Wow. Even with all the help I had this was difficult to write. But it's here.

I don't own Kingdom Hearts and/or Disney.

Johri, Eini, Armon, Nalina, and Jothi belong to Flautist4ever. Please give her a big round of applause for her help in writing this.

Mortem belongs to YamiChaos27. He also deserves a big round of applause for his work and help of the section with his character.

Dr Martin Lynch belongs to Destiny Kid, a friend of TheGoodandTheBadXBoy. Special thanks for helping to write the section with him.

Chapter 39: The Pieces are Set

Harthyn…

Saarin 6, 91 KA

THOMAS'S POV

"What is the meaning of this?" I asked the Sticklers after they finished giving their warning.

"We don't like this either, but there has been a rise in reports of Downtrod activity on your level." The lead officer answered. "We're only doing mandatory inspections to make sure they haven't infiltrated your home yet."

Elisa frowned as she stared at them. "The only people who come in here are family and Sticklers who act like they own our property. Isn't it bad enough that our only child is gone forever?"

"We have reason to believe the Downtrod might be impersonating people to infiltrate certain areas. There's a good chance they might try to pass themselves off as your child."

"Why would they want to impersonate Clair? She's dead. We all know that, but that doesn't mean you can come in and search our home."

"I'm sorry madam, but our orders came from Anton Yeller himself. If you have a complaint you can take it to Customer Services." The officer paused as he noticed something on his holo-screen. "It says here you recently started worshipping Gri?"

With a nod my wife said, "Yes. It's been a source of comfort after the death of our child. Or is that now illegal?"

"It's not illegal, but you should remember what science proved about evolution. Those who can't or won't adapt to changing times end up dying off."

Why did I sense hostility behind those words? Something about this just didn't feel right, like they had ulterior motives behind them. Reaching for the bookcase I tried to get the blaster I had hidden for emergencies.

I didn't need to use it.

"Sleep." At that word ever Stickler in our home just collapsed to the floor, but what surprised me was the voice I heard. "Mom? Dad?"

My eyes widened at who I saw at the door. But it couldn't be. We were told she had died, so what if she was really one of the Downtrod? "Pilgrim's Quest. Captain Lord sought the Gem of Hubris to do what again?"

"Dad, you know why. So he could trap the arrogance of his people within it."

"And the fact that Yelena tried to use it herself didn't dampen his spirits?"

"The digital version changed that, but the original made it clear that he had to fight through a broken heart to do what he believed had to be done."

Elisa then spoke to her. "Every year the Hocamli daughters do a dance to ask our ancestors to help them find their destinies as they leave childhood behind. How did you dance last year?"
"I tried my best but I ended up tripping over my feet and ruining the celebration. But Grandpa told me not to worry as he believed the fact I came was enough for our ancestors at all. Grandpa said that he could see how much my heritage meant to me, and that made my participation acceptable in their eyes. After all, the Hocamli are the only ones on Harthyn who still do the dances. "

THere was no doubt now. No one else knew the Hocamli still did their dances. Tears swelling up in my eyes, my wife and I embraced our child. "Clair, it is you."

"But how? How are you alive?" Elisa asked as she also let her tears flow.

"I was sent to another world." Clair told us. "Just like in some of my stories. There are parallel existences, and I can take you to them. Actually, I need to take you to them. This is going to sound crazy, but-."

"Yeller is crazy and now our lives are in danger." I said.

She blinked at that. "How-?"
"He told us you were dead when you were alive the whole time, and now the Sticklers have you and your friends on the Most Wanted list." I summarized. "If that's not evidence I don't know what is."

Elisa then looked at the Sticklers who were still unconscious. "Well, we need to gather the essentials. Extra set of clothes… Clair, what are you doing?"

"Something I wanted to do for a while now." As I watched my daughter, she pulled out a handbag and opened it. As she set it in front of her a giant key-like sword appeared in her hand which she used to tap the floor. "Okay everything. It's moving day, so let's get to it. Large items go in first."

As soon as she said that our large furniture lifted up into the air and began to move over to her handbag. As they got closer my eyes widened as one by one our furniture shrunk down to almost nothing while they went into her handbag. First the cases, then the couches and table, and I jumped when the door broke down due to our beds leaving our rooms and going through the process our child started.

As the items went from large as-is to small-as is they began to crowd around Clair, who only laughed as she adjusted herself so she wouldn't get knocked down. Elisa and I had to duck a lot to avoid getting hit by our own possessions, but my wife just chuckled at the whole thing. "Magic is real, just like the legends say!"

Gri, how could she be so calm? While this does indeed through countless historical studies and scientific papers I was trying to grasp some sanity from this situation. Our daughter was now a magic user? This was… this was… I was fighting a difficult battle to repress the urge to scream and panic.

With one final line the last of our stuff flew into her handbag which closed up leaving our home bare. Beamng brightly at us, our child retrieved her handbag and walked over to us. "How was that? I've been wanting to try that spell for a while now."

"Clair, that was… that was amazing!" My wife smiled at her.

"B-b-but how?" I asked. "How did you learn magic? Where did you find it?"

"I'll answer all your questions soon, but now it's time to go." She said as she reached into her handbag.

I then noticed the Sticklers stirring. "How? We'll be hunted down before we left the city."

"Will we?" Pulling out a blue cube she caused a blue mist to engulf us, and our home vanished from sight.

KENDALL'S POV

I frowned as the Sticklers continued to ask their questions to my wife and I. "What is with this interrogation? Why are you questioning us about Jason? Thanks to Yeller he's gone forever unless he can resurrect the dead."

The leader then turned to me. "Mr. Norman. This is a matter of national security. The Downtrod have increased their activities, and we've had confirmation that they turned children to their cause."

"The last time I was concerned about a matter of national security it cost me everything. Jason was supposed to be my second chance, and even he was taken from me."

"From us." Joan corrected me. "We used our savings to pay for Jason to be created, and contributed both of our DNA so he wouldn't be a carbon copy of one of us. Of course our plans for his future were seized and altered just to appease someone's ego."

"Joan, we had this discussion years ago. Everything I did was to help Jason face the world for the cruel thing it is."
"No. It was so you could make him live the life you were denied. What happened to leaving him a legacy he could be proud of?"

"He will be that legacy!"

Before Joan could respond to that a strange cyan cloud appeared in the middle of our room. Before the Sticklers could react something flew out and attacked the two members of the force in our home. As they fell unconscious my jaw dropped seeing who it was. "Jason?"

"Yeah, it's me." My son said as he glared at me. What was with that attitude? "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't urgent."

Joan moved over to him and held his face. "C-can it be?"

"It has to be a trick. Computer, scan and identify." Ignoring the person's cries to not do that I waited while our central computer did a DNA scan.

What the computer said made my jaw drop. "Identity confirmed. Welcome home, Jason Norman."

It was really him? Jason was alive? Gri, I couldn't believe it. "Y-you're alive? Yeller said-."

"I'm afraid I didn't tell you the truth because I wanted to spare you the pain." The giant holographic image of our world's leader then appeared before us. "It was more than a mere accident that happened on our station. The earthquake which shook the planet also hit my station as well, and pulled your son and his cousin through a wormhole to another world."

That made me scoff. "First you expect me to believe my son was killed, and now you're telling me he was sent to another planet?"

"Not another planet. Another world." Jason looked at me. "A parallel universe with its own laws and rules. I know it's hard to comprehend but I'm telling you it's real. Just as I'm telling you that HE pretended to try helping us when he wanted to keep us out there for his own gain!"

My wife then looked at our leader. "Is that true?"

"Truth is simply a matter of perspective. Did I know that Jason and Clair were in fact pulled to another world? Yes. Did I try to get them back? Yes, until I realized this could be a test for them."

"You grubock!" Joan snapped at him. "You put us through perdition, hid the truth of our son's fate, just so you can test him? Test him for what?"

"That doesn't matter. What does matter is he failed his test. He cannot be part of my team, so henceforth Jason Norman is expelled from my program."

I shook my head. "No. You can't do that. Not after-."

"You, however, Kendall Norman, I might be able to use. Not in the same degree as I was intending for your son, but my plans have been changing a lot. Agree to help me and I shall not only reinstate you, but I shall clear your records of any and all crimes of which you have been accused and found guilty of.

"Think about it. You can have it all back. Your reputation. Your honor. Your position. If you do, not only will I do all this for you, but I shall even promote you from captain to admiral. All you have to do is seize your son and bring him to me."

This was… impossible to believe. Everything I had lost, given back and more? It was like a fairy tale coming true. But handing over Jason? I… I… "Will he be okay? You won't hurt him?"

"You have my word."

I then reached for my son, only for him to grab my arm and throw me against the wall. "You're taking his side? Because of what he offered?"

"You don't understand how much this means to me!" I snapped at him, feeling my rage swell up in me. "This is a chance to make things better for our family!"
"No. It's a chance for you to make your life better. Just like I went from being your son to being a tool for you. You were so focused on what you lost that you stopped caring about what you have now! Or had. Is it-?"

"Yes, it is! It means that I can leave a legacy you can be proud of!" With a snarl I swung my fist at my son only for him to catch it. My eyes widened at that. "What?"

His next words broke my heart. "I was never proud of you, and whatever legacy you leave I will only be ashamed of!" I then felt something connect with my jaw and send me sprawling across the room. As I rubbed my jaw my son wiped his fist on his blue hoodie. "I'm done playing the role you tried to force upon me. You want to serve Madsane? Be my guest. But no matter what I will never consider you my father again." With that the same mist from before engulfed him and my wife, and they vanished from my sight.

With a snarl I slammed my fist against the floor. How dare my son talk to me like that! I tried to help him on a path of success by cutting out the nonessentials from his life. And now my chances for getting a second chance were gone!

"Well done, admiral." Professor Yeller said as he looked at me. "Report at the Storm Garrison at 1500 hours."

"What? But I didn't-."

"It was a test to see if you would obey. You passed. I know the last time you were given an order you refused to obey it. I wanted to see if this time you would obey, and now I know you will. Do not disappoint me Norman, or you will not get a third chance."

JOTHI'S POV

I kept my mouth shut as the Sticklers informed me that my daughter was Very Dangerous and needed to be turned in immediately. I listened intently as they described the measures they were taking to find her. Search parties all over both the real world and cyberspace. She'd need the information if she evaded them long enough to find us.
I stole a glance at Nalina as the Sticklers went into graphic detail about how our daughter had disabled security systems and hacked Yeller's databases in preparation for the attack.

If they were accusing our Johri of terrorism, something had to be very, very wrong.

"Do you have any questions, Mister and Missus Sultana?"

My wife put on her famous zycrub sobs, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She sniffled and leaned into me, "Where did we go wrong?"

I put my arm around my wife and sniffled, "Please understand, it's… We never thought our little girl would ever…"

Nalina wiped her eyes and pointed to the birdcage in the corner, "You see Holi there?"
As if on cue, Holi let out a forlorn caw and flapped her wings, revealing the prosthetic Johri had built. "Most people told her she couldn't help a seocaw fly, but she couldn't stand to let a bird stay grounded."

The Sticklers looked sympathetic, "It's hard to believe such a compassionate girl would turn to this." The one who spoke looked at us. "If you see her, inform us at once. Now, I believe you two need some time to take this in, but I have confidence you will do what's best."

For our child, anything. "We will." When they finally headed for the door I had to use my willpower to keep myself from sighing. I just stood there holding my wife for several moments before I felt safe to be myself again.

Nalina looked at me, and I knew what she was thinking. Silently, we strode through the house and gathered everything with a microphone, camera, or GPS in it, set aside the memory centers, and destroyed everything else.

When it was done, Nalina walked over to our bedroom, "Pack up as much of Johri's workshop as you can. She's going to need it. I'll pack your favorite socks."

"Don't forget the extra cash," I called back, "We might need all of our savings now."

"Already packed," Nalina replied, "And I'm bringing as much of my jewelry as I can."

I smiled as I began sorting through Johri's tools, "I knew she got her brains from you!"

"But of course."

Nalina was going to say something else, but a knock on the door interrupted her.

The two of us nearly ran into each other to open the door. Nalina nodded as we opened the door, but both of us gave the same shocked look. "Johri?"

Nalina pulled our daughter inside and wrapped as much of her as she could in a hug. I joined them. After a moment, I pulled away and examined our daughter, "We're on your side unconditionally, Johri, but would you mind explaining… well… everything?"

"I would, but it's a really long, complicated story. I'm still having trouble believing it myself, truth be told."

Nalina nodded, "Then just tell us what to do."

"Trust me, and prepare yourselves for a shock."

I nodded, "We're already preparing to leave. Your mom and I just started packing when you knocked."

"What do you have?"
"The memory cores from all our devices," Nalina replied, "We destroyed anything with a camera, microphone, or GPS."
"Aside from that, I was picking out your favorite tools and supplies while your mother packed our clothes, cash, and anything we can sell in a pinch."

"That'll have to do. Time is of the essence."

I nodded, "We knew that when Sticklers showed up at our door."

"How long ago was this?" She asked.

"Only about half an hour."

She paled at that. I ran over to the door and locked it, "I'll take Holi and pack her supplies. You finish packing up your workshop. Nalina will finish the rest. Then we're leaving. You lead the way."

"Understood." As she ran to follow my instructions, we all got to work getting what we needed.

Within five minutes, we were back at the door.

"So how do we get out?" Nalina asked as she looked at the door.

"We have a plan." Johri then looked at the clock. "Should be happening right about… now." As soon as she said that a blue mist engulfed us and like that we were no longer in our home.

Saarin 9, 91 KA...

MADSANE'S POV

I smiled as I overlooked the fortress city from my office at Yeller Sciences. Everything was falling into place for Operation Cleansing. Soon the city would be even more secure than before and there would be none left to oppose me.

Taking a look at one of the holo-screens that appeared next to me I continued my analysis of the energy spikes that my scanners picked up over the last few days. They seemed similar to what I scanned during the Spatial Tremor, but on a smaller scale and missing something the larger event had had. It must have something to do with my associate from my dreams. Still odd that he was only able to communicate with me after I was asleep.

No matter. He had provided me with all manner of ingenious ideas that I had been eager to try without possibly endangering my world. It was thanks to learning how to use the corridors of darkness that I had been able to work on testing the modified virus in another world, and while little time had passed on Harthyn when I returned I had found that several months had gone by in that world. So it is not outside the realm of possibility that time can move differently between worlds. A strange fluke that I would have to be careful in analyzing, and correcting.

Now, to the matter at hand. The energy spikes had to be related to the six who were unfit for my Neo-Thirteen. Jason, Clair, Braxton, Eini, Johri, and the Morugan girl. They had been in the process of rescuing those they could, but I had managed to alienate some of their kin from them. As to how they were moving around so quickly… I had to find the answer to that. It could be what changes the game.

A beeping on one of my screens alerted me that someone wanted admittance to my office. Checking the person's DNA scan I was surprised to see who had come. Closing out of the research I was conducting I took a seat at my desk and motioned for my guest to be admitted by the system.

The doors parted to open up for a green-eyed man in his twenties to enter into my office. He still needed to lose some weight if he wanted to get that endomorph shape he desired. His orange hair was done in a mullet with two angled bangs that extended down past his chins. It has been a while since I had a conversation with him. His famous company kept him plenty busy, though I knew it was merely a front for his syndicate that I made sure was secret. After all, I needed his connections his activities offered like the muscles he could recruit from the city's underworld.

"Lynch. To what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked.

"Business, professor. And more. Score." Lynch responded as I pressed a button at my desk. Part of the metal floor between him and my desk parted and an advanced lounge floated up. When I motioned for him to use it he didn't hesitate. When he took his seat, he speaking out, "Considering what happened across Harthyn a while ago."

"The Spatial Tremor." I said."Would you care for refreshments?"

"No thank you. I'd rather get to the point."

"You were never one for small talk."
"No. Now, it's just a matter of time."

I rose an eyebrow for that. What is my pupil going for?

"Mind ask why this sudden achievement?"

"What's that supposed to mean? It's accelerating the process." I answered. "Have you spotted some errors in it?"

"No, professor. I have not. By the way, are you aware of Jason and Clair are back on Harthyn not a while ago?" Lynch said.

"Yes." I looked down for a moment.

"That's the sentiment I want to hear from you. Question is, how? I already take it wasn't that Pryani girl who brought them back. She might be a genius, but her patience is low and she was rushed on her experiment. It just begets malfunction, and malfunction only breeds more errors."

"I couldn't take any chances."

"Back to the point, do you have any idea how did they come back? My spies have some clues, but we're not certain yet." Lynch explained.

"I have found spikes in energy similar to what I picked up during the Spatial Tremor." I explained. "It would appear that they may have found some way to travel over great distances in the blink of an eye, a teleporter for lack of a better word. I intend to send some of my students to intercept them and find out what it is."

Lynch seemed to be surprised by my statement before he pondered about it. "Very well, professor. But what if it's true? Such a statement like what you made sounds like a disease to our goals. If they have some way to teleport in the blink of an eye, they can come here anytime before we can notice. We cannot afford to let them do that."

"But if we can harness that power it could speed up our operations. It might also explain how they returned to this world without my knowledge."

Lynch looked down in a moment, thinking about my words. "Maybe… And, what are we gonna do with Clair's parents? In my professional opinion, Hocamli value family too much to listen to others' opinions, including yours. They might not be filthy as a Morugan like that spy, but they are gullible and foolish."

"Whatever power and influence the Hocamli had in the past, that has changed. They are no longer the power they used to be." I said.

"You forget that Clair Fay is a Hocamli."
"I have not. I attempted to apprehend her parents earlier as a bargaining chip, but the Sticklers sent to the Fay residence have reported them missing. There's no sign of them at their jobs, social areas, or their extended family. The only conclusion I can reach is that they must've been evacuated to another world. I confirmed this not long ago when I contacted the Normans and saw one of the failed students there."

"Ugh, someone's got their homework done. They're a pain in the rear like my reckless cousin." Lynch grumbled.

"I must admit it is fascinating to see how much their adventures have changed them." I admitted. "Even though I have only analyzed one for a brief moment, it is clear to me that he is not the same as he was when I brought him onto the station. I look forward to seeing how this new Jason copes with Operation Harrow."

"He's getting more mature and confident. Part of me can't wait to see when the time has come…" Lynch nodded. "Speaking of students, you only have six of them since the others proved to be unfit for the project."

Leaning back in my chair, I nodded at his words. "I still need six more to complete my Neo-Thirteen. Any fewer is useless. My space program was supposed to provide me with the remaining twelve, but that experiment proved to be a failure."

"I may be able to help." Leaning in, Lynch continued, "What if I could provide you with the remaining six for your team? Then you can have all thirteen for your projects."

"And what do you require in return?"

Lynch did looked hesitated. "I just... want to see the future without the Kaiju like you do. Nothing more than that. You're the only one who can guide after the restoration. For the greater good."

While I was proud of his scheme, I also figured out the hidden part of his offer. "Well, sorry that I can't recruit you and your V.I.R.U.S. organization. I will still find remaining six for my Neo-Thirteen though."

In the respond, my pupil just lowered his head down and sighed out. "Very well. If you're confident you can find who you need."

"I need you and your league just in case... " I decided not to tell the risks after we'd reached the final stage. Probably need to change the subject as something came up and lowered my frustration over the failed space program. "By the way, cut one down. I think I know who might be worth to be part of my Neo-Thirteen."

"And who is this student you'd vouch for your project?"

"Oh, he's not a student at all. You met him once when the war ended."

After a moment of silence, his eyes widened with the realization. "Wait, that corporal guy?"

"Yes, him. He proved to be an excellent soldier, carrying out the order Norman refused. And I need someone who will keep my Neo-Thirteen in line when I am working on my experiments. I can think of no one better than him."

"Hmm… Well, George has proved us as a level headed character, but have someone with discipline among students sounds worthy." Lynch noted. "By the way, about the results I mentioned earlier… It's bad news I'm afraid."

That made me frown. "What?"

"My agents hacked to get the data of official registers of Harthyn's residents from the governments. Over three days of searching without sleep. Information: Zero. The register of 'Subject 8' from Netokanian Sticklers Department are fake, including his mother and little sister. They're not from Netokan."

That made me stand. "That's impossible. How?"

"I'm not certain, but I'd say the other genius's parents must've helped his mother. His father was a technician and programmer there before he quit. But it's just a theory…"

The other genius? "Which genius?"

"The one who used to be an old friend of that Pryani girl. Another rival to one of my men. Victor…. Let's not lose track. What is important is that I found out that it might sound a little impossible, but since that failure mission in Yeller HQ a few months ago, he and that little girl are nowhere to be found on Harthyn. My teleport machine somehow combined the girl's DNA when it malfunctioned due to the struggle with our target and suck her into it, and then Subject 8 to an unknown location. After all, the teleport machine has only station's coordinates, and they weren't here."

"You're not saying…"

Lynch didn't answer though I already knew what he meant. Worbazz! The subjects were no longer on this world, and I couldn't afford to search for them now. Not even Lynch and his V.I.R.U.S. can accomplish anymore at this rate. Subject 8 and that arrogant boy had a lot of potential, but both of them rejected my offer. What the perdition did they think they are?! Moving away from my desk I took a look out my window. Guess I was out of options. "Lynch… Call your secretary Bella and tell her your time here has extended. And tell her to order your men to find Subject 8's friends. Make sure Ron and Victor find four more members to my Neo-Thirteen. Time to start the alternative just in case." I then pressed a button causing a small part of the wall to open revealing a couple of laboratory coats.

Lynch seemed a little confused by that. "Mind telling about this 'alternative'?." As he asked, I grabbed one of coats and tossed it to my partner who caught it. When he looked as if he was going to put it on I quickly strode over and reached into one of the pockets. As I pulled out the contents he raised an eyebrow. "A test tube? What are you-... No way." Lynch looked surprised.

"The failed mission actually provided this solution to us as a contingency to the failure of the Neo-Thirteen." My lips formed into a smirk.

MORTEM'S POV

I had to admit, this world was impressive to look at. The city alone had buildings rising taller than any I had ever seen, to where I could no longer see the ground. All the cars that flew through the air were incredible, and there was some part of me that wanted to hijack one and just cruise around in it. The only thing that ruined the image for me was the huge wall that circled the city.

Hundreds of feet tall, to say it was armed to the teeth would be an understatement. There were rows of turrets that fired at something in the ocean, and for a moment I saw a four-headed feline creature roaring at them before it turned away. That must've been one of the kaiju the old coot told me about. Felt like an eternity ago.

"They've got some major firepower in those things." Leroy said.

Nodding in agreement, I left the view on the skyscraper I was on and began taking the lift down. "Hard to believe this is the home of two Keyblade bearers."

"Indeed! So much technology around here that I doubt they have any knowledge on magic whatsoever."

I couldn't help but scoff at that. "How pitiful! These people put so much faith in their science and gadgets, that they are incapable of using their own power. It's no wonder Jason and Clair started off so pathetic. Relying too heavily on technology just shows how weak one really is."

The little monster snickered. "Especially when the same technology you rely on can easily be turned against you." He then pointed at a holographic monitor on one of the buildings which was currently displaying an alert for their Most Wanted list, displaying the people that I met earlier and even Jason and Clair, who the board claimed were imposters.

I shook my head at this. "Do these people really buy that loon's lies?"

"From what I understand, he's the most influential man on the planet. As long as those idiots think highly of him, they'll buy anything he feeds them… unless his reputation gets crushed."

I looked at him. "Why would I care about his reputation when it's his head I want?"

"Think. Kill him now and he becomes a martyr. You'll just unite an entire world against you." My companion said. "However, if we destroy his image from the inside out, the people will lose faith in him. They will hate him just as you do. And that can be a fate worse than death."

He did make a good point there, and it brought a smile to my face. I had to admit, the idea of that man's deceit coming back to bite him did sound appealing. Exposing him for the fraud that he is does sound like the perfect appetizer to my revenge. But there was a slight complication I decided to ask about, "How? From what I can see the people worship this man like he's a god. All I'm saying is it won't be easy."

"Every system has a flaw in it. Every system can be cracked." Leroy said. "First thing we need to do is get people who know the system here."

"Like who? Those rebels from earlier?"

"They must've found all sorts of dirt on him. And we know people who have been used by that nutty professor."

"Like Jason and Clair." I crossed my arms in annoyance. Once again I find myself assisting them rather than fight them. I really don't like teaming up with those who will only get in my way later when it comes to capturing the pure hearts. But honestly, I hated Madsane a lot more than them. And if this was the only way to truly pay him back for using me, then so be it.

As the elevator reached one of the layers of street this city had, I found myself moving past several aristocratic people who were dressed in fancy outfits and wore jewelry. Guess things were sustainable enough to keep a caste system intact, and give them high enough opinions of themselves that they noticeably looked down on me. "Really. Who forgot to take out the trash today?" One woman with green hair done up like a beehive made a face like she smelled something rotten when she passed me.

I was sorely tempted to remove her head when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look and saw what appeared to be a small robot. A drone perhaps? It was circular in shape and had a red lense on the front, probably its camera. It had a pair of wings that look like it was made of sets of blades to resemble feathers. And then it had what looked like it could be a gun mounted on the bottom. There something familiar about this drone but I couldn't place it. I tried to ignore it and pressed on, but I could feel was following me. Soon its presence started to irritate me as I threw a dark fireball at it. But to my surprise it vanished before it hit.

I then heard a voice that sounded like it was coming from a radio chuckle coming from behind. "Just as quick to rile up as ever, huh demon boy?" I turned around and saw that same drone. That voice sounded vaguely familiar, but again I couldn't place it, not helped by the slight reverb from the radio.

"Who are you? And why are you following me?" I inquired.

"Anton was concerned when you seemed to drop off the face of the universe. Quite a fancy seeing you back."

I rolled my eyes at that. "What are you? One of his lap dogs?"

"Oh I wouldn't say that." The voice chuckled again. "More like a benefactor sharing my knowledge with him. Oh the good doctor and I have so much in common! We are both men of science. We both allow our madness to expand our horizons. And we both would stop at nothing to achieve results." I didn't know what it was, but something about the way it spoke just irked me.

"How interesting," I said sarcastically.

"So tell me, Mortem. What exactly happened to you? Found yourself in another universe, or something?" That was an oddly specific guess, yet eerily accurate. Too accurate. Yeah, I definitely did not trust whoever it was on the other end of that speaker.

"It's none of your business. Look I don't have time for this. So why don't you buzz off?" I started walking away again.

But it seemed the voice wasn't done yet. "You know, I've been watching you for a while now… Cain!"

I stopped in my tracks before glaring at the drone. Something about that name just seemed to click with me, and the fact that this voice was the one who said it really troubled me. I heard him chuckle as though he knew exactly what he said and what effect it had on me. I summoned my Keyblade and pointed it at the drone. "Who are you?! And why did you call me that?!"

He seemed to deliberately ignore my question as he continued to ramble. "I must say, I am mildly disappointed in how much you've lost your edge. You had powers that would make you virtually invincible compared to everyone else in this universe. I'm curious to why those powers don't seem to be active anymore. Did you lose them since that last time we met? Or is it that they simply don't work in this universe."

Powers that don't work in this universe? What was he implying? Why was he talking as though he knew me? My frustration grew as my Unversed began spawning around us. And will this creep stop chuckling already?

"Although your new power over the Unversed is quite the surprise. I only knew of two other individuals who had that power, one of which I created myself. How did you obtain this power? Perhaps a combination of your growing anger, the event that brought you here, the hole in your heart as a result of your memory loss, and perhaps maybe even the virus plays a part."

Virus?! What!?

"Halt." A new mechanical voice said. Turning I saw a vaguely humanoid robot with an arm extended towards me. As the hand changed into some sort of cattle-prod esque device it continued, "You are wielding a weapon in a weapon-free zone. Lay down your arms and put your hands on your head."

Well this was just great. Now it seems I attracted some unwanted attention. And from some robotic police from the looks of it. I turned to look at the drone, only to find that it was gone. Great! This robot just let that creep whom I had so many questions get away. What an annoyance. It seemed that Leroy was just as annoyed as I heard him growling at the robot. I grunted in frustration. I didn't have time to deal with a mechanical puppet.

I glared at the robot as one of the Unversed that had spawned during the conversation, an Archraven, perched on my shoulder. "And if I don't?"

"Resist, and force will be used to restrain you." The robot answered. At least it gave me an idea. It's eyes then glowed a different color for a brief second. "Error. DNA scan results. No known genetic matches found. Identify yourself, civilian. Name and place of birth."

"Sorry, but I don't answer to a puppet!" I then sic my Unversed on it.

"Hostility detected. Defense protocols initiated. Error. No record of creatures. Response to danger unknown. Error. Err-."

Finally that thing shuts up. I dismissed my Keyblade and my Unversed as I looked around for that drone. Damn it! It got away! Who was it on the other side of that speaker? Was it someone from my forgotten past? How else did he seem to know me? And what was he saying about powers I was suppose to have but don't for whatever reason? And what did he mean by virus?

"Mortem!" Leroy got my attention. "We better skedaddle before more robots show up. If one saw you as hostile, no doubt the others will." That would be more trouble than it's worth.

"Fine!" I'll have to deal with that drone later. But for now I have more pressing matters.

EINI'S POV

I know I should've said something to the others, but it felt like they chose to focus on rescuing closest kin. The only person I wanted to save wasn't related to me.

But there was no way I could let my best friend stay here. Not when I knew what that old weirdo could do to him.

So without telling anyone I snuck off on my own into the city to look for him. Years of evading my parents formal events and social gatherings were about to pay off. Wearing my non-tackiest disguise ever was the hardest decision of my life but it was the best way to hide in plain sight. Everyone knew that I wore stuff that made people go blind, but for now I looked- and the thought made me shudder- normal.

No one would ever suspect the boring kid was actually me.

So I made my way to the Upper Levels and snuck around back to the homes of the elites. I wouldn't need security clearance for Armon's home; there was a secret exit in case of emergency. Completely manual, and almost completely ignored. No one would ever think to look for me there.

When I found the door behind the topiary hedge I turned the knob and slipped inside. Once inside I did a quick check of the security to make sure they didn't install silent alarms. Letting out a sigh of relief once I saw there were none, I then proceeded to move through the home. I was a little unnerved by the lack of servants around.

I was so distracted by the stillness I almost ran directly into my friend.

"Eini?" He asked.
"Armon!" I hugged him tightly and he hugged back, "I don't know if you saw the news, but it's not what you think!"

"What is it, then?" He asked.

Taking a breath I began to spell it out for him. "Yeller's planning something and it's going to destroy this planet. We're going to stop him but we're evacuating our closest loved ones." I took his hands and pleaded, "You have to run away with me!"

Armon tightened his grip on my hands, "I thought you'd never ask!"

I sighed in relief, "Let's pack your bags and ditch this place."

"You have no idea how good it'll be to get out from under everyone's thumbs." He said as he let go enough to rummage around for a bag. "Doing everything my dads say gets so dull. Uh, where exactly are we headed?"

"Somewhere far away," I replied, "Where nobody on this planet will be able to find us."

He smiled, "Where is that? Moruga?"

"I wish. Further."

The prospect seemed to excite him. He turned his attention back to his suitcase, "Think this'll be enough?"
"It'll have to be," I replied, "We don't have time."

He grinned at that. "Racing the clock? Just like that fundraiser your folks put on for… what was it again? I cannot keep track of all the junk they use as financial target practice."

"My parents and their stupid fundraisers can be stomped," I slammed his suitcase shut and pulled it off his bed, "Where we're going none of that will matter."

He grinned even wider and put his hands over mine, "You're hot when you're intense."

I blinked. "... What?"

He stepped closer and cupped my face and my blood ran cold. He leaned into my personal space and puckered his lips.

I pulled away, "A-Armon? What are you doing?"

He blinked, "W-wasn't this your idea, darling?"

"N-not like that! You've been my best friend since we were ten!"

"Well, yeah… But haven't we been dating since we were twelve?"

My eyes widened. "But you don't even like girls!" I stumbled backwards, realizing something was horribly Wrong. "... I'm the only other person who knows that…"

I turned to rush out the door, but then the holographic image of the great egghead appeared.

"I must admit, my pet," he spat the nickname, "your little fake romance even had me fooled." The hologram walked over and patted Armon's shoulder, "Of course, even I still can't predict how these things will turn out." Armon just stood there, unnaturally still.

"What did you do to him?!" I demanded.

"Just enacted a part of a protocol that I've been waiting for years to activate. Now the time is come to rid Netokan of all potential threats for a more secure future."

"What does my friend have to do with it?!" I demanded.

"Well, for one thing, an army needs soldiers," Yeller explained, "For another thing, you were the only purchase to make a dent in your parents' wealth, and as my endgame is at hand, they requested I… reacquire you on their behalf. By whatever means necessary." He smirked, "You're proprietary, after all."

"He isn't means!" I protested.

"And yet, you're here."

I found my blood boiling at him. I clenched my fist, "I. Hate. You."

The hologram met my eyes, "And you are the single biggest disappointment in my entire career." He circled Armon and me. "Are you aware of how many meetings I spent with your parents begging them to let me scrap you and start over?"

"I'm not some program you can rewrite. I'm me." Staring into those fake eyes I continued, "I may not be the best person in the world, I may not have a heart of gold, but at least I don't just mindlessly follow the crowd. I do things my own way and I don't give a phardu about what the latest fad is unless it's bad clothing. I always thought you were obnoxious and overbearing, but this talk of just redoing someone just because you didn't like how they turned out is insane. Guess what? People aren't going to follow your perfect little system. They're going to be themselves, so get used to it and stop expecting them to just do what they're told."

"You seem to misunderstand your position," Yeller glared at me, "You have no choice in the matter."

I crossed my arms at that. "And how do you intend on making me obey?"

"I'm glad you asked." The hologram reached for something out of sight.

A chill ran up my spine and my stomach turned. I held my belly and tried not to throw up.

Everything went black.

Everything is ready.

I will be honest, the scene with Clair packing her family's stuff was inspired by Merlin's Higitus Figitus spell from The Sword in the Stone. I wanted to have her use that spell for a while now, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to use it.

Once again, thanks to Flautist4ever, YamiChaos27, and TheGoodandtheBadXBoy for your help in writing this chapter.