Chapter 25

Mad Scientist

In a large white castle on another world:

Ruta steps through a portal, followed by Link, Sora, Midna, Aryll, Dasar, Zelda, and Zaria, who are all in a daze. They look around, and see that they're in a large white room with all kinds of experiments and science equipment scattered around the room. Amidst all of this is a man with long light brown hair, wearing a long black coat. He looks up from the experiment that he is working on, and watches as Ruta shoves the others into a large bared cell that is up against one wall.

Ruta – Shri sends her regards.

Man – (somewhat nasally voice) Are these the ones that her latest pet values?

Ruta – Yes, which is why she suggests that you give them extra special treatment. She also requests that you start with that one (points at Link)

Man – (grins slightly) Very well. Now leave. I have work to do.

Ruta – (bows slightly and disappears)

Link – (standing close to the bars of the cell) Who are you?

Man – (laughing a little bit) Why concern yourself? You'll only be alive for a few more hours.

Link – Let's just say that I like to know whose prisoner I am.

Man – hmph. I am Vexen.

Sora – (snapping to attention and running up to the bars) VEXEN!? That's not possible! I killed you!

Vexen - Obviously not. I still have some improving to do on my clones, but that one seemed to convince you well enough.

Sora – A clone? Like Riku was?

Vexen – Precisely.

Sora – Why are you doing this?

Vexen – I don't have to explain myself to you. You're nothing more than test subjects now.

Midna – Then what's the harm in telling us if we're not going to be able to tell anyone else?

Vexen – SILENCE! I do not have to tell you anything. I doubt that knowing our plans will improve the last few hours of your existence. So there's no point in asking, is there?

Voice – Vexen! Xemnas wants to see all of us!

Vexen – (turning to speak to the man standing in the doorway, who has long spiked red hair, and is also wearing a long black coat) Tell him I'll be there in a few minutes.

Man – He said he wants to see us all now.

Vexen – He can wait a few minutes. Now leave, before I throw you in here with them, Axel.

Axel – (shrugs and starts to leave) I just thought you'd want to be there when they start the negotiations back up with our visiting dignitary.

Vexen – Who?

Axel – That kid who claims he's the son of some Dark Lord from another world.

Link – Dakaraso?!

Axel – Yeah, that's the guy.

Link – He's here?

Zelda – Obviously, if they're negotiating with him.

Link – But…how, I mean…what?...

Vexen – (sighing resignedly) I suppose I should be there. (He and Axel leave)

Link – We've got to get out of here and stop them!

Sora – And I think I've got just the way to do it. (holds out his hand and his Keyblade appears; he starts to attack the bars of the cell, until the break apart enough to let them through)

Link – Great thinking Sora!

Sora – thanks.

Link – Alright everybody, let's go stop Dakaraso!

Sora – And Organization XIII!

Dasar – And the Tempests!