A/N: I want to thank Emeralden Rapley for the awesome review on chapter 11, it is appreciated so much. I'm glad to know that you like my story and it gives me inspiration. I'm so happy how many hits this story has received, I never imagined how many people would read this.
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Axel sat in his room most of the day. Vexen had returned after Zexion cleaned the lab, however, he noticed that the chemicals he created were missing. Luckily for Axel, Zexion persuaded Vexen that he needed the chemicals for an experiment. After the confrontation, Zexion took Demyx with him to properly care for the wound. This left Axel alone. It seemed that he had grown attached to the younger boy without realizing it. Sighing, Axel walked over to his television and turned on his video game. Once the game loaded, Axel realized he wasn't in the mood to play. Tossing the controller idly on the floor, Axel stretched out on the bed and gazed toward the ceiling. It would probably be awhile till Zexion finished with Demyx, especially with the condition Axel left him in. Deciding there was nothing else to do with his time he closed his eyes attempting to get a few hours of sleep. After what seemed like a half an hour with no results Axel rolled himself off the bed. If he couldn't get Demyx to take away his boredom, he would have to find someone else who he could pester.
Demyx's torso felt stiff, not only was it burned but Zexion had wrapped the gauze a bit too tight for comfort. Currently the smaller Nobody left to get some potions, leaving Demyx alone in Zexion's room. He looked around, the room still contained the original white walls and floors. From where Demyx sat, the room held little in the way of personal items. The only personality the room contained were the books. These books were crammed onto the vast amount of bookshelves that lined the walls of the room, scattered on the floor, and stacked on the table next to the bed. There was one book that lay on the pillow at the headboard, which Demyx figured was the book Zexion read before bed. What amazed Demyx was how a single person was able to own this many books. He wasn't sure if the books belonged to the library but he figured they were Zexion's personal collection.
Demyx was about to explore more of the room when Zexion returned, carrying a "Mega-Potion."
"Zexion, you really didn't have to go through all this trouble..." Demyx blushed, looking down at the floor.
Zexion walked over to Demyx and handed him the potion. "The trouble was caused by Axel. Drink this." He watched Demyx drink the potion quickly before taking the bottle away. "Number Nine, I want you to rest for the remainder of the day. I informed the Superior that you were injured, however, I did not reveal Axel's mistake."
"Zexion..." Demyx looked at the other Nobody, his face remained emotionless. He wasn't sure why Zexion calling him 'Number Nine' upset him. Somewhere deep down he had hoped that Zexion would call him by his name, not his number. A last night when Zexion let his guard down he was able to to see something other than the indifferent attitude the Nobody let on. He was happy when Zexion called him "Demyx", it felt like they had finally become friends. "Zexy...Why do you call me by number?"
Zexion cringed at the nickname. He pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "Please refrain from using such a childish nickname. I address you by number because I prefer formalities."
"But you called me Demyx the other night" Demyx pouted. He protruded his bottom lip and widened his eyes. "I thought we had finally become friends and now you're acting like you did when we first met...I'm so confused."
Zexion gently sat on the bed next to Demyx, holding his head up with his arms. He didn't realize that he had crossed the line he uses to distance himself from the other Organization members. Somehow during the night he spent with Demyx he had let down his guard and allowed himself to get close to another. For once in his short life as a Nobody he was unsure of his own actions.
Demyx kept his eyes on Zexion, he no longer looked indifferent, he looked puzzled. His visible eye moved back and forth quickly, as if trying to make sense of something. This small gesture fascinated Demyx. He sat there silently for a few minutes before concern finally set in. "Zexy, are you alright?"
Zexion sat up and looked over to Demyx, he had forgotten that he still had company. Usually the other Nobodies left his presence quickly, this would take getting accustomed to. "Yes." He was taken aback by the large grin Demyx displayed as he said those words. He was even more shocked when Demyx quickly stood up from his sitting position.
"Zexion, I really appreciate that you helped me!" Demyx cheerfully stated. "And to thank you I want you to be the first one I share this with." Demyx blushed, summoning his sitar into both of his hands. "Since Axel helped me learn to summon my sitar I've been practicing playing it." He looked into Zexion's eye, however no emotion was given. After gaining the courage, Demyx took a deep breath, and strummed the sitar. As the melody passed the introduction Demyx looked again toward Zexion, this time seeing a look of surprise on his face. Now that he was sure Zexion didn't hate the music Demyx began to sing along with the soft tune. His voice was soft, however, there was a rough undertone within certain words.
Zexion watched Demyx with pure amazement.
When the song came to and end Demyx closed his eyes tightly, he didn't want to see the look of horror he was expecting to see on Zexion's face. Even worse he didn't want to see nothing on his face, at least some emotion would show that he listened to the song.
"Demyx...I mean Number Nine. That was unexpected, even for you..."
Before Zexion could finish what he said Demyx spun on his heels and sprinted out the room. He didn't want to hear the next words that was going to come from the other Nobody. Believing the other Nobody was going to be blunt about what he heard, Demyx decided it would be better not to know the others opinion. When he reached his own room he closed the door, and leaned against it. A few tears escaped his eyes, however, he did not bother to wipe or blink them away. There was a part of him that wanted to be accepted by Zexion. He wanted another friend in the castle so when Axel went on missions he wasn't left alone. As Demyx stood at the door he realized something, Zexion had first called him by his name and not his number. Did that mean that he had surprised the other Nobody? It was unusual for Zexion to be caught off guard. This thought made Demyx smile despite the tears that continued to seep from his eyes.
The remainder of the day seemed to drag along. The rain outside pounded on his window, however, Demyx did not notice. He remained against the door strumming the strings on his sitar, the sound of the music helped Demyx think. Without music his mind would drift away. After what felt like half the day, Demyx stood up. There was nothing he could think of to change the way Zexion felt about him. Meaning that he would have to get the other Nobody to want to be friends with him the old fashioned way. With new found courage, Demyx stood up, rid himself of his weapon, and opened the door behind him. Zexion's room was only a few doors down, so it wasn't surprising when he reached his destination in less than a minute. Demyx knocked rhythmically on the door, however, there was no response. After a couple more knocks with no answer, Demyx figured Zexion must have relocated to the library.
Demyx stumbled into the library from the portal. The usual quiet library was riddled with laughter. Weary of what he was about to see Demyx tiptoed past the first set of bookshelves to the main reading area, where Zexion usually read. Instead of the silent Nobody he was hoping to see, he was looking at the last person he expected to be in the library. Axel was sprawled across one of the two white sofas holding a hand of cards. He looked frustrated. Across from him the new member, Luxord, was smirking. He sat lazily on his sofa, gently tapping his leg on the floor.
"Ready to admit you lost?" Luxord inquired, his British accent laced every word.
Axel tossed his cards on the table in frustration. He lost count around the fifth game, but each hand ended the same. The only reason he was still playing was to save some of his pride, however, it was futile. "You cheat! It's impossible for you to win every game!"
Luxord laughed as he picked up the cards on the table. "Nothing is impossible when it comes to gambling." He quickly shuffled the cards in his hands before continuing. "Another game?"
Axel sighed heavily not sure how much he could endure in one day. He was about to accept when he noticed Demyx peeking from behind a bookshelf. "DEM! What are you doing over there?" Axel stood up and stretched. "I didn't think that bookworm would let you leave."
Luxord looked over to Demyx, his grin grew larger. "Demyx, you up for a game?"
"Um...I don't know how to play cards..." Demyx walked toward the other two Nobodies realizing there was no point in hiding any longer. "Sorry."
"Could always teach you." Luxord replied.
"Don't bother Dem, there's no way to beat that guy." Axel advised.
Demyx remembered the look Axel had as he walked into their game. He shuddered at the thought of playing against someone who could beat Axel. "I think I'll pass. But why are you playing in here?"
Luxord's smile slightly diminished at the response he received. He was hoping to have a few more games before dinner. Realizing his effort was futile Luxord placed his cards into his Organization coat. "Turns out when you win a card game against a superior member they get angry. I was driven out of every room but this one and my own." He laughed slightly remembering the faces of Xigbar and Xaldin as they chased him out.
"Oh...I'm surprised that Zexion didn't shoo you guys out."
"He didn't come down here." Axel chipped in. "He was busy giving you fist aid." Axel's fingers mocked quotation marks as he said those last two words. Axel looked at the rather small clock peeking through a set of two bookshelves. "Hm, looks like we have time before dinner. You up for sparring?"
Demyx thought this over quickly in his mind. He was looking for Zexion, but he couldn't find the Nobody in either of the two places he would normally be. "Only if we bring Luxord with us. I wanna see what his power is!"
"Sounds fine to me, but first we have to find Xigbar." Luxord replied, standing up from his slumped position on the couch.
"Why?"
"Dem, are you still that oblivious? Xigbar is the one who is in charge of Luxord, were not allowed to spar with him until Xigbar gives the O.K., got it memorized?" Axel smirked, "BUT, lucky for us Xigbar happens to be lax about the rules around here." With these words, Axel opened a portal. Gesturing for the two new Nobodies to follow, Axel walked into the portal.
The three Nobodies walked into the training room of the Castle That Never Was. Inside they found an unexpected battle going on between two other Nobodies. Lexaeus and Xaldin were going at one another with surprising speed considering their size. As the battle continued Demyx and Luxord watched in awe at the experienced fighters. Axel just sighed, motioning the other two toward the viewing balcony above. "Looks like this fight could last awhile."
"Thats fine by me." Demyx sighed. Fighting was one skill he seemed to lack. It felt like no matter how often he was forced into combat by Axel he never improved. The most he could do was command water clones to do his bidding. The clones were a nice advantage in battle, however, they were weak. Relying purely on them, as Demyx tended to do, was not advised. "I like watched the upper ranks go at it, it gives me ideas." He smiled, looking up to Axel.
"It can be entertaining, I'll admit that." Axel nudged Demyx slightly into Luxord. "Especially when you get to watch the members who don't do physical work. Vexen for instance has to be my favorite to watch, just seeing his facial expressions is hilarious!"
"Aw, why don't I ever get to watch these fights?" Demyx asked, his eyes back on the battle below them. Currently the two Nobodies seemed to be equal in strength.
"Cause most of these guys don't appreciate the audience. Personally I'm surprised that these two haven't noticed were here.." A sudden gust of wind cut Axel off, his attention was diverted to the two figures. Only one stood, Xaldin. It seemed the battle was over. Axel whistled, alerting the older men of their audience.
"AXEL!" Xaldin yelled toward the balcony above. "What are you doing in here!" Xaldin created a small gust of wind to carry him upward. Once he reached the three younger Nobodies he jumped onto the platform. Below, Lexaeus stood and walked out the room quietly.
"Just showing the newbies what a real battle looks like." Axel smirked, knowing Xaldin would enjoy the compliment. Number Three's face turned from irritation to comprehension. He nodded, giving one final glance at the others before jumping off the balcony onto the floor below. Once Xaldin left the room, Axel sat on the railing. "And that's how you get your ass out of trouble."
