Hey, back at last again with this one after we went absolutely ballistic with Infinite Wars and Age of Remnant.
Let's not waste any time and return to our regularly scheduled programming.
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I'm Nobody Chapter 44: The Break in the Day
"Whoa." Riku looked down at his changed appearance. "What happened to us?"
"A-Hyuck, kinda nifty isn't it?"
"Yeah, always liked how we looked in Halloween Town." Sora cheerfully said, throwing his arms behind his head.
Sora, Donald and Goofy's appearances drastically changed, being that of the costumes they had when they first came to Halloween Town.
Sora looked like a vampiric demon kid with small black wings, fangs and a pumpkin mask over his right eye. Donald was basically a mummy with his midsection missing entirely, looking like his body was separate and Goofy was that of Frankenstein's monster, a bit crazed in appearance and with a large bolt screwed on his head.
Namine's own look had changed, appearing to be that of an undead princess with a veil over her ashen white skin and mummy-like bandages all over her body, hugging her curves.
Something that didn't go unnoticed by Riku who couldn't help but stare at the platinum blond-haired girl, though in this case, her hair was now a ghostly white.
Riku himself changed, having similar black wings like Sora on his back, a skull patch over his left eye, small red horns peeking through his hair, black pants that looked like patches stitched on together, pointed black shoes, with a black pinstripe tattered suit that has a popped collar.
As for the three former Organization members…
"Why do I feel we've been gypped?" Was Axel's complaint as he looked himself over followed by Roxas and Xion.
They still looked the same.
Xion stared at Namine's drastic change and pouted.
"No fair~~" She whined, seeing how good her friend looked. "Why didn't we get a change?"
Roxas also had a comedic frown, huffing slightly.
"Axel's right. We've been gypped." He declared childishly.
Namine couldn't help but giggle, the rest of the gang also chuckling at their "plight".
"Maybe it's those coats of yours." Goofy noted, Namine nodding in agreement.
"With it keeping darkness away when you travel through the Corridor, it probably repels certain laws of a world, like changing to reflect where you are." The "undead" Nobody remarked.
"Yeah, well, feels like we're missing out on the fun." Axel complained. "That's a level of bullshit right there."
"Why don't ya just take 'em off?" Sora suggested.
"Right, like that'll solve everything." No. VIII said with a roll of his eyes. "We didn't bring any other clothing, you ding dong."
"Why didn't you?" Donald asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry, like that's at the top of our list when storming an Organization stronghold." The redhead retorted irritably.
The rest just laughed at this, moving forward through the memory World of Halloween Town.
In this memory, they encountered Jack the Pumpkin King, scaremeister extraordinaire.
For Sora, Donald and Goofy, it was another welcomed "reunion" though still as bittersweet as the prior ones were.
Jack was as eccentric as the trio remembered and was quick to endear himself to the others. Axel found him a hoot to be around.
But when it came to the issue that was tackled in this memory, something of great interest came up.
And that was of one's true memories.
The idea of those with memories locked within them, the person being unaware of the idea of having memories they are unaware of.
What does it mean to have one's "true" memories to be locked away and in turn, unlocked?
What even entails a "true" memory, one that remains just out of reach?
This idea was one they grappled with for the entirety of their journey through Memory Halloween Town.
And that wasn't the only ordeal they had to go through. Not an ordeal as it was quite the encounter, to say the least.
Meeting Sally, someone clearly near and dear to Jack, the way he acted around her.
For the Nobodies, Xion in particular, they were fascinated by her.
A doll made with one purpose yet she broke free of her original "design" finding new meaning in being Jack's heart and conscious, always being the voice of reason in his many endeavors.
Xion took a moment alone with her to ask what it was like when she first came to be. Of course not everything could be properly answered, given everything this memory Sally is based on Sora's previous knowledge and interactions with her.
As far as they knew, Sally knew nothing prior to her time working as Dr. Finkelstein's assistant. Wherein most Nobody's had their past selves to fall back on, Sally was the Roxas and Xion in this matter, having no memories to fall back on.
But… the idea of true memories came back and one had to wonder…
Xion was one matter, considering her being meant to be Roxas and Sora's copy before gaining an identity unto herself.
Roxas, however, was another matter.
In their journey through this version of Halloween Town, Namine brought something up that actually made the group pause.
Roxas possessed something else within him, whatever that meant, and Namine spoke of how he was difficult to discern regarding his memories. There were the ones he was making now, the ones he shared with Sora and then there were those he couldn't reach.
Memories that Xemnas once spoke of after finding him and bringing it to the attention of the memory Nobody after her tampering of memories with the rest of the Organization.
For Axel, he wondered what memories he and several members of the Organization may have lost. Which had been altered by Namine, upon Xemnas' orders.
All this in turn served to further galvanize and bring more conviction and determination to the group in their trek through Castle Oblivion.
Once taking care of Oogie Boogie at his home, they were able to leave the floor and head on to the next one.
For the former Organization members, it was a return to a galaxy they once were. For the others, they would experience an epic journey for a treasure hunt of a lifetime.
Well… not all of it, apparently.
You see, upon entering the next memory floor, the group found themselves directly on Treasure Planet instead of being on the Montressor Spaceport or on the R.L.S. Legacy.
And in this instance, rather than the rest of the Normandy crew that sailed with them, it was simply the crew of the Legacy with Silver, Jim and the rest.
Roxas and Xion almost pounced at the sight of Silver but they restrained themselves, remembering these memories of the ones they knew didn't know of them.
Not yet at least.
With the foresight of their prior time here, much was quickly brushed over.
Things were truly speeding along during their time on Treasure Planet, especially once in the center of the mechanized planet.
Once passing through the doorway, the former Organization members had to quickly get to The Sabre, Nathaniel Flint's ship, and get it up in working order before the large Heartless appeared with the explosions going off in the process. Once exiting the portal, they didn't go far before heading back to change the portal back to Montressor Spaceport.
Sora felt bummed on not experiencing the epic race against the clock. Riku rolled his eyes at the adrenaline "junkie" his old friend was.
All that mattered was getting away from the exploding planet and bidding their "friends" from the memory goodbye.
But from their departure, upon entering the familiar white halls of Oblivion, the group heard a *ting* from Axel and saw a shiny handful in one hand and one gold coin in the other.
"What the- How'd you get treasure? That's a memory world!" Yelled Donald.
"Because I'm awesome and transcend all forces in the universe."
The court wizard gave him a "bullshit" look.
In truth, Axel still had some of the treasure from his time there and brought it out just to mess with the others.
But the coin he had was from the memory of Treasure Planet. Curious thing really, to be able to take something from what could be considered an illusion into the real world.
This Castle was truly something they couldn't even begin to understand.
However, a more interesting thought came to the Flurry of Dancing Flames since he brought something physical out from a memory World.
Objects may be one thing, but people are another. One which will probably be impossible. Yet that isn't something to be dismissed out of hand now.
They were steps closer to the top. And Axel didn't know if their luck would finally decline at some point or another before getting there.
-Scene Cut-
"Your tea, Liara."
"Thank you, Vara." The Asari said appreciatively, taking the cup of tea from her assistant's hand and taking a sip which immediately had its desired effect of a measure of stress relief.
"Ah~ Eseenvi, you were sent by the Goddess."
"I do what I can." Her Asari assistant said humbly with Liara shaking her head at the modesty.
With her leaving, Liara was once again alone by herself. Her workspace before her with some music playing to help relieve the occasional silence.
It's strange she got herself her own office. She only expected to have the same, relative workspace as everyone else here on Mars. At first, she believed it was due to her reputation in the scientific field, but such a factor would complicate things with her present colleagues… maybe, she never really noticed or asked. Another thought was with her former membership of the Normandy crew, but such detail was snubbed in the bud.
Whatever the case was, Liara was fine with the given space, allowing her to have moments of privacy.
Liara released a small sigh, leaning back into her seat, her eyes wandering her desk until stopping at a framed photo she had in the center. Her expression changed, one to a fond, forlorn longing as she sat up and reached for it, taking it into her hands.
Her thumb trailed over several of the smiling faces in the photo and her lip curved into a trembling smile.
It was a photo of the entire Normandy crew after the battle of the Citadel, the crew all having decided that a celebration was in order.
Shepard was in the center, happily laughing with Axel on her left, drink in hand and party hat on and to her right was Garrus, the Turian attempting to look suave and cool despite having pie all over his face.
Wrex was next to the sharpshooter, his scarred face wearing a large toothy grin as Xion rode atop his hump, arms raised and a large smile in the direction of the camera.
Liara was on her knees, laughing at Stitch who was in her arms. Kaidan was on one knee next to her, grinning with one bottle of alcohol in one hand and three sticks of kebabs in the other.
Della was fussing around with Ashley, drinking shots one by one with both seemingly being tipsy. Liara laughed at the memory of the day after with both sporting massive hangovers.
And last was Roxas, smiling bashfully with Tali hugging him close, her glowing eyes conveying pure joy.
And at the bottom was Joker's thumbs up, just his own way of shoving himself into the picture.
Her hands grazed over each of their faces and her eyes became glossed over.
'Those were the days.' She thought with a small, bitter smile. 'Would trade a lot to relieve them.'
It was still something that was difficult to fully comprehend for the young Asari. She was only 106, a child in terms of her people, still in her developmental stage.
But that time spent on the Normandy, brief as it appeared, changed her forever. Her eyes were opened to new possibilities she could never have even contemplated and it wasn't just the exposure of magic, other "Worlds", traveling to other galaxies.
No, to Liara T'soni, the camaraderie, the deep bonds of friendship she had forged with the Normandy crew have left a profound effect on her.
And she felt it every day she was apart from all of them.
Her heart ached and longed for them, a phantom feeling of them being so close but she knew they were far.
Yes, she can contact them at any time and she has.
She had spoken with Garrus and Ashley not too long ago, the latter telling her that Kaidan was doing well. She spoke with Tali before that and as for the Nobody Trio, she hasn't heard from them in a bit of time but she was confident that they were doing well.
Liara had only heard rumblings from Krogan space but from what she was able to gather, Wrex seems to be advancing considerably in his endeavors of uniting the clans.
She was aware that Garrus and Kaidan had sent him a message telling him that should he need help from any of them, he shouldn't hesitate to ask, being that they all sent the message together. Though he declined them, he said that he'll hold onto that promise and should the moment arise, he knows they'll come runnin' to help.
And he wasn't wrong.
Liara believed with every fiber of her being they would do that. It just… felt right.
'I hope the others are okay.' Was her last thought before resuming her work.
Meanwhile…
Much has happened for Tali'Zorah since those fateful days.
Her time on the Normandy. Her return to the Flotilla with her Pilgrimage's end. Her date with Roxas. Learning of Shepard's demise and her funeral.
Upon returning to her people after seeing the Normandy's remains on Alchera, Tali was working overtime.
Researching, developing, enhancing everything at her disposal.
Intending to keep her promise to her friends and former teammates, Tali was doing much to prepare her people for the Heartless and the inevitable conflict with the Reapers. It's not been easy, but she's been quite dedicated to making it all worth it.
"You should rest, Tali." Spoke a male Quarian with a soft but firm voice.
But such things wouldn't come without cost.
"Later." She dismissed such a notion, continuing the welding of several Gummi pieces that would be used for their life support systems. This was crucial work for her.
"You said that two hours ago." The Quarian curtly pointed out.
This briefly halted Tali in her workstation before she resumed typing away on a console, recording the process of her work and how far along she was getting now.
Outside of reading her body posture, Kal'Raegar could tell Tali was tired. He could even see her eyes were dimmed with the lack of sleep one needs to properly function each day.
As far as Kal and practically everyone else knew, she's been working long days with short rest periods. Most people can undergo this just fine, but not too often, or else they'll burn themselves out.
It didn't happen straight away. It marginally occurred over time. Tali delved more and more into her work after Commander Shepard's passing.
"Tali, this isn't healthy." The Quarian marine argued, now stepping into her personal space yet she waved him off.
"Kal, I know what I'm doing."
"Do you?" Kal retorted. "Cause you've taken apart that Gummi piece seven times now and put it back together. You stopped noticing after the third time."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She skirted with her answer, making the Marine clench his fists.
"Tali, do you want to work yourself into an early grave?"
"You're overexaggerating."
"Your hands are shaking."
"With the excitement of my work."
It was then that he pulled out his trump card. "Do I need to contact Roxas to set you straight?"
Kal saw Tali stiffen at the mention of her not-so-secret "love interest".
Hearing how much she spoke about him. How she reacted when he came to the Flotilla. And the apparent "date" he took her on. While ignoring the factor of Commander Shepard's death, Kal eventually learned she absolutely loved it; though wouldn't tell certain details.
If he made a comparison between the Tali he knew before her pilgrimage and after, he'd see two different individuals.
Getting back on track, Kal relatively knew Roxas could set Tali on straight once having a good "chat". Forget her father and "aunt", her apparent boyfriend would freak out if he hears she wasn't taking care of herself. He could imagine him popping up suddenly, saying how disappointed he is in her and forcing her to rest, much to her embarrassment.
Such a thing would give him a good laugh to witness. And also his desired result of seeing her finally get some rest.
"They need this, Kal." Tali weakly argued.
"Maybe, but what I want and a lot of others, for that matter, want to see the Gift to the Flotilla take a nice long rest." Kal proceeded to take the tools she had out of her hands, Tali reflexively going for them.
Raegar pulled back, placing one hand on her shoulder as he held her tools just out of reach.
"Kal, this isn't funny, give it back." Tali argued yet he surprised her by gently pushing her back into the chair she occupied.
She found her legs buckling slightly and she collapsed back into the seat, surprised at Kal's strength.
"When did you get so strong?" She asked and he shook her head.
"I haven't gotten stronger, you are just so tired that I barely had to even try to get you to sit down." Kal rebuked.
He saw her eyes narrow. Her grumbling under her breath. And if he were to guess, she was imitating one of those pufferfish behind her faceplate.
Reagar exhaled a sigh. "I get it. How obsessed you are to have all this properly used for our people." He said to her. "Yes, we're in uncharted waters, as the humans say. But you can rest, Tali. All of this ain't going anywhere."
"But-"
"They'll still be here when you get back." He then helped her to stand back up and held her firmly as he immediately felt her wobble.
"Oh…" Tali murmured, her legs shaking considerably. "I didn't-"
"Come on, time for you to go to bed. You're not gonna wake up till your body allows you to do so."
She huffed slightly, trying to squirm herself free but Kal held firm and her body betrayed her with her weakened state.
"You would've been able to free yourself easily if you had a good night's rest." Reagar stated, making Tali look away with a pout beneath her helmet.
"Ah, Kal, looks like you finally succeeded where so many before have failed." Said an amused, familiar female voice.
Tali looked over to see her Aunty Raan, amusement dancing in her eyes behind her helmet.
"I applaud you, Kal'Raegar, for finally pulling my dearest niece from her work to get her much-needed rest."
"Just doing my duty to the Flotilla." Kal earnestly replied, hefting Tali up who was slipping down, the younger Quarian releasing a pained groan.
"One that shall be applauded, Kal." Raan earnestly said. "Come, it's better that there are two pairs of eyes to make sure Tali gets to her room."
"I thank you for this kind service, Admiral Raan." The Marine solemnly said but Tali was able to detect a teasing tone in his voice and she grumbled.
"You two are bosh'tets."
"I believe we can cope with such an insult." Her aunt responded, walking over to take Tali's other hand into hers. "Now come along. I've just had your room disinfected and bed pressed to your liking. Stay there until otherwise, admiral's orders."
Tali merely groaned as she was escorted away.
They soon arrived at her room and the moment her body hit the bed, Tali had a momentary out-of-body experience as she decompressed.
Her soul fell back into her body and she released a loud moan and felt every fiber of her body going through that melting sensation one experiences at peak exhaustion.
She didn't even register her aunty chuckling at her reaction.
"Yeah, she's not going anywhere anytime soon." Kal wryly huffed.
Raan chuckled as the two left her be.
Tali'Zorah only grumpily, jokingly glared at the pair, watching her aunt depart whilst the Quarian marine pointed at her.
"Now you stay there 'cause I'm gonna have my men on patrol to keep you here." He all but ordered. "And I'll contact Roxas at a moment's notice should the need arise."
She only turned away, glad that he couldn't see her blush with her faceplate but for a Quarian Marine who has honed his observational skills to the level he has reached, it wasn't hard for him to discern her face beneath the mask.
Lying there, Tali thought much of her present work for her people. Using the new technology to make their lives better.
To Tali, it seemed like she didn't have enough to work with, despite the amount she brought in with her Pilgrimage gift. Even then, it felt like much more was needed to get everything working.
While there was plenty from her gift and what others are sending back from Mars, one seemed to be in growing demand quite recently: Gummi-tech.
Harvesting the Heartless for their pilfered Gummi material gave them much to research and study. When they finished going over the batches, they began integrating them into their ships.
High risks, high rewards. But every so often, they couldn't quite get the right ones to get the better upgrades for the Flotilla.
Luck wasn't exactly on their side on this particular detail. At the very least, whatever they can't use, they can save for repairs, eventually build new ships or sell them for a good price.
Due to her journey across three separate galaxies, a fact that Tali still has a hard time processing in certain instances, the young Quarian has gathered a substantial amount of Gummi blocks. They were still a bit of a rare commodity in the galaxy and with how many high-paying customers wish to get their hands on this new technology, the Flotilla has had a substantial increase in profit.
Still won't lessen the issues others have towards them. People believing the Quarians were doing "highway robbery" or something the humans say. Some said that to their faces.
Others, not so much.
Specifically, any that Tali was directly involved in.
Though there was still prejudice against her people, her name had garnered widespread infamy as one of the members of the Normandy crew.
The crew that helped save the Citadel, the Council and in short, the galaxy.
So there was a level of begrudging respect sent her way.
Now, that is.
First time that happened, several Turians and Asari for a tech company she didn't bother to remember, made a few comments that caused Tali to opt out of the deal.
Something along the lines of their comments being "a vagrant that the first human Spectre took pity on" or "parasite leeching off the greatness of others". That sort of thing.
She ended the deal before it could transpire and before they were even able to raise their weapons, several Omni-bolts halted them in their tracks, a few being unfortunate victims in her blast. That little display and reaction soon spread and whenever Tali was present for Gummi exchanges for credits, the recipients were a bit more cordial.
Least most human and Salarian deals were far more friendlier and professional.
Additionally, there was the factor she couldn't trust signing any contracts, learning from the mistakes of other Quarians who were ruined badly; all because of some hidden clause and fine print.
She did -however-get in contact with Mosh the Moogle, having him arrive at the Flotilla for a business proposition for her people. Him providing enhanced weapons to help combat against the Heartless in exchange for credits and synthesis materials was a big boon for the Migrant Fleet. That she did sign, knowing the Moogle was honest, fair and upright.
Her mind drifted back to her work. More specifically the next stage.
What she needed was access to magic.
Not just the gift Yen Sid gave to her and the others, but a means in general.
From what she is able to figure out, once hybridizing most of these technologies, a stabilizing solution will involve magic. The mystical solvent/solution to many of their problems.
For her personally, it was so she can have a better means of fighting against the Geth, Heartless, Nobodies and anyone else harming her and those dear to her. Being able to better stand side-by-side with those who made her who she is today.
Tali could be getting ahead of herself, but her mind has been a solar wind with the possibilities, among other things.
'Maybe Kal is right.' She thought slightly, trying to get herself comfortable on the bed. 'I need some sleep. Or else Roxas would be upset.'
Once getting a good amount of rest, her mind will be clearer to get her work completed a whole lot better.
Just when she was about to drift off to sleep-
*WHAAA* *WHAAA* *WHAAA*
Tali shot up, any signs of exhaustion evaporating in an instant as alarms blared throughout the ship.
She practically jumped out of her bed, grabbed her shotgun that was on her desk and primed her Omni-Tool, electricity crackling around it.
Tali ran out, seeing multiple Quarian marines rushing off in the direction of the northern sector of the ship she was on.
"Kal, what's happening?" Tali asked, spotting him amongst the marines.
"We're under attack!" He shouted back and she ran to catch up to him.
Though her body was aching, her adrenaline began overriding her exhaustion and as an added precaution, she quickly deployed a Hi-Potion over her, feeling a measure of relief come over her.
"Who's attacking us? The Heartless? Batarians? Geth?" Tali quickly made a quick check of her equipment, seeing all were working in proper order.
The ship shook and every Quarian on board nearly fell over. Rushing past a window, Tali halted in her tracks as she spotted several ships not native to the Quarian Flotilla.
Specifically, her vision zeroed in on the emblems all of them shared.
It was a slim hexagon with two long arcs along each side.
Despite not having many encounters with them during her time on the Normandy, she knew that insignia.
"Cerberus."
-Scene Cut-
Within a sharp white hallway, two sets of doors opened up, a light shining from them as out walked the large group of Keyblade wielders and warriors, leaving the latest memory World of Noveria behind.
"And now you know how bad a Reaper-Heartless is." Were Axel's first words, running his hand through his fiery red hair in exasperation.
"How'd you guys beat that last time?" Sora asked in bewildered tiredness, sagging his arms forward. "That was just a hassle."
"Skin of our teeth." Said No. XIII.
Riku let out an audible exhaling, his cheeks having puffed out.
"That galaxy is crazy." He muttered out.
"Hopefully we don't do a rendition of the Citadel being attacked. I'd rather not deal with Sovereign again." No. VIII remarked.
"Or a corrupted Saren." Xion muttered, making Roxas shudder and Axel grimace.
Namine would've said something, but she was merely exhausted after the ordeal she and the others went through.
"So what now?" Goofy asked aloud.
"What do ya think ya big palooka?" Donald rhetorically said. "We keep going. It's all we can do."
"Maybe we should take a breather." Sora suggested. "I mean, we have just been going nonstop by this point."
"Why do that?" Disney Castle's court wizard challenged. "Doesn't that make us easier to spy on?"
"They've been watching us since we got here, bird brain." Axel pointed out, smirking at the annoyed squawk Donald let out. "They're watching us right now."
From another location, Vexen was typing away on his console. Filtering and filing away the recently gathered data.
"Quite interesting with what we've seen so far." Luxord said aloud with clear intrigue, standing next to the Icy Nobody while he worked. "To think our resident traitors underwent such extraordinary adventures since departing from our ranks."
Behind the pair was No. V, the Stalwart Taciturn who had his back to a wall, quietly observing the screens and crystal ball.
There was a sound that came from Vexen's terminal and within a translucent sphere, a card suddenly formed, being that of the latest Memory World that Roxas and co. had just been through.
Taking it out from the sphere, No. IV observed it on all sides.
"Noveria." He said aloud. "This memory is that of Roxas."
"Wonder what we can learn from it." The Gambler of Fate pondered, taking the card out of Vexen's hand to take a look at it himself.
The green-eyed Nobody turned away from the Time-user and directed his attention back on the data he has been accumulating since the heroes first came to the Castle.
"One question has slowly been surfacing for some time now: why were they so adamant in coming here? What do they gain in coming to enemy territory? Do they not know their fate? That this will more than likely lead to their end?"
A pondering posture was used, having Vexen wonder of the reasons. Luxord gave him an expectant look whilst Lexaeus remained silent, eyes closed as the Chilly Academic thought over his own questions.
"As far as I recall prior to today, Xion only has been to a number of places within this castle." No. IV began pacing. "Axel has been all over, given he was the previous Lord of the Castle, and Roxas only appeared on the first floor alongside his Somebody and his companions. And Riku and the King were in the basement levels."
"Was there anything from the feeds you were able to spot of their intentions?" Luxord asked, gesturing to the screens, one that was currently replaying several situations of the memory Worlds Roxas, Sora and the rest had been through.
Vexen gazed at them intently, hand over his chin. "Probably. Will need to look back into the footage if I missed anything."
"You were more focused on their adventures and battle tactics. You were quite bound to drown out anything else."
No. IV gave a mild glare to No. X before focusing back on the task at hand.
"Perhaps a proper test then is in order." Vexen mused aloud, rubbing his chin as he eyed the crystal ball in the center of the room with the moving images of the group of compromised enemies and traitors. "Who would like volunteering to entertain them?"
Lexaeus opened his eyes and was about to speak when Luxord beat him to the punch.
"I'll go." Several cards appeared in his hands before they vanished. "This Castle works quite nicely to my motif if you haven't noticed. I've been itching for a rematch for some time now."
"I am surprised you are not willing to go yourself, Vexen." Lexaeus suddenly spoke up, making the Ice Nobody turn to him. "You are not one to skirt the chance to collect data with your own two hands."
"Not counting his own Replica."
"Much as I would enjoy a good tussle, I have a pressing priority to do with my own creation. Kirux is due for a change in his structure."
"Change in his structure?" No. X parroted in bewilderment.
"He is based on Riku, yes, but he is that of a doll and prototype at that. His strength grows but it runs the risk of deforming or destroying him. I intend to make good use of him for the Organization and having him destroy himself or change in nature runs the risk of a failure."
"Well then, if that will be all." And like that, Luxord teleported away.
Back with the others, they walked into the hallway leading up to the next memory floor, when a Dark Corridor erupted before them. It disbursed to reveal the teal-eyed blonde member of the Organization.
"Welcome, esteemed guests." The Gambler of Fate greeted the group with a grand display of his cards flying between his hands before vanishing into his sleeves.
"Luxord." Axel drably greeted.
"What? Is that all I get after seeing you?" No. X asked with faux indignation.
The Redhead rolled his eyes. "What were you expecting? It's been like, what, a few days or so since Wonderland? You're a sight for sore eyes in the literal sense."
"Ever the straight shooter, Axel."
"Don't let Xigbar hear you say that." Roxas spoke up, calling forth his Keyblade.
"Ah, Roxas," Luxord shot him a disarming grin, several cards being flipped around in one hand. "You're looking well. Xion, independent as ever."
No. XIV glared at that, her own Keyblade flashing into her hand.
"Ah, apologies," No. X placatingly said. "I believe I used an improper use of words."
"Cut the chit-chat." No. VIII raised his arms up, his Chakrams being summoned in their circle of flames. The rest of them summoned their own weapons into their hands. "Are we gonna fight or not?"
"Now why would I be here for such a thing, my old comrade?" Luxord rhetorically said. "Can old acquaintances now speak cordially as grown gentlemen?"
"Is all you do just talk?" Riku spoke up, now getting annoyed by the Nobody. "Cause all you're doing now is wasting our time."
"And stalling till we beat you." Sora chimed in. "You're outnumbered."
-Insert Kingdom Hearts II: The 13th Struggle-
"Am I?" A large card appeared behind Luxord and he stepped back into it, appearing on the other side. On the card was an image of himself when the card split into four and the cards dispelled to reveal four more Luxords.
"Time is such a fascinating thing, isn't it?" No. X stated. "Paradoxes can occur at a moment's notice."
"Did you know he could do that?" Goofy asked.
"No, that's a new trick." Axel answered, eyes narrowing. "Keep your guard up."
Two of the Luxords had large, razor-sharp cards in their hands, the other two flicked sharpened dice blocks whilst the real one had both that were tossed between his hands.
"Let's cut the chit-chat." Luxord mockingly said, his copies rushing forward.
"Don't fight any alone." Axel instructed, fire erupting around his form as he and his friends ran right back at the oncoming replicas.
Sora, Donald and Goofy collided with two at the same time, Riku and Namine with another followed by Roxas and Xion getting the last one whilst Axel made a beeline for Luxord.
The two older Nobodies clashed, their weapons releasing sparks until Luxord's cards caught on fire.
"Hmph." Was No. X's response, twirling his cards in his hands to send Axel back whilst the wind blew away the flames.
Axel skidded back, throwing his Chakrams at Luxord with the Nobody summoning large cards, one he stepped back into that the fire encompassed weapons incinerated upon impact. The cards began spinning about, the other Luxords copies stepping into them as they surrounded the team.
"Back-to-back." Riku called out to the others and they quickly did as he said, all their eyes darting about as the cards continued spinning around them.
Luxord attacked in twos, threes and fours, each one either being deflected or struck back into the cards.
Then Donald released a squawk.
"WHACK!" He almost jumped atop Goofy's shoulders. "He's in the floor!"
Sure enough, cards were seen being shuffled upon the floor itself, beneath their feet.
"I got it." Sora yelled. "Donald, Goofy. I need a boost here."
Wordlessly, Donald and Goofy sent a portion of their power into Sora as they detected what he wanted to do in an instant.
Sora glowed with light, jumping up before slamming his Keyblade down into the ground, a symbol appearing beneath him before he turned the Kingdom Key.
A bright, illuminating light exploded from this display of power yet rather than it being blinding to the others, they were able to see clearly what this ability caused.
All the cards on the ground were dispelled, including the cards that were flying around them.
This in turn revealed where Luxord and his copies were.
"There!" Namine cried out, throwing out her Morning Star to unleash several Fira's in his direction.
One of the Luxords simply threw his dice, the odd weapon being destroyed by the fireball, producing a small cloud of smoke.
That was used as cover for Riku and Sora who burst through the smoke, weapons raised overhead that were brought down on a Luxord who burst into sliced cards.
Xion rushed in next with her corkscrew attack, another Luxord using a card as a shield when Axel glided in from around to get behind him.
"Drat." The copy muttered out as Axel through his enflamed Chakrams.
"BURN!" No. VIII yelled out, the clone being engulfed in flames, dissolving into cards that were quickly turned to ash.
Namine did a twirl of her magic staff, summoning a powerful Gravira spell that weighed down another copy that Roxas sliced through a moment later, more cards bursting out that slowly drifted to the ground.
Donald and Goofy fought off the last copy, the former conjuring a rocket to the latter's back, the knight being launched at full speed with him holding his shield over his head as he collided against the Luxord clone. Goofy went right through him, this time dice being what came from the destroyed copy, the dice clattering upon the ground.
Luxord let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Looks like that needs more work."
The Gambler moved a moment later, dodging an attack from Riku and he quickly began jumping back as Sora, Roxas and the others joined in on the assault.
"Come now, would you consider this to be a fair fight?" Luxord amiably said.
"You made clones." Sora rebuked. "You literally can make it even."
"And we'd still kick them to the curb." Riku then added confidently.
"Do you know so?"
"We just did it, didn't we?" Xion retorted.
Luxord 'hmphed' and with a small smirk, the familiar swirling sounds appeared around him and over a dozen Gambler Nobodies appeared.
"That's a cheap trick." Roxas deadpanned.
"One you should be familiar with using, my former comrade." No. X shot back, flicking his hand forward, signaling his Nobodies to go on the offensive.
The group of heroes responded in kind, Roxas and Xion double-teaming one Gambler, destroying it with a combined swing before they were separated by two more Nobodies.
Axel thrashed his with quick succession as did Riku, Sora, Donald and Goofy.
Namine was the only one having some difficulties as the Gambler she faced constantly weaved about, dodging her oncoming attacks with the greatest of ease.
"Namine, hang on." Riku called out, rushing towards her when he was intercepted by another gambler, annoying the silver-haired teen.
"Back off!" He yelled out, slicing the Nobody in two and he spun about in time to see the platinum-blonde Nobody faced with four large cards.
The girl was clearly bewildered by this "attack" and randomly swatted away one card. It flipped around, a loud buzzer being heard followed by a translucent X coming out of the card. In a poof of smoke, Namine vanished, being replaced by a card that shrunk down and was snatched up by the Gambler.
"NAMINE!" Riku shouted, darkness briefly surging within him, dashing right at the Gambler.
It turned around to see the Destiny Islander and it flicked its hand, tossing Namine into the hand of another Gambler.
"Give her back!" Riku roared, splitting the Nobody in two, whirling around to pursue after the other that took her when he was faced with the same dilemma she encountered seconds ago.
"Out of my way!" The teen sliced through all four cards, three buzzers being heard.
"Tut, tut, hero of Darkness, that's not how the game is played." Luxord admonished and like Namine, Riku was turned into a card as well with a Gambler swooping in to take him.
"Riku!" Sora cried out, seeing what just happened to his best friend.
"We gotta free them!" Xion said, rushing towards the Gamblers that had their friends.
Like before, she too was suddenly faced with four large cards and with a blind swing, took out the card on the furthest right. The card spun about to reveal a circle followed by a ding of approval. The cards shattered, staggering the Gambler that was hidden behind them.
Xion grinned, spinning her Keyblade around to have thin slices of wind twirling around it. With a single strike, she cut the Gambler in half and ran at the two that possessed their friends.
The others joined in and as expected, they too were faced with the card game.
Donald, Roxas and Goofy were unlucky in their "game" being turned into cards that were taken by newly summoned Gamblers.
Sora and Axel proved to be fortunate, joining Xion to get their friends back.
Luxord observed all this with an analytical grin, pleased things were going according to his plan.
Sora quickly utilized a Strike Raid to whack a Gambler in the head, stunning it in time for Xion to rush in and destroy it.
The Gambler popped out of existence and from it fluttered out a card that briefly shined before revealing Riku.
"What the-"
"Come on, Riku, we gotta free the others." Sora said, rushing past the confused teen before his bearings returned to him and he remembered what had happened.
"Namine-"
"We know, they got the others as well." No. VIII shouted, throwing his Chakrams into the ground to create a floor of magma.
The molten fires burned the feet of the Gamblers, forcing them to float upwards, leaving them open for Xion and Sora to take them out.
Two more cards popped out and from them came Goofy and Roxas.
"Huh?"
"What happen-"
"Later Roxas, focus up." Axel said aloud as they all rushed after the last two Gamblers.
The lesser Nobodies didn't really have much of a chance as they were attacked on all sides, the last two cards disbursing to allow the return of Donald and Namine.
"What happened?" The anthropomorphic duck asked, eyes spinning slightly.
"You got turned into a trading card." Sora joked, helping the wizard to his feet.
"We what?" Namine asked in bewilderment.
"Namine." Said a turquoise-eye-colored islander and the platinum-blonde turned to see the relieved face of Riku. "Had me worried there for a second."
Despite the situation, Namine was unable to stave off the color that filled her cheeks as she immediately looked away to avoid eye contact with the boy.
"How touching." The voice of Luxord interrupted them, the man standing there with amusement clear for them to see. "But I hope you haven't forgotten I'm here."
"Oh we haven't." The Flurry of Dancing Flames responded, fire swirling around him. "But are you sure you wanna continue this, Luxord? You do remember what happened last time we fought, right?"
"Last time, it was just a means to an end, a test." No. X waved off. "Even now, I see this as nothing more than a game of wits and a challenge of some new parlor tricks of mine. I hope you enjoyed them."
"Oh really?" Riku challenged, walking forward with a glare directed at the electric-blue-eyed Nobody. "How's about we play a game of our own? We each take turns beating you senseless till you never bother us again."
"Oh ho~ such a violent game." Luxord chuckled darkly. "I expect no less from the Hero of Darkness."
Hearing this made Riku twitch, a clear sign of anger flashing through his face.
"Do not call me that."
The bearded Nobody simply 'hmphed', looking away from the group.
"Much fun as this was, I have what I came for, nothing more, nothing less."
"What?" Said Donald and Goofy.
Riku squinted at him before his eyes widened and he let out a 'tsk'.
"Dammit." He seethed. "I can't believe I didn't see that coming."
"Riku?" His best friend said in concern.
"This was all just some stupid experiment." Riku irritably said, turning to his friends. "That jerk just did the same thing Vexen did to me when I fought him. He got "data" from our fight and he made the fake version of me."
"Bravo, Riku, your intelligence is to be commended." Luxord then raised his hand and with a spin, held five cards with crown tops to them, akin to the World Cards they've been using to traverse the Memory Worlds. "Gifts I graciously accept, all in the name of the Organization. I thank you all."
A moment later, Luxord conjured a Corridor of Darkness, teleporting away, leaving the group to process what just happened.
"So…" Sora frowned in thought. "That just… what did he do exactly?"
"Riku said somethin' about data and copies being made." Goofy spoke up.
"Vexen." Axel grumbled, shaking his head. "This is all Vexen's doing. It's more for his Replica program."
"The same that he used to make Riku's replica." Namine pointed out.
"And me…" Xion quietly said.
"Hey, you're no one's replica, remember?" Roxas immediately said, sensing the ravenette's mood go south. "You don't look like anyone else. Right?"
No. XIII gave his Somebody a pointed look and Sora quickly stammered out a response.
"Y-yeah, like no one else."
Namine felt her lips turn upwards before she turned to Riku who was silent, arms crossed and deep in thought.
"Riku," She quietly said. "What do you think Vexen is gonna do with the data he just got?"
"Nothing good, that's a given." He answered. "Axel, do you have any ideas?"
"Well, like I said, it's all gonna be going into his replica program but… I don't know this time." No. VIII mused aloud. "Luxord got data with the five who got caught up in those damned card games his Nobodies threw at us but he is still able to collect data in the way Vex usually does. Meaning he's got it on all eight of us."
"Is there any way for us to… you know, get it back?" Sora asked.
"Or at least prevent them from using it." Roxas added in.
The red-haired Nobody shook his head. "Unlikely. Vexen's always been a tricky bastard with how he does his research. In one way shape or form, he always gets it. Unavoidable really. He's gotten data on all of us before. I mean the Organization. Willingly or unwillingly from every member."
Donald then released a sigh, his posture slouching forward.
"Aw~ it feels like we just lost here." He bemoaned.
"Did we?" Roxas asked, looking to Axel for answers.
Axel crossed his arms, pondering their situation. "If we get to his lab, I bet you could hack into his computer and mess around with it. Find some answers we seek among other things."
No. XIII frowned in thought, holding up his arm where his Omni-tool flared to life.
"What if they've improved their security?"
Roxas' hood was then flipped over his head.
"Oi, do ya think Tali would wanna hear something like that after everything she taught you?" Axel teased. "Chin up, Roxas, we'll get this job done."
The sandy-blonde teen gave Axel an unamused look before his gaze shifted over to Xion, his eyes hardening with determination.
"Right." He said, giving her an encouraging smile. "Let's keep going."
"That's the spirit." Axel approved, lightly slapping Roxas on the back. "You heard 'im, folks. We're almost to the top."
Without even thinking, Roxas stepped forward, once again taking the lead as to what the Memory World would be based on.
There was a flash of light as a card was formed from the Memory, Roxas holding it aloft as it flashed, vanishing from his hand with the wisps going to the door.
Another flash of light later and they were transported to their next destination.
…
…
…
"Didn't expect to show up here." Were Roxas' first words once he realized where they were.
Upon arriving on this memory floor, the others saw this World was relatively deserted. Rather quiet with no signs of life as far as the eye can see.
Despite this, they all saw an abandoned cityscape with a great twilight sky blanketing the world. It reminded them of Twilight Town with a certain flare to it, from the flower fields to the great rocky terrain.
Sora blinked, suddenly experiencing a weird case of Deja Vu.
Why did it feel like he was here before? And more importantly, why did his heart skip a beat when he thought about it?
Axel looked around, taking in the sights and found he didn't recognize anything here. "What is this place anyways?"
"Rannoch."
Hearing Roxas' response got some questioning looks from Namine, Donald, Goofy and Riku. Xion and Axel, however, gave out startling ones.
"Wait, Rannoch? Tali's homeworld?" No. XIV nearly yelled in disbelief.
"How'd you pull that off? You've never been there before." No. VIII pointed out.
"Also when did you-"
"References, lots of practice and I say around the time after Sovereign."
It soon dawned on Axel with the intention of getting there.
"Huh. So that's why you've been askin' to borrow my coat. You've been taking her there all this time." The taller Nobody remarked, grinning at the sandy-blonde teen. "Look at you, showin' a girl a good time."
No. XIII merely chuckled, scratching the back of his head in the process.
Sora then realized that he had been here through Roxas, through their connection and…
The Keyblade's Chosen One turned as red as a tomato, steam rising from his head as it came rushing back to him.
'Oh no.' Sora internally yelled. 'Nonononononononono.'
Once more, Roxas took notice of his Somebody's reaction. At first, he was confused but then…
"Don't say a word." He threatened quietly, his eyes screaming bloody murder right about now.
Sora let out a small 'eep' before clamping his mouth shut.
"What's wrong, Sora?" Goofy asked.
"N-Nothing!" He squeaked. "N-nothing at all. In fact, everything is chipper and wonderful and happy and freeing and-"
Sora was silenced by Axel throwing an arm around his shoulders and pulling the teen until they were eye-to-eye with each other.
"You're gonna tell me everything later." He said in a low voice. "Cause I know you know somethin' juicy right about now."
And just like that, Sora was truly put between a rock and a hard place.
While this little "chat" went on, the others walked onward and further into the present city.
"So~ what can we find here, Roxas?" Xion inquired, still a bit in awe at being on Rannoch despite it being just a memory.
Roxas crossed his arms, recalling the few visits he had here with Tali. "We haven't explored a lot of places. Kept surveying in case any Geth were to pop up. As far as we could tell, no Heartless appeared at all during our visits."
A curious look crossed many faces.
"Why wouldn't they show up?" Donald asks.
"Rannoch is considered a ghost world with no hearts for them to take."
"But what about the Geth?" Asks Goofy. "Don't they reside there since the Quarians left?"
"They still do. I just wouldn't know if the Heartless are attracted to them." Roxas said with uncertainty. "Hostile towards each other, yes, but not attracted to how we're used to their nature."
"As far as we're aware." Axel tacked on.
"If the Heartless were on Rannoch, they'd be at locations Tali and I haven't explored." Roxas surmised.
"And when will you two plan on telling others of this?" No XIV said in a faux accusatory fashion.
"We thought of doing it soon, but then Shepard…" Roxas paused, letting the detail sink in. He coughed into his hand before resuming. "We just need more information before we inform the Flotilla Admiralty of its present status."
"Like what exactly?" Namine inquired, looking at the sunset on the horizon.
Roxas waved his arm towards a nearby structure "Why the buildings are repaired, for one. Not just them, but their utilities and systems. With the Mourning War, the cities should've had signs of war with the destruction it wrought. Yet with the ones we've visited…"
"They were restored." Axel stated, No. XIII nodding.
"But how long ago? By who? And for what purpose?" The blue-eyed Nobody listed off. "Tali and I talked about his several times, trying to figure out why things are the way they are on Rannoch. But like I said before… Shepard's death just… haven't really given it much thought since."
There was a moment of silence between the group which Riku broke with a small cough into his hand.
"So Roxas, since you were here before, any idea where the exit is?"
"...I have no idea whatsoever." An exasperated sigh escaped Roxas' lips.
"Great~ Then we'll be stuck here for a while." Axel dryly commented.
Like how it went with the memory floor of Axel's time in Hollow Bastion of the distant past, Roxas had to play tour guide to the others. Walking around the present city, he showed numerous landmarks that Tali previously told him of through her own peoples' history. More information would've been provided if they were at some more significant city, but Roxas did what he could.
It was quite an odd journey to be sure, being on a planet that was so empty and devoid of, well, everything.
Sora chalked it up to when he, Donald and Goofy made it to the end of their first journey, seeing all the remains of the Worlds the Heartless had consumed.
Except it wasn't, you know, filled with Heartless.
In the midst of their trek through the Memory World, something caught Xion's attention out of the corner of her eye. Turning over, she gave a response.
"What's that?" She abruptly spoke up, pointing in the distance.
"What?" Said several from the group.
"Tha- it's gone." Xion said in confusion once looking over to the same spot.
"Whaddya see?" Goofy asked, looking in the direction she pointed to.
She scratched her head in thought. "I… think it was a person."
The others all looked at one another.
"You sure it wasn't a mannequin from one of the stores we passed?" Donald suggested, the ravenette shaking her head.
"No, it was… I'm sure it was a person." Xion frowned and looked down at her coat. "Actually… I think that person was wearing our coat."
Donald let out a "whack!" in response. "Wait, the Organization?"
"Who else would it be?"
Now they were on edge, the group huddling up together, eyes looking around from all sides.
"Roxas, did you-"
"I didn't see anyone when I was here with Tali." He answered straight away. "Neither of us did."
"The Organization is watching us then." Donald declared, Axel shaking his head at that.
"They've been watching us, bird brain." He ignored the annoyed glare the duck sent his way. "This feels like something else."
"Like what?" Xion asked, everyone turning to Axel who had crossed his arms in thought.
"If I were to guess," Axel eyed the three Keybearers of the group, "what happened to you three."
Sora, Xion and Roxas blinked in confusion.
"Us?" They said at the same time.
"With what?" Sora tacked on.
"Facing Xemnas at the Hollow Bastion floor."
Roxas frowned, mulling over Axel's statement and shook his head.
"But that doesn't make sense. I did not see anyone else on Rannoch." He emphasized.
"What else would you chalk it up to?"
"Someone in the Organization personally coming onto this floor and taking a closer look at things."
"But what would they gain from this place?"
"You would be surprised." Namine spoke up.
There was a beat of silence between them all when Goofy said they should keep going.
It took a while, but the group found the exit; having it located at the apartment Roxas and Tali continued the last leg of their date. It was rather significant for No. XIII, given how much his relationship with the Quarian progressed.
In the midst of this small trek through the memory, Xion kept gazing over at Roxas with a strange gaze that she herself couldn't make sense of but there was a sensation she experienced whenever he mentioned something that he did here with Tali.
She wanted to understand just what that was but now wasn't the time for such a thing.
Maybe at the end of it all, she can make sense of it.
Leaving the memory floor, the group didn't really reflect much on Rannoch, simply making their way up to the next floor of the Castle.
This time it was Sora's turn and he ended up having them traverse the Memory World of Agrabah.
And boy did the heat immediately hit the others hard.
The islanders were somewhat fine with it, given they were raised in a tropical environment, but the desert heat was on a different level. Goofy and Donald voiced their complaints of them being uncomfortable with the scorch. It soon escalated when Namine brought up the idea of using some ice spell to help cool them off, making the others wonder why it never came up sooner.
The only ones unaffected were Xion, Roxas, and Axel, due to them wearing their Organization attires. And Axel being himself, basking in the heat of the sun whilst the rest all shot him annoyed looks.
Soon enough, they encountered the natives of this World being Sora, Donald, and Goofy's old friends. For them, despite it being a memory, it was still good to see old friends like Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine.
With the idea of wishes, the conversation of what one greatly desired came to mind… within reason given Genie's set rules.
One wish that quickly came to mind was Shepard's return, but that was shot down given Genie's wish-granting couldn't bring back the dead. That and this was a memory World so…
There was an actual pause, a serious thought of what can affect the outside world but Namine suggested they try not to think about it too much. They would be here for a long time with only headaches and migraines as their companions.
Discarding the conversation, the group made for the memory of Jafar and defeated him shortly thereafter.
Goofy remarked on how it felt a bit unfair at how easily they were beating enemies of the past considering the numbers advantage they possessed which got him a "scolding" from Donald, asking him if he wanted the hassle of tougher enemies.
After leaving the 9th floor, they entered the memory of Olympus Coliseum… well rather the structure of it residing at the City of Thebes.
There was a moment of confusion shared between them all until Sora pointed to the Coliseum in the distance. Sora, Donald, and Goofy remarked how when they first came to this World, they relegated themselves only to the Coliseum and actually didn't explore the place as much as they did when they first came here.
On how they needed to depart from the floor, they needed to go through a dozen rounds of fighting via tournament arrangement. Hades, God of the Underworld, was the final opponent they needed to defeat. But the opponent prior to him was Cloud.
Seeing the large Buster Sword-wielding fighter, Roxas remembered his confrontation against Sephiroth and needing to find the real Cloud to know more of the man.
Departing from the tenth floor, this time, it was Xion who stepped forward and the World they had visited was none other than Virmire.
Once more, the three Nobodies were assailed with the memory of seeing Shepard again and they had reunited with the entire crew.
One thing that had been picked up on since the previous times they'd been through a memory of the Nobodies was… the people within the memory recognized them. They didn't treat them as strangers compared to the Worlds of the Disna world.
When Shepard and the Normandy crew saw Roxas, Axel and Xion, they were greeted as old friends and regarded the others as those they didn't recognize.
Much as there were questions to be had, the Nobodies forced the group to just go through this memory World as fast as possible.
They've had enough of seeing Shepard and co. over and over again in this manner that wasn't who they really were.
The likeness and personalities were there but the quirks and mannerisms weren't. It was all just a scripted sequence of their first journey and they just wanted to get on with it.
Once leaving that floor, the others were confused about a particular detail, one they hadn't actually paid much attention to until now.
"Which floor is this one?" Sora asked. "Twelfth or thirteenth? I kinda lost track of everything."
"If it was the thirteenth, we'd be where everyone else in the Organization is stationed here." Said Xion.
Namine and Axel nodded in confirmation.
"Then we're on the twelfth." Riku surmised. "Right before the last one where we reach the top."
"Supposedly." The red-haired Nobody pointed out. "Remember, even we don't know everything about this place. Who knows what else is here?"
Nods were given all around.
Whilst everyone was discussing who should go next, Roxas suddenly found himself zoning out. He said nothing but his expression changed into one of confusion that soon became blank.
Meanwhile, within his lab, Vexen was studying the data Luxord had gained from his encounter with the group, finding some unusual readings.
"What is this?" Vexen muttered, isolating data strands that looked… he actually couldn't properly describe them.
Corrupted? Buried? Constantly altering?
No. IV couldn't understand just what he was looking at.
He had studied Roxas' data before, after all, it's what was used to create Xion.
Back with Roxas, his entire vision began to change, everything else blacking around him whilst he focused his attention on the door to the next memory.
His eyes slowly widened and he felt… he felt something.
In another part of the Castle, a young teen in a deep sleep shifted in his seat, inhaling sharply.
Back with Roxas, his eyes became glazed over and he walked forward.
Riku nodded at something Sora had just said. "Alright, time to-"
"Roxas?" Xion spoke up and everyone turned in time to see Roxas having already walked up the steps to the doors and rather than a card appearing overhead, he simply placed his hand on the door.
There was a bolt of light that came through Roxas' head, alarming everyone.
"ROXAS!" Axel and Xion shouted, the group all running forward just as the doors, rather than opening slowly as they did on previous floors, quite literally flung themselves open and the group was bathed in the light, the brightness practically consuming them.
Elsewhere, in the lab where the group had been observed by the present members of the Organization, their systems abruptly sounded off, alarms blaring all around them.
"What's happening?" Luxord inquired, conveying bewilderment and wariness.
"Something is… I…" Vexen looked at the data that was now incomprehensible. "I don't know."
"I shall go…" Lexaeus stopped halfway, eyes widening.
"Lexaeus?" No. IV said in confusion.
Wordlessly, No. V conjured a Corridor, disappearing into it only to reappear on the other side of the room.
"What in the blazes are you doing?" The Gambler of Fate asked, thrown off by what he had just seen.
Again, the tall and broad Nobody said nothing, appearing to concentrate when a look of bewildered realization dawned on him.
"The Corridor… I can't use it to get to the memory they had just entered."
"What?!" Was Vexen's sharp response.
Meanwhile, the light that had swallowed up our groups of heroes finally died down.
Everyone slowly opened their eyes and saw they were in a large fountain square surrounded by houses with several pathways jetting all over.
Sweeping and surveying their surroundings, the group took note the memory world looked very similar to both Twilight Town and what Hollow Bastion used to be years ago in both its feel and architecture. The sky appeared to be a perpetual sunrise with its rich, cool and warm colors blanketing the world.
In the distance, behind the houses, there was a large structure that was quite reminiscent of Twilight Town's clock tower. It was scaled far larger, making it seem like it's seen from all over. Despite its grandeur, one needed to be closer to take note of its finer details.
It took everyone a moment to realize that, like with Rannoch, nobody recognized where they were.
"Wh-what is this place? Where are we?" Xion cautiously asked.
"Roxas, do you know?" Goofy asked on behalf of the group.
"This place is…" Roxas hunched forward, releasing a yell, hands flying up to his head.
"Roxas!"
Everyone gathered around him as he collapsed to his knees, clutching his head and shaking it violently.
"It's…" He gritted out. "It's too much!"
"Roxas!" Xion fell to his side, tears perking up at the corner of her eyes as she threw her arms around him, hoping to keep him up.
"What's happening to him?" Donald fretted about.
It was then did they hear a sharp inhale and they all turned to Sora who was now clutching his own head.
"What the-" He grunted out, stumbling with Riku immediately coming to his aid.
"Whoa buddy, are you ok?" His best friend asked in clear concern.
"I… I don't know." Sora groaned out, nearly collapsing to his knees. "It feels like… my head is splitting in two."
Then they heard another grunt and now, it was Xion, who was leaning on Roxas, the two basically supporting each other now.
"What the hell is going on?" Axel nearly shouted now.
"Hey, are you guys ok?" Asked a sudden voice none recognize. "We heard-Ventus?! Dude! Are you alright?!"
The group turned to see a young teen boy with curly, silver hair and blue eyes. He wore a white shirt, black vest, dark gray pants, and black boots and had a red scarf on his neck.
And he wasn't alone not long after as two other people arrived onto the scene.
She had long black hair, pink star earrings and brown eyes. She wears a gray, zippered shirt under a black vest, and a studded belt around her black skirt. She has a red belt wrapped around arm, and two around her ankles. She wears black boots and knee-high stockings.
The last of the trio had black spiky hair which droops down over his eye. He wears a black coat with rolled up sleeves, gold buttons, and a large collar, gray pants, and black cowboy boots. His face is concealed by a black fedora that sports a black feather with a tan streak down the middle.
They were running right towards them now and in an instant, Axel and Donald jumped in front of the group.
The latter summoned his stave whilst Axel snapped his fingers and a brief wall of fire exploded in front of the new trio in front of them, making them all skid to a halt.
"Who are you three?"
"Whoa! Chill. We mean any of you no harm!" The one with the hat quickly exclaimed.
"Start talking." Axel summoned his weapons, brandishing them in their direction. "Not in the mood for any games here."
"Ok, ok, ok, I'm Ephemer. This is Skuld and Brain." The Silver-haired teen quickly introduced themselves. "We don't mean you guys any harm, honest. We just heard some screaming and then we saw Ven and-"
"Wait? Ven?" Axel cut him off, shooting the now-identified Ephemer a scrutinizing gaze.
"Short for Ventus."
"I know that, how do you know that?" No. VIII rebuked.
Ephemer, Brain and Skuld all shared looks of uncertainty with each other until Skuld spoke up. "Cuz we're his friends."
Axel looked at Donald, the court magician clearly unsure about all this.
They looked back to see Goofy and Namine standing around Xion and Roxas whilst Sora was still being supported by Riku.
"Please," Skuld looked very much concerned, directing her gaze at the sandy blond Nobody still on the ground. "Ven needs our help. He looks like he's in serious pain."
"Your other two friends do as well." Brain pointed out with a frown. "Come on, please, let us help. Ven's our friend."
"Who are you even talking about?" Riku abruptly spoke up, making the three newcomers turn to him. "Who's Ven?"
"Wha-Ven, him, right there." Ephemer said, pointing at Roxas who cracked an eye open, looking at the red-scarfed boy. "That's Ventus."
"What?" Namine muttered.
"What are you talking about?" Donald piped up. "That's Roxas."
"Huh?" Was the collective response from Ephemer, Brain and Skuld.
"Roxas?" Brain parroted. "What do ya mean?"
"Excuse me," Namine raised her voice now, stepping forward. "I know we all have a lot of questions right now but our friends need help. Can we pick up this conversation somewhere else?"
Brian looked at Ephemer and Skuld, who gave nods in turn.
"Follow us. We'll take you to our place."
Hoisting the three Keybearers in their own respective manner, the group followed the trio elsewhere in this memory world. Many queries ran through the minds of all but they needed to shelve that in service of getting their friends a place to see what was wrong with them.
Unbeknownst to them all, overhead, within the large clock tower, a man wearing a dark, hooded coat saw the scene unfold far down below.
"Quite the encounter if I say so myself." He mused to himself. "One that came completely out of left field really."
"Who are you talking to, Master?"
The man known as "Master" turned slightly and regarded the other present in his study.
"Just myself, Luxu. Ignore the ramblings of an old, old man."
"You're not that old." Luxu responded.
"Oh~ you really think so?" The Master threw his arm around the shorter black-coated man. "Daw~ I knew there was a reason you're my favorite student after Ava."
"M-Master!" Luxu stammered out, trying to shove his mentor off of him.
All the while, down below, the group had reached where they were being led when Riku quickly asked a question of their new acquaintances.
"Hey, not for nothin' but what is this place? Where even are we?"
Ephemer gave his fellow silver-haired teen a look when he answered. "This is Daybreak Town. Now come on, we've got some beds your friends can lie in."
"Thank you." Namine sweetly said, making Ephemer reel back an inch when color dusted his cheeks.
"Heh, no problem."
Riku saw this and his eyes narrowed, making Ephemer jolt at the sudden feeling of pressure wash over him when Axel promptly shoved the islander.
"Friends in peril, ding dong." He admonished, carrying a now unconscious Xion into the house they had been guided to.
AN
It's been a while, hasn't it?
Not as long but long enough that we haven't been here in a considerable amount of time.
And figured to say, what a way to return, huh?
That's right, we're doing Daybreak Town.
This was a big one Jeb and I had planned out way back and we've been wanting to get to it for a while now. As close as we'll ever get to a kind of loophole time travel arc/chapter not involving the lunacy we get in later games like Dream Drop and KH3.
Then again, this way of doing it is just as crazy, having it be due to Ven and Roxas' connection and all leading to them winding up here. So… yeah, crazy shit, right?
We've been on a hot streak with our other works that we've neglected this one for a while but recent talks of future projects involving Mass Effect as well as a brief slowdown allowed us to return to this one and get this chapter done with relative speed.
Real glad we were able to quickly get this one done, finally arriving at a huge moment that we've planned for and now we get to explore all of it next chapter.
So hope you guys have your hype and anticipation meters full cause here we go.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.