Saber Lily

I mean...cats do go for the throat...

Time to edit. Extensively.

- Odin, within the final trial of Isopolis -
 
As soon as he followed the others into the next room, the world dropped into whiteness, blinding Odin temporarily with its splendor before he could see the outline of a grand gate, its entrance carved and etched with great scrawling in many languages.  While he was very studious and learned in many languages, he could not decipher all of them, but he understood the overlying theme of the writing:  "To gain is to lose, and to know thyself is the absolute truth."  His gaze soon shifted to a figure standing between him and its base, a perfect replica of himself, clad by an all-too-knowledgeable smile on its face.
 
Going through the ordeal others have had as well, he paused and weighed his options.  This entity, this . . . embodiment, was not meant to be fought if it was to be believed.  If so, he must give something he had found precious to him, and, quite sadly, he knew what it was.  While his thirst for human understanding was profound, as was his ambition, the great abundance of wisdom and knowledge he gained from drinking from the Well of Wisdom was nearer and dearer to his heart.  That is what worried him.  Without his wisdom and knowledge, what would be done for his desires, his ambitions?  He would likely still keep his power, but would he be able to claim his goals if he lost all of that?
 
He looked down upon the hand of his doppelganger and, very reluctantly, placed his hand on its.
 
"I bequeath to you my helping from the Well of Wisdom, one I will reclaim it from the great spring once all is said and done, even if I have to sacrifice my other eye to do so."
 
His mirror's smile only widened as the withdrawal took place, and Odin felt all of his earnings from that spectacular day be plucked, one by one, from his mind until it was gone.  The memory that it existed remained, leaving the deepest craving of knowledge that he felt since nearly two thousand years ago.  A whole ocean filled with books, filled with memories, would not be enough to satiate his lust, and his brow furrowed with rage upon feeling this sensation and seeing the smug expression, his smug expression, upon his copy.
 
"You took that away slowly purposely, didn't you?" he voiced, molten anger seemingly frothing from his mouth.
 
"I did, just to see how what you would be like in such a predicament," replied the clone, expression unwavering.  "After all," it continued, coming to Odin's side and dropping its voice into a whisper, "you of all people deserve it."
 
The clone slipped behind him, and when Odin turned it was gone.  The unlocking of the grand gate snapped him free from his immediate ire, and he continued forward through the snapping stone and creaking metal to head for his destination.  He would get his revenge later, once he reclaimed what was his, and once he claimed the Source.
 
((Odin has sacrificed his great amassing of gained wisdom and knowledge from the Well of Wisdom, leaving the greatest of voids nothing else can fill.))
 
- Rufus Contralto, within the final trial of Isopolis -
 
Rufus observed what lay before him with a bright twinkle in his eye, not exactly understanding what was going on but guessing that it was like the illusionary hall he was in previously.  He looked around for an exit, saw only whiteness, broke down in panic and sobbed uncontrollably for a minute or two, then wiped his cheeks with a fine handkerchief and looked about again.  A gate?  A gate!  Oh, joy, an escape route!  But what is this thing that stands between him and certain escape?  Why, it is none other than himself, and a very serious version of him, too.
 
"Hello there, and goodbye!" he called out, waving sillily as he tried to step around.  The clone took a step with him, blocking his path, and when he tried doing the same again the same thing happened.  "What gives?  Why are you stopping me?" he voiced incredulously.
 
After the message and the holding out of a hand, Rufus frowned his deepest frown and pouted.
 
"So, you want a toll?  What are you, a highwayman, making such a demand?"
 
He tried once more to go around.  It did not work.
 
"Oh, come on."
 
Again to no effect.
 
"Fine!  You want something?   Let's see if you can take it."
 
Rufus backed up a few steps and pondered deeply about what it was exactly that he really wanted.  It was a topic he did not fully contemplate over the centuries of his existence, and it puzzled him for a few moments.  The other Rufus waited patiently.
 
"I have come up with an answer for you," he finally stated, his air full of determination as he stared down the copy in front of him.  "If you weren't me, you wouldn't like it, I think."
 
"I am you, quintessentially, so I would adore it, I am certain," voiced the clone.
 
"Are you sure?  Well then, I give you the one thing I can think of that I hold most dear.  My memories of Mouse the Elephant, the pachyderm queen of my heart -- is that enough to slake your lust?!"
 
"That's your second most dear thing.  I mean your hope of humanity."
 
"Oh, my mistake.  So that's the first most dear!  Thank goodness, as that would be horrible to live w--DID YOU SAY MY HOPE FOR HUMANITY?!"
 
" 'Of humanity,' but yes.  All of it, and that means your ability to become human again, too."
 
"Oh, you're a devil in disguise, that's for certain!" huffed the loud, obnoxious djinni, pacing wildly and twisting his lip in place of a mustache.  He was just that focused.  "You take away my chances of changing things, and in exchange you give me access to the next room?  What a load of horse apples!  I'm not even going to be able to touch this Source of all Strife!"
 
" 'Life.' "
 
"Same difference!" exclaimed the mad djinni before throwing his arms up in the air.  "All right, fine!  Take your prize and go, but I walk into that room over there with pride knowing that I did the right thing.  Pride, you hear?!  I'll be helping people out, with or without a reward, and you are a remarkable pig of a fallen to ask me such things."
 
A hand clasped his own as he shook it, the two landing perfectly in a handshake.  The clone emitted an insanely large grin, patted him on the shoulder, and slipped off into nothingness as Rufus started towards the door without his toll, the massive thing creaking open.
 
(( Rufus has lost any possibility of becoming human, his hopes dashed upon the rocks.))

- Helios & Arthur - /w everyone else - The Final Trial: The Gate -
 
 
Once again, Helios found himself alone. His surroundings were white, and endless. The only distinguishable feature being that of a gate. He walked towards it, hands carefully feeling upon the inscriptions on the steel. He gasps at the voice behind him, turning as he stared at...himself. It stood there, happily with a smile as if it were a mirror. It asked for what he held most dear of him...his mind began to race along with his heart. "...you mean my necklace right?" Helios asked, his voice a whisper as he held it. The last remainder of his friend. It ached his heart to even think about it, but he would- The copy would shake his head. "No. Close." It spoke. Helios' eyes narrowed. "Aura...I wouldn't ever-" "Not her either." The copy walked closer, before pointing at Helios' chest. "The one thing you hold most dear above everything else in this and other world...the beloved memories of your friends." Helios could feel his blood run cold. "The one thing that has kept you alive. Going and going. The memories that you hold so dear. That is the price you must pay to move onward." The Copy spoke, hands behind its back as it stared at Helios. The Fey grasped at his chest tightly, slowly gritting his teeth. "...there is no other way, is there?" The Copy would shake its head. Helios would remain quiet for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. He looked up, eyes gleaming at the verge of tears. "...Then so be it." "Are you sure about this?" The Copy asked, taking a step forward. Helios wiped away his tears. "I am sure." He said. "These memories...they are my most precious treasures. The memories of all who I hold so dear to my heart...but sacrifices must be made...there is no happily ever after." Helios extended his hand, offering it to the copy. "If my memories are the cost of the chance of saving the countless lives that have been lost...then I will just have to make new ones." He said, a single tear streaming down his face. The Copy smiled softly. "Then so it shall be." He reached out, taking Helios' hand. Helios would close his eyes, picturing their laughter and smiling faces one last time before it all went to white.
 
(( Helios has sacrificed the memories of Ren, Arianna, and all of their moments. He cannot recall their names, their voices, their faces. ))
(( It is as if they never existed...even though he knows better. ))
 
 
 
Arthur was surprised to find what he did. He touched the gate, only for the voice to startle him. He would turn to greet the Copy with a sword pointed at its neck, though the copy didn't move nor react. It merely stared at him with a smile, which only made it worse. Arthur slowly lowered his sword, staring at the copy of himself. "What I hold most dear?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. What could they possibly take? His home is gone. His kingdom is gone. His family is gone. His world is gone. What more could they take away from him? "You are a knight are you not? A proud knight of your kingdom! Even when it no longer exists!" The Copy would say proudly, walking back and forth, sort of teasing Arthur. The young man would stare at the copy, staring at him. "What are you trying to say?" He asked. The copy would pause, turning to Arthur before pressing a hand against his heart. "You have to give me everything that remains of you. Your pride. Your all." The Copy spoke. Arthur stared at the Copy, his heart sinking. "...me." He finally whispered. "That is correct." The Copy would lean in closer. "You have to give me your humanity." The knight would grit his teeth, but he would take a deep breath. "...this is the only way to get to the Source of All Life?" He asked. "Yes." "...well, not like I'm going to say no." Arthur would smirk at his copy, reaching out and offering his hand. "Then I give you my humanity." He said. The Copy chuckled, reaching out and taking his hand. "Father would be proud." "I know that already." Arthur watched as his skin would soon seem to crack and shatter, the energy from his draining as he closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Athena." He whispered, feeling the humanity within him disappear. "I hope you don't sacrifice as much as I have."
 
(( Arthur has sacrificed his humanity. What happens to a human when you take all that they are? ))

I doubt Sora accepted Xehanort's heart. I honestly think he used Sora as misdirection and extracted Xion while Riku was on his way.
 
So many questions. No answers.

First of all and with a lot of pain in my heart I gotta say, YES, it s Xion in the trailer... it's quite clear actually... on regards of your theory... I don't know. It might be possible but doesn't look like it is what Nomura would do IMO. But you do hit certain questions regarding Xion's return such as how did Xehanort find her? Why did she accepted it? Does that mean Roxas might be norted as well?
 
Lots of questions but no answers

Hi there, your resident Xion fanboy with a theory as convoluted as the entire story of Dream Drop Distance here. So by now many of us have seen the new TGS trailer showing off Big Hero 6 and Baymax, aka Donald but he actually does his job, as well as a little montage of all the Seekers...and then the new one. Many have said it's Aqua but her hair is far longer on the sides and covers more of either side of her head. This leads me to go with the heartbreaking conclusion that Xion's been Norted.
 
 
"But Sabre, if this is Xion, and not some new Seeker that's introduced...how, when everyone forgot about her?"
"Buuuuut Sabre she's gone."
 
 
Because killing someone in Kingdom Hearts has worked so well Jokes aside, I for a moment wondered how Xion would have gotten norted, I really did. But then I hit an epiphany. Xehanort said Sora was his chosen vessel, but when should anyone be truthful to us? Xehanort telling his plans as such is folly; he knows how stubborn those of the Light can be, and knowing how hard Terra struggled once the plan was known, I don't think he'd be so...open. Plus, there's no way he wouldn't have figured out that Sora can overcome any darkness within him given time, especially with Riku there, meaning...why risk it? Why risk attempting to turn Sora when it would be simpler to find someone else who could be filled with another part of Xehanort?
 
Then it hit me. They were lying. At no point were they trying to turn Sora. They were going to fill an empty puppet, one that had helped a former Org13 member turn against them.
 
But everyone forgot about Xion. How could Xehanort have known Xion was there? Well, that's simple, and explained, again, in Dream Drop Distance. Memories of Xion were forgotten...but not data. Ansem the Wise remembered her existence. He expressly mentions an empty puppet could be saved by the love in Sora's heart. If Ansem the Wise was able to catalog and record Xion's existence but forget all about her, then it only begs the question.
 
 
How extensive was Vexen's research?
 
Having that trove of information at hand, from every project Vexen ever did...it requires them going back to Castle Oblivion yes, but there is no reason not to. And, going through Vexen's data means they will have known what to do. With the access to time travel...what is stopping them from going to the point in time Roxas and Xion fought, telling Xemnas WXYZ, and keeping tabs on Roxas after the fight. They'd know that eventually Roxas would return to Sora...alongside that empty puppet with a sham of a Keyblade.
 
 
This leads to the how: How did they manage it? Well, the entire time that Riku was fighting Young Xehanort, Stopza was shown to not exactly work on them for any real period of time. What in fact stopped the 13 Seekers of Darkness from extracting that which was Xion from Sora, and hiding her away briefly for the oncoming exchange? Xehanort has been shown to have plans within plans, work quickly and as efficiently as possible - barring bits of irrational behavior.
 
What of Mickey? Unsure, the only real hole in my theory as I'm unsure of what he was doing besides waiting for Riku to return...but as Stopza fades, it shows Master Xehanort has already fully manifested in the timeline. With Mickey distracted...
 
Well.
 
Xehanort is shown to need but a minute to use the spell to fill. One he would have had when YMX went against Riku.
 
 
The entire plan was never to use Sora. The entire time, Xehanort had planned to use Xion. Xemnas even said she'd make a fitting vessel in the 358/2 Days cutscenes.
 
 
But that's just a theory.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No I'm not Matpack.

Hi there, your resident Xion fanboy with a theory as convoluted as the entire story of Dream Drop Distance here. So by now many of us have seen the new TGS trailer showing off Big Hero 6 and Baymax, aka Donald but he actually does his job, as well as a little montage of all the Seekers...and then the new one. Many have said it's Aqua but her hair is far longer on the sides and covers more of either side of her head. This leads me to go with the heartbreaking conclusion that Xion's been Norted.
 
 
"But Sabre, if this is Xion, and not some new Seeker that's introduced...how, when everyone forgot about her?"
"Buuuuut Sabre she's gone."
 
 
Because killing someone in Kingdom Hearts has worked so well Jokes aside, I for a moment wondered how Xion would have gotten norted, I really did. But then I hit an epiphany. Xehanort said Sora was his chosen vessel, but when should anyone be truthful to us? Xehanort telling his plans as such is folly; he knows how stubborn those of the Light can be, and knowing how hard Terra struggled once the plan was known, I don't think he'd be so...open. Plus, there's no way he wouldn't have figured out that Sora can overcome any darkness within him given time, especially with Riku there, meaning...why risk it? Why risk attempting to turn Sora when it would be simpler to find someone else who could be filled with another part of Xehanort?
 
Then it hit me. They were lying. At no point were they trying to turn Sora. They were going to fill an empty puppet, one that had helped a former Org13 member turn against them.
 
But everyone forgot about Xion. How could Xehanort have known Xion was there? Well, that's simple, and explained, again, in Dream Drop Distance. Memories of Xion were forgotten...but not data. Ansem the Wise remembered her existence. He expressly mentions an empty puppet could be saved by the love in Sora's heart. If Ansem the Wise was able to catalog and record Xion's existence but forget all about her, then it only begs the question.
 
 
How extensive was Vexen's research?
 
Having that trove of information at hand, from every project Vexen ever did...it requires them going back to Castle Oblivion yes, but there is no reason not to. And, going through Vexen's data means they will have known what to do. With the access to time travel...what is stopping them from going to the point in time Roxas and Xion fought, telling Xemnas WXYZ, and keeping tabs on Roxas after the fight. They'd know that eventually Roxas would return to Sora...alongside that empty puppet with a sham of a Keyblade.
 
 
This leads to the how: How did they manage it? Well, the entire time that Riku was fighting Young Xehanort, Stopza was shown to not exactly work on them for any real period of time. What in fact stopped the 13 Seekers of Darkness from extracting that which was Xion from Sora, and hiding her away briefly for the oncoming exchange? Xehanort has been shown to have plans within plans, work quickly and as efficiently as possible - barring bits of irrational behavior.
 
What of Mickey? Unsure, the only real hole in my theory as I'm unsure of what he was doing besides waiting for Riku to return...but as Stopza fades, it shows Master Xehanort has already fully manifested in the timeline. With Mickey distracted...
 
Well.
 
Xehanort is shown to need but a minute to use the spell to fill. One he would have had when YMX went against Riku.
 
 
The entire plan was never to use Sora. The entire time, Xehanort had planned to use Xion. Xemnas even said she'd make a fitting vessel in the 358/2 Days cutscenes.
 
 
But that's just a theory.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No I'm not Matpack.

Hi there, your resident Xion fanboy with a theory as convoluted as the entire story of Dream Drop Distance here. So by now many of us have seen the new TGS trailer showing off Big Hero 6 and Baymax, aka Donald but he actually does his job, as well as a little montage of all the Seekers...and then the new one. Many have said it's Aqua but her hair is far longer on the sides and covers more of either side of her head. This leads me to go with the heartbreaking conclusion that Xion's been Norted.
 
 
"But Sabre, if this is Xion, and not some new Seeker that's introduced...how, when everyone forgot about her?"
"Buuuuut Sabre she's gone."
 
 
Because killing someone in Kingdom Hearts has worked so well Jokes aside, I for a moment wondered how Xion would have gotten norted, I really did. But then I hit an epiphany. Xehanort said Sora was his chosen vessel, but when should anyone be truthful to us? Xehanort telling his plans as such is folly; he knows how stubborn those of the Light can be, and knowing how hard Terra struggled once the plan was known, I don't think he'd be so...open. Plus, there's no way he wouldn't have figured out that Sora can overcome any darkness within him given time, especially with Riku there, meaning...why risk it? Why risk attempting to turn Sora when it would be simpler to find someone else who could be filled with another part of Xehanort?
 
Then it hit me. They were lying. At no point were they trying to turn Sora. They were going to fill an empty puppet, one that had helped a former Org13 member turn against them.
 
But everyone forgot about Xion. How could Xehanort have known Xion was there? Well, that's simple, and explained, again, in Dream Drop Distance. Memories of Xion were forgotten...but not data. Ansem the Wise remembered her existence. He expressly mentions an empty puppet could be saved by the love in Sora's heart. If Ansem the Wise was able to catalog and record Xion's existence but forget all about her, then it only begs the question.
 
 
How extensive was Vexen's research?
 
Having that trove of information at hand, from every project Vexen ever did...it requires them going back to Castle Oblivion yes, but there is no reason not to. And, going through Vexen's data means they will have known what to do. With the access to time travel...what is stopping them from going to the point in time Roxas and Xion fought, telling Xemnas WXYZ, and keeping tabs on Roxas after the fight. They'd know that eventually Roxas would return to Sora...alongside that empty puppet with a sham of a Keyblade.
 
 
This leads to the how: How did they manage it? Well, the entire time that Riku was fighting Young Xehanort, Stopza was shown to not exactly work on them for any real period of time. What in fact stopped the 13 Seekers of Darkness from extracting that which was Xion from Sora, and hiding her away briefly for the oncoming exchange? Xehanort has been shown to have plans within plans, work quickly and as efficiently as possible - barring bits of irrational behavior.
 
What of Mickey? Unsure, the only real hole in my theory as I'm unsure of what he was doing besides waiting for Riku to return...but as Stopza fades, it shows Master Xehanort has already fully manifested in the timeline. With Mickey distracted...
 
Well.
 
Xehanort is shown to need but a minute to use the spell to fill. One he would have had when YMX went against Riku.
 
 
The entire plan was never to use Sora. The entire time, Xehanort had planned to use Xion. Xemnas even said she'd make a fitting vessel in the 358/2 Days cutscenes.
 
 
But that's just a theory.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No I'm not Matpack.

Most likely it's going to be Xion, just to mess with Xion fans
 
I don't see who else could it be, unless it's a new character

I do find it a bit interesting that they AREN'T showing Vanitas' face. His face might actually be a meaningful spoiler.

My heart is in tatters.
 
They show no face, but I know that hair.
 
THIS ISNT HOW I WANTED XION TO LIVE.

My heart is in tatters.
 
They show no face, but I know that hair.
 
THIS ISNT HOW I WANTED XION TO LIVE.

Okay, I finally posted.  My apologies for the delay!  You're doing a great job putting together this fight, Endless.  Thank you.

Third Trial at the Final Door
 
 

"Darling!" The woman coyly smiled at kagura, a hand trailing up her arm and shoulder to gently cup Eclaire's cheek. "Come to lose some stress? Maybe just for funs?" She giggled. "Maybe even join me workforce?"
"No, Candi." Eclaire patted her hand. "Can we talk? Privately?" She bit her lip. "And I don't meant 'talk' I mean actually talk."
 
Candi frowned, but took Eclaire's hand and pretty much dragged her into an alley...then pinned her against the wall behind a dumpster. "You know it's not as cheap as me..." she cooed. "So what does the kitty want to know?"
"Greyhawk." she tilted her head.
Candi froze...then her grip tightened, pinning Eclaire to the wall. "That's not a name you want to know of." she hissed. "And it's not cheap." She had changed from coy to cautious. "Lot of people want to know where he is with that bounty."
"I know." she sighed. "Now can you let me go? You know I prefer tender."
Candi scowled, but let go. "Creds first, then information."
 
Eclaire sighed, then fished out two thousand and handed it over. "Alright, there. Tell me please?" She clasped her hands together, ears flattening pleadingly. Candi gently facepalmed. "Please don - godsdammit don't do those kitten eyes....you're doing them." she rubbed her forehead. "Roses's Grace. Greyhawk prefers the girls there. Back room stuff. It's pricey..."
"Thank you!" She beamed, hugging her. "I'll leave you to it!" She said, and tried to escape, if not for Candi grabbing her arm. "Don't get yerself killed darling. I hate losing my favorites." letting go, she left with a halfhearted wave over her shoulder, leaving Eclaire to tap the com in her ear.
"Hey boss. I got a line for a place Greyhawk frequents. Back room of a place called Rose's Grace."

Jake-Rose’s Grace with Eclaire
 
Jake takes one last good look at the blueprint of the facility, and notices that there are very odd looking angles. Eclaire mentions something seems off, to which Jake agrees. “Yes............. odd” He thinks for a minute. He doesn’t want Eclaire hurt or in trouble, but he certainly doesn’t want Greyhawk to disappear. He comes up with a solution. “Alright.......... We’ll go back there together. We probably need to convince that guy back there to let both of us in. What do you say?”
 
(Kinda rushed, I know, but I feel bad making you guys wait one more day. So, here. Apologies once again.)

I’ll try my very hardest to post tomorrow after work. If not, Sabre, you can continue. I’m incredibly sorry guys.

Oh god what have I done.

I CAN NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY
 
 
  
I mean his cape does flap in the wind when there is no wind.
 
 
  
Very mysterious. Very.
 
 
*Rhaedyn takes off helmet. It's another helmet*

The Iron Lord works in mysterious ways.

Rhaedyn's a firetrucking magician!

Spoilers to anyone who did not watch the latest episode of Overworld because you do not have exclusive next-day access like me:
 
 
 

Rhaedyn and Xion: Unfortunately not with Good King Moggle Mog the XIVth.
 
Xion let the man rage. "Such is humanity. Because one of us is strong you assume they are fine. The overworld is amok with such power. And if a parent ceases to worry, no matter how capable a child is, then I wonder if they ever do care for their children." In truth, she had grown all the more protective since Eclaire had been banished from Mare Luxuria...and she refused to see her daughter anything less then happy and healthy. Taking a drought of the potion, she stepped through after them...then kicked off and flew, throwing her arms around Eclaire once in range.
"BY THE GODDESS YOU FOOL." she roared. "No note, no letter, no message!" She seethed. "I didn't know if you were even free!"
Eclaire didn't stumble much, ears drooping. "Y....you came?"
"Yes." Was all she said, letting go, she stepped back. "Wish you'd quit running off now."
Eclaire only smiled softly. "Yes, mother."
 
Thane lumbered up behind them. How did he drink the potion? Did he remove his helmet? Did he reveal his face? Who knows. Find out nextime on Overworld FighterZ Boudakei Tenshi 4.