Key2DestNE: Hey guys, time for a new chapter! I know you all have been excited for this next bit, and giving various theories for why Xemnas is here in the past. Well… this chapter, it's going to be revealed- along with a few other things~! *winks mysteriously*
DarkFoxKit: Hee, hee, hee… well then… I hope you guys enjoy this. The chapter isn't quite as long as the last two we did, but it's got plenty of action and drama in it!
Key2DestNE: Well, there isn't much else to say- and I think everybody wants us to get to the chapter already. So without further ado, here it is- Chapter 10 of Roxas's Story inside Birth By Sleep!
DarkFoxKit: …Uh… what? *seems to be speaking into an earphone* … But didn't we just- … No, that's not until the END AN! … No, I said the END! … No! This is the beginning! … *looks over at Key* Key, do the disclaimer, I have a new… rookie to fire. *holds up a shotgun and begins walking backstage*
Key2DestNE: … *gulp* Uh… r-right… Anyways, we don't own anything within the Kingdom Hearts franchise, not even the plot- just their reactions and how we think Roxas would fit into the Birth By Sleep world! Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go stop Fox from wasting our ammo on another poor newcomer… *frantically rushes off* FOX, WAAAAAIT!
Chapter 9: Keyblade Warriors
How is Xemnas here? Did he follow me through TIME? Roxas thought to himself in a panicked frenzy, his hood keeping his face hidden. And where did Vanitas disappear to? What should I do? Is Xemnas still after me?
Suddenly, Xemnas turned to him and gave him a sinister smirk, making Roxas cringe, then he said something. "Ah, our Keyblade Wielder. Now this is where you've been all this time, Roxas? You've had a long enough vacation, don't you think?"
"What? I didn't have a vacation, I left the Organization for good!" Roxas snapped. Xemnas, who was walking towards him, stopped suddenly.
The tall Nobody scowled, crossing his arms imposingly. "So you believe you could just run away, Roxas? I suppose you know what happens to those who leave the Organization…"
"So you followed me all the way out here just to dispose of me? You're really one crazy man, Xemnas." Roxas spat as he summoned Oblivion.
Xemnas's eyes widened in shock, and he took a step back. "W-what!?" Roxas then blinked as he heard a familiar voice, instead of Xemnas. "How…? You…" But suddenly he smirked again, making Roxas believe maybe he did that just to throw him off. "Very well, let's fight." he summoned the two Ethereal Blades to his hands as he got into a battle ready stance. "Show me what the power of the Keyblade is to the power of Nothingness!"
Roxas growled, holding his Keyblade up aggressively. "Fine, I will!" Without anymore hesitation, Roxas charged at Xemnas, who quickly pulled up his Ethereal Blades to block his incoming attack with a CLASH! The young Nobody refused to give up, he then used his feet to kick at Xemnas's chest before he jumped away. "I've been meaning to fight with you since I left the Organization!"
Xemnas laughed coldly, running towards Roxas as he swung his Ethereal Blades towards Roxas's head! "Wonderful… don't hold back, Roxas! Otherwise… you shall be engulfed in Nothingness!" he jumped back, casting Fira to Roxas's surprise.
What? … I've never actually fought with Xemnas before, but I've seen him fight… he never used elemental magic before. Roxas thought to himself in slight confusion, but shrugged it off as he swung the black Keyblade at the fireball to counter it back at him. Then the young Nobody jumped and somersaulted into the air, literally almost making him into a human chainsaw with that Oblivion. Xemnas seemed to be trying to block it, but he was hit a few times, then Roxas took this moment to jab at him!
Xemnas was a long stronger than Roxas thought, and by that he means at a more physical caliber, because Xemnas used his blades to push him back, and by back Roxas meant he was literally rocketing towards the stands, if he hadn't recovered in time to land on the ground, he would've no doubt be having a very bad backache right now. I never knew Xemnas was someone who was physically strong like that… I heard he mostly likes to attack in a fast pattern rather than using brute force…
Roxas didn't have time to think about this oddity as Xemnas was charging at him! He gasped, quickly performing a Reversal around Xemnas's Ethereal Blades! "No you don't!" he cried out, slamming his Keyblade into Xemnas's back.
Xemnas grunted in pain, but he quickly turned and fired off another magic spell- Blizzard. "Nothingness is eternal, Roxas! You shall not escape the Organization!"
Roxas jumped to avoid the ice spell, but Xemnas was relentless… it almost seemed like he was trying to take aim at him, which puzzled Roxas- as far as the Nobody knew, the Leader of the Organization never shoots with his blades… he then stood corrected as he was suddenly being bombarded with beams of energy like a gun! "WAH!" Roxas quickly tried to guard against them all, but he was hit multiple times, almost bringing him down to his knees as Xemnas charged at him again.
Roxas hissed as he Dodge Rolled out of the way before Xemnas could hit him and he cast Curaga on himself before quickly standing back up. "What're you trying to do, Xemnas!? Bring me back!?" he scoffed, pulling his Keyblade to his chest to keep his guard up. "Not likely!" Was that… a Shotlock? … Well it's pretty similar to one, or maybe Xigbar's been giving Xemnas lessons…
Xemnas's smirk merely widened, as he got back into a battle-ready stance, with his legs wide apart and his Ethereal Blades combined in one hand. "Oh, is that so, Roxas? I suppose that's a shame… Axel has missed you so in our missions!" he taunted, making Roxas freeze for a moment. "Oh, but he can't miss you anymore, now can he?" he laughed tauntingly, adding, "After all, Dusks can't even keep their own memories!"
Roxas's eyes widen from under his hood, and horror began to fill his being… but soon it was replaced by anger and rage. "How… how COULD you!? He… Axel… he- he was my best… and only real friend!" No longer wanting to hold back from this man, the Key to Destiny held out his other hand and summoned Oathkeeper in a bright light, now wielding both Oblivion and Oathkeeper. Roxas was gritting his teeth, tears spilling from his eyes- it was at this point the angry Nobody was glad no one could see his face.
Xemnas's eyes widened in shock, and he took a step back. Again, Roxas heard a familiar voice instead of Xemnas. "W-what the!? How can you wield TWO Keyblades!?" Xemnas frowned, his own voice coming back to him as he added, "And why did you never mention this to me, Roxas!? You could have been so much more valuable with two Keyblades instead of one!"
"I don't care about being of used to you or the Organization, Xemnas. You're going down, especially after what you did to Axel!" Roxas charged at him, dragging his two Keyblades from the ground before he jumped at him and attacked rapidly in a combo frenzy, giving Xemnas no time to react! "Take THIS!" Roxas hit Xemnas with BOTH of his Keyblades and pushed him back, forcing his former boss's knee to the ground.
Xemnas groaned in pain, glaring up at Roxas in anger. "Why you little…!" he growled, aiming his Ethereal Blades to the sky. "THUNDER!" he roared, causing Roxas to be instantly struck with a huge lightning bolt!
"Gah!" Roxas grunted in pain but was still far from down. He then jumped and glided, before he pointed his two Keyblades at Xemnas, "Firaga!" and shot out huge fireballs almost like a gun at his former boss. Xemnas jumped back, trying to dodge or block his fireballs, but a few did manage to scorch him.
Roxas landed and charged at him again, deciding to use his melee attacks once more. The Nobody managed to get in a few combos before Xemnas seem to have used a Reflect spell, which isn't unusual for the Leader of Organization XIII, and pushed back Roxas off of him before jumping away, obviously seeing that a close up fight with Roxas was too dangerous at this point.
It seemed Xemnas was going to rely on his 'Shotlock' again, because Roxas could see he was taking aim at him with his Ethereal Blades and began shooting those beams of energy. Roxas hated these things, because trying to dodge or guard them wasn't easy, he tried using Areo to reduce the damage because he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up a Reflect spell for long. After the energy beams were done, Roxas charged at him once more, using Oblivion and Oathkeeper to bat away any fireballs or ice crystals Xemnas tried to throw him before he got in close.
Roxas narrowed his eyes when he thought he saw some kind of dark aura over Xemnas… another oddity Roxas noted, Nobodies shouldn't be able to use light or darkness… still, Roxas ignored this and shoved Xemnas into a wall, making it hard for him to escape Roxas's next deadly combo frenzy. Of course, Roxas wasn't able to keep him there for long, it was as if Xemnas just got twice as strong suddenly because he managed to block some of Roxas's attacks and push him far away again before Xemnas casted Cura on himself.
What? How is Xemnas doing that? He's almost fighting like a Keyblade Wielder, it's so weird! Roxas thought to himself in surprise. Then suddenly, Xemnas came at him way too fast! Roxas barely had enough time to block his incoming attack… but it was like Xemnas got faster and stronger so quickly, was he toying around him before?
Roxas managed to parry Xemnas's Ethereal Blades with his own two Keyblades, but the brute force in his attacks made it hard for Roxas to keep a steady footing, and one wrong move was all Xemnas needed to knock Roxas around before he made the younger Nobody fall on face in pain. Roxas groaned as he reached to the point he could use his Limit attack… and he better do it quick before he ends up in a situation like he almost did with Xehanort earlier.
Xemnas seemed to be approaching him slowly, almost cautiously, before Roxas suddenly jumped without warning as he was waiting for his former boss to get within range. Roxas wasted no time lighting both his Keyblades, making them much stronger and deadlier as he attacked much faster than he did before, giving Xemnas absolutely no room to retaliate! Xemnas grunted in pain as Roxas kept attacking, then The Key to Destiny jumped into the air. "THIS IS FOR AXEL!" Roxas summoned the 13 pillars of light and scrambled them as they all attacked Xemnas!
By the time Roxas finished the attack, he fell back to his feet as Xemnas laid on the ground, looking half conscious. Roxas approached him, ready to finish the job… but… when he got close enough, he saw Xemnas pulling out… a Hi-Potion from his pocket! Roxas gasped as he quickly charged, knowing the battle was not over yet, but Xemnas was quick when he gulped down the Hi-Potion and got up in time to parry Roxas's Keyblades. Both of them were at a standstill here and at each other's faces. Roxas was pushing back with all of his remaining strength to try and match Xemnas's ridiculously powerful yet lean body. Then suddenly, Xemnas reached out a hand and pulled back his hood, revealing the young Nobody's face.
Roxas gasped, but it was nothing compared to Xemnas's reaction. He stumbled back, his Ethereal Blades disappearing. "V-Ven…?" Roxas blinked at that- it almost sounded like… Terra? "Wait… no… ROXAS!? What- since when could you…?"
Roxas glared as his grip tightened around his two Keyblades. "Enough of your mind games, don't think I'll fall for it, Xemnas!" he snapped, looking ready to charge again, but for some reason… Xemnas's voice didn't change back.
"R-Roxas, what's with you? Why are you attacking me!?" Xemnas's mouth was beginning to grow out of sync with his words… "Wait… your eyes…!" he took another step back in shock. "No way…"
The young Nobody didn't appreciate Xemnas trying to trick him again, so he charged and tried to slash at him again, but Xemnas reacted quickly as he summoned his Ethereal Blades to block… but that's all he did, he only blocked Roxas's Oblivion and Oathkeeper- it was almost like he wasn't trying to fight him anymore.
"Stop messing around and fight!" Roxas snapped angrily as he jumped back, still in his battle stance and ready to strike again. "What, you're scared now!? I didn't think you were scared when you turned Axel into a Dusk!" he gritted his teeth, tears trickling down his face again.
To Roxas's surprise, though… Xemnas frowned. "Roxas, snap out of it! You're being controlled- it's me, Terra! I don't know who Xemnas is… but I need you to snap out of it and realize just who you're really fighting!"
Roxas frowned at this… something was definitely wrong here… Terra? What? That can't be… No, it's got to be a trick! "Why don't you quit with your mind games? I know you're just trying to confuse me!" Roxas attacked again, hitting Xemnas's arm, who then tried to block his attacks again. With Roxas up at his face, it was then the young Nobody could see the face was starting to blink into another. "What? What are you doing?"
Xemnas gritted his teeth, still trying to block Roxas's attacks with his arms. "R-Roxas… Roxas, come on- don't you recognize me!?" his silver hair was slowly turning brown, his yellow eyes turning blue and his face slowly grew younger. "Come on, fight it! Don't let… don't let the darkness control you! Not like it happened to me- fight it!"
"What are you talking about!? Darkness doesn't control me! It can't control me!" Roxas snapped back, now more confused than ever and it irritated him, he didn't stop his attacks though they were starting to slow down. Is this really Xemnas? He's starting to look like someone else! What's going on here!? Who have I been really fighting?
As Xemnas kept blocking Roxas's Keyblades, his expression changed as well- from shock to concern. "Roxas, you may not think you can be controlled by darkness, but it's easier than you may think! Come on… I know you can hear me, Roxas!"
Roxas hissed in a bit of pain as Xemnas managed to pin Oathkeeper down. Gritting his teeth in irritation, Roxas raised Oblivion to try and strike but stopped suddenly when it felt like something in his head shattered! His eyes widened as pain began filling his head once more, and he dropped both his Keyblades, causing them to disappear as he grabbed his head and began grunting in pain. What… what's happening to me now!?
As Roxas groaned in pain, his face nearly touching the floor, he noticed Xemnas's boots right next to him… right before they transformed into Terra's shoes. "Roxas!" The Nobody froze, feeling whom he thought was Xemnas hugging him tightly. "No, no…!" Why do I have to always hear that!? WHY!? I swear I'm more unbalanced than even most mental teenagers at a mental institution! And… wait… don't tell me I've been fighting with TERRA all this time! Great, just great- this is a lovely predicament I just got myself in! And he saw me wield not one but TWO Keyblades! Ugh… This is giving me more headaches…
Terra frowned worriedly when the boy in his arms didn't answer, looking Roxas over. "Are you okay?" Roxas still didn't give a response, and he gulped, putting a gentle but firm hand on his friend's head. "Cura!" A familiar green halo of light surrounded Roxas, and Terra waited as Roxas groaned weakly again.
Roxas really didn't want to have to speak right now, not because of the pain in his head… though that is part of the reason, or that his body is very sore, but mostly because he didn't want to have to explain the situation… it would be too complicated and he needed to think of a story that could work right here and now- still, if he made Terra worry even more about him, the guy will probably get a heart attack. "I'm… fine…"
Terra sighed in relief as soon as he heard those words, and he gently helped Roxas sit up. "That's good…" then he frowned a bit, looking at Roxas questioningly. "...When did you…?" When did he get a Keyblade? And for that matter, why didn't he want to reveal it? Not to mention, how did he get two? As far as we know, it's impossible to wield more than one…
Roxas sighed as he quickly tried to come up with a believable story, one thing he knew about time travel is to never reveal you are a time traveler, that is a very dangerous thing… so the boy went with the easiest option he could think of on the spot. "I… I don't know… I've always had the Keyblade ever since I could remember." Well it was kind of the truth anyway, and playing amnesia would help save him from having to explain too much… and to keep him from having to make up a complex story he might not remember.
Terra frowned at that, but he didn't question that bit anymore. "I suppose that makes sense… but how can you use two Keyblades?" Roxas paled a bit, gulping. "And… why didn't you want to tell us? Were you worried about something?"
In hindsight, Roxas should've seen that question coming… well, he couldn't feign amnesia here… "... I don't know how I'm able to use two Keyblades… I just could one day." that was the truth, Roxas really didn't know how or why he gained another Keyblade, just that he did. "As for why I didn't want to tell you… well… I wasn't allowed to tell you really… and you shouldn't have found out… I'm… I'm sorry for attacking you, I thought you were someone else."
Terra blinked at that before he frowned, crossing his arms. "You thought I was this Xemnas, huh?" He frowned at that, closing his eyes. Don't get angry… I shouldn't hurt him… It wasn't his fault- he was being controlled…!
"If you're angry with me that's fine. I was stupid for being fooled so easily." Roxas said bitterly, almost as if he read Terra's mind, in truth he felt his darkness, and it was one of anger and irritation. Even after I made a promise to myself not to be fooled or tricked again… it still happened…!
Terra paused at that. "..." Then he sighed, helping Roxas to his feet. "Well… I'm more irritated that you hid something that could help us for so long." Then he grinned slightly, ruffling Roxas's hair. "Heck, you gave me quite the fight there- great job, Roxas!"
Roxas blinked at him, almost as if he was shocked at Terra's sudden behavior and that he just ruffled his hair… nobody's ever ruffled his hair before, at least not like that. "Um… thanks? … And I was helping you guys, just not while you saw me…"
Terra shrugged, giving a lopsided grin. "Heh… Well, either way, great job with that fight, Roxas. I'm not sure who taught you, but you have some moves I've never even seen before- impressive job! But… was it your Master who told you not to reveal that you have Keyblades?"
The Nobody sighed… Hah… if only I DID have a Master… "Not exactly… but I do have my reasons. But…" he gave a slight smirk at Terra. "Now would you believe me when I say I could take care of myself?"
Terra chuckled sheepishly at that reminder, scratching the back of his neck. "Well… you did well enough, I suppose…" then he glanced down at Roxas's coat, giving another small frown. "So… what's with the outfit?"
"... This coat… I used it to try and keep my identity a secret when I fight around you guys, but… I can see that backfired… it's also to protect me from darkness." Roxas answered with a shrug. And a LOT OF GOOD that did for me! Seriously, how'd I get tricked by such a simple thing like an illusion!?
Terra frowned at that, glancing down at his fist before it clenched. "So… you're protected from darkness while wearing that thing?" It's too bad… I doubt it would cleanse my own personal darkness… otherwise…
Roxas sighed, shrugging. "Well it protects you from the outside influences of darkness, but from within? Not so much. Well… I don't think I really need it anymore, seeing how you, Ven and Aqua now know I can wield at least one Keyblade." The Nobody sighed as he took off his coat, and instead of putting it back into his pocket, he threw it off into the wind.
Terra smiled a bit, seeing Roxas in his own clothes and not hiding with that cloak. "It's good to know you won't hide like that anymore… Roxas." Then he blinked, glancing back behind him as he noticed the black haired boy from his match slowly standing up from where he had been sitting and watching the fight. "Mmm?" he frowned in confusion as he then noticed a bunch of confetti beginning to fall from the air! What in the worlds…?
"Whoa! That was so AMAZING you two! It was like watching the big finale from Star Wars or something!" the black haired boy said in excitement, clapping his gloved hands like crazy. Then he blinked, realizing something. "Oh right, I should introduce myself! I'm Zack, nice to meet you!"
Roxas looked up at him… Zack was that helmet-wearing boy he saw earlier. "Zack? I thought Phil had you enter the East side of the tournament, what're you doing here?"
Zack grinned, leaning back a bit. "Heh… I did- this is the final round of the Games, the East side winner versus the West side winner!" Then he frowned a bit, glancing to the side. "Unfortunately, Phil chose Herc after all… but, well… I guess I can wait for now."
"You're an awfully good sport about this…" Roxas chuckled, crossing his arms in amusement.
"Yeah, but man, you two are just WOW! You could make heroes easily!" Zack said as if it was fact. "In fact, what was your name?" he pointed at the taller Keyblade Wielder, smiling.
"... I'm no hero, not even close." Terra said with a frown. "But… my name's Terra."
"Yeah, neither am I." Roxas shrugged, not really caring about being a hero or not- though to be fair, the closest thing he has to really knowing what a 'hero' is was Pete as 'Captain Justice', so he can't say he has… high expectations with heroes.
Zack blinked in surprise at that. "You kidding? Listen to those cheers, you two!" Roxas and Terra both blinked in surprise, glancing around to hear the entire Coliseum on it's feet and cheering! "You don't get to decide whether you're a hero or not, guys. They do. And they've already made up their minds. Whether you like it or not, you're their heroes." he then grinned, pointing to himself. "And mine too- in fact, Terra… You're just the kind of person I imagine a hero would look like!"
"Oh, so what am I? Just some random kid who got lucky?" Roxas crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
Zack shook his head, chuckling. "Heck no- you're who I could be right now at our age!" Then he frowned, glancing off to the side. "It's too bad, though… I really wanted to fight you fair and square, Terra. Stupid God of Death…"
"... Um…" Roxas was going to ask but decided against it, it looks like a sensitive subject and he didn't want to step on anyone's toes.
Zack then looked up at Roxas and said, smiling, "Oh yeah, Ven told me to give you a message! He said that he wants to travel on his own for a while, you know, the whole self journey thing- he says you'll be alright on your own."
Roxas blinked and was about to say something when Terra beat him to it, grabbing his former opponent's shoulders. "Wait, Ven was here?"
"Yeah, but you just missed him, sorry Terra." Zack shrugged. "I guess he didn't realize you were here too."
"Wait… Ven LEFT me?" Roxas groaned. Oh great, I guess that means I'm stuck with Terra for now… Roxas didn't dislike Terra or anything, but he's most uncomfortable around Terra due to his constant darkness spikes, that and the guy is pretty intimidating when he's mad… and the fact that Terra, out of the trio, knows he could use two Keyblades didn't make it any easier.
Terra frowned a bit at that, but he smiled down at Roxas. "Well… I suppose we'll have to travel together for now, Roxas. You… don't mind, do you?" he frowned a bit, seeing Roxas hesitate. …I guess I scared him… he's still a kid, two Keyblades or not- I shouldn't forget that…
Roxas gave him a somewhat strained smile, quickly shaking his head. "Of course not, I don't mind Terra… it's been a while since we traveled together really…" For a Nobody, I suck at acting.
Terra frowned a bit more, crossing his arms. "Well… you don't have to hide your emotions from me." Roxas gulped, about to say something, before Terra turned and began to walk out of the stadium. "I'll see you some other time, Zack- c'mon Roxas… we still have to find Vanitas."
"Wait, so you're not going to take me back to your world for safety?" Roxas asked him as the two began walking away from the stadium. That's pretty surprising- I was sure he'd be convinced that I have to head back… Wait, Vanitas… he was the one who made me see that illusion… but how and why?
Terra shrugged, still walking out of the stadium. "Well… you're able to handle yourself, right? It may be dangerous… but as long as we get you some items, you should be alright- especially with two Keyblades!"
"... Yeah, about that… don't tell anyone I can use two Keyblades… I'm already big enough trouble as it is now that you know… Ven and Aqua only knows I can use one, so please, please, PLEASE don't tell them!" Roxas all but begged.
The tall Keyblade Wielder blinked in surprise, glancing down at Roxas before he nodded. "I suppose so… but you'll have to tell them eventually, just remember that."
"... Why do I have to?" Roxas frowned, asking him. It's not like I plan to stick around once I can get back to my time period.
Terra blinked before looking at Roxas… who looked like he really didn't think he had to. He frowned a bit at that, crossing his arms. "Roxas… you can't just ignore responsibility- you have to tell them because they care about you. It's your responsibility to not lie to them about…" he hesitated before continuing in a slightly darker, more bitter tone. "...about what you're really doing."
Roxas shuddered at that last sentence. "What do you think I'm really doing? You make it sound like I'm doing something bad…" I wonder if he's… angry with me for attacking him earlier… or that maybe I look so much like Ven but I'm not.
Terra blinked at that before he quickly shook his head. "W-what? No, no, I just meant don't hide yourself behind lies! Don't…" he took a deep breath, remembering Aqua. "Don't lie to your friends- they care about you." Other than Aqua, that is… she decided to spy on me because Master Eraqus doesn't trust me! "And if they find out without you telling them… it's going to crush them."
"... Did it crush you when you saw me using two Keyblades?" Roxas asked him, frowning a bit worriedly. "If it did, I'm sorry… you don't have to travel with me."
Terra blinked in surprise before he groaned, rubbing his forehead. And this is why Aqua always taught Ven the morals lessons, and not me… "No, Roxas- it isn't that. I'm not crushed by that, all I mean is you shouldn't lie and hide secrets from those who care about you! I'm surprised, yes, but… I'm not crushed by it."
"So… it crushes people who care about someone else if they lie or hide secrets from them?" Roxas asked as he thought about why he abandoned the Organization. Well, it's true I wasn't happy when Axel hid things from me… and why I left in the first place. I guess I can see where Terra's coming from… but I CAN'T tell them, if I do then… I might not… That's when another thought occurred to Roxas. Until now, he didn't know why Axel was hiding things from him, things he obviously had the right to know. Was it because Axel thought it would be for the best that I didn't know the truth? That he worried what would happen to me if I did? … If I could see Axel again, I owe him an apology…
Terra noticed Roxas has been quiet since he said that, it seems like the kid was deep in thought about something. The tall Keyblade Wielder gave a small sigh in relief, realizing Roxas was thinking about what he said. Guess I actually managed to make some sense to the kid… Geez, that was a major headache though… Terra smiled slightly, patting Roxas's shoulder. "Well, you can think about it as we ride- for now, you ready to go? Or should we get you some items first, maybe stop at a secret health spot?"
"Oh… well are there any shops around? I haven't been able to stock up on items, I've mostly counted on magic like Cure to keep me from being too badly wounded." Roxas answered with a shrug.
"You survived this long without items?" Terra stared at him, his eyes wide in shock. How in the worlds did Roxas survive like this!?
"... Well I traveled with Aqua and Ven for a bit so…" Roxas shrugged. "Of course… they didn't really know I could fight at the time yet… but I did have items before I met you guys, I just… lost them when I came to your world."
Terra blinked at that before he sighed, rubbing his forehead in slight aggravation. And of course, Roxas didn't even try to look for shops around the worlds… "Okay, Roxas…" he paused, trying to think of how to say this right. "...Let's get to a secret health spot first, then maybe we can find an items shop so you can restock!"
"Thank you… I'm sorry for being such a bother." Roxas rubbed the back of his head as if embarrassed. I feel like such an idiot… how did I not think to look around for item shops!? The Moogle in the World that Never Was sold items- why not here? … I guess since I could always get items from that Moogle I never had any reason to look for a shop in another world.
While they were shopping and getting the items they needed, Terra was thinking about something… and he couldn't wait anymore. "Roxas… who was your Master? I mean, why don't you have any armor? How did you travel between worlds without them? Did you lose them when you ended up in our world?"
"Huh?" Roxas blinked, looking at him before he realized the taller Keyblade Wielder was talking about the armor he, Aqua and Ven uses. "O-oh, well… I never got any armor." he answered as he paid the shopkeeper their munny for his Ethers, Potions and Elixirs.
Terra froze at that, staring down at Roxas in shock. "You… You didn't get any armor!? Ever!?" What kind of Master did Roxas have!? "Roxas, if you don't have armor… how do you get around to different worlds? Heck, how did your Master intend for you to travel to different worlds?"
"... What does it take to get armor from your Master?" Roxas asked Terra, mostly so he knows how a Master decides to give their students any armor, that and he wasn't sure if Terra would like it if he heard how Roxas got around to other worlds... Does he think I can use the Keyblade Glider too?
Terra frowned a bit, crossing his arms. "Well… there's an armory in the Land of Departure- I don't know about other Keyblade Masters, but Master Eraqus would have you go into the armory and choose a suit of armor that called to you." he gave a soft smile at the memory of getting his own armor, continuing to speak. "Then if it didn't fit you, he'd help adjust it…"
"That sounds interesting…" Roxas said as he blinked. So… the armor calls out to you like the Keyblade does? Wow, things work… differently in the past. I just got my Keyblade because… well, it was already there, not because I chose it or because it chose me or anything.
Terra nodded softly, his eyes slightly misty from remembering the past, before he shook his head, bringing himself back to the present as he glanced down at Roxas. "But then… if you just always had your Keyblade, and you never got armor… did you ever learn how to make a Keyblade Glider?"
Roxas crossed his arms and said with a sarcastic tone, "I barely know how to use the Shotlock, what does that tell you?" there wasn't any point in lying about that, but Roxas didn't seem to want to tell Terra he was self-taught.
Terra blinked at that before he chuckled sheepishly. "I… suppose you have a point." he cleared his throat, before he seemed to get an idea. "Well… when we find Vanitas and capture him… do you want me to teach you more about the Shotlock? Even if your own Master is going to teach you it someday, it'd be better to learn about it now… better early than late!"
"Yeah, I suppose if you want to." Roxas shrugged. Guess it isn't really important- after all, I'm not really gonna stick around that long…
Terra chuckled as he thought to himself while Roxas was putting away his items into his pockets. I guess Roxas's Master is far stricter than Master Eraqus, maybe his Master thought he was too young for the armor or the glider. I mean… he seems just as young as Ventus… did he say he was 15? … One year younger, then. I'm surprised he's as strong as he is really. "Ready to go?"
Roxas nodded, giving a small grin. "Yeah, let's go." This is getting exciting, really… I'm learning things I never thought I would…
Terra tapped his armor as it encased his body in a flash of light. The same drill, he makes his Keyblade Glider, holds on to Roxas so the armor would be shared with him, and they go out of the world and into the Realms of Between.
DarkFoxKit: It was a tranquilizer dart, I wasn't actually going to kill him! *stops and sees the camera rolling* Oh, uh… hi folks! Did you enjoy Roxas and Terra's little scuffle?
Key2DestNE: *he was arguing with her beforehand, but he nodded, chuckling a bit.* Yeah, I don't think anybody expected Xemnas to be TERRA. It's a nice nod to the continuity of the series- for those who know about it- though. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Shoot 'Em Up? *pokes Fox's stomach*
DarkFoxKit: I told you it was a TRANQUILIZER DART! *growls irritably* ANYWAYS! I don't have time for your little paranoia, we've got some questions and comments to answer back to! But before that... Roxas threw his coat into the wind because he thinks he doesn't need it anymore, but that doesn't mean you'll never see it again. Now then... *picks up some paper* AHEM! Now then… termvXIII, I am very happy to hear that you've gained a lot of respect and like for the 'original trio' as you called them. Though honestly, when you said 'original trio' I thought you had meant Sora, Riku and Kairi at first, not Terra, Aqua and Ventus. But I'm still happy to hear you're liking them because of this story!
Key2DestNE: Heh- yeah, it's always nice to let another fan of a series enjoy some of the other characters! *smiles, picking up another piece of paper* Now for Sylkelith. …I hope I pronounced that correctly… *coughs awkwardly* A-anyways, I'm glad to see you agree about a kitten being born every time Ven or Roxas is given a hug! Now as for Vanitas's true backstory… It wasn't just given in the manga, but in the reports as well- so considering we have so much information about him, and how Roxas and Vanitas are possibly rivals… *smirks at the camera, winking* Well, I'll leave the rest up to your imagination~
DarkFoxKit: Now the last person to ask us some questions for this chapter is Mordecai. … I don't recall using the ' too much. Mostly on words like 'don't' and 'didn't' and things like that. But not too often, if at all, for 'c'mon' and if there was a word like that, most likely my co-author typed it, I usually just put 'come on'. But you shouldn't let something like that bother you, it's something most people use in this day and age.
Key2DestNE: Besides, it's not like it's that odd- I mean, c'mon and come on are the exact same thing, one's just shorter.
DarkFoxKit: And as for the 'vague explanation of Roxas's reaction to Vanitas's face'... hmm… Let's just say… he's not gonna be too happy when he sees it.
Key2DestNE: *mutters* That's putting it mildly… Ahem! Finally, for those of you who said Young Xehanort was Xemnas here… Well, it's obvious by this chapter that he WASN'T, but he will show up eventually~ *grins knowingly* Or maybe not- it's all up to what you all think will happen~
DarkFoxKit: Honestly, I was surprised so many people thought it actually was Xemnas or at least Young Xehanort posing as Xemnas. We gave a subtle hint that it was only an illusion set up by Vanitas when he was whispering to Roxas in the previous chapter.
Key2DestNE: Not to mention the fact that 'Xemnas' had just beaten Zack, just like Terra did in the games! Hellooooo, anyone remember THAT tidbit, or is it just me?
DarkFoxKit: I guess most people just read with their brains turned off. If you go back and read it again, you'll see the hints there. Anyways, that's all the questions and comments we have for today! I'm glad we- …. *taps on the earphone* What? No I did not say you can drop nuclear bombs in the city! What, are you mad?! …. *pales* Oh boy… uh… Key… we have a bit of an emergency! Wrap this up quick!
Key2DestNE: Wah? *blinks in confusion* What happened? I thought you already fired that employee who got the scripts mixed up! What's going on THIS time?
DarkFoxKit: First of all… I didn't get the chance to fire them because you stopped me- second, I TOLD you I needed to shoot them with the tranquilizer darts! And third, we have approximately 3 minutes to stop a nuclear bomb, so I suggest you pick up the pace and stop asking 'why'!
Key2DestNE: O_O O-oh, well in THAT case! *hastily turns back to the camera* I'm Key, this is Fox, and we hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to read and review the chapter if you haven't already, and- WAH!
DarkFoxKit: *grabs Key and begins running* Yes, yes, yes! They get it! And if we survive, we look forward to hearing from you. Ask questions, give us some comments to say back in our ANs, and we'll see ya'll next time! *turns off camera*