This next chapter may not have as much action, as it is more of a intermission.

Disclaimer: Dissidia Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts were created by Square.

Winds of Invasion

Serenia, Tyler and Taios made their way back to the Land of Departure and looked around, several burn marks could be seen as they looked around, Serenia fervently hoped everything is okay at the castle.

"Something must have happened" muttered Taios.

"Let's go see" said Tyler, happy to be home.

The three headed towards the courtyard of the Land of Departure's castle. Terra and Lightning were having a conversation just outside, the brunette saying"Ven is on his way back, Cid and Cid has just about finished repairing the Ragnarok II, I got a letter from them."

"And basically, we've been had. At any rate, I just got a message from Cosmos not too long ago, we're needed back at Order Sanctuary" said Lightning, grimly"Apparently, some bigger threat has surfaced, I wonder..."

"Terra!" Taios approached"How's everything?"

"Huh?" Terra asked.

"Oh, right, guess we haven't met in this universe" shrugged Taios.

Serenia approached"Master Terra, is Master Aqua okay?"

Terra addressed the red-headed Teen"Serenia, Tyler, glad you made it back. Aqua's in the library with Hope, Alyssa and Vanille."

"By the way, did something happen? We saw scorch marks" said Tyler, nervously.

Lightning shrugged"That was Caius' handiwork, he made a surprise attack on the Land of Departure, yesterday. Despite our efforts, he easily defeated us, but none of us were killed. Actually, I managed to drive him off before he really had a chance to."

"Caius? Man, that guy is a rotten apple, not really sure why he does what he does... So, anyway, we came to warn you, Aqua and Ven, Terra" said Taios"Did Cosmos tell you about Saxito, already?"

"No, but... Wait, Saxito? The heck is that?" said Lightning.

"Taios' Nobody" Serenia replied"He's trying to destroy the worlds by drawing out Bhunivelze and destroying Kingdom Hearts. We don't know when he'll attack, but we're all in danger."

Lightning walked away slightly"I'm headed for Order Sanctuary, now. I've never really been capable of believing in gods, but I owe it to Cosmos to help protect the worlds from doom. I have my doubts about this piece of information, but its better than doing nothing."

Just then, the armored form of Ventus came into view and landed in the courtyard. Ven dismissed his armor and addressed the group"Tyler, Serenia, glad you're both okay. Who's this?" He glanced at Taios.

"We'll explain, in a bit. We have to see Master Aqua, immediately" said Serenia.

"All right, let's go" said Terra, leading the remaining group inside.

Taios addressed Terra"So, what was Light doing here?"

"You know Lightning? She was helping with the defenses, earlier" replied Terra"The World Order Defense Force is undergoing quite a strain, thanks to the Eclipse caused by that Yoran guy."

"I met Yoran, earlier. He doesn't seem like such a bad person" chimed Serenia.

"Hm. Well, I've never been much for this sort of thing. We'll discuss that later" shrugged Terra, heading to Aqua's room and knocking.

The door opened a minute later to reveal the female blue-haired Keyblade Master"Serenia? Tyler? You're back so soon? I thought Sora was with you. And whose this?" She glanced at Taios.

"Uh, I can't say for sure if we met" said Taios"I'm Taios, we need to talk to you about something."

Aqua nodded"Okay, come in."

They entered the room, which also served as a study, where Aqua sat behind her desk near a small bed"So, what's going on? In case you didn't hear, Caius attacked this place with a small horde of strange monsters. We were able to fight them off, though."

"Its worse than you may think" said Taios"My Nobody, Saxito is threatening to destroy us all. He is planning to destroy Kingdom Hearts, and Bhunivelze is apparently going to awaken."

Aqua had a disbelieving look on her face"What?"

"Its true. We also learned that Taios is the Prince of a Kingdom that rested underneath the Keyblade Graveyard. He's actually from the Distant Past. Saxito now has the Dawn Crystal and Twilight Crystal in his possession" piped Serenia.

"Hm. Well, all I know of the Keyblade Graveyard is that it was a place where past Keyblade Masters fought in the wars of the past. I never heard of any kingdom or any other civilization that could exist there. It was a barren place. Ven, Terra and I have been there" Aqua pointed out.

Taios rubbed his head"Well, I can't exactly prove it, but do you know about the Kingdom of the Sacred Key? You could just ask Master Yen Sid."

Aqua was intrigued by this"The Kingdom of the Sacred Key?" She tried to put two and two together for a moment before continuing"Well, I can't completely ignore that the Keyblade Graveyard was once a thriving place before the war happened. I have read a few history books myself when I was still an Apprentice, the Kingdom was lost a long time ago."

"It existed underneath the graveyard, actually. And if we don't stop Saxito, the worlds are doomed" supplied Taios"He's amassed an army from Avalon, and is preparing to invade."

Aqua stood up"If the worlds are in danger of invasion, then we must waste no time. And Taios, are you truly from the past?"

Taios nodded"Yes, my parents sent me to this era to keep me safe. I can't prove it, but I can't say much else."

"So, how do we even know all that is true?" said Ventus, curious.

"We don't, Ven. I've never heard of Avalon, and as for Time Travel... Well, I suppose its not completely impossible, I spent over ten whole years in the Realm of Darkness, but I didn't know at the time it had even been that long, time passes differently there. Everything I just heard confuses me" said Aqua.

"I can't really help you there, but we need everyone we can get to stop Saxito before its too late. Yoran is on our side, we met him earlier. Cosmos is rallying as many allies as she can in the Order Sanctuary" explained Taios.

Aqua went quiet for another moment"I suppose the only way to know for sure is to go to the Order Sanctuary. If Cosmos needs us, we'll have to be there. Terra, could you send Lea a message and meet us there?"

"Sure thing" Terra nodded.

The group, minus Terra, headed out of the castle and made ready to teleport to the Order Sanctuary.

Disney Castle had not changed much as Sora noticed when he reached the courtyard. Goofy was relaxing when he saw Sora and got up to greet him"Yo, Sora. How is everything?"

"I'd like to say everything's fine now, Goofy, but I can't. Is King Mickey back yet? I need to talk to him about a bigger threat happening in the world order than just Yoran's Twilight Eclipse" replied Sora, grimly.

"Huh? Oh. Sure. The King is at the throne room, he just got back. Donald's with him" said Goofy, pleasantly"Come with me."

The two entered the inner castle and approached the throne room. The King greeted Sora with a smile as he saw them"Hello, Sora."

"Hey, Mickey" Sora grinned"How are things?"

"Splendid, except for occasional Heartless showing up. And those Nobodies are still at it" said Mickey"Riku's still at Radiant Garden, helpin' with security, we got word that Kairi's gone missing the other day."

"About that, a Nobody called Saxito kidnapped her, but she's safe back at the Order Sanctuary, Saxito returned her after I handed over some crystal shards" said Sora.

"Who is this Saxito feller?" Goofy asked.

"Probably another no good goon" quacked a familiar voice as Donald entered the room"Hello again, Sora."

Sora turned to address him"Hey there, Donald." Addressing Mickey again, he added"Saxito is a former member of Organization XIII, as described to me by someone named Taios. He had joined me to help get the Dawn Shards back while hunting down his Nobody."

Mickey was curious"Taios? I might've seen him before, but I don't recall. Saxito sounds like trouble, though. But I'm sure you, Riku and the others can handle him."

"Actually, Saxito has both the Dawn and Twilight Crystals, and is now preparing to invade the Realm of Light with an army from the Avalon Empire. Cosmos is getting as much help as she can, back at Order Sanctuary. Can you, Donald and Goofy lend a hand and help stop them?" Sora asked.

"Why ask? Let me at'em!" smiled Donald.

"We'd be happy to help ya' on this one, Sora" said Goofy.

Mickey nodded"All righty, I will prepare all available Gummi Ships for the both of us, and we'll get on goin'."

"Thanks, guys" Sora smiled.

Radiant Garden was flourishing as Quinn headed into the main town. Squall, Yuffie, Riku and Aerith were in the middle of a meeting at Radiant Garden's square.

"So, any sign of Kairi or Rinoa?" Squall asked.

"Nope, whoever snagged them must've been really sneaky" said Yuffie, grimly.

Quinn approached the group"Squall, everyone else."

"Quinn?" Aerith addressed the Warrior of Light"What's up?"

"We're all in danger now, and its far worse than what we faced so far. The Avalon Empire is about to invade the Realm of Light, led by a madman called Saxito, the Nobody of a Keybearer called Taios" replied the Warrior"Cosmos needs as many warriors as possible at the Sanctuary."

Squall frowned"Hm. All right, we'll be there. And have you seen Kairi and Rinoa? They disappeared. We suspect that might've been kidnapped, but we don't know how."

"Kairi is safe, she's at the Order Sanctuary. And Rinoa's missing? Hm. Saxito must have... Well, we'll find her if we can" said Quinn"For now, we need to all gather at Cosmos's summons and help."

"Well, I'm done hanging here, anyway, let's go" chimed Riku.

Sora and the others arrived back at the Order Sanctuary right as Cosmos finished sending messages to even more of their allies. When they arrived, Cecil, Ceodore, Kain, and the rest of Cid's group met them back in the Order Sanctuary. The Ragnarok II, the Radiant Light, the Pride of Sasune and the two Gummi Ships that Sora and King Mickey commissioned were parked inside as well.

"Sora, how's is going?" Cid greeted.

"Kind of good, kind of bad. So, is everyone here?" Sora pondered.

Cosmos beamed"I am happy that we're all gathered back here, I merely await assistance from select other worlds. You may even be pleasantly surprised."

Riku's Replica noticed his original"You again."

"Whats up with you?" Riku replied"I'm surprised to see you again, too."

"Hey, its cool" interjected Taios"So, who else is coming?"

"You'll see, but for now, we have a little longer before we need to get ready" said Cosmos.

Roxas addressed Sora"Oh, and hey, the Twilight Town police are after Droul for the theft of a pendant and cheating people out of their money. Apparantly, Seifer has a connection with the police chief there, they seemed to need help getting evidence on that guy and they accepted it when I offered to lend them some help."

"Really? And what's this about a pendant?" Sora asked.

"I have It right here" Yoran spoke, he approached Serenia and Sora"I felt that some untapped holy power lies within, but only those of the purist hearts can wield it. And if you are going after Droul, I can help vouch against him."

"Really?" Serenia asked.

"Yes. Here, you have more of a use for it" said Yoran, placing a pendant in her hand.

"Thank you" Serenia nodded.

"Droul?" Taios frowned for a moment"Say, that wouldn't happen to be Luxord's Somebody would it? Just a hunch."

"Most likely" nodded Roxas.

"Sora, I'll go with you, just in case. Rinoa might be there" said Squall.

"Sure thing, Leon" said the younger brunette.

Sora's group warped to Twilight Town and headed for the Sandlot. A crowd of people were gathering around a set of casino-like tables and machines. A small group of people in blue uniforms were in the area.

"Sora, right?" said one of the uniformed people, a brunette young man"Your twin, Roxas told me about you. Name's Caeden."

"Nice to meet you, Caeden" said Sora"I'm Sora. So, what's up?"

"Humph. Didn't think you would show up again" remarked a voice. Seifer approached.

Squall glanced at Seifer"Hm?"

Seifer noticed Leon, too"Hm. Ah, do we know each other?"

"That's what I thought, perhaps in another universe as alternate selves we did, but no, I suppose not..." said Leon.

"Ha, what a coincidence" smirked Seifer"That's what I thought, too."

"Now hear this" an announcer stepped to the center"Today's games are... Well, they're something else. Count Droul has requested it and the games are sponsored by the mayor herself, Lady Alexandra!" The crowd applauded as a young woman with red hair, blue jacket over a white t shirt and pants entered the area.

"Thank you, Announcer" said Alexandra"Droul, will you kindly step forward and tell us about these games?"

Droul coolly walked forward. Taios had to restrain himself from charging as Droul made his way to the center.

Caeden stepped next to Sora and whispered"This is where it gets good. Actually, Droul's a known cheater and gambler, but he has also been into shadier enterprises, we've been after him for quite a few capital corporate crimes, but never had evidence."

"Ah" Sora nodded, trying to keep quiet.

The mayor smiled"Droul had offered a series of entertaining games where you place a bet and either win or lose. And one more thing, a special guest has come to participate in Twilight Town's first-ever Casino Royale Event: Setzer Gabbiani!"

The crowd sheered as the silver-haired, black trench-coated man came into the Sandlot"Good to see you all again."

"Well, shall we get the games started?" said Droul"Poker, Slots and even Command Deck are everyone's to enjoy."

"Did you say Command Deck? I'm in!" Taios challenged.

"Oh, ho, someone's certainly eager" Droul smiled"Very well, then to the arena. Two other players may join us."

"I'm in" said Caeden.

"I want a piece of Droul, too. He cheated last time we challenged each other" said Seifer, arrogantly.

Leon shrugged"Well, can this be a five-player game? I don't know the details, but I'd like to get in some exercise when I can."

"So be it" smiled Droul, going over to a series of blocks and a elaborate board. The other Command Board players followed the gambler and registered their names on the list before going on.

Sora and the others who remained in the meantime went to try their hand at the slot machines.

The Command Board was intense as Taios' group had to endure not only the usual Command Board mechanics, but Droul threw explosive cards here and there to try and knock one of his fellow players off with varied, fixed magical obstacles.

"Hoo boy, this is nuts" sighed Seifer as he barely managed to stay on.

"Not to worry, this is a trap. I convinced the Mayor to install hidden security cameras on the nearby buildings" Caeden replied as he rolled the dice and went to the designated space as indicated by the number"Droul has rigged this game, but I'm gonna nab him."

Taios was halted by a small pillar of black fire produced by a rigged game card courtesy of Droul. Grimacing, the blond Prince pulled out his wayfinder"Heroes of Weyard!" Piers' Douse put the fire out, and Taios was able to proceed. Eventually, Taios beat Droul, but just barely. Caeden, Squall and Seifer were last.

"How do you like that?" grinned Taios.

"Impossible" Droul groaned, as the pieces returned to the ground, it was floating in mid-air during gameplay.

The announcer boomed"Oh, would you believe that? Droul lost, but would've been disqualified anyway. Folks, he was caught on camera, he had actually rigged the Command Board. The honest winner, though he won anyway, is the mysterious street-smart youth: Taios! Droul broke the rules by using harmful spells in the Command Board."

Nearby, Sora and his group played some poker and slot machines, managing to win a few here and there. Setzer cheerfully played with Sora and Roxas at Poker, and won twice.

"Taios, you've done it" smiled Yoran.

"Yeah! We saw the whole thing on the outdoor TV Screen!" Serenia cried.

Taios smiled"Heh, it was nothing. Though it had been a while since I last played on a Command Board."

Squall glanced at Seifer as he rejoined Sora, deep in thought'Perhaps in another universe... We would've known each other... But as friends or foes? Who can say?'

Caeden and several other officers grabbed Droul and started dragging him away, no doubt he would be banned from future events and put in jail for endangering innocent lives in a friendly Command Board game.

Sora smiled"Well, its been fun, but we gotta go."

"I understand, but we will continue alternating between the Casino Royale events and the Struggle tournaments in case you ever want to come back for those" said Alexandra"Who are you folks again? I still need to give you your prize."

"What is it?" asked Taios.

Alexandra went to a nearby stand, picked up a small card-shaped crystal shield and went over to Taios"Here, to our first Command Board participant. We plan on holding future tournaments in the future, with more safety regulations in mind. I am sorry you got caught in Droul's horrible trap. The townspeople were surprised at him."

"Its fine" Taios assured her, accepting the trophy.

"Come back anytime you want" said Setzer"It was fun, this casino thing."

"Well, Droul will still get a honorable mention, he wasn't always such a bad man, I guess his desire for money and fame corrupted him" sighed Alexandra.

Roxas addressed Sora and the rest of his group"Thanks. I could've dealt with Droul myself, but I wanted to invite you guys over to the Casino event."

"Its all right" said Taios.

"Say, why don't we get some Sea Salt Ice Cream before we go back?" said Roxas with a smile.

Taios smiled"I'd like that."

"I don't see why not, though we'll need to leave soon" Sora replied.

After the group went to get some ice cream to enjoy a salty but sweet treat, they went back to the Order Sanctuary.

Okay, I hope you enjoyed the intermission chapter. Sorry if that bit involving Droul was rushed, I wanted to get that subplot taken care of. Oh, and Caeden and Alexandra are two more of my OCs, who I just thought I'd make a cameo appearance with. I use them quite a bit in some RP forums that I've been in.

As a matter of fact, I didn't ask if Terra, Aqua, Mikey and Ventus would know Taios, sorry about that. Please feel free to review. The next chapter should start off with a bit more of a intermission, then the real action. This is the first chapter without Saxito that I've done in a while, not that I minded using him so often during the last few chapters he was in. And Casino Royale was kind of a reference to one of the James Bond films.