A Nobody's Christmas

Summary: Part II of II. They return to the castle triumphant, but the tree has its own ideas of fun. And Zexion falls ill and is cared for by Demyx.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters associated with Kingdom Hearts nor am I making any money by writing this. This is merely for entertainment purposes.


Satan's Tree Part II

Lexaeus, Xaldin, and Xigbar were waiting for them at the portal, which was in the middle of nowhere so it would not attract any sort of attention, which was pretty much a given. They, along with Axel and Demyx managed to get the tree off the top of the car.

"Hey Zex, here are the papers. Why don't you go and return the car for us?" Axel suggested, handing Zexion a wad of papers. "We'll meet you back at The Castle That Never Was."

"Okay." Zexion took the papers from Axel and turned to Roxas. "Thirteen, would you like to come with me?"

Roxas nodded. The two of them crawled into the car. Zexion had to adjust the seat because Axel was so damn tall and they drove to the rental car place.

"I hate being short," Roxas suddenly muttered. "I feel so damn useless. Can't help with the tree. Can't do much besides be a companion. I just get in the way."

"I know how you feel," Zexion said quietly. "I too am…vertically challenged. I am not much of a fighter either. So where does that leave me? I have no idea."

Roxas smiled. "Well, we vertically challenged people have to stick together, huh?"

"Yes." Zexion smiled a little.

They returned the rental car without any problems and went by foot to a secluded place so Roxas could make a portal back to the Castle That Never Was. They went to the main room where the tree was being set up by Lexaeus, Axel, Demyx, Xigbar, Xaldin, and Vexen.

"Where's the Superior?" Zexion questioned.

"He and Saïx are looking for ladders," Larxene answered from her spot on the floor where she and Xion were sorting through decorations.

Marluxia said something under his breath. He was presently seated next to Larxene on the floor, trying to untangle a long string of lights. Xemnas and Saïx returned with several ladders.

"Ah, six, you and thirteen have returned," Xemnas said when he saw the two Nobodies standing in the middle of the room looking absolutely clueless. "This is very good. You and thirteen can help twelve and fourteen with the decorations then."

"Yes Superior," Roxas and Zexion replied at the same time.

Zexion took a deep breath. "Superior, I…I need to take my medication first."

Xemnas looked at him for a minute. "Yes, of course six. When you have finished…that, come and help with the decorations, understood?"

"Yes Superior." Zexion nodded.

He started to walk away.

"Wait." Demyx stepped forward.

"Yes nine?" Xemnas asked.

"I'll escort Z…er six back to his room. He can't make a portal with his cold and it'll be a lot faster if I portal him back to his room."

Zexion was about to protest, but Xemnas said, "yes, that is a good idea. Very well nine. I'm ordering you to escort six to his room and back."

"Yes sir." Demyx nodded.

Zexion closed his mouth. He knew it was no use arguing. He could not refuse a direct order from the Superior. Silently, he and Demyx crossed the hall and Demyx opened a portal. They stepped through and found themselves in Zexion's room.

Demyx couldn't help feeling slightly nervous as he stood in Zexion's room; he had never been in there before. In fact, there were few who had seen inside the Cloaked Schemer's domain. The rooms had been designed all in the same exact way with a front sitting room, a small kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The way the rooms had been decorated, however, were completely unique to each member.

Demyx looked around Zexion's room. Across from the door on the opposite side of the room was a pair of large floor-to ceiling windows that were featured in every room. The curtains Zexion had chosen were navy blue, which worked well with the muddy brown walls. It was very masculine. On either side of the windows were large bookshelves that extended all the way to the ceiling filled with books. There were several comfortable-looking armchairs and several floor lamps scattered around the small space. In the middle of the room was a coffee table and there were several pill bottles on the table. They were all empty so Demyx had no idea what they contained. He moved around the small space and was surprised to find even more pill bottles. These were labeled in Zexion's neat handwriting, medicines Demyx had never heard of before.

"Zexion, why do you have all these pill bottles?" Demyx asked, picking up one that was half full. "Are you sick or something?"

"No, I'm just fine," Zexion answered from his bedroom.

"Then why do you have all these pill bottles?"

"I have a weakened immune system so these help me so I don't get sick." Zexion came out. He saw the pill bottle Demyx was holding and took it. "There they are. I was looking for these." He twisted the cap open, took out two pills, and put the top back on. "I've always had a weakened immune system. "

"I don't believe you," Demyx said, watching Zexion taking the pills with a glass of water. "Zex, tell me the truth. Please. You can trust me. I won't tell anyone. I promise."

Zexion stared at Demyx's kind face and finally caved in. "You are right Demyx. I am not well. I have pulmonary problems." Demyx looked at him blankly. "I have lung problems. However, there is nothing to worry about."

"You're lying," Demyx said, shaking his head.

"I don't understand!" Zexion was obviously frustrated. "I have not had a problem lying before, making sure everything seemed fine and no one would suspect that there was something wrong with me. I don't understand why you can suddenly see through my lies."

"I don't know," Demyx whispered.

"Well, you don't really have to worry that much Demyx." Zexion smiled a little. "I am getting better. There is no cure to what I have and it can be fatal but it's under control. Vexen has come up with something to help ease the symptoms."

"What is it?"

"It's something normal humans can get. It have to take a special medication because of my…ah…unique situation. Perhaps you've heard of it? It's called asthma."

"Yeah, I've heard of it." Demyx nodded. "Don't you have an inhaler. It's what normal people use, right?"

"Yes," Zexion replied. "I do have an inhaler. I use it frequently when my medication is not enough although no one has seen me use it. I don't want anyone to worry." Zexion reached into his cloak and pulled out something Demyx recognized.

"Wow," he breathed, gently touching the inhaler in Zexion's hand.

Zexion returned the inhaler to his pocket in his cloak. "Remember, you promised to not tell the others, although the Superior, Saïx, and Vexen know."

"Yes, of course." Demyx smiled. "Your secret is safe with me." He didn't ask why Saïx knew Zexion's little secret, although he was sure he didn't want to know.

Demyx created a portal and the two of them returned to the main hall. Zexion went over to where Roxas, Larxene, and Xion were sorting decorations. He was surprised when Demyx joined them.

Finally, the tree was set up. Axel and Marluxia hung the lights first. It took them a while to get it right because Marluxia was so picky about it. After a while, Axel started getting very annoyed at how long Marluxia took.

"Axel, have a little patience. I'm nearly finished!" Marluxia snapped.

He adjusted the lights one last time. Then, he got off the ladder and stood back next to Axel.

"There, now it's perfect!" Marluxia declared.

"It does look good," Axel grumbled.

"Now it is time to start decorating," Xemnas ordered.

All the Organization members grabbed some ornaments and started hanging them, with direction from Marluxia. Roxas, Zexion, and Xion took turns on the ladders to reach the higher branches. Zexion grabbed several ornaments and scaled one of the ladders. With all the exercise of going up and down the ladder, Zexion was finding it harder to breathe.

I can make it a little longer without my inhaler. He thought, carefully hanging the ornaments in the appointed places.

He started to slowly make his way down the ladder and he felt his chest constrict.

Oh Kingdom Hearts. He thought, his breathing increasing as panic set in. He tightly clutched the ladder so he wouldn't fall.

Demyx was the first to notice there was something wrong.

"Zexion!" he cried, causing the others to look up.

"What's wrong with him?" Xion asked.

"I don't know!" Demyx answered fearfully. "We have to get him down. He could really hurt himself."

"I'll get him," Axel said, stepping forward.

"Be careful Axel," Roxas whispered, watching Axel climb the ladder.

Axel gently touched Zexion's back. Zexion jumped slightly.

"Easy Zexion. It's just me. It's just Axel. Let's get you down, okay?" Axel said soothingly.

"I'm not a child, eight!" Zexion managed to get out.

"Well you're acting like one," Axel responded.

"I can't breathe!" Zexion wheezed.

"What?" Axel asked, confused.

"I can't…oh Kingdom Hearts." Zexion's eyes rolled back into his head and he felt the darkness overtake him.

"Oh shit!" Axel cried as Zexion started to fall.

"Catch him Axel!" Roxas screamed from the ground.

Axel held out his arms and let Zexion fall right into them. The weight of the unconscious Nobody caused Axel to lose his balance and both of them fell.

"Axel!" Roxas yelled.

Somehow, Axel managed to land on his feet with Zexion in his arms.

"Are you okay?" Roxas asked, rushing forward.

"I'm fine," Axel replied. "But what about Zexion?" He gently set Zexion on the ground. "He's not breathing!"

"Let me see him!" Vexen demanded, pushing his way forward.

He dropped to his knees and examined Zexion. "I must get him to the infirmary! Five, would you be so kind as to carry him for me?"

"I'll do it," Axel volunteered. "He's not that heavy." He bent over and picked up Zexion with ease.

"We must hurry!" Vexen urged, opening a portal.

He stepped through the portal first, followed by Axel carrying Zexion. Demyx and Roxas briefly glanced at each other before stepping through as well. The portal closed behind them. They found Zexion on a metal table. Vexen was hurrying around the room, muttering to himself. Roxas and Demyx stood in the corner with Axel watching Vexen take care of Zexion. They did not understand a thing the Chilly Academic did to him and although they knew it was helping Zexion, it was still a bit frightening.

"Come on Zexion," Vexen muttered. "Come on." Finally, Zexion gave a short gasp and his chest started heaving. "There we are." He injected something into Zexion's arm and he fell silent. Then, Vexen straightened up and turned to Axel, Roxas, and Demyx. "Do not worry. He is going to be all right. It was only a mild attack."

"Mild?" Axel asked skeptically. "He damn near had a seizure and you call it mild?" Axel exhaled loudly. "Just what the hell is going on here?"

"Zexion has asthma," Vexen explained.

"Asthma? No, he can't." Axel shook his head. "I've never seen him use an inhaler."

"But that's the point," Demyx said softly. "He didn't want us to know he was sick."

"So you knew?" Vexen asked.

"Yes, but not for very long. He tried to pretend that nothing was wrong but I got the truth from him," Demyx answered.

"I have no idea why Zexion is sick like this. It was previously thought that Nobodies could not get sick, but he's proven us wrong. I am currently doing more research into why Zexion has become sick like this and how and also if the rest of us can possibly get sick." Vexen sighed softly. "I have given Zexion a light sedative to help him get some rest. There is really nothing you can do for him right now. You should return to the hall and finish helping with the decorations. Zexion is going to be out for a couple hours. I must report to Xemnas."

"All right," Axel said reluctantly.

He and Roxas departed, but Demyx refused to budge.

"I'm staying," Demyx said stubbornly.

"All right." Vexen sighed softly again. "I'm going to go make my report to the Superior. I'll be back soon but if Zexion's condition should change, come and get me right away, all right?"

"Yes, I will." Demyx nodded.

Vexen created a portal and left. Demyx found a chair and set it up by the bed where Zexion now slept. Demyx stayed by Zexion's side all afternoon until he woke up.

"Demyx?" Zexion asked hoarsely, opening his eyes.

"Hey Zex. How are you feeling?" Demyx smiled.

"Worn out."

"I bet. You've had a long day."

Zexion frowned. "I…I don't understand. Why…why have you stayed by my side all day?"

"I'm not really sure," Demyx said uncertainly. "It just…it felt right, like it was the right thing to do."

Zexion did not know what to say.

"Hey, is it all right if I play my sitar for a while?"

"Yeah, sure. I don't mind." Zexion smiled weakly.

Demyx summoned his sitar and started strumming it softly. He started playing a gentle song. Zexion felt his eyes starting to droop. Demyx stopped playing.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm putting you to sleep."

"No, it's all right," Zexion replied, smiling sleepily. "I like the song. It's very beautiful and it's very soothing. I'm just really tired. Play some more."

"Okay." Demyx smiled.

He picked up his sitar and started gently strumming it again. Zexion listened to the music and closed his eyes. Soon, he was asleep. Demyx stopped playing and watched Zexion sleep. His breathing was soft and gentle and his chest rose and fell with his breathing.


Several hours later, Zexion woke up. Vexen drew a curtain around the bed to give Zexion an examination in private. Demyx heard them conversing softly, though he couldn't discern what was being said.

Finally, Vexen appeared. "I am releasing him. He's getting dressed."

"Well, that's good." Demyx smiled.

"Nine…" Vexen murmured. He took Demyx to the side. "I want you to keep an eye on six for me, okay? He can be a bit…stubborn sometimes."

"Yeah." Demyx nodded in accordance. "Don't worry. I'll look after him."

"Thank you."

Zexion appeared, adjusting his cloak.

"Are you ready?" Demyx asked.

"Yes." Zexion nodded.

"Six, I'd like you to come in for a checkup next week."

"All right." Zexion sounded very reluctant.

Demyx made a portal and the two of them returned to the main room. The tree had been fully decorated.

"It looks good," Demyx commented.

"Yeah," Zexion agreed.

"Hungry?" Demyx asked, turning to his shorter companion.

"A little," Zexion admitted.

"Well then, let's go and see if Xigbar can find us something to eat."

"All right." Zexion dipped his head in assent.

He did not protest when Demyx wrapped his arm around him. The kitchen was empty when they got there except for Xigbar, who was usually hanging out in the kitchen.

"Hey dudes, what can I do for you?" Xigbar asked when they entered the kitchen.

"Zex and I need something to eat. Got anything?" Demyx responded.

"Yeah, I do. I got just the thing for you. Leftovers from lunch. Egg salad and chips. How does that sound?"

"Good." Demyx smiled. He turned to Zexion. "What do you think?"

"It's fine." Zexion shrugged.

"Go and have a seat. I'll bring it out."

Demyx nodded and brought Zexion into the dining room. They sat next to each other at the long dining room table and waited. Zexion studied his companion further. From what he could tell, Demyx was a kind soul. Not simple-minded, as some would believe. He just acted that way. The others took him for granted and Zexion was sad to say that he was one of them.

"You okay?" Demyx asked, glancing over at Zexion.

"Yes Demyx, I am fine," Zexion answered. "I was just thinking."

"Oh?" Demyx prompted.

"I was just thinking of how pleasant your company has been today. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Demyx smiled.

"Here you are dudes," Xigbar said, coming out of the kitchen with two plates. He set them down in front of Zexion and Demyx. "Anything to drink?"

"Milk please," Demyx said.

"Just water, thanks," Zexion said.

Xigbar nodded and vanished into the kitchen again. When he returned, he carried two glasses with them. He set them down in front of the two Nobodies. Both of them quietly thanked him and he left. They ate in a comfortable silence.

Their meal was interrupted by a loud crashing sound. They abandoned their sandwiches and ran to find the source of the noise.

"I think it was this way," Zexion said.

Without thinking, he grabbed Demyx by the hand and pulled him into the main hall. They quickly found the source of the noise. The tree had fallen over.

"Dem, go and find Xigbar, Xaldin, and Lexaeus, all right?" Zexion asked.

Demyx nodded and hurried off. Zexion stepped forward and started to carefully pick up the shards of the ornaments. The sound of running footsteps made him look up. Roxas, Axel, and some others came running, which implied that they had not been far away or else they would have portaled into the room.

"The tree fell over," Zexion explained before anyone could ask. "Neither Demyx nor I had anything to do with it."

As soon as he said this, Demyx appeared with Lexaeus.

"I couldn't find Xigbar or Xaldin," Demyx said breathlessly. "But I found Lexaeus."

Lexaeus stepped forward and, all by himself, lifted up the tree. Zexion stepped forward and started picking up some of the ornaments that weren't broken to get them out of Lexaeus's way. It was a bad choice, though, because the tree wasn't completely stable yet and started tipping over, right toward Zexion.

There were several cries of surprise. Zexion stood up and grabbed the tree to keep it from falling on him. He got a mouthful of pine needles in the process. Axel rushed forward and grabbed the tree.

Together, he and Lexaeus managed to get the tree back. Zexion helped as much as his short stature would allow him. When the tree was safely back upright and Axel and Lexaeus were taking measures to ensure it was secure, Demyx rushed forward, ignoring the crunching of ornaments underneath.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I…I think so," Zexion answered weakly.

Without any warning, Demyx threw his arms around Zexion.

"Demyx!" Zexion cried, flushing slightly.

"I was so worried," Demyx said, his voice trembling. "I almost lost you again. I've lost count of how many times you were almost…you know."

"I'm sorry Demyx." Zexion didn't know what else to say.

"It's okay." Demyx buried his face in Zexion's neck.

They remained that way until Axel cleared his throat.

"Uh…we're all set here," he said. "It's been nailed down so it won't fall again. Hopefully. And Zexion…" Axel seemed to be at a loss for words, something unheard of with the redhead. "Just watch your back, okay? It seems like Fate is really hating on you."

"All right." Zexion nervously cleared his throat and pulled away from Demyx.

He and the others started picking up the ornaments and the shards of the ornaments. Xion fetched a vacuum and vacuumed up the shards that they couldn't pick up with their hands. They salvaged what ornaments they could and carefully set them on table that had been brought in for the specific purpose of holding the ornaments until they were put back on the tree.

Several days later, Zexion found himself back in the main hall. He did not know what he was doing there. Something just drew him there. No one had bothered to redecorate the tree yet. They were all busy with one thing or another. They didn't care. They were Nobodies.

They could not care.

So why was Zexion there?

He mulled this over as he grabbed the ladder from the corner where it had been hastily stowed. Then, he started hanging ornaments, being extra careful on the ladder and pausing every so often. He was not very surprised when Demyx joined him and helped redecorate the tree, however, he was surprised when Axel and Roxas showed up and started to help rehang the ornaments. The ornaments kept falling off, especially the bulbs, which had suffered the highest number of casualties when the tree fell over. Fortunately, they were cheap.

"Man, this tree really hates us, huh?" Demyx asked.

"Probably hates us for cutting it down and subjecting it to humiliation before it's finally put out of its misery," Zexion muttered.

"That sounds like something Marluxia would say," Roxas commented.

Zexion silently shrugged.

"I officially dub thee, 'Satan's Tree'," Axel said theatrically as several more bulbs fell off.

Roxas and Demyx snickered softly. Zexion rolled his eyes good-naturedly. It fit. He couldn't argue with that.


Note: Wow, this chapter took SO long to finish. This will probably be the last chapter of this for the year, but don't worry: I have plans for several more short pieces that I'll post next Christmas. The next piece will be called "Beware The Mistletoe". It's going to be Zemyx so if you don't like the pairing, don't read it. Oh yes, and some of these events actually happened to me. Such as the tree falling over and breaking a bunch of ornaments. My dad lifted the tree up all by himself and it almost fell on me while I was picking up some of the ornaments that hadn't been broken so they wouldn't get broken by my dad. I have something planned that has to do with jell-o that is a true story. This jell-o had its own agenda. It was hilarious. So…Merry Christmas everyone and sorry I couldn't get anything more posted. But I'm going to work on my regular fics soon and have some updates ready.

12/15/10: I made some minor corrections to the text and I fixed Saïx's name so the accent (whatever the hell it's called) is properly placed.