Organization XIII
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Organization XIII (XIII機関, Jūsan Kikan) is a fictional group of thirteen Nobodies created by Tetsuya Nomura, Daisuke Watanabe, and Kazushige Nojima and featured in Square Enix and Buena Vista Games' PlayStation 2 role-playing game, Kingdom Hearts II. They were originally introduced in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix's secret ending video "Another Side, Another Story [deep dive]", where the Japanese was translated as "the Thirteenth Order", then as the Organization (機関, Kikan) in the game Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. They seek to discover the mysteries that lie within the heart and use the power of Kingdom Hearts to become complete humans.[1] As Nobodies, they lack emotion and morality, unable to feel guilt and remorse for their actions.[2] Most members mask their true nature by pretending to have emotions, deceiving both themselves and those they meet.
Background
The first six members of Organization XIII are Nobodies of the apprentices of Ansem the Wise, who participated in his experiments with the heart. The assistants and Ansem built an underground facility in the Radiant Garden where they conducted experiments with the heart, using various test subjects. After speaking with the off-worlder King Mickey, Ansem saw the immorality of what he was doing and ceased his involvement. The assistants and their leader, Xehanort, did not share his moral compunction and continued their experiments. This eventually led to tragedy and the creation of Nobody versions of the assistants. Xemnas, the Nobody of Xehanort, became the "Superior" and founded Organization XIII in order to learn about the secrets of the heart and to recover their hearts and become complete beings again. To that end, they deliberately send Heartless into various worlds with the expectation of Sora destroying them, releasing the hearts inside the creatures, which then bond with Kingdom Hearts, the "heart of all worlds" located in the World That Never Was, granting more power for the Organization.[1]
Each member's name is an anagram of their original self's name with an X added as a mark of brotherhood. The origins and original names of members VII to XII are unknown.
Weapons imprinted by "shadows" of Organization members that died in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories appear throughout Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, where they take the form of their respective members when challenged. These "shadows" are named "Absent Silhouettes" by the game.
Members
The members are presented by assigned number order; the numbers show seniority of the members with I being the most senior, and XIII being the newest member. They all also receive titles indicating their role in Organization XIII and their personality, unique elemental powers, and their own breed of lesser Nobodies.[3]
I. Xemnas
Xemnas (ゼムナス, Zemunasu) is the Nobody of Xehanort, leader of the Organization, and the main antagonist of Kingdom Hearts II. His name is derived from an anagram of "Ansem" with an "X", due to Xehanort taking his mentor's name prior to the discarding of his body. His assigned Nobody is the Sorcerer.[3] Xemnas is voiced by Paul St. Peter in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and by Norio Wakamoto in the Japanese version.
In battle, Xemnas uses energy blades called Aerial Blades, which extend from his palms or are used as projectiles, and the power of nothingness.[3]
Xemnas first appears in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix as an additional boss for that version. In this version, the player has the option of initiating a battle with "Unknown" (謎の男, Nazo no Otoko, lit. "Unknown Man") in Hollow Bastion. Scenes before and after the battle serve as foreshadowing to later plot developments, including Roxas and "Unknown"'s identity.
In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Xemnas is referred to as the "Superior" by other members of the organization. Vexen quickly agrees to eliminate Sora when Marluxia makes the threat of reporting the failure of his Riku Replica to Xemnas.[4]
In Kingdom Hearts II, Xemnas initially appears in Roxas's dreams, as Roxas struggles to remember what he is. Xemnas makes two later appearances at Hollow Bastion; in the second, his identity is clarified and face revealed. His plot is explained as increasing the power of Kingdom Hearts, the source of hearts and where free-roaming hearts return to, by Sora destroying Heartless and releasing the hearts inside.
Xemnas is confronted again in the World That Never Was when DiZ attempts to contain Kingdom Hearts' power. They speak, and Xemnas reveals that he is trying to build a "new world, one heart at a time", and he thanks his former master for this, stating that Ansem the Wise is "the source of all Heartless." DiZ, however, claims that Xemnas has learned nothing, and that is why his plot will ultimately fail. DiZ's machine explodes, leaving a huge hole in Kingdom Hearts which triggers many of the hearts to rain down and become Heartless. Xemnas uses what is left of Kingdom Hearts's power, calling up the emotions of rage and hatred and taking on a new form to fight Sora and company. Though he was thought to be defeated, Xemnas manages to separate Sora and Riku from the others to fight them. His efforts fail, and the two defeat Xemnas, who then fades back into darkness.
Many of the added scenes in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix show Xemnas participating in Organization XIII meetings, and in one he is shown entering a personal room, named the "Room of Sleep", in the depths of his former laboratory, and there speaking to the empty armor of Aqua, a female keyblade master, calling it "friend". In discussion with Zexion, Xigbar indicates a connection between Castle Oblivion, a corresponding "Room of Awakening", and the location of another "friend", which Xemnas seeks.
In Kingdom Hearts: Another Report, Xemnas sends Axel and Roxas to the Villain's Vale in Hollow Bastion some time after the events of Chain of Memories to free a raven trapped there in a cage, implying that Maleficent's revival was his doing as she had great control of Heartless.
II. Xigbar
Xigbar, the "Freeshooter" (『魔弾の射手』シグバール, "Madan no Shashu" Shigubāru, lit. "'Magic Bullet Shooter' Xigbar"), is a senior member of the Organization who appears in Kingdom Hearts II. His original self was Braig (ブライグ, Buraigu, mistranslated as Bleig in the North American version). Xigbar is voiced by James Patrick Stuart in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Hōchū Ōtsuka in the Japanese version.
Xigbar initially appears before Sora at Hollow Bastion near the beginning of the game to taunt Sora, though he never takes off his hood, and compares him to Roxas out of the glare he got from Sora. Xigbar transforms a dragon in the Land of Dragons, a world based on Mulan, into a Heartless. Sora sees Xigbar and, due to his hooded appearance, confuses him with Riku, whom he had met earlier. Xigbar takes his leave, but not before summoning his Sniper Nobodies to cover his escape.[3] He confronts Sora again at the World That Never Was and calls him Roxas, confusing the Keyblade master. Xigbar fights Sora, using Gun Arrows and manipulating space to change the battlefield, to teleport himself and his bullets, and to levitate upside down.[3] Defeated, Xigbar fades into darkness, refusing to clarify the mystery of "Roxas".
A flashback scene in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix features him and Zexion discussing Xemnas's secretive behavior, Xigbar's task to recruit members, and the purpose of Castle Oblivion.
III. Xaldin
Xaldin, the "Whirlwind Lancer" (『旋風の六槍』ザルディン, "Senpū no Rokusō" Zarudin, lit. "'Six Lances of the Whirlwind' Xaldin"), appears in Kingdom Hearts II. His original self was Dilan (ディラン, Diran, mistranslated as Dilin in the North American version). Xaldin is voiced by David Dayan Fisher in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Yōsuke Akimoto in the Japanese version.
With his powers, he uses wind to manipulate his six lances and shield himself. His lances can transform into a dragon-shaped contraption to attack opponents with whirlwinds.[3]
First appearing at Hollow Bastion, Xaldin confronts Sora in Beast's Castle when he manipulates the Beast's rage by various means so that a powerful Nobody and Heartless could be created from the Beast, forcing the Beast to turn on those he cares about. But Sora's interference with his plan forces Xaldin to steal the Beast's mystical rose to temper the Beast's rage. Despite Xaldin's lance-wielding Dragoon Nobodies,[3] Sora and the Beast find him, and he reveals that the Organization needs Kingdom Hearts to become complete beings. He then kidnaps Belle, forcing the Beast to choose whether Belle or the rose is more important to him. The plan fails when Belle gets away with the rose and Xaldin falls against Sora and the Beast.
An added scene in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix features Xaldin threatening Axel when Axel refuses to kill Roxas.
IV. Vexen
Vexen, the "Chilly Academic" (『いてつく学究』ヴィクセン, "Itetsuku Gakkyū" Vikusen), is a scientist who appears in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. His original self was Even (エヴェン), and he was interested in studying Xehanort's memories. Vexen can control ice and carries a large shield in battle that blocks any frontal attacks made against him.[3] Vexen is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Nachi Nozawa in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.
Vexen sides with Zexion and Lexaeus, other high-ranked members occupying the castle's basements, to prevent Marluxia, whom Vexen dislikes, from using Sora to overthrow the Organization.[5] He first battles Riku in order to gather data to create a replica of him.[6][7] However, Vexen cares nothing for his "experiment" and allows Naminé to manipulate the Riku Replica's memories against his wishes.[8] When the Replica fails to defeat Sora, Marluxia threatens to reveal the shortcoming to Xemnas, forcing Vexen to kill Sora. Encountering Sora, Vexen says that he came to collect his "debt" and provokes Sora's anger by making him believe that he controlled Riku rather than created a replica.[9] After their battle, Vexen gives Sora the card to Twilight Town with the intention of revealing Roxas's existence.[10] Marluxia considers him a traitor as a result and sends Axel to kill him.[11]
In Twilight Town, Vexen attempts to reveal to Sora why he feels as though he has been to Twilight Town despite being fairly certain that he had never been there.[12] Sora and Vexen battle again after Vexen tells Sora to throw away his memories and listen to his heart. After being defeated, Vexen sees Sora as a true threat; even after being weakened by false memories, Sora remained very strong.[13] As Vexen is about to reveal Marluxia's plot, he is killed by Axel.[14]
In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Vexen is shown in a flashback sequence, asking Zexion where Xemnas is while Xemnas is in the "Room of Sleep".
V. Lexaeus
Lexaeus, the "Silent Hero" (『静かなる豪傑』レクセウス, "Shizuka naru Gōketsu" Rekuseusu), is a well-built fighter in Organization XIII's ranks, one of the two members of the Organization in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories that appear in Riku's story only. His original self was Aeleus (エレウス, Ereusu, mistranslated as Eleus in the North American version). Lexaeus is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Fumihiko Tachiki in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.
Lexaeus, along with Vexen and Zexion, are older members of the Organization who occupy the basement levels of Castle Oblivion. When they find Marluxia plans to overthrow the Organization by capturing and manipulating Sora, Lexaeus and Zexion decide to capture Riku and use him in the same fashion to counter Marluxia. When it becomes dangerously apparent that Sora might fall into Marluxia's grasp, Lexaeus confronts Riku directly, trying to convince him to open himself up to the power of the darkness in his heart. Riku refuses to give in and Lexaeus attacks him. He employs a large tomahawk and earth, throwing his tomahawk, breaking rocks and shaking the arena itself.[3] Riku manages to defeat the warrior, but with his last bits of strength, Lexaeus releases all of the darkness within him in hopes of overwhelming and consuming Riku. However, King Mickey protects Riku from the part of Xehanort's Heartless in his heart.
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories alters Lexaeus's death; Xehanort's Heartless possesses Riku's body and kills Lexaeus.
VI. Zexion
Zexion, the "Cloaked Schemer" (『影歩む策士』ゼクシオン, "Kage Ayumu Sakushi" Zekushion, lit. "'Shadow-walking Schemer' Zexion"), is a manipulator appearing in Chain of Memories. His original self was Ansem the Wise's youngest lab assistant, Ienzo (イエンツォ, Ientso), who convinced Ansem the Wise that they should build an underground lab for research. He is voiced by Akira Ishida in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories.
Zexion has the ability to identify individuals by their scent and is able to sense when they die by noticing their scents fading, and seems to be able to do so from great distances. His power is over illusion, used to mimic others' weapons, disguise himself as others, and create duplicates of himself.[15] His unique weapon is a lexicon; with it, he is able to send out a flurry of pages to attack the opponent and trap them into the pages. Before Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+, Zexion's weapon and powers were unknown, as Nomura wanted an air of mystery to surround them, to the point that the weapon panel for Zexion in the World That Never Was that would show what he utilizes is completely destroyed.
He is one of two Organization members who appear only in Riku's story. Zexion informs Vexen and Lexaeus that he senses a scent "exactly similar" to that of Xemnas and identified as Riku. Riku's actions are tracked until Vexen's death, when Zexion and Lexaeus decide to use Riku to counter Marluxia's plan to use Sora. After Marluxia is killed, Zexion sees Riku as unnecessary and attempts to destroy Riku himself. He does not plan to use brute force, because of personal preference and the fact that Riku was able to defeat the powerful Lexaeus. He leads Riku into a manifestation of Destiny Islands, Riku's home. There, Zexion tells Riku about how he threw away his friends and his home and opened the door to darkness, thus destroying the islands.
Following Riku's battle with a large Heartless, Zexion disguises himself as Sora and attacks Riku, telling him that he's become a pawn of the darkness. He engulfs Riku in light, but a vision of Kairi (who is actually Naminé in disguise) convinces Riku to accept darkness and light. With newfound confidence, Riku follows Zexion's scent through the light and strikes him; Zexion flees. Axel brings the Riku Replica to Zexion and convinces the replica that he can become "real" by gaining power that the real Riku does not have. The replica agrees, and as per Axel's suggestion, kills Zexion.
In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Zexion is featured in a flashback sequence, in which he and Xigbar discuss Xemnas's secretive behavior, Xigbar's task to recruit members, and the purpose of Castle Oblivion.
VII. Saïx
Saïx, the "Luna Diviner" (『月に舞う魔人』サイクス, "Tsuki ni Mau Majin" Saikusu, lit. "'Demon Man Dancing in the Moon' Saix"), who is treated as second to Xemnas in the Organization, appears in Kingdom Hearts II. Saïx is voiced by Kirk Thornton in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Ginpei Sato in the Japanese version.
First appearing in Hollow Bastion and then in Twilight Town, Saïx, after Sora defeats his Berserker Nobodies, who wield weapons much like his own,[3] warns Sora of Axel's intention to turn him into a Heartless. After Sora defeats the Heartless army at Hollow Bastion, Saïx appears and explains Sora's purpose in the Organization's plans and refuses Sora's request to meet Kairi, whom Saïx kidnapped. After Saïx summons a horde of Heartless, Maleficent attempts to use her own Heartless to battle Saïx, but his Nobodies quickly dispatch them and overwhelm Maleficent.
Later, at the World That Never Was, when Naminé helps Kairi escape, Saïx appears to deal with the two, but is stopped by Riku in the guise of Xehanort's Heartless; Saïx fled. Once Kingdom Hearts neared completion, Xemnas gives him permission to destroy Sora and his friends, and Saïx appears quite happy to be allowed to do so. Despite appearing calm, Saïx shows his true beast-like nature when he fights Sora in the World That Never Was, going into a berserk state by absorbing the light from the Kingdom Hearts moon, attacking with a claymore.[3] After Sora defeats him, he dies while pining for Kingdom Hearts to give him his heart.
VIII. Axel
Axel, "Flurry of Dancing Flames" (『おどる火の風』アクセル, "Odoru Hi no Kaze" Akuseru), who utilizes a pair of chakram, as well as fire with the Assassin Nobodies under his control,[3] appears in both Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II. Axel is a strong fighter, and can create walls of fire or throw his weapons. Axel is voiced by Keiji Fujiwara in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories, and the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts II, while he is voiced by Quinton Flynn in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II.
In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Axel pretends to join with Larxene and Marluxia in their plan to seize control of the Organization using Sora. To gain their trust, he assassinates Vexen when ordered by Marluxia to rid them of "traitors".[11][14] Afterwards, to derail Marluxia's plans, Axel sets Naminé free so that she can reveal to Sora the truth about how she manipulated his memory.
Eventually, Axel confronts Marluxia, prepared to destroy him. Marluxia uses Naminé as a shield to keep Axel at bay, though Axel resolves to go through anyone, even Naminé. When Sora makes a sudden appearance, Marluxia vanishes with Naminé, leaving Sora to fight Axel. Sora defeats Axel, after which he states the existence of their relation before vanishing, letting Sora believe him to be gone for good. After Marluxia is defeated by Sora, Axel enlists the aid of the Riku Replica that Vexen created to get rid of Zexion in Castle Oblivion's basement levels.
In Kingdom Hearts II, Axel attempts to rescue Roxas from DiZ's virtual Twilight Town. Despite Axel's efforts, Roxas merges with Sora. Later, acting separately from the Organization, Axel kidnaps Kairi to bait Sora to him. However, Saïx takes her away so the Organization can use her to fuel Sora's anger. During a visit to Twilight Town, Saïx warns Sora that Axel desires to turn him into a Heartless. Axel appears after the Heartless invasion of Hollow Bastion to Sora, and informs him that Organization XIII has been using him to get hearts. He then apologizes for getting Kairi involved. Before he elaborates, Saїx appears and Axel promptly flees.
Axel finds Sora in a pathway to the World That Never Was and chooses to fight Nobodies with him. The numbers get overwhelming and Axel performs a kamikaze attack to save Sora. Fading away, Axel apologizes for kidnapping Kairi and asks Sora to rescue her. When asked what he was trying to do, Axel admits he wanted to see Roxas, who made him feel like he had a heart, and Sora made him feel the same way. With the last of his strength, Axel opens an entrance to the World That Never Was.
Three added scenes in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix feature Axel. In the first, he receives orders to bring back or kill Roxas, and the second features Riku putting Naminé in Axel's care. The third takes place after Sora defeats Roxas, in which Axel and Roxas say a final farewell to one another in Roxas's conscience.
It is implied in Kingdom Hearts: Another Report that Axel and Roxas were directly responsible for Maleficent's resurrection in that they released her raven trapped in a cage in the Villain's Vale under orders.
IX. Demyx
A musician from Kingdom Hearts II, Demyx, the "Melodious Nocturne" (『夜想のしらべ』デミックス, "Yasō no Shirabe" Demikkusu) does not enjoy fighting. Demyx is voiced by Ryan O'Donohue in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Kenichi Suzumura in the Japanese version.
First appearing in Hollow Bastion, Demyx appears in the Underworld from Hercules, where he is confronted for stealing the Olympus Stone, an object that protects the bearer from the effects of the Underworld. Demyx seems to not take his mission seriously, complaining that his superiors had mistakenly chosen him for the mission. He refers to Sora as Roxas, having been given orders to "use aggression to liberate [Sora's] true disposition". He fights Sora with the use of his water abilities and sitar[3] to create duplicates, giving the player a time limit to defeat them all and leaving after losing. The two cross paths again at Hollow Bastion during the Heartless attack, which involves Demyx's Dancer Nobodies.[3] Upon being reminded that he is a Nobody, and has no heart, thus little, if any, actual emotion, Demyx commands the "traitor" to be silent, and uses his duplicates, large water bubbles, and more;[3] Demyx fades at the conclusion of the battle.
X. Luxord
Luxord, the "Gambler of Fate" (『運命を賭す者』ルクソード, "Unmei o Tosu Mono" Rukusōdo), described by Jiminy Cricket as "a master of rhetoric", appears in Kingdom Hearts II. Luxord is voiced by Robin Atkin Downes with an English accent in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and by Jouji Nakata in the Japanese version.
Luxord appears at Port Royal from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, where he revives the curse of the Aztec gold, and the cursed pirates along with it. Luxord makes use of the opportunity to scout the powerful Grim Reaper Heartless and the gold's curse to ascertain as to whether or not they would be useful to the Organization in terms of Sora's part in their plan and making Port Royal's people assist in it as Heartless. For amusement, he has his Gambler Nobodies[3] steal four of the Aztec medallions while having Grim Reaper curse Jack Sparrow, resulting in a "scavenger hunt game" to get the medallions back. Sora defeats Grim Reaper in order to free Jack from his curse and Luxord collects the forthcoming heart before escaping without fighting Sora and his party himself. At the World That Never Was, Luxord traps Sora's companions in his cards, leaving Sora to fight alone in a battle where Luxord uses his time attribute to enforce a time limit. With games of luck, Luxord transforms Sora into a card or a die; and uses his cards as weapons, defense or hiding places.[3] Luxord fades back into darkness, unable to comprehend how "Roxas" could kill him.
XI. Marluxia
A relatively new recruit to the Organization, courtesy of Xigbar, Marluxia, the "Graceful Assassin" (『優雅なる凶刃』マールーシャ, "Yūga naru Kyōjin" Mārūsha, lit. "'Graceful Assassin's Blade' Marluxia") is lord of Castle Oblivion and Sora's main antagonist in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Marluxia is voiced by Tatsuya Kando in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Shūichi Ikeda in Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories.
Along with Larxene, Marluxia conspires to overthrow the Organization by using Naminé to manipulate Sora's memories. He is the first member of the Organization to battle with Sora in Castle Oblivion after luring Sora into his domain, though the fight is nothing more than a test of Sora's strength. He gives Sora his first set of world cards to proceed through the castle.
He declares Vexen's replica of Riku a failure and threatens to tell Xemnas about it. The intimidation tactic is effective and Vexen reluctantly agrees to Marluxia's order to kill Sora. Axel remarks that Vexen would kill Sora, thus rendering their plans useless, but Marluxia is confident Vexen will fail. He assigns Axel to eliminate Vexen when the latter fails to kill Sora and almost tells Sora about Roxas.
Upon Axel's return, Marluxia extends his trust to Axel as he has done with Larxene. However, Axel betrays them and convinces Naminé to do what she thinks is right. Larxene fails to kill Sora and is eliminated as well. Marluxia recaptures Naminé and is confronted by Axel, who accuses Marluxia and Larxene of being traitors for conspiring against the Organization. Axel attempts to kill Marluxia, however, Marluxia returns to the thirteenth floor with Naminé, tricking Sora into fighting Axel for him.
Seeing that Axel has been defeated, Marluxia anticipates Sora's arrival on the thirteenth floor. He orders Naminé to erase Sora's memories, but she refuses. When Marluxia implies that he will kill her for disobeying him, Sora demands that Naminé erase his memories for her safety, as his promise will remain and he can protect her. Marluxia says that Sora would become just like the Riku Replica, but the Riku Replica surprises Marluxia, who then engages Sora. The two fight, Marluxia using a scythe and his control over flowers to attack,[3] only for Sora to realize he has been fighting a replica of Marluxia; he enters a door to a dark, starry realm to begin the final showdown. The real Marluxia, in a new form, confronts Sora and the final battle ensues. Marluxia, like the other members of the Organization, is killed, and Sora seals the door with his Keyblade.
XII. Larxene
The only female member, Larxene, the "Savage Nymph" (『非情の妖姫』ラクシーヌ, "Hijō no Yōki" Rakushīnu), conspires with Marluxia to overthrow Organization XIII by using Sora. Larxene uses thunder to fight and wields knives held between her fingers and thrown as her weapons.[3] Larxene is agile and can call forth bolts of lightning in battle. Larxene is voiced by Rieko Katayama in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Yuko Miyamura in Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories.
In her first encounter with Sora, Larxene kicks her and Marluxia's plans into high gear when she attacks Sora, causing him to see his lucky charm, which Naminé has turned into a shape of a star different from Kairi's. After the battle, Larxene mocks Sora, claiming he's trying to "play" the hero. The trust Marluxia and Larxene place in Axel proves to be a mistake when he derails their plans by setting Naminé free. Naminé reveals to Sora that the Organization has been using him since he stepped into Castle Oblivion. Larxene appears to Sora, after he fought the Riku Replica for the fourth time, planning to destroy them all. Again, Larxene mocks Sora for "chaining" himself to false memories of Naminé and the "promise" he made to her. She abuses Naminé by violently pushing her to the ground, knocking her out. This proves fatal, as her taunting delays her destroying Sora long enough for Donald and Goofy to return to Sora's aid, and, with Sora's anger aroused, the three of them fight and kill Larxene, leaving only Marluxia to contend with.
XIII. Roxas
The youngest and newest member of the Organization, Roxas, the "Key of Destiny" (『めぐりあう鍵』ロクサス, "Meguriau Kagi" Rokusasu), was "born" when Sora became a Heartless in Kingdom Hearts. His name is an anagram of "Sora" with an "x" added. He is voiced by Jesse McCartney in the English version of Kingdom Hearts II and Koki Uchiyama in the Japanese version. When pre-release Kingdom Hearts II screenshots and video showed this character without an Organization coat, he was featured prominently, emphasizing his importance to the future game's plot. He is referred to as Misterious Boy [sic] (謎の少年, Nazo no Shōnen) in Kingdom Hearts Series α Ultimania ~Introduction of Kingdom Hearts II~.[16]
Roxas came into existence in Twilight Town, where he was found by Xemnas and recruited into the Organization. Due to Sora's short time as a Heartless, he had none of Sora's memories. During Roxas's time in the Organization, he and Axel became friends. Roxas could not understand why he possessed the Keyblade, and so left the Organization to find answers.
Riku, to help Sora regain his memories and awaken, confronts Roxas in the World That Never Was. The two battle, and Riku is forced to use the power of darkness to defeat Roxas. Riku takes him to DiZ who places Roxas in a virtual Twilight Town created within Sora's memories without any memory of the Organization and with a fabricated identity to throw off his pursuers. While Naminé restores Sora's memories as DiZ wishes, Roxas is affected by seeing his other self's memories in dreams. Roxas lives an apparently normal life in the simulated Twilight Town until Axel infiltrates the town to save him.
Despite Axel's attempts to stop him and Roxas gaining back his memories of the Organization, Roxas merges with Sora in the beginning of the game. Because of this, traits of Roxas began to emerge in Sora throughout the game. Such as crying when Hayner, Pence, and Olette didn't know who Sora was despite having the feeling that they met before, holding the blue crystal to the sun, or even referring to, or knowing Roxas's name. Roxas appears two more times near the end of the game in the World That Never Was. The first is a battle with Sora. While Roxas's Samurai Nobodies[3] held off Goofy and Donald, Roxas fought using his Keyblades and the power of light.[3] The battle is never fully explained and is left open for interpretation. Roxas appears once again with Naminé before Kairi enters the corridor of darkness back to Destiny Islands. He and Naminé imply that they will not fade but live on within Sora and Kairi as a part of them and as individuals, as seen in the ending cinematic when they smile at each other through their other selves.
In an added scene in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Xemnas explains that Axel's death triggered the appearance of Roxas to Sora at the World That Never Was. In Another Report, it is implied that he, under orders, was responsible for Maleficent's revival.
References
- ^ a b Saïx: Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts. And yet they know not the true power of what they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in darkness, masterless and free…until they weave together to make Kingdom Hearts. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
- ^ Yen Sid: Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse---they only pretend to have hearts. You must not be deceived! Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Studio BentStuff, ed. (2005). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5.
- ^ Marluxia: In the name of the Organization, I pronounce your project a failure. This lapse must be reported to the Superior. / Vexen: No… Please, don't! I beg of you! Leave him out of this! / Marluxia: I will, under one condition. / Vexen: What condition? / Marluxia: You must eliminate Sora personally. / Vexen: Eliminate him?! / Marluxia: You refuse? / Vexen: No…I mean…but…Why would you want that? / Marluxia: Just do it. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: Yes, he and his companions arrived earlier. By now that dog Marluxia is already using Naminé to meddle with Sora's heart. / Zexion: Interesting. I had no idea. / Vexen: I don't think Marluxia plans to hand Sora over, but...he can play his little game. If he gets Sora, then we need only acquire Riku. If he truly is like the Superior, then we will be untouchable! Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: Ha ha ha... This battle has made it clear. The darkness coursing through you is a tremendous power. All you needed was the right provocation. / Riku: Great. So this was a trick? / Vexen: Precisely. Your fiery reaction provided just the data I needed. You have my thanks, Riku!Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Lexaeus: Where did Vexen go? / Zexion: He's off using Riku's data to create some kind of replica. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Larxene: This is your chance to get your hands on the real Riku's memories. All you need is that card and a little help from Naminé. Maybe we'll get her to make you forget you're fake...Better yet, we could remake your heart so you can be just like the real Riku. / Riku Replica: Hey, hold on! What do you mean, remake my heart?! The real Riku's a wimp who can't deal with the darkness inside him. What do I want with the heart of a loser? / Larxene: Any objections, Vexen? Do you or don't you want to test Sora? / Vexen: It must be done. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: That's no way to greet a stranger, Sora. I am Vexen. I've come to collect your debt. / Goofy: Do you owe him something? / Sora: Of course not! / Vexen: Oh, but you do. You owe me for reuniting you with your former friend. / Sora: You don't mean — / Vexen: Yes. I am the one who brought Riku to you. / Sora: So...you're the one... You're the one who's been controlling him! What have you done with him? Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: As we fought, I delved deep into your memory...and look what I found. This is a card crafted from memories locked in the other side of your heart. If you want to fight me for real, then step into the world within this card! Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ a b Marluxia: Let Naminé handle this. In the meantime, Axel, you know what to do. / Axel: No, I don't. Maybe you could spell it out for me. / Marluxia: Rid us of our traitor. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: Then recall that this place was made from another side of your memory. Yes, the other side of your heart knows this place. The other side remembers. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ Vexen: Urrgh... Such strength, even at the mercy of your memory... You ARE dangerous! You must be exterminated! Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ a b Vexen: Put him back? Fool of a boy! Even now you understand nothing. The Riku you speak of has but one fate — to sink into the emptiness of darkness. And you will share that fate, Sora! If you continue to seek the girl Naminé, the shackles will tighten... You'll lose your heart and become Marluxia's pawn! / Sora: Marluxia? Who's that, and what do they have to do with Nami— / Vexen: Gaah?! / Sora: Axel! / Axel: Hey, Sora. Sorry to cut in right when he was getting to the juicy bits. / Vexen: Unnngh... Axel, wh...why...? / Axel: You sure love to talk. It's about time you shut up — forever. / Vexen: No... Don't do it...! / Axel: We're nobodies, Vexen. We've got no one to be — but we still "are." So look on the bright side. You're off the hook. Now you can be nothing instead of just being nobody. / Vexen: M-Mercy, Axel! I don't want to...go yet... / Axel: NOW you can tell me I don't respect my elders. Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix.
- ^ "Famitsū" (in Japanese). 2006: 19.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|quotes=ignored (help) - ^ Kingdom Hearts Series Ultimania α ~Introduction of Kingdom Hearts II~ (in Japanese). Square Enix. 2005. ISBN 4-7575-1597-9.
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