KH2: FM+

[Insanecyclone]

Holy fucking shit

[Insanecyclone]

NSFW but very good Larxene art
http://www.sefuart.net/requests/Larxene.jpg

[Elcura]

wow @ that fight... anything is possible eh?

[Gobo]

Big post incoming. Translated interview from extra book from limited edition (translated by TheWertle of GamFAQs):


I - Until now in the Kingdom Hearts (hereafter KH) Series, there have been 2 types of "Kingdom Hearts" refering to the Heart of Worlds and the Heart of Men, could you explain the mechanics of this?


Think of the basic setting of KH as "All life has a heart". The heart of a world can be considered the things of nature, for example, the trees in a forest, a sea or river, a flower and so forth, when they all come together to form a world a large heart will come into existence. And concerning the hearts designated to men, all the hearts of humans and animals living in the world are integrated. As for Kingdom Hearts, think of it as if the heart is essentially the culmination of an invisible "Proof of Life"

II - Worlds appear in KH, could you please give an explanation of the means of coming and going between them?

Concerning the structure of worlds, first Sora and the Disney characters, and where ever we dwell, these so called normal worlds are attached to a World of Light. If all of these exisit at the same level and you imagine them all sitting on top of a plane, there is also plane of existance on the other side where the World of Darkness exists.

At present, there are 4 worlds in between these planes that have appeared. A) Castle Oblivion, B)Twilight Town, C) Yen Cid's Tower, and D) The World That Never Was. Constructed in this manner, Light < C < B > A > D > Darkness, you can imagine 2 planes with stairs ranging between the worlds. There are 2 means of transfer between these worlds, first being the Gummi Ship Sora uses in what is called the "Sea of Outer Space". In this way they can come and go between the worlds dotted through space. There is an invisible shell covering these worlds, so as to preserve the original world from interference from other worlds. By opening the hearts of each of these worlds this shell is broken and will become a group of shooting stars pouring down. Once settled, these shooting stars will become the Gummi Parts of the Gummi Ship. Because they were originally from the shell covering this world, it becomes possible to interfere into each world.

There is one more method, the use of the "Dark Corridor". There are those who are on a fallen path, essentially not being on the path they should be. Only those who can be said to have a Dark existance or an Inbetween existance can make these doorways. On rare occasion those with particularly strong feelings or hatred, such as the case with Beast and Diz and perhaps others like them can open these paths. However you must be careful when coming into contact with such darkness. As such, if you use these paths too often you will be completely swallowed by darkness. Sora has used these paths several times before, but the degree of frequency hasn't allowed the darkness to stain his heart, so you can think of the influential power of darkness as being dependant upon the strength of the persons heart.

As for the Nobodies who have no heart and the King and Riku, using these paths many times doesn't concern them. Why doesn't the darkness progressively swallow them you ask? There are secret similarites between the two that I talk about within this document.

III - About the World of Darkness and such, you haven't gone into detail. Could you possible talk about some of these things? Does the beach at the beginning and end of KH have some connection to the World of Darkness?

Presently there are 4 main untold stories to consider. "The period of the King's absence", "The period of Riku's absence", "Roxas' time in Organization XIII" and "Xehanort's past". In this case, The story of "The period of the King's absence" is set in the realm of darkness. I am examining a way to tell these 4 stories so I might be able to find a way to tell them soon.

What can be called the dark coastline seen at the beginning and end of KHII is the tip of a world. It is not strictly part of the realm of darkness but rather what serves as the boundary line in between the dark and the inbetween. In the ending, Sora and Riku were on the coast on the inbetween side and were looking at the sea of the realm of darkness. The door visible in the dark sea is a scene that symbolizes "Deep within the darkness, there is light", as Sora said in the previous KH.

IV - There are still many mysteries surrouding the Castle of Oblivion. Was the castle itself constructed by the Organization and was Namine originally a subject of the experiments going on there? Please tell us about the details of the Organization's experiments. Also, was the pod Sora entered somehow related to the experiments done byt the Organization? Was the pod in Twilight Town the same sort of thing?

In the end, the Organization's goal is to obtain the Kingdom Heart's of people's hearts and to fully exist. These Nobodies are called "those who don't exist". In order to assume a new existance, information about their own personal circumstances must first be gathered. A Nobody's main characteristic is that without a heart they use memories to form the parts of a personality and emotions. For them, memories have become an essential element. The birth of Castle Oblivion itself is still a mystery but before the Organization was born into this world it was there. The Organization discovered this castle. You should be able to make some guesses from the additional scenes this time, and be fairly quick to be able to tihnk of the next stage.

At the same time, Roxas awoke in Twilight Town, Namine awoke in Castle Oblivion. Afterwards, the Organization discovered Namine. The Organization thought of Namine's gift to manipulate memories as a way to resolve the actual circumstances surrounding each of their abilities and attributes. The memories of those who enter were used in the experiments on memories going on there. Above all else, the Organization's leader Xemnas was investigating the importance of memories. During these experiments, in order for these memories to be broken and then regenerated, those pods were made by the Organization. The pod Sora awoke from in Twilight Town and the pod in Castle Oblivion that Diz used in order to escape from the Organization's pursuit are the same thing. Also, there is an additional scene where Xigbar talks about the "true goal of Castle Oblivion" and when this particular scene appears, I think all mystery surrounding castle Oblivion should become clear.

V - There is still a lot of mystery about the keyblades I think. The "Light side, heart of worlds keyblade" that Sora wields, the "keyblade of people's hearts" made from the Seven Princesses' hearts for Riku, and the "Dark side, heart of worlds keyblade" that the king obtained in the realm of darkness; presently these 3 types can be confirmed. Could you please explain things a little further?

Keyblades have 2 different constitutions, either from the Light side or the Dark side. This is merely the exterior key, the inner key can act from either side and its abilities won't change. There is no clear division between good and evil. Usually the door to each world is closed and the keyhole itself is not visible. By bringing a keyblade nearby, the keyhole appears. But the lock is not actually closed itself. Indeed, the Heartless were able to find the door and easily open it and in this way steal hearts. In the previous game, Sora turned the locks and closed these doors. Furthermore, about the opened door of the integrated heart of worlds "Kingdom Hearts" itself, to prevent the outflow of the darkness within hearts the intent and reasons were different so the keyblade was used for a different purpose. In order to work, the door needs to be closed from both the Dark side and the Light side and both a dark and light realm keyblade are needed. The King needed a keyblade opposite from the realm of light keyblade that Sora had, so he went to the realm of darkness to obtain one.

The keyblade constructed from the Seven Princesses' hearts that Riku obtained in the previous game allowed for the keyhole in Hollow Bastion to appear. For the plan to cause darkness to overflow from hearts, the special hearts held be the Princesses were used to artificially make this keyblade. So it is different from a proper keyblade. There are further suggestions that this keyblade is artficial as well.

VI - Could you please give an explanation for the new keyblade "Way to the Dawn" that Riku obtained and the keyblade Kairi has as well as what the conditions for using a keyblade are?

There isn't necessarily one keyblade for the dark side and one for the light side, just as many as there exist people with qualified hearts. Concerning the conditions to wield one, at this stage, "Those with strong hearts" is the only obvious one. However, less obvious conditions still exist and there are still plans for an opportunity to reveal those. Riku's "Way to the Dawn" and Kairi's keyblade are naturally the same type of keyblade as Sora's. However there is no particular explanation for the Soul Eater's transfer and occurence, as well as Riku's handing it to Kairi. When there isn't a normal process of acquisition, I think its ok to think there is some deeper meaning there.

VII - In KH, at the same time Sora became a heartless Roxas was born and entered the Organization. So if that's the case, at that point in time at Castle Oblivion, Sora used a keyblade while at the same time, Roxas would have been using a keyblade. Was this Sora's keyblade? Within the organization, I think we particularly saw Roxas using a keyblade. And similar to Roxas, Sora served as another Keyblade Master conviently gathering hearts. So why was the Organization defeated?

The keyblade that Roxas used and the Keyblade that Sora once lost in Castle Oblivion are the same thing. Furthermore, these two both used the keyblade at the same time. This can be explained by the relationship between Roxas and Sora. Thus, they both can wield two keyblades, in fact, has an important meaning. This is also related to Xehanort's memories, but this point can't be touched on just yet.

Furthermore, from the time that the two were both using the keyblade at the same time, the Organization itself was using Sora for their ultimate goal. Soon enough, each of the Organization's expectations differed. By changing Sora and Roxas's movements, eventually they became unable to use Sora for their true meaning. As a result, Sora became an obstacle to the movements of the organization itself and he had to be defeated. But even if Sora were to be defeated, you could say there are other things to think about in making that sacrifice.

VIII - When the heartless are defeated, what becomes of the stolen hearts? Also, when members of Organization XIII and other Nobodies are defeated, do they return to their original form?

When heartless are defeated, essentially the owner's hearts are rejoined with their once extenguished body, whichever world it may be on. As for the whereabouts of hearts in KHII that turn up, this time they remarkably went to the Organization (there is a foot note here that says "In Kingdom Hearts II after heartless were defeated, the many hearts were absorbed by the Kingdom Hearts of "people's hearts"). However, in the rare case that the body changed into a Nobody and when there is no container for the heart, it resorts to a state of suspension.

In the case of a Nobody being defeated, it's a little more complicated. If the above mentioned hearts are liberated, they return to their original form. However, if the heart is still stolen by the heartless, the Nobody's body is swallowed by darkness. If somewhere in the world their hearts are taken back, perhaps they might be able to return to their original human form.



Ansem's defeat+Xemnas's defeat=Xehanort's return?

[Akiyama]

Some crazy dude fought ES at level 1 and beat it.

Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs-VdL9i86o

Gotta play through the game with Exp 0 once i'm done with my current save heh.

What the god forsaken holy blaspheming shit.

Okay, wow. I now need to get this game and do that. :/

[Exoduso]

Yes sir.... that's exactly what it means. Xehanort will be appearing in the next title, hence "Xehanort's Memories".

Maybe deep down, Xemnas KNEW this, which is the reason he tried to awaken his memories in the room of sleep by talking to Aqua's armor/keyblade/ghost/whatever, which is why he didn't really care dying because he knew he would gain his once lost body once again... and if Xehanort actually IS a keyblade master, it could be very interesting.

I still think there's a shitload about Xehanort that needs to be explained though, which is why the next installment HAS to be a prequel, or on the other hand -- something like KH2, only for half of it you play through Xehanort's past, and then the other half you play through the future (as in, between KH2 and KH3)... or maybe both at the same time, who knows.

Very interesting read either way Gobo, thanks.

[Akiyama]

Yeah, Gobo. Meant to say thank you for the good read. Very awesome stuff indeed.

[Exoduso]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UGzSyokX_sQ
Larxene Data Rematch (lol Reflect owned her so bad since each copy takes its own damage... so when 5 of them take damage from Reflect at once = 3 HP bars down.)

[Elcura]

Nice post Gobo, although one think I don't understand is:

As for the Nobodies who have no heart and the King and Riku, using these paths many times doesn't concern them. Why doesn't the darkness progressively swallow them you ask? There are secret similarites between the two that I talk about within this document.

Does he explain this or am I missing something here? Don't tell me it has something to do with the Keyblades being able to somewhat dispel darkness to allow free travel?

Anyway, something else that interests me are the other untold stories, personally I know lots of people who'd rather play a story about Riku at this point then Sora again. Hell, I'd rather play as Roxas or Mickey (as seen from KH2, both are really strong).

Riku's story could start in KH1, what he was doing during Sora's story and while possessed, after that what happened in the world of darkness beyond KH up until Castle Oblivion (probably a short segment) and after CO. How he and Diz met, how he met Roxas and the possible inbetween events that happened.

Not sure when Roxas's story would start, there's a possibility it could start as soon as Sora got turned into a heartless, going from then through CO and the time Sora got podded. And maybe even after Roxas got semi absorbed by Sora up until he got fully absorbed in TWTNW (after the fight).

Mickey's story can take place at so many different times, basically when you don't see Mickey he's doing something...

At this point I still think Nomura is gonna have a hard time filling in the plot holes of the KH series, and the more he explains the more that goes unexplained.

[Exoduso]

Riku's and Xehanort's story in the next installment = yes please.

I'd love to see like, a back and forth game that runs between both stories.

[Gobo]

Oh look a part 9.

IX - Could you please gather some information about the main characters? The reason Sora becomes Anti Form, the reason Riku is able to be selected by a keyblade, Kairi's memories of Radiant Garden, Roxas and Namine's differences from other Nobodies, the absence of Sora and them, their parent's and friends, and what about school?


Concerning Sora's Anti Form, you could think that the reason is related to his changing into a heartless once before. In fact, beyond Sora's Nobody, it is natural to assume that Sora is influenced by the heartless. Riku's Dark Mode is similar. By using such a strong power too much, he may have ended up aproaching too close to darkness. There should be a hint about Riku being a choosen wielder hidden discreetly somewhere in the additions to the game, so certainly try and find it. As for Kairi's memories, there's nothing particularly special about them. If I personally recalled memories from before I was 5, I think I wouldn't remember many details about them. That is to say on a general level, there are things I would remember and things I would forget.

Because there is already a detailed explanation of Roxas and Namine being special Nobodies in this volume, please read the specific details there. I'll summarize it so its easy to understand. Essentially, when a strong hearted person has their heart stolen, they change into a heartless, and on rare occasions thier body changes into a Nobody. But in the case for these two, for Kairi's heart to be hidden within Sora, it took a special shape. Moreover, when Sora himself was changed into a heartless he was purified by Kairi. In order for Sora to be revived without following the essential course, the special way Roxas and Namine were born from these types, special Nobodies ended up being left behind. Still, I get the feeling from the story so far that Xemnas might also be a special Nobody.

Finally, about the people on Destiny Islands. At the time of Sora and groups' disappearance, on the night of the storm from the previous game, Destiny Islands itself ended up disappearing and for the people of that world, time is stopped. Afterwards, Sora slept for 1 year, and then everyone's memories of Sora were no longer there. As such, the memory actually became "On the night of the storm, Riku's body disappeared". Once Sora awoke, the memories of him returned. Eventually the memories of Sora, just as Riku was no longer there after the storm that night, were that both of them had disappeared. (footnote: However, Kairi alone was once assimilated into Sora's heart. In this edition "Kingdom Hearts II" I strongly feel that he was influenced by this.

Part X is being worked on.

I also bought the game and swap magic last night. Now just have to wait.

[Exoduso]

Roxas and Namine are special because Sora essentially created BOTH at the exact same time.

Because Namine was made from Sora AND Kairi, is the reason why she is Kairi's nobody, but she can mess with Sora's heart and everyone around him... but ONLY Sora & the people related to him, her powers are useless against other people.

[Exoduso]

Only Xaldin Xemnas and Vexen are left... and naturally i'm having trouble with all three.

[Gobo]

Parts X and XI:


X - KH's Ansem (Xehanort) seems to have thoroughly gotten rid of his own heart, but Xemnas (Xehanort) commanding Organization XIII is seeking a fresh heart. If I understand that in becoming a heartless and a nobody, they became 2 different people, would their minds then as well become seperate? Also, the original Xehanort should have some memory loss but in the additional scenes this time there seem to be some questionable parts. Have his memories returned, or perhaps the memory loss itself was a lie?

In essence, the two are the same. However, they function under seperate minds. Xehanort most certainly got rid of his heart, and at that time it's assumed a Nobody was born. The means of obtaining their goal is different due to the nature of Heartless and Nobodies. However. I think for both of them the desire "to become a complete existence" is the same. This time the new mysterious keyword "Xehanort's memories" is left behind. In the "Secret Ansem Report" that Ansem the Wise wrote and mysteriously left behind, there is a hidden secret that will have a big influence on KH. As for the contents of his memories and the present condition of them, I cannot reveal that just yet

XI - Concerning the keyword Keyblade War, could you be a little more specific about that? Could it be related to the "Fairytale of Children and Light" that Kairi's Grandmother told?(footnote: In Kingdom Heats, Sora experienced Kairi's memories. It was the scene when Kairi's Grandmother told her an old story when she was still young. It was about when worlds were swallowed by darkness, children used the power of fragments of light to rebuild worlds.)

To tell the story about the Keyblade War we need the capacity of hi-spec hardware and we need to accumulate all of our knowledge on this hardware. And in telling this story, we will need to tell it in separate episodes, and how specifically to tell it has yet to be figured out.

As for the fairytale that Kairi heard, for everyone to feel like such and old fairytale is real, I think we need a little more time. That is to say, to talk specifically about either this soon might perhaps be irrelevant.


Part XII is about the characters of the secret movie. Will post when available.

[Insanecyclone]

To tell the story about the Keyblade War we need the capacity of hi-spec hardware and we need to accumulate all of our knowledge on this hardware.

I can already tell it'll be coming out for the PS3 but for saying this...money saving time!

[Gobo]

Parts XII and XIII

XII - Of the people that appear in the new secret movie "Birth By Sleep" that was added to KHII:FM, several names and figures are recognizable and must be extremely meaningful. Giving specifics is likely impossible, but could you give us a hint? Furthermore, do the 3 armored figures that appear there and the similar looking armored figure in the Last Battle have some relation to Xemnas?

For the recognizable figures and the recognizable faces, reaching the secret this time is extremely difficult, but I think the video is fairly spectacular and will stir you imaginations. The armored figures have a connection to Xemnas but after all I can't give any specifics at the present stage. But, the video this time has a foreboding opening and please think of the figures ahead as having reason and a hinting connection.

XIII - Lastly, has Sora's journey come to an end this time? Before you told us "I have the end of Kingdom Hearts in my head", but does this mean that Sora won't be there? There seem to be new developments with the Kingdom Hearts Series, so can you please tell us within the present limits any hints?

Without recalling too much about the mysteries and problems of the outline remaining for KH series thus far, I don't think that Sora's journey is over. If you get to see the ending of KHII I think you will be able to sense some new premonitions. About what I said about the "end" of KH, of course I won't be able to say anything about that yet, but if the numbering of KH were to go to "III", I doubt that Sora would have no relation to it. And even if I wrap up Kingdom Hearts, I don't think that Sora will be irrelevant.

Also, there are many new developments. I think that the news will be able to satisfy the widely supportive KH fans everywhere. Because there is still more to say about this "new" thing, please dare to think with a different flow, rather than just going with what's mainstream. I will give you a hint about the contents of one of the numerous developments. In the freshly added secret movie a phrase comes out, "Fate doesn't happen by accident, there is necessity".

In the near future, when you experience the new Kingdom Hearts, please see about opening this book. I think surely some of these points will tie together. And also at that time, it would be very fortunate if all the fans everywhere have a good time with it. Until an announcement comes, please have your fill of fun with this game and look forward to the next.

[Elcura]

Looks like Sora won't be the main character of the new game(s), which works well for me.

[Exoduso]

Xehanort prease.

[Kurstone]

anyone want some more copypasta?

Axel and Roxa's Story Part 1:

Roxas - Somewhere in Time.

Having just awoken from his sleep, his line of vision spread into a hazed world. Though he felt hazy in his dreams too, in this castle in the world-in-between, Roxas felt there wasn't that much difference.

He had been having dreams for several days. However, he didn't remember much of their contents. He felt they were fun, yet he felt they were painful as well. He only remembered that every night he has been having a dream. On the other hand, those memories were so weak they could be forgotten in a few busy days.

The dreams were losing him sleep and he felt absent-minded. As he was about to get out of bed, he realised a face was peering very closely over him. He sat up and his head collided with his observer's.

"Ouch!"

The red-haired man grasped his face and crouched in agony. Roxas sighed and said:

"This is what happens when you stick your head out all of a sudden, Axel."

"No mercy at all?"

The red-haired man, Axel, complained as he stood up. He looked down at Roxas who was still sitting on his bed.

"Why should I be merciful? It's your fault for sticking your head out when I'm waking up."

"Is that any way to talk to a friend who just got back from a long mission?"

"I don't remember being friends with you."

Roxas got out of bed and, as if to ignore Axel, turned his back to him and donned a black coat.

Axel had said they were "friends". In spite of this, it is an act that that can only be played by the realm of humans. It is a connection that cannot exist in Nobodies because they do not have hearts. Then again, Roxas was not sure what to call this particular closeness he had with Axel...No...This closeness was just stronger than that which he had with the other members.

"So, what do you want?"

"Xemnas is calling," answered Axel, sitting on Roxas' bed.

"What about Marluxia and the others?"

Axel hung his head slightly as Roxas asked.

"Didn't they come back with you?"

Axel slowly looked up at Roxas, who kept enquiring, and stared at him. Roxas began to feel uncomfortable and looked away.

It had been a few months since Axel had been called to a place called Castle Oblivion on a mission. A handful of other members of the Organization, headed by Marluxia, had also gone there. In that castle's network of white rooms the Organization had conducted research. Roxas had no idea what had been researched, nor was he supposed to. Did Axel's return mean something had happened at Castle Oblivion?

"So anyway, we have to go see Xemnas?"

"Right," answered Axel as he stood up and yawned.

As Roxas followed suit, Axel put his hand on his shoulder.

"When that's done, why don't we have some ice-cream in Twilight Town?"

"That's not a bad idea."

Roxas looked up at Axel beside him and smiled. Eating ice-cream in that town is not bad at all.


Part 2

Sitting on his marble chair, Roxas listened to Xemnas. He was saying five members including Marluxia had been eradicated by the Keyblade Wielder.

"So the Keyblade Wielder has stopped...."

Xaldin folded his arms.

"The loss of Namine is a blow. How do you intend to take responsibility for it, Axel?" demanded Saix.

"I fled back here on the verge of defeat! How am I supposed to be responsible?" retorted Axel.

"Well, never mind. Perhaps we should ask the opinion of our own Keyblade bearer?" said Xigbar as he gazed at Roxas.

"Well, I...."

He didn�t have an opinion. Keyblade....the key to the worlds.

All he knew was that he had the same power as him, no more, no less. He was with the Organization because he had nowhere else to go and wasn�t even certain he wanted to retrieve his lost heart.

"Sora."

Roxas looked up at Xigbar's unprovoked call.

Sora?

He felt he�d heard that name before.

"What on earth�s that?" asked Demyx.

"Haha� I see, you don�t know anything," chuckled Xigbar.

Saix snorted, Axel frowned and Demyx tilted his head. Luxord, Xaldin and Xemnas remained impassive.

Their individual reactions were worrisome.

"The fact that the Keyblade Wielder has gone into sleep matters not," said Xemnas, easing the tension that had built up at Xigbar�s words. "Axel, you will take Roxas to Hollow Bastion. It appears something is afoot around the Keyhole."

"But I just got back!" replied Axel indignantly at Xemnas' order.

"It is your punishment for letting Namine escape."

As soon as he finished talking, Xemnas disappeared.

In the darkness in between, Axel and Roxas headed towards Hollow Bastion. This ability to traverse the corridors of Darkness connected to various places in various worlds was another one specific to Organization XIII.

"Man.... Give me a break!"

Roxas quietly trailed after an irritable Axel with his hood up.

Sora... Keyblade.... How confusing....

"When this is over we'll definitely get some ice-cream! Got it memorized?"

Axel turned on his heels and faced Roxas.

".... Sora."

As Roxas pronounced that name, Axel sulked.

"Don�t worry about anything Xigbar says."

"It's not like I want to worry but... it�s just nagging me..." replied Roxas, who stopped.

"Axel.... you know Sora, right?"

Axel looked troubled for a moment and then gazed into Roxas� face.

"I don't know. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."

"Why?"

".... Because you don't need to know."

Axel turned his back to Roxas. There was no need for Roxas to know of the connection between Roxas and Sora... No, he didn�t want him to know.

Roxas, the special Nobody... and the Keyblade Wielder...

Axel wondered how long he would have to continue to lie to Xemnas.

He wondered how long he would have to continue to lie to Roxas.

"Axel!"

"What?"

"I want to know."

"What?"

"....I don�'t know."

Roxas looked bewildered again.

He had nothing... He understood nothing. He felt uneasy because something seemed to be happening to do with a part of himself he didn�t know of.

"Why does the Organization exist?"

"To gather hearts."

Axel answered Roxas� question so fast he had probably been preparing for it. Roxas remained perplex.

"Hey, there�s no point thinking about that sort of thing... Let�s go. We�ll have some ice-cream when we�re done."

Axel put a hand on Roxas� shoulder and looked ahead.

That Darkness ahead of them gave out onto Hollow Bastion.


Part 3

Roxas and Axel walked through the castle that was falling into ruin.

"I wonder what there is around here."

At that moment, there was a sudden change in the surrounding atmosphere.

"...Heartless."

Two Keyblades appeared in Roxas' hands. As if interpreting it as a signal, Heartless surrounded them.

"What a bore..."

Setting himself back to back with Roxas, Axel's Chakrams appeared in his hands.

"Don't tell me our mission consists of eliminating this lot?"

"Don't ask me!"

As Roxas answered Axel, he gave a Keyblade a swing. Axel looked impressed and whistled.

"Alright Roxas!"

"Don't waste your breath. Give me a hand!"

"Yeah, yeah."

Axel charged forward and struck. In no time at all, the two defeated all their foes and the castle was silent once more, void of any presence.

"This actually might have been what our mission was..."

As Axel tilted his head there was a fluttering of wings above them.

"What's that?"

Roxas craned his neck upwards and noticed a single bird-cage suspended from the ceiling. It seemed to be the source of the fluttering sound.

"Shall we let it go?"

Axel responded to Roxas' question by throwing a Chakram upwards which brought the cage down. A single crow flew out of its broken prison.

"Well then, shall we get going?"

"...Yeah," replied Roxas, as he glanced at the crow flying off into the distance before staring at the broken cage.

Part 4

As the sun was setting in Twilight Town, the sound of playing children could be heard. Ice-cream in hand, the two walked towards the station.

"We're going there, right?"

"Yep."

Roxas nibbled his ice-cream.

"Hey, don't you start eating that yet," complained Axel.

A ball rolled to a halt at Roxas' feet.

"Sorry!" yelled a boy.

"Damn Hayner!" shouted a girl from behind him, with another, slightly chubby boy trailing her.

Roxas picked up the ball and threw it to them. The three thanked him, took the ball and ran off.

"....They seem about your age."

"What?"

Axel looked away.

"Nothing."

Roxas looked puzzled for a moment before walking forward again. He gazed at a flock of birds which took off into the sky ahead of him.

The castle in which the Organization had taken residence felt like a bird's cage. He spent the days at a loss about everything and he had been given a role he knew nothing about....

Yes.... never told anything.

Am I really supposed to be here?

"Don't just stand there. Sit down."

"What? Oh, right."

The two had arrived at the clock-tower above the station. From there it was possible to look out onto the whole town. It was an important place for Roxas and Axel; it was where they had eaten ice-cream on the day they first met.

"Your ice-cream's gonna melt."

Roxas hurriedly put his ice-cream in his mouth.

"I didn't quite understand that mission..."

"Yeah..." replied Roxas, dimly.

"I wonder what that crow was?"

"Yeah..."

Faced with nothing but short, glum answers, Axel let out a sigh.

"Don't tell me you're still worried about what Xigbar said?"

"Not really..."

As Roxas rubbed his nose, a flock of birds flew past.

"I suppose it must be fun, being able to fly like that."

"...It certainly looks like it," said Axel as he had some more of his ice-cream.

"I wonder how long we can stay like this..."

As Roxas spoke, Axel looked up at him. Roxas probably felt like all he had to do, day after day, was missions to defeat Heartless. To be fair, all the missions that were given to him were precisely nothing but Heartless extermination. However, Axel felt this couldn't be helped. Roxas was special, both in the eyes of the Organization as well as his own. In the same way the Organization didn't want to tell Roxas anything, he didn't want to tell Roxas anything either.

Is this the same as betraying Roxas?

"We might not always be together."

"What?"

This time, Axel's sudden words surprised Roxas, who looked at him.

"Hey, don't look at me like that."

Axel turned away from Roxas and took a bite out of his ice-cream. Roxas didn't know of Axel's dilemma. Axel didn't know of Roxas' dilemma.

"....We may not always be together... huh..." said Roxas.

"We've got to make lots of memories," laughed Axel.

"What are you on about?" asked Roxas, laughing along.

Can beings without hearts have memories?

"Nah, it's just..."

It's just.... it's just that, even though Axel didn't have a heart, he felt something in his chest when he thought that Roxas might be going away.

"Memories... huh..." mumbled Roxas to himself as he gazed at the setting sun.

Next to him, Axel took a bite out of his ice-cream and he too stared into the sunset.

END

[Exoduso]

Gobo, are those answers given by Nomura?