The Chasers: New World Locket

[Rikugurl]

Ven was about to strap over his belt before he felt his wrist grabbed. He blinked, not even realizing Terra came in since his mind was spinning. He... wasn't even sure that they could beat him. He just seemed to know their every move... every weakness and every limit. No wonder he was called a master.

His blue eyes looked up at another pair and blinked at the apology. Why... was he apologizing? He looked down and sighed. "No.... I'm sorry. I'm not in the position to call orders. If you really think... we'll need them... I can call...." He really rather wouldn't... they had already been through enough... especially now that Axel and Roxas were engaged... he didn't want anything to happen to them.

Slowly he pulled away and walked to the only window they had and looked out, watching the stars shoot as they continued to be in hyper mode.
"Terra.... I know you're afraid." He said softly. "But no matter how bad it gets... you won't lose me. I could get hurt... or frozen again... who knows... but... you'll never lose me... as long as you're still around... I'll be around.... because..."

He stopped and slowly pulled his hands up, looking at them. His blue eyes seemed to glow, as if he was looking at something intensely. "Because I don't even exist anymore..." His eyes reflected his hands. "I died that day.... on the table..."

A frozen body laid stiff on a lab table, a few scientist hovering over it. Some wires were placed on the frost bitten skin and were hooked up to all sorts of monitors. The one that was making the room loud as the heart monitor... and the beeps were very spaced out. Lead scratched on paper and the scientist observed... until a sudden noise brought all their attention to the heart monitor. The sound of a flat line.

The scientist looked at each other and nodded, slowly leaving the room... and the last one left slowly pulled the plugs off all the monitors and left, shutting off the lights... and closing the door.


Jay watched the soup intensely. She had never seen anything like it before in her life... but it was the story she was paying attention to. She watched and slowly nodded at everything. It seemed.... out of reach to understand... but... it had to be true. Demyx was proof. When the soup returned, she looked over to him and smiled fondly.
"It.... really is you." She said softly before putting the picture back. "But Demyx... what will happen to you if we find the.... Heartless that has Tav's heart?"

[Reno]

Terra was quiet as he listened, then his eyes slowly widened in understanding. Years and Years of reading and studying had made him rather knowledgeable in the ways of darkness...

It brought back Ven's life... at the expense of his heart. But then when it reopened that night on that small world of lights and beauty... he HAD died. But then... if he had died... how...?

"the paopu..." he whispered slowly, his eyes lowering in thought. It brought the other back to life just like it had for Axel and Roxas and Riku and Sora. And just like if Sora died Riku would follow, if he died...

Ven would follow. That meant ultimately the other's life was in his hands...

"Heh, no pressure right?" he joked faintly. He looked up at the other quietly, then turned away, frowning a bit, his face framed by brunette locks. He hummed quietly, then looked up. "Call Roxas. and tell him Xigbar's in Radiant. But don;t mention anything about Demyx or Xehanort. We can take care of it on our own."


Demyx looked up, frowning. "i'll disappear... well not disappear exactly. I'll merge back with him." He looked towards the bed sheets. "And thats about it for me."

[Rikugurl]

Ven's eyes widened as he heard the news about Xigbar... but nodded. He reached to the nightstand and grabbed his phone. He pressed '5' and it dialed to Roxas's cell. '1' was for voice mail, '2' was for Terra, '3' was for Aqua, '4' was for Sora, and '5' was for Roxas. He slowly put it to his ear and waited for an answer. He had no idea what time it was in The Gardens... but he got the voice mail. They might have been sleeping.

"Hey Rox, it's me Ven... we got notice that Xigbar has regained a heart... and he's currently located in Radiant Garden. I'm guessing he might be his Somebody again... but if not, be careful. I hope you guys are alright... and say hello to my future brother-in-law."
He hung up and sighed, placing it in his pouch in his hip bag.

He slowly turned around and saw Terra facing away. He frowned but slowly walked to the other... and slowly his arms wrapped around the other's waist. He then slowly pressed the side of his face onto his lover's back and closed his eyes. "I love you... don't worry.... I promise everything will be ok.... that's my oath."


Jay's eyes widened and she suddenly grabbed onto the man's hand, holding it tightly. "No!" She cried... and silence ran throughout the small coral home. Her sad eyes looked down at the man. "I don't want you to disappear. I... might miss Tav with all my heart.... but I feel.... so much better.... that.... he's just alive... even if he's in two. Just knowing that you exist... and you're happy... that makes me happy." She squeezed his hand tighter. "And.. even if his heart escaped from that creature... I'll do everything I can... so that... you can get home... to Sai."

Tears started to run down her face. "I don't want them to lose someone special... like you. I know how it feels... and I don't want anyone to have to go through what I did."

[Reno]

Terra heard Ven leaving a message and sighed shoulders slumping a bit. Hopefully the organization member wasn;t there causing trouble. He HOPED they were sleeping rather then being attacked or something...

Terra blinked their, his sharp ears catching the movements of the other coming closer and his eyes softened as the arms wrapped around him, the other's body warm against his own. He smiled softly. how many oaths was Ven going to make with him...?

"Yeah..." Terra murmured suddenly. He reached down a hand coming around on of Ven's he lifted it from his waist and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it softly. "Because we'll be here for each other." He laid Ven's hand over his heart, slipping his figners between Ven's so they could both feel the heartbeat - beating strong and alive. "No matter what."


Demyx looked up at her, blinking in surprise. He smiled softly all of a sudden, sitting up carefully and reached out, bringing her into a hug. "no wonder my somebody fell in love with you. You're really kind Jay." He pulled away shortly, grinning. "there is a way but i mean.. we'd need one of my friends to do it... he'll have to resplit us and then... well i guess you'd have to share half your soul with Edmy so he can live without me... and I'd have to get a new heart so I can live without him but I mean... Sora and Roxas did it and so did Axel and Reno so..."

[Rikugurl]

Ven smiled softly as he felt the kiss on his hand.

"He... he kissed my hand!" The woman giggled as she looked down at the mice.
"Haha! That prince sure is sweet!" The blonde boy nodded as he watched the woman feed the chickens.

He shook the memory off and slowly pulled away. "Don't go all fucking sappy on me." He walked pass the other with a grin. "Come on.... they need you." He slowly looked at the balloon shaped lollipop on the dresser and smiled before leaving the room.


Jay blinked when she was pulled into a hug. She only smiled though, and slowly wrapped her arms around him. It felt so familiar... she even had a hard time letting got when he pulled away, but she smiled and nodded. "Ok... I'll do anything I can."

[Reno]

Terra chuckled at the other as he passed, both of them falling into their normal characteristics. "you got it jackass." He watched Ven leave the room, taking a moment to glance out the window and at the speeding stars. He was silent for a few short moments and then took a deep breath.

Ven was right. They needed him. He steeled himself and walked through the door.


Demyx grinned, then looked around. "So... where was I anyways? I mean I know this is my home and all but uh... where had I been when I was in that cell. and what is that creepy guy doing here anyways?"


Terra stepped out, watching the people as they milled about, his eyes and mind automatically taking inventory of how many their were thta could go down and how many couldn't. The kids and Aerith were a big no... so that left six chasers plus Saix which made seven of them.

The computers in the research room were beeping and working madly as they raced through the connection. It had been so long they were just beginning to reach connection five. All the worlds of conenction four were popping up, distant keyblades popping up and being filed away for later memory. Once they hit connection five, they'd get a new map and a new multitude of worlds... and then connection six...

He walked to the cockpit, glancing in. "how long until we reach Connection 6?"

Seifer glanced back then back towards the panels before him. "T-minus 47 minutes... but thats only a estimate. Connection 5 might be bigger then the computer's anticipating."

Terra nodded in understanding. Until they actually HIT the connection the countdown between the distances could only be guessed at, not apporximated. It could be a big connection... or it could be a small one. Either wya they're were on an undefinable amount of time here. And they were getting farther and farther away from the saftey zones. "Got it. Tell me what it changes to when we hit it."

"Roger that." Seifer called and Terra stepped away, looking over the other's. most of them had left the research room and it;s incessant beeps and were enjoying the tea Aerith had made. the pink clad lady in fact was just happily watching.

His eyes wandered across then, then he sighed. "Alright everyone, listen up." All idle conversation and quiet milling ceased and eyes turned towards him. "i want you ALL to understand this. Our main objective is to find Demyx, secure him and bring him to safety. If by chance we have to fight Xehanort to complete this goal then I want you all to give him everything you got. Do whatever it takes to stay alive and to secure the lives of your teammates as well. No mercy. This man is not someone to fuck with or take lightly as you all know..."

"And teams..." Terra hummed softly, glancing at them all. They ahd already promised they wouldn't take Aerith on any dangerous missions... besides she was a nurse. She was for AFTER the missions. He knew what needed to be done. "Aerith, Gunnar and Lucina will stay on board. The rest of us are going down."

"What?!" Seifer cried. "All of us?! But what about our rule?"

"We're going to need all the manpower we have. EIGHT of us fought him last time... and failed. Now we're short a person and lack as many keybladers. It's not going to be an easy fight." Terra cut him off. He was beginning to notice how often the blonde liked to argue with him. "We'll put the ship on high alert mode. So if anything happens to the ship, it'll transfer to the communicators immediately be beeping an emergency signal. the minute you hear that beep try to come back to the ship, assess the situation and take action accordingly."

He paused, then glanced back at Aerith. "That means your in charge of the kids while we're gone... Ven and I will teach you the ropes of everything you need to know about the signals and communicator with us while we're down there..." He paused thoughtfully then sighed. "Also... once we get back... if any of us are wounded and injured fatally Aerith you need to understand we're hours away from any known hospitals we can trust. you'll be the only person here that can stabilize a life... not to put any pressure on you or anything."

There was a louder beep from the research room. they had met connection five.

"Yo!" Seifer cried. "T-minus 22 minutes!"

Connection Five was NOT big apparently. That could still change of coruse once they met connection six and pinpointed accurately the location of this world... it could more... or less.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus walked up the stairs, hearing the beeps of his computers. It seemed that there were a lot of keyblades to be collected...

Jay scratched her cheek a bit and smiled. "You were in an old castle cell that hasn't been used for thousands of years... those cell are for tourist use only.... but that all shut down after the war started... as for that man... I've never seen him before in my life. I was working on some music... and then this guy appeared and dragged me to the castle..."


Ven walked towards everyone and smiled slightly, pulling up a cup of tea. He wasn't in the mood for it... but it might be his last drink. He looked up though when Terra started to talk and nodded, a serious face pulled on. He looked at Aerith when Terra told her the news and could only smile when she put her hands behind her back and rocked back and forth on her feet innocently.
"No pressure at all." She said brightly and nodded, looking at the two children.

Gunnar frowned and jumped out of his chair. "Daddy's going too! AND MOMMY!?" He pouted. "I wanna come too!" He stomped but was suddenly yanked back by Ven. "You know what happened the last time you wanted to go down to a world."
The little boy looked up at the blonde with his mako eyes and sighed. "Alright Uncle Venny..."

Aerith smiled as she walked over. "Besides... we can have fun up here. You can teach me about the computer." She giggled as she looked down at him. "All I know how to do is shove CDs into them.... even if they like it or not."

Ven smiled at her and nodded, then looked back at the team but suddenly looked at Seifer. 22 minutes? He frowned then looked back at the team. His eyes moved over them then placed his hands on his hips.
"What's wrong with all of you?"
The crew stopped what they were doing again and looked at their second in command... a bit confused.
"You call yourselves ready?"
Olette blinked and tilted her head. "What are we missing?"
"WHAT ARE YOU MISSING!? You all call yourselves Chasers!?"
Everyone continued to blink as they looked at him.
He crossed his arms and shook his head. "I don't see one of you wearing the your Chaser symbols."
He pulled his hands down and pointed at his symbol on his shoulder, shined and glowing.

Olette and Fuujin blinked, and everyone seemed to get up and go downstairs.
Ven could only chuckle and looked back at Terra. His eyes caught the familiar symbol on the other's belt.

A few minutes later, the group came back upstairs and automatically got into a line for their next instructions. Olette wore a large belt around her midsection over her dress, a golden Chaser symbol matching her orange outfit. Fujin was in her leather suit again, a silver Chaser symbol on her eye patch.

Ven nodded. "Now that's what I'm fucking talking about!"
He reached over and handed everyone a communicator. "Everyone program onto Channel 5" The group fixed up their communicators and placed them in their ears. Ven looked at Saix and handed him one too... but realized that the way they were shaped wouldn't fit on his pointed ears.

"T-minus 5 minutes!" Gunnar shouted as he watched the screen and everyone's heads moved. The ship started to slow down, making everyone uneasy on their feet again. Ven caught onto Terra before he fell and frowned. Their eyes met an odd looking world with a city on top of it and another, that looked like Atlantic on the bottom.
A monitor flashed on, it being the Research computer signals. Seifer typed in a password to accept it and the researched popped up on it.
It pointed out that World's End was on that planet that they were looking at.

The computer beeped a few times and a name came up.
Lincintia
"Pull up the Organization XIII status." Ven ordered and Seifer started to type some things down.
The Research computer screen popped up again and the password was entered once more.

Searching....
Searching....
Detecting....
Detected....

Organization XIII
Xemnas: Negative
Xigbar: Confirmed: Radiant Garden
Xaldin: Negative
Vexen: Negative
Lexaeus: Negative
Zexion: Negative
Saix: Confirmed: On Board
Axel: Confirmed: Delshad Garden
Demyx: Confirmed: Lincintia
Luxord: Negative
Marluxia: Negative
Larxene: Negative
Roxas: Confirmed: Delshad Garden

Ven smiled slightly and nodded. Demyx was down there.
Sai's eyes widened a bit as he saw Demyx's location...

"Alright, everyone to the Launching panel!" Ven called and the team headed towards the room next to the Pilot Lounge.
They quickly got on some extra things such as hit bags and extra potions.
That was when Terra slashed down, and they all jumped out.

Aerith sighed softly and looked at the kids before walking to where Seifer was. "Do you mind if I sit in your daddy's chair??"


The Chasers and Berserker appeared on a rocky hill, over looking a vast body of water. The ocean was calm and the sky was clear. Ven frowned. It seemed too peaceful for Xehanort to be there...
Everyone looked around and there was a gasp from the woman in orange.
"Look!" She cried and everyone turned to see a huge city behind them. It looked even bigger than Twilight Town! If they were in there... it was going to take forever to find them...

But that concern was quickly thrown out the window when a sudden roar came from close by, making everyone's hair on their back stand up. They all looked back to see the blue haired man running towards what seemed to be a large tunnel.... to the ocean?
There were bars and steel pipes blocking the entrance... but with another roar, they came crashing down under the Berserker's powerful claws.

"SAI!" Fujin called out as the blue hair man disappeared into the tunnel. They didn't even know their teams yet!


Glowing yellow eyes showed the path through the dark tunnel until he reached a part where some lights flickered. He stopped at a fork, looking at both ways and snarling. He quickly dashed down one and soon came to an open tunnel, the light bright... revealing they were under the ocean and on a coral reef. Beautiful tropical fish swam around and a beautiful city made of coral laid upon him... but he could of cared less.

He continued to run down the tunnel and suddenly black shadows started to appear around him, becoming Neoshadows quickly. They jumped at the Berserker but were carelessly thrown away and cut in half by the claws as if it was a hot knife through butter.
He finally came to a large dome and looked around. Small coral homes were built on the exposed coral, some exotic looking flowers bringing out the white of the houses. More shadows appeared but were quickly disposed off when the man gave out a powerful roar.


Jay suddenly yelled as she heard something frightening from outside. "Oh my god! What was that!?" She quickly jumped from Demyx's side and rushed to the door, but before she could open it to see what it was, the door swung open violently. She screamed and suddenly fell back on the floor. Her eyes widened in horror as she looked up at a blue haired beast, its fangs dripping with saliva, claws bared with glowing yellow eyes and a broken 'X' scared on its face.

[Reno]

Terra smiled a bit. He knew Aerith could be trusted. she'd take good care of the kids, the ship... and them. He had faith in her, just like Ven did.

Terra's head turned as Ven started to chastise the others, and when he revealed why the brunette couldn't but grin and chuckle as well seeing the dejected members get up and go to finish getting ready. Seifer left his post, leaving it in the care of his children and Terra and Ven who were nearby.

The moment the chasers rejoined the group, Seifer was also dressed and ready to go. His white coat has a red chaser symbol on the back. He smirked a bit before he took his leave back to his seat.

Aqua's was silver and wrapped around her wrist, gleaming brightly in the dim lighting. She just smiled proudly. she'd worn it for many years now and it still made her feel very welcomed in this atmosphere whenever she put it on.

Everyone took their communicators and with practiced ease placed them in their ears, tuning the channels easily. Sai was the only one who couldn't wear one, since his ears weren't in the right shape. Terra ordered him to still hold onto it in one of his pockets. It was vital for the computer because that's how they located each other via the ship. so if they got lost they could find each other again.

Suddenly Gunnar made the call and Seifer began to make the motions of taking them out of hyper mode. The whirrings of the engine were getting slower and slower until they all but stopped. The rocking happened again almost in a backwards motion as it came out of the mode. The blonde pilot nearly fell over his controls this time but braced himself on the wheel, stomach doing another uncomfortable twist.

Terra stumbled a little, one hand automatically coming up to clasp onto Ven's arm when the blonde stumbled into him, helping to keep him steady. His other hand braced itself against the wall. He breathed much easier, adapting to the new atmosphere almost automatically. Above them the lights flickered and became bright again.

A loud sigh of relief found it's way through the ship from various people, and soon everyone found it easy to move once more. Seifer got up, leaving his chair once again to go into the research room. He had to put the ship in max mode after all. He followed Ven's instructions, relying the information as asked.

Aqua glanced sideways, seeing the world as well. It was... a nice world. And made of water. Her element. That was going to work in her favor at least... but Xehanort had a thing for ice so it would work in his as well. She couldn;t help but notice though... that there were thin ropes of darkness covering the world. Along with Xehanort and Demyx, Heartless were down there. And lots of people. this was not going to be easy.

As the order was made to go down to the launching pad, Seifer quickly typed in the signals for the computer, then left going to the seat and pressing a few buttons. A few red lights came on in the cockpit, dim but aware. He connected then to channel 5 of their communicators and nodded. He smiled down at Gunnar and Lucina. "She's in your hands now." He kissed them both atop their heads. "I know my trustworthy pilot aids will take good care of her. We'll be back soon."

He left the cockpit, offering a wave to Aerith before he followed the others down. Hip packs were grabbed and placed on, potions and elixers found from the main storage, collected, handed out, and placed away.

Terra looked at each and every one of them one last time, determined gazes meeting him in return. It was kind of scary... thinking that this might be the last time he saw any of them. He steeled himself, smirking at them all. "Alright let's go kick some fucking ass!" He drew Quicksand turning to slice the portal, and one by one all seven of them went through.

Lucina glanced at Aerith as she asked and pouted, crossing her arms. She didn;t udnerstand why AERITH was in charge. she was the next chaser after her mommy so therefore shouldn't SHE be in charge? Thats how it always worked before. but if she was mean to Aerith, mommy would get mad at her again. "I can't say yes or no."


Everyone looked around at the town quietly and curiously. Terra's head tilted a bit, thinking the same thing as Ven. it WAS too peaceful here... and too quiet. much too quiet. The roar made his insticts twist and he blinked dazedly, turning to watch the beserker take off.

"Where's he going?!" Seifer cried in confusion.

"He knows were Demyx is." Aqua called wisely. Her brother had always been like that...

Terra frowned. Of course. Saix had an acute sense of smell... he could find the blonde easily. It looked like they wouldn;t be needed teams. "After him hurry!" He ordered and suddenly all six chasers took to chasing after the beserker. And besides... they REALLY shouldn't be getting seperated at this point.

They rushed through the tunnel as well, seeing Saix far ahead of them taking down heartless with ease. that was a bit forbidding. Something was definitely not right with this world if heartless had invaded it. They still gave chase, an occasional swing of a keyblade or call of a spell dispersing of other shadows as they gave up on the beserker and went for them instead.

Saix chased out of the tunnel... and once the Chasers reached their the blue-haired man was nowhere in sight. But they could hear him roaring in the distance. Terra listened for a few moments and then took off, the others following him now. He continued to listen even as the roars died away, following instead the trembles of the ground and leading the others through town. Aqua was beside him, using her old scouting method as well and both of them knew they were going to right way.


Demyx's eyes snapped open when he ehard the familar roar. He sat up with a gasp. "Sai..." His head turned when he heard the door crash open, seeing a beautiful sight. Tears clouded his vision and with strength he didn;t know he possessed he pounced from the bed and stumbled across the small house grabbing Saix around the neck and bringing them to the ground. He was sprawled atop the beserker, sobbing. "Sai! Sai!! Your here!" He buried his head into the beast's shoulder, holding onto his collar soothingly.

The seven Chasers were brought to a halt when Terra and Aqua stopped outside a coral house, but not shieklded from sight only inches within the doorway. Demyx in Sai's arms...

[Rikugurl]

Aerith smiled softly and tilted her head. "Is that a maybe then?"

Ven frowned as he watched Aqua's brother race on ahead. "Shit... you really need a leash for him don't you?" He growled but followed Terra's orders, running after the Berserker. Aero Maxim appeared in his hand as they ran into the tunnel. They weren't as quick as the Berserker... and it didn't help that he got a head start. As they broke into a light, he couldn't help but want to stop and looked at the sight. It was bright and the glass around them glowed... He never saw anything like it... but the minute he saw the Heartless, he growled and started to swing as some headed their way.

Olette on the other hand did stop and blinked, looking at the view. It was... beautiful. She quickly spotted an orange fish and smiled happily. "OH! HOW PRETTYYYYYYWHA!!" Her husband grabbed her arm and they went running off again towards the three Chasers head of them.

With the Heartless gone, they came to a dome where some houses were. Green eyes looked up, seeing the white coral houses. What a fantastic world!

Fuu looked up, her chakrams at her side as she saw the fish swimming above them. She wondered how long it took to make this underwater metropolis...

Ven blinked as he slit to a stop by Aqua and Terra... and saw an unusual sight. Looks like they found Demyx...


Sai continued to growl, glaring down at Jay, the saliva on his fangs dripping to the floor.
"Sai!"
His eyes widened. "Huh?" Before he could look up, Demyx had pushed him to the floor.
His glowing yellow eyes turned a soft gold again and his claws and fangs disappeared. The scar in the middle of his face closing.
"Dem...." He said softly as he wrapped his arms around the blonde. Long nails guided the blonde's face up gently... and then his ears lowered, nuzzling the blonde's neck and jaw as he... purred.

Jay blinked in disbelief. She... wasn't going to get eaten? She caught her breath and justed watched. That... was Sai? She could see why he was called a Berserker.

The claymore wielding beast pulled away and ran his fingers through long, blonde hair, pulling him closer and planted a kiss on his lover's lips. Jay bit her lip and looked away.


Ven sighed but nodded. "Alright... we should get Demyx back to the ship an--"
"LOOK OUT!" Fujin cried as she pointed, seeing a darkness circle underneath the lovers.
Sai pulled away and blinked, seeing the black swirls around them... but before he could do anything, large, black teeth chomped down around them.

Slowly a large figure came from the darkness, looking like some kind of water dragon... like Regole. A large Heartless symbol showed brightly down the middle of his face. He suddenly swallowed and a dark.... cage where his belly should of been became full of Sai and Demyx. It gave a roar before quickly fleeing down a tunnel.

Jay quickly stood and looked out, watching the creature take them. "They're headed for the castle!"

Ven growled and rushed towards the beast. "Let's go!"



The bulky Heartless quickly found its way to the castle and up to the abandoned and broken throne room. There, at the throne awaited two familiar people. Large black feet plopped towards them and stopped at the base of the stairs.
Golden eyes looked into the cage and smiled. "That is where beasts belongs... as so do fools."

[Reno]

Demyx smiled brightly as the other began to nuzzle him and purr. He grinned softly. "Sai..." He breathed. their lips met seconds later. his eyes fluttered closed, body relaxing in relief as he tangled his music-playing trained fingers in the wild blue hair atop the other's head.

Aqua watched and smiled softly seeing her brother calm down thanks to Demyx. She grinned, feeling much better now that Demyx was back, unharmed for the most part. Though the blonde did appear a bit paler then usual.

The other Chasers seemed to become at ease as well. Terra sighed, smiling ever so slightly as he saw the two, happy once more. Well... their first objective was finish. His eyes narrowed suddenly, a hitn fo darkness making an acidic taste appear in his mouth and Quicksand shimmered in his hand. Or not. Fuujin however was the one to cry out first.

Demyx pulled away from Sai, dazed by the cry, looking up to see the other Chasers as well. they had all come to get him too. Oh wow... he didn;t know how to th-

Large black teeth snapped around him and Sai and the blonde couldn't help by cry in terror as they were swallowed.

"Shit!" Terra barked but none of them had a chance to response before the large beast-like heartless, with Demyx and Saix captive, flew over their heads. Everyone ducked covering their heads, pwoerful winds blowing over them all. their clothes flapped and hair became a mess.

He turned around watching the beast run off. "After it!" He called as well chasing after it with Ven. the other Chasers all jumped to their feet and ran after.


Demyx clutched onto Saix hard as they were taken into the darkness and back towards the castle. He whimpered, burying his head in the beast's shoulder, feeling the other;s arms around him protectively. When the ride stopped his stomach stopped twisating as well and he looked outwards, gasping as he met those cold golden eyes once again. Tears and terror made his eyes water, fingers clenching harder into Saix's shoulders.

"S-Shut up!" Demyx snapped when he heard the other's words, glaring at him hatefully. He didn't care what this man said about him but NO one was mean to his lover and got away with it! "You don't know anything about Sai!!"


The Chasers paused as they came to the castle.

Seifer looked up as they all ran from the next tunnel, a large spiraling castle that seemed centueires old laid out before then. There were no windows and the whole thing was overladen with undergrowth climbing up the edges of the brick. The front doors had been knocked down almost a forbidding invitation.

Terra growled a bit, taking a deep breath. He could feel it. Darkness was filtering over the castle like a coat. The shadow was dark, deeo and strong... almost as if no light could ever touch it again. "He's in there." He called in warning. "Be prepared."

Aqua;s breath quickened slightly, as well as her heart. Adrenline was pumping through her body hard and worry clouding her mind. She breathed again, trying to calm down. She shut her eyes and Terra started forward first. They followed after,.
their pace was slower, hesitant and unsure.

Terra paused inside the doorway, standing atop one of the doors looking around. The walls inside looked just as bad as they did on the outside. Decaying and worn and old. Quicksand shimmered again. Aqua, with Tsuami in hand, paused next to him, glancing around quietly. Which way...?

A yell echoed through the castle and They all tensed, heads turning towards it. Aqua cursed and shot forward suddenly, chasing after the noise.

[Rikugurl]

The golden eyes blinked slowly and moved to look at the blonde. When this action happened, Saix could only hold onto Demyx tighter. "Oh... really now? I'd love for you to explain... but I don't have much time to spare." The large Heartless just stood there, showing off it's caged belly. "You see... you two are bait now... and the fish are coming there way." He took a few steps back and smiled.

"What do you want from us!?" An enraged howl came from behind the black bars as he held Demyx closer.
"Your hearts." The old man put bluntly. Saix's eyes widened at the answer... no... there was no way he was losing his heart again...
"Sea Gulper, you can have your hearts..."
The Heartless seemed to smile and slowly the cage started to get snug.

"WAIT! Please! Don't take Demyx!" The Berserker inside called as nails dug into the bars, making the heartless whimper.
The master was about to speak when suddenly a loud noise could be heard from the front of the throne.


A blonde hair man with bright blue eyes growled behind a woman with blue hair. All weapons were in their hands and their eyes fierce as they saw the scene.
"DAMNIT MASTER XEHANORT! LET THEM GO!" The shorter male called out, his voice traveling the long distance to the thrown.

The party quickly advanced but Fuu, Olette and Ven came to a sliding halt with the others. The Dark Knight stood in there way, his own keyblade in hand.

The old man smirked.
"So... you took the bait. Good, good... you haven't changed a bit. I'm sure by now though, you've connected some idea on why I took the Nobody with another's heart." Meaning Demyx.
"Yea! Because you're a big meanie for pick on someone less powerful than you!" Olette called out.

Xehanort chuckled. "I am quite a meanie. You'll need to tell your children that I am the main villain in this story. But enough about that." His head lowered and his golden eyes darkened.
"You see this creature here? It is named Sea Gulper. It suffocated what it swallows to obtain hearts. Seeing that your friends are in its belly... if you dare harm it, it will harm your friends.... if you don't harm it, it will take their heart."

He laughed, seeing the expressions on the Chaser's faces.
"But... I can easily make the creature spit your friends out. On one condition."
He slowly walked down the stairs and stayed behind the Dark Knight.
"You see... I haven't had much fun in the past few years. I took Demyx because I knew Saix would come chasing to him. Saix is uour brother, Aqua. Aqua has a friend... named Ventus... who I see is still very much alive after a hit on his head."
Ven growled and clutched his keyblade.
"Ventus has a brother... named Soran... but now known as Sora, the keyblade master and keyblader of Light." He looked at the blonde and smiled. "How come your twin is twice the man you are?"

Ven growled and yelled as he dashed forward but his keyblade caught onto the Dark Knight's, and he was flung back.

"HAHA!" Xehanort laughed out, his laugh echoing off the large walls. "But that's not who I'm looking for. You see, keyblade are from the Darkness and were made to stop the darkness... with a little help from the Atterian race, isn't that right Terra?" He smiled at the blonde. "You see... Sora... knows someone very well who is close to the Dark... and is the only person as of now who can transport someone to the Realm of Darkness. I need to get there... for that is where my power lies. If you can help me with this little problem... your friends will be spared... but please... I encourage you to follow me into the Darkness... to have our last showdown."

[Reno]

Demyx gave a small noise of surprise as the walls began to close in on them, his fingers twitching in panic. He breathed hard, watching Sai as he attacked the bars. "S-Sai." He whimpered.

But a noise stopped all arguement. A very angry blonde's yell made everything come to a screeching halt.

The Dark Knight looked up at the six furious Chasers. Aqua gave a cry of fury as she saw her brother rushing forward, Ven too steps behind them. Terra growled, charging as well. Seifer gave a curse he and his running running with them. But the Dark Knight suddenly warped from his postion, appearing right in front of them. the six slid to a halt, all of them growling.

Slowly though their looks of anger turned to horror as he revealed just what that heartless was going to do to Demyx and Sai. everyone was momentarily speechless. That was until something the other said sparked Ventus into action. He gave a cry.

The Dark Knight was ready for it. the blonde had a very short temper. He caught the other;s keyblade and with a stream of dark power sent him stumbling backwards.

"Ven!" Terra called, reaching out and catching his lover. He helped steady him slowly, but his head shot up at the other;s words. He gave a growl, glaring furiously at the man who had insulted him. "Bastard..."

However silence fell again and almost at once EVERYONE knew who Xehanort meant. Riku.

So much for not dragging Sora and his lover into this.

"You... You can;t be serious!" Aqua cried. "You want us to... to WILLINGLY lead you into getting stronger ho-" Xehanort gave a flick of his hand and then both Demyx and Saix gave a cry as their cage got smaller. She gasped, slapping her hands over her mouth.

"Jesus christ!" Seifer called, eyes wide as well. this wasn;t happening... couldn't be!

"STOP IT!" Terra roared. The shrinking did stop, and the two within sighed in relief. The brunette was shaking in anger. HE was the leader.... he had to make this decision. What could he do though... he had to agree... or watch Demyx and Saix get crushed.

Realm of Darkness...

"You... You PROMISE you'll let them go. you fucking swear it?" Terra asked angrily, pointing his keyblade towards Xehanort, though he had no intentions of attacking. There was silence but Xehanort nodded. Terra's shoulders slumped, the look of defeat in his eyes. Slowly he glanced towards Ven, a look of apology in his eyes, before he looked at Xehanort. "Fine you want to go to the realm so much FINE."

[Rikugurl]

Sai was now squished against his lover. That was no problem with him... but as he heard what the monster would do to him and Demyx.... his brave exterior began to shake. All he could think about was his last words as a Nobody... reaching up to Kingdom Hearts. He wasn't going to let that happen again. Soft pads of his fingers wiped away the tears falling from the blonde, keeping his arm wrapped around him tightly.

His eyes widened though as he heard Terra. He was.... really willing to do that... for them? His ears lowered as he whimpered. Aqua... she would have no chance against Xehanort in the Realm of Darkness...


Ven blinked... knowing exactly who he meant. Riku, his brother-in-law. The keyblader of Twilight. Call out as Terra negotiated but looked down as the land keyblader looked at him. Soran.... he.... he couldn't drag him into something like this... but... it was Terra's orders. Even it he was his partner... he was still their leader. What ever happened to friends first, Chasers second?
He slowly looked up, seeing Sai and Demxy in the cage.
Friends first.

He sighed and slowly reached down to his hip bag, pulling out his cellphone. The satellite on the ship picked up the signal and he pressed '4'.


Riku yawned as the warm breeze blew through his hair. He smiled as his head leaned on his husband's shoulder as their legs dangled off the boardwalk, overlooking the sunrise. It was the weekend, so Sora was off... and it was nice spending the morning with him. Vi laid relaxed over their laps but jumped when a rather loud ringtone hit their ears.
Riku pulled away and watched Sora pull the cell out of his pocket. It was Riot... meaning Ven was on the other end.


Ven frowned as he got an answer.
"Sora..." He said softly before looking at the sharp eyes of Xehanort's grin.
"You know... that watch I gave you? Put it on and set it to the coordinates I'll text you. When you're done, call on your keyblade and slash it out. The watch will make a portal for you and bring you to the place we need you.... and please.... bring Riku with you..."

[Reno]

Demyx sniffled looking up at Sai. He was terrified... they both were. He leaned against the other. They already were as close as they could get. A few more inches and they'd probably be getting some bones broken.

He heard Terra as well, and was also surprised. He'd always been kinda... scared of the wolf. Okay terrified of him really, especally after seeing what happened against Hatori. He couldn;t get it out of his mind that Terra was.... a monster.

But he was... willing to do this for them. He owed the man one hell of an apology song.


The others all fell to silence. Like Ven they couldn't say anything against the decision... and likewise were SCARED to. They didn;t want anymore harm to come to the two ex-nobodies.

Terra bowed his head, hearing Ven following through with it. He bit his lip, hard enough to draw blood. The Dark Realm... They were leading their way into disaster...


Sora Hummed happily as Riku got closer, one hand contently wrapped around the other's waist. The ocean waves sang in their ears tranquil and warm, the sounds of birds squacking in the distance. It was just a perfect day for relaxtion -

which was quickly broken by the sounds of Riot. Vi gave a jump in their laps, barking unhappily and jumoped off both their laps to get away from the loud noise.

Sora couldn;t help but chuckle, a wide grin spreading as he pulled out the cellphone, feeling Riku pulling away from him. "Hey Ven wh-" He was quickly cut off by his brother's voice. His smile fell as he heard the other's solemn... almost defeated sounding tone. "Ventus what's going on?" He asked once the other was done talking. Vi made an unhappy whimper, picking up on the blonde's voice as well with her large ears. The blonde just told him what to do again and his frown deepened. "Alright, alright..." He frowned suddenly as the other hung up.

He looked towards Riku eyes worried. "I think something's wrong." He pulled his feet up, holding out his hand to help the other to his feet. He quickly filled the other in on what had happened even as they started to walk off the pier and towards their home to get the watch, Invidia hurrying after. As they were, Sora's cell phone dinged, signifiying he had gotten a text message.

[Rikugurl]

Riku frowned as he could feel Sora's phantom worry. Something was up... again. He took his husband's hand and got up, dusting the sand off his butt. They started to walk towards the house and Sora had told him exactly what Ven had said. He didn't have a good feeling about this... not at all. They walked up the wooden stairs to their home and walked in, the cooler air of the house hitting them as Sora headed to their bedroom.

The silverette looked down at Vi and sighed. He reached down and pet her softly. "We have to go for a bit ok... you take care of everything while we're gone." He slowly walked into the room, seeing Sora fiddle with the watch that Ven had given him. The guy was a genius to figure out how to call on the keyblade's power to make a portal to travel anywhere you'd like... but it cost energy of the Chaser's ship so Sora never used it.

Even if Ven didn't ask for Riku to come... he would follow his husband anywhere.


Ven sent the text and his phone flipped closed, being placed back into his hip bag. He frowned as he looked up at the two... well... three monsters. "They're on their way."

"They better come soon... the Heartless seems quite hungry."