Upstairs
Chapter 11
Naminè watched with mild interest as the three Nobodies stood in the corner of her room discussing some plan that probably involved her in some way and yet she probably wouldn't get any say.
"You've proved yourself worthy by killing off Vexen, Axel." Marluxia said, a little admiration in his voice.
"Welcome to the fold," Larxene grinned.
Axel smirked. "I got Zexion while I was at it. He was going to report you to Xemnas."
Marluxia feigned surprise. "Report me? Whatever for? All I'm doing is trying to destroy the Organisation as we know it…"
All three of them laughed. Naminè could not believe what she was hearing. Destroying the Organisation. Vexen killed by Axel…
But that wasn't what was making tears splash down on to her latest drawing of Sora, Donald and Goofy. That wasn't what was making the hole where her heart should be ache…
Zexion was dead.
"What's wrong with Naminè?" Larxene snorted.
"Leave her," Axel said, heartlessly. "She's just all upset 'cause she hates being the evil little witch who messed up Sora's mind."
Marluxia chuckled and went over to Naminè, placing his hand under her chin. "Dear, dear Naminè. You can't help who you are. You were placed in this world to do what we ask of you. And you are doing a simply fantastic job!"
Larxene and Axel laughed at her. Naminè scowled.
"I am not some little fool who is going to let you push her around! You're going to be sorry when Sora comes and destroys you and your twisted little plans!" She said, shrilly.
Marluxia simply smiled. "Keep telling yourself that, Naminè. Sora is ours now. You have no hero left." He portalled out, laughing to himself.
Naminè watched Axel and Larxene intently to see what they would do next. Maybe it was all a trick, a game, an act…
Axel wrapped his arm around Larxene's waist, pulling her close. "You proud of me, Larxy?"
"Of course. A bit surprised too... I never thought you'd have it you to take down Vexen AND Zexion." She replied.
Axel's laugh boomed off the walls. "Don't underestimate me. I could probably even take down Marluxia…"
Larxene pulled away from him then. "You could not take down Marluxia. Not when he's so powerful. When he's running the Organization-"
"Larxy, Larxy, Larxy," Axel shook his head. "You really shouldn't believe everything Marluxia tells you. He hasn't got the guts to take on the Organization, with or without the help of Sora. Why do you think he sent me to kill Vexen? He can't do it himself! He's a coward…"
Larxene was silent for a moment. "You mean he's been lying to me?"
"Nope," Axel took her hands. "He does think he can do it… but he can't. I won't let him."
Larxene pulled her hands away. "You're kidding yourself, Axel. Marluxia would slaughter you. I would slaughter you!"
Axel pursed his lips, his expression unreadable. Naminè was sure he saw a flash of pain in his emerald eyes. "I don't doubt that you could slaughter me, Larxene. But tell me this- would you?"
Larxene glared at him. "If it meant preventing you from ruining Marluxia's plans then yes! Whose side are you on?"
"Mine," he replied, simply.
"That's not an answer! Are you with us or against us? Don't make me kill you here!"
Axel grinned. It was not sincere. "You couldn't do it, Larxy."
Larxene crossed her arms. "I could. Give me one reason why I couldn't."
"You love me."
Larxene's face portrayed a mask of sheer shock and a great deal of fear. "D-do not!"
Axel nodded, slowly. "I see, then." He spread his arms out and stood in the middle of the room. "Come and kill me then."
Larxene was stunned. "I…what…NO!"
Axel dropped his arms and walked over to her. "Where do your loyalties lie, Larxene? With him, or with me?"
Larxene looked furious. "Why are you asking me this?!"
Axel smiled. "I need to know."
"He's promised me worlds to rule over. He said I can have all the power I want. He said-"
Axel pressed his finger to her lips. "Very well then. I think you should go see him, Larxene."
"Why?" she looked confused.
"You better stay true to what you believe in."
"But I-"
"You what?"
Larxene crashed her lips against his. He kissed her back, surprised at first but so grateful that she was there. He could smell her, taste her, hold her… just one last time. He deepened the kiss and she wrapped her arms around him, desperately. Did she know as well as he did that this would be a last kiss to cherish?
Eventually, they drew apart. Larxene opened a portal and turned away.
"I don't know what you're going to do, Axel. Just don't get yourself killed. See things out until the end…" Her voice was emotionless.
Axel ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. "Just remember that I sort of…really… kinda… love you, Larxene. Got it memorized?" He grinned, stupidly.
She turned around and nodded, sadly. "I won't forget it."
As Axel watched her disappear into the swirling black and purple corridor of darkness, he knew he'd never see her again. But, these things happened, life would go on…
At least that's what he kept telling himself. Over and over and over again.
Naminè was still peering up at him with her giant cobalt blue eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Axel mumbled, his voice thick and his eyes glued to where Larxene had just portalled.
"That was…sweet," said Naminè, softly.
Axel nodded once, blinked the tears from his eyes and turned to face her. "Zexion's…"
"I heard you talking. I know he's dead." It was Naminè's turn to look away then so he couldn't see the shattering of her non-existent heart portrayed in her pretty blue eyes.
"He's not dead, Naminè."
She wasn't listening. She was running over all the things she should have said, and all the things she shouldn't. Oblivion was turning into a nightmare and no matter how hard she tried to tell herself that she was there for Sora's sake, she still knew that he wasn't the reason she'd tried to run away. It was Zexion. Zexion was the one who gave her a chance to exist, a chance to love and hurt just like all the Somebodies. Sora was living on the memories she had created for him- not real, live romance…
"Naminè? Did you hear me? Zexion's not dead!"
…And when Zexion had kissed her, the world had stood still. And when he held her hand, she felt her insides melt and warmth where her heart should be. And she knew he'd felt the same too. But now…
"Naminè!" Axel shook her shoulder, gently.
"W-what?" Naminè was forced from her thoughts.
"Zexion is not dead. It's an illusion. He's downstairs, hiding in the shadows, waiting for you."
"N-not dead? Waiting for me?"
Naminè's surprise made Axel laugh. "Yes. Go and find him and I'll meet you down there."
Naminè got to her feet then stopped. "But I'm supposed to stay here. When Marluxia finds out-"
Axel surveyed her with mild amusement. "Marluxia's not here, Nami."
"B-but-"
"If you have a dream, don't wait. Act. One of lives little rules. Got it memorised?" Axel smiled at her, willing her on.
"What's going to happen next? If I go and find him?"
Axel shrugged. "We'll work something out. But you won't have to worry about Marluxia and…Larxene."
Naminè studied Axel carefully, trying to read his expression. She couldn't: it was sad, yet clearly he was thinking ahead. Thinking of what was best.
"Thank you, Axel. And whatever you do from now on, just follow your heart and your instincts. It will lead you the right way." She went over to the door.
"I'll bear that in mind, Naminè. See you soon…" Axel smiled as he watched her walk out the door. Free.
At least some things were clearly meant to be…
CatrionaHearts: Well, I hope I gave you a chapter worth waiting for! There really isn't much to go now, and you've all been extremely patient.
Thank you. (:
You've gotta understand that I'm sitting some very important exams this year: ones that decide whether or not I'm going to University! The next few months will be very busy, but once study leave starts in May I'll have LOADS of time to write.
I tried to reply to all your reviews- but there were so many! So I'll say it now- you guys are all fantastic! Thank you so much!
Oh and yeah- what Axel says to Namine is what he says to Kairi in KHII XD
'Til next time! (I hope it won't be too long…)