"Anger and Hate are supreme." -Xemnas
Lea woke up, tightly secured in a metal machine. His vision was hazy and he was barely aware of what was happening. He saw the silver-haired man who had knocked him out and a dark haired man with an eye patch, both huddled over a machine similar to the one he was in. He almost passed out again, when he saw that it was Isa strapped in the machine. Suddenly, the dark-haired man spoke.
"So, Xemnas, do think this kid will work out?" he said in a bored tone.
Xemnas spoke in a delighted manner.
"Indeed...the boy is teeming with the properties necessary to become a quality candidate. He shows the seedbed for darkness, something his friend seems to lack. We will have to give him the mark before we begin the process, so we can track him once the separation is complete. You have done well Xigbar," said Xemnas.
Xigbar looked over at Lea.
"What about Red over here?" he asked.
Xemnas walked over to Lea.
"Don't worry my fiery friend, you won't remember much of this, but know this. We have big plans for the two of you. After all, this time, I can finally return you to your true selves."
Xemnas reached for Lea's face as he felt himself pass out.
...
Xehanort woke up to Nadia gently shaking him awake. He looked around and realized he was still in the garage. He must have fallen asleep, having moved heavy machinery with Garen, Gavener, and Tadashi all day. As a 'thank you' for helping them, Garen and Gavener allowed Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus to crash at the garage. It was a lot more comfortable than potentially having to sleep on the street. The three had readily agreed to camp out at the garage until the Bot Fight tournament, which was scheduled in the morning.
Xehanort's thoughts turned to his strange dream, though truthfully, the details were already slipping away. However, the two boys in the dream were definitely reminiscent of Garen and Gavener. Xehanort was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by Nadia, who snapped her fingers trying to gain Xehanort's attention.
"Xehanort, are you even listening to me?" she asked in an impatient tone, holding a plate of food that had she made for him.
"Sorry Nadia, still kinda out of it, had a bad dream," said Xehanort.
"Want to talk about it?" she asked.
Xehanort hesitated. "I've been having these weird dreams lately. I don't know if they're real or not, but when I have them, something bad usually happens afterward." He rubbed his head in frustration. "The last time I had these dreams, I saw the Heartless break the barrier and when I woke up it had come true." He let out a long sigh. "I can't help but feel there is a connection. Maybe this whole mess is my fault."
Nadia gave Xehanort a soft smile. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder; Xehanort tensed slightly.
"Xehanort, you can't blame yourself for things that are beyond your control. In fact, you were instrumental in helping save our world. I don't hold you responsible at all and I'm pretty sure no one else does," she said comfortingly. "I won't have you blaming yourself anymore."
Xehanort let out another sigh.
"Yeah, I guess," he said, beginning to pick at the plate of food Nadia brought him.
"So, what was this dream about?" she asked.
Xehanort scratched his head again, trying to recall what he saw. "I can't remember... it's too fuzzy. There were two guys... and Garen and Gavener. Or maybe it wasn't them... I remember they were similar." He tried recalling the details, but the harder he tried, the more the details began to slip away. "I'm sorry I can't remember."
Nadia gave Xehanort a sympathetic look. "Just try not to worry about, try to get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."
"Just try not to worry about it, try to get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow," she said softly.
She gave Xehanort's arm a squeeze and walked over to the couch to try and get some sleep.
Xehanort watched her as her breathing evened out and she eventually fell into deep sleep. He walked over to her, took off his jacket and placed it over her. As he did, she unconsciously snuggled the jacket tighter around her, a smile of contentment crossing her face. Xehanort sat down on the floor next to Nadia and rested his head on the couch. He folded his hands behind head, taking comfort in her presence.
Nadia's hand then subconsciously found it's way into Xehanort's and lightly held it. Xehanort slightly startled, tried to gently pull away. Nadia, however, held on tighter, almost stirring from her sleep. Not wanting to disturb her, Xehanort stopped resisting and mad himself comfortable. Though he still couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen, he took comfort in the current moment and drifted into an easy sleep.
...
The following morning Xehanort found himself being shaken awake, this time by Eraqus.
"Wassamatter," said Xehanort sleepily.
"Nothing, Garen, Gavener, and Tadashi are ready to go. It's time for the bot fight," said Eraqus with a knowing smirk plastered on his face.
Xehanort raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"What's with the weird look?" he asked.
"Nothing," said Eraqus, his smirk growing even more pronounced. "You just look... comfortable."
Nadia then took that moment to unconsciously squeeze Xehanort's hand. It was then Xehanort realized, she was still holding onto to his hand. Xehanort quickly pulled his hand away; Nadia began stirring from her deep sleep.
"It's not what it looks like!" Xehanort said quickly, blushing furiously.
Eraqus burst out into a fit of laughter, finding Xehanort's flustered expression greatly amusing.
"What are you laughing at Eraqus?" she asked sleepily
Eraqus put his hands behind his head, grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh nothing, just harassing Xehanort. Come on, Garen and the others are waiting for us," he said.
Nadia got up and stretched. She tossed Xehanort his jacket.
"Thanks for letting me use your jacket as a blanket, that was really sweet of you," she said with a wink.
"N-no problem," Xehanort stuttered.
Nadia flounced after her brother, motioning for Xehanort to do the same. Recomposing himself, Xehanort followed suit as the group prepared to experience their very first bot fight.
...
Garen and Gavener went on ahead of the others as they needed to register their Bot in the fight. Tadashi and Hiro were to be the ones to bring Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus to the fight venue. On their way there, they passed a large group of protesters, wielding the same signs that Xehanort had seen when they first arrived. All of them protesting the upcoming Bot fight. Xehanort took that moment and decided to ask Tadashi the question that had been on his mind for a while.
"Hey Tadashi, how come Bot fighting is taboo around here?" he asked.
Hiro answered automatically in his usual sarcastic fashion.
"Because the people here are lame and afraid of a little excitement," he said. "Plus they're probably jealous of all the money you can win!"
Tadashi poked Hiro in the back of the head. He then took off his San Fransokyo Ninja hat and ran his hand through his hair. It was as if he was trying to find the right words. "You see, it's a lot more complicated than that. Bot fighting isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the crime that's attached to the bot fighting industry is. You see, all the city's criminals have a hand in the bot fighting industry. One could argue that they started the whole thing."
Tadashi subconsciously pulled Hiro off the street as a car came racing by. "It's smart if you think about it. They started it as part of a money laundering operation. They hold these bot fight tournaments and these criminal gangs and mob bosses would put their dirty money up as the prize money. Then, they rig the tournaments so the criminals win the tournament and the prize money. The formerly dirty money is then claimed as prize money from the tournaments, clean as a baby's bottom."
Tadashi paused and motioned for the group to make a left turn. "Then they began allowing civilians to enter the tournaments. Mostly people in desperate need of the money. They began charging a 'losers' fee for anyone who lost in their tournaments and because the winners are usually rigged in Yama's gang of thugs favor, of course, the average guy is going to end up owing big time."
"Yama? You mean that fat turd that was picking on that gentleman in the alleyway?" asked Nadia sharply.
Tadashi nodded. "Yep, that's the guy. He is in charge of the entire operation. Almost all the crime in the city goes through Yama and his Bot fighting circuit. Money laundering, drug trafficking, extortion. You name it, Yama's goons have a hand in it. Everybody knows that the Bot fighting circuit is funding or covering up all the crime in the city, but the Yama has a lot of powerful people in his pocket, so it's hard for the SFPD to bring the operation down."
Another pack of protesters passed the group. "The thing is, though, San Fransokyo is fighting back! Apart from protesters, the mayor is this close to passing legislation to ban bot fights once and for all. The only problem is there are members of the committee in Yama's pocket. One of them is entering today's tournament, so I have a bad feeling that this tournament is a bribe in disguise."
Xehanort took all the information in, suddenly coming to an understanding.
"That's why you're helping Garen and Gavener right? he asked. "You don't want them getting hurt."
Tadashi nodded.
"Garen and Gavener have been my best friends since pre-school. They're good people, I don't want them to fall victims to Yama's schemes," he said.
"Don't worry, we'll be looking out for them as well!" said Nadia
Xehanort and Eraqus nodded in agreement.
"Thank you guys, I appreciate the help! It means a lot," said Tadashi
"Hey, don't forget about me! When I get bigger I'm going to build a robot that beats up all the bad guys!" Hiro shouted excitedly.
Tadashi ruffled his brother's hair affectionately.
"Speaking of bad guys, we're here," said Tadashi, pointing to a large garage-like building. "Everyone got their passes?"
The group walked up to the two large security guards with matching stern looks.
"Show us your passes," said the guard on the right.
Everyone pulled out their passes and handed them to the guard. The guard scanned the passes and gave them back.
"Enjoy the tournament," he said without a bit of enthusiasm.
Tadashi motioned for the group to follow him, as they entered the venue. He led them over to Garen and Gavener, both who were doing last minute calibrations on their Bot. The Bot stood 6 feet tall and was clad in red had sleek and muscular looking build. On its back, were expandable wings and mini jet propellers. It had powerful gauntlet-like hands that doubled as impact projectiles, that returned after impact. The boots also contain jet boosters to give it's flight more stability and power. Overall, it was a powerful and impressive piece of machinery. Xehanort wasn't the most experienced when it came to modern technology, but even he understood how impressive the Bot was. On the chest was a serial number and the name of the bot: The Alpha Baymax.
When they finished the calibrations, Garen turned to Tadashi.
"Tadashi, you made it. I've got great news!" said Garen excitedly. "All the other contestants dropped out of the tournament. It's just us and Grayson, that guy from the committee. We can't lose!"
Tadashi, however, wore a look of grave concern.
"Don't you find that suspicious, you know that Yama has these tournaments rigged," he said.
Garen shrugged.
"It doesn't matter, even it was rigged, there is no way Yama's goons can make a Bot that can beat ours," said Garen confidently.
Tadashi still looked worried.
"He's right Tadashi, you know damn well that we are the best roboticists in San Fransokyo. Yama can't compete," said Gavener. "Besides look how many people are here. It will be pretty hard to screw us, not without keeping up appearances."
"I sincerely hope you're right," said Tadashi.
"Besides you got our back right?" asked Garen holding out a fist.
"...Yeah, of course," said Tadashi after a slight pause.
He bumped fists with Garen and Gavener as he had man times before.
"Now get to your seats, we're about to start," said Garen.
Tadashi led them the group to their seats, planting himself down next to his little brother, who was writhing in excitement.
Suddenly the announcer made his way to the arena, prepared to introduce the competitors.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Are you ready to rumble!" he said loudly into his microphone.
The large crowd cheered enthusiastically in response.
"In this corner, we have the definitive underdogs, the rag-tag duo! Garen and Gavener!" he shouted, allowing the spotlight to momentarily be focused on the twins. "In the opposing corner, the man who has recently announced his bid for mayor of San Fransokyo next term, and the favorite of this tournament Councilman Grayson"
The crowd was clearly rooting against the councilman as the arena rang with jeers and boos.
"Fighters, send your Bots to the arena!"
Garen and Gavener used their twin remotes to send the Alpha Baymax to the arena. Councilman Grayson used his controller to send his Bot to the field. Grayson's Bot stood a foot taller than the Alpha Baymax but it looked a lot less of a threat. The design and build were intimidating to be sure, but it was also bulky and clunky. The Bot moved much slower than the sleek and agile Alpha Baymax. It was however armed with to pincer-like hands, that were very sharp and looked troublesome. Garen and Gavener both wore matching looks of amusement, it was clear they were confident in their ability to win this battle.
"All right fighters! Ready, set, FIGHT!"
Grayson's Bot lumbered forward and tackled the Alpha Baymax to the ground. It's pincers opened up and attempted to deliver a crippling strike. The twins simply smirked and easily maneuvered the agile Alpha Baymax out of harm's way. Grayson's Bot, once more, came bounding after the Alpha Baymax, shooting energy projectiles at it. The Alpha Baymax easily protected itself by activating its built-in energy shield. The Alpha Baymax swiftly jumped in the air and delivered a powerful flying kick, sending Grayson's Bot tumbling down.
Grayson shot a dirty look at Mr. Yama who was overseeing the match from his private box, stationed above the arena. It was clear that the match was not going in the direction it was supposed to be going and Grayson's frustration was starting to show. Grayson pressed the big red button on his controller. Immediately his bot's pincers transformed into rotating blades. Grayson's Bot then charged, fully prepared to take down the Alpha Baymax. At this point, the twins simply laughed. They quickly input the command for the Alpha Baymax to launch its rocket hands. Both hands launched from the Alpha Baymax's wrist and grabbed Grayson's Bot by the legs, holding it firmly in place. Unable to move Grayson's Bot stood there helpless.
"Alright, Alpha Baymax! Destroy!" The twins shouted simultaneously.
Immediately, a powerful beam of energy emitted from the Alpha Baymax's eyes. The beam hit Grayson's Bot and melted the entire thing, turning it into a puddle. The crowd erupted into a round of deafening cheers and applause. Grayson, in a fit of rage, threw his controller on the ground and stomped on it.
"You better fix this Yama!" he shouted loud enough for everyone to here.
Mr. Yama got out of his private box and stepped onto a floating elevator platform. The platform flew down and landed next to the announcer. Grayson rushed over to Yama and the two argued in whispers. Then Mr. Yama leaned over to the announcer and whispered something into his ear. The announcer the lifted the mic to his mouth to announce the winner.
"Ladies and gentleman! The winner is Gavener and Garen!"
The crowd erupted into cheers once more; Grayson wore a sour look on his face.
"However, before we hand out the prize. Our sponsor, the reigning champion has personally challenged the winners, in a double or nothing battle!"
The crowd stopped cheering and whispers of skepticism shot through the arena.
"Do the winners accept the challenge?" asked the announcer.
"Don't do it, guys!" Tadashi shouted to the twins.
Garen and Gavener looked at each other in contemplation before nodding in matched determination.
"We accept!" they said simultaneously.
Mr. Yama pulled out his controller and walked over to the arena. He pressed a button and down came a seven-foot giant robot. On one hand, the bot had a shield that also doubled as a buzzsaw and on its other hand a pincer claw.
"You boys are in for it now, no one has ever beat Big Yama," said Yama with a sneer.
Big Yama snapped its pincer and whirred its saw. The twins simply laughed. Mr. Yama drove Big Yama to charge at the Alpha Baymax, trying to end the fight quickly. But the Alpha Baymax swiftly dodged the attack and tripped Big Yama, who fell to the ground. The Alpha Baymax then quickly finished Big Yama with the same energy beam that destroyed Grayson's Bot. Just like that, it was over, Big Yama was now a melted pile of scrap. Mr. Yama let out a snarl.
"You stupid brats, you'll pay for that," he shouted, causing the crowd to boo him.
Mr. Yama looked around at the crowd and realized the situation wasn't going as smoothly as he intended. Suddenly a light bulb went on in his head. Once more, he whispered something to the announcer.
"The winners of today's tournament is Garen and Gavener! ...However, because of our 'recent' rule change, no contestant under the age of twenty-one is eligible to collect prize money. Therefore, the prize money will be awarded to runner-up Councilman Grayson! Congratulations to our new champions Garen and Gavener! Everyone give them a round of applause!"
The crowd, however, erupted into cries of outrage as they pelted the announcer with trash.
Garen and Gavener ran onto the arena where Mr. Yama stood laughing smugly. Xehanort, Nadia, and Eraqus rushed over; Tadashi and Hiro were close behind.
"How dare you go back on your own arrangement! Have you no honor, no integrity?" said Nadia clearly disgusted at the man's deplorable behavior.
"Can it girly, otherwise I'll have to hurt your pretty little face," said Yama smugly.
Before Xehanort and Eraqus could even think about defending Nadia, Garen and Gavener rushed at Mr. Yama in a fit of rage. Mr. Yama snapped his fingers and immediately the group was surrounded by his security guards. Two of them easily restrained Garen and Gavener.
"You can't do this! We need this money!" said Gavener shouted angrily
"I just did twerps, consider this a lesson in payback," he said with a sneer.
"Our mother is going to die if we don't get the money. Please show some compassion!" Garen begged.
Mr. Yama laughed.
"That's not my problem kid, that's what you get for embarrassing me," he said coldly. "Oh, I'm taking your Bot too, consider it your entry fee. Get theses clowns out of here."
Both Garen and Gavener wore matching looks of fury, both of them shaking in rage. Thoughts of anger and vengeance permeated from the two boys. Their anger, their desire for revenge, it was so powerful, they gave off the impression they were glowing with dark energy.
"You'll pay for this Yama!" they both snarled simultaneously.
Suddenly an aura of darkness surrounded the Alpha Baymax, completely enveloping it. The crimson armor began to transform into one of pure black, with a much harsher looking build. Its jet wings transformed into bat-like wings and it's eyes turned bright yellow. Its rocket boosted hand changed into menacing claws. A large emblem appeared on its chest. It was a black heart with a red X stitched over it. Garen and Gavener temporarily snapped out of their rage and looked at what used to be their Bot. Mr. Yama, Garen, and Gavener looked up at the monstrosity. The creature leered at and slowly the three attempted to back away from it. The newly born creature snarled, raised back it's claws and attacked.
A/N: My first cliffhanger chapter! *Gives evil grin* Pay close attention to this chapter there is a lot of foreshadowing and hints in regards to Garen and Gavener. Let's see who can figure it out. Hope you guys enjoy!
