Chapter Seven: Day 308: Wind's Drifting Memories.

This place was intimidating.

Ven walked around a huge open lot outside of a massive coliseum entrance. It had two huge statues of warriors on either side of its doors, large pillars supporting the roof which had the image if two fighters struggling on it. Ven approached closer, wondering what lied beyond the gates.

As he was abut to reach the doors, he heard steps behind him and turned –static crackled, obscuring the view of what was behind him, but there was a brief flash of blue skin and red eyes- Ven gasped and tensed, ready to summon his keyblade-

"Have no fear!" Suddenly, a blue and black blur lunged into the air and came slamming down in the center of the creatures. The blur swung out a steel blade and they all exploded into black dust. Ven stared in shock as the person was revealed to be a teenager no older then himself wearing blue armor on his torso and had a hair of spiky black locks. He grinned at Ven, balancing his long sword on his shoulder.

"Hero-in-training Zack is on the job!"

Static crackled, the image fading away. It was quickly replaced by another-

The disgruntled satyr sighed in aggravation at the sight of Zack squabbling with Hercules. Ven watched the exchange, his head moving back and forth between the two every few seconds.

"He already has a trainee!" "I need to be a hero and he trains hero! So get out of my way!" "I'm already more of a hero then you'll ever-"

"ENOUGH!"

Phil cried over the two. Phil, "Look, I can only have one like Herc said." He hopped on top of a stone rock to look right into the squabbling teens faces. "So here's what I'll do. I'll hold a contest to see who's the strongest. Who ever wins this contest will become my new trainee."

Hercules's face fell while Zack's broke out in an excited grin and he pumped his fist in the air. Hercules looked at Phil, saying, "But Phil that's not-"

Zack interrupted by exclaiming, "Alright! I'll totally win!" He pulled Ven in a headlock, still grinning while Ven went, "Urk!" and said, "And my new friend will totally help me train! Right?"

Ven chuckled nervously. "Uh, hehehe, sure?"

Phil sighed, shaking his head. Phil headed for the coliseum itself, saying to the three teens, "You all can practice in here. That way you don't break anything important."

Hercules followed after while Zack dragged Ven with him-

The image faded out in a burst of mosaic sparks-

Zack and Hercules stood in the center of the battle ground, a large field of square tiles and stone. Hercules was still wearing his white toga and sandals, looking ready.

Zack stood still in his blue armor but now wore a weird metal helmet. He held his long sword in his right hand, swinging the blade from left to right and then spinning it, balancing it on his shoulder. The two warriors glared at each other, tense and ready.

Phil and Ven stood on the sidelines, Ven looking nervously between the two fighters while Phil watched them both dispassionately. Then he thrust his little arm into the air and shouted, "BEGIN!"

Both warriors charged, Hercules throwing a mighty punch that Zack blocked with the back of his blade-(Static crackled, blocking out some of the images, though more sword swings and punches could be heard-)

The battle had been fast and fierce, both fighters now had several cuts and bruises on their exposed arms and legs and in Hercules's case his torso. Ven watched the battle, not knowing who to cheer for while Phil switched back and forth between who he cheered for depending on who held the advantage longest. Zack raised his blade while Hercules clenched his fists. The two charged again-

"HELP! Athens is under attack by monsters!"

That caused Zack and Hercules to stop halfway, stumbling and then righting themselves. Everyone looked at the person who shouted, seeing it to be a citizen of the city below and he was covered in blood and scars, his toga torn and barely hanging on.

Ven gasped and scowled. Ven, "The Un- (Crackle)-sed!" Without another word, he charged past the doors, heading through the lobby and then through the coliseum gates. Before he knew it, Hercules was following after him. Hercules grinned at a surprised Ven. Hercules, "Thought you could use some help from a real hero-in-training."

Ven returned the grin and the two-

Static crackled, obscuring the images though there were flashes of a battle. The static cleared as-

Ven and Hercules watched the last of the creatures fade away into dust. Ven let out the breath he had been holding; dismissing his keyblade while Hercules wiped his brow clean of sweat. The two exchanged grins before Ven looked surprised. Hercules turned and saw Zack running, helmet on and his sword out. However, when Zack saw all the Un-(Static) were gone, he slowed, sword lowering and his shoulders slumping. Zack, "Drat…Too late to help."

Ven smiled and walked over. Ven, "You still came."

Phil's voice called from afar. "A second too late though Zacky boy."

The three teens all turned to watch the satyr approach, looking around and nodding in approval when he saw how little damage there was to the city. Phil looked up at Zack and said, "A true hero wouldn't have hesitated, even for a second. Sorry kid, but Herc's still my trainee. You failed."

Both Ven and Hercules looked at Zack sadly. The teen took off his helmet, his face sad and his eyes had lost there bright glow. Then, smiled cheerfully. Zack, "Ah well. Just means I gotta try harder!"

Hercules and Phil smiled while Ven looked confused. Phil, "Now I like that attitude! Tell you what champ, you can hang around the coliseum for a few days before the tournament and train if you like!"

Zack's smile got even wider. Zack, "Awesome!" He pumped his fist in the air, his grin widening. Ven scratched his head. Ven, "Zack, I don't get it. You lost. Why are so happy?" Zack shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. Zack, "Just means I have to get stronger."

He struck a pose, hands on his hips and his jaw held high. Zack, "I will become a hero!"

Ven fought the urge to laugh, shaking his head-

The images faded in a burst of mosaic static, but there was a brief image of an armored person riding something and heading for-

Ven slowly circled the forest, head craned up to gaze at the tall trees with thick leaves nearly perfectly blocking the sky above. He had landed on this large island and had already gotten lost! Ven stopped circling, his right hand scratching the back of his spiky head.

"Ok, what next- YAH!"

A yellow blur with sparks trailing behind it suddenly slammed into his face. Ven stumbled, falling on his backside and frantically swiping at the flying yellow blur. "Quit it! Hey!"

The glow floated a few feet away from him and Ven felt his eyes widen in shock.

It was a little person! A little woman wearing a green dress that could have been made out of leaves. Strangest of all, beside the yellow glow was the fact she had wings! Little almost see through wings!

Ven stared in awe, the little woman meeting his shocked gaze with a look of disdain.

And then, Ven said, "Are you some kind of bug?"

The little woman's cheeks flared red in rage and she shot over, nailing her tiny leg right between his eyes. Ven watched the world spin and he fell over-

The image sparkled out, but there could be briefly seen shifting forms. Finally, the static cleared up and-

Ven glared at the tall lanky man in the fancy red clothes and hat, the ugly hooked nose guy twiddling his greasy mustache. Peter floated along side Ven, though his look was more of annoyance then anger.

Peter, "Release Tink and give it back hooky! Save yourself the embarrassment of having your hide beaten again." Hook cackled and unsheathed his thin rapier, assuming a fencers stance. Hook, "Like I'll be giving up me haul to the likes of you Peter Pan!"

Ven thrust his arm out, his keyblade appearing as Peter withdrew a small dagger. Ven looked at Peter and said casually, "I don't like him."

Peter was about to respond when Hook suddenly froze, eyes widening in terror. Peter looked over the side of the ship and grinned. Poking its head out of the saltwater was a large crocodile. And he looked hungry, his belly ticking away-

The image faded away, but one could make out through the static the captain in red being chased away by the crocodile but this image faded quickly-

There were cheers all around as Peter floated back into the tree home, Tinker Bell flying right beside him. Peter did a flip in the air, Tinker Bell following after, leaving a trail of golden sparks. The two boys in animal pajamas jumped and cheered at the spectacle.

Ven watched in wonder at the graceful flight of the boy in green. He then looked at the star shaped object in his hand. Ven, "Better get this back to the king- (Static crackled and there was a brief image of a diminutive mouse in black, holding a star shaped like a sword and key).

The two boys in pajamas looked disappointed and the one dressed like a fox said, "But you can't leave yet! We haven't shown you our treasure!"

Ven smiled and said, "Sorry. But I have to go."

Immediately everyone's face fell, even Peter's. Ven stared at the sad faces and sighed. Then, his eyes widened and he smiled. Ven, "But here," He reached into his pack and pulled out a short wooden sword, shaped to resemble a key. The boys all looked at in awe. Ven handed it to Peter and said, "Keep that with your treasure and a part of me will always be here."

The boys all cheered and thrust their arms up in the air.

Ven grinned and turned to-

The images faded away in a burst of static and then the memories fizzled out entirely.

Blue eyes blinked open.

Roxas lay on his back for several moments before rising up. He sat in his bed, hands in his lap. Roxas, "What is going on…"

These dreams were getting so weird. This time they had been about places he had been before, yet filled with people he had never seen. Who is Zack? And all those boys in Neverland?

Roxas growled in aggravation, kicking the sheets off himself and his bed, the cloth landing on the metal floor.

This is getting out of hand, he told himself.

I've got to talk to Axel, Roxas concluded.

Roxas walked outside of the Castle halls, dressed in his cloak and looking around. He was usually here in the morning, trying to put off going on missions as long as possible, Roxas remembered.

Roxas turned a corner, walking down the walkway and passing a Dusk. The white husk wobbled in the air, floating over and past Roxas without a glance from its nonexistent eyes. Roxas turned another corner and saw a familiar head of spiky red hair.

Roxas's face lit up in a smile and he called, "Axel!" The Flurry of Flames blinked and turned, watching Roxas practically sprint over. Axel looked down at Roxas and said. "What's up?'

Roxas responded, "I'm glad I caught you." He looked up at Axel pleadingly and started to say, "Axel, I've been having all these weird dreams lately and-"

"Hold that thought." Axel said, holding his hand out. Roxas blinked. "Huh?'

Axel went on, "Listen, the Superior called another meeting for me and some others. But you've got a mission today, so head over to the Grey Area."

With that Axel headed for the door back into the Castle halls. Roxas stared, mouth agape in shock. Roxa followed after him, saying, "But Axel-"

Axel turned, flashing that cocky smile. Axel, "Don't worry, we'll talk later. How about the usual spot? Got it memorized?"

Roxas smiled sadly. Roxas, "Sure." With that, Axel turned and entered the Castle. Roxas stood alone for a while outside the Castle. And then, he turned and headed back for the Grey Area.

Roxas stepped into the Grey Area once again, noting that Saix and Xaldin were the only two in the room this morning. Saix stood in his usual spot right under Kingdom Hearts while Xaldin sat in a chair, arms crossed and his eyes closed in a meditative state. Roxas approached Saix, who tore his gaze away from Kingdom Hearts to look at Roxas with only slight disdain.

Saix, "For once he is on time." Roxas fought the urge to roll his eyes and said, "Axel told me I had a mission today?"

Saix nodded and said, "Same as last time: You will go to Neverland and you will look for Aqua. In the event you cannot locate her, resume your standard mission and gather hearts."

Roxas nodded and Saix extended his arm out, flicking his wrist and calling a Corridor of Darkness. Without another word from either of them, Roxas stepped into the Corridor and vanished, the swirling darkness melting into a puddle of shadows.

A second corridor appeared in the middle of a dense forest and as Roxas stepped out of it, he found his eyes squinting in what little light there was. The thick canopy of leaves above blocked almost all the sunlight. Roxas looked up at the trees and then looked around the forest itself. Roxas, "Ok, this is new."

Normally whenever he came to Neverland he was always on a series of rocky islands and he had to find that fairy so she would give him some of that sparkly dust and then he could fly. After that, maneuvering around this world became a hundred times easier.

So now he had to find the fairy.

Roxas started walking through the only clear path in the forest. After a few minutes of walking he entered an area that was cleared out and more sunlight poured down. Roxas's squinted from the sudden intense light before adjusting. He looked around and saw the ocean to the right, confirming he was on an island.

Roxas nodded and muttered, "Alright, so where's that fairy?"

As if answering his call he heard a crinkling sound. Roxas turned and saw a flash of sparkling yellow shoot past him, hiding behind his back, clutching his hood and quivering in fear. Roxas looked at the little fairy and then in the direction where she came from.

Several winged Heartless flew over, each identical. All the Heartless wore skull armor on their shoulders and large golden wristbands, white sashes around their waists and striped caps atop their heads. Their skin was deep blue and their beady eyes were yellow. The Heartless spotted Roxas and flexed their arms, revealing impressive muscles. Roxas casually swung his arm out, summoning his Kingdom Key in a flash of light. Roxas looked at the little fairy and said, "Stay here, this won't take long."

All the Air Pirate Heartless charged, fists drawn back to pound Roxas down. Roxas shot out under them, swinging his keyblade once in a powerful slash. Instantly, all the Air Pirates exploded in a shower of black smoke and pink hearts.

Roxas lowered his keyblade and said, "Nothing to it."

He waked back over to the floating fairy who had smile for him in gratitude. Roxas smiled back and said, "Hey. Been awhile."

The fairy nodded and floated around Roxas slowly, small specks of gold landing on his cloak. Roxas watched her slowly circle him until his whole body was showered in that golden dust. Roxas closed his eyes and concentrated. Instantly, he floated off the ground, hovering a few inches. Roxas opened his eyes and grinned. He smiled at the fairy who gave a little bow and started to fly away when Roxas called, "Hey wait!"

The little fairy stopped and looked back at Roxas curiously. She floated back over, hovering a few inches from his face. Roxas took a deep breath and decided what the heck and asked, "Have you by any chance seen a woman with blue hair?"

The fairy's eyes widened at that. Suddenly, she had an excited smile on her face and shot forward, grabbing one of Roxas's spiky locks and tugging. Roxas, "Ah! Hey, what's the big idea?" the fairy let go of his lock and floated back in front of his face. Roxas rubbed his aching scalp and watched the little fairy frantically point farther at the ocean, toward something beyond it. Roxas looked between the fairy and hen towards the ocean, then back at the fairy.

Roxas pointed at her and said, "You…want me to follow you?" The fairy nodded, smiling excitedly. Roxas felt his own excitement rise. Roxas, "You know where she is?" The fairy nodded and flew over the blue waters. Roxas instantly flew after her, twin trials of gold dust falling into the water below.

They flew for what was probably a good two hours before arriving to a familiar set of rocky islands. The largest one was shaped like a human skull. Roxas slowed his gliding as the fairy saw what was docked by the large skull island.

It was a large wooden ship, the hull painted red, its three masts each bearing three black flags with the white skull and crossbones that all pirate ships bore. Roxas recognized the ship, knowing it belonged to that weirdo in red. Roxas and the fairy flew by the ship and Roxas saw it was empty, the red guy and his little lackey were no where to be seen. The fairy led Roxas over to the one of the eye shaped holes on the islands rocky surface and pointed inside the cave. Roxas peeked inside, noting there were more raised rocks inside that could act as platforms and some holes in the walls that lead deeper into the island. Roxas could hear faint voices inside.

Roxas looked at the fairy and asked, "She's in there?"

The fairy nodded quickly and urgently pushed at his shoulder, trying to push him through the hole, only succeeding in ruffling his cloak a little.

"Easy!" Roxas said, moving through the hole and inside the skull cavern. The fairy followed him slowly, hovering a few inches behind Roxas as he landed on the rocky platform. Roxas took a moment to look around the cave, noting all the stalagmites that eerily resembled sharp, pointed teeth around the mouth shaped hole at the cove entrance.

Roxas the turned to look at the tunnel entrances, wondering which one to take. That question was answered for him when he heard an annoying laugh from the right tunnel. Roxas sprinted down that tunnel, the fairy following after him. As Roxas ran deeper into the tunnel, the voices were easier to hear and he could make out what they were saying.

"-finally found it Smee! That blasted Peter Pan hid it from me for years but I knew if we followed these maps, we would find it!"

"You were right cap'n. But are you sure this is the same treasure?'

"Of course I am you swine! I've dreamt of finding this treasure for years! And it's mine! All mine!"

"C-cap'n? The chest-!"

Suddenly, there were two high-pitched screams and a very loud 'CRACK!'. Seconds later the whole cove shook. Roxas paused briefly to look at the fairy. Roxas, "That can't be good." The fairy had an anxious look on her face, looking quickly from Roxas to the tunnels exit that was right ahead. She tugged at Roxas's sleeve again and Roxas resumed walking, though slowly and with greater caution. As he reached the tunnel exit, he peered into the new area, a large cave filled with water with a single solitary island if raised rock in the center. Roxas could see a hole in the center of the small island and a shovel and pickaxe lay right by it. Inside the hole was a large wooden box, like so many other boxes Roxas had found in this world. Roxas looked around for the owners of those voices and did a double take when he looked up at the ceiling. There were two holes in the ceiling shaped like flailing people. One was short and pudgy while the other was taller and lankier and where the left hand should have been there was a hook. Roxas stared at those holes for a moment before looking around the chamber.

He looked at the fairy who fretted her little hands. Roxas, "Stay here. I'll be right back." He was about to glide down there when the fairy grabbed his shoulder again. Roxas looked back her an asked, "What is it?" She frantically pointed at the box in the center of the small island. Roxas looked at it and then the fairy. He asked, "You want me to get the box?" Her face lit up in a smile and she nodded rapidly. Roxas gave the fairy a confused look but nodded nonetheless. With that, Roxas stepped over the edge and instantly he was floating over the cove, golden sparks falling off his body. Roxas looked around the chamber once again before gliding over to the island.

He landed on the hard rock, finding the ground to be pretty loose with soil. Roxas looked around again before walking over to the chest. When he was close enough, he crouched down and peered closely at it. Suddenly, Roxas gasped as a stabbing sensation spiked through his temple. He clutched his head and snapped his eyes shut. There was a brief image of those two boys in pajamas, that boy-Peter-in green and the fairy before the pain faded. Roxas opened his eyes slowly and shook his head.

Roxa, "What was-"

There was a terrifying roar and a bright flash of purple. Instantly, a huge dragon like Heartless covered in purple scales was in front of Roxas. The Heartless emblem on its chest gleamed and its small yellow eyes glared at Roxas. The Heartless shot forward, spinning rapidly and slamming into Roxas's chest. Roxas let out a 'Umph!' and was propelled backwards, slamming into the coves wet and hard stonewall. Roxas slid down but quickly glided back up. He swung his arm out, summoning his Kingdom Key.

Roxas, "Can't ever get in and get out. No, always has to be something big and ugly." The Phantomtail roared back a response before lunging at Roxas again. Roxas flew to the side and swung his keyblade, slamming the blade into its side. The Phantomtail spun, tail whipping out to hit Roxas but the teen ducked and slashed its underside this time. The Phantomtail snarled in annoyance and spun its whole body, forcing Roxas to float back and dodge. The Heartless charged at Roxas again and Roxas instinctively swung his keyblade out, nailing the dragon right between the eyes-

And it vanished in a bust of purple, reappearing behind Roxas and spinning, whipping its tail to strike Roxas on the back and side. Roxas spun down, slamming into the pool of water and discovering it wasn't very deep when he was barely in and slamming into the hard rock bottom. Roxas groaned more in aggravation then pain. He hated that little thing about Phantomtails. Hit them in the head and they teleported away. Usually only a few inches but just far enough to land a hit. Roxas rose up, water dripping down his spiky locks and rolled just as the Phantomtail shot down, its huge clawed feet tearing rocks and splashing water. The Heartless stumbled, off balance for a split second. Which was all Roxas needed to jump up and glide over to it, slamming his keyblade into its wings and torso. The Phantomtail was almost knocked over but with a mighty below it rose up into the air again, the beat of is wings picking up a huge gust and sending Roxas flying back, tumbling through the air. Roxas shook his head, fighting the sudden dizziness. When his head cleared he saw the Phantomtail was dive-bombing at him. Exclaiming shock, Roxas ducked and the Phantomtail slammed into a stonewall. The Heartless bounced back and fell back into the pool, on its back and stunned. Roxas shot down and slammed his keyblade repeatedly into its chest, not relenting. The Phantomtail screeched in pain and rage. It shook fiercely and spun again, knocking Roxas off itself and into the pool. Roxas rose up sputtering but before he could glide back up, the Phantomtail charged and spun again, sending Roxas flying and causing him to drop his keyblade into the shallow water. Roxas slammed into a wall and fell face first into the shallow water. He shot up, sputtering and spitting the saltwater and his own blood out of his mouth. He staggered up as the Phantomtail charged for him again, jaws wide open to take a bite out of his-

A yellow glow flashed and struck the Heartless's head, right between the eyes. Instantly, it vanished in a flash of purple and reappeared a few feet behind Roxas, its open mouth taking a bite out of the wall. The Phantomtail screeched as its fangs shattered and stumbled back. Roxas frantically looked around and spotted his keyblade. He sprinted over, rolling and grabbing his blades hilt before stopping and turning to glare at the Phantomtail as it wobbled on its feet. Roxas floated back up and shot forward, keyblade pulled back-

And with a mighty slash and spin, Roxas cut the Phantomtail in two, splitting it from the waist up.

The Heartless let out one last screech before bursting into black and purple smoke, a large pink heart rising out of the mist and floating through one of the two holes in the ceiling, and was gone into the blue sky. Roxas floated gently back up and onto the island, dismissing his keyblade. He wiped water and sweat out of his eyes and sighed. Roxas, "They just get meaner and meaner…" The teen heard a familiar twinkling sound and looked over as the fairy flew over to him, golden sparks trailing behind her. Roxas smiled at her as she reached a few inches away from his face. Roxas, "You really saved me back there."

The fairy blushed and the shot over to the chest. Roxas started to follow after her but stopped as something hit him. Roxas, "Wait, where's the woman with blue hair? You told me she was here."

The fairy's face fell and she looked away from Roxas's confused gaze, rubbing her arm.

Roxas was confused for another moment before he understood and his face fell. Roxas, "She's not here is she?" The fairy shook her head and looked away. Roxas sighed and ran a hand through his drying locks. Roxas kicked a small rock into the pool below, listening to it splash. With a sigh, he walked over to the hole and crouched down next to the chest. The fairy blinked in surprise. Roxas shrugged. Roxas, "May as well see what I just risked my life over."

Roxas saw there was lock on it and summoned his keyblade. Using only a fraction of his strength, he smashed the lock and dismissed his keyblade. The fairy frantically flew back and forth between Roxas's shoulders, peering over them and watching his hands undo the latch and then bouncing in excitement as Roxas opened the chest. When Roxas saw what was inside, his eyes widened and he stood up, stepping back. The fairy watched in confusion and concern. Roxas stared at the contents of the chest, his eyes wide. Roxas, "It wasn't a dream…"

Inside the chest was two items, both made out of wood. One end was a square shaped guard with a handle in the center. The second was a long shaft and at the end was a set of carved blade teeth…shaped like key teeth.

Roxas walked back over to the chest, crouching back down. Slowly, cautiously, he wrapped his hand around the hilt and held it up. He held it close to his face studying it. Then, he saw something carved on the guard. Squinting he peered closer at the carvings, rubbing some mold away from the guard to better see-

His eyes widened and he nearly dropped the hilt back into the box but managed to keep his grip. Regaining his composure, he looked back at the carving. Engraved on the guard of the hilt was a single word, no doubt a name:

Terra.

Roxas stared at the name, remembering Ven and Aqua saying it in his dreams several times and that masked guy had said it as well. Roxas looked away from the hilt and reached into the box, pulling out the shattered blade. He looked at the two pieces, remembering in his dream it had been whole. Who or what had broken it?

Roxas looked up at the fairy, who was silently watching him. Roxas, "Can I… can I take this back with me?" No sooner had he said that he wondered why he had. The fairy nodded, smiling gently. Then, she floated over to Roxas and gently stroked his face. Before he could blink, she turned and flew through one of the smashed holes, a trail of golden sparks briefly in the air before vanishing. The fairy was gone.

Roxas looked down at the broken toy, looking over the two pieces. Then, he stood up, placing the pieces into his backpack under his cloak. Time to RTC.

With that, Roxas turned and headed off, gliding through the silent cove, the only sound was water dripping off the stalagmites.

Roxas stepped through the Corridor and back into the Grey Area. Saix spared him a bored glance before saying, "Back already?" Roxas just nodded and headed for the exit. Saix watched him leave before resuming gazing up at Kingdom Hearts.

Roxas walked down the Castle halls, hardy noticing the passing Dusks and Samurais. When he got back to his room, Roxas bolted over to his dresser and pulled the top one out. He threw aside his socks and other clothes, leaving the drawer empty. Roxas pulled out the two pieces and placed them in the drawer, the hilt first and the wooden blade over it. He then closed the drawer, practically slamming it. As soon as it was closed, Roxas let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding.

He stared at the drawer for another moment before heading back out into the hall. He was going to go to Twilight Town and talk with Axel-

Who was sprinting down the hall in the opposite direction Roxas was heading.

Roxas, "Axel what-" The red head interrupted. Axel, "Sorry Rox but the Superior called a meeting for all senior members." Axel walked right past him without another glance and Roxas called, "But what about-"

Axel whirled around, walking backwards and snapping, "Roxas I don't have time. Go with Xion or something."

With that the Flurry of Flames turned a corner and was gone.

Roxas stood alone in the hall, shoulders slumping. He sighed and headed back for his room, wondering what to do.

The stale air of Where Nothing Gathered was once again tense and filled with nervous energy. All of it radiating from Demyx's quivering form as the Superior glared down at him. Xigbar sat on his throne, sighing and shaking his head. Xigbar looked at Demyx and said, "I went on a limb for you Demyx. I vouched for you. And you come back empty handed? Really?"

Demyx opened is mouth and uttered, "Uh-"

Saix interrupted. "This is very serious Demyx. You failed your mission after the Superior placed so much faith in you. With faith comes trust and you have lost his. Trust isn't something that can be earned back so easily."

Demyx rubbed the back of his head and uttered, "Um-"

Xigbar interrupted again. "It was really simple too. Go in and convince her to return with you. Did it ever occur to you the reason I chose you to do it was because out of all of us, you probably have the best negotiations skills? You, have the best negotiation skills. But what did you do? You sicked a Heartless on her and then when that failed, you attacked her. Really slick."

Demyx nervously chuckled and said, "The thing is-"

Saix interrupted. "We have wasted an entire week on trying to capture this woman Demyx. Time is the one thing this Organization cannot waste. There must be consequences for your failings."

Xigbar's single eyes narrowed. "Severe consequences."

Demyx gulped and threw his hands out defensively. Demyx, "WAIT! Wait, just wait, a second ok? I didn't come back empty handed!"

Xigabr raised an eyebrow. Xigbar, "Really? They look empty from here."

Demyx shook his head frantically. Demyx, "No, I mean I've got information! Information just as valuable as her name!"

Saix rolled his eyes. Saix, "Axel barely got away with that ridiculous bargaining. What could you have that is more valuable then her name?"

Demyx grinned. "I know how she left Twilight Town and Agrabah."

That shut Xigbar and Saix up. Xigbar begrudgingly nodded. Xigbar, "Ok, that's actually probably more valuable then her name."

Saix however still looked unconvinced. Saix, "If it's true."

Demyx nodded quickly, head bobbing up and down. Demyx, "I swear it is! Ok, um, she had this thing, um; it was like, uh, what's that stuff again? It's hard but sticks to other stuff like it, and you can shape into other stuff, like ships or weapons?"

Xigbar blinked before realizing, "Oh you mean gummi blocks?"

Demyx snapped his fingers and nodded, grinning widely. Demyx, "Yes! It looked like a gummi block but it was shaped like a star!"

That made the Superior's eyes widen.

Saix growled in annoyance. Saix, "This is a complete-"

The Superior spoke over him. "Effective tomorrow, Demyx is on double mission duties. Since he complains so much about how we never send him on recon he will be performing recon on every world currently under our watch, listing every detail from building size to the mineral content in the water. Since Vexen's destruction the reports for each world have been lacking in detail. Surely Demyx, even you can write a simple detailed finding?"

Both Xigbar and Saix did a double take at the Superior while Demyx let out a sigh of relief before groaning lowly. Demyx, "Man…well, beats being turned into a Dusk."

With that, Demyx vanished in a burst of shadows.

Saix looked up at the Superior in confusion. Saix, "Sir, that information was completely useless and impossible to believe. It takes multiple gummi blocks to even create a working ship to leave a world. One piece cannot possible take someone off world."

The Superior however merely said, "Summon Luxord." Saix gave the Superior another confused glance before nodding and disappearing in a burst of darkness.

As soon as Saix was gone, Xigbar chuckled and reclined in his throne. Xigbar, "Well I guess that almost confirms that theory of yours. Well one part of it, not the other."

The Superior gripped the arms of his throne, a small smile on his lips. Superior, "Soon…"

Seconds later, shadows surged around Saix and Luxord's thrones. The Gambler of Fate was rapidly shuffling his cards, grinning in amusement. Luxord, "You summoned me?"

The Superior leaned in his throne, glancing down at Luxord. "You have the most missions for Wonderland, correct?"

Luxord nodded, shuffling his cards up his right sleeve and down his left. Luxord, "What a world. It's a place of half-truths and false lies, so much so its own inhabitants are unsure of what is reality and what isn't. A mad little place, where if one wanders around for even a little while, they will be lost in a maze, never knowing the world is the maze."

He held up a hand of cards, the back facing the other three Nobodies. Luxord, "The inhabitants don't lay down their hand because even they're unsure of the rules of the game that is their world. But I'm starting to learn the rules. And I find that world oh so fun to visit, each time."

Xigbar looked between Luxord and the Superior before asking bewilderedly, "What is he talking about?" Everyone ignored him.

The Superior went on. "Would you like to hear an offer I have for you?"

Luxord flashed a smirk, twirling his cards so the three could see them.

Aces and Eights of spades.

The dead man's hand.

Hello everyone, it's me, . Little tired, so forgive me if I sound dull.

Anyway, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed and faved or watched. You guys rock and are the motivation I need to write.

So, now it's on to my favorite thing ever: Review Responses:

NinjaSheik: 1: Trying to update at least once a weak. 2: Please point those out it will drive me insane. Correction: Insane-r.

AquaStormXIV: 1: Oh my bad, now i understand. As the story progresses Xemmy will get more focus. right now I'm trying to keep him in the dark about his motives. I haven't met anyone who deosn't hate the Leechgrave. And don't get me started on Ruler of the Sky. I almost threw my DSi into a wall over that thing. 2: That was Xigbar's idea. then Deymx went and did his screwup thing. what is Xemnas's theory? read carefully... 3: Poor Demdem. Not only was he beat by his own element but by a woman named after his own element. One of my favorites is going next...

BloodyAphrodite: 1: ARGH! I wanna write them meeting so badly! Quit making me want to write! no wait, keep making me wanna write! 2: Xigbar is so much fun to write. Xemnas is waiting for the right moment...or whenever he finds the right cologne-(Chokehold by Xemnas) ACK!

Yue Twili: 1: holy shat indeed. Thanks for pointing that out, I went and fixed it.

Karma's Slave: 1:Thank you. 2: I just sit down, put on a song and type away. Xigbar's got plans...Xemnas isn't the only one interseted in Aqua.

DragonsclawX: 1: O/O Darling?

Flightfoot: 1: Ah, sweet revenge. 2: yeah, he hides behind something and has it atatck right away. 3: Yeah.

Sovereign Beta: 1: Why indeed? 2: Xemmy does have a wittle cwush- (chokehold by Xemnas) ACK!

iceandfire66: 1: All shall be revealed...in a while. 2: Read carefully...

Riku Umazaki: 1: Yeah. 2: yeah pretty much. 3: Plot bunny, let's leave it at that.

Trey Cooper: 1: WTF MAN! Lingering Vengeance was my baby! and don't spoil the sequel man, i wanted to keep that under wraps.

Crimson Darkenss 0013: 1: In order: I like Aqua more than Sora, bcuz Sora got stupid in KH2. and yeah, she is epic. EVERYBODY QUIT MAKING ME WANT TO WRITE AQUA AND XEMNAS'S ITERACTION! I'll answer that in a moment. i'll take a look, but don't expect a review.(Takes the cookie.)2:Cutscenes are the only reasons I play video games. Oh and boss fights. 3: You just jinxed her. It's only going to get worse.

Vampire Countess: 1: thank you! she may or may not, we'll have to see. 2: Just read! As long as you read, i'm happy! A review is simply a bonus.

Taeniaea: 1: So i've been told.

(Blank): 1: Uh-uh.

Mr. Kurosaki09: What about teh prologue? I pride myself on those.

Side Notes: Ok, everyone some things: 1:please help me with my spelling mistakeas and kindly point any out you see. 2: About the whole 'Riku and Aqua have met' thing, don't worry, that will come up, just not rigth now. That's all. see you next update.