Disclaimer: Square Enix/Disney owns Kingdom Hearts (character, series and concepts). I own this story, Misu, and Ixmus.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know Things

Anxiety, nervousness, and the feeling of thirteen pairs of eyes staring at you…

That is what Ixmus is feeling at the moment. The spotlight was on him and he didn't like it, not one bit.

Ixmus put his arms behind his back and his right hand clutched the left bicep, trying to find a way to suppress the uneasiness within him.

"Ixmus, although a member, is in training." Xemnas stated. "Tch, rookies." Number VIII, Axel mentally scoffed. "So, one of you will be appointed to Ixmus as his mentor." Xemnas continued, "Any volunteers?"

Xaldin, Luxord, and Xigbar immediately declined the offer, not knowing much about tutoring and they often preferred to work alone. Vexen was the first to try and accept; however, Larxene commented that he'll turn Ixmus into a "mad junior scientist". She earned a scold from Vexen. Roxas and Xion were already out of the question considering they were still learning things themselves. Larxene, after finishing her argument with Vexen, tried to accept but was reminded by Vexen of her "ill teaching methods". Now, he earned a scold from Larxene. Lexaeus and Axel did not say anything at all so they were officially ruled out as well. Demyx, although wanting to accept, was deemed too irresponsible and quirky to handle a major task like this (as told by Xemnas and Marluxia). Saix refused stating that he will not train a meager Nobody like Ixmus (making him feel a bit insecure).

"Well, as it would seem, I will be the one fit enough to mentor dear Ixmus." Marluxia declared. "Oh, please, Marluxia, you will make the boy go power mad." Vexen objected. "It's better than being a junior mad scientist." Marluxia countered. "I experiment!" Vexen exclaimed, slamming his arm on the left armrest.

"Silence!" Xemnas's domineering voice echoed throughout Where Nothing Gathers. Vexen immediately silenced himself as he did not wish to get Xemnas's bad side; Marluxia remained diligent yet also instantly silenced himself.

"Marluxia, also take into account that Zexion has not said anything." Xemnas noted as he looked at the Cloaked Schemer who was currently reading his prized Lexicon. "Well, Axel and Lexaeus didn't say anything either and we ruled them out." Marluxia uttered in defense. "That's because I don't train rookies. Got it memorized?" Axel exclaimed, correcting the Graceful Assassin. "You trained Roxas and, to some extent, Xion." Marluxia stated in opposition. "W-well, they're special occasions!" Axel responded, trying to sink into his throne as much as he could. "If you say so…." Marluxia rolled his eyes at the Flurry of Dancing Flame's statements.

"I'll teach him." Zexion announced as he closed Lexicon shut. All of Organization XIII's (except Ixmus) eyes diverted to Number VI. "Since I'm clearly the only one capable and wanting to teach." Marluxia glared at Zexion, "What if I want to teach him?" Zexion, unaffected by Number XI's glare, leered back and retorted, "Because, like Vexen said, you'll make Ixmus go power mad. That, and I can always order you to let me since I am of a higher rank."

Marluxia audibly growled in frustration and defeat, and his glare got colder as he saw Zexion smirk triumphantly. "Ha!" Xigbar exclaimed jubilantly, "Looks like he got you there, Marluxia (Mar-luck-see-ya)." The thing about Xigbar's statement was that he pronounced Marluxia's name incorrectly…again. "If you're going to use my name, Xigbar, use it right." Marluxia criticized in agitation. He was already irked by Zexion and Vexen's remarks and now Xigbar wasn't making him feel any better. "All right, all right, cool your jets." Xigbar said, putting his hands up in defense.

Zexion disappeared and reappeared near Ixmus. Meekly, Ixmus looked at his new teacher. "Greetings, I'm Zexion." He introduced himself, "I shall be your tutor, Ixmus." Ixmus did not respond at all. "Come, I shall make you familiar with our turf." Zexion announced.

The student-teacher duo exited from Where Nothing Gathers. As they departed, they could faintly hear Xemnas conversing a bit more and then finally dismissing the remaining Nobodies.

-Proof of Existence-

Zexion led Ixmus to the most sacred place in the Castle That Never Was, Proof of Existence. Ixmus examined the surroundings. The room had this strange chill lingering about so it was immediately deduced as "creepy" to Ixmus. After all, the place resembled a graveyard for the Organization.

A high-tech, unique, clean graveyard, that is.

Fourteen tombstones that resembled keyholes. An incandescent sapphire sheen created the filling for the tombstones. The bed where bodies would lay to rest was replaced with squares that possessed black images of the Organization's respective weapons. Their epitaphs were their titles and number. Xemnas's "grave" was actually the walkway to the Altar of Naught.

"Ixmus, this room is called Proof of Existence." Zexion stated as looked at the "graves" from the bottom of the steps, "this place is very important to the Organization, hence the name." Ixmus remained quiet as he was too creeped out by the uncomfortable chill.

Zexion ambled over to Ixmus's "grave". "Here is yours, Ixmus." The Cloaked Schemer stated gazing at it, "come and see." Reluctantly, the Shadows of Hope walked over and stood aside his teacher. His "grave" was the same as the rest only that an image of his weapon was missing. "..I-I don't have an image…" Ixmus pointed out. Zexion smiled slightly since he was given the honor of being the first one to listen to Ixmus's voice. Ixmus's octave seemed low like a normal shy person but it was welcoming and it also had that collected tone to it. "We don't know your weapon." Zexion answered, "Do you have a weapon?" Ixmus shook his head signaling a negative response. "I see, we'll have to attend to that eventually." Zexion uttered. He had already accomplished hearing his voice, now he just needed to get that hood off.

-Havoc's Divide-

Zexion and Ixmus walked from an entrance and into Havoc's Divide. It was a spacious, almost circular area that overlooked a large portion of The Castle That Never Was and some of the Dark City. The view of the captivating night sky and radiant view of Kingdom Hearts (aka the moon) was breathtaking. Ixmus felt much safer and welcomed in this area. It made him feel calm and relaxed.

"Where is that gambling addict when you need him?" Zexion muttered as he searched the empty Havoc's Divide. Ixmus, upon overhearing this, attempted to aid the Cloaked Schemer in his search.

…

…

"Do you know the rules?"

Zexion and Ixmus were suddenly surrounded by towering cards. Ixmus jumped in surprised while Zexion rolled his eyes, completely calm. Nonchalantly, Zexion waved his arm slowly and red Os appeared on the face of the cards. Instantly, the cards vanished. In their wake stood a blonde-haired man with a blond goatee. "Luxord, your games will never catch me by surprised." Zexion muttered in an unimpressed tone. "Nah, that just means you play the game correctly." Number X, Luxord, corrected matter-of-factly.

Ixmus cautiously went behind Zexion, something Luxord noticed easily. "Ah, this our new associate to the Organization?" Luxord asked eyeing the hooded Ixmus, "Number XV, Ixmus, am I correct?"

"You are." Zexion answered for the meek Nobody, "I'm just making familiar with the place and introducing him to the people."

"Ah, I see." Luxord replied, "My dear boy, I am Luxord, the Card Master." Zexion rolled his eyes at Luxord's self-proclaimed title. Ignoring Zexion for bit, Luxord asked Ixmus, "Do you desire to witness an extraordinary display of cards, Ixmus?"

Zexion interrupted, "Sorry, Luxord, but I must continue with the tour. Not enough time." Luxord clicked his tongue and shook his head slightly, "Zexion, I control time. I can allow it." Ixmus poked his hooded head from behind Zexion a bit more, "Um..Perhaps later?" He responded. "Hmmm…" Luxord hummed in thought, "Very well, I can make some time for the rookie." Ixmus nodded in appreciation. "Ta-ta, enjoy your membership." Luxord bid farewell as cards circled him. The cards disappeared along with Luxord seconds later.

-Addled Impasse-

A sky-haired Nobody looked out his immense window wall. He was deep in thought as his yellow eyes glanced at Kingdom Hearts. "Kingdom Hearts, where is my heart?" He thought. He longed for the chance to be whole again, just like before he entered the Organization. When he was a Somebody.

"Saix."

The longing and nostalgia in Saix were mentally vaporized as he heard the voice of someone else. He activated his normal, cold façade and turned to witness Zexion and Ixmus. "And you are here because?" Saix's cold voice retorted. "Just making sure Ixmus gets to know everyone." Zexion answered. Saix looked at the hooded Ixmus, "Oh…him."

Ixmus cringed at Number VII's stare. It intimidated him greatly. He looked away unable to suppress the tense vibes manufactured from the eye-to-eye contact with Saix. "Hmph, if I had a heart, this is where I might have been sympathetic." Saix stated turning back to his window. Saix stayed quiet meaning he would not distribute any goodbye. Realizing such, Zexion put his hand on Ixmus's shoulder and began to walk away with him following.

"Saix scares me…" Ixmus whispered. His voice was notably shaky from the intimidation. Zexion mentally noted that, "We need to work on that." "Well, to tell you the truth." Zexion whispered back, "Saix scares half of the Organization."

Ixmus made sure to remind himself to stay at least 20 feet away from Saix as he and Zexion went to the exit.

-Twilight's View-

"OK, that's Luxord and Saix we just met," Zexion openly ran down his mental list of Organization XIII members, "You already know about Xemnas and Marluxia."

"Zexion!" An older voice called out interrupting the Cloaked Schemer's train of thoughts.

Ixmus and Zexion looked up to see Number IV, Vexen, rush down the steps of Twlight's View. "What is it, Vexen?" Zexion asked as the Chilly Academic approached the student-teacher duo. "I needed to discuss something with you privately." Vexen answered. "But what about Ixmus?" Zexion said in concern, "I am responsible for him."

"Well, what are you two doing? Vexen asked but then realized something, "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Vexen, dear Ixmus." He introduced. Ixmus stayed quiet but nodded to let Vexen know of the acknowledgment. "Anyway, please answer my question, Zexion." The Chilly Academic spoke again in recapitulation. Zexion responded, "I'm pretty much being a tour guide and introducing the Organization XII to Ixmus."

"Ah, I see. Well, Demyx is in the Hall of Empty Melodies which is just up the stairs playing that sitar of his….Blast that infernal racket." Vexen stated. Zexion inwardly scoffed at Vexen's judgment about Demyx's music. He actually enjoyed Demyx doing his sitar practice. He put him in a peace state of mind and it was perfect for when he was reading his Lexicon.

"Umm…let's see." Vexen thought aloud trying to recall the recent locations of the members, "I have no idea where Xaldin and Xigbar could be. But whatever you do, stay away from Larxene, she's just as corruptive as Marluxia. Lastly, Axel, Roxas, and Xion are probably at Twilight Town."

"Twilight…Town?" Ixmus repeated in uncertainty.

Vexen mentally scolded himself. Of course Ixmus would not have the knowledge of Twilight Town. Snapping his fingers, a Corridor of Darkness appeared next to Ixmus. "That Corridor of Darkness will transport you to Twilight Town. Use it when you're ready to go." Vexen instructed. Ixmus nodded in response. "Come along, Zexion." Vexen ordered as he continued walking down the steps. "Right." Zexion began to follow the Chilly Academic and waved a goodbye at the Shadows of Hope, "I'll see you later, Ixmus." Ixmus waved back as he saw Vexen and his sensei disappear.

Ixmus looked at the Corridor of Darkness Vexen left for him, but he realized that he still has some people left to meet. So, he walked up to the steps and entered the Hall of Empty Melodies.

-Hall of Empty Melodies-

A smoothing melody sounded throughout his empty room. The relaxing tings of a musical instrument danced throughout the hall, adding some forms of life to this salvation of nothingness.

In the midst of it was a Nobody with his hairdo in the form of a mullet. His gloved fingers dexterously caressed the strings of his large, blue sitar, Arpeggio releasing the melodies blessing the Hall of the Empty Melodies.

Ixmus walked out of the entrance and the tunes immediately entered his ears. The Nobody became relaxed as he exhaled a content sigh. He loved this melody and didn't want it to cease. Once again, he felt welcomed and easy-going, but he now felt carefree and tranquil.

Unfortunately, the person responsible for this halted his progress. Ixmus inaudibly groaned at the sudden cessation of the beautiful notes. "Oh, hey there!" Greeted a friendly voice. Ixmus looked up to the origination of the voice, the Nodody with the mullet hair. He sat at the podium with his sitar positioned as if he was playing. "H-Hi." Ixmus greeted. For some reason, he felt way more assertive than before.

The musician jumped down from the podium and landed before Ixmus. "Uhhh…who are you again?" He asked. Ixmus remembered he had his hood on but refused to take it off, "I'm Ixmus." He responded. "Oh!" The sitar possessor exclaimed in realization, "The new guy! Sweet, name's Demyx." Demyx extended his hand welcomingly. Ixmus took his hand and shook it. "Welcome to the Organization." Demyx congratulated happily. "Thank you." Ixmus acknowledged releasing his hand from the grip.

Ixmus then glimpsed at Arpeggio. "That's a beautiful instrument." He remarked. "Oh, thank you." Demyx responded, "I love playing this thing."

"I see, you play it exceptionally well." The Shadows of Hope commented again. The Melodious Nocturne looked from his sitar to him, "You heard me? And you think I'm good?" He asked in disbelief. "Yes, very." Ixmus smiled (even though Demyx couldn't really see it) and nodded. Demyx smiled, "I think we're gonna be good friends." He said, "And that's not all it can do."

Ixmus curiously raised an eyebrow underneath his hood, "Really?"

"Back up a couple of feet."

Doing as instructed, Ixmus backed up from the Melodious Nocturne. Taking a deep breath, Demyx's fingers professionally pulled and stroked the strings of the sitar. The notes were now low yet still serene.

"Dance water dance!"

Arpeggio suddenly had water clones of Demyx disperse from it. Ixmus watched in awe as the combination of Demyx's note-playing and the sitar itself created a clan of Demyx water clones. "Whoa…" Ixmus gaped in awe. "Impressive, huh? Demyx said now playing slower and more softly. "Yeah."

"HEADS UP!"

Suddenly, all of the water clones were shot down and all they could hear were the sounds of rapid-fire. Ixmus and Demyx jumped at the unexpected occurrence (also causing Demyx to misplay a note). Hanging upside in the down in the air was Xigbar with his gun arrows, Sharpshooter, out. He was positioned as if he just finished sniping. Evidently, he was the cause of the water clones' early demise.

"Whoo, I still got it!" Xigbar exclaimed jovially.

"Aw, Xigbar! I was trying to show the new gut something!" Demyx complained, "And you could've shot us!"

"Pfft!" Xigbar scoffed, "As if! I'm too good." Xigbar manipulated his element of space so that he appeared near Ixmus and Demyx. "So, you're the new kid on the block, eh?" Xigbar questioned, dismissing Sharpshooter, "Heh, name's Xigbar." Returning to his meek self, Ixmus cautiously waved back in response.

Sighing, Demyx positioned his sitar again and started playing again. However, right after the fifth note, a spark of electricity struck one of the strings. Therefore, the sitar sounded an unpleasant shriek and broke the string. "Demyx, if you play that thing one more time!" A raucous, irritated voice threatened from a distance. Xigbar, Demyx, and Ixmus (the latter two in some forms of fear) looked up to see a blonde, female Nobody up on the higher levels of the Hall of Empty Melodies.

"Jeez, no need for violence, Larxene." Xigbar said. Larxene huffed and crossed her arms, "Demyx, if you're going to continue playing, do it in your room!" Demyx sighed in disappointment, "All I was trying to do was show Ixmus something."

Larxene's attention was caught when Demyx uttered the name of the Shadows of Hope. Larxene jumped down from her part of the area and landed in front of the trio of gentlemen. She eyed the hooded Ixmus who was unsure of how to act or anything. "Hey, Ixmus, I'm Larxene." She introduced. "Um, hi, Larxene…" Ixmus cautiously greeted.

"Careful not to get on her bad side, dude, she's a hot one." Xigbar joked. Unintentionally proving Xigbar's statement, Larxene punched Xigbar in his visible eye hard. "Watch it!" She growled as she saw Xigbar fall to the ground. Ixmus simply blinked, now feeling a bit unsafe being around the fiery blonde. Demyx leaned down to Ixmus and whispered, "Try not to get on her bad side like he just said." Ixmus audibly gulped.

"What goes on here?" A voice inquired. All of the Organization members looked to see a Corridor of Darkness spawning and another cloaked person stepping out. He pulled back his hood and revealed himself to be Number III, Xaldin. "Oh, hey, Xaldin." Demyx greeted The Whirlwind Lancer.

Xigbar got up rubbing his possible black eye, "Nothing much, Xal, just the usual chatting amongst fellow Nobodies." Larxene interjected, "Demyx was playing his sitar again and Xigbar wisecracked me so I punched him."

"…Pity." Xaldin simply stated. His eyes wandered around the group of Nobodies until he sighted the hooded Ixmus. "You must be Ixmus." Xaldin said putting his hands behind his back. Ixmus nodded in compliance. "Xaldin." He introduced. Once again, Ixmus nodded. "So, have you met everyone, Ixmus?" Larxene questioned putting her attention to him. "Uh, no. Zexion and Vexen still say I need to meet Axel, Xion, and Roxas." Ixmus responded.

"Is that what they corridor in Twilight's View for?" Xaldin spoke approaching the group. Ixmus looked at him in surprise. "Calm yourself, you are not in any trouble." Xaldin reassured. He then stepped aside for him to pass, "Go." He instructed. Ixmus obliged and began to walk back to Twilight's View.

-Twilight Town-

Ixmus wandered around the golden-colored civilization curiously. The sights were even more breathtaking than Havoc's Side. The beautiful golden sunset and sky was an absolute onslaught of exquisiteness. The buildings and their architecture only accentuated this splendor. The people were also pleasant and welcoming. Ixmus liked this place, he really did.

But the only thing missing was finding the three Organization members mentioned already and he had no luck at that. He even turned to the most unlikely of places to search for them; the results were no good.

At this point, he had pretty much given up and was just leisurely strolling around, taking in the sights. His journey had taken him to Central Station because this was the remaining place needed to visit and, quite frankly, nothing was there of importance or noteworthiness.

However, on top of the Clock Tower, sat three people eating sea-salt ice cream, conversing, and having a good time. They were positioned precariously on the ledge as they continued their merriment. They were Numbers VIII, XIII, & XIV, Axel, Roxas, and Xion.

Roxas bit the final piece of the icy blue snack as looked onward from the tower. His blue eyes wandered the scenery of both the sky and the ground. However, something out of the ordinary caught his eye. Someone cloaked in black looked outward as he stood in the midst of the spacious plaza. "Hey, guys, who's that?" Roxas asked and pointed to the person. Axel and Xion ceased their conversation and gawked at the person. "Well, it's another Organization member," Xion deduced observantly, "Who do you think it is, Axel?" Xion got no response. "Axel?" The two young Nobodies asked in unison. Axel was no longer there. They looked at the plaza again to see Axel approaching the unsuspecting character.

"Hey!" Axel called out. The person turned around wearily at Axel. "What's up?" The Flurry of Dancing Flames questioned. "N-nothing." The voice responded. "New recruit?" Axel inquired. "Yes…"

Then it suddenly hit him, there was a new recruit at the meeting today. "Hey, wait a minute!" Axel exclaimed frightening the hooded character somewhat, "Aren't you Ixmus?" Ixmus nodded his head. "Oh, hey, name's Axel, got it memorized?" Axel introduced whole-heartedly. Soon after, Roxas and Xion walked over. "Hey, guys, it's Ixmus, the new guy." Axel announced turning to them. Even if he was hooded, Ixmus looked away in a meek manner.

"I'm Roxas." Roxas introduced approaching the shy Nobody. Xion mimicked this action, "And I'm Xion." "H-hello…" Ixmus responded. For some reason, he felt even shyer than before. He placed his hand behind his back. His right hand gripped his left wrist tautly. He hated having the spotlight on his so much especially when three seemingly good friends surrounded him. Axel placed a hand on Ixmus's shoulder. However, before Axel could say something, he felt how tense Ixmus was. "Hey, why so tense?" Axel questioned, "Come on, we're friends here. Loosen up, have a blast, take this hood off, why don't you."

Ixmus gripped his wrist even more tautly. The nervousness was really getting to him. He suddenly felt another hand on his other shoulder and looked to see the hand belonged to the Key of Destiny, Roxas. "Hey, don't be scared." Roxas reassured, "We'll make you feel welcomed."

As if against his will, the sides of his mouth began to twitch upward. Eventually, a curve formed on his lips. Ixmus was smiling as an unknown feeling began brewing inside his chest. Before he could fathom such, he felts a pair of hands tug at his hood. "How about we start with this?" Xion, the one performing this action, said as she began to pull down Ixmus's hood. Ixmus once again squeezed his left wrist but let Xion take off his hood.

Eventually, Ixmus's face was revealed to the trio. His hair was spiky and ebony. The spikes were positioned so that they going one straight direction (to the left) and they were perfectly aligned too. He possessed silver irises in which his nervousness could be clearly read. "There." Xion said. "Hey, Ixmus, wanna join us?" Roxas inquired. "Uhh…" Ixmus droned in uncertainty, "I won't be an imposition?"

" 'Course not!" Axel exclaimed, "We got room for another Nobody." The redhead began to lead back to the Clock Tower. Roxas, Xion, and a reluctant Ixmus followed suit.

The quartet now positioned themselves at the regular spot on the Clock Tower. Amazingly, Axel distributed more sea-salt ice cream out of the blue. Roxas wondered how Axel was able to get the icy treats so fast. Regardless, Roxas and Xion gladly accepted and started eating them. Ixmus spectated them curiously then he felt someone nudge him. He turned to Axel and said Nobody extended one to him, "Try it." He recommended.

Ixmus interestedly took the ice cream by his wooden handle and brought it to his mouth. Slowly, he extended his tongue from the inside of his mouth and glided his taste buds across the frozen surface. The combination of the ice crystals and the frosty flavor was, to say the least, damningly appetizing. It was like salvation to one's taste buds and Ixmus was no exception. He liked it very well and continued to lick and savor the ice cream's flavor along with the rest of the Nobodies. "That's the stuff, isn't it?" Axel inquired. Ixmus turned to Axel, mid-lick, and nodded. He also saw Axel had already finished eating his and was just keeping the stick in his mouth. He looked the opposite direction to see Xion and Roxas almost through devouring theirs. "These people sure loved their eateries…" Ixmus thought as he resumed licking his.

The Nobody quartet continued chatting and merry-making for awhile. Ixmus noted that the sunset never wavered even after time passed. Xion answered this by saying "the sunset is eternal in Twilight Town" which perplexed poor Ixmus even more. Ixmus's behavior notably altered as well; he was actually opening up to Axel, Xion, and Roxas and felt more at ease. He even laughed even now and then at Axel's jokes. He truly did feel welcomed. "I guess we should go, guys." Axel announced standing up, "They're probably expecting us back by now."

"Yeah, Zexion might also be worried about me." Ixmus said concurringly also standing up.

Ixmus had mentioned the Corridor of Darkness that was left for him by Vexen. Axel humorously joked about Vexen callously leaving a portal to the Organization's base. He earned slight chuckles from the younger Nobodies.

"Well, I appreciate you guys for letting me be with you." Ixmus thanked as they began to approach the passage. "Don't mention it." Roxas responded. "You're welcome any time." Xion replied. "We'll be everyday when we're finished with missions." Axel added. "OK." Ixmus said. With that, the new friends entered the portal and returned to the Castle That Never Was.

-Lounge-

Ixmus, Axel, Xion, and Roxas entered the main lounge from the portal only to find Zexion waiting for them. "Hey, Zexion, what's up?" Axel greeted. "Nothing just waiting for Ix-" Zexion was silenced when he was his apprentice's face for the first time. "Hey, Zexion." Ixmus greeted with a smile. "You….took your hood off…" Zexion said in disbelief."Yup, we made him feel welcomed." Roxas announced. "Well, there goes that privilege." Zexion thought in disappointment. "Well, as proud as I am, I'm afraid I'm going to have to take Ixmus and train him on a couple of things." Ixmus stepped forward and proceeded to walk away with his teacher, "Later, guys."

"Later, Ixmus!" The trio said their goodbyes as the newest student-teacher duo in the Organization walked out.