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

[Phantom Roxas]

The man wasn't kidding, he really was acting like acting like a completely different person. "Well, my friend was using something called the Keyblade. But I have to ask, why did you two stay?" Shuren turned to Ryan, who was still recovering from the Emperor's spell. "Come on, Ryan, wake up." He returned his focus to the two men. "Look, I'm sorry, but my friend and I have to do something. You can come with us, if you want." He looked, at Lightning, who had helped heal Ryan and Balthazar. "I don't think I caught your name, did I? Thanks for helping my friends."

[hr]
Balthazar held up his hand, but didn't cast any magic. "Fine, if that's how you want to play it, I'll let you stay in here, for now. But an endless cycle of death an rebirth is nothing but Hell for everyone involved. No matter how you put it, you'll be using Viola for your ends. I'm teaching Viola to stop the Organization and fulfill my master's last wish of finding a successor, you're trying to make her do the bidding of a cruel dragon." Then, Mateus offered a way to save Veronica. "Veronica and Morgana are at the very center of the Grimhold. To get to them, we'd have to let out the other Morganians. Why should we let them turn into a Heartless?" The promise of Veronica being returned to him was enough to make Balthazar give Mateus a chance, but he knew it was just Mateus trying to tempt him.

[Barian Warlord]

Xemyrom sighed at Kreix's actions even though it looked like he would die he remained calm analyzing the situation and finding a possible way out though it might also lead to his own death.

"Why do you need me? Well that is pretty simple without me what can you accomplish? Yes you can get the Heartless to consume worlds and be defeated by the young Keybladers I found for you but then what will you do once Kingdom Hearts is forged? You won't be able to wield its power, all you'll be able to do is wait as those children you so carefully trained turn their blades against you and Kingdom Hearts is once again cast in the shadows of history and myth. I on the other hand am crafting the tool needed to tame Kingdom Hearts and return the scattered worlds to their true and original form, so the question I ask you is this, in exchange for your services in my plans what is it you want as payment."

​Xemyrom knew Kriex would be furious but he also knew that he had stuck him in a corner as well, going by history the plans of Nobodies didn't do to well against the Keyblade but Kreix might doubt the plans of others out of shier arrogance as well.

[Nexev]

"Thanks, I am sure we can figure out a roomate agreement down the way, you do laundry, I manage food." Mindteus said slightly rolling his eyes. "But you are correct on the cycle thing, I figured that out myself, I intend to end that dragon and that's why I want Violia's help, super powerful descendent of a archmage tend to make great sorceresses, with our combined tutalage and the might of my Empire you guys may pose a chance at stopping him, at which case the Empire will go back to the darkness they belong with, only to rise when called by those of ill intent. You should thank me, I was a minimalist, I attacked only to harvest the strong souls for my army, Shinryyu wants me to raze everything to the ground. The Traitor needs to do evil but not be evil, and only needs to act it in order to avoid Shinryu's attention, believe me while you won't find someone as cunning OR as handsome, if Shinryu picks the next traitor I promise you." Mindteus grimanced. "You will find no crueler, I've seen his choice for the world of darkness, I thought that evil like that only existed as concepts. And that's why I need the heartless, the Traitor controls them unquestioningly, no matter how powerful they are, even I will be putty under their rule. Well the heartless me anyway. So with their power I can overwhelm Shinryu weird Nova Dragom powers be damned, after that they are just mindless thugs that can easily be banished with the right spell, which since you have my mind, you already know. I can offer you your everything so long as you allow me the means to my freedom, which is ultimately my own everything. So do we have a armstice?"

 

[hr]

 

"Really? The Organization is back in play, I really should read the news more." Justice mused. "I am going to decline, my goals mean nothing to you, and in turn your goals mean nothing to me."
[hr]

"Seriously? You are just going to run away in the middle of a fight?" Suga Momma said shaking her cane angrily at the retreating Zip Slasher. "Fine see if I care, I have bigger fish to fry." Suga Momma turned to the Nightmare Palace, the Palace sensed the threat and fired a volley at her, only to have her knock the cannon back at it. The Palace briefly stumbled but emerged ultimately merely scratched and fired another volley. Suga Momma sighed. This would have been easier a few centuries ago but oh well she had boring hours wasted.

[Phantom Roxas]

"You really think I'm doing this because of some desire to attain godhood? The last time I pursued an ideal goal, it didn't work. What I want is the power to bring back my family. Nobody or not, the desperation I felt in my last moment of existence as a human has cursed me. I don't care if Kingdom Hearts goes away so long as I get my family. As for those children, I have nothing to fear. Let them come for me. Let them strike me down. I can just send my Heartless after them, and should any of them actually wield a Keyblade by then, then my heart will be free. They can strike me down, and all I have to do is wait. I've searched the worlds, and my dear Beatrice and our little Alice have not spawned Nobodies, and their Heartless would no doubt be nothing more than mere Shadows. With Kingdom Hearts, I can give their hearts new life. Everything I have done is to accelerate that plan. I'll grant you that you assisted humans in preparing to wield the Keyblade, but what then? Why should I want the worlds complete once more? Beatrice, Alice, and myself would have no need for other worlds. All we would need is our own company."

The world around Kreix and Xemyrom turned pitch black before the darkness disappeared to reveal a swamp, with trees that had long since decayed. "We are beyond the reach of the castle, Xemyrom. You and I are now here, in an age long past. Flee with your Corridors if you want, all you'll do is find yourself in some primitive land. A house you once called home will not have even been built. Of course, it's not like you can run, what with the ice soon to become your coffin." The ice covering Xemyrom had reached his chin, and the thickness was growing to encase him in successive layers of ice. Kreix swung the flail, the sickle descending upon Xemyrom's left arm.

[Mugendramon]

Omcraxs raised an eyebrow at the kid's question.

 

"You're not the best listener, are you? I just told you that, it's not polite to ask questions which I've already answered. I lost a dear one to the Heartless, and I didn't want it happening to anybody. Thusly I helped you guys out."

 

The Nobody looked down upon being asked to tag along with the children. "I don't think I'd be good working with others, I'm sorry. I... also don't quite understand why you're talking to this guy and me like I knew him, you're weirding me out. Or maybe it's just him weirding me out.

 

But that... Keyblade... it draws my attention. I've never seen something like that! But it looks like it would make for a fine aid against the Heartless. Do you or your friend know of any way to acquire such a blade?"

[a bad post]

“Oh… well… my my,” Where Lettya’s comments as the Gentlemen catered to her, though she had been quite wealthy she had never really done much with her money, hmm… how ironic she mused, that originally she had become a workaholic for the money, but by the time she had achieved her goals all that existed had been work. Lettya sat herself down, and turned to one of the Gentlemen, “Yes, tea would be quite nice.”

 

A moment later tea in hand she locked eyes with the other man, Nerhyx, “So your name used to be Henry, I get the name change being a new entity and all, but what’s with the extra ‘x’? Also you say we are led by a man named Kriex… so then he would have been… Erik?” Lettya paused to consider this momentarily lost in her own thoughts, but soon returned to the conversation at hand.  “So another question, what are these,” Lettya said indicating the Gentlemen and taking a sip of her tea, “oh and there was a silver looking thing in the hallway, what was that, is it related to these others?”

 

Lettya again paused, it was quite a lot to take in, so much had happened, so much had been learned in the course of what…. 20 minutes? Lettya toke another sip of her tea. So, what would happen now that she had no heart? What happened to her daughters, had those things gotten them two, had they become Nobodies as well? What happened to those who were eaten by them, and didn’t become Nobodies.

 

“So a few more questions, sorry to be such a bother, but what happened to our hearts, and what were those black things that attack me? Also does everybody become Nobodies when those things attack them, and without a heart what happens to us when we die?” Lettya cast a slightly concerned look, if you didn’t have a heart could you still die like everyone else still? That thought drifted away as soon as it had come, why think about that when you could think of all the possibilities without a heart?

 

A sly look cast on her face the wheels in Lettya’s head already turning, “So, one more question. Without a heart what can I do that a normal human couldn’t?” 

[Merci]

"Trevor, calm down. Whatever threat is now gone, and besides... nobody is following you." Viola pointed out, having already reached the gameshop before him by accelerating her feet.

 

She looked visibly exhausted, and also distraught as in her left hand was the delicate dragon origami left behind. James, he had known it was her birthday the whole time but never said anything about it. The detailed necklace was probably going to be his birthday gift to her, but he had never gotten around to it. He had probably been captured by an Organization member while the rest were occupied...that idiot.

 

In Viola's other hand was the Star Shard that Balthazar had told them about, having retrieved it from the basement. It was a smooth, blue star-shaped crystal, and it glowed - as if tempted to to drag her into another realm entirely. But it didn't. Not yet.

 

"I can't believe you left Shuren, Ryan and our master all alone in the presence of strangers who we've never met before, who may turn out to be just as evil as that Emperor!" She yelled suddenly, in a sharp tone. "Not to mention they're currently going through some sort of corrupt that I should've taken...! You struck me as the goody two-shoes kind of guy, Trevor, but I was wrong. You're just a coward who'd rather run off to another world than support the people who need you!"

 

Though pissed, she was only lashing out at Trevor because he was there, and deep down she knew he didn't deserve it. She was just mad at the way this day had turned out, at how her birthday had turned out. She had been denied her one chance at achieving her goal, James had been kidnapped, and their master was sacrificing himself to save Ryan right now, as they wasted time here! Then Viola shook her head in apology, trying to clear her head from all the stress.

 

"...Look, I'm sorry about the outburst. We should get Ryan and Shuren before heading to Traverse Town... James might be there."

[Love of Ghibli]

Nerhyx took a sip of tea and still under the guise of being a Gentlemen he decided that visual illustrations would be best to convey this message. 

"Well let's see. It would be easier to explain what they are..." pointing to the Gentlemen "...by explaining the process of you becoming well you. If you were consumed by a darkness of sorts you should become this." In front of Nerhyx on the table a small grunt shadow heartless showed himself.

 

"These are called heartless. Its a little dark vessel that holds our hearts hostage after our mortal bodies have been disposed of. Now this is the smallest and theoretically most common version of these creatures you'll see. But they come in all shapes and sizes. There are some people who are even strong enough to retain their own physical form as a Heartless, but that is besides the point. Now lets introduce you to us." 

 

From behind Nerhyx a couple of Dusk materialized and started circling the air around him and Lettya. "These are nobodies what is left after the body has no heart. Those are the most common form of nobodies. Nobodies have a hierarchy though. There are those common things flying over head then you get into what we like to call the elite. Elites are Nobodies that carry on a lot more human characteristics and can wield weapons. Above them are well us, you and I, so congratulations you are already in the upper echelon of Nobody-dom. Each of us, including yourself, will be able to control your own personal brand of elite. Mine are called Fencers...though to give them a more personal touch I renamed them the Gentlemen. What you met before was..." he looked at one of the Gentlemen and it looked back "...a Samurai. You don't see them that much."

He took another sip of tea. "Let's see what else did you ask? Oh what can you do now. Well without theoretical heart the only truly noticeable difference is that you don't feel emotion or remorse. Though to be quite honest I think it is easier to say you don't feel regret or remorse...for anything. It comes in handy when having to make tough morale decisions. Now as a Nobody you can do all sorts of fanciful things but those vary from person to person especially when you discover your 'element'. And lastly, the name. You are correct we change are names because we are no longer the same people we were when we are alive. In fact we are not even people well human anyway. The letter X just happens to be some tradition that us Nobodies have adopted. I would say that a pleasurable experience is trying to figure out everyone's original name."

He took another sip of tea and his eyes squinted and alarm. Almost as if ready for battle. This was simply him sensing the absence of his master. The sixth sense of butlerhood let him know that the superior was not in the other room. This was only a feeling and that he couldn't be sure but the superior is the superior for a reason. "Well before I spend anymore time I must say this you have a choice to make. You can join us the Organization a collection of Nobodies like you, and develop your talents and pursue our goals. Or you can be on your merry way and discover the truth for yourself. The choice is yours." He takes a sip of tea and awaits an answer.

[Premier Alexander Romanov]

Lightning had changed back into her Commando Mode, the red gem pulsing brightly against her wrist now that she felt back to "normal". Clearly, she had been caught up in something much bigger than she had initially realized, and her opponents were quite stronger than she had faced before. And it frustrated her to no avail that, even with her abilities inside of her Optima Changer, she couldn't really do anything. For the first time in quite some time, since the Heartless ransacked her homeworld, she felt so helpless. However, one of Balthazar's Apprentices, a brown-haired, blue-eyed young man with blue and silver clothing and a bandaged arm, addressed her and wondered her name. [color=#FF69B4]"You may call me 'Lightning'."[/color] She replied to him. [color=#FF69B4]"Is it safe to move your master and your friend?"[/color]

[The Warden]

Haxz was impressed, Omcraxs was lying better than he expected. Well, at least he didn't have to cover for him, even though he was acting borderline suspicious, oh well. "Sadly, I can't join you either. I've been tracking the Heartless for some time now, and I don't honestly want to bring children into the dangers I face, although-"

 

Haxz turned to look at Omcraxs face on. "-you handled yourself pretty well out there stranger. I'm actually looking for strong people like yourself to aid me in tracking the Heartless and see where they're headed.  Despite your, rather unnatural outbuarts, I'd think you'd be a great help. Oh, my name's Azh by the way."

 

Haxz held out his hand to Omcraxs, in the hopes that his comrade would take the hint.

[Barian Warlord]

Things looked bad for Xemyrom his opponent was about to strike him and he had been transported through space and time which was an impressive feet but for some reason Xemyrom wasn't scared really he was excited.

"You might not care about my speech or plans but the message is still what you should be focusing on, YOU can't wield the power of Kingdom Hearts and without it you can't save your family the best you can do is return their hearts to Kingdom Hearts but I have the means to forge the power to control Kingdom Hearts which means you need me to save your family. As for my goal of reuniting the worlds that is the best way for you to keep your family safe, for what is the point of saving them if they are to be sent to a world of endless darkness?"

Xemyrom Knew that the scythe could strike him at any moment but he also knew that it took much of Kreix's energy to keep them in the past and one it finally ran out they'd both be sent to the future whether Kriex liked it or not, the important thing now was making sure he could stay alive until then.

[Dad]

"Indeed Merlin.  I don't suppose you would rather leave now than become further annoyed at this inconvenience?" Jenova called back.  There was a brief silence before the wizard replied.  

 

"As fascinating as this Heartless is, there's much to attend to outside.  I suppose it would be best to--"

 

A loud eruption of metal and fire exposed a giant hole in the heartless, revealing the outside world again.

 

"Yes, please go ahead and annihilate the creature so that I can return to my tea and reading.  You brute," snarled the dragon.  Together they flew away from the giant Heartless, as it's moans and groans signaled it's inevitable collapse.  As the beast began to fall, it's legs buckled and crushed the dieing land below it, sinking into the ground.  

 

Merlin turned back to watch the palace collapse, then back to Jenova.  "I would say something about your strength, but I don't think that would be wise," he chuckled.  "Well, I'd best be off.  I'm sure there are plenty of wounded and the lot that need aid,  Thank you for your assistance, Sephiroth.  But may I ask, what brought you back here?  Weren't you dueling Cloud?"

 

Jenova was quiet for a moment.  "I was.  But I am not sure why I am here.  Surely the devastation about will give me some clue."

 

[hr]

 

Memory Count:  12,144

Location:  Hollow Bastion

Day:  Unknown

 

---

 

An intense glare.  An opponent.  A child.  A key.

 

"... a keyb--"

 

[hr]

 

"Key. . . blade?"

 

Merlin glared at the angel.  "What do you know of this?  You CANNOT interfere with the Keyblade Sephiroth!" he snarled angrily.

 

Jenova slowly turned his head towards the wizard.  "I don't believe there's anything I can't do."  Jenova darted into the air, and disappeared almost instantly.  Merlin could only ball his fist and sigh.  "This could be dangerous."

[Phantom Roxas]

Balthazar stayed his hand. "I can see in your thoughts that you're looking out for some greater good, no matter the means. I will help you, but first you must agree to my conditions. First, no killing, harming any innocents, or leading them into the darkness. Anything you want to do must be for the sake of defeating this Shinryu. Second, you will not turn Viola into some weapon of great evil. Who knows if you're actions would have unexpected consequences?" Balthazar approached Mateus, holding out his hand. "Do we have a deal?"

[hr]
Shuren bit his lip. "Right. Sorry to make you think about the person you lost. Sorry for assuming you two knew each other. Then again, I case it's just that people are showing up from all over the place to save the day. I don't know how my friend got the Keyblade, though. It just showed up out of nowhere. It found him, not the other way around."

Lightning introduced herself, asking if it was okay to move Ryan and Balthazar. "I guess we might as well. You get Balthazar, I'll get Ryan. Come on, buddy." Shuren grabbed Ryan by the side and helped his friend stand up. "Any minute now, they should be fine."

The other man introduced himself to the first stranger as Azh, but told Shuren that he didn't want to bring children into this. "We're not just kids, you know. My master has been training us precisely that we could fight off the Heartless." Shuren turned to look at Ryan, who was still unconscious. "But I understand if you don't want to involve us."

[hr]
The blade cut through the ice, severing Xemyrom's arm at the shoulder. The ice grew over the "Although me to put it this way. I can still kill you, but slowly. I'll let you figure out the details yourself, but suffice it so say, I'll get what I want. As it stands now, you're just giving me an offer. How can I be certain that your plans will be more successful than the previous Organization's attempts?" Kreix swung the chain around, eying Xemyrom's remaining arm. "Of course, I can't hold this time bubble forever, but you know that, don't you?"

Kreix snapped his fingers, and the Phantom appeared beside him. The Phantom turned its head to Kreix, then at Xemyrom. "This is my Heartless, the Phantom. I'd like to make this a kind of game. Phantom, if you would please. The Phantom raised its hand, and the number "12" appeared above Xemyrom. "You have until the timer reaches zero. I would love if you could make your last moments count.

[hr]
"I'm sure we could reach some kind of mutual benefit," Xelo said. "You rule over an empire, correct? Do you intend to continue that reign, even as a Nobody?"

[hr]
Doxfer laughed as Jumpsuit disappeared. "Hah, nice going! But really, I just wanted to see if you could get that little runt to shut up. Still, you got me to deal with!" Doxfer opened up his hand, the claws curled like a sickle as the lance was a foot away from piercing Zack's chest.

[hr]
Jumpsuit shambled across Halloween Town. Faking its destruction at the ends of Zack allowed him to escape Doxfer's brutality. He found a man carrying a puppet. Well, he certainly didn't seem as strong as Doxfer, or even Zack, so Jumpsuit approached the puppeteer.

[Super Chaos Sonic]

"Trevor, calm down. Whatever threat is now gone, and besides... nobody is following you." Viola pointed out, having already reached the gameshop before him by accelerating her feet.

 

She looked visibly exhausted, and also distraught as in her left hand was the delicate dragon origami left behind. James, he had known it was her birthday the whole time but never said anything about it. The detailed necklace was probably going to be his birthday gift to her, but he had never gotten around to it. He had probably been captured by an Organization member while the rest were occupied...that idiot.

 

In Viola's other hand was the Star Shard that Balthazar had told them about, having retrieved it from the basement. It was a smooth, blue star-shaped crystal, and it glowed - as if tempted to to drag her into another realm entirely. But it didn't. Not yet.

 

"I can't believe you left Shuren, Ryan and our master all alone in the presence of strangers who we've never met before, who may turn out to be just as evil as that Emperor!" She yelled suddenly, in a sharp tone. "Not to mention they're currently going through some sort of corrupt that I should've taken...! You struck me as the goody two-shoes kind of guy, Trevor, but I was wrong. You're just a coward who'd rather run off to another world than support the people who need you!"

 

Though pissed, she was only lashing out at Trevor because he was there, and deep down she knew he didn't deserve it. She was just mad at the way this day had turned out, at how her birthday had turned out. She had been denied her one chance at achieving her goal, James had been kidnapped, and their master was sacrificing himself to save Ryan right now, as they wasted time here! Then Viola shook her head in apology, trying to clear her head from all the stress.

 

"...Look, I'm sorry about the outburst. We should get Ryan and Shuren before heading to Traverse Town... James might be there."

 

Left them alone?? No! He could've sworn that everyone was behind him...he even saw them behind him. Trevor quickly turned around and saw they weren't even behind him or Viola. He was prepared to go back, but stopped dead in his tracks when he heard what she had said: "You struck me as the goody two-shoes kind of guy, Trevor, but I was wrong. You're just a coward who'd rather run off to another world than support the people who need you!"

 

Coward... Coward...

 

Those words played on in Trevor's mind like a broken record. His grip on the Keyblade's hilt got tighter, as he turned back around at Viola, seeming furious.

 

"Coward? You don't know me! I'm not a damn coward!!" Trevor said, slamming his right fist into the side of the wall. "Balthazar told us to come here...an order! I followed that...and I swore the others were with me... Don't you EVER classify me as a coward!!" He clenched his fist that was still pinned to the wall, as his gaze drifted from Viola to the ground. A small exhale escaped his mouth as he turned away, facing the open door. Trevor heard Viola's apology and sighed a bit.

 

"I'm sorry too...that word...I've heard it be told to me many times before...and its become like a trigger word for me..." he sighed, not turning around to face the girl. "We're gonna go back..." He mentioned, before walking back out of the gameshop.

 

[hr]

 

Zack had barely any time to dodge the attack, as he finally sidestepped to the right, dodging the lance. D-Damn! He's a bit fast... he thought, as he jumped back and then showed his claws again, before rushing toward Doxfer...until...

 

A small flash of green light bursted from the skeleton boy, as it quickly reverted him back to normal, having his scythe in hand. "W-WHAT?! No, no not now!!" he said, looking at himself, a bit uneasy about his form dissipating like this. "N-No matter...I'll still beat you to a bloody pulp!" he yelled, as he spun the scythe in hand, rushing toward Doxfer again.

[Mugendramon]

Omcraxs looked back up at the kid. His reply was only to be expected, but the Nobody has a slight hope of finding out additional information about the Keyblade. Still, he showed his best of awkward gestures to adress Haxz. "No, I'm not going with you either. You freak me out. There is something  about you I do not trust at all. I would NEVER  in the WORLD  go anywhere with you."
 
He turned around and raised his hand as he walked away. "I guess I'll see you guys some other time... Hopefully I won't have to save you from the Heartless then!"
 
Number III soon turned around a corner after a few blocks. Once there, he opened up a Corridor and sighed in discomfort and unrest. "You did a good job at keeping a low profile this time around... Starscream, other guy, let's go back. You can uncloak."
 
One Wraith showed itself. "Is this all... wait, are you Starscream?"
 
The Wraith shook its head. "That idiot! Do you know where he is, then?" Shake. Omcraxs sighed. "WHATEVER. He'll come back eventually. Let's just get the hell out of here."
 
And thus they stepped through the Corridor. Well, Omcraxs did; Wraiths float.

[Dad]

Jenova's mind wavered between intrigue and confusion.  What was the "Keyblade"?  Why did he recall this specific weapon?  Who was it's owner?  Why did he need to see it again?  A surge of tension in his brain pointed him North.  But what could he hope to accomplish even if he DID see the "Keyblade" again?  Jenova was a lot of things, but he was not a thief. And even if he was, stealing the Keyblade would not be a simple task.  He did not even know of it's power.  And yet, Jenova could not stop in his movement.  He continued onward, the  memory seared into his brain and eyes.  He could feel the difference in the air.  Since the memory he had seen, the Keyblade had gone to someone different than the first person he dueled with it.

 

"Who are you?" he questioned aloud.

 

It taunted him.  That damned memory.  His eyes began to change color, filling with a murderous blood lust and shading to red.

[Nexev]

Cal turned towards the monster, it's hue was silver, not the putrid black of those it once invited to it's realm. If it was capable of thought Cal would have lamented that fate but a puppet does not reflect, it only observes and obeys.  Strider was bound by no such qualms. "Yo Mr Silver Bullet mind getting me a mask for the tall guy over here." Cal points to himself as Strider says this. "The dude's sortof ugly and I don't want to scare away the babes. Where would we be without babes after all, we will be right here, babeless. Tragic isn't it?"

[hr]

"I greatly understand your belief at the moment but not even I am cocky enough to try to work alongside Kriex, he has no pals, only pawns. I appreciate your sentiment though. As of now there is much to do but so little can be done in my current state, I must bid my time correctly. I shall go purchase sustenance for myself, you may accompany me if you wish." With that Justice turned away.

[hr]

Sipping a heated health potion, Emperor admired Traverse town from the view of his favorite cafe. This was a good day to be dead.

[hr]

Man today was a terrible day to be dead. "But corrupting people into darkness is the best way to get them to stop the dragon! Ugggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh fine." Mindteus sighed, "its a deal".

[The Warden]

Haxz bunched his fingers up a little in false scorn, but, he kept the fake smile. "Oh well, I have no doubts I'll see him again anyways."

 

Seems they were helping the old guy stand up, and aww, wasn't that cute, they had been trained to deal with Heartless. "Kid, a few pieces of advice: For one, you CANNOT prepare for the Heartless. They are as numerous as stars in the sky, and they are all deadly. Every second a new type might emerge to bring more ruin to the worlds. I watched you guys for a bit earlier, and it certainly didn't look like you were at all prepared. So, learn from the ones you fight and don't recklessly run into the fray. Just because one of them look weak, doesn't mean they are. Finally-"

 

Haxz pointed not at Trevor, but at his Keyblade. "-keep that thing at the front at all times. It proved most effective at dealing with the Heartless, and it'll be your best bet at surviving until another one appears. Now, you be good little boys and girls."

 

Haxz gave a slight wave before following the same path Omcraxs took. Once out of sight, Haxz sighed loudly as he took a Corridor out of New York. Mission accomplished really.

[a bad post]

Lettya nodded her head at all the information being fed to her, “Mmm… so, then are these Heartless you say like us, they become more human the more powerful they are? Oh, also if they have our hearts, then is there a specific heartless for everybody, and by killing the said heartless what would happen to your heart?”

 

Lettya paused as the silvery creatures surrounded them, and Nerhyx explained further her new world, “Well, it makes sense, only the strongest are allowed to rule, the weak must serve, or become stronger. Oh, I must ask how will I find said elite to serve under me, or will they just find me?”

 

“Well I didn’t have morals in the first place so there’s not too much of a difference there, but it does explain why I feel so cold in side. Hmm… element you say, so like Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air, and how will I discover said element, would it be similar to how I find the elite? Oh, a tradition, I see, you are correct it is quite amusing to guess real names.”

 

Lettya noticed the man shift and his eyes narrow into a squint, and then he asked her whose side she would chose, the choice was easy, “Well I’m a sensible women who likes answers so I’ll join your  Organization.”

[Mugendramon]

The corridor finally opened at the Hall of Empty Melodies. Omcraxs stepped out, closely followed by the nameless Wraith. After a dismissal call, the Wraith silently nodded and cloaked, never to be singularly recognized again. Well that went strangely! But at least we know who the wielders are... supposed to be...? Man, how am I going to FIND Kreix now? ...DUMB, I can do it old fashioned.

 

Omcraxs raised a hand and snapped his fingers, and a Wraith showed itself. Was it the same? He did not know. He however asked a simple question to the Wraith. "The Superior, where is he?"

 

The Wraith roared. Its message, transmitted. 

 

"... ..- .--. . .-. .. --- .-. ?!"

 

A reply echoed through the walls of the castle, equally inaudible.

 

"..- ... . -.. / .- / ... .--. . .-.. .-..

--. --- -. ."

 

".-- .... . .-. . ?"

 

"..-. .-. --- -- / .-.. .. -... .-. .- .-. -.--"

 

The Wraith next to Omcraxs nodded and Summoned another Corridor. Number III stepped in and came out at the library. The Superior was nowhere to be found.

 

"So where the HELL is he, numbnuts?! I'm far too annoyed to spare any lucky ones right now, be quick." A single Wraith uncloaked in the room, and Omcraxs was quick to leap at it, pinning it to the ground. "You know uncloaking is not good, right~? Are you the one who is tasked with his surveillance."

 

Nod.

 

"Are you the one who said he was here."

 

Nod.

 

"So why IS he not here?" Omcraxs said, letting go so the poor creature could breathe again. I'm not entirely sure whether they breathe but...

 

The Wraith could not find words to say. It couldn't find words to say, any rate. But Wraiths were REALLY good at Pictionary. So this one looked around, and soon enough pointed at a clock. Omcraxs, being forced to play the game by Kreix to be able to understand the goddamn things, noticed what it meant.

 

"He used time magic and left, didn't he."

 

Nod. Sigh.

 

"Fiiine, you did your job. Get something else to do until you're notified that The Superior's back."

 

As the Elite did what it was asked, Omcraxs started looking around once more. Sure enough, here was Nerhyx. "And who would this other girl be? I don't think I've seen you around." Number III suddenly showed a sly smile. "Did I just catch you fooling around, Nerhyx? I figure old men have needs too, hm?"

 

[hr]

 

Starscream hovered above the Apprentices and their master. It was quite certain this would score him even more points with Master Omcraxs. But, why did he even need more points? He had already been given a name, that was a lot more than Wraiths usually got. Then it hit him, why did he even have to bother being this high up? With the Wraiths' incredible talent for concealing themselves, being around them was a perfectly reasonable idea. Now all he had to do was not run(hover) into someone, and everything would be good.

 

[hr]

 

Ah, midnight. These lands weren't the prettiest around, and Chloé knew that. But she also knew they were the most quiet. Once the old couple fell asleep, every night, the girl would hop out of her window, and venture through the stepping stones of the creek into the thicker woods. It was there that things got prettier.

 

And louder. She'd more than once had close encounters with bears and the like, but it was never scary to her. She had never once felt afraid of these woods. She'd always smile through her trips. And she always remarked how animals seemed to act in ways that reflected her mood during her midnight strolls. She'd step on puddles of water and get mad over her dress getting mud on it; and so would all crickets around chipper in angry concerto. She'd feel the breeze as she walked up the mountain, and her calm feelings would soothe even the wolves standing in her way.

 

But this was the usual. Chloé was bored. That's when she noticed two beady yellow eyes, looking confused in the deep darkness, in the distance uphill.

[Love of Ghibli]

Nerhyx nodded in approval the woman's choice for it was the correct one. And she was quite inquisitive which was always healthy but since she has now joined the fold it was his duty as a proper host to answer all of her questions.

 

"First, if a heartless was to be killed including ours then our hearts would float toward this world called kingdom hearts. Where in theory we could go and get them back. That is one of this Organization's aims. Unfortunately a heartless may be injured by regular means but they can only be killed and the heart liberated by a mystical weapon known as the keyblade. The tend to look like as they sound. If you want more information of specific keyblades and the people who have used them then feel free to look at the books in this library they are filled a litany of information.

 

Second for your concern about your elites and as a matter of fact your element. That seems to be the path of self discovery. I for one was instinctively able to summon and command the Gentlemen before I even knew what I was. There are others of the Organization who were able to master there element first. But know this you shouldn't have to find an elite you should just be able to call them forth. As for your element it doesn't have to be something so...natural. Simple concepts can count as your element. If I recall correctly in our current ranks we do have a Fire and a Sand, but we also have Luck, Time, Space, and I myself am Reflect. So even the most abstract term can be you element it seems. Like before discovering it is up to you. But self-discovery is always gratifying so I don't seek to take that away from you. "

 

It was then that Omcraxs came from his Corridor and entered the library. He clearly didn't notice Nerhyx and his companion at first. Nerhyx assumed he was preoccupied. Nerhyx quickly surmised that he was busy talking to one of his invisible wraiths seeing as he just happened to be talking to air and the skeptical nobody never struck Nerhyx as that "special". Nevertheless Nerhyx motioned his tea over to him to show this new female another member. "And that would be the current Number III despite his...behavior he is quite powerful. I've never seen him in combat, well substantial combat anyway, but the Superior seems to have no problem with him." He spoke the newly formed nobody.

Omcraxs then made himself known...but of course saying hello was beyond the creature he had to show total strangers that he had wit. "Humor...interesting." He took another sip of tea without cracking a smile. "This here is a recently born Nobody who has agreed to join our cause. Whose name I never got." He looked back at the female nobody. "So what should we call you from now on?"
 

[The Warden]

Haxz was spat out in the Library, considering it was the last place he spoke to Kreix and that weirdo Xehanort parody. He sighed loudly, provoking several Deadbeats to slither by. One presented him with a rather filthy towel, which he of course refused. "Not now boys, but, you may as well fill me on what's been going on in my absence."

 

He pulled a sack of Munny from god knows where and hefts it to the closest Deadbeat. In a heartbeat it mutated into a complete replica of Haxz. "My Lord, the current events are such: The young lad Xemyron tried to blackmail Kreix, and they vanished through time. Also, the Manservant has entered this place and is now in the presence of a female Nobody like yourself. She is confused, and, most likely available; so, now is the best time to stick it in."

 

It coughed up the sack of Munny and gave it back to Haxz, reverting to its skinny slender form. "Y'know, if you weren't parodying me I'd assume you were being serious about that last bit. But, if there is some clam chowder in this sausage festival, then it will warrant a look. Show me."

 

The Deadbeats snaked through the bookcases, leading Haxz through the small labyrinth until voices became present: "This here is a recently born Nobody who has agreed to join our cause. Whose name I never got. So what should we call you from now on?"

 

Haxz turned a bookcase to find Omcraxs had already found the two, but then, his Wraiths are better trackers. "Has anyone already made a snide joke at the butler's expense yet?"

[ListenToLife]

When James next awoke, the first thing he noticed was that he was outside on a piece of rock, and it was nighttime. Or...was it? No, it wasn't quite night, it was just dark. His body clock, it could tell. Not long had passed since he had been knocked unconcious. And yet, it definitely wasn't day time. It was some kind of...twilight state. Dusk, turning into night. But...unchanging. Somehow, James got the distinct impression that the sky had been the same for this place as it has for years. Possibly the fact that nothing seemed to be moving at all helped this impression, but that was hardly unusual. There was just a sense of...stillness in the air.

 

He sighed and pushed himself off the cold stone, lifting himself into a sitting position, crossing his legs as he did so. A dull ache took his attention from his immediate environment before he could properly examine it, causing his last waking memories to flash before his eyes. The sudden appearance of the man. The glint in the corner of his eye. His failing to help his friends....

 

....His friends. Once again, he had fallen behind them. Once again, he had let them down, failed them. He saw a quick, fleeting image - probably the last thing he saw before falling unconcious - of the paper dragon charm falling to the ground as darkness enveloped him. He momentarily cursed himself for it, gritting his teeth and lifting his head. The thoughts were driven out of his head as he looked up from his legs, and he quickly scrambled to his feet, taking a few steps back a moment. Panic erupted in his brain, as he realised the enormity of the danger he was in. Initially, he had just fancied himself kidnapped - a hostage or something. Which he essentially was. But the guys who he was dealing with here? Not what he was expecting.

Cos, surrounding him, was a circle of shadowy creatures, their yellows eyes beaming out from the clump of darkness like...like...

 

As he reached down to grab his tome, to compare these shadow things, a dark chuckle erupted from behind him, and he realised that the book was not at his side, nor was his ring on his finger.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lexamus chuckled slightly, humoured by the Kid's panic and he attempt to grab the book and ring that had been found on his unconcious self. He held the book open in his left palm, as if he was going to casually read it, but he obviously showed little interest in it. His right hand tossed the ring slightly up before catching it again and repeating.

 

Lexamus slammed the book shut forcefully, creating a loud slam, as he began to speak. "So, kid...I'm not an especially patient guy. So I'm gonna ask you a few questions, and you're gonna answer them. Capisce?" He asked, tossing the book casually to his side, where it was caught by an awaiting Dusk, who promptly vanished into nothingness. The ring he placed in his pocket, as he noted the downtrodden expression on James' face.

 

"Why?" Came James' reply. "Why would I answer you? You're my enemy, right?"

 

Lexamus chuckled again, and bore his eyes at James. "Why? Because I'll leave if you dont. And my presence is the only thing stopping the Shadows from attacking." He answered, gesturing to the gathered heartless with his left hand. "But I must admire your bravery boy. Few people, especially those with hearts, try to defy me. Even fewer people that know of my power." He added, grinning and taking a step towards James, the muscles on his exposed torso rippling slightly. The only thought that came into James' head at that moment was "Isn't he cold?"

 

A smile played across James' lips, though it disappeared quickly as he readdressed the situation. It didn't escape Lexamus' attention though, and the next thing James knew, he was pin to the floor, the floor cracked around him, and Lexamus' hand grasping his neck.

"What's so funny?" Lexamus enquired, a snarl gathering at his mouth, as James' eyes widened with distress. He had expected the man to be powerful, but not -this- powerful. Would all their enemies be like this? Was he the leader of his group? No...the leader wouldn't have needed to get his hands dirty with this menial task. So there were people stronger than this...James mentally cursed, and closed his eyes for a few seconds, before exhaling deeply.

 

"N-nothing." James spluttered, coughing a little as Lexamus loosened his grip. "I think...I think I'm reading to answer your questions."

 

Lexamus greeted this news with a faint smile, and stood up, grabbing James by the collar and lifting him to his feet. "First things first...summon your keyblade." Lexamus commanded, a circle of Dusks appearing around the two as Lexamus finished his sentence.

James just stood their shocked, confused at the request. A keyblade? Him? He couldn't wield a keyblade...no, not a chance. "I think you must be mistaken. I'm not a keyblade wie-" James started, before being cut of by a quick jab to the stomach, winding him and forcing him to his knees. He hadn't even seen the movement, Lexamus hadn't even seemed to leave his spot. And yet his winded stomach and the small dust cloud expelled from behind his feet proved other wise.

 

"You really shouldn't lie to me, boy." Lexamus warned, his tone growing harsh and aggressive. The ring of dusks took a small step closer, tightening the ring around the two. "I saw something in your hands, for a brief moment! There were Keybladers in New York! It must be the Keyblade!" His tone was growing angrier. His raised voice appeared to scare the Shadows off, as most dissipitated as he growled.

 

James was starting to panic, and he remained on his knees to say, "I swear, I dont know about a Keyblade! I have never wielded one, never even seen one!" He argued, panic obvious in his voice.

 

Lexamus sighed and took the ring out of his pocket, looking at it for a moment, before tossing it to the ground at James' knees. "Then you're useless to me. Enjoy your magic." He called, turning around and making a quick motion to the dusks with his hand, before disappearing.

 

Obviously this was an order to attack, as no sooner had James placed the ring on his finger than all 8 Dusks pounced upon him at once.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lexamus groaned slightly and reappeared just outside the Library, the Dusk with the Tome stood behind him, its 'hands' wrapped tightly around the Tome it had been ordered to protect. Even if someone in the library themselves didn't know what the book was, one of the other books might tell him. Besides, he himself was not that intrigued by it; magic didn't agree with him too much. Surely one of the others would take a greater interest; well, he presumed that as he knocked on the door to the library.

[Mugendramon]

Omcraxs didn't want to face this girl or talk to Nerhyx really. He was incredibly tired. He just wanted to go to his room and sleep for a whi- Oh fuck why won't this guy leave me alone.
 
Haxz was here again, like some sort of annoying, scheming gnat that buzzed around you and kind of orders you around too. But no, Omcraxs had had it with him for the day. The banging on the Library door was just what he needed to get the hell out of there.
 
"YeahI'llgetit. Sorry for not being able to harass you further; but it's been a busy day for me today." With a sideways glance at Haxz, Number III was gone. He walked up to the door, and in today's -hopefully- last gesture of politeness he opened the door he said he would. He looked at Lexamus briefly before moving to the side to let him through. The Nobody realized he was out of the other's league, but that earned him nothing in terms of respect.
 
Not adressing a word to him, Omcraxs summoned a Corridor and was gone.
 
[hr]
 
"Shit!" he yelled out loud a while after, lying on his bed in his chambers, once her realized he had left his cloack lying around on a rooftop in New York. Like hell I'm going back for it.

[Kōsuke Ueki]

W-what? I...I can't see...why do I feel so heavy, so restricted...? Is this...what pure evil feels like...?

 

Pure evil, indeed. In fact, it is the infinite space of one's mind, blanketed by the darkness of Entice. In this space, lies Ryan, head down, eyes closed, and down on his knees. And it seems, that his mind was the only thing that could speak out loud, or so he seems to understand.

 

Why does everything seem so dark? Wait, I remember...!

 

He could see his last memory before it went dark. Outrunning a thunder-like spell, aimed for Viola. He jumped in front of it, and everything went straight to black. But now something wanders in his mind that wasn't there before. It was familiar, but much, much darker than he originally conceived.

 

I saved Viola, but at what cost? I'm as good as dead...I should just let this take over, because I-

 

A small flash of light appeared about in front of him, knocking him out of his senses. A small movement came from his hand, and followed suit with the rest of his body.

 

No...I won't let this happen...! Not today...!

 

Ryan arose, his eyes beginning to open, filled with determination to fight the evil slowly consuming his will.

 

I have more to live for! And this will NOT stop me!

 

Ryan then took a deep breath. now able to speak once more. "I will not allow such an evil creature take my life away, not so long as my heart tells me what it is I must do!" he yelled into supposedly nothingness. But he knew something...no...someone's presence lingers in front of him, even though its strength appears to be fading. "I know it is you Mateus. And as long as my friends and I have the power to stop you, your existence only lies to a means of your own destruction, permanently." The darkness in his mind appeared to be getting sucked out, but also purified as well. He began to take one step. Then another. And then another. Soon enough, a bright light appeared in front of him. With the strength to move again, he proceeded to walk towards it. Then everything faded into the light.

 

The next time you come about Mateus, I shall put an end to your treacherous ways once, and for all!

 

The light soon faded into his physical vision. The light of the sun was blaring and it made it hard to see. He groaned slightly at the aches he was feeling. The pain that came about in his physical body still remained, even though most of the pure evil that he was struck with had faded into nothing but a whisper. It was hard to move, and he couldn't speak all that well. "Shu...ren..." was all he could say as he looked towards him. With all of his strength, he raised his arm up to have Shuren assist him. "You mind...helping me up?" The pain was starting to subside, slowly but surely, and he felt in more control of his bodily functions. He can only hope that things haven't gotten that hectic since he took that hit. Since it hasn't been that long since he did take that spell full force, he's pretty sure that only progress has been made to expanding his journey.