I realize it has been quite some time since my last chapter was published. I hit a bit of a writer's block, but managed to overcome it. At the same time, my schedule has been perpetually filled and I have to find time around it to write.

Regardless, I have not forgotten my story! It will continue on, no matter how slow.

I hope you enjoy!

When Fyer stepped out of her room, Xigbar was leaning on the wall with his eyes closed tight and one hand over his face. She paused and raised an eyebrow.

"Xigbar…?" she began, and he held a hand out for silence.

"Please…not so loud. Gah, my head feels like it's on fire," he groaned, massaging his temples. Fyer grinned slowly as she realized what was wrong.

"You guys drank a little too much last night, huh?" she guessed, making sure to keep her voice down. Xigbar grinned despite himself.

"We always drink too much. I just got lucky, because I got to sleep in this morning. Everyone else still had to go out on missions. Hehe, poor blokes," Xigbar chuckled, then winced. Fyer tilted her head.

"I was going to ask you to train me again, but it doesn't look like you're going to be able to do much for a while," Fyer suggested. Xigbar parted two fingers and peered at her between them.

"After yesterday, you still want to go in there?" he said incredulously. Fyer knew she should be frightened, and she was a bit, but she wanted to face her fear and defeat it. If she could learn how to defend herself, she wouldn't have to fear creatures like that, or Marluxia.

"I came out unscathed," she responded. Xigbar smiled.

"You've got some spunk in you, Fyer. You're brave, I'll give you that. I don't know if Xemnas will hold himself back next time I have to explain to him how we barely escaped another Heartless," Xigbar explained, closing his eyes again. Fyer rolled her eyes.

"What are the chances there will be another one in there?" Fyer asked, knowing she wasn't going to win this battle. Xigbar laughed.

"Well, considering we don't know what's causing it, I don't have a clue. Could be that the only time it happens is when you and your bad luck are in there," he exclaimed, then paused. He pulled his hand away from his face to reveal a curious expression. "You know…"

Fyer watched his mind work and waited patiently. He finally nodded.

"Alright, Fyer. I'll take you there, but you and I need to keep a sharp eye on everything. We didn't have a problem until you set foot in there, and I'm wondering if you're triggering something. If we can figure out what it is, we can shut it down," Xigbar decided, pushing himself away from the wall. He winced and covered his eyes again. "Damn it all; we played shots last night, and my luck didn't get any better after you left."

"Are you alright? What's shots?" Fyer asked as he started off. He nodded.

"I'll be alright in a bit. Shots is when the losers have to take a shot of Sake after every round. Xaldin was the only one who didn't get wasted," Xigbar growled, peering ahead as they walked. Saix and Demyx were in the commons area, opening portals side by side. It was the first time she had seen Demyx doing this, and he seemed extremely concentrated. To her surprise, as they walked by, Saix turned his head and opened his eyes. He watched them go expressionlessly, seeming unhindered. The portals still stayed open before him, as if his concentration wasn't split. Xigbar noticed this and picked up the pace.

"That was just a bit weird," Xigbar said, shaking himself. "Only seen him do that a few times, and it was usually right before he kicks someone's ass. Wonder what that was about?" Xigbar shrugged and rubbed his temples again. He opened the door to the training hall and looked around carefully before letting Fyer in. He led her across to the platform, glancing around constantly. They moved to the other side of the room, where the weapons were. Xigbar jumped when her weapon appeared with a puff of darkness on the empty weapon rack before him. He looked at it oddly before picking it up. He turned toward her.

"Well…seems that the weapon knows you already. Usually it takes a bit to become one with your weapon. If you ever become a Nobody, which is HIGHLY unlikely I might add, so don't freak out, you will be able to summon your weapon out of the In Between to your side without so much as blinking," Xigbar mused, glancing around again.

"The In Between?" she asked, reaching out as he handed her sword-bow to her. He nodded.

"It's just what we call the space between dimensions that we don't know. We never carry our weapons on us; they just wait in whatever place they're at, until we summon them," Xigbar explained, scratching his head. "Don't exactly know all the details; Vexen would be the one to ask all the scientific questions to. Here-like this." He held a hand up, and his weapons formed out of shadows onto his hands. He swung them around and shot a few times before they disappeared again. She grinned.

"That's amazing!" she exclaimed, glancing down at her sword. It had reacted to her, but she couldn't summon it out of the In Between unless she was a Nobody. It seemed that almost everything was different when you became a Nobody. She thought for a moment, then looked up at Xigbar.

"Xigbar…how do you become a Nobody?" The question seemed to startle him. He eyed her for a long moment.

"Well, Fyer, it's not a very nice story," he said, looking away hesitantly. "It's when one becomes consumed with darkness and it overwhelms them…their heart is ripped away, and only a shell remains. What's left is a Nobody, if their will and heart had been strong. Like me. Those who were weak get turned into mindless creatures that we call Lesser Nobodies. Such is our fate." Fyer knew by his look that it was a very personal question she had asked. Fyer nodded and looked down. Xigbar's hand squeezed her shoulder.

"Just don't let darkness take over you, and you've got nothing to worry about," Xigbar said, managing a smile. She nodded, but that wasn't why she was asking. She didn't fear becoming a Nobody; she really had never even thought about it. She had just been curious as to how all of the Organization members had become who they are. She could understand how a few of them had succumbed to darkness, but it was hard to imagine how some like Demyx had lost his heart. She looked up at Xigbar, wondering about him too. He tapped her chin with his fingers as he withdrew.

"Don't look so glum, Fyer. Come on, let's see if you remember anything from yesterday. Sword up!" he exclaimed, bringing her out of her thoughts. She did as commanded, and the training commenced.

Xigbar used himself as a target, catching her blade just before it hit him if she made the correct move. They battled on for hours, and Fyer grew weary as Xigbar rose out of his hangover. He noticed her lagging and danced around her.

"C'mon, c'mon, you're opponent doesn't give up when you do. Find your endurance, girl!" he cried, leaping out of the way as she raised her sword. She laughed weakly.

"I'm trying, Xigbar, but I'm not as strong as you are," she shot back, whirling with her blade in tow. He jumped over her and she froze. Up in the air, she saw a purple flame floating. It shimmered and a black hole opened in the air. She pointed.

"Xigbar-up there!" she cried, catching his attention immediately. He saw it and ran to her side.

"That's a dark corridor. Who's opening it?" Xigbar growled, watching closely. His Arrowguns appeared on his hands, and he aimed, waiting. They both jumped when a low, dark laugh echoed through the room. Then something crawled from the dark corridor and dropped to the platform in front of them. Xigbar reached an arm out protectively in from of Fyer and pushed her back.

"Back up, all the way over there," he hissed, keeping an eye on the creature as it unfurled. "What are the chances?!" he exclaimed with a laugh.

"What is that thing?!" Fyer cried, obeying Xigbar's command. The creature was long and serpentine, bearing six legs with clawed fingers. Its sleek silver body reared up until only two legs supported it, and the other two curled up threateningly. The hear bore two glowing white eyes and a gaping maw of a mouth that held thousands of spines. Two antennae curled around the back of its head, twitching as it looked about. Its head curved and it looked around Xigbar to Fyer. It clicked rapidly, and Xigbar moved to block its view.

"I don't know what the hell you are, but you aren't getting Fyer. Marluxia sent you, didn't he? I heard the crazy bastard laughing when he dropped you off. Just turn and walk away now, or you'll regret it, you freak of nature," Xigbar growled. The creature focused on him and growled back, flexing its clawed fingers. It reared its head back and Xigbar raised his Arrowguns.

A flash of light emitted from the creature's mouth, blinding the both of them. Xigbar's Arrowguns went off, but missed the target. When the light faded, the creature was right in front of Fyer. With a cry, she lashed out at it with her sword, driving it back away from her. It clicked in disapproval, dodging her swings with ease.

"X-Xigbar," she huffed, taking a few steps back. She was getting far too close to the edge. Xigbar growled and came toward them, guns aimed. When he fired, the creature took a few hits with a roar, then retreated, crawling under the platform. Xigbar came over to Fyer and pulled her away from the edge.

"Alright, that's it. I saw what I needed to, and we're done here. I don't know what that thing is, but I'll feel better once we get our asses out of here. Let's go," he said quickly, pulling her toward the door. Right as they got onto the bridge separating the platform and the door, the creature reappeared. It came up from underneath onto the ground before them, hissing. Xigbar slipped in front of her, firing his Arrowguns without hesitation. It ducked back underneath, avoiding the missiles, and Xigbar cursed. He moved around behind Fyer and wrapped his arms around her, his Arrowguns still on his hands. She jumped as he did, but he didn't let go.

"Move forward, quick as you can. I'll make sure it doesn't snatch you. Go, go!" he urged, leaning on her a bit. Clutching her sword, she did so, and they edged closer to the door. Xigbar suddenly grunted in pain and released her . He whipped around, firing, and Fyer noticed a slash on his shoulder. The creature snarled as it dove back underneath the bridge.

"Damn it all," he growled, clutching his shoulder. They were closer to the door now, only a short distance away, and he jerked his head toward it. "Make a break for it. I'll cover you."

"A-are you sure?" she asked, glancing at either side of the bridge for any sign of the creature's presence. Xigbar nodded, moving a step closer.

"Yea, don't look back, just run. Get outside and don't come back in," he explained, tensing as he waited for her to start. She hesitated, seeing his bleeding shoulder, but she knew they had no other choice. With a deep breath, she turned and bolted.

The creature moved with them, jumping up in front of Fyer. Xigbar was right behind.

"Duck!" he yelled, and Fyer obeyed instantly, as the creature was reaching out to grab her. Two shots hit it directly in the face, and it fell back, slipping off the bridge. It held on with only an arm, dangling above an abyss. Xigbar rushed over and leaned over, glaring down at the creature.

"Looks like we're done here," he snapped, aiming with both Arrowguns and releasing fire. The creature let go and fell lifelessly into the darkness. Xigbar looked up and watched as the dark corridor closed, leaving no trace it was ever there. Fyer stood slowly and looked back at Xigbar. He straightened, his wound temporarily forgotten.

"Are you alright?" she asked slowly, wondering if the creature was truly gone. He glanced down at his shoulder, then back up.

"I'll live. I'm just trying to figure out why Marluxia is sending Heartless instead of coming himself," Xigbar growled, scanning the room. He finally looked at Fyer. "Go ahead outside. I'm going to put your weapon up. Until we get this resolved, we won't be coming back in here." Fyer handed him her sword-bow and exited as he asked her. She waited in the hallway silently, mind in a daze. The creature had been determined to get its claws on her, and it seemed just as Xigbar said; Marluxua was sending Heartless to retrieve her? But why? And what would happen if he succeeded…?

She shivered and brushed her wild thoughts away, trying to keep herself calm. Xigbar had kept her safe for a second time, and she knew she had nothing to worry about. Still, the thought that Marluxia wasn't giving up was worrisome.

Xigbar came out and leaned against the door, an aggravated expression on his face. Fyer looked up at him and he gave her an apologetic look.

"Again, I'm sorry. I thought it would be a good idea to confirm our suspicion, but that was a foolish idea. That was too damn close," Xigbar growled, ignoring his wound as if it didn't exist. Fyer folded her arms in front of her chest.

"I'm unscathed again, you don't need to apologize. I'm glad we figured something out. Do you…have any idea how to stop it?" she asked hopefully. Xigbar sighed and shook his head.

"This castle usually blocks infiltrations from any outside source, but it is not shielded against the Organization members themselves. I still don't understand why he won't come here himself; he has a better chance against us than those damned Heartless," Xigbar said, sighing again. Fyer nodded, trying to push Marluxia to the back of her mind. She instead turned her attention to Xigbar and his injury.

"We really should get that looked at," Fyer said, pointing at his shoulder. He pushed himself off the door and glanced over.

"Hmm, I've fared worse before, but I suppose I do need to clean up before this gets everywhere," Xigbar relented, gesturing for her to follow him. They entered the commons area, and Demyx had been replaced by Luxord. Demyx was picking at his Sitar quietly, but paused when they entered. His eyes widened.

"Xigbar, you alright?!" he exclaimed, jumping up from the couch. Xigbar shook his head, but grinned.

"You two are gonna wear me out. I'm fine!" he reassured, but didn't resist when Demyx pulled him forward to have a look.

"Ah, you'll be healed by tomorrow. It's not too deep. Better bandage it, though," Demyx pointed out. Xigbar shoved him back.

"That's what I was heading for, you little twit. Watch Fyer for a bit, will you?" he said, grinning before he walked off. Demyx watched him go, then shrugged and smiled at Fyer.

"Mind sharing what happened to Xigbar?" he asked politely, and Fyer nodded. They sat down on the couch near his Sitar and she explained what happened to him. During her explanation, Luxord walked over and listened, abandoning his portal opening. Saix turned his head and focused a powerful gaze on her without moving. She stopped mid-sentence, startled by the intensity of his gaze. Demyx and Luxord noticed her pause, and Luxord glanced back. Saix turned his head back and closed his eyes without a word, leaving the three confused.

"He's been doing that all day," Luxord said softly. "He's been on edge ever since he opened his eyes this morning. I don't know what the problem is." Demyx leaned back on the couch and tapped his chin.

"Everyone's kind of been on edge lately. Especially now that we know that Marluxia is sending Heartless into the training hall after Fyer, I'm sure things won't be calming down anytime soon. We all need a vacation," Demyx said in a defeated voice. Luxord rolled his eyes and glanced down at Fyer.

"I assume Xigbar will be reporting this to the Superior when he returns? Better him than me. He said Xemnas didn't even lash out at him last night, but after taking you in there again…wouldn't want to be in his boots when he relays the events of the morning," Luxord said with a shudder. Fyer had been the one to convince Xigbar to take her back in there; she didn't want him to take a blow because of that.

"You don't think he'll hurt Xigbar do you?" Fyer asked worriedly. He had seemed so calm the past few days that she couldn't imagine him exploding on anyone. Then again, she wasn't quite sure what was going on behind his blank expressions. Demyx stepped up.

"I-I don't think he will. He kept you safe, and found something that could possibly lead to Marluxia. So, I'd say Xigbar is in a good position right now," Demyx pointed out, and Luxor nodded in sudden agreement.

"Yea, he's right. Don't worry about Xigbar, alright? You worry about all of us too much," Luxord snorted, turning and joining Saix at the front of the room again. Demyx leaned back on the couch and glanced over at his Sitar, then to the concentrating pair at the front of the room. Fyer glanced out the window at the darkness.

"How do you know when it's night or day?" Fyer asked curiously, tilting her head. Lights winked in the distance, but she knew they weren't stars. Demyx looked surprised.

"Uh, Fyer. You know there's no day and night here, right?" he said slowly, and she looked over with widened eyes. He nodded. "It's a world of perpetual darkness. All it's ever been is just this never-ending darkness. Well, except for the occasions when we get a…" Demyx suddenly paused and went silent. Fyer watched as a realization came over his face. He looked over at Saix quickly, then back at Fyer.

"What is it?" she asked, confused by his reaction. He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice.

"Every once in a while, We get this moon that comes through. I don't know where the hell it goes or where it comes from, but it only shows up once every 3 months, or sometimes longer than that. But when it does…Saix isn't someone you want to be around."

"Why not?" she whispered, very aware the man they were speaking about was not very far away. Demyx coughed and stood, and she followed suit. They retreated to the kitchen, Demyx grabbing his Sitar on the way.

"Alright…here's the thing. Saix is called the Luna Diviner for a reason. Moonlight…does weird stuff to him. Like it gives him power. It's really useful in battle, if you learn to stay out of his way when he's obliterating the enemy for you. When the moon comes through, he usually stays out of it, or goes on missions to stay away. But something weird happened last time the moon came through. It's exactly what he's doing now." Demyx paused, listening to see it anyone had approached. Fyer was leaning on the counter, her full attention on Demyx. "He can feel the moon coming, subconsciously. He knows that it has an effect on him, and usually warns us ahead of time that he will be aggressive during that time and is usually pretty restrained. But last time, Xemnas had to force him into the meeting room and out of the moonlight because no one else could take him down."

"Take him down…? Did he attack you guys?" Fyer breathed, shocked that the normally passive man would do such a thing. Demyx shook his head as he remembered.

"He was sitting in the commons area with me, Xaldin, Larxene, and Axel when the moon came out from behind the cloud. He had already been disagreeable, but he was being silent for the moment. But as soon as the moonlight hit him, he lost it. Before anyone could move, one of the tables was out the windows in the front, and he was on Axel. We fought him, trying to get him to come to his senses, but something was there that didn't want him to stop. I'd seen him in battle like that, but he was always able to regain control. This time, it was like something didn't want him to. Xemnas came out of his room and grabbed Saix, and dragged him into the meeting room."

"H-how was everybody? Why did he do that?" Fyer exclaimed, caught up in his story. Demyx slid his hand across his Sitar as he thought.

"Everyone was alright, but Axel was a little more injured than the rest of us. He had been the furthest away, but for some reason, Saix had gone right for him. When the moon left and Saix came back to himself, he explained that he had felt his agitation rising, but was well in control of it. When the moonlight hit, he suddenly blanked out and didn't remember a thing. It's like something else took over," Demyx said, looking troubled. He focused on Fyer. "He's never done that in battle, in full moonlight. Just last time, in the commons area." The thought was appalling, and frightening. She glanced over her shoulder, suddenly afraid of Saix.

"I never knew…he always seems so calm," Fyer mused, wondering what they were going to do this time the moon came. Demyx nodded in agreement.

"He is calm in every situation. The only exception is when that moon comes," Demyx said darkly, shuddering.

"What are we supposed to do, if the moon is coming?" she asked softly, noticing Demyx's worried look.

"Well, Vexen is the one who figured out the exact day last time. When we noticed Saix's agitation, Vexen informed us that he had calculated the moon to be coming on a certain day, and it did. We know now not to let Saix in it, so this time we've got something set up for him." Fyer looked at him inquisitively, and he went on to explain. "There's a room behind the staircase on the second floor that Xemnas commanded the Castle to make. It's a circular room with a pair of shackles hanging from the ceiling. It's wide enough to keep Saix from being able to reach any of the walls, and the shackles are made special; no powers can be used while chained in them. It's perfect to keep him at bay while the moon is here." Fyer frowned, seeing immediately that the room could be used for much more than Saix if it came right to it. She hoped that would never be the case. She focused on Demyx again.

"Doesn't Saix…dislike it?" she asked, wondering about the blue haired man. Demyx shrugged.

"He's the one who suggested it. He didn't like the fact that he lost control any more than we did. The real trouble is going to be picking someone who will keep an eye on him during that time," Demyx said, biting his lip in thought. She blinked at him.

"Who do you think will do it?" she asked, and he laughed.

"No one's going to volunteer, that's for sure. Xemnas will, or he'll pick somebody. I'd pick recon or any other assignment over that without hesitation," Demyx admitted, grimacing. Fyer looked down, feeling terrible for Saix. To be so helpless in the light of the moon that he had to be chained and watched must be humiliating.

"I said watch her, not take her to another room, you gyp. I had no idea where she went!" Xigbar exclaimed from the doorway, sounding outraged. Demyx held up his hands in defense.

"She's safe, calm down! Sheez, man. Just walked into another room, it's not like I took off into another world!" Demyx shot back, glaring when he noticed Xigbar's grin. "Screw you man. I did you a favor."

"I'll remember that later when you try to pawn another assignment off on me. I won't give you such a hard time, how about that?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrow. Demyx rolled his eyes.

"We've got talk to Vexen when he comes back. I think there's another moon on its way," Demyx repeated, and Xigbar's smile faded.

"Another one? Damn, the last one was only 4 months ago! Gotta chain up Saix like a rabid mutt, do we?" Xigbar growled, glancing over his shoulder too. "I hate it when he goes berserk. Gives me the creeps." Demyx just frowned, refusing to add to Xigbar's statement.

After a moment of silence, Fyer's stomach growled. Xigbar and Demyx turned quickly to look at her. She looked down sheepishly and Xigbar laughed.

"That's Fyer's way of telling you to get to work!" Xigbar exclaimed, pointing at Demyx. He glowered at Xigbar.

"I'm not on kitchen duty today, asshole. Larxene is," Demyx explained. Xigbar looked taken back.

"That's another way of saying nothing is going to be cooked right. Better grab something now before the master chef appears to make the dinner from hell," Xigbar urged, moving around to one of the many cabinets. Fyer hid her smile and followed suit.

When they had finished their raid of the kitchen, Larxen appeared on cue. She stepped in the doorway and glared at the three of them.

"Out of my way. You dumbasses go play somewhere else, I've got work to do," Larxen growled, seeming in a terrible mood. Fyer looked down and hid behind Demyx. The girl was intimidating and she didn't want to get on her bad side. She didn't need any more enemies in the Organization. Xigbar saluted her.

"Aye aye, captain," he cried, leading the other two out. Larxene caught sight of Fyer and gave her the finger as she exited. Seemed that Fyer's attempt to remain on the girl's good side were already lost.

"Well, I for one do not want to be stuck in the commons area with Saix and his bad attitude. Let's go back to our game room. You guys wanna start the card game early?" Xigbar asked, and Demyx shrugged.

"Luxord is opening portals, Axel is on recon by himself, and dunno where Xaldin went today. It's getting close to the time they should start coming back, so why not?" Demyx admitted, stepping back as Xigbar swept past with a huge grin.

"Tonight we're gonna introduce Fyer to a new way of playing," Xigbar said enthusiastically. Demyx's jaw dropped.

"Y-you're not gonna make her play strip poker?!" he exclaimed. Xigbar and Fyer looked at him in surprise and he shut his mouth. "I mean, er…ahem. What exactly were you suggesting?"

"Shots! Just like last night. Fyer smoked us before, and just for once I'd like to see Xaldin get as wasted as us," Xigbar laughed, motioning them forward. Fyer looked over at Demyx curiously, but he seemed unaffected from last night's affairs. Fyer had only drunk a few times, and even then it wasn't much. She knew if she wasn't careful, she'd be worse off than any of them in no time.

Demyx and Fyer got into the game room while Xigbar was off gathering up Sake, and rearranged the furniture back to normal. Apparently there had been a few more brawls the night before. As Xigbar entered, Xaldin did too, spotting her with a raised eyebrow. Xigbar saw this and nudged him.

"Oh, come off it Xaldin. She's here to play like the rest of us. You don't have to discuss emotions and get pissed like you normally do. Let's play cards, and you might just even like her, eh? Wait till she kicks your ass," Xigbar laughed, moving to his side of the table. Xaldin looked at him, then Fyer. He sighed very lightly and gave her a slightly less hostile look.

"We shall see."

They all gathered around the table and began. When Xaldin won the first round and Fyer got her first taste of Sake, she felt her entire body tingle. She shivered and picked up her new hand, knowing that her night was not going to end well, but she refused to back away now.

She began to win a few rounds, but less than those she was losing. The others were laughing incessantly at stupid things and she was beginning to grow dizzy. Finally, she took her sixth shot and felt the world tilting. Xaldin reached over and grasped her arm, eyes clouded.

"Are you faring well?" he asked, voice slightly garbled. Since the Sake had entered his system, he had grown less stiff and appeared to be truly curious about her state. Fyer tried to answer, but couldn't think straight. She leaned back against her chair, Xaldin keeping her from falling, and blacked out.