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Organization XIII

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File:OrganizationXIII.jpg
The members of Organization XIII displaying their weapons. From left to right: Demyx, Luxord, Xaldin, Xigbar, Axel, Roxas, Xemnas, Xion, Saïx, Marluxia, Lexaeus, Zexion, Larxene, and Vexen.

Organization XIII (XIII機関, Jūsan Kikan) is a fictional group of characters featured in Square Enix and Buena Vista Games' Kingdom Hearts video game series. Kingdom Hearts is a crossover of various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. The group is comprised of thirteen Nobodies, or beings without hearts.[Note 1]

The Organization was originally introduced in the bonus trailer of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, "Another Side, Another Story [deep dive]", where their Japanese name was translated as the "Thirteenth Order". The group was later introduced as the "Organization" in the game Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, where they serve as the main antagonists, and returns in the same role in Kingdom Hearts II. Organization XIII is prominently featured in the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days as characters available for play, along with a new, female member named Xion.

The group was moderately well received by reviewers. Comments focused on their difficulty as adversaries and mysterious nature which fueled expectations of future titles. Roxas specifically received press comments, focused on his introduction in Kingdom Hearts II.

Concept and creation

File:Saïx-ConceptArt.jpg
The characters' appearances were designed in concept art. This concept art of Saïx also depicts his "berserker" transformation and his claymore.

The Organization XIII characters were created by Tetsuya Nomura, director of the series, and other members of his development staff. The concept began with Xemnas as the first member and Roxas as the last. Each member's name is an anagram of their name prior to becoming a Nobody, along with the letter "X".[1] The emblem associated with the Nobodies and Organization XIII was designed to look like a splintered heart as a complement to the Heartless emblem.[2] In terms of good and evil, Nomura tried to portray the characters ambiguously.[3] Throughout the development of the games, Nomura has often left certain events related to and connections between the Organization XIII characters—along with the series' other characters—unexplained until the release of sequels; he feels that games should have room for fans to speculate and use their imagination.[1]

In Chain of Memories, the staff had several of the Organization's members defeated as part of the plot. For Kingdom Hearts II, Nomura intended to allow players to fight these members again at the Coliseum. This idea, however, was dropped due to time constraints.[1] Instead, the characters were included in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix along with the rest of the members as data-based versions in separate optional boss fights and in a new location.[4] Since the battles were optional, the difficulty levels of the fights was increased and the Chain of Memories-exclusive characters were given previously unseen powers.[4][5] After working with the first game, Nomura gained interest in mushroom Heartless, most of which served to gain rare items in the title. This interest continue during the development of Kingdom Hearts II. He intended to add new variants in the game, but was unable to do so due to time constraints.[4] Consequently, they are featured in the Final Mix release as the "Mushroom XIII", thirteen Heartless wearing black cloaks that also mimic traits of the Organization XIII members. For 358/2 Days, the developers believed the Organization and its large number of characters was a good fit for the intended multiplayer gameplay. Once the group was decided to be a central part of the gameplay, the staff felt Roxas' role as a member would be a suitable theme for the plot.[3]

Members

Further information: [[:Story of the Kingdom Hearts series]]

Prior to the first game in the series, the six former disciples of Ansem the Wise became Heartless and their Nobodies created the Organization. Members are numbered in the order in which they joined, with Xemnas, the Nobody of Xehanort, numbered one as their leader.[1] Members are given titles indicating both their role in Organization XIII and their personality, as well as their own breed of lesser Nobodies to control, usually suited to their fighting style. Each member also possesses unique themed powers.[6] As Nobodies, they lack emotion and morality, and are unable to feel guilt and remorse for their actions.[7] About half of the members were introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, with the remaining members introduced in Kingdom Hearts II. In Chain of Memories, Sora, the series' protagonist, and his friends, Donald Duck and Goofy, are led to a mysterious fortress called Castle Oblivion by members of the Organization, who intend to turn Sora into their pawn by manipulating his memories. Sora's friend Riku also arrives at Castle Oblivion, but in the basement where he encounters other Organization members. Sora and Riku traverse the levels of the castle to reach the top, fighting and defeating several members along the way. By Kingdom Hearts II, the actions of Sora and Riku along with Roxas' absence reduced the Organization to seven members, who seeks to use the power of Kingdom Hearts[Note 2] to become complete beings.[8][9]

Xemnas

Xemnas (ゼムナス, Zemunasu) is the Nobody of Xehanort, and is also known as the "Leader of the Between" (狭間の指導者, Hazama no Shidōsha). The character's name an anagram of Xehanort's alias, "Ansem". Xemnas is the leader of the Organization and the main antagonist of Kingdom Hearts II. Unlike his comrades in the Organization, Xemnas wants to use Kingdom Hearts not to obtain a true existence, but to obtain power and remake the universe in his image. He controls Sorcerer Nobodies, and fights with aerial blades called "Forbidden". The character can manipulate nothingness to phase through solid matter and manifest energy-based shields and projectiles.[6] The character first appeared in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix as an optional boss labeled "Unknown" (謎の男, Nazo no Otoko, lit. "Mysterious Man"). He tests Sora after recruiting Sora's Nobody, Roxas. Glancing into Sora's memories during their first meeting, Xemnas uses them to create Xion as a back-up plan in case Sora is unable to be useful in the Organization's plans; Xion was the first of a planned series of Sora replicas in this regard, but Xemnas discontinued the project after Xion's death. The character was absent from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, but is occasionally referred to as "the Superior". Xemnas is voiced by Norio Wakamoto and Paul St. Peter in Japanese and English respectively.[10][11]

In Kingdom Hearts II, Xemnas initially appears in Roxas' dreams, as he struggles to remember what he is.[1] Xemnas also makes two appearances at Hollow Bastion; in the second, his identity is clarified and his face is revealed. His plan is to increase the power of Kingdom Hearts by having Sora destroy Heartless, releasing the hearts inside them. At the World That Never Was, Xemnas was waiting for the completion of Kingdom Hearts until Ansem the Wise attempts to digitally contain its power. However, Ansem's machine overloads and explodes, killing him and damaging Kingdom Hearts. After Sora refuses to aid him in restoring Kingdom Hearts, Xemnas uses what is left of Kingdom Hearts' power to take on a new form to fight Sora's party. Though Xemnas is thought to be defeated, he separates Sora and Riku from the others to attack them. However, the two defeat Xemnas and he fades into darkness.[12]

Xigbar

Xigbar (シグバール, Shigubāru), the "Freeshooter" (魔弾の射手, Madan no Ite, lit. "Magic Bullet Shooter"), is the second member of Organization XIII. The character is voiced by Hōchū Ōtsuka and James Patrick Stuart in Japanese and English respectively.[10][13] His original self was named Braig (ブライグ, Buraigu, mistransliterated as Bleig in the North American version). He controls Sniper Nobodies, and attacks with a pair of Gun Arrows called "Sharpshooter", which can be combined to form a sniper rifle. Xigbar can also manipulate space to teleport himself, warp his bullets, and levitate in battle.[6]

Xigbar initially appears at Hollow Bastion near the beginning of Kingdom Hearts II, though he never takes off his hood. During the player's second visit to the Land of Dragons, he transforms a dragon into a Heartless, and leaves after Sora confronts him in the Emperor's Palace, summoning his Nobodies to cover his escape. In the World That Never Was, Xigbar confronts Sora again, confusing him by calling him Roxas and cryptically mentioning his predecessors. Xigbar fights Sora's party, and after they defeat him, he fades into the darkness, refusing to clarify to Sora the mystery of "Roxas".[14]

Xaldin

Xaldin (ザルディン, Zarudin), the "Whirlwind Lancer" (旋風の六槍, Senpū no Rokusō, lit. "Six Lances of the Whirlwind"), is a Nobody that uses the wind to manipulate his six lances, named Ryūgasen (竜牙閃, lit. "Flash of the Dragon's Fang"), and to shield himself. Xaldin's lances can transform into a dragon-shaped contraption to attack opponents with whirlwinds. He controls the lance-wielding Dragoon Nobodies.[6] Xaldin's original self was named Dilan (ディラン, Diran, mistransliterated as Dilin in the North American version). The character is voiced in Japanese by Yōsuke Akimoto and in English by David Dayan Fisher.[10][13]

Xaldin first appears in Kingdom Hearts II at Hollow Bastion with other members. He later confronts Sora in Beast's Castle where he attempts to manipulate the Beast's rage to create a powerful Nobody and Heartless.[15] Sora's interference forces Xaldin to steal the Beast's mystical rose to stoke the Beast's rage. Sora and the Beast find him, and he reveals that the Organization needs Kingdom Hearts to become complete beings.[16] 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.

Vexen

Vexen (ヴィクセン, Vikusen) is a a Nobody known as the "Chilly Academic" (いてつく学究, Itetsuku Gakkyū). Vexen's 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 kite shield called "Freeze Pride" in battle.[6] The character first appeared in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, where Tatsuya Kando provided the voice for simple battle expressions.[17] Vexen was included as an optional boss in the Japanese exclusive Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, and was voiced by Nachi Nozawa.[18] Nozawa returned to provide voice acting for dialogue in the re-release of Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.[13] Vexen's English voice acting was done by Derek Stephen Prince.[19]

In Chain of Memories, Vexen sides with Zexion and Lexaeus, other members occupying the castle's basements, to prevent Marluxia's plan to overthrow the Organization.[20] He battles Riku in order to gather data to create a replica of him, and is later assigned to investigate Marluxia's intentions.[21][22] Vexen allows Naminé to manipulate the Riku Replica's memories to test Sora's worth.[23] When the Replica fails to defeat Sora, Marluxia threatens to reveal the shortcoming to Xemnas, forcing Vexen to fight Sora himself in an attempt to kill the boy. After their battle, Vexen gives Sora the card to access Twilight Town in Castle Oblivion with the intention of revealing Roxas' existence.[24] As a result, Marluxia considers him a traitor and sends Axel to kill him.[25] In Twilight Town, Vexen attempts to reveal to Sora why Twilight Town feels familiar to him.[26] Vexen battles Sora again, but is killed by Axel as he is about to reveal Marluxia's plot.[27]

Lexaeus

Lexaeus (レクセウス, Rekuseusu) is one of the two members of the Organization in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories that only appears in Riku's story mode. He is also known as the "Silent Hero" (静かなる豪傑, Shizuka-naru Gōketsu) and he employs a large tomahawk, "Torn Heaven", able to break rocks and shake the area itself with his earth-based powers and superhuman strength.[6] Lexaeus was originally one of Ansem the Wise's assistants, Aeleus (エレウス, Ereusu, mistransliterated as Eleus in the North American version). The character was first voiced by Tatsuya Kando, who provided simple battle expressions for Chain of Memories.[17] For the Japanese releases of the PS2 remake of Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days, he was replaced by Fumihiko Tachiki; Dave Boat voiced the character in the English releases.[13][19]

Lexaeus, along with Vexen and Zexion, are older members of the Organization who occupy the basement levels of Castle Oblivion in the second game. When they discover Marluxia's 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 they believe 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. In the original Chain of Memories, 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.[28] In Re:Chain of Memories, however, Riku is knocked unconscious by Lexaeus, only to be possessed by Xehanort's Heartless, who swiftly cuts Lexaeus down, the dying warrior lamenting his decision to battle Riku.[29]

Zexion

Zexion (ゼクシオン, Zekushion) was originally Ienzo (イエンツォ, Ientso), Ansem the Wise's youngest lab assistant who suggested the creation of an underground lab for their research. The character's voice actors are Akira Ishida for the Japanese game releases and Vincent Corazza for the English releases.[13][19] He is also known as the "Cloaked Schemer" (影歩む策士, Kage Ayumu Sakushi, lit. "Shadow-walking Schemer") and he uses his power of illusion to mimic others' weapons, disguise himself as others, and create duplicates of himself.[4] He uses a lexicon, "Tome of Judgment", as his weapon. The character first appeared in Chain of Memories, and later in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix and 358/2 Days. Prior to Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Zexion's weapon and powers were not revealed because Nomura was unsure if it would be revealed later. Nomura decided to keep it a secret and the development team depicted the character's gravestone in the World That Never Was that would have shown his weapon as destroyed.[1]

Zexion is one of two Organization members who only appear in Riku's story mode in Chain of Memories. Originally, Zexion had planned to use Riku against Marluxia and his co-conspirators. After Sora defeats them, however, Zexion sees Riku to be of no use and attempts to destroy him.[30] Using the card Axel created from Sora's memories, Zexion draws Riku into a simulation of Destiny Islands where he torments the Riku with his guilt over the islands being destroyed. He then assumes the guise of Sora and attacks Riku, telling him that he's become a pawn of the darkness. He engulfs Riku in light, but Naminé intervenes to convince Riku to accept both darkness and light. With newfound confidence, Riku overpowers Zexion, causing him to retreat. Afterward, Axel brings the Riku Replica to Zexion, convincing the replica that he can become "real" by gaining power that the real Riku does not have.[31] The replica agrees and kills Zexion to take his power as his own.

Saïx

Saïx (サイクス, Saikusu, also transliterated without diaeresis as Saix), also known as the "Luna Diviner" (月に舞う魔人, Tsuki ni Mau Majin, lit. "Devil Dancing in the Moon"), is a Nobody with an X-shaped facial scar and wields a claymore called "Lunatic". He draws power from the moon and controls the Berserker Nobodies, who wield weapons similar to his.[6] The character's Japanese voice actor is Ginpei Sato, while the English voice is provided by Kirk Thornton.[10][32]

Saïx first appears in Kingdom Hearts II at Hollow Bastion along with the other members. He appears again in Twilight Town after Sora defeats his Berserker Nobodies and warns Sora of Axel's intention of turning 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 prior. After Saïx summons a horde of Nobodies, Maleficent attempts to use her own Heartless to battle Saïx, but his Nobodies quickly dispatch them and overwhelm Maleficent. On his climb through the Castle That Never Was, Sora confronts Saïx. Saïx fights while in his berserk state by absorbing the moonlight, but is defeated.[6]

Axel

Axel (アクセル, Akuseru), the "Flurry of Dancing Flames" (おどる火の風, Odoru Hi no Kaze), is a Nobody introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. His original self was named Lea (リア, Ria), and used to be on good terms with the original self of Saïx.[citation needed] The character is voiced by Keiji Fujiwara in the Japanese release of the games, while Quinton Flynn provided the voice for English releases.[17][10][13] Entrusted to deal with Organization traitors, Axel controls the Assassin Nobodies, and fights with a pair of chakram called "Eternal Flame" and fire manipulation.[6] Tasked with showing Roxas the ropes, Axel befriends the boy while his interactions with both him and Sora begin cause him to express actual emotions as a result. [33] Nomura designed Axel based on a similar concept as Reno from Final Fantasy VII; Nomura wanted to see what it would be like to have a similar character in a different role and world.[2]

In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Axel pretends to join with Larxene and Marluxia in their plan to seize control of the Organization. To gain their trust, he kills Vexen when ordered by Marluxia.[25][27] He later derails the plans by setting Naminé free so she can reveal the truth about Sora's manipulated memories to him. Axel then confronts Marluxia, prepared to destroy him. When Sora makes a sudden appearance, Marluxia vanishes, leaving Sora to fight Axel. After Sora defeats him, Axel states the existence of their relation before vanishing. Axel later enlists the aid of the Riku Replica to get rid of Zexion in Castle Oblivion's basement levels. When Axel returns, he and Roxas befriend Xion, the fourteenth member of the Organization who, unknown to them, is an imperfect replica of Sora created by Xemnas. After discovering this, Roxas leaves the Organization; Axel attempts to persuade Roxas to stay with the Organization mainly out of fear of what Xemnas and the others would do to him.[34]

In Kingdom Hearts II, Axel attempts to rescue Roxas from Ansem the Wise's virtual Twilight Town. Despite being faced with punishment by death, Axel decides to let him be after a brief fight. Axel later begins acting on his own and kidnaps Kairi to bait Sora to him. Saïx later takes Kairi from him to their stronghold to fuel Sora's anger. Axel meets Sora, Donald, and Goofy at Hollow Bastion, informing them that Organization XIII has been using them to get hearts.[35] Axel later finds Sora in a pathway to the World That Never Was and chooses to fight the Nobodies with him. The numbers get overwhelming and Axel performs a suicide attack to save Sora, who stays with him until he dies. Fading away, Axel apologizes for kidnapping Kairi and asks Sora to rescue her.[36] When asked what he was trying to do, Axel admits he wanted to see Roxas, revealing the effect both Roxas and Sora had on him.[37] With the last of his strength, Axel opens an entrance to the World That Never Was. In Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Axel posthumously contacts Roxas' consciousness following his ambiguous battle with Sora, reflecting on old memories and sharing one final conversation on the mysteries of the heart with him before fading away; a teardrop is seen falling as the two former Nobodies disappear.

Demyx

Demyx (デミックス, Demikkusu) is a Nobody who also referred to as the "Melodious Nocturne" (夜想のしらべ, Yasō no Shirabe). Demyx is voiced by Kenichi Suzumura and Ryan O'Donohue in Japanese and English respectively.[10][13] Demyx fights with water abilities and a sitar, "Arpeggio", to create duplicates of himself. He also has control over the Dancer Nobodies.[6] Demyx first appeared in Kingdom Hearts II at Hollow Bastion with the other Organization XIII members. Demyx was assigned to look over Sora's progress in the Organization's plan, and appears several times during Sora's quest. After attempting to talk to Roxas through Sora, Demyx sends his water copies after him and leaves after losing. Demyx later crosses paths with the protagonists again at Hollow Bastion, and battles Sora and his friends.[6] Demyx, however, is defeated and fades into darkness.

Luxord

Luxord (ルクソード, Rukusōdo) is a Nobody also known as the "Gambler of Fate" (運命を賭す者, Unmei o Tosu Mono). The character is voiced by Jouji Nakata in Japanese and Robin Atkin Downes in English.[10][13] He controls the Gambler Nobodies, can transform Sora into a card or a die, and uses a deck of cards called "Fair Game" as offensive and defensive weapons. Luxord also has power over time.[6] Luxord first appears in Kingdom Hearts II, revealing himself at Port Royal where he revives the curse of the Aztec gold. For amusement, he has Jack Sparrow cursed as well. Sora later frees Jack from the curse, but Luxord escapes without fighting Sora and his party. At the World That Never Was, Luxord traps Sora's companions in his cards, leaving Sora to fight alone in a battle. Sora, however, defeats him and Luxord fades into darkness.

Marluxia

Marluxia (マールーシャ, Mārūsha) is lord of Castle Oblivion and the main antagonist of Sora's story in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Also known as the "Graceful Assassin" (優雅なる凶刃, Yūga-naru Kyōjin, lit. "Graceful Assassin's Blade"), he uses a scythe called "Graceful Dahlia" and has control over flowers to attack.[6] Tatsuya Kando provided simple battle expressions in the Japanese and English releases of Chain of Memories.[17] Shūichi Ikeda took over voice acting for the Japanese releases of Re:Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days. Keith Ferguson provided the voice in the English releases.[13][19]

In Chain of Memories, Marluxia lures Sora to Castle Oblivion so Naminé could manipulate Sora's memories as part of his plan to take over the Organization. He gives Sora a set of world cards that allows Sora to proceed through the castle. Marluxia assigns Axel to eliminate Vexen to prevent him from revealing the conspiracy to Sora. After kidnapping Naminé in the aftermath of Larxene's death, Marluxia is later confronted by Axel, who attempts to kill Marluxia for conspiring against the Organization. However, Marluxia uses Naminé to have Sora fight Axel for him. After Axel's defeat, Marluxia orders Naminé to erase Sora's memories so he can rebuild Sora into his pawn. She refuses and Marluxia threatens to kill her.[38] Marluxia engages Sora, but Sora discovers he is fighting an illusion. Sora later finds the real Marluxia and destroys him.

Larxene

Larxene (ラクシーヌ, Rakushīnu), also known as the "Savage Nymph" (非情の妖姫, Hijō no Yōki, lit. "Callous Vixen"), was first introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories where she conspired with Marluxia to overthrow Organization XIII. Larxene wields a set of knives called "Éclair", and uses the power of thunder to fight.[6] The character was first voice by Rieko Katayama in Chain of Memories.[17] Yuko Miyamura took over the role for the Japanese releases of Re:Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days, while Shanelle Workman provided her voice in the two titles' English releases.[13][19]

When Larxene first meets Sora in Chain of Memories, she helps manipulate his memories by causing him to remember Naminé's name.[39] She then fights him and gives him new cards to access more areas of Castle Oblivion. She intimidates Naminé to keep with their plan and later taunts Vexen after the Riku Replica failed his mission. After she discovers Axel's betrayal and sees that Marluxia's plans have fallen apart, she decides to kill Sora.[40] After Sora finds Naminé, Larxene taunts the two before she attempts to kill them. However, Donald and Goofy arrive to assist Sora. Together, the three defeat Larxene, and she fades into darkness.

Roxas

Roxas (ロクサス, Rokusasu) is the Nobody of Sora.[41] The character's voice actors are Koki Uchiyama and Jesse McCartney in Japanese and English respectively.[10][13] Xemnas found him in Twilight Town and gave him the epithet, "Key of Destiny" (めぐりあう鍵, Meguriau Kagi, lit. "Serendipitous Key"). Prior to the release of Kingdom Hearts II, screenshots and video showed Roxas without an Organization coat, in a black outfit with a white jacket and light brown pants. Roxas controls Samurai Nobodies and uses a Keyblade in battle. He can manipulate the power of light to augment his physical attacks and create energy-based melee weapons and barriers.[6] After his absorption of Xion, Roxas inherits her Keyblade and becomes capable of wielding two Keyblades. Roxas's backstory and his joining of Organization XIII were further explored in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.[42] Roxas first appeared in "Another Side, Another Story", a bonus trailer found in Kingdom Hearts, and is mentioned in several cryptic comments made by other Organization members in Chain of Memories.

Unlike the other Organization members, Roxas lacks memories of his previous life, due to the short time Sora had spent as a Heartless. During Roxas' time in the Organization, he is placed under Axel's watch, and they eventually become friends. After Axel is sent to Castle Oblivion, Roxas is entrusted with Xion, another Keyblade wielder, whom he befriended after he fell into a coma. Awakening and attempting to spend time with his friends, Roxas begins to react to Sora's memories being restored as he starts to question why he uses the Keyblade and doubt the Organization's motives. When he discovers that Xion is a clone of Sora created by Xemnas, Roxas is compelled to defect from Organization XIII to find answers and hopefully meet Sora. After doing so, he encounters Xion, who has been reprogrammed by Xemnas to attack and absorb him so that she would become the "real" Sora' however, Roxas defeats her and absorbs her essence. The death of his friend, coupled with full knowledge of how evil and deranged Xemnas truly is, only strengthens Roxas's resolve to find Sora and the answers to his questions. While on his way, he is attacked by a large number of Heartless; Riku arrives to assist him before fighting against Roxas. Though Roxas initially has the upper hand, Riku releases the darkness in his heart and knocks Roxas unconscious.

Afterward, Riku takes him to Ansem the Wise, who places Roxas in a digital replica of Twilight Town. Knowing that the Organization was searching for Roxas, Ansem erases Roxas' memory and implants false ones to hinder them. While there, Roxas begins to see memories of Sora's adventures in dreams, and also encounters Axel, sent by the Organization to either rescue or kill him, and Naminé, who reveals the truth about his existence and connection to Sora. Eventually, Roxas is led to the old mansion by Ansem, where he makes his way to the basement and sees Donald and Goofy sleeping in suspended animation. When he reaches the room where Sora is being kept, Roxas rejoins with Sora.[43] Sora later learns the truth about Roxas after most of the Organization is defeated.[44] Roxas makes two appearances near the end of the game. The first is a battle with Sora, and the second is with Naminé before escaping from the Castle That Never Was.

Xion

Xion (シオン, Shion) is a new member introduced in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. The character's Japanese and English voice actors are Risa Uchida and Alyson Stoner.[13] Xion was first shown in trailers for the new game and has also made brief appearances in demonstrations.[45][46][47] She was first believed to have been Naminé, but Nomura later informed the press that it was a different character.[48]

Xion is an imperfect replica of Sora created by Xemnas in case Sora turned out to be useless to the Organization's plans. She was part of an intended series of replicas (her name being an anagram of her initial designation number, "No. i", based on the imaginary unit), though this series ultimately went unrealized.[49] As Sora's memories are the basis of her being, Xion resembles Kairi, who is Sora's strongest memory. Like Sora and Roxas, Xion can wield a Keyblade leading to a brief confrontation with Riku.[50] During her time with the Organization, Xion befriends Roxas and Axel, but eventually questions the nature of existence as she develops more of Sora's traits in conjunction with Naminé's restoration of Sora's memories. After learning of her origins from Riku, Xion resolves to return to her original self and leaves the Organization.

After being captured by Axel, Xion is reprogrammed by Xemnas to absorb Roxas and become the "real" Sora, thus fulfilling her purpose. Xion approaches Roxas in Twilight Town and attacks him. After fighting, Roxas defeats her, and Xion returns to her senses. Xion tells Roxas that she is glad that they were friends and reveals the true intentions of the Organization, pleading with him not to let Xemnas have his way. She then disappears, her scattered essence merging with both Sora and Roxas. Roxas also gains the use of her Keyblade which results in his signature dual Keyblade fighting style.

Xion was never entered into the organization, as opposed to popular belief. The fact that she has an X in her name means nothing. She is not a true nobody and therefore cannot be part of the Organization.

Reception

The obscure nature of the Organization's activities throughout Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II have led reviewers to describe them as an "ominous" group that "seems to be intent on guiding Sora and his friends to accomplish some dark purpose".[51][52] Similarly, Rice Burner of GamePro emphasizes this plot when reviewing the group's debut, noting how the "strange inhabitants of the castle trap our heroes" and "force Sora on a ponderous journey into his own memories to face his subconscious thoughts and fears".[53] This mysterious perception is furthered by the fact that some members of Organization XIII present themselves as dark silhouettes with their faces covered, acting as an "enigmatic robed and cowled figure speaking in riddles".[51] These interrogatives surrounding the group have created expectation; Andrew Reiner of Game Informer included "What secret lies behind Organization XIII?" as one of the main questions that are answered and that serve as plot devices in Kingdom Hearts II, creating situations that "certainly give you shivers and make your heart leap".[54] Visually, the artwork of Organization XIII's members is based more on the styles of Final Fantasy rather than those of Disney. Bethany Massimilla of GameSpot referred to their models as "very much cut from the Final Fantasy spiky-haired cloth".[51]

While writing BradyGames' Kingdom Hearts II strategy guide, Beth Hollinger, Matt Berner, David Cassady and Grag Sepelak reviewed the role of Organization XIII's members as adversaries. Both Axel and Demyx were described as providing easier battles during their first encounters.[55] The ones found later in the game were regarded as more difficult enemies, as is the case with Xaldin, Xigbar, and Saïx, the first of which were described as "tough" and "tricky" opponents respectively, while the ferocity of Saïx's "Berserk" attack was noted.[56] Luxord's battle was considered one that "brings something new to the table", mostly based on the unique use of a "Time" parameter instead of the common system based on "Health Points".[57][58] The various battles against Xemnas gathered different points of interest; during the first one, the writer praises the "Facedown" Reaction Command, while the final battle’s focus is on its difficulty and the need of constantly using Reaction Commands to switch between Riku and Sora.[59] GameSpot's Kevin VanOrd noted in a preview of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, that Xigbar's ranged magic proved helpful while fighting as an ally along Roxas.[60]

Individually, the members of Organization XIII have received varied receptions. Jeff Haynes of IGN felt that Roxas was a "likable kid", Ron Fahey of Eurogamer concurred calling him a "likeable enough young chap who just happens to be troubled by memories and visions of people he doesn't even know".[52][61] His playable involvement in the game was regarded as a transitional arc, being used to introduce the gameplay players that are new to the franchise. Fahey also considered it a good introduction, as it lets the player become familiar with the basic elements in a manner that "isn't a bad way at all of setting the scene for the game".[61] However, Reiner emphasizes his role as a "troubled boy", calling his story arc "an amazing chain of events", particularly noting that the revelation of his nature as a Nobody creates a "devilish yet remarkable plot twist" which may impact the player in a way that he "may not want Sora back".[54] The introduction of Xion in trailers for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, created expectation, particularly based on the facts that her face could not be distinguished and that she wields a keyblade.[62]

Notes

Further information: Universe of Kingdom Hearts
  1. ^ In the video game series' setting, beings are comprised of a body, heart, and soul. When a heart is corrupted by darkness, the heart becomes a creature called a "Heartless". The transformation results in the body and soul becoming a creature called a "Nobody". Heartless and Nobodies serve as the most common enemies the player must defeat in the games.
  2. ^ In the video game series, the titular "Kingdom Hearts" is a repository of knowledge and power, and the source of all hearts. It is often a central plot point throughout the series.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  2. ^ a b "2nd Famitsu Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
  3. ^ a b "King of Hearts: Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Nintendo Power (243). Future US: pp. 44–45. 2009. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b c d "Famitsu - December 2006 - Tetsuya Nomura Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  5. ^ "Cutscene Downloads & New Interviews". KingdomHearts3.net. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Studio BentStuff, ed. (2005). Kingdom Hearts II Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 4-7575-1621-5.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ Square Enix (2006). Kingdom Hearts II Instruction Booklet. Square Enix.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h "Kingdom Hearts II Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  11. ^ "Norio Wakamoto". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  12. ^ Beth Hollinger, Matt Berner, David Cassady and Grag (2005). Kingdom Hearts 2: Official Strategy Guide. United States: BradyGames. pp. 209–213. ISBN 0-7440-0526-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  14. ^ Sora: Why did you call me Roxas? / Xigbar: Wouldn't you like to know? Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  15. ^ Goofy: That's right. And they were gonna make you into a Heartless. That way, they could get that Nobody of yours and have control over it. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  16. ^ Sora: What do you guys want? / Xaldin: Kingdom Hearts. When Kingdom Hearts is ours, we can exist fully and completely. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  17. ^ a b c d e "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
  18. ^ "Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix + Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories Tech Info". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  20. ^ Vexen: Marluxia is already using Naminé's unique powers to meddle with Sora's heart. / Zexion: Without even bothering to consult us. / Vexen: It seems he desperately wants the Keyblade master for himself— What a foolish plan, indeed. Sora is not such an interesting existence. The enity that holds true value— is Riku, the hero of darkness. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  21. ^ Vexen: I find coursing through you, there is a darkness of formidable power growing! Well worth the trouble of aggravating you. All this excitement has provided me with invaluable data. / Riku: What? / Vexen: Many thanks, Riku! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  22. ^ Zexion: Vexen should take care of this. His replica is soon to be completed. / Lexaeus: But Vexen despises Marluxia. Think of the mess it would make. / Zexion: So we must tell him. Isn't it better that Vexen clean up the mess than leave it to us? Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  23. ^ Larxene; With a little help from Naminé, you'll have all the real Riku's memories. Maybe we can get her to make you forget you're nothing but a fake. In other words, we'll remake your heart so you can be— exactly the same as the real Riku. 'kay? / Riku Replica: You want to remake my heart?! The real Riku is a wimp who's afraid of the dark! What do I want with the heart of a loser?! / Larxene: Any objections, Vexen? After all, you do want to test Sora, don't you? /Vexen: It must be done. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  24. ^ Vexen: Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here... Look what I found. A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  25. ^ a b Marluxia: Vexen has clearly committed a treasonous act against the Organization. You must eliminate the traitor. / Axel: No taking that order back later. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  26. ^ Vexen: I told you— This place was created solely from another side of your memory. It is on the other side of your heart that the memory of this place exists. It is your heart that remembers. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  27. ^ a b Vexen: If you continue to seek the girl Naminé, the shackles will tighten, you'll lose your heart... and end up becoming Marluxia's pawn! / ... / Vexen: Gaah?! / Sora: Axel! / Axel: Yo, Sora. Did I catch you at a bad time? / Vexen: Unnngh... Axel, why...? / Axel: I came to stop you from talking too much... by eliminating your existence. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  28. ^ Lexaeus: Such... Such power! / Riku: Huff...huff... What’s wrong... Lexaeus... Is that all... darkness can do? / Lexaeus: Well... It seams... I am beaten... But the Organization shall triumph! I may perish, but all the darkness within me will billow forth and devour you! Square Enix (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix U.S.A.
  29. ^ Riku: You’re finished! / Lexaeus: Don’t mock me! [...] You were too much trouble. / Xehanort’s Heartless: Too slow. / Lexaeus: You are the Superior’s– Forgive me, Zexion. This was a fight I should not have started. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  30. ^ Axel: I thought you guys had plans for Riku. / Zexion: Yes, we were going to set him off against the traitors. But with Marluxia gone, there is no more need. He is nothing but a nuisance now. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  31. ^ Axel: Say, Riku. It must be hard now that you know you're not real. I bet you'd LIKE to be real. / Riku Replica: Yeah. / Axel: Well, you can. All you need is strength that the real Riku doesn't have. Get that, and you can be a new person, your OWN person. Not Riku, not anybody else. You won't be someone else's copy. You'll be you. / Zexion: Axel! What are you telling him?! / Axel: You know, I bet he's as good a place to start as any. Jupiter (2004-12-07). Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (Game Boy Advance). Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive.
  32. ^ "Ginpei Sato". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  33. ^ Axel: Wait a minute, I'm actually enjoying this! You guys really are something else! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  34. ^ Axel: You get on their bad side, and they'll destroy you! / Roxas: No one would miss me. / Axel: That's not true... I would. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  35. ^ Goofy: Organization XIII wants to get rid of the Heartless? / Axel: Man, you're slow. Every Heartless slain by that Keyblade releases a captive heart. That is what the Organization is after. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  36. ^ Sora: You're... fading away? / Axel: Well, that's what happens when you put your whole being into an attack. You know what I mean? Not that Nobodies actually HAVE beings... right? Anyway, I digress. Go, find Kairi. Oh, almost forgot... Sorry for what I did to her. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  37. ^ Sora: Axel... what were you trying to do? / Axel: I wanted to see Roxas. He... was the only one I liked... He made me feel... like I had a heart. It's kind of... funny... You make me feel... the same... Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  38. ^ Marluxia: Naminé... Erase Sora's memory. / Naminé: But if I do that... / Marluxia: That's right. Sora's heart will be destroyed. / Goofy: His heart... destroyed? / Marluxia: I would prefer to have him unmarred, but I can rebuild him more to my liking over time. Naminé, do it! / Naminé: No. Sora forgave me even when I deceived him. So how could I destroy his heart? There's no way! I don't care what happens to me. I won't hurt Sora! I won't do it! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  39. ^ Sora: What's... that? Is that thing mine? / Larxene: What a shame... You've been wearing it all this time, and forgot? No... That's not possible. The memory has to be engraved somewhere deep inside your heart. Sora—you think carefully now. What oh what could it be? And who gave it to you? / Sora: Na...Na...mi...? / Larxene: Sora... Sora... You're getting it now! Release the memory from within your heart! / Sora: Nami... Naminé. Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (Playstation 2). Square Enix.
  40. ^ Larxene: This was our only chance to turn the Keyblade master into our puppet, but—that jerk Axel used Naminé to betray us! So now, I'm left with no choice but to eliminate you! Square Enix (2008-12-02). Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  41. ^ "Sora Biography". IGN. Retrieved 2008-01-02.
  42. ^ "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Famitsu Interview)". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-09-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ Roxas: Sora... You're lucky. Looks like my summer vacation is... over. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  44. ^ Sora: I don't get it. Why's everyone been calling me Roxas? / Riku: Because, Sora... Roxas is your Nobody. / Sora: My... Nobody? But that's crazy. I never turned into a Heart... oh, right. / Kairi: It was when you came to rescue me, remember? / Riku: Xemnas is the one who found Roxas. He could use the Keyblade because he was your Nobody. That's why Xemnas brought him into the Organization... But Roxas betrayed them. I went after him because DiZ said it would help you wake up. I fought Roxas, and I lost. The next time we met, I made sure I was the stronger one. Maybe I didn't have to fight him after all, I think he left the Organization because... he really wanted to meet you. Square Enix (2006-03-28). Kingdom Hearts II (PlayStation 2). Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games.
  45. ^ Haynes, Jeff (2008-08-02). "Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Trailer Impressions". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
  46. ^ S., Enrico (2007-12-22). "Jump Festa 2008 - Kingdom Hearts Coded, 258/2 Days, Birth by Sleep details". QJ.net. Content Holdings, LLC. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ "初プレイアブル、初お披露目タイトルが続々！ ジャンプフェスタ2008にゲームメーカーがブースを出展" (in Japanese). Famitsu. 2007-12-23. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
  48. ^ "Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days - Famitsu October 2007: Interview". Kingdom Hearts Ultimania. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
  49. ^ Square Enix, ed. (2009). Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Ultimania (in Japanese). Square Enix. ISBN 978-4757525788.
  50. ^ "ついに発売『キングダム ハーツ 358/2 Days』" (in Japanese). Famitsu. 2009-05-30. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  51. ^ a b c Bethany Massimilla (2004-12-09). "Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  52. ^ a b Jeff Haynes (2006-03-28). "Kingdom Hearts II". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  53. ^ Rice Burner (2004-12-07). "Kingdom Hearts: Chains of Memories". GamePro. Retrieved 2008-11-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  54. ^ a b Andrew Reiner. "Kingdom Hearts 2". Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-11-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  55. ^ Hollinger et al. pp. 336–338
  56. ^ Hollinger et al. p. 343
  57. ^ Hollinger et al. p. 207
  58. ^ Hollinger et al. p. 341
  59. ^ Hollinger et al. pp. 348–349
  60. ^ Kevin VanOrd (2008-10-09). "TGS 2008: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days - Trailer, Co-op, and Single-Player Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  61. ^ a b Rob Fahey (2005-10-10). "Kingdom Hearts II Review". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
  62. ^ Hirohiko Niizumi (2008-08-04). "Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days Trailer Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
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