"Stupid trick. Cheap trick. And of course the snow has to be real. If any of this goes down my boot I'm going to get upset. That's right, Xehanort, irritate me. You may have total control over Darkness but let's see you see a fish spell coming in time to block it! Add you to my aquarium. No, no aquarium. Riku gave me those fish. Oh, find someone with a hungry piranha. Insane plan that could destroy the worlds…where are people going to put their stuff!? Yes, Self, you're talking to me again but with no one else around it's nice to know somebody's listening."

It wasn't too risky a bet to say Rachel tended to talk to herself when she was alone. Getting separated from her friends had been alarming as well as unnerving. After all, it's the deer that gets broken away from the herd that the wolf goes after.

The world the young Masters' next door opened to was Arendelle. This was of no surprise. Arendelle was a beautiful country with amazing people and two royal sisters she loved like family. Of course the door opened in the place furthest from the city. Rachel found herself in the ice castle Elsa had once created. Only…it was a shattered ruin. The upper stories had been broken away. Huge shards of ice lay scattered everywhere. Snow piles had built up in the corners. Still, this wasn't real. It looked bad but it wasn't the truth. The real ice castle was still high on the North Mountain. Marshmallow still guarded it with all those adorable mini abominables.

So Rachel talked to herself into thinking about it from a story perspective. This could be what the parallel universe version of Arendelle looked like. Actually…a shattered ice fortress would be a cool story element regardless. So she kept herself distracted by piecing together the story and thinking about where to add it into her book world when she got home. But eventually that idea ran out of things to be expanded on and Rachel had to return her attention elsewhere, which sucked. It was easy descending the mountain when you weren't thinking about descending a mountain. And the city was still a long way away (assuming distance remained the same in a memory room). It made sense that the next exit would be in a place that actually had doors. At least she hoped that. There would be A LOT of ground to cover if the door was just on the other side of a big rock or something. Oh, on the subject of places with doors it might be a good idea to direct her path to go by Oakens' on the way down.

And 'on the way down' got a lot easier after Rachel acknowledged her own stupidity by not taking advantage of the fact she was a phenomenal magic user. She turned herself into a penguin and slid down the rest of the mountain with ease. But the snow hadn't stopped further down she went as what usually happens when high mountain ranges reach into their valleys. The landscape looked just as she remembered when she saw it the first time in the realm of dreams. Most everything had at least a three-inch layer of snow over it. Only, this was a cold, unwelcoming snow. The air bit her face like it was trying to make her go away. There wasn't even a wind or the faintest whisper of a breeze. The stagnant air felt as menacing as standing in the middle of a briar patch while wearing shorts.

Rachel changed back. She stood on the edge of a short cliff. From there she could see the city of Arendelle. As expected it was in the same condition as the ice palace. Roofs sagged under the weight of the snow. Walls had fallen into piles of broken stones and littered the streets. Still, it wasn't her Arendelle. The Arendelle she loved had gentle winters (understandably they had a bit of help). The beautiful city thrived like a colorful beehive. This was just a bizarre reflection. Although, it wasn't easy keeping an uncomfortable knot from twisting in her stomach. The closer the city became, the tighter the knot felt. With every step it became harder to imagine this as a memory room or story world.

The frozen streets whispered eerily. A thin layer of ice on the cobblestone cracked and squeaked emptily with every step. Yet, strangely, no Heartless appeared or could even be sensed. Trying to distract herself, Rachel cast her direction spell (an obvious trick she kicked herself for not thinking of it sooner). Not surprising the light pointed toward the castle. But what would the castle look like? Everything else looked the same, collapsed and ruined but the same. Broken flowerboxes hung loosely from empty windows. Crippled wheelbarrows and wagons littered the streets. The fjord rippled inky black. Huge icicles hung from the masts of the abandoned fleet. The sails had frozen mid-billow. Every micro-movement of the ghost ships chorused with eerie creaks. Rachel shook off a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature.

Ahead loomed the gates to the castle. Very few of the banners featuring the image of the royal sisters remained on their posts. Even fewer were actually intact. Rachel stopped just head of the gates. It looked as though something powerful had knocked one clean off its hinges.

No sense trying to figure out or worry about what happened. It's not real. It just…is.

The castle doors were open but not at all welcoming. Open doors can look like caring arms inviting you in. But now it was more like looking down the throat of some wide-mouthed beast. One step inside and the jaws snap shut immediately followed by a hefty gulp. Obviously the castle was no sleeping monster but there was still a lingering feeling of walking into a beasts' lair.

The hall carpets cackled underfoot. Frost had covered every fiber. Broken windows allowed snow to pile up along the sills. Wallpaper peeled and cracked from the cold freezing any moisture it may have had. Tarnished suits of armor lay in heaps. Closed doors whispered in every direction, daring her to see what horrors might lie behind. Then again, everything did. Everything whispered and hissed to her in this icy silence. 'What happened to me? What knocked me over? Who broke me? Don't you want to know? Maybe you already know. Just think about it. Just think about it.'

"No." Rachel finally said aloud.

This wasn't her Arendelle. This wasn't her precious world. And she wasn't going to let this bleak sham get into her head. At the entrance hall to this cold skeleton the magic Master cast her direction spell again. In all honesty she expected the exit door to be in the throne room. Only the light pointed up. Fine. Upstairs she'd go.

But first…first Rachel closed her eyes. She pictured the castle as it really was, warm, comfortable, a dwelling for royalty but also a home. Even after she opened her eyes she continued imagining. She imagined this was just a scary old ruin she and her friends had discovered by accident. All they had to be afraid of were rotten floorboards and they'd Nancy Drew the crap out of the place. And to cement that reality in her mind, Rachel did what she loved as much as magic. A little orb of light formed in her right hand. That orb then broke apart into several smaller ones. Rachel blew them away like the seeds of a dandelion. They glowed and began floating and dancing around her. Then, the little orbs started pulsing, creating a sound as it did so. Together they created music. Rachel swayed and danced in her own free way to the music as she made her way through the castle. And right on time, she entered the introduction and began to sing.

"There's a spark inside us that we can all ignite. And all that's dark inside us will flicker into light!

There's a power in ev'ry breath. There's a power in ev'ry note. A power that starts within the heart; a power the rises through the throat!

And when it sails up through the air more beautiful than any prayer! This power can right a wrong. And it will always thrill the ear of those who have the power to hear; the magic of a song!

All that's strong inside us, that tells us wrong from right, becomes a song inside us to chase away the night!"

Dang that felt good! No better way to make the whole world and all your worries go away than to really get into a good song. And the timing was perfect. The direction spell led straight to the queen's study. But the door to the study wasn't the door back to Castle Oblivion. No biggie. That just meant it was inside. Just about over. The battered doors squeaked open and,

"Wow, didn't realize you could sing too!"

Rachel barely took two steps inside before a voice made her jump; temporarily sending the living daylights within her running for the hills. The room was dark. The windows were so frosted over barely any of the dreary sun could get through. The only light in the room came from the large stone fireplace. The chaise lounge that usually sat in front of the fireplace had been moved beside it. And it wasn't empty.

"You again?"

"Yep! I'm back."

"Like a belch from a bad onion."

"Oh ho-ho! I like you. The sassy girls are always more fun."

"Why are you here?"

Xigbar had been sitting on the chaise lounge by the fire. The way he sat suggested he'd been waiting.

"Just chillin'." He answered casually. "Literally and figuratively. Geesh, why do you think I lit a fire? You took so long getting here and it's freezing. But I guess that's what I'm doing, not why I'm here. A few reasons, actually. First and foremost, Xehanort has a proposition he wanted me to pass along. Second, you and your brother are the only ones I've never met before now. And after some of the things I've heard about you? I wanted to meet you one-on-one to see what was true."

"I'm flattered," Rachel said dryly.

"You should be. I've been given a lot of enjoyable jobs and met my share of interesting people. But when a guy like Xehanort speaks of someone as an oddity not even he as completely puzzled out yet? That I just had to see for myself."

"Oddity? I've always prided myself in being a little different but I don't think you meant that in a good way."

"Well it wasn't meant to be bad. You see-."

"Hold it."

"Eh?"

"First I want to know what your intentions are."

"Strictly honorable. No tricks. No fighting. Honestly, geesh, all these distrustful looks I've been getting are starting to hurt my feelings. Tell you what, if it makes you feel better I won't even get up."

"Your weapon of choice is a gun, right? So you wouldn't have to."

"Fair enough." Xigbar made a slight motion of his hand. Both Sharpshooter Arrowguns appeared on the table in the center of the room. "And, in the spirit of fairness, I don't think I'd be overstepping any bounds to ask for the same curtesy."

Rachel made a curt nod and the last Keyblade she'd used, a sparkly golden blade, First Laugh, also appeared on the same table. She wasn't really worried. It wasn't like a Keyblade was something that could be easily snatched. She did stay wary, and not just because you never fully drop your guard in the presence of a known enemy. He could make his weapons appear just as easily as she could. Technically nothing was stopping him from calling one of the Arrowguns from the table to his hand if he wanted. But while partly expecting it, she wasn't really worried. With her efficiency for magic she still could defend herself quickly in case he was lying about this being a peaceful meeting.

"There. We're both unarmed and just going to talk. So let's get to it then. First of all-."

"Wait a minute," Rachel interrupted. With a bit of magic one of the tipped chairs on the other side of the room righted itself and floated to the side of the fireplace opposite Xigbar. "Now you have to get closer."

"Oh? And why's that?"

"You said you have a few things to share, yes? And a second ago it sounded like you were going to expand on what you mean by Xehanort calling me an oddity. I recognize a story when I hear it. That would make you the storyteller. And everybody knows the best place by the fire is always kept for the storyteller."

Xigbar looked at her curiously for a second before shaking his head and chuckling.

"Gotta say, glitter-bug, I can tell already this is going to be an interesting conversation."

Still, he did as asked and they sat opposite one another. Rachel ignored his little term of endearment (likely referring to the sparkliness of her Keyblade), figuring he probably said things like that to everybody. After all, he had called Lea 'Flamsilocks' earlier. She could feel him studying her as they sat across from each other. For a guy with only one eye she had a feeling he saw a lot more than most people.

"Xehanort, all sides of him and those working for or with him have had plenty of run-ins with your other key bearing friends. Collectively, that provides a pretty accurate image of who they are and what can be expected. Sora, the boy with the big heart who accepts everyone and fights for the Light even though the Keyblade never chose him. Riku, the one who gave into the Darkness, ran from it, tried to conquer it and so on. After so long Xehanort's got your friends pretty well figured out. Then there's you and your brother. Seems like he gets your brother even less than he gets you. Like that stunt in the gorge? What was that anyway?

"From what I've gathered you gave him some pretty interesting answers when you were in the realm of sleeping worlds a few years ago. And on top of that, you fought with a Keyblade that was supposed to be sealed away somewhere? Dual-wielding with a siblings' Keyblade makes more sense than a real-world item coming to your aid in a dream. And on top of that…that cave is empty, isn't it. Care to explain that?"

Xigbar paused, welcoming her to interject even though his half-smirk said he knew she wouldn't.

"Then of course there's your brother. What is that power of his? Imagine my shock to hear Xehanort sensed a strength about him that not even he recognized! I mean, yeah, there's no one who knows everything there is to know about everything but Xehanort knows his trade pretty well. You wouldn't be willing to relieve this curious itch I've got about that? No? Shame. That's been bugging me since I found out."

Rachel was quiet for a second.

"That's it? My brother and I are 'oddities' because Xehanort hasn't been able to place us in a specific archetype yet?"

"Well when you say it like that…"

"Anything else?"
"If you just want to rush this along, fine. In addition to being a bit of a mystery to him, Xehanort recognized a long time ago you had a talent for magic, isn't that right? Safe to assume that's only gotten stronger? Xehanort could use a talent like that once the X-blade reforms the world…really?"

"What 'really'?"

"No immediate snappy refusal? No interrupting with heroic banter?"

"Were you expecting any?"

"Honestly, yeah."

"You didn't sound like you were done."

"What?"

"Right now you've got the reins in this conversation. I'm just listening."

Xigbar looked at her strangely. "You really are something, aren't you? Put simply this is an offer to fight for the winning side. You wouldn't have to give yourself over to the Darkness or be asked to harbor Xehanort's heart. You would just be aligning your skills to a different cause. Feel free to interject with your own thoughts."

"Could I assume this is a limited time offer?"

"Not at all. Take all the time you need. Within reason of course."

"So this must be my chance to offer my strengths to the other side before the choice is taken from me."

"At least it can't be said Xehanort isn't such a cad not to give a person advance notice."

"Basically the nutshell version is, I can guarantee my own safety by embracing a new purpose by switching sides or take my chances by refusing. If we win, no problem. If we don't the kid gloves come off to get what he wants."

"Don't shoot the messenger," Xigbar held up his hands innocently.

"And what of everyone else? Are my friends privileged to such a gracious offer as well or have they been too irritating a thorn for so long that's not on the table at all?"

"I guess I can tell you that. He doesn't tell me everything but last I knew Xehanort at least had the intention of giving you all one last shot to play for the other team. Doubt he expects much though. I certainly don't. But you can't deny it sure would be more efficient and a lot less hassle, from his point of view anyway. There would be no terrible rush to form the X-blade because no one would be getting in each other's way. And once the storm hits, you would be welcome to take shelter in the only harbor that would exist at that point."

"Assuming once we're all gathered on the edge to gaze in awe at this new world Xehanort doesn't just push us off."

"That's a little cynical, wouldn't you say?"

"You expected anything else?"

Xigbar shrugged. He continued, changing the topic slightly.

"Of course, if you and your friends did see reason and join Team Darkness then we'd have to figure out other ways to get the seven pure lights. To that end you guys'll have to share what you did with the princesses. Oh, believe me, it was a bad, bad day when Xehanort could no longer sense their lights. How did you pull that off?"

"I'll assume 'you' just means the group as a collective. What makes you think I know where they are? You didn't think we'd take as many precautions as we could think of? Including limiting any information regarding the princesses?"

"Smart. But I'm not interested just yet in learning more about the Princesses of Heart. So, what answer can I take back regarding the offer?"

"I think you can guess."

"Yeah, but figured it wouldn't hurt. You never know. But I have to ask: why not? You're a Keyblade Master, right? And apparently magic is your specialty, right? Imagine what you could do in the new world Xehanort plans on raising from the aftermath of a second Keyblade war once the X-blade is forged. I mean, come on, can you really tell me the idea of power, privilege, even reverence doesn't appeal to you? Not even a little? Xehanort might have his own plans for balance or peace or whatever but with your skills and potential you could be just as one powerful one day. People would follow and respect you as a leader and teacher. Your guidance, along with Xehanorts' of course, could shape the world. Just imagine it for a second. Can you really say an opportunity for that kind of power doesn't make your interest sniff the air? To be on top when the new world forms regardless of if the Light or Darkness wins and be there to lead it? Anything? Your face is so hard to read right now. Is this really not interesting you at all?"

"Honestly? Not really."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"One way or another, power, in some form is what everyone secretly wants somehow. You mean to tell me you're really that self-righteous to be above such a desire?"

"Well, I certainly don't think of myself as self-righteous. And I'm not saying that, at least part of what you said isn't true. You're right, one way or another, for good or bad everybody desires something they don't have. In that respect, I'm no different. There is something that I want, just…ultimate power isn't it. And Xehanort can't give it to me."

Xigbar took another moment to study her, perhaps trying to figure out what she could be thinking of before just coming out and asking.

"What then? Love? Justice? World peace? Are your sights not even set that high? What could Xehanorts' knowledge and promise of authority not give you? If not unimaginable power, what is it that you want?"

"I want to be a legend."

The icy room fell quiet. The teasing giggles of the firewood were all that dared to break the silence.

"What are you talking about?"

"Now, I don't know you that well but I'll wager a guess that this isn't something you might fully understand and probably don't care about either way. Although, you should be honored. Not even my friends know this.

"After I decided Sorcery was the path I really wanted to follow, I started to think about what would come after. What good could I make come of that talent and passion? It was actually a line of a song that got me thinking. I only remember the one line and the rest I don't think was very relevant to anything anyway. Still, that was my internal goal. My first ongoing task will be to learn all I can, perfect my skills and become the greatest sorceress there's ever been."

"See? You do want power."

"Not necessarily. I said the greatest, not the most powerful. That would just be a bonus. Though, I've already set an impossible goal. I've got two great men ahead of me I'm not sure I'll ever be able to match, let alone surpass. Well, three but he's not magic.

"I want to do great things. For myself, my friends and the worlds. I want to be the kind of person people feel they can be better because they knew me me. I want my deeds to inspire people. I want to inspire people to get up when they're down, or to be the hand that helps someone else to their feet. Those acts I hope will be told and retold. People love stories and they never stop telling them. They tell of the past with stories, explain the present with stories and foretell the future with stories. Children adore storybook heroes. And I want them to be inspired by tales of what I've done. Maybe someday someone will think, 'I never knew her, I don't even know if she's real, but I want to try and be a bit like her if I can.' Those stories become a part of them, even if one day they decide they don't believe it to be real.

"I want to be worthy of the story. I want my deeds and beliefs to touch others so they might now me even though they've never met me. I want people to know how my life was a story…and that I made it a good one. And then, maybe one day I'll get to meet those people to whom I was just a fun bedtime story. In that moment, the fairy tale becomes reality. The story becomes a legend. They can see before them that the triumph of good over evil, following your heart, fighting for what matters and never giving up aren't just empty rhetoric for motivational posters. What better way to inspire someone than to prove such things really are possible? To see the truth in their eyes because they've lived it? I want others to find the strength within themselves to do what is right and just. Sometimes what can make a good person a great person is simply someone else giving a push into taking that first step.

"That is what I want. That is why I will have nothing to do with Xehanort and his plans. If I went along and things go as you say, I won't be a legend. Regardless of what I do, powerful or great, it'll only be history. I don't want to be infamous; I want to be a legend. History can be forgotten or rewritten. Stories can fade. But legends…legends never die."

The silence deafened the room. Xigbar sat very still. Rachel didn't know what his expression could be. Intrigue? Boredom? Consideration? A little of each? The length of the silence surprised her. He'd given her the impression he liked to hear himself talk. But what happened next truly surprised Rachel.

"How did that song go?"

It wasn't so much that it was a question he said first but what that question was. Still, it wasn't the kind of thing she had a problem answering. Rachel sat up straighter in her chair and recited,

"Legends are born of stories told, imagination without restriction.

But what does a legend become? When the Truth Outruns The Fiction?"

Xigbar continued staring at her, an almost bewildered look on his face. Then he smiled and shook his head.

"Well, didn't I say it, glitter-bug? This certainly was an interesting conversation. I got nothing else to say if you don't. The door's over there in the corner."

He jabbed his thumb in the direction of the door. Rachel glanced where he pointed. Sure enough, partly obscured by old curtains and frost buildup the white of the door gleamed dully in the firelight. Just as he said at the beginning, Xigbar didn't get up even after Rachel had as she made to leave. Then, about halfway to the door, Rachel stopped and turned.

"Hm?"

Rachel hesitated. But curiosity can be an itch that's hard to ignore. Rachel lightly touched the fingertips of her left hand to her right eyebrow.

"How did that happen, anyway?"

Xigbar made a quiet 'heh' sound. Amused by the question or the sincerity of it? Both? Neither? He turned away from her and absentmindedly looked up.

"A fight that went sideways a long, long time ago."

Rachel had nothing else she wanted to say, so without another word she pulled the handle of the white door. As she did, the glittering golden Keyblade vanished with her.

She didn't see the amused smile Xigbar still wore.