And now The Guardians and the Dandelions battle Organization XIII while Xigbar makes his move on the Foretellers.
Sora and Friends were awoken by a loud gonging in their residence.
They all climbed out of bed to see Master Ava standing by the doorway ringing a loud gong
"Evil doesn't sleep and neither should you!" she chanted as she kept banging the gong. (1)
The Guardians covered their ears as they groaned in annoyance.
"If you want to battle this evil Organization, you must wake up and train with the Dandelions."
"Okay, Okay!" Sora complained. "Just stop playing that irritating sound!"
Ava stopped. "Sorry," she chuckled.
"Do you play that for all the people who live here?" asked Donald.
"No." replied Ava. "I only did it for you guys, since the other Dandelions have all gathered together already save for you."
"Where are they?" asked Xion.
"They're all waiting by the pier." Ava explained. "We got an alert earlier that there has been a darkness sighting on an island just distant from this town.
"Darkness?" exclaimed Sora.
"As the other union members are occupied with protecting other worlds, I've entrusted my Dandelions to handle this task and you agreed to join them if you recall our meeting yesterday. Ideally, if the disturbance were just a swarm of Heartless I'd have sent them alone, but the report noted two people dressed in Black Coats similar to those of our Master and our fellow partner; Luxu, but there were huge presences of Darkness coming from them." Ava noted.
This got the strong attention of the Guardians.
"People in black coats with Dark Auras?" Riku asked.
"Organization XIII." Sora snarled.
"So this evil organization you keep talking about has shown their faces already?" Ava asked.
"It looks like it." Roxas nodded.
"We'll stop them, we promise." said Daisy.
"Good." smiled Ava. "I've told the Dandelions to wait until you arrive, but do hurry, and please be careful, all of you." she turned to Kairi and Naminé "Especially you two."
The two girls nodded at this.
"We won't let you down, Master Ava." Max smiled.
"Thank you Max," she smiled back, "I know that by working together, you can accomplish almost anything."
The Guardians nodded at her, then they looked at each other and nodded. Then they sprinted off to the pier as Ava watched them with a tender smile.
"May the wind carry you far, far away...my Dandelions." she smiled. "And may the light connect you too, dear Guardians."
The Guardians walked and walked until they made their way to the Lighthouse District they visited with Ephemer yesterday.
By the Star-mosaic bedazzled on the ground, several people were gathered, Ephemer and Skuld being two of them.
Ephemer was busy talking to Skuld until both of them noticed the Guardians approach them.
"Sora!" Ephemer raced to them. "You guys made it!"
"Of course." Sora smiled, "We aren't going to have you guys face off against our Organization enemies all on your own."
"Especially when you don't know the first thing about them." Riku added.
"And with us working together with your Dandelions, we'll win for sure." Kairi smiled.
"Yeah. It's nice to join us for this mission." Skuld smiled. "Ava told us to meet here bright and early...well it's hard to tell with this sky always being in Sunrise mode.
"Most of our members have shown up, while there are some who haven't made it yet, we'll have to make do without them." another Dandelion member walked forward.
He had gray eyes and black spiky hair, which drooped down over his eye. He wore a black coat with rolled-up sleeves, gold buttons, and a large collar. He also wore grey pants, black cowboy boots, and silver cross-shaped earrings. On his head was a black fedora that sports a black feather with a tan streak down the middle.
"Who are you?" Roxas asked.
"My name's Brain." the man introduced himself. "I'm one of the newest members Master Ava recruited to the Dandelions."
"Nice to meet you." Roxas smiled. "I'm Roxas."
"Cool name," Brain smirked. "Did Ava recently recruit you lot to our cause?"
"No," Xion replied. "We're actually visitors from another world. We came to investigate the disturbances your world has recently been facing and Master Ava suggested we join you for the mission."
"And it's a good thing she did." said Goofy "It seems like we're just in time for the Organization to make their move against us and this world."
"The...Organization?" Brain asked.
"The enemies from their World." Ephemer explained. He turned to the Guardians. "We still have to make preparations with the Ferry. While we're doing that, feel free to get to know the other Dandelions."
And with that he turned to discuss preparations with Brain as Skuld turned to Xion.
"How was it last night?" She asked her hair-color twin.
Xion shrugged. "Comfortable."
Skuld smiled. "So, if you want to continue our conversation about why we have similar hair colors..."
"Actually, I don't know if this will get us anywhere." Xion interrupted. "I mean I'm from the future at least 100 years from now and you're from the past. There's no way we'd be able to figure this out because you're not from my time. I guess I was so caught up with people mistaking me for you that I assumed you indirectly had a hand in it...I'm sorry, Skuld."
"I see." Skuld looked down. "That's a shame, but I'm happy we were able to meet nonetheless."
She took Xion's hands.
"And whatever happens next, whatever new things you manage to find out about yourself, I know you can handle it no problem." She smiled.
These words touched Xion, someone she just met a day ago, who thought she might've had a connection to was giving her encouragement despite the logical conclusion that they reached a dead end in this theory.
She pulled Skuld into a hug.
"Thank you." she smiled. "You know, I have a friend named Lea who might be able to help with that. When my work here is done, I can mention him to you, maybe he has an idea on why I have a similar hair color."
"That sounds like a great Idea." Skuld smiled as they pulled back. "I hope you can find out the mystery about yourself."
"Technically I already know much about myself and my appearance." Xion looked over to Sora and Kairi. "It's just my hair color that confuses me."
"I understand." said Skuld. "And it's nice that the mystery of it brought you to me, but it's logical to assume that the answers you seek lie in your own time."
"Ok." said Xion. "Though since you know I'm from a different time, I think it's only fair that I share more about myself with you."
"That'd be nice, but it'll have to wait." said Skuld. "We have our mission to worry about."
"Right." Xion nodded.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy made their way over to two boys around the age of 14.
One of them had fair skin, white-blonde hair, chipped teeth and was dressed in an orange vest, a white shirt, blue pants, and white and red combat boots.
The other had dark skin, a black afro, black glasses with silver lenses, and wore a yellow and blue striped shirt. Black pants and matching combat boots.
"Heya." Sora waved out to them.
The boys turned to him.
"Hi, are you the new members Master Ava told us about?" asked the orange boy.
"Yep." smirked Goofy. "I'm Goofy."
"I'm Donald." said Donald.
"And I'm Sora." said Sora.
"My name's Landon." the orange boy introduced himself.
"And I'm Clive." said the other boy. "We're some of the earlier members of the Dandelions."
"And which Unions did you two belong to?" Asked Donald.
"We still are members of Unions." Clive explained. "The Dandelions is just extra work for us. Master Ava has us meet up everyone once in a while after our Union work."
"Interesting." Said Sora. "So this really is like a second Union."
"Kinda." Replied Landon. "We're instructed not to take part in the upcoming Keyblade War so instead of fighting Heartless from other worlds, we fight the ones who come here to this world."
"Well technically this Lame-O does most of the work." A third voice rang out.
They turned to see two other girls around 13 or 14 race up to join the boys.
One of them was a Hispanic Girl with black hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a magenta hoodie with matching fingerless gloves and an orange butterfly pendant around her neck. A Purple skirt and magenta thigh high boots.
The other one was an Asian girl with brown hair, a pink headband. She wore a sky blue jacket over a black romper, white tights and black combat boots.
"Oh, hey Rosanna and Sky." Landon waved.
"Hi, Lands." Smirked the Hispanic Girl who was addressed as Rosanna. "Saying hi to the new recruits Master Ava mentioned? Name's Rosanna, nice to meet you."
"And I'm Skylar, 'Sky' for short." Said the Asian girl gesturing to her friend and herself respectively. "We were recruited into the Dandelions sometime after these two got in." She then noticed Donald and Goofy. "Oh, what interesting Dream Eaters! Nothing like what we have in Daybreak Town. You guys really do come from a different world than what we're familiar with as Master Ava told us."
"We're not Dream Eaters." Goofy explained. "We're actually a type of race called Toons."
"To put it simply." Said Donald. "We're walking talking animals from another world."
"Oh." Said Sky. "Well that explains a lot. But if you guys stick around I can introduce you to my little sister, Addison. She'd love to see talking animals."
"And are toons Keyblade Wielders too?" Rosanna asked.
Donald and Goofy summoned their Divewing and Unbound Keyblades respectively to answer her question.
"I guess they can." Replied Clive in awe.
"Well technically we weren't born with them." Goofy explained. "We were bequeathed with them from other Keyblade Wielders."
"Interesting." Said Landon. "Do tell us all about it when we're finished with our mission."
Riku and the others were walking about the district to try and speak with some of the other members.
They eventually came across Four Wielders who were talking with each other about what one could assume was the mission.
"Um, excuse me?" Roxas called out.
The first boy turned to them.
He had blue eyes and brown hair, and he wore a Moogle costume complete with the large red pom-pom and purple bat-like wings. He also wore a pair of blue goggles with fin-like arms, a black sleeveless shirt with pale blue detailing, a yellow belt across his chest, a bright blue belt to hold up a black bag on his waist and his blue pants, which changes to a gray pattern at the knees, and a pair of black and gray boots.
"Hello there." The boy smiled. "Are you new recruits, kupo?"
"You could say that." Said Roxas. "I'm Roxas, and these are Kairi, Naminé, Riku, Daisy and Max."
"I'm Mog." Said the Moogle Boy. "And these are my friends, kupo." He gestured to the others "Gabby (2)." The girl in the Pink Ninja uniform over a black fishnet T-shirt, black boots with red laces and magenta flowers, red scarf, purple jet wings and light pink frog hat.
"Allura (3)." The tan girl in the white lace romper, sandal-boots. A silver star necklace held on by a black string. Purplish gray hair with a red bandana with a horned heart crossed by twin swords.
"And DJ Rock (4)." The dark skinned boy with a white blonde afro decorated with multicolored stars. Comedy glasses with a swirl in the right lens and a red eye in the left and a yellow rat-shaped clown nose. He wore a pink tuxedo and, a teal bow tie. Both over a white pinstripe shirt and black waistcoat. Pink socks and black shoes and White wide brimmed gloves similar to Ansem and Xehanort's.
"Hi." The trio waved out.
"Hi." The guardians waved back.
"The four of have been friends since forever." Said DJ Rock as. "We've actually been able to get a lot of things done together."
"We've been able to pulverize loads and Loads of heartless." Allura smirked. "So the enemies we're facing today better watch out!"
"That's right." Smiled Gabby. "I honestly can't imaging what would happen if we lost...but that never happens."
"That's because we work together, Kupo." Mog told Gabby before turning back to the Guardians. "And I bet with you working with us we'll be unstoppable, kupo."
"That's right." Kairi smiled at the Moogle boy. "With our hearts as one, there's no force that can defeat us..."
"Not the light...not the dark." Naminé added.
"So you can count on us to win!" Max cheered.
Riku smiled at the passion these Wielders were showing with one another. They really did work together well like he and his friends did in their era.
"Hey! Riku!" A familiar voice called out.
[Music: Silver White Heart from Fire Emblem Engage]
Riku turned and saw Strelitzia waving to him.
He bolted over to her in a flash.
"Hey, you're that girl I saved yesterday." He exclaimed. "Strelitzia, was it?"
Said girl smiled shyly and nodded.
"Were you able to defeat those Heartless with Lizard and Lillian?" He asked.
"Yes." She replied "Despite the face that those two are still beginner fighters and I was a little winded from my encounter with those Invisables, we managed to put up a decent fight and drive them back."
"Amazing." Riku smiled. "I'm sure your brother was pleased to hear you put up such a good battle."
At the mention of her brother, Streltizia's face fell.
"What is it?" Riku asked. "Did something happen to him?"
"N-no it's not that." The Strawberry Blonde girl quickly spoke up. "I tried to look for him yesterday but he was...gone...almost like he...disappeared."
"Disappeared?" Riku asked. "Do you think he was kidnapped or got hurt somewhere?"
"I'm not sure." She replied. "He's one of the best Wielders there is, so him getting kidnapped or hurt is unlikely. But I haven't seen him since that Earthquake two night ago."
"Earthquake?" Riku wondered to himself. "That's strange. Was it just him?"
"No." she replied. "When I woke up yesterday to talk to him he was up and gone. I then went to go talk to his friend but she was gone too. I tried to search for them in the field but nothing, and that's where the Heartless attacked me and...well you know the rest."
"I do." Riku nodded. "But I'm sure we'll find him. Can you tell me his name and what he looked like."
"His name's Lauriam. And he's tall, has blue eyes and long pink hair." Strelitzia explained.
This caused gears to turn in Riku's head. A tall man with long Pink Hair and blue eyes.
"And you said his friend was missing too?" He asked "What was her name and what does she look like."
"Her name is Elrena, and she has blonde hair and Green eyes." Was the reply.
("So the only two people missing from this period of time are A man with pink hair and a girl with blonde hair...") Riku thought to himself. ("Wait a minute...could it be...does that mean-")
Before Riku could come to a realization, he was cut off by Brain calling out to them.
"Alright kids, listen up." He waved his hands to get their attention. "The ferry is all prepped up and ready to go."
The Guardians and the Dandelions cheered and/or spoke in approval.
Brain rose his hand to silence them.
"However," he interjected. "We only have enough room on it for Twenty people. As such only twenty of us will go while the others stay and patrol the town in case heartless attack."
"Obviously, the Guardians are going on this mission." Ephemer gestured to Sora and friends. "That brings the count up to Ten."
"Twelve if you count the two of us as well, Ephemer." Skuld smiled to which the Silver boy smiled back."
Brain smirked. "Well someone's to have to keep you kids out of trouble to make that thirteen."
"Fourteen." Strelitzia corrected. "I'd like to come too."
"Make that Fifteen, kupo." Mog stepped up. "I'm going with you."
"It's going to be Eighteen, actually." Gabby spoke up. "The rest of us are going too."
"So that leaves us with one more spot to fill." Said Daisy. She looked over the remaining dandelions. "So who would like to volunteer?"
The remaining ones looked at each other unsure of who should go.
"Normally I think the friend I mentioned would volunteer," Ephemer piped up "But ever since that Earthquake a few nights ago, we haven't seen him."
This got Riku thinking again.
(So there are a few people who haven't appeared when this era of the past merged with one from the present...I wonder why that could be...)
He was brought back to reality by Sora snapping his fingers.
"Hey! Riku! You with us?"
Riku turned to Sora. "Oh! Y-yeah. I am."
"I repeat myself." Brain called out. "We have enough room on our ferry for one more person. Whoever wants to join us. Speak the words."
Two other members stepped forward. "We'll join."
One of them was a Hispanic young man with black hair and stubble on his chin. He wore a green jacket with dark gray pants and black boots.
The other was a young woman with blonde hair. A purple jacket, brown skirt and lavender stiletto boots.
"Bobo? Kendall?" Ephemer asked. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah." The girl: Kendall replied. "Missions like these are what us Dandelions do remember? Besides, I have a little brother and sister to protect."
Bobo spoke up too. "Anything to protect our town, and the dandelions, and my babe-I mean Lorelei."
A few members of the Dandelions snickered or smirked knowingly.
Bobo, and Kendall walked up and joined the Guardians and other Dandelions who volunteered to join did so as well.
Brain then gestured the Guardians to the Ferry behind them and they all boarded. He then readied the motor and the boat departed off to the distant islands off the coast.
As the remaining Dandelions waved goodbye and wished good luck to their fellow Guardians, none of them noticed Xigbar standing on top of the light house sarcastically doing the same.
"Toodle-pip. Buh-bye." He called out with false emotion before dropping the act (5). "There they go. And here I go."
He snapped his fingers and summoned a squad of Neoshadows behind the remaining members much to their shock.
Despite them not doing anything and remaining stationary. The Wielders nevertheless summoned their Keyblades to try and fight them. With a smirk, The nobody of Bragi disappeared into a dark corridor.
The Freeshooter then teleported to the other corner of the town and summoned immobile Defenders before warping away once more.
He then arrived at the Bridge where the Guardians first fought the Darklings, summoned Wizards to stand guard and took his leave.
After reappearing in the Flower Field where Riku met Strelitzia Xigbar snapped his fingers to bring forth Invisibles to await further orders before leaving again.
Xigbar reappeared one last time in Fountain Square where he summoned several Darkball Heartless to remain still until further notice and then turned his attention to the Clock Tower.
"Now that the pieces are all in place. It's time to bring out the big players. After I assume the form of mine to get them on board of course."
He then pulled his hood over his head so that it covered his face before making his way over to where the Foretellers likely were.
The ferry slowly ripped across the water as it made its way to the distant islands.
Sora and his friends staring out into the ocean feelings the warm sunlight on their faces with the cool rippling of the waters beneath them.
To Sora, Riku and Kairi, this experience was just like being in Destiny Islands, whenever they would take boats from the mainland village to their home island.
Roxas, Xion and Naminé, had experienced a little bit of this from inside Sora for the former two and Kairi for the latter before they were given their own physical forms. But now they could feel it themselves, the rocking of the boat beneath them giving off a soothing feeling, and the sunlight on their faces felt like a massage. The three of them were laid back, eyes closed and nearly at the point of drifting off into naps.
Donald had his arm around Daisy as they stared off into the sea, taking in the lovely view.
"This place is so beautiful." Daisy smiled. "I know we've had our fair share of lovely ocean views but seeing it over a sunrise sky makes it feel so lovely."
"Yeah." Donald replied. "Though it still makes me feel sleepy."
Daisy just rolled her eyes before they both noticed something they were passing by.
"Woah, what is THAT hot mess?" Donald asked.
They were looking at a wreckage of stone debris floating in the middle of the ocean. In the middle of it all were lopsided and wrecked ships.
"Oh that's known as a Shipwreck Shore." Mog answered. "They saw before this town was made, some travelers got caught up in some debris and their ships were destroyed, kupo. But my personal theory is that it used to be an island before it was destroyed."
"By what?" Daisy asked.
"I'm not sure." Mog shrugged. "Most people say that when the first settlers of this town were building it, they crashed into these debris and their ships sank. But my theory is that these were originally islands before they were destroyed."
"By what?" Donald asked.
"Probably other-worldly forces." Mog replied. "It must have been quite the fight in my opinion. But that's just me, kupo. Anyways. Enjoy the view."
And with that he went onto rejoin his friends. The Duck couple brushed off the shipwrecked site as it passed them by and refocused on
"Hey Donald?" Daisy asked.
"Yeah, toots?" The male duck asked his fiancée.
"When we get married, we should take a little trip around the ocean. Just the two of us. We could have our own little fun adventures."
"I like that idea, Daisy." Donald smiled. "A lot. It would be amazing for us to get some down time with that after we deal with this Organization problem."
"Totally." Daisy smiled back at him.
Neither of them noticed Strelitzia watching them from the distance.
She then turned to Ephemer and Skuld who were discussing battle strategy a few feet away from her. And Mog talking to Gabby further down on the boat and her giggling to it.
Sora had his arm around Kairi as they stared out into the distance while Roxas and Naminé was leaning close to each other. Xion was looking at a strange device with the image of a boy with the appearance of Roxas.
They appeared to be talking to each other even though Roxas was physically present on the boat with them.
Her thoughts flashed back to a certain individual. Someone who she had seen a few times around Daybreak Town. Moments before the merge occurred, she had seen them waiting by the fountain for someone. They were waiting all day and even after her mission in another world, they were still waiting there. She wanted to say 'hi' and talk to them, but could never muster up the courage to do so.
She then turned to Riku who was standing beside Sora and Kairi. For a brief moment she could see that person standing in the place of him causing her cheeks to briefly gain a rosy tint.
She took a deep breath and then exhaled. She made her way over to Riku who was focused on the island.
"Pretty isn't it." She murmured, half-hoping Riku wouldn't hear her.
Riku turned to her. "Hm?"
"I said it's a pretty view." She smiled at him nervously. "I bet you don't see a lot of things like this where you come from."
"Actually, I do." Riku replied. "My home world is called Destiny Islands so I see stuff like this more often than not."
Strelitzia blusher madly and internally panicked. "Oh god. S-sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive."
"You weren't." Riku assured her. "You just didn't know. And that's totally natural. We are from different worlds after all."
Strelitzia smiled. "Yes...we are indeed. These Destiny Islands...what are they like?"
"They're very beautiful." The silver haired boy replied. "While Sora, Kairi and I usually reside in the mainland, we always take our boats and go over to the smallest island in the distance."
"Is it dangerous?" She asked.
"It's not." Riku shook his head. "It's just a small paddle out. But the three of us always play together on that island. In fact, Sora and I always had friendly competitions with each other. Usually over Kairi's affection. She both caught our eye when she first arrived in our world and we both wanted her to love us."
"I see." Strelitzia replied. "And...do you love her? Kairi, I mean."
Riku looked over to said girl who was still standing close to Sora. His face fell.
"I...did." He replied. "But...It's clear she prefers Sora instead of me. Besides, after everything I did, I feel like I don't deserve to love her anymore."
"What do you mean?" Strelitzia asked.
"It happened at least a year ago." Riku replied. "Before our adventures with Keyblades started. The three of us wanted to see the world beyond our island, so we crafted a raft to sail to distant lands. But around that time our world fell to darkness and I used that as an opportunity to escape my world. Because of that I was roped up in a scheme by an evil fairy named Maleficent to steal the hearts of the Seven Princesses of Light. I let my ambitions cloud my heart and I opposed Sora, especially after finding out he was given the Keyblade to save all worlds instead of me."
"What do you mean by 'instead of'?" the Strawberry haired girl asked.
"I was supposed to be the original master of the Kingdom Key due to a bequeathing ceremony from a man from another world, but since I had chosen the darkness which weakened my heart, it selected Sora instead. I allowed the Darkness to cloud my will for so long and a sentient Heartless named Ansem took advantage of that and...took over my body."
Strelitzia gasped. "No."
Riku nodded. "Yes. And after he was defeated, I spent all that time trying to resist the hold he had on the Darkness in my heart. It was a difficult struggle but thanks to my friends, I learned not to push away the darkness in my heart as using both it and light together made me stronger."
Strelitzia stared in awe. "So you use Darkness in the name of Light?"
"Yeah." Said Riku. Rather than walking a path of Light or Darkness alone, I instead was a path of using both elements to protect the light: A path I call: The Road to Dawn."
Strelitzia was blushing. "Wow, you're really ambitious, and you have such a protecting heart. You want to protect those important to you...you're just like Lauriam...and I'm sure the two of you would be close friends if you met."
"Once this crisis is over, I'll help you find him. I promise." Riku assured her. "But for now, we have a job to do. We're about to reach the island. Let's go get ready."
With that he walked off.
"Okay." Strelitzia called after him. "Uh… s-see you ar...around…Whoa, why am I stammering?"
With a POOF her Dream Eater: The Chirithy appeared.
It had a large spherical head with small ears, narrow blue eyes, and a white snout. Its limbs were quite stubby, lacking distinct digits, as was its tail. It dressed in a gold and blue cape that concealed the Spirit sigil on its back, while also bearing a small pink purse around its necks that bore the Lux emblem
"I think I might have an idea." It giggled. (6)
As Riku walked to the front of the boat, he saw Sora and Kairi standing before him with sly smirks on their faces.
"What is it?" Riku asked.
"So, who was she?" Asked Kairi.
"Who?" Riku asked.
"That girl you were speaking with." Sora clarified.
"She's Strelitzia." Replied Riku. "She's a Dandelion here and a Wielder I saved yesterday from the Heartless."
"You saved her from Heartless?" Sora exclaimed. "No wonder you two are so close."
He and Kairi squealed in delight.
"Calm down, you two." Riku hissed. "We literally just met yesterday we're not an item!"
"Not yet anyway." Kairi muttered.
"Look. She only likes me because I remind her of her big brother." Riku retorted. "It's not like she instantly developed feelings for me the moment we met. Right?"
He looked over to Strelitzia who was conversing with her Chirithy. He noticed her looking his way, and then quickly whipping her head back to the Chirithy.
His blood began to heat as his face turned red.
"Besides, we're from different eras." He spoke as he turned back to face his friends. "She's probably Xehanort's age back in the present or even older than him, or even-"
"Ok. We get it." Sora cut him off before he could say anything else.
"We were just happy for you. That's all." Kairi assured him. "We thought you found someone to love, just as I have Sora to love me and Roxas for Naminé."
"I know." Riku replied. "It's just...I'm not sure how to feel about her...yet."
Behind them Goofy was looking out to the distant island.
"A hyuk! This is quite the sight, ain't it, Maxie." Goofy grinned. He then turned to his son to see him on his Gummiphone taking a picture and then texting someone.
Looking over Max's shoulder he saw that the person who was being messaged was Roxanne.
"Oh, you're texting with Roxy?" He asked.
Max realized what was going on and turned to his father.
"Oh. Y-yeah." He replied. "I haven't really been in touch with her since I joined you guys. So I want to make up for it by sending her pics of my adventures. So she can at least see what I'm up to."
"I like that." Goofy smiled. "Remind me to connect with Clarabelle after this mission.
"I will," Max replied before he stopped and turned to Goofy. "Hey, Dad?"
Goody turned to his son. "Yeah?"
"What do think Mom would think of us?" He asked. "Being Keyblade Wielders and going to different worlds to battle strange creatures?"
"Well gwarsh, I dunno." Goofy replied. "I mean she may have thought it to be dangerous. I mean you saw how Minnie and Daisy were before they started joining us, But by now, I'm sure she'd see that we can handle ourselves and would believe in us every step of the way. Heck, I bet she's looking down on us with pride right now."
Max smiled warmly at this. "I miss her dad. More than anything."
"So do I." Goofy began to tear up. "But we know she's in a better place."
Max threw himself into his father's chest as they both silently shed tears.
Behind them they heard soft crying.
They turned and saw Bobo tearing up behind them.
"Th-that is so sweet." He stammered before breaking down .
Brian approached them. "It's ok. He always gets emotional upon hearing touchy stuff."
Bobo broke down into a full out bawl as waterfalls of tears shot from his eyes.
"Usually it's not until the moment ends." He muttered to himself (7)
"Um the moment did end." Max pointed out.
"Well it looked like you two were going to saw a few things after that hug which would signify the end of said moment he would break down over. But that's just me. Anyways we've reached the island, get prepped with the others as I deal with Mr. crybaby here."
He lead the blubbering Bobo away as Goofy and Max laughed a little at this.
"C'mon, son." Goofy smiled at Max. "Let's go and make your mother proud."
"Right back at you." Max smiled as they walked to join the gathering Dandelions.
As they approached the island. They were unaware that Marluxia and Larxene were standing on top of the Lighthouse.
"Well here they, come." Larxene scoffed. "And they've brought quite the party."
"Indeed." Marluxia smirked. "Though their extra lights won't matter. Xigbar told us to buy him some time while he carries out his secret plan. Let us keep them occupied." His smile faltered. "I just hope that she hasn't come with them. I need her alive."
"Your mystery person?" Larxene asked. "Relax. Before we kill anyone we'll round up all the villagers for you to pick out of a crowd. Besides, if she is here, we'll just beat her within an inch of her life."
"Larxene this is serious." Marluxia ordered. "I don't know why she's so important to me, but ever since arriving in this world of the past, I keep recalling this unknown girl's face that I feel like I should know about. I need to see her again. No matter the cost."
Larxene nodded. "Ok. We'll leave her alone. But if she's here and tries anything funny. We fight back, got it?"
"Yes." Marluxia replied as he turned back to the Guardians. "However, As Xigbar implied, we used to hail from this era so chances are some of the people here might recognize us." He pulled his hood up to cover his face. "We hide our faces from them to avoid being recognized."
"Okay. If you say so." Larxene groaned in a sing-song tone as she pulled her hold up. She turned to the ferry that was now mere yards from reaching the shore. "All these new Wielders coming to face us, I just hope they make it fun."
"It matters not how many of you stand before us." Marluxia replied under his shaded hood. "You will all taste the Darkness' power and fall...but not you, my mystery girl. You will soon be our prisoner...and you will be safe with me."
The boat pulled to the shore as the Twenty of them dismounted.
"This place is so lovely." Kairi beamed. "Though it doesn't have that much lush vegetation as Destiny Islands."
"Yeah." Sora agreed. "Our primary island at least, not our mainland island."
"It's weird though." Ephemer piped up. "Master Ava reported that there were signals of Darkness coming from this distant island, yet I don't see anything right now."
"They're probably hiding in wait for us." Riku theorized. "Be on alert."
"Sorry silver-heart, but as the oldest person here, it's safe to say I'M in charge." Brain told the Silver Haired master. Be on the lookout for any Heartless that might appear." He spoke to the other Dandelions.
Suddenly on cue, enemies appeared. However they weren't heartless as they expected.
Reaper, Ninja, Samurai, and Creeper nobodies spawned all around the 20 Wielders.
"What are those things!?" Cried Skuld.
"Nobodies." The Guardians gasped in unison.
"They certainly look like somebodies to me, with all the intricate designs and junk!" DJ Rock pointed out.
"No that's their name of their species, clown-boy." Roxas replied. "When a person falls to darkness their heart becomes a heartless, you all know that."
"But the body that remains behind becomes a separate monster called a nobody!" Naminé explained.
"So these are basically another monster that is trying to plunge the worldd into darkness, kupo?" Mog asked. "How come we don't see these on our adventures?"
"Because they come from one of the new worlds that opened up from the rift." Kairi tried to come up with a believable explanation. "And since we Guardians are from the worlds they come from, we know a lot about them."
"That's so clever of you to say, Princess." Marluxia taunted as he appeared through a dark corridor. His hood still up.
"Marluxia," Sora sneered.
"And don't forget about your electric gal, Larxene." Larxene smirked as she appeared with her hood up too.
Naminé narrowed her eyes at the Savange Nymph who emotionally abused her during her imprisonment in Castle Oblivion.
"The hell are you two doing here?" Roxas demanded.
"What we always do best: plunge worlds into Darkness." Larxene grinned. "Though doing away with this world'll make our job with the others much easier."
Ephemer walked up
"Marluxia and Larxene were they? You need to leave immediately." He firmly ordered.
"Yeah, step off!" Skuld stood next to him.
"This is not a world for you to plunge into Darkness!" Strelitzia added. (8)
Marluxia smirked "Such courageous worlds from the Wielders of the past. But let's see if your bite is as strong as your bark."
"Let's see you losers have what it takes against our little minions." Cackled Larxene as she and Marluxia retreated to give the guardians more space against the nobodies.
Sora looked at the Guardians and Dandelions and spoke in a firm voice. "Let's go, guys!"
Sora summoned Light Seeker, Riku summoned Divine Rose, Kairi, Bobo and Gabby both summoned Lady Luck Keyblades, Roxas summoned Oathkeeper & Oblivion, Xion summoned Three Wishes, Naminé summoned Wayfinder, and Ephemer, Skuld, Strelitzia, Kendall, Allura & DJ Rock summoned Starlight Keyblades.
Donald summoned Dream Staff, Goofy summoned Dream Shield, Daisy summoned Zero/One and Max summoned All for One.
Mog summoned a Keyblade called Moogle O'Glory: It had a simple, metal handle with no visible pommel. The guard was formed from two open tomes, one on each side, with their loose pages flowing from each of them and meeting at the pommel. The base of the blade was a small, opened treasure chest, and the shaft was formed from a jet of air propelling a pair of Lux from the chest. The teeth were formed from Daybreak Town's Moogle shopkeeper, who was holding onto the Lux. The Keychain was made of small, green leaves, and the token was a Ripe Kupo Nut.
But to The Guardians' shock. The Keyblade Brain summoned was none other than the one wielded by Master Eraqus: The Master's Defender.
"That Keyblade..." Sora whispered.
"Isn't that Aqua's..." Riku asked. "But then how..."
He was snapped back to reality. By Ephemer
"Guys! Focus!" He demanded.
They nodded
"We can worry about that later," Sora told Riku. "Right now, let's take these guys down!"
(Battle Music: The 13th Struggle-Data Larxene Version)
Party Members
Sora
Riku
Kairi
Roxas
Xion
Naminé
Donald Duck
Goofy Goof
Daisy Duck
Max Goof
Ephemer
Skuld
Brain
Strelitzia
Mog
Assistants
Gabby
Allura
DJ Rock
Bobo
Kendall
Information: Defeat the Heartless
Sora and Ephemer charged forward and locked Keyblades with the nearest Samurai Nobody. Though the creature tried to push back, the two boys strength prevailed and they pushed it back allowing Bobo to lunge towards it in rage and off it with an Ars Solum technique. Roxas slashed left and right at the Nobodies he used to command with his dual Keyblades, as Mog followed up with an Aerora spell to blast the remaining enemies into the water. A Reaper swung its scythe at Strelitzia, but she parried and retaliated with a Flower Shoot spell. A second one appeared behind her but Riku intercepted and slashed it down the middle. The two turned to each other and nodded before leaping diagonally at opposite targets to take them down. Three more Reapers appeared before them. As the two braced for impact, Gabby, Allura and DJ Rock sprang up and attacked. Allura forced a Reaper back with a Spiral Bloom, DJ Rock attacked using a Blizzara Edge technique Gabby used a Firaga spell to strike one of the Reapers. All three of them looked at each other and nodded before thrusting out with their Keyblades and finishing off the three Nobodies. A Ninja tossed its Kunai at Naminé but she slashed it away with Wayfinder before firing three rapid flower shoots in succession, obliterating the creature that was commanded by the wench who emotionally abused her. One leapt behind her and knocked her off her feet with a swipe before Kairi came to her rescue, repelling it with a spiral bloom. Both girls stood up and dashed towards the nobody horde with their Keyblades at the ready and performing upward slashes. Daisy, surrounded by several Ninjas was gripping her Keyblade, prepared for anything they might throw...which they did all at once. One threw a kunai that she dodged, a second threw its own that she swatted back at it, but that left her open to a third that tossed its weapon into her heel causing her to fall backwards. The female Duck looked around at the remaining Ninja who were raring to attack her only for a meteor spell to rain down on them. She turned to see Max charging forward and slicing a ninja Nobody down as Kendall helped Daisy up. They both turned their attention to the Husks before charging into separate directions. Xion dodged the swing of one Creeper before locking blades with another that shifted into a sword. A second shifted into a spear and proceeded to drop itself on her, but then tackled the former replica out of the way before its point hit the ground. The two black-haired girls exchanged smiles before standing two on two with the creepers. Both creatures turned into swords and charged forward only to be blocked by Goofy using his shield. Donald lunged forward and tackled a creeper, bashing it down with his staff and using Thundaga to obliterate the second. However, the remaining creepers proceeded to dogpile him. The court mage struggled for a bit before knocking them all off by channeling his rage. He thrust his staff upward and used a transcendence spell to send them all flying. Brain approached whatever Heartless that had scattered and drew them all in with a magnet spell before following with a Raging Storm spell to obliterate them all.
The Dandelions stood before the remaining Nobodies which consisted of Two Reapers, Three Ninjas and a Samurai. Sora turned to Riku and Kairi.
"Ready?" He asked.
"Yeah. Yes." They nodded.
The Destiny trio charged forward before leaping up and triggering their respective Ragnarok, Dark Divider and Heart of Princesses shot locks, firing it with bullets of light, disks of darkness and meteors of light from above before descending and plunging their Keyblades into the ground, all forming a large seal of light surrounded by multicolored crystals.
"LIGHT!" They all shouted.
The seal and the crystals all exploded into a pillar of light that vaporized the remaining enemies.
(13th Struggle Music Ends)
With the nobodies out of the way. The allies looked at each other.
"W-we did it!" Strelitzia breathed.
"That we did." Brain replied. "Though I don't really know the deal with those hooded rapscallions."
"I still sense them." Riku told him. "They're near."
"Can you show us where they are?" Brain asked. "I'm asking as the oldest leader of the Dandelions."
"I feel the scent of their darknesses. This way." Riku pointed towards a farther area of the island. "Follow me."
The other members followed him, unaware of what lay in wait for them.
Xigbar walked along the waterways of the Clock Tower. A smirk on his face concealed under the hood as he made his way into the Foreteller's hall.
He could already hear them talking as they were seated at their table. As he listened in, they were discussing the Guardians.
"We can't trust them." Aced retorted in a harsh tone.
Xigbar hid behind the corner and observed as his targets continued to discuss the newcomers.
"They've already earned the trust of the town." Ira replied. "It's hard to discredit them after they've helped some of our union members defeat the Heartless."
"That is true," Invi replied. "If they were on the side of Darkness they would have likely attacked this town the moment they arrived, not unlike the Heartless and Darklings that come here every so often."
"And one of them is a Princess of Heart." Gula replied.
"See?" Ava eagerly replied. "We should trust them if they say they fight for the light. Especially the Princess!"
"But how do we know they're not using the light to attract more Darkness?" Aced asked. "Yes the Red-haired girl is a Princess of Heart but Heartless are always attracted to the light. Even she could be a part of their mission to corrupt our world. By Using light to bring forth Darkness."
"That's worth considering." Gula replied. "I mean they do look friendly and trusting, and it's true that someone else from their time was at play for the rifts between eras...but we should also prepare for the worst as well, while this may not be intentional on their part, they could be attracting even more darkness here, not just from this time, but theirs as well. In trying to save this world, they might end up dooming it."
Ava was appalled at what her boyfriend said about the Guardians. "Now you're taking HIS side!?" She exclaimed. "You just agreed with them being on the side of light a second ago!"
"I merely said that one of their members was a Princess of Light. While that is a heroic title to be sure, how do we know she'll use this light for good and not abuse it?"
"I-" Ava tried to defend her statement, but she couldn't do that without mentioning The Nobodies and her resemblance to Naminé.
That is a good point." Invi agreed. "Besides we still haven't forgotten that they're not from any of the worlds we know of. It's unlikely they're on the same side of whoever caused this merging of eras but we shouldn't rule out that they may have an ulterior motive to coming here."
Xigbar seized his chance.
"That's because they are." He spoke in a soft and timid voice as he entered the scene. His hood still up.
All eyes turned to him.
"Luxu?" Ira turned to him. "Is that you?"
"Yes. It's me: Luxu, your fellow apprentice." Xigbar smirked, Amused at how easily these guys were able to buy this charade. "I've come with a message from the Master of Masters...A warning if you may."
"A warning?" Ava asked. "What is it?"
"It is about those strange people who arrived from that rift in time." Xigbar replied. "And I am sad to say, Aced is right, they spell bad news for Daybreak Town."
"I knew it!" Aced furiously banged his fist on the table. "They can't be trusted. They are going to plunge this world into Darkness!"
"Not darkness." Xigbar replied. "But with light."
This threw the Foretellers for a loop.
"With 'light'?" Invi asked, not wanting to believe any of this one bit.
"Not directly." Xigbar explained. "But their light shines too brightly, it attracts the darkest of shadows as a result. They claim they want to protect all worlds but in the process they only endanger it.
He motioned them to look outside. The five followed him to the window and gasped when they saw all the Heartless standing across the many regions of Daybreak Town.
"Don't you see? They fight for the side of light, but they are foolish enough to attract more Darkness. How? By preying on those who wish for the light's salvation, and they're using one of the Seven Princesses of Heart to further their agenda. These corrupt hypocrites can't lead the worlds to true peace (9)!"
This seemed to convince the Foretellers, as they had not seen this much Heartless in town at once.
"How do we stop them?" Ira asked.
"Oh-ho. That's where I come in." Xigbar snapped his fingers and several Sorcerer, Sniper and Dragoon Nobodies appeared behind him.
"What are those things!?" Aced demanded.
"These things are our friends." Xigbar lied. "They're going to help us defeat those fake light-bearers."
"Will they help us defeat those heartless terrorizing the town?" Gula asked.
Xigbar hesitated. "All in due time." He smiled. As he was intending to use the heartless to crush the Guardians. "But first, we must prepare to face these liars, we will show them how light truly shines."
"Yes." Ira replied. "We must protect this town from anything that threatens it. Even those who misuse the light."
"Count me in." Aced glared. "They will PAY for deceiving us."
"We won't let them draw any more darkness to this world or any other." Invi agreed.
"They're nothing more than fools who can't use light correctly." Gula nodded. "As Foretellers, we must set them straight."
All eyes turned to Ava.
"And you Ava?" Ira asked.
Ava seemed hesitant to respond.
"Ava, we all have to be in this together." Gula pleaded.
"Don't tell me you wish to side with those traitors." Aced accused.
Ava raised her hands defensively. "No. No! You know I would never fight for the side of an enemy...but-"
"But what?" Invi asked.
Ava wanted then and there to reveal her connection between Kairi and Naminé, but couldn't...she was being forced to see them as her enemies. The way she saw things, she could either oppose them with her allies and risk losing the trust of those two, or she could side with the newcomers and betray the four people she grew up with. She was in between a rock and a hard place.
"Come on." Xigbar tried to coax her. "Just say 'yes'." (10)
Ava looked down to ponder, then she reluctantly looked up and offered her hand to Xigbar who took it with a wicked grin which nobody could see due to his hood still being over his head.
"What now Luxu?" She spoke in a dull voice.
The nobody of Braig began to vocalize his plan.
"Well, when those Guardians return from their mission with the Dandelions, you five will go confront them and-"
While the other Foretellers listened deeply to what Xigbar was saying. Ava turned her head outside the window in concern, not to the heartless but to the Guardians. And what was coming for them.
The Guardians and the Dandelions made their way towards the center of the Beach Island, near a small grove of Palm Trees.
"Are you sure they're here?" Brain asked Riku. "Because right now, I don't see anyone."
"They're close by." Riku turned to the fedrora clad man. "I think they're lying in wait for us."
"Yeah. I bet they're probably planning to ambush us." Naminé suggested.
An annoying groan rang out from all around them.
"Oh, come on! Way to ruin the fun, witch!" They heard Larxene's voice.
Two dark corridors were conjured as The Savage Nymph herself and the Graceful Assasain appeared. Their hoods still covering their faces.
"Yes. We were lying in wait to ambush you," Marluxia spoke with mild distaste. "But as you guessed, Naminé uncovered that little plan."
"And I was SO looking forward to putting some of these newcomers into the ground!" Larxene complained. "So Thanks a lot, Nami-nerd!"
"You're welcome." Naminé smirked. "All the more reason to get back at you two for mistreating me and using me to hurt Sora."
"Surrender, both of you." Brain held his keyblade. "We have defeated your strange troops and it's twenty against two. Unless you want to be defeated, you better leave this world."
"Leave?" Larxene complained. "But we still have work to do here. Plunging this world into darkness and taking the people here prisoners."
This threw everyone for a loop. Why would they try to imprison the people of this world rather than plunge them into darkness.
"What was that last part?" Skuld asked.
"That is none of your concern." Marluxia replied. "Attacking you was merely part of Xigbar's big plan with those masked masters."
This horrified the Guardians.
"Xigbar's here too?!" Roxas gasped.
"And he's doing something bad to the Foretellers!?" Xion cried.
"No..." Ephemer whispered. He turned to the others. "We have to hurry back and stop this 'Xigbar' guy before he does something terrible!"
"Right." They nodded.
They turned to retreat to the ferry only to be stopped by several Darklings.
"Not so fast!" Larxene barked. "We still have to have our fun with you!"
"What's the fun of coming here, if we're not going to get to fight together?" Marluxia teased.
"Fine!" Sora grumbled. "If you really want to be crushed by all twenty of us. Be our guests."
The Guardians readied their Keyblades.
Brain then turned to the Darklings behind them. "We should also deal with these things too.
"You guys can deal with the Darklings!" Sora replied. "I can take care of these guys!"
"We'll help you." Riku replied as he and Kairi stepped up.
"I feel safer around Riku." Strelitzia stepped up beside him. "If he's going to fight these two, I'll fight alongside him."
"Strelitzia..." Riku spoke silently. Touched.
"I wanna pound Larxene." Daisy growled. "I still want to make it clear to her how pissed off I am for what she made Naminé do to Donald."
"And to my Dad." Max added.
"Then we should help as well." Goofy offered putting his arm around Donald.
Max turned to Goofy.
"I appreciate that dad, but those of us fighting the Darklings may need your Magic and Defense to fight them, because you're more skilled than the two of us. Besides, this is kinda personal with what they did to you guys."
"I see, but we're Sora's buddies, so we should stick by him no matter what." Goofy tried to argue.
"Don't worry," Daisy smiled. "Max will fight in your place, and I'll fight for Donald."
"Me?" Donald asked. "B-but you-"
"You don't think I have what it takes to win?" She asked.
"Well...no but..." Donald sighed. "Just don't get killed, please."
Daisy giggled. "I won't."
"While I've clearly made my point to them back in Radiant Garden," Naminé began. "I think I could do a bit more of revenge on these shitters."
"Ok. With that settled, the rest of us should deal with those Darklings, kupo." Mog spoke up.
"Right." They all spoke.
Donald, Goofy, Roxas, Xion, Ephemer, Skuld, Brain, Mog, Allura, DJ Rock, Gabby, Bobo and Kendall dashed towards the Heartless while Sora, Riku, Kairi, Daisy, Max, Naminé and Strelitzia turned their attention to Marluxia and Larxene who both summoned their Scythe and Knives respectively.
(Battle Music: Lord of the Castle; KH 1.5)
Party Members
Sora
Riku
Kairi
Daisy Duck
Max Goof
Naminé
Strelitzia
Information
Defeat Marluxia and Larxene
Marluxia charged forward and swung his scythe towards Sora only for the spiky-haired boy to roll out of the way and slash the Graceful assassin's Arm causing him to stumble down in pain. Max charged forward with his keyblade and leaped up prepared for a downward slash but he saw this coming and warped out of the way, reappearing behind Max to kick him down into the sand. Sora retaliated with an Ars Arcanum technique to push the hooded pink haired man back before rushing forward and kicking him in the balls.
Marluxia didn't flinch at this one bit.
"Please, this isn't a bar fight. Have some class. (11)" The Graceful Assassin narrowed his eyes before grabbing Sora by the face and slamming him down.
Naminé blasted a Blizzaga spell onto Larxene who dodged it easily. She then tried to retaliate with a Knife toss only for the former Witch to dodge one, block a second, knock aside a third and use a Flower Shoot spell to shoot the fourth back at its thrower. Larxene then lunged at Naminé but Kairi leaped in the way and assaulted her with a spiral bloom technique. Naminé leaped in the air and fired a Meteor spell to rain molten rocks onto the Savage Nymph.
The two girls high-fived before Larxene let out a shrill scream of rage and send out of wave of electricity which send the two girls flying back.
Larxene smirked at this.
"Is that really the best you can do?" She taunted. "Even that angry mage bird would have put up much of a better fight than you two sissies. Well it won't matter anyway because I'll have my way with him once I've dealt with you.
Wrong choice of for her to insult Donald...
Daisy jumped behind her and let out an even louder, and angrier scream with a glare that caused the color from the Savage Nymph's face to drain.
Daisy charged at Larxene. The Antenna Hair-Styled girl threw her knives at the female duck in a pathetic attempt to defend herself. But Daisy slashed them aside with her weapon and tackled the she-devil.
Riku blasted Marluxia with Thundaza and followed with a Strike Raid technique. Marluxia then turned his attention to Strelitzia and threw his scythe at her. Initially frightened, the girl hardened her resolve and countered it with a swipe of her Keyblade before retaliating with a Crawling Fire spell to send Marluxia stumbling back to Riku who cast a Transcendence spell to send him flying.
"Strelitzia!" Riku cried as he leaped in the air after Marluxia and delivering several rapid slashes to his chest before falling to the ground.
"I'm here!" Strelitiza replied as she dashed around the Graceful Assassin surrounding him in a ring of sixteen light orbs, a few of them slamming into Marluxia one by one.
Riku slammed his keyblade into the ground sending out dark fire to snake through the ground underneath floating orbs causing them to detonate into pale lavender pillars of light to send the Graceful Assassin flying.
Riku landed on the ground before Strelitzia.
"That was amazing." She squealed with delight.
"Th-thanks." Riku replied. Not sure how to respond.
Nearby. Naminé was helping Kairi up and they turned to see Larxene who was lying on her stomach on the ground with Daisy jumping up and down on her back, stomping her down with each time she landed.
Kairi and Naminé ran to either side of Daisy and began chanting "Go! Go! Go! Go!" As she continued to jump on Larxene. (12)
Once Daisy was done, she jumped off Larxene and flung her body upward with a Gravira Spell.
Max sprang upwards and performed a twisting counter to slam her down into Marluxia's defeated form.
Sora then walked up to finish the job.
"ULTIMA!" He shot an orb of energy from his Keyblade causing the two of them to be sent flying into the palm trees where several coconuts fell from its branches and bounced off their heads.
(Battle Music Ends)
Sora turned to his friends and smiled.
"We did it."
"Heck yeah we did!" Riku agreed as he fist bumped his BFF.
"Riku you were amazing!" Strelitzia swooned. "And I love that combo we did together!
"Yeah." Riku smiled. "What should we call it?"
"Call it?" She repeated.
"That combo move we just did. Something strong like that clearly deserves a name." He told her.
Strelitzia thought for a moment before looking back at him. "Dawning Bloom." She smiled.
"That name sounds Beautiful." Riku replied. But then he averted his gaze from her eyes.
"What is it?" Strelitzia asked.
"I-it's nothing." Riku replied. "I was just thinking how impressed your brother would be if he could see you now."
"I bet he would be..." she giggled.
"Your 'brother'?" Naminé asked. She and the others having heard this conversation.
"Yeah." Strelitzia replied "My older brother; Lauriam. I haven't seen him appear since the rift merging but I know we'll find him again."
"Cool." Naminé replied. "I'm sure whoever he is, he's a very nice guy."
"Yeah, well." Strelitzia slowly spoke. "I just hope I see him again soon. But right now, if he were here, He'd be proud of me for talking down those people. Same with Elrena."
This got Riku thinking again.
(Lauriam...Elrena...Those two names sound familiar to Marluxia and Larxene. Weren't the Organization Members' names anagrams with 'X' added somewhere in them? And the way Strelitzia described them...Lauriam has pink hair and Elrena has short yellow hair...just like Marluxia and Larxene....but that could only mean...Oh no...)
Riku's eyes widened with horror upon coming to the disturbing revelation...
He turned to Strelitzia with a nervous look on his face which she turned to.
"Riku?" She asked slightly worried. "What's wrong?"
Riku tried to break it to her... "Strelitzia...Marlxua...he's...your..."
At that moment, they heard groaning behind them. Marluxia and Larxene were staring to regain consciousness.
Marluxia was the first to get to his feet, and everyone saw his hood had fallen off allowing everyone to get a good look at his face. But none of them could be more surprised than Strelitzia.
(Music Black Silver Devastation from Fire Emblem Engage: Phase 1)
"I'm impressed." Marluxia grumbled. "Even those faces of old are capable of putting up a good fight."
Riku turned to Strelitzia and could see her eyes widened, shrunken and her hands covering gaping her mouth.
"B-Brother?" She exclaimed softly. "Wh-What's going on? What are you..."
"Me?" Marluxia addressed her. "I see you haven't been fully introduced to me yet. My name is Marluxia: I am Rank VII in The Thirteen Seekers of Darkness, also known as Organization XIII."
"Organization XIII?" Strelitzia asked worriedly.
"The Bad Guys." Sora told her.
Strelitzia gasped in disbelief at what she just heard. Her older brother? With the bad guys?
"But..Lauriam..." Strelitzia nervously stuttered..."You...you're not this...You're NOT WITH THE BAD GUYS, YOU CAN'T BE!" Her voice was starting to crack. "You're my big brother! My ally? A keyblade Wielder fighting for the side of light. Don't you remember?"
"Brother?" Marluxia scoffed. "What nonsense. I am no one's brother, not that I know of. All I am here to do is plunge this miserable world of the past into darkness and take all its inhabitants here prisoner."
Larxene was next to get to her feet. Her hood was off as she stood up.
Strelitzia gasped. "Elrena?!"
Larxene narrowed her eyes at this "What did you just call me you little brat? My name is Larxene for your information. Got it?"
Strelitzia was taken aback by both Marluxia and Larxene.
"What's going on? Why are you two..." she was unable to finish her sentence.
"We're bad guys, kid." Larxene sneered. "It's what we do for a living. Speaking of that..." she turned to her partner. "Marluxia. Let's get out of here and return to Xigbar. By now he's probably done with his mission. We'll regroup and decide our next plan."
"Yes...right." Marluxia replied. He turned to the other Guardians. "Prepare yourselves Guardians. The Sun will soon set on this eternally sunrising town. And once it does, Daybreak Town will be merely a husk of shadow and ruin."
With that he and Larxene took his leave through Dark Corridors as Sora, Riku, Kairi, Max, Goofy, Naminé and Strelitzia watched on. The latter's face still in frozen disbelief.
"Brother...Elrena..." Strelitzia whispered in despair.
"Heya!" Came Goofy's voice. "We dealt with those Darklings back there!"
"There were so many, kupo." Mog added. "But by working together, we were able to win..." he saw them all with their eyes on Strelitzia..."Hey what's going on over here, kupo?"
Sora walked forward.
"Strelitzia?" He asked. "Do you know Larxene and Marluxia?"
Strelitzia turned to him. "Yes. And their names are not Larxene and Marluxia...their names are Elrena and Lauriam...and Lauriam is...he's my brother."
Everyone gasped in surprise at this (except Riku who knew after figuring it out earlier).
"Wait?" Said Skuld. "One of those hooded jerks who attacked us...he's your brother?"
"Yeah." The strawberry blonde girl nodded. "I don't know why he's working for them or why he doesn't remember me, but...how could this have happened?"
The guardians looked at each other. Knowing they had to tell her the truth.
"Strelitzia." Kairi put a hand on her shoulder and faced her with a gentle look so that the other girl would raise her eyes back at her. "That person you saw wasn't the man you know as your brother...not anymore at least."
"What do you mean by 'not anymore'?" The other girl replied.
"Do you know how nobodies are the left over bodies of those who have lost their hearts to Darkness?" Sora asked her.
"Well your brother...and Elrena have both become those." Said Riku.
This instead took her aback. "But the nobodies we faced has all gray and squiggly. My brother and Elrena looked nothing like those."
"That's because they're two of the few nobodies who were able to retain their original form." Naminé explained. "Because of their strong wills. It's also why the leader of the Organization they work for recruited them to be part of his 13 Seekers."
Strelitzia sighed. "I...see."
"Look, Strelitzia." Sora comforted her. "I know it may be hard to fight against your own brother and his friend, but if we don't something, this town will be destroyed."
"No, no. I totally get it." Strelitzia replied. "I know we have to get back to the mainland to stop them but..." she sighed. "I think I need some time alone to process all this."
And with that she walked away to the shore of the island.
"I agree with her." said Max. "After that intense beat down with the Nobodies, Darklings and Those two. I might need a moment to catch my breath."
"Same here, kupo." Mog agreed.
"Fine." Said Brain. "We'll catch our breath for...10 minutes but then we gotta head back and stop these guys' evil plan."
"Agreed." The others spoke in unison before dispersing.
Riku however turned in the direction Strelitzia went in and followed her.
Strelitzia was sitting by the edge of the lighthouse staring out at the waves crashing against the shore. Her thoughts all focused on her brother and what those people from another world said happened to him.
How? She thought to herself. How could her brother and his friend of all people fall to Darkness? Lauriam was one of the most kind hearted people she knew. He cared about her, loved her with all his heart and he was quite stronger than her. He was able to complete his Lux missions before Noon ...so then how could he have turned so easily?
Her Chirithy popped up beside her.
"Are you OK?" It asked.
"What happened to him?" She asked. "Why did he become this?"
She heard footsteps in the sand behind her, though she didn't need to turn around to see him.
"Hello Riku." She sighed.
"Hey." He softly replied. She heard him sigh. "So, I know what you saw back there was...a bit too much for you to take."
"It was." She hugged her Chirithy tighter to her chest. "Why did this happen? And to him of all people? He was so kind...and so strong? How could he have fallen into Darkness?"
(Music: Dark Gray Feelings from Fire Emblem Engage)
Riku looked unsure on how to respond. He slowly walked towards the ledge she was on and took a seat beside her.
"I don't know how." He replied. "And while battling him in the Organization, we certainly didn't know much about most of its members, or their past. So I'm not sure how to respond...and while we've only just met, I can tell that Marluxia and Larxene...I mean Lauriam and Elrena, are very special to you. So all I can say is I'm sorry."
Strelitzia sniffled. "Thanks." She turned to Riku. "So the ones we saw...they're from your time right?"
Riku nodded. "Definitely."
"Makes sense because the ones from here would never raise a weapon against me."
"Yet they didn't show up after the merge." Riku replied. "Likely because the ones from our time already exist."
"And you've battled them at least a few times?" She asked.
"Well, Sora, Donald and Goofy did during the battle at Castle Oblivion while they were in the first Organization. After its defeat and the creation of the second one, I was able to take a few hits on them."
"Were they strong?" She asked.
"Yeah, but we were stronger." He replied.
"Well they were some of the more experienced fighters here." She sighed. "I'm sure you two would be evenly matched if you spared with Lauriam, maybe Elrena too."
Riku chucked at that. "I'm sure if they used their Keyblades instead of their scythe and daggers we'd get more of a battle."
"Yet they didn't summon them." Strelitzia sighed. "It's because they don't have their hearts, it's just their empty shells."
"Yes." Riku said sadly.
"That would explain why they're so cold and harsh. I mean Elrena can be a bit snappy but she always makes room for kindness in her heart. And my brother, he has a graceful flair yet all that seems to come with it is a cruel and sadistic demeanor. Not the gentle and kind one I'm used to." She buried her face into her hands. "Why them?" She sighed.
Riku placed his arm around her so his hand was touching her right shoulder.
"Strelitzia, words cannot truly describe how sorry I feel right now, but I promise you this...no matter what happens, I...no WE will save your brother...and his friend too."
Strelitzia turned to him. Her eyes shining. "Y-you mean it?"
"I do." Riku smiled. "Before, I saw Marluxia and Larxene as enemies in the evil Organization, but now I can see them as people who are important to you, and for your sake. We will save them. Together."
Strelitzia smiled as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Riku."
And with that she threw her arms around him.
Riku stared at her, surprised and blushing. But he slowly closed his arms around her back.
Sora and Kairi were watching from afar with smiles.
"Those two are made for each other." Sora smiled (13)
At that moment they heard Brain's voice. "OK everybody, it's been 10 minutes. Let's head back and stop those guys from harming the Foretellers."
Sora and Kairi turned to each other and nodded. They turned to the boat where Brain was standing and walked on as Riku stood up, helped Strelitzia up and they walked back to the boat.
Donald was in the middle of healing Mog, Gabby, DJ Rock and Allura with Goofy helping tend to them before they all turned to the voice and walked back, helping any of the healers along the way.
Roxas, Naminé and Xion wrapped up their conversations with Bobo and Kendall and walked to the boat.
Daisy and Max finished scouting the island for any remaining enemies and they hurried back.
Finally, Ephemer and Skuld finished a practice sparring session with their Keyblades and ran back.
Once everyone was on the boat, Brain did a head count. "Eighteen, nineteen and," he pointed to himself "Twenty. That's everyone. Now let's get going."
He went to the back of the ship and readied the engine, turning the vessel around to the mainland and causing it to slowly make its way back.
"Well today certainly has been quite eventful." Ephemer sighed. "Let's just hope we can get back in time and inform the Foretellers about what's coming for them."
"I just hope we're not too late." Sora added, dreading what might lay in store for them if that were the case.
"Don't worry, Sora." Skuld assured him. "The Foretellers are strong, they can break their way out of anything dished out to them. I'm sure they could handle that 'Xigbar' dick and those other two if they ever come back."
"Well chances are he could also summon those Nobodies just as my Brother and Elrena did." Strelitzia pointed out. "I know they're strong but they might get outnumbered within minutes. We better lend them our strength."
"I'm sure we'll be back soon." Roxas assured. "Trust is, while I don't know what Xigbar is up to I know it's going to be something diabolical even if he usually masks his intentions with a kooky attitude."
"Well that one eyed fucker is going down when we see him." Xion promised.
"Yeah." Said Sora "And so are Marluxia and Larxene." He turned to Strelitzia "No offense."
"No, it's fine." Strelitzia replied. "I can see that the brother I know is gone."
However instead of crying again, she put a stern and determined look on her face.
"But I'm still going to do whatever it takes to bring him back."
A few of the passengers looked at her in awe for her resolve. But Riku was smiling as he knew it was possible.
"And we'll help you." He nodded.
Strelitzia smiled back at him.
"We ALL will." Naminé added.
Sora, Roxas and Xion turned to her in surprise.
"Don't get me wrong." Naminé continued "I still hate them for how they treated me when I was a prisoner: Emotionally abusing me, blackmailing me with the promise of freedom if I hurt Sora by using my powers to mess with his memories, and that bitch Larxene even subjecting me to physical abuse-"
"Wait Elrena HIT YOU!?" Strelitzia gasped in disbelief.
"Yes, but that's not the point." Naminé continued. "If they're really that important to you, Strelitzia, then I'm willing to put aside my disdain for them, only because I don't want to see you so sad anymore."
Strelitzia smiled at this. "Thank you, Naminé. While I don't know the fully story of what's happened, I appreciate you choosing to drop your personal experiences with them to help me. I'm sure the brother I once knew is deep inside somewhere." She turned to the horizon "I just need to bring him out."
Everyone stared at her yet didn't say a word as the boat continued back to the mainland. Unaware of what was waiting for them.
To be continued...
Up next, The Guardians and Dandelions are confronted by the Foretellers and the Final Battle for Daybreak Town begins.
Review and I'll see you soon.
(1) Ninjago-Episode 3 Snakebit-Wu Wakes the Ninja.
(2) I named her after the 'Poison' Frog from Rio 2
(3) She is named after Princess Allura from Voltron Legendary Defender
(4) He looks like DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba but to avoid copyright I call him DJ Rock.
(5) The Loud House Movie-Morag gets the Louds banished from Scotland.
(6) Miraculous Ladybug: Origins Part 2-Marinette Falls for Adrien.
(7) My little Pony Friendship is Magic: Slice of Life- Shining Armor and Princess Cadence at Wedding.
(8) Steven Universe: The Return: Jasper arrives.
(9) Fire Emblem Three Houses. Edelgard's war speech.
(10) Steven Universe Jail Break: Jasper convinces Lapis to fuse with her.
(11) Castlevania: Trevor vs Alucard.
(12) Angry Birds Cinematic Trailer.