(AN: Hello everyone, and welcome to my first Kingdome Hearts story, Illusions of Hope. It may be a bit confusing in this chapter, but I promise to explain everything that isn't a spoiler at the end. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this story!)
The fourteen shadows had gathered in their meeting room. The fourteenth one had only joined these meetings recently. Xion, now officially a member was known as Xion, Number XIV, The Twilight Ghost, wielder of the keyblade. She and Roxas had now been with the organization for about a year. They all waited for Xemnas to speak.
"Greetings, my friends." he began. "Our heart collection is coming along very nicely, and we have collected countless hearts. Yet we still have many more before our goal is reached, and we make Kingdom Hearts. However, there is good news. Sora, and his two companions, are now about to reach our other castle, Castle Oblivion. It took him far longer than we expected, but he is soon to arrive nonetheless."
Roxas looked up at the mention of his Somebody. He hadn't known at first, but Xemnas had admitted this to Roxas, when asked. Xemnas had said this was why he could use the keyblade, and that one day, they may be able to meet, but it wasn't the time yet. But Roxas said nothing, and merely exchanged a glance with Xion, who sat next to him.
"Our goal is to get Sora's help. He will likely refuse, and if so, we have a backup plan that I have discussed with Marluxia. Marluxia will lead a team that will establish base at the top floor. Marluxia's team will also include Luxord and Axel." Xemnas continued. All three members nodded in satisfaction.
"Zexion will lead the second team down in the basement. He will be joined by Lexaeus and Vexen." Xemnas said, as the next three members nodded in confirmation. "Also, after some consideration, I have decided that Roxas and Xion will accompany the Castle Oblivion Team. As Sora will be there, perhaps it is time for you to meet, Roxas. And Xion, consider this as your first big mission as a true member of the organization. The two of you are not bound to any team, but I would like you to stay with Zexion's team until we are established enough there. Is everything clear?" Xemnas asked. Saix raised his hand.
"Superior, this will halt our heart collection rate, if we send both of the keybearers to Castle Oblivion." Saix pointed out.
"I am aware, Number VII. But I suspect this mission will not be long. Plus, I have devised methods that I believe will help our members that stay here to help with heart collection, which I will go over later. And when we get Sora to help us, it will help make up for any lost time. Does that answer satisfy you?" he asked. Saix merely nodded, that was all he needed to know. "Good. Now, you have today to prepare. Tomorrow, you leave. Make sure you have everything you need. I expect good results as always. Dismissed." Xemnas said, and dark corridored away. The other nobodies began to do the same, one by one, except for Zexion, Axel, and the keybearers. Zexion was the first to speak.
"I request that the two of you come to my room later, to meet with Lexaeus, Vexen and I. We will be spending some time together for this mission, so I believe a team meeting is in order."
"We'll come." Xion told him, and Zexion nodded and left. Axel grinned at this.
"I'll meet you two at the clocktower after you're done preparing. Got it memorized?" he said with a smirk. The two keybearers nodded, and laughed, as they left along with Axel, and the room was left empty.
***********************************TIME SKIP****************************************************
When they came to Zexion's room, they found him and Lexaeus conversing quietly in the corner. Zexion's massive room doubled also as his own library, with countless books stuffing every shelf.
The two keybearers advanced forward, hand in hand. Roxas silently squeezed Xion's hand, and she smiled at him. The two had been in whatever nobodies could pass of as a relationship for a few months now. Zexion and Axel had been the ones who helped that work out.
Zexion had noticed their behaviors around each other, and worked with Axel to help them get together. He and Axel had brought the idea of letting the two be in a relationship before Xemnas. Fortunately, he saw Zexion's logic that the two would fight harder for each other and the organization that way. And they had ever since. Everyone was happy, Roxas and Xion were both struggling and trying to figure out more of how they were supposed to act around each other, whilst the rest of the organization looked on.
As they finally drew near Zexion, Vexen entered the room, and interrupted Zexion as he opened his mouth.
"Let's get this meeting started with, shall we? I am rather busy, and need as much time as I can to prepare." Vexen stated.
"Be patient, Vexen." Lexaeus replied. Although Lexaeus was no boss, his tone of voice always said that he was not to be trifled with.
"Actually, Vexen, you were the one holding up the meeting by arriving last. Anyways, yes, I shall keep this brief. Our mission is to support the other team. We are also to watch the activities of the basement. There is one weak spot in the castle, in the lowest basement. It is just like the castle's front door, but is much harder to access. Although it is unlikely that anyone will get there, it is still possible." Zexion said, finishing.
Vexen nodded and left room. Roxas and Xion had once asked why the members didn't just Dark Corridor around, but it was Lexaeus who had told them that each member's room prevented Dark Corridoring in or out, unless it was that member's room.
Lexaeus nodded as well. "I trust we will be on schedule." With that, he left as well, leaving Zexion alone with the keybearers. They too, began to leave. But Zexion spoke once more.
"Hold on a minute, you two." They paused at Zexion's unexpected words. "I want the two of you to report any problems you see to me, while we are in CO. I know that Axel has been acting as your guardian of sorts, but as long as you are in the basement, I will fill that roll. Do not hesitate to approach me if you are experiencing troubles." The two keybearers nodded.
"Thanks, Zexion. We will." Although Roxas was confused a little, he was also happy that the Cloaked Schemer had said so. With that, he and Xion left Zexion's room, leaving him as he liked it, alone with nothing but his thoughts and his books.
***********************A SHORT WHILE LATER*********************
"...So that's what happened in our meeting." Xion said, taking another bite of her ice cream. "Did you have one with your group?" She asked.
"Yeah… Axel said, scratching his head. "But I can't tell you what happened."
"What?! Why not?" Roxas said, in surprise.
"Orders straight from Xemnas." Was Axel's response. "I've got no choice here, I'm really sorry."
"It's ok. We understand." Xion said. The keybearers may not have liked it, but they knew that orders from Xemnas were unquestionable. "Well, I know we'll probably be seeing each other around, but I feel the need to say goodbye for a while.
"You know that's not necessary… But i'll accept it. I'll watch out for the two of you while we're there. Zexion may have said he'll protect you, but remember the promise I made to the two of you not that long ago, when we were celebrating your 1st year with the organization?" Axel asked.
"Yeah. You said that you would always watch out for us, and protect us, no matter what." Roxas recalled.
"That's right. Glad you got it memorized." Axel said, smirking once more. He finished the last bit of his ice cream, standing up and stretching. "Anyways, I have to go prepare some more. I'll see you before we head out tomorrow. Marluxia is technically our boss while we're there, and he said all members going should report to him in the round room before we head out. So I'll see you then." With this said, Axel RTC'd.
The two keybearers sat in silence for a while, watching the sunset as usual. It was a while before Xion spoke to Roxas.
"Hey Roxas. Remember the promise that we made?"
"I doubt anything could make me forget it." Roxas replied. "We promised each other that we'd watch out and care for each other no matter what." Xion smiled at this.
"Yup. At Castle Oblivion… We may not know what we're going into. But we'll always be there together, while we are. And who knows? Maybe all Sora needs is to meet us and he'll agree to help us. After all… He'd be helping himself!" Xion pointed out.
The two keybearers laughed and giggled at this for a long time. It would be a little longer more, sitting in each other's embrace until they RTC'd.
****************TIME SKIP************
"I assume that there is a reason that you called me to this special meeting, Isa?" Axel asked, winking.
"That is correct, Lea. You have special orders from Xemnas. You are to eliminate the traitors at Castle Oblivion."
"Mind explaining?"
"We are sure that Marluxia is plotting against the Organization. Do not move on him until he reveals it. We believe that Luxord is in cahoots with him as well."
"I see… Well, I will take care of them. Although, do try not to give me all the icky jobs in the future." Axel said. Saix had no reaction. But he did speak once more.
"The other thing, I tell you as your friend. Do not let your attachment to the keybearers hinder your duty to the organization." Saix said, no trace of anything in his face.
"Honestly, I haven't a clue what you're talking about." Axel said, a ghost of a smile crossing his face.
"Good. You may go." Saix pointed at his door, which Axel got up and left through. Said glared at the shut door. Hearing Axel's nonchalant response wasn't reassuring. Saix would need to watch the CO team very closely. But he had one more meeting today, before that would begin. He waited the few minutes that it would take for Zexion to arrive. When the knocking came, he merely said "Come in."
Zexion entered the office, and sat down at Saix's desk. "You wished to see me?" Said nodded.
"The Superior has given you a new order. Which is as follows: You are to protect the keybearers from Marluxia at all costs. Whatever plan he may be cooking up for Sora may include the keybearers. You are to protect them from harm." Said told him.
"Of course I will. But… What of Namine?" Zexion asked.
"Keep an eye on her as well. We still don't fully know what she is capable of." Zexion nodded.
"I understand the orders. I'll be keeping in touch as much as I can."
"Dismissed."
*****************MEANWHILE**************
In the white-halled walls of Castle Oblivion, Marluxia stood near Namine.
"I have good news for you, Namine. The boy, Sora, and his companions are coming to the castle." Marluxia said.
"Really? Yay! I've waited so long…." She replied, smiling at Marluxia. She felt like she had become friends with Marluxia, at least a little bit.
"As have we… I have a plan, too. You know of your powers?" Namine nodded. "You can use them to have Sora remember you… And perhaps a few others…" Marluxia said.
"And then he'll really like me?" Namine said, feeling excited.
"Yes… All you need do is follow my instructions, and he can be your friend and more…" Marluxia said, sharing a smile with Namine.
Namine listened as Marluxia began speaking, listening to his plan. She drunk it all in. She would not fail. Sora would be her friend. She knew Marluxia would help her. She knew it.
(AN: Hey everyone, thank you so much for reading the first chapter of Illusions of Hope! So, to recap this chapter, Sora's coming to Castle Oblivion was delayed by a year, Luxord replaces Larxene as Marluxia's conspirator. Roxas and Xion are in a relationship and go to CO as well. Roxas knows that Sora is his Somebody. Xion doesn't know she's a puppet. Everything else, I'll explain as the story goes on. Anyways, if you liked this, please favorite it, and share it with all your friends! Also, please leave a review or PM me with questions, comments, or criticisms regarding the story. Until next time!)