Chapter 8: The Time Has Come

Synopsis
At Where Nothing Gathers, Axel tells Organization XIII of his failure to bring Roxas back. He argues for more time, only to be ordered to instead execute him should he refuse them again.

Meanwhile, Roxas recalls what Naminé said to him, as Olette speaks about the remaining two days of summer vacation. Hayner notices Roxas's worried face and asks if everything is okay. Roxas lies, not tell his friends about the recent happenings since they originally cannot see them. Hayner is determined to enjoy what time remains until school begins, and tells everyone that they will spend the next night watching horror movies at Pence's house.

Naminé finishes her drawing of Roxas with his friends. The man in black asks her if Sora's ready. She tells him that he is, and should awaken soon. Naminé, aware that the man was sent to execute her, pleads with him to allow her to see Roxas one more time, as she wants to tell him something.

The next day, Roxas visits a shop to get some ice cream for his friends. Unable to find the cashier, he leaves the munny behind and takes the ice cream, heading to the Usual Spot. Upon arriving, Roxas happily presents the ice cream to the others. Thinking they are ignoring him, Roxas tries handing one to Hayner, discovering that his friends cannot see him or feel him. As they leave, Roxas starts to cry, dropping the ice cream bars. Axel then shows up, revealing that he must eliminate Roxas should he refuse to go back with him. Roxas tells Axel that they are best friends, which delights the latter. Roxas continues, asking Axel if he was not supposed to exist. This causes Axel to realize that Roxas hasn't regained his memories. Axel beings to destroy everything in the room, claiming that none of it is real, but part of the fake town created by DiZ. Roxas becomes angry and summons the Keyblade, but before he and Axel can fight, time is frozen. Roxas is informed by a voice to head for the Mansion. Realizing that he has been erased from the memories of his "friends", he is forced to comply.

Axel remains at the Usual Spot after time is unfrozen, lamenting that "the Roxas I knew is long gone".

Covers

 * Front cover: The Clock Tower of Twilight Town

Continuity errors

 * None yet identified.

Artistic errors

 * None yet identified.

Collections

 * 2008 - Kingdom Hearts II Vol. 2
 * 2013 - Kingdom Hearts II Vol. 1