Okay, really super like Twilight Zone moment or something here. The last 4 chapters were the exact same length. Isn't that creepy?
Me: Hey, guys, I apologize for the rant last chapter but I was super pissed. Thanks for your support with that and the fact that you took time to read it. You know something? I actually got that message over a month ago and was so pissed off that it took me until NOW to calm down enough to criticize it. And just so you know, I DID block her from my deviantart account. I don't think she will really bother me, but it's a precaution.
Axel: Right, now how do we break the news to Kosh?
Roxas: There's no way I'm doing it. How about Vilx?
Me: That's...not a bad idea, actually. She won't want to kick Vilx's ass.
Axel: Yeah, that's not a bad idea. What'd you do with Karrimo, or is he not showing up today?
Me: He might. His wife dragged him along to go shopping and some...ahem...afterward.
Roxas: Let's start the story already. You ranted enough.
Disclaimer: I only own Koxra, Vilx, Risox, Nikki, and Pocket.
"Have you seen her anywhere?" asked Axel.
"Nope," said Roxas. "Vilx and Risox are gone too."
Axel sighed. "That girl will likely drive me into an early grave. She shouldn't be doing things like this when her arm hasn't healed yet."
"She probably just wanted to get out of the Castle," said Roxas. "It's too soon to be worrying just yet."
"I know I'm not being logical, but if anything happened to her I—," Axel began.
"I know," Roxas cut in. "You tend to get overly-paranoid when it comes to her."
"It's not just Kosh," said Axel. "It's with my friends too. I just end up getting scared that I'm gonna lose you guys." (A/N: My thanks to Lakota Tala once again for coming up with Axel's fear as well as Roxas's)
"You won't lose anyone," said Roxas. "I think you just need to stop assuming the worst."
"Hey, I lost Saix," said Axel.
"Saix left on his own," said Roxas. "That's completely different."
"Well, who's to say it won't happen again?" asked Axel.
"Hey, if I ever walk out on you, you can kick my ass," said Roxas. "After Kosh does, of course."
"Thanks, Rox, but I hope I never have to," said Axel. A portal opened and Risox, Koxra, and Vilx came out. "And where were you three?"
"Oh shit, I think we're busted," said Koxra.
"Damn right you are!" Axel snapped. "I thought I told you to stop sneaking off without telling me!"
"Are you in mother-hen mode or something?" asked Koxra.
"Ugh, for the love of Kingdom Hearts, Kosh, would you use your head?" Axel snapped. "I'd appreciate it if I didn't have to think you got kidnapped or something! And you are still hurt. Ris shouldn't be out of the Castle either."
"All of us were together," said Koxra.
"Out of the three of you, Vilx is the only one fit for duty," said Axel. "Where were you?"
"Hollow Bastion," said Koxra.
"What if you got attacked?" asked Axel.
"We didn't," said Koxra.
"But what if you had?" asked Axel.
"I can see your point, but I could have just wiped the memory of anything or anyone who attacked us," said Koxra. "Your concern is both touching and annoying at the same time."
"Alright, end of lecture," said Axel. "You're so stubborn."
"I know," said Koxra.
"Oh, Ris, Zexion wants to talk to you," said Roxas.
"Good luck," said Koxra.
"Thanks, I'll probably need it," said Risox. "Can someone roll me to him?"
"I'll do it," said Roxas.
"Thanks, Roxas," said Risox. He pushed her down the hall.
"Demyx isn't mad, is he?" asked Vilx.
"I doubt it," said Koxra. "Axel's like this because he has a fiery temper. Pardon the pun."
"I know I have a temper, got it memorized?" said Axel. "All the same, Vilx, you better go put him at ease. He's pacing around his room as we speak."
"I feel horrible," said Vilx.
"Just blame it on Ris," said Koxra. "It was her idea, after all."
"I know, but I don't wanna get her in more trouble," said Vilx. "Zexion's already mad at her."
"He'll get over it in a year or two," said Koxra. "Now go talk to Demyx. He's probably worried sick."
"Yes, I'm going," said Vilx.
There was a knock on Demyx's door. "Come in." He saw Vilx and ran to hug her. "Where were you?"
"Risox wanted to see her friend in Hollow Bastion," said Vilx. "Koxra and I went with her. I'm sorry." They stopped hugging.
"It's okay," said Demyx. "You're here now. But if you leave the Castle again for any reason other than a mission or ice-cream, I want you to tell me before you go. That way, I won't be going through every worst-case scenario in my head."
"Okay," said Vilx. "I really am sorry for worrying you."
"I know," said Demyx. "Ris can be quite persuasive when she puts her mind to it. So, what was her friend like?"
"Oh, she was really nice," said Vilx. "She even remembered who I was and she didn't hate me."
"See, I told you not everyone in that town hates you," said Demyx.
"You may leave, Thirteen," said Zexion. "I doubt you will want to be in here for this."
"Yeah, just try not to explode at her again," said Roxas, portaling away.
"Let me guess: 'What was going through your juvenile little brain when you thought leaving the Castle in your condition would be a good idea?'" said Risox.
"Something like that," said Zexion. "You better have an explanation."
"I just wanted to see my friend," said Risox. "Kosh and Vilx went with me, so it was perfectly safe. Kosh could wipe the memories of any threats."
"That's a reasonable explanation, but why did you see the need to leave in this condition?" said Zexion.
"Oh, it's okay," said Risox. "Abby told me not to go back till I'm healed. Even she realizes how stupid I was."
"The reasonable side of you is actually speaking and you're being mature for once," said Zexion.
"Hey, there's two sides to my personality," said Risox.
"Yes, that much is clear," said Zexion. "In the future, you should send a messenger to inform your friend if you are injured and unable to see her. I would've gone myself had you not apparently been so anxious to leave the Castle."
"Right, I'll keep that in mind if it happens again," said Risox.
"It is likely to happen again," said Zexion. "Every member has been in the infirmary at least once."
"Even Vexen?" asked Risox.
"Yes, Vexen broke his arm years ago," said Zexion. "That was when we only had six members. Obviously, he couldn't set his own arm. Luckily, though, I knew enough about the medical field to do so."
"I thought Vexen never went on missions," said Risox.
"He does, but very rarely," said Zexion. "It's mainly for reconnaissance. The Superior realized his skills are put to better use here."
"And you and Vexen are never sent out at the same time, are you?" asked Risox.
"Correct," said Zexion. "As the two of us are the only ones with any medical knowledge, it's in the Organization's best interests to make sure at least one of us is here."
"Why is it mostly Vexen, then?" asked Risox.
"Vexen knows more about the topic than I do," said Zexion. "And I get the feeling he doesn't mind that he doesn't leave the Castle much."
"Yeah, I think Vexen likes being alone," said Risox. "Basically, he can avoid nuisances like me."
"Well, for Vexen, everyone who bothers him is a nuisance," said Zexion. "His free time is spent experimenting in his lab on Kingdom Hearts knows what. My sleep has been frequently disturbed by an explosion as my room is close to his lab."
"Speaking of that, how do you deal with Saix as a roomie?" asked Risox. "Even if you don't share a room, you still share a bathroom."
"We are basically civil, but stay out of each other's way as much as possible," said Zexion. "It's not a good relationship, but also not a bad one." (A/N: And, no, I absolutely DO NOT mean that there is any romance going on there. I don't write yaoi, so deal with it) "I would've preferred having Lexaeus for a neighbor."
"Well, that's not surprising," said Risox.
"Ugh, Xaldin, why'd you make this?" Koxra complained.
"Fifteen, as there are many things your taste buds find unacceptable, you will have to be more specific," said Xaldin.
"It's the green beans!" Koxra snapped.
"You are not being forced to eat them," said Xaldin. "Must you complain at every meal?"
"Complaining's my thing," said Koxra. "Honestly, I thought you'd be used to it by now."
"Fifteen, just eat," said Xemnas. "And where is Six?"
"He was having a talk with Seventeen," said Vexen. "Whether or not that is still taking place, I'm unsure."
"Seventeen is excused for a while," said Xemnas. "Six, however, is not."
"Oh, I apologize for my tardiness, Superior," said Zexion, taking his seat. "I was speaking with Risox and getting her to be silent is quite difficult, as you know."
"Yes," said Xemnas. "Perhaps, next time you need to converse with Seventeen, you won't do so when it's close to dinner."
"Yes, Superior, it won't happen again," said Zexion.
"See that it doesn't," said Xemnas.
"How did it go?" asked Lexaeus.
"Surprisingly well," said Zexion. "I was civil and quite calm. It also helped that I didn't have to speak to the child in her this time."
"Lucky you, Zex," said Axel. "You got her reasonable half. Uh, please tell me you accidentally brushed my leg, Kosh."
"No," said Koxra. She looked down at Axel's feet. "Aww."
"Which cat is it?" asked Axel, recognizing his girlfriend's cat-crazy mannerisms.
"It's little Pocket!" she squealed, bending over to stroke him. "Did you sneak in here, you little fur ball? You're so cute! Yes, you are!"
Axel sighed. "Demyx, look under the table."
"Why?" Demyx asked.
"Pay attention to Kosh and you'll find out," said Axel.
Demyx looked. "What the—did you leave your door open?"
"Nope, that'd be you, mullet-boy," said Axel.
"Oh, yeah, now that you mention it," said Demyx.
"You honestly didn't know whether or not your door was open?" asked Zexion. "I was under the impression that you had some sense, Nine."
"That's harsh, Zex," said Axel. "He's just a bit absentminded, got it memorized?"
"Ah, the famous 'Axel-compliment' where you can't tell if he's insulting you or not," said Roxas.
"Axel, maybe you should learn how to give compliments that don't sound half like insults," said Xion.
"You got a problem, half-pints?" asked Axel.
"With the way you give compliments, yeah," said Roxas.
"Roxas, I think we made our point," said Xion.
"Hey, Kosh, can you stop petting him and pick him up for me?" asked Demyx.
"Oh, sure thing," said Koxra, doing so.
Demyx walked over and took him. "Superior, may I be excused for about ten minutes? I need to put my cat back in my room."
"Very well," said Xemnas." "And see to it that your door is shut this time, Nine."
"I will," said Demyx, portaling away.
"Good old Dem-Dem," said Axel.
"He'll kill you if you call him that," said Koxra.
"That's why I said it after he left," said Axel.
"Of course," said Zexion. "When will Nine cease being absentminded?"
"It's how he is sometimes," said Vilx. "I don't mind it."
"There's only so much one can tolerate, though," said Zexion.
"Zexion, regardless of his flaws, Demyx does take care of that cat properly," said Lexaeus.
"Hard to believe that dope can take care of anything," said Larxene.
"You're just jealous of him because no animal would come within a mile of you," said Koxra.
"So?" said Larxene. "I spit at cute little animals."
"No surprise there, sadist," said Koxra.
"Larxene, do you have to pick fights with the pen-girl while I'm trying to eat?" asked Marluxia, helping himself to some applesauce. "You're ruining my appetite."
"I thought Demyx's cat did that already," said Larxene.
"Well, Flowers, your face ruins my appetite a lot, but you don't hear me complaining about it," said Koxra. Axel was choking on his coke.
"You okay?" asked Roxas.
"Yeah…should be fine," Axel said after his coughing fit had ended. "Kingdom Hearts, Kosh, you should warn a guy."
"Well, maybe you shouldn't be drinking when I poke fun at Flowers," said Koxra.
"You do that nearly every day," Axel pointed out.
"It's fun," said Koxra.
"I do outrank you, Scribbles," said Marluxia.
"Oh, congrats, you understand our rank system," said Koxra. "Would you like a medal?"
"Obviously you don't understand rank since you are continuing to provoke me," said Marluxia. "It means I'm more important than you."
"Your arrogance is matched by your assness," said Koxra. "I understand rank, but I only give respect when it's clear that the person deserves it. Unfortunately, you don't."
"Care to step over here and say that?" said Marluxia.
"Remember who outranks you, Petals," said Axel.
"That's enough of the petty squabbling," said Xemnas. "How many times must I stress 'No arguing during meals'?"
"Sorry I took so long—why's everyone so quiet?" said Demyx, taking his seat.
"Princess and Marly were having a heated argument," said Xigbar. "Superior just broke 'em up."
"Man, what was it about this time?" asked Demyx.
"That's what's weird," said Xion. "I think it was about nothing."
"Xion!" Koxra hissed. "I can't believe you!"
"Well, you guys argue about anything and everything," said Xion.
"So?" said Koxra. "It's fun. Especially when I get Axel choking on his drink."
"Coke too strong for you, Ax?" asked Demyx.
"Shut up, mullet-boy," said Axel. "At least I shut my bedroom door."
"Touché," said Demyx as he resumed eating.
"Axel, that wasn't nice," said Vilx.
"Hey, he picked on me first," said Axel.
"Why must you all behave like juveniles?" asked Zexion.
"We're just having fun," said Xion.
"Risox is a bad influence on you," said Zexion.
"So the girl's a fun-loving risk-taker who's a little weird," said Luxord. "Nothing wrong with that."
"We don't need another you, Ten," said Zexion.
"What's up, Lux, did you adopt her as your little sister?" asked Axel.
"Might as well have since no one else seems to understand my methods," said Luxord.
"Didn't you have any siblings?" asked Koxra.
"No," said Luxord. "I did have a cousin. Poor thing was probably only five when I saw her last. My aunt and uncle moved away with her somewhere. She'd probably be thirteen or fourteen now."
"I guess some of us did leave family behind," said Axel.
"What about you?" asked Vilx.
"Parents gone and no siblings," said Axel. "All I had was that ass I used to call a best friend."
"I have a family," said Koxra. "Even have a brother."
"Did you ever try to go home and see them?" asked Vilx.
"Nope," said Koxra.
"Why not?" asked Vilx.
"Cuz going back for a visit and leaving is harder than not going back at all," said Koxra.
"I can imagine what she's going through," Demyx thought. "I feel the same way."
Well, finally after God knows how long it took to write this chapter. Sorry, I've been a bit occupied playing Pokemon Diamond. That along with a bit of writer's block for this chapter doesn't help at all. I hope that I can turn out 2 or 3 more chapters. I don't want this being shorter than "Overcoming Hardships".
Me: Well, I'm gonna go find Vilx so she can break the news to Koxra.
Axel: Tell her I said, "Good luck."
Me: I will.
You know the drill, 3 reviews.
