What Became of the Researcher Vexen

Synopsis
In The World That Never Was, Xaldin runs into Vexen. Xaldin questions the existence and motives of Vexen, originally thinking the scientist to be gone after the events at Castle Oblivion. Xaldin's suspicions are confirmed when Vexen asks the whereabouts of the other Organization XIII members sent to Castle Oblivion. With their cover blown, the Vexen before Xaldin claims to be "an heir to Vexen's memories," and a result of one of the man's experiments: Vex Replica No. 44. The replica explains that Vexen created copies of himself in order to preserve and continue his research. To his knowledge, there are forty-three other replicas in existence, though No. 44 does not know what became of them. Xaldin informs No. 44 that all of the members sent to Castle Oblivion were eliminated. Furthermore, Xaldin disputes the replica's motives, instead surmising that the replica seeks revenge on Organization XIII. Xaldin attacks the No. 44, affirming that the researcher nor his work are needed anymore. No. 44 retaliates, claiming there is still much to learn on the nature about hearts. After successfully freezing Xaldin, No. 44 leaves, determined to discover the deepest secrets of the heart.

At the Castle That Never Was, several Organization XIII members meet at Where Nothing Gathers. A Dusk reports that Sora has left for the next world. Xemnas acknowledges the importance of each member, and instructs them not to die before completing the Organization's main objective. As the meeting adjorns, Xigbar is dispatched to follow Sora.

Elsewhere, Sora, Donald, and Goofy successfully land in The Land of Dragons. They make their way through the encampment, watching afar as the soldiers train. Chi-Fu notices the trio standing by and orders them to resume training. While training, Sora literally bumps into Ping, who initially apologizes but quickly changes tone, instead telling Sora to simply "spit on it." Once the day's training is over, Sora, Donald, and Goofy head to a nearby lake to clean off. As they near the lake, they unexpectedly run into a naked Ping.

Continuity errors

 * Originally, in the game, the trio learns of Ping's true identity shortly after their arrival. Mulan accidentally reveals her gender as she introduces herself to Sora.

Artistic errors

 * None yet identified.

Collections

 * 2013 - Kingdom Hearts II Volume 2