Kingdom Hearts: KHXIII (Roleplay)

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Xoncron

 

I felt hurt, betrayed, and most of all angry. So far my so called friends had given me a chance to explain, not even Rixec. How could someone I'd known for so long believe   I would actually do something so horrible. It was everything I could do to resist the urge to rip every bone out of his body, but now I had Xero's voice indirectly telling me to do that very thing. Eventually I couldn't take it anymore.

 

"Shut up Xero!" I yelled launching bursts of dark light everywhere trying in vain to hit Xero.

 

"It seems you're already on your way," Xero said with a laugh as her voice faded from my head.

 

I had to find Replicron and fast. Then I noticed a world we had never seen before. It appeared to be a small village of some sort. I landed on the outskirts and proceeded to the village only to find it on fire and all the villagers dead. Then I saw Rixec with an evil grin on his face.

 

"Hello Xon, what do you think of my handy-work?" he said then turned around and disappeared into the flames.

 

Replicron

 

One of the great features that my master had included in me was the ability to look like anyone I wished. However since I was a replica of Xoncron I could only look like someone else for an hour. It was thirty minutes more then I needed to slaughter the village and make sure Xoncron saw me all in the guise of Rixec.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

 

I watched Riku pace in front of Yen Sid's Tower. I knew it be suicidal to try anything here, but perhaps I could find out where Sora had gone off to. I saw the door to the tower open and I slid further into the shadows of the bush. 

 

Kairi walked out. "Hey, Riku." She said and smiled. "Where did Sora go?"

 

"He went out. He really didn't say where he was going, just said he needed to make sure the worlds were okay." Riku said.

 

 

Damn you, Sora. This makes my life so much harder.

 

 

"Oh, okay." Kairi said. 

 

I watched closely as the two continued to talk. "Well, I'm going back in. Coming?" Riku asked her. "No, I think I'll stay out for a little while." Kairi said. "Okay." Riku went inside.

 

 

I put a hand on my forehead. I knew exactly what would bring Sora back running. There was my golden opportunity: Sora's girlfriend, out alone. Why wasn't I taking the chance?! Vanitas, it's now or never!

 

 

 I felt my heart pound. This was wrong. This would me be going back to my old ways. I remembered Lexa and my resolve hardened. I rushed for Kairi before she could react. I quickly grabbed around her torso and bound her arms to her sides by my left arm. With my right, I quickly opened a dark corridor. 

 

"Riku!" Kairi yelled. Riku rushed out. "You tell Sora if he wants his girlfriend back, he better meet me in the Keyblade Graveyard. As long as he comes alone, I promise nothing will happen to the Princess." I said.

 

Riku started to summon his Keyblade, but I was faster. I pulled Void Gear out and put the blade by Kairi's neck. "I don't think so, Master Riku. I think you'll find I'm so much more desperate than you think." I said and glared. "I thought you were on our side." Riku challenged. "I still am, but there's a certain crisis I need to fix and Sora's the only one that can fix it." I said. "Then why not ask instead of this?!" Riku said.

 

"I don't think he's going to willingly give the kind of help I need. Remember: Keyblade Graveyard. I don't care when, it doesn't matter to me. The longer he takes, the longer I keep his girlfriend." I said.

 

 

I started to pull Kairi to the darkness. Think, where, where?! I started to think of places to go. Then, it hit me. I knew exactly the place. A place only I and Lexa knew. I desummoned Void Gear, but kept a firm grip on Kairi. I pulled her along until we reached my chosen destination. 

 

I closed the corridor and let go of Kairi. She moved away from me and summoned her Keyblade. She swung it at me. I caught it in my hand easily. "Easy there, Kairi. I'm not going to hurt you." I said. "Like I'd believe you!" She said and tried to pull it away. "What are you going to do to Sora?!" 

 

I looked down. "That's going to take a long explanation. Do you mind putting that away and letting me explain?" I asked. Kairi must have noticed something about the way I looked and desummoned her Keyblade. "Explain?" She asked, curious.

 

I looked around the meadow, remembering my time with Lexa here. "Let's just get business out of the way first." I said. "Don't think you can get out, because you can't. We're not in the Realm of Light anymore. This is one of the rare safe havens in the Realm of Darkness. I swear, I meant it when I said I wasn't going to hurt you. I might be a bit of an asshole at this particular point in time, but I'm a bit under pressure, so I apologize in advance. Want to sit down?" I asked as I sat down, looking up at the canopy of trees. 

 

Kairi sat down. "So, why did you..." Kairi asked. "....Kairi, you remember when the Heartless came to your island? How you were afterwards?" Kairi nodded. "I have a friend, Lexa. She's like that now." Kairi gasped softly. "Just to save the same asshole who had kidnapped her and manipulated her to think that she hated me. She transferred her energy to him, hell knows how she managed to do it, but-" I put my head in my hands. "Jesus, do I feel like a hypocrite. Kairi, I am really, really, really sorry for all of this, but...I can't live in a world with out Lexa." 

 

We sat in silence, watching the wind go by. "Hey, Kairi." I said and looked over. "What?" She asked. "Tell you what: you are in real need of training, yes?" I asked and stood up."Kind of, why?" She said. "Well, I can tell you that you can't find much better than me out there when it comes to fighting." I bragged. "Let's make this slightly better for you." I summoned Void Gear. "Ready to learn?"

Edited April 23, 2013 by Keyblade Master LexaIIIV

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

 

“We gotta stop Vanitas,” I said when we all came together.

 

I, Sephirix, Avon, Nita, and Anders sat around a table in a small room with a single, dimmed, lightbulb. I don’t know what SOLDIER”S thing with lights is, but I had to admit it created a mood.

 

“No duh Captain Obvious,” Sephirix said, “but we still have to help Lexa. And you’re gonna help!”

 

“I don’t even know what the hell is happening with her,” I countered. “How can I do anything that can help her?”

 

“Because you’re the Binger of Light,” Avon said. “And one of the most powerful warriors in the universe, I might add.”

 

“Have you met me?” I scoffed.

 

“Give it time,” Avon smiled.

 

“You should hurry and get to the point Avon,” Anders said, agitated. “I don’t like how we’re deviating from our mission.”

 

“What does that mean?” Sephirix asked.

 

“Don’t mind him for now,” Nita said. “Saving M – uh Lexa, is what’s most important.”

 

“Of course it is,” Sephirix gritted.

 

“Then what am I suppose to do?” I asked, exhausted.

 

“You have to go to Agrabah,” Avon explained. “There is a special chamber, a hidden chamber that contains a substance known as heart essence.”

 

“Heart essence?” I said, an eyebrow cocked.

 

“The source that gives a heart life, gives it emotion, gives it power,” Avon explained to me. “The amount we have naturally is decided at birth; usually it the reason those with Keyblades are chosen. Usually.”

 

“Then what’s it doing in Agrabah?” I asked.

 

“This is pure, unadulterated heart essence,” Avon went on. “Born not of people but of the very universe itself. So that makes it very powerful. So it was sealed away to protect it, with many dangers along the way to protect it.”

 

“So how does being the Bringer of Light help?” I asked.

 

“Only the one who is the Bringer may safely enter the Chamber directly. “Otherwise, terrible fates await those who do. They tend to vary, but none of them are ever seen again,” Avon said gravely. “But just because you can enter doesn’t mean you are exempt from the dangers within.”

 

“OK, I got all that down,” I said. “But one more thing: how do you know all this?”

 

Avon bit her lip and – even though I couldn’t see her eyes through her mask – I could tell she was shifting them from Nita to Anders, who nodded at her. She stood up and walked across the room and pressed her hand on the wall. Light appeared in the shape of a square and I watched as a hidden compartment opened up. She reached in and took something out. She closed the door closed. She came back to the table and placed the object on the table. I recognized it immediately. It was the book she took from our house before Xero destroyed it.

 

“So that’s what that book was about,” I muttered.

 

“It is only one of the things this book mentions,” Nita explained. “The information in here in unbelievable; which is why we had to obtain it before someone like Xero did.”

 

“What else is in there?” Sephirix asked as he leaned closer.

 

Anders slammed his hand on top of the book and drew it closer to him. “Sorry; SOLDIER privileges only,” he said.

 

“Seriously, kid,” Sephirix said as he slowly rose to his feet. “If there’s stuff in there that can help us then by God we’ll look at it!”

 

“All right,” I sighed. “I’ll go to this chamber of yours. Where is it?”

 

“Hold on,” Avon said as she walked over to me and placed a hand on my head. “This might sting.”

 

I felt a wave of images flow into my head, maps, locations, darkness, and – wait, was that myself? And what was with that evil smile?

 

I gasped loudly as the images stopped. “I know where to go,” I muttered.

 

“Then hurry up!” Sephirix snapped.

 

“There’s still the Vanitas matter,” Nita said.

 

“I’ll deal with him,” Sephirix said.

 

“Without killing him,” Anders added.

 

“He’ll be going after Sora,” Avon said. “Sora is currently at Neverland.”

 

“Then that’s where I’ll go,” Sephirix nodded.

 

Sephirix

 

Rixec and I stood side by side as we exited SOLDIER HQ. We didn’t say a word to each other as we walked, concerned about what we were supposed to do.

 

“I think we should see Xon,” Rixec said.

 

“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, wincing at the thought of what he did to them.

 

“I know, but I feel like I owe it to him,” Rixec sighed.

 

“Yeah, well, do it after we save Lexa and Sora,” I told him. “We don’t have time to smell the roses.”

 

“You’re right,” Rixec said as he summoned his Glider. “See you later.”

 

I watched as Rixec took off, hoping he and Lexa would be OK. For now, I had to stop a very emo lover boy. “Neverland,” I repeated as I hopped on my bike.

 

I started the engine and drove as a swarm of black feathers surrounded me. Within moments, I found myself on Neverland. I looked up to see Peter Pan flying by. I waved at him to talk so we could about Sora. Hopefully, I hadn’t missed Sora.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vain

 

My master was unable to do much due to Kairi, but there was still was much I could do. He called this my "recovery project". In other words, this would be the hell I'd receive for the little incident with Xero.

 

As it was, I was grateful that he'd allowed me to keep some of the personality I'd retained from my time off. I watched Sora leave Neverland in a Gummi Ship. "Okay, how would Vanitas proceed about this?" I said. I looked back between Sephirix and Sora. "Okay, which is more of the problem: me losing Sora, or letting Sephirix get to Sora?" How did Vanitas make these decision?!

 

"Okay, Sora it is." I sighed. I pulled my Glider toward Sora's ship. I caught up him and warped inside.

 

"Hey."  I said. Sora turned around in his seat. "Who're you?" He said, surprised. "How about you put this into park and we'll talk?" I said. The ship came to stop and Sora stood up. "I'm Vanitas's Remnant, also known as Vain." I introduced myself. "I have a message for you." "Shoot." Sora said.

 

I braced myself for Sora's reaction as I began to speak. "If you ever want to see your girlfriend again, you'll come to the Keyblade Graveyard to see my master." I said. "WHAT?!" Sora yelled. I flinched back a little. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO KAIRI?!" I held up my hands. "I didn't do it; if you want to have your questions answers, I suggest you-"

 

I felt a presence and I instinctively warped out of the ship. I saw Sephirix on his bike. "VAIN?!' he yelled. Oh, Jesus. I had a feeling this was going to happen. "Where's Vanitas?!" Sephirix said, summoning his Keyblade. Great, I was going to have to fight two really freaking strong people. "Look, don't kill the messenger here." I tried. "Vanitas is keeping Kairi perfectly-" "HE'S DOING WHAT?!" Sephirix yelled again. Oh, Master Vanitas was going to throttle me for that.....

 

 

"Look, if you want a fight, Sephirix, take it somewhere else. I'm out!" I quickly disappeared into the darkness.

 

 

I walked guiltily back to the Master. "Come on, Kairi! Stop acting like a little girl and hit like you mean it!' Vanitas commanded Kairi. I dare say she obeyed. Master Vanitas was knocked back on his ass. "Okay, good, good. I was asking for that."

 

He looked back at me. "Back already?" He said and walked over. "How'd it go?" He said. "Considering the fact that I nearly got into a fight with both Sora and Sephirix?" I said. "Well enough." "Damn that interfering, bastardized son of a bitch." Vanitas swore. "Keep an eye on him. That's your new assignment. Go."

Edited April 22, 2013 by Keyblade Master LexaIIIV

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Xero

 

 

I sat on my throne in Castle Oblivion, bored out of my mind. "Jesus, what now?!" My back-up plan for any boring day was to annoy the hell out of something. As it was, I couldn't find any of those idiots! 

 

I'm going to let you in on something: Bored Xero more or less equals Very Violent Xero. I tapped my fingers on the armrest in a staccato beat. "Guess I'd-" I saw the entrance door open as someone came in. "Oh?" I said, curious. It was that boy again, the weird one. To be more specific (I've met a lot of weird guys out there), the silver-haired one, Repliku. 

 

I jumped down from the stereo and walked up to him. He was starting to make a pattern. He'd come and sit at the bar, wouldn't order anything, but he'd sit there.

 

I walked in front of him, barring his way. "Hey." I said. "Want a dance?" Perhaps I could get something out of him. "No, thanks." He said. "Come on. Just one, and your drinks are free. I'll even throw a few lesser known services I have in there." I said.

 

"'Lesser known services'?" He said flatly. "Oh, just a few favors is all." I said. "Nothing really. Just one dance." I gave him wide eyes, trying to look slightly innocent. "I don't dance." He said. "You can learn." I replied and grabbed his hand. "One dance, Riku: is it really that bad?" 

 

Repliku sighed. "Forget about it, Xero." He said and walked past me. How dare he refuse a dance from me!

 

 

I needed to get out before I broke something, preferably that jerk's inflated ego. I walked outside of Castle Oblivion. "Okay, let's see: Xoncron, no, that was last time, Sephirix, I'm really in the mood to be dealing with that, Rixec...Now there was one I really haven't gotten the chance to learn about." I mused aloud.

 

I wonder...

 

I wonder what fun could be brought from the so-called Bringer of Light...

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Xoncron

 

 

I was once again looking at the crystal Yuel had told me to give to Rixec. Why did she want him to have it? Rixec had turned after all. I didn't know when or why he had turned, but I knew he had to be stopped before anymore innocent people were slaughtered.

 

"No luck I take it?" a familiar voice said from behind.

 

I quickly desummoned the crystal and turned around to face Lightning. I had asked for her help in tracking down Replicron and Rixec. Lightning had agreed to help when I informed her of what those two had done. Normally I would have turned to the group but Vanitas and Sephirix where against me and I had no idea where Lexa was.

 

"None," I said. "What about you?"

 

"I managed to overhear something about Rixec going to Agrabah, but I wasn't able to find out any details," She said.

 

"Then I must go to Agrabah," I said.

 

"Don't you me we?" Lightning asked.

 

"No offense Light, but this is something I have to do myself," I replied.

 

She clearly wasn't happy about that, but I could see in her eyes that she understood.

 

"Fine," Lightning said after a moment of silence. "But be careful, something doesn't seem right about all of this."

 

"I will," I said summoning my keyblade armor. "You be careful as well, and beware anyone who looks like me."

 

"I'll be sure to remember that," She said.

 

We proceeded to say farewell, and then I summoned my keyblade glider and took of into the lanes between. As I flew through the lanes between I knew Lightning wouldn't be fooled by Replicron. We had devised a fulproof plan for makeing sure I was the real deal.

 

It took awhile but I eventually made it to Agrabah. When I emerged from the lanes between I was flying inside a gigantic chamber with some kind of crystal container in the center. However what grabbed my attenion was that Rixec was also in the chamber, leaping into the air about to finish off someone he was fighting. I had no idea who that person was, but if he was fighting Rixec he must be on the right side. So I quickly began flying towards Rixec.

 

"RIXEC!" I cried out as slammed into him from the side before he could finish his leap.

 

My momentum carried us both over to the far wall. We hit the wall with such force that I heard the crystal container at the center of the room fall and shatter, but I could worry about that now as I held Rixec up against the wall by his shoulders.

 

"Why Rixec?! Why did you do it?!" I demanded, "Why did you kill all those people?!"

Edited April 23, 2013 by Keyblade Master Xoncron

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

 

When I had arrived in Agrabah earlier that day I wish somebody had told me the hells I’d be going through. Finding the chamber was easy enough. Within thirty minutes of landing I had managed to find the mouth of the cave buried in the sand. I peered into the darkness and licked my lips as I wondered what would be awaiting me down there. I called out Oblivion and walked into the darkness.

 

The cave was surprisingly damp for a desert cave, but it meant there was water down here. That would be a good thing to know.

 

“Turn back,” Chernabog said.

 

I looked around, trying to find the Disney devil. But there was neither hide nor hair of him. “Where are you?” I asked.

 

“Leave now before you regret it,” Chernabog told me

 

A sly smile spread across my face as realization hit me. “Not even you can enter here, can you?” I asked.

 

I was answered with silence and I knew I had just p!ssed Chernabog off badly. “I’m not going anywhere,” I told him, knowing he could hear me. “Lexa is counting on me and I’m not gonna let her down.”

 

“I may not be able to enter the chamber or stop you, but I can cause enough mayhem from a distance to make you turn back.”

 

I heard a booming crash and rocks started to fall down from the ceiling. Small ones, slowly, at first. But then larger ones started to come down at a much faster rate. I yelped as I sliced one rock with Oblivion and started running. Chernabog wasn’t kidding when he wanted to stop me, but why would he? Why did it matter to him if I got the heart essence?

 

I glanced behind me and my jaw dropped at the sight of the rocks starting to form together into one large rock dragon. Two small holes in its head started to glow yellow and the mouth started to slowly breathe in and out, the traces of boiling mud dripping onto the floor. I sprinted down the tunnel as the dragon reared its head back and sent out a wave of the boiling mud, which was flowing down the tunnel quite easily due to the downward slant. I could hear the sizzle of melting rock as the whooshing sound drew closer to me.

 

“Blizzaga!” I yelled as I pointed Oblivion behind me as I ran. A blast of ice shot out at the mud but it was disintegrated by the mud within seconds. It was too hot to put out and I couldn’t let it catch me!

 

I felt a drop of water hit me on the head as I ran and I looked up to the ceiling. I summoned ball of light and saw trickles of water on the ceiling. There must have been an excessive amount of water up above! I bit my lip as I considered a new idea. If I miscalculated by the smallest margin I would end up dead anyway. Oh well; at least that would be less painful than boiling mud. I called out Lost Memory and pointed my two weapons up at the ceiling and yelled, “Thundaga!”

 

I heard a boom of thunder and I saw large cracks appear above me, water starting to shoot out. Within seconds, the ceiling collapsed and it seemed as if an entire river had just been dropped on me. For all I knew, that was the case. I swallowed a lot of water from the sudden impact, the speed sending me down the tunnel. I glanced back to see the mud slowing down, the boiling bubbles dying away.

 

Thirty seconds passed and I was having trouble breathing. I wasn’t that good at holding my breath and it was starting to get to me. At a sudden turn in the tunnel I was thrown against a wall before being sent in a new direction. At the one minute mark I was frantically trying to find a way out. I was gonna drown at this rate!

 

You should have listened, “Chernabog said. “The moment you entered that tunnel your healing power became null and void. When your lungs burst your body shall be left down there, never to rise again. I had such high hopes for you. I’ll have to find someone else to do my dirty work. Perhaps Vanitas or Sephirix if I awaken their dear Lexa…”

 

I felt my anger boil as Chernabog dared to suggest messing with my friends. I was not going to let that happen. Gripping my Keyblades I struck the ground and felt the metal tearing through the earth as the water pushed me along. I focused all of my concentration into my light and into the magic of fire. I had no idea how many minutes had passed now, but I was in danger of blacking out, I could tell that much. I opened my eyes, my determination flowing faster than the water. I yelled out, bubbles escaping my mouth. Fire and light erupted from the ends of my Keyblades and the combined heat and light blinded me as the water around me started to grow hot.

 

I cried out as the explosion went off and I suddenly found myself crashing onto the floor, soaking wet. I coughed loudly as a large amount of mud fell on top of me. At least the water had managed to cool it off. I groggily stood up as I wiped the mud off the top of my head. I looked out to see three new tunnels before me, and I found myself in one of the chamber’s trials. There was only suppose to be one way, but it was forcing me to find the way in one go. I could sense death coming from two of those two tunnels, but I had no idea which two.

 

I placed my Keyblades down and sat down myself, crossing my legs. I had to think this over if I was to save Lexa. I closed my eyes and tried to figure out which way I had to go. I couldn’t simply turn back if I went down the wrong one. This was do or die.

 

“Poor little boy,” a familiar voice laughed.

 

“Xero,” I muttered. It was okay though; she couldn’t possibly enter the caves.

 

“Listen little Bringer of Light,” she said, her voice harsher now, “I know what you’re up to. Chernabog was kind enough to inform me.”

 

“And what did you give him?” I asked.

 

“Nothing; see Rixec, when you’re on the right side things are so much easier. If you leave now that little deal of yours can be gone in an instant. I promise you that,” Xero explained giddily.

 

I opened my eyes at the thought of breaking out of my deal with Chernabog. It was a moment of weakness, yes, I admit it. But a few moments later when I had calmed myself I knew I had to keep going. “I’m still going you stupid child,” I said casually.

 

The silence around me was louder than when Xero spoke up a few seconds later.

 

“CHILD?! You insolent boy! The darkness that empowers me is far older than one such as you! Not even Xehanort can call himself an adult when compared with me! You want to play hero? Fine; it’ll pleasure me to take you and Lexa out in one go. I have no need of you in the future anyway. Xoncron or Vanitas though…”

 

I stood up as I looked down the tunnels, trying to decide where to go. That was when I heard the rumble. I looked down at the ground to see darkness seething out and crawling toward my feet. I watched as it started to form into hands, arms appearing moments later. When the darkness emerged it was in the shapes of Lexa, Sephirix, and Riku. Why him though, I wondered.

 

All three Shadow figures summoned dark Keyblades and pointed them at me. I summoned my Keyblades to my hands and charged at the three of them I clashed with Riku and Sephirix, but Lexa was leaping over me and thrusting her Keyblade at me. I shot my head back, the tip f her weapon grazing my nose. “Light!” I yelled as two bullets of light shot out of my Keyblades and hit Riku and Sephirix in the head.

 

I watched as the two stumbled back as I turned to face Lexa. Black fire erupted from her Keyblade and the flames were coming right at me. I cast a spell of my own and a fountain of water appeared around me, the fire dying out on impact. But then I felt a blast of electricity flow through the water and shock me. As I fell to one knee as the water fell I saw Riku and Sephirix, the bullet wounds to their heads being healed by shadows.

 

This wasn’t good. I wasn’t in any shape to take on the three of them. I glanced at the tunnels behind Riku and Sephirix and knew I was going to have to make a choice now. I struck the ground with my Keybaldes and light erupted, the three shadow warriors screeching as the light made them explode. But I saw that they were already starting to reform themselves. With no hesitation I jumped into the middle tunnel.

 

I heard a large slam and when I looked behind me I saw a stone door was covering the exit. That was never a good thing. A light appeared above me and I found myself in a smoothed out section, a pillar of light standing before me.

 

A voice spoke out, “Bringer of Light, you have chosen the path that brings death.”

 

“Tch!” I muttered as I looked ahead. That light pillar did not bring friendly feelings. “Then why am I still alive?”

 

“Because there is still a choice to be made,” the voice said. “Turn back now, never to return, and you can live. Choose otherwise, and the light shall test you. If there had ever been any wavering in your light, then you shall die.”

 

I froze as those words echo across my heart. I couldn’t deny it; there had been several times my heart wavered. The time I asked Sephiroth to attack Lexa, the time I could summon heartless, Sephirix, my deal with Chernabog, and so many others. To enter that light would be a death sentence. If I turned back now, then maybe we could still find a way to save Lexa. I didn’t have to die meaninglessly.

 

Before I could speak I found myself choking. No, my heart said. That wasn’t the way. Running from myself was never the way. I was the Bringer of Light and must continue to be until I no longer was. Even if I had to die. I looked at the pillar of light and calmed myself. I called out, “If I die, what becomes of the light within me?”

 

The voice seemed startled, as if it hadn’t expected this. After a few moments, it said, “A new Bringer of Light shall be born. One you can fulfill his duty and bear the light.”

 

I looked over at the pillar of light one last time and breathed in and out. I had to face my light. I knew I would die upon entering; there was no avoiding death. But at least somebody else could continue my duty. Maybe they could still save Lexa. If I poured my wish into my light as I died, he or she might know what to do. “I’m ready,” I said as I took a step forward, followed by another. The pillar seemed to echo death across the room as I drew closer but I was no longer afraid. This is what I was meant to do. I would fulfill my duty as the Bringer of Light.

 

I stepped into the light and I gasped out as I felt my light ripped out of my body, being sucked up by the pillar. But even as I felt darkness flow over me, as my heart started to slow down, I laughed. I could feel that the Bringer of Light would be far more powerful and with that, I could live with it. I closed my eyes as I died.

 

Sephirix

 

Sora and I were having a chat about Vanitas in a cave somewhere in Neverland. “I have to go rescue Kairi,” Sora insisted.

 

“Do that and you’ll be walking into Vanitas’s trap,” I said as I tried to convince him not to go. “Just tell me where you’re supposed to go and I’ll do it.”

 

“If I don’t go who knows what he’ll do to her,” Sora muttered.

 

It was true; none of us knew what Vanitas was capable of now. We didn’t know what he would do for Lexa. He could have very well killed her already. I doubted it, but he was possibly capable of it. “This is my fault Sora,” I said as I placed a hand on his shoulder. “So let me fix it.”

 

Sora smiled at me and placed his hand on mine. “Thanks. All right, he’s at Twilight Town.”

 

“I’ll be back with your girl in a flash,” I said as I ran out of the cave and hopped on my bike. I drove off as black feathers started to swarm around me. But they didn’t teleport me as they usually do. I skidded to a stop quite a distance from the cave. I watched as Sora flew off in the Gummi Ship. Figures he wouldn’t want to rick me or put ma and Vanitas in a fight given our connections. But I had to protect him.

 

Based on his direction, I could narrow down where Vanitas was now and hopefully catch up with Sora and save Kairi. I started up my bike again and drove off as I teleported off Neverland.

 

Rixec

 

I opened my eyes as I woke up in the same room, feeling better than ever. “What?” I said as I stood up.

 

“You have done what no other Bringer of Light who has come here has done before,” the voice said. “You faced your light despite the times you’ve fallen. Those who fled only continued to fall into darkness until there was nothing left. But you who chose to embrace the light died and thus reborn in the light. The darkness of your past has been erased, making you a new Bringer of Light.”

 

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but it was true. I was about as pure of darkness since I came to this universe. But there was one problem still.

 

“The deal made with Chernabog could not be erased so easily,” the voice said. “He won’t be able to force you to commit terrible acts but others can still be done. You must find a way to break his hold.”

 

“I will,” I promised as the door opened up in front of me.

 

I looked down to see the true chamber that held the heart essence. The chamber was a light blue; crystals decorated the walls, giving off a tranquil light. In the center was a vial filled with a pink light. That was it. That was the heart essence. We could save Lexa.

 

I slowly walked down the stairs as I started to tear up. Chernabog, Xero, and the trials were unable to stop me. I had done it.

 

But then I watched as a figure appeared out of thin air and stood between me and the vial. He was eight feet tall with long, black hair and red eyes. He was bulging with muscles and he wore a sleeveless, tight born shirt and tight white pants. He held a large sword between his hands, pointing at the ground. It was all silver and twice as long as any Keyblade and twice as wide.

 

“I am Umbra,” the man said.

 

“Do we have to fight?” I asked.

 

“Even for the Bringer of Light the heart essence is very powerful and cannot risk falling into the wrong hands. That is what I am here for,” Umbra said as he raised his sword up. “I am your shadow, the shadow casted by your light. If you can best me than you have earned the heart essence.”

 

“I’d rather avoid a fight,” I said as I called out my Keyblades, “but it appears we have to do this.”

 

The two of us stood there a few moments as the mood settled. A water drop fell from above and hit the ground. Umbra leapt forward but I summoned the power of the wind to create a barrier between us. Umbra was pushed back by the wind but he flipped himself through the air and landed on his feet. “Impressive,” he said. “But you’ll have to be better.”

 

I shivered as a blizzard appeared and snow and ice started to fly around the chamber. I closed my eyes at first due to the intense storm but a moment later I realized that was a mistake and looked up in time to see Umbra up in the air and falling toward me.  Jumped back as he struck the ground, his strength creating a small earthquake. I stumbled back and hit the wall, but I was ready to fight back. I threw Oblivion up into the storm and watched as fire rings erupted from it and started to merge with the snow and ice. Water fell to the ground as the storm died.

 

“Excellent,” Umbra said as shadows appeared behind him and fired at me. I summoned my light and blocked the shadows. I yelled as the light formed into orbs around the shadows and heard them die out in my light.

 

“Now take this!” Umbra cried as a large shadow wave appeared behind him and started to crash down.

 

“Take in the darkness,” I said as I raised Lost Memory, “and return it to light!”

 

I slashed at the dark wave as it came down upon me and split it in two, the two halves turning into light which evaporated seconds later. I fired a sonic blast at Umbra and sent him flying before the alter that held the vial.

 

I leapt into the air as I roared. I readied my Keyblade for the final strike to claim the heart essence. I had done it. I had conquered everything. Lexa could be saved.

 

And then the last hell came at me.

 

And won.

 

“RIXEC!” Xoncron cried as he slammed into me on his glider. He carried us to the far wall and slammed us into it. As it did, I heard a shatter and my heart fell. No, please don’t. Not that. I looked behind Xoncron to see the vial that held the heart essence had fallen. I watched as the pink light turned black and died away. Without a heart to contain it there was no way for it to live.

 

Xoncron grabbed me by the shoulders and held me up to the wall.

 

“Why Rixec?! Why did you do it?!” he yelled. “Why did you kill those people?!”

 

A moment later, Xoncron was blown away from me and I fell to the ground. I looked to see Umbra glaring at Xoncron. “Villain! You have trespassed on sacred ground and destroyed one of the greatest and purest treasures there is!”

 

“What? But I just saved – agh!” Xoncron yelled as he clutched his side.

 

“The darkness in you is eating away at you now, killing you. Soon, the darkness shall emerge and take on a new form,” Umbra scoffed.

 

I paled up at those words. If something like that happened than Norcnox could be…

 

I leapt to my feet and ran over toward Xoncron.

 

A shadow wall appeared in front of me and I glared at Umbra. “Not the time dude!” I yelled.

 

“He must be punished for his crimes,” Umbra said.

 

“We’re all gonna feel that if his dark side gets loose!” I argued as I called out my Keybaldes.

 

A shadow fist came out of the wall and hit me in the stomach. I was thrown back and hit the wall. I looked up at Umbra and then at Xoncron. Despite what he had done – and whatever state his mind was in for thinking I had killed – I couldn’t let him die. And not just because Norcnox would escape.

 

I got to my feet and glared at Umbra as my light formed around me. “Let’s finish this,” I said.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

"It would seem Sora has decided to cooperate. Come on." I took Kairi by the hand as I opened a dark corridor. "What are you going to do?" Kairi said as we walked. "...." I remained silent as we walked through the darkness. 

 

I kept my thoughts on the task ahead. Lexa would hate me for doing this, but I knew she'd eventually get over it. Hopefully. I blinked into the light of the Keyblade Graveyard. I looked across the desert as Sora walked forward. "Alright, I did what you wanted me to. Now let Kairi go." Sora said, summoning his Keyblade.

 

"Here." I gave Kairi a light push toward Sora. "As promised, no harm came to her." I said. I opened a dark corridor beside her. "I suggest you tell your girlfriend to take that. You and I have to talk." I said. 

 

 

"No way! I'm not leaving Sora." Kairi said. "Fine." I said and snapped my fingers. A few of my Unversed pushed her in. "Sora!" Kairi called out as the corridor closed behind her. 

 

 

 

"Okay, you asked for it!" Sora came charging at me. I caught his Keyblade and slammed my own into his chest. He staggered back. I took the advantage and summoned Void Gear. I raised it and aimed for Sora's heart. Sora quickly blocked it, wincing at the power behind Void Gear.

 

 

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! I pounded down on his Keyblade as I tried to wear him down. "Thunder!" He yelled and I jumped back to dodge the spell. "I see you are proficient in magic as well." I chuckled. "I, however, am much better." Lightning wrapped around my Keyblade as I ran again toward Sora. The sky darkened as I began to summon my strength.

 

 

Sora ran as lightning began to fly after him. As it was about to hit, Sora turned and cast a Reflect spell. I hit the ground as the spell backfired. "Nice, very nice." I muttered. I warped in front of Sora and slashed Void Gear across his chest. He flew back and hit his head on the ground.

 

"You can't best me, Sora. You may as well surrender before I do anymore damage." I taunted. "Heal." Sora said and jumped back up, ready for more. "Alright, enough of going easy on you!" Sora said. "Light!" I shielded my eyes as a bright light surrounded Sora. I moved my hands away to see that his clothes had changed from their original black to red, blue and yellow.

 

"What is this?" I said. I had little time to react before Sora threw his Keyblade at me. I rolled out of the way as it made its way towards me. I had to keep constant movement as Sora threw Limit after Limit after Limit at me. "Alright, playtime's over!" I called out.

 

 

I called darkness forth and the sky began to thunder. "What-" I warped, leaving an afterimage of myself behind. I appeared behind Sora and I knocked him flat. His clothes immediately changed back to normal as he groaned and his Keyblade skittered away from him. "I warned you." I said. "Cheat." Sora replied and tried to get up.

 

I walked in front of him and held Void Gear under his neck as he moved up to his knees. "Look who I've managed to beat." I said. Sora tried to re-summon his Keyblade. "I don't think so."

 

A few of my Unversed appeared and pinned Sora's arms behind his back, his feet to the ground. "What are you doing?!" Sora struggled against their hold. "I'm getting back what is mine." I said. Sora glared at me as I moved Void Gear down to his heart. "You have something I need."

 

 

I started to extract his heart when Void Gear disappeared. "The hell?! I said. I tried summoning it again. Not even the faintest sign of it. "Well, that's a first." I looked at Sora. I nearly jumped out of my armor.

 

 

 

I saw Lexa, glaring back at me. The look in her eyes yelled, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, YOU IDIOT?!". It only remained for a split second and then it was gone in a blink. "Aw, hell." I groaned.

 

 

 

I fell back on the ground, unable to keep standing. My Unversed removed themselves from Sora. He instantly jumped up and summoned his Keyblade. "Go ahead, kill me; you'll be doing me and a particular jerk fighting my Remnant up there a favor." I said, closing my eyes. "I don't have a reason to go on." 

 

I heard Sora move in cautiously. "Why do you say that?" He asked. "I don't have the power to save the one I love most." I said. "What?" Sora asked, curious. "Want to explain?" I opened my eyes. "What does it concern you?" I said bitingly. "It's my job- our job- as Keyblade wielders to help people out, right?" Sora said, sitting down. "Jesus, she is just like you." I muttered and sat up.

 

 

"You've met Lexa before?" I said. "Yeah." Sora said. "She's like Kairi was a while back. She's lost her heart." I said. "No way." Sora said, concerned. "Yeah, shocked the hell out of me, too." I said.

 

"Lexa got kidnapped by a person she called friend. She lost her memory during that time, and that same person told her lies about me, told her that I was her worst enemy. Me and him got into a fight and she remembered. At the end, she did something, I don't know what, but she did something to make him lose his heart. Lexa, she's so good and cares way, way too much for everyone she's around. She ran off and went to him and restored his heart by giving him the energy from his heart." I explained.

 

"So that's what you were trying to do. You needed the energy from mine, right? Because Lexa's is so strong?" Sora asked. I nodded. "I'd heard you'd gone off somewhere and I needed to bring you back running. Sorry I kidnapped your girlfriend." I said. "Apology accepted. You know that Kairi isn't my girlfriend, don't you?" Sora said. "Oh, that's right, hero-princess love complex." I said. "What?!" Sora said, confused. I chuckled a little.

 

"Sora, do you think you could...help me with Lexa?" I asked. "No problem!" Sora said. "You mean it? I mean, after all of that, you'd still-" "Yep." Sora said. "Wow, I can see why they all say Lexa's just like you." I said. "Thanks."

 

 

Sora's face changed from happy to surprised. "Vanitas!" I turned too late as One Winged Angel slammed into the back of my head, causing unconsciousness to follow.

Edited April 24, 2013 by Keyblade Master LexaIIIV

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Xoncron

 

I had felt terrible pain when then shadows surrounded me. It felt as though the darkness in my heart was trying to take complete control. That very well could have been possible since that guy I saved from Rixec had said my darkness would be eating away at me.

 

"But why is this happening?" I asked knowning that no one could hear me.

 

"It is because only a bringer of light can enter this chamber," I heard someone say.

 

I looked up and saw the raven from our destroyed house. It was this very raven that had spoken just now.

 

"Then how was I able to enter through the lanes between?" I said. "And how can you be here as well?"

 

"Because I allowed it," The raven said. "And I'm not really here."

 

"What do you mea. . . AGH!" I cried out as a new pain over powered the original. It felt as if ten thousand volts of electricity was being sent through out my entire body. Then I fell to my hands and knees, gasping for breath, as the original pain slowly returned.

 

"Ignorant child. I am only communicating to you through your mind," The raven said. "And I needed you here as your darkness still has a role to play in my plan."

 

"You expect me to be a pawn for a raven?" I said a slight smirk. Then I was hit by what felt like another ten thousand volts.

 

"I only appear to be a raven because that is how I wish for you to see me at that moment," The raven said, "Plus you're really more of a bishop."

 

"What makes you think you can tell me of this and not expect me to do anything about it?" I said.

 

"Because when this ordeal is over you won't remember this converstation, just like our other conversations," The raven said.

 

"What are you. . ." I began to say then stopped.

 

"I am the nightmare that you can never remember but continues to haunt you," The raven said, and it was then that I realized how cold sounding the raven's voice was. "Now if you don't mind I think I'll leave you with your darkness."

 

The raven's eyes flashed silver for a moment and then it flew off. I was left alone with nothing but the pain to keep me company. I noticed a dark form trying to emerge from within my chest. Then all of the sudden the shadows disappeared and I was alright, except that I couldn't remember anything that had happened while I was within the shadows except for the pain. 

 

"Xoncron are you alright?" someone asked.

 

I looked up to see it was Rixec who was talking. I slowly stood up, summoned my keyblade, and pointed it at him.

 

"First you murder all those villagers, and then you help me out?," I said a bit confused. "What are you up to, Rixec?"

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

 

A shadow blast knocked me into the wall as Xoncron suffered from his own darkness. I wiped some blood off my chin as Umbra charged at me. I pressed my feet against the wall and leapt off of it as Umbra slashed his mighty sword, actually cutting the rocky wall in half. When I landed his back was exposed so I fired a Blizzaga at him. I watched as the ice started to freeze Umbra over. He tried to turn around, a hollow scream emanating from him. He started to raise his sword as he stepped toward me. Before he could swing it down though he had been frozen completely.

 

I breathed heavily at the ice warrior before me; I raised my Keyblades as light started pouring out of their ends. “Stay where you belong,” I said as Umbra started to glow with bright light. “In the shadows.”

 

The light grew brighter before dying; I looked down to see a shadow crawling along the floor as it came to my feet and slowly formed into my shape. Umbra had gone back to his origin.

 

“AHHGHRAGH!” Xoncron roared as he flipped onto his back, black electricity cackling at his chest.

 

I ran over toward Xoncron and inspected him. I had to get him out before Norcnox could escape. How did Xoncron get in here anyway? I had to go through a few hells to get here!

 

I rose to my feet and held my Keyblades out. “Light,” I said as I closed my eyes.

 

I felt the aura of light surround me and I could feel it spreading to Xoncron too. Next came the blast of speed as we rose up and smashed through the ceiling. Water started falling through and flooding the chamber but it didn’t matter; the heart essence was gone. And so was our best chance at helping Lexa.

 

Xon and I continued to fly up through the tunnels, the light protecting us from harm, save for the darkness eating away at Xoncron. As Xoncron gave a mighty shout we finally breached the surface and I swerved us to the side, crashing into the sand. I spat out a chunk of sand as I steadied myself; I glanced at Xoncron and saw he was already starting to calm down. His darkness was being held back now. We were lucky this time.

 

“Xoncron, are you all right?” I asked as he stirred.

 

Xoncron opened his eyes and summoned his Keyblade as he rose to his feet. He proceeded to point it at me which earned a sigh from me. I could tell what was coming.

 

“First you murder all those villagers and then you help me out?” he asked. “What are you up to Rixec?”

 

“Xon, you are obviously deranged,” I said.

 

Suddenly, a blast of fire landed between us and sent us flying in opposite directions. I looked up to see Sephirix standing on a sand dune. What was he doing here? He was suppose to be stopping Vanitas!

 

I stopped as a familiar scent filled my nostrils. It was coming from Sephirix. That was when I figured it out. 

“What the hell Sephirix?” Xoncron muttered as he stood up. “Are you in on this too? Did you help Rixec kill those villagers?”

 

“Sephirix” gave a hollow laugh as he said, “Not very bright, are you?”

 

“You’re not Sephirix,” I said.

 

“Pardon,” he frowned.

 

“The smell,” I said. “That strong, gut-wrenching smell, only one person could give off such a stench, unless there was another.”

 

I glanced over at Xoncron as I said, “Let me guess, you have a Replica.”

 

Xoncron blinked in surprise as he said, “Yeah, I tried to tell you guys last time we met. But what does that have to do with… transformation.” 

“And the Einsteins finally understand,” the Replica said as it transformed into me, giving off an evil smile before turning into Xoncron. “So, what smell?”

 

“Xon wears some kind of deodorant or cologne and I could never stand the smell of it,” I said. “And you give off the same scent. Not even you could hide that?”

 

“I think you just insulted me,” Xoncron glared.

 

“Not the time,” I said. “I bet this is the guy that killed those villagers you saw.” 

“Yeah, I guess so. And he was the one who placed the cameras and microphones in you, not me!” he yelled.

 

“Fine, we’re both at fault,” I sighed. “Now let’s kick his @ss.”

 

Sephirix

 

When I arrived at the Keyblade Graveyard, I ran into Vain. Figures Vanitas would be too cowardly to face me himself. “So, are you really gonna try to get by me?” Vain smirked.

 

“I think you and I know there’s only one way to fight,” I said as I cracked my knuckles.

 

Vain called out his Keyblade and flew over at me. I pulled out my guns and fired twice; Vain knocked one aside but the other managed to hit him in the shoulder. In his moment of weakness I called out my Keyblade and threw it at him. The spinning blade struck him in the chest and he started to fall; Vain regained his composure though and was flying again within seconds.

 

He flew downward and I made haste. I wasn’t going to let him get away; couldn’t risk fighting him and Vanitas. When I landed amongst the old Keyblades I scanned the area, but I couldn’t find Vain.

 

Suddenly, I felt something ram up against me and I fell on my face. I glanced over my shoulder to see a monster truck had run me over. And the one driving it was Vain. “Just where the hell did you get a monster truck?” I exclaimed

 

“I know people,” Vain smirked as he hopped down and started laughing off to the side. Just far enough away for me to do this!

 

I pressed a button and watched as a missile flew through the sky and landed on top of Vain. As he groaned from the impact of the metal on his skull I pulled myself out and passed by him while saying, “Whooooshh mushroom cloud whoooosh....”

 

This was the closest I could do to firing a nuke at him; by launching a dud! Still, it had good results. Vain started to stand up but I ran at him and threw my fist at him. “Take this you son of a b!tch!” I yelled slowly.

 

“Don’t talk that way about my mother!” Vain replied slowly as the fist connected and knocked him out.

 

Satisfied with the results, I hopped on my bike and drove up a high ledge. I looked out and saw Vanitas with Sora. I called out One-Winged Angel as I hopped off my bike and leapt off the ledge. “Vanitas!” I yelled as I flew at him and knocked him on the head with the side of my Keyblade. He crumpled to the ground and I grinned. “Sephirix!” Sora exclaimed.

 

“No thanks are needed Sora,” I said as I slung Vanitas over my shoulder.

 

“Wait, you don’t understand!” Sora started to say but then I found myself teleported back to SOLDIER HQ.

 

“Well done,” Avon said as Nita and Anders took Vanitas from me. “Lock him up in chains for the moment. Don’t want to take any risks.”

 

“Glad I could help,” I muttered.

 

Avon placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “You did good, but we have another problem. It appears Xoncron has a Replica.”

 

“You know, I’m beginning to think he’s more trouble than he’s worth,” I said.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

 

I woke up slowly. The back of my head hurt like a bitch. I felt something heavy on my wrists. I opened my eyes and saw cold chains. "Oh, great." I said. I looked around the room. It was bare, only four walls and a single, windowless door.

 

I stood up and walked toward the door, only to be stopped halfway. I examined the chains. No keyhole and it looked really, really well made. No way I'd be able to get out of these easily. 

 

I sat back down and put the back of my head against the wall, looking up at the ceiling.

 

No one came in, but I felt as if I was being watched closely. 

 

 

I closed my eyes, deep in thought.

 

 

After a time, I started to get restless. Most of the time, I can handle enclosed spaces. However, if left to my own devices for a long period of time, I tend to get paranoid.

 

 

I wonder what Sephirix is doing out there? Probably getting something to fix Lexa. I-

 

 

A sudden chain of events flashed in my mind. If Sephirix fixed Lexa before I got out, who's not to say he'd lie again and tell Lexa that I'd died or gone missing in the search? He's got connections here in SOLDIER, he'd be able to do it. And what's not to say he'd-

 

 

I HAVE TO GET OUT!

 

 

The room suddenly seemed so much smaller. I jumped up and started pulling the chains. I knew the chains themselves were strong; the question was if I was strong enough to pull them from the very walls. I pulled the chains in front of me, feeling my wrists complain of the intensive abuse I was subjecting them to. I kept my eyes on the door, my goal.

 

 

I started to feel a wetness going down my arms when I felt a groan behind me. Excellent, it was starting to give. Suddenly, my wrists gave out, refusing to do anything else but hang there.

 

No, no, no! I couldn't stop now.

 

 

 

Vanitas, you could easily break free if you wanted to. A voice whispered in my head. Give in.

 

 

I felt the darkness rise in a primal roar, echoed by the one that escaped my throat. I roared at the top of my lungs as I felt my old strength come back, rushing into my veins after so long being kept at bay.

 

 

I thrust my wrists out and saw that my very hands had become claws.

 

I heard the wall give and a very loud SNAP!

 

 

 

 

 

I felt cold rock beneath me. I opened my eyes to see that I was lying on my face somewhere very dark. I looked around. "The Realm of Darkness?" I said. I tried to sit up to find I was sore all over.

 

I looked at my hands. They were covered in dried blood. I felt my eyes go wide and I sat up fully. My armor was in tatters; I had sustained no injury, minus a few bruises, but then...

 

That meant this wasn't my blood.

 

 

I saw a small pool of water a little ways away and slowly stood up. I carefully walked to it, legs still sore. I saw my face reflected in the reflection. My eyes were brighter than they had ever been. I saw that not only were my hands were covered in blood, but my face, chest and neck were likewise. I took off my top and used it to wash off. So torn, it wasn't good for much else.

 

I analyzed my situation. I was stranded in the Realm of Darkness (dark corridors only work here if you know where you are at), I was nearly armor-less, and I'd probably managed to either kill or severely injure someone at SOLDIER. I sighed. I looked around to find a direction to go in. 

 

I decided to go right. I didn't have any other reason to not go that way. You walk long enough here, you will get somewhere, hopefully. I looked up.

 

 

Surprisingly, I kind of hoped I didn't hurt Sephirix, and, if I did, not seriously. I imagine Rixec wouldn't take kindly to it.

Edited April 29, 2013 by Keyblade Master LexaIIIV

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Replicron

 

I had shifted back into my true form for the fight against Rixec and Xoncron. However, more importantely I learned inorder to create more paranoia and distrust within the group I was going to have to stop useing aloe scented deodorant. What did Rixec have against plants with medical use anyway?

 

Anyway I was able to hold my own against Xoncron and Rixec's attacks. Of course that's because Rixec couldn't tell the real Xoncron and I apart. So he kept getting confused and attacked the real Xoncron as well. It was quiet amusing. However I soon got bored of battleing both at once. So to make things more interesting I punched Rixec off screen.

 

Xoncron

 

I ducked as Rixec went sailing over my head and off screen.

 

"Hey can't punch Rixec off screen," I said turning back to Replicron, "Only The Hulk can do something like that!"

 

"Please I could be The Hulk if I wanted to," Replicron said as he suddenly began to change shape again. "Just like I can be this guy."

 

Replicron had shapeshifted into the slenderman. Why him I have no idea.

 

"What are you going to do now?" Replicron said mockingly even though he no longer had a mouth.

 

My response was to hit him with a rolled up newspaper.

 

"Bad replica, bad," I said as I continued to hit Replicron with the newspaper.

 

I continued to hit Replicron, who still looked like slenderman, with the newspaper until he looked like a pale bloody pulp in a suit.

 

"How did. . ." he said weakly.

 

"You turned into Slenderman," I said. "That guy has like no muscle what so ever."

 

"Curse my poor choice in forms," he said and disappeared into a corridor of darkness.

 

I then turned around to help Rixec.

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

 

“I’m fine,” I grumbled as Xoncron reached out his hand.

 

I scanned the area and was upset that the replica got away. “I don’t believe this,” I said.

 

“Now do you believe me when I didn’t bug you guys?” Xoncron asked even though I had already figured that out.

 

“Coming from the guy who thought I murdered a village?” I raised.

 

“Hey, I saw what I saw,” Xoncron defended. “I didn’t expect someone to go around looking like you.”

 

“After finding out you had a replica and seeing me kill people you couldn’t put it together?” I gritted.

 

“You didn’t figure out the replica wasn’t me!” Xoncron yelled.

 

“Because he’s a replica! Even Sora couldn’t tell the difference with the Riku one!” I yelled back.

 

We both grew silent after that, unsure of what to say. It didn’t matter that we knew the truth now; the replica did job. “You shouldn’t have come here,” I said. 

“If I didn’t come here then-!” Xoncron started to say before I cut him off.

 

“Then the heart essence you broke when you smashed me into the wall wouldn’t have been destroyed and Lexa would be fine!” I told him. “And you wouldn’t have placed us all into a dangerous situation with your darkness.”

 

Xoncron bowed his head. If things ever got to be the same again it wouldn’t be for a very long while. “Come on,” I said. “We better get back to SOLDIER. We’ll have to inform them of what happened.”

 

Sephirix

 

Avon was not happy to hear that the heart essence had been destroyed.

 

We all – that is, me, Rixec, Xoncron, Nita, Anders, and Avon – sat around the table as we discussed on what to do now.

 

“You really messed up,” Anders said to Xoncron.

 

“I didn’t see you doing anything!” Xoncron exclaimed. 

“Because that’s what I was supposed to be doing,” Anders shrugged. “But you had to go and ki-.”

 

“She’s not dead bro,” Nita said soothingly as she placed a hand on top of her brother’s. “We’ll find another way.” 

“At least our Bringer of Light is doing well,” Avon said. “Save for that devil deal.”

 

“Not important at the moment,” Rixec said. “What matters are Lexa and Vanitas.”

 

Everyone grew silent at that.

 

No one knew what to do about either of them, and Avon seemed the most disturbed about that. Which made me wonder about her. She always seemed to expect things to go her way, but ever since Lexa saved me it was as if her own little world had shattered. Just how long had the world been in the palm of her hands? Who exactly was Avon?

 

A loud snap echoed through the base and I saw the SOLDIER members at the table pale up and I knew why. “Vanitas,” I whispered as we all jumped to our feet and ran down the hall. When we got to his cell we saw that the door had been busted down and his chains had snapped. Two dead SOLDIER knights were at our feet, claw marks through their armor and skin. The blood was still spreading meaning Vanitas must still be nearby. 

“Weapons out,” Avon said. “But don’t kill him.”

 

Xon, Rixec, and I summoned our Keyblades while the SOLDIER co-founders summoned their own swords made for SOLDIER. Avon started speaking, “All members of SOLDIER, the subject has escaped. Force is allowed but killing him is not. Subject is also highly dangerous and should be taken with caution.”

 

We deiced to split into two teams to hunt Vanitas down. Rixec, Xoncron, and Anders went to the south end while Avon, Nita, and I went to the west. We proceeded down the clean hallways. That meant Vanitas hadn’t been here yet since he hadn’t painted them red.

 

“Help!” a voice cried and we ran down the hall and turned left. We saw a young man squirming on the floor, his right arm nearly torn off. Avon and Nita ran toward him while I searched the area; where was Vanitas?

 

“He’s a monster,” the man breathed as he closed his eyes.

 

“He’s still alive,” Nita said, “but he needs immediate medical attention.”

 

“You get him to the infirmary while Sephirix and I hunt down Vanitas,” Avon ordered.

 

Nita grew a little glum but she agreed to. She slung the man over her shoulder and started walking down the hall. It was then I heard a slight growl coming from behind Avon. “Look out!” I yelled as I pushed her out of the way as the claws slashed me across the chest. I gasped as I crashed on top of Avon as we hit the floor. That attack had nearly hit my heart!

 

Avon and I looked up to see what Vanitas had become.

 

His eyes were solid yellow, fangs protruded from his mouth, long, sharp claws her on his hands, a pair of bat-like wings were on his back, and his body seemed to be made of shadows. Fresh blood dripped off his claws as he grumbled, “Whr s Lxa?”

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

 

Try as I may, nothing came back to me. I walked in the shadows, wondering if I'd find my way out in time....Time worked oddly in this place. What may seem as a day may actually be an hour or even a year. I saw a light in the distance and sighed in relief. 

 

Light was always a good sign here. It meant safety for those that stayed in the Realm of Light, and a place that those who 'lived' in the Realm of Darkness shied away from. 

 

 

I walked toward it, not seeming to get any brighter or dimmer as I walked. It's a good thing the Heartless here have long memory in their little, primal minds; I'd be in big trouble if they didn't in my weakened state. I used to come here to blow off steam when I was learning to control my anger, to further explain.

 

 

I looked forward. Was that...water?  I quickened my pace.

 

 

I felt the ground change from rock to sand gradually. I stood at the edge of the beach, staring at the moon over the ocean. "Well, this was a bust." I sighed. I heard a gasp on my right and turned quickly.

 

 

 

There, sitting on the beach, was the one face I thought I'd never see again.

 

 

Master Aqua. She hadn't aged a day since we last saw one another.

 

 

We both stared in shock at each other, unable to move.

 

 

In retrospect, I should have been the one to act first.

 

Aqua jumped up and pinned me against a rock with her Keyblade, ready to destroy me. "Wait!" I said. Aqua glared. "I'm not who I was!" I went for something in my pocket that had managed to stay intact. "Give me a reason why I shouldn't." She challenged. "Look, I did a lot of bad things to you and your friends. But, Aqua, it's not just my life that matters to me. It's-" I pulled out a photo of me and Lexa that I had taken during vacation. "Hers." 

 

 

Aqua examined it. "That's my girlfriend, Lexa. She's a lot like you. She's-" I hesitated before I said it. "My light." Aqua looked at me, suspiciously. "If not for her, I'd be exactly like I was, but I'm not." I explained. "I've changed, Aqua. And..." I looked away.

 

 

"I'm sorry."

 

 

A time passed, then Aqua moved away. "This isn't the Vanitas I remember." I looked up. She looked puzzled. "Far from it." I answered. Aqua examined me. "Ask what you want to; I don't mind." I shrugged.

 

 

"What happened to Ven?" 

"I honestly have no idea. I mean, I saw him about a month and change ago, but after that, I don't know. No, I didn't fight him but twice, before you ask, nor do I have any intention of forming the X-Blade ever again." I replied, knowing it was going to come up. "And I've left my alliance with Xehanort."

 

 

Aqua pondered over it. After a bit, I saw a question, burning to be asked. "What?" I said. "...What happened to your clothes?" She asked. "Honestly, I really have no idea about that." I shook my head. "I've been wondering that myself."

 

 

"And...Terra?" 

I shrugged. "Can't say."

"So, do you have any other friends?"I hesitated. Did I? "Kind of." I answered. "They're her friends.""Oh. So, where is Lexa?" She asked.

"In a coma." I answered."Oh, I'm sorry!" She apologized immediately.

"It's not your fault." I brushed it off. 

 

A silence followed. "How long have you been back?" Aqua said. "....A while. I ended up perishing again, but I came back." I answered. "Do you mind explaining what's happened, Vanitas?" Aqua asked. "I don't see any reason why not." I sat down on the beach, Aqua following suit and I began to speak.

 

 

By the end, I'd ended up ranting on about Sephirix. Aqua laughed at that part, for reasons she refused to explain. When I talked about her, Aqua payed the most attention. I'd chosen to omit the part about me being covered in blood when I'd woken up.

 

"You really do care for her, don't you." Aqua said. It wasn't a question.

"More than anything." I said. "I gave her a Wayfinder, if that means anything."

"Then you'll be able to find her again, right?""....I don't know. I hope so. I promised I would."

 

 

 

We sat in the darkness, waiting for something to happen.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

 

"Aqua." I finally said.

"Hmm?"

"We need to go."

"Go?" She asked, puzzled."....I know my way around certain parts of this Realm. Trust me enough to come?" I said. Aqua looked out over the horizon. "There was....someone else here a while back. I haven't seen him in a while." She said. "Look, regardless, I need to go. It's your choice whether you come along as well." I said.

 

"Okay." Aqua stood up. "Count me in."

 

 

 

 

 

Xero

 

 

 

 

DAMMIT! THEY COULDN'T HAVE DISAPPEARED OFF THE FREAKING MAP! I paced around the exterior of Castle Oblivion, pissed. Every single one of those Keyblade wielding idiots was gone. Despite my sources, no trace had been found. Not. One.

 

 

I went back inside and finally saw a face I recognized. "Oh?" I said, smiling slyly. "Well, well, Xoncron." I saw him walk toward one of the darker corner. I felt the music guide me to him, singing lowly.

 

I have a heart I swear I doBut just not baby when it comes to youI get so hungry when you say you love me, hush!If you know what's good for you

I think you're hot I think you're coolYou're the kinda guy I'd stalk in school

 

 

He momentarily disappeared from my sights as he went into a door. I let the shadows hide me as I walked behind him.

 

 

I eat boys up, breakfast and lunch

Then when I'm thirsty, I drink their bloodCarnivore animal, I am a CannibalI eat boys up, you better run

I am CannibalI am Cannibal (I'll eat you up)I am CannibalI am Cannibal (I'll eat you up)

 

 

I kept my steps silent as I kept a close distance behind him. I was surprised when he opened a dark corridor. I shrugged it off as being one of those perks of having that Off-Brand idiot as your other half.

 

 

I followed him to a place that was very much like the basement of Radiant Garden, if it weren't for the God-awful dark scent. Now why the hell would Xoncron be here of all places? 

 

 

"You can come out now, Xero. I know you're there." The tone was not his. It was more like his dark-side's. "How'd you guess?" I said, keeping a light tone. "Oh, I have my ways, Xero." He said. "Then why aren't you being all like "I'm a big Keyblade Master, I'm going to slay the darkness"?"  I said. 

 

"Follow me." He said, ignoring my question. Who shoved the corncob up his ass?  As it was, I cautiously followed behind him as he walked down the long hallway. He opened the door to the last room and motioned for me to go in first. 

 

 

I gave him a warning glare and walked in. There were several machines in this room. In the center of the room was a white pod, no unlike many of the spares at Castle Oblivion. In side of it was....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanitas.

 

 

 

 

"The hell?!" I said. "I thought you may want to know that the Vanitas you've been dealing with since he 'came back' is nothing more than a Replication. You see..." I heard the door lock behind me and the hair on the back of my neck stood straight up.

 

 

"When my Master was destroyed, Vanitas's heart was set free. It rejoined with the body, and would have faded away if it weren't for me. It was my Master's plan to use Vanitas for the ultimate contingency plan. After such a sacrifice, how could his little group not trust him? It would have worked out flawlessly if it weren't for Sephirix. Who, by the way, has made this plan so much more effective than anything I ever dreamed of."

 

 

He walked in front of me. I was frozen there, paralyzed by fear.

 

 

"You see, the hardest part was figuring out how to have a heart close enough to his to fool even his own Unversed and Lexa. After that, it was all rudimentary. This Replication of mine is almost exactly Vanitas, with a few minor changes, such as taking away his logical side and making him more excitable. I do believe if the real Vanitas had been around when Lexa was kidnapped, regardless of all else, he would have banded together with Xoncron and Rixec, taking Lexa's place as leader. Everything that has made their group fall to pieces is because of myself and the Replication." 

 

 

"You're not Xoncron?" I said, mouth dry.

 

"No. I am a Replica, created by Norcnox." He said. "Why are you telling all of this to me?" I asked, feeling a small twinge of Lexa's intuition give me a good idea.

 

 

 

 

 

"Xero, did you honestly think I was going to let you leave here alive?"

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Sephirix

 

I was starting to think Vanitas was a lost cause; how could he possibly come back from something like this?

 

I grunted as I rose to my feet, Avon readying her sword. “We have to take him alive,” she said. “We can’t afford to lose him.” 

“I think we’re a little late,” I said as I fired a Dark Firaga at him.

 

The blast hit him but it seemed to merge with his shadow body rather than harm him. A ripple started to appear on his body and it made its way upwards until it reached his throat. Vanitas arched his head back and then snapped it forward, a larger Dark Firaga spewing out of his mouth. Avon and I cast wind and reflect spells to block the attack, the black fire dancing around us as our spells protected us. I groaned and bent one knee; my injuries were starting to get to me.

 

“Heal,” Avon said as she cast the spell on me. I was still in pain, but at least the bleeding stopped.

 

Vanitas leapt forward and landed on top of our defenses, shattering them. Avon cried out as she stumbled backwards and hit her head against the wall. “Damn!” I muttered as I looked into Vanitas’s hollow eyes. I couldn’t see any sign of the person I once called ally. The only way to save him might be to kill him.

 

I gripped my Keyblade as I charged at him. I slashed Vanitas across the chest and he screamed; it sounded like nails on a chalkboard while whistling. Vanitas stumbled back and growled. He sunk into the shadows, meaning he could attack from anywhere. I frantically look around as a whooshing sound enters my ear from behind me. I dive to the left as Vanitas thrusts a clawed hand at me.

 

Vanitas lunges for me while I’m down but a blast of lightning hits him in the face and he cried out again as he hits the floor. I looked up to see Nita who had her sword out. “Leave you alone for two minutes and this happens,” she scoffed. 

“Thanks,” I said as I stood up. I glanced at Vanitas who was getting his second wind. “I don’t think we can save him.”

 

“We have to,” Nita said.

 

“Why? What’s so important about saving him for you?” I asked.

 

Nita bowed her head before she turned to face me. “It just is, all right,” she whispered. “We have to save him.”

 

I didn’t know why, but I felt like it was Lexa speaking to me at that moment. Maybe it was because of Vanitas here. What was so important about him? “All right,” I said. 

Vanitas lunged at us, bullets made of darkness firing from his claws. Nita and I dodged to the side and proceeded to attack with fire and blizzard magic. Vanitas started howling as the combined heat and cold struck him, the change in temperature getting too much for him. “We’re doing it!” Nita cried.

 

Yeah, we were doing it all right. We were making him angry!

 

Vanitas roared and the sound waves emitted paralyzed us for a moment and the after effects of the attack threw us against the wall. Nita’s sword clattered toward Vanitas and he proceeded to step on it, smashing it to pieces. Nita groaned as Vanitas crept toward her. “No!” I yelled as I rose to my feet and charged. 

Vanitas just b!tch slapped me though and I was sent fying behind him. I skidded across the floor as Vanitas came closer to Nita.

 

“Sephirix,” Avon muttered as her eyes fluttered. “Don’t hold it in.”

 

I glanced at Avon and then over at Nita, who was vulnerable. “Stop it Vanitas,” I growled as I rose to my feet. “Don’t touch her!”

 

Suddenyly,a  dark light appeared above us and Vanitas turned away from Nita to look at it. I couldn’t help but look to, look and feel its familiarity. I felt the power within it, the power I had lost sight of. I had let myself grown weak over time, well no more.

 

I raised my Keyblade up and I felt the dark light come down and wrap around me. After a few moments it broke apart and I was standing before Vanitas in knight armor that was black with silver linings. The armor was light and flexible, but it felt as if it wouldn’t break easily. My guns were holstered onto my arms. I glanced at Vanitas who started speaking. 

“Sho tht s te drk lite,” he growled. “Doesh thsh men it has choshn its oen mstr thn?”

 

 Vanitas walked closer before me and stopped. Black electricity cackled at his right hand and a dark, twisted blade appeared in his hand; it had no handle. Vanitas gripped it tightly as he stared at me. I pointed my Keyblade at him as I summoned my power. I could feel it flowing, ready to burst. I had been holding back for far too long. I cried out as I charged at Vanitas and he howled as he came at me.

 

The dark light emitted around my Keyblade and I swung my weapon at Vanitas. Our blades clashed, a metallic ring echoing through the base. I used the force to jump over Vanitas and swung again, but Vanitas parried the attack and distance was put in between us. Avon and Nita were fully awake now and were watching us with awe. 

I placed a hand on the ground and the shadows came to life and shot straight at Vanitas. He didn’t even try to dodge so when it the attack it a look of shock came across his face as he cried out. I grabbed a gun and fired twice. As they hit Vanitas they exploded into two large fireballs, the heat melting the metal on the walls around us. Vanitas growled as I ran at him and thrust my blade. Vanitas knocked it aside and tried to bite my neck but I ducked and avoided it. I rolled under him and pressed my fingers to my Keyblade and ran them among the edge. Vanitas roared as a black light encompassed my Keyblade. “Dark Sunshine!” I yelled as I swung my Keyblade and a blade of dark light shot out and headed for Vanitas. Vanitas tried to knock it aside but it went through his blade and hit him in the chest. He stumbled back as blood started to pour out of his chest.

 

Vanitas roared as he charged at me and I did the same. Our blades clashed and darkness and black light started to pour out as we struggled to win. The combined elements blinded Avon and Nita to our fight as we cried out as we pressed our blades forward and moved up, our backs to each other. The elements died, leaving the two of us standing. I turned around and pointed my Keyblade at Vanitas’s back. He looked over his shoulder and groaned as he looked at me. It was then he fell to one knee, his blade disappearing, before falling down. The darkness around hi started to disappear, turning him back to normal. But he wasn’t alone, next to him was Aqua, the missing Keyblade Master!

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Xero

 

I backed away as the Replica started to advance. Knowing Dark-Xoncron, I'd be dead at this idiot's feet within minutes. Think fast, think fast! I began to panic. I suddenly had a stroke of genius. 

 

"STOPGA!" I shouted. The Replica remained still as I turned around and started to mess with the pod. I'd have better chances if Vanitas was awake. "Come on, come on!" I said. "OH, THIS IS JUST THE TIME FOR A PASSWORD!"

 

I typed in the first things that came to mind.

 

CAIUS BALLAD.  ACCESS DENIED. 

XONCRON. ACCESS DENIED.

KEYBLADE. ACCESS DENIED.

VANITAS. ACCESS DENIED.

LEXA. ACCESS DENIED.

XEHANORT. ACCESS DENIED.

RIXEC. ACCESS DENIED.

SEPHIRIX. ACCESS DENIED

DARKNESS. ACCESS DENIED.

LIGHT. ACCESS DENIED.

ULTIMATE. ACCESS DENIED.

 

On a whim, I tried one last password.

DARKNESS IN XERO. ACCESS GRANTED.

 

I sighed in relief. "Request?" It monotoned. AWAKEN VANITAS. I felt a presence behind me. I had to duck as Replica-Xoncron slashed a Keyblade over my head. I rolled out of the way and summoned Binds of Darkness. 

 

 

I pray Vanitas would take the hint when he woke up about who's side he should be fighting on.

 

 

 

 

 

Vanitas

 

 

 

I felt a sharp pain erupt from my skull. "Vanitas?!" Aqua said. "Something-something's wrong!" I yelled, grabbing my head. My sight started to glitch. 

 

 

I saw myself mirrored.

 

 

Mirrored.

 

 

One awake, one asleep.

 

One alive, one dead.

 

One fake, one real.

 

 

 

I felt a surge of memories course through me. I was nothing more than....

 

 

 

A Replica.

 

 

All those memories, feelings, friends...

 

 

They weren't mine.

 

 

All I was...

 

 

Was a puppet and a fake.

 

 

 

A fake sent to seek revenge for Dark-Xoncron by breaking up the group.

 

 

 

And by Kingdom Hearts, I had.

 

 

 

I groaned as I fell to the ground. "Vanitas?" Sephirix said. "Stay away." I said and started to stand up. "Stay...back....I'm not..." I looked up, tears brimming, edging to fall. 

 

 

"I'm a Replica. The Vanitas you all knew is asleep, held by a Replica of Xoncron. The Vanitas you'd thought came back is me. I......I am so sorry." I said, opening a dark corridor. "Where are you going?!" Aqua said.

 

 

"I'm a fake. It's best if I just disappear." I said, feeling a sad smile on my face. "Sephirix, sorry I gave you so much hell for a girl that's not even mine. I warn you, when the real me comes back....you better say you were protecting her from me when he finds out about the kidnapping. He'll understand." I started to walk through.

 

 

I felt a hand on my shoulder. "You sure you have you're a Replica?" I heard Sephirix said. "Positive." I said. 

 

"..." Sephirix let go. "I'm not coming back....I've resolved to live the remainder of this broken existence where I belong." I said, turning around to see their faces. "It was...nice knowing all of you. You should know my real self does care for all of you. Even you, Sephirix." 

 

 

I turned my back and never looked behind me.

 

 

 

 

 

They were for Vanitas.

 

 

 

 

Not me.

 

 

 

As I wandered in the Realm of Darkness, it gave me slight comfort to know most of their faces were truly concerned. I knew it was most likely about themselves but...

 

 

 

It made me feel better to think they were concerned about me.

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Replicron

 

 

I kept slashing at Xero, but she kept dodgeing or blocking. This fight was starting to get on my nerves.

 

"HOLD STILL SO I CAN KILL YOU ALREADY!" I screamed.

 

"Yeah, no thanks," She said as she dogded yet another of my attacks.

 

Why did she have to be so d*mn light on her feet?! Well I was no longer amused. It was time to stop messing around. I sprouted four long tentacels from my from my back. Xero was stunned by this at first but she soon recovered and started dodgeing as I began to use the tentacels like whips and attacking with my keyblade.

 

"Now that's just not fair," Xero said as she dodged tentacels.

 

"LIFE'S NOT FAIR!" I replied.

 

"Well someone. . .AH!" Xero cried out as two of my tentacels wrapped themselves around her ankles.

 

At last I had her right were I wanted her. My other two tentacels wrapped themselves around her wrists and held her in front of me. There was nothing she could do.

 

"Now," I said, "You die!"

 

With that my chest split open into a huge maw filled with large pointy teeth. I unleashed an unearthly screech/roar as this happened. This was the sort of thing that happens when one makes a shapeshifting replica while thinking about The Thing. That didn't matter much right now. Xero was as good as dead.

 

Suddenly a sadistic smile appeared on her face. Before I could do anything to stop her she freed her hand that held her keyblade, and launched a massive wave of fire into the maw that was once my chest. I let go of her while unleashing an unearthly screech/roar of agony. Xero just continued to throw flames into the maw and set me ablaze.

 

"Burn replica, burn!" She cried with sadistic delight.

 

How could I have been so foolish to give her such an opening? Because I was similiar to the thing fire was my weakness, and Xero was a sadistic fire user. How stupid of me to make such a bone headed move, but right now I had to put the flames out. With a mighty swing from one of my tentacels I knocked Xero away.

 

I proceeded to run to one of the consoles in the room, my unearthly screeches/roars echoing of the walls. I quickly began typeing something on the console, trying to ignore the pain of the flames. I felt such great relieve when the extinguishing gas came down and began putting ot the flames. As the flames were dying down I reverted to my true form of looking just like Xoncron. Already my burns were starting to heal, thanks to a rapid healing factor that my master included me with.

 

My wounds were almost gone when I was suddenly knocked down by a sonic blast. Then another barrage of flames hit me. I cried out in agony as I looked up to see Xero with another sadistic smile on her face. Then she did the unexpected, and cut of the flames.

 

"Well, well," She said mockingly, "You don't do fire then. That is useful to know."

 

Her keyblade became coated in flames, and she raised it above her head ready to strike a final blow. Suddenly, we interrupted by a familiar voice saying, "What happened?"

 

We both looked to see a grogy Vanitas. He had just woken up. I knew I could use this to my advantage when he suddenly became alert at the sight of Xero trying to finish me off.

 

"Vanitas this isn't. . ." Xero began to say.

 

"Vanitas!" I cried out, cutting her off. "She kidnapped you and made a replica of you to drive the group apart so she could pick us off one by one!"

 

"WHAT?!" Vanitas shouted glareing at Xero.

 

"He's lying," she said, "He's the one that did all that. He's a replica created by Dark-Xon for revenge."

 

"She's just trying to confuse you," I shouted to Vanitas. "She's wants you to help her murder me, just like how she's already murdered Lexa!"

 

"YOU DID WHAT?!" Vanitas cried out in rage.

 

"Vanitas, he's. . ." Xero began to say, but she was cut off as Vanitas began to attack her.

 

I smiled as I watched them fight. I knew my lies would get Vanitas to attack Xero. Afterall he was more likely to trust Xoncron than we was Xero. The entire time though, neither one of them noticed my wounds healing.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Xero

 

 

"Vanitas, you can't-" 

 

A force hit me like a cement wall. Vanitas trapped me against the nearest wall, Void Gear pinned underneath my chin sideways. I had to stand on my toes to keep from it pressing into my windpipe.

 

 

"Is what he said true?" He said, almost too low for me to hear. I shook my head. ".....His dark scent is off, which is why I'm not annihilating you. Yet." Vanitas said.

 

Jesus, the Replica-Vanitas was a joke compared to this. This Vanitas would have no problem in killing anyone he thought would be in his way. "He's a Replica, made by -Dark-Xoncron. He made a Replication of you as well." I mouthed. Vanitas's eyes flashed, but he otherwise showed no emotion.

 

 

"Know what his weakness is?" Vanitas said. "He seems not to like fire." I answered. Vanitas chuckled lowly. "Then he made a poor choice in choosing to pick a fight with you." He took something out of his pocket and pressed into my hand. "Before I let you loose, how is Lexa?"

 

"....That's complicated. I think....it's a good possibility her heart has disappeared." I said. "...." Vanitas remained silent for a mere moment, then spoke again. "Have fun, Xero. That was originally for Lexa, but I think you'll have more use for it."

 

 

He moved back, keeping Void Gear at his side. I looked at Replicron, who looked rather confused. I looked at the object Vanitas had put into my hand. It was a medium sized metal bottle. I opened the lid and took a sniff of it.

 

"OOOOOOOOH!' I squealed and laughed childishly. I can see what Vanitas meant: gasoline in either of our hands is just a recipe of disaster.

 

 

 

Vanitas moved away from me as I walked casually toward Replicron.

 

 

I laughed again, filled with sadistic glee. "Dance."

 

Music pounded as I poured the contents over my head. I summoned fire around me, not allowing it to touch my very flammable body.

 

Back door cracked, we don't need a key
We get in for free, no V.I.P. sleaze,
Drink that Kool-Aid follow my lead,
Now you're one of us, you're coming with me

It's time to kill the lights and shut the DJ down
(This place's about to)
Tonight we're taking over, no one's getting out

 

 

This place's about to BLOW!

 

 

I set myself on fire, feeling an immense power high. I became the flame, at one with my element, completely in control of every square inch of the flames.

 

 

Burn, Replicron.

 

 

 

 

Burn.

Edited May 1, 2013 by Keyblade Master LexaIIIV

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

 

“Our lives have more drama than any soap opera,” I concluded. “Even more than all of Twilight combined!”

 

We were all sitting around the table, some of us worse for wear. Sephirix was seated nent to Avon in his new armor – I would have to find time to learn more about that dark light I had been hearing about.

 

“We should be looking for Replicanitas,” Xoncron suggested.

 

“We should focus our efforts on the real Vanitas,” Anders declared.

 

“We should find them both,” Sephirix stated. “Especially Replicanitas. Nothing good ever happens to those guys, particularly after they head off on their own.”

 

“Where do we start looking though?” Nita pondered.

 

“We’ll just have to send out squadrons of SOLDIER knights to search the surrounding worlds,” Avon sighed as she tapped the table depressingly. “The Plan has fallen apart and God knows what we’re in for in the near future.”

 

“And what about Xero?” Anders asked as he crossed his arms.

 

“Notwithstanding her actions we leave her alone for now the moment,” Avon ordered. “Things have gotten too far out of hand as they are. I’d rather not mess things up any further.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Xoncron asked.

 

“Not important,” Nita answered gently. “Not now, anyway.”

 

“What about Lexa?” I asked. “We need to find a way to wake her up.”

 

“I agree,” Avon said grimly. “But that heart essence was our best shot. I don’t even want to think about what the consequences of destroying it are.”

 

Xoncron averted his gaze from the rest of us. He was still blaming himself partially for its destruction.

 

“Isn’t there something else we can do to help Lexa?” Sephirix whispered, his fist tightening.

 

“Who rained on your parade?” a familiar voice said.

 

We all turned to see the form of Vanitas behind us. “Replicanitas?!” Xoncron exclaimed as he jumped to his feet.

 

“Do I look like a replica to you?” he smirked.

 

“Vanitas!” Sephirix yelled with a big grin on his face. Scary.

 

“Now where’s Lexa?” Vanitas aksed, serious once more. 

We led him to the room where Lexa was currently sleeping. Once Vanitas saw her… my heart broke for him. He walked up to her slowly and took her hand in his, holding it firmly. He gently kissed it and we decided to give him some time alone. After twenty minutes he finally emerged, tears streaming down his face. “How did this happen?” he asked. “Sephirix?”

 

Before Sephirix could answer I spoke up. “It’s been Xero and Replicron,” I explained. “They’ve been manipulating us for a while, breaking our bonds of trust to make us weak, vulnerable. Didn’t help that your replica went to the extreme in trying to help Lexa. Things have just gone to hell since we beat Norcnox.” 

Vanitas took a deep breath as he thought about what I said. Sephirix glanced at me but I shook my head. We had already been through enough crap. No point in adding any more to the mix. Especially considering what I’ll have to do once we save Lexa.

 

“Now that we’re all together again,” Xoncron said, “what do we do now?”

 

“We should go look for Replicanitas,” Sephirix suggested. 

“What, did you fall in love with him while I was gone?” Vanitas smirked. If only he knew.

 

“Maybe we should,” I mumbled. “He might be able to help us. We could learn more about his creation and possibly a way to help Lexa.”

 

“How?” Xoncron asked.

 

“I don’t know – I’m grasping at straws!” I admitted. “But we might as well hope there is.”

 

“I agree,” Sephirix nodded. “We should get moving.”

 

“Normally Xero or someone like that Replicron would be good to follow up leads, but I don’t think we’ll want to run into them right now,” Vanitas said.

 

“Good call,” I said. “We need to-!” 

An alarm rang out and we all froze as we realized it came from Lexa’s room. We smashed through the doorway and saw Lexa on her bed, her chest up heaving as her mouth gaped open. Vanitas ran to her, whispering to her that he’s her, that he’ll help her. Xoncron tried using healing spells and Sephirix was trying to hold her down to make sure she didn’t hurt herself. I just stood there, realizing that Lexa was running out of time.

 

Two medics rushed into the room and pulled out a syringe. “Hold her down!” he said.

 

The other medic, Xoncron, Vanitas, and Sephirix took a limb and held Lexa down as the shot was inserted into her heart. After a few moments she started to grow calm and was back in her tranquil sleep. 

“She won’t last three days,” Avon said as she entered.

 

“That can’t be…,” Vanitas paled.

 

“We have to work fast,” I said, my voice raising. “We have to split up.”

 

“Split up?” Xoncron repeated. “After all it took to get us back together?”

 

“Lexa won’t last like this,” I argued. “We need to divide our forces – preferably into four – to search more area. That’s Lexa’s best chance!”

 

The guys looked at each other a few moments before finally nodding to my logic. We all gazed upon Lexa, our leader; we had three days to save her. May Kingdom Hearts guide us.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vanitas

 

 

"There has to be some way. She's the only one that can defeat Xero and you know it, Xehanort." I said to my former Master.He pondered over it. "It's unlike anything I've ever heard of....A transfer of the heart. A very similar situation to what happened to Kairi when the darkness took over her home, but that was subconscious. A purely intentional and conscious transfer of a heart...Her heart has to be as strong, if not stronger, than Sora's." Xehanort mused.

 

"We've only got three days. If not by then, Xero will be immortal, and more powerful than I ever was." I said. "And I have no doubt in my mind she'll break off any treaty with you." 

 

"I'll see what I can do, Vanitas."

 

 

 

 

I paced around the computer room as Xehanort began to sort through his records. If there was anyone who would know how to fix a heart, it'd be him.

 

 

Lexa, Lexa, Lexa...

 

My heart echoed agony from the name.

 

 

 

"Vanitas, there's nothing here about anything ever happening like this ever before." Xehanort finally said after nearly a whole night going through everything he had. "Are you sure?" I said.

 

 

"What Lexa did is very, very rare find...the only way to reverse it, I would believe, would be another intentional transfer of heart, one either as strong as hers or a possible transfer of energy from many hearts of similar intentions."

[Keyblade Master Xoncron 499]

Replicron

 

 

I cast reflect to keep from being burnt by the first conflagration caused by Xero setting the gasoline ablaze. When my reflect spell disappeared Xero looked like a crazed flaming witch.

 

"Crap," I said as I equipped all the accessories that increased my resistance to fire.

 

"Oh this is going to be fun," Xero said.

 

The battle that ensued consisted of me mainly dodging Xero's massive  fireballs. I was doing pretty well until part of a fire ball got me by the right side of my face.

 

"Ahhh!" I cried out clutching the horribly burnt side of my face. "MY FACE!"

 

"I'm sorry, did I scar your face," she said mockingly. "I meant to do worst!"

 

"Why. you little B!TCH!" I cried out as I launched  a massive wave of darkness at her.

 

The wave slammed into Xero and threw her into the console. She cried out as she was shocked by the electricity and blasted by the extinguishing gas, which also put out the flames. When everything cleared I saw Xero lying motionless. I smirked and walked away. It wouldn't be until later that I learned she was merely out cold. Another stupid mistake of mine.

[Keyblade Master Rixec 44]

Rixec

“I don’t have to tell you nothing you over-bumptious-oof!” Braig was shouting before I slapped him with the back of my hand. I had him by the throat in the other hand and had him pressed against the wall. The rest of the Organization – minus Larxene and Xemnas – was littered on the floor behind me; all of them had been useless in procuring the Intel I wanted.

“Look, I actually walked in the front door, I held up my hands once I was surrounded and asked if there was a way to wake up my friend, and I just kicked all your @sses without using my Keyblades,” I explained calmly. “Now are you capable of helping me or not?!”

Braig just chose to spit in my face and I retaliated by slamming his head against the wall multiple times until it went through completely. I let go of him and he slumped to the floor, his head getting caught in the hole with blood oozing around it.

“That is one of my precious hosts,” a calm yet angry voice stated.

I turned to see Xemnas floating up to me and I crossed my arms. Finally, someone important shows up. “I just want information Xemnas,” I told him.

“I think a letter would have sufficed,” Xemnas replied as he held out his hand toward the fallen Organization members.

“I didn’t throw the first punch,” I stated as I held up my hands innocently, “but I’ll certainly throw the last.”

Xemnas floated up to me and smirked. “You think yourself so important ‘Bringer of Light,’ but there have been several like you and they have all fallen in one way or another. You weren’t chosen simply because you were the best, but because you were the only one left who was ready to take on the power.”

I raised an eyebrow at what he was saying but I paid it no heed; I wasn’t here for me. “Do you know how to help wake up Lexa? She’s in a state similar to what Kairi was back when Sora first stopped Ansem,” I explained.

“You all have hearts to give up yourselves, don’t you?” Xemnas smirked. “Or are you too selfish and cowardly to do it?”

I glared as Xemnas as I tightened my fist.

“Don’t push me Xemnas,” I gritted.

Xemnas laughed loudly at this and exclaimed, “Insolent fool! You may have power hut I could destroy you without giving it a thought-!”

Before he finished his sentence I jabbed my right hand forward and hit Xemnas right in the face. He fell back a few steps, dazed, before falling to the ground. Smirking, I walked up to him and pressed him against the wall, right next to Braig. “One punch, b!tch,” I said. “Now tell me what else you know. There’s no one left here to save you and…” 

My voice trailed off as I thought about what I was saying. There was no one else here, but there should have been. “Where’s Larxene?” I asked.

Before he lost consciousness Xemnas smirked at me and said, “Securing a new base.”

Sephirix

I slashed threw a Nobody as three more slithered toward me. I cast a spell and an icy wing shot out at them, freezing them over. I leapt over and smashed them to pieces with ease. I glanced up at a house above and saw Larxene dancing upon it, lightning striking random places in Traverse Town. People were running and fighting, every one of them scared. Larxene had shown up unexpectedly and started a war right here. Many had already fallen and there weren’t that many warriors that could stand up to them that well. 

“I’m beginning to think Leon and the others should have stayed here,” I mumbled as I slashed off a Nobody’s head.

I heard a scream and saw s small group of children surrounded by Nobodies.

“No!” I yelled as I started running toward them but a swipe from a club knocked me to the side and one of Saix’s Nobodies stood before me. “Out of my way!”

I jumped at it but it blocked my attack and threw me back. I quickly jumped to the side and got behind it and started slashing at its back. It finally fell and I turned to go help the kids. I didn’t need to.

All of the Nobodies had been slain and the children were looking at their savior with awe. I was surprised myself since he wasn’t heading anywhere near here, but then another thought came to mind. “Replicanitas?”

Vanitas’s replica turned his head and smiled grimly at me. “Guess that’s my name now. Hey Sephirix.”

“Thanks for showing up, I could use the assist,” I explained.

“Why would you want somebody like me?” he asked. “I’m nothing.”

“Oh for the love of! OK, you may not be Vanitas, but you’re still you, you can make your choices,” I told him. “And everyone here could use your help right now.”

“We need to get out of here!” Neku shouted as he ran up to us. “There are more Nobodies on the way, along with real fighters. Our scout said they have about seven million!”

“Damn,” I muttered.

The children started to stiffen, worried on how they would escape. Neku reassured them, “Don’t worry. Everyone is heading for a Gummi ship that will evacuate them to safe worlds. Head that way to get to it.”

The children nodded and started running toward the ship. I looked at Neku and said, “So Traverse Town is being abandoned.”

“There’s nothing else we can do,” he insisted. “But the army of seven million is closer than I let on. I don’t know if we’ll make it in time.”

“Then I’ll buy you time,” I said.

“By yourself?” Neku gaped.

“He won’t,” Replicanitas said as he stepped forward. “I’m here.”

Neku started to say something but he hesitated. He sighed and started running toward the ship but he stopped and turned around to say, “Thank you!”

We watched as he left our sight and I gripped my Keyblade. “Man, this is gonna suck.”

“Not really,” Replicanitas said before he slammed the butt of his Keyblade into the side of my head. Everything blacked out.

I woke up later and I saw people looking over me. I stood up and asked, “What happened?”

“Someone brought you here to get you to safety but he stayed behind,” someone said. “Said he would buy us time.”

“NO!” I roared.

Replicanitas

I struck the ground with my Keyblade as I caught my breath. I had already killed so many enemies but I had barely placed a scratch in their forces. I didn’t think I could stand for much longer. I looked up and the image of Lexa before me. I knew it wasn’t real, but at least it gave me someone to talk to. “Man, why did I do something like this?”

“For your friends, right?” she answered me.

“Heh, friends,” I muttered with a smile. “Lexa… am I going to die?”

“Probably,” she said sadly. “Well, if that’s the case you better make sure to go out like a hero!”

“Right,” I grinned as I rose to my feet. I yelled as I charged at nearly seven million army before me.

“Enemy!” a general shouted as fireballs and lightning were fired at me.

I dodged each attack and jumped at them and swung my Keyblade, a blast of darkness killing a hundred of them. The dust cloud made from the attack gave me cover as I ran out and started slashing at them all, buying everyone the time they needed.

“Look out!” Lexa shouted as a large fireball landed at my feet. I was thrown back but I jumped to my feet and struck the ground with my Keyblade for support.

“Damn, if I knew this was going to happen I would have asked Lexa that question sooner,” I grinned as I stood up.

I watched as they pointed all their guns at me and fired a hail of bullets. I raised my Keyblade and filled it with darkness; I started blocking the bullets with supersonic speed, each bullet falling to the ground dented. I was sweating terribly as I stood my ground before the oncoming metal. After a few minutes two caught me in the leg and another grazed my cheek. I roared as I struck my Keyblade into the ground and let out a Dark Gamma Bomb.

The explosion covered a good chunk of area and I grunted as I felt someone punch me in the chest. When the explosion ended I fell to the ground, panting heavily. I was covered in blood and I was holding my chest with one hand as blood poured out. I glanced around and saw thousands of soldiers and Nobodies dead, but there was still more than six million around me. They all kept their distance though as they reading their magic and guns.

“Lexa,” I breathed, “I don’t want to die yet.”

Luckily,I  had gotten something important from those I had killed. I had done the reverse of what Lexa did with Sephirix. I had transferred Hearts from those I had killed and had started sending it to Sephirix to hold onto. He would know what to do with it.

“NO!” Lexa shouted as I smiled one last time at her image.

“FIRE!” Larxene shouted and every soldier and Nobody left sent out their attacks. Fireballs, lightning, bullets, and cannonballs went up into the air and then they started to come straight down at me.

“LEXA!!!” I shouted before they hit.

Sephirix

“Dear God,” I cried as I felt energy transfer into my heart. Replicanitas was gone.

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Xero

 

I walked into the floating castle. I saw several members of the Organization recover from some sort of attack. They saw me and summoned their weapons. I grinned and felt the dark power from the dark armor I'd been pouring so much energy into give back what I'd been needing.

 

No longer would I be second best, second rate.

 

Enter the new threat.

 

 

 

 

I held the last three off. The rest had fled under Xehanort's order. Xemnas and Xehanort attacked me directly while Ansem and his Guardian attempted to get a hold of me. I finally allowed him to grab both of my arms.

 

"I have the witch." He smirked. I returned his smirk with a crazed grin of my own. I felt Ansem's dark strength start pouring into my own limbs. "What?!" He let go and I unleashed my full power.

 

"Bind!" I called out and the three were ensnared by flame. "Oh, did you think I would come here, oh-so unprepared, Xehanort?" I said mockingly. He glared.  

 

I paced to Xemnas. He gave me the same burning gaze that Xehanort was giving me. "I wonder....I wonder how much energy your Master has allowed you." I grabbed him underneath his chin. 

 

I felt Xemnas's energy surge into the very fibers of my being. I sighed unwillingly. Xemnas looked visibly paler. "Good, good." I murmured. "Unfortunately, that just about covers what I can handle....for now." I said. "Just needed a top-off, so thanks." I winked at Xemnas. "Later." I snapped my fingers and corridors of Darkness swirled around the three, taking them to who-cares-where.

 

 

"Now, then....To figure out where they're hiding...." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I walked stealthily into the room where....

 

 

Lexa looked almost dead. Pale, empty. I was going to make sure she stayed like that permanently. 

 

I heard a Keyblade being summoned behind me. I turned and saw Aqua. "Oh, great." I said. "You must be Xero." She said. "What of it?" I said. "You're not going to hurt Lexa." Aqua said. "You and what army?" I answered and summoned my own. Aqua charged at me. I need a quick victory, not a long drawn out fight. The moment she was about to strike me, I opened a dark corridor in front of me, causing her to fall in. I closed it quickly. One problem down, one last one to go....

 

I lifted my Keyblade over Lexa's body, aiming for the center of  her chest.

 

 

I heard a bang on the door. "What the hell?!" I heard Vanitas's voice. "AQUA, OPEN THE DOOR!"

[Lexa Infinite 141]

Vain

 

 

I watched Xero from the shadows, watching as she sorted through papers and documents from the massive computer in hurried pace, no doubt to figure out where Lexa was. Master Vanitas was going to blow a gasket when he found out she'd kicked Xehanort out.

 

 

I silently left and went to my Master immediately to report my findings.

 

 

 

Vanitas

 

I stopped the Glider as my Remnant appeared on his monochromatic version of mine. "Report, Vain." I said. "There's bad news and then there's worse news." He said. "Okay, what's the worst?' I asked. "Xero's taken over The World that Never Was." Vain said.

 

"And the bad news?" "Nothing new about how to fix Lexa." 

 

I bit my lip. Xero had finally decided to tip her hand and stop playing in the shadows.....

 

 

I sent Vain to wait in the shadows and wait for my order. Depending on how fast Xero could sort through the amount of information Xehanort had amassed....

 

 

I landed in front of SOLDIER and was relieved when I saw the other three land at the same time. I ran up to them.

 

"I think I have a way of fixing Lexa, but it's risky. Come on!" I said. "What do we need to do?" Rixec asked. "What is it?" Xoncron said at the same time.

 "I'm in, whatever it is." Sephirix said, a determined look in his eyes. "I'll explain once we get in! I've just got word from Vain that Xero's taken over the Organization's base! Knowing Xehanort, he'll have enough information for Xero to figure out where this is!" I said and ran up to the door."Vanitas wait up! Xoncron called out. "Like hell!" I said and flung the door open. "We need to think about this!" Rixec said. "We gotta start building defenses!" Sephirix added. "Leave that to SOLDIER." Avon pushed past me. "You all do what you have to." I nodded. "Come on!"

 

The four of us ran down to Lexa's room and found the door closed. "What the hell?!" I tried the door. Aqua was supposed to be on guard in there, so why was it locked?! "AQUA, UNLOCK THE DOOR!" I yelled and pounded on the door. The quiet that followed was eerily silent. "Aqua?!" Rixec said. Sephirix pushed me out of the way. "Stand back!" He said and proceeded to kick down the door. "You could have just used your Keyblade." Xoncron said as Sephirix kicked it down with a second powerful blow.

 

 

Standing next to the bed was Xero, holding her black Keyblade over Lexa, wearing ebonized Keyblade Armor. She stared at us in shock for a mere second, then picked up Lexa's unconscious body and held it against her, baring her Keyblade against Lexa's throat.

 

"ONE MOVE AND SHE DIES!" She yelled. Apparently, she hadn't expected us to be back so soon. No sign of Aqua, either. Xero must have warped her off somewhere. I summoned Void Gear as she spoke, ready to unleash living fury when the right moment came.

 

"That's it, you die, woman!" Sephirix said. I moved a hand to stop him, shaking my head. "By all means, Sephirix, but your little crush goes first." She leered sadistically. I grit my teeth as I held back a wave of fury. "Tch!" Sephirix said. "You bitch!"

 

"Don't do this, Xero." Rixec said. "This won't end well for you." Xero smirked. "You will not get away with this." Xoncron added. "Oh? Consider that I've just knocked Old Man off his own throne. How could this NOT end well for me? I kill her and I'll be unstoppable."

 

Shit. She'd figured out the Dark Immortality Clause. "Didn't I knock him around first, though?" Rixec said. "Wow, now you are pathetic, Xero." Sephirix said. "I'll say." Xoncron said. Xero's face turned slightly pink. "Me? Pathetic? Bitch, please." She countered.

 

"And there's a flaw in your plan." Rixec said. What the hell were they doing? Deliberately trying to get Lexa killed?! "There is?" Sephirix said. "Don't try anything, Rixec, I'll slit her throat." Xero threatened. "That's the thing." Rixec said. "I warn you; I've got nothing to lose and all to gain." She said through gritted teeth. Definitely hadn't planned on us coming back so soon.

"See, you just said you'll be unstoppable once you kill her, meaning you fully intend to no matter what. So..." Rixec summoned his Keyblade. "Meaning she's going to die anyway, we might as well avenge her."

 

WHAT THE HELL, RIXEC, WE ARE TRYING TO SAVE LEXA HERE, NOT HAVE HER KILLED!

 

"Are you insane?!" Sephirix said at the same time as I said, "ARE YOU ALL OUT OF YOUR MINDS?!" Needless to say, I highly disapproved this plan. Xero paled. ".....Shit." She swore. "What's it going to be Xero?" Xero was visibly losing controlling of the situation. "...I think I could persuaded to let her live." Xero said.

 

"Let her go. You have three seconds." Rixec said. "3..." "You better." Xoncron warned and summoned his Keyblade. "Xero!" Sephirix said, looking between the two. "2...." Rixec and Xoncron said. "Bite my ass, Rixec." She glared. "He's not kidding!" Sephirix said. "1..." Rixec said and steadied himself. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" He was going to let Lexa die. Not on my watch.

 

I saw Vain leap from a corridor behind Xero and grab her from behind, ripping her away from Lexa. "NOW!" Rixec ran forward as Lexa dropped. "WHAT THE HELL!?" Xero yelled as Vain held her tight. "BARRIER!" She moved out a hand as she created a barrier that separated us from her and Vain. "FIRAGA!" Rixec yelled at the same time Xero put up the barrier and the spell collided with the transparent wall.

 

We ran up to the wall as Xero struggled against Vain. "Move!" We moved away from Sephirix as he broke down the barrier. Rixec threw his Keyblade at Xero at the same time she threw Vain out from behind her. I heard the wind rush from Vain as he hit the ground. I saw Sephirix move toward Lexa and I guarded from any possible attempt from Xero. 

 

Unfortunately, my attention should have been more focused on my Remnant. I saw Rixec's Keyblade narrowly miss Xero. Vain got up, and went for Xero again. She moved quickly and hit him hard, knocking him out. A flash of white came out of nowhere and tackled Xero down. I saw Xero's right boot make contact with Rixec's face as she went down, causing him to tumble over and behind her. Rixec swore as he hit the ground.

 

Xero decided for a quick exit. She grabbed Vain, still unconscious at the time, and made an unceremonious retreat. "I got her. Lexa's safe." Sephirix said to Rixec who was starting to get up. "Good....good." Rixec answered. I saw Xoncron go for the door, no doubt to go after Xero. "Lexa's not safe, not yet! Xon, get back here, I need you!" I said. "She got away, anyway." Xoncron sighed and came back. "Doesn't matter; She won't be trying again anytime soon. Vanitas, what's your plan?" Rixec said.

 

 

"The only way I was able to find to reverse this is if I - we-" I corrected. "Use the same method she did to restart your heart, Sephirix. I know you all aren't going to like it, but it's the only way." I said. "It means we could die, like Xemnas told me. But I'm in." Rixec said.

 

"It might not be hopeless." Sephirix said to him. "Lexa is like family, so if that's what it takes, then I'm willing to try it." Xoncron said. "....I'll be the first to test it out." I said. "If it looks like I'm going to fail..." I hesitated, then said what my heart wanted to. "In case we do fail, it's been an honor working with you all. A real honor." I said. There

 

Keyblade: Vanitas: In case we do fail, it's been an honor working with you all. A real honor." There was a moment of silence in the room. "Vanitas...."Rixec said. "It will be alright." Xoncron said. "I know." I grinned. "One of us has to be the pessimist." I prepared my heart for this. "Lexa needs her Light to guide her back..." I said.

 

"Am I the only one to hear the irony in that?" Rixec smirked. "Nope." I grinned back, then took a more serious tone. "Okay, if it looks like I'm starting to fail, I'm going to need you, Rixec, to amplify the Light." "Got it." Rixec said. "You two-" I looked at Sephirix and Xoncron. "I don't care which goes first after Rixec." "Got it." Xoncron nodded. 

 

"Okay, Sephirix-" I stopped my self,then chuckled a little. "What?" He said. I laughed at myself again. "Spit it out." He replied. "Can't believe I'm saying this but...I'm glad I got to meet you. Thought I'd say it, now it's out. Don't bring it up again if we live through this escapade."

 

"Won't have to. I'll take the audio recording set up in this room."Sephirix said, grinning. "Why the hell am I not surprised?" I said, flatly. "Wait, we're being recorded?" Xoncron said. "Not the time." Rixec said. "Right." Xoncron said, shaking his head. I placed my hand on the center of Lexa's chest. 

 

 

"Time to wake up."