Chapter 1: Conversations with a Keyblade

The worlds really are fascinating in all of their glory. They are sealed away from the Heartless so that they won't disappear into oblivion. But even now, they are being infiltrated delicately by the Nobodies and Heartless. So much for security. I must admit that the Keyblade Master's job is difficult and time consuming. If I were him, I doubt I would get anything done. All of that meddling couldn't be good for the body. How fortunate that he was young.

"Where are they now?" I asked softly.

"The Organization are currently back in their castle. The Keyblade Master is at a castle in world number 4."

I gave a curt nod to the Nobody in front of me and allowed a smile to grace my face. Being inactive for so long had my blood boiling for some kind of action.

"Let us hurry."


Beast's Castle

Sora:

Although we hadn't been here long, I was beginning to feel the heartless presence acutely. When you have fought the Heartless for so long, you begin to sense their presence in anything. Donald, Goofy and I had been here a few days earlier to help free Beast from the grip of the Heartless. Now on a whim, we were here to check on the fabled couple and to search for more leads to solve the mystery that is the Organization XIII. As we teleported down from our Gummi Ship, I glanced at my right hand warily. Bits and pieces of Xemnas' words echoed through my mind unbidden. I am reluctant to use the keyblade, but I must…for it is the only way I can defeat the Heartless and protect others. I wish there was another way. I don't exactly want to help the Organization…

"You okay, Sora?" Donald asked, casting an upward glance at my face.

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," I replied simply as we materialized inside of the front gates of the castle.

"You sure?" Goofy asked, casting me his own sidelong glance.

"I'm sure. Now let's go, ok?"

We started towards the doors in silence. About halfway across the bridge, Nobodies appeared directly in front of us. They were the dancers from the attack in Hollow Bastion. But there was only Heartless here before. Could there be an Organization member nearby? With a small sigh, I willed my keyblade to materialize in my hand and prepared for battle…

The Nobodies didn't move. Instead, they watched us intently.

"Weird," I muttered softly.

"Oh, Sora, you must have met my friends."

Huh? I scanned the area, trying to find the source of the voice…

"Sora, behind you!" Donald shouted.

I turned around and found myself face to face with a woman.

"Wha…?" was all I could manage to say.

The woman looked like one of the dancers only there were major differences. She had long black hair protruding from the orange colored cap on her head and her eyes were a deep, dark blue, much like the night sky. Last time I checked, dancer Nobodies had no facial features. (Either that or Jiminy and I were going blind.) Donald raised his wand, a spell brewing at it's tip.

"Now, now, I come in peace, so hostility won't do," The woman snapped.

The other Nobodies that were watching us so intently immediately jumped into action, separating Goofy and Donald from my side.

"You're one of the Organization, aren't you?" I asked.

"Oh, I never told you my name. I can't be so rude to company. I am Xel and it's such a pleasure to meet you, Keyblade Master."

"You didn't answer my question," I snapped.

Xel's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I'm not one of those idiots."

"Obliviously, you must be one of them. How else could you control these Nobodies?"

"These Nobodies are my partners. They willingly accept my lead."

"Why are you here?"

"To deliver a warning, of course."

Wow, she sounded so cheerful.

"Warning to who?" I asked hesitantly.

"To you and the Organization of course."

Xel grabbed my face and squeezed it roughly. I tried to move away, but her grip was strong and cold…

"Let me go!" I snarled, bringing the Keyblade up for a swing.

Xel grabbed the wrist of the hand holding the keyblade and twisted it savagely. It took all of my strength to not scream like a little baby.

"Do not underestimate me. I am not like those other fools. I will destroy them too when the time comes. Remember that," Xel snapped.

"I don't understand…"

"You will soon enough. Farewell, Sora."

And with that, she and the Nobodies vanished. I grabbed my injured wrist and rubbed it. For such a lithe, thin woman, she was really strong. Wouldn't Riku love to see me like this… Oh boy…


Xel:

I wasn't exactly gone from the world yet. Xaldin's presence had captured my attention. Was he looking for a fight? Oh, he could be here to challenge Sora. Sad…with his talent he could definitely rule the worlds. Those powerful six spears…and the wind…

"And what are you doing here?"

I shifted my position on my lofty perch in order to see my new guest. And it was…

"Axel, what a surprise."

"Xel, I'm surprised you remember my name."

I gave him an annoyed glare.

"Last time I checked, your catch phrase was 'got it memorized'."

Axel gave me an exasperated look.

"Ok, enough about that. Now why are you here?"

"Watching…"

"Watching what, Xel? You know Xemnas does not like your presence."

I frowned.

"I don't care what Xemnas wants. I'm watching the Keyblade Master."

"Are you going to interfere?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Why would you care?"

"No reason."

"Roxas again, huh?"

"Stop right there!"

That was Sora's voice. I glanced at Axel…but he was no longer there. Well, so much for getting an answer out of him. I willed cloaking energy over my body to hide my form as Xaldin and Sora came into view. Xaldin was armed with his six spears floating at his side.

"This should be interesting…"