Chapter 71

Back at the training forest, Lea was sitting on a rock, along with Elfman and Lyon watching the sunset.

"Hey, Axel!"

The boys turned and saw Kairi, Mirajane, Lisanna, and Cana approaching them. Kairi was now wearing a brand new outfit. The outfit is a unique hooded pink-and-black dress, with two small black cat ears. There are black ruffles on one side of her skirt and plaid on the other. She wears thick belted black boots. She wears thin white bracelets on her left wrist and a thick wristband on her right wrist. Her hair has been cut, now reaching slightly to her shoulders.

"Doesn't she look adorable.", said Mirajane.

"Yeah.", said Lea. "Liking the look." Kair then gave a twirl. "Cut your hair, too."

"Mm-hmm. So, you gonna try yours on?", asked Kairi.

"Uhh...I dunno. Maybe later."

"What?", said Cana as she was drinking a bottle of wine. "Boo!"

"But you always wear the same thing.", said Kairi.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is how you pick me out of a crowd. I make myself easy to remember."

"That's true…", said Lyon.

"It's manly!", said Elfman. Everyone gave a sweat drop.

"How thoughtful.", said Kairi as she sat next to Lea while the girls sat on the ground.

"Whatever works for you.", said Lisanna.

"Nah, not really…", said Lea.

"Our training's almost finished.", said Kairi.

"Yeah…"

"You two did a good job.", said Mirajane with a smile.

"You've been a great help.", said Kairi. "You are all so good at combat. It's like second nature to you."

"That's flattering.", said Cana.

"But Natsu and the others are way stronger than us.", said Lisanna.

"It would've been helpful if Mest was around.", said Lea.

"Why did he leave?", question Lyon. "He knows we were sent here to help Kairi and Lea with their training."

"He shouldn't have left.", said Elfman.

"That's true.", said Mirajane. "But I'm also worried about him."

"I'm sure he's fine.", said Lea. "You said he was strong, he can take care of himself. I'm sure we'll meet up with him, once our missing friends have been found."

Mirajane nodded and they sat there in silence.

"Somewhere inside me is Namine. If we can free Roxas, we can free her too.", said Kairi.

"I guess so.", said Lea.

"Who's Namine?", asked Lyon.

Kairi explained. "She's my Nobody. Namine was made when Sora freed me from his heart. So, now that she's a part of me again, I figured all was right. But she can't look at this forest, feel the wind on her face, none of it. And if she could, it would be different for her. Her time was short, but she lived it, and that makes it hers. What right did I have to take those feelings and experiences back? They don't belong to me. Nothing's as it should be. Not for her or Roxas."

"You really are a gentle soul.", said Mirajane.

"Like Lucy.", said Cana.

"Such determination.", said Elfman. "That's so manly!"

Lea nodded. "I know. Way back when I was a kid, I met this other weird kid. Somehow we became fast friends. Never saw him again-nearly forgot about him, too. Then, I met Roxas. Couldn't believe it. The two of 'em were identical. Oh, I didn't tell Roxas. Didn't want him to go vanishing on me, too. The kid's name was Ventus. He's one of the lost Keyblade wielders we're looking for. Think he's still got me memorized?"

"Oh yeah. Very memorized."

"I doubt anyone would forget you.", said Elfman.

"Now that we're going back, I'm worried about everything.", said Lea.

"Well, you don't have to worry alone anymore, Axel.", said Kairi.

"Yeah, you have us.", said Lyon.

They all continued to watch the sunset.

In the Realm of Darkness, Riku, Mickey, and the mages were fighting off against hordes of Demon Towers.

"Holy Ray!"

"Shadow Dragon's Waxwing Flash!"

Sting and Rogue attacks destroyed several Towers, but a few more rose from the ground. Lector and Frosch grabbed the Dragon Slayers before the Towers could hit them.

"Damn, they're everywhere.", said Sting.

"Where the hell are they coming from?", question Lector.

"This is the Realm of Darkness.", said Rogue. "Yen Sid told us this place is filled with powerful Heartless. Though I never expected them to be this powerful."

"Fro thinks so too.", said Frosch.

"Look out!", shouted Sting as another Tower was coming at them.

"Pleiades!"

Six rays of light fell from the sky and destroyed the Tower. Jellal then landed on the ground.

"Jellal!"

"Keep your guard up, there's more coming!", said Jellal as more Towers emerged from the ground.

Meanwhile, Yukino, Sorano, and Meredy were fighting a Tower near the water.

"Maguilty Rays!"

Meredy blasted yellow blades and sent them flying at the Tower, destroying some Shadows.

"Pisces, attack!", shouted Yukino.

The two giant eels, known as Pisces, rose behind Yukino and dove straight at the Tower, leaving some Shadows left.

"Angel's Messenger!"

Sorano's round small angels then started devouring the shadows on the Tower. More emerged near the girls, surprising them. Just then, Olga, Rufus, and Sawyer ran up to the emerged Towers.

"120mm Black Lightning Cannon!"

"Memory-Make: Sword of Frozen Black Lightning!"

Olga and Rufus attacks combined and destroyed several Towers. Sawyer than ran up towards the Tower and started to rapidly kick it, destroying dozens of Shadows in a few seconds.

"Annoying Bastards.", he said.

Near the large rocks in the area, Richard, Macbeth, and Erik were fighting two Towers. Richard used Liquid Ground to make the ground beneath the Towers soften, keeping them in place.

"Poison Dragon's Roar!"

"Spiral Pain!"

The Towers that were stuck in Richard's magic were immediately destroyed by their combined attacks.

Macbeth sighed. "At this rate, we'll never find Aqua."

Another one came up and Riku and Mickey slashed it with their Keyblades together, destroying some Shadows, but not completely killing it. The Tower kept coming at Riku, but he kept dodging it and jumped away when it hit the ground, causing the Shadows to scadder. Riku was still in his fighting stance and looked around to see where the enemy is.

Unknown to him, the Tower burst out of the ground behind him.

"Riku, look!", shouted Mickey.

Riku turned and saw the Tower coming at him. But, colorful waves surround him and he was right next the Minerva before the Tower could hit him.

"Minerva!", he said with relief.

"Watch out!", she shouted.

The Tower came at the two and they immediately jumped into the air, but the Tower knocked Riku's Keyblade out of his hand.

"Riku!", said a worried Mickey.

"Mickey!", shouted Jellal as he ran up to him.

Suddenly, Shadows surrounded Mickey and Jellal and they were both swallowed by the Tower when it came up to the ground, making them yell in pain. After they were swallowed, something fell from the Tower and onto the ground, and it was Mickey's upgraded Keyblade.

"Mickey! Jellal!", shouted Riku.

Back at the Tram Common in Twilight Town, a man was sitting at one of the tables at the Bistro. He was a slim young man of average height with spiky, somewhat messy brownish blonde hair framing his face, dark eyes, and noticeably long eyelashes. This young man is Hibiki Lates, a mage of the Blue Pegasus guild. He was sent here along with his fellow guildmates: Ren Akatsuki, Eve Tearm, and Jenny Realight to watch over Twilight Town by their Master Bob and fellow mage Ichiya Vandalay while they help defeat the Heartless around Earth Land. Right now, his Archive magic is active and he is looking at the map of Twilight Town. Ren is at the Train Station entrance, Eve is at the Sandlot, and Jenny is at Sunset Hill at Sunset Terrace.

"Ren, how is everything on your end?", asked Hibiki through Telepathy.

"No Heartless in sight.", answered Ren. "But the view is nice from here."

"Okay. Eve?"

"No problems here.", answered Eve.

"Hey, guys I see something.", said a serious Jenny.

"What is it?", asked Ren.

"It looks like some dark portal at the town near where I'm at. Wait...I see something coming out."

"Can you describe it?", asked Hibiki.

"They look like...black blobs… with yellow eyes…"

"Sounds like a Heartless description.", said Ren.

"Wait...they're doing something…" Jenny then gasped. "They're tons of them bursting out of the portal! Oh god, they're coming towards me! Ahh!"

"Jenny!", the boys shouted.

"Get over there, everyone!", shouted Hibiki as he quickly got up from the table and started to run towards the Market Street entrance. "Right now!"

At the Old Mansion, a dark corridor appeared at the entrance, revealing to be Xehanort's Heartless. He turned and saw Ansem the Wise exiting the corridor. Ansem's face was covered in blood, but there were some bandages on his right cheek and the top of his head. When he came through, Ansem scowled at him and they both wakled towards the gates. Unknown to them, Hayner, Pence, and Ollete were watching them behind a tree near the woods. They were there to watch the Mansion, as per the request from Blue Pegasus, for intruders.

"It's about time!", said an eager Pence.

Hayner quickly covered his mouth.

"Heeey, shut it!", whispered Hayner. "C'mon."

The three of them then headed towards the gates as well.

After Sora and the others left on their adventure, the trio were sitting at one of the tables eating when a couple of people came up to them.

"Excuse me, are you three Hayner, Pence, and Olette?"

The trio looked up and saw four people dress very formally. The first one was a young man with spiky, somewhat messy brownish blonde hair framing his face, dark eyes, and noticeably long eyelashes. The second was another young man with dark, spiky hair that has two bangs framing and partially covering his face's sides. Each of his eyebrows juts upwards in a pair of thin spikes, and he's distinguished by his dark skin. The third was another young man with blonde long, wavy and slightly messy hair with narrower eyes. The last was a young woman long, wavy and flowing blonde hair, gathered on the back of her head and tied in a ponytail that reaches down to her middle back, with two short bangs framing her face, and a decorative flower with large petals adorning the right part of her head, above her right ear. Her face is soft in shape, and she has large light blue eyes with long eyelashes and full lips. She sports a sparkly, light-pink strapless sequin dress.

"Yeah?", said a confused Hayner. "Who are you guys?"

"You wouldn't happen to know Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and Erza?", asked the black haired man.

"Yeah. We just met them.", said Pence.

"Are you the people they mention to watch over Twilight Town?", asked Olette.

"Yes we are.", said the young man with blond messy hair as he sat right next to Olette. "I'm glad I can help a pretty girl like you." Olette gave a sweat drop.

"What a ham.", sighed both Hayner and Pence.

"You are a very pretty girl.", said the brown haired man as he too came up to Olette, along with the black haired man. "You will grow up to be a fine young woman."

"Hey.", said the black haired man with a serious tone. "How are you so good looking."

This made Olette a little more uncomfortable. "Um...thank you?"

Hayner sighed. "Are you kidding me? They sent these guys to watch Twilight Town?!"

"Hey, don't judge a book by it's cover.", said the brown haired man.

"As gentleman, we will give it our all.", said black haired.

"Never underestimate Blue Pegasus.", said the young woman. "My name is Jenny."

"I'm Hibiki.", said the brown haired man as he and the other two boys posed with him.

"Ren."

"And I'm Eve."

"Blu Pegasus is here to help!", all four of them said.

The trio looked at them with blank faces. "Okay.", said all three of them.

"Now, let's get started.", said a serious Hibiki as a computer like projections appeared in front of him.

Pence's then started shining. "A wow, a computer like hologram!"

"Is that you're skill?", asked Olette.

"Yes. I use Archive magic. It allows me convert information into magical data, which can be stored, enabling the user to gain access to previously stored information, such as other types of Magic"

"Can anyone use it?", asked an excited Pence.

"No. It's considered a rare form of magic."

"That's a bust."

"Can you tell us what you're plan is!", asked an impatient Hayner.

"You don't have to be rude about it.", said Ren.

"But he does have a point.", said Eve.

"Alright, I'm sending your locations now.", said Hibiki.

Jenny, Ren, and Eve immediately ran from the Bistro and headed into different directions.

"Where did they go?", asked Olette.

"I sent them to places in this town to watch over for any suspicious activities. Now that they're heading to their spots, I need you three to do something."

"What is it?", asked Pence.

"From what Sora said, you know how to work the computer inside the mansion that's outside of town. Is this correct?"

"Yeah."

"I need you three to watch over the mansion. Incase something strange goes on there, you contact us. Can you handle it?"

"Yeah!", all three of them said.

Xehanort's Heartless and Ansem the Wise continued to walk towards the front door of the Mansion. Hayner, Pence, and Olette watched them from behind the brick wall. Ansem then stopped.

Xehanort noticed this and turned around to face him. "What now?", he asked.

He then looked at the window at the top left side of the Mansion, the one with the white curtains. They were still blowing inside.

There was guilt all over his face. "Please. I have created enough victims."

"Yes, you have. All of the children sacrificed in the name of your research… So make things right."

"I told you I did not take her. Her disappearance was why I put a stop to the research."

"And that makes you honorable? You used Roxas and Namine and threw them away. I doubt there's a merciful bone in your body. You took the girl, and hid her. Now, show me the data you are hiding here."

"Roxas and Namine… If there is any reason that I still draw breath, it is to atone for what I did to them."

Behind the wall, the three kids gasped on what they heard.

"He said 'Roxas.'", whispered Pence.

"Yeah.", said Hayner.

"That man needs us.", said a determined Olette.

"Right."

The trio continued to watch them.

"You've been acting strange since you took me out of the Realm of Darkness, what is it?", asked Ansem.

There was a pause. Then Xehanort said, "I met a boy earlier. He looks like the same age as Sora, but there was something interesting about him that I couldn't figure out."

"Figure out what?"

"His heart has a strong darkness, but he's always so cheerful." He then remembered what Natsu said to him the last time they met. SHUT UP! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW ME! "Natsu." He then smirked. "I will learn your secrets."

Behind the stone wall…

"Hey, did that guy mention Natsu?", whispered Pence. The two nodded.

"That means he's in danger!", whispered a worried Olette.

"Doubt it.", whispered Hayner. "You saw how tough that guy was when he fought that giant black storm. I'm sure he can handle it."

The three of them continued to listen.

"If you do find the girl, what is it that you expect will happen?"

Xehanort smiled and explained. "The child's memory holds a mystery to unravel-one concerning the battle we seek between light and darkness. You know something and that...is why you stopped the experiments."

"You are completely deluded, Xehanort."

"We shall soon see."

He then smirked and started shoving Ansem towards the door.

Before they could continue, Pence came out of hiding and shouted, "Yoo-hoo!"

The two of them immediately stop. Pence waited for a response, but they did not speak.

"'Scuse meee!"

Ansem finally got annoyed and asked, "Who are you?"

"Oh, well, I'm looking for a friend who used to live here."

Unknown to them, Ollete snuck into the area and hid behind one of the broken stone pillars.

"No one lives here. Begone."

Pence looked around and started to walk a little closer. "But sir…", he said desperately.

Ansem panicked a little. "No, no, no!", he stuttered. "Not one more step. Get out!" He then became frustrated. Dammit!, he thought. I don't have time for this!

Olette then came out of hiding and grabbed Ansem's arm.

"This way!", she said as she pulled Ansem away from the area.

Xehanort turned and saw Olette taking Ansem away. Behind him, Hayner entered the area and charged at Xehanort.

"Hey, loser!", he said as he jumped into the air and attempted to kick him.

But Xehanort's Guardian came out in front of Hayner and grabbed him.

"...or not!"

"Hayner!", shouted a worried Pence.

Hayner struggled to make it let go of him, but the guardian simply threw Hayner at the brick wall. He then yelled. But before Hayner hit the wall, a long white string like figure swirled around the area and wrapped itself around Hayner, causing it to cushion the impact and Hayner landed on the ground. Suddenly, more white string figures came into the area and surrounded Xehanort and his guardian. They showed their true form, revealing to be Dusks. The two boys looked surprised.

"The squiggly things?", question Pence.

The Dusk that was around Hayner unraveled itself and came off of him. He then showed his true form in front of Xehanort.

Hayner looked surprised. "They...protected me."

Pence quickly grab Hayner's arm and said, "Hayner! Get a move on!"

"Oh… Okay."

Hayner got up and the two boys quickly ran into the forest, leaving Xehanort with the Dusks. He watched the two boys leave before facing the Dusks.

Xehanort looked serious. "I serve the Organization. This is treason." He then smiled and sighed as he looked at the forest. "I see what is happening. Have it your way then."

In the sewage passageway, Ansem and Olette were standing there panting after escaping from the Mansion. Then, Hayner and Pence ran up to them.

"Are you guys okay?", asked Olette.

"Yeah, I think.", said Hayner.

"Nobody knows the twists and turns of Twilight Town better than us.", said Pence.

Ansem spoke. "You are Roxas's friends."

"That's right.", said Hayner. "So you know him, too?"

"Oh yes. Quite well."

"Pay dirt.", said Pence. "Guess it was worth staking out the old mansion after all, because this guy here is what I call a lead. And I'm glad Lucy dug that pitfall trap there, incase somebody follows us." Pence then took out the photo of the trio and Roxas in front of the Mansion. "That's the only proof we have that Roxas was our friend."

"Tell us about him.", said Hayner. "We wanna know him better."

"My dear master. You are safe."

Everyone turned and saw a man, wearing a Black Coat, approaching them.

"Who's there?", asked a cautious Hayner.

Ansem looked surprised. "Even, is that you?", he asked. "So...those Nobodies were your doing."

The Dusks from before appeared behind Vexen in their string form before transforming back into their true form. The trio became terrified, Olette and Pence hid behind Hayner while Hayner had his guard up.

Vexen lowered his head and said, "I have been waiting for this. Gave up a normal life in order to plant myself in the Organization. And when I heard Xehanort had gone looking for you, I realized it was my chance to find you as well." He then lifted his head. "For you see, I, too, wish to atone."

Ansem gave Vexen a serious look.

"What's going on?!"

Everybody turn and saw Blue Pegasus mages running towards them.

"Hibiki! Ren! Eve! Jenny!", said the trio.

"Sorry we couldn't be here quickly.", said Eve.

"A giant swarm of Heartlesses appeared, so we had to get rid of them all.", said Jenny.

"It was strong, but we handled it.", said Ren.

"I see that you three are okay.", said Hibiki.

"It was no problem.", said Hayner.

"But there's one thing I would like to ask…"

"Who are these guys?", asked the mages as they stare at Ansem and Vexen.

Back at the Mansion, all of Dusks have been defeated by Xehanort's Heartless and his Guardian. Xehanort had no damage to his face or body. Since the Dusks are now gone, the Guardian disappeared from the area.

"This is ridiculous.", he said. "I let three brats take him away on my watch! They couldn't have gone far." He then started to leave the Mansion. "I have to find him. He is the only one who knows where she is."

Just when he was about to enter the woods, he stepped on a small stick and a small part of the ground beneath him crumbled. The ground fell apart and he yelled as he fell into a large hole.

He then growled angrily, "Whoever dug this hole, I'm gonna kill them!"

Since the DLC is about to be released in winter and it connects to the story, there will be no updated chapters after San Fransokyo until the DLC comes out.