358/2 Days gamescript (part 2)
Continued from here.
[DAY 195]
Roxas: You're here early.
Xion: [laughs] My mission wasn't that hard.
Roxas: So, how ya feeling?
Xion: [laughs] I think I'll be okay now.
Roxas: [smiles] That's good. [pause] Hey, where's Axel?
Xion: I haven't seen him.
Clocktower: [BONG BONG BONG]
Xion: It's getting late... I don't think he's coming.
Roxas: You wanna wait a little longer?
Xion: Okay. [pause] You and him are always here for me.
Roxas: Aw, I don't do anything special. Axel's the one who sticks up for us.
Xion: [laughs] Well, I'm just glad the two of you are in the Organization with me.
Roxas: [after a pause] Hope Axel turns up.
[~DAY 197]
Roxas: Feels like it's been forever.
Axel: Since what?
Roxas: Since we got to talk like this.
Axel: Has it been that long? Time sure flies. Speaking of which... Isn't this the place?
Roxas: Oh, yeah, this is it! Here, just watch!
Roxas: [TRIES]
Roxas: [TRIES]
Roxas: [FAILS]
Axel: Uhh, what are you doing, Roxas?
Roxas: Huh... that's so weird. I could fly before. [slump] I guess I must need that sparkly dust for it to work.
Hook: Blast it all! Not again?!
Axel: Huh?
Roxas: I know that voice...
Hook: You dig and dig, and all I get is more Heartless. They;re taking up too much of me time! We need to find that treasure before someone else does. Why it ... it makes me blood boil!
Smee: Captain?! Where are you going, Captain?
Hook: Back to the ship! I'll blast these scurvy meddlers into oblivion! Maybe then I can get back to having you dig in peace.
Smee: If you say so, Captain!
Axel: What's their story?
Roxas: Not sure, but they mentioned something about treasure maps last time.
Axel: So what, they're digging for buried gold? From the looks of it, all they're digging up is trouble.
Roxas: Yeah. For some reason, Heartless spring up wherever they dig.
Axel: You mean Heartless are hiding in the ground?
Roxas: I'm not so sure that's it.
Axel: You got a better explanation?
Roxas: Look, I'm just saying. All I saw in the hole they dug was a wooden chest full of junk.
Axel: And the Heartless were in the chest?
Roxas: I dunno. I think maybe something else is causing them to show up.
Axel: Like?
Roxas: Didn't something seem kind of off to you about the guy in red?
Axel: Off? Off how? Well ... right now we're just guessing. Let's start by checking the places they dug up. Who knows, maybe we'll find our targets down there taking a nap.
Roxas: Yeah. Stranger things have happened.
Roxas: Oh! Um ... hello ... again.
Tink: [I HATE YOU]
Roxas: Wh-what? Are you mad at me? Oh, because I didn't follow you to the ship before...
Tink: [THAT'S RIGHT BITCH]
Axel: Hey, Roxas ... Who have we got here?
Tink: [OH GOD HIDE ME ROXAS]
Roxas: I'm not sure, but we met the last time I was here. I don't think she means any harm. She's the one who helped me fly.
Axel: Yeah, I already saw your demonstration. |D
Roxas: It's true! [to Tink] Here, help me show him. Could you give us some more of that glowing stuff?
Tink: [HMMMMMMMMM well I guess I mean you are cute SPARKLETIME]
Roxas: [FLOATS]
Axel: Wha--?!
Roxas: See? I told you!
Axel: How are you doing that?
Roxas: I can't really describe it. Once she sprinkles you, just think, "I can fly," and boom!
Axel: "I can fly," and boom, huh?
Roxas: Look, just give it a try.
Axel: All right...
Axel: [TRIES]
Axel: [TRIES]
Axel: [FAILS]
Axel: I'm not feeling it, Roxas.
Roxas: C'mon, try again. Believe me on this, Axel!
Axel: Okay... I believe you. [shuts his eyes and WELL HEY THERE YOU GO]
Axel: I can fly... I can fly?!
Roxas: You can fly.
Tink: [JESUS COME ON YOU ASSHOLES]
ROxas: I think she still wants me to go check out that ship.
Tink: [THANK YOU CAPTAIN OBVIOUS]
Axel: Doesn't it belong to those guys from before? What, are they your friends?
Tink: [UH FUCK NO]
Roxas: Apparently not. Then why is it so important we--
Ship: [CANNON BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL]
Roxas: Yeeeagh!? What was that?
Hook: Fire! Fire at will! Blow those Heartless right to Davy Jones's locker!
Smee: Aye, aye, sir!
Roxas: They're attacking us?
Axel: No... I think they've just mistaken us for Heartless.
Roxas: Great...
Tink: [COME ON ALREADY JESUS /LEAVES]
Roxas: H-hey... wait up! [goes after]
Axel: Roxas! Are you nuts? Get back here.
Roxas: But she--
Axel: We don't know what she's after. The mission comes first. [ALSO AN ASSHOLE] Let's find those Artful Flyers.
Roxas: [nod] Oh, all right.
Axel: Keep your eyes open. I don't want to have to scrape you off a cannonball.
Axel: Mission accomplished. And what a strange mission it was. [moar cannonballs] Heh, you have to at least give them points for trying.
Roxas: I wonder if she's okay...
Axel: Hmm? Oh, your tiny friend?
Roxas: Yeah. Maybe we should have gone with her.
Axel: I don't think we had much choice. We're not getting anywhere near that ship today.
Roxas: [slump] .....
Axel: Cheer up. She looked pretty determined. She'll be fine.
Roxas: Yeah... I guess so.
Axel: C'mon, let's RTC.
Pete: Heh heh heh... Those blockheads are actually diggin'! My plan's goin' perfectly! ... Muh? That's weird... WHere'd the Heartless go?!
Roxas: [laughs] You think that sparkly dust would work in other worlds?
Axel: [chuckles] I dunno about that...
Xion: Wow, you two sure flew through your mission.
Roxas: [grins and laughs] Heh, if only you knew.
Axel: Xion...
Xion: [laughs] Sorry I'm late. I had my hands full today.
Roxas: So I was about to tell you, today me and Axel actually flew!
Xion: You flew? :O
Roxas: Yeah. There's this sparkly dust that makes it possible.
Xion: I was wondering why you two looked so happy. Lucky...
Roxas: What's wrong? Did something happen again?
Xion: [shakes her head] Nah, it's nothing...
[DAY 224]
[DiZ and Namine talking in front of Sora's pod. Namine expresses worry that she can't get all of Sora's memories back. DiZ says it's fine for him to lose a memory or two. Namine quickly explains that maybe he won't wake up if he can't get all his memories back. And if she has his memories, "she" won't survive. DiZ asks who "she" is.
Then we see Xion on her bed, curled up.]
Demyx: Heartless duty again today? I keep telling them I'm not cut out for this stuff...
Roxas: This time we're after a specific target. Saix said it was strong.
Demyx: Yeesh... [flops] Is it too late to go home? It's because I'm partnered up with you I keep getting saddled with these combat missions!
Roxas: Wanna split up the search like last time?
Demyx: [stands traight] Are you crazy!? And risk actually finding that thing? I'm not fighting it alone!
Roxas: Then let's move out.
Demyx: [flop]
Demyx: I'm gonna stay out here and, uh ... guard the exit, yeah! Nobody's exiting on my watch. (Except maybe me...)
Roxas: ... [simply turns and walks in]
Demyx: You entering some kind of contest, Roxas?
Roxas: Sort of. These Games are the only way to get inside the Coliseum right now.
Demyx: Ahh, I follow you.
Roxas: I wish you would. [:|]
Xigbar: Hey there, kiddo. Looks like you're doing pretty well here.
Roxas: Xigbar?! What are you-- Don't try and tell me you're a trainee, too?
Xigbar: As if! I just dropped in to see hw our little wannabe hero is doing. I care about your future, Roxas.
Roxas: You dropped in? You could have told me you were entering!
Xigbar: Try to make it look real, Roxas!
FUCK YOU STATIC
Roxas: Hey... Is that the--
Xigbar: Well, well... Looks like our target's here.
Phil: Uh-oh... Looks like the finals just got postponed! Hey! Forget about the match! Just find someplace safe while I go get Herc!
Xigbar: Well, Roxas? Ready to show me all you've learned? [walks away]
Roxas: Mission complete.
Xigbar: Not bad! Our little Roxas is growing up so fast.
Roxas: Are you making fun of me? >|
Xigbar: As if! That was a compliment. I'll see you back home.
Demyx: Nice work out there, man!
Roxas: Demyx! You were here? Why didn't you come and help? >:O
Demyx: I was, uh... cheering you on! Couldn't you hear me? Gimme an "R"! Gimme an--
Roxas: Are you blind!? That wasn't part of the Games!
Demyx: Right!? And what a shocker to find out Xigbar was the other finalist!
Roxas: Yeah...
Demyx: What's up with that... I can't imagine he was here on a mission. You never can tell what that guy is thinking...
Roxas: Maybe he just wanted an excuse to fight me... To test me.
Demyx: No way, man! I wouldn't read into it too deep. Besides, the mission's over, right? All's well that ends well, man!
Roxas: I ... guess so, but ...
Demyx: Anyway, I'm beat! Let's call it a day.
Roxas: [grinning] Hey, Xion. Get here early?
Xion: Yeah. I breezed right through my mission. [pause] So, how'd your day go?
Roxas: Ugh, you'll never believe what Xigbar did...
Axel: Hey hey. Oh, Xion, what are you doing here?
Xion: [hmph] What, do you want me to leave? Sheesh. [glare]
Axel: C'mon, that's not what I meant.
Xion: [after a pause] Hey, Axel?
Axel: Uh-huh?
Xion: You've been to Castle Oblivion, right?
Axel: Yup.
Xion: What's it like?
Axel: THe Organization uses it as a research facility.
Roxas: Seems like people are getting sent there all the time. Especially you.
Xion: But they never send me or Roxas.
Axel: Well... they probably just don't need you there, that's all.
Xion: [sadface] Maybe. ...... [stands] I gotta go.
Roxas: Huh?
Xion: [winces, something hitting her, and falls off the tower]
Roxas: [oshi grabs her at the last second and pulls her up]
Roxas: Are you feeling all right? Maybe you need to rest.
Xion: [shakes her head] No, it's nothing like that. ......
Roxas: .....
Axel: [headrub] ..... I've got it!
Roxas: Huh? Got what?
Axel: Let's go to the beach next time we get a day off.
Xion: The beach? Where did that come from?
Axel: [heh heh] What, don't you wanna go someplace different for a change?
Roxas: [laughs] So ... it would just be the three of us?
Axel: Yeah, exactly.
Xion: ...... I'll join you ... if I can.
ROxas: Of course you can, Xion.
Axel: You'll have a blast, trust me.
Xion: ... [nods and laughs] Well ... all right, sure. Let's do it.
[DAY 225]
Roxas: Aren't you gonna have some ice cream?
Xion: .......
Roxas: Xion?
Xion: Oh, sorry. I guess I'm just tired.
Roxas: You wanna sit down?
Xion: No, I'm gonna go. See you later.
Roxas: Okay...
Axel: What, all by your lonesome?
Roxas: Hey, Axel.
Axel: Where's Xion?
Roxas: She left.
Axel: Hmm...
Roxas: She's been acting kind of weird lately, don't ya think?
Axel: ......
Roxas: Maybe she's not feeling well.
Axel: She'll be okay. Don't stress it.
Roxas: If you say so. [pause] Hope we get some more vacation soon. We could all use that trip to the beach.
Axel: Right...
Xion: [at the Organization's computer oshi--]
Xion: No, no... [glares] Where is it? [gasp] Got it!
[DAY 255]
Saix: I sent Axel to Castle Oblivion last night on short notice, to help expedite the matter we spoke of. I also instructed him to clear out our facilities there. He should RTC soon.
Xemnas: And Namine?
Saix: [shakes his head] Still missing, sir.
Xigbar: Missing indeed. Ha ha! Wherever could she be?
Saix: Why, Xigbar... It almost sounds as though you know.
Xigbar: Hmph.
Xemnas: What else?
Saix: Someone accessed our main computer without authorization.
Xigbar: "Somebody"? Are we all gonna pretend we don't know who? Little Poppet is turning into a problem -- and I think you catch my meaning.
Saix: Nonsense. I see no problem whatsoever.
Xigbar: [laughs] Ha ha! Well no, apparently you don't!
Saix: SOmething you find amusing?
Xigbar: [shakes his head] If people see with their hearts, Saix, then you're even blinder than the rest of us.
Xemnas: Our plans remain unchanged. Axel, Roxas, and Xion will play the roles Kingdom Hearts has chosen for them.
Saix: But sir, Xion... If we don't take steps--
Xemnas: Take steps? How can you not see how perfect this is? Xion is marching right into the arms of destiny. The only steps we need take are two: watch ... and wait.
Xion: [infiltrates castle oblivion woah-- has a sharp memory of Sora and gasps] Nngh... my head...
[in memory]
Saix: This is the last you'll ever see of these walls, Xion.
Xion: [hooded, simply follows]
[in present]
Xion: [falls to her knees]
[Axel shows up through a portal.]
Xion: Axel... What are you ... doing here ... ?
Axel: Orders. Nothing to do with you. I'm not sure what you thought you'd find in an empty place like this.
Xion: [glares] Don't lie to me! I know this is where I come from! The answers are here.
Axel: [glares right back] Weren't you given some other mission?
Xion: ..... [keeps clutching her head]
Axel: You can't just throw orders to the wind, Xion.
Xion: [sadface] Or else what? They'll turn me into a Dusk?
Axel: Not even a Dusk. They'll skip right past that and destroy you outright.
Xion: Because I'm useless?
Axel: No, I didn't say that.
Xion: [stands]
Axel: Turn around and go home, Xion.
Xion: Axel, I'm remembering things ... about who I was.
Axel: well, stop remembering. Nothing good will come of it.
Xion: I have dreams every night. You're in them, Axel!
Axel: [shakes his head] Then they sure ain't memories. How could I be part of your past? Use your head, Xion.
Xion: You can't fool me. We've met before, Axel, right here in this castle!
Axel: Have not. Go home, Xion. Don't keep Roxas waiting.
Xion: [FRUSTRATED] Please, Axel, just ... help me! I need to know who I am. [runs past him]
Axel: Hey -- stop! Xion, stay out of there!
Xion: [ignores him and runs ahead and into the door]
Axel: You're early.
Roxas: No, you're just late. Today makes 255.
Axel: What's that about?
Roxas: It's been that many days since I first joined the Organization. Man, time flies.
Axel: So, you got the number memorized, do ya?
Roxas: Yeah. I have to hang onto something, right? It's not like I have memories from before the Organization. Don't you remember? I acted like a zombie.
Axel: Right. That first week you could barely form a sentence. But come on, you're still kind of a zombie.
Roxas: oh, thanks.
[oh god the sun sets red story]
Roxas: Like I asked, know it all!
[both laugh]
Roxas: Seriously, where is she?
Axel just narrows his eyes and sits up without looking.
Axel: Roxas... I'm not sure she's gonna show today.
Roxas: Did she collapse again?
Axel: She... [turns away] ... what, didn't you hear? She got sent on a really important mission. Pretty cool, huh?
Roxas: Oh... So when's she coming back?
Axel: Well, I guess that depends on how well she does her job, right?
Roxas: Heh, fair enough.
Axel: [sidelong glance, looks away]
Xion: [standing before the white orb in CO]
Xion: No... [bows her head] Then... I'm not... The person I was before ... wasn't me.
[DAY 256]
Xemnas: Xion is gone.
Axel: [keeps his face covered with a hand]
Roxas: [head snaps up]
Demyx: Whaaat!? Whoa, whoa, time out... You mean she, like, flew the coop?
Xaldin: [nods] Hah, preposterous. What would drive her to choose her own demise?
Xemnas: On the contrary. No one is to go looking for Xion without my express permission.
Roxas: What? Why not!? [RAGE]
Saix: Your "friend" will be left alone. Or would you rather we find some punishment?
Roxas: [growls] I'd rather you get her back!
Saix: And why would we do that?
Roxas: Rrgh...
Xemnas: All will be revealed when the time comes.
Axel: Hmm... Which means, if the time doesn't come, things can stay as they are...
Saix: Lord Xemnas has spoken. Obey, or face your end.
Roxas: Axel could've shown up, at least.
Axel: [standing there out of sight]
[DAY 257]
Roxas: [walks out to the clock tower to find no one there] Xion... Axel... Where are you? [goes and sits alone]
[DAY 276]
[Destiny Islands. Roxas stands on the beach, alone. On the lower screen, Sora's first waking moment from KH1 plays. It ends as Roxas kneels down and picks up a shell.]
Roxas: Xion...
[In the distance he sees a slim, hooded figure head out to the little island.]
Roxas: Xion!
[Roxas runs over, catching up to the hooded figure.]
Xion: [pulls down her hood --to reveal Zexion]
[The final confrontation between Riku and Zexion plays. Zexion's voice echoes strangely and static crackles across the screen as Roxas, in the background, doubles over, clutching his head. He flashes into Xion, who collapses to the ground. She flashes into Riku, hands still tangled in his hair. As Zexion finishes his speech, Riku flashes to Sora. Once that ends, we see Xion, eyes shut, in the arms of ... Riku.]
Xion: Who am I? What am I -- here for?
[The scene shifts again to Riku and Namine in the white room in the Mansion.]
Namine: I wasn't sure I'd see you again.
Riku: You made me a promise.
Namine: To look after Sora. I remember. [bows her head] I'm sorry... I'm not sure I've kept that promise very well.
Riku: What happened?
Namine: Some of Sora's memories are missing.
Riku: How can that be?
Namine: They're escaping through Sora's Nobody into a third person-- and now they're starting to become a part of her.
Riku: [bows his head] You can't get the memories back out?
Namine: [shakes her head] If they're still separate ... then yes, I think so. But if they join with her memories, things get a lot more complicated. [we see a close-up of her sketch of Roxas, Xion, and Axel.] I would need to untangle her memory before I could finish Sora's... WHat was supposed to take months might take years. DiZ would be furious.
Riku: So what's the solution?
Namine: If I try to just jump in and rearrange her memory ... then I risk Sora waking up to find out that nobody remembers him anymore. I can't do that to him. It's too late either way. His awakening will have to be delayed. I never imagined Sora's Nobody and the other one would fight so hard to be their own people. [screen shows Roxas and Xion side by side.] Unfortunately, the only real solution ... is for them both to go away.
[The screen fades to black, then showed Xion, hooded.]
Namine: Did you know her face was blank at first? [The figure fades, then reappears with her hood down.] Only now can you see someone. That proves some of Sora's memories are inside her. Some inside her, some inside Sora ... others inside Sora's Nobody... I can't sort it out anymore. All I can do is pick up the pieces once what has to be done, is done.
[The screen fades again and shows Riku.]
Riku: All right, then.
[Back on Destiny Islands...]
[we see Riku is still holding Xion. In the far background, Roxas sprints for a portal and vanishes into it. Riku looks down at the apparently unconscious Xion in his arms.]
[The scene shifts again. Now we see Roxas, Xion, and Axel at the Paopu Tree. Roxas and Xion sit next to each other on its trunk, while Axel stands to Xion's side, leaning back against it, arms behind his head. All three are staring out at the sunset.]
Xion: Is it that I'm not supposed to exist?
Axel: Well, what do you want to do, Xoin?
Xion: I want... I want to be with you two. [she clasps her hands. Roxas reaches out and wraps his hand around both of hers.]
Roxas: Then come back with us.
Xion: I can't... not the way I am now. But... what would it take for me to be like you?
[Neither Roxas nor Axel replies.]
[Scene shift AGAIN what the FUCK is going on. Now we see Axel on the clock tower, ice cream in hand. Roxas walks up.]
Roxas: Wow, you're actually up here.
Axel: Been that long, huh?
Roxas: I got to go to the beach today for my mission. There was this girl there who looked kind of like Xion...
[Axel glances at him.]
Roxas: ... but I couldn't get close enough to tell for sure. I probably imagined it. To be honest, I'm not even sure today's mission really happened. I feel like I just woke up from a dream or something. This is gonna sound crazy, but you know how we promised each other we'd all go to the beach? Well, I think I only saw her there because I wanted her to be there.
[Axel stands.]
Axel: You wanna go look for her?
Roxas: Huh? But Xemnas's orders...
Axel: Orders, shmorders. Starting tomorrow, let's use our spare time between work and coming here to try and find Xion.
[Roxas stands.]
Roxas: Okay... Yeah, it's a deal!
[DAY 277]
Cheshire: Once you believe, the truth and a lie are the same thing. Let your heart decide -- it's in your heart you must confide.
Roxas: Easy for him to say... How am I supposed to do that when I don't have a heart? I have no idea what to believe in.
[DAY 296]
Roxas: It's no use. We're never gonna find her.
Axel: You sure there isn't someplace you're forgetting to check?
Roxas: [shakes his head] I've been everywhere I know how to get to.
Axel: [headrub] Right...
Roxas: [looks at him] The only place I haven't looked is Castle Oblivion.
Axel: [head shoots up]
Roxas: Xion was asking about it, remember? And the day before she disappeared, you said she was put on an important mission.
Axel: Yeah, but... The place has been cleaned out, man. There's nothing there.
Roxas: Xion might be there.
Axel: You know ... that's where she comes from. Castle Oblivion.
Roxas: What? Really!?
Axel: That's probably why she was asking about it.
Roxas: I had no idea...
Axel: Hey, neither did I. I only found out about it a little while ago myself.
Roxas: [sadface] She must have a lot of questions. Poor Xion...
[DAY 297]
Saix: The impostor has been sighted again.
Roxas: Impostor? You mean the one that Xion...
Saix: He's prowling about Castle Oblivion as we speak.
Roxas: Castle Oblivion? I'll go.
Saix: Not by yourself, you won't. This target is extremely dangerous.
Axel: Then how 'bout I tag along? I know CO better than anybody else in this outfit.
Saix: All right, better. Go, then, and teach this fraud the price for wearing our coat.
Roxas: So, this is Castle Oblivion... [winces, and puts his hands to his head]
Axel: Roxas!?
Roxas: [falls to his knees, wincing] Agh, my ... my head!
Axel: Hey, easy, man! C'mon, let's retreat for now and--
Roxas: [still wincing] No... We have to ... find Xion... Wh ... what's happening?
Axel: Roxas!
Roxas: [yells in pain] All these ... pictures ... rushing into my head...
Axel: We're leaving. Now!
Roxas: No, wait... There's something... I can almost... [collapses completely]
Axel: [calls a portal and carries Roxas through it]
???: Giving up already? I thought you were stronger than that.
Roxas: [sits up like a shot] RIKU!
Axel: Whoa, you okay there?
Roxas: What happened to me?
Axel: You collapsed right inside the castle doors. Don't you remember?
Roxas: I remember going in, that's it.
Axel: Hey, you should take a breather.
Roxas: I'm fine. We need to go back to C.O.
Axel: Hah, I don't think so.
[pause]
Axel: Who's there?
[it's xion, hooded! with another figure.]
Roxas: Xion?
Xion: [bows her head and turns, creating a dark portal and walking away.]
Roxas: Xion, wait! [runs for the portal]
[The other hooded figure steps in front of it.]
Roxas: [snarls] Rrgh... Get out of the way!
???: ...... [runs]
Roxas: Hey! [SO PISSED, takes off after]
Axel: Roxas, wait up!
[they catch up. he runs.]
Roxas: Wait!
[they catch him again. he takes a dark portal and vanishes.]
Axel: I thought the impostor was sighted in Castle Oblivion! What's he doing here?
Roxas: Xion...
Axel: Ain't no way that was Xion!
Roxas: The other one was. The one who escaped before. [bows his head, sadfacing] But ... I don't get it. Why would she run from me?
[Xion is around the corner totally listening in. Impostor walks up and takes down his hood. Hi Riku!]
Riku: You want to go back?
Xion: ..... [she looks again around the corner at Axel and Roxas talking.]
[clock tower!]
Roxas: Why would she do that?
Axel: At least we know she's safe. She'll come home when she's ready.
Roxas: But won't they turn her into a Dusk?
Axel: Not necessarily.
Roxas: Who was that guy she was with? Why is she cooperating with him?
[DAY 298]
[Roxas walks up to witness a conversation between Axel and Saix.]
Axel: You're ordering me to what?!
Saix: Tell me what choice is left, now that Xion has had contact with that man in the black coat.
[They glance to the side as Roxas walks up. Saix walks away.]
Roxas: Um, Axel?
Axel: ..... [he turns and walks away]
Saix: Xion has betrayed us.
Roxas: What? No!
Saix: You saw the creature consorting with the impostor. What more evidence do we need?
Roxas: [snarling] That's not evidence! Who knows why she was with him?
[Roxas looks to Axel. He remains silent.]
Saix: I think we all know, and you just don't want to accept it.
Roxas: [bows his head] He might be forcing her.
Saix: Ha! Spare me your repulsive displays of would-be sentiment.
Roxas: [yelling] It's not a display! Why is it such a crime to give each other the benefit of the doubt?
Axel: [walks up and shakes his head]
Saix: The impostor has resurfaced in Twilight Town. Go and destroy him, Roxas -- like I expected you to do yesterday.
Roxas: Rrgh...
Saix: Axel, you bring Xion back. Gagged and tied up, for all I care. [shuts his eyes] If that proves too troublesome, then you are authorized to adopt a more permanent solution.
Roxas: What? Saix, no!
Saix: Get going.
Axel: [headrub] Well, this is pretty icky, huh?
Roxas: You're not actually gonna follow those orders?
Axel: Relax. I'll think of something clever once I find her. You just worry about yourself, huh? That guy in the coat didn't look like the type to go down without a fight.
Roxas: I know.
Roxas: I know that was Xion I saw yesterday. But ... who was the guy with her? Why didn't she try to get away from him? [suddenly looks up] Huh? Hey! Wait!
[Roxas races into the courtyard, where the hooded figure faces away from him, still. After a moment, it turns and takes down its hood. Not Riku -- but Xion.]
Roxas: Xion.
[He walks over to her, clearly relieved.]
Roxas: Where've you been? Axel and I've been looking all over for you.
Xion: You have? [pause] Sorry.
ROxas: Let's go home. If you come back volunatrily, [We get a glimpse of Axel on a rooftop nearby, listening in.] Saix will let all this drop. He has to. [she looks away] I don't care what he said to you. I'll be there. Me and Axel will make sure--
[She flinches back when he reaches out.]
Xion: I really can't.
Roxas: Why not? [He reaches out for her.] Come on...
[There's a long silence where she won't look at him. Finally, she turns and runs. He grabs her arm.]
Roxas: Wait!
[Then there's that distinctive shnk. He makes a soft sound and releases her hand as she ... raises the keyblade at him. Axel's chakram comes flying in, which she notices at the last moment with a snarl. She raises the keyblade to block, and the chakram goes flying, embedding itself in the ground before vanishing. Axel slowly follows, coming down the stairs as he speaks.]
Axel: Well hello there... Xion.
Roxas: Axel?
[Xion snarls and attacks him.]
Roxas: No, wait!
[Axel and Xion fight, raging around Roxas as he stares in horror. Shutting his eyes, he shouts.]
Roxas: Stop!
[That gets Xion to hesitate and look at him for just an instant. Axel takes the opportunity to chops the back of her neck, and she falls unconscious.]
Roxas: Xion...
[Axel grabs her and glances at Roxas before vanishing, leaving Roxas behind.]
[Back at the castle!]
Roxas: Axel!
Axel: Oh, hey, Roxas.
Roxas: Where is she?
Axel: Safe.
Roxas: [shakes his had, quiet for a moment ... then growls.] How could you do that to her?
Axel: Do what?
Roxas: [bows his head] You didn't have to use force.
Axel: Didn't I?
ROxas: [shakes his head] No... of course not! We're supposed to be best friends. [sadface]
Axel: [gets angry] This isn't about friendship.
Roxas: [stares at him]
Axel: [headrub. pauses for a moment] If that's all, I gotta go. [turns and walks away]
Roxas: [snarling] (If that's all!?)
[DAY 299]
Axel: You're sure things are better this way?
Saix: I never expected you to question it. If you could save one of them... Why would you choose the puppet? [That gets a reaction out of Axel, but he says nothing.] Or put it this way-- which would you rather suffer the loss of? Some make-believe friendship ... or a real one? [Axel looks away. Saix walks past him.] Things are finally right again. Of course we're better off this way. Xemnas is exasperated from all the "fixing" we've had to do. [Saix looks back at him.] We have to set things right. There is simply too much on the line... Lea.
[Axel spent this whole speech glaring, pretty much. At the end, he just turns and walks away.]
Xaldin: Xion? Why would I know where she is?
Roxas: Have you seen Xion?
Luxord: I wasn't aware she had returned.
Roxas: So you haven't seen her around?
Luxord: That is generally what "wasn't aware she had returned" means, yes.
Roxas: Doesn't anybody know what happened to her?
Roxas: Unless HE does...
[throne room. Hi Xemnas. Do you ever leave that chair. Roxas appears.]
Roxas: I need to ask you something.
Xemnas: And what would that be?
Roxas: What happened to Xion? Can you tell me?
Xemnas: Put your mind at ease. Xion is a valued member of the Organization, but she needs her rest.
Roxas: [bows his head]
[flashback to the scene on the beach, Roxas's sixth day. This time, Xemnas says Roxas's real name -- Sora.]
Roxas: ... Sora.
Xemnas: ..... [CREEPIEST SMILE IN THE FUCKING UNIVERSE]
Roxas: Who is Sora?
Xemnas: [STILL CREEPY] He's the connection.
Roxas: The what?
Xemnas: He is what makes you and Xion a part of each other's lives. Just as he is the reason I placed Xion among our number. And if you want her to stay that way, I must insist you get your mind off these needless distractions. I will have Xion return to her duties tomorrow. Today, you must focus on yours.
Roxas: [nods] All right. [vanishes]
Axel: Hey, Roxas.
Roxas: ..... [just walks past him.]
Axel: [headrub]
Saix: Are you certain we've taken suitable measures with Xion and Roxas?
Xemnas: I will admit, Xion has strayed from our original designs. But this unpredictable behavior is proving to have an interesting side effect.
Saix: Really?
Xemnas: We wanted the Key. Xion's exposure to Roxas effected a transfer of its power, just as we had hoped. Had things stopped there, Xion would have been an unequivocal success. But them, through Roxas, Sora himself began to shape "it" into "her," giving Xion a sense of identity. I was ready to scrap the whole project... Then, it occurred to me: Xion is keeping Sora's memories trapped by claiming them as her own. Keeping her close to Roxas will prevent Sora from ever waking.
Saix: I see. And what do you want to do about the impostor in black?
Xemnas: That gadfly? See that he stays away from Roxas. he only poses a threat if his buzzing reaches Xion's ears.
Saix: Then we are back on track.
[Woah -- at memory's scyscraper. Riku stands at the top. He glances at the heart moon.]
We move to the castle, where Xion is curled up in her room.]
Xion: Riku, what should I do? [she, too, glances at the heart moon.]
[DAY 300]
[Roxas sits alone on the tower after his mission. After a moment, Axel comes and joins him. A moment after that, Xion joins as well. All of them sit there, in silence, without ice cream.]
Namine: Oh, no...
DiZ: What has happened?
Namine: It's Sora... his memory has stopped.
DiZ: Stopped?
Namine: Unless something is done, he'll never wake from his slumber.
DiZ: Then so be it. The gloves must come off.
Namine: But ... what'll happen to...
DiZ: Those Nobodies had no business existing in the first place--as you know fully well, Namine.
Namine: Yes...
[DAY 301]
[in the grey area]
Xion: I'm ... I'm fine. I'm sorry, Roxas. Here, this is for you. [gives him something]
[Roxas goes out to the clock tower and sits alone.]
[Day 321]
[We see the scene in KH1 of Riku stealing Sora's Keyblade away, and Donald and Goofy leaving him as he falls to his knees. The scene shifts to Roxas, asleep, as a single tear falls down his face. He then wakes up, sitting up to wipe an arm over his face.]
Roxas: Wh-what... Did something get in my eyes?
[Roxas and Xion are sent to Agrabah together.]
Roxas: ...... [summons the Keyblade]
Xion: What's wrong?
Roxas: Nothing.
Xion: You look pale...
Roxas: [smiles] You're imagining things. Let's go.
Xion: [smiles a little] Well ... okay ...
Roxas: ... [slumps a little]
Roxas: End of the line.
Xion: :O I remember this...
Roxas: Huh?
Xion: It's a keyhole. See?
[She has a brief and abrupt vision of Sora closing this keyhole the first time. When we come back, she's on her knees. Roxas rushes over and puts a hand on her shoulder.]
Roxas: You okay?
Xion: [wincing] Y-yeah... [they stare at each other for a second.] You look so much like him.
Roxas: ... What?
[crash! hello target. We screw with it for a minute, when suddenly Xion crouches down, then launches herself into the air, towards the spinning thing, and ... takes it out in a single hit.]
Xion: H-how... How did I just do that? Where did that power come from? [she glances over to see Roxas slumped over.] Roxas? [she runs over and puts a hand on his shoulder.] Hey, are you all right?
Roxas: [stands straight] Yeah... Using the Keyblade these days... I don't know what's wrong with me -- I just run out of steam.
Xion: You... you do?
Roxas: [shakes his head and laughs] You know what, never mind. I'm probably just overworked, heh.
Xion: ... you sure you're okay?
Roxas: [grins] Course I am. C'mon, Xion, let's RTC.
[When Roxas leaves through the portal, Xion pauses.]
Xion: .....
[Xion and Roxas, sittin' on a clock tower...]
Xion: You're really, really okay?
Roxas: Okay, you're starting to weird me out.
Xion: Why?
Roxas: [laughs] Since when do you ever worry about me?
Xion: :O Well, excuse me!
Roxas: Just feels strange, that's all. Usually, I do all the worrying over you. I don't think it's ever been the other way around before.
Xion: [ALL OFFENDED NOW] Well, for your information... I worry about you all the time, Roxas.
Roxas: I'm glad you're back, Xion. I just wish Axel didn't have to be so rough with you.
Xion: I guess he's not coming today.
ROxas: You want him to?
Xion: What, did you two have a fight?
Roxas: ... I can't believe that jerk would actually attack you.
Xion: :O So he's a jerk now?
Roxas: .....
Xion: Roxas, I wouldn't be sitting here with you if Axel hadn't done that.
Roxas: .....
Xion: He's your best friend.
Roxas: So are you.
Xion: [... looks away.] It's just not the same without all three of us...
[in the castle. hello Axel!]
Xion: Axel!
Axel: You need something?
Xion: What? No... I just... Something's wrong with Roxas. I thought you might know what's up. He says the Keyblade wears him out now when he goes to use it. And suddenly I find myself fighting the same way he does...
Axel: [headrub, turns to face her] Well, you know him better than me.
Xion: Why ... why would you say that?
Axel: Ask yourself what's doing it to him.
Xion: [bows her head, then shakes it] I'm not sure.
Axel: Oh, you're not sure? What, did they forget to build you with common sense?
Xion: [gasps] ......!
Axel: Oh, come on, don't look shocked. You already knew you're a Replica. A puppet whose original purpose was to duplicate Roxas's powers. If he's getting weaker and you're getting stronger... Well, that just means you're borrowing a little more than you oughta be.
Xion: [bows her head, sadface] ..... What should I do, then?
Axel: I can't make that decision for you. You're no puppet in my book. You're my best friend. Mine and Roxas's. Got it memorized?
Xion: [nods, smiling] Yeah... [pause, ducks her head again, the smile vanishing] Can I ask you one other thing?
Axel: What's that?
Xion: I saw a boy today who looks just like Roxas. Is he who I think he is?
[Xigbar y u so spying.]
[DAY 322]
Xigbar: Sora is having a powerful effect on her.
Xemnas: Yes, it was not supposed to gain a mind of its own - nor become the person we see. But in the end, it only proves the puppet is a more worthy vessel. At last, the time has come. [CREEPYFACE] Saix, are the devices ready?
Saix: All three will be operable in a matter of days.
Xemnas: Good.
Saix: What do you want to do with Roxas?
Xemnas: Both of them have connections to Sora, but we only need one of them under our thumb. Let Xion take from Roxas the rest of what he has to give... Or, let him destroy her first and get it all back. It makes no difference to me. Either way, Sora's power will be ours. [creepy]
[DAY 352]
[Xion sits alone in her room, curled up on the bed, staring out at Kingdom Hearts.]
Xion: I'm going to wreck everything... What's the right thing to do? Riku would know...
[lol scene of her and Riku at the beach. nab this later.]
Xion: I have to make the most of the time he's given me. [we zoom in on a sea shell.]
Roxas: Hey, Xion, good morning.
Xion: Good morning.
Roxas: Listen--
Xion: Sorry, I gotta go.
Roxas: [slump] ......
Saix: Roxas. How are you feeling today?
Roxas: Same as always.
Saix: I have an urgent mission especially for you and your Keyblade. There's a Heartless that's surfaced in Halloween Town. I was hoping you might exterminate it for us.
Roxas: S...sure... Leave it to me!
Axel: Hey, whoa whoa whoa... Roxas, you really wanna do that?
Roxas: Why wouldn't I?
Axel: It's just, lately you--
Saix: Shouldn't you already be out on your mission, Axel?
Roxas: Yeah, I need to get ready, too. Let's catch up later!
Axel: But...
Saix: Can't you just let things run their course?
Axel: ......
Roxas: Xion looked really upset when she left this morning. I wonder what's on her mind... I should go talk to her once I finish up here.
Roxas: Xion?!
Xion: Roxas? The Heartless I was fighting -- it was you?
Axel: This mission was a setup.
Roxas: What?
Axel: It was rigged so you two would battle each other.
Roxas: Me and Xion? But...
Xion: They would do that?
Xion: Brain freeze, ha ha.
ROxas: Been a while since we all hung out like this, huh?
Axel: [nods] Well, we have had our share of drama. Hey, I just remembered -- did you guys konw you should be checking your ice cream sticks?
Xion: Really? For what?
Axel: Once you finish your ice cream bar, check the stick. It might say WINNER.
Roxas: Hey, wait a second... Oh yeah!
Axel: "Oh yeah" what?
Roxas: [smiles] Uhh... n-nothing. So what do you win?
Axel: Heh, beats me.
Roxas: [laughs] Ha ha, you don't know?
Axel: It's gotta be something good, if you're a WINNER!
Roxas: Right.
Xion: [cracks up] ... Wow. The sun sure is beautiful. I know we've seen a lot of sunsets, but today's puts them all to shame. If only things stayed like this.
Axel: .....
Roxas: What if we all ran off?
Xion: What?
ROxas: The three of us. We could always be together.
Xion: [... shakes her head.] We don't have any place to run.
Axel: ......
Roxas: I know. Heh, I was just thinking out loud.
Axel: Well, even if things change, we'll never be apart--
Xion: As long as we remember each other... right? Don't worry, Axel -- we got your hokey speech memorized.
Axel: Just checking.
Xion: I'll have these moments memorized for a long time. Forever, I hope.
Roxas: [nods] Me too. Forever...
[DAY 353]
Saix: You've meddled again.
Axel: Sorry, did you say something?
Saix: We don't need them both. Just one. And pretending won't change it.
Axel: .....
Saix: [walks past him, then glances back.] Think about that.
[Roxas walks into the Grey Area. We see Axel, Xigbar, Saix, and Xion -- hooded.]
Axel: Now here's an unlikely trio. Me, Xigbar, and Xion?
Xigbar: [laughs] Worried I'll slow you down?
Axel: 'Course not. Touchy, touchy... It's just not every day we get to go for a stroll with Number II himself. Aint that right, Xion?
Xion: Yeah.
Roxas: Hey, you three are teamed up for the day?
Saix: You have your own mission, Roxas.
ROxas: I can't trade with Xigbar or something?
Saix: What an extraordinarily childish notion. Do you need Axel to walk you everywhere now?
Roxas: No... I didn't-- Never mind.
Saix: They can handle their mission. Hurry up and see to your own.
[In wonderland.]
Xigbar: Ha ha! Talk about a blast from the past.
Axel: [snarl] Cut it out, Xion!
Xigbar: Of all the faces... Why do I look at her and see yours? [he sees ... Ven!] Do you always have to stare at me like I just drowned your goldfish?
Xionven: Shut up!
[Axel sees her hooded, huh. She gets the drop on Xigbar, moving way too fast for him -- and he goes down like a ton of bricks. Once he's down, Xion opens a portal.]
Xion: Axel, I'm sorry.
Axel: Have you flipped your lid?
Xion: Please ... let me go. I have to do this, or else -- Look.
[She pulls her hood back.]
Axel: What the...
[She pulls it back up.]
Xion: Please, Axel. You have to take care of Roxas.
Axel: But how are you ... gonna ...
Xion: Please!
Axel: [.... just shifts his head, lifting his chin.]
Xion: Thank you. [she runs into the portal and vanishes.]
[Axel sighs, looking down at the unconscious Xigbar.]
Roxas: Just me and the Heartless today... Well ... better get it done.
Roxas: I wonder if Xion and the others are back yet.
Saix: Explain yourself, Axel.
Axel: I didn't let her go. The old man needs to get his eyes checked. Anyway, she wasn't taking no for an answer.
Xigbar: I'll give him that. Can't toss the blame around when I couldn't stop her either.
[Roxas walks up.]
Saix: And now we're left with the one we can't use... [turns and walks away]
Roxas: What was all that about? Where's Xion?
Xigbar: She flew the coop. Flamesilocks here couldn't trouble himself to clip her wings.
Axel: ......
Roxas: Axel, he's kidding, right?
Axel: ......
Xigbar: As if. Your friend sat there sucking his thumb while Xion walked right off. ...I'm going back to my room.
ROxas: What happened out there?
Axel: Look, nothing.
Roxas: [SNARL] Xion's gone! How is that nothing?
Axel: It's just like Xigbar said. I couldn't stop her from going.
Roxas: [YELLING NOW] Don't give me that! Why not?
Axel: [folds his arms] Roxas... Xion is like a mirror that reflects you.
Roxas: What?
Axel: The Organization made her to duplicate your powers. She's a puppet.
ROxas: Have you gone nuts? Xion's a person, not a puppet.
Axel: She's smoke and mirrors, Roxas. And when I looked in the mirror... It wasn't you I saw.
Roxas: [MORE YELLING] I don't know what you're talking about, but Xion is Xion. You can't expect her to be me.
Axel: [shakes his head and sighs] That's not what I mean, Roxas. It was only a matter of time before somebody had to break the mirror.
ROxas: You mean destroy her.
Axel: [looks away]
Roxas: Answer me!
Axel: Roxas, if somebody doesn't, you'll... You won't be you anymore.
Roxas: I'll always be me! Your best friend--just like Xion!
Axel: [silent for a moment] Roxas, you're ... you're not seeing the bigger picture. Any of it.
Roxas: Ugh, forget this.
Axel: Roxas!
Roxas: [runs]
Axel: Why can't you understand...
Xion: [shows up at Beast's Castle] Riku!
Riku: Did you find the right answer?
Xion: [nods and smiles] Yeah. I did. I'm on the verge of losing everything I ever cared about. I can't let that happen. Tell me what I need to do.
Riku: Go to Twilight Town. You'll find a girl there by the name of Namine.
Xion: Namine? What's she like?
Riku: YOu'll find out. I don't think you'll have much trouble tracking her down.
Xion: [nods, smiling again.] All right. Thanks, Riku. [she turns] Good-bye... [she runs into the portal.]
[DAY 354]
Xemnas: Xion has vanished again.
Xaldin: Do we know where she is?
Xemnas: "It," not "she." Xion is just a Replica... a puppet.
Luxord: Puppet? Someone made her?
Saix: Puppets generally don't make themselves.
Xigbar: The Replica Program was one of our little pet projects.
Demyx: Replica whatza?
Xaldin: Perhaps you'd care to enlighten us about this "pet project."
Xemnas: The goal was to duplicate the Keyblade wielder's memories, and through them, his powers-- thus making them our own. Vexen oversaw the project at Castle Oblivion. However, our efforts were severely derailed by his unexpected demise. And this particular Replica -- the one we called Xion -- came to form an identity of her own.
Saix: That caught us off guard. If anything like that happened before, no one at CO ever reported it. Did they, Axel?
Axel: ......
Xemnas: Fortunately, the puppet has no means of dashing our plans now, even if she has learned to pull her own strings. Still, she knows our secrets. We need to shorten the leash... And perhaps tighten it.
Roxas: You don't mean--
Xemnas: Axel.
[He glances up.]
Xemnas: Seeing as how she escaped on your watch, the onus is on you to capture her and return her here. I am willing to overlook any nicks or scratches. Just ensure she still functions on arrival.
Xaldin: [shakes his head] Why you would allow a deserter back under our roof... She should be eradicated!
Saix: "Deserter" is heardly the term for a broken specimen who wandered out from under the microscope.
Xemnas: Axel, you have your orders.
Axel: [merely bows his head]
Xemnas: Dismissed. [vanishes]
Xaldin: [growls] Bring her back? It's sheer madness... [vanishes]
Demyx: [shakes his head] All this time, I've been talking to a puppet... Intense. [vanishes]
Xigbar: So now we sweep it all up? Heh... As if. [vanishes]
Luxord: If only the whispers at the top of the ladder carried to the bottom rung... [vanishes]
Saix: Axel. Those orders were absolute.
Axel: ...... [looks away and vanishes.]
Saix: Still here, Roxas? Proceed with your mission.
Roxas: [shakes his head] Xion is one of us.
Saix: A puppet, one of us? Don't be absurd. Count the seats. When have we ever been more than thirteen? [vanishes]
[In the Grey Area, Axel opens a portal.]
Roxas: Axel! [walks up to him, and slumps.] I don't think Xion's safe here anymore. You're not really gonna do what Xemnas says?
Axel: I have to, or else I'm not safe here either.
Roxas: Well...could you at least try not to hurt her this time?
Axel: That's up to her. [faces him] Roxas... Xion is dangerous.
Roxas: Dangerous how?
Axel: Have you got all your strength back?
Roxas: Not yet...
Axel: [shakes his hdead]
Roxas: How long have you known about her?
Axel: [turns away] .....
Roxas: You knew all this time, and kept it from me?
Axel: ..... [walks away and vanishes]
Roxas: ....
oh god skip so much
[DAY 356]
Namime: Nice to meet you ... Xion.
Xion: Namine, you can see my face?
Namine: Yes.
Xion: [sadface] What do you think I should do?
Namine: What do you want to do?
Xion: [looks up at the picture on the wall of her, Axel, and Roxas.] I thought I knew at first. I wanted me and Roxas and Axel to be together forever. But then I started to realize these memories don't belong to me.
Namine: THat's because you're Kairi. At least, the Kairi Sora remembers.
Xion: The more I remember, the more I feel like I'm in the wrong place... like... Like I need to go back.
Namine: Back to Sora?
Xion: [nods]
Namine: If you return your memories to him, you'll disappear. And since everything about you was built on those memories... no one will remember when you're gone. There won't be any "you" to remember. I can't save you, Xion--even a memory of you.
Xion: [nods] I know. I'm ready. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. [looks down, sadface] Roxas belongs with Sora, too. But ... I don't think he would understand. Not yet.
Namine: [nods] He can't feel Sora. But he will.
Xion: Namine, will you watch over Roxas once I'm gone? You won't be alone. I asked somebody else to look after him, too. It's just ... there isn't anything else I can do for him.
Namine: [nods] All right.
Xion: [smiles] Thank you...
Namine: If you're ready, let's go see Sora.
[lol hi DiZ.]
DiZ: Namine, they've found us! They're on their way! That blasted puppet led them right to our doorstep! See what you get for trusting it?
Xion: I'll get rid of them!
Namine: No! Xion...
(this day is incomplete because I got distracted by shiny and wanted to simply finish. I'll clean it up and finish it later.)
[DAY 195]
Roxas: You're here early.
Xion: [laughs] My mission wasn't that hard.
Roxas: So, how ya feeling?
Xion: [laughs] I think I'll be okay now.
Roxas: [smiles] That's good. [pause] Hey, where's Axel?
Xion: I haven't seen him.
Clocktower: [BONG BONG BONG]
Xion: It's getting late... I don't think he's coming.
Roxas: You wanna wait a little longer?
Xion: Okay. [pause] You and him are always here for me.
Roxas: Aw, I don't do anything special. Axel's the one who sticks up for us.
Xion: [laughs] Well, I'm just glad the two of you are in the Organization with me.
Roxas: [after a pause] Hope Axel turns up.
[~DAY 197]
Roxas: Feels like it's been forever.
Axel: Since what?
Roxas: Since we got to talk like this.
Axel: Has it been that long? Time sure flies. Speaking of which... Isn't this the place?
Roxas: Oh, yeah, this is it! Here, just watch!
Roxas: [TRIES]
Roxas: [TRIES]
Roxas: [FAILS]
Axel: Uhh, what are you doing, Roxas?
Roxas: Huh... that's so weird. I could fly before. [slump] I guess I must need that sparkly dust for it to work.
Hook: Blast it all! Not again?!
Axel: Huh?
Roxas: I know that voice...
Hook: You dig and dig, and all I get is more Heartless. They;re taking up too much of me time! We need to find that treasure before someone else does. Why it ... it makes me blood boil!
Smee: Captain?! Where are you going, Captain?
Hook: Back to the ship! I'll blast these scurvy meddlers into oblivion! Maybe then I can get back to having you dig in peace.
Smee: If you say so, Captain!
Axel: What's their story?
Roxas: Not sure, but they mentioned something about treasure maps last time.
Axel: So what, they're digging for buried gold? From the looks of it, all they're digging up is trouble.
Roxas: Yeah. For some reason, Heartless spring up wherever they dig.
Axel: You mean Heartless are hiding in the ground?
Roxas: I'm not so sure that's it.
Axel: You got a better explanation?
Roxas: Look, I'm just saying. All I saw in the hole they dug was a wooden chest full of junk.
Axel: And the Heartless were in the chest?
Roxas: I dunno. I think maybe something else is causing them to show up.
Axel: Like?
Roxas: Didn't something seem kind of off to you about the guy in red?
Axel: Off? Off how? Well ... right now we're just guessing. Let's start by checking the places they dug up. Who knows, maybe we'll find our targets down there taking a nap.
Roxas: Yeah. Stranger things have happened.
Roxas: Oh! Um ... hello ... again.
Tink: [I HATE YOU]
Roxas: Wh-what? Are you mad at me? Oh, because I didn't follow you to the ship before...
Tink: [THAT'S RIGHT BITCH]
Axel: Hey, Roxas ... Who have we got here?
Tink: [OH GOD HIDE ME ROXAS]
Roxas: I'm not sure, but we met the last time I was here. I don't think she means any harm. She's the one who helped me fly.
Axel: Yeah, I already saw your demonstration. |D
Roxas: It's true! [to Tink] Here, help me show him. Could you give us some more of that glowing stuff?
Tink: [HMMMMMMMMM well I guess I mean you are cute SPARKLETIME]
Roxas: [FLOATS]
Axel: Wha--?!
Roxas: See? I told you!
Axel: How are you doing that?
Roxas: I can't really describe it. Once she sprinkles you, just think, "I can fly," and boom!
Axel: "I can fly," and boom, huh?
Roxas: Look, just give it a try.
Axel: All right...
Axel: [TRIES]
Axel: [TRIES]
Axel: [FAILS]
Axel: I'm not feeling it, Roxas.
Roxas: C'mon, try again. Believe me on this, Axel!
Axel: Okay... I believe you. [shuts his eyes and WELL HEY THERE YOU GO]
Axel: I can fly... I can fly?!
Roxas: You can fly.
Tink: [JESUS COME ON YOU ASSHOLES]
ROxas: I think she still wants me to go check out that ship.
Tink: [THANK YOU CAPTAIN OBVIOUS]
Axel: Doesn't it belong to those guys from before? What, are they your friends?
Tink: [UH FUCK NO]
Roxas: Apparently not. Then why is it so important we--
Ship: [CANNON BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL]
Roxas: Yeeeagh!? What was that?
Hook: Fire! Fire at will! Blow those Heartless right to Davy Jones's locker!
Smee: Aye, aye, sir!
Roxas: They're attacking us?
Axel: No... I think they've just mistaken us for Heartless.
Roxas: Great...
Tink: [COME ON ALREADY JESUS /LEAVES]
Roxas: H-hey... wait up! [goes after]
Axel: Roxas! Are you nuts? Get back here.
Roxas: But she--
Axel: We don't know what she's after. The mission comes first. [ALSO AN ASSHOLE] Let's find those Artful Flyers.
Roxas: [nod] Oh, all right.
Axel: Keep your eyes open. I don't want to have to scrape you off a cannonball.
Axel: Mission accomplished. And what a strange mission it was. [moar cannonballs] Heh, you have to at least give them points for trying.
Roxas: I wonder if she's okay...
Axel: Hmm? Oh, your tiny friend?
Roxas: Yeah. Maybe we should have gone with her.
Axel: I don't think we had much choice. We're not getting anywhere near that ship today.
Roxas: [slump] .....
Axel: Cheer up. She looked pretty determined. She'll be fine.
Roxas: Yeah... I guess so.
Axel: C'mon, let's RTC.
Pete: Heh heh heh... Those blockheads are actually diggin'! My plan's goin' perfectly! ... Muh? That's weird... WHere'd the Heartless go?!
Roxas: [laughs] You think that sparkly dust would work in other worlds?
Axel: [chuckles] I dunno about that...
Xion: Wow, you two sure flew through your mission.
Roxas: [grins and laughs] Heh, if only you knew.
Axel: Xion...
Xion: [laughs] Sorry I'm late. I had my hands full today.
Roxas: So I was about to tell you, today me and Axel actually flew!
Xion: You flew? :O
Roxas: Yeah. There's this sparkly dust that makes it possible.
Xion: I was wondering why you two looked so happy. Lucky...
Roxas: What's wrong? Did something happen again?
Xion: [shakes her head] Nah, it's nothing...
[DAY 224]
[DiZ and Namine talking in front of Sora's pod. Namine expresses worry that she can't get all of Sora's memories back. DiZ says it's fine for him to lose a memory or two. Namine quickly explains that maybe he won't wake up if he can't get all his memories back. And if she has his memories, "she" won't survive. DiZ asks who "she" is.
Then we see Xion on her bed, curled up.]
Demyx: Heartless duty again today? I keep telling them I'm not cut out for this stuff...
Roxas: This time we're after a specific target. Saix said it was strong.
Demyx: Yeesh... [flops] Is it too late to go home? It's because I'm partnered up with you I keep getting saddled with these combat missions!
Roxas: Wanna split up the search like last time?
Demyx: [stands traight] Are you crazy!? And risk actually finding that thing? I'm not fighting it alone!
Roxas: Then let's move out.
Demyx: [flop]
Demyx: I'm gonna stay out here and, uh ... guard the exit, yeah! Nobody's exiting on my watch. (Except maybe me...)
Roxas: ... [simply turns and walks in]
Demyx: You entering some kind of contest, Roxas?
Roxas: Sort of. These Games are the only way to get inside the Coliseum right now.
Demyx: Ahh, I follow you.
Roxas: I wish you would. [:|]
Xigbar: Hey there, kiddo. Looks like you're doing pretty well here.
Roxas: Xigbar?! What are you-- Don't try and tell me you're a trainee, too?
Xigbar: As if! I just dropped in to see hw our little wannabe hero is doing. I care about your future, Roxas.
Roxas: You dropped in? You could have told me you were entering!
Xigbar: Try to make it look real, Roxas!
FUCK YOU STATIC
Roxas: Hey... Is that the--
Xigbar: Well, well... Looks like our target's here.
Phil: Uh-oh... Looks like the finals just got postponed! Hey! Forget about the match! Just find someplace safe while I go get Herc!
Xigbar: Well, Roxas? Ready to show me all you've learned? [walks away]
Roxas: Mission complete.
Xigbar: Not bad! Our little Roxas is growing up so fast.
Roxas: Are you making fun of me? >|
Xigbar: As if! That was a compliment. I'll see you back home.
Demyx: Nice work out there, man!
Roxas: Demyx! You were here? Why didn't you come and help? >:O
Demyx: I was, uh... cheering you on! Couldn't you hear me? Gimme an "R"! Gimme an--
Roxas: Are you blind!? That wasn't part of the Games!
Demyx: Right!? And what a shocker to find out Xigbar was the other finalist!
Roxas: Yeah...
Demyx: What's up with that... I can't imagine he was here on a mission. You never can tell what that guy is thinking...
Roxas: Maybe he just wanted an excuse to fight me... To test me.
Demyx: No way, man! I wouldn't read into it too deep. Besides, the mission's over, right? All's well that ends well, man!
Roxas: I ... guess so, but ...
Demyx: Anyway, I'm beat! Let's call it a day.
Roxas: [grinning] Hey, Xion. Get here early?
Xion: Yeah. I breezed right through my mission. [pause] So, how'd your day go?
Roxas: Ugh, you'll never believe what Xigbar did...
Axel: Hey hey. Oh, Xion, what are you doing here?
Xion: [hmph] What, do you want me to leave? Sheesh. [glare]
Axel: C'mon, that's not what I meant.
Xion: [after a pause] Hey, Axel?
Axel: Uh-huh?
Xion: You've been to Castle Oblivion, right?
Axel: Yup.
Xion: What's it like?
Axel: THe Organization uses it as a research facility.
Roxas: Seems like people are getting sent there all the time. Especially you.
Xion: But they never send me or Roxas.
Axel: Well... they probably just don't need you there, that's all.
Xion: [sadface] Maybe. ...... [stands] I gotta go.
Roxas: Huh?
Xion: [winces, something hitting her, and falls off the tower]
Roxas: [oshi grabs her at the last second and pulls her up]
Roxas: Are you feeling all right? Maybe you need to rest.
Xion: [shakes her head] No, it's nothing like that. ......
Roxas: .....
Axel: [headrub] ..... I've got it!
Roxas: Huh? Got what?
Axel: Let's go to the beach next time we get a day off.
Xion: The beach? Where did that come from?
Axel: [heh heh] What, don't you wanna go someplace different for a change?
Roxas: [laughs] So ... it would just be the three of us?
Axel: Yeah, exactly.
Xion: ...... I'll join you ... if I can.
ROxas: Of course you can, Xion.
Axel: You'll have a blast, trust me.
Xion: ... [nods and laughs] Well ... all right, sure. Let's do it.
[DAY 225]
Roxas: Aren't you gonna have some ice cream?
Xion: .......
Roxas: Xion?
Xion: Oh, sorry. I guess I'm just tired.
Roxas: You wanna sit down?
Xion: No, I'm gonna go. See you later.
Roxas: Okay...
Axel: What, all by your lonesome?
Roxas: Hey, Axel.
Axel: Where's Xion?
Roxas: She left.
Axel: Hmm...
Roxas: She's been acting kind of weird lately, don't ya think?
Axel: ......
Roxas: Maybe she's not feeling well.
Axel: She'll be okay. Don't stress it.
Roxas: If you say so. [pause] Hope we get some more vacation soon. We could all use that trip to the beach.
Axel: Right...
Xion: [at the Organization's computer oshi--]
Xion: No, no... [glares] Where is it? [gasp] Got it!
[DAY 255]
Saix: I sent Axel to Castle Oblivion last night on short notice, to help expedite the matter we spoke of. I also instructed him to clear out our facilities there. He should RTC soon.
Xemnas: And Namine?
Saix: [shakes his head] Still missing, sir.
Xigbar: Missing indeed. Ha ha! Wherever could she be?
Saix: Why, Xigbar... It almost sounds as though you know.
Xigbar: Hmph.
Xemnas: What else?
Saix: Someone accessed our main computer without authorization.
Xigbar: "Somebody"? Are we all gonna pretend we don't know who? Little Poppet is turning into a problem -- and I think you catch my meaning.
Saix: Nonsense. I see no problem whatsoever.
Xigbar: [laughs] Ha ha! Well no, apparently you don't!
Saix: SOmething you find amusing?
Xigbar: [shakes his head] If people see with their hearts, Saix, then you're even blinder than the rest of us.
Xemnas: Our plans remain unchanged. Axel, Roxas, and Xion will play the roles Kingdom Hearts has chosen for them.
Saix: But sir, Xion... If we don't take steps--
Xemnas: Take steps? How can you not see how perfect this is? Xion is marching right into the arms of destiny. The only steps we need take are two: watch ... and wait.
Xion: [infiltrates castle oblivion woah-- has a sharp memory of Sora and gasps] Nngh... my head...
[in memory]
Saix: This is the last you'll ever see of these walls, Xion.
Xion: [hooded, simply follows]
[in present]
Xion: [falls to her knees]
[Axel shows up through a portal.]
Xion: Axel... What are you ... doing here ... ?
Axel: Orders. Nothing to do with you. I'm not sure what you thought you'd find in an empty place like this.
Xion: [glares] Don't lie to me! I know this is where I come from! The answers are here.
Axel: [glares right back] Weren't you given some other mission?
Xion: ..... [keeps clutching her head]
Axel: You can't just throw orders to the wind, Xion.
Xion: [sadface] Or else what? They'll turn me into a Dusk?
Axel: Not even a Dusk. They'll skip right past that and destroy you outright.
Xion: Because I'm useless?
Axel: No, I didn't say that.
Xion: [stands]
Axel: Turn around and go home, Xion.
Xion: Axel, I'm remembering things ... about who I was.
Axel: well, stop remembering. Nothing good will come of it.
Xion: I have dreams every night. You're in them, Axel!
Axel: [shakes his head] Then they sure ain't memories. How could I be part of your past? Use your head, Xion.
Xion: You can't fool me. We've met before, Axel, right here in this castle!
Axel: Have not. Go home, Xion. Don't keep Roxas waiting.
Xion: [FRUSTRATED] Please, Axel, just ... help me! I need to know who I am. [runs past him]
Axel: Hey -- stop! Xion, stay out of there!
Xion: [ignores him and runs ahead and into the door]
Axel: You're early.
Roxas: No, you're just late. Today makes 255.
Axel: What's that about?
Roxas: It's been that many days since I first joined the Organization. Man, time flies.
Axel: So, you got the number memorized, do ya?
Roxas: Yeah. I have to hang onto something, right? It's not like I have memories from before the Organization. Don't you remember? I acted like a zombie.
Axel: Right. That first week you could barely form a sentence. But come on, you're still kind of a zombie.
Roxas: oh, thanks.
[oh god the sun sets red story]
Roxas: Like I asked, know it all!
[both laugh]
Roxas: Seriously, where is she?
Axel just narrows his eyes and sits up without looking.
Axel: Roxas... I'm not sure she's gonna show today.
Roxas: Did she collapse again?
Axel: She... [turns away] ... what, didn't you hear? She got sent on a really important mission. Pretty cool, huh?
Roxas: Oh... So when's she coming back?
Axel: Well, I guess that depends on how well she does her job, right?
Roxas: Heh, fair enough.
Axel: [sidelong glance, looks away]
Xion: [standing before the white orb in CO]
Xion: No... [bows her head] Then... I'm not... The person I was before ... wasn't me.
[DAY 256]
Xemnas: Xion is gone.
Axel: [keeps his face covered with a hand]
Roxas: [head snaps up]
Demyx: Whaaat!? Whoa, whoa, time out... You mean she, like, flew the coop?
Xaldin: [nods] Hah, preposterous. What would drive her to choose her own demise?
Xemnas: On the contrary. No one is to go looking for Xion without my express permission.
Roxas: What? Why not!? [RAGE]
Saix: Your "friend" will be left alone. Or would you rather we find some punishment?
Roxas: [growls] I'd rather you get her back!
Saix: And why would we do that?
Roxas: Rrgh...
Xemnas: All will be revealed when the time comes.
Axel: Hmm... Which means, if the time doesn't come, things can stay as they are...
Saix: Lord Xemnas has spoken. Obey, or face your end.
Roxas: Axel could've shown up, at least.
Axel: [standing there out of sight]
[DAY 257]
Roxas: [walks out to the clock tower to find no one there] Xion... Axel... Where are you? [goes and sits alone]
[DAY 276]
[Destiny Islands. Roxas stands on the beach, alone. On the lower screen, Sora's first waking moment from KH1 plays. It ends as Roxas kneels down and picks up a shell.]
Roxas: Xion...
[In the distance he sees a slim, hooded figure head out to the little island.]
Roxas: Xion!
[Roxas runs over, catching up to the hooded figure.]
Xion: [pulls down her hood --to reveal Zexion]
[The final confrontation between Riku and Zexion plays. Zexion's voice echoes strangely and static crackles across the screen as Roxas, in the background, doubles over, clutching his head. He flashes into Xion, who collapses to the ground. She flashes into Riku, hands still tangled in his hair. As Zexion finishes his speech, Riku flashes to Sora. Once that ends, we see Xion, eyes shut, in the arms of ... Riku.]
Xion: Who am I? What am I -- here for?
[The scene shifts again to Riku and Namine in the white room in the Mansion.]
Namine: I wasn't sure I'd see you again.
Riku: You made me a promise.
Namine: To look after Sora. I remember. [bows her head] I'm sorry... I'm not sure I've kept that promise very well.
Riku: What happened?
Namine: Some of Sora's memories are missing.
Riku: How can that be?
Namine: They're escaping through Sora's Nobody into a third person-- and now they're starting to become a part of her.
Riku: [bows his head] You can't get the memories back out?
Namine: [shakes her head] If they're still separate ... then yes, I think so. But if they join with her memories, things get a lot more complicated. [we see a close-up of her sketch of Roxas, Xion, and Axel.] I would need to untangle her memory before I could finish Sora's... WHat was supposed to take months might take years. DiZ would be furious.
Riku: So what's the solution?
Namine: If I try to just jump in and rearrange her memory ... then I risk Sora waking up to find out that nobody remembers him anymore. I can't do that to him. It's too late either way. His awakening will have to be delayed. I never imagined Sora's Nobody and the other one would fight so hard to be their own people. [screen shows Roxas and Xion side by side.] Unfortunately, the only real solution ... is for them both to go away.
[The screen fades to black, then showed Xion, hooded.]
Namine: Did you know her face was blank at first? [The figure fades, then reappears with her hood down.] Only now can you see someone. That proves some of Sora's memories are inside her. Some inside her, some inside Sora ... others inside Sora's Nobody... I can't sort it out anymore. All I can do is pick up the pieces once what has to be done, is done.
[The screen fades again and shows Riku.]
Riku: All right, then.
[Back on Destiny Islands...]
[we see Riku is still holding Xion. In the far background, Roxas sprints for a portal and vanishes into it. Riku looks down at the apparently unconscious Xion in his arms.]
[The scene shifts again. Now we see Roxas, Xion, and Axel at the Paopu Tree. Roxas and Xion sit next to each other on its trunk, while Axel stands to Xion's side, leaning back against it, arms behind his head. All three are staring out at the sunset.]
Xion: Is it that I'm not supposed to exist?
Axel: Well, what do you want to do, Xoin?
Xion: I want... I want to be with you two. [she clasps her hands. Roxas reaches out and wraps his hand around both of hers.]
Roxas: Then come back with us.
Xion: I can't... not the way I am now. But... what would it take for me to be like you?
[Neither Roxas nor Axel replies.]
[Scene shift AGAIN what the FUCK is going on. Now we see Axel on the clock tower, ice cream in hand. Roxas walks up.]
Roxas: Wow, you're actually up here.
Axel: Been that long, huh?
Roxas: I got to go to the beach today for my mission. There was this girl there who looked kind of like Xion...
[Axel glances at him.]
Roxas: ... but I couldn't get close enough to tell for sure. I probably imagined it. To be honest, I'm not even sure today's mission really happened. I feel like I just woke up from a dream or something. This is gonna sound crazy, but you know how we promised each other we'd all go to the beach? Well, I think I only saw her there because I wanted her to be there.
[Axel stands.]
Axel: You wanna go look for her?
Roxas: Huh? But Xemnas's orders...
Axel: Orders, shmorders. Starting tomorrow, let's use our spare time between work and coming here to try and find Xion.
[Roxas stands.]
Roxas: Okay... Yeah, it's a deal!
[DAY 277]
Cheshire: Once you believe, the truth and a lie are the same thing. Let your heart decide -- it's in your heart you must confide.
Roxas: Easy for him to say... How am I supposed to do that when I don't have a heart? I have no idea what to believe in.
[DAY 296]
Roxas: It's no use. We're never gonna find her.
Axel: You sure there isn't someplace you're forgetting to check?
Roxas: [shakes his head] I've been everywhere I know how to get to.
Axel: [headrub] Right...
Roxas: [looks at him] The only place I haven't looked is Castle Oblivion.
Axel: [head shoots up]
Roxas: Xion was asking about it, remember? And the day before she disappeared, you said she was put on an important mission.
Axel: Yeah, but... The place has been cleaned out, man. There's nothing there.
Roxas: Xion might be there.
Axel: You know ... that's where she comes from. Castle Oblivion.
Roxas: What? Really!?
Axel: That's probably why she was asking about it.
Roxas: I had no idea...
Axel: Hey, neither did I. I only found out about it a little while ago myself.
Roxas: [sadface] She must have a lot of questions. Poor Xion...
[DAY 297]
Saix: The impostor has been sighted again.
Roxas: Impostor? You mean the one that Xion...
Saix: He's prowling about Castle Oblivion as we speak.
Roxas: Castle Oblivion? I'll go.
Saix: Not by yourself, you won't. This target is extremely dangerous.
Axel: Then how 'bout I tag along? I know CO better than anybody else in this outfit.
Saix: All right, better. Go, then, and teach this fraud the price for wearing our coat.
Roxas: So, this is Castle Oblivion... [winces, and puts his hands to his head]
Axel: Roxas!?
Roxas: [falls to his knees, wincing] Agh, my ... my head!
Axel: Hey, easy, man! C'mon, let's retreat for now and--
Roxas: [still wincing] No... We have to ... find Xion... Wh ... what's happening?
Axel: Roxas!
Roxas: [yells in pain] All these ... pictures ... rushing into my head...
Axel: We're leaving. Now!
Roxas: No, wait... There's something... I can almost... [collapses completely]
Axel: [calls a portal and carries Roxas through it]
???: Giving up already? I thought you were stronger than that.
Roxas: [sits up like a shot] RIKU!
Axel: Whoa, you okay there?
Roxas: What happened to me?
Axel: You collapsed right inside the castle doors. Don't you remember?
Roxas: I remember going in, that's it.
Axel: Hey, you should take a breather.
Roxas: I'm fine. We need to go back to C.O.
Axel: Hah, I don't think so.
[pause]
Axel: Who's there?
[it's xion, hooded! with another figure.]
Roxas: Xion?
Xion: [bows her head and turns, creating a dark portal and walking away.]
Roxas: Xion, wait! [runs for the portal]
[The other hooded figure steps in front of it.]
Roxas: [snarls] Rrgh... Get out of the way!
???: ...... [runs]
Roxas: Hey! [SO PISSED, takes off after]
Axel: Roxas, wait up!
[they catch up. he runs.]
Roxas: Wait!
[they catch him again. he takes a dark portal and vanishes.]
Axel: I thought the impostor was sighted in Castle Oblivion! What's he doing here?
Roxas: Xion...
Axel: Ain't no way that was Xion!
Roxas: The other one was. The one who escaped before. [bows his head, sadfacing] But ... I don't get it. Why would she run from me?
[Xion is around the corner totally listening in. Impostor walks up and takes down his hood. Hi Riku!]
Riku: You want to go back?
Xion: ..... [she looks again around the corner at Axel and Roxas talking.]
[clock tower!]
Roxas: Why would she do that?
Axel: At least we know she's safe. She'll come home when she's ready.
Roxas: But won't they turn her into a Dusk?
Axel: Not necessarily.
Roxas: Who was that guy she was with? Why is she cooperating with him?
[DAY 298]
[Roxas walks up to witness a conversation between Axel and Saix.]
Axel: You're ordering me to what?!
Saix: Tell me what choice is left, now that Xion has had contact with that man in the black coat.
[They glance to the side as Roxas walks up. Saix walks away.]
Roxas: Um, Axel?
Axel: ..... [he turns and walks away]
Saix: Xion has betrayed us.
Roxas: What? No!
Saix: You saw the creature consorting with the impostor. What more evidence do we need?
Roxas: [snarling] That's not evidence! Who knows why she was with him?
[Roxas looks to Axel. He remains silent.]
Saix: I think we all know, and you just don't want to accept it.
Roxas: [bows his head] He might be forcing her.
Saix: Ha! Spare me your repulsive displays of would-be sentiment.
Roxas: [yelling] It's not a display! Why is it such a crime to give each other the benefit of the doubt?
Axel: [walks up and shakes his head]
Saix: The impostor has resurfaced in Twilight Town. Go and destroy him, Roxas -- like I expected you to do yesterday.
Roxas: Rrgh...
Saix: Axel, you bring Xion back. Gagged and tied up, for all I care. [shuts his eyes] If that proves too troublesome, then you are authorized to adopt a more permanent solution.
Roxas: What? Saix, no!
Saix: Get going.
Axel: [headrub] Well, this is pretty icky, huh?
Roxas: You're not actually gonna follow those orders?
Axel: Relax. I'll think of something clever once I find her. You just worry about yourself, huh? That guy in the coat didn't look like the type to go down without a fight.
Roxas: I know.
Roxas: I know that was Xion I saw yesterday. But ... who was the guy with her? Why didn't she try to get away from him? [suddenly looks up] Huh? Hey! Wait!
[Roxas races into the courtyard, where the hooded figure faces away from him, still. After a moment, it turns and takes down its hood. Not Riku -- but Xion.]
Roxas: Xion.
[He walks over to her, clearly relieved.]
Roxas: Where've you been? Axel and I've been looking all over for you.
Xion: You have? [pause] Sorry.
ROxas: Let's go home. If you come back volunatrily, [We get a glimpse of Axel on a rooftop nearby, listening in.] Saix will let all this drop. He has to. [she looks away] I don't care what he said to you. I'll be there. Me and Axel will make sure--
[She flinches back when he reaches out.]
Xion: I really can't.
Roxas: Why not? [He reaches out for her.] Come on...
[There's a long silence where she won't look at him. Finally, she turns and runs. He grabs her arm.]
Roxas: Wait!
[Then there's that distinctive shnk. He makes a soft sound and releases her hand as she ... raises the keyblade at him. Axel's chakram comes flying in, which she notices at the last moment with a snarl. She raises the keyblade to block, and the chakram goes flying, embedding itself in the ground before vanishing. Axel slowly follows, coming down the stairs as he speaks.]
Axel: Well hello there... Xion.
Roxas: Axel?
[Xion snarls and attacks him.]
Roxas: No, wait!
[Axel and Xion fight, raging around Roxas as he stares in horror. Shutting his eyes, he shouts.]
Roxas: Stop!
[That gets Xion to hesitate and look at him for just an instant. Axel takes the opportunity to chops the back of her neck, and she falls unconscious.]
Roxas: Xion...
[Axel grabs her and glances at Roxas before vanishing, leaving Roxas behind.]
[Back at the castle!]
Roxas: Axel!
Axel: Oh, hey, Roxas.
Roxas: Where is she?
Axel: Safe.
Roxas: [shakes his had, quiet for a moment ... then growls.] How could you do that to her?
Axel: Do what?
Roxas: [bows his head] You didn't have to use force.
Axel: Didn't I?
ROxas: [shakes his head] No... of course not! We're supposed to be best friends. [sadface]
Axel: [gets angry] This isn't about friendship.
Roxas: [stares at him]
Axel: [headrub. pauses for a moment] If that's all, I gotta go. [turns and walks away]
Roxas: [snarling] (If that's all!?)
[DAY 299]
Axel: You're sure things are better this way?
Saix: I never expected you to question it. If you could save one of them... Why would you choose the puppet? [That gets a reaction out of Axel, but he says nothing.] Or put it this way-- which would you rather suffer the loss of? Some make-believe friendship ... or a real one? [Axel looks away. Saix walks past him.] Things are finally right again. Of course we're better off this way. Xemnas is exasperated from all the "fixing" we've had to do. [Saix looks back at him.] We have to set things right. There is simply too much on the line... Lea.
[Axel spent this whole speech glaring, pretty much. At the end, he just turns and walks away.]
Xaldin: Xion? Why would I know where she is?
Roxas: Have you seen Xion?
Luxord: I wasn't aware she had returned.
Roxas: So you haven't seen her around?
Luxord: That is generally what "wasn't aware she had returned" means, yes.
Roxas: Doesn't anybody know what happened to her?
Roxas: Unless HE does...
[throne room. Hi Xemnas. Do you ever leave that chair. Roxas appears.]
Roxas: I need to ask you something.
Xemnas: And what would that be?
Roxas: What happened to Xion? Can you tell me?
Xemnas: Put your mind at ease. Xion is a valued member of the Organization, but she needs her rest.
Roxas: [bows his head]
[flashback to the scene on the beach, Roxas's sixth day. This time, Xemnas says Roxas's real name -- Sora.]
Roxas: ... Sora.
Xemnas: ..... [CREEPIEST SMILE IN THE FUCKING UNIVERSE]
Roxas: Who is Sora?
Xemnas: [STILL CREEPY] He's the connection.
Roxas: The what?
Xemnas: He is what makes you and Xion a part of each other's lives. Just as he is the reason I placed Xion among our number. And if you want her to stay that way, I must insist you get your mind off these needless distractions. I will have Xion return to her duties tomorrow. Today, you must focus on yours.
Roxas: [nods] All right. [vanishes]
Axel: Hey, Roxas.
Roxas: ..... [just walks past him.]
Axel: [headrub]
Saix: Are you certain we've taken suitable measures with Xion and Roxas?
Xemnas: I will admit, Xion has strayed from our original designs. But this unpredictable behavior is proving to have an interesting side effect.
Saix: Really?
Xemnas: We wanted the Key. Xion's exposure to Roxas effected a transfer of its power, just as we had hoped. Had things stopped there, Xion would have been an unequivocal success. But them, through Roxas, Sora himself began to shape "it" into "her," giving Xion a sense of identity. I was ready to scrap the whole project... Then, it occurred to me: Xion is keeping Sora's memories trapped by claiming them as her own. Keeping her close to Roxas will prevent Sora from ever waking.
Saix: I see. And what do you want to do about the impostor in black?
Xemnas: That gadfly? See that he stays away from Roxas. he only poses a threat if his buzzing reaches Xion's ears.
Saix: Then we are back on track.
[Woah -- at memory's scyscraper. Riku stands at the top. He glances at the heart moon.]
We move to the castle, where Xion is curled up in her room.]
Xion: Riku, what should I do? [she, too, glances at the heart moon.]
[DAY 300]
[Roxas sits alone on the tower after his mission. After a moment, Axel comes and joins him. A moment after that, Xion joins as well. All of them sit there, in silence, without ice cream.]
Namine: Oh, no...
DiZ: What has happened?
Namine: It's Sora... his memory has stopped.
DiZ: Stopped?
Namine: Unless something is done, he'll never wake from his slumber.
DiZ: Then so be it. The gloves must come off.
Namine: But ... what'll happen to...
DiZ: Those Nobodies had no business existing in the first place--as you know fully well, Namine.
Namine: Yes...
[DAY 301]
[in the grey area]
Xion: I'm ... I'm fine. I'm sorry, Roxas. Here, this is for you. [gives him something]
[Roxas goes out to the clock tower and sits alone.]
[Day 321]
[We see the scene in KH1 of Riku stealing Sora's Keyblade away, and Donald and Goofy leaving him as he falls to his knees. The scene shifts to Roxas, asleep, as a single tear falls down his face. He then wakes up, sitting up to wipe an arm over his face.]
Roxas: Wh-what... Did something get in my eyes?
[Roxas and Xion are sent to Agrabah together.]
Roxas: ...... [summons the Keyblade]
Xion: What's wrong?
Roxas: Nothing.
Xion: You look pale...
Roxas: [smiles] You're imagining things. Let's go.
Xion: [smiles a little] Well ... okay ...
Roxas: ... [slumps a little]
Roxas: End of the line.
Xion: :O I remember this...
Roxas: Huh?
Xion: It's a keyhole. See?
[She has a brief and abrupt vision of Sora closing this keyhole the first time. When we come back, she's on her knees. Roxas rushes over and puts a hand on her shoulder.]
Roxas: You okay?
Xion: [wincing] Y-yeah... [they stare at each other for a second.] You look so much like him.
Roxas: ... What?
[crash! hello target. We screw with it for a minute, when suddenly Xion crouches down, then launches herself into the air, towards the spinning thing, and ... takes it out in a single hit.]
Xion: H-how... How did I just do that? Where did that power come from? [she glances over to see Roxas slumped over.] Roxas? [she runs over and puts a hand on his shoulder.] Hey, are you all right?
Roxas: [stands straight] Yeah... Using the Keyblade these days... I don't know what's wrong with me -- I just run out of steam.
Xion: You... you do?
Roxas: [shakes his head and laughs] You know what, never mind. I'm probably just overworked, heh.
Xion: ... you sure you're okay?
Roxas: [grins] Course I am. C'mon, Xion, let's RTC.
[When Roxas leaves through the portal, Xion pauses.]
Xion: .....
[Xion and Roxas, sittin' on a clock tower...]
Xion: You're really, really okay?
Roxas: Okay, you're starting to weird me out.
Xion: Why?
Roxas: [laughs] Since when do you ever worry about me?
Xion: :O Well, excuse me!
Roxas: Just feels strange, that's all. Usually, I do all the worrying over you. I don't think it's ever been the other way around before.
Xion: [ALL OFFENDED NOW] Well, for your information... I worry about you all the time, Roxas.
Roxas: I'm glad you're back, Xion. I just wish Axel didn't have to be so rough with you.
Xion: I guess he's not coming today.
ROxas: You want him to?
Xion: What, did you two have a fight?
Roxas: ... I can't believe that jerk would actually attack you.
Xion: :O So he's a jerk now?
Roxas: .....
Xion: Roxas, I wouldn't be sitting here with you if Axel hadn't done that.
Roxas: .....
Xion: He's your best friend.
Roxas: So are you.
Xion: [... looks away.] It's just not the same without all three of us...
[in the castle. hello Axel!]
Xion: Axel!
Axel: You need something?
Xion: What? No... I just... Something's wrong with Roxas. I thought you might know what's up. He says the Keyblade wears him out now when he goes to use it. And suddenly I find myself fighting the same way he does...
Axel: [headrub, turns to face her] Well, you know him better than me.
Xion: Why ... why would you say that?
Axel: Ask yourself what's doing it to him.
Xion: [bows her head, then shakes it] I'm not sure.
Axel: Oh, you're not sure? What, did they forget to build you with common sense?
Xion: [gasps] ......!
Axel: Oh, come on, don't look shocked. You already knew you're a Replica. A puppet whose original purpose was to duplicate Roxas's powers. If he's getting weaker and you're getting stronger... Well, that just means you're borrowing a little more than you oughta be.
Xion: [bows her head, sadface] ..... What should I do, then?
Axel: I can't make that decision for you. You're no puppet in my book. You're my best friend. Mine and Roxas's. Got it memorized?
Xion: [nods, smiling] Yeah... [pause, ducks her head again, the smile vanishing] Can I ask you one other thing?
Axel: What's that?
Xion: I saw a boy today who looks just like Roxas. Is he who I think he is?
[Xigbar y u so spying.]
[DAY 322]
Xigbar: Sora is having a powerful effect on her.
Xemnas: Yes, it was not supposed to gain a mind of its own - nor become the person we see. But in the end, it only proves the puppet is a more worthy vessel. At last, the time has come. [CREEPYFACE] Saix, are the devices ready?
Saix: All three will be operable in a matter of days.
Xemnas: Good.
Saix: What do you want to do with Roxas?
Xemnas: Both of them have connections to Sora, but we only need one of them under our thumb. Let Xion take from Roxas the rest of what he has to give... Or, let him destroy her first and get it all back. It makes no difference to me. Either way, Sora's power will be ours. [creepy]
[DAY 352]
[Xion sits alone in her room, curled up on the bed, staring out at Kingdom Hearts.]
Xion: I'm going to wreck everything... What's the right thing to do? Riku would know...
[lol scene of her and Riku at the beach. nab this later.]
Xion: I have to make the most of the time he's given me. [we zoom in on a sea shell.]
Roxas: Hey, Xion, good morning.
Xion: Good morning.
Roxas: Listen--
Xion: Sorry, I gotta go.
Roxas: [slump] ......
Saix: Roxas. How are you feeling today?
Roxas: Same as always.
Saix: I have an urgent mission especially for you and your Keyblade. There's a Heartless that's surfaced in Halloween Town. I was hoping you might exterminate it for us.
Roxas: S...sure... Leave it to me!
Axel: Hey, whoa whoa whoa... Roxas, you really wanna do that?
Roxas: Why wouldn't I?
Axel: It's just, lately you--
Saix: Shouldn't you already be out on your mission, Axel?
Roxas: Yeah, I need to get ready, too. Let's catch up later!
Axel: But...
Saix: Can't you just let things run their course?
Axel: ......
Roxas: Xion looked really upset when she left this morning. I wonder what's on her mind... I should go talk to her once I finish up here.
Roxas: Xion?!
Xion: Roxas? The Heartless I was fighting -- it was you?
Axel: This mission was a setup.
Roxas: What?
Axel: It was rigged so you two would battle each other.
Roxas: Me and Xion? But...
Xion: They would do that?
Xion: Brain freeze, ha ha.
ROxas: Been a while since we all hung out like this, huh?
Axel: [nods] Well, we have had our share of drama. Hey, I just remembered -- did you guys konw you should be checking your ice cream sticks?
Xion: Really? For what?
Axel: Once you finish your ice cream bar, check the stick. It might say WINNER.
Roxas: Hey, wait a second... Oh yeah!
Axel: "Oh yeah" what?
Roxas: [smiles] Uhh... n-nothing. So what do you win?
Axel: Heh, beats me.
Roxas: [laughs] Ha ha, you don't know?
Axel: It's gotta be something good, if you're a WINNER!
Roxas: Right.
Xion: [cracks up] ... Wow. The sun sure is beautiful. I know we've seen a lot of sunsets, but today's puts them all to shame. If only things stayed like this.
Axel: .....
Roxas: What if we all ran off?
Xion: What?
ROxas: The three of us. We could always be together.
Xion: [... shakes her head.] We don't have any place to run.
Axel: ......
Roxas: I know. Heh, I was just thinking out loud.
Axel: Well, even if things change, we'll never be apart--
Xion: As long as we remember each other... right? Don't worry, Axel -- we got your hokey speech memorized.
Axel: Just checking.
Xion: I'll have these moments memorized for a long time. Forever, I hope.
Roxas: [nods] Me too. Forever...
[DAY 353]
Saix: You've meddled again.
Axel: Sorry, did you say something?
Saix: We don't need them both. Just one. And pretending won't change it.
Axel: .....
Saix: [walks past him, then glances back.] Think about that.
[Roxas walks into the Grey Area. We see Axel, Xigbar, Saix, and Xion -- hooded.]
Axel: Now here's an unlikely trio. Me, Xigbar, and Xion?
Xigbar: [laughs] Worried I'll slow you down?
Axel: 'Course not. Touchy, touchy... It's just not every day we get to go for a stroll with Number II himself. Aint that right, Xion?
Xion: Yeah.
Roxas: Hey, you three are teamed up for the day?
Saix: You have your own mission, Roxas.
ROxas: I can't trade with Xigbar or something?
Saix: What an extraordinarily childish notion. Do you need Axel to walk you everywhere now?
Roxas: No... I didn't-- Never mind.
Saix: They can handle their mission. Hurry up and see to your own.
[In wonderland.]
Xigbar: Ha ha! Talk about a blast from the past.
Axel: [snarl] Cut it out, Xion!
Xigbar: Of all the faces... Why do I look at her and see yours? [he sees ... Ven!] Do you always have to stare at me like I just drowned your goldfish?
Xionven: Shut up!
[Axel sees her hooded, huh. She gets the drop on Xigbar, moving way too fast for him -- and he goes down like a ton of bricks. Once he's down, Xion opens a portal.]
Xion: Axel, I'm sorry.
Axel: Have you flipped your lid?
Xion: Please ... let me go. I have to do this, or else -- Look.
[She pulls her hood back.]
Axel: What the...
[She pulls it back up.]
Xion: Please, Axel. You have to take care of Roxas.
Axel: But how are you ... gonna ...
Xion: Please!
Axel: [.... just shifts his head, lifting his chin.]
Xion: Thank you. [she runs into the portal and vanishes.]
[Axel sighs, looking down at the unconscious Xigbar.]
Roxas: Just me and the Heartless today... Well ... better get it done.
Roxas: I wonder if Xion and the others are back yet.
Saix: Explain yourself, Axel.
Axel: I didn't let her go. The old man needs to get his eyes checked. Anyway, she wasn't taking no for an answer.
Xigbar: I'll give him that. Can't toss the blame around when I couldn't stop her either.
[Roxas walks up.]
Saix: And now we're left with the one we can't use... [turns and walks away]
Roxas: What was all that about? Where's Xion?
Xigbar: She flew the coop. Flamesilocks here couldn't trouble himself to clip her wings.
Axel: ......
Roxas: Axel, he's kidding, right?
Axel: ......
Xigbar: As if. Your friend sat there sucking his thumb while Xion walked right off. ...I'm going back to my room.
ROxas: What happened out there?
Axel: Look, nothing.
Roxas: [SNARL] Xion's gone! How is that nothing?
Axel: It's just like Xigbar said. I couldn't stop her from going.
Roxas: [YELLING NOW] Don't give me that! Why not?
Axel: [folds his arms] Roxas... Xion is like a mirror that reflects you.
Roxas: What?
Axel: The Organization made her to duplicate your powers. She's a puppet.
ROxas: Have you gone nuts? Xion's a person, not a puppet.
Axel: She's smoke and mirrors, Roxas. And when I looked in the mirror... It wasn't you I saw.
Roxas: [MORE YELLING] I don't know what you're talking about, but Xion is Xion. You can't expect her to be me.
Axel: [shakes his head and sighs] That's not what I mean, Roxas. It was only a matter of time before somebody had to break the mirror.
ROxas: You mean destroy her.
Axel: [looks away]
Roxas: Answer me!
Axel: Roxas, if somebody doesn't, you'll... You won't be you anymore.
Roxas: I'll always be me! Your best friend--just like Xion!
Axel: [silent for a moment] Roxas, you're ... you're not seeing the bigger picture. Any of it.
Roxas: Ugh, forget this.
Axel: Roxas!
Roxas: [runs]
Axel: Why can't you understand...
Xion: [shows up at Beast's Castle] Riku!
Riku: Did you find the right answer?
Xion: [nods and smiles] Yeah. I did. I'm on the verge of losing everything I ever cared about. I can't let that happen. Tell me what I need to do.
Riku: Go to Twilight Town. You'll find a girl there by the name of Namine.
Xion: Namine? What's she like?
Riku: YOu'll find out. I don't think you'll have much trouble tracking her down.
Xion: [nods, smiling again.] All right. Thanks, Riku. [she turns] Good-bye... [she runs into the portal.]
[DAY 354]
Xemnas: Xion has vanished again.
Xaldin: Do we know where she is?
Xemnas: "It," not "she." Xion is just a Replica... a puppet.
Luxord: Puppet? Someone made her?
Saix: Puppets generally don't make themselves.
Xigbar: The Replica Program was one of our little pet projects.
Demyx: Replica whatza?
Xaldin: Perhaps you'd care to enlighten us about this "pet project."
Xemnas: The goal was to duplicate the Keyblade wielder's memories, and through them, his powers-- thus making them our own. Vexen oversaw the project at Castle Oblivion. However, our efforts were severely derailed by his unexpected demise. And this particular Replica -- the one we called Xion -- came to form an identity of her own.
Saix: That caught us off guard. If anything like that happened before, no one at CO ever reported it. Did they, Axel?
Axel: ......
Xemnas: Fortunately, the puppet has no means of dashing our plans now, even if she has learned to pull her own strings. Still, she knows our secrets. We need to shorten the leash... And perhaps tighten it.
Roxas: You don't mean--
Xemnas: Axel.
[He glances up.]
Xemnas: Seeing as how she escaped on your watch, the onus is on you to capture her and return her here. I am willing to overlook any nicks or scratches. Just ensure she still functions on arrival.
Xaldin: [shakes his head] Why you would allow a deserter back under our roof... She should be eradicated!
Saix: "Deserter" is heardly the term for a broken specimen who wandered out from under the microscope.
Xemnas: Axel, you have your orders.
Axel: [merely bows his head]
Xemnas: Dismissed. [vanishes]
Xaldin: [growls] Bring her back? It's sheer madness... [vanishes]
Demyx: [shakes his head] All this time, I've been talking to a puppet... Intense. [vanishes]
Xigbar: So now we sweep it all up? Heh... As if. [vanishes]
Luxord: If only the whispers at the top of the ladder carried to the bottom rung... [vanishes]
Saix: Axel. Those orders were absolute.
Axel: ...... [looks away and vanishes.]
Saix: Still here, Roxas? Proceed with your mission.
Roxas: [shakes his head] Xion is one of us.
Saix: A puppet, one of us? Don't be absurd. Count the seats. When have we ever been more than thirteen? [vanishes]
[In the Grey Area, Axel opens a portal.]
Roxas: Axel! [walks up to him, and slumps.] I don't think Xion's safe here anymore. You're not really gonna do what Xemnas says?
Axel: I have to, or else I'm not safe here either.
Roxas: Well...could you at least try not to hurt her this time?
Axel: That's up to her. [faces him] Roxas... Xion is dangerous.
Roxas: Dangerous how?
Axel: Have you got all your strength back?
Roxas: Not yet...
Axel: [shakes his hdead]
Roxas: How long have you known about her?
Axel: [turns away] .....
Roxas: You knew all this time, and kept it from me?
Axel: ..... [walks away and vanishes]
Roxas: ....
oh god skip so much
[DAY 356]
Namime: Nice to meet you ... Xion.
Xion: Namine, you can see my face?
Namine: Yes.
Xion: [sadface] What do you think I should do?
Namine: What do you want to do?
Xion: [looks up at the picture on the wall of her, Axel, and Roxas.] I thought I knew at first. I wanted me and Roxas and Axel to be together forever. But then I started to realize these memories don't belong to me.
Namine: THat's because you're Kairi. At least, the Kairi Sora remembers.
Xion: The more I remember, the more I feel like I'm in the wrong place... like... Like I need to go back.
Namine: Back to Sora?
Xion: [nods]
Namine: If you return your memories to him, you'll disappear. And since everything about you was built on those memories... no one will remember when you're gone. There won't be any "you" to remember. I can't save you, Xion--even a memory of you.
Xion: [nods] I know. I'm ready. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. [looks down, sadface] Roxas belongs with Sora, too. But ... I don't think he would understand. Not yet.
Namine: [nods] He can't feel Sora. But he will.
Xion: Namine, will you watch over Roxas once I'm gone? You won't be alone. I asked somebody else to look after him, too. It's just ... there isn't anything else I can do for him.
Namine: [nods] All right.
Xion: [smiles] Thank you...
Namine: If you're ready, let's go see Sora.
[lol hi DiZ.]
DiZ: Namine, they've found us! They're on their way! That blasted puppet led them right to our doorstep! See what you get for trusting it?
Xion: I'll get rid of them!
Namine: No! Xion...
(this day is incomplete because I got distracted by shiny and wanted to simply finish. I'll clean it up and finish it later.)