Chapter Five: Day 306: The Land of Sand.

"How'd you get in here?"

Ven's normally kind voice was rough and laced with suspicion as he glared at the masked youth, his blue eyes cold and set in a fierce glare. The stranger's only reply was a dry chuckle that sent shivers down Ven's spine. The youth stared at Ven for a moment, his hidden eyes studying him. What he said next caught Ven off guard.

"Your friend Terra is not himself."

Ven flinched, gasping in surprise. "What?" He asked but the masked youth said no more. The stranger's shadow suddenly rippled like water and rose off the wall behind him. Ven watched in horrified fascination as the shadow flowed over the stranger and pulled him into itself, the darkness rippling as it consumed its owner.

"Wait! What are you talking about?" Ven lunged after the stranger, arm outstretched to grab him-

And only groped air as the masked youth and the living shadows vanished completely.

Ven stood alone in his room, the stranger's words repeating in his head again and again.

'Your friend Terra is not himself.'

Ven clenched his fist and-

Static crackled, the images fading out and then new begins began to play-

Ven stood in a small clearing, a large golden castle behind him. It was dark, the night sky filled with thousands of gleaming stars, pinpricks of light through a black fog. The only thing going through the youths mind was the masked teens words: Your friend Terra is not himself.

Ven clutched a green charm around his neck. Terra was himself, he argued in his head. He's all right and I'll prove it!

Ven reached for something on his shoulder- The image crackled- and raised his keyblade- More static- Light flashed over Ven and his keyblade-The image became covered in static before fizzling out entirely.

Blue eyes blinked open, staring up at the simple white ceiling.

Roxas sat up in bed, scratching his droopy spiky locks.

These dreams were getting stranger and stranger, Roxas concluded to himself as he pushed the sheets away. And they were very confusing, first showing those three teenagers with Keyblades and now this weirdo in the mask. Roxas stood up from his bed, stretching like he always did and walking towards his bathroom. He kinda wished the dream had gone on. He hadn't seen what that Ven person was doing. But he was almost convinced he saw…Armor? Like one of those fairytale knights. As the thought of a Keyblade wielding knight went through his head, Roxas found himself chuckling.

Like Saix would say, ridiculous.

Finding himself in a better mood then he could remember being in for a long time, Roxas faced this new day with a smile…

…But of course for the one good thing in this day something really even worse was going to ruin it.

Roxas discovered this shortly when he saw who was waiting for him in the Grey Area with Saix and groaned lowly.

Xigbar stood next to Saix, his back lying against the large window showing Kingdom Hearts and his one good eye closed until Roxas walked over slowly. Xigbar's one amber eye opened and his mouth curved into a smirk upon seeing Roxas. "Mornin' kiddo."

Roxas grumbled a reply, "Morning." He looked up at Saix and asked, "Where I am going today?" Saix glared down at Roxas but Xigbar beat him to it.

Xigbar, "We're going to the land of sand little amigo."

Roxas froze when he realized what Xigbar said. Roxas, "'We'?" He had hoped he had heard that wrong.

Saix however confirmed his fear by nodding. Saix, "Today you and Xigbar are partnered together. And like he said you will be going to Agrabah. You know the mission and you know the guidelines. Finish any preparations and be on your way." With that said, he flicked his wrist and a Corridor of Darkness arose next to him.

Roxas sighed and felt his shoulders slump. Xigbar grinned and patted him on the shoulder in a comforting gesture. But Roxas had learned by now to expect little to no comfort from the Freeshooter no matter how sincere he appeared.

Xigbar, "Cheer up kiddo. I am loads more fun then pyro or Poppet. We can even go out for drinks afterwards, not any of that sissy ice cream."

Roxas saw Xigbar's sneer and shoved his hand away and turned, walking over to the Moogle to get some potions.

Xigbar watched him, chuckling lowly. Saix spoke up, his tone annoyed. "Don't push this. Remember, I was against you going with him for reasons aside from my obvious dislike of you."

Xigbar chuckled, amused. Xigbar, "Chill out. You know I'll get the job done."

Saix scowled and crossed his arms. Saix, "What I want to know is why the Superior picked you. There are others better suited to partner Roxas with and why this world? It holds nothing of value."

Xigbar grinned and shook his head. Xigbar, "In order: I was the Superior's Number 2 guy long before you became his little lapdog. And as to why this world, he's got a theory…'Diamond in the rough' and all that jazz."

Saix looked perplexed for a second before he asked, "What does that mean?'

Xigbar only chuckled as Roxas headed back over. Xigbar, "Like I said: He's got a theory."

Roxas walked back over, his pack now a few hi-potions richer. Saix looked from Xigbar to him and asked, "Are you ready?"

Roxas nodded. Saix waved his arm out and Roxas walked into the Corridor, Xigbar following after him. It shrank down into a puddle before vanishing, leaving Saix to mull over Xigbar's words.

A second Corridor appeared outside a massive purple cave entrance shaped like a large lion. The two eyes glowed faintly, watching Roxas and Xigbar step out of the Corridor and take in their surroundings. Xigbar viewed the little area with disdain, face already scrunched up into a scowl because of the humidity in the air and the sun cooking them from above.

Xigbar, "Gonna have to talk to the Superior about these black cloaks. Definitely not suited for deserts."

For once Roxas agreed with him, his forehead already covered in sweat and his cheeks were beginning to flush. He wiped his brow and swallowed, his mouth starting to dry out. Xigbar looked into the desert; hand over his one good eye as it squinted. He pointed into the sea of sand. "Town's that way, right? Been a while since I've been to this world, can't really remember." He asked to Roxas.

The younger Nobody nodded, still wiping sweat from his brow. Xigbar lowered his hand and nodded to himself. Xigbar, "Ok then. Kiddo! You head into the cave, I'll be heading into the city."

Roxas did a double take in surprise while Xigbar was already heading for the desert. "What?" Roxas asked in shock. Xigbar paused and looked back at Roxas, his one eyebrow cocked. Xigbar, "What 'what'?"

Roxas shrugged. Roxas, "Why do I get the cave? I mean-"

Xigbar interrupted, grinning wickedly. Xigbar, "What you don't like dark caves that are much cooler then towns? That's fine with me. All that shade, cool air, not to mention there's probably an under water canal system in there too. Sure I'll go in the cave, you take the town."

Roxas held up his hands as Xigbar started for the cave, sputtering, "WaitwaitwaitwaitiwaitWAIT! I didn't say I didn't want to explore the cave I was just asking why you didn't want to explore them. They're dark, creepy and desolate. That suits you."

Instead of glaring at Roxas's remark, Xigbar laughed like he had heard a good joke. "HA! As if. Nah, figure I'd give you a break and let you take the cave kiddo." Roxas eyed him suspiciously. Xigbar was NEVER this nice without some kind of motive.

Xigbar watched Roxas for another second before turning while saying; "I would like to get this mission done soon Roxas. So get moving. I'll be in town."

With that said, Xigbar's form shimmered and he vanished in a brief flash of purple.

Roxas stared at the spot Xigbar had been standing at for a second before he turned and looked up at the fearsome cave entrance. Deciding for once to heed Xigbar's words, Roxas walked into the cave, traveling down the steps and into the soothing cool darkness.

The first thing she noticed was the heat.

The air was thick and wet, so humid she could barely breath.

Aqua's eyes blinked slowly, moaning when she felt the heat surrounding her like an unwanted blanket. Aqua rose up, kicking away a smaller sheet but still finding herself covered with a sheen of sweat.

Her blue hair, halter-top and shorts clung to her skin; completely soaked but thankfully the rest of her other clothes had been removed so she wasn't too uncomfortable. Aqua sat up on the small cot she was lying on, hand still rubbing her head, which throbbed and ached painfully. The combination of the heat and something that could have been a bad bump on her head gave her a migraine like no other.

When the ache dulled down to a more bearable throb, Aqua finally looked around the room she woke up in.

It was a large spacious hall painted blue and white with two rows of identical cots lined up and several large dressers filled with various potions and medical supplies. This was clearly some kind of hospital wing. Aqua was still looking around, spotting a window but before she could look through it one of large double doors opened. Aqua looked over to the door to see who was stepping in.

It was a beautiful woman with darkly tanned skin and hair silky back hair tied into a ponytail. She wore a royal blue top that only covered her bosom, leaving her flat belly exposed along with her thin arms, the straps of the top slipping down her shoulders slightly and she had baggy blue pants similar to a hakama. Atop her head, nestled in her hair was a light blue tiara with a sapphire embedded in the center of it. The woman was obviously royalty.

Aqua blinked in confusion as the woman walked over to her, a look of concern on her beautiful face. "You're awake. That's good." She gently rubbed Aqua's forehead with the back of her palm an Aqua's eyes closed, enjoying the cool feel of her flesh against her hot skin.

The woman smiled and asked, "Not use to the heat, huh?" Aqua shook her head.

The woman lowered her hand and smiled. "I think you'll be ok. I'm just glad Aladdin found you when he did or you may not have survived that storm."

Aqua was even more confused. Storm? And who was Aladdin?

Aqua's lips parted as she tried to ask, 'Where am I?'.

All she could manage to croak through her dry tongue and cracked lips was a low and weak, "W…Where…"

The woman smiled in understanding and finished for her, "Are you? You're in the healing wing of the Palace of Agrabah."

Aqua blinked, gasping weakly. The Star Fragment had worked! Aqua tried to smile but could only manage a weak grimace. The woman eased her back down on the cot.

"You need a little more rest. You're still weak from being out in that storm and heat."

Aqua felt her eyes grow heavy and the world around her began to get blurry. The woman continued to speak but her words were fading away into muffled gibberish. Soon sweet cool darkness took her back into its embrace and Aqua fell back into sleep.

Inside the city walls surrounded by wooden huts roofed by tarps that were nearly torn under the weight of sand dunes the size of boulders, Xigbar's form shimmered into existence. The one eyed Freeshooter took in his surroundings, noting that some of the damage from the storms had been restored while there was new signs of damage from the recent storm. Nodding to himself, he crouched for a second before leaping atop to the closest roof.

Xigbar walked through an opening in the wall and into the next section of the city. He looked up at a larger support pillar of the city's protective walls and with another leap, he stood even higher over the town. He smirked as he gazed at the beautiful sphere like towers of the palace. Flexing his fingers, joints popping, Xigbar thrust his arms out, the right first, and then the left. Twin flashes of purple heralded the summoning of his arrowguns. Xigbar held them close, the two guns melding together into one longer rifle.

Xigbar's body shimmered again and he reappeared on a rooftop closer to the palace. Xigbar pulled his hood over his head and lay down on his stomach, raising his rifle as he gazed through the scope with his one amber eye. The image flickered and he could see from over a hundred yards, directly into the palace grounds. He grinned. "Action…"

Roxas stood in the large entrance hall of the Cave of Wonders. He looked around, noting it was still damaged from when those Large Armored Body Heartless had rampaged through the place. Roxas could no longer access the upper levels of the cave but a damaged hole in the wall allowed him into another part of the cave. Roxas let out a sigh of relief as the cool air of the cave washed over him, chilling the sweat on his brow and in his hair.

He wiped his brow with the back of his gloved hand before he began to trek further into the cave. As he did, the shadows behind him flickered and swirled, insect like Shadow Heartless rising up, antennas and little arms twitching. They crouched as Roxas paused to look around the hall again. Then, they leapt, claws pulled back to-

Light flashed around Roxas's right hand as he swirled around, his Kingdom Key appearing to cut the Heartless in two. As the Heartless melted into dust, Roxas lowered his Keyblade and shook his head in amusement. "You'd think they would have learned by now…"

Balancing his Keyblade on his shoulder, Roxas turned back to the hole in the wall and continued on his way.

It was a few hours later when Aqua woke up again and had regained the strength to stay awake. The dark skinned woman had been there and helped Aqua off of the cot since Aqua was still a little tired. The woman had then kindly asked if Aqua would like a bath in one of the private bathrooms. Aqua had agreed readily when she saw sand fall out of her hair and slipped from the folds of her clothes.

The bathhouse had been a small slice of heaven in the form of a natural hot spring. Aqua had cleaned all the sand off of herself and the water and steam did wonders for her sore and aching muscles. When she had emerged from the bathhouse she found her clothes, cleaned and sand free waiting for her in a small room the woman had let her dress in. Aqua let out a sigh of relief when she found her star charm necklace and the Star Fragment among her clothes. The necklace she slipped back on first before getting dressed.

When Aqua was slipping on her stockings there was a knock on the door and the woman's soft voice called, "Miss? Are you decent?" Aqua replied, "Yes, you can come in."

The woman walked in, smiling at Aqua still. She walked over to Aqua and said, "You look much better from this morning." Aqua smiled back and replied, "Thank you. I feel better too." Aqua stood up, slipping on her metal boots before looking back at the woman and saying, "I don't know how to thank you for all your hospitality, miss…"

The woman laughed and said, "Oh how rude of me! I never introduced myself." She gave Aqua a formal bow. "My name is Jasmine, I am the princess of Agrabah."

Aqua felt the blood drain from her face. She had been waited on hand and foot by the princess of this world?! Aqua suddenly waved her hands in a panic, sputtering, "Please your majesty there's no need for that!"

Jasmine rose, mock frowning in amusement. Jasmine, "As a rule, only other royalty calls me by my title, everyone else calls me Jasmine." Aqua smiled and nodded. Aqua, "Ok your- Jasmine." The princess smiled and then said, "That's better."

Aqua suddenly realized she hadn't introduced herself and mentally slapped herself on the head. Aqua, "Oh forgive my rudeness Jasmine, I haven't introduced myself." Aqua repeated Jasmine's bow and said, "My name is Aqua. Thank you for all your hospitality Jasmine-"

Then just to ruin this little moment, Aqua's stomach growled audibly.

The poor blunette felt her face flush in mortification. Jasmine didn't help the situation by laughing. Jasmine, "It seems I still have a little more hospitality to offer. It's a little late but I think brunch may still be served." She walked towards the door, beckoning Aqua after her with a wave of invitation.

Jasmine, "Come on, let's get you fed and then I'll show you my favorite place in all of Agrabah." Aqua smiled, suddenly anxious to see what she was talking about. Not to mention food sounded very appealing right now. She followed after Jasmine, walking into the hall after her.

There was several things sniping had taught Xigbar during his ten years of serving in Organization XIII. The most important things were patience and observation. Observation he felt was the most important next to patience. Xigbar watched the palace, observing everything from the guards in black and tan uniforms brandishing large scimitars to the occasional merchant attempting to sell his way into the palace only to be promptly kicked out.

While Xigbar had enjoyed that little show, he still kept steadily and slowly moving his scope to watch the windows and open doors of the palace. He had been at this for about four hours and while his patience was nowhere near its limit he was starting to have second thoughts about the Superior's theory. He hadn't spotted the target and was starting to think-

His amber eye widened, just a tiny fraction, but just wide enough to register his shock.

He had moved his riflescope along the path to the garden and had spotted the princess; walking with her head turned as she talked to someone he hadn't seen at first because they were still in the doorway. Then, the princess stopped and gazed about her garden.

Even Xigbar had to admit it was a nice one, with large trees on all sides and a beautiful fountain directly in the center. There was even a large golden birdcage the size of one of the Castle bedrooms they all stayed in, dozens of little white doves inside, chirping happily. Xigbar could see the princess's lips moving but from this range there was no way he could here what she was saying. But he no longer cared about what she was saying when he saw the person in the doorway step out…and her blue hair glint in the sunlight.

Xigbar blinked, jaw dropping a little.

It was her.

Truth be told, he had his doubts the moment Axel and Roxas came back with that report about a woman with blue hair holding a Keyblade. The only reason it held any weight was because he had wondered what the odds were of another female Keyblade wielder with blue hair…but now he was seeing it with his own eye.

It was really her.

She followed after the princess slowly, looking around the garden in awe. Xigbar zoomed in with his scope, looking right at her face. She hadn't aged a day.

The princess led her to the fountain and to her shock the blue haired maiden saw little fishes inside it. She traced her hand over the waters surface, eyes sparkling as one of the little fish followed her fingers. Xigbar watched her carefully, thinking back to the last day he saw her…

It had been when he was still a Somebody and when he still had access to that wasteland of a graveyard. Her sapphire eyes had been narrowed in an outraged glare as he appeared, the barrel of his arrowgun pointed right at her and the frozen kid. He still remembered that look that blonde kid had given him…

The princess led her to the golden cage and her eyes really lit up when she saw all the doves. Xigbar shook off his nostalgia. He had a job to do…

Xigbar flexed his hand that held the handle of his rifle, finger right over the trigger…

And then he stopped.

Xigbar continued to watch the blue haired maiden and the princess, the dark skinned woman opening the cage door and gently grabbing a small dove. She held it to the maiden, who looked hesitant for a moment before taking it into her own hand. The little dove chirped curiously, nuzzling her cheek. The maiden closed her eyes and smiled.

Xigbar watched silently, his expression unreadable.

And then, very slowly, his lips curved into a smirk.

Xigbar's form shimmered and he vanished.

Roxas grunted and rolled to the side dodging a shockwave of sand and power from the Clay Armor's overhead double fisted smash into the ground. Roxas charged, dragging his Keyblade behind him before leaping and swinging his Keyblade down onto its head. The Clay Armor staggered back, clutching the new bump right in the center of its head. Roxas leapt back and landed on the ground, preparing another swing when a miniature gust of wind shot at him. Roxas was hit and sent spinning into the air, before coming to a stop when he slammed into the wall. Roxas groaned and slid down weakly, cursing Xigbar silently.

A Land Armor charged past the still reeling Clay Armor, fist drawn back to smash Roxas to a pulp. The young teen ducked and rolled under the massive fist and the hit struck the wall, smashing the dark stone to bits. But Roxas couldn't relax and instead ducked under another massive fist, this one from a Solid Armor. Roxas jumped back, away from the three armors.

Roxas had no sooner stepped into the large cave outside the lamp chamber when the three Armors fell from the darkness of the ceiling and charged for him at the same time. Normally Roxas had no problems with the magic vulnerable armored Heartless. But as luck would have it Roxas hadn't brought any magic with himself and had to resort to regular attacks on the Armors.

Roxas saw the Clay Armor had recovered and was charging for him, fists twirling to smash Roxas to bits. Roxas jumped over its fists and smashed the Clay Armor in the face again while back flipping over the charging Solid Armor, causing it to slam into its disoriented partner. The two stumbled and staggered, allowing Roxas to grab them by the heads and smash them faces first into each other. Roxas jumped away from the now dazed and dizzy Armored Heartless and faced the last one, the Land Armor. It was raising its fists again and slamming them into the ground. Roxas leapt over the shockwave, Keyblade drawn back in an overhead swing-

And right into the Land Armor's fist.

The air was knocked out of his stomach and lungs as the fist collided with his torso and sent him flying back with without a cry. The Clay Armor saw Roxas flying over and jumped, thrusting its huge gut out to body slam Roxas. Roxas exclaimed in pain as he was suddenly propelled forward, this time into the fist of the Solid Armor. Roxas slammed into another wall and slid limply to the floor. He looked up and gasped as all three Armors charged for him, leaping up to slam back down and crush him with their combined weight-

"Had your fun?"

A familiar cocky voice called out. Three loud shots rang out and diamond shaped purple projectiles nailed the Armors right between their eyes. The Heartless blinked before their heads exploded in a shower of black mist. Their fat bodies followed suit in short order.

Xigbar shimmered into existence next to Roxas, shouldering his rifle before dispelling it. Roxas glared up at Xigbar who grinned back down at him. Xigbar, "What?" Roxas, "When did you get here?"

Xigbar cocked his head in thought before replying, "Right around the time you got punched in the stomach. Man, that looked painful." Roxas grimaced. "I assure you it was." Xigbar leaned over and yanked Roxas back on his feet with a tug. Xigbar patted him on the shoulder and said, "Time to RTC kiddo."

Roxas blinked while Xigbar headed for the hole to the hall. Roxas, "That's it? She wasn't here?" Xigbar looked back at Roxas before he replied simply, "Didn't say that." Roxas frowned, brow furrowing. Roxas, "So, she is here?" Xigbar shrugged again. "Didn't say that either." Roxas looked at him, completely lost. Roxas, "Are you rambling again?"

Xigbar snorted. Xigbar, "As if. Come on, this heat's giving me a migraine." With that said, Xigbar headed for the Corridor, Roxas following after him.

"Ow…Ow…Ow…" Roxas moaned as he stepped into his room. When he had arrived in the Grey Area, Saix and Xigbar were already walking off, leaving Roxas alone to handle his injuries. He had taken a hi-potion but found his torso still hurt like he had gone a few rounds with Lexaeus. Roxas collapsed onto his bed, groaning in a mixture of pain and relief…which quickly became an aggravated sigh when someone knocked on his door.

"What?" Roxas groaned. "It's Xion." Roxas felt his mood elevate upon hearing her. Xion opened his door and stepped inside, her left arm behind her back. She frowned in concern when she saw Roxas lying in bed, face contorted in pain. She walked over while asking, "What happened?" Roxas tried to shrug casually but found so much as trying to move caused agonizing pain.

Roxas, "This is what happens when Xigbar decides to wait at the last minute to save someone from a pack of Armor Heartless." Xion rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disgust. Xion, "What a jerk." she smiled suddenly. Xion, "But hey, you know what makes a bad day better?" She held up two pops of sea salt ice cream. Roxas felt a smile spread on his face. He thankfully took one and sighed. Roxas, "You're the best."

Xion giggled and took a lick from her pop before replying, 'I know."

The two laughed, never noticing Axel watching from a crack in the door. He smiled slightly, stepping back and silently closing the door. Best to leave them to themselves, he concluded.

Besides, he thought darkly. I've got a meeting to go to.

"Xigbar has reported that the woman-"

"Aqua."

Saix flinched when the Superior interrupted him. He looked up at the head of the Organization but his pose and look was impassive as always when he sat atop his throne. Saix swallowed before continuing. Saix, "Ahem, Aqua was sighted in Agrabah."

Saix stopped talking and Xigbar picked up, speaking to the Superior. Xigbar, "Although I don't think this confirms your theory, boss man." The Superior merely rolled his hand as if to wave off his remark. The other members of the Organization were present in their thrones save for Roxas and Xion. Xaldin scowled at Xigbar and barked, "Why did you not engage her? Did she look to strong for you?" He asked the last part with a sneer.

Xigbar merely sent Xaldin a glare with his one eye before replying, "Didn't think it was right. I don't think she's ready to face me yet."

Luxord chuckled, his cards slipping from one hand o the next as he shuffled them rapidly. Luxord, "You're good Xigbar, I admit that. But our lady luck is quite possibly better."

Xigbar scowled at Luxord and snapped, "How would you know? You haven't even seen her yet."

Luxord grinned and with a flick of his wrist held up the queen of hearts. Luxord, "Exactly. Not yet."

Xigbar slumped in his throne and looked down on a certain mullet haired blonde, who looked on the verge of passing out from boredom right there on his throne. Xigbar grinned slowly and looked up at the Superior. Xigbar, "I know who we can send to get Aqua." He smiled down on Demyx, who was beginning to snore a little.

Xigbar, "Let's send our little Melodious Nocturne to get our water maiden."

Demyx snapped awake, sputtering in shock. Needless to say the other Organization members looked surprised as well. Demyx looked at Xigbar and snapped, "What the heck, Xiggy?! What'd I do to make you stab me in the back like this!?"

Xigbar just chuckled and moved his hands behind his head. Saix spoke up. Saix, "It's what you haven't done, Demyx. For the last month you haven't been pulling your weight in missions. This is your one chance to redeem yourself."

Demyx grimaced and looked around for any sympathy from the other members on their thrones. He found none, just nods of agreements to what Saix had said. Demyx moaned and slumped down on his throne. Saix scowled down at the younger Nobody and was about to snap at him when the Superior spoke over him.

Superior, "Think of it this way, Demyx. If you succeed you will be rewarded. If you only focus on failing, you will fail."

Demyx mulled over the Superior's words, thinking them over carefully.

Then, he smirked and nodded. Demyx, "Alright, I'll go get this lady Keyblade wielder. But if I do I want a month off from mission duty!"

Saix's eyes widened in clear outrage. He rose up on his throne, ready to chew Demyx's head off, spit it back out and then tear it to pieces, and then tear those pieces to even smaller pieces. But once again, the Superior spoke over him. "Done."

Saix whirled to look at the Superior with a shocked expression. Demyx whooped in joy before vanishing in a burst of shadow. The remaining members save Xigbar and Saix, each looked up at the Superior and asked the same question: "That apply to us too?"

The Superior nodded. "In the unfortunate event of Demyx's failure, if you manage to overcome Aqua and bring her to me, I will reward you with whatever you want, so long as it is within my power to obtain." Excited, the remaining members looked among each other save for Axel, who slumped down in his throne for opportunity lost. Saix cleared his throat and declared, "But you only get one chance to face her. And you must face her alone."

The Organization members looked at the Superior in hopes he wouldn't agree with Saix but the leader made no move to agree or disagree. With that, Axel, Luxord and Xaldin vanished. Only Saix, Xigbar and the Superior remained. Saix looked up at the impassive Superior and asked, "I still don't understand this theory of yours."

Xigbar chuckled and waved his hand. Xigbar, "Don't even let it bother your silly little head, puppy. If Demyx does his job right, that theory of boss man's is null and void."

The Superior merely leaned on his arm, ignoring his two subordinates. Saix looked up at the Superior and saw his distracted look. Saix, "Sir?" The Superior finally glanced at the two, almost scowling in annoyance when he realized they were still there. Superior, "The orders have been given. Return to your posts." Saix nodded and vanished in a burst of darkness.

Only Xigbar remained, grinning up at the Superior. Xigbar, "You know boss man, you could go yourself. After all, you're the one who wants to meet her so badly…" His grin morphed into a mocking smirk. Xigbar's one amber eye glinted in knowing as he said, "Though me and the others do wonder why you seem so interested in her." With a chuckle, Xigbar vanished as well.

The Superior sat alone on his throne, eyes closing in thought.