and it's ɯᴀʀʍ and ʀᴇɑʟ and ʙʀɪɠʜᴛ

pathways @ 2011-03-25T14:48:00

2011-03-25T18:48:39Z

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I suppose I ought to hop on the bandwagon o' wank and offer my thoughts on the Luceti drama that went down yesterday.

... haha psyche like that's ever going to happen. |D......

I am of the opinion my personal journal is not a fitting soapbox for talking about a game I mod. Many of you are players in said game, as well as my friends, and honestly I think it's inappropriate to put all of you in a position where you are unable to decide if you ought to be responding to me as a friend or as a player. This is just my own personal stance! I do not speak for the other mods at all when I say this. But if I ever do talk about issues in Luceti, it's going to be in private, and that's it. At least, my personal issues.

However, there are a few things I would like to say in a general sense. Well, maybe less than "a few." Mostly I would just like to say that there seems to be this perception that we, as mods, aren't listening. Believe you me, I listen. Yae verily, I stalk. I religiously follow anon comm and with every HMD I track the mod/game thread with my personal journal. As long as it's said in the vicinity of an anonymous space I know about it. And I am probably thinking about it.

A lack of response from the mods on a particular issue doesn't mean we haven't heard you. What it may mean is that we aren't able to come to a decision yet -- or that we have, but can't make any announcements at that point in time for whatever reason.

Regardless, y'all can sleep soundly at night knowing we hear you. (Good lord, do we hear you.) Just be aware that even if we hear you, sometimes our hands are tied -- be it temporarily or for a longer period of time.

I frankly do have a Lot Of Thoughts about what happened but eh. |D LIKE I SAID, that's for another place at another time.

tl;dr this:

ngl, that song and video were going through my head as I read anon comm at work this morning. Not for any particular relation to the wank at hand but for the sheer ridiculousness factor of it. I couldn't help but be like "|D............................." at the whole thing...

And yeah I guess I will leave this unlocked. :O So feel free to comment anonymously or whatever... but I log IP's so there's that. You can rest assured I'm probably not going to hunt anyone down? 8| I'm too lazy.

pathways @ 2010-11-30T23:40:00

2010-12-01T04:40:24Z

PS doing a minor f-cut. Just of journals that haven't updated in ages and ages (and there are a few in that category I am keeping just ... because I can), so no worries.

Oh, and also of people that have duplicate journals/have moved to new journals. If y'all get the notifs and for some reason want me to keep the old LJ's (or I, for some hare-brained reason, managed to remove the wrong one), just lemme know here.

♥

pathways @ 2010-11-07T13:15:00

2010-11-07T18:15:59Z

Emily's Secret Starbucks Barista Tips #1:

Don't pour your excess hot coffee or tea out into the garbage, please. It can actually melt the trashbags and get your baristas all disgustng later when the trash needs to be taken out.

If you like a lot of room for milk, I suggest instead asking for an inch at the top of your tea/coffee, and we'll give you a full inch. Or, ask for a tall in a grande cup (or a grande in a venti cup) for extra EXTRA room.

|Db

pathways @ 2010-10-16T01:05:00

2010-10-16T05:05:12Z

Oh, and just to get this out there, since the timing is probably (maybe?) a little suspicious:

I just want it clear my combo drop and hiatus at Luceti legitimately have less than nothing to do with anything on the anonmeme. What happened on there was not even that big of a deal. I'd been considering both these things for a few days, decided on doing them tonight, and them BAM, sup anonmeme.

I have no idea if anyone would even make this connection, but just in case! I'll leave this post public, too.

Though I'm not turning off IP address logging, so if you want to comment anonymously, you do so at your own risk, brosis. |Db

But seriously, working at Starbucks is amazing but beyond exhausting and I had no idea my feet were even capable of hurting so much. This was basically an issue of BRB PRIORITIZING. :|b

/rolls off to bed for early start tomorrow

pathways @ 2010-08-12T01:38:00

2010-08-12T05:38:31Z

And you know--

I get a lot of randoms showing up on My Guests, and sometimes I can figure out where they come from, but most of the time I have no idea. There's a lot of anonymous hits (even when I haven't posted for days) and I wonder just how many of those are people on my flist, and just how many are curious watchers, because I actually seem to get a lot of those -- there are even a few regulars that I see cropping up now and again.

I wonder if you are actually curious about me. I am curious about you, too.

Which I guess makes this post an invitation for anyone who does drop by to see more than my profile -- say hi, I won't bite.

Is that weird? I hope that's not weird. Hello, world.

I will be really shocked if anybody actually takes me up on this, though! I mean, it would be cool. But shocking!

pathways @ 2010-08-04T17:11:00

2010-08-04T21:11:37Z

... !!!

Federal judge overturns gay marriage ban in Calif.

Washington News post here! CNN post here!

FUCK YEAH CALIFORNIA!

(ps I love people in comments going "it goes against the majority vote, it's wrong!!!" yeah, and if people had to vote on desegregation, how do you think that would have turned out? bitches.)

pathways @ 2010-07-14T01:44:00

2010-07-14T05:44:37Z

Ask me something.

Anon is on, IP logging is off.

For MxA!

2010-04-21T18:48:13Z

Here are the two papers! I've uploaded them to sendspace in PDF form. If you can't read PDF's or access sendspace but want to read the papers, feel free to PM me and I will send them along.

First paper and second paper.

(To clue my flist in - these are the papers I've been writing for my LGBT class. Feel free to check 'em out, if you like, but they're unlikely to be relevant to your interests unless you're into Merlin fandom. |D)

SAKJGHLKSAJHLSAKJ

2010-04-16T00:00:05Z

Breaking News: Obama orders hospitals to grant same-sex couples visitation rights

President Obama signed an order Thursday night requiring hospitals to allow gays and lesbians to have non-family visitors and to grant their partners medical power of attorney.

The president ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to prohibit discrimination in hospital visitation. The memo is scheduled to be made public Friday morning, according to an administration official and another source familiar with the White House decision.

An official said the new rule will affect any hospital that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding.

From the Washington Post

OH ALSO.

MY SCHOOL IS MORE AWESOME THAN YOUR SCHOOL.

U. adds transgender insurance

Student Insurance Plan will now cover costs of gender-confirmation process up to $50,000

In the next academic year, the Penn Student Insurance Plan will begin offering a new benefit for transgender students — it will cover the cost of the gender confirmation process, also known as gender reassignment or transition.

From here

8)

oooh.

2010-04-13T20:08:57Z

posted this on facebook too cuz I like it so much. basically: why vaccines and genetically engineered food are awesome, and why fear of them is not just bad, but dangerous.

pathways @ 2010-02-08T18:55:00

2010-02-08T23:55:49Z

I have had this post stewing in my brain for a very long time. Months, probably. Maybe since last August, after that episode on the bus. (Sparknotes guide: I asked for someone to give up their seat, since there is a law in PA that seats should be given up to the disabled and pregnant mothers if they request it, I think. No one stood. I asked three times and nearly burst into tears before an old lady finally got up. I went home and cried for hours from the shame.)

It only really came into shape during and after my pop culture class. After the weeks we had treating race and sexuality in pop culture. This was aided, honest to god, by sf_drama teaching me a whole fucking lot about identity, discrimination, and how political correctness is less being an uptight PC asshole and more about being a decent human being.

Never in my life did I really apply the word "discrimination" to myself until the past few months. Never did I really think I "deserved" that label, because what I went through was "not bad enough" to qualify.

I've wanted to say something like this since I was diagnosed at a month shy of twelve years old. But it wasn't until now, roughly a decade later, that I actually had the tools to do so.

Leaving this public is intentional. There's nothing I need to hide anymore.

I've really only recently noticed the massive disconnect between how much I think about my disability and how often I actually talk about it. Not a day goes by where I don't criticize myself for it in my head, in that tiny little insidious voice that lives in the back of everyone's brain. Don't judge me, don't judge me, don't judge me. What's her problem, she's just lazy, she can walk just fine, she's perfectly healthy, seriously what the hell is wrong with her? She's fine, she's fine, she's fine. What the hell. What the fuck.

Liiiiittle voice in the back of my mind that always pipes up when other people look at me and I'm in some sort of compromised position. Penn has a campus shuttle service that, if you're registered with Student Disabilities Services, you can use for rides across campus itself. (It's meant to shuttle students from campus to their far off-campus housing.) And whenever I call them, I have to say I'm registered with SDS. So when I call them, and I'm in public, I often feel extremely uncomfortable because someone can overhear and look at me and see a healthy twenty something and sneer. I don't know if this has ever actually happened. But that's what I imagine. It makes me so incredibly uncomfortable. Walking out to the shuttle, once it arrives, is just as bad. There's only one driver who I don't think judges ANYBODY, this real sweet older man. The others, though, I always imagine their thoughts. What's her deal. I'm not even driving her that far. What a lazy bitch. She's not really disabled. How'd she get on this list? What the fuck is her problem?

Liiiittle tiny voice, yeah. And then that hot/cold, slow, prickling feeling of shame, always.

Maybe my life would have been different if I'd been diagnosed with a different environment. Maybe if I'd been around people who said, "Emily, it's not your fault" when I cried, or if they'd told me it was okay, if they'd told me I couldn't be blamed for my body, if they'd simply treated me as normal, no different, just as capable as everybody else, only acknowledging the difference when I was actually upset.

But no. Public school. lol. Seven hundred thousand detentions from my sadistic gym teacher who accused me, to my face, in front of my mother, of being a lazy, opportunistic little liar. A health teacher who, despite initially agreeing to let me give a presentation to my class about arthritis, later turned around and told me no, it was too difficult to fit into the curriculum, she didn't care what she'd said, it was stupid anyway, no. A social studies teacher who called me stupid, who would mock me in front of the whole class, because I got to take my notes with special carbon paper generally only reserved for the special ed kids and the super smart class note taker. (I don't even remember why that was. But I remember getting the impression she thought I didn't deserve the privilege.)

I couldn't play volleyball anymore. Track was an unmitigated disaster. In every single, possible way, I was totally shut down that year. Shamed, ostracized, publicly humiliated, blamed, and utterly, utterly ruined. I was twelve goddamn years old. I believed every word. It shaped the rest of my life. If THEY judged me - teachers, supposed to be caretakers, and my friends, all the people around me mystified by the illness they couldn't see, the illness my own teachers assured them was probably at least half delusion - then the whole entire world was probably judging me, too. I realize this is not really rational. But I wonder. And the little voice in the back of my mind whispers constantly that the rest of the world judges me and finds me wanting. All. The time.

It makes one feel less than human. Less worth what everyone else is worth. That is what society has told me for all these years. That I'm not quite as good as everyone else and I should damn well feel ashamed for it, because not only is it all in my head, but it's all my fault. And if I was just a little better, a little stronger, this wouldn't be happening to me.

Ableism - discrimination against those who are mentally or physically disabled - is subtle, so subtle, but absolutely pervasive. "Retard" is an okay slur to still use, these days, but fag, nigger, cunt, these will be questioned. No one questions retarded. If you do, you're an overly PC asshole who's trying way too hard. (I still use the word, because its common meaning is so well understood sometimes I just don't fight it anymore, though I do make an effort.)

It's okay to hate people who are disabled. They are the one class over whom every other group of people has some kind of advantage, because we are in some way genuinely deficient. Maybe we need a wheelchair. Maybe we need medication to control the unbalanced chemicals in our brain. Maybe we need rods in our spines, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Whatever it is, we are, in some way, actually impaired by our disability. So it's okay to hate us. After all, it's justified. It's true. We DO suck. We DO need help. Unlike the rest of perfect America, we whiny, lying, tax-dollar-devouring disabled people will not pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, because we are comfortable with the system supporting and coddling us. Why bother, when we can laze around, we fatasses all, and claim we're depressed so the government gives us a big hug and a big check?

We're disgusting. So selfish. It's gross. We should just fuck off, and use someone ELSE'S hard earned tax dollars. We should just die.

See what I mean? This is what America tells the disabled person. Every single day of their lives. This is what I grew up with, without even realizing it. I never thought about it. I took it for granted as completely, 100% true, and questioning it was verboten.

Now, I will admit, there is some extent to which physical and mental disabilities can hold a person back. If you're in a wheelchair, no, you can't be a sprinter for a living. But the point is that simply being unable to work in this or that field does not make us actually less. Some people suck at math. Some people can't write papers. Some people just don't have the muscle build for heavy lifting. Some people just don't have the hands for delicate surgical work. That doesn't make them any less human. It just makes them less suited for this or that field.

The difference with disabled people is that our very humanity is denied us for our lack of capability in ways that those who are not disabled will never, ever face, no matter how much they suck at fractions. Our entire worth as human beings is inextricably linked with our disability. The worse the disability, the less you deserve to live, to the point of euthanizing so-called "vegetables" as an act of mercy, or aborting children that tests have shown in advance will be severely developmentally impaired. And you can make arguments about these extreme cases, sure. I won't take a position on them here; I'm not saying it's right or wrong to land on either side of the debate. My point is that those extremes are often extrapolated to the norm, so that everyone who is disabled, no matter what their range of ability, is treated as similarly broken, taboo, deserving somehow of having a debate rage over their heads, without their input, as to how much they are "worth" - in the sense of just how much it's worth it to spare the resources to help that disabled person out. (Because, you know, that money could be going to better places, right? Why spend money that will help five severely disabled people live more comfortable lives when it could be spent to cure the mild illnesses of five hundred people?)

For someone like me, it's a little bit different. I'm on the complete other end of the spectrum. I am skinny, I am tall, I am pale and kinda pretty. I stand up straight and I smile. You do not know from looking at me that I'm disabled. I do not ever grimace in public, only in private. I do not let my pain show. Even around friends, with the exception of maybe three people who I know I can absolutely trust not to look at me askance.

Me, I'm not disabled enough. I don't look like I qualify for special treatment, so taking it makes me lazy, weird, a liar and a cheat.

That's the catch-22 of ableism in this country. If you don't look disabled ENOUGH, people will vocally give you shit for parking in that disabled parking space. But if you're visibly disabled - that is, TOO disabled - people stare at you, judge you, pity you or think you're disgusting or sad or a waste of space.

The only okay place to be is the happy medium of not disabled at all. Then you're human and acceptable.

I often have people ask me what it's like. They're curious. I don't blame them. It's difficult to describe chronic pain to a person who has never experienced such a thing. It's like having a constant, never-ending leg cramp. It's like having your period, all the time, but all over your body, and worse. It's like getting punched in the back, not hard enough to break, but hard enough to hurt, every twenty seconds of every single day of every single year. It's like going through every day with needles poking into your skin, hurting less or more as you move in different ways, needles which cannot ever be removed except by death.

And if I am unfortunate, I will run across people who do not wonder, but demand I explain my life to them, because they find it confusing, and they are somehow entitled to my explanation, because I am a disabled person and thus I was born and placed on this earth to explain it to them. And if I do not wish to, I'm just being sensitive, because god, they were only curious. I will sometimes run across people who demand I explain it so they can go ahead and invalidate it, either by insisting that I can't be disabled, or by insisting that it really can't be that bad, and I'm just being a child.

Put this in another context. Reframe the question, and you may start to see where I'm coming from with this. "What is it like to be black?" "What is it like to be gay?" "What's your experience, as a transgender person?" "I wasn't aware women were still discriminated against. How does that happen?" "Explain this to me." "Explain this to me."

It is invasive and it is exhausting, I think, to explain that sort of thing over and over, what it is to be in a group that is marginalized, what it is to feel marginalized, to explain that experience. And of course, those above situations are in many ways NOT comparable - disabled people are not the victims of hate crimes, they do not live in fear of being murdered for simply walking down the street. (Though they do commonly face a form of segregation. there are many buildings that are still not wheelchair accessible. So you people who can't climb stairs can just go fuck off, this building is Not For You.) Different kinds of discrimination have had different ramifications over time. Experiences are not always equivalent.

But there are some intrinsic and fundamental similarities common to all forms of discrimination. Privilege girded by ignorance. Entitlement masked as curiosity. Marginalization via that curiosity - being forced into the position of the "other" simply by having a person approach us and mark us as different and ask us questions. Denial of our basic humanity. Denial of our rights of citizenship. Hypocrisy. Hatred. Double standards. Inertia. The stubborn, unbelievably entrenched unwillingness to ever change their minds.

And hey, look. "Their." "They." "Us." These are not the terms I would choose, were the choice mine. But it is not mine. To healthy America, I am "them," and they are "us." "We" excludes me. I am not of them because I am different. I do not deserve the same health care they do. I do not deserve the same basic rights, respect, and human dignity -- because I am second-class through my own faults and thus not worthy of respect.

The saddest, saddest part about this long, long post is that I did not realize any of these things until this school year. Until I started taking college classes that finally opened my eyes a little bit to the many forms that discrimination can take. I don't think I'd even ever heard the word ableism until sometime early last year. And it says so, so much that until just the last few MONTHS or so, I really still believed I was at fault, still hated myself, and would have vehemently denied I was ever discriminated against -- because I'm "only" disabled, I've never faced "real" discrimination like racial discrimination.

It is subtle. It is so subtle, so pervasive, that I took it as the gospel truth and hated myself in the same way that society hated me, because I thought that was right and deserved.

There is no real point to this post. I have no moral to the story here. But this, for the first time, is probably an accurate reflection of what I have gone through, and experienced, since I was eleven years old. I have lost friends, because those "friends" would throw in my face that I was just a lazy bitch, and claiming disability was just convenient for me. I have felt the incredible, indescribable pain of asking a bus full of strangers for their kindness, and receiving only scorn and condescension and looks that screamed "liar." I've been accused all my life, implicitly and explicitly, of lying, lying, lying so I'd have it easier, so people would do things for me. This is my reality. This will always be my reality. Facing it does not make me strong, or special. It is simply my life and I have adapted to it. It is nothing noble.

Do not take this post to heart and, moved to tears, go hug a disabled person and tell them you understand how they feel. You do not. That is insulting. Do not treat them as special. Do not treat them as normal. Treat them as your friend, as a human being, as a person you know and understand on a deeper level than simply their disability. There is no blanket way for treating disabled people. We all want different reactions, different things, different words to signify your respect for us. That doesn't make us divided, or complicated, or not knowing what we want.

It just means we want to be treated as the people that we are, not the disability we were thrust into. Everyone wants to be treated a certain way. We all have preferences. We have personalities. Treat us according to who we are - not the color of our skin, not our sexuality, not our abilities or, as fate would have it, disabilities.

I am Emily. I am not Girl Who Has Arthritis.

Treat me as such.

(Further reading: Ableism article on wikipedia.)

pathways @ 2010-01-13T19:14:00

2010-01-14T00:13:43Z

Way to go, 2010.

I'm sure most of you have heard by now, but there was a devastating earthquake yesterday afternoon in Haiti that's said to have a death toll of 100,000 people so far. (Estimated, but it's unfortunately not hard to believe.)

ontd_political's Haiti tag is a good place to start if you want an aggregate of different news sources on the topic.

Here is a good place to start if you're looking for ways to help. This one is good too, because those are quick, easy ways to donate.

For more info on ways to get involved and donate, Twitter has a relevant account here.

If you want to be sure you're donating to a reputable charity, the State Department's website has a link to this list of charities.

Facebook has some dedicated to helping find friends and family as well as giving support:

EARTHQUAKE HAITI
SUPPORT THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

For even just a small idea of the massive amount of damage caused, the Washington Post has a photo slideshow up here.

There's also help_haiti right here on LJ. Related: if you like you some fanart, see lynxgriffin's fanart auction to raise funds for Haiti here.

If you have any friends or family in Haiti, or know someone that does, the State Department has a number you can call: 1-888-407-4747. Also, the NYTimes is helping readers connect with family in Haiti here.

If you have the means, give something, or help spread the word.

May be editing this entry with more information later as I find it. Will leave it public, so feel free to link to it.

(MERLIN FIC)

2010-01-06T06:20:03Z

My new fandom has eaten me alive. Written for sheishungry, more or less. I MUST LOVE YOU, BB.

Canon. Slashy hints. The real moment of truth. 1,855 words. PG. Cross-posted maybe.

"Merlin. Merlin."

"Yes, sire."

"Merlin. How can you explain to me what I saw?"

"... I-I can't, really. I don't. I don't know how."

"MERLIN."

"Arthur, I can't. I really can't--"

"Try."

"Arthur--"

"TRY, Merlin." His voice is shaking. "Try and explain to me why I saw sorcery right here in this room four days ago."

Merlin's got that look on his face. That look he had outside the tunnels of Andor, the look he always gets when he's genuinely frightened. Arthur abruptly wants to smile, make light of it, make him -- stop looking that way, like he's going to cry or something equally horrifying. And deep down he knows he'd give anything to brush this moment away, to be able to do just that -- smile and pretend like nothing was wrong.

But not even the redness of Merlin's eyes can deter him. Not now. Not when they're alone in Gaius's chambers because Arthur has him cornered, alone, for the first time in four days. These past four days he's done everything he can to actually avoid his servant.

Because he saw something he could not explain and could not understand.

It wasn't often that Arthur himself went to Gaius's chambers to call on his servant. But he'd been in a particularly good mood that early autumnal day, and had decided it would be good sport, if nothing else, to drag Merlin out hunting with him. Perhaps he'd even forgive Merlin's clumsiness, the first time or two, and only laugh quietly when he inevitably fell on his face in the underbrush.

Being the Crown Prince of Camelot, he felt no need to knock before entering the room. He'd simply sauntered in, shoving the door wide open and smirking as he drawled his servant's name.

"Merlin--"

That was all he'd gotten out. Merlin was there, transfixed, torn between meeting Arthur's eyes and looking back up at the goblet hovering in midair in front of him, without any support except what had, had to be magic, little though Arthur could begin to believe it. Abruptly Merlin's eyes flashed amber and the goblet clattered to the table before him, spilling water all over Gaius's papers. For a long moment, neither of them moved, paralyzed with speechless horror.

Without another word, Arthur had turned on his heel and walked out of the room.

For the four days following, Merlin had tried, constantly, to reach Arthur, to talk to him. He haunted the hallway where Arthur's chambers were located, skulking back and forth, unable to work up the courage to walk in. He paced around the stables, hoping to catch Arthur fetching his horse for a hunt. He lurked around the throne room where Arthur and the King often discussed the business of the kingdom. But for once, Arthur and his normally inescapable presence were not to be found. Merlin found out why late at night on the second day, when he tried to sneak into Arthur's chambers and instead found himself confronted by two guards. "Strict orders of the Prince," one of them snarled unpleasantly in his face. "We were told specifically to keep you out."

Merlin tried desperately not to blanch and failed. "Right. I'll just ... go, then."

For the two days after that he did nothing but sulk in his tiny bedroom. Gaius at first worried, hovered, trying every trick in the book to get Merlin to open up to him, but not a word. Then he'd grown angry, ordering Merlin to do chores, clean up his papers -- anything to get the boy to at least react. But all of it was for naught. Merlin moved like a man broken, as if something inside of him had died and been replaced by a pale shade of his former self. He was responsive to very little. When asked why he was not with Arthur, he did not respond at all.

Then, on the fourth day of silent torture, Arthur had abruptly shown up just after Gaius, somewhat conveniently, had been summoned to speak with the king. Merlin had first stared, practically vibrating with the need to speak or act somehow, torn between crushing fear and a tiny, insane bubble of elation that he couldn't quite keep down.

Now, however, that bubble has burst before Arthur's blank-faced and tight-lipped fury. Confusion. Fear. Something. Merlin, too, finds his voice shakes when he speaks.

"Is it so bad? To be magical? Is every sorcerer really evil? Think, Arthur, please, you have to know that's not--"

"It was YOU who helped me remember that! YOU who convinced me Morgause's words were lies! Were YOU the one lying, Merlin?!"

The servant's going pale. "No, no! No, that's not what I mean, she was definitely lying--"

"THEN WHAT IS IT?" Arthur's voice is loud, too loud, cracking on his fury and his lack of understanding. His incredible, deep hurt that he can only mask with hate. This betrayal is not something he could have ever even imagined, especially not from Merlin, of all people.

"I don't know." In contrast, Merlin's voice is tiny and very measured. "Maybe it's both. Magic... maybe it's neither good OR evil. Maybe ... maybe it's the person that uses it."

It sounds like he's pleading and Arthur hates to hear it.

"Merlin--"

"Please!" Definitely pleading, now. He advances toward Arthur, expression torn with pain and hope and the fleeting, fleeting chance--

"Please! Arthur, you've got to understand, everything I've ever done since I GOT here was for you! D'you -- d'you remember, when you fought as 'Sir William' in that tournament? What you said, about how you did all the work and someone else got all the credit?"

Arthur tries to speak, but the frantic torrent of words spilling from Merlin cuts him off.

"That's me! That is my life! I can't tell you how many times I've used magic to save you, and Gwen, and Morgana, and Gaius, and yes, even Uther! Remember Aredian? That was me, I set him up. Remember -- remember that boar Cedric claimed he killed? ALSO me. Remember my village? That cyclone? Me! Not Will! All me! All the time I'm using magic to save people's lives! Sometimes I feel like it's all I ever do! When I'm not -- scrubbing your armor or cleaning Gaius's leech tank or whatever it is!"

In a gesture of supreme frustration, Merlin tears his fingers through his hair and starts to pace, very quickly, stalking about the room like a caged animal.

"And I can't ever take the credit because the second I did, I'd have to admit it was magic and Uther would have me killed, no matter WHAT the magic was for! No matter how many times I've used it to save your life, and believe me, it's been -- a lot! I've lost count! You have no idea -- how long -- how hard it's been to keep it a secret, how desperately I've wanted to say something--"

"Then why DIDN'T you?!" Arthur bursts out, somewhat relieved, deep down, to at least get a word in edgewise.

"BECAUSE I COULDN'T!" Merlin's voice breaks, hoarse with tears, and Arthur's heart gives a sharp tug left. "Because you would have... Uther would have had me killed immediately."

"I. You're saying you think I would have had you killed."

Merlin looks at him with those big blue eyes, and all Arthur sees there is weariness and defeat.

"Wouldn't you have?"

The Crown Prince of Camelot is silent for a long, long moment. He curls and uncurls his fists at his sides, staring at the servant he has come to trust so much. The servant for whom he has risked his life, more than once. The servant who has saved his life, more than once. The servant who, though he'd never admit it aloud to anyone else in the entire world, has become more than a servant. The stupid, awful, atrocious servant who has become, somehow, a trusted friend. Someone whom, despite all his clumsiness and failings and apparent idiocy, Arthur would willingly entrust with his life.

Arthur takes a slow, deep breath through his nose, and tilts his head oh so slightly at Merlin, Apparent Sorcerer.

"Are you actually a complete idiot?"

"... what?"

Groaning, Arthur has to walk away, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is what he decided, during the past four very long days of tearing his hair out and having to grudgingly dress himself. Well, perhaps not so much decided as realized. This was a decision made long ago. Arthur wasn't even very startled to realize just how long ago he had made it.

"Of course I wouldn't have you killed." And he deigns, for the moment, to look Merlin in the eye and drop all his pretense and bravado. "Merlin, you may be an idiot and the worst servant I've ever had, but..."

He pauses. Frowns. Fidgets. Merlin starts an eager, involuntary inch forward and stares at him with wide eyes.

"But..."

"Yeeees?" Merlin is inching ever closer.

"But like I've said before ... you have my absolute trust." Arthur sighs. He will never be good at this ... sort of thing. "You have saved my life, and I yours. You..." He lifts an accusatory hand, deciding to let the words out before he loses the chance to ever say them so long as he lives. "... cannot breathe a word of this to anyone, but. You ... are not only my servant, but my friend. Your secret, such as it is, is safe with me."

Merlin's reaction is not what Arthur would have expected. Instead of breaking out with that idiot grin and a laugh and perhaps another very awkward attempt at a hug, he just stares at Arthur with very pale eyes. "What about Uther?"

"What about him?"

"This is treason. The Prince, sheltering a sorcerer. If he ever found out..."

"He'd have you killed, and me flogged, probably."

Merlin gives a laugh that has no heart in it.

"That's if he ever found out. And he won't."

"... I don't understand."

"Merlin." Arthur closes the little distance left between them and claps a hand on Merlin's shoulder. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again now. I will never leave my friends to die, do you understand me?"

Again Merlin stares at him with those pale, confused eyes, still uncomprehending. "... yes."

After a moment still lacking in the expected happy stupidity, Arthur blinks, shuffles, and backs away, dropping his hand. "Well. Alright then. I'm glad we had this talk." Still, Merlin says nothing, so Arthur gives an awkward sort of shrug-and-a-wave before turning towards the door.

"Arthur."

"Yes, Merlin?" The Prince stops in the doorway, looking back at his servant. He has to pause at what he sees, to make sure he isn't mistaking the tears that are rolling down Merlin's face.

"Thanks."

"... don't mention it. ... Seriously, don't."

Then he's out the door, gone, and Merlin is left alone to smile and wipe away the tears that just won't seem to stop.

dear god /scurries away now

don't judge meeee

358/2 Days gamescript (part 2)

2009-10-26T03:09:13Z

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.)

358/2 Days gamescript (part 1)

2009-10-26T03:06:10Z

posted on request.

It's not finished -- it starts maybe halfway through the game? I described FMV's up to a point, until I realized you could find them on KH13.com, so go there if you want the later ones.

Not all of the days are marked here. I only started doing that even later. I will go back and complete this at some point. Until then, enjoy! Let me know if you make use of it.

(oh, and a few days may have some mistakes because I started transcribing a few lines in and had to write the first few lines by memory.)

Roxas: Yeah, but what do we need with it?

Axel: Are you crazy?

Roxas: I just don't understand why having a heart is so important. Do you?

Axel: Kind of a strange time to bring it up...

Roxas: [shakes his head] But don't you ever stop and wonder? We're fighting for something we don't know anything about.

Xion: .....

Axel: Roxas ... we're fighting because we want to know what it's about.

Roxas: Yeah ... Yeah, I guess you're right.

Axel: Ever heard of KNOCKING?

Saix: Tell me what Xion has been doing.

Axel: How should I know? I'm not spying on her.

Saix: .......? But the two of you are close.

Axel: So what, now I've gotta rat on my friends to you? Get out of my room, man.

Saix: You and Xion will be executing your next mission together.

Axel: Yes, sir, thank you, sir. You paid me a personal visit just to tell me that?

Saix: .....

Saix: We also need you to go back to Castle Oblivion.

Axel: We, or you?

Saix: [eyes shut] .....

Saix: That castle hasn't given up all its secrets. And there's on in particular Lord Xemnas is especially interested in.

Axel: You mean the chamber. We turned the place inside out. If it's there, we're not gonna find it by just looking.

Saix: Hmmm...

Saix: Then let me give you another incentive. Namine isn't the only one who can trace her beginnings to Castle Oblivion. Xion comes from there, too.

Axel: Huh?

Saix: Two of your favorite people. Still think another visit is a waste of time?

Axel: Hmph ... Whatever. You're the one who wants me to go. Don't try and dress it up as a favor.

Saix: Hmph.

Axel: Let me guess... That chamber will tell you everything you don't know about Xemnas's true agenda. Is that the idea?

Saix: [pause] The Chamber of Repose, and its antipode, the Chamber of Waking... Xemnas isn't telling us something. And the missing chamber, the Chamber of Waking - it holds all the answers. We need those answers to gain the upper hand--for our own reasons.

Axel: Hmm... Look, I knew Vexen and Zexion would be obstacles. That's why they're not here anymore. When have I ever complained about the dirty work?

Saix: .....

Axel: I cleared the way to the top for you. Just do me a favor and don't trip on the way up.

Saix: .....

Saix: A solo mission in Castle Oblivion... Expect the orders soon. [leaves]

Axel: Namine ... and Xion?

Xigbar: You and me get to work together today, Tiger.

Roxas: Don't call me "Tiger!"

Xigbar: Hah! You like "kiddo" better? Or maybe you're mad because Poppet got the best nickname?

Roxas: Ugh, never mind.

Xigbar: We get to explore a new world today. Pack up, tiger, and let's get moving.

Roxas: Hey, you're bailing?

Xigbar: As if. I just don't want to get in the way of your valuable training. I care about your future, Roxas.

[DAY 118]

Roxas: "Vacation"? What's that?

Axel: Oh, hey, Roxas. You hear about the vacation? It's about time we had a day off.

Roxas: I've never had a vacation before.

Axel: Is that right?

Roxas: What's my job during vacation?

Axel: What's your-- Roxas, you're really missing the point.

Roxas: It's not my fault I never had one. I don't know what to do.

Axel: [headrub] Do what you like.

Roxas: But ... I don't know what I like. [pause] What are you gonna do, Axel?

Axel: Me? Sleep. And once I'm done with that, roll over and sleep some more.

Roxas: Don't you spend enough time in bed?

Axel: You kidding? I'd nap six times a day if they'd let me. Alright, snooze-land is calling. Enjoy your time off!

Roxas: What am I supposed to do? Hmm ... what do I WANT to do? ..... Ice cream.

Olette: Friend of yours, Pence?

Pence: Yeah. I bumped into him a while back.

Olette: Well, it's nice to meet you!

Roxas: It's nice to ... meet you too.

Pence: And I'm Pence. But you already knew that.

Hayner: What are you all doing?

Pence: Watching Hayner here practice his Grandstander act.

Roxas: Grandstander?

Olette: Yeah, you keep hitting a ball in the air and try to keep it from touching the ground.

Pence: Hayner's one of the best in town.

Hayner: You new around here? How come you're bothering us?

Roxas: Bothering? I'm not -- Sheesh, I was just passing by.

Hayner: Uh-huh. Well, keep passing by then. We're busy here.

Olette: Hey! Hayner, don't be rude! There's no need to be mean.

Pence: Sorry about that. I'm sure he didn't mean to offend you. He's just--

Hayner: Hey -- you try it. Let's see your juggling act.

Olette: What will that prove?

Hayner: It's not gonna kill him. Here.

Hayner: I guess you're all right. We're cool, man.

Roxas: Uh ... thanks?

Hayner: Sorry for railing on you before.

Pence: Hayner was only acting all grumpy because Seifer beat his record.

Hayner: Hey! That's enough from the peanut gallery!

Olette: Hee hee...

Hayner: That includes you!

Roxas: heh heh.

Hayner: Oh great, now even the new guy is laughing at me.

Pence: So, you said you were passing by. Does that mean you have to head off soon? Because if not--

Roxas: No, I do. I should go.

Hayner: All right. Sorry for holding you up. We should get going too.

Pence: Yeah. Anyway, we'll see you later.

Olette: Bye for now! Hope we can practice Grandstander again soon!

Axel: Fancy meeting you here.

Roxas: Hey, Axel.

Axel: Whew, I slept like a log.

Axel: What's going on down there? Are the kids on summer vacation? ... nah, can't be. It's too early.

Roxas: Summer vacation? What's that?

Axel: A dream come true, that's what-- a whole month off.

Roxas: A month?! How do they hang on to their sanity? I can't even figure out how to fill a day.

Axel: Well, they do get a little help. Their teachers dish out plenty of homework. Trust me, it's over before you can blink.

Roxas: Hmmm... I could deal with a week, maybe.

Axel: Most kids spend summer vacation just goofing off with their friends. They save homework till the end and then help each other finish it.

Roxas: That sounds fun, I guess.

Axel: Yeah. I hadn't really thought about it since becoming a Nobody. So how'd you spend the day?

Xion: Hey, guys. How did I know you'd be here?

Roxas: So, did you end up going anywhere?

Xion: No -- why? Did you guys go somewhere without me?

Roxas: Axel went somewhere. He went to sleep.

Xion: Ha ha ha! What kind of vacation is that?

Axel: Hey, unlike you two lazybones, I work myself pretty hard!

Xion: Hah, maybe you're just out of shape!

[everyone lols]

Axel: Tomorrow, it's back to work.

Roxas: Yeah...

Xion: Hope we get another vacation soon.

Axel: Oh, before I forget ... I might not see you guys again for a little while.

Roxas: Huh? Why not?

Axel: They're sending me out on recon for a few days.

Xion: Where?

Axel: Can't tell.

Roxas: What do you mean, "can't tell"?

Axel: It's classified.

Xion: But I thought we were friends.

Axel: Hey, I'm not about to tell you ALL my dark secrets. Got it memorized? I bet you keep a thing or two from me.

Roxas: I don't have any dark secrets.

Axel: Ha ha, relax, would ya? I'm kidding. I just gotta keep my mouth shut about it, or Saix will get on my case. You know how he gets.

Roxas: Heh, yeah.

Axel: Try not to bungle everything while I'm gone.

Xion: Now why would we do that?

Axel: Well, considering your track record...

Xion: Hey! Don't make me come over there!

[everyone lols]

Saix: Hmph. What took you?

Axel: It's my vacation. I can take all the time I want. Since when do I have to check in with you?

Saix: You're letting yourself get too attached to them.

Axel: Yes, sir, whatever you say.

Saix: [turns] You've changed. [leaves]

Roxas: Nice sofa.

Xaldin: No breaks, Roxas.

Roxas: No, I wasn't -- I didn't mean -- I was just saying...

Roxas: You're here early.

Xion: Work was easy today.

Roxas: I guess Axel's still out on that classified mission, huh?

Xion: So where'd they send you, Roxas?

Roxas: Beast's Castle, with Xaldin. You remember the castle's master, Xion?

Xion: Yeah, the beast we saw.

Roxas: Well, you were right. he does have something he wants to protect. Something he cares about.

Xion: Really?

Roxas: Yeah, but Xaldin says that's a weakness.

Xion: Why would caring about something be a weakness?

Roxas: I dunno, I didn't get it either.

Xion: I hope Axel comes home soon.

Axel: Hey, Roxas!

Roxas: Axel... You're back!

Axel: Yup, I just got home. [pause] How ya holding up? Where's Xion?

Roxas: She's not here yet.

Axel: Hunh.

Roxas: It's getting late. This isn't like her...

Xion: How could he say that...

[Cutscene of Riku cutting Xion down at Beast's Castle.]

Xion: He's wrong. It's not a sham...and neither am I.

Xion: Just give me another chance!

Saix: We can't afford to expend any more chances on you. You were a mistake we never should have made.

Roxas: Xion?

Xion: [RUNS]

[DAY 150]

Xaldin: I'd like to keep this quick. Don't drag your heels, Roxas.

Xaldin: Hmph. Weaklings. Come, Roxas, we'll take care of them quickly.

Xaldin: Enough dallying. We've wasted enough time here as it is. Let's find our target and be done with it.

Roxas: Woah, look at the size of it!

Xaldin: There you are... Let's begin.

Xaldin: Hmph ... Toothless. Come, Roxas. Our mission is over.

Roxas: Right.

Beast: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Roxas: What was that?!

Xaldin: Our beastly host, I'd imagine.

Roxas: It came from his room... Did something happen?

Xaldin: Hmm, I wonder. Come. We'll take a look.

Roxas: The rose?

xaldin: How fascinating. Then his beastly form must be tied to it somehow.

Roxas: It's related to the spell?

Xaldin: Yes. it seems if he doesn't complete some task in the rose's lifetime, he stays a beast.

Roxas: One of his servants did mention something about time running out.

Xaldin: The key to his cursed form... Heh heh, this morsel will prove useful.

Roxas: What do you mean?

Xaldin: I'd only waste my time attempting to explain it to you. Come along. We must return.

Axel: Where's Xion?

Roxas: Haven't seen her today, either.

Axel: Oh well.

Roxas: Hey, Axel...

Axel: Huh?

Roxas: Is there anything you couldn't bear to lose?

Axel: What? Where'd that come from?

Roxas: I ran into somebody today, and... Well, he had someting like that. Something so important to him he couldn't bear to lose it. Why don't I have anything like that?

Axel: [heh heh] Because you don't have a heart.

Roxas: [sigh] Uhh, I guess... [pause] But Demyx doesn't have a heart, and I bet he'd get upset if you took his sitar away.

Axel: Hmm, true, but ... I don't think it's quite the same. I guess the closest thing we Nobodies have got is our past. You know, memories of the stuff we couldn't bear to lose, back when we couldn't bear to lose it.

RoxaS: Oh... Too bad I can't remember MY past.

Axel: Well, what about your present?

Roxas: Huh?

Axel: You've got memories from here in the Organization, right?

Roxas: [shakes his head] Yeah... [pause] I do, don't I? I couldn't bear to lose my memories of you or Xion.

Axel: Well, see? There ya go. Everybody's got something they want to hang on to.

Roxas: It's scary to think I could lose you guys.

Axel: Scary? Scary's a feeling, man.

Roxas: [shakes his head] Yeah, I know I can't feel, but... It's still a scary thought.

Axel: A thought, then. But not a feeling.

Roxas: Are you sure? [sadface]

Axel: Maybe you just remember what it's like to feel scared, and think you're feeling it now.

[DAY 151]

Roxas: Hey, Xion!

Xion: Roxas? Don't you have a mission?

Roxas: Yeah. They sent me here today.

Xion: Really? Me too...

[Roxas looks at her, away. She looks at him, away, then down.]

Xion: Roxas, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run off like that yesterday.

Roxas: Whatever, it didn't bother me.

Xion: I was upset. I messed up a mission really bad. I don't suppose you heard about the guy pretending to be one of us? The Organization impostor? I was ordered to take him out ... but I couldn't beat him. Saix was so mad, he called me a "mistake."

Roxas: Oh... Gosh, I'm sorry...

Xion: Don't be. That jerk can say whatever he wants. I can take it.

Roxas: Hey, Xion... Why don't we work together today?

Xion: Huh? How?

Roxas: Let's double up our missions. If we team up, we should be able to cut through the work faster.

Xion: Well ... okay. Maybe we'll finish early and have more time for ice cream. [:)]

Roxas: So how 'bout that ice cream?

Xion: Okay... Yeah, sure.

Roxas: Wonder where Axel is. Guess we got the work done a little TOO fast, huh?

Xion: .....

[the castle scene. Riku clocks Xion, then walks over, pulls back her hood, and pulls up his blindfold. He gasps and rockets back to his feet.]

Riku: Your face ... who are you really, and why do you have a Keyblade?

Xion: Tell me first why you are dressed as one of us.

Riku: To make sure my best friend ... sleeps in peace. I don't know who you're supposed to be, but you can't fight fire with sparks. This Keyblade is a sham -- worthless.

Xion: My Keyblade is not a sham - what gives you the right to say that?!

[She rushes him. He defeats her easily and knocks her to the ground]

Riku: Find a new crowd. Trust me. Those guys are bad news.

Xion: Why? You're the real sham!

Riku: ... Fair enough. You could say I am ... the biggest nobody of them all.

Xion: ... [SCREAMS]

Roxas: Xion? Hey... Xion!

Xion: [gasp]

Roxas: What's the matter with you today?

Xion: [sigh] Sorry. My mind's on other things. ROxas, why are we doing all this? Working for the Organization?

Roxas: What do you mean, why? So we can get hearts of our own, right?

Xion: Why? What do we need hearts for?

Roxas: [shakes his head] I don't know. But I figure once we have them, we'll be in a better position to judge. Right?

Xion: Maybe. [sadface] I just wish I knew what I was doing here. How I got here... I started having the strangest dreams.

Roxas: Really?

Xion: [nod] I can never remember what they're about. I just wake up feeling like ... something is really wrong.

Roxas: Well, if it makes you feel any better, Xigbar said you and me were pretty special. "Exceptional," he sad.

Xion: ... Special just means different. [sadface] Because I'm a mistake.

Roxas: You're not a mistake.

Xion: .....

Xion: Well, we may both be exceptional, Roxas. But I don't think we're the same.

Roxas: Xion, wait--

[she leaves. Axel enters]

Axel: Heya, Roxas!

Roxas: Hey, Axel.

Axel: Xion couldn't make it again today?

Roxas: You just missed her.

[DAY 153]

Axel: Hey! No Xion?

Roxas: Don't hold your breath.

Axel: Did something happen yesterday?

Roxas: Nah, it's nothing.

Axel: ..... Girls sure are complicated, huh?

Roxas: How did you know that's what I was thinking? :O

Axel: Because you're not so complicated. |D But don't take it personal. Most Nobodies aren't.

Roxas: You mean ... real people are more complex than us?

Axel: Well, sure! Especially if they're real and female. That's like a double dose of complicated.

Roxas: So ... what about a Nobody girl like Xion?

Axel: Single dose.

Roxas: I am so lost.

Axel: [headrub] Well, the important thing to remember when dealing with girls is not to push the wrong buttons. Got it memorized?

Roxas: ... Hmm ... yeah ... Wish you'd told me that before.

Axel: Well, just give her some time.

Roxas: Why?

Axel: Because if you rush in there and try to fix things, you'll just press more buttons.

Roxas: Fine, whatever.

Axel: [LOL] Youre alright, kid.

Roxas: Don't call me "kid!"

Axel: [rofl]

Roxas: >:O STOP LAUGHING!

Axel: [stares] .... You'll patch things up with her. Trust me.

Roxas: I hope so.

[DAY 154]

Demyx: We're out on heart collection today, right? Sigh... I'm so not cut out for combat. Would it kill them to give me a recon mission or ... I don't know, something un-violent?

Roxas: (The Coliseum's our best bet for finding a whole pack of Heartless at once.) Follow me, Demyx. -- We'll find the heartless in here.

Demyx: Okay, right on... Ooh, but should we just go walktzing in? Won't someone see?

Roxas: Don't worry. We'll just say you're another aspiring hero here for some training. Trust me, it'll be fine.

Demyx: Wait, training!? That sounds like work, which means sweating. Which is gross.

Roxas: It's that, or stay out here.

Demyx: Hmm, actually... Yeah!

Roxas: What?

Demyx: We'll split up! And, uh ... form two strike forces! I'll handle the Heartless out here. YOu take the ones inside. Covering a broader range means more efficient collection, right?

Roxas: I guess?

Demyx: (And while you collect those hearts, maybe I can collect some Z's....)

Roxas: What's the matter?

Demyx: Nothing! Well, good luck in there, Roxas.

Demyx: What a tyrant.

Roxas: Demyx?

Demyx: I'd be running out the door in tears after ten minutes of that.

Roxas: Did you take care of the heartlesS?

Demyx: The what? Oh, right, uh ... yeah! Yeah, they sure picked the wrong guy to mess with! I finished early, so I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing.

Roxas: I'm still not done.

Demyx: Yeah? Well, no biggie! I'll just find a comfy spot and kick back for a while.

Demyx: Hey, Roxas. You done?

Roxas: Huh? Yeah...

Demyx: What's up, man? You look out of it.

Roxas: What kind of missions do you usually work?

Demyx: Me? Recon stuff, mostly.

Roxas: No taking out Heartless?

Demyx: Nah, it's rare that I do anything that strenuous.

Roxas: But aren't you expected to?

Demyx: Ha, they know better than that. They wanna keep the machine running, they pick the right tool for the job.

Roxas: And that's me? The right tool for the job?

Demyx: Something happen in there, man?

Roxas: No, I just -- Nothing. Our mission's complete. Let's RTC.

Axel: All by yourself again?

Roxas: Yeah.

Axel: They've been keeping me busy lately. Xion, too.

Roxas: Yeah, no kidding.

Axel: C'mon, what's with the face?

Roxas: What face...

[DAY 171]

Beast: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR

Roxas: Whoa! That was the beast... Did something happen?

Xaldin: Feh. Cloying nonsense.

Roxas: Xaldin ... when did you get here?

Xaldin: That's none of your concern. Hmph. Love, from a beast? How utterly ridiculous.

Roxas: Love? What's that?

Xaldin: It's an emotion. The one deluding those two as we speak.

Roxas: Uh...

Xaldin: They think the power of love will save them? That's the stuff of poetry, not practicality.

Roxas: Love is a power?

Xaldin: None you or I will ever grasp. Nor will they, for long. The love between them will wither and die. Love never lasts.

Roxas: But you don't have a heart. How would you know?

Xaldin: I have eyes, and a brain. We have no further business here. Try not to dawdle.

Roxas: That still doesn't explain what love is... Is love fighting to protect what's important to you? Where does its power come from?

Axel: Hey, here comes the hard worker.

Roxas: Xion around?

Axel: Haven't seen her.

Roxas: Oh...

Axel: Somebody's gotta talk to that girl.

Roxas: It's her choice if she wants to come join us or not.

Axel: I guess that's fair.

Roxas: Axel, I need to ask you something.

Axel: What's up? Did something happen?

Roxas: Nah, it's just ... This is gonna sound stupid. [turns] Do you know what love is? :O

Axel: 'Scuse me?

Roxas: I found out about love on today's mission - that it's something powerful.

Axel: That's true. It is. But I'll never get to experience it.

Roxas: Nobodies can't love?

Axel: You need a heart, man.

Roxas: Right...

Axel: Love is what happens if there's something really special between two people.

Roxas: You mean, like, if they're best friends?

Axel: Well, you can care about your friends, I guess, but that's not what I'm talking about.

Roxas: So then ... love is like a step above friends?

Axel: Yes ... Well, no. There aren't "steps."

Roxas: I don't get it.

Axel: What does it matter? We'll never know the difference.

Roxas: If I had a heart, you think I could love somebody?

Axel: Once Kingdom Hearts is complete, you'll be able to do all kinds of things.

Roxas: That's good.

[DAY 172]

Luxord: Roxas. How has the game been treating you?

Roxas: Uhh ... fine, I guess.

Luxord: Saix shuffled us together for today's mission. I wager we'll make a good enough team.

Roxas: I don't see why not.

Luxord: Oh, by the way, did you hear about what happened to Xion?

Roxas: No, what?!

Luxord: She bungled her last mission and has been in a deep sleep ever since. Can't win them all, I suppose.

Roxas: Xion!

Saix: Where do you think you're going, Roxas?

Roxas: To see Xion.

Saix: But you have a mission.

Roxas: Which I'll do!

Saix: You cannot help your comrade. Xion will not wake up.

Roxas: ... [shakes his head] That's not the point! I should still be with her. [runs past]

Saix: What do you care? The creature is broken. Defective.

Roxas: [turns] Don't call her that!

Saix: I'll call that thing whatever I want. How we deal with Xion is no concern of yours.

Roxas: [snarls] I didn't ask you if it was!

Saix: Look at you, Roxas. Up in arms over a nobody.

Roxas: We're all Nobodies!

Saix: Settle down. Xion's failings won't affect your standing with us. You've nothing to worry about.

Roxas: Won't affect my-- What is WRONG with you? Look, I'll do my mission -- later. [turns again, takes off]

Roxas: Oh, Xion... [places a shell near her pillow]

Luxord: So, we're hunting specific game today, hmm?

Roxas: What? Oh, right.

Luxord: What's wrong? First time here?

Roxas: No, I was here on a mission a little while ago. And I ran into this white rabbit in a huge hurry to get somewhere.

Luxord: A rabbit? Really?

Roxas: I lost sight of him before I had a chance to see what the deal was, though.

Luxord: Luck's like that. A window of opportunity can open and close in the blink of an eye. It's whether or not you can jump on the chance when it arises that determines a man's fate. Let's hope we stand up to the odds this time around.

Roxas: Er, right.

Luxord: Let's get started.

Luxord: Game, set, and match.

Roxas: Another mission down.

Cheshire: /is Cheshire

Roxas: That cat's a walking question mark.

Luxord: Nobody's going to reveal his hand from the get-go. You have to outwit your opponent in the give and take to figure them out. And frankly, I don't see you outwitting that cat anytime soon.

Roxas: Well, excuse me.

Luxord: heh. Let's head back, Roxas.

Roxas: Axel, about Xion...

Axel: Saix told me what happened this morning.

Roxas: Why does he hate her so much?

Axel: Listen to you. How come you do that? Talk like you're a real person.

Roxas: Why? What did I say? I don't know how real people talk.

Axel: I mean, sometimes you sound like you really are heartsick or something.

Roxas: When I saw her lying there ... I couldn't stop thinking that she'll never wake up.

Axel: She will.

Roxas: Saix called her "broken."

Axel: Hmm... [pause] Well, if it cheers you up, I'm probably a lot more broken than her.

Roxas: Saix knows something about her. Why me and her are special Nobodies.

Axel: Well... If it's gonna keep you up at night, I could ask him for you.

Roxas: Really?!

Axel: Yes, really! Sheesh, sit down. I'll ask, but don't get your hopes up. Straight answers aren't exactly his specialty.

Roxas: He's more likely to tell you than he is me.

Axel: True.

Roxas: I just hope she wakes up soon.

Axel: ... Hey, that was uncalled for!

Saix: I warned you to keep out of this.

Axel: And I told you I can't. I have to know what Xion's deal is. Why can't you be straight with me for once?

Saix: Just like you're always honest with me?

Axel: [headrub] Okay, you've got me there.

Saix: Xion has no right to be among your number.

Axel: Why not?

Saix: What is it you two see in that thing? Just look at it.

[DAY 173]

Axel: Hey, Roxas.

Roxas: Find out anything about Xion?

Axel: I talked to Saix.

Roxas: Really?! What did he say?

Axel: His .... his lips were sealed. Sorry, man, I tried.

Roxas: That's okay. [droop]

Axel: But he did say he would take back calling her broken -- IF she proves herself more capable going forward. The best you can do for her now is keep up the good work.

Roxas: I will! Thanks, Axel. That's great news! :D

Axel: [headrub] Ugh, sorry, Roxas...

Axel: [looks at Roxas]

Roxas: [looks at Axel]

Both: ....

[DAY 174]

Axel: All done with work?

Roxas: Yup. -- Axel, you're not gonna believe this. I flew today.

Axel: Flew?

Roxas: Yeah, like a bird! Well, sort of. It's hard to explain...

Axel: I can imagine.

Roxas: There's no way to describe it. I've been waiting all day to tell you and Xion!

Axel: Right...

Roxas: Flying felt so natural -- like I'd done it before. Weird, huh? [pause] I wish Xion would wake up so I could tell her about it.

[DAY 193]

Roxas: Whoa! Xion ... Good morning.

Xion: Morning...

Roxas: You startled me.

Xion: S-Sorry... [pause] Huh? You brought me seashells. [puts one to her ear and listens]

Roxas: [laughs] Do you hear it?

Xion: Yeah, the sound of the waves. [:)] How long was I asleep?

Roxas: About twenty days.

Xion: That long?!

Roxas: Yeah. Me and Axel were getting worried.

Xion: I'm sorry. I feel bad. Kind of ... weird that we can feel anything at all, huh? Without hearts to feel with.

Roxas: Yeah...

Xion: Hey, don't you have work?

Roxas: Huh? Oh, I'm about to head out.

Xion: Can I come, too?

Roxas: But ... don't you need more rest?

Xion: [laughs] After sleeping three weeks? I'll be fine. C'mon, take me with you.

Roxas: [laughs and grins] All right ... Sure.

Roxas: [puts out an arm in defense of - or to stop? - Xion]

Saix: Well, well. It lives. There's just no keeping you down.

Xion: Saix, I want to go with Roxas today on his mission.

Saix: [shakes his head] You belong in your room.

Axel: Oh, hey, Xion! About time you crawled out of bed.

Xion: [laughs] Morning, Axel.

Saix: Roxas will team up with Axel today, as scheduled. Xion, I'm afraid I neglected to pencil you in.

Xion: Don't keep me pent up here. I need the exercise.

Axel: I'll look after her. I promise not to let her out of my sight.

Saix: Hmmm... [turns] Fine. Go, if that's what suits you.

Xion: This should be fun, huh? Tripling up like this.

Roxas: Yeah, I think this is my first three-man mission.

Axel: Just remember it's still a mission. We're not on a field trip, guys.

Xion: Yeah, yeah. It sure is nice to be back on my feet.

Axel: Just don't push it, you hear me? We'll pick up the slack.

Xion: I hear you. Thanks.

Xion: [sigh. BOOM]

[Kairi: It's my lucky charm. Be sure to bring it back to me!]

[Axel cradles Xion in his arms. The giant heartless appears.]

Axel: I've got Xion. You take out the target!

Roxas: Okay!

Xion: Sora...

Roxas: Xion!

Axel: It's okay. She's not hurt.

Roxas: But Axel--

Axel: Let's just RTC, okay? [lifts her up and carries her back]

Saix: Well, that didn't take long. Did it break again?

Roxas: [yells] She's not an "it"!

Axel: [walks towards him] Keep your mouth shut. [walks past]

Saix: [eyes shut] You have changed... Something at Castle Oblivion changed you. Does the past mean nothing to you now?

[Meanwhile, back at the la-- in Xion's room]

Roxas: Are you worried about her, Axel?

Axel: Of course I am.

Roxas: [smiles] Doesn't seem like you.

Axel: What do you mean?

Roxas: You hate complications.

Axel: Roxas... I meet up with you two every day for ice cream, right? Why do I do that?

Roxas: Huh?

Axel: I mean, you think about it, I don't need to go out of my way, right?

Roxas: I guess not.

Axel: You wanna know why I do? Because you're my best friends. The three of us ... we're inseparable.

Roxas: We are?

Axel: That's right -- get it memorized. And you know what? Best friends are willing to deal with complications.

Roxas: Yeah ... Yeah, you said it!

Xion: Heh heh... [opens her eyes] Thanks, Axel. You're sweet.

Axel: [headrub]

Roxas: Feeling better?

Xion: I just got a little dizzy. Sorry to worry you guys.

Axel: Try not to scare us like that anymore, huh?

Xion: Okay.

Axel: And you take it easy today.

Xion: [laughs] I will. Thanks.

to part 2.