Riku is strong.
Xion knew it before, but there is a difference between actually fighting someone and having them fight beside you. Every movement of his sword is quick and sure, unlike the uncertain swings of the Keyblade she's developed over the past few days.
She can't read him like she can everyone else. She's got Axel's sarcasm memorized and can recognize every encouraging smile Roxas gives her. She even knows the Organization members better, and she spends most of her time avoiding them.
But the teen beside her is a mystery. He shows no emotion; he doesn't speak to her until absolutely necessary. She can't read his face because of the black cloth that hides him from the rest of the world. She knows him through the scattered memories, but all that does is reinforce the things he's already told her.
In the hours before the Organization comes for her (she knows they will come; she's too important not to) she watches him. She watches as he holds his sword with a relaxed confidence, a challenge to his foes. He is not only strong but he is fast, unhindered by his long silver hair and even the thick blindfold that covers his eyes.
He offers no explanation as to why he's fighting the Heartless here in Twilight Town. He offers no explanation as to why he's here at all, besides "So my friend sleeps in peace". If it's his goal to become an enigma, he's doing a pretty good job at it.
She wonders if he would answer if she asked a question. She doesn't speak the whole time she watches him fight; she waits until the Heartless are gone and they're wandering the Tram Common until she opens her mouth.
Then she finally speaks, and the first thing that comes to her mind pours out. "Um… what's your sword called?"
Whether he's surprised by the question or not, he doesn't mention it. "Soul Eater."
"That's… different." Xion's face flushes out of embarrassment, and she's grateful that Riku can't see her face.
"What's wrong?" Riku asks suddenly, stopping outside one of the shops. He isn't even turned towards her but Xion can imagine that he would be, eyes narrowed and eyebrows furrowed out of impatience and suspicion.
"Who are you, really?" She says before she can stop herself. It's a question that has been on her mind for days. She's only been told anything on a need-to-know basis, but that and the vague memories barely cover all the questions burning in her mind.
"Sora's best friend."
"I know that." She counters. "I want to know more about you than that."
"Why?"
"Because you're my friend." Xion says quickly. "I mean, I would like you to be."
She would like to be Riku's friend, and it isn't just the memories talking. Riku's calm, stoic stature is different than Axel's attitude and Roxas's naivety, but it feels right to stand beside him.
Riku mutters something under his breath and takes off walking toward the Sandlot now. "You're just like her."
"Will you answer my question?"
He does not stop, does not look back at her. She has to run to catch up so he doesn't leave her behind, and even then she has to listen closely to hear him.
"I am the one who started it all."