A bit of a shorter chapter here…
Just wanna say, I've been writing the script extensively ahead of time, but I am finding myself with less and less time. Don't give up on me; I intend on continuing this until whenever I see its end.
Thanks again to those who are following the storyline. Enjoy!
When Fyer woke, it felt as if she were rising from a different world. She had been in darkness for so long, a dreamless slumber, that the world she opened her eyes to seemed alien. She didn't move, but slowly examined the room she was in. It was unfamiliar; it was bigger than hers and more ornate furniture dotted the room. The walls were a deep blue, glowing softly on the low light setting. She looked over to her right, toward the door, and noticed someone sleeping in a chair beside her.
Axel was leaning slightly to the left side of the chair, arms hanging off the edge. His expression was peaceful as he rested. She furrowed her brow and tried to remember where she was, but couldn't. The last thing she remembered was Xemnas leaning over her, whispering words of comfort before the long sleep took her. The events came back to her and she shook her head, dreading the memories. She lifted the covers and pulled up her shirt to see her wound. It was still bandaged, but she felt no more pain.
Her clothes had been changed, but she tried not to think of how that had been accomplished, considering there was only one other female in the Organization. She touched the bandages, and felt a dull ache, like a fading bruise. Very carefully, she sat up, feeling heavy.
Axel woke with a start and straightened. He saw her and flew out of the chair.
"Holy…Ah, man, Fyer. I'm so glad you woke up. Finally," Axel exclaimed, seeming at a loss for appropriate words. Fyer smiled weakly.
"It's good to be awake…and alive," she added, glancing down at her bandages. Axel nodded solemnly, but his green eyes were still bright with excitement. It made Fyer happy to see him so glad for her to be awake.
"We thought we'd lost you. I mean, even after we had gotten you healed enough to survive, Zexion put you into that sleep, and he couldn't get you to wake back up," Axel explained, looking perturbed. Fyer blinked.
"I…didn't wake up? How long have I been asleep?" she asked, dreading the answer. Axel crossed his arms and shifted his weight.
"Thirteen days," he said very quietly. He looked off to the side in thought as Fyer's jaw dropped. She didn't think it was possible for her to be incapacitated that long; anyone for that matter. She looked down at her side, amazed at the power of the injury that had driven her into such a long slumber. Axel looked troubled and Fyer titled her head in question.
"I didn't realize I had been asleep that long," she finally said, looking around at the room again. Axel looked at her.
"Yea, when Zexion finished healing you, you didn't wake up. It took a few days, but even then, he expected to be able to bring you out of it. When he didn't…I thought Xemnas was going to kill him," Axel explained, shuddering. "I've never seen Xemnas more pissed the entire time I've been here." He studied her closely.
"He warned Zexion that if you never woke up, and died in your sleep, that Zexion would be joining you," Axel said darkly. Fyer only sat in silence, listening with surprise. She had seen Xemnas slowly getting more protective of her, but what Axel said suddenly made him seem very attached. She looked around carefully. He noticed her looking and knew what she was looking for.
"Saix is in the commons area as usual. Everyone but Demyx and Lexaeus are out on missions. And Xemnas…he's still out hunting Marluxia." Fyer cringed at the mention of the name. Axel noticed this and shook his head slowly.
"D-do you know…?" she whispered, looking up at him meekly. He nodded.
"We all suspected it, I mean…the way you were dressed, the chain, the marks on your neck. We were just hoping that since you looked like you had escaped that he hadn't gotten very far. Thankfully, he didn't. You were lucky to get away from him, aside from the fact that you nearly got killed doing so," Axel explained, his voice gentle. He looked at her as if he wanted to ask more questions, but he felt it better not to push the issue. She made herself meet his gaze.
"Xemnas…must have told you," she realized. He was the only one that had known. Axel nodded, looking off awkwardly.
"Yea, he did, but he was vague. He just said that Marluxia had violated you, and that you had escaped before he 'damaged' you. He wanted us to know that Marluxia was top priority now for disobeying his orders to stay away from you," Axel explained, staring at the floor. "While we were pulling you out of the dark corridor, Marluxia fled to Castle Oblivion and hasn't returned. We believe that long exposure in Castle Oblivion can drive a person mad, but I don't think that's going to affect that fucking psycho any."
To know that the entire Castle was now hunting for Marluxia made her feel a little safer; he wouldn't dare come back for her while they were all looking for him. She waited until Axel met her gaze.
"It sounds like a hard mission. Castle Oblivion is difficult to navigate," she said dully, remembering her dreams of its endless white walls. Axel nodded.
"That's why we haven't found him yet. He always had a fascination with Castle Oblivion, and seemed to be able to move his way through it better than the rest of us. And since he hasn't left yet, he hasn't forgotten where he's been. He could be just a step out of our reach, laughing at us while we wander around lost. But Xemnas hasn't given up yet. He comes back twice a day to look in on you. Ever since you've been asleep, it's like he's kind of…regressed a bit."
"Regressed?" Fyer asked carefully, hoping he didn't mean what she thought he did. Axel shrugged.
"He won't hardly speak to anyone. He gets violent really quick when you try to hold a conversation with him. He spends all day at Castle Oblivion, then comes in here and just looks at you. I thought he was, you know, starting to get better, but it's like he can't without you there." Fyer looked down as she mulled it over, and to hide her reddened cheeks. Was it possible that Xemnas missed her?
It sounded as if he was anxious at her slumber, and didn't feel comforted by the presence of the others. Axel was quiet for a moment.
"I'm glad you're back, Fyer," Axel said quietly. She heard the emotion in his voice and looked up, but he was at the door frame already, whistling to someone. He waited a moment for the person to respond. "Get Xemnas."
Axel turned and grinned at her weakly. "Sure enjoyed keeping an eye on you, Fyer. Now that you're awake, I don't know if Xemnas is gonna let you out of his sight. See you around!"
Just as he stepped out of the doorway, Xemnas stepped in. For a long moment he only gazed at her blankly, as if to make sure she was truly awake. She fingered the covers around her waist, waiting for him to say something. He strode forward silently until he was at her bedside, and Fyer's eyes followed him. He studied her for a long time, then at last, Fyer saw his expression relax ever so slightly.
"It pleases me to see you are awake," he said, looking her over. He reached out gingerly and put his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him expectantly, but he seemed at a loss for words, struggling to find them. "Are you in any pain?"
"No," she answered, wondering if he was glad to see her. It was hard to tell with the mask of an expression he was holding. He nodded and looked away, brow furrowed. Fyer remembered how close he had held her when they both stood in his mind, and wondered if he had decided to back away. Even now, he seemed to be having trouble even touching her in comfort.
"How do you feel, Xemnas?" she said, turning the question on him. He looked at her in utter surprise. He leaned back and his hand slipped from her shoulder.
"I am well," he said shortly, seeming defensive all of a sudden. Fyer looked down, not understanding. Axel was right; he had regressed. He was back to being unable to express himself. After a long moment, he surprised her out of her thoughts.
He slipped off his glove and touched her face, turning her toward him. He gazed at her for a moment, then slid down to stroke her throat gently. He seemed to relax again at the contact, and Fyer watched him with adoration. In return, she reached out and touched his face as well.
"I am well again…now that you have returned to me," he finally admitted, gazing at her. She smiled, unable to help herself. He watched her lips curve. "I don't know what became of me. When you did not reawaken, I felt something deep within that would not let me be. I fought to silence it, but it burned within me as long as you slept without waking. I do not know what would have become of me if you had never woken." He seemed perturbed, looking at her for answers. She thought for a moment.
"You sound as though you felt…worried. Is that possible? For you to feel?" she asked suddenly, eyes widening. If he had truly felt this emotion, and other feelings too, it could mean he was regaining them. He blinked at her.
"I know not. All I know is that I never want to feel that again. I preferred the empty silence to such an endless feeling," he responded, furrowing his brow. He focused on her again. She smiled again, knowing exactly what he meant. In the time after the fire, she had begged silently for anything that could end her sorrow. Emotions were a curse as much as they were a blessing.
He leaned back suddenly and looked down at her side. He lifted her shirt slightly to check her bandage. When he was satisfied it was fine, he straightened.
"Let us see if you can stand," he said suddenly. Fyer at first thought he was joking, but quickly remembered that Xemnas did not joke.
"Xemnas-"
"You have lain in bed for nearly two weeks. I need to see if your wound is healed. Also, you need to move about to regain your strength," he explained, seeming perturbed for having to explain himself. She saw that he was still commanding and knew that he would have none of her refusing him. Sighing, she turned and draped her legs over the side of the bed. She took a glance at Xemnas to see him standing a few feet away, watching patiently. She took a deep breath and stood.
She found herself in Xemnas' arms. Blinking, she looked up at him. His arms were around her, holding her against his chest.
"As I suspected. You have no strength in your body anymore," he said bluntly. Fyer grabbed his arms and arranged her legs beneath her, determined to stand without his help. He watched her, and Fyer was aware of how close his face was to hers.
"I…can do this," she growled, refusing to be weak. Xemnas nodded and carefully removed his arms. He took a step back and Fyer remained standing. She looked at him in triumph.
"See?" she said defiantly. He raised an eyebrow.
"Take a step," he suggested, putting his arms out slightly as though getting ready to catch her again. She knew she had never been bedridden this long before, but she couldn't believe that she was helpless. Fyer didn't want Xemnas to think she was a weak creature that he had to constantly hover around in case she wasn't able to defend herself. He tilted his head.
Fyer took a step carefully and felt her leg shaking in protest. She growled to herself as she felt it begin to give out beneath her. Xemnas leaned forward and gracefully pulled her up straight. He placed one arm around her back, settling his hand firmly on her hip. He looked down at her with a slightly satisfied expression that surprised her. She didn't know whether he was amused he had proven her wrong, or that he was holding her.
"Come. We must find your strength," he said in encouragement. She nodded, reaching out and grabbing the back of his jacket to keep herself balanced. They walked slowly into the hall and she looked around in bewilderment. She knew she hadn't been in her room, but whose room had she been in?
"You will be residing with me from now on," Xemnas said suddenly, as though he had read her mind. They moved down the hallway and Fyer looked over sharply. She had been in his room, sleeping in his bed. Where had he slept this whole time? He looked sidelong down at her, gauging her expression. "Does this displease you? My room is the safest. None but I can open a dark corridor in there, and the door is impenetrable."
Fyer was still caught up in the thought of the fact she had been in Xemnas' room the whole time she was stuck asleep and injured. The thought of sharing a room with him was suddenly overwhelming. Her heart started beating faster and Xemnas watched her carefully.
"I'm sorry, Xemnas, I'm just surprised," she responded, refusing to answer his question. She wasn't sure if she liked the idea or not. She had only just begun to trust him, and now she was going to be living in the same room. She had only seen the one bed; was he expecting her to sleep beside him every night?
"I frequented your room often to study your dreams. It makes things simpler there, as well. Besides…I thought it over much while I watched you sleep. Perhaps my constant need to be at your side would fade at night and allow me to sleep…if you were there to quell it. I will know you are safe because I will be there."
Fyer kept her eyes on the floor. She knew now he intended to sleep in the bed with her. She repeated his last words in her mind and wondered just how long he had stayed in her room after the dreams had faded from her mind. She looked up at him and saw he was looking off, seeming perturbed at her lack of response. Deep down she had desired to shake off her doubt and take a step closer to him. Though, this was a huge leap in the ways of growing closer. She knew she couldn't refuse even if she wanted to. She felt herself fighting within, warring with the idea of lying beside him as she fell into vulnerable sleep, but she stopped herself there. He had had many chances to do as he wished to her as she slept, and certainly held the strength to do so even as she was conscious, but he hadn't. Besides, it wasn't a terrible thing if he merely wanted her there with him to sleep beside him. She knew which side had won the argument. Though there was logic there, even if there wasn't, she knew deep down she wanted to be close to him.
"It does not displease me," she finally answered, giving no indication of her true feelings on the idea. He looked down at her as they entered the commons area, and she met his gaze. He nodded slowly, seeming content. Saix was opening portals as usual, along with Lexaeus. Everyone else seemed to be gone. Xemnas paused, then led her on, toward the staircase on the right. When they reached the stairs, they had yet to come out of their silence. She saw he wanted her to go up the stairs and groaned inwardly. She was walking better, but she didn't have the energy to ascend the stairs. Xemnas was watching her.
"Do I ask too much of your strength today?" he asked gently. Fyer looked over at him to see if he was insulting her, but she noticed he was waiting for a response. He seemed to be attempting grace or something of the sort. She blushed, but she still couldn't let herself be weak now. She had already been that way enough. She wasn't even able to protect herself from the lecherous Marluxia, and had ended up causing a lot of trouble when she foolishly entered the dark corridor. She shook her head.
"No, I'm fine," she responded, then paused. "Thank you." Xemnas looked at her oddly.
"For what do you say this?" he inquired in confusion. She looked up shyly.
"For caring," she answered, hoping he understood. He did. She saw his eyes soften, losing some of their sharpness. He studied her calmly.
"I do not expect thanks for doing so. I have cared for you since I first lay eyes on you. I didn't understand at the time, but now I do," he said looking up at the staircase. He looked at her again. "Are you certain you are well enough to climb these stairs?" She had been distracted by his words and came back to herself. She gave him an odd look, knowing the changes in him had to be apparent to more than just her. It was such a switch from when they first met.
Without a word, she left his side and began climbing the stairs. He tilted his head, watching as she slowly made her way up the steps. She made it up the first flight and grabbed the guardrail around the platform that led to the library, feeling dizzy. Xemnas followed behind, noticing what was happening. He leaned over and grabbed her. He turned her and slipped an arm under her legs and back. He lifted her with ease, and she grabbed his shirt in shock. He looked down at her sternly.
"You should not have pushed yourself. I was willing to return you to bed if you were tired. Why do you do this to yourself?" he demanded, refusing to move until she answered. She met his gaze meekly.
"I'm trying to be strong," she admitted in a small voice. He regarded her calmly now.
"Sometimes it is better to know when you are defeated," he said, not understanding the sting of his words. She looked away and he realized his mistake. "I merely meant that sometimes…there are things you cannot do alone. Do not fear asking me to assist you, Fyer. I will."
She understood his first remark now. He had been worried about her; showing emotion again! However, his shaky responses were hard to keep up with. He didn't seem sure what to say at what time. Without hesitating another moment, Xemnas carried her up the last two flights of stairs and leaned with Fyer to touch the wall before them. One arm rested on the shoulder opposite of her, and she remained tense, aware of how much contact they were making. The door appeared before them, and they stepped out onto the roof.
Xemnas walked to the platform and carefully sat her on one of the stone steps. She shifted, and was surprised when he sat beside her. He leaned back and rested his elbows on the step behind him. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, his hair flowing back from his face. Fyer watched him, noting how peaceful he looked as they sat in such a desolate world.
She looked up at the darkness around them, missing the bright sun shining down on the earth, or the light filtering through the trees above. She didn't like the darkness of this place, and thought it only contributed to the depressing air about the castle. She looked down at herself and remembered the world she had been dragged from. She remembered all the people she had watched walk by, never speaking or trying to enter the social throe. But she had enjoyed watching people meet each other, and the lines that interconnected all of them. She wondered about the life that had dissolved outside of the castle and wondered if she would have been any happier than she was now. She had been floating, lost as she searched for her place in the world. Then Xemnas has appeared and turned it upside down. She looked back and asked herself if she would have changed her mind about coming to Twilight Town if she had known what would happen. She tried to imagine a life besides the one she was now in, and couldn't.
Xemnas had been watching her for a long time and she finally noticed.
"You appear lost in thought. Are you feeling well…after your encounter with Number eleven?" he asked carefully. She knew instantly what he was talking about and willed the memories to go away that tried to come back to her.
"I was only contemplating when we met. I will be okay. Marluxia only frightened me…it could have been much more terrible if he hadn't been so careless with tying my wrist to the post," she responded dully, fidgeting with her shirt. She looked over when Xemnas shifted, and noticed he had leaned closer, nearly touching her.
"I am relieved he was careless. I do not like seeing your pain," he said, and Fyer knew that was the best response she would get from him. She couldn't complain, though. He was trying his best to be supportive as he learned to deal with the new feelings that were surfacing within him.
Xemnas suddenly was touching her throat again, gazing at it with half-lidded eyes. She reached up and grabbed his hand, immobilizing him. He looked up in question.
"Why is it you always want to touch me there?" she asked. Her curiosity had grown each time he had reached out and grabbed her. He had a strange obsession with her throat, and she wanted to know why. Xemnas slowly pulled his hand back, gazing deep into her eyes. His gaze was surprisingly sharp.
"You truly want to know?" he whispered, looking for any signs of doubt. She didn't look away.
"Yes." She waited as he continued to stare at her. He suddenly moved closer and sat a little higher, leaning over her. She watched him breathlessly, unsure if she should be afraid or not.
"Since I touched you…I have always had the desire to do this," he said in a soft voice, leaning closer. She clenched her fists to hold herself still.
Suddenly, his lips were on her neck. He moved them up to her jawline, across, then back down to her collarbone. He was slow, gentle. She shivered at his touch, but not in fear. Her neck was incredibly sensitive, and his touch made her breath catch in her throat. He nuzzled her where her neck met her shoulder, his breath hot on her. She closed her eyes and her fists unclenched. He moved his head until his lips were at the center of her throat, and kissed her there.
When he leaned back, Fyer didn't move. After a few moments, she opened her eyes. Xemnas was watching her closely, but he seemed much more at ease; almost smiling. She met his gaze, not sure what to say. He had just done something extremely sensual, whether he knew it or not, and she didn't know how to react. He tilted his head.
"Do you understand now?" he asked quietly. She caught her breath and nodded.
"Y-yes," she stammered, embarrassed at herself. His touch had been pleasant, and she had not expected it to be so. She looked at him, looking at her, and realized how attracted she was to him. She had at first thought it was only the beginning of affection, but it was so much more. She couldn't describe it, so she let it lie silently in her mind.
"Do you dislike this?" he asked, confused at her expression. She leaned up.
"No," she said quickly, and he blinked. "I…think it is soothing." He nodded, nearly smiling again.
"I am pleased to hear this. You would not object if I desired to do this again?" She shook her head slowly, taking him in. He was at ease, and it made her happy to see him so content. He studied her for a long time after, merely looking at her without speaking. She peered up at the darkness again, thinking how Xemnas made her forget the dark world she was in.
"You appear exhausted," Xemnas said suddenly, seeming to have finished looking her over. It was true, she felt tired already, despite her dangerously long sleep. She looked over at him, wondering if it was safe to sleep again. He was already moving, lifting her off the ground again. She didn't protest, too tired and content to try and stop him. He carried her back through the commons, and she saw no one new had yet to appear.
Without pause, he opened his door and closed it behind him. He moved to the bed and set her down carefully. She sighed at the feel of the softness beneath her and was disappointed when sleep came at her like a heavy weight. Xemnas reached down and pulled the thin covers up to her and stood there silently as she lay there. She peered up at him.
"I can't believe I'm sleepy already," she murmured, out of energy. Xemnas only reached down and brushed her hair back. She felt drowsiness overcome her inevitably, and she fought it. She was afraid to fall into another forever sleep. Xemnas saw her trying to stay awake and kneeled shook his head.
"Your body demands rest, Fyer. Do not fight it," Xemnas urged, trying to get her to sleep. She met his gaze.
"Will I wake up?" she inquired, feeling childish for asking. He thought for a moment.
"If you do not, I will find a way to bring you back to me. I know now what it feels like without you; I refuse it a second time," he responded, voice tightening in agitation. Fyer closed her eyes. She felt his hand one last time, touching her hair gently as she unwillingly fell back into the abyss where her dreams used to be.
