As night settled or whatever could be classified as such on The World That Never Was Larxene collapsed on her bed both mentally and physically exhausted. In just the span of a few hours she gained this Keyblade, fought and killed a powerful heartless, and had just finished being given her new directives at The Round Room where not only had her epithet been changed but many other aspects as well. More and more she was beginning to find her current situation much less positive as it seemed a new list of duties and expectations had been foisted onto her. Starting tomorrow she would not only begin a new type of mission but on top of that because swordsmanship was a completely new style of combat for her she would spend all of her free time for the next week being trained to adjust and even worse Xemnas had banned her from using her knives on these new missions yet did not explain why merely stating she would learn tomorrow. All of this combined made it easy for the girl to fall asleep her eyes closing to the depths of slumber.
Round Room
Currently three people were seated in that area with Xemnas shutting down any opportunity of anyone else arriving as him along with his two most trusted allies discussed this surprising development. "As if we could have had a worse candidate of all our members to become the tool we needed." Saix grumbled having dealt with the rebellious youth that was Number 12 far too many times for his own liking. Out of all the members in their group he found her the most troublesome as even after a month she had still shown signs of not falling in line unlike everyone else. At least Number 11 despite his obvious desire for more authority could pretend to be subservient to his superior's, but her she had no problem flaunting the fact getting her to obey without issue was like pulling teeth. And now that she had this weapon soon, she would not only realize just how important she was but is now all the more likely to go rouge.
As for Xigbar he just seemed entertained by it all, yet Saix had noticed a slight change in the way he looked at Larxene the moment she revealed her Keyblade. He had expected surprise of course but both knew she had the capacity for summoning this ancient weapon considering that was exactly the reason their Leader was so insistent that she would become a member of their Organization no matter how long it took. What he had not anticipated was the sheer disbelief on his face as if he had seen something he was not supposed to. "Call it lady luck shining down on one of its own. At least we can say things are about to become a lot more interesting, maybe we should start a betting pool on when she'll decide to turn that blade on us." His tone making it impossible to tell if he was joking or not.
After a few more seconds of silence Xemnas opened his eyes perhaps coming to an answer to the questions in his mind. "Instead of seeing this as a threat we should see this as it is. A potential key to our goals and all that's needed is the proper incentive to make sure it doesn't break or rebel against its destiny." His words implying the man's mind had already come up with the perfect plan. "And even if it does just having her within our grasp for now gives us many more avenues to pursue." That earned a questioning look from the two of them but for now the Superior did not continue merely keeping his ideas to himself for now.
Unknown Location
When she had reopened them Larxene noticed she was no longer in her bed and looked down seeing she was on some kind of platform and upon knocking on it the sound that reverberated reminded her of very strong glass. "Where am I?" She stood up scratching her head in confusion before noticing that the podium she stood on was a giant picture of her surrounded by grey with different Organization Members filling in the small circles. Upon closer inspection she noticed the eyes of this portrait were odd with one resembling her green except brighter unlike the dull lifeless eyes she normally had, while the other her entire iris had changed to a yellow exactly like Xemnas or Xigbar's. As if hearing her a voice then responded.
Rejected by darkness and light now standing in the middle
At hearing that she turned trying to find a body to that voice. "Who's there?" Instead of answering it just continued ignoring her question.
Can one molded by lies and deceit find it in herself to seek the truth and open the door
Before she could question further the girl noticed black ooze forming and soon regular shadows began to surround her and in response her Keyblade appeared coming to her aid. Attacking the heartless Larxene despite taking a swipe of a claw here and there not used to close quarters combat managed to defeat them without much issue. Sighing the girl took a moment to relax before she heard another sound.
CRACK
She then noticed the glass was beginning to break apart and soon she was sent falling.
One such as you have already fallen, but do not give up even as the raging tide that approaches threatens to drown you wholly
Thankfully the girl landed on something else although the landing knocked the wind out of her as she needed a few seconds to stand up. This time she saw the platform she stood on seemed to have a mouse on it waving around what looked like a Keyblade and this time occupying the circles were three strange characters. One resembled Xemnas but held chocolate brown hair and blue eyes, another was a girl with blue hair and eyes, and finally the third held a young boy his eyes closed so she could only see that he had blond hair that reminded her of sand. For some reason she found herself drawn to this picture an almost familiar thought running through her mind at the appearance.
For you are not alone in this war. Now, choose your style
As it finished saying that three new podiums came up each holding a different item. One a shield, another a wand, and finally a sword. Looking at all three the girl spent a few minutes debating what to choose. "Well the shield isn't for me I'm not much of a defensive fighter just avoiding attacks which means I'm stuck between the wand or sword. Well I use a sword anyway and I tend to prefer supplementing my abilities with magic instead of relying on it so I guess I'll pick that one." Upon grabbing the sword, it vanished and now she had to get rid of one which was a no-brainer and so bye bye shield.
CRACK
Again, the station broke and she was sent plummeting until she dropped down on a third one except unlike before on her feet since she was better prepared. This time she looked down and thought it was herself for a moment, but then soon recognized who exactly it was after a closer examination. "Elrena." The word coming out through gritted teeth at the thought of her somebody. In response darkness began to flow out of her and soon it formed into a creature separating itself from the nobody now looking like a black version of herself with yellow eyes recognizing it was her heartless.
To run from one's true self remains impossible
The voice spoke right as it attacked throwing knives of darkness at Larxene who ducked them and went on the attack striking at her heartless. The creature right before it could be hit sunk into the ground becoming a puddle as it avoided the blow rising back up from behind and clawing at the nobody's back. "Ah!" Larxene cried stumbling away the pain harsh but she managed to continue now blocking another knife thrown before it could pierce her flesh. The fight continued like this for some time with each trading hits until Larxene managed to get a clear thrust right into its stomach and for a moment she believed herself the victor, that was before it suddenly latched onto her Keyblade and began to slither its way up to her. Before she could let go it contacted her hands and spread throughout her entire body while she could do nothing her attempts to pry it off was like physically holding oil until it had covered nearly every inch of her.
For rejecting it will only consume your soul
Sitting up with a gasp Larxene looked around finding she was back in her room. "That was weird." Understatement of the year if she had to be honest with herself, even worse was the fact she had developed a headache as she got out of bed. Only then did Larxene realize she felt emptier than usual and remembered she failed to eat dinner yesterday too distracted by the many events to fix herself something to eat. Heading to what was dubbed the Dinery of Deliverance the girl couldn't help but wonder who came up with all these names for the different areas. "(Probably Xigbar just messing around, or maybe Xemnas really just enjoys making stupid names he thinks sound deep and mysterious.)" Concluding both outcomes were equally likely Larxene opened the incredibly large fridge which stretched about fifteen to twenty feet wide which was necessary to accommodate enough food along with their giant cooler to feed the group for a month before they usually needed to do some grocery shopping.
Thankfully she was a decent cook and soon sat down enjoying her creation of eggs stuffed with a less than healthy amount of cheese along with buttered toast coated in jelly, and of course one cannot go without a nice tall glass of milk to quench any thirst. Her private meal did not last as soon Zexion came into the kitchen and began to prepare himself some coffee. "Good morning Number 12." He exchanged simple pleasantries as he waited for his morning cup to finish. "You seem to be up earlier than usual, trouble sleeping?" The Cloaked Schemer inquired noticing her eyes held a bit of blackness underneath signifying an unpleasant sleep.
Truth be told Larxene had no grudge against the guy as after all he seemed courteous enough and held none of that snobbish attitude such as others, the only issue she had is that the guy was beyond boring to talk to. Only thing they had in common was that they could enjoy a good book even if her more adventurous tastes heavily differed from his nerd interests. "Thanks for news captain obvious, what are you going to do next comment on how the sky is pitch black?" Seeing him roll his eyes did brighten her mood slightly even if it wouldn't last as only second to Xemnas he would easily brush off her remarks.
Putting his mug under the machine it filled his cup to the brim and he chose not to add anything preferring it as black as darkness itself. "I see your tiredness hasn't dulled your tongue any, perhaps it is a good sign your effectiveness will not lessen on your new missions." That cut into her momentary triumph and she knew Zexion did it on purpose.
His words had earned Larxene's attention and despite herself ventured for some information. "So, what's the new status quo then? I was kind of only half listening when Xemnas began to ramble on so not sure if he properly explained it." Earning a sigh from her company.
Regrettably the only member who looked about her age began to explain. "As the superior put it your Keyblade has the ability to release hearts from vanquished heartless and we wish to collect them in order to restore our own hearts. So you shall be going on what is now called Heart Retrieval Missions for the foreseeable future across the Worlds. Also expect for the first while to accompanied by a partner as he has deemed you too valuable to risk destruction on solo missions until you've developed your skills to an adequate level. Any further information can easily be read on the briefing reports Saix gives on your next mission."
At that she simply snorted. "So basically, my leash just got a lot tighter." An edge of annoyance in her tone and if she had a heart would no doubt feel a great deal of bitterness as old memories momentarily came back before she quickly dismissed them. "And who in the World reads those briefings? I'm pretty sure no one that has any sort of brain cell wastes their time with that paper which would be of better use on a roll for the bathroom." Her words eliciting a hollow laugh and Zexion merely took a sip of his coffee, but his eyes told her he silently agreed to some extent just probably not as crass.
"I would suggest refraining from such language about my hard work Number 12 and simply prepare for your assignment." A new voice joined in from behind her and she immediately registered it as Saix with a bit more grumpiness in his tone than usual earning a smirk at the knowledge he was clearly annoyed by her words. Before she could give off another witty retort suddenly one of the previously mentioned briefings dropped down right next to her plate. "Due to your new schedule as demanded by Lord Xemnas you are to set out on your mission within a quarter of the hour and return in at most two hours so your training can begin." And then he promptly left without saying another word.
After finishing her breakfast, the girl taking what few minutes she had left tidying up and putting on her coat walked into The Grey Area where she was greeted by Luxord who shuffled his cards. "Might I take a minute of your time my dear? I believe I could use your assistance requiring an object that would benefit me."
Raising an eyebrow nevertheless Larxene was curious about this proposition. "What's in it for me?"
Expecting that question the man reached into his pocket and pulled out an item that immediately gained her attention. "Should you find me a Ribbon I might just have the desire to part with this Elixir of life, quite a rarity even within most shops when not using synthesis." Even though she had no desire to be an errand girl she had to admit the reward was certainly worth it as she at best only had a few Hi-Potions and absolutely no Elixirs. She really wished a Moogle lived here too then at least there would be more options for items, but to no surprise none were exactly clambering to set up shop on a World with only twelve regular people... Well as close to regular as possible.
Seeing the good deal, she agreed to the trade should she find a ribbon before feeling a lanky arm wrap around her shoulder and she had to resist the temptation to immediately rip it out its socket as Xigbar greeted her. "Hey hey sparky seems today I'll be showing you the ropes of your new life and just how to wield that giant universal lock pick ya got there." His grin as mischievous as ever.
That only earned an eye roll from the girl who was baffled he would be accompanying her. "Oh yea the sniper is going to teach me how to wield a blade, can't possibly see how this could go wrong."
If she had been paying more attention she might have seen the gleam in his eyes signaling a run through nostalgic memories of old along with his lips getting a bit more tight as if he were a child who had successfully stolen from the cookie jar. "You'd be surprised, I'm actually well-versed in facing people with your type of weapon." For a moment Larxene wondered about the meaning of that statement and filed that thought in her head for later.
Getting the briefing all the girl looked at was where they would be going and saw it was a world she hadn't been to before. "Traverse Town? I figured we'd just stick to the other TT considering we never have any shortage of heartless there." She noted with a curious tone.
Xigbar of course was not one to let this opportunity slide. "Well after we nearly lost two members yesterday us higher ups in our wisdom decided you best steer clear of that place until you've graduated into a big girl ready to face the big bad heartless all on her own. Luckily this one is a World where only the weakest of heartless reside meaning it shouldn't too much of danger for you sparky." Her urge to stab him only grew especially as he then proceeded to pat her on the head like a child as she stepped through a Dark Corridor the two emerging behind a corner where the entrance stood away from any prying eyes. Looking over the corner she saw it was certainly different from Twilight Town with a night sky only lit up by the many streetlights around as a few people walked around. "This is the First District where everyone tends to stay beyond a few who whether they be brave or stupid go out to one of other two and for most subsequently bite the dust."
That statement alone confirmed to the girl that things were not going well for them as Xigbar began to lead her around giving a brief tour as they avoided being seen by anyone. "So, what can you tell me about this place besides it's already four feet in the grave?" One of the reasons she hated being told to hide was that she couldn't even go into a shop to buy items or equipment, how in the Universe did Xemnas expect them to perform their missions so well if this basic necessity was just gone. Made it a pain to just salvage items through treasure chests.
"Well for one think of this as a refugee world. People from many different ones where theirs was destroyed by darkness come here, kind of ironic considering the current state of things but maybe not for long." His words again making her wonder what he actually meant.
Coming to a large door the two walked through now coming to the Second District and noticed a fountain right below them. "An entire world is needed for that sole purpose? I thought it was rare that worlds fell to darkness or were you guys just lying to us about it?" Her eyes carrying suspicion.
Xigbar wasn't even the least bit phased by that accusation. "Normally yes, but let's just say things are starting to change big time. Not like it matters to us since these new developments are gonna help us big time." Suddenly his face grew more serious as he spoke. "Summon your Keyblade it's time to get to work." The order clear giving her no room to disobey and she did so wondering why it was so important. Next thing she knew heartless began to appear immediately trying to kill her and she was forced to fight, and much to her annoyance Xigbar hadn't participated just standing there watching as none seemed even remotely interested in him. "The Keyblade is a magnet for heartless, so when you use it these little guys will flock to it like flies to honey. Aren't you just a lucky one." His grin back distracting her for a moment and allowing a Soldier to land a kick across her face.
Now thoroughly annoyed she became more furious in her assault using her speed to overwhelm her adversaries slicing through the one that hit her with great prejudice, it was only then after beating it she noticed a heart emerged flying up towards the sky much to her confusion. "Um... Is this what heart retrieval means?"
At that Xigbar sounded like a teacher who had just heard the slow learner of the class finally get a new concept. "Ding ding ding we have a winner. You'll see in time just why getting them is so important, but for now just know you are expected to collect a certain amount, and they can only be given by the Emblem Heartless. So, if you need it simplified sparky that means taking out the pure black ones like for example the one that almost killed you yesterday then that won't do." For the next hour she continued to fight heartless her annoyance never waning especially with Xigbar's advice ever so often. "Keep your guard up don't always dodge but block when you can saves some stamina." Which half the time just got on her nerves, but she did take the advice and found herself sparingly just blocking a swipe or kick and countering. Just as she seemed to be getting a flow down the Freeshooter decided time was up. "Whelp gotta start getting back, wouldn't want to miss your training session today."
Larxene certainly was not looking forward to that but figuring her only other option was to keep killing these heartless she saw no real value to resisting and the two took their leave.
At the same time a certain ninja hopped from a rooftop currently looking for the source of her curiosity. On her usual patrol of The Second District just a few minutes ago she had begun to notice hearts flying up wondering what that was all about, yet when she had traveled to the source nothing was there, although on the bright side she did get a few bits of munny scattered around signaling some heartless had been destroyed so the thief in her was happy. Seeing she had no lead as to what had happened she chose to head back to the hotel where Leon was currently resting hopping down from the roof onto the balcony of the room he was staying at and entered to see the man just polishing his gun blade after some darkness got on it. "Yo Leon how's the one-man army thing going?" She asked hoping things hadn't been too hard for the man who single-handedly took it upon himself to rid this World of their heartless problem. The man in question just gave a small shrug in response which by this point was always expected. "By the way I think you left some munny lying around near the fountain when you were fighting heartless, since you didn't get it I'll be keeping it all to myself." She giggled expecting to hear a grunt in response.
Instead Leon just looked at her with confusion. "Fountain? I haven't been there today; I stuck my work to the Back Alley since I didn't want any of them to try and get down to the area below the waterway." Now both were confused as to their knowledge no one else were really taking the fight to the heartless besides Leon and sometimes her when they got in the way. "Did you notice anything else aside from the coin lying around?" Remembering her observation from earlier Yuffie explained seeing the hearts float up. Upon hearing that Leon's eyes widened slightly as he had only seen that happen once before when first meeting The King, but to his knowledge he was not here and still at his home world currently researching the heartless threat. "Keep an eye on the Districts and tell me if this happens again." His request coming out more as an order but Yuffie complied seeing this seemed to bring a bit of new life to the man.
Yen Sid's Tower
Walking up his master's home Mickey wondered just why he had been summoned, not that he despised coming here to see the man who was practically a father figure to him. It was just with the current situation he didn't like having to take time away from dealing with it, but then his mind remembered the Master would not have requested his time unless it was of the utmost importance. Reaching the top which gave back memories of his first time climbing them only to nearly pass out upon reaching the top he walked in meeting the man who instantly greeted his former student with a subdued smile. "Thank you for coming my old friend, tell me how have you and Minnie been?"
Always one to enjoy a bit of friendly conversation before things got potentially tense the mouse replied. "The two of us couldn't be happier with each other, although probably not for long. I um... still haven't told her I've been considering going out on my own to investigate what's going on. Maybe I'll just let Donald tell her." He scratched his cheek nervously.
The thought managed to make the old master chuckle at his past protege's actions remembering many times Mickey would do similar things in hopes of not being around to incur his teacher's potential wrath at a mistake made. "I believe that may constitute as an abuse of power." Earning an uneasy smile in response, enjoying the lighthearted moment Yen Sid's face then became as it usually was. "Yesterday I was trying to sense out the darkness spreading across the Worlds when I had picked up something else. For a few minutes it seemed to grow aggressive beyond the normal amount and I felt it happen on a World close to my tower, who it was fighting I'm unsure of as I could not sense any light or darkness from what it was facing which is strange in of itself. But what I had recognized was a familiar signature one that signified a Keyblade had found its chosen wielder."
The Mouse King seemed both surprised and pleased by that news, for so long it had been only him that were able to take the fight to the heartless and while of course those like Leon did their best only a true warrior of the Keyblade could put a dent into this threat. "Well oh boy this just might be what we needed. Any idea where they are located?" The mouse questioned.
After a few moments of thought the Master shook his head. "Unfortunately, I do not only that it happened in a world close enough to this one that I could sense it. The only issue is I have no idea if it was a native to the World or a traveler, with the barriers broken it would be simple for anyone to go across them. For now, I recommend seeing if anyone you know as spotted someone with a key and hope good news follows. In the meantime, I shall monitor the situation and see if I can potentially locate this new wielder with my senses." The old man then let out a sigh. "It would be much easier if the darkness hadn't become so strong, now as the days pass, I can feel it clouding my senses. I worry that it is a sign the door to darkness may open soon." His words sparking a hint of fear into Mickey.
The mouse's feet fidgeted slightly a tick that Yen Sid recognized long go meant Mickey was about to do something reckless and was just debating it in his head. "We need to find them as soon as possible. Even if they can fight heartless if Maleficent gets their hands on them at best, we'll be down a needed ally, and at worst may use them to open the door." The old master nodded his head in agreement. "I had planned to wait a little longer to head out, but now I don't think I can afford it." Although Yen Sid wished to instruct Mickey to think about things the man knew the mouse while he at times could be rash ultimately his judgement tended to be the correct one honed by his time as a Leader. Soon Mickey departed already planning to pack up and prepare a few things before his departure to solve this crisis.
Hall of Empty Melodies A Few Hours Later
Larxene by now felt like an entire jar of jelly her body sluggish as defended against the attacks sent her way. (I was absolutely wrong and just should have stayed in Traverse Town.)" Her mind replayed again and again as lances kept coming and she found herself now forced to just block and defend which considering it wasn't her strong suit was giving her quite a few nicks that slowly began to resemble if she had ran into a barbwire fence.
As for the man who kept attacking her with these weapons Xaldin kept a critical eye on her and if she considered Xigbar a pain with his constant backseat fighting the man in front of her was somehow worse. "Keep your arms steady if you want to block my attacks. Stop relying on speed and build a defense that won't be blown away by a gust of wind." He said that just as he sent an Aeroga knocking her on her backside. "Your technique is pathetic, sloppy in so many ways, and horribly unrefined. You completely rely on your speed to the point of it being a crutch and against a more technically sound opponent who knows how to close the gap leaves you woefully unprepared for any proper defense work. It's obvious you have no training in the blade and so we have a lot of work ahead of us." His words like a weight in her gut as she now knew this would not be the only time she would have to go through this torture.
Panting hard she found it difficult to rise to her feet and at least for the moment Xaldin had let up on his assault. "A-and what made you... Such and expect on swordplay?" Her tone a bit incredulous.
That seemed to earn a smirk from the Whirlwind Lancer who most likely expected the question considering not many would have foreseen him now becoming what was essentially her trainer. "My somebody spent many years training all sorts of individuals for combat. You may not know it but in fact if I so wished I could have easily been the greatest fighter in the military force called SOLDIER or the police academy named SeeD." That came as a surprise to the girl who then found a book being blown her way almost smacking her in the face which would have greatly hurt from how big it was. Looking at the front it was a book called, "The Basics of Swordsmanship" And it was only now Larxene was glad she liked reading... But she didn't wanna spend her time reading a boring book like this! "Before you can learn how to properly fight first you must learn the basics. I expect you to have that all read and understood the concepts by the end of the week, to guarantee you do not get lazy everyday we shall go over three to four chapters, and should you fail when that time comes then consider today a light breeze compared to the tornado I can deliver." Her groan in response to that only made his smirk widen as he left, and the new reality of her life for the next six days set in like a 100 ton weight landing on her head.
By now I imagine anyone who reads this will draw the parallels to 358/2 Days. In a way I am borrowing a few aspects of that for this story which probably won't last for long. Currently I'm just using it as a way to explore bits of the Organization and how it functions to give ironically a bit a life to the empty characters that the game really failed to do. So consider these first few chapters a neat way to explore the Castle and its inhabitants while setting up a lot of what's to come. Also don't expect us to stay in the basic worlds of the games for long either as you may see next chapter.