Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Script
Brought to you by DJ Firewolf, formerly of KH Impulse and KH Excursion
This script is written in the same detailed format as my KH2 script, with some
minor changes. On the corresponding days, the entries for Roxas's Diary and
certain Secret Reports will be added to bring more coherence to the storyline.
Any Secret Reports that are deemed too revealing will be placed at the end of
the script for anyone who wishes to read them. Recon dialogue will be arranged
for coherence. Alternate recon dialogue will be included at the end of the
script. Also, some Grey Area dialogue will be included for character
development and fanservice. Enjoy!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-An introduction to Organization XIII-
No. I - Xemnas
Organization XIII's Leader
Through power over nothing,
he seeks power over everything.
Weapon: Ethereal Blades
No. II - Xigbar
Founding member. He keeps an
ear to the ground and a finger on
the trigger. Manipulates space.
Weapon: Arrowguns
No. III - Xaldin
Founding member. A warrior with a
silver tongue. He carries six lances,
and can harness the wind.
Weapon: Lances
No. IV - Vexen
Founding member. A brilliant
scientist will dominion over ice...
and a personality to match.
Weapon: Shield
No. V - Lexaeus
Founding member. Tremendously
strong, but surprisingly quiet--
stalwart as the earth itself.
Weapon: Axe Sword
No. VI - Zexion
Founding member. An intellectual
with no room for feelings. He can
create illusions at will.
Weapon: Lexicon
No. VII - Saïx
Second-in-command who longs
for the heart he does not have.
Only the moon breaks his icy calm.
Weapon: Claymore
No. VIII - Axel
An assassin who puts his own
agenda first, and everything else
on the back burner. Wields fire.
Weapon: Chakrams
No. IX - Demyx
Prefers to kick back with his sitar,
and leave the dirty work to the
water under his command.
Weapon: Sitar
No. X - Luxord
Life, to him, is just a game to
be won...and he has all the time
in the world to do it.
Weapon: Cards
No. XI - Marluxia
In the arc of his scythe, flowers
grow and all else perishes.
His pretty face hides ugly motives.
Weapon: Scythe
No. XII - Larxene
Wields sharp knives and a
sharper tongue. Her lightning
strikes as quick as her temper.
Weapon: Knives
No. XIII - Roxas
A boy, newly aware of himself.
His light shines as bright and brief
as the setting sun.
Weapon: Keyblade
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The organization is seated in the Round Room)
Saïx (voice): Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. The rage of the
Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free...
until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we
can truly, finally exist.
(Axel and Roxas sit on the ledge of the clock tower)
Axel: Roxas...are you really sure that you don't have a heart?
Roxas: I dunno. I can't...just look inside. But I figure...if there is
something in there--inside us--then we'd feel it, wouldn't we?
Axel: True enough.
(Axel hands Roxas a bar of sea-salt ice cream. Roxas is surprised. He chuckles
and takes the ice cream. They reminisce about the day Roxas was named. He
wakes up in front of The Old Mansion in Twilight Town. A figure in a black
cloak emerges from a corridor of darkness and walks toward him)
??????: You seek answers.
(The man waves a cloaked arm between the two of them and the word 'SORA'
appears in the air, the letters shiny, silver, and hovering)
??????: I can give you purpose.
(The man waves his arm again and the letters swirl around Roxas, gaining
momentum until they're barely visible as letters. The man slams his fist into
them and four points of golden light shoot out, forcing Roxas to flinch. He
opens his eyes and sees a new golden letter X hovering before him. The silver
letters rejoin with the X in their center forming a new word, turning fully
golden...)
Roxas: Roxas.
Xemnas: That is right--the new you.
(Later, Roxas walks through Twilight Town, seeing a group of kids eating ice
cream. He stops and starts to turn around, when Axel places a hand on his
shoulder. The flashback ends)
Axel: Man, I miss the old times. Still got it memorized? The day we met, when
you got your new name, you and I sat right here, just like this and watched
the sunset.
==Day 255==
~Why the Sun Sets Red~
(Roxas sits alone on the clock tower)
Axel: You're early.
(Roxas looks up to see Axel standing at the corner entrance)
Roxas: No, you're just late.
(Axel sits down next to Roxas and smiles. Some moments pass and they have ice
cream)
Roxas: 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. 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 puts his hand on Roxas's shoulder)
Axel: Right, that first week you could barely form a sentence. But come on,
you're still kind of a zombie.
(Axel gives him a playful pat on the back)
Roxas: Oh, thanks!
(They laugh)
Axel: Hey, Roxas. Bet you don't know why the sun sets red. You see, light is
made up of lots of colors. And out of all those colors, red is the one that
travels the farthest.
(Roxas elbows him)
Roxas: Like I asked! Know-it-all.
(They laugh again. More time passes and Roxas finishes his ice cream. Axel
rests on his back)
Roxas: Seriously, where is she?
(He looks to the corner entrance, which is empty. Axel's face turns serious
and he sits back up)
Roxas (narrating): You gotta figure, everything starts someplace. The closest
thing for me is when I was just seven days old, and I met her.
==Day 7==
~Number XIV~
(The Castle That Never Was looms over the Dark City in the World That Never
Was. Roxas awakes in his stale white room and walks to The Grey Area. Larxene
and Xigbar lounge on white chairs. Axel and Saïx stand near the large window.
The sky is blank outside)
Larxene: Eww. You're awake?
Xigbar: Hey, Roxas. Welcome to the program, as they say.
(Roxas walks over to Axel)
Axel: Heya, Roxas.
(Roxas says nothing)
Axel: Something I can help you with there, chatterbox?
(Roxas continues to say nothing. Axel crosses his arms in thought)
Axel: Ah, I remember now. We were supposed to convene in the Round Room today.
Blegh, meetings...
Roxas (tilting his head): Round...Room...?
Axel: Yup. Apparently the boss man's got some big news. Wanna head over there
now?
Roxas: Okay.
Axel: Alrighty then. Follow me.
Saïx: Today's is an important meeting. I expect everyone to be on time.
(They each gather in the Round Room, where Xemnas addresses them)
Xemnas: Good tidings, friends. Today is a momentous day.
(Axel scratches his chin. Luxord sits back in his chair)
Xemnas: I am pleased to announce that a new comrade has been chosen to wear
the coat.
(Vexen smirks. Demyx adjusts his seat. Xemnas looks down toward the floor. A
small cloaked figure walks into the room and stands in the center with its
hood up)
Xemnas: Number XIV. Let us all welcome one of the Keyblade's chosen.
(Roxas blinks, remembering when he was brought before them. Axel walks in
behind him and Roxas looks up. Xemnas holds his head up in boredom. The memory
ends and the figure looks toward Roxas, who gasps)
Roxas (narrating): After seven days of clinging to a number and a name, I had
trouble processing anything else. I couldn't have told you who the people in
black coats were, or what they wanted with me.
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 7--
It's been a week since I got here. Saïx told me to keep a diary, but he said
nobody would check it. What am I supposed to write about?
Today they told us to go to the Round Room, where we met our new member,
No. XIV. Was I like that when I first got here? I think I was. But I don't
remember too well.
==Day 8==
~The Icing on the Cake~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area and is greeted by Saïx)
Saïx: Roxas, your work begins today. I will issue missions, which the
Organization expects you to carry out.
(Roxas says nothing)
Saïx: Think of these early missions as exercises. You still have much to learn
before we put you to a real test.
(Roxas continues to say nothing. Saïx looks over to Axel, leaning against the
window)
Saïx: Axel will be joining you your first time out. Isn't that right, Axel?
(Axel stands up)
Axel: Oh boy... What, are you making me the kid's mentor now?
(Axel walks over and Saïx turns to leave)
Saïx: Surely you don't mind showing Roxas here the ropes? Roxas, come see me
when you're ready to go.
(Saïx walks away)
Axel: Well, you heard the man. Starting today, I'm your babysitter.
(Roxas says nothing)
Axel: Sheesh... Quit acting like a zombie, and let's get this show on the
road. Just talk to Saïx over there when you're set to go.
(Roxas walks over to Number XIV, but neither of them say anything. Zexion sits
on the couch nearby reading a book)
Zexion: Number XIV's name... I wonder if it bears some significance.
(Roxas walks over to Saïx)
Saïx: Are you ready to go?
Roxas: Okay.
(Axel walks over)
Saïx: Teach him well, Axel.
Axel (smirking): Don't worry. I'll be sure he makes the grade. C'mon, Roxas.
(Roxas stares at Number XIV)
Axel: Hey, what's wrong? You worried about the new kid? What was that name
again...
Saïx: Number XIV, Xion.
Axel: Right. I knew that.
Roxas: Xion.
Axel: Got it memorized, Roxas?
Roxas: ...Yeah.
Axel: You sure? How 'bout my name, then?
Roxas: It's Axel.
Axel: And our boss's name?
Roxas: Xemnas.
Axel: Very good, Roxas! No way you're gonna forget his name, right? Now, let's
get moving.
(A corridor of darkness opens. Axel walks inside, and Roxas follows. They
arrive in Twilight Town, in the Underground Passage)
Axel: All right, let's start by talking about what we do on missions. Ahem.
Missions are...uhh... They're, you know... Hrm.
(Roxas looks down and Axel scratches his head)
Axel: You know what? Talking is dumb. Let's just go ahead and get our hands
dirty, shall we? Follow me.
(Axel walks up the stairs into an archway. Roxas follows after him)
Axel: There ya go. Good job.
Roxas: Thanks.
Axel: But don't go thinking you can just run and jump your way through every
mission. You've gotta BE AWARE.
Roxas: What...what do you mean?
Axel: You hafta look around. Sometimes what you're after is sitting right
under your nose. Got it memorized?
Roxas: Y...yeah, I think so.
Axel: All right, then, time for a road test. There's a treasure chest
somewhere in these passages. I want you to find it.
Roxas: That's all I have to do?
Axel: I know, don't hurt yourself. Anyway, remember to look around.
(Roxas searches around the Underground Passage and passes a tunnel blocked by
white and black bolts)
Roxas: Axel... What's this?
Axel: A barricade. It means you're not supposed to go this way.
Roxas: You mean there's nothing down there?
Axel: Yeah, that's the gist of it. They're set up to keep us on task. That, or
out of trouble. I mean, hello, look at it. Big, menacing X? I'll take the
beaten path, thanks.
(Roxas finds a chest near exit #5)
Roxas: Is this the chest?
Axel: Sure is! Well done.
(Roxas says nothing)
Axel: Um, what are you waiting for?
Roxas: The mission was to find the chest. Aren't I done?
Axel: Uh, Roxas... There's this thing about chests. They have stuff in them.
Roxas: So I should open the chest?
Axel: Yes, that is generally what we do.
(Roxas opens the chest)
Axel: Good work! You can keep what you found. All right, time to RTC.
Roxas: RTC?
Axel: Return To the Castle. Go ahead, lead the way back to the dark corridor
that brought us here.
(Roxas nods and they make their way back through the Underground Passage. Once
they reach the dark corridor, Axel applauds)
Axel: Bravo. So whaddya think? Got the hang of this mission business?
Roxas: Uh-huh.
Axel: I'm sorry, speak up? Cooouldn't quite catch that.
Roxas: I said...
Axel: Hmm?
(Roxas turns to look at him)
Roxas: I could have done that blindfolded.
Axel: Ha ha! I dunno if I want a blindfolded zombie on the loose. All right,
smart aleck, you did good. And no successful mission is complete without a
little icing on the cake. C'mon.
(Axel starts to walk away)
Roxas: But...don't we have to RTC?
(Axel stops and turns toward Roxas)
Axel: Later. Don't you remember our hangout?
(They get ice cream and sit on the clock tower. Axel hands him a bar)
Axel: Here ya go. The icing on the cake.
(Roxas takes it, still silent. Axel takes a bite)
Axel: You remember what this ice cream is called?
Roxas: Umm...
Axel: It's sea-salt ice cream. C'mon, I already told you once. Get it
memorized, man.
Roxas: It's really salty...but sweet, too.
Axel: Ha ha. Roxas, you said the same exact thing the other day.
Roxas: I did? I don't remember that.
Axel: Hey, what has it been, a week since you showed up?
Roxas: Maybe.
Axel: "Maybe"? C'mon, you must remember that much.
(Roxas says nothing)
Axel: Well, that's okay. Today's where it all really begins anyway.
Roxas: Yeah?
Axel: Sure! Here you are, out in the field, working for the Organization...
Today, you're one of us.
Roxas: I guess it's a start.
(Roxas takes a bite of his ice cream)
Roxas (narrating): That was my first day working for the Organization. They
gave me missions, and I carried them out. But if you asked me what my job
was... I would've just stared at you.
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 8--
Axel and I went to Twilight Town today. He taught me a lot.
Before we RTC'd (Returned To the Castle) we swung by the clock tower and had
some sea-salt ice cream. Axel called it the "icing on the cake" after a
successful mission. Well, except there was no cake—just the ice cream.
I don't know what to write in this thing!
--Secret Report: Axel--
Seems like we're getting new members every day. No. XIII was a boy, Roxas. Now
we've got a No. XIV, Xion. Today's mission was to show Roxas the ropes. I feel
like they've had me babysitting him since he got here. He's not a bad kid, but
he's spacey. Good fighter, though. At least I won't be bored.
==Day 9==
~Heartless~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area and sees Saïx and Marluxia)
Saïx: Roxas, today you will be working with Marluxia. Come see me when you
are ready.
(Saïx walks away)
Marluxia: Well, there you have it. Welcome to the fold, Roxas. We'll set out
once you're ready.
(Demyx sits in the couch nearby)
Demyx: So, uh...you play any instruments? No? ...Never mind.
(Vexen spots him from a corner of the room)
Vexen: A Keyblade wielder... This could prove quite enlightening.
(Roxas sets off with Marluxia to Twilight Town. They arrive in the Sandlot)
Marluxia: Roxas, was it? I never properly introduced myself. I am Marluxia,
Number XI.
(He brushes back a lock of hair)
Roxas: Okay. So what do I have to do today?
Marluxia: Today, your job is to collect hearts.
Roxas: Um, how do I do that?
Marluxia: Roxas, could you summon your Keyblade for me?
Roxas: Well...sure, all right.
(The Keyblade flashes into his hand)
Marluxia: Lucky Number XIII... At last, a chosen wielder of the Keyblade
amongst our ranks.
(Several Shadow Heartless appear before them)
Roxas: Whoa, what are those?
Marluxia: Hmph. Nothing to be feared. So, Roxas, shall we put that power of
yours to a little test? Use your Keyblade...and defeat those Heartless.
(Roxas does as he's told)
Marluxia: Good. Those Heartless are called Shadows.
Roxas: But what are Heartless?
Marluxia: Dark creatures who roam about, searching for hearts. They come in
two larger varieties. The ones you just defeated are known as Purebloods.
Purebloods don't release any hearts when you defeat them. In other words,
don't bother with them. Your mission is to collect hearts, after all. The
other variety--
(Several Yellow Opera Heartless appear)
Marluxia: Hmph... Is right over there. Forget about the Shadows. Take these
out, Roxas. They are your real targets.
(Roxas defeats them easily)
Marluxia: Those were what we call Emblem Heartless.
Roxas: Why are they so special?
Marluxia: Did you notice? Hearts appeared when you defeated them.
Roxas: Right...
Marluxia: Your job is to collect those hearts.
Roxas: Is there any trick to it?
Marluxia: None. So long as the Heartless are felled by your weapon, the
Keyblade, the hearts will be captured.
Roxas: I see. And what happens to the hearts I collect?
Marluxia: They will gather as one, and create an almighty force known as
Kingdom Hearts.
Roxas: Which is...good, right?
Marluxia: Completing Kingdom Hearts is the Organization's primary objective.
And to do that, we need all the hearts we can possibly find.
Roxas: So that's what the Organization does? Collect hearts?
Marluxia: Actually, you are the first of us to accomplish it.
Roxas: Wait, then--
Marluxia: The rest of us can defeat Heartless, but we have no way of
collecting the hearts they release. Eventually, the hearts will turn right
back into Heartless. You see, then, how special you are?
Roxas: Hmm...
Marluxia: With power like yours--
(Several more Yellow Opera Heartless appear)
Marluxia: Heh. Here come more of them. Each one is a gift, Roxas. Squeeze
every last heart out of them!
(Roxas defeats them)
Marluxia: Excellent, Roxas. Your work today is done. I am amazed.
(He stares at Roxas's weapon)
Marluxia: That Keyblade... The things that could be done with that sort of
power...
Roxas: Umm...
Marluxia: I have high hopes for you, Roxas--as do we all. Defeat the Heartless,
and help the Organization reach our noble goal.
Roxas: Um, all right...
Marluxia: Shall we RTC, then?
Roxas (narrating): And that was how I found out the Organization's goal. So
they wanted to collect these things called "hearts." I didn't know what a
heart was, or how it even mattered. But at least I knew what my part was.
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 9--
The past few days, the other members have been showing me how to fight and do
mission stuff. They also told me more about the Organization, and about myself.
I still don't really get what a "heart" is. But apparently, it's a vital piece
of who I am--so I've decided to cooperate. If I collect enough hearts, I can
complete Kingdom Hearts. Then I'll be whole.
==Day 10==
~Incomplete~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area)
Zexion: Good morning, Roxas. I shall be joining you on your mission today. Take
care of what you need to and then check in with Saïx. I am all ready to go.
(Zexion turns and walks away. Lexaeus stands with his hands folded near one
of the couches, saying nothing. Marluxia stands near the window)
Marluxia: The Keyblade wielder's power... How fascinating.
(He tucks back a lock of hair. Roxas walks over to Zexion, who is now sitting
on the couch reading his Lexicon)
Zexion: If you've finished preparing, you need to report to Saïx, not me.
(He turns a page. Roxas talks to Saïx and they set out for Twilight Town. They
arrive in the Tram Common area of Market Street)
Zexion: Your mission today is to eliminate a set quantity of Heartless. The
Organization may call upon you to meet other objectives--perform recon, for
example. But regardless of the task you have been given, your primary orders
still hold. You and that Keyblade of yours serve us best by collecting hearts.
Roxas: So, even if I'm given another job, I should keep taking out Heartless
while I do it?
Zexion: Correct. Today, however, the two happily coincide.
(Roxas defeats seven Heartless as ordered)
Roxas: All done. I defeated the number of Heartless you said. Now we get to
RTC, right?
Zexion: Leave, already? I, for one, would apply myself a bit more.
Roxas: But I--
Zexion: Yes, yes, you did as you were asked. Mission accomplished...but...
(A Yellow Opera Heartless appears)
Zexion: As you can plainly see, there are still Heartless wandering about.
(The Heartless vanishes)
Zexion: You don't have to eliminate them all. It's your choice. Just like I
don't have to respect you for slinking back to the castle while there's still
work to be done. And if that doesn't matter to you, just remember the
Organization rewards those who make the extra effort.
(Roxas defeats the remaining Heartless in town)
Zexion: Much better. I trust you'll exhibit equal diligence in your missions
going forward.
(The corridor of darkness opens)
Zexion: All right, now that the mission is over, do you have any questions?
Roxas: Yeah, umm... Just what is Kingdom Hearts? Marluxia said it was some
kind of...of force.
Zexion: Yes...?
Roxas: And when I defeat the Heartless, those hearts pop out and become part
of Kingdom Hearts, right? But like, what's the point?
Zexion: Kingdom Hearts will complete us. That's the Organization's goal.
Roxas: Complete us? Complete us how?
Zexion: Roxas, you and I and all the Organization's members are what we call
Nobodies.
Roxas: Well, that's not very nice.
Zexion: With a capital N. It's a name, for those of us who are missing a vital
piece of who we are: our hearts.
Roxas: I don't have a heart?
Zexion: Correct. Like all of us, you entered the world without one. But you
can help us get them. Kingdom Hearts is made of the very things we lack--
a multitude of hearts. It has the power to complete us. Are you starting to
see why you're so important? Each of us has a vital role in the Organization.
Yours is collecting hearts.
Roxas: Yeah, I get it.
Zexion: Well, I just hope we can count on you to "get it" done.
(Roxas says nothing)
Zexion: Any more questions?
Roxas: No... Sorry.
Zexion: Then we should be getting back. Come on.
Roxas (narrating): I found out I was a Nobody--that I was incomplete. Just
like the rest of them, I came into the world without a heart. Would it have
made a difference? If I had a heart...would that make me somebody?
==Day 11==
~Keyblade~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area and is greeted by Saïx)
Saïx: Roxas. Larxene will be your partner today.
Roxas: Larxene...right. Um...
(He looks over toward the couches, but the only one sitting there is Xigbar,
who looks up)
Saïx: She already left. Meet her on-site.
Roxas: Oh... All right.
Saïx: This time, we expect you to try out magic for a change, instead of
relying solely on the Keyblade.
Roxas: Magic? I know magic?
Saïx: Only if you arm yourself with some before you leave for the mission. See
me when you are ready.
(Saïx leaves and stands by the window. Roxas walks over to Xigbar)
Xigbar: Get practicing so you can make yourself useful.
Vexen: Hee hee... Interesting... So much to inspect... To dissect...
(Roxas walks over to Saïx)
Saïx: Are you ready to go?
Roxas: Okay.
(Roxas leaves for Twilight Town, appearing in the Sandlot. Larxene walks over)
Larxene: Nice of you to show up.
Roxas: Umm, hi.
Larxene: Ugh, this is the worst. Whose idea was it to send me along on your
stupid baby mission? Do I look like I run a nursery school?
(Roxas says nothing)
Larxene: Let Demyx handle this stuff. It's not like he's good at anything else.
(Roxas still says nothing)
Larxene: What? WHAT? You got something to say?
Roxas: No...
Larxene (looking away): Pfft, you'd be nothing without that Keyblade.
(She looks back at him)
Larxene: ...Oh ho! I just got an idea.
Roxas (thinking): Uh-oh.
Larxene: You can do today's mission WITHOUT your Keyblade.
Roxas: What? Why!?
Larxene: Because I said so, that's why! Saïx told you to practice magic today,
didn't he? Well, sink or swim.
Roxas: Yeah--sink! I don't know how to use magic.
Larxene: Well, you're not gonna learn if you keep whipping around that
oversized key.
Roxas: Yeah, but...
(A Dire Plant Heartless appears)
Larxene: Ah, perfect. There's a Heartless. Go on, take it out--and you have to
use magic! I'll stand here and watch.
Roxas (thinking): Thanks...
(Roxas defeats the Dire Plant with a Fire spell. Several more Heartless appear)
Larxene: Ooh ooh, here come some more. Go on, wipe 'em out!
(Roxas says nothing)
Larxene (rolling her eyes): Ugh, at the speed you move, we'll be here all
month... Go ahead. You can use your Keyblade this time.
Roxas: Wait, what happened to learning magic?
Larxene: Do you want to finish this awful mission or don't you? Just get
to it.
Roxas (thinking): Well, since you asked so nicely...
Larxene: Oh, by the way, if you need to heal...do it yourself.
(Roxas says nothing. He defeats the remaining Heartless with a mixture of
Fire spells and the Keyblade)
Larxene: Sheesh, about time. Worst. Mission. Ever...
(Roxas looks toward the ground, saying nothing)
Larxene: If you're our big-shot Keyblade wielder, then we're in deep doo-doo.
(Roxas remains silent)
Larxene: Ugh, can't you even hold up your end of a conversation?
(Roxas still doesn't talk to her)
Larxene: You'd better pull it together, or we'll never finish Kingdom Hearts.
Unless, of course, we put somebody else on Keyblade duty...
Roxas: What? You have somebody else?
Larxene: None of your beeswax. You just worry about defeating Heartless and
collecting hearts for us. Maybe, one day, you'll be almost mediocre at it.
(Roxas sighs)
Larxene: Ugh, let's go--before you kill any more of my brain cells.
(They RTC)
Roxas (narrating): They taught me that my Keyblade releases hearts. But why
do I have it? How did I learn to use it? The more I learned, the less I seemed
to know.
==Day 12==
~A Closed World~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area and meets Vexen)
Vexen: You're mine today, Roxas.
Roxas: Uh, all right...
Vexen: Report to Saïx when you're ready.
(Roxas walks over to Larxene, who is lounging on one of the couches)
Larxene: What do you want? I'm busy. Go hit your head against the glass
or something.
(Roxas walks over to Demyx, who's playing his sitar across the room)
Demyx: Man, why's Larxene gotta be such a witch all the time?
(Vexen stands in his usual corner)
Vexen: Hee hee... It appears my conclusions were, once again, flawless.
(Roxas speaks with Saïx, and he leaves with Vexen to Twilight Town.
They arrive in the Tram Common area of Market Street. The corridor closes
behind them)
Vexen: Now, listen carefully. Your mission today is to perform reconnaissance
in this area.
Roxas: Reconna-what? What about fighting Heartless and collecting hearts?
Vexen: Oh, there's far more to the Organization than that, boy. Our work
wouldn't go half as smoothly if we didn't gather the needed intelligence
beforehand. Fortunately, you are in good hands. I will be by your side today
to help stimulate that insensate mind of yours. First, take a look around
the immediate area, and report anything unusual you find. And don't go
wandering too far until you've carefully examined the clues closest at hand.
(Roxas nods. He walks over to the accessory shop)
Roxas: I think they sell jewelry here.
Vexen (unamused): Anyone can see that.
(He walks over to a clothing store)
Roxas: I guess this place sells clothes?
Vexen: You guess? Are you daft? What else would it be?
(He walks over to a brick walkway)
Roxas: This spot's paved with different tiles. It's like a road...
Vexen: Fascinating... And?
Roxas: Uhh...
Vexen (very unamused): We'll never get anywhere with you simply stating the
obvious.
(He walks over to a decorative shop)
Roxas: Wow, what do they sell here?
Vexen (extremely unamused): That's your job to find out, idiot. The point
isn't to wander around gawking. Analyze what you see.
Roxas: Umm... It's a pretty big town.
Vexen: Is that all? You should have figured out that much when you got here.
Roxas: Well, there are a lot of shops.
Vexen: And?
Roxas: Uhh... This could be the center of town?
Vexen: Could be? Are you asking me or telling me?
(Vexen sighs)
Vexen: Roxas, you are looking but not seeing. Here's what I see: This whole
town was built along a mountain. That's why the roads slope.
(They look toward Station Heights, where the streets move upward)
Vexen: Houses have been built along the terrace. And at the top is a station.
The trains there are the town's primary system of transit. Up there, see that
clock tower? That's the station building. Based on it's location, we know the
tracks are probably elevated. And this must be downtown. All these shops in
one place... Now what about this path you pointed out? Trams must run here.
See, look closer. There are marks.
Roxas: You figured all that out just now?
Vexen: But that's just it! I only stated what I saw. There was no "figuring"
involved. That's the next step: analyzing the data you find. The clothing and
jewelry shops tell us how these people live. This whole town is a blueprint of
their lives.
(Roxas says nothing)
Vexen: Distressing. Very distressing. Your mind wasn't made for this, was it?
Well, you're not off the hook yet, boy. If I let you quit with these results,
I'll be the laughingstock of the castle.
(He looks toward the tram road)
Vexen: Follow this path and investigate the remainder of the area. And stay on
the path, if you please! Everything you need to know about this plaza lies
along it--provided you are capable of connecting the dots.
(They walk along the path and come to a grated archway)
Roxas: An underground tunnel system? It's shuttered.
Vexen: Note the number over the door. That's this gate's designation.
Roxas: It says number four.
Vexen: Precisely. Four, not one. Which means there are multiple gates.
(They come upon a door near a large archway)
Roxas: It's locked.
Vexen: You don't have to open every door we pass, you know. Try to remember
that we run a covert operation. The town may be quiet, but it's not empty.
If you allow yourself to be seen, YOU'LL become the target of investigation.
(They come upon a set of stairs)
Roxas: Arches, staircases... Seems like an easy town to get lost in.
Vexen: Easy to get lost? Your job is to be mentally mapping this place! Think
of this as a landmark. Consider it a clue.
(They come to a large wall with a hole. A barricade is placed over the hole)
Roxas: There's a big hole in the wall. I can see some woods on the other side.
Vexen: We're investigating the town now. Did they not teach you about these
barricades?
Roxas: Yeah... They did.
(They find another grated archway)
Roxas: The entrance is shuttered. It looks like the road leads right into
this building.
Vexen: Then you should have already pieced together what the entrance is for.
(They walk back around town)
Roxas: We've been through the whole area.
Vexen: All right, then, what have you learned?
Roxas: Well, umm...let's see. The town has a lot of overpasses and
underpasses. And the tram seems to circle the plaza. Oh, and there was that
entrance that looked like it led underground, but it was shuttered.
Vexen: Anything else?
Roxas: Huh? Oh, umm... Err...
Vexen: Never mind. Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself. You're showing some
improvement, at least, even if your natural talents do fall woefully short
of my own.
(Roxas says nothing)
Vexen: You're done, boy. Go ahead and RTC.
(Vexen turns and walks toward the portal. Roxas looks toward the ground)
Roxas: I could've figured it out if I had more time.
Vexen (stopping): Oh? Is that so? Then take all the time you like. But don't
hold yourself up to my standards. Little steps for little minds.
(They come across an empty lot)
Roxas: This spot's out of the way and surrounded by buildings.
Vexen: But why would they leave this space open? They must have a reason.
It's kept clean, which means what?
Roxas: People pass through here a lot?
Vexen: Precisely. Finally, a glimmer of insight!
(Roxas finds a way around the building with the shuttered entrance)
Roxas: That entrance with the shutter leads into this area, and then the road
stops. We know this road is for the tram... So this must be the tram yard.
Vexen: At last, a modicum of intelligence. My teaching is paying off!
(Roxas meets Vexen back on the tram road)
Vexen: Hmm, not bad. You're finally starting to see the bigger picture.
But while I applaud your effort, you need to be able to see these things at
first glance.
Roxas: Oh...right.
Vexen: Your goal should be to gather the maximum amount of data in the
minimum amount of time. Spend too much time dallying, and you risk being
seen. Sometimes the locals will be wary. You need to be warier.
Roxas: I understand.
Vexen: Today's mission was just an exercise. I am satisfied. Let's return.
(They return to the corridor entrance)
Vexen: That concludes today's mission. Any questions or concerns?
Roxas: Umm... How often do I have to do this?
Vexen: Whenever the Organization needs to know more about a world, naturally.
Every world is unique, with its own terrain, values, Heartless population--
any number of variables that could be turned to our advantage in the
missions ahead.
Roxas: Wait, "every world"? You mean there's more than one?
Vexen: Yes, boy. You didn't think you'd be mulling about here forever, did
you? You will visit many worlds for many reasons...but our ultimate goal
remains the same.
Roxas: Kingdom Hearts.
Vexen: That's right. Now come along.
(They walk into the corridor)
Roxas (narrating): Later on, I discovered the job was more than just a commute
between the castle and that town. The walls between worlds are steep, so we
create our own ways: dark corridors which lead to every place imaginable.
==Day 13==
~Deeds to Be Done~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area)
Saïx: Roxas, I have decided to pair you with Lexaeus for your mission today.
Come see me when you're ready.
(Saïx walks away and Roxas looks toward Lexaeus. Roxas walks over to Zexion)
Zexion: Yes, what is it? Don't waste my time with idle chatter.
(Roxas speaks to Lexaeus)
Lexaeus: I trust you're ready?
(They speak to Saïx and enter Twilight Town, appearing in the Sandlot. Lexaeus
says nothing)
Roxas: So, um--
Lexaeus: Do you know what a Limit Break is?
Roxas: No...
Lexaeus: It is the most powerful move at your disposal--one that only works
when you are on your last legs.
(A Mega-Shadow appears)
Roxas: A Heartless.
Lexaeus: Time for some practical application.
Roxas: Huh?
(Lexaeus punches him hard)
Roxas (breathing hard): Oww... Mutt muzz zat for!? Nngh...
Lexaeus: There. Now you're on your last legs. Let's see you use your Limit
Break and defeat that Heartless.
(Roxas does so, still breathing hard)
Lexaeus: Well fought.
Roxas: Yeah?
Lexaeus: Organization members are often asked to conduct solo missions. The
only person you can count on out here is yourself.
Roxas: So I've noticed. Nngh...
Lexaeus: You and that Keyblade are invaluable to the Organization. With your
job, however, comes risk. Each mission will pit you against more and more
Heartless.
Roxas: And I have to face them if we're gonna complete Kingdom Hearts, right?
Lexaeus: Correct.
Roxas: So what happens when Kingdom Hearts is finished? What good does that
do us?
Lexaeus: We will unite with it. You and I will gain hearts of our own.
Roxas: I don't understand...
Lexaeus: When the time comes, you will. In the meantime, there are deeds to
be done, and only you can do them.
Roxas: So you need me.
Lexaeus: Yes.
Roxas: Are they good deeds?
Lexaeus: Good for the Organization.
Roxas: Right...
Lexaeus (turning away): ...We should return.
(They RTC)
Roxas (narrating): Our group had its good apples, just like it has its bad.
But everybody wanted the same thing: to complete Kingdom Hearts. What is
Kingdom Hearts? What happens when we gather enough hearts and finish it? I
didn't know then...still don't... But I'll fight for my chance to be someone
whole--fight against the darkness, for however long it takes.
==Day 14==
~Friends~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area)
Axel: Hey, Roxas. It's you and me again today.
Roxas: Okay.
Axel: Check in with Saïx when-- Well, you know the drill. I don't know what
they've cooked up for us, but let's get it done with style, huh?
Roxas (nodding): Right.
Axel: Oh, by the way, Roxas, today will be your first really-real mission.
That means you should definitely prep your weapon beforehand. Oh, and if you
want to practice what you've learned so far, we've got the Holo-Missions all
set up for you.
Roxas: Holo-Missions?
Axel: Yup. Basically, they're a way to re-experience missions you've already
been assigned.
(Roxas walks over to Larxene)
Larxene: What are you looking at? ...Oh, dream on. It's not gonna happen,
pipsqueak. Here take this, and take a hike.
(Larxene gives Roxas a Potion. Roxas walks over to Axel)
Axel: Don't forget to prep your weapon.
(Roxas walks over to Marluxia and Demyx)
Demyx: You ever get the urge to just do something stupid...and AWESOME? Wait,
wait...I'm getting an idea... Nope, it's gone.
Marluxia: Your task is clear. Strike down the Heartless and collect hearts.
(Roxas speaks to Saïx)
Saïx: Today will be your first true mission.
(Roxas and Axel enter the Side Street of Twilight Town)
Axel: Our second mission together.
Roxas: Yup.
(They remain silent. Axel scratches his head)
Axel: Sheesh, don't talk my ear off. ...You ready or what?
Roxas: What? Oh...oh, yeah.
(The two defeat Heartless and collect hearts. When they're ready to leave,
Axel sparks a conversation)
Axel: So, got any plans?
Roxas: I was just gonna report to Saïx and then go to my room like I always do.
Axel: Go to your room!? Oh, Roxas, Roxas...
(A blond boy rushes in and turns around)
Hayner: Move it, Pence!
(A girl and another boy rush in after him, out of breath)
Pence: Hey, wait up!
Hayner: Last one there has to buy the winner an ice cream!
Olette (shaking her head): Oh, sure, now you tell us!
Pence (smiling): No fair, Hayner!
Hayner: Better get flyin' if you don't wanna end up buyin'!
(Hayner runs to the Sandlot with Olette and Pence following him)
Roxas: Who were they?
Axel: Hmm... Must be some kids who live here.
Roxas: Really? They sure acted weird.
Axel: Yeah? How do you figure?
Roxas: Why did those last two seem to enjoy getting pushed around like that?
They were even making those "ha ha" noises.
Axel: You mean laughter? Sometimes people with hearts do that even when it
doesn't make any sense.
Roxas: Oh... Then I guess they're different from us.
Axel: C'mon, let's get some ice cream.
Roxas: Why?
Axel: Whaddaya mean, why? Because we're friends.
Roxas: So...friends are people who have ice cream together?
Axel: Sort of... That, or laugh at stupid stuff that doesn't make any sense.
Like those kids we just saw--they were friends. C'mon, I'll show you how
it works.
(Axel and Roxas walk to get some ice cream. Later, at the Station Plaza,
Hayner is running after Pence, with Olette running after both of them)
Pence: I swear, Hayner, it wasn't my fault!
Hayner: Yes it was! I saw you drop it! You owe me an ice cream! Get back
here, Pence!
Olette: Come on, Hayner! You can go one stinking day without ice cream!
(Roxas and Axel are sitting on the clock tower, biting into their ice cream)
Axel: Hey, Roxas. Let's meet up for ice cream again after your next mission.
I mean, who wants to spend their days just bouncing between work, and the
castle, right?
Roxas: Ha ha, not me! Hey, I laughed... I guess we really are friends.
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 14--
Me and Axel went on a mission to Twilight Town. Afterwards, we went and had
ice cream again up on the clock tower.
He said friends do stuff like that. Or they laugh together. So does that mean
me and him are friends?
--Secret Report: Axel--
Another mission with Roxas today. Is he seriously my responsibility? At least
he's starting to talk like a normal person. Maybe that means his memory's
coming back. Still, this kid's supposed to be the Keyblade master's Nobody?
I don't see it.
==Day 15==
~Missions~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area. Larxene, Luxord, and Zexion are sitting on
couches, while Marluxia stands near the window)
Luxord: We all need a little break every now and again.
Zexion: Your work has been improving by leaps and bounds. I hope you continue
to apply yourself.
Larxene: Is it true you're almost semi-competent now? Maybe we should've let
you in on-- Nothing.
Marluxia: If only we'd met sooner, Roxas... You would have made a fine
addition.
(Roxas walks over to Xion, who doesn't speak)
Saïx: Roxas, I've assigned you another handful of missions. Some will be
mandatory, but beyond that, our policy is that you set your own workload.
The order of execution is also for you to decide. Start with the missions
you feel most prepared for.
(Roxas and Larxene go to Twilight Town and eliminate Watcher Heartless as
instructed. After work, Roxas and Axel share ice cream on the ledge of the
clock tower)
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 15--
The other members have been teaching me more about how to fight and stuff.
It's going, I guess.
Every day after work, I've been meeting Axel at the clock tower to have
sea-salt ice cream. It really is salty! But still sweet, too. How come it
tastes so familiar?
--Secret Report: Larxene--
Ugh! How DARE they shut me out of monitoring the Keyblade master! And
then to send me off to teach that half-baked Nobody basic magic!? I
should've had him light ME on fire. It won't be long now, though. Once
I'm over at C.O., our plan goes into action. No more playing nanny. Ever.
==Day 16==
(Roxas enters The Grey Area)
Saïx: You should go into every mission prepared.
(He enters Twilight Town and collects hearts with Marluxia. After the
mission, Roxas and Axel have ice cream)
==Day 17==
(Roxas is required to prove his endurance in a one-minute fight against
Dusks in the Hall of Empty Melodies to determine his fitness for future
missions. After work, Roxas joins Axel on the clock tower)
Axel: How's work? Goin' okay?
Roxas: Yeah, can't complain.
Axel: That's good.
(Axel takes a bite out of his ice cream)
==Day 22==
~Left Behind~
(Roxas enters The Grey Area. Luxord stands near Xaldin, who is reclining
in a chair. Axel leans against the window with his arms crossed)
Axel: Hey, Roxas. You and me and teamed up for today.
Xigbar: It's nice in here with the loudmouths gone.
Luxord: What shall I do without half the poker league?
(Roxas looks confused)
Xaldin: Just go about your mission. Nothing else need concern you.
(Roxas talks to Saïx)
Saïx: Roxas, today's mission is mandatory. I've assigned Axel to assist you.
(Roxas and Axel arrive in Twilight Town at the Station Plaza)
Axel: Okay, let's get this done fast. What was today's target again?
A Guardian?
Roxas: Huh? Oh, yeah. I think so.
(Axel turns to Roxas)
Axel: You are such a zombie. Want me to go have all the fun while you
figure it out? C'mon.
(They traverse the Underground Passage and open a grate to Side Street)
Axel: Up this way, Roxas.
Roxas: Right.
(From Side Street, they enter the Sandlot where a Guardian Heartless appears
surrounded by Watchers)
Axel: There's our target.
(He summons his chakrams)
Axel: Here we go, Roxas! Keep your head out of the clouds!
(Roxas summons his Keyblade)
Roxas: Right!
(They defeat the Guardian)
Axel: Mission accomplished. Heh, gotta say, man, you've come a long way in
just a handful of days. You ready to head back?
Roxas: Yeah.
(They have ice cream on the clock tower)
Axel: I'm gonna miss this ice cream thing we do.
Roxas: Huh? Why?
Axel: Starting tomorrow, I'm gonna be away.
Roxas: Oh...
Axel: Since you're my buddy, I guess I can fill you in. I'm gonna be at
Castle Oblivion for a while.
Roxas: What's that?
Axel: The Organization's got a second castle situated in the world between
worlds. It's called Castle Oblivion. Got it memorized?
Roxas: Yeah. I wish people told me these things.
(Axel stands up after a second)
Axel: Well, I gotta head back and get ready. Fun, fun, fun... Anyway,
you take your time.
(Axel leaves. Roxas looks toward the ground and takes a few bites of his
ice cream. When all that's left is the popsicle stick, he sees the word
"WINNER" written on it and gasps)
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 22--
Axel is going to some place called Castle Oblivion. He told me because
we're friends.
He had to go home early to get ready, and after he left I noticed the
word WINNER on my ice cream stick. I wonder what I won... I'll ask him
when I see him tomorrow.
--Secret Report: Axel--
They pushed up the Castle Oblivion plan. Our little hero with the key
must've made a move. Me and his Nobody have been meeting up for ice cream
the last few days. Not the best conversationalist, but at least he's
mastered a few facial expressions besides "doom" and "gloom." I told him about
Castle Oblivion, but he didn't seem to follow. Guess that's understandable.
==Day 23==
~Silent Companion~
(Axel walks through Nothing's Call and sees Saïx)
Saïx: Axel. I have a message from Lord Xemnas. We have reason to believe that
one or more of the members assigned to Castle Oblivion intend to betray us.
Find them, and dispose of them.
Axel: And I take it that's straight from Lord Xemnas's lips, huh?
(Roxas wakes up and enters The Grey Area)
Roxas: Axel!
(He looks around, but only sees Demyx and Xion in the room. Saïx walks in)
Saïx: Axel already left.
(Saïx walks to the window)
Roxas: But...this ice cream stick that says WINNER... I have to ask him what
I won.
(Roxas stares at the popsicle stick)
Demyx: Wonder what it's like there, anyway. I've never been.
Saïx: Roxas, starting today you will be executing missions alongside Xion.
Pay extra attention to the intel I've prepared for you in the mission briefs.
Use the data on your targets to decide which panels you should take into
the field.
(Roxas and Xion get ready to leave)
Saïx: Today marks your first time out on a mission together. We need you to
eliminate a specific Heartless. Roxas, you are in charge.
Roxas: Me? Oh...okay.
(Roxas looks over to Xion and then enters the dark corridor, Xion following.
They arrive in the Sandlot of Twilight Town)
Roxas: Let's go.
(Xion says nothing)
Roxas (thinking): I'm in charge, huh?
(They find the Poison Plant in the Underground Tunnel and defeat it)
Roxas: I've got someplace to be. You go ahead and RTC without me.
(Xion says nothing and enters the dark corridor. Roxas has ice cream on the
clock tower alone)
--Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 23--
Axel left before I woke up this morning. I never got to ask him about the ice
cream stick.
I was partnered up with No. XIV for today's mission. Xion wore a hood the
whole time and wouldn't say a word to me. Come to think of it, I didn't have
a whole lot to say, either.
Afterwards I went and had ice cream by myself.
==Day 24==
~Silence Broken~
(Roxas walks into The Grey Area and sees Demyx, Xigbar, and Xion talking)
Demyx: This place is, like, a hundred times better minus all the bossy
coworkers, am I right?
(Xion says nothing)
Roxas: Bossy coworkers?
Demyx: Yeah, the "dream team" that got shipped off to Castle Oblivion.
Dreamy for me, because they're gone!
Roxas: Oh...
Xigbar: Too bad you and Poppet didn't get to spend more quality time with them.
Roxas: Poppet? Who's that?
Xigbar: Xion, of course. Who else, kiddo?
Roxas: My name's not "kiddo."
(They look up to see Saïx enter)
Saïx: Roxas, get to work.
(The group separates and Xigbar sits in the chair near Luxord)
Xigbar: We sent a total of six members over to Castle Oblivion. That's about
half our number.
Luxord: No use fretting the absence of others. They simply lose this round by
no-show.
(Demyx sits on a separate couch playing his sitar, while Saïx stands at
the window)
Demyx: I love days when Larxene is out. I can sit around playing sitar...
instead of gopher!
Saïx: You will be teamed with Xion again today.
(Roxas and Xion enter Twilight Town by way of Side Street. They enter the
Sandlot to find a horde of Deserters running about. They defeat them all and
walk back to the corridor)
Roxas: I've got someplace to be again today, so go on ahead without me.
(Roxas starts to walk toward Station Heights)
Xion: R...Roxas...