Keyblade Master Rixec

Really? I've saved outside ion Lumiose City lots of times and have never gotten anything like that. Maybe I'm lucky.

Where is this store located?! I demand answers!

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.

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.

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!

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?”

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.

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.

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.

Rixec “I hate you,” Vanitas said. “Don’t,” I sighed, “don’t go there now.” “Bad enough that Lexa up and vanished after what Sephirix did, but after we find out Xoncron screwed us over you decide to bring us here and look what happens the minute we get here!” I’ll admit having the two of us hanging upside-down over a large pit of poisonous spider-rats – I’m still wondering who came up with those – was not what I was expecting to happen the minute we landed. “So our guests have arrived,” Saix said as he walked up to us. “If this is how you treat your guests, I hate to see what you’d do to your enemies,” I said. “If Xoncron comes around – and if you’re still alive – we’ll show you,” Saix said. “I’d like that. I really would,” Vanitas said. “Not the time,” I said. “Look, we didn’t come to cause any trouble.” “I know you are here on Chernabog’s bidding,” Saix said. “But we want to know why. What is he planning?” “Hell if I know,” I shrugged. “That is unfortunate,” Saix said as he pressed a button and we found ourselves being lowered, the spider-rats snapping their fangs at us, their hairy legs stomping fairly quickly. “Why lower us in slowly?” I asked. “Wouldn’t it be more efficient to just throw us in?” I asked. “Shut up!” Vanitas exclaimed. “Because maybe your master will show up to save you,” Saix answered. “We don’t need any saving,” I huffed. “Uh, yes, we could,” Vanitas glared. “Are you suicidal or something today?” “No,” I answered a few feet above the spider-rats. “I just wanted to wait long enough to do this.” I started to glow with light and a few seconds later a wave of light exploded from me and washed over the spider-rats, turning them into ashes. The chains holding us weakened and we were able to break free and land in the empty pit safely. “You mean you could have done that all along?” Vanitas asked angrily. “Oh no, not anytime,” I answered as I called out my Keyblades. “Only when it’s most dramatic.” Vanitas grunted at me as he called out his Keyblade and we pointed them at Saix. Saix jumped into the pit and brought out his weapon. “Then I will slowly peel the skin off your flesh myself until you or your master answers me,” he said. “Not today!” I said as I jumped up out of the pit. “Hold him there for a few minutes Vani,” I said as I ran off. “I’m gonna kill you when I kill Sephirix Rixec!” I heard Vanitas roar. I turned down a corner and ran out the door. I stood atop the castle and was now in the right spot to work. I held my hands out and began to draw in the light. Particles appeared before me and started slowly moving toward my hands, being absorbed into my flesh. As I did, the world grew paler in color – like it wasn’t pale enough already – and I was done only after a couple minutes. There wasn’t much light here. “Good,” Chernabog said. “Now you must travel to Wonderland.” I was starting to get annoyed with Chernabog. I had my own life to lead to after all. “You,” Vanitas growled as he came over to me. “I should kill you now for leaving me.” “Like you couldn’t handle Saix,” I laughed. “Not the point,” Vanitas said. “Well, we’re done here,” I said. “So let’s go.” Sephirix I landed on The World That Never was and noticed it was paler than usual. I could barely sense any light in this place at all. Just what had the Organization done to this place? A group of Nobodies appeared around me and I sighed. I was on an important mission. I didn’t have time to play. I pulled out my guns and started shooting, trying to end this as fast as possible. I watched as the bullets penetrated their empty skulls, their limbs being torn off their bodies. After a couple minutes I was the only one standing. I put my guns up and started walking down the street when I saw Rixec and Vanitas coming up. “Yo!” I said. “Sephirix!” Rixec cried. “Kadaj,” Vanitas mumbled. “Seriously, you want to go at it now?” I growled as we grouped up. “Not now,” Rixec said. “We have to move before the whole Organization catches us.” “Better them than Xon,” Vanitas puffed. “What are you talking about?” I asked. Rixec quickly filled me in on the situation. “HE DID WHAT?!” I roared. “I know, right?” Vanitas said. “We’ll deal with him later,” Rixec said. “Right,” I said. “I gotta get you to Lexa.” Vanitas grabbed my collar and yelled, “What did you do?!” “You can see for yourself when we get to SOLDIER HQ,” I gritted. “Stop this, now,” Rixec said and Vanitas let go but was still asking what I did. “Wait,” I said, interrupting him. “Did you hear something?” We all turned around the corner and ended up pointing our weapons right at Xoncron. “Rixec! Sephirix! Vanitas!” he exclaimed. “Boy am I glad t see you guys!” “Let’s kill him!” I said. “Finally something you and I agree on,” Vanitas nodded. “I got better things to do but what the hell? I’m sure the three of us can make a damn good mob,” Rixec sighed.

Sephirix “Lexa! Lexa” I cried helplessly. Avon ran in and held her hands up to her mouth. “No… this isn’t how it’s suppose to go… get her on heart support – now!” Two knights ran in and took Lexa from me. I watched as they placed her on a bed and hooked her up to a strange machine with a pink crystal in it. “This’ll keep her together until we can fix her heart,” Avon said. “How can I help?” I asked as I jumped to my feet. “It won’t be easy,” Avon mumbled. “You’ll have to go talk with the old man. With Rixec.” Rixec Vanitas held on to me as we went through the lanes between. “Where is SOLDIER?” Vanitas asked. “That’s gotta be where she is!” “Like I know,” I said as we flew by Traverse Town. “It could be anywhere.” “Can’t your buddy help you?” Vanitas asked. “Chernabog is the nicest guy,” I said sarcastically. “He’ll help if we ask.” “Okay, okay,” Vanitas sighed, frustrated. “Rixec, go to the World That Never Was,” Chernabog said. “Speak of the devil,” I muttered as I found myself going toward that dangerous world.

Rixec I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. He made the plans because of the time I needed to make sure Vanitas was on our side? Wait, no, that couldn’t be right. That happened LONG BEFORE we even knew about the contingency plans, and when Vanitas figured out about the attack Xoncron was shocked for it to be suggested, much less be true. So, unless… I glared at Xoncron who paled up, just realizing he said something he shouldn’t have said. “You didn’t know until like, what, a week ago? Those contingency plans were made long before hand,” I said. “So, if you made those in response to the time I needed to check up on Vanitas then that means… you’ve been lying to us.” Before Xoncron could react I cast a time spell to stop him in his tracks for just a minute. It was all I needed to search him. After rummaging through his pockets I found a small screen and touched the buttons on it to find what I was looking for. A video of me and Sephiroth came up and I heard myself say, “’Sephiroth? Can I ask a favor?’” I fast forwarded and saw me and Sephiroth on the Grid and when then to the point where the two of us fused. That’s when the feed was cut off and didn’t start up again until we split into three. But that wasn’t the end of it. There were things where I was nowhere near on here. “’Son of a b!tch,” Lexa said. “Oh, I’ve managed to mess everything up again.’” It wasn’t just me, it was everyone! I went through it and even found videos of Vanitas and William. Nothing on Sephirix, but I bet Xoncron was never able to get near him. It looked like Xoncron tagged us not long after we met up again when I stopped being a Nobody. He had captured us during everything since! There were even videos of us bathing for crying out loud! This was a ^&*%ing crime for Nomura’s sake! I started searching my body and found what I was looking for. On the side of my neck I felt a lump so I used my magic to make a cut and pulled out a small video and microphone. Son of a b!tch; he put it under our skin. The magic wore off and Xoncron knew he was in trouble. “It’s not like that…,” he started to stay before I did what no man should ever do to another man. I kicked him HARD in the groin. Xoncron gasped out as his hands shot in between his legs and he fell to the ground. “How could you? Contingency plans because of what I did?” I gritted. “We should have started making one for you ourselves! This is a crime Xon! Why?!” “I – I,” he wheezed, “needed to keep an eye on everybody, make sure we could find each other again if something happened.” “Then what about when Sephirix took Lexa?” I asked. “The feed was being disrupted,” Xoncron groaned. “Probably because of wherever Sephirix took Lexa or maybe because of him himself. I’m not sure.” “I may have crossed a line,” I said, “but I needed to know about Vanitas. You crossed the line long before that when you stuck THESE inside us!” I threw the camera and microphone at him and said, “I’m done with your games Xoncron. You invaded us. Well, I’m done.” I destroyed the screen and walked off in fury. After everything we’d been through Xoncron had been working against us all along. Well, enough was enough. Xoncron had been lying to us nearly from the start. How could I stick around with him doing things like this? I walked to Vanitas’s room and woke him up. “Ah!” he exclaimed. “Rixec – ow – what are you…” “Listen,” I said as I raised hand. “There’s something you need to know about Xoncron.” As I said this I examined Vanitas and found what I needed. I made the cut – which startled him and pulled out the camera and microphone. “What is that?” Vanitas groaned. “Xoncron,” I said.