Disclaimer: I own Misu, Ixmus, and that guy that appeared in Memories's second flashback/vision/whatever. Square Enix/Disney owns Kingdom Hearts (characters, concepts, and series).
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Chapter 8: Emotions
It was finally the day.
Xemnas had discussed about this plan in meetings for the longest.
Now, it was time to enact that.
This was the day where selected Organization XIII members would be leaving for Castle Oblivion. Those selected members were Marluxia, Axel, Larxene, Zexion, Lexaeus, and Vexen. This meant almost half of the Organization's members would be reduced but it was for a respectable cause. They now had Sora right where they wanted him to be.
Zexion and Ixmus stood in the Lounge looking outside the window. "Now, listen, Ixmus." Zexion stated, "As you know, I am one of the members that are going to Castle Oblivion. So I won't be here with you for a lengthy amount of time." Ixmus only listened to his sensei speak. Truth be told, he was saddened by the fact that Zexion had to leave. Because of that, his behavior acted strange for some reason. It was another thing he had to figure out but put it aside for now. "However, I still want you to continue your studies and training. So here." Zexion then summoned another type of Lexicon, Prohibited Notes, and handed it to Ixmus. "With this Lexicon, you'll be able to learn some techniques and gain more knowledge. Now I expect you learn it well because I will test you upon my return." The Cloaked Schemer said.
Ixmus looked at his recently received Lexicon but still perfectly heard every word of Zexion's directions. When his sensei finished, he looked up and said appreciatively, "Thank you, Zexion-sensei." Zexion smiled at his apprentice and responded, "You're welcome, my apprentice." Suddenly, a Corridor of Darkness materialized in the center of the Lounge and Lexaeus stepped out. "Zexion, it's time to go." Lexaeus announced staying beside the portal. "OK, Lexaeus." Zexion said in response and then looked at Ixmus, "Well, I guess I'll see you when I return." Ixmus nodded. For some reason, an unknown feeling begin to surge through his body. But whatever it is was, it made him feel very fuzzy inside, like the first time he smiled.
Only this time, it couldn't be displayed as a simple smile and he couldn't contain for very long. "Goodbye, Ixm-" The feeling manifested into an action of display of happiness into what is called a hug. Ixmus's arms wrapped around the older male's midriff. Naturally, Zexion would be taken aback. "Thank you, Zexion, for everything." He said as he embraced his sensei. Zexion stammered for a bit and did not hug back. He even looked at Lexaeus to see if he could help out (as much as possible anyway) but the Silent Hero merely gazed at the heartwarming site. "W-well…Y-you're welcome, Ixmus." Zexion managed to respond. Finally, Ixmus released Zexion from his hug and watched his sensei walk into the dark passage with the Silent Hero.
Clutching Prohibited Notes, Ixmus began to feel more unknown feelings dwelling inside him.
-LATER-
The feelings were overwhelming…
The anonymity of them was damning…
The curiosity was murdering…
Ixmus felt like this enigma would kill him and he had no answers or anyplace to start searching. As a result, his demeanor altered somewhat drastically. He started to really show anti-sociality and separated himself from the remaining Organization members (even Roxas and Xion). He was also depressed that Zexion (and to a smaller extent, Axel) was absent for an extensive period of time.
Luxord, the person Zexion put in charge of supervising Ixmus until his return, noticed these changes. He told the rest of the members and they began to worry considerably (except Saix and, the only person that wasn't told, Xemnas). They constantly approached Ixmus to inquire about his odd change in conduct. He only stated that he was fine and walked off and/or disappeared in a Corridor of Darkness.
Regardless of the matter, Xemnas called a meeting to discuss another important matter. Everyone except Ixmus and the Castle Oblivion-assigned members was present and sitting in their respective thrones. Before Xemnas officially began the meeting, he noticed the fifteenth throne vacant. "Is anybody aware of Number XV's whereabouts?" The Superior of the In-Between questioned.
Every member fell silent but Xemnas patiently waited for his eventual response. Saix was the one who was given the honor of responding, "Number XV is…" He paused trying to gather the correct words to describe Ixmus's situation, "contemplating some personal matters." "I see." Xemnas replied, "However, this is an important matter and we need him to hear this." Number I then diverted his gaze at the Gambler of Fate. "Number X, as responsible for him in place of Number VI, you must fetch him." Luxord only nodded before disappearing in darkness.
-Dark Hall-
This was the only place in The Castle That Never Was to possess colors contradicting the usual ivory and white décor. In fact, the pigmentations were the completely opposite. The Dark Hall was colored a deep, navy blue. Practically everything shared this characteristic; the pillars, floors, walls, ceiling, name it and it has that color. Just who would be able to cope with the dark environment here?
Ixmus did.
The Shadows of Hope was stationed at his new hangout spot; a large window that overlooked the Dark City, namely Memory's Skyscraper. His head rested on his arms against the bottom section of the window seal. His eyes were half-open as if was bored with seeing the sight. However, this was one of the places where he could think in private and so he was. He thought about the feelings he kept experiencing. He even began to try to figure out who exactly he was. All lead to dead ends and only made him even more disheartened.
A Corridor of Darkness spawned behind the downtrodden Nobody. He sensed it but did not make any movements away from his spot. Luxord stepped out, "Ixmus , wants your presence at a meeting." He said. Said Nobody did not speak, he didn't even move. He was only affixed to his thoughts and staring out the window. Luxord placed a hand on Ixmus's shoulder, "Shall we be off?" The two then disappeared in darkness.
-Where Nothing Gathers-
With his objective fulfilled, Luxord returned to his throne while Ixmus lethargically went to his. "Good, everyone is here." Xemnas said, "Let's begin." Even though they gave full attention to their leader, concerned eyes glanced at Ixmus who kept his head down. "As you know, we have high hopes that our objective with Castle Oblivion will succeed. In doing so, we hope to have the keyblade master in our grasps." Xemnas stated. "Now, we need to focus on other objectives regarding the Heartless and Nobodies."
Xaldin spoke, "Did you hear about when Prince Beast was able to enter Hollow Bastion with only the use of his heart?" Xemnas looked at Whirlwind Lancer in interest, "Is that so?" Xaldin nodded, "Correct." "Such a strong heart would be a lovely addition to Kingdom Hearts. Not only that, Prince Beast could offer us a strong Heartless and Nobody." Xemnas stated, "Number III, I leave you in charge of that." Xaldin bowed (as much as he could) in respect, "I shan't fail you, Superior."
Xemnas moved on after assigning Xaldin his core task. He discussed about Maleficent returning and threatening the worlds with more Heartless. Although releasing more hearts from Heartless was desired, the potential overthrow Maleficent could provide would be detrimental to Organization XIII's cause. The discussion was lengthy and continued for an estimate of half an hour. Everything went pretty straightforward with the discussion and the all of the members were dismissed.
The minute upon dismissal, Ixmus was the first one to depart and he did it rather hastily. Everyone was really concerned about the distraught Nobody.
-Dark Hall-
Ixmus returned to his normal position at his window and continued to aimlessly muse on the cryptic matters.
Those dreams…
The keyblade…
These feelings…
The need to know…
"Just who am I!?" Ixmus screamed. He muffled the sound by submerging his mouth in his arms. Out of pure frustration, Ixmus slammed his fists again the window seal. Because of said action, the glass cracked and shattered. A loud sound echoed throughout the Dark Hall as the broken glass fell on the floor. Ixmus stood their uncaring of his destructive action. He really had had enough of what was happening to him. "My curiosity is a curse…." He thought as he swiped off shards of glass off his cloak and hair.
"Ixmus…"
Ixmus, after getting the last bits of glass off him, turned around to the voice he recognized, "Yes, Roxas?" He responded expecting the same question he's been asked constantly ever since the beginning of his behavioral change. "You seem…very frustrated." Roxas said as he eyed the destroyed window. Ixmus sighed inwardly. Apparently, he was right behind him when he erupted and destroyed his window. "I am…" Ixmus confirmed as he turned his back to Roxas. The Key of Destiny cringed at the sound glass breaking when Ixmus moved. "Do you…wanna talk about it?" Roxas asked.
The Shadows of Hope rendered himself silent when Number XIII asked him that question. Effectively, it was just the same as the typical question, but, with Roxas seeing his recent act, he now knows a taste of how bad the situation was. Eventually, he complied by saying, "Roxas?" The Key of Destiny waited patiently for that response and instantly responded, "Yes?" "Do you…sometimes get these weird sensations?" He asked now turning back to him. "Depends, what do you mean?" Roxas rejoined. Ixmus placed his right hand where his heart would be. "Do you feel them here…?" He asked again. Roxas gave a truthful nod, "Yeah, I do sometimes." "I see…So I'm not the only one." "Nope, I get confused about myself sometimes."
Ixmus gripped the cloth at the location. "It's just that the feelings I get are overwhelming." He spoke, "I don't why I have them, I don't know why I'm having these inexplicable dreams, and I don't even why know I have this!" Releasing the slightly wrinkled cloth from his grip, Ixmus extended his arm and made the Kingdom Keyblade materialized in a flash of light."Just…who the heck am I?" He finished in a soft tone looking down.
"Well, you are a keyblade bearer like me." Roxas said making Oblivion appear in his hand. He positioned it so that it crossed with Ixmus's Kingdom Key to form an X. "And I've had these visions and sensations like you have, you're not alone in this journey."
Ixmus looked at up at Roxas in incredulity.
"You're just overreacting."
"But I also miss Zexion-sensei."
"That's understandable, I miss Axel."
"And every time I try to figure out why all this is happening, I wound up hitting dead ends. That's why I'm like this, I'm plagued by curiosity and not getting answers has affected me I guess."
"Well, we just can't give up now. We'll eventually find out our origins."
"I guess so…"
Roxas dismissed Oblivion and created a Corridor of Darkness behind him. "Well, I gotta go, Ixmus. I have a mission with Xigbar." He announced. "Quick question, Roxas." Ixmus exclaimed. "Yes?" Roxas responded. "How did you and Xion transform the appearance of your keyblades?" Number XV asked. "Using this." Roxas walked over to Ixmus and extended a small mechanism to Ixmus who took it. "It's called a Gear. It allows the use of different keyblades." He explained. "I see."
Ixmus exchanged glances from the object he just acquired and his Kingdom Key. He used examination to figure out how to correctly use the Gear. He placed it on a part of keyblade. "Did I do it right?" He asked. "Yes, give it a couple of seconds." Roxas replied.
Thus, Ixmus waited for the given amount of time. When the short amount of seconds passed, Ixmus's Kingdom Key began to illuminate. Ixmus watched as his keyblade began to become pure light. Eventually, the light went away and the Kingdom Key was no longer there. Instead, it was longer and possessed primary colors of dark crimson and navy blue. The hilt guard seemed like a strange face and the token was a jug of sake (not really, just the appearance of). Ixmus's former Kingdom Key transformed into the Guardian Soul keyblade.
Ixmus gawked at the modified keyblade in awe. Its appearance alone could define its potential power. With a satisfied smile, Ixmus looked at Roxas and said appreciatively, "Thank you, Roxas…for everything." Roxas smiled back, "Anytime. Later." The Key of Destiny walked into the portal and it disappeared behind him.
Ixmus stared at his newly acquired Guardian Soul keyblade and then out the window. He vowed he would try to find out these mysteries someday but, for now, his image needed to be revitalized.
-MUCH LATER-
Ixmus flipped a page of Prohibited Notes and sat back in the white couch. He deemed the Lounge's peaceful silence as the best place to study. After all, he did not want to be unprepared for the eventual examination by his sensei Zexion. He discovered a section about darkness in Prohibited Notes and was intently going over that considering his element was darkness. Admittedly, he needed more skills for manipulating his elements and he found the perfect reference to assist in that objective.
Even in the midst of rapt studying, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning his attention away from the book temporarily, he looked over his shoulder to see who was responsible for tapping it.
It was Xion. "Hey, Ixmus." She greeted warmly. "Oh, hello, Xion." He responded. Xion walked around from behind the couch and took a seat right beside Ixmus. "What are you doing?" She inquired. "Just reading something Zexion-sensei gave me to study." Ixmus replied. "I see." Xion said. Silence befell upon the two lone Nobodies. The only sound given was the sounds of pages flipping from Prohibited Notes which Ixmus read carefully. "So…" Xion spoke up. "Hmm?" Ixmus sounded to let Xion know she had his attention. "How are you?" She inquired. "Oh, better than ever since I spoke to Roxas." Ixmus responded. The tone of his voice confirmed that this time it was indeed no lie. Xion smiled, "Good, I'm glad."
Ixmus looked up at Number XIV and returned a smile. "You know…you really scared me." She stated softly. Ixmus's smile faltered, "What do you mean?" He asked putting a bookmark at his page and closing the Lexicon. "When you started to act weird and you didn't tell us why, you scared me…" She repeated more elaborately, her voice breaking a bit. Ixmus felt guilty and looked down, "I'm sorry, Xion." He apologized. "Please, Ixmus…" She begged, "Don't ever change. I like the person you normally are."
Ixmus looked up at Xion upon hearing her say that. "You…like who I am?" He asked in disbelief. Xion placed a hand over his causing Ixmus to blush notably. Now, he felt more strange sensations surging through him. The electric touch from Xion's hand, the burning sensation in his cheeks (or even his face), and the rapid "beating" within him were new to him. And all this was happening because of Xion, just what was happening to him?
"Yes, I do. I like how you are. That's the person I became good friends with." Xion said solemnly. "O-ok…" He said still blushing profusely. "Um, Ixmus?" Xion said. "Y-yes?" Ixmus responded. "Why are you so red? Do you have a fever or something?" Number XIV inquired as she examined Number XV's face. "Uh, no, I should be fine." Ixmus responded nervously. Xion placed her backhand against Ixmus's forehead causing the male to blush even more profusely. "I guess you are fine, you have no fever." Xion declared.
Right as when Xion retracted her hand away from Ixmus's forehead, a Corridor of Darkness spawned in behind the chair of the Luna Diviner stepped out. "Numbers XIV & XV." Saix called. Xion and Ixmus immediately turned in their spots to see Saix. "You two have a mission together." He declared.
First, he experienced new feelings that involved Xion. Now, he has to have a mission with her. What else could happen to Ixmus?
