Chapter 2: Do you remember me…Axel?
As I charge at Ximara, my Chakrams at the ready, I can feel a small tremor beneath my feet.
I barely have time to pull back from Ximara as a black hole suddenly opens up on the white marble floors.
And, who should appear from said black hole is: Alexander.
Alexander's white hood flutters behind him as he springs up from the black hole, which leaves his face open and easy to read; and, if you thought he was angry before, just see how he shows it now!
He is wearing a calm smirk, which beneath that lies malice, and his eyes gleam without hesitation.
Alexander is standing a few feet away from Ximara and me; and, the only thing keeping this distance is the weapon in his hands: a scythe-with a black-and-silver blade, which the silver is the lower half of the blade-and the rest of the scythe is in red.
"Axel, do you mind telling me why you were just charging at Ximara?" Alexander questioned as he pointed the scythe my way.
"Heh, I've got a few questions of my own, Alexander!" I shouted back, completely ignoring his question.
Alexander's smirk widens at my words, before he sighs deeply and he lowers his scythe a little.
"Oh, do tell, because I'd love to hear them." Alexander replies coolly.
"Where is Roxas…?! Why is his tank empty?!" I questioned accusingly.
Alexander suddenly seems caught off-guard by those questions because he stops smirking and he begins frowning thoughtfully.
"It seems I've misjudged you, yet again… I hadn't thought that you were so worried about him. So, you're able to show compassion towards others, Axel…?" Alexander spoke finally, before his scythe disappeared in a puff of black-and-red smoke.
"What does that even mean?" I asked impatiently as I spun a flaming Chakram around in my hand.
Alexander laughs softly to himself, before he answers, "Ximara, please escort Axel to the Information Room. Make sure you begin his Restoration Process immediately!"
He ignored my question completely!
What is with these people…?
Do they ignore questions around here or do they just answer a question in a roundabout way?
"Alexander…? Are you sure about this? Didn't you want to wait until later to begin the process?" Ximara questioned with genuine surprise.
"I think the sooner the better… After all, in order for him to trust us, he'll need his memories back…" Alexander responded coolly.
His previous fury has been completely forgotten; and, now plans for restoring my memories are taking place.
Suddenly, Alexander turns on his heels and he strides towards the exit, not bothering to wait for Ximara or me.
"Well, are you coming or not? We don't have all day you know. After you spend the afternoon restoring bits of your memory, I want you to report to the Training Hall, Axel." Alexander spoke without turning back.
After Ximara and I begin trailing after Alexander, I speak up, "I thought you wanted me to regain my memories?"
"All in due time, you can't honestly think it'll take one whole day to remember everything, do you?" Alexander spoke harshly.
When I don't respond, Alexander continues, "I didn't think so…
Also, I want you on time at the Training Hall because Lux will be training you first."
At hearing that name, a cold feeling spreads in my chest, but Ximara calmly pats me on the back as we continue walking towards the exit.
Alexander reaches the exit first, so he turns back to the two of us to say in cold words, "By no means are you to take Lux seriously during training. He may try to kill you yes, but that is just Lux… If he gets out of hand, Hexon will stop the session and he will pull you two apart."
I only nod solemnly.
After all, who am I to complain when he brought me back from the dead?
Not to mention that he can help me restore my memories…
Plus, despite his warnings, I may get my chance for revenge yet!
(You know…about the whole 'Lux knocking me out', part… I can get my other revenge later.)
I think my silent nod satisfies Alexander's discontent in some way because he suddenly smirks again, in his usual way, as he exit's the Awakening Chamber.
Once the door safely closes behind him, Ximara suddenly speaks up, "I think Alexander likes you a lot, Axel."
"What…!? Where did you get that strange idea from?" I questioned with doubt.
"Well, just think about it, he's giving you special treatment… Normally, he just sends off new recruits to the Training Hall without going to the Information Room first." Ximara whispered with a small grin.
"Is that so…?" Was all I spoke as a reply.
I'm suddenly lost in my thoughts from Ximara's words.
Maybe she's right…after all, he did seem different when I was worrying over Roxas.
Or maybe I'm just thinking a little too much…
What's wrong with me…? I usually don't think this much!
It's probably just another side-effect…nothing to worry over.
I hope…
"-Shall we go then, Axel?" Ximara interrupted my thoughts and brought me back to reality.
"Huh? Did you say something…? I wasn't listening…" I responded absently.
"I figured as much… I said: Are you ready to get your memories back?" Ximara spoke again.
I only nod in silence as she leads me out of the Awakening Chamber.
XXX
As we're leaving the Awakening Chamber, who should we run into again but the crazed doll, Mirabel!
"Ximara, the preparations are complete! I did just as you requested of me. The Information Room is up and running. It's now awaiting your return." Mirabel spoke confidently with her ghostly voice.
"Thank you for the update, Mirabel. Axel and I are heading that way now. Do you care to join us?" Ximara asked with a small smile.
Mirabel looks from me to Ximara again, before she suddenly shakes her head violently.
"I refuse being in the same room as him again! So, if you need me, I'll be in the Gravity Room." Mirabel replied in a huff before she hobbled off down the opposite direction.
"What's her problem? And, what's this 'Gravity Room' she was talking about?" I questioned absently.
"She just has a bad impression of you, that's all. Give her some time, Axel." Ximara began, before she added calmly, "To answer your other question: the Gravity Room is like the Training Hall, except there is no gravity. Hence the name…"
"Ah, I see…but, why do you even need a Gravity Room?" I asked with curiosity.
I turn to glance at her when she doesn't answer.
"We're here." She whispers seriously, completely ignoring my question.
I just sigh deeply and I turn my attention away from Ximara, so I can realize that we have walked a long way from the Awakening Chamber.
We are now standing at the other end of the huge hallway; and, I also realize that this is another dead-end.
"What's with this place? Why is there two dead-ends in this hallway?" I questioned aloud.
The sound of my voice breaks the silence; and, now my ears are ringing from it.
Ximara answers as she glances at the Information Room's door, "It's simple Axel, this is The Hall of Beginnings. So, naturally, you start from here and end up elsewhere."
"I guess that makes some sense…" I whispered absently.
"Alright, we better hurry up or you'll be late for your training." Ximara spoke confidently as she held open the door for me.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to miss that…" I replied jokingly.
XXX
The first thing I realize, as I'm standing in the Information Room, is that everything in the room is giving off a light-blue glow.
The second thing I realize: is that the reason everything is glowing light-blue is because of these floating square holograms.
Ximara calls them "History Holograms" since they are the only records of the past that are left.
I watch as the square, light-blue holograms float from one wall to another as they reposition themselves on the ceiling-to-floor bookshelves.
"Why do they do that?" I suddenly asked with curiosity.
"Huh…? What do you mean?" Ximara replied as she adjusts something in the center of the room.
"Why do the holograms keep flying back and forth from one wall to another?"
"Oh, that, well it's because they're trying to organize themselves from beginning to end. But, since time and space really has no beginning or end, they have to keep adjusting to find the right order." Ximara answered calmly as if it were obvious.
"Oh…"
"Why are you so interested in them, Axel?"
"That's because…they give off a strange glow while they're floating, but not when they sit on the shelves." I replied grimly.
"Yeah, they do that too. Once they find the right order, they don't need to glow anymore… Alright, finally, it's ready!"
I turn my attention away from the floating holograms to focus on Ximara and the black object she is currently adjusting.
The black object looks like a generator, but it's about the size of a podium so it isn't a generator; and, the black object has red buttons on one side of it and there is even a light-blue, holographic screen.
"What's ready?" I asked curiously.
"Well, it really has no name… I just call it: The Memory Reminder. Since it should have a name, but doesn't." Ximara replied with a small smile.
"Clever, I like that name."
"Really…?" Ximara asked with wide eyes.
"Yeah, sounds cool."
"Thanks…for saying so. Any way, let's begin, Axel." Ximara spoke as she blushed slightly.
Ximara suddenly pushes a red button on the black, podium-like object and a hole opens up on the white marble floor.
A futuristic black chair rises up from the hole, complete with an attached dome to place one's head under it.
As for the chair itself: it looks like a recliner with wide arm rests and a small foot rest, but it has restraints on both the arm rests and the foot rest.
"What's with the restraints, Ximara?" I questioned worriedly.
"Don't worry Axel, it's mostly for your own safety. When regaining memories, you are often experiencing every event as if it were actually happening. So, trust me, you'll be glad for the restraints when we start." Ximara spoke confidently with another small smile to reassure me.
I don't know about this…it sounds dangerous…
But, then again, if I don't do this…I won't remember anything!
"Alright, let's just get this over already!" I spoke assuredly.
"Please have a seat then, Axel." Ximara motioned for me to sit in the black chair.
I nod solemnly as I cross the room and I silently sit in the cold chair; and, I place my head underneath the dome of the chair.
"Just relax Axel, everything will be fine." Ximara whispered assuredly as she strapped the restraints over my wrists and feet.
"How do you know…?" I asked with doubt.
"I know because I have done this to every member of the Organization; and, it's very successful." Ximara answered calmly as she walked back to the black podium.
"If you're s-sure then…" I barely whispered as I glanced at my restraints.
"Are you ready, Axel?"
"Yes…"
Ximara presses another red button and images appear on the light-blue holographic screen.
"I'll start you off with an easy memory, one that I know you'll be able to handle as a beginner test." Ximara spoke effortlessly and with confidence.
"Let's just start so I don't chicken out…" I whispered half-jokingly.
"Alright, good luck, Axel." Ximara began before she added in a strange, absent tone, "Restoration Process Commence."
I gasp as my vision suddenly fades and I find myself alone in the darkness yet again.
XXX
I can hear the sound of birds chirping somewhere in the distance, so immediately I know that I'm outside.
I slowly open my eyes and the light, from the setting sun, suddenly blinds me.
"Huh…? How did I get outside? Wasn't I just in the Information Room with Ximara?" I whispered mostly to myself.
The next thing I realize is that I can feel my legs hanging over the edge of a ledge.
So, I quickly glance all around me and I realize with a fright that I'm on a ledge of a huge clock tower.
"W-What…?! What am I doing up here?!" I shouted nervously as I suddenly jumped to my feet.
I slowly jump down from the ledge and I back up until my back hits against a wall of the clock tower.
"Sorry I'm late Axel, my mission ran a little longer than I thought." A familiar voice spoke from my left.
I slowly turn in that direction and a cold chill passes through me as I see Roxas grinning at me, in that usual dorky way.
He still looks the same as ever: from his spiky blonde hair, his bright blue eyes, to his black overcoat and black gloves.
"R-Roxas…? I-Is that you…?" I questioned with disbelief.
His smile suddenly fades as he raises an eyebrow at me.
"Are you feeling okay, Axel? You look like you've seen a ghost or something."
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine… What about you?" I whispered as calmly as I could.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I brought the ice cream today since I was late and all…" Roxas spoke as he pulled out two light-blue ice creams on sticks.
"Ah, sweet, thanks…" I spoke as casually as I could while he handed me one.
"Well come on, aren't you going to sit on the ledge like usual?" Roxas questioned with curiosity.
I glance over at the ledge just as Roxas swings his legs over the edge as he sits down.
"Uh…s-sure." I whispered nervously.
I slowly move closer to the ledge cautiously, before I glance over the edge and down at the bottom of the clock tower.
Wow, we're so high up!
Wait…why am I suddenly so afraid of heights?
Was I always so chicken…?
"Axel…? Are you sure you're really okay?" Roxas asked with more concern than necessary.
I look at him with a serious expression, before I jump on the ledge and I sit down with my legs hanging over the edge.
I suddenly take a bite of the ice cream and the sweet/salty sensation hits my tongue in an instant.
"Ugh, what is this…?" I questioned out loud with disgust.
"It's sea salt ice cream. You act like you've never had it before…" Roxas spoke with surprise and doubt.
"Uh, right…well, I just-" I spoke just as pain suddenly shot through my chest.
The ice cream, I took a bite of, slowly falls from my grasp as I suddenly grab my chest with both hands.
As I try to breathe, the pain only increases and I start feeling light-headed.
"Axel?! What's wrong?! Are you hurt…?" Roxas questioned before he dropped his ice cream as he reached out towards me.
I look up at him and I try to speak, but no words come at all.
Suddenly, I'm falling head first from the ledge towards the ground.
"Axel…!" Roxas shouted from where he still sat on the clock tower.
XXX
So…this is the end, is it?
It's too soon…I haven't even found out what happened to Roxas!
I…don't want to die!
"Axel! Wake up, please!" A girl shouted nearby.
My eyes suddenly spring open and they adjust to the strange light-blue light floating around the room I'm in.
"Oh, thank goodness! I thought you were going to die during the Restoration Process!"
I turn my head and I see Ximara crying next to me.
"Ximara…? Why are you crying?" I whispered automatically.
"I'm crying because I thought you were going to die when you fell from that ledge!" She cried.
"Y-You saw that…?"
"Yes… From the holographic screen… As soon as the machine started running, I knew something went wrong!" Ximara spoke grimly as she shook her head back and forth.
"What do you mean? What went wrong?" I questioned as I tried to sit up, but I'm still restrained.
"Oh, here, let me get that for you." Ximara whispered softly as she removed each restraint.
I rub my wrists as I glance at Ximara; and, I start to realize that she might be bipolar or something.
"Well, to put it simply, there was an anomaly in the system. First off, Roxas shouldn't have even been there! The memory I picked, from your files, was one where Roxas doesn't show up to the clock tower.
Second, when you took a bite from that ice cream…the system went haywire and it shut down temporarily, so that's why you fell. I was, however, able to turn the power back on just before you hit the ground." Ximara spoke nervously and frantically all at the same time.
"So, what you're saying is…" I whispered grimly.
"Yes, Roxas was actually in your mind during the Restoration Process." Ximara finished for me.
"Then, that means…he's still alive! Somewhere…"
"It appears that way, yes, but Axel… I'm worried about this. A system error like this has never happened before! I should tell Alexander about this…" Ximara whispered with concern.
I jump up from the chair to grab Ximara by her shoulders, pulling her closer to me.
"You can't tell him about Roxas! I'm so close to finding out what happened to him…please Ximara, keep this a secret!" I begged desperately.
Ximara looks at me for the longest time, until she sighs deeply and she answers, "Alright Axel, but if it happens again I will tell him."
"By then it won't even matter! Thanks Ximara, I know I can count on you." I spoke excitedly and then I suddenly hugged her.
"Oh, um…you're welcome, Axel." Ximara whispered softly.
Once I realize what I'm doing, I quickly let go of Ximara and I see a blush on her face before she turns away.
"You better hurry, or you'll be late to your training session with Lux." Ximara spoke to change the subject.
"Oh, right…" I whispered dimly.
I'm dreading the idea of facing him, but since I know Roxas is still alive, I better go.
After all, I'm only agreeing to all this so that I can save him!
Just wait Roxas, once I become stronger…I'll find you!
"Well, you better show me the way to the Training Hall or we'll both be in trouble." I spoke assuredly and with a smirk.
Ximara turns her head to glance at me before she nods in my direction.
I could faintly hear her whisper something as she leads me out of the Information Room.
"I thought you were going to die, Axel…"
XXX
X…To Be Continued…X