth...neither him nor the apprentices were ready to hear.

 

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 OST ~ Musique Pour la Tristesse de Xion

 

"The Organization… Has killed James."

 

Trevor's eyes widened as these words left Balthazar's mouth. He wanted to say something, no...he TRIED to speak, but the tears began to choke his speech. He turned around and slammed his hands on the Fantasia's railings, gripping it tightly as he could. No...no...NO!! he thought, as he gripped the railing tighter. This couldn't be happening, but in truth...he knew it was.

 

Trevor removed his hands from the railing and wiped the tears from his eyes, as he looked at his hand again, clenching it tightly. "Balthazar...we can't afford to waste anymore time. We need to go..." he simply said, fighting through the tears and sadness that choked him. Trevor simply looked at his headphones and slowly put them on his head, just standing there in silence.

 

[hr]

 

In a small area near Jack's mansion (if you want to call it that), Zack was out training once more. It was the fifth time he was out here today, and he knew that the monster would return once more...he needed to be ready.

 

No matter what...I have to beat that psychotic creature...when he returns... the Skeleton Prince thought, the scythe spinning in his bony hands, as the dummies he made began to fall one by one.

 

"You keep this up and you'll work yourself to death, Zack." a voice said from behind Zack. The young Skeleton didn't need to turn around to know who it was, as he just stood there, chuckling.

 

"Your bad sense of humor as usual dad." Zack answered the Pumpkin King. "I've just got to get better. I know that psycho will come back here again...and I got to be prepared!"

 

"I understand, son. However, you shouldn't be wrapped up too much in this situation. That's what happened to me and Christmas." Jack cackled, as thought back on that. "Zack, just relax for the moment."

 

The young Skeleton nodded, as he sat atop a small gravestone, letting his scythe lean against his shoulder.

[The Warden]

Cornelius didn't quite now how to react beyond looking concerned. He didn't recognize the name 'James', and most likely this particular apprentice had gone missing before he had met them.

 

"The Organization?" Azh remarked.

 

Haxz had followed the the group to thehanger after they had left, purely out of curiosity, and also because it is best to keep an eye on the Keyblade Wielder. And also some time away from Kreix would be nice. But this news was certainly surpising; Haxz hadn't learnt of any members abducting a kid, beyond the only one who doesn't go the castle. "Lexamus, no doubt. But why, I don't know. They're looking at you, better continue. It is a shame your apprentice encountered a member so early into his training Balthazar, especially if it was an actual Organization member. I've encountered the Nobodies before, and I assure you that they aren't so easy to beat. I'm sorry for your loss, is what I'm trying to say. Even though really, the boy was dead as soon as the member found him" he added.

 

Thank god he had no Heart, or those piercing looks would mean something; especially from that bunny. What the hell is up with that bunny? "You all seem a bit stronger since I saw you guys in Manhatten; except, when did you a pet?"

 

Cornelius' ears flared wildly as he gave Haxz a piercing glance. "I am getting fed up with being called bunny this and being treated like a mere pet! I am Prince Cornelius and maybe I could command a little bit of respect!" he snapped.

 

Haxz smirked. "Think I touched a nerve there."

[Kōsuke Ueki]

Something snapped within Ryan. At the moment he heard Balthazar speak of the worst, a dark aura surrounded him. "This is unforgiveable...I will kill them ALL if I have to!" snarled Ryan in a demonic-type voice. He wasn't in control anymore. At least, for a moment. Something brought him back to sanity. Even the dark aura disappeared. "What just happened to me...?" Ryan then remembered what Balthazar told everyody. James... "Balthazar...show me. Show me what they did to him..."

[Tormented]

Vincent began walking down the long cavern that led to the gateway between Traverse Town and Fantasia, his boots clapping against the floor as dust flew off the side of the rocks. His red cloak flowing in the wind. The guns that lay inside his red coat began clanking together as he moved. Soon he was close enough to the gateway that he could hear what was on the other side. It was a sweet echo of birds singing somber songs, his first motion was to place his hand inside. It had been decades since he last maneuvered through a gateway and yet it felt so, usual.

 

Soon his vision turned dark, a bright light could be seen at what looked like a large tunnel system, slowly walking towards the light the other side soon appeared to be an interestingly beautiful place and yet he had a feeling all was far too well in this day and age. He pondered as to why his wandering spirit actually moved from place to place. He still had no meaning to his existence as all his old friends have since been missing he gave a brash smile. That was the reason for living, he needed to find a way to get back into the light.

 

Vincent then wandered the area, looking for something of a sign, he mind determined on finding a key.

[Phantom Roxas]

As soon as Xelo entered the Corridor of Darkness, Genesis swung his blade right at him. "You will set me free from here," he demanded.

Xelo swung his scythes, creating twin arcs of fire that fired toward Genesis, but Genesis flew into the air. As Xelo looked up, he could see a single black wing swaying through the air, keeping Genesis afloat. Genesis flew back down, his blade aiming towards Xelo, but his sword was blocked by one scythe, with Xelo swinging his second scythe downward, but Xelo dashed backwards, avoiding the attack.

"It doesn't have to be like this, Genesis. Just let yourself become a Heartless, and your Nobody will be welcomed to the Organization."

"All that awaits you is a somber morrow, no matter where the winds may blow."

"Your poem won't be it any easier."

"And yet, it is true. This form is but a falsehood, a façade that gives my heart a sense of existence. I have no body with which to become a Nobody, but my heart is still a reality."

Xelo sighed. "Then Kreix won't have a use for you."

Xelo charged forward with his scythes, as did Genesis with his sword. As Xelo swung his scythes, Genesis cut him along the chest, knocking one of the scythes out of his hand. Xelo jumped back, holding his chest while swinging with his other scythe, but Genesis kept pushing him back. The empty, blue void their battle was taking place in seemed to have no limits to its size, so Genesis could keep Xelo on the defensive for as long as he wanted. Looking at his hand, Xelo could see his hand covered in blood, so he knew he had to heal, and fast. Calling forth his Silver Knights, dozens of them appeared in front of Genesis, but the SOLDIER cut through them all, moving too fast for the others behind him and at his side to catch up. Xelo ordered them to repeatedly teleport in front of him until there ended up being too many for Genesis to destroy so easily. He was slowing down, but not by much.

Xelo commanded a ring of fire to appear below himself, and as he continued running away, Genesis caught up to him, just as the ring shot up into a column, trapping Genesis in the flames. Seeing his chance, Xelo turned around, swinging his scythe so as to hit Genesis, but as the scythe cut through the flames, he realized that there was no one in between the flames. Xelo was stunned, wondering where Genesis could be, but before he could look around, he felt a sword running through his back, and he could see piercing through his chest. The blade was withdrawn, and Xelo fell down to the ground.

Genesis stood over Xelo, looking at the Nobody's bleeding form. "Even if the morrow is barren over promises, nothing shall forestall my return."

"Without me… You'll never make it out of here."

"Perhaps. But unlike you, I will not allow myself to be at the mercy of darkness."

"Then… Can you promise me something?"

Genesis was silent for a moment, but took pity on his opponent. "Very well."

"Fine a way… to bring my mother back."

Genesis nodded. "You have my word."

Xelo smiled, using what little strength he had left to look at Genesis in the eye. "Thank you." Xelo took one last breath, accepting his fate, and allowing himself to fade into darkness.

Genesis looked up, taking a deep breath as more and more Silver Knights slowly began to appear. Gripping his sword, Genesis prepared to take on the Nobodies that seemed to have enough of semblance of emotion to desire taking vengeance on their fallen master.

[hr]
Balthazar

Balthazar raised an eyebrow at the man who seemed to have stowed aboard the ship. Ryan had asked to see what the Organization had done to James, so Balthazar took his Sekaidoscope, waving a hand over it as the images ran backwards. He gave it to Ryan, and when the boy would look at it, the images would play exactly as Balthazar saw it, allowing him to see the full extent of James' battle with Lexamus.

"Cid, take us to the closest world you can find," Balthazar said.

"You got it!" Cid said, taking the wheel, although the Star Shard glowed, and the front of the ship shot out a bright light. "What in blazes?!"

"Follow it," Balthazar said before turning to face Azh. "Tell me, how did you get here?"

[hr]
Kreix, Laxc, & Strider

"Whooooaaaa, there, Mr. Kraxer Jax," Strider said. Kreix was too confused by the nickname that he wasn't even offended by it. "Anyway, your friend here has a little thing called 'PTSD'. Maybe you've heard of it? Of course you have. As for how I went so long without you guys noticing me, well, if you spent every waking moment looking for dudes who knew other dudes who knew dark magic, then that'd get pretty boring pretty fast, now wouldn't it?"

"Perhaps, but that doesn't explain how you know so much."

Laxc and Strider looked at each other, then back at Kreix. "Hmm, that's classified."

Kreix raised an eyebrow. "Do not toy with me."

The puppeteer held up his puppet to Kreix's face, nodding at the Superior. "Dude, that's like, speciesist or something. Are you speciesist, Superior?"

Kreix batted the puppet to the ground, growing annoyed with these shenanigans. However, as he did, he noticed something far more pertinent.

"Xelo's presence has faded. He must have been slain."

[Super Chaos Sonic]

Trevor did overhear Azh, but with the current mood he was in, he didn't have the energy to actually talk to him. But nonetheless, Cid took off with the Fantasia, as they followed the Star Shard's bright light.

 

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 ReMIX OST ~ Precious Stars in the Sky

 

Trevor watched as they left Traverse Town, seeing the wonderful view that they were beholding from their vessel. The sight brought a faint smile to Trevor's face, as he finally released the railing. James...I wish you could see this beautiful sight... he thought, as he moved away from the edge of the vessel. He took a quick glance at Balthazar and Azh, as he shoved his hands into his pockets, before moving away. "Balthazar...when you can..." Trevor said, in a slow manner. "I-I...I want you to help me...get better at wielding the Blazing Melody Keyblade. I-I...I wanna use this...so I can protect the things I care about."

[The Warden]

Azh looked confused, and he gazed to the way out of the hanger. "I walked, that's typically how anyone gets around isn't it? Or do you mean to Traverse Town? Well, if you must know: After my friend and I seperated from you in New York, we went to another world to help defend it. Sadly, there wasn't a strong enough resistance and the world was destroyed. My friend and I were scattered and only I landed in Traverse Town. I went looking for him, but then I saw you guys taking down that huge Heartless. You went off somewhere and I simply followed you in the hopes of buming a lift, and by the looks of it, I have" he explained as the ship took off.

 

The view from space was very nice, but not one Haxz had seen before. An- Aww, isn't that cute. The kid is getting all shy about his Keyblade, and this guy is the great hope for the Worlds as a whole oh please. "Don't let the pressure get to you too much kid, you're still young after all. Plenty of time to get some training in with the Keyblade. I am sorry about your friend, really I am; and, I think I know who did it too."

[Mugendramon]

Omcraxs was busy gasping for breath, sure; but that didn't stop his eyes from widening at the mention of Xelo's death. If Xelo really had been killed... how much would it take for the rest of them to follow? There clearly was something, or someone, with the prowess to kill Xelo. So... "...did the Keyblade Wielder...?"

 

He then remembered he was really close to death so he put his shit together. "First off, why am I shackled like this. Last time I checked, this guy was addressing me as 'chairbro' so I don't have any intention of attacking him. Let go, please. I'm calm now."

[Super Chaos Sonic]

[spoiler=Note]

This is to make sure there is no confusion about anything ^^

I had offered my services to Roxas, stating had he needed any other characters to be used, that he could rely on me (lest he be forced to do all of them by himself. Now, by his request, I am taking control of Frybread's character: Xyu Gaso.[/spoiler]

 

"Xyu, you've been rather silent. Shall I send you with the others, or do you wish to join Nerhyx?"

 

Xyu Gaso finally broke his silence, and stood as he walked passed Kreix. "Kreix, I appreciate the gesture, but I would like you to treat me like the others. Please entrust me to conquer a world."

 

~~~~~~

 

That wasn't long ago, and now Xyu Gaso had finally stepped out from the Corridor of Darkness, his feet touching the ground of the new current world he had traveled to: Wonderland. According to the Organization's findings and from what Kreix mentioned, Wonderland had drastically changed from the first time the Keyblade arrived on this world.

 

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix OST ~ Disappeared

 

Wonderland had indeed become a more darker place...bleak...even in some placed barren. Xyu knew this place would be perfect for harvesting the Heartless needed...and if he could find one whose heart was corrupt...a new Nobody would be under his control as well. Snapping his fingers, he called forth a battalion of Raging Ravens, as he hopped aboard the leading Raven.

 

"Take to the skies. We need to find the ruler responsible for this..." Xyu simply said, as he pulled his hood over his head, as the Ravens took off, flying towards a castle within the region known as Crims: the castle being the fortress of the Red Queen.

[Phantom Roxas]

Balthazar raised an eyebrow at Azh's response, suspicious, but accepted it, for the moment, at least. When Trevor approached, asking for help with training his skill with the Keyblade, Balthazar was about to respond, but Azh came in, apparently aware of who killed James. How this man could know was something that Balthazar intended to find it, but Cid's loud voice echoed across the ship.

"WORLD, HO!" the man shouted, pointing at a large, red ball, with hearts decorating its form, and a large white castle standing atop it. Wild thorns sprouted from this world, and Balthazar was none too pleased by what this meant.

Taking a deep sigh, Balthazar uttered the world's name, "Wonderland. Alright, Cid, let's check it out." As the Fantasia drew closer to Wonderland, Balthazar turned back to Azh. "Now then, tell me who killed James."

[hr]
Kreix raised an eyebrow at Omcraxs, but decided to command the chains to withdraw, although Kreix made a not-so-subtle gesture by letting it graze Omcraxs a little bit. Kreix shrugged, saying "My apologies" rather dismissively, then planted his flailstaff into the ground. "No, Omcraxs, it was not the Keyblade wielder. There is another presence, in the realm between the Corridors of Darkness. I shall deal with this personally. Do as you wish, but do not even attempt to converse with Chloé, and I would advise against calling upon the Corridors for the moment. I'm trusting you to not give in to your urges. Is that clear?" Without waiting for an answer, Kreix opened a Corridor, which quickly closed behind him.

Kreix appeared within Betwixt and Between, seeing the Silver Knights gathered around. However, at the arrival of the Superior, the lesser Nobodies dispersed. Genesis was surprised by this, but pointed his sword out at Kreix. "You wear the same cloak as Xelo," Genesis began. "Furthermore, these creatures seem to be loyal to you. I presume that you are Kreix?"

"Correct," Kreix replied. "Genesis, is it? Now, I'm sure I already know what the answer is, but I must ask: Would you care to tell me what happened to my colleague?"

Genesis looked around at the Silver Knights. Though he could probably take the whole lot of them, Kreix was Xelo's boss. However, that was no excuse to be careful. "If you are asking if I was the end who brought upon his end, then yes. I am very much grateful to him for allowing me a chance to live again, but with his dying breath, he entrusted me with the task of bringing back his mother."

"Is that so?" With a snap of his fingers, Kreix commanded all of the Silver Knights to return to the Castle, taking steps forward as he slowly moved around Genesis. "Tell me, how well did you know Xelo? Did you know who he once was? Do you even know who his mother is?"

Genesis paused for a moment before answering, "Not at all. However, it is my gratitude that will ensure that I learn the answers to those questions."

Kreix sighed. "Why not align yourself with my Organization? I can teach you all that you need to know. All you need do is swear your loyalty to me."

Genesis laughed at Kreix's offer. "I have no reason to trust you."

Kreix held up his flailstaff and shrugged. "A pity." He swung his weapon, and arc of ice firing from the sickle towards Genesis.

[Kōsuke Ueki]

Ryan was no more than speechless by what he has seen in regards to James' fate. Blood. But that didn't make sense. Then that means...

 

During the training sessions in Balthazar's workshop, Ryan finally took the opportunity to check all the forms of literature that he had to offer. Nothing seemed interesting at first, until he came across what appeared to be a box-worth of a book series of the past. Opening it up, he noticed that the books were in two different forms of chronological order. The first form is most likely the discovery of each story, and the second is where in its timeline each book goes. So, just to make sense of everything, he started from what begins this story: 3 Keyblade Wielders on a journey that expands to their descendants.

 

Over the course of a week, Ryan had read the entire series of books, and had learned so much that it overloaded his mind, leading to him forgetting about it afterward...

 

How could Ryan possibly forget doing something like that. But as a result, he realized something amazing. "James...is still alive." he said nonchalantly to everyone. "See for yourself." He showed everybody what was given to him to see for himself. Again, it showed James' body, covered in blood. "If he were dead, his body would not be seen. It would have been consumed by the darkness. He is bleeding, which means there is still a chance to find him. And as much as you wish to say I'm wrong, you know this to be true more than anyone else Balthazar." He then turned his attention to Ahz. "Where would have that Organization member taken James if he thought he was dead?"

[Super Chaos Sonic]

Trevor heard Cid's exclamation, as he saw the new world they were approaching: Wonderland. He never got Balthazar's response, but he was also busy with Azh. But Ryan's discovery...well...that made him excited.

 

"James...is still alive. See for yourself. If he were dead, his body would not be seen. It would have been consumed by the darkness. He is bleeding, which means there is still a chance to find him."

 

He took a look through the Sekaidoscope and he too saw it. A small smile appeared on his face as Trevor handed the scope to the next person. "Alright! James...this means we have to get him back soon." he said, looking over at Ryan, who approached Azh as well. He moved towards the group as well, crossing his arms. "Look, we need to know this now. The sooner we know...the sooner we can try and help him out!"