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Pure Hearts.
A Kingdom Hearts Fanfiction

The sun had just hit the horizon, painting the sky a bloody massacre of color. The ocean twinkled with dancing orange lights; a beautiful picture and a sad one, something that I would never accept. This was the day that I left the boys; I can’t imagine how it was without them. The constant laughing and optimistic outlook from the naive and sweet Sora, then the realistic yet comforting view from the dark and mysterious Riku, always there. But now they aren’t here at all. I don’t know who I was before them, just some girl that lived alone? Who am I now? I am Imogene. I know that much. I am safe, because of them. I am happy…Am I happy?

I don’t think I can handle this.

“Imogene!” I heard someone yell from behind, and I knew that voice well. I turned, the lights were blinding, but there was the unmistakable shape, almost like a star. Then I saw his hand reaching out to me, a crown dangling from his wrist.

“Sora!” I yelled running into his arms. He smelt like smoke, like fire, where had he been? “I thought I would never see you again…”

“Imogene,” He whispered. He sounded a bit worried, like something bad was going to happen. “Imogene I…I’d really like to stay here with you.”

I broke from him, it seemed colder now, the sky not quite as bright. His heart wasn’t in it, he loved someone else. Kairi, of course he loved Kairi. How could I take that from him? He belonged on Destiny Island with her and Riku, so he could live happily ever after. ”Sora…don’t say that,” I said, tears stung my face; I took a deep breath willing them to leave.

Sora seemed confused,” W-What?” He asked.

I looked at his face, cerulean eyes, so blue, so lost. “Sora, you can’t stay here. Your life is destined at your home. I belong here, in my little house on the hill, without you. I am afraid that you’re making a horrible mistake…Go back to Riku and Kairi,” I commanded. I stepped back, letting the wind toss my hair wherever it pleased.

Sora now seemed hurt. “Imogene…I wasn’t going to hurt you…I-I just…I promised,” He pleaded.

I didn’t dare look at him. I could take advantage of this moment, I could steal him away, I could manipulate him with guilt. But then he said ‘promise’ He did promise, didn’t he.

I remember it was back in Traverse Town, in front of the clock tower. He turned to me and smiled he told me, “If you was to ever be sad, or down, or anything like that, I will be there. I don’t care when or where, I will always be there. I promise,” Was his heart in that? He came back…

I took his hands in mine,” I want you to promise me that you will go back to Destiny Islands and tell Kairi how you feel. Okay? I don’t care what happens to me, you have to promise,” I looked into his eyes; deep and blue.

“Imogene! I can’t!” he cried.

I glared,” Promise me, okay?”

“I-I promise,” He said. He hugged me one last time before he walked away. He walked on the air just off the cliff, the new shoes that Cid made. They were done. It made me smile. He was working so hard, so intently and they finally finished. The rush of air shooting out of the bottom tossed my hair around my face after the wind died down. It smelt like smoke, like fire. I understood now. I waved as he left.

I turned; I didn’t dare watch him leave again. This was harder than before, harder than ever before, and what hurt the most was knowing that my house was exactly the same. After I had changed so much the mailbox was still dented, the door still squeaked, the bricks leading up to my door still chipped and broken. My little house in the hill was still the same, and who was I now? I am alone. I know that much.

I woke in a cold sweat. What a weird dream.

Chapter one: Dreams.

For the past two weeks I’ve been having a reoccurring dream. Well, not really it was more like a TV show; every night the next episode would play in a new dream. Quickly, so I didn’t forget, I scribbled down the basics of what happened.

Sora came back but I made him leave again. Then I went home.

I’d write down details later, but now I need a shower. Although I’d probably forget. I had a thing about horrible memory. That’s why I wrote it down so quickly, as the days would wear on I wouldn’t even know who Sora was. A quick rinse and then I’d go job hunting, I was running low on what was left of my allowance and I couldn’t bring myself to get into Mom’s old account.

“First things first, take out the trash…its Tuesday right?” I asked myself stretching. The trash can wasn’t even half full, but what do you expect when you live alone? To me, it means its light and I don’t have to lug a huge thing of foul smelling aftermath to the dumpster before the garbage man gets there.

The single bag of trash in hand I set out on my mission down the hill, still in my PJs. The sun was bright for being so early, 7 or so. I admired the dazzling colors for a moment before starting downhill. A small orange cat walked up to me and meowed. It was dirty and looked hungry, a lot like me. I bent down to the sweet thing. “Hello there. You want to come with me? So…so we both aren’t alone a-anymore?” I was still choking back tears. I was biting my lip. I blinked and a tear shed. The cat meowed again and I picked her up. “Come on, I’ll go make you some food.”

I made haste to throw out the trash, seeing as a real living creature was now in my keep. It was definitely a stray, I could tell because of the smell. She’s mine now, name to be decided later. I hope she doesn’t maul me for taking her in the shower, because she needs to be washed; she seems pretty well tempered at the moment.

Once back in the house I went to the kitchen. What do cats eat? Bread? Oh chicken salad! She’ll eat chicken salad, right? I scooped a bit of leftovers onto a small plate and put it in front of her; she was sitting patiently, mewing a bit. She took a few bites, meowed and ate some more. Ah, Imogene, animal extraordinaire. Let’s just hope that she stays the pleasant when she’s wet. I made a sandwich with what was left in the container and took to the shower.

It’s hard to keep a cat in the shower. I ended up wrapping her in a towel and holding her. I rubbed a little shampoo into her tummy. She squeaked, which was adorable. Maybe I can get a job at a pet store and get her some real cat shampoo and food. We toweled down and headed back to my room. I think that I should dress pretty nice for job hunting, right? Jeans and a white t-shirt sound pretty nice to me.


Chapter Two: Strangers

As I was tying my shoe the phone rang. Which was strange, I never get phone calls, and it was 8 in the morning. Abandoning my shoe half tied, I answered. Wet hair clung to my face.

“Hello?”

“Yes, is this Imogene’s house?” I heard a boy say, he sounded professional, I was excited. Was it the baker saying that I could work at his bakery?

I tucked some dripping hair behind my ear,” Yes?” I was smiling and holding cat. What was I going to call her anyway?

The voice on the other end was grave,” Don’t turn around.” Then he hung up. What the hell? I was terrified, but it was probably some jerk with a phone book. Despite of the voice I turned. Then screamed cat leapt from my arms and onto the counter hissing. A man in black stood there holding his arms up defensibly.

Suddenly a boy with silver-ish hair burst into my kitchen, busting open my door, so much for knocking. “Get down!” He yelled it was the same voice from the phone. This time I did as I was told and grabbed cat and dove under the counter. My heart was beating so loud I couldn’t really comprehend anything. Cat meowed…So now wasn’t a real appropriate time, but I can’t just call her “cat”. Lucky. This cat was really lucky.

I heard someone cry out in pain. I closed my eyes tight. Then I heard talking. “Whoa, I didn’t come to fight. Orders are orders; I’ll just tell him I couldn’t do it.” The voice was strained. I peered out from under the counter. The man in black had taken off his hood; he had fiery red hair and the most intoxicating green eyes. He held his side, guess he was the one that got hit.

“Get out of here,” The silver haired boy snarled, he had some kind of weapon. It was dark blue and black and blood red. I think I liked the red head better. But something about this silver haired wonder seemed so familiar. His eyes were astounding: a breathtaking cyan. I swear I know this boy.

The red head nodded,” Anything you say,” He held out his hand and this purple and black thing appeared. It looked dangerous and unpredictable, just a mass of color. Was he going to hurt the silver haired boy? The boy didn’t seem concerned. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The red head walked into the black stuff, this surprised me, but when you’ve gone through this certain turn of events anything seems possible. Then the black stuff disappeared.

The boy glared then looked to me, calmly. “Imogene, right?” He asked holding out a hand. I took it; I could use a steady grip. My eyes were probably huge. I nodded staring where the red head went. I dropped my hand and backed up. This guy stabbed the red head! What am I doing letting him help me up?! “I’m not going to hurt you,” He said calmly his weapon vanished in a bright light. I flinched.

“Who are you?” I whispered. Lucky hissed.

Another boy came running into the room, “Did you stop him?” He asked, he seemed… just nicer than the silver haired boy. He had cinnamon brown spiky hair and dressed kinda weird. In his hand was a huge key. He too seemed really, really familiar. The name Sora kept popping up in my mind, but why did I think that when I saw him. Those were only dreams. Well, I just saw a man walk into black stuff then disappear.

Silver boy smiled,” My name is Riku, I’m not going to hurt you. Please come with us,” Riku…? I know that name…

I shook my head,” Not until you explain who in the world you are, what in the world was he, and what in the world is going on!” Lucky clung to my shirt. I realized that my hair was still wet.

The brown haired boy seemed really worried,” Riku, they’re on their way! We have to go as soon as they get here!” He called out urgently.

Riku looked around, for explanations I assume. “Listen, there’s a lot I can’t say right now, but we’re not your enemy! Those men in black are really bad guys and you can’t protect yourself.”

“They’re landing, we have to go!” the brown haired boy called running to meet whoever had just landed.

Riku grabbed my shoulders and stared deep into my eyes,” Please, trust me.” I swallowed hard. His eyes were absolutely amazing, so knowing, so dreamlike, so familiar. I nodded. “Good, come on!” I pulled me out of the house, Lucky stayed behind. I called out to her, but of course she couldn’t understand me. She was a cat.

Chapter three: Traveling.

We went fast. We didn’t stop for a long time. I didn’t dare speak, I barely breathed, my heart beating so loud. What in the world was going on, it was a normal day, and I was going to work in a pet shop or bakery, not riding in some freaky spaceship with five strangers. Everyone in this ship was strange. There were no names to be traded, I think only Riku knew my name, and I only knew his. There was the spiky boy, and then in the ship was a blonde man, he drove. He was a bit of an inventor. Then there was the brown haired man with the scar.

The only thing they told me, even before we gone on the ship was we are running from the people cloaked in black. Mysterious and shrouded in their own darkness, only seeking hearts pure.

I was shaking; my breaths uneven, tears took residence in the corners of my eyes. I was going to be fine, and normal, not this. Far from this. Spiky gave me a quick hug,” It’s alright. You’re going to be fine once we get to Hollow Bastion,” It didn’t comfort me one bit. I whipped my face on my arm and continued sobbing until my head hurt.

I was asleep; I always get tired when I cry. I woke leaning on spiky. I blushed and regained my posture; it was a bit awkward: falling asleep on a stranger. It was black outside, and stars seemed to rush past. I broke my blank stare out the window and looked to my feet. My shoe was still untied. I chuckled a bit; I would tie it when we got to where we were going.

The ride was silent the rest of the way, other than the constant humming coming from the ship. The silence gave me time to think; I had a lot more questions than was good for me. Also, I had this nagging feeling that was telling me that I knew these people. I was a bit worried that I didn’t dream while on spiky. I didn’t have my notebook either…

Our landing was graceful, actually our whole trip was really steady and easy, the blonde guy was a pretty good driver. I was hush-hush hurried to some normal looking house in a rotten neighbor hood when we arrived. Riku and spiky stood on either side of me while scar-dude and driver were on my front and back. I couldn’t wait until we got inside, the questions would be never ending.

It would have been a pretty place if it wasn’t raining. Lightning flashed and cackled while thunder rumbled a low roar. I never minded the rain, actually I really like it. We still hurried to the small house, and once inside two girls greeted us with such humility and grace. Well one of them did, the other was loud and a bit obnoxious.

“Glad you guys finally made it. We were getting worried that you failed us!” The girl with black hair barked. She laughed really loud.

The woman with cinnamon locks smiled,” We are glad that you’re back,” She said sweetly. They both hugged each of the boys then smiled at me. “Who’s this?” The brown haired girl asked. I liked her, she seemed sweet, and honestly she made me think of honey.

Riku answered for me, then it would be my turn for questions,” Imogene Hart. She was from that sun village on the coast. Axel was after her.” He explained.

“Hello, Imogene. You guys must be cold, I’ll get some blankets and make some tea,” She said. I really liked this chick; she’s like the big sister I always wanted. Soft-spoken, sweet, knowing, ah I could get used to this.

The black haired girl was smiling at my blank face, “I bet you’re totally lost, right?” She asked.

I nodded, “Nailed it.” It was the first time I’d spoken since I left my house, who knows how long it’s been.

She laughed again, and stuck her tongue out at the guys, “You losers are so useless, you didn’t tell her anything!?” She squawked a laugh. “You are so lame! Wait until Merlin hears? What did you do on the ride here? Oh, let me guess, ‘nothing?’”

Spiky chuckled, “I thought we weren’t supposed to tell her without Merlin, though, Yuffie!” He said. Yuffie? Merlin? Ugh, I thought it was weird enough with Riku!

Yuffie sighed,” Oh yeah. Well, at least this one’s pretty. I hate working with men all the time!” Pretty? I never thought of myself as pretty? I mean red hair and brown eyes aren’t anything special. “So, Imogene, how’d you like the crew?” She asked.

“Just call me Mog. Imogene is so granny. And they’re quiet, can’t really make up an opinion out of nothing,” I was glad I didn’t become all receded and quiet, I hate when I get shy. That got me fired from being a waitress. Damn those cute boys.

Yuffie made a face,” Mog? Cool. I’m the great ninja Yuffie. I think you’re going to fit in just fine here,” Great ninja, eh?

The nice girl from before returned bearing wool blankets and cups of hot tea, “Welcome home!” She cooed.

Chapter four: Explanations interrupted.

We sat drinking tea and laughing for a while. The finally introduced themselves, I wasn’t surprised to find out that spiky’s name was really Sora. The man with the brown hair was Leon and the blonde man that drove us was Cid. Then of course was my ‘sister’ Aerith. Cid was kinda southern, and really, really smart. His latest invention was these shoes called “Airwalks” they’re like hover shoes and let you walk on air. He wasn’t done yet, of course, but he said that Sora, Riku, and I could try them out when he was.

Leon was really serious, he hardly ever laughed. And let me tell you, we are a funny bunch; Sora laughed the most next to Yuffie. Riku laughed too, which surprised me, I thought he was all serious, but he’s actually a pretty cool guy. This whole gang seemed like the family I never had. Well, there was mom, once. But she’s died and we’re not going to go into it.

I was still really oblivious through all the jokes and stories. They talked a lot about heartless, but I was never clued in on what they are. At one point Leon stood in the open doorway watching the rain fall. Yuffie told me that he was really poetic and deep, or we’ve finally given him a headache.

Merlin finally decided to show up after a while, it was impossible to tell the time of day; for all we know it could be midnight or noon. I don’t think it really mattered to them either. He just poofed into the house out of nowhere, I was the only one to be the least bit frightened. I screamed and tripped backwards toppling onto Sora, which was awkward again. Geese, what’s with me and falling on Sora? Merlin was an interesting character, he looked like he was straight out of a children’s movie or something. He had a long white beard and wore a pointy blue hat; he fit the roll of ‘wizard’ perfectly.

He walked up to me and adjusted his glasses. “Is this her? Is this the girl?” He asked. I sat up and tried to flatten my freaked out hair.

Yuffie came up from behind and wrapped her arm over the old man’s shoulder,” Yup, Mog Hart. She came from some sunny village on the coast,” she explained.

Merlin took my hand and shook it furiously,” Ah, I see. Welcome Mog, to the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee!”

“Huh?” I let escape.

Riku came up from behind and hit the wizard playfully, “Wrong. She’s here because of the Org. they were pursuing her. Remember?” He asked.

Merlin thought for a second, stroking his long beard. “Nope! But I’m sure it will come back to me!” This old coot was a riot. I giggled a bit, which was weird, I do not giggle. He walked into the other room then turned around, “I got it! It’s about the Org.! Right? Am I right?”

Riku slapped his palm to his forehead, “Yes, Merlin, I just told you…” The poor boy, I don’t know how much of this he put up with, but by the look on his face, it’s a bit more than he likes.

Their way of explaining things was a lot like the “One Word Story” game, where each player would say one word making a nonsensical finished product. Well this one was about at random as it got, we went from beautiful islands to lost princesses to epic battles to rambling old men, to Riku getting him back on track. Everything seemed to make such a big deal out of our hearts. They spoke of it like it was this great powerful force. I mean, yeah, it gets our blood pumping, but I don’t get why it’s such a big deal.

Castles and bad guys, beasts and talking mice, this story had it all and to top it all off it wasn’t coming from a story book. These were adventures from real people, told in a mass of off topic, yet somehow relevant tidbits of info, by a group of strangers.

Leon stayed quiet through most of it, it wasn’t until the end that he chimed in, “Some psychopath brought Organization XIII back, every single one, now they’re collecting people pure of heart and testing them, seeing what they do, then turning them into heartless. It’s disgusting.”

I was still confused, “So why did you guys…for lack of a better word, kidnap me?”

Sora thought for a minute then looked to Riku for answers. Riku sighed like Sora was an idiot, “Because, from what I have observed they are planning on turning you into a nobody. You have a really strong heart, Imogene. We have to protect it,”

Well, don’t I feel special.

Lightning cackled and I gasped, it had been a while. No thunder though. Actually it was a lot of lightning. Our light source, the huge computer screen just died and we were left in the dark.

“Power out.” Merlin grumbled and somehow lit a fire in his hand, “I’ll get the candles,” Psh, wizards.

I’m not afraid of the dark, I never really was, but Riku didn’t need to know that. His warm had been really comforting and I do believe that I am a pretty good actress. Flinching when the lightning would crash, surprisingly enough there was still no thunder. I hugged him and freaked out, like a normal girl. The best part was he held me, protectively. He was an attractive guy, why blame me?

I watched out of the shabby one-way window as the lightning seemed to near the shack. The water dripped through the leaks but all else seemed still. Riku tensed and tightened his grip on my hand, something was up. Again the lightning flashed, closer still. We could hear it as the white hot electric shock struck the cold ground. We could hear it laughing. I saw a shape in the lightning, the flashing became more frequent, and it was right outside the window. It looked like a woman with her arms held high above her head.

Riku pushed me behind him, “That can’t be good…” He whispered. “Stay inside, no matter what,” The lightning was definitely laughing now, high pitched squeals.

The lightning died to reveal a yellow haired woman standing outside. She wasn’t unattractive, full lips, dazzling green eyes, but something about her screamed ‘b***h’. She walked up to the shack and kicked open the door, “Alright, just give her here, I really don’t want to fight,” her voice was venomous, her words dripped sarcasm.

Sora and Riku somehow got their weapons (it still amazes me) everyone else seemed ready to fight, well other than Merlin. “Ooh, so we’ll be like that? Alright, I can settle for a small collision,” She cooed. I hadn’t noticed before, but in her hands was sharp looking knifes. She sent shivers down my spine; she was malicious she seemed dangerous and eager to kill.

Riku lunged foreword as she charged. Their weapons clashed, she looked graceful as she attacked and each time their weapons collided lightning seemed to coil around his sword thing. The woman giggled as she blocked Yuffie from behind, she had a giant ninja star thing.

Sora stood in front of me his key vicious, yet his face innocent. I peered out from behind him. I felt like I was in my kitchen watching the red haired boy and Riku battle shortly. Only this woman seemed so much crueler. She wasn’t ready to loose.

She span in a great circle clinging with whatever weapon she met. Then she threw her knifes sporadically, aiming at nothing in particular. Once landed in Cid’s computer, which pissed him off. Another landed in Leon’s thigh, which pissed him off. Somehow the woman never ran out of these knifes. She threw her arms in the air again and electricity seemed to run through her fingers and into the knifes that were jabbed into walls. An electric charge surged into them.

Leon cried out in pain and gripped the knife. I reached out to him “Leon!” I yelled. Instinct.

Sora blocked another knife with his key, “Stay behind me,” He ordered under his breath.

The woman remained still,” Ohh…So there you are. Come on missy, we have business with you.” She held out her arm to me. Her voice was menacing but her movements were kind.

Yuffie came up from behind and smacked her against the head with her ninja star. I heard the woman’s breath leave her then the dull thud as she hit the floor. It was over, for now.

Aerith and Merlin cared for Leon’s wound while Sora, Riku, and Yuffie tied up the woman. Cid attempted at bringing his computer back to life, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen.

“God dammit! Can’t we off the witch? She ruined our source of protection!” Cid yelled.

Leon claimed to be fine, once the knife was out the blood made me woozy. “Cid, we c-can get a-ans…” His voice trailed off.

Merlin returned with fresh linens to dress Leon’s would with, “Don’t waste your breath,” Yuffie called. They made sure that the woman didn’t go anywhere, chained, tied, and gagged, the whole nine yards.

Riku stared at the woman, serene in her sleep, trickles of red trailed down her forehead from the blow, “What are we going to do…” He mumbled, “And more importantly, who are they sending next? Larxene is one of the bad ones. Disagreeable, angry, malicious, she’s also stubborn. I can’t imagine if they send Xigbar, or Xaldin,”

Sora read my blank face, “They’re members of the organization,” He explained. I nodded in understanding. I was worried about these people, willing to throw their lives away to protect me. What was so important about me? Why can’t they just let the stupid people take me, I can’t bear hurting anyone else.

I looked at my feet lost in thought, how could I help these people? How can I make it easier on them? My shoe is still untied…

The shack was in shambles, the whole place was in worse condition than before. The rain lightened up, though. Outside a clear, cold, night sky shone through few scattered clouds. The storm was finally over.

Or so I thought.

Chapter five: Protection

We needed to leave as soon as possible. We were going to wait until Larxene woke up and interrogate her. We had everyone who could ready to take her out if she gave us any trouble. Riku also decided to stay in the back of the room with me. I didn’t complain. Although, I don’t want to see too much more of this woman, and Leon was still hurt. How were we supposed to run when he’s injured? I was confused, and let them do everything they could.

It didn’t take too long before Larxene stirred. She chuckled, her head still lolled to the side. Her once kept hair was wet with sweat and blood and hung loosely in her face. She no longer looked beautiful in anyway. How was it that she and the red head were on the same team? Her chuckle grew into a laugh, she threw her head back, the quieted suddenly, “Why didn’t you just off me when you had a chance?” She whispered, suddenly sad. I clung to Riku with real terror.

She tried to move her arms then realized that they were bound. From across the room, Lean asked, “Who are they going to send once they find out you failed?” His wound seemed horrid, but the bleeding had lightened up.

Larxene laughed again,” Bite me” She growled and the black stuff formed around her. She fell through it and was gone. Yuffie’s ninja star thing stuck out of the wall. She got away.

“Dammit!” Leon cried, attempting to stand, wincing with pain he fell back down. He rested a hand on his forehead, “We were careless. Let’s go,” He commanded. Cid helped him up and took him back to the ship thing from before. We crammed everyone but Merlin into it. I sat in between Yuffie and Aerith.

“How’re you going to know where we are? And how will you get there?” I asked Merlin out the window, over Yuffie.

Merlin smiled,” I’m magic, remember?” And at that he disappeared. These people are really amazing. And weird.

In the middle of the ride Aerith moved to the front of the ship to change Leon’s bandages. They had begun bleeding again once he started trying to stand. “I’m sorry…” I whispered.

Leon looked at me quizzically,”What?” He asked.

I gasped,” It’s my fault isn’t it? That you’re hurt, that Larxene attacked us…I’m sorry I’m,” I sobbed, “Putting you in so much danger,” I’m usually a stronger person than this, but they were so nice already, so kind to me. And how do I repay them? I have an organization of bad people after them, hot on our trail.

Yuffie squeezed my shoulders and didn’t speak, for once. She just hushed me as I cried, again. I felt so hopeless and embarrassed. I’m so weak and childish. Compared to these people I was nothing but a child.

I tucked some curly hair behind my ear; it was so frizzy from the humidity and lightning. I wonder if I’ll ever see a straightener again. I could tell that I put the rest of the ship in an uncomfortable place. They couldn’t tell me it’s not my fault, it is.

We landed abruptly,” Where are we?” I asked, breaking the silence again. Wonder if we’ll ever have a comfortable ride in this thing.

“Halloween Town,” Cid answered. “I told Jack about our situation a while and explained that we might be poppin’ in unexpectedly soon. He said he was going to arrange a place for us to stay in Christmas town,” He explained hopping out of the ship and crossing over to the passenger side to help Leon.

Sora was excited to be back,” Cool! Jack is such a nice guy.”

It wasn’t raining, which was nice. We all helped Lean get to this Christmas Town. Which must be much better than this hideous place. Halloween Town? I flinched around every corner.

Actually as soon as we left the ship we changed. Sora was a creepy vampire guy, he’s eyes seemed to glow. Riku was wearing a long black cloak and had a blindfold off, which he took off. Leon and Cid were matching in color scheme, black and teal. Torn and resewn was their look. Yuffie was wearing tight blood red shorts and a red tube top, her black suspenders and stockings looked pretty nice, they looked…nice with her devil horns and tail. Areith was in a long black dress, flow-y and torn at the base, her skin was so pale, she looked dead.

I appeared to be a vampire also, which I wasn’t pleased about. I didn’t complain, though. I wore pants, thank goodness, they were black and fit well my top was what bugged me. I always thought that baggy was the best thing for me, crazy clothes-changing magic thought otherwise. I was wearing a corset complete with lacing and bits of wire stabbing into my stomach. At least my hair was managed, it wasn’t orange frizzy anymore it was the nice rich cherry red that I always wanted it to be and in perfect ringlets that were pulled into tight pig tails at the top of my head.

Our change didn’t fix Leon; his wound was healing steadily though, which I didn’t understand, but a lot of things about this trip I didn’t understand. We all helped him to get there. I felt so bad; it was entirely fault that he’s hurt. He told me he was fine; he even smiled, which only made it worse. Jack, the pumpkin king (Who introduced himself later) led the way.

Our brief walk through Halloween Town kept making me jump and scream, clinging on to Riku for dear life. He just laughed at me, which made me blush, and then I would jump and scream again. It was not very fun. We entered a bare, brown forest where things weren’t as scary. We came up to a tree with another tree painted on it, a Christmas tree, we walked through it and were falling.

The setting change was astounding. Everything was glistening with the white snow and ice. We never got any snow back on the coast, a lot of storms though. Like in that last place we were at. Christmas lights led the way to a jolly house. I was really surprised when an obese man with a long white beard wearing red opened the door.

“Sandy Claws! Great to see you, these are the guests I told you about,” Jack said waving a boney hand in our direction. We probably didn’t look like the guests he wanted.

I stopped believing in Santa long ago, so this was a big shocker to me. The jolly fat man took us upstairs his house to a large bedroom with a bunch of beds. Everything here smelt like gingerbread and peppermint. It was lovely.

“I’m going to be fine. We’re here to protect you,” Leon said, it cheered me up a bit Sora said that the organization shouldn’t send anyone here, but just in case we’re all going to stay on guard. I wanted to explore, but I can’t do that. I would seem like a jerk if I asked. I remained quiet for most of the night.

When I checked my watch, 4:27 a.m., I realized that I should probably be tired. Sora sat next to me, by the window and watched the moon stay forever in the sky, “This is what we do.”

I looked at him confused, “What?”

“We protect people, and save them. Sure, sometimes there’s going to be some faults, but we’re used to it.” The whole time he was looking out the window, while my gaze was fixated on his cerulean eyes. “I’ve been to places that I never dreamed of, and I think that you’re going to come with us this time. We might get hurt, but it’s nothing to get worked up about,” He looked at me and smiled. “We always turn out fine in the end.”

I couldn’t say anything, that was…kinda pretty and deep. I don’t understand what provoked this attitude. I really didn’t expect that from him. He got up and walked away, I really wish he hadn’t. I don’t know why, but I wanted to cry really, really bad. I buried my face in my hands and stared at my feet for a while. My shoe was still untied.

Chapter six: On the Edge

Everyone was sound asleep while I sat on the window seat staring at the falling snow. I guess that sleeping wouldn’t do me much good anyway, I’d probably get nightmares or something, plus this corset wasn’t the most comfortable. The sun never raised, which seemed fitting, the light that the moon casted was amazing, I was kind of happy that it didn’t raise.

I was intoxicated by the amazing scenery I didn’t notice Riku walk up and tap my shoulder. I flinched, being released from my trance, “Hu—“

Riku placed a finger over my lips, “Shh,” He pointed to the sleeping people. I nodded in understanding. Riku took me outside, which was nice; I really wanted to go outside. “I noticed you looking all in want and stuff. I decided to come exploring with you,” He smiled and I jump/hugged him, which sent us flying into the fluffy snow.

“Thanks,” I whispered and got up, just to fall back in the snow. Riku laughed at me, I stuck out my tongue. Then I grew cautious, “What about Organization XIII? Aren’t they going to find us!?” I sat up, flecks of fresh snow now tangled in my ringlets.

“It’s okay, they don’t know we’re here and I’m a tough guy, I could take someone like Demyx or Luxord easy,” He flexed and winked.

I sighed and flopped back on the ground, “I-I just wish I could help you guys,” It was funny I was practically covered in snow but I wasn’t cold at all. “I just feel so helpless…”

Riku rolled on his side and propped his head in his head,” It’s okay. Maybe sometime we can teach you the basics. Yeah! Let’s do it now!” He jumped up and grabbed my hands pulling me up. I wasn’t as tall as him so I was looking up, his amazing bright blue spheres locked with mine, brimming with excitement and wonder. “I’ll teach you now,”

Now, I get flustered easily, so you can imagine how my face was. Riku was really, well, hot! And I’ve never been close to a guy before. This was a really inappropriate time to have a crush, but I can’t help myself!

Our fighting lesson was really embarrassing. His hands clasped over mine my hands shaking as I gripped his blade. He showed me how to swing it, how to block, and every time he tried to take his hands away the weight of it was too overpowering and I would almost drop it. Every time he would laugh at me. In the end I couldn’t get it, at all. I was good at blocking with my arms and rolling out of danger, though. I guess a couple of years in gymnastics while mom was still alive was a good thing.

While we rested in the snow we stared at the sky, not a care in the world. What a fantastic place, I wish I could stay here forever with Riku and the guys. And Yuffie and Areith. Where was Merlin anyway?

I bolted up. Was it just me or did I hear something, “What’s up?” Riku asked.

I looked around, a cold breeze tingled my face, “Something’s not right,” There was this feeling in the air that was wrong. Bad. “I think we should head back now…” I got up and Riku began to stand. The wind picked up and started thrashing snow everywhere.

“You’re right. Something’s wrong,” The wind and snow swirled around us, and soon I couldn’t see. This was bad; this was really, really bad. The snow settled to revile a man with dread locks and mutton chops. His purple eyes seemed to stab daggers into me; I staggered at the powerful wind surrounding him. His feet were far from the ground.

“Give me the girl,” He commanded, a slight accent in the few words he spoke was hinted.
Riku took a fighting stance and clutched his blade, “Over my dead body,” He snarled.

The man smirked,” As you wish,”

This was definitely living on the edge.

Chapter Seven: Escape…?

The man somehow had these weird spear things, there were a bunch and they were everywhere. The scariest part was he only held a couple, the rest were just floating there. He struck, and Riku could only block a few, his arm and cheek were sliced.

“Mog! Go wake the others!” He yelled and the man calmly walked foreword. I stood, frozen in fear, “GO!” Riku shrieked and I dashed back to Santa’s house.

I ripped open the front door and sprinted in. The stairs leading to our room was a sharp turn and I kind of ran into the wall. Swallowing my pain I continued upstairs. I shook Sora’s shoulders and screamed at them all. I expected them to spring awake and jump to the rescue, nothing. Nothing happened at all, they were dead asleep.

A low chuckle came from the other end of the room and out of the shadows stepped a man with a huge scar and an eye patch. Me being me, I screamed.

“They’re not gonna wake up,” He said ignoring my scream. I backed into a table and reached onto it. A weapon, I needed a weapon…A felt a letter opener, perfect. Hopefully my knife lessons would pay off. “Nasty spell put on them. Yeah Maleficent is a real pain in the neck.”

“W-What? Who?” I asked shakily.

The guy laughed, “You haven’t seen her!? Aw man, what a laugh! You’ll meet her soon enough. Too bad about your friends though. They’re not gonna wake up any time soon,” He took a step towards me.

I flourished the letter opener, pointing it straight at his heart,” Don’t move,” I commanded, trying really hard to sound brave, although I can guarantee just I sounded foolish.

He held up his hands and took a step back, his long, greasy pony tail swaying, “Whoa! You can poke someone’s eye out with that thing!” He said with a sickening grin spread across his disgusting face. His single golden eye bore into me like a hawk. “I’m not even here for you! I’m sure you’ve seen my big hairy friend?”

I scooted to the end of the table, my plan was to run past him and downstairs. “W-Who?” I asked.
He sighed like I was an idiot, I wasn’t, I was just buying time.” He’s really hairy! And big! Really hard to miss.”

“Then why do you have to ask me where he is?” I cleverly remarked. Then I bolted back down stairs; I could hear him calling after me as I ran. The front door was already open as I ran back out. Riku was covered in blood and lying limp on the ground.

“Oh my god! Riku! Riku!” I screamed. The man was still on the other side of the plaza area. I draped myself over him so he couldn’t attack anymore. I grabbed his wrist, a slight pulse, he really needed help.

The man with the eye patch was in the doorway, “Xaldin! Leave them! We’ve more pressing matters to attend to!” He yelled in his 50-year-old surfer voice.

The hairy man named Xaldin looked at Eye Patch Man strangely,” What do you mean? Roxas?” He asked. Eye Patch Man nodded.

“New dreams. New hearts, new victims. We’ve gotta go, now. Orders from superior.” He said.

“But the girl?” I was wondering the same thing. That and how in the world could I block the flow of blood.

Eye Patch Man pondered this for a while,” Well, it’s not our mission, but Superior might like to have another. Okay, yeah grab her and we’ll go back,” The big man walked over and roughly grabbed me. He slung be across his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I realized I was still holding the letter opener. Now was the moment of truth, could I really hurt another human? Well, human thing… I brought up the weapon and held it there.

I couldn’t do it. While I was slung over this man’s shoulder, I couldn’t help but notice… I failed them all, I ruined everything. They got me. And my shoe is still untied.

Chapter eight: Superior

We walked right through the black stuff, I squinted. I felt a weird pressure and ice cold feeling around me for a split second and when I opened my eyes the scenery was totally different. Everything was white or blue and out the spotless windows there were stars.

I still held the letter opener, Eye Patch Man grabbed my wrist delicately,” No needing that here, girlie,” He took it from my grasp and I didn’t stop him. He noticed my shocked expression, “Ah, like our place? I think it’s a bit bland, but it’s still nice.” Eye Patch Man stared at me for a second, dumbfounded at my dazed face, “Oh! Right! Sorry, you’re not used to the dark corridor! I’d tell ya to get used to it, but you won’t be going through there anytime soon,” Eye Patch Man chuckled.
I realized that I couldn’t stab another human thing, but I could punch and kick so I started flailing in the large man’s grasp. “LET ME GO! GET ME OUT OF HERE! HELP!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. The man dropped me.

“Happy? You can walk from here,” I wanted to cry really bad, but I bit my lip and swallowed my sorrow. I had to be strong and pull through; I had to for all those sleeping people in Christmas Town.

I stumbled at first. I don’t know why, but I expected to fall through the ground. Eye Patch Man and Hairy Man took my arms and led me through the castle; all the while I kicked and screamed trying to loosen their grip. The witch stood a doorway of another strange white room. She smiled snidely and clapped,” Ooh, nice job Xaldin, you got her.” I glared.

The man named Xaldin paid no attention. They continued to pull me through the castle. People with bright hair and eyes opened doors labeled with numbers, staring at me struggling in their grasp. We came up to a large door-bigger than the rest- it was labeled 1. Hairy knocked twice and the doors opened.

A man stood on the other side of the room, he too was wearing black. His back was turned so I couldn’t see his face, but I saw his long mane of silver hair—like Riku. He turned with a sneer on his face. His eyes were orange and terrifying and his skin dark. I couldn’t tare my eyes away. “I see you’ve come back successful,” He said, and although he had barely spoken, his voice was booming. “Take her to the black room with the other and Roxas. We’ll take her first for the experiment.”

“B-Black room…?”I squeaked as the men took me out of the room, my heels dragged on the ground because now I didn’t have the thought of moving them. They’re going to EXPERIMENT on me? “Experiment?”

Eye Patch Man laughed,” It’s not that bad, only some blood tests and junk. Like a trip to the doctors or somethin’. It’s no big deal,” I stared wide eyes as the door before me slammed shut. That vile man, that evil, disgusting monster, I wanted to murder him. I blinked and tears fell, but I didn’t notice. I hardly registered being tossed into a room painted entirely black. I stood shaking my head and looked around. Everything in the room was black, even the flowers in a black vase on the black table.

Chapter Eight: Roxas

“Oh! Oh my guppy! Roxas! Roxas it’s her!” I heard some female voice say. I look up from the very black ground to see a faint light hanging from the ceiling, the light bulb was once painted black but it was scratched off. The girl had blonde hair with green streaks in it her eyes were also pale green and beautiful. Hey, didn’t one of the guys from before mention the name Roxas? And did that girl say “oh my guppy!”?

Another blonde stood, this one was a boy and he had amazing blue eyes, they looked just like Sora’s. Actually he looked a LOT like Sora. He looked at me with a strange melancholy expression on his face. “It- it’s you!” He said, he stumbled in front of me,” Imogene…I’m really, really sorry.”

I looked at him confused, the girl walked over,” He said the same to me. I’m Alex, this is Roxas. I know we’re here for some really horrible reason, I just don’t know what,” She seemed nice, Roxas was weird, though, but I was glad to be in their company. “I’m guessing you’re Imogene?”

I was scared by the ‘horrible reason’ part and confused by her knowing my name. Well, her and Roxas,” Uh, yeah. I’m Imogene, but how do you know that?”

Alex sighed,” Well, long story short, Roxas dreams about you because you’ve got a strong heart.”

I was very confused by this, but I also sort of understood, I have vivid dreams, I just can’t remember them. The strong heart thing made no sense though. “Wait, what? Strong heart? Me? What!?”

Alex sighed again and sat in a black chair,” Fine, I’ll tell you the unabridged. So we’re stuck with a bunch of nobody losers—“

Roxas cut her off, “We’re not losers! I’ll tell it,” Alex huffed, but remained quiet, “So we are an organization of Nobodies. Beings that aren’t supposed to exist, and about a year ago we were all eliminated,” This brought up some questions in my mind, but I didn’t ask them, “Then, somehow, we came back. Just poof, out of nowhere, I thought my case was different. I found, well I got to where I was going, but I left and ended up here.”

I wanted to tell him that I kinda knew about this, that Sora and Riku had told me a bit, but he looked really sad when he explained so I just kept my mouth shut. Alex kept nodding, like she approved what he was saying. I shifted my weight and crossed my arms over my chest.

“Before, Xemnas, our superior, wanted to create Kingdom Hearts so we could have hearts and be complete. But now he’s changed his mind entirely, he wants to make an army of nobodies to destroy any whole person we find.”

Alex nudged his side,” Aaand! Some creepy old science-y dude was checking up on everyone when it all began, to make sure that everyone was normal--well, as normal as nobodies come. Anyway when he was checking on Roxas, he found that Roxas could have vivid dreams that show what happening to certain people elsewhere,” Nice word, I’m really starting to like this girl.

The pieces were coming together,” And he was dreaming about me?”
“Bingo. Those certain people are people with really, really strong hearts. And we’re gonna make a whole bunch of nobodies with Roxas’ new power.” We all turned to see Eye Patch Man standing in the doorway. “I’ve got orders from up top to introduce myself. Be expecting more after this. I’m Xigbar, but you can call me Xigbar,” We all glared. Apparently nobody really likes Eye Patch Man/Xigbar in this room. I wondered if anyone in the organization liked him, he wasn’t a very likeable guy, after all. “Whoa, looks like I don’t have any love in here. I would expect better from the strongest hearts around! Later kiddies,”

Xigbar nodded and left, slamming the door as he did. That wasn’t bad; at least they weren’t sticking tubes into my arm and sucking out my blood. I always hope for the worst, so when it doesn’t come it seems twice as sweet. I’m thinking they’re going to cut off some of my skin for testing, or doing something to my brain, that always seems bad.

“This is weird…They didn’t introduce themselves when they threw me in here,” Alex said staring at the closed door. “If they’re going in order then Xaldin is next, trust me you won’t like him.”

I shook my head,” I already don’t. He’s the one who got me.” Alex made a loud ‘Oooh’ noise and leaned on the back legs of her chair.

She had a sly smile spread across her face, “If we’re lucky they won’t send him in at all,”

I wasn’t really paying attention to what she was saying; I was thinking more about Roxas’ power. How convent for this Superior guy, how Roxas has the power to see exactly who they need to create this army of nobodies. What goes through that man’s head? Why is he ‘Superior’ to the rest? He’s surely not the oldest; I don’t think he’s the smartest. As Alex blabbered on about how much of a pain Xaldin is, I thought. Was this plan created on a whim? If so, what was the Superior’s original intention?

Suddenly the door was ripped open by a neutral looking Xaldin holding the redhead. He seemed surprisingly calm for opening a door so forcefully and having a man squirm under his arm. “Axel!” Roxas shouted as Xaldin, like it was nothing, tossed the redhead into the black table, shattering the black vase. The inside was white. Roxas rushed to the redhead’s side as Alex glared at Xaldin.

“Superior’s orders,” He said with an upsetting monotone voice. It made him seem like he was mocking us, like we were under him because we we're…Not him.

“Get back here you deviant fudgepacker!” Alex screamed lunging at him, he closed the door though, and she just ended up ramming into it; her intent: to kill. I felt sorry for the door.

I was still processing what was happening; as the redhead was being thrown I backed into the wall moving out of the way. I thought it was strange that the inside of the vase was white, pure white, while the outside was pure black, like it was painted. I hurried over to Roxas to help the redhead.

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” He yelled sitting up and dusting shattered porcelain off of his cloak.

“What was that about?” Roxas asked standing then helping the redhead up.

He sighed and cracked his neck,” I failed; Superior didn’t take to kindly to that. This is the punishment room? How come you’re in here, then?”

Roxas sighed, “It’s not the punishment room. It used to be Namine’s before… I don’t know why I’m in here. This is the room for the Pure Hearts,” He didn’t make eye contact with the redhead.

The redhead’s eyes fell upon me,”It’s you! No!” I was thoroughly confused. “They must have sent Lexaeus or something. Kid, I’m sorry,” It was thoughtful, which was nice, but compared to him I am no kid. I’m a hefty age of 16, not a ‘kid’. He turned back to Roxas, “They were supposed to give up after Larxene, what happened to the plan?”

Roxas still didn’t meet the eye of the older man, he shifted his feet putting them in a pigeon toed position,” I did all I could. They fell for it when I told them, but apparently they decided to get on superior’s good side and do both. I’m sorry, Axel.”

Alex glared at Roxas, “You had a top secret with spiky here and you didn’t tell me!? What the H-E-double-hockey sticks, blondie? We agreed on no secrets,” Her arms were folded across her chest and her foot was tapping impatiently on the floor, she looked like an angry housewife in the 50’s when her husband missed dinner. I don’t know why, the green wasn’t very housewife, or 50’s.

“I-I’m sorry Alex. I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t risk—“Roxas was cut off abruptly by the girl.

“What? That I’d tell someone!? You are unbelievable! Unbelievable!” She was a bit of a drama queen, but she seemed like someone I would get along with really well.

I decided now was the best time to chime in,” Uh, can we please just explain the plan? It’s already failed, hasn’t it?” I asked innocently. I felt like a little kid. And believe me; I do not like being a little kid.

Axel sighed, “You weren’t supposed to get caught. I was supposed to fail, and send Demyx or something. Demyx is a real slacker, he doesn’t do anything right. After two failures they were supposed to give up and move on. Not only because you were tough to catch, but Roxas was dreaming of ‘another pure heart’.” He sad down in one of the black chairs and asked “how in the world did you get caught?”

It was my turn to sigh and try to explain things, “Eye Patch man and hairy found me. They kinda caught me off guard,” I blushed at the thought of the fun I was having with Riku, “Then everyone was asleep…And they wouldn’t wake up,”

Alex rubbed her chin, “I sense foul play. “

Roxas stared at the ground as he spoke, “Everything is going according to their plan. Axel, I am having new dreams!” We all froze.

It was quiet for a long time, Axel was the first to speak,” W-Who is it? Can we save them?” His hands were balled into angry fists at his sides.

Roxas sighed, “I-I don’t know. We’ll have to think of another plan. He…He’s so passive. He’s really calm. He would probably go without a fight. We need a strong plan,” He said. Who was this new pure heart person?

Roxas’ power was a gift and a curse, and we’ll have to help subdue the monster of it.


Chapter Nine: The Witch.

Riku woke to the sound of people talking. The chatter was between two familiar voices. One wanted and welcomed, the other hated and pushed away. The conversation was between Leon and the witch Maleficent.

His eyes fluttered open to see a frosty, sweet smelling room; he was still in Christmas Town. Riku shot upward causing him to cry out in pain. He was in no condition to be making such sudden movements. His wounds were bandaged, though. And his company appeared to be safe.

“Riku, you have woken,” The vile woman said to the once sleeping Riku, “Good. I have a proposition to make. I was just talking it over with Leon. I will assist you, if you assist me.”

Riku glared at the witch, “Why in the world would I help you?” He spat, his eyes full of hatred and pain. This evil woman overshadowed Riku with darkness, she manipulated him, ruined him, basically killed him. Now she wanted something from him?

Maleficent glided over to where Riku was laying, “Because, my dear child, I know where to find Imogene. I have already spoken with Leon…” She motioned to Leon.

“It’s not ideal, but it’s the only shot we have.” Leon said looking at nothing in particular, “There are more pure hearts in their captive. Riku, this is our only chance to save them,” His blue eyes trembled. He wasn’t happy with this decision either, but what other choice did they have?

With his teeth clenched Riku agreed, a wicked smile spread across the woman’s face. They started working immediately, thinking up a plan to rescue the pure hearts from the nobodies.

Chapter Ten: Two Birds

Blaise was doing nothing wrong; he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. His new girlfriend, Sydney, and he were going well. They were so young and in love, they were so happy. Three month anniversary, he took her to see a movie. 16:52 they were walking back laughing, smiling, enjoying each others company.

They didn’t realize that there were no cars on the road, and no people on the street. He didn’t notice how eerily silent it was until it was far too late. There was a flash of blonde, a grunt and the boy was on a one way road into a place that should have never been.

Sydney woke up lying on the street. 17:14 she screamed and ran home. She called every number. A missing persons report was filed the next morning. But everywhere that they searched Blaise was nowhere to be found. No body, no notes, no clues, he was just gone. And she couldn’t remember a thing.

Chapter Eleven: Dove

He fought once he realized what had happened. Larxene’s hand was bent the wrong way, she had two cuts on her face and her leg was most likely broken. Blaise stood before her brandishing his Swiss army knife with one hand and covering his mouth with the other. He’d never cut anyone before. He’d never hurt anyone before. He was peaceful, he was kind, and he was gentle. He ran as fast as he good away from the blonde.

All he saw was white. White hallways, white chairs, white doors with a slightly different shade of white numbers on them. Then he ran into a man with bright, bright hair. The color of cherry blossoms. Marluxia grabbed the boy’s wrist and gripped it tight; Blaise dropped the knife and cried out in pain. “You gave Larxene some trouble. Come on, boy.” Marluxia dragged the boy by his wrist through the castle. Occasionally someone would poke their heads out of their white rooms to gawk or laugh.

Blaise kicked Marluxia in the back of his knee, he barely staggered, Blaise twisted his wrist in every way until he heard it snap, and Marluxia’s grip never loosened. Marluxia led Blaise to the black room, ripped open the door then tossed Blaise inside. Tears were still steaming down his face as the four of us comforted the boy.

Chapter twelve:

We did our best to bandage Blaise’s hand; we had no medical supplies so it was torn from Alex’s too long, lime green t-shirt. He knew nothing, he had no idea what was going on and who was who, where he was, especially how he made it to this weird place.

“It’s really hard to explain…” I said unhelpfully. “I’m so sorry…”

Axel was leaning against the back wall, not paying attention to us at all. He was staring off into space like we weren’t there at all. Roxas walked over to him and tried talking to him. We were too late, we couldn’t do anything…

“We’re getting bigger…” I mumbled.

Alex was busy assessing the situation. Unlike Axel, she was verbal about it. She was mumbling, most of her words were inaudible, a made out a few. ‘Greater’ ‘Disguise’ I didn’t like the sound of it, it sounded like she was hatching a plan. And knowing her, the plan was flawless in her head—but more than likely to get us all killed.

“Alright!” She said clapping, getting all of our attention, “I’ve got a plan!” I was afraid she was going to say that…

She didn't have the opportunity to elaborate on her plan, though. She was interrupted by the door, which was ripped open to reveal Xaldin again. "Superior told me to introduce myself." He said plainly. "I am Xaldin." Then he was gone again.

Alex glared at the door, "Now that that's out of the way, on with the plan!" She had everybody gather around, she even forced Axel to come over. "Alright, so, Mog and Roxas, I want you to dress up like each other, and Axel and I will dress up like each other. Blaise....You can stay normal. Then we'll break out of here, I know ninja moves and stuff, Blaise, you look like a tough guy, and I'm pretty sure Axel and Roxy know some fight-y stuff."

We all stared at her, very, very confused.

"Then, we'll split into groups. The first is the drunken squarden, that'll be Mog, me, and fire crotch."

Axel glared at her, confused and pissed.

"The other group is the stoned basset hounds. The rest of you. we'll each go take out some of the lame dudes and find the dudes that don't like Mansex's plan and make them join us. Then we'll all get together and then, once we have a big enough group, we'll kill Mansex! Sound good?"

I raised my hand, my eyebrows lowered, "Why are we dressing up like each other?"

Alex glared at me, "Don't question my logic!" She cried.

"Yeah, but I don't get why we're dressing up. If we dress up as, say, Xaldin, we can just get by without any trouble." I thought aloud.

Blaise finally chimed in with, "Unless we run into Xaldin." Good point.

"Well, then we just take him out." Axel said, bored. He yawned, "Here's an idea. Roxas and I will take out a few members while you guys all escape, then I'll take Superior's flames. Got it memorized?" It was effortless, he was so casual!

Blaise shook his head, "No. If we're leaving, it's all of us. We all can help getting out and we're not leaving anyone behind." He was dead-set in not getting separated, and hey, I wasn't arguing.

Roxas stayed silent, staring at the ground thinking hard . Alex slapped his back, bringing him back to the world of the living, "Got any bright ideas, Blondie?"

Roxas had a twisted expression, "I say we wait... We go on with the rest of the old plan. I make up some places and send them on a wild goose chase, while all of the strongest members are gone, we break out."

I was thinking too. My comment a while ago-about us getting bigger- was starting to formulate it's own plan. "What if we wait a while." All eyes were now on me, "And we see how many Pure Hearts we get, we'll form our own army and if they try to turn us into...whatevers then we'll fight back. There's power in numbers after all."

Then another man burst into the room. He had long white blonde hair and emerald eyes. He seemed older and wise. His face was sunken in, he seemed worn and overworked. Like everything was a great effort to him. I felt bad for the guy. "Orders from Superior, as I am sure you all know," He said, even his voice was strained, "I am introducing myself. I am number four, Vexen." And at that he closed the door calmly. That was a first.

"Heh, it's weird having Vexen back..." Axel said, again, casually. God that guy is calm. I don't really want to see him worked up.

Alex stared at him, "Why? It's just like everyone else?"

Axel shook his head, red hair swaying, "Nah, it's not the same. Vexen was first to go." His eyes lowered, he seemed really....sad. "I..uh... kinda blew him up."

My eyes grew wide, "You just...blew him up?" He was so easy about admitting it.

The door flew open, violently. Standing in the doorway was an impossibly large man. He had brick red hair and an icy glare. "I am Lexaeus." He said simply in a gruff, angry voice. Then he was gone, slamming shut the door.

I shivered, "What a scary guy...." I whispered.

Alex glared at the door, shooting daggers at it, angry at it. "That's they guy who got me. He's not very gentile." She sprang up and started banging on the door, "I'M LIKE A PEAR, I BRUISE EASILY YOU b*****d!" She screamed. It took both me and Roxas to pry her away from it. She was still blazing when we had her sitting again.

Axel was laughing-no, not laughing, CRACKING UP. "Can I call ya pear..." He said through hiccups of laughter, "from now on?" He asked. It was the most emotion I'd seen him express the whole time I was here.

Alex tackled him. As I tried to remove the steaming girl from the redhead Roxas started chuckling. "How're we going to pull off this plan, if you two can't get along!?" I screamed pulling Alex by her collar.

Then I found out what happens when Roxas 'dreams'.

Chapter Thirteen: Dreaming big.

Roxas just fell over. Totally just went out. We all turned to him, and Blaise and I were the only ones confused. We looked to each other and shared a mutual moment of confusion as Alex and Axel both ran to the boy.

He was 'dreaming', but his eyes were open and glassy. He looked dead and it seriously creeped me out.

Roxas started speaking in a very monotone voice staring into nothing, "Hollow Bastian. 16. Female. Brunette.....Tetra."

I was about to ask what the hell was going on, but Axel shushed me.

"Unprotected. No weapon." Then he woke up. Screaming. "FUUUUUCK!" He sat up immediately, then his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell over.

Alex roller her eyes, "That's the exact same thing he did last time..." She brushed some of his hair out of his eyes, "He shouldn't scream like that..."

"Who's Tetra? What's going on?" I asked. Attempting to understand this at all. What was Roxas doing? Why was he spouting out random information. I was in Hollow Bastian, so why had he just mentioned it!?

Axel simply replied with, "He's dreaming."

Then Alex elaborated, "Apparently, in Hollah whatever--"

"Hollow Bastian." Blaise corrected.

She glared then said, "Hollow Bastian there's a chick who's 16 with brown hair without any weapons. She's a Pure Heart." She said matter-of-factly.