Kingdom Hearts:
The Truth Behind Xehanort
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Summary: Riku, Sora, and Kairi have finally returned to Destiny Islands after their two and a half year-long adventure across the universe. Things have finally settled down and everything has seemingly returned to the normal, boring way it was before. But when a letter from the King sets off a mysterious chain of events, can Riku save the one thing dearer to him than his friends? And better yet--what is this secret King Mickey has uncovered by going through the files on Ansem's computer...? "XEHANORT HAD A WHAT?!" "A fiancée, Riku. Xehanort had a fiancée." Pairings: Xehanort/OC; Suggested/Friendships: Any and All! (ie, Axel/RoxasSuggested, Zexion/LexaeusSuggested, Riku/SoraSuggested, Sora/KairiSuggested, Riku/Kairi/SoraSuggested, Zexion/DemyxSuggested, Xigbar/XaldinSuggested, etc.)
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Warnings: Major spoilers mixed in, bad language, hinted shonen-ai, possible/suggested (graphic?) character death, gruesome and multiple fight scenes, graphic torture, and possible (attempted?) (graphic?) suicide. Warnings are subject to change as story proceeds.
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Notes: 7-3-08 I don't own KH, FF(insert number here), any sort of anime/manga titles, or Disney, so anything related to them is not mine. I do, however, own my OCs, this storyline, and so on. Please excuse any problems with anyone's characters, as for about three of them, I truthfully have little to no experience and am going only on what I believe would be appropriate. And if you have any suggestions for anything, feel free to tell me! I enjoy flames, too--just not the perverted kind. X3
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LUCRECIA'S JOURNAL, ENTRY FIVE:
PREPARE
((MKL: aka "ready...steady...let's go! ...or not..."))
When Vexen walked in to check on Xemnas' progress later that morning, to say that he was shocked would be the understatement of the year.
"Lord Superior?" he hissed in confusion. Xemnas raised a finger to his lips and gestured towards Lucrecia, who was laying next to/on top of him, fast asleep.
"She was awake half the night," Xemnas mumbled as Vexen walked briskly forward. The blonde frowned in disapproval and Xemnas arched an eyebrow in return. "What?"
Vexen merely smirked and shook his head, turning to look at the readouts printing next to him. "Riku will not be happy. He has been tearing apart the Corridors searching for her."
Xemnas snorted and rolled his eyes in response. "You act like I care."
Vexen paused mid-reading and arched an eyebrow at Xemnas, who stared back before giving a rather defeated sigh.
"All right, I suppose I do," he admitted quietly, careful not to wake Lucrecia up despite the fact that his hand was starting to become numb. "But he can't know. Not yet."
Vexen now gave another disapproving frown, but this time, it was much more serious. "Xemnas," he said quietly, using his Superior's name (he only did this when he was about to lecture about something), "he is your son. With the exception of Sora, Kairi, and Riku himself, everyone within a two-mile radius knows that!"
"Then they should keep their mouths shut." Vexen's frown deepened, but Xemnas' stern expression kept him from commenting. "I mean it. He...doesn't need to know." Xemnas looked oddly uncertain as he shifted his gaze towards the woman in his arms, giving a quiet sigh. "Lucrecia has yet to tell him. No one else should have the privilage."
Vexen stared at him for a few moments before nodding and setting aside the readouts. "I will make sure to pass the message."
"Thank you, Vexen," Xemnas said quietly, still staring at Lucrecia. Vexen smirked a bit and nodded.
"You are quite welcome, Superior. And," he glanced curiously at Lucrecia, "when she wakes up, you can feel free to remove your bandages and get dressed. I am sure the others will be relieved to see that you have recovered."
And with that, he swept out of the room, leaving Xemnas still staring silently at Lucrecia in his wake.
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Less than an hour after Vexen had informed everyone else that Xemnas was fine and Lucrecia was as safe as she could possibly be (the Nobodys had shared a snicker/smirk at that one), Xemnas and Lucrecia finally made their appearence, Lucrecia speaking animatedly about what she had been doing for the past fifteen years or so. Xemnas listened intently to everything and completely ignored Sora and Kairi when they walked past, making a comment about how "peaceful the Islands were rumored to be" and how relieved he was that she "was unharmed despite everything" instead. They soon shared a laugh/chuckle at the stunned looks they recieved from the teenagers.
It was not until they reached the Study that they were caught by none other than a very, very pissed-off Riku.
"Mother!" he called, rushing up to her from the way to the main computer. Lucrecia blinked in surprise, then smiled as she gazed at her son.
"Riku," she said brightly. "Good morning! I hope you slept well?"
Riku casted a glare at Xemnas, who merely smirked in "amusement", before turning back to her with worry clearly etched into his features.
"Are you all right?" he asked instead. Lucrecia chuckled and nodded.
"Of course," she assured him, pulling him into a hug. Xemnas watched silently, the shadow of sadness flickering over his features for the briefest of moments as she gently stroked his hair. "I'm a big girl, Riku--I can take care of myself."
Riku seemed a bit doubtful as he pulled away from her hug, then glanced towards Xemnas, clearly suspicious. "Mom...why are you...?"
"Hello, Riku," Xemnas greeted, again smirking as he gave the illusion that he was amused. "Good to see you again."
"Xemnas," Riku growled at him, eyes narrowed. "What are you doing with my mother?"
"Oh, nothing." Xemnas seemed honestly surprised at the question. "Absolutely nothing. We were merely speaking. Is there a problem with that?"
The return of "amusement" had Riku frowning suspiciously before he turned back to his mother, ignoring the question. "Are you sure, Mom?" he asked doubtfully. "Do you need me to--?"
"Don't worry," Lucrecia said with a good-natured chuckle. "I'm perfectly safe. Besides, if some Heartless attack or anything, there are plenty of warriors here to protect me, right?"
Riku merely nodded and turned to walk away, mumbling to himself, "That's what I'm afraid of."
Lucrecia waited patiently until he walked away before smiling up at Xemnas. "He doesn't seem to like you much."
"Actually, I think he hates my guts," Xemnas sighed rather dejectedly. Lucrecia's smile faultered a bit before she gently reached up and pecked his cheek. This got his attention and he glanced down at her, confused as she chuckled softly.
"Don't worry," she assured him quietly. "Be your usual, charming self and I'm sure that you'll grow on him."
Xemnas glanced around, checked his senses to make sure there were no beating Hearts nearby, then quickly stole a soft, testing kiss. It was returned almost immidiately.
"Are we interuptin' somethin', dude?" someone from the doorway snickered. Xemnas broke away in an instant, cursing himself for only searching for beating Hearts as Lucrecia blinked out of her daze. Xemnas glared at Xigbar and Xaldin, who were standing in the doorway, Xigbar making a kissy-face and Xaldin snickering quietly.
"Get out of here," Xemnas hissed in "annoyance".
"I get the feeling we're not wanted in this situation," Xaldin said with fake hurt.
"Well then, come along, my good friend," Xigbar snickered as he marched through the room. "We'll leave the two little birdies alone."
This earned full-out laughter that echoed back to Xemnas and Lucrecia as they stood awkwardly, Lucrecia blushing deeply as Xemnas continued to mentally curse himself for being such an idiot.
"Let's try that again," Lucrecia said suddenly, smiling mischieviously up at Xemnas. Her lover blinked twice in surprise before stretching his senses again and giving a rather dejected sigh.
"Sora, Kairi, and Zexion are coming," he mumbled to her, gently taking her hand. She pouted rather childishly, causing him to smile and gently peck her cheek. "We'll coninue later, when we're not likely to be interupted.
Lucrecia chuckled and nodded, beginning to walk towards the computer room. "It's a date."
And Xemnas gave a small smile that had not completely left when they made it into the room, where Riku and Mickey were standing next to the computer, speaking quietly, Lexaeus and Vexen were standing nearby and listening intently, and Xigbar and Xaldin were making kissy faces and laughing, apparently still making fun of the two. Lucrecia refused to let go of Xemnas' hand despite the sudden stares from everyone save Riku, who was apparently ignoring Xemnas' existance. Mickey smiled a bit at them as Xemnas avoided his gaze, Lexaeus quirked an eyebrow and Vexen smirked.
"Lord Superior, Lucrecia," Vexen greeted. "Good to see you two have decided to join us."
"Vexen," Xemnas said warningly. Vexen backed off, but continued to smirk as Xaldin and Xigbar started laughing again.
"Heya, Misses Xen," Mickey greeted brightly. He tensed a fraction when he saw Xemnas, but forced himself to relax a moment later, smile holding fast. "Xemnas."
"Your Highness," Xemnas said almost mockingly, giving a slight bow. Lucrecia scowled playfully at him and pulled her hand away from his, gently hitting his arm just as Sora, Kairi, and Zexion (who was trailing behind the two slightly) walked into the room.
"Oh, leave him alone, Xemnas," she said with a roll of her eyes. "He's a King. Show some respect."
The whole room tensed and everyone stared at Xemnas, wondering how he might respond, but to everyone's surprise, he smirked at her.
"Whatever you say, Lucrecia," he said without a hint of sarcasm, straightening up and nodding at her. The Somebodys, minus Mickey, turned to stare at Lucrecia for seemingly taming the beast as the Nobodys all either snickered, smirked, or muttered 'whipped!' under their breath (the last one partaining only to Xigbar, who then promptly started snickering along with Xaldin). Mickey merely smiled again and nodded his understanding.
"Perhaps the King should begin explaining what he needs us to do," Zexion said quietly, frowning a bit at Xemnas and Lucrecia before turning his full attention to the mouse king. Everyone else obidiently followed suit, minus the frowning part, although Xigbar had flashed Xemnas a knowing grin and wink. Or he might have just blinked--it was a bit hard to tell with the eyepatch.
"Whelp," Mickey said, suddenly all-business as he stared with obvious seriousness at the group, "we just got another message from Master Yen Sid, the one who first contacted us 'bout the Heartless. He said that it was first spotted near the old mansion, and that the humanoid one has short blonde hair and is wearin' an Organization cloak. The large Heartless followin' it looks kinda looks like a guy, with long hair-like stuff, and blue and white tinges to it."
"That eliminates Xehanort's Heartless," Riku mumbled to himself. He was ignored.
"Can they tell if the human one is a boy or a girl?" Lexaeus asked quietly. Mickey paused a moment before shaking his head.
"Nope. He doesn't wanna get close enough ta check."
"Don't blame 'im," Xigbar snorted with a roll of his eyes. At the curious looks sent his way, he merely arched an eyebrow and folded his arms over his chest. "Dudes, short blonde hair means either Larxene or Luxord. Luxord's powers are a pain in the ass, since he can essentially un-do anythin' ya attack 'im with, and Larxene's a freakin' sadist with power over one of the most destructive elements: Lightening. Do any of you guys really wanna cross either of 'em?"
"Not really," Vexen mumbled, rolling his eyes.
"Been there, done that," Sora snorted, smirking a bit.
"Sora, shut up," Kairi groaned. Sora blinked innocently, confused, but obidiently closed his mouth.
"Who's going to go for this?" Xaldin suddenly asked, shifting his gaze between Xemnas and Mickey. The two exchanged looks.
"I'm going," Riku said with a fron and a nod before anyone else could say anything. No one objected.
"I'll stay here," Kairi said quietly, smiling a bit. She clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward a bit. "I'm not a big fighter, so I'd probably just get in the way."
"I'll stay with Kairi!" Sora offered with a rather stupid grin. Xigbar and Xaldin exchanged smirks.
"And you guys?" Mickey asked with a blink, turning to the Nobodys.
"I will stay here," Vexen said. "I am of no use against Larxene should it be her, and since there is a fifty per-cent chance, I would rather stay behind and work on my experiments."
"Don't blow up the labs again," Xigbar snorted with a stupid grin. Vexen shot him a look, but otherwise did not respond.
"I want to stay, too," Xaldin suddenly called, raising his hand. Lexaeus grunted his agreement.
"I suppose I will go," Zexion said with a nod and a bit of a smirk. "Besides, it has been quite a while since I have gotten into a fight."
"Zexion," Lucrecia muttered, frowning at him. He winced a bit and his smirk slowly fell, but he did not retract his agreement.
"'Kay, and you three?" Mickey asked, shifting his gaze between Xigbar, Saïx, and Xemnas.
"Dude, I'm not really in the mood ta leave," Xigbar snorted, then grinned. "'Sides, I'm kinda itchin' to pull some pranks."
"Contact me," Xaldin merely said, smirking. Xigbar snickered at that and nodded.
"Come anywhere near my labs, Xigbar, and I swear...!" Vexen growled, glowering at him. Xigbar ignored him.
"I...will go," Xemnas decided quietly, nodding. At the surprised glances from the Keybladers, Kairi, and his highest three subordinates, he explained in that same calm, quiet voice. "I wish to prove that I don't intend to send only the others to do the work I promised I would do."
"I will follow Lord Superior," Saïx said almost immidiately.
"And I will, too," Lucrecia said with a serious nod. Now everyone turned to stare at her.
"No, you won't," Xemnas immidiately objected, frowning at her. Lucrecia arched an eyebrow at him and put her hands on her hips.
"And why not?"
"Because you'll get hurt."
"For once, I agree with Xemnas," Riku offered, also frowning at Lucrecia. She shot him a look and he obidiently shut up, although he still seemed to side with the older man.
"Look, if you think I'm going to get 'hurt' because I can't fight, you're wrong," Lucrecia snapped, fire flaring in her eyes. Everyone once more stared at her, although she ignored them. "I lived in the Second District of Traverse Town for nine months. If you so much as want to go to the store for milk, you have to learn how to fight within a week. According to the mage I worked under, I'm a natural tallent when it comes to magic."
"I'm not convinced," Xemnas said, still aprehensive. Lucrecia's eyes narrowed at him.
"Fine then. Vexen!"
"Y-yes?" he asked, jumping and blinking at her in surprise. Her gaze did not waver from Xemnas' reddish-gold eyes.
"You're an ice-element, right?" she asked slowly.
Vexen stared blankly at her for a few moments. "Well...yes..."
"And ice magic--you'd absorb it, right?"
"Essentially..." he agreed, hesitating only a moment. She nodded.
"Brace yourself," she said, finally turning to look at him as she held up a hand. Before he could question why, she shouted, "BLIZARDA!"
Large, sharp icicles flew from her open palm and went towards Vexen too fast for the eye to see, hitting his body within instants. There were a few tense moments before the ice slowly disappeared, leaving Vexen totally unharmed, although his eyes seemed to shine a bit more brightly than they had moments before.
"A warning would have been nice," he mumbled quietly, lifting a hand to poke at his stomach where the icicles had hit.
Satisfied, Lucrecia turned back to Xemnas with an arched eyebrow. "That's only a level two spell. I know level three and four, too, as well as Fire, Lightening, Reflective, Magnet, Healing, Wind, Time, and even a bit of Dark Magic," she told him pointedly. "I also have a staff to use in hand-to-hand should I run out of Magic Power. Satisfied?"
Xemnas stared at her for a few more moments before frowning. "Fine," he finally said, worry in his eyes. "But when we engage the two Heartless, I want you to stay back."
After thinking for a moment, Lucrecia smiled and nodded. "I can do that. I'll just keep casting Reflect when it looks like I might be hit."
"And, should worse come to worse," Zexion suddenly said, drawing his parent's attention as he gazed pointedly at them, "I do have my Lexicon. She can wait in there for the fighting to be over."
Confusion washed over the Somebodys in the room, but Xemnas finally seemed satisfied and nodded his agreement.
"Any sign that she is in real trouble," he said pointedly. Zexion merely nodded.
"Overprotective!" Xigbar sing-songed to the other Nobodys, smirking. There were a few nods in agreement, although Kairi (who happened to be the only Somebody in earshot) glanced over in confusion. She was ignored, which was fine with her as she turned back to the conversation.
"Whelp, I'm comin' with you guys," Mickey decided with a nod and a smile. Riku shot him a greatful look. "Cid's got a new Gummiship for us ta take. It's an upgrade of The Highwind."
"The Highwind?" Riku echoed, arching an eyebrow and frowning at Sora. "You stole my name!"
"Hey, it's coincidence, I swear!" Sora quickly exclaimed, waving his hands in front of himself defensively. "Donald and Goofy already named it when I came! It's not like I had any say in the matter..."
Riku did not seem convinced, although he did not press the matter, either.
"Everyone should probably get ready," Saïx suddenly said, staring pointedly at the group. "We should probably take as many Potions, Elixers, and Ethers as we can carry, not to mention any extra weapons we might need. We can meet back here in an hour so we can leave."
With that, he walked off, leaving the others slowly dispersing in his wake.
"I need to go change," Lucrecia chuckled, smiling at Xemnas. "I'll be right back!"
She scampered off towards the ship, leaving Xemnas, Riku, and Zexion standing awkwardly with the other Nobodys in her wake.
"Er, I think I should go with her so she doesn't get lost," Riku said slowly, casting a weary glance at Zexion, then a glare at Xemnas. He was off in an instant.
"He doesn't know," Xemnas stated more than asked, sighing softly. Zexion glanced over curiously as the other Nobodys smartly left the room, Mickey following as he mumbled something about getting the ship for them so they could leave sooner rather than later.
"He will," Zexion responded quietly. "When Mother thinks he's ready to find out."
Xemnas shook his head and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "But in the meantime, he hates the fact that I exist. Not that I could blame him, what with my Heartless taking possession of him, but still..."
"Do not worry." Xemnas opened his eyes and glanced over in mild surprise as Zexion stared up at him seriously. The younger suddenly smirked and folded his arms over his chest. "He's sure to warm up to us eventually, mortal enemies at one point or not."
Xemnas chuckled and nodded, returning his gaze to the doorway and folding his arms behind his back. "Yes. I suppose you're right," he said softly.
"Not if I have any say in it," Xehanort's Heartless sneered nearby, shadowy eyes narrowed a fraction at the scene. It stared at the two before it for a few more moments, just long enough for its scent to leak towards Zexion, and then it rather abruptly disappeared.