Battle City XII

Chapter XIII: Bits and Pieces
Episode Basis: A Little Bit of The Dark Ring part 3

Deep in their headquarters in between the Realm of Darkness and the Realm of Light, in the existence of nothingness, there they sat the prestigious members of the Organization Thirteen, or at least the remaining four members. Sat regally atop tall thrones of intricately carved white marble and silver of various heights, symbolizing their rank in the mysterious and evil group. The large decrease in Organization members was largely due to the Keyblade master and his companions or in the case of Vexen and Zexion; eliminated by Axel under orders. In the case of Roxas; He chooses to leave the Organization after discovering Xemnas true intentions. As for Axel, he chooses to betray Organization XIII after helping Roxas escape from their wrath, making him a marked man.

But despite the lack in numbers, that didn't stop the Superior of the Thirteenth Order who was seated quite majestically in an imposing manner on the highest throne from plotting his plans for Domino. The city caught the Organization's interest when Sora crashed landed on the world a year ago. They been monitoring Sora's activities with Yugiand his friends the entire time he was there. The one thing that defiantly caught the Organization's eye was the mystic tale of the Millennium Items. According to the infomation gathered from Pegasus, Yami-Bakura and even Marik himself, whoever should hold all seven Millennium Items shall harness the dark power of the Shadow Games. And with those powers, unmatched by anything else in the universe, any person can rule the world without any hesitation. And Yugi Moto was the key to unlocking that power. It was indeed a much vaster world than any other.

It was a power that was indeed astounding, but it pale in compassion to the Organization's ultimate goal: Kingdom Hearts. But that still did not stop Xemnas from wanting to acquire that very same power for his own personal use. He thought of it as an extra priory.

But as the Organization began plotting the takeover of earth, a few situations were beginning to develop: Other then Sora's expected return to the world, there was the sudden alliance Xemnas made with Marik, Yugi's enemy which was never discussed amongst the members, and in a more surprising twist; The supposed resurrection of the two Organization deflects: Roxas and Xion.

With these surprising developments, the Organization's plan to take over Yugi's world had become much more challenging. But as always, Xemnas has always had something up his sleeve. However this time, Xemnas plans would be far different than anyone else could imagine.

"I must say, seeing Roxas and Xion co-existing with the Keyblade master at the same time confound the mind." Remarked a man in a British accent with a blond Caesar cut hair, a goatee and five silver piercings on his ears; four helix piercings in the form of two hoops on each ear and one piercing shaped like the Nobody symbol dangling from one earlobe. His name is Luxord, the Gambler of Fate and No. X in the Organization. "Weren't they dispose of?"

"Apparently yes." Replied Saïx. "All memories of Xion should had been vanished when she was destroyed. But once she was resurrected, they too return very suddenly. As for Roxas, he rejoined with Sora but somehow he maintained a presence within him. The real question here is how they both escape from Sora?"

"Ansem the Wise..." prompt the leader of the Thirteenth order with tone of annoyance, yet with a hint of astonishment. "The poor fool must have found a way to extract those two back into the real world without the Keyblade master even knowing. He must have known we were going to infiltrate Domino City and brought them to protect the Pharaoh and his friends. A smart move on his part, since they're going to need all the help they need once our plans are well under way."

"But there is one thing I find inconvenience about this situation with No. XIII & XIV." Luxord added. "As I recalled, when Xion existed, she halted Sora's progression of regaining his memories to fully awaken. If she's out now with Sora having the full extent of his memories as we speak, yet it is the basis of her being , how is Xion able to retain her own existence at all?"

There was an intake of silence from the entire room, everyone looked at the superior who was clearly stump by the question, yet he maintain his calm, emotionless demeanor. When Xemnas created Xion for the sole purpose as a back up plan in case Sora became useless to Organization, he never expected Sora to be awake when Xion was alive and vice versa, one couldn't live with the other in existence. It was indeed a complexing mystery, one that Xemas could even answer.

"As impenetrable that say sound, I cannot provide a reasonable explanation, but I believe the tides of time will tell us sooner then later." He finished as he glance at his second in-command Saïx, who from the looks of it, was itching to voice his opinion on the matter. "No. VII, I believe you have something you wished to discuss am I correct?"

"Yes my Liege." The Luna Diviner spoke soft. But not before he locked eyes with the surprisingly silent second member of the Order. "It has come to my attention that No. II may have something to hide about some events that happened in that world even before we innovated the Organization, something that may have unleash the inner darkness within Marik Istar."

Xemnas eyes borrowed before he glared at the second member to join the Organization across from him, who was now smiling discreetly. The man had dark hair with several grey streaks tied into a long ponytail, pointed, elf-like ears, upturned eyebrows, and two visible injuries on his face; a damaged right eye covered by an eyepatch, while the other is a large jagged scar extending from his left cheek to just under his left eye which was gold. These injuries gave Xigbar, the Freeshooter an imitating look but he was one of the laid back arrogant members of the Organization.

Xemas gave Xigbar a suspicious of 'do have something to tell us.' something similar to a prosecutor would look to a suspect who forgot to mention a crucial piece of evidence in a trial. Ironically, it was something almost similar to that, only there was no trial.

"Well No. II, did you do something to Marik Istar? something I should know about?

The Freeshooter broke the silence by chuckling concavity before waving his hands in front of him in a diverse defensive position. "Hey don't look at me! sure I did some horrendous actions in the past, but I was a young ruffian back then. I mean, you all can relate to that right?"

If that statement was suppose to sway the other three Organization members from Xigbar's guilt, he was doing a poor job. Of course, being the type of guy who will find out about a secret that interests him, one way or another, Xigbar deiced to unveil one of his most inner secrets. Something that he has kept within himself for a long time.

Besides, he was going to have to reveal the secret sometime. After all, it was crucial to the plan he and Xemnas were about to implement. "Alright, you win. I'll tell you about my skeleton in the closet." He stated before roaming his eyes-well eye to Xemnas."While you and the rest of the apprentices were too busy playing 'mad scientists in the lab, I did some exploring around the worlds and I happen to arrive on a special planet called 'earth.'

"So you did have prior knowledge of this world, and you didn't even bothered to pass this information along when we first started this mission?" Saïx accused, obviously incense that Xigbar withheld information, that was important to the plan. At least, according to Xemnas.

But before things could escalate, Xemnas much to the Luna Diviner's surprise, wave a hand of dismissal to him.

"Enough, Saïx." He ordered, before returning his attention to Xigbar. "Continue."

"Yes, I want to hear the rest of this story as well." Luxord added.

"Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted." Xigbar stated, giving a mock glare to Saïx, who returned with gusto. Never before has the Luna Diviner ever been subsided by anyone, not even the second highest rank member of the Organization, who didn't even have the authority Saïx garnered. Whatever this plan was by Xemnas, he had better explain how important it is before he deiced to teach the Freeshooter a lesson he won't forget.

"I met the little dude while traveling through a barren wasteland called Egypt. Now, as it turns out, he belong to a family of 'Tombkeeprs' who have been guarding the Pharoah's tomb for 5,000 years, which is a very long time from my standards. And believe me, I've seen how the family live their life. Well, the squirt's life for that matter. Marik wasn't allow to have no communication with the outside world, period. Not to mention the kid's dad had force him to take up the family tradition of 'guarding the tomb, for the rest of his life in this a rathole until their beloved savior came back and rescue them from the evils of the world. Talk about a dull lifestyle. I mean, who would want to guard a rotting corpse for the rest of eternity? Not me that's for sure."

"Interesting...If one is force to bore an unrelenting task against their will with no limitations of freedom for themselves what so ever, certainly can enhance dire consequences for the child in terms of their mental health." Xemnas said intrigued by Xigbar's summarizing of Marik's life. But there was one hole in Xigbar's story that failed to make sense to the Organization leader, in spite of unavailing secrets that not even he knew. "however, if what you said is true, and Marik has indeed kept from the outside world, then how ended up meeting him if he was never allowed outside his home in the first place?"

"I'm getting to that, thank you very much." Xigbar replied sarcastically, which would of meant death if anyone else had spoken to Xemnas that way. But not for the Freeshooter. "You see, when I first entered Egypt, it didn't take me long to sense a very powerful aura of darkness coming from the area. So, using my natural instincts, I was able to to determine the exact source of the darkness to this tiny little cave in the middle of nowhere. And whole and behold, I stumble upon a very-how so I explain it? unpleasant site."

"What is it?" Saïx beleaguering growled .

"Before I get to that part, I need to explain this one little detail. According to traditional values of the tombkeepers clan, the boy is expected to initiate his duty through a very painful process to become a full tombkeeper when he comes of age. And I just happen to stumble in at the wrong time."

"And what is this painful process you came to speak of?" The Gambler of Fate asked.

"Basically, the child had a symbol carve right into his back with a large burning knife." Xigbar illuminate. "I actually felt sorry for the kid. Talk about some major daddy issues."

"The affliction of such seer pain endured on the child would of spawned the darkness deep within his heart in order to cope with the pain." Saïx deduced.

"Bingo, we have a winner!" Xigbar exclaim proudly. "That darkness within his heart, is still locked away, waiting to be unleash on the world."

"So, you are conjecturing that we should unleash the darkness from Marik's heart?" Luxord mused.

"Exactly. His darkness is as strong as any darkness I ever felt. It could be quite useful to us."

"By us, you mean you." Saïx allege.

"What can I say, I have a more badder side then anyone in this Organization." Xigbar boasted. "If anyone deserves to be apart of this plan, it should be me. Heck, I was just as responsible for Marik turning to the darkside and making him the way he is."

"Just as responsible?"

"Enough No. II" Xemnas ordered, obviously growing annoyed with Xigbar's bragging before turning to the rest of the members. "Now, for the next few hours, Xigbar will be the next member to infiltrate the Battle City finals. That is all I can say for now, but rest assure; this plan will change the structure of the Organization, and will bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal. Dismiss."

Saïx reluctantly followed, as he and Luxord disappeared in portals of darkness.

The room was now quiet, leaving two Organization members all alone: The mastermind and 1/3 of the puzzle that would surely change the tide of Battle City forever.


In the medical ward, Yugi and gathered around Bakura's bed. They all looked at his sleeping form, with relive expressions as he was finally resting after the spirit of the Millennium Ring had been vanquish following the high stakes duel between Yami Bakura & Yugi, in which he almost had to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life when the dark spirit release the mind of the gravely injured latter right before Slifer the Sky Dragon could harm Bakura even more. As luck would have it, the spirit realize the big flaw in relinquishing Bakura's mind: If had given the chance, Yugi would have attack Bakura, crippling him to the point his vessel would endangered the spirit's chance of survival. Reluctantly, Yami Bakura gain back control of the teen's mind, and allowed himself to take the full blunt of Yugi's attack, eradicating him from the Battle City tournament, and finally giving Bakura the rest he deserve.

But was the spirit finally gone? And what had become of Sora after he left the blimp when a man named Axel who had encountered the Keyblade Master in the past and was apart of Organization XIII, unexpectedly made his prescience during the duel, claiming to control Bakura and the spirit of the ring in an attempt to badger Sora into "settling the score" between them?

If it wasn't bad enough Yugi and his friends were dealing with Marik and the Rare Hunters, an even more powerful enemy had shown up and had threaten to turn the entire tournament upside down. For now, the only thing Yugi and the others could do is have relief now that one of their friends was finally out of harm's way.

Yet, that was just the beginning of things to come.

"Bakura's been through alot, so he defiantly needs some rest." Duke said, pointing obvious.

"But we have to land this blimp and get him into a hospital." Tristan argued.

"A lot of crazy stuff went down in that duel, especially when that Organization creep Axel showed up." Joey commented, still befuddle about the way it all happened. " . He turned to Yugi. "What happened, Yug?"

"Well, for some reason Axel did not want the spirit of the ring to lose." Yugi explained, although deep inside, he was just as confuse as everyone. "So when I was just about to play my Egypthian god card and win the duel, Axel used some sort of power to free Bakura's mind. Since Bakura was injured, he knew I would forfit the duel, but the spirit must of been afraid I was going to attack Bakura, so the spirit must have been afraid I was going to attack Bakura because he took control back at the end."

"So, the spirit let you win?" Joey asked.

"Yup, because he need Bakura to survive. And if I had attack Bakura with Slifer, the spirit would had been in danger. "

"But why did he worked with Axel? That's the one thing I don't understand." Téa quipped. "I could understand the spirit working with Marik to gain the items, but someone who we never seen until tonight? What was he after?"

Yugi shrugged. "I'm not so sure myself. Maybe it had something to do with Sora being here. But it all doesn't make sense"

"Well, either way we now realize that Marik isn't the only we have to deal with anymore." Tristan said. "In case anyone forgotten, Sora said Axel was apart of the Organization, and if the rest of the group is as bad as him..." He didn't finish that thought as chills ran down Tristan's spine.

"Relax bud, Sora did say there was only four members left." Duke piped, trying to ease the tension. "I bet he could take care of the rest in 5 minutes."

"Actually Duke, more like 15 minutes, and if it was on a good day."

Yugi knew the source of the voice even before the rest of the gang whirled around, dual cries of shock and happiness restoning from them. Yugi turned to see Sora standing in the doorway of the medical ward, smiles and all.

"Sora!" Everyone cried as they stood up and the Keyblade master walk toward them. Sora just happen to be standing there the entire time but bother not speak up.

"Are you okay?" Serenity asked with concern.

"Yeah, you've been gone for a while." Téa pointed out.

"So what happen with you and Axel?" Yugi asked.

Surprisingly, Sora just shrug as he interlock his fingers and put them in the back of his head. "He just wanted to fight me that's all. But, he did tell me were Kairi is if it's worth mentiong."

"Really, that's great Sora!" Joey exclaimed.

"So are you going to go after her?" Duke asked.

Sora nodded. "I will, as soon as everything here is square away with the Organization."

"Do you think they're coming here?" Tristan asked.

"I don't know, but after what happen, we need to be more careful." Sora advised."And I don't know about you guys, but I've had enough of mind control and evil spirits in one day."

"Same here." Yugi agreed.

Suddenly, Joey jolted out of his chair in anger. "Grr, I'm sick of my friends getting hurt! The next person to even look at my friends wrong will be sorry!"

"Caim down Joey!" Serenity pleaded.

"Alright, I think it's time to Kaiba about landing this blimp and getting Bakura to the hospital as soon as possible." Tristan advise.

"Yeah, Tristan's right. Ley's get Bakura some help."

"Then let's go already." Sora piped.

"Go ahead, I'll stay here and keep an eye on Bakura." Téa volunteered.

"Cool, hang in there Bakura, help is on the way." Joey said as he and the rest of the gang began to leave.

But before anyone could leave the room, Yugi gasped out loud.

"Hold on guys!"

"What is it Yugi?" Joey asked.

"Is everything alright?" Duke asked.

"It's gone."

"Hm, what is?"Tristan asked.

"Bakura's Millennium Ring."

The remaining members of the group gasped and looked at Bakura's neck. All except Sora, who just turned his head away and walked closer to Bakura. The Ring was indeed gone.

"I don't get it guys, Bakura had it around his neck until after the duel." Yugi commented. "Now it's disappeared."

"That thing seems to come and go all the time without any explanation." Tristan commented.

"Yeah, and your Egyptian god card must have blown it sky high." Joey added. "Now let's go!"

"We should go look for it," Yugi said. "I don't feel comfortable knowing it's out there somewhere."

"Yeah." Sora agreed as he and Yugi began to leave. "See ya Téa."

"Sora."

"Yeah?"

Téa hesitated for a second, before turning to face him. "I'm glad you're here."

"Hmm, don't worry. I'll always be here to protect you all." Sora assured as Téa nodded back before turning back to Bakura

As Sora turned away from Téa and began to walk out of the room, she didn't notice that he held a golden object that Axel gave him the after the Battle.

It was the Millennium Ring.

Sora glared at the ring for a second before looking back at Téa then put the ring in his pocket. "I think it would be best for now if I hold onto this ring...For now."

With that said, Sora walked out of the room to join the others. Although, he had this feeling of guilt that he blatantly hid the object away from his friends. But, it was for the best in order to secure the safety of his friends.

No matter what.


I apologize for the very long wait. With winter vacation and all, I need a break. And I was going to continue this chapter with the episode "Rage of the Gods.' But writing this chapter became longer then I thought, and I got lazy in the end. This will be the last time anyone will have to wait, cause now I have mt computer and I update anytime. So, yay...

Also, this chapter is dedicated to the six victims of the Arizona shooting that happen earlier this week. This matter had touch personally because I grew up in that town for 16 years. And for anyone to commit this crime deserves the fulliest punishment there is by law.

Oh, and since this is chapter no. XIII (storyline) What better way then to allow the Orginization to appear.

Read and Review please.