LOST WORLDS

Chapter 2: The Hunt Begins

Written by: Lynx and Rebmakash and hosted through the generosity of Organization VI

Rating: G (K)

Summary: After the battle against the thousand Heartless at Hollow Bastion, a whole new ring of worlds appears for Sora, Donald and Goofy to explore.

Disclaimer: We do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the Disney movies used in this fanfic; they belong exclusively to Disney and Square. See the first chapter for full disclaimer.

Author's Notes: This'll probably be updated every five days or so. Subplots, wee!

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Saïx felt his presence from behind, as usual. It was one of the few things he wished Xemnas wouldn't do... Saïx hated the feeling of someone behind him, where a person could always know more than he did. And Xemnas always knew much more.

"You lied."

Saïx turned to face his Superior. Xemnas had a look of intrigued confusion.

"What other option was there?" Saïx pointed out, trying to hide his discomfort. "If Sora believes that we have Kairi, he will continue his fight. I saw it in his eyes...you should have seen him get on his hands and knees for me. He would slay ten thousand Heartless for us to see her safe."

Xemnas seemed less impressed than Saïx would have hoped. "And what, pray tell, will you do when the Keyblade Master arrives and discovers she is not here?" he sneered. "We want his wrath to work for us, not against us."

Saïx had seen Sora take down the thousands of Heartless in the Great Maw. It was not something he wanted to consider.

"You should not have lost her in the first place," Xemnas added, circling Saïx like a wolf sizing up its prey. "And you especially should have been able to take her from that traitor Axel."

Against his better judgment, Saïx made excuses. "We got into a scuffle in the Dark City. During the fight, she and the King's dog escaped through a portal of darkness."

Xemnas's eyes narrowed. "Axel."

"No...there's someone else who's been interfering," Saïx said, remaining remarkably calm under his Superior's gaze. "Someone dressed as one of our own. He helped Sora and his companions out of that dark realm the witch-fairy sent them to. He's been following around Kairi and the dog ever since, offering escapes when she needs them." He paused. "I'm not certain if he's acting alone—"

"He's not," Xemnas said, and left it at that.

"I will go out and retrieve Kairi," Saïx finally stated. "By the time Sora even discovers this world, she'll be here. Everything will remain secure."

Xemnas left his tight circle around Saïx and strayed to the edge of the balcony, his boots clacking sharply against the uneven metal floor. His long silver hair stirred in the nonexistent breeze as he stared up at the heart-shaped moon, pulsing brighter and larger with each heart extracted. "Saïx, I need not remind you how close we are...how soon we shall have our own hearts. If we falter now, all shall be for naught."

"Yes," Saïx sighed. He was eager to get to work.

"These new worlds that have appeared will only benefit us," Xemnas added, turning back to the berserker. "Sora and his friends will surely visit them. While you are out searching for Kairi, take advantage of the denizens there. I will send Xigbar as well."

Xemnas then strode down the loud metallic hall, towards his quarters. "I expect the girl back here soon, Saïx."

"And what if I should encounter Axel?"

"Kill him."

"And the rogue in disguise?"

"Kill him."

For the first time since returning from Hollow Bastion, Saïx smiled. In a burst of black and purple mist, he was gone, and the castle was cold and empty as always.