In the World That Never Was the one known as Number IV The Chilly Academic currently began to shift through his data trying to analyze as much as possible his body almost sweating despite his naturally cool exterior as he knew soon enough he'd need to present his work to the Superior and if it did not meet his expectations it would all go to waste. As if sensing his worry the doors to his lab opened and said Number I walked in his mere presence being enough to make the scientist remember his time as Even always nervous that his findings would not be enough to satisfy such a desire for more knowledge. Thankfully now that he lacked a heart there was no such feeling and the man could remain fully calm and composed. "Thank you for coming Lord Xemnas, I believe you'll appreciate what I have planned after you see not only what I have compiled but the opportunities for scientific advancement if you'll permit it." The silver haired devil said nothing only taking a seat as Vexen began to explain. "With the disappearance of Number XII, I felt it was the best time to introduce an idea I've had for quite some time. You see it has always been said to create life can only be done by the Gods themselves, but as you know we are men of science and so I began to experiment with that idea. Although I have yet to create a new fully functioning life-form, I do believe I've finally found a way to replicate it."
Now that seemed to earn a slight raise of the Superior's eyes and although to a normal person it would seem insignificant anyone who knew the man recognized that they had his attention. "With Number XII now absent our current plans to form Kingdom Hearts has been surely delayed, but I believe I have found a permanent solution to that problem. It would take some time but my study of her and from what value data I could compile of the Keyblade a fully functional replica of her could be created. One that would be far more loyal and valuable to the Organization than the original could ever be."
Xemnas had to admit the idea certainly held potential, but he had his doubts Vexen could pull off something like this. Still the promise was too much to simply waste on a small risk. "And tell me Number IV what should be done with the original when this replica is complete. Should the two come into combat Number XII will have far more experience and training than this copy and would soundly be defeated. I do not desire a loyal weakling over a stronger Keyblade Wielder."
The question did nothing to deter the scientist who just chuckled. "Do not worry I have already come up with a plan for that. It would take a little longer to work out, but it is theoretically possible to program this replica to absorb her original's power and combined with their own could make for an unstoppable tool. Of course, how we proceed with that plan would fall entirely under your ever so wise judgement. Shall I begin on the project immediately?" His question filled with a certain amount of anticipation no doubt fueled by his desire to push the boundaries of science beyond anything, even such worthless concepts like ethics that once held the man down.
After a brief moment of thought Xemnas simply turned and began to walk away. "You may proceed." Those three words being all Vexen needed to begin his new pet project. He knew that this was just the beginning of what could become his greatest achievements, and on a personal level he would oh so enjoy seeing that aggravating girl brushed aside by his superior intellect. It would be quite a fitting fate for someone who more than once mocked him for his experiments to be ultimately destroyed by such brilliance.
As Round 2 began Larxene found her situation much better than before as now she could use her speed and agility to their full advantage going on a complete offensive. With a jump she brought her blade down only to be pushed off by Leon's superior strength, but she had expected this bringing her feet out to the lamppost behind her bending her knees before hopping off of it flying through the air like an acrobat. Landing behind the man Larxene thought she had him only to be blocked as even without looking her opponent managed to see her attack coming. "Fancy tricks are no substitute for skill they only delay the inevitable." The words containing only a slight smugness from the man but that was all it took to earn a growl from the girl.
But then she smirked an idea coming to her. "Then how about this? Lightning!" Summoning a blot down on the both of them Larxene was just an outlet the electricity doing nothing to her while Leon felt a strong shock from his head to his toes. Taken aback by this maneuver he was unable to counter as the girl then kick to his side eliciting a groan as he barely managed to keep her Keyblade from slicing at him. For the first time the male fell back jumping away to reevaluate the situation while the nobody just tauntingly laughed. "What's the matter, not able to handle a little magic? Fortunately for me I just have an electric personality."
But now that the swordsman knew of her affinity for thunder magic, he was determined not to be caught off-guard once more. Shaking off the tingles still running through his body the two continued slowly advancing towards the Second District as Larxene tried to take advantage of getting to higher ground. Unbeknownst to them Maleficent watched waiting to see if they would end up there where if things continued to go her way would see the end of two infernal thorns in her side. If she were able the witch would just do it now, but thanks to Fairy Godmother and Merlin casting their own protection enchantments on the world of Traverse Town she could not use her magic except for summoning heartless. If she could this petty resistance to her rule would have been destroyed long ago. But that just meant she required a cleverer approach.
Meanwhile Kairi watched wishing she could help but knew it would not do much good since she wasn't a fighter and right now found herself a little confused at the current situation, but then she turned to the flower girl from earlier who pulled her aside. As if able to read her mind the girl gave a warm smile before she spoke. "No need to worry, Leon's just testing your friend. He wants to see if she's got what it takes to be a Keyblade Master. By the way I'm Aerith nice to meet you." That failed to ease up the confusion, but she was glad to get a face to that name.
"I'm Kairi and that's Larxene. What do you mean Keyblade Master?" She asked.
And so Aerith explained that those who were chosen to wield the Keyblade were meant to protect the worlds and fight the heartless. By the end Kairi had a good idea of what was going on and just in time to see the two fighters making an exit. "We better go keep an eye on them just in case." Aerith suggested and so they followed. Soon their fight spilled out in the Second District with Larxene performing a backflip emerging right in front of the small fountain with Leon executing a High Jump to land a little behind her. By now the Savage Key needed a moment to catch her breath not used to long drawn out fights like this even after the intense training Xaldin had put her through.
As for the one formerly known as Squall, he had to admit the fight wasn't completely one-sided. The girl showed a knack for on the fly tactics that kept her from being overwhelmed, but still she was proving to be a far cry from what he had hoped to see from what was supposed to be a legendary warrior. Perhaps it was time to end this now that he was certain he had seen all she could do.
RING RING
Suddenly the fours ears were blasted by the sound of the bell at the highest point of the town on top of the Gizmo Shop much to their confusion and behind them the fountain changed as well shifting from one decoration to another. "Huh? The bell shouldn't be going off... Unless someone is deliberately ringing it." That's when the two heard a long evil laugh echo throughout the place one filled with pure malice and arrogance. For the man himself he soon recognized that horrible voice his body nearly going stiff as memories of the last time he had heard it hit his vision like a runaway truck. The day his home world fell, losing so many friends, and all to that same voice that taunted his nightmares every day. Finally, the person behind it emerged a strange grey women with yellow iris' and a large scepter floating in the air above them. "Maleficent." Leon snarled his anger coming off in droves as he addressed the new observer.
The figure once more laughed only this time with a hint of mocking as she looked at him. "I see the little SeeD has not forgotten me even after all these years. It's almost a shame our time together shall to come to an end soon." Her words making the man grind his teeth in barely controlled rage as he tried to keep his cool and not wildly attack her. Maleficent then turned her attention to Larxene eyeing not the girl but her blade with disinterest. "Such a impractical tool, it's a wonder just how the heartless could fear a ridiculous weapon handled by a mere child."
Her words deeply insulting, and even when lacking a heart that taunt was enough to gain the nobody's ire who felt a bolt of electricity spark from her body. "Oh yea? Why not come on down here and I'll show you why!" She barked reminding the evil fairy of a rabid dog one that needed to be put down.
RING RING
Again, the bell rung causing the painting on the fountain to change once more interrupting Larxene's thoughts as she considered why this was even being done. "I have no need to busy myself with such a lowly life form, in fact I've prepared a special demise for the both of you courtesy of the heart of this world."
For some reason that seemed to put Leon on edge his face changing from anger to fear. "You mean you knew?" And now he looked behind at the fountain only puzzling the girl even more.
This earned another cackle from the witch who enjoyed every bit of the man's expression. "Of course, I am not so easily fooled by your tricks to hide the Keyhole. I chose not to flood it yet as it suited my purposes to keep this world alive and you busy protecting it, but now I've deemed it's continued existence not worth as much as eliminating my current problems here and now."
Getting tired of not knowing the nobody shouted. "What's a Keyhole and why is it so special?!"
Feeling generous enough to answer such a foolish question Maleficent's smirk widened. "So ignorant aren't you to not even know that makes what you are holding so special. A Keyhole is the gateway to the heart of a world and attracts the heartless who wish to devour such a tasty morsel. And so, when revealed it will attract the most powerful heartless on this world to its location, and the only way to stop them is by locking the Keyhole so they cannot access it." That seemed to be enough to give the Savage Key the idea as she looked down at Dark Desolation. Meanwhile Kairi and Aerith who had caught up also heard what was going on and now everyone except the one who could not feel was afraid of what was about to happen. "Now I leave you to your doom." And with another cruel laugh she left in a cloud of dark smoke.
RING RING
As the bell went off for the final time the fountain shifted now spraying water as a painting of butterflies appeared, then the image began to morph now glowing and from it the three who could view it saw a Keyhole emerge its shine beautiful. The ground then began to shake making Kairi trip over while the other three had to realign themselves. Hearing a falling sound from above Larxene looked up and to her surprise metal parts were now coming down right where she was standing. Rolling out of the way she got beside Leon just as the parts hit the ground. "Is that it?" She questioned only to be answered a few seconds later as the metal began to rise up forming into one whole being. Two giant mechanical claws, two massive steel feet, an oversized torso, and finally a round head the face covered by more metal. Turning towards the man she had just been fighting she asked, "So wanna work together to take down this piece of junk?"
Without a moment's hesitation he nodded. "We have to take this down before it can infect the Keyhole. I'll handle the legs and you for the hands, when we'll finish the torso together." And without waiting for a reply charged at the giant armored heartless. Despite her annoyance at the order she had to admit it was a valid strategy as she was better at jumping up and slashing at the claws without being on the receiving end of their wrath her quickness making it easy to get off weaker attacks slowly chipping away at them. Meanwhile Leon's strengths were perfectly suited for the giant boots his sturdiness allowing him to guard when they tried to stomp him only to be thrown away and stunned.
Up top both Kairi and Aerith watched glad to see their respective friends had control of the situation, but the latter had a bad feeling that this creature wasn't the worst that would come. "How good are you at using magic?" She asked.
This seemed to earn a confused stare from Kairi. "Magic?" Aerith found herself glad she seemed to have some time before potentially the worst was about to happen and so sat down to give a brief education to the younger female about the type of combat best suited for their type.
Disney Castle
After eating the boy began to train with both Donald and Goofy the latter of which closer to his style while learning magic proved tougher as he had never even heard of the idea. Not to mention he had a hard time truly understanding the less than tranquil duck. "Fire!" He shouted trying to get the boy to listen.
Instead he just looked at him confused. "Higher? But I don't think I can jump any higher Donald." The duck clenching his fists in his rapidly growing temper began to resemble a shade of red compared to the white he was earlier.
Thankfully Goofy was there to calm the situation down. "I think he means fire Sora, it's the first and easiest spell to get." The dog explained.
At that Sora got into a thinking pose trying to imagine the idea remembering a comic book he liked to read where the character could shoot fire. "I think I get it now... Fire!" He shouted and from his hand shot out a small fireball accidentally right in Donald's direction. Thankfully the duck had the proper reaction time to duck and managed to avoid the fast-moving attack... Well almost as it seemed his tail feather was not so lucky his backside now burning hot.
It only took seconds for the feathered fowl to recognize this. "WWWAAAAHHHHH!" He shouted running around while Goofy looked worriedly trying to cast a blizzard spell on it while Sora just felt guilty. Thankfully there was a small pond nearby and the Mage was able to put out his butt fire and now only a small bit of smoke rose from his backside. "Ahhhh." He sighed contently, which only lasted seconds as he now could direct the reason for his misfortune.
Goofy again tried to intervene on their new friend's behalf. "Now Donald you know he didn't mean it." But this time words were not helping as his face if anyone thought it was red before was now that of fiery orange. Seeing things were going south Goofy got his shield ready and momentarily looked back. "Run Sora!" He warned just in time as the boy high-tailed it away while the Dog bought him time to get away while Donald could cool off.
It seemed the two had everything under control and after a few more slashes the monster was done its body parts sprawled out. "And that old bag of bones thought this thing could kill us. What a joke." Larxene taunted, as if hearing her words of derision, the pieces began to violently shake much to their confusion until they all rose up only things got very different. First the feet took the position of the hands and vice versa while the chest piece went upside down. To top it all off the face mask lowered showing off the beady yellow eyes underneath as it down at them with killing intent. "I screwed up didn't I?" She rhetorically asked only to actually be met with a response.
"Yea you kind of did." Squall replied earning a glare from his ally. Before she could curse him out the now dubbed Opposite Armor attacked now being much faster than before nearly catching the Keyblade Wielder by surprise as it threw all four of its limbs at them which she was scrapped multiple times by even with her speed. Squall himself found the situation much tougher as well since this new transformed foe hit much harder and quicker than before nearly breaking his solid defense on the first strike.
Thankfully some assistance arrived in the form of a few shuriken knocking the clawed feet away and down came a familiar face for the man. "Da-da-da-da! The great ninja Yuffie is here to save the day!" She theatrically proclaimed earning a side glance from Larxene.
"I thought Ninjas were supposed to be silent assassins not loud boisterous skimpy clothed girls." At least the Ninja Nobodies she had encountered and was trying to gain control of did that fundamental idea better.
That took the smug smile off of the girl's face as she turned to Larxene. "I'll show you a true ninja after we beat this thing." Rolling her eyes, the Keyblade Wielder charged forward tossing a few Kunai with one of her hands and the three together managed to work together and keep up with this new much stronger foe. Even still they all suffered their fair share of blows with Yuffie even needing to use a potion on Larxene at one point to seal few large cuts that happened earlier which could have seriously bled out if not dealt with. Still all seemed well until suddenly the Opposite Armor went a few feet back and aimed its larger hole at the group. "What the?" Yuffie began only to stop which she noticed it lighting up with energy. Sensing they were in danger the three tried to move but their injuries slowed them down and with the narrow path they were on did not have the time to move out of the way.
As it fired out no one was sure what to do when suddenly the three found themselves protected. "Barrier!" Aerith shouted with Kairi offering support the two creating a large one covering all five of them and successfully withstanding the attack. "That was close." The flower girl commented but now felt exhausted as the magic users were forced to use their entire MP to make one big enough to shield them all, and even worse the heartless looked ready to fire another.
This time though the Keyblade Wielder gained a crazy idea and grabbed Squall. "Ever play baseball?" She asked and earning a nod it only took him a second to realize what she had in mind and seeing no other option both got into a position bringing their blades back and waiting. As the moments passed a single sweatdrop fell from Squall's face his body tense as nerves ran high and the man was surprised his ally seemed as calm as a summer breeze, oh if he only knew why then he would not have gained a momentary boost of morale assuming the one he thought as the Keyblade Master was simply prepared for what was about to come. As the giant ball of energy fired once more just as it came within single digits of feet between them the two swung their weapons like bats, the second they collided sparks flew as a battle of strength ensued and both humans found their muscles groaning at the force against them nearly letting up, but by sheer force of will both managed to combine their power and knock the ball back. Before the heartless could even react, it went back right where it came from and the next thing anyone knew the Opposite Armor exploded like a barrage of fireworks nearly blinding everyone to the awesome display. "Didn't think I'd get a lightshow." Larxene panted.
With a giant heart rising from the destroyed body everyone once again focused on the Keyhole in front of them, before they could comment the Savage Nymph's blade facing that way shot out a beam just as it did once before hitting the hole. Then with a clicking sound the Keyhole disappeared now locked away safely from the heartless. Unsure of what this all meant she turned towards the others and Squall said only one thing. "It seems your journey to save the worlds has officially begun."
AN: Sorry for the long wait work has been killer, but now with Traverse Town done next chapter we can really begin both Sora and Larxene's adventures.