Compendium "Fatali"

[Nothingness]

Traveler's Log

Everything written here reflects my own thoughts on the matters at hand. All that is recorded is the truth of what I've done--I have no regrets. Should I meet the fate of my comrades, then allow this to represent my last testament, as it were. In that event, bring this journal to Matthew Handred and Sarah Annon of Traverse Town. Friends like them would want to know what I did, and what happened to me.

Day 1, X/XX/XXXX: Our journey began, and also ended today on a grassy expanse in the world known as Twilight Town. As we flew through Inner Space we encountered a new world, wrapped in the light of an orange sun. As we approached, a Heartless ship appeared and shot our craft down. I awoke amidst the wreckage of our ship, injured and weak. Hearing the sound of fighting nearby, I came upon Richard and Jake, the only two brave enough to go with my crazy plan, fighting off Heartless. I regrettably abandoned them, knowing their intention of protecting me. However a figure in a black cloak attacked the Heartless, helping my comrades. Seeing this as an opportunity, I returned to them, but was unable to save them. Though I defeated the Heartless, their hearts were taken, and I, too weak to carry on, lost consciousness.

As I awoke, I found myself in the company of a man Nobody known as Zexion. He said that he had saved me from the Heartless, and had been watching over me as I recovered. We began to speak of various things, and he confirmed my suspicion of the danger threatening the worlds. However, his methods of manipulation conversing were clear, although there was nothing I could do to leave the conversation: he had information, and I needed it. Revealing his nature as a Nobody, he asked me what I intended to do about the situation the world's currently faced. Not having an adequate answer, he posed his own: become a Nobody so that way I could walk the line between light and darkness without remorse. Refusing his offer, he left, dissatisfied with my reply. Whether he will become a friend or foe in the future remains to be seen, but I will be on my guard around him the next time we meet.

As things stand now, I need only worry about my own well-being. Within a few days I should have recovered from my injuries enough to be able to find means of sustaining myself in the world. Once I am able, I intend to leave this place in search of other worlds.

Day 9: Date's mean nothing in this journal. As I've come to understand from my stay in Twilight Town, not all worlds operate on a 24-hour clock. As such is the case, I'll simply say how many days it has been since I've left, because that is far easier to record. Anyway, to the matter at hand: how I managed to leave Twilight Town. After my wounds healed enough, I took on a few odd jobs around the city until I could buy some basic parts for a Gummi Ship. The salvageable parts of our my former craft were repaired and used as well, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to leave until much later. I have yet to properly name the ship, which would no doubt be enough to make Matt never ride it.

After having left, I traveled through Interspace for a short while until I came upon a rather intriguing world called the Land of Dragons. I landed my ship in the clearing of a bamboo grove. Within an hour I encountered Heartless and a man who could summon them, as well as a woman who was trying to fight him off. After we successfully fought off the Heartless, I learned that her name was Lanying, and she was a guard to the Emperor, the leader of this world's people.

She lead me to a secret entrance to the castle, which is where the silver-haired man, who we'd come to know as Kadaj, was headed. He was trying to destroy the heart of this world, and would most likely have succeeded, or at least have killed the Emperor if it wasn't for our intervention, and that of another. I say this because, despite our best effort, we were unable to take out Kadaj, and had to retreat. He summoned a strange woman who had even greater control over the Heartless. She appeared to be a witch, and a powerful and evil one at that. Yet, as we we trying to save ourselves, we noticed that the Heartless activity had stopped entirely. Deciding that something may be wrong, we returned to the throne room.

Upon our arrival, we found Kadaj locked in combat with a strange, mouse wearing a black cloak and wielding a large, golden key. He was single-handedly fending off the man who we were unable to defeat two-on-one. We rushed in to assist the mouse, and soon forced Kadaj to retreat. We learned that the mouse's name was Mickey and that he was a King, as well as a friend of the Emperor. However, that's all we learned, for he left as soon as he had come. And, so did Lanying and I. She bade farewell to the Emperor, and we left the world behind, to return once again someday.

Day 12: After traveling the stars for a few days, Lanying and myself wound up in a rather strange situation found ourselves with an odd occurrence Well, let's just say the event isn't something that happens to everyone. We were swallowed by the giant whale, Monstro. We awoke inside of the beast's mouth, and thankfully, our ship was perfectly intact. Outside of some saliva on it, it was in perfect working order. The only problem was how to get the creature to open its mouth again, since I don't think anything we could do would cause it to open its mouth.

I remembered the story Geppetto once told me, how long ago was it, two years? Of how he and his son Pinocchio were swallowed by the whale, and escaped when the Keyblade Wielder made the beast sneeze. Figuring that as the best course of action, we went to go deeper into this creature Uh, there's really no nice way of putting that we were about to go into the creature's...whatevers, when another man appeared. Much like Zexion, this man Nobody, Demyx, most likely appeared through the use of one of those dark portals. As much as I would have loved to destroyed that abomination right there, I knew that I needed him for information.

We managed to meet him in our...trek...and we joined forces. He told us that Zexion sent him to eliminate a large Heartless known as the Parasite Cage. Hopefully, defeating such a large creature would cause enough of a disturbance in the whale to cause him to sneeze and grant us freedom. I was able to confirm that Zexion and Demyx did know each other, however, I think I can safely assume that there are more of them--an organization of sorts--with how Demyx spoke of Zexion. An organization of Nobodies...I wonder how many of them there are.

As we ventured further in, I couldn't help but feel misguided. As much of an abomination as a Nobody is, it's wrong for me to write one I just met off as a threat, despite that they're not even supposed to exist. Staying my emotions, we soon encountered our mark: the Parasite Cage. With very little difficult, we dispatched the Heartless, and finally managed to escape this gargantuan whale. I left Demyx with a message for Zexion, telling him that I had yet to decide my position in this struggle between the two powers.

Day 22: This marked my first return of what I hope to be very to few to my home world, Traverse Town. I only intended to return when my mission was complete, but since our clothes and selves were utterly repulsive from Monstro's saliva, we needed to clean up. I gave Lanying a brief run-down of the town layout, and then we immediately went to get new clothes, and a very well deserved rest.

While I managed to get decent sleep, I couldn't keep myself from waking up throughout the night. The time to choose a side felt like it was fast approaching. I've given it some thought, and now I believe I've made a decision. No, I can't say, "I believe." I have made a decision. The Darkness is weak--much weaker than I had anticipated, or ironically enough, hoped for. Even a Heartless as powerful as the Parasite Cage held little challenge. I will fight for the Darkness, but not to destroy the Light. Meaningless destruction holds neither joy nor reward for me. If the Light can destroy just as well as the Darkness, then the Darkness must also be able to defend as well as the Light. Even the most dangerous of objects when handled with care can be used for good. I need only be careful of the Darkness within my heart, and not fall prey to its allure. Easier said than done.

The next morning Later that night, Lanying stopped by my room and wanted to know why exactly I was after Zexion. I divulged everything--my mission, the nature of the balance, everything. I only told one lie, but one that I hope I will not regret: I refrained from telling her that I had, in fact, and as previously stated, made my decision. Afterwards, when I asked her whether or not she would continue to travel with me, she told me that should would, much to my own joy. We left for a new world after that, and I told Lanying that she would be flying us there. Hopefully there will be no problems on our travel, not that I can foresee any happening. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I'm a pretty good teacher.

P.S. Just for you, Matt, Sarah, I hope you found my note. All I will say is that it was a rather nice choice of wine, Matt, and as you can probably tell, I didn't take any from the bottle, as per your request.

Day 24: Well, Lanying is certainly quite a natural when it comes to flying. Now we just need to work on the landings, and she'll be a fine pilot. As for where she flew too, it was a world that I'd always had an interest in seeing: Olympus Coliseum. I'd always heard about the amazing stadium and the tournaments held there, but sadly it appears that neither were open at the moment. A warrior named Zack informed us of this when we entered.

Zack seems to be a pretty decent person. He's rather...ambitious when it comes to women, but hopefully that won't become an issue. It turns out that he's actually training to be a hero, and figures that seeing other worlds would be the fastest way to become one. The only problem was that he didn't know what both a Gummi Ship or Heartless were, but traveling to other worlds would probably be the easiest way to learn about those, as well as other things he's most likely ignorant of.

After Lanying and I explained a few things to him, I invited him to join us on our journey, and he readily agreed. A little too readily. Still, he should be good to have along for the ride. Although, with his "repayment" for my allowing him to join us was to have a date with Lanying makes me wonder how much of his antics I can tolerate. Whatever, as long as he doesn't get too rowdy, I don't really see any problem with it. Lanying on the other hand...

Day 26: After a day of traveling and listening to Zack point out every little thing he found interesting on the ship, I'm thinking of investing in ear plugs for the time being. Although, in retrospect it was rather humorous listening to Lanying explain everything to him. Oh well, he should calm down a little bit now that he finally seems to understand everything about the ship.

Anyway, that's enough of ranting. We landed on the world known as Neverland. It was certainly an odd world from the ship's view--a vast sea with large and small tropical-forest islands dotting it here and there, and a large, rather modern city at the upper-pole of the world if the easily visible clocktower is any indication. I set the ship down on a small, rocky island about ten or so miles from one of the larger islands, assuming it would be best to get out of the ship for a bit. There wasn't much on this rock--sparse patches of grass with trees growing out of them, some large rocks surrounded the island as well though spaced far apart from one another. There was also a ship in the distance, which I assume was a pirate ship.

However, this world also seemed to have a few Heartless, although now I fully see the extent of the blinding Light that's covering the worlds. They weren't even able to fight properly--it was as if they were fighting with their eyes closed. It was actually pretty depressing. Still, that isn't what makes this entry significant. It was the pirate ship in the distance, and who was on it that makes this entry one of the more significant. Zexion was aboard the ship under the guise of a young woman (who Zack almost immediately began flirting with), and seemed rather interested in having run in to me again so soon. I told him my choice, and needless to say, Lanying took it rather badly. worse than I had anticipated was devastated. She told me how her family was killed by the Heartless, saying that I would become just like them--even Zack was against me. Her saying that crushed me more than I thought it would, but I couldn't just go back on my choice, nor compromise the balance for the sake of either of them.

I broke free of that despair--letting something like that break my conviction would only make it easier for the darkness to control me. I swore to Zexion that I would master the darkness and that I wouldn't fall prey to it. That seemed to turn Zack back to my side, and his drive brought Lanying around as well. She even went so far as to initiate a fight with Zexion, but that didn't end well. We were easily overpowered by him, but he chose to not kill us despite the fact that we were clearly weak enough to be. Leaving us battered and bruised, there was a message he gave us: a man calling himself a Tool of Darkness was on the move, and he had the power to taint the hearts of those. Warning us to avoid him, Zexion left through one of those dark portals. After that, exhaustion overcame me and I passed out. I hadn't slept that well or that deeply in a long time.

The darkness within me. How do I control it? During the fight, it completely took over my body two times. I felt like I wasn't in my own body, being restrained by thorny vines: suffocated by the very air I breathe. And yet it felt so good--so right. I wanted it more, but I was also frightened by it, and by myself. I don't want to imagine what might happen to Lanying and Zack if I were to lose control around them. I must learn to control this. But how? If I open myself to it gradually, will my body adjust to it? Or will I simply further corrupt myself? If I fell to darkness, would they really be able to kill me? I'll try to not let that happen, but if worse comes to worse, they will have to be my executioners. I won't let myself harm them.

Day 29: I don't think either Lanying or myself will be letting Zack fly the ship anytime soon. I should've known that he would be an excited flier, but I never anticipated him to be THAT excited. Still, the ship came out unscathed, as did we, so I guess that counts for something. I'll just have to let him be the pilot in moderation and keep a very watchful eye the next time he takes the wheel.

Zack landed us in the Deep Jungle, a world that I'd heard stories about back in Traverse Town. It truly is a very thick, very dense, and very beautiful world. Although, I could do with a little less green and brown where we landed. Still, our exploits in the world were certainly a little more interesting colorful. For starters, Lanying was certainly acting very different from her usual stoic self. She left Zack and I at the ship and wandered off into the jungle, apparently encountered some large feline, and then proceeded to swim in the river...in her underwear. She certainly has a nice body Er, don't really need to put that down. Anyway, Zack and I found her and well, needless to say, she didn't react well. Although it was rather humorous to see her acting so spontaneous.

After that little incident, she trudged off into the forest, and we got lost in the pouring rain. She ended up falling into a rather deep pit--probably some air-pocket formed from an underground passage or something--and we had to pull her out. When we did, she certainly seemed to regain most of her composure, though she did seem different. More determined, I guess would be the best way to put it. And she was right: we are a team. Although, I don't know why, but I guess some part of me wanted to make up for teasing her about the thing at the river. I offered myself up on a silver platter to her--told her that she could get a free shot at my stomach. I guess I had enough sense left in me to not say "face" but, that's not much consolation on my part. She's got one hell of an arm.

As we were about to find our way back there was a large chameleon like Heartless that attacked us. It could blend into the scenery and it attacks Zack, but he managed to reveal it by striking it. Lanying, put on an impressive display showcased some amazing skill I guess there's no better way to put it, completely trashed the Heartless. Zack and I merely dealt the killing blows. Afterwards, we needed to decide on what to do. Zack suggested participating in the Coliseum games, and as much as I would really love to fight in them, I had to say otherwise. I'm on a mission, as is Lanying, and fun and games can wait. Still, I told them that we'd go participate after another world or two, so that's something to look forward too.

The darkness, though. It's been affecting me ever since Neverland, but it's more nagging that anything. It overcomes me like a spasm, choking me, but it only lasts a moment. Still, it worries me. What if it gets worse? I haven't even begun to practice trying to harness it, so what if one of those forces me to succumb to it? I know that fear will only make things worse, but I can't just get rid of it. Wait...what if I--yes, I'm going to have to try that. It's better than just letting it overcome me. There no way I can just grab the reigns and take over, so--yes! This just might work!

Day 33: How interesting. It seems that the darkness not only affects my heart, but also my senses. I landed the ship at Beast's Castle, and as soon as I stepped out it was as if I could feel the emotions of the world. Well, maybe that's not right. It's hard to explain--I didn't believe it myself at first. Maybe they were residual emotions of the people who live there. So much anger and sorrow, but when we entered the castle, especially in the ballroom, I could feel this complete gentleness. Maybe the only reason I haven't sensed these before was because this world had such strong emotions tied to it. I'll have to see how this develops.

That was probably the only good that came out of our stay here. As soon as we reached the courtyard of the castle, this witch Maleficent, the witch from the Land of Dragons, manipulated the darkness within me. I thought I was going to lose control again, so I ran away from Zack and Lanying, fearing more for their safety than my own. I ran into the ballroom and tried my best to control it. I did manage to have a hold on it for a few seconds, but then when Maleficent showed up I lost it. Then to top matters off this Nobody, Marluxia, decided to show up. Lanying and Zack entered, and, well...there's no easy way to say this, but I fought Lanying. I can't believe that I did that, but I did. I don't think I'll ever get over that.

She managed to break the darkness' control over me, but I'd hurt her so much she practically passed out. She even healed me before herself. Dammit, why'd she do that? As if I couldn't already stand the fact that I'd actually attacked her, I had to watch her bleed from the wounds that I inflicted. She's fine now--Zack and I managed to treat the wounds and stop the bleeding before any serious damage was done, but still. I think this is one thing I won't forgive myself for.

Oh yeah, that Nobody, Marluxia. Apparently he wanted our help in taking down "Organization XIII." I'm just going to assume that that's the group Zexion and Demyx are members off. As if I would ever help this guy, though. He openly admitted to betraying them, and then asked us for help? I'm not sure what's worse: the fact that he tried to manipulate us with fake emotions, or the fact that he tried to get us to help him. We'll probably meet again, but I doubt that any of us are going to let him get a word in edge wise.

Day 35[/u][/url]: What I'd hoped would be a fairly pleasant vacation kind of turned out differently than I expected. No, there wasn't any fighting or anything, which was a nice change of pace, but it also wasn't exactly a break, either. Though, it looked like Lanying and Zack got into...something? I really don't know. Before we headed back to the room on the first night there they looked like absolute crap. It doesn't particularly matter, but I really do wonder what the hell happened between them at that red-headed woman. Something about her made me feel really uneasy.

Anyway, that's not the point of this entry. I've finally gained total control over my darkness. Not only that, I've also gained a sort of knowledge about both the Light and Darkness...something that I really can't form into words. It's strange. Even stranger still, the one who taught me and helped give me control was none other than the Tool of Darkness--or Champion, as he calls himself apparently--that Zexion spoke of. I can't wait to wipe that smug look off of that bastard's face the next time I see him I could tell he was just as powerful as Zexion stated, but he wasn't particularly threatening; towards me at the very least. Although, he, like everyone else, seems to want me and Lanying and Zack to split apart. Dammit, why can't they just leave us alone!?

Whatever--it doesn't matter. We've been flying about for the past few days, but I've been having trouble deciding where to land next. We've been to so many worlds, and we've still got to stop by the Coliseum at some point. Maybe after this next stop, we will. After all, I've got all of this new power to test out.

I can't believe I didn't write this down. Strangely, this wasn't hard to remember--it kind of stuck with me. Still, this might come in handy later:

"Light can be kind, warm, and comforting. It can show you the way and drive away your fears. Everything has light, and it shines no matter where it is located and how little it is. Yet, beware, for it also can become harsh and searing, an intolerance that burns to the bone with hatred, and can blind you to the truth. Open your heart to those words and understand.

The shadows, enfolding and enclosing, surrounding all. The hidden side of things, able to alter something's appearance in the dark shade. Rage, burning, yet within lies the center, the eye of the storm. It is the lovely night sky. It is the veil, protecting your sight from things to harsh to survive. It is the cool stillness that grasps those who are both arriving and leaving life. Open your heart to those words and understand.

These are the two great forces known as light and darkness."

The first incantation requires a four-pointed star, and the second requires a circle to be drawn around it. Maybe I should tell Zack and Lanying this at some point. I think they should know.

Day42: A lot of what happened today is foggy. We landed in the Keyblade Graveyard, and some strange, if not amazing things happened. I had only landed their so we could stretch our legs a little bit, but instead of that, well, not to repeat myself, but something amazing happened. Lanying has been chosen by the Keyblade. The three of us split off, and while much of what happened isn't clear, Lanying and I fought an animated suit of armor, but I backed off--I'm not sure why. When Lanying gained her Keyblade, it was like something gripped my heart--almost like fear, but not quite--and I just couldn't be near her.

Regardless, she managed to beat back the armor, which I believe could also use, as well as transform, its own Keyblade. Upon its defeat, it seemed to accept Lanying as...something. A Keyblade Master, perhaps? I'm not sure--she hasn't mentioned much about it. We left the world as soon as we had come, and I doubt we'll be returning anytime soon without good reason.

Day 45: Well, this was certainly one of our stranger, though somewhat more pleasant adventures. We returned to the Land of Dragons on Lanying's wishes. Apparently, as soon as we got there she was called away, leaving Zack and I to our devices. Zack, God love him, went straight to working out while I set my sights on the "fairer sex." Mind you, reader, nothing happened. Just some innocent flirting. Lanying would have my head if I ever get in too deep with one of her friends or relatives. I personally don't see what's so wrong with it, bu On second thought, never mind. I'd rather not wonder what Lanying would do to me.

Anyway, back on topic, after she came and interrupted my flirtations took Zack and I with her, she explained the mission her Emperor sent her on. Apparently, she had to find an ancient dragon spirit, located in a shrine in the mountains. After searching in the bitter cold, her Keyblade lead her to the shrine, and when she entered, we all heard the voice of the dragon spirit. It had sealed itself inside of a large statue, and it told us later that it did so to avoid becoming a victim of the Heartless. While I'd love to further explore the nature of something like that, I don't think I could ever come across a suitable explanation. At least, within the confines of this journal.

But I digress. Lanying had to overcome three trials to attain complete self-discipline. Her first test was overcoming the haunting thoughts of her father, which came as a shock to me just how terrible of a man he was. Still, she dispelled him with little effort. I hesitate to say this, but in hindsight, the fact that Zexion is the focus of her anger is kind of comical, though she also dispelled him just as easily. The third trial, though--overcoming her greatest fear--even set me off. It was a shade of me, overcome by the darkness. In anger, I tried to defeat it myself, but it was far too powerful. Could I really become like that? Would I still have control? No, I don't need to think those thoughts--I won't. Regardless, Lanying managed to rid herself of that specter as well, and the dragon revealed itself when she unlocked the dragon statue. Despite it's small stature, it exuded such calmness as I've never felt before, and when it merged with Lanying, I can still feel its spirit. It truly is a mysterious creature.

Our next stop is Olympus. We've held it off for far too long, and I think we all need a REAL break. Not some detour where we end up doing something, or a vacation that inexplicably gets ruined by strange red-haired individuals.

Day 48: At last, we finally had what I'd call a good time. Even though Lanying didn't join in, it was nice to do something just for fun. Zack and I fought in the Coliseum, and even though we had to convince Phil (Zack told us he was a "satyr"; Some goat-person) to do so, we managed to do pretty well for ourselves. I'm not sure whether this was good or bad, but we hadn't actually been playing in the games. Turns out that Hades, the God of the Underworld, had been summoning Heartless for us to fight, and tossed in a fake Ice Titan for us to fight. I know it sounds kind of weird, but it was pretty fun to fight such powerful foes for once. The Heartless lately have been pretty pathetic, so a good fight was long overdue. Can't go getting rusty, right?

Speaking of rusty, I finally remembered to copy down the Professor's Champion's words. I don't know why I didn't before. Guess I was just caught up in the moment.

Day 53: Well, we certainly had a nice time in Radiant Garden. We ran into Zexion again. And we fought him. Again. Only this time, we were the ones that had him at our mercy. Before and after the fight we traded information. He wanted to know why I had the Champion's scent on me, and I wanted to know what he had to tell me about the Champion. Apparently, the Champion killed King Mickey--the Keyblade wielding mouse that saved Lanying and I. That was certainly news that none of us wanted to hear.

After we fought Zexion, he told us how there was a battle going on at the Keyblade Graveyard in two days. The forces of the Champion against the forces of Light...or at least something like that. We'll have the Organization, as well as some people from Radiant Garden on our side--probably some more. But there's no telling what the Champion will do, or what he even can do. Whatever. There's no use worrying about it until tomorrow.

Day 54: Well, tomorrow's the day. I don't doubt that I'll be able to fight against the Champion and whoever's fighting with him--that won't be a problem. We may both be on the same "side" but we've got two ways of going about it. And it's not that he killed just King Mickey, it's that he's killed over fifty other Keyblade bearers. Someone like that can't be allowed to live. But even I know how powerful he is. Dammit...this whole thing just sucks. I'm just worried about Zack and Lanying. He said that he won't kill me, but I couldn't care less about that. I don't want my friends to get hurt, and I know he'll be gunning for Lanying and any other Keyblade bearers. Goddammit.

I already know what I'll do should anything happen. It was the same thing we swore to do in Shield, remember? It's the reason we have that as our name. Sarah, Matt, I wish you guys were here. I know that Lanying and Zack have my back, but old friends are just as important, too. Whatever. If you guys ever get to read this, you'll know what happened. You know how it is, right? And Lanying, Zack, you guys have been way too good of friends for all the trouble I've caused you. Thanks. For everything. If anything should happen to me, well, see you all on the other side.

Day 55: Well, today was the day, though I will admit, it was pretty underwhelming. The Champion was there for a little while, made one hell of a blizzard (which I'm really glad he did), and then left. I was hoping I'd at least get to talk to him, but, oh well. Maybe someday I'll see him again.

Anyway, outside of that, it was pretty average as far as our trips to worlds go. Lanying and I fought Kadaj again, but some six-armed loudmouth came in and started fighting him. I honestly don't know what the hell was up with him, but I guess I should be glad--he let Lanying and I bail early.

I've been thinking, though, about...no. I'll talk about that later. I need to report back to the Captain soon or she'll have my head. Hopefully she'll let me continue with my mission--I really don't want to leave Lanying or Zack. They're the closest friends I've got out here, and the only people I know I can trust.

Dammit, I'm getting sentimental. Heh...

Day 57: We dropped Zack off back in the Coliseum. I really wish he didn't want to, but he said he needed to get back to Hero Training. Besides, it's not like we can't visit him again later, right?

Our stop was back in Traverse Town, mostly because I needed to report back to Viola. She was pretty damn pissed, but I don't really care. The she-devil drill sergeant can suck my Eh, probably wouldn't want her seeing that, if she ever saw this. At least, while I'm alive. She's the only one who could lead us, anyway, and her being so obnoxious callous is to be expected. Hell, her dad wasn't any easier on us before he kicked his own bucket. That, and she's not bad at all when she's in a good mood. Went from chewing my ass out to telling me her latest story--good one at that, ha!

Lanying was really distracted though--pretty worried about her own world, apparently. I don't blame her either. Still, when she left Viola's office, she ran into this guy named Elrick and his partner, Lillian, who we helped out back in the Graveyard actually. Small inner-space, huh?

It wasn't the calmest of meetings, but once everyone cooled off we headed down to a cafe in the First District. After some rather, uh, awkward, conversation, we got straight to the heart of the matter. We're going to be heading together to Elrick's home world of Eurydice, or whatever. He protested quite a bit, but, c'mon, how bad could it be?

Day 59: Okay, it was pretty damn bad. Actually, it was about as bad as it could've been. We weren't even there for an hour before the shit hit the fan. And guess what? These guys have tamed Heartless. They had archers riding Wyverns! But, between Elrick's knowledge of the place, and Lanying using her dragon to pretty amazing effect, we managed to get to a bridge that divided the districts. I really wish I hadn't left my sword on our ship, though.

That was were the real problems started. First, there were a lot of guards waiting for us, and even though Lanying managed to take care of a lot of them, there were still plenty to fight off. It wasn't long until she actually got hurt, and Elrick kicked her out through a Corridor, headed back to Land of Dragons. I can't describe how much I wanted to deck him, but I couldn't argue. Yeah, she could heal herself, but that would take time that we didn't have, and if she didn't, she'd have slowed us down. Hopefully, when this is all over, I can go check in on her.

We did manage to get off the bridge (which Elrick destroyed with a massive tornado) and get into the next district. But the place where Elrick needed to go was destroyed, and it turned it out was all a trap by some crazy soldier Elrick knew from way back. Oh yeah, better news: this place's best soldiers are, essentially, sentient, humanoid Heartless! Seriously, the hell is wrong here?

Elrick ended up separating Lillian and I from him when he realized we couldn't win this fight. He told us to run, and we did. I hope he didn't get himself killed.

Day 60: We wound up inside an abandoned warehouse, absolutely exhausted. None of the soldiers followed us, but we were still on edge. After we caught our breath and came up with a very loose plan, Lillian lent me one of her guns, though I could never be as effective at using it as her.

Our plan was to change clothes, sneak into the public execution (yeah, Elrick's execution was some huge celebration, apparently) and try to free him. Well, we managed to change clothes (and why their clothes are so complicated I'll never know), but soon realized that rescuing Elrick was going to be pretty damn hard. Hundreds of guards, surrounded by people, and apparently their ruler was overseeing the execution, too.

Lillian and I started taking out a lot of guards, but if it wasn't for Elrick summoning this completely awesome demon spirit thingy we'd have all been screwed. Hell, if he hadn't summoned that he'd have been dead. Anyway, Elrick took us out to their airship hangar, and by god would they make the R&D guys back at the Shield jealous!

Naturally, things couldn't just be easy for us 'cause, you know, that would be stupid. Elrick's sister showed up along with two other soldiers, and well, let's just say I made sure the bitch I was fighting won't be walking anytime soon.

Elrick defeated his sister, and she let us take off with one of their freaking awesome ships. Frankly, I don't remember much of leaving since I passed out right the moment we took off.[/size]

[Nothingness]

Record Book

Win or lose, it's all just a game. As with all games, a score should be kept. How else can the winners be separated from the losers?

A New Game
Win/Loss- 1:0
Notes- Let the games begin!

Out of Darkness
Win/Loss- 2:0
Notes- Never play games with Vexen--he can't seem to find the different between an ace and a ten. Zexion seems to have exchanged some cards as well with a rather virile young woman--that should be worth keeping a card under my cap.

The Tired and the Restless
Win/Loss- 2:1
Notes- Demyx isn't as much of a fool as I thought. And he managed to trump me at every turn. I should stop underestimating him.

Thirteenth Flush
Win/Loss- 3:1
Notes- I believe that this will be the last time I work with either Vexen or Nyxar. They have no concept of time, which is rather disappointing. There is a time for waiting and a time for action--if you spend too much time doing either opportunities will just fly by.

An Organized Meeting
Win/Loss- 4:1
Notes- Working with Xaldin should prove interesting. Now, how to go about manipulating this "Tool of Darkness." If he retains control over his heart, he must want something. If we are to take hold over his heart, we need to know what that "something" is.

Parley I Say!
Win/Loss- 4:2
Notes- Alas, neither of us had any particular luck upon Port Royal's shores. Outside of some cheap wine, I didn't glean any info. Luck did, however, favor Xaldin slightly more as it showed him info on one of the silver-haired men. Still, such a blunt method as his holds as many risks as it does rewards.

Gift of Bacchus
Win/Loss- 5:2
Notes- Well played, Flame, well played. You certainly gave me a run for my money, but, in the end I was the victor. I know any number of scenarios may have happened, but knowing you and the Diviner, I'd be willing to bet on the best case scenario...well, for myself.

Restraint
Win/Loss- 6:2
Notes- A rousing Act I, it was. In retrospect, eliminating him would have most likely been a better choice, but as it stands, I think that letting him live a little while longer is preferable. After all, if he truly walked away with something upon his first death, then perhaps lightning will strike twice. As rare as a Royal Flush is, sometimes the gamble must be taken.

Unrestrained
Win/Loss- 7:2
Notes- Act II and III were not disappointing. Unfortunately, I will have to continue the chase. He seems to enjoy running away just when things get interesting. Rather odd for the firebrand that he is.

Heart of Stone
Win/Loss- 7:3
Notes- Acts IV and V ended, and not how I wanted. Clearly I made the wrong gamble. Unfortunate...

Initiation
Win/Loss- 8:3
Notes- We have a new member, but that's not particularly important. I've been reading the cards, and something doesn't seem right. Axel is dead, and while the cards tell me he isn't alive, they also don't tell me he's dead. What does this mean? Even in our nonexistence, the cards were true about those who "were" and those who "weren't." I'd wager something more is going on...

ReOrganization
Win/Loss- 9:3
Notes- At last, I'm rid of those fools. I doubt that they'll stay together, even though the Superior is gone. What with them stacking decks and making deals behind closed-doors, there's no doubt that something won't happen again. Regardless, should things go favorably, I won't consider myself too good to peek over their hands and get my heart back with the rest of them. I don't intend to rejoin at any point, however.

A Big Show
Well, this is certainly a strange thing to be pondering. Once again, I find myself standing before Death's Door. I've spent most of my time in Traverse Town wondering what to do with my cards: play them in this upcoming hand, or quietly fold. I'm still curious about how Axel cheated, but he seemed to find something only before he had died. Perhaps I might have the same luck dealt to me. A good gambler knows when to fold, but sometimes they have to listen to their instincts as well. I guess I shall put all of my chips in the pile, and pray that this Champion's hand isn't as good as my own. I may not have much to take, but it's all I have to be taken.

War Amongst The Dead
Win/Loss- 10:3
Notes- All bang and no buck. All the players were assembled, yet it turned out to be merely a rehearsal. Such a shame. Oh well, "Live to fight another day", as the saying goes.

[Nothingness]

Private Journal

Just something to put my stray thoughts in. I just hope Yuffie doesn't find this... That wouldn't be pleasant.

Rememberance- It's been eleven years since Radiant Garden fell, and we've been working on its restoration for two years. We've got a long way to go, but we're getting there. We just need to keep putting our hearts into it, and this world will be back to what it once was.

The Black Figure- A man came to this world today and wreaked havoc in the Marketplace. Despite all of our efforts, he won, and not just in destroying some of our work. He told us that he planted "seeds of darkness" within us, and that they would grow, slowly but surely. It worries me, especially for some of the others, but I'm confident that if we just try our best to keep that darkness at bay, we'll find the time to figure out how to get rid of it. That said, I'm still worried. I can't shake this terrible feeling in the bottom of heart...

Not Quite a Radient Garden Anymore- While we were repairing the damage done to the Marketplace, King Mickey stopped by to check up on how we were doing. I filled him in on the events that happened with the "Tool of Darkness"--he obviously was worried about it. Still, we couldn't talk for long before three silver-haired men, Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo, appeared. They said that they worked for Maleficent. We managed to fight them off, but they will be back. Until then, I just have to hope that Merlin's magic can fix up these wounds. And...I had a strange feeling when I was fighting Loz. It was almost like an out-of-body experience. Was that the darkness in my heart taking over?

Pain Has Never Been So Brilliant- A severely injured girl stopped by Merlin's house tonight. She had a stab wound on her shoulder, as well as a massive gash across her chest. Aerith managed to patch her up pretty well, but something about the wounds didn't sit right. It wasn't hard to find out where the battle had taken place--she left a blood trail that lead all the way to the Castle Gates. I don't know how she survived. What I found there makes me question why she was left alive, even. A black feather was resting on a large pool of her blood. It was Sephiroth. But why would he choose to fight that young girl? And does Cloud know? I told Aerith later that night, but it turns out the girl, Emi, already told both her and Yuffie. This worries me. A lot.

A Committee Meeting-It was good to see Sora and King Mickey again. I just wish it were under better circumstances. Still, something about that kid and Mickey put us all at ease. Despite fearing the darkness in our hearts, growing or not, they always seem to make one feel completely at ease--that everything is going to turn out fine. That's something we need right now. I just hope that confidence is enough.

Libraries and Vices- Sometimes, I think that I should put a bell on that woman. I know she has good intentions, but Aerith really needs to start thinking of her own safety a little more. The last thing we need is her sacrificing herself to save us. Especially since she gave us so much trouble this time around, I'm going to keep a closer eye on her. She's definitely not going to be heading to the castle while that witch is still there and still wanting to mess with us. If only there was some easy way to get rid of that conniving witch, we'd have a much easier time fixing this place up.

Constant Motion- King Mickey is dead.
I can't write anything for this.

Strategy Time- Some guy with a weird accent told me to go to the Neverland Clocktower and meet with Zexion. I didn't know why he told me that, but I went anyway; turned out to be a strategy meeting. It certainly didn't ease any anxiety I have about tomorrow. As if trusting my back to them wasn't enough trouble, they left out far too many variables in their planning, and seemed to barely be able to communicate with one another. I guess I'll just have to keep my guard up--not that that will be a problem.

Before the battle- The time has come to fight the Champion. We won't be alone in the battle this time, but I'm scared. I'll admit it--I am. Nothing is certain on the battlefield. For all we know, any one of us could be the only person returning, or all but one of us will die in that wasteland. But in the end, it's something we all have to do. We know the risks. I wish we didn't have to fight, but I guess this is the only way. Doing nothing won't solve anything, and while doing something may cause more problems, it's better than the alternative. I'd rather not be looking over my shoulder and I'm sick of being scared of the growing darkness inside me. Killing the Champion may not solve that problem, but it will at least set some things right. Any bad that comes of it, we'll deal with later. I just hope that we all come back together. I'll make sure that we do.

War Amongst the Dead- There's something both terrifying and empowering about being on the field of battle. The fear of death, balanced with the knowledge that within your hands you, yourself, hold the lives of others. Fear never once crossed through my mind, though the prospect of death did. We never directly fought the Champion--he left before any of us could--but I ended up fighting Loz one on one again. I could feel the darkness trying to take hold of me during the fight, and even though I tried my best to resist it, it felt like it was literally a part of me. I'm not sure if that's good or bad...

Oh, yeah. Apparently, I know this weird guy. What was his name? Gilgamesh or something. He said that he saved my life once before, and he was doing it again. Whatever--I'm glad he saved me, but I don't ever remember meeting a six-armed man that couldn't shut up.

[Nothingness]

Personal Shit

May as well write something down or else I'll go fucking crazy.

City of Delusion: Some twisted fucker decided to start a fight in the First district for shits and giggles. Had to break it up, but we were a bit late. Took me a few hours of shouting, but I got the involved gangs to cool off. Off the record, of course. We don't want the public knowing that there might have been a gang war.

We've got the fucker on our Wanted list--he shows his face in this world again and he's getting killed on sight.

An Act of Diplomacy: I swear to god, if Raen doesn't haul his ass back here within a week I'm leaving to find the shitter myself. Does he expect me to sit of my goddamn hands for a month and just play with myself or some shit? For fuck's sake...

Whatever, I've already written pages on how much Sarmon's been pissing me off. Time to write about the new shit.

Bumped into this shrimpy looking Nobody earlier today--Zexion, of the Organization. Chatted it up, shot the breeze; however the hell you want to say it. Turns out that he actually met Sarmon, though I don't think I'll get much into that. Like I said: enough about him. The main thing was that I asked him if he wouldn't mind allying with us, but he said it wasn't likely. If they still haven't got their shit together, I doubt we will. Still, it's an interesting premise. Maybe something will come of it.

The Mourning After: Well, speak of the devil! Raen showed his ass up a little while after shorty left. About fucking time.

He filled me in on the situation, and it looks like he's got a good handle on things, proving our older suspicions. I'm not too happy about having to tell everyone we need to restructure our alignment composition to primarily darkness with light as its secondary, but what can I do? If we want this world to stay, we have to pull a few risks. Still, they should all take it fairly well, and if not, fuck them. Glad to hear Sarmon grew some balls while he was out, too.

Speaking of which, his new partners apparently had quite the sets, too. I only met the one, Tai Shi Lanying, but she didn't do much talking. Hell, if she's got any sort of mind like mine, she was too busy wondering when she'd get laid by that Zack Fair, guy. Wish I had met him--definitely would've shown him a thing or two.

A Gathering of Sorts: Hot damn! I haven't had a rush like that in a LONG time! I mean, fuck was that fun! That freak's got one hell of a fight in him, and I was glad to get a piece of it. Yeah, he ruined my shirt and nearly got me killed, but it's nothing. I think Summer and Hector enjoyed it a bit too much, to be honest; they waited before getting the others in to heal me. Ah, whatever, I had fun.

Once I came to, I had to watch the sissiest fight between the two fucking sissiest people. One was some silver-haired, pretty boy-bitch while the other was a weird purple-haired shrimp. I'm pretty sure I've seen the shrimp somewhere before, but whatever. He's got some talent, but it needs a shit ton of refining. Hopefully I can get him to join up at some point. We need a good fist-fighter here. Hardly anyone goes for guns, and most of the people take some close-range weapon.

Hopefully Ava gets his ass back here soon, though. That last fight made me want a goddamn cigarette.