Sorry as usual for the long wait. Things have been a bit crazy around here.

Here's to hoping you enjoy another chapter! Many await to be written and I'll try my best during the breaks I have.

Thanks and read on

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Fyer took a careful step to the side and clutched Xemnas' sleeve. He reacted by wrapping his hand around her arm, comforting her. Riku and his Replica hesitated in the trees, not coming forward. Suddenly, Replica turned his head sharply to the right, looking past Xemnas to where he and Fyer had just come. His eyes weren't covered like Riku's, so she was able to see them narrow. Xemnas relaxed visibly.

"They're through the corridor. There's no need to fear," Xemnas said softly, reassuring both himself and Fyer. Cheshire's tail flicked back and forth lazily as he grinned, watching everything without concern. Hatter placed his hands gently on the table, looking between the two pairs.

"What an odd way to greet each other. I've never known a person to say hello to another with such a nasty look!" Hatter exclaimed, looking pointedly at one of the Rikus. The Hare perked up suddenly.

"Lies! You know someone who greets all with a terrible scowl, angry eyes, and four horrifying words! 'Off with-"

Hatter shook his head and covered his ears with a cry. Dormouse jerked awake and looked around frantically.

"Do not speak of her! I will not have it at my tea party! Hush, now, March Hare, begone with words of her malevolence!" Hatter exclaimed, staring across the table at the challenging Hare. "You know the saying, dear friend," Hatter began, suddenly calmer. He turned his palms up as he spoke. "Speak of the Queen and she shall appear."

Xemnas peered at Fyer out of the corner of his eye, hesitant. He wasn't sure what to do next. Riku lifted his chin, appearing disgusted.

"I knew you'd come prepared this time. We are too, but I never thought you'd bring so many Organization members with you. You're really that terrified of losing her?" Riku asked, though it was more of a statement. Replica turned his attention to them.

"You should be, because it's inevitable. Only a matter of time," Replica promised, grinning wickedly. Riku glanced over before returning his attention to Xemnas.

"You have come here for a reason. Did you intend to finish me off with your comrades?" Riku asked venomously. Xemnas quickly shook his head.

"No, that's not it at all. I wanted to offer you a proposition," Xemnas began, earning a laugh from Riku. Replica remained silent, watching with interest. He kept turning his head to search the woods beyond them, as if sensing the others not far behind.

"A proposition, for me? I'm astounded that you would even think I would enter into an agreement with you," Riku said with disbelief, shaking his head. "To help my enemy in his endeavors would only be cornering myself."

Hatter looked up suddenly.

"My…do you feel that?" he exclaimed, reaching out in front of himself and grasping at something invisible, like a thread. "It's as if the air has suddenly turned into a spider web! How curious!"

"I don't like it," the Cheshire said, his grin slightly smaller than it had been previously.

"But what can you do when a foot doesn't fit a shoe? Or a mind doesn't like a matter?" Hare asked, leaning over to look into Dormouse's cup suspiciously. Cheshire's full grin returned.

"You know this one, Hatter," Cheshire intoned, leaning on one paw as if bored. Hatter slowly sat again, still glancing about as if he could really see spider webs in the air. He laced his fingers together and looked between Fyer and Xemnas. His green eyes had become soulful, as if he truly was sane. Though Fyer knew his calm repose was only a ruse.

"You must change the mind to make it like the matter, or you simply…," Hatter paused and looked confused. He looked to the Cheshire for help, as though unable to remember the rest. Cheshire waited patiently, tapping his claws on the tablecloth silently. "It's slipped my mind, I'm afraid."

"Which mind? You have several to keep up with, perhaps you're using the wrong one!" Dormouse suddenly exclaimed, pushing Hare's hand away as he tried to take Dormouse's cup.

"Xemnas," Fyer said suddenly, drawing his attention to where she was looking. The pair of Rikus looked as if they were about to retreat. They were swiftly losing their only chance.

"I know where she is…and how to bring her back," Xemnas said suddenly, powerful voice carrying across to them. Riku's head snapped around to where he was. Replica reached out and grasped his arm, saying something quietly. Riku shook him off, focused solely on Xemnas now.

"What did you say?" he hissed, hands flexing as if he were about to draw his weapon and attack. Xemnas held his ground with a measure of calm.

"Our enemies are yours as well. They seek her out. They seek to use her to their own gain-"

"SHE no longer exists, you son of a bitch!" Riku cried, voice full of anger. "Your band of creatures caused this. She lost her heart and faded away into nothing. All you tell me are lies! She died, along with my capacity for forgiveness of your kind."

Cheshire's smile disappeared first, then he promptly vanished, to Fyer's surprise. Hatter swiveled around in his chair, eyes bright and a small smile on his face as he watched the spectacle.

"Mind to matter, it is," Hatter said softly, listening with extreme interest.

"She does, though not in a form that you remember," Xemnas responded, ready to act if necessary. He pulled Fyer's arm, tugging her more behind him protectively. Replica shook his head slowly and Riku's hatred flared again.

"You're lying! She could never…she wouldn't ever be one of you. She can't be! It's impossible!" Riku roared. His head lowered a second later. "I…watched her fade away…"

"I speak only the truth to you, Riku. She still exists, and she still has a chance left at returning to the one you remember," Xemnas explained, hope rising. Riku was growing unsure, which was to Xemnas' advantage. Riku needed to let his guard down so he could listen to reason.

"It's not true," Riku said, barely audible. Replica slowly looked over, eyes bright with curiosity. They lighted on Fyer and grew hard.

"I have proof. Come to me and I will show you," Xemnas offered, reaching a hand out, palm up. Hatter leaned on the back of his chair, observing Riku with interest.

Riku laughed suddenly, stunning all the spectators. He looked up and shook his head.

"I always knew you were cunning. To use my weakness against me in such a way is so like you. Lower than the lowliest creature," Riku snarled, reaching to his side for his weapon. Xemnas tensed. "I'm prepared this time to end you once and for all."

Xemnas pushed Fyer back and glanced over his shoulder.

"Back to the portal," he ordered, eyes full of worry. Before Fyer could obey, something extraordinary happened.

Suddenly, the tea party was absent. The table was empty as if it had never been occupied. Riku and Replica were frozen, staring fixedly at the strange man that stood before them with a vivid smile and piercing green eyes. Cheshire cat lighted upon Fyer's shoulders, his usual grin back.

"Calm your nerves and trust in the Hatter," Cheshire said, blinking when Xemnas looked back in surprise. "The Hatter promised to not let anyone harm Fyer, and he never breaks his promises. Not since THAT day."

"What is the meaning of this?" Replica snapped, taking a few steps away from the hatter. Hatter only continued to smile as he held both of his arms out in welcome.

"I've finally remembered! When a mind doesn't like a matter, you either change the mind to make the it like the matter," Hatter began, eyes sparkling bright, "or you make it stop minding altogether."

Riku straightened, hand still hovering cautiously to draw his weapon. Replica glared at him.

"He's threatening us," Replica pointed out, ready to start a fight wherever it may be. He was tired of waiting, and the residents of this world were emanating a strange aura he didn't care for. Riku still hesitated.

"Why are you on his side?" Riku asked bluntly, knowing that's precisely why the Hatter had positioned himself between him and Xemnas. "You have no idea what he's done." The Hatter lowered his arms and glanced back at Xemnas and Fyer.

"Because my mind likes the matter," Hatter answered, looking straight at Fyer. He looked back at Riku, expecting him to understand. Riku followed his gaze to Fyer, seeming calmer than before. "If you dwell in the past, it becomes your present. I know not what your friend has done, nor what you have done. But he is here now, and there is only one here who is dangerous. I am on his side, because you are on the wrong side right now."

Riku stared at the Hatter with an unreadable expression. Replica looked between the two, growing more unsettled at each passing moment. He growled softly.

"This is nonsense. They're manipulating you, and you're letting them!" Replica cried, drawing his blade in a flash. Fyer gasped as he lunged at the Hatter. Cheshire did nothing to aid him; he rested his head on Fyer's shoulder and watched with seeming amusement.

Replica stumbled and straightened, bringing his blade back up defensively. The Hatter had disappeared in an instant, and he was nowhere to be found. Riku backed himself up against a tree, glancing around in alarm. The Hatter stepped out from behind the tree Riku was backed against, hands behind his back and eyes on the ground as if he had found something interesting there.

"The one who is you, but not you has little patience. Patience is a virtue, as tea is a teacup's friend! Without a friend, you are alone, and when you are alone, you are sad. Why are you sad, when you have a friend?" Hatter said, jerking the conversation to and fro until he asked a direct question. Riku only looked bewildered. Replica spun around, eyes narrowed.

"Bastard!" he snarled, throwing himself forward again. Before their eyes, Hatter disappeared again. Instead of remaining gone like before, he materialized a step behind the moving Replica. He tilted his body to the left, hooking his right foot out to meet Replica's momentum. Hatter's leg curled around Replica's chest, bringing him to an abrupt halt. With a twist of his body, Hatter turned and threw Replica into the trees.

Hatter used the momentum to spin around and place his foot back on the ground when he was facing Riku again. Riku didn't move, speechless.

"I see," Hatter said, holding up his hands with only his index fingers pointing upwards. He brought his two hands together so that the two fingers were side by side. "He is you, and you are you, but you are the same, yet different. He is half, and you are half. Is this why you are sad?"

Riku recovered from his surprise and looked over cautiously into the trees where Replica had been tossed. There was no sign of him returning yet. He straightened and took a step away from the tree.

"I am angry because he took my friend away," Riku corrected, glaring pointedly at Xemnas. Xemnas let out a deep breath, growing frustrated. Cheshire purred softly, curling his tail around to brush Fyer's cheek, making her jump. Hatter shook his head.

"You are sad," Hatter insisted, and Riku's brow furrowed in annoyance. "In your sadness, you seek to make him sad too? You want to kill Fyer to make him feel what you feel, then?" Hatter's voice held a degree of innocence, and Riku's guard dropped.

"Kill? You don't understand-" Riku began, pausing. He looked over at Xemnas and Fyer in sudden silence, refusing to go on. His words only served to confuse Fyer. If he didn't intend to kill her, then what exactly had they planned to do? Xemnas would come for her if she was alive, only making things more complicated. Perhaps they had planned to use her to bargain with Xemnas for something.

"You wanted to use me to make Xemnas help you, am I right?" Fyer said suddenly, understanding. In the encounter in Twilight Town, Riku was grieving and in a state of despair. Having his dark counterpart with him only pushed him further into the shadows. He had not intended to kill Xemnas then, but his anger had spun out of control. Now that Hatter had separated him from Replica and exposed his true feelings, Fyer understood.

Riku regarded her quietly, shifting. When he didn't answer, Xemnas looked back at her with an uneasy expression.

The Mad Hatter turned suddenly and smiled at the trees where Replica had been roughly tossed. Riku glanced over, then back at Fyer.

"Even if she's gone….I have another friend who still has a chance," Riku growled softly, despising the fact that he was revealing his reasons to Xemnas. Strangely enough, he felt at ease even with a creature of Wonderland that had rebuffed Replica only a few steps away. He was focused on Fyer now; he had never held any hate toward her, and was not opposed to speaking to her. He couldn't understand why she so vehemently stayed at Xemnas' side, but he had never sensed any darkness within her. Perhaps because she reminded him of her.

Xemnas tensed, but the Cheshire on Fyer's shoulders purred loudly.

"Trust in the one you love, dear friend," the cat said to him, lifting himself and floating gently away toward the table in the clearing. Xemnas closed his mouth and looked at Fyer out of the corner of his eye. He was still worried, but there was a calm in his eyes too. He was trusting her with this.

"She's not gone, just like Xemnas said. The girl I think he was talking about…she came to me in my dreams. She warned me that there were evil people hunting for her in Castle Oblivion, and that they were getting closer every day. They seek to destroy me so that the Organization will return to its former state. Meaning, if they get to her, I don't know what's going to happen to either of us. But I do know that it's going to be bad for both sides," Fyer explained, wishing she could tell what Riku was feeling. The blindfold made it difficult for her to know. "We need your help, Riku."

The clearing grew uncomfortably silent. Cheshire cat settled softly into a chair, peering down under the table. Fyer noticed suddenly two pairs of feet sitting together beneath the table. That's where the Hare and Dormouse had retreated when things heated up.

"How could you possibly know it's her?" Riku asked suddenly, and Fyer couldn't answer. She had never met the girl in her other form, and was only guessing. She looked to Xemnas for help.

"She bears the same aura as Kairi," Xemnas said simply. His words were like a blow to Riku. Fyer watched in surprise as his head lowered, though he was struck in the face. After an unbearably long time, Fyer feared he wasn't going to speak again. Then he lifted his head and stared straight at Xemnas, gritting his teeth.

"You are sure without a doubt…that she can be brought back?" Riku asked finally. Xemnas held his gaze unflinchingly.

"No one who passes the line into the darkness is lost forever," Xemnas stated, and Fyer felt it held a deeper meaning. "No matter what is lost when she became a Nobody…even if she has no Heartless or even if her heart is nowhere to be found, she can become whole once more."

Hatter grinned and nodded.

"Well said! Wouldn't you agree, dear friend in the trees?" Hatter asked, though receiving no response. Riku crossed his arms and bowed his head again, fighting an internal war. He had vowed to never side with his enemy. When his friends had started to fall, and he endured a hellish nightmare with Xemnas' 'other' self, he had hardly been able to sleep. Everything had gone wrong so fast, and the only one left to blame was standing on the other side of the clearing. He had never been there directly, but Xemnas had a hand in all of this. Riku was weary of the war, but he couldn't rest until it was over. All he wanted was to bring his friends back and put this darkness back in the corner where it belonged. As he looked at his situation from every angle, Xemnas had begun to look less and less like an enemy. Despite what he had done before, the man who was still protecting Fyer as he had vowed was not the same one who had ordered the Organization into the darkness. Somehow, they had circled around until they were side by side. Their enemy was the same. As long as Fyer remained, Xemnas would never be his enemy again. He realized then what he had to do.

"Tell me then…why exactly you need me to stop them," Riku said at last, giving in. He had little choice in the matter, but even so he had the comfort of knowing he was making the right decision. He could save Kairi, and essentially his other childhood friend. At the same time, he could destroy the true enemy, and things would finally be over. Everything would go back to normal, and he could leave the strange pair to their own peace.

Xemnas visibly relaxed, and Fyer closed the space that had formed between them. He opened his hand as she approached. Fyer took it and curled her other arm around his. Hatter turned and wiggled his fingers at Riku.

"Go and speak to them. You are standing too far away, it's not proper for a proper conversation, now that you are no longer angry. But I'm afraid I'll have to stay here. Your friend is not yet ready for proper conversation, and I shall have to wait here with him until he is," Hatter explained, green eyes sparkling. A voice came through the trees.

"You're being foolish, Riku. When have you ever known a Nobody to be sincere?" Replica asked from the depths of the woods. Hatter shook his head.

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong! He's a somebody, he's not a Nobody. He's somewhere in-between!" Hatter repeated, using his strange way of describing Xemnas once again. Fyer still didn't understand what he meant.

"I'm doing what's necessary to save my friends. There is no danger here to us anymore," Riku explained. Hatter turned around suddenly and smiled at Riku. Replica appeared behind him, expression dark.

"Don't tell me you're faltering now," Replica growled, eyes narrowed. Riku turned to face him.

"Plans have changed," Riku said simply, jumping back when Replica suddenly took a swing at him. Riku reached a hand up as his blindfold fell softly off of his face. A dagger was in Replica's hand.

"Do not forget what you have promised me," Replica hissed. "There is a price for my time that you have contracted."

"You will have to be repaid another way," Riku answered calmly, seeming unperturbed that a dagger had grazed so close to his skin. Replica laughed suddenly. Without Riku's blindfold, the pair were identical.

"I doubt that," Replica replied, his voice as cold as ice. "I will not forget your debt, Riku." With that, Replica disappeared into the trees, leaving Hatter and Riku looking on. Hatter moved around to look at Riku's face, who regarded him silently.

"I know not why you are afraid to bear your eyes when the one who is only a part of you does so without fear," Hatter pointed out, shaking his head. He did a quick twirl and crossed his arms. "Your friend is gone. I no longer need to stand here in the trees. Let us go and have tea!"

"Mrf," Dormouse said suddenly, one foot twitching. "Almost sounded like a rhyme, didn't it?"

"I'm surprised you were awake to hear it, Dormouse. You should be called Snoremouse. Or Dozemouse! Ahaha, aren't I a clever one?" Hare exclaimed, laughing at himself. Neither of them made any move from their hiding spot under the table.

The Mad Hatter led Riku down into the clearing, and he paused at the edge, looking across at Xemnas and Fyer. It was strange for them to be meeting this way, when the last time had nearly ended in death.

"Your Replica did not seem pleased at your decision," Xemnas pointed out, knowing that he posed a formidable threat. Riku nodded, and Fyer was relieved to finally be able to see his eyes. They were beautiful, and she wondered why he endeavored to hide them. She had only seen them once before, and it had only been when he was trying to understand why a human was in the midst of Nobodies.

"He expected bloodshed and…other things. But those were only to be had if they were necessary. He seeks chaos, and I only seek to end it. I asked his help in order to capture Fyer and direct your actions toward my goals. In return, I was to grant him anything he asked for. What he asked was unreasonable for the situation we have thus found ourselves in. There is not much to be done, now," Riku explained, eyes lowered to the ground. After a moment, he looked up at Xemnas, then Fyer. "It is of no concern now. What can I possibly do that you cannot to end the plans of our enemies?"

"Are you aware of the ability 'ShadowWalking'?" Xemnas began, raising one eyebrow. Riku nodded.

"You're fully aware that I possess it," Riku snapped, and Xemnas averted his gaze for a moment.

"I apologize. I only knew of your abilities from Vexen when he was working on the Replication project. I wanted to be certain," Xemnas explained, and Riku relaxed. He looked away too, eyes full of memories.

"What of it?" Riku urged, quickly wanting to end the talk of the Replication project. It had been an unpleasant memory for him. Yet, not even that could compare to his encounter with Ansem. Even now looking at Xemnas gave him a chill. He knew Xemnas was the counterpart, and nothing akin to Ansem, but he couldn't help it.

"Our enemy is being aided by someone who possesses that ability," Xemnas explained at last. Riku focused suddenly.

"Another with the ShadowWalking ability?" he repeated, seeming shocked. Fyer looked up at Xemnas in confusion. He noticed her gaze immediately.

"ShadowWalking is rare. The only one I have ever known to possess it is Riku," Xemnas pointed out, clarifying things for Fyer. Riku looked at her now.

"It's dangerous, though. When you walk through them, you have to know exactly what you're doing, or you'll risk losing yourself in it forever," Riku expanded, brow furrowed in thought. "That means whoever is aiding our foe is well practiced. How quickly can he walk through walls?"

"As we close in on him, he is gone a spare moment later," Xemnas answered, and Riku shook his head.

"Not good. He's powerful if he can do it that fast. However, we do have an advantage on him. He has a passenger to look after when he ShadowWalks. We could trap him this way. If his sole purpose is to keep Ansem out of your hands, all we have to do is separate the two, and we would be able to corner Ansem," Riku plotted, crossing his arms. Xemnas nodded. Fyer leaned her head against his arm, holding their newfound hope tight. With Riku, they had a chance to end all of this once and for all.

"If at all possible…I am not opposed to the both of them being…ended," Xemnas added, and Riku met his gaze. He nodded slowly.

"It goes without saying. If you are truly asking for my help, this will only end with Ansem's body at my feet," Riku promised, his voice suddenly dark. His tone had changed so swiftly that it frightened Fyer. He held such a powerful vengeance toward Ansem for what he had done to his friends? Fyer smiled suddenly; if she was in his shoes, she would be no different. He was a wonderful friend.

"You may do as you wish. I only ask that you help me stop them from reaching your friend and taking Fyer away from me," Xemnas said, pausing. "I will bring her back to you."

Riku's eyes grew softer as he gazed off into nothingness, remembering his friends. If he could have them back again, he would need nothing else in this world. He would forget it all; forget his vengeance at last and leave it behind. He could be at peace.

"You have my word," Riku said, eyes hardening again. "I will aid you in defeating our enemy. I will not allow them to have victory once again."

Xemnas nodded, looking down at Fyer with a smile in his eyes. Fyer leaned her head against his arm again and closed her eyes in relief. Everything was going to be alright.

Fyer waited by the table as Xemnas and Riku plotted their first move nearby. Axel, Lexaeus, and Xigbar had all come down from their positions in the woods to join the pair. Fyer listened silently, knowing she would be staying at the Castle while the rest were risking themselves in Castle Oblivion. Once more, she wished she could be of more help, but there was nothing she could do.

"Can I do it now?" Hatter asked suddenly, looking at the Cheshire Cat. Fyer looked over in surprise. It was the first coherent sentence she had heard from the table since the tea party had reassembled. Cheshire Cat was examining his paw with interest and looked up when Hatter spoke. He smiled, as usual.

"You're asking the wrong person, Hatter. She's right there," he said dismissively, returning his attention to his paw. Hatter stood and closed in the few steps between Fyer and the table. She turned to him quickly, not sure what he was doing. He stopped not quite an arm's length away and gazed at her. She waited curiously. His eyes were piercing, but not in an uncomfortable way. Fyer felt no threat in his presence, despite the fact she knew next to nothing about him, despite the fact that his sanity was nowhere to be found.

"I wanted to ask your permission," Hatter said, pausing. Fyer blinked, waiting. "May I touch you?" Fyer's eyes widened.

"Wha…huh?" she exclaimed, bewildered. She looked to the Cheshire for help. The cat floated up out of his seat and hovered over the table.

"Though strange in his ways, and quite mad, he does not mean harm. He's as innocent as a child," Cheshire explained, rolling over on his back and regarding her with bright green eyes. "But he also possesses abilities just as strange as he."

Fyer looked back at the Hatter, who was waiting patiently for her reply. He seemed to have heard nothing the cat said. Fyer hesitated, then nodded.

"Yes, that's fine," she said, not sure what he intended. Cheshire had sided with him, so she hoped it was safe. Hatter grinned and nodded.

"Yes? Thank you, dear Fyer," he said, reaching out for her hand. She lifted it and offered it to him. He placed his hands above and below, enveloping hers entirely. He closed his eyes, and Fyer felt something odd. The world wavered for a moment, and she felt herself lose her sense of balance. Her vision suddenly went black, and she feared she had fainted.

A moment later, she opened her eyes, and she was still standing, her hand still clasped gently between the Hatter's. She glanced around furtively, trying to understand what had suddenly happened. Fyer looked at the Hatter and noticed he seemed perturbed, though his eyes were still closed.

"No….," he whispered softly, shivering suddenly. He opened his green eyes, and Fyer was shocked to see how clear they were. It was as if his madness had vanished. "I see. You have endured much, my dear, only to endure so much more."

Fyer blinked in surprise. The way he spoke made it sound as if he had seen her past. Was that even possible? The conversation had ceased nearby, and all attention was focused on the pair. Instead of speaking further, Hatter took a step forward suddenly and hugged her. Stunned, she didn't move. Hatter tilted his head so that his lips were close to her ear.

"I told him, but he did not listen to me. I'm sorry, Fyer. For you not being able to be you," Hatter whispered, as though he were telling her a huge secret. He released her and back away, giving her room. He smiled suddenly, green eyes sparkling again. "But you are always welcome here! We will always have tea and a chair for my dear friend, Fyer!"

"Another rhyme!" Dormouse exclaimed, though seemingly in the midst of sleep. Hare glared at the mouse.

"Fyer?" Xemnas called, concerned about the shocked expression on Fyers face. She snapped out of it and looked over, though her mind was still trying to understand what he had said to her. Who was he talking about?

Hatter sat in his chair, mumbling softly to himself. Cheshire cat floated over, flicking his tail about. The group had quieted, and they appeared to be done plotting for the moment. Riku nodded to Fyer, said something to Xemnas, then strode away, toward the trees where he and Replica had first appeared. Fyer watched him go.

"He will meet us at Castle Oblivion," Xemnas explained, glancing at the Hatter again. Fyer wasn't sure how to explain what had happened when even she didn't know. Cheshire saw this and grinned.

"Let the mad ones have their madness. It harms no one," the cat said suddenly, drawing Xemnas' attention away for a spare moment. He sighed, seeming relieved.

"Let's go back. We can do nothing further until Riku meets us there. We will regroup today, and begin again tomorrow," Xemnas said to the group, his voice powerful. He had regained his confidence, and it was infectious to the others. They all nodded, determined expressions on their faces. Xemnas turned to Fyer with a softer regard.

"Let's go home," he suggested, holding out his hand to Fyer. Despite the fact that she wanted to speak to Hatter again and make him explain what he had said, she wanted to be with Xemnas more. She glanced back as she approached Xemnas, wanting to bid farewell to the residents of Wonderland, but they had already lapsed back into their prevailing madness and didn't notice her leaving. Only the cat grinned as they left, his tail waggling as they walked back toward the portal. Fyer held Xemnas' comforting hand tight, unable to shake her uneasy feeling at the Hatter's words. Everything was looking up, but she was still worried deeply about something she couldn't name.

As the Organization members stepped back into the portal, Cheshire cat turned and looked at Hatter, who was still muttering quietly as he stared down into his teacup. The cat propped his head on his paws.

"Tell me, Hatter. What did you see?" he asked, tail flicking slowly back and forth as he watched his mad friend. The Hatter looked up, eyes still distant. He gazed out at the clouds, trembling.

"Darkness."

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Marluxia slumped against the wall, eyes closed and breathing heavy. He was healing, but not fast enough. He was powerful enough to face the other Organization members, but he could not risk it. He was quickly growing weary of running from them. He needed Zexion, but he knew the younger member could not be persuaded to join his side as of now. Fyer's charms had captured him, and he would not oppose her or Xemnas. Marluxia had very few allies to choose from now.

He heard a noise and looked up sharply, vision hazy. His injury was still agonizing, and disoriented him if he moved too fast. His eyes finally picked something out on the far side of the room he had entered, and he forced himself to stand. He glared at it as it came into focus, recognizing the black coat of the Organization.

"You fools keep trying over and over again, and you cannot capture me. I am king of this Castle, and it obeys me. I cannot be defeated," he snapped, voice menacing despite his injuries. He called forth his weapon, barely able to hold it up through his pain. Even with his wounds, he had grown more powerful under the Castle's influence, and would be more than a match of the Organization member that stood before him. It was time to stop running and turn the offensive against them.

The figure ran at him suddenly, and he crouched slightly, readying his fighting stance. The figure kept just out of reach as Marluxia swung, driving the assailant back.

He's toying with me, Marluxia realized, growing furious. He stopped swinging and brought his scythe close to his side. He held out his other hand, drawing on his small reserve of strength to call forth his powers. Thorns thrust through the floor, shattering stone and sending clouds of dust into the air. The hooded figure dodged back, disappearing into the dust cloud. Marluxia panted quietly, reconsidering his strategy. The member was only luring him out, forcing him to use up what little strength remained; then he would be easy to take down. He knew he had to take the defensive again, or risk losing his life. This far into the game, he had much to lose. He was close to finally reaching victory, and he couldn't stop now.

"For an injured man, your power is vast," a voice suddenly said. Marluxia pinpointed the voice and waited as the dust cleared. The figure was standing on one of Marluxia's thorns, balancing perfectly. His eyes narrowed. He hadn't recognized the voice.

"Who are you?" he demanded, scanning the figure. "You bear a coat of the Organization, but you are not one of them."

"How insulting. You don't remember me?" the figure asked, sweeping back the hood. Marluxia was surprised, but he did not straighten. He knew not whether the intruder was friend or foe.

"My, my. I thought you were gone from this world," Marluxia growled, arm shaking. It was growing harder for him to hold his scythe.

"Your master said the same thing," Replica Riku snapped, blue eyes furious. Marluxia laughed.

"You say 'master' with such certainty. He is no master of mine, and never has been. His power is only a charade. Only I possess the true right to rule. The Castle has only obeyed me. It defies Xemnas. What more proof do I need?" Marluxia retorted, finally releasing his scythe. He winced against his will, infuriated by his injury. Marluxia looked up at Replica, eyes narrowed. "Why are you here? Do you seek to end me? It will not be as easy as you believe."

"Such rash words," Replica snorted, dropping off of the spike and onto the stone floor. He walked through the rubble towards Marluxia. He lifted his chin, eyes cold.

"Do not come near me," Marluxia warned, and Replica stopped, a smirk on his face.

"Suit yourself. I've come with an offer. I heard you had defied Xemnas, and sought to steal away his precious human, Fyer," Replica explained. Marluxia listened, giving nothing away. "In that, we have the same interests at hand. My ally has suddenly sided with my enemy…our enemy."

"And you have come here for what purpose?" Marluxia snapped, irritated that Replica Riku was meddling in his affairs. Replica leaned forward, eyes full of menace.

"I told you…I have an offer to make. You said you rule this Castle? Then you can sense where they are at all times. Yet the reason you cannot corner them is because they have a ShadowWalker with them. Now Xemnas has one. It's only a matter of time before he ends the threat to Fyer…and then ends you," Replica continued, grinning. Marluxia took his words in carefully, knowing what he said made perfect sense. "Your first intent was to destroy the foe that stalks your Castle, but you're going about this all wrong."

Marluxia's eyes narrowed.

"What are you proposing?" he asked quietly, his interest captured. Replica gestured at himself.

"While Xemnas has Riku, the ShadowWalker, I am his reflection. I too, have the ability. And with me as your ally, suddenly the tables turn in our favor. But we have to go about this my way, and we have to act swiftly," Replica explained furtively. Marluxia straightened, ignoring the pain from his injuries.

"And with your aid comes a price. What is it you want in return?" Marluxia asked carefully, not sure if he would be able to refuse Replica anything in his current state. Replica Riku grinned maliciously.

"When we have succeeded, I want the girl that Riku is searching for. I know she's here, despite the fact that she remains shielded to your eyes. I want to destroy her before his eyes, and watch the darkness drift in. Give me the girl, and I'll do whatever is necessary to place victory in your hands," Riku promised, hatred filling his voice. "When his mind has broken, I'll end his agony with my blade. It's all I desire."

Marluxia listened with a carefully neutral regard. The man was dangerous, not just in the source of strength, but in the way he stood at the edge of reason and insanity. But Marluxia needed his aid, and he would not stand in the way of Replica's personal vendetta.

"Agreed."