Changing their location to the local Motel everyone washed up and relaxed but there was a clear confusion and even tension in the air. Larxene at hearing the words from this Leon was certainly ready to deny such an idea as going on a journey but was only stopped by another one of her headaches that was becoming a recurring issue. Now relaxing on a bed, she instantly demanded an explanation after all this fighting and being attacked at least twice the span of an hour. "Start talking. Why did you try to slice me to ribbons, who was that ugly witch, and most importantly what happened back there with that Keyhole?" Her tone indicating her mood turned foul and the playfulness held earlier gave way to annoyance. It was understandable considering in the span of less than a day she went from her regular routine to complete insanity.
Leon being the most knowledgeable due to his meetings with the King chose to be the one to inform her. "I needed to test your power and skill, if the Worlds are going to have a chance at survival you need to be ready. I can tell you've had at least basic swordsman training on the level of a SeeD Recruit so that's a start."
Larxene had to hold back a look of surprise as that sentence reminded her of something. Xaldin had once mentioned before about if he so wished could have joined a SeeD Police Force and instantly believed both were one and the same. "(So, what that means this guy and the windbag must be from the same World. If that's the case, then that means most of the others are as well since Axel mentioned once how it wasn't until Demyx that they acquired an Organization Member not from the same place.)" She planned to file that bit of info away for later.
For now, she went back to listening to Leon's info dump with Kairi taking a keen interest. "That witch was Maleficent the reason all of us including you have all lost your Worlds. She commands the heartless and has been using them to banish them into darkness, her goal is to ultimately take over the entire Universe." He finished gravely.
Yet Larxene just yawned having seen this plenty of times in those shows she'd watch in her off time or read about. "So basically, she's a supervillain from a movie only without the catchy songs. What's that got to do with me cause so far seems like she's pretty much got this in the bag."
Kairi gave her companion a reproaching look at her rudeness earning an eyeroll. Thankfully Yuffie unperturbed continued. "Well you see that's where your Keyblade comes in. It's said whoever wields it can access the Keyholes of a World, and thus seal them off from the heartless saving it from being drowned in darkness. Ergo your job is to go across any darkness infested Worlds no doubt caused by Maleficent or whoever she works with and see about stopping her plans whatever they are." Larxene hearing this was immediately put off by that idea, she didn't care about The Worlds, even if they all fell it meant nothing to the girl who just wanted to be left alone. Yet considering she didn't have control over the Dark Corridors at this time agreeing to this might in fact be the only way to get off this World. She had no way to currently steal a ship nor the knowledge to pilot one so if she just flat out refused then the girl would be stuck here until someone from the Organization no doubt found her.
Considering she wasn't too fond of her current training regimen and no doubt would be severely reprimanded the Savage Key only saw one plausible option. "(Might as well have some fun with this and even teach that witch a lesson for trying to kill me.)" She thought before speaking. "I take it you're offering a ship so that's even possible?" She questioned.
At that Cid spoke up. "Nah wouldn't give a newbie like you a ship to just crash and waste. But we did call in a favor from an old duck Leon met a year or so back, should be here tomorrow to pick ya up."
The Keyblade Wielder wasn't sure if she should feel offended at that, the girl then turned to Kairi. "You coming along or am I making this a solo adventure?" Truthfully the nobody wasn't sure if she'd prefer to have the redhead along. Being without her would make things a lot more boring, yet on the other hand she might need to worry about protecting her and worse being around Kairi kept stirring up those strange images from before.
The girl seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I don't know if anyone besides us made it off the islands but if they did, I'll help find them and stop this Maleficent from doing any more harm." Her face now one of determination.
Aerith at hearing this smiled and brought out a long rod handing it to Kairi. "Then you'll need this."
To which Larxene replied with a derisive snort. "Oh wow a giant stick however can the heartless stand up to that." Only to be whacked on the head by Aerith's own earning a hiss of pain as she rubbed her head now glaring at the flowergirl who smirked as Yuffie giggled.
"It's actually a magical rod which will help you focus your power and enhance it. For the rest of the day you two will be practicing with me and Leon to get you ready for the journey ahead." And so for the rest of the day the two worked hard as Kairi and Larxene were shown the proper teamwork for a Mage and Warrior duo as instructed in SeeD training with the former managing to get three spells under her belt with Fire, Blizzard, and Barrier that thanks to her Wizard Rod were actually more powerful than Larxene's standard magical attacks. Of course the nobody made up for that in the fact she knew Thunder Magic and her swordsmanship which with the stoic protector's help did get a bit better and at least one thing he had over Xaldin was she didn't get hit every time she made the slightest mistake.
That night while everyone was asleep Larxene managed to slip out and get some fresh air away from everyone as she considered the recent turn of events. From a nobody to a proclaimed savior of the cosmos it was laughable to the point that even without a heart she felt a chuckle emerge from her throat. "I had a theory you might be here." She heard a voice and turned to see a familiar face in Axel leaning against a wall, his face a bit smug at his correct notion and managing to surprise his fellow Organization Member. "Mind explaining why you came here and even more eyebrow raising why you're hanging out with the residents of this town? I saw the fight earlier but checked out until you were alone, nice batting by the way." He questioned.
Thinking on how to explain it the girl just shrugged. "To make a long story short this witch is causing problems and apparently they all think I'm some sort of save the day superhero." Well that certainly surprised the man who just laughed at the sheer idea.
"Should I start calling you Super Larxene, or maybe I should fashion a cape and some spandex for our little do-gooder." He teased earning another knife thrown at him which he easily ducked. By this point it had become a strange routine between them where he would good-naturedly make fun of her and she'd retaliate with a knife or if she was feeling creative a spell or some cutlery when they were in the kitchen. "Well come on we should be getting back to the Castle before Saix blows a gasket." He beckoned and summoned a Dark Corridor. For a moment she went to follow but then as what was becoming commonplace her head went crazy a migraine coming as she gripped her forehead. Noticing this Axel got closer wondering what was wrong, "You okay?" He questioned his tone showing some basic concern.
But Larxene hadn't heard as something else erupted in her mind, again she felt strange as if there was something important trying to break through a wall blocking it. If she left now then who knows maybe The Worlds would be screwed, but why was that her problem? This question ran through pounding away at her psyche as that same female voice echoed inside her noggin.
THE WORLDS MUST BE SAVED! ONE WHO CHOOSES TO IGNORE THEIR DUTY SHALL NEVER FIND PEACE!
"(My duty?)" She thought and then an image hit her brain as if warning her of what would happen if she walked away from this. A Universe in utter peril as darkness raged about destroying innocents with Maleficent on top her irritating cackle echoing in her ears. With a growl she broke through the pain in her head opening her eyes as something akin to anger hit her. "(That witch is going down.)" She vowed and then seeing Axel calmed herself back down and replied to him. "I can't come with you. I've got business to take care of first. Don't tell anyone about this or else I'm sure Xemnas will force me to come back."
Axel at first went to deny this decision, but then an idea hit him. Saix told him to gain her trust by any means necessary, if he did this then no doubt, she would believe him to be trustworthy and gain her favor. Although it was risky the payoff was certainly massive and besides death never frightened him so the choice of obvious. "Fine, guess I can't say no to you. I'll make sure no one knows you're here, but I'd recommend leaving soon as no doubt someone else like Xigbar will check here eventually." He warned and for a moment the girl actually had a thankful look on her face but didn't say it out loud. "Well I better get going, wouldn't want to be deemed MIA as well, good luck with whatever. Maybe I'll drop by every now and then to check up on ya." And with that he walked through the Dark Corridor and left while Larxene snuck back in her motel room and got some sleep.
Before they knew it, the day arrived and soon at the entrance of the area a Gummi Ship landed and out came what looked to be a duck wearing a robe, glasses, a top hat, and carrying a cane. Behind him was a larger duck wearing a scarf, a pair of goggles, and a helmet with a dumb goofy smile. "Gee Mister McDee what are we doin here again?" His voice already grating to the nobody's ears.
"I've told ya before Launchpad we're here to pick up a couple of passengers." The old man replied with an annoyed tone as he walked up to them. "Scrooge McDuck richest one in the Universe at your service." He stuck out a hand which both took a turn shaking. "I hear you be the lass with the Key just like my ole friend The King." His speech pattern sure threw the blond for a loop as she hadn't heard anyone with that accent before. "And you must be her friend comin to explore the vast Worlds out there. Ah it nearly brings a tear to me eye as does all the munny I'll be making."
At that Larxene raised an eye having a feeling she would not like what was about to be mentioned. "And just how are you going to make this money?" She said with a critical eye.
The duck swung his cane with mirth as he calculated numbers in his head. "Oh, I'm thinking about fifty percent of your earnings on our journey will just about do." He said with a smile.
At that Larxene would have certainly had a heart attack if she still had one and almost instantly was quick to denounce such an idea. "Over my dead body, you better be dividing that number by two if this is going to work out." At that the duck adjusted his top hat and the two began arguing both clearly interested in keeping as much munny as possible.
While that was happening Launchpad and Kairi were conversing their conversation much more pleasant than the other two's. "Nice stick ya got there, looks like you could really give someone a wallop with it." The large duck complimented.
Choosing to just take the compliment rather than correct him Kairi replied. "Thank you, I hope it can be very useful in the battles ahead. You seem like a pretty good pilot yourself; I hope it'll be smooth sailing."
To which the buff man did a heroic pose. "You can count on it ma'am, that's why I was hired specifically by Mister McDee and even the greatest hero of them all Darkwing Duck." He humbly boasted.
After a few more minutes it seemed the two had finally come to an agreement now shaking hands. "You drive a hard bargain lass, I can tell you've got some training in the art business, thirty-five percent it is." A gleam in his eye indicating he had foreseen needing to lower his profit margins thus why it started out so high in the first place. With everything settled the four entered inside and off they went to begin their adventure after bidding goodbye to the new friends they made.
Meanwhile at Hollow Bastion the one currently known as Ansem stewed in his private chamber down in the Dungeon of the World. Yes, the evil fairy and her incompetent crew are working on gathering the Princess', but with one of them now alongside that meddlesome Keyblade Wielder unless he directly interfered things would go south fast especially as their progress so far was behind what he needed at this time. He did consider such an act revealing himself now and forcing them to obey him, but no doubt they would simply look for the first opportunity to betray him. "No, for now I need to let them continue thinking they are the ones in control unaware of the strings around them." But as he felt a new arrival to the World an idea came upon him, yes the boy Riku could be an excellent tool in getting him what he desired and if he acted fast could for now ensure his loyalty just as his somebody did oh so long ago to another.
With a simple teleportation he landed right at the entrance of the World on a platform above his soon to be pawn and to his fortune Maleficent was gone so she had not sensed Riku's arrival meaning he had no worries of being exposed to them. "I see you took my advice boy, now you have finally achieved your dream, but at what cost?" His voice smooth hiding his true rough maliciousness as he gained the silver haired youth's attention.
Looking up the teen remembered this man in a robe having seen him a few times these past couple weeks offering him advice and somehow knowing exactly how he felt being on such a small island. It both amazed and although he refused to admit it scared him as not even Sora and Kairi had known just how strong these feelings resonated and those two were his closest friends, yet this stranger read him like a book claiming he too had felt such emotions before in his life. Then an anger came over the boy as he remembered the events on the Island and how the World was falling apart before he departed. "You never said that would happen, now my home's been destroyed and it's all your fault!" He shouted and a spark of darkness emanated from him.
At that Ansem simply shook his head from side to side. "No, your actions nor mine ultimately spelled that Worlds destruction, in fact if you are willing to listen, I can tell you who is truly responsible for the loss of your family and home." If he still had a body, he would be smirking at sensing the potential coming off the one below him. At that Riku raised an eyebrow unsure whether to continue believing this man or if it was a trick, yet as he did not attack yet the robed man chose to continue. "The one who signaled to Destiny Islands doom and many other Worlds is in fact the being who resides in the Castle behind me. She is a powerful witch whose magic is nearly unrivaled that wishes to drown the Universe in Darkness."
Hearing that his attention now turned to the Castle and he prepared to head off and confront her. "Then I'll make her pay!"
But then his thoughts were interrupted by a laugh from Ansem. "At your power you couldn't even make it past her Heartless let alone to her. She would destroy you in an instant, but I can help you get your revenge and perhaps even save your friends who have managed to escape like you."
Learning that he wasn't the only survivor Riku now felt hope in his heart. "Someone survived, who?" He questioned but then earned a side to side head shake.
"All in due time boy, first you must decide if you are willing to do whatever it takes for your goals. If not, I shall leave you may continue on your fruitless endeavor." His ultimatum clear and for a single moment the islander hesitated before nodding deciding as this man helped him once before he could be relied on for knowledge and perhaps even power. Glad to see his plan already bore fruit Ansem turned urging Riku to follow. "Then let us begin my pupil, we only have a few hours at most to discuss matters before she comes back." Following the figure in a strange way the boy had reunited with the man destined to become his master all those years ago when he was but a boy being asked to touch a strange Key like object.
Currently at The World That Never Was things had gone back to the usual routine even with one of their members missing. In Saix's room Axel had explained his encounter with Larxene leaving no detail to imagination as the Luna Diviner soaked it in with a stern but thoughtful expression. "Things have wildly gone out of our control, but this could be of use to us. The Superior has noted that Maleficent's actions were beginning to become a thorn in our goal as less Worlds to use the less hearts we can appropriate, and if her plans succeed then our Kingdomhearts could become useless. Yes, if Number 12 can take down this nuisance then all the better for us as she'll be gathering hearts at the same time. Still this Kairi could become a problem, her presence is far more important than you could ever know." Saix pontificated and the more relaxed of the two had a feeling he would not be told why as it seemed his friend liked to keep quite a number of secrets supposedly to make sure the red head didn't accidentally spill them.
This aspect did irk the Flurry of Dancing Flames somewhat as the two used to share everything with each other and remain honest. It was actually one the things he could enjoy about hanging out with Larxene, her brutal honesty and the fact she never really hid things made it a nice breath of fresh air compared to the rest of the group. "Well then guess I'll keep an eye on her as well, think she could be a threat to our plans?" He asked while also deciding to see if he could dig up more information about this new person in the spotlight.
At this Saix seemed to think over his response for a moment before answering. "At this current point no, although it may become a problem in the future she herself is no actual threat and can be disposed of with ease. It merely means Number 12 may in fact find herself in the crossfire of Maleficent's ambitions far sooner than she would otherwise be, but only time will tell."
As they discussed a slippery someone took their leave. Marluxia had always suspected Saix and Axel were up to something and so he chose to keep an eye on when the two seemed to be privately meeting, now he had quite a few answers but as just as many new questions. "(I wonder if I can use this to my advantage.)" He considered as he slyly went back to his room to plan and scheme for the future.
At the same time one other group had prepared their voyage as Sora, Donald, and Goofy packed their things and readied to head off and begin their journey with Minnie to wish them good luck. "I know this will be a difficult quest young Sora, but I have faith you three shall triumph in the face of this grave threat." She assured earning a smile from the boy.
"Thank you, Queen Minnie, I also hope I'll be able to find my friends. I know Riku must be out there and maybe even Kairi... But I'm not sure." He said for a moment looking a bit downtrodden.
Thankfully Goofy spoke up to reassure his newfound pal. "Well gawrsh, if you think they're out there then I just know they are, and we'll be there to help you along the way Sora." He said giving him a pat on the back while Donald rolled his eyes only caring about the mission.
This did brighten the boy's mood back up and together they entered the ship. "So where are we headed off first, that Traverse Town you guys mentioned before?" He inquired.
But Donald shook his head. "No way, with you here there's no reason since The King only wanted us to find Leon to get an idea where you were. With that step out of the way let's just get started, we'll head right past Traverse Town and get to finding him." The Duck decided, and after a strange exit outside of the Castle the Gummi Ship that Sora affectionately named The Highwind they set off for danger and adventure.
AN: And thus, our incredibly long intro is finished as per true Kingdomhearts tradition. From here on out we begin exploring new Worlds, and most likely I'll keep Sora's the same selection as the first game while of course Larxene will be traveling to new ones we haven't and will probably never see the series tackle. Of course, our resident hero will have a few different things happen in the original story especially as we go on so don't think it'll just be one to one exactly the same.