3434 Every once in a while there is a shooting star. People say they're good luck. But even if they are there's not a star in motion that can help me now. I'm in serious trouble, and I don't know how a pack of deadly creatures followed me back here but I'm desperately hiding as they're drawing near. I wish I knew what to do, or where I lost my way, so I'm carefully thinking back to yesterday. I was just a normal chap, but I should've brought a map. I should've... I got lost and I wound up on a dirt road. I saw signs, and in retrospect they did bode bad things, but I shrugged and I still drove through to a town where my bad luck overflowed. Everybody in town was nowhere to be seen, so I parked near a house that was marked 13. I tried to knock on the door, but there was no one there, and when I turned around my car was gone, I swear! I ran to find a pay phone, but there was no tone. I had an eerie feeling in my very bones. And soon it started to rain, and there was no way out. I couldn't hold my frustration, and began to shout, "Maybe this was a Bad Idea, oh no. Maybe this was a Bad Idea, oh no." Well, I was stuck in the rain, and I was mad as hell, so I began to run but then I slipped and fell. I tumbled down a hill into a cemetery. I shouldn't have to tell you it was freaking scary. I tried to get back up, but something held me down. A dead, rotting arm was reaching from the ground and I was utterly helpless 'till I saw the sword! I quickly sliced my captor, yelling "Praise the Lord!" Then I saw the living dead. It was then I should've fled. I should've... But I stood like a pillar in a hallway. I knew I'd be slaying demons that day. I stared at the rotting heaps of pure decay, then I charged with the force of a Gamma ray. It happened in slow motion. I began the fight. Some sort of power kept me going through the night with that mysterious sword, beheading beasts and ghouls. Just me verses them without any rules! But many more kept rising out from shallow graves. I tried my best to fight them, but they came in waves. And soon it was too much, just demon after demon, so I ran as quickly as I could, screaming, "Maybe this was a Bad Idea, oh no. Maybe this was a Bad Idea, Oh-ho-ho...no-ho-ho...." So here I am, hiding from fate. I can't win. It's just too late. But something must be done. Yes indeed, this war must be won! I know this: I won't die hiding! I know this: I must keep fighting! I don't know who the winner's gonna be, but there's just one way to see! It's time to kick some Zombie a**! La la la la la la!
Xemnas thought for a second. "No, Saix," he said at leingth, "I want to know where he is, but I don't want him to think I don't trust him. I gave him my word." Xemnas thought a moment longer. "If he's not back by morning, we'll organize the whole castle in a search."
Xemnas sighed. "I suppose you're right. I'm just mad that I let Scott trick me. I mean, I should be smarter than this, right?" He slumped back in his lounge chair. "I hope Xig's okay..."
"Ho, believe me, I already did. I took my time with him. Do you remember the torture scene from 'A Clockwork Orange'? It was kind of like that. I even sang 'Singin' in the Rain.' It felt good." Xemnas sighed. "I only wish I had gotten there earlier. I didn't believe Xigbar at first. Mr. Creepy came with some story that Xig had vandalized his house or something. I'm a fool."
"Oh yes," said Xemnas, "He was a real creep too. I sliced him up like a holiday ham, but not before he had a chance to trick me into eating a rufie-laced cheesecake." Xemnas blinked. "Didn't I say this when you ran into me earlier?"
"Ahh. Well, I don't know the entire story. Apparently, what happened was that Marluxia was trying to play a trick on Vexen which backfired, resulting in Marluxia, Xigbar, and Luxord becoming children. Marluxia was cured later on, but Xigbar and Luxord remained de-aged. They got in a fight exacerbated by Axel, and Xigber left on his own where he was picked up by a pedophile. He escaped with some help from yours truly, but ever since he, well, he hasn't been himself. He felt he needed to go off on his own for a bit, and I told him to meet me here when he was ready." Xemnas smiled, "This has become sort of a usual spot for us, kind of like James Spader and William shatner at the end of each episode of the TV show 'Boston Legal.'"
"Don't get yourself down," said Xemnas. "You've just got to work on it. and try to be cheerful about it." Xemnas waved his hand and another bottle of soda appeared. He poured himself another glass and topped off Saix's. "You know, it's the little moments in life you treasure."
"Ahhh, no need for that, Saix," said Xemnas quickly. "Xigbar was just freaking out earlier. He's had kind of a stressful day. Being attacked and all that, though it's not my place to discuss." Xemnas chuckled. "And thanks for your show of protection, Saix, but I think I can take care of myself. It's me who should be protecting all of you. Being the Superior isn't all about shouting orders. Being a good leader is also about taking care of those you lead."
3392 Happy Birthday, Abie-Baby! Happy Birthdya to you!
This was only chapter one. I've got like about five or six chapters planned out. I just have to write them. Expect Chapter 2 within the next few days.
You absolutely have to continue this story! Dude! Well, Dudette, but that's semantic....anyway, seriously! I want to know what else happens!
"Ehh, suit yourself," Xemnas sighed. After a beat, Xemnas turned back to Saix. "You know, you really need to open up more, Saix. This whole castle does, I think, but you especially seem to have a perpetual insect up your rectum. If you don't lighten up, you won't last long enough to get your heart back. And to lighten up, I think, you need to open up. Vent someway constructive. I know I probably sound like some flamboyant psychotherapist spouting New Age philosophy that I have no idea of regarding the true definition. But I worry about you sometimes. I worry about all of you." Xemnas blinked. "God, how many times have I said that today?" He sighed as he continued, "I've lost count."
Xemnas looked up at the small mass. "It will be even more beautiful when it's completed. Or, at least, according to my calculations," he sighed before continuing, "So far, my calculations haven't exactly landed us anywhere good." "Tell me, Saix," he said after a breif time, "who were you really, before the Heartless? What did you do? I only ever knew your name before, which is how I renamed you. But...I'd like to know the whole person."
((Comments, good or bad, are encouraged. This will be a fairly long series, so expect semi-frequent updates. This installment is more or less of a teaser.)) Prologue When Sora, Riku, and Kairi received the King’s letter, they could never guess what events were truly unfolding. Though both the Heartless and Nobody of the scientist Xehanort had been vanquished, the creatures he helped create still ran amok, largely due to the efforts of the sorceress Maleficent. Her lust for power was too great. When the King had finally confronted her, she tried in desperation to cast a powerful yet mysterious spell from the back of an old book she had found in Hollow Bastion. Not knowing what it would do but figuring it would help her, she recited the incantation. According to the King, a great flash of light followed by pitch darkness enveloped them. When it cleared, the reconstituted Xehanort stood before them. Maleficent was destroyed and the King barely escaped. Now, Xehanort was traveling from world to world, recruiting the scum of the universe to fight for him. What was worse, he was training them all to use dark keyblades. It is well known that the keyblade is fickle in just who it chooses to allow its use. The King estimated that if Xehanort could find many dark keyblade wielders, that they would be able to find just as many light ones. And so Sora, Riku, and Kairi set off to the different worlds and collected all of their friends for battle training in Twilight Town. But even then, there was a problem. Obviously, with news of Xehanort’s return, the Princesses of Heart were kept under close supervision. However, word soon reached the King’s ear that Xehanort had discovered the existence of more Princesses, and that seven was just the number needed to unlock the true Kingdom Hearts. It was discovered that Ariel of Atlantica and Mulan of the Land of Dragons were such Princesses, but no worry was made as they were training in combat, as was Kairi and, oddly enough, Belle. However Xehanort and his agents were now searching worlds far outside the domain of both Disney Castle and Hollow Bastion for other Princesses, as well as more recruits. Once again, the King figured that two could play at this game. Enlisting the help of Cid Highwind, toymaker Gippetto, and Twilight Town’s Struggle champion and aviation expert Setzer Gabbiani, a great Gummi ship was constructed that would shuttle many passengers around. And, of course, Sora was instructed to head this mission alongside Donald and Goofy. After much preparation, Sora, Donald, and Goofy set out for innerspace. Leaving the familiar Disney galaxy behind, they began a long journey into uncharted territory. Chapter 1 – Bond of Flame The first world that they touched down on seemed mostly like grassland except for a small town in the middle of almost nowhere. All of the village’s citizens gave them really odd looks on arrival. Sora felt really uncomfortable now. Before, they were supposed to keep up the appearance that there were no other worlds and that they belonged to whatever place they were visiting. However, now that they were openly recruiting, they needn’t keep up such disguises anymore, or so Donald had said. This meant that they were more recognizably outsiders than ever before. Sora was awakened from these musings by the sound of a loud crash. Instantly, a young man with dirty-blonde hair and a long tail jumped out of the window of a nearby house, followed closely by a younger man with slightly lighter blonde hair and a woman of the same age with short, dark hair. “Tribal!†screamed the boy, “You give that back now!†Without thinking, Sora stuck his arm out and clotheslined the thief, who had been more interested by where he came from than where he was going. He picked up what the thief had dropped: an old, yet ornately designed button. The thief got up, looked from Sora to the other man, and whispered to Sora “You have no idea what you’re doing,†before running off into the distant hills. “Thanks,†said the other blonde-haired man when he reached the trio, “I thought he’d make off with it for sure.†“What is it?†asked Sora. “It’s a button. It belonged to our father.†“Adopted father,†the young woman added. “He disappeared about five years ago. He’s most likely dead. This was something he entrusted to us before he left.†“I’m sorry to hear that,†said Goofy. “Why did that other guy want it so bad?†asked Donald. “Who can tell?†replied the man. “Zidane Tribal is a menace, but he’s only ever stolen food before. Maybe some loose change. But for the past few months or so, he’s been trying to run off with things that were important to Ela.†“Ela was your foster father?†Sora asked. “Yes,†replied the young woman. “He was barely older than us, but he raised us the best he could. He was the closest this town had to a chief or an official. Five years ago, the town was attacked by these dark beings. Ela took a party to the hills to vanquish them. The creatures never appeared again, but neither did Ela.†“Some say,†said the man, “that his ghost haunts the caves. There is something menacing up there, but I don’t believe in ghosts. It’s probably a few more of those creatures that were leftover from the raid that are building numbers.†“We think somebody should go up there and exterminate whatever’s there,†said the woman, “but everyone in town is too afraid.†Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked at each other. This sounded like Heartless all right. “We’ll help you out,†said Sora, “We’re kind of traveling warriors, who have been fighting these creatures. I’m Sora, and this is Donald and Goofy.†“I’m Luke,†said the man, “and this is my sister Leia.†“I sure hope you can handle these things,†said Leia flatly. “Ela didn’t survive, and he was the consummate battle strategist. He always knew what to do and made sure everyone knew the plan, knew all the steps.†Luke chuckled, “You remember how he always used to ask if everyone had ‘got it memorized’ before anything was carried out†Sora started and looked at Donald and Goofy. “That sounds kinda like…†Goofy started. “Luke, Leia, would either of you have a picture of Ela?†Sora asked, “A painting or a statue, or some image?†“Well, sure,†said Luke, “and you guys should probably rest a bit before you trek up there. The trio was barely in the door five minutes when they saw the shrine to Ela. The hair was a bit longer and tied into a ponytail, and the marks under the eyes were a bit more elaborate, but this was definitely the same man. The same man who had acted as a double-agent of sorts against Sora’s enemies. The same man who Sora had seen dissolve into nothingness after opening a portal to the world of the Nobodies. “Axel…†Sora whispered to himself quietly. “What did you say?†asked Luke. “Nothing,†said Sora quickly, “It’s just…I knew someone who looked a lot like him once.†*** “So this ‘Ela’ person must have been Axel’s original self,†said Donald as the trio trekked up to the hills. Goofy nodded. Sora said nothing. He was staring at the miniature chakram keychain that Axel had left behind on their last meeting. Tell Kairi I’m sorry. You can tell her yourself. Think I’ll pass. My heart just wouldn’t be in it, you know? Haven’t got one. “Sora!†Sora jumped and looked at Donald, who continued “Stay with us, please?†“Yeah…sorry…†was all Sora could manage to get out. When they finally arrived at a small rocky outcropping, they noticed the gigantic mouth of a cave. Sora examined it from the outside while Donald and Goofy checked the perimeter. The cave seemed fairly shallow, though it did lead off a bit to the left. When the duck and the dog returned to Sora’s side, the three of them entered the cave. They didn’t get far before flames shot towards them at startling speed. Barely making it out of the cave in time, they looked behind them to see they were followed by a large Heartless. It was thin, pitch-black except for its glowing yellow eyes, and its head seemed to be very spiky. Its hands were two black weapons of a familiar shape. “Axel?†cried Sora. The Heartless turned its head to the boy and shot out a stream of fire from its chakram-hand. Sora rolled towards the others. “It’s a Heartless, Sora! Destroy it!†screamed Donald. “I can’t! He helped us!†“Axel helped us!†shouted Donald as they dodged another pillar of flame, “This is a Heartless!†“Look out!†called Goofy as he shielded them from a large burst of flame. The force knocked them back, and the keychain that Sora was looking at flew out of his hand and straight into the creature’s eye. The Heartless howled in pain as little strands of thorny white energy slithered down from the object in its eye and wrapped around the beast, creating an odd-looking zebra pattern. The white energy collected around the chest area and Sora’s keyblade activated itself, shining a beam of light into the keyhole that white energy had created. There was a great flash of light, and the creature’s howls became the screaming of a familiar voice. When the light cleared, there was a man on the ground where the Heartless once stood. He was wearing a sleeveless cloak of pastel red, and his taped-up hands were holding two small chakrams. His hair was long and red, and tied into a small tail in the back, and when he looked up at the trio it was with green eyes with long blue darts underneath. He flashed the trio a trademark smirk. “I guess they were wrong when they said there’s no going home again,†he quipped. “Axel?†cried Sora in surprise, “or is it ‘Ela’?†“Apparently so,†said Ela, “though how I got here is a mystery.†“When you…when your nobody dissolved, a keychain was left behind, and we threw the keychain at your heartless.†“Ahh yes, the keychain,†smiled Ela, “Who knew? I left what remained of my nobody’s power in that thing for you to help you defeat Xemnas. Since you’re all here, I guess it worked. But what are you doing here? So far from the realm of Disney Castle?†“You’re not the only one who reconstituted,†explained Donald. “Maleficent inadvertently brought Xehanort back, and now he’s building up an army. We’re trying to do the same for our side.†“Hmm…the ultimate showdown of good verses evil?†Ela smirked, “Count me in! The twins should be old enough to take care of themselves by now. Over 20 years old, if my math is correct. Oh, sorry, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about.†“Sure we do,†said Goofy, “We met Luke and Leia. How did you come to adopt them in the first place?†Ela’s face dropped. “It’s a long and complicated story,†he said guardedly, “let’s just say I hope we don’t run into their birth father.†They were about to turn and leave when they heard a faint voice chanting something. They went a little farther into the woods beyond the hill cave and came across a small pyre with a large figure in front of it reading an incantation from a book. “Pete!†shouted Donald and Goofy. Pete, formally Maleficent’s right-hand cat, turned around. “Aww crud,†he moaned, “Not you punks again!†“What are you up to, Pete?†growled Sora. “Not that its any of your business, but I like hearing the sound of my own voice so I’ll tell you anyway,†chuckled Pete. “I’m in the employ of Xehanort now, and I was just about to summon an evil spirit to search this world for persons who might be useful to us. Word is there’s a princess of heart around here.†Ela stepped forward quickly and said “You’d better leave now if you know what’s good for you!†“Oh, I will,†said Pete, “Just as soon as my friend arrives. He’ll get the added bonus of cutting you down!†Sora and Ela rushed forward, and Pete summoned a force-field to keep them at bay. As they hacked away at the magic barrier, Pete picked up the old book and started to chant again. “Estuans interious ira vehementi, sors immanis et inanis, veni veni venias, ne me mori facias, gloriosa, generosa, SEPHIROTH!†“Did he just…†started Sora before a beam of light bore into the spot where the pyre was. When it dispersed, a man was seen kneeling on the spot. He slowly stood up and stretched his long, black wing and then turned to Pete. “What do you want?†Sephiroth snarled. “Xehanort’s orders. Search the world for a Princess of Heart and/or anyone who might be sympathetic to our cause. But first, eliminate these goons!†Sephiroth turned to face the heroes and he smiled. “I’ve dealt with them before. They’re weak. This should be no problem.†Pete smiled. “I didn’t think it would be for the great Sephiroth,†he said before blowing a raspberry at the heroes and sprinting away. Sephiroth unsheathed his massive sword, smiled at the heroes, and rushed towards them. The battle was fierce. Sephiroth kept slashing with his sword at lightning speeds. Sora, Goofy, and Ela worked feverishly to block all the strikes while Donald kept firing magic blasts at him. They battled their way into a clearing, the heroes very tired but Sephiroth barely winded. “Now, you die,†said Sephiroth softly. “Not if I have anything to do with it!†came a voice from the trees and a small dagger flew out of nowhere and hit Sephiroth square in the back. “Who dares?†cried Sephiroth in anger and pain. “I do, you big turkey!†replied the voice and another dagger hit Sephiroth square in the chest. “Fool…you can’t destroy me…†said Sephiroth weakly but triumphantly. “Wanna bet?†replied the voice. As quick as a flash, the thief Zidane Tribal leapt from behind a tree and slashed with a short sword, decapitating Sephiroth. Sephiroth’s body spasmed for a few moments before exploding in a great flash of light. “So,†said Zidane, “I see your finally back to normal.†Ela smiled, “Where have you been all this time?†“I’ve been trying to resurrect you, but the twins saw me taking your things and kept beating me. I would’ve gotten away the last time if it weren’t for these idiots!†aid Sora, “How were we supposed to know.†“You could’ve asked!†Ela chuckled. “Everything will be fine now, I’m sure. Hey, do you want to come with us to fight our little war? You’re certainly the type we need.†“Nah,†said Zidane. “Someone still needs to keep an eye on Skywalker’s spawn while you’re away.†“I agree,†said Ela, “First I thought they were old enough, but if Xehanort keeps sending agents like that creep…†“Also,†said Zidane, “Do you think they can stand up to their father?†“If he’s even still alive,†said Ela. “I hate it when people are cryptic around us,†said Donald. So, as Zidane headed back to the town, Sora, Donald, and Goofy took Ela to the Gummi ship. After a more detailed briefing, they were off to the next world.
"Gahh!" Xemnas jumped. "Oh, it's you," he said when he saw Saix there. He quickly stuffed the drawing back into his inner cloak pocket. Sitting back down, Xemnas continued "Hey, I'm sorry about earlier. I was unnecessarily rude to you. You must admit you have a bit of a reputation, but I was venting my own frustrations on you. I have to stop doing that to people." Xemnas motioned to an empty beach chair next to him. "If your being here does not relate to some catastrophie I must at once attend to, would you like to join me in a drink? It's just Orange Soda, but I'd welcome the company."
As Xemnas sat bathing in the light of the moon-like collection of hearts, he reached inside his cloak pocket and pulled out the sketch that Naminé girl had made of him. It really is an extraordinary likeness, Xemnas thought. Xemnas was so lost in the picture and thoughts of the girl who drew it that he didn't notice the footsteps behind him. ((OOC: And just who is behind Xemnas? That's up to you to decide! Somebody come find me? Please? Anybody will do, I just want to interact with someone.))
Hayner, Roxas, and Axel on Speed! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wc_-VXLQlY The video description says it all. This is to tide you all over until this weekend, where I have something special planned.
Who's "Everyhere"? And it is all Latin.
Xemnas was trying desperately to ignore the sounds of battle from the lower floors. Nope, not going to do anything unless they come for me, he thought, They can handle it. He closed his eyes and relaxed.
Xemnas sighed, and looked up to see Vexen. She looked terrified. He smiled sadly at her. "Hello there. A little late, aren't we?" Xemnas chuckled depressingly. "Ahh...no matter. I think they can stand another day as children. I'm sorry about earlier. You know how I get a temper when things don't go my way." Xemnas went over to Vexen and hugged her tightly for a moment, before letting her go and saying "Sometimes I think I treat you all too harshly. You have no idea how much you all mean to me, and that's anohter reason why I get so upset when...ahh, you don't care." He smiled sadly at Vexen, then went over to pick up his Hot Topic bag. "I should probably warn you that Marluxia is being possessed by some evil force, most likely a shadow of his Hearltess, and the both of you should be on your guard. Xigbar's been acting strangely and I wouldn't be surpised to find the two of you at each other's throats later. Nevertheless, I must ask you both to be cautious. I'm done for today." Xemnas looked at them both sadly. "If you need anything," he said, "Just whistle." Xemnas focused all his power to track the dark portal Xigbar used and ended up right in front of the bench Xigbar was sitting at. Well, that's certainly convenient, thought Xemnas. "Before you say anything, here." Xemnas tossed Xigbar the bag with the Invader Zim shirt he had purchised earlier. "Happy Birthday, Xigbar. And sorry again for not believing you about Scott. When you're ready to talk, I'll be in the usual spot. Take your time until then, and be careful." Without waiting for a reply, Xemnas portaled to a small patio on top of Castle Oblivion which overlooked Kingdom Hearts. He poured himself a glass of orange soda from the bottle he kept up there, sat back in the lawn chair, and admired the growing collection of hearts. He thought of all that had happened today, of Xigbar, and Scott, and Marluxia, and Naminé. Then his thoughts turned to the heart that was at the center of the growing masterpiece he was staring at.
