(Private xXTwilight_WarriorXx and X-23_LK)

[Kyathist]

Xigbar went through as well. As they reached the lower levels, he summoned Sniper Nobodies at places where Hataxn couldn't reach them, and a lot of Dusks to attack him on the ground. He'd suffer from this lesson, the Freeshooter was sure of that. And the man himself? He teleported on a higher platform and sat back to watch. "Good luck!" Not really. He laughed to himself.

"Your sweetheart against Marluxia's." Yeah, lets flatter the brat some more. No one here was an actual sweetheart! They didn't even have hearts! "If she wins, you'll get whatever you like from me." It probably wouldn't happen either way. "If Marluxia's does, I get whatever I want from you? Agreed?" That sounded like a nice little deal.
Marluxia shoke his head, but went along with it. At least it meant training for Shaxirma. The blonde from Luxord didn't look like much though. They'd easily win!

The Cloaked Schemer opened a portal towards the training rooms. The perfect place to practice spells, as they couldn't destroy anything there. He walked through and waited for Nechax on the other side.

Allayx continued what she was doing, but felt she couldn't take much more. Her arms gave in to being tired and she sank to the floor. Really, she wanted to demand herself to continue, but she wasn't sure if that was a good idea. Saix might want to train more tonight, and she'd need all her strenght.
With a frown, she got up to her feet and looked at said person. "Unless you want me to continue, master, I think I've reached the end of my exercise." She already did more than she normally would, just to try and impress him a little.

Lars was pulled out of his thoughts as he saw smoke in the distance. Smoke meant fire, and fire often meant civilization! "There!" He smiled as he pointed at the smoke that could be seen in the distance. "I think this path will really lead us somewhere." Luckily!

(( Jaxine is getting lonely. =P Maybe have Xemnas go up to the Altar of Naught? xD ))  

[Apocrypha09]

Hoping for some peace (and clearly would not get it in his own office), Xemnas wandered up to the Altar of Naught. If anything, he suspected Kingdom Hearts to be the company he'd need. He might not get replies, but Xemnas felt his words would not fall on deaf ears there.
However, he wouldn't be alone. Jaxine seemed to be up there again. After Xigbar's antics, he had to be wary of showing... affections. Xigbar hardly ever came to the Altar. Xemnas approached the girl. Others knew to stay away from here. It was a place for Xemnas to be alone.

Weapon at the ready, Hataxn was not at a vantage point. His opponents had the higher ground. He had no way of getting to the upper levels to defeat the Snipers. Hataxn put his focus on what he could do: defeat the Dusks. Or try, as Nobodies were tougher than Heartless. Standing still wouldn't help him either. Hataxn charged and swung at the Dusks.

Luxord pondered the offer, stroking his beard. If he lost, he pondered what Larxene could possibly want. If he won, he knew what he wanted! Well, he had a good chance! Luxord was confident Myrthe could do this. “Sure. I'll take your wager.”
Shaxirma watched. She glanced at Myrthe to see what she would be up against. She just seemed like a normal everyday girl. No training or anything. Even so, Luxord might not be an honest player. Shaxirma knew some trick had to be in this.

He didn't have to be told to follow. Nechax knew that by now. He still was not confident about training with magic. He was always skeptical about it. Magic did not go well with logic, or Nechax for that matter.

Saix nodded, being satisfied with her effort. “That will do for now.” Obviously she was trying to make herself out to be the best. And that was what he wanted. Allayx would prove herself to be better than the others, even Xemnas' apprentice. It would put them both in a very good position.

Xathere grinned, looking to where he pointed. They would get somewhere! Hopefully it would not be far. Xathere was not good at telling time, and couldn't tell what time it was now. Or where they were exactly, in distance from the fire. With luck they would have plenty of daytime left.  

[Kyathist]

The sound of footsteps caught her ears, and Jaxine spun around, being startled by them. "Oh, it's you." She smiled up at Xemnas, being glad it was no one else. "I was already wondering where you were." Not like she really had been searching, but she had hoped he'd come and join her up here. Especially after everything that had happened, she hadn't gotten a chance to really talk with him yet.

Xigbar watched the boy in amusement as he ordered the Snipers to fire at Hataxn. Exactly what he deserves!

Myrthe glanced up at both of them. Wait, she had to fight someone? A competition? Sounded fun! A big grin appeared on her face. "We should do it immediately!" So she didn't have to wait!
Larxene smirked evilly. That girl would never win against Shaxirma. Marluxia thought the same way about it, and nodded. "Why not? There are enough free training rooms."

Zexion closed the portal as soon as the boy came out. "Today we'll practice the fira spell. It is exactly like a normal fire spell, just more powerful." Better stay in the same class of magic, instead of giving him all sorts of different kinds. Nechax might get confused if he did that. Besides, fire was the most useful attack of all. Except against fire based Heartless.

"Alright." Allayx gave him a polite nod. "Then, what are your orders, sir?" To continue and act like a Nobody. If it was up to her, he would not notice her human side any more. That made the wound on her stomach twitch. The memory reminded her of the pain she was trying to ignore.

It was starting to get dark already, so they had to hurry. Lars increased the speed of his pace, but made sure Xathere could keep up with him. His head was unfortunately still throbbing. The surgery did not do him well...  

[Apocrypha09]

There would still be no peace and quiet, but Jaxine was company that Xemnas would enjoy. He nodded to her. “You're not with the others.”
He was curious as to what she thought of them. Her opinion would be valuable, since she might have to take Xemnas' place if the need ever rose. He was waiting for an opportunity to test her, as well...

Not having much of a defense, Hataxn ended up taking many wounds. He briefly contemplated whether or not letting Xathere escape was really worth it, then quickly decided it was. He was in charge of looking out for her. Even if it got painful. Of course, leaving her with that boy was not a good idea...
Hataxn focused on the remaining Dusks and attacked them. They were the only Nobodies that he could.

“Come, Ducky.” Luxord led the way to the training rooms. He was confident in winning.
Shaxirma thought it hadn't at all been thought through on Luxord's part. She wouldn't try to kill Myrthe. Just a simple fight.

More powerful? Nechax questioned whether he could handle the basic one! He only nodded. He wouldn't argue Zexion, who knew more than him. He had done this stuff longer...

Saix thought about it. Clearly she had trained by herself. Well, he could give her some of his chores. No doubt the apprentices were being trained to take their mentor's place someday. “Follow me.” He led the way out of the training rooms. He had a lot of chores, compared to other members.

Xathere kept up, even if he was going fast. They had to hurry! Who knew what was in the woods at night? She listened to those old stories from her childhood, about wolves and monsters. Even moreso lately, she did not dismiss legends and fairy tales.  

[Kyathist]

"They're not very good company." Jaxine shrugged at the statement. Only Xemnas could give her some satisfaction. The rest just felt empty. Not like it was possible to feel anything more for Xemnas. It was probably just the memory of what it used to feel like.
"I didn't want to risk walking into Xigbar, either..." She was glad her dad had found her so quickly. Those pirates weren't good company either.

Xigbar sat down and watched the show. He didn't mind torturing the traitor's son. At all. Hataxn was exactly like Lexaeus, which was boring. The Freeshooter was going to wait for Hataxn to just give up fighting before letting him out. Or until the point where he would almost fade...

Myrthe skipped after Luxord, happily taking his arm as she went with him. He was so kind to her! And so much fun!
Larxene smirked at the sight. How oblivious and stupid. Would probably never get far in the Organization. It was a miracle she got in here... Did Xemnas even meet her?
Marluxia glanced at Shaxirma, being absolutely sure now she could handle this opponent.

Zexion handed him the little bag with the spell in it. "Try it." No need to show how it was done. Exactly the same principle as the normal fire spell, just a little harder to control.

"Yes, master." Allayx replied as she followed after him. He was a pretty easy mentor so far. Strict, yes. But it wasn't hard to understand what was expected of her, and when she did a good enough job.

Lars took her hand to make sure she stayed with him. Didn't want to lose her here! Especially not now they needed each other most. It wasn't easy to leave everything behind. Especially for Xathere. Lars himself didn't even remember what he was doing in that place.  

[Apocrypha09]

“I've realized this.” Xemnas admitted. He sometimes struggled to remember his reasoning for hiring them all. “But they have their uses.”
He wouldn't admit just yet that their uses were expendable after use. For now he needed to keep numbers up, so no members were sent to hopefully be killed off.

Hataxn wasn't one for giving up. Not when he had something to fight for, at least. For now, that was controversial. His sister was already on the run again. Lexaeus was hardly in danger (and if he was, he could most likely fight it himself). Naxsatha was still in the prisons as far as Hataxn knew. So his family was nothing to worry about at the moment. Hataxn focused on getting through this until Xigbar decided it would be enough. Whenever that would be.

Luxord had to chuckle at her antics. She was quite cute! He knew the odds were not favorable, but maybe Myrthe could surprise them all. She hadn't been challenged in a fight yet for anyone to see her potential.
Shaxirma followed the two out, preparing for a fight. She wouldn't let loose on Myrthe, though. She didn't seem to know a lot about fighting. Besides, it would probably be better if Myrthe wasn't in so much pain later for missions.

Nechax opened the bag carefully, knowing that any kind of fire was dangerous. He didn't want to burn himself. Once he had the spell, Nechax immediately tried using it in a random direction, with no target chosen.

Through the many hallways of the castle, Saix led her to the library. He would have led her to the computer room, where the most top secret documents were, but he didn't think she was ready for that yet. More trust had to be built.
Once there, Saix chose a shelf and began selecting books and documents for her to read. Luckily, he'd leave the most unimportant reports on the shelf.

Holding his hand, Xathere continued to keep a quick pace. She was blushing, but there was no time to stop and try to make it go away (not that Lars saw it either). These woods were creepy; she wouldn't want to be left behind here!

((DX So little dialogue!))  

[Kyathist]

"Yes, that's what you have been telling me." Jaxine let out a soft giggle. He did repeat himself quite often. Either he didn't realize, or Xemnas was hiding something. Not like she cared if he was. He could have some privacy, right?
"I'm sorry for creating uneccesary problems, though..." Jaxine had to say it. There weren't any problems before. Being kidnapped and all. Xigbar walking in on them sleeping... The girl sighed deeply.

Xigbar continued to watch, summoning some more Dusks. For now, Hataxn was doing quite well. For an apprentice. Demyx would've gone down by now, but that's just Demyx...
The Freeshooter smirked at the fight. How much could 'little' Hataxn take?

They reached a training room, and Myrthe hopped inside. "I'm all ready!" She stated happily as she summoned her Starblade to her hand. It lighted up everything that was around her. She didn't think much of it, just that it was beautiful!
Marluxia stood to the side, looking at her weapon. Odd. Since when did Nobodies have weapons that actually shone like that? Weren't they always based on Darkness?
Larxene just didn't pay attention and smirked at Shaxirma. "What are you waiting for? Win this for us, will you?"

Zexion knew that he was quite slow, both mentally and physically. He simply watched and waited, seeing the fire ball did go out of the bag, but it didn't reach far. And wasn't very strong. "Lets try again. Be more confident in yourself." He offered Nechax another one.

Allayx walked into the library, glancing around. "I've been here before." She simply stated, thinking he might want to know. "I read about Kingdom Hearts. Now I know what the purpose of my Keyblade is." It would be useful if he kenw what she knew. "I will read whatever you want me to, master." As Saix was obviously choosing some for her.

Lars noticed a small light now, and grinned. "Almost there!" Now to hope the people would be just as kind as the old person in Twilight Town was. They were lucky to walk into that man.  

[Apocrypha09]

“That wasn't your fault.” Xemnas frowned. It was his own, and yet it was mostly Xigbar's. The man knew better than to spy on his Superior like that, especially when Xemnas was deliberately looking for some privacy in his own room.
It seemed Xigbar was too interested in Jaxine, for how many incidents there had already been. Xemnas would have to see what Xigbar wanted later.

The Dusks caused many wounds, and by now Hataxn's blood was flowing pretty good. He probably shouldn't get himself killed. It wasn't worth it; Xathere would still be gone. For the sake that he'd be needed again (and for everyone else's sake, unless they wanted to deal with sobbing and crazed talk), it was probably a good idea to forfeit. It wasn't worth any more wounds. But for now he'd continue to fight. His mentor was watching.

“Make me proud, my little duckling.” Luxord flirted, giving Myrthe extra motivation. Not that it seemed that she needed it. She was happy enough now.
Shaxirma just summoned her katana, blowing Larxene's comment off. Sure she'd win, but not for Larxene. She didn't really have a reason to win.

With a nod, Nechax tried again, this time being more focused about what he was doing. The spell didn't seem to shoot too far, so it wouldn't cause any damage wherever it went in that one direction.

Saix was pleased to hear that. He finished picking out books, handing the big stack to Allayx. “Read about the worlds and their value to us.” She would be very busy for awhile.

Xathere smiled. They would be safe for tonight, it seemed. Everything was going well so far. She doubted anyone would be cruel enough to turn them away, and if they were, she and Lars could probably sneak into a barn.

((Xathere has such a hard lesson to learn. XD There's nothing little about Hataxn! Also, I think Luxord must be a little drunk.))  

[Kyathist]

"Maybe, but..." Jaxine glanced up at her father. "I am so confused by feelings. It's like I do feel while I can't. I shouldn't give in to it so much." Something she had conviced herself of. It wouldn't be good to be the only emotional Nobody around. "It will take time, but I'll learn." The girl was sure of it. She would put her time and effort into learning it, while not losing sight of the Organization's goal to actually receive emotions again.

As long as he didn't give up and wasn't about to fade, Xigbar would let him in there with more Nobodies each time he defeated a round. He surely wouldn't be able to keep this up for very long!

"I will!" Myrthe happily stated as she ran towards Shaxirma to slash at her. The girl also had a sword, kind of different, but it was still a sword! And that meant they could have a friendly sword battle! Who would win? She wondered...
Larxene let out an evil chuckle. That girl wouldn't even make Demyx proud! Well, maybe... Demyx was simply stupid.

That went a little better... Any improvement was better than nothing. "Good. We should keep practicing this. Try to put more power into the spell." He gave the boy another one. This was such a waste.

Allayx took them. Quite heavy, but she didn't show her arms' discomfort. He was a lot more bulky than she was. "I will start immediately, sir." The female replied as she chose a nice looking spot and put the books on a table next to the chair. Who knew studying would be such an important part of the training? She hadn't seen any other apprentices doing it. Though she couldn't complain. It was good to have knowledge before actually taking action.

They came closer and closer. It was a surprisingly small house they found, but it seemed big enough to hold some people. The boy and girl had to be brave now! Lars gave the door a knock, and waited for a reply..

(( Xathere and Lars are about to meet the seven dwarfs. xD They seem a lot like Hansel and Grettel to me... xD And there might not be, but Xigbar would call anyone lower ranked or younger than him 'little'. XP ))  

[Apocrypha09]

“Yes. The memories of emotions are still fresh in your mind. It will take time before you forget how they feel.” Xemnas explained. She wouldn't forget what happened before, but the memories would not affect her senses so much. “Someday you will have them again. But for now, you must simply accept that you don't.”

No he wouldn't. Hataxn was already feeling pretty tired by this. He was hit more by the Dusks and his attacks were becoming less effective. He was also losing speed. But Hataxn continued to try.

Shaxirma saw her coming and prepared to defend herself. In a way she did; her sword was pushed away as Myrthe slashed. Shaxirma did not get harmed though. There was more strength to her than expected. Shaxirma tried to jab her while she was close enough.
Luxord grinned. “That's my girl!”

This was something Nechax wasn't used to. He was more about muscle than anything else. He wasn't sure how to put more power into magic, something that was illusive to him. But he tried with the next spell, forcing the spell more this time.

Training was a lot more than physical activity. Saix watched her begin. He could trust Allayx to take this seriously and study. No one else did research like this, therefore they were not as competent.

Xathere waited alongside him. It was a cute little house. She wondered who could be living in it.
After a few moments, the door opened to a very short man with glasses. “Can we help you?”

((XD Okay. Doc's at the door. They do! ))  

[Kyathist]

Jaxine gave a nod to that. "I will try my best in accepting it." A small smile to reassure him she would, then she remembered something else. "Oh, ehm... About my Heartless pet. It's showing intelligence..." Nothing could be normal with her, could it?

Xigbar smirked some more as he made himself comfortable. He had a hard spirit to break, but the Freeshooter would succeed eventually!

The stab hit Myrthe in her side, but nothing too bad. "Ouch." She groaned a little before starting to slash at Shaxirma again. Perhaps there was no real tactic in her fighting, but that sure could make her unpredictable!
Larxene rolled her eyes at Luxord's comment.

Again, a little improvement. But it didn't come natural at all. What was Xemnas thinking, giving this boy to him? He would be better off with Lexaeus or Vexen. People who weren't so concentrated on magic at all. "Let us try with another spell. A Blizzard." He handed it to him, this one having another color. Grey and white, to be exact.

Allayx began to read in the book, no questions asked. They could be answered in one of those pages. Only if she had more questions afterwards, she would actually state them. The female was glad to be a quick reader, as that surely would be needed now. She didn't have weeks. Her eyebrows frowned a little in thought. That made clear she was seriously thinking about the words, and would try not to forget them.

Lars glanced down at him. He looked different... "I'm sorry for disturbing you... But me and my friend are lost in these woods and we need a place to stay for the night..." He seemed a little awkward while asking. A face that said he didn't actually like to do it, but knew he had to.  

[Apocrypha09]

“What sort of intelligence?” Xemnas asked, being skeptical. Heartless weren't that intelligent. Perhaps she had just simply house-trained it, although the only thing they'd need to learn was not scratch the furniture. He still wondered why he let her keep it.

As it kept getting harder, Hataxn was continually beaten down. It would seem more practical at this point to give up, but that was just something he'd never do. His parents had taught him against that in childhood, and he had remembered that lesson since then. Though at this point it was the sensible thing to do. Hataxn lost the will to keep fighting as it was obvious he would not prove himself to Xigbar. Rather than be beaten to the point of humility, Hataxn simply stabbed the floor with his tomahawk and stood still as the Dusks were swarming him.

The retaliation was quick and not seen. Shaxirma felt it hit before she was able to dodge backwards. As she had thought, Myrthe had no formal way of fighting. She fought in whatever way she could. Shaxirma would keep herself formal, though.
“So about that bet?” Luxord looked over at Larxene with a smirk. He liked where it was going.

Nechax didn't think it'd work that great. From fire to snow? Of course not... But he took the spell and tried to use it. It couldn't be much different than fire, right?

Saix was satisfied. He contemplated leaving her there. He knew she wouldn't go against his orders or anything. Eventually he decided to stay, finding a book for himself to read. He took a seat on a couch not far off.

Doc was one of the nicer dwarves. He didn’t consider their story much before believing it. “Well certainly! I'm sure we can find some room for you!”
He moved out of the way of the door, gesturing them to enter the house. Xathere smiled and nodded to him in thanks. Shelter! And a safe place for the night!  

[Kyathist]

"As in, it seems to be afraid from Vexen... It protected me against pirates... And it seems happy to see me." Jaxine made a small shrug. What other way to explain it? "I know they can't have emotions or anything like that, but it's quite odd it behaves that way."

Xigbar ordered the dusks to stop. Now that was better... He teleported above Hataxn, being upside down now. "Think ya learned your lesson, boy?" His lesson. Xemnas might want to punish him even more, but who knew!

Myrthe tried to keep up with Shaxirma's speed. That girl's attacks were faster thanks to a lighter weapon, but Myrthe would not give up! She didn't show she was having a bit of difficulty here. Really, there was a huge smile still plastered on her face.
"She didn't win yet." Larxene rolled her eyes. "Your girlfriend is a terrible fighter." Te-rri-ble.

Zexion watched the boy. If anything, blizzards were less strong but harder to shoot into the direction you wanted. The weather often chose it's own path.

Allayx glanced up for a moment to see what he was doing, then noticed he would stay. Alright. That was just fine with her. As long as he'd be reading and not distracting her. Saix didn't seem to be such a person, though. The girl carefully read the text and flipped through the pages of the book.

Lars smiled as well. "Thank you, sir!" He let Xathere go in first, still holding her hand, then followed after her. The door had been small, so they had to duck, but after that it seemed fine. He could just stand there. Such a small place. It looked nice, however, if not a bit messy!  

[Apocrypha09]

Xemnas frowned, not sure what to think. He hated that Heartless, honestly. But Jaxine wanted it. He was doubtful of the Heartless' apparent reactions to people. “Keep an eye on it. It acts most unnaturally.”

Not feeling like answering, Hataxn just nodded. No, he hadn't. He would let Xathere escape again if he had to. But for now he would pretend to comply. Whatever Hataxn had to do to get through this.

Shaxirma felt she had to back off, not wanting to injure a fellow member. It also seemed that Myrthe was having difficulty keeping up. She wasn't up to Shaxirma's level. Probable. Shaxirma did train as much as she could.
“She doesn't have to be the strongest to win.” Luxord shrugged. “Just the most clever.”

Snow went everywhere, but not far. Nechax shivered, the spell having backfired on him. He was suddenly freezing.

Saix kept reading, watching Allayx occasionally to see if she kept reading. He didn't have any reason to doubt her, but he didn't have much reason not to. So he stayed there and read as well. He needed to, anyway.

Ducking through, Heather could stand straight. Her head almost touched the ceiling. Doc looked joyful at guests, calling the others to come out of hiding to see the visitors. They had learned from Snow White that big people were not bad.  

[Kyathist]

"I will." Jaxine gave a nod to that. "I asked Vexen about it before but he wanted to kill it, so..." She didn't like that thought at all. "That won't give any answers." Or so she thought. A dead Heartless couldn't show any behaviour anymore. It'd be gone!

That was good enough, though Xigbar doubted he really had. "Good, you're dismissed for the day." The Freeshooter opened a portal for him and waved him away, before disappearing himself. That was enough entertainment. He wanted to find Luxord, see if he was feeling for a pokermatch.

Myrthe never really trained. She just... did. And so, she would just randomly slash her sword at the other, though it did prove to be somewhat effective!
"I doubt she's clever..." Really, Larxene saw no intelligence in the young girl.

That wasn't good. Zexion used a Panacea on him to free the boy from the spell. They didn't want anyone to get sick when it could be helped.

Her mind was completely into the book, not even realizing her master kept looking up to see if she was doing what was asked of her. The book was way too interesting. Allayx wsan't distracted at all.

Lars' head sometimes did touch the ceiling, but he'd manage. The other small people came, mostly from upstairs. He smiled at them, not ever having seen such people before! "Hello there." The boy said in respect.