Shado: Well, I did say I have to hurry up but I went through first day of school as a junior and I'm happy to let you know that I have better teachers than the first two years of hell in high school and there is only little homework in most classes. But that does not mean I will be able to update in every few days. I have to get through Bridge to Algebra 2 then during summer school take Algebra 2 just to get math out of the way that is required to graduate. Leaves more room for to take another class of art.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the power of writing. Deal with it.
Chapter 12 Faded Memories
I continued to explore the mansion, it was huge. A few years back, I was only able to see Ansem's computer room, and the hallway that lead me to it. Taking a good look around, I found the huge library that was the main entrance above the computer room. It was huge, and back then I didn't pay attention since I was so mad at Ansem at the time I never really took the chance to take in the surroundings of this mansion. It was slightly smaller than Cloud's home, but this one was alot fancier by far.
The whole night I couldn't sleep, I didn't need to since I was just a spirit floating around while Ansem worked on my body. So I just floated in the middle of the library, thinking about Axel and Xentshi. I miss Axel's arms around me, and Xentshi's grin whenever I walked into the nursery. My sense of longing made me sigh, wishing I could hold my son in my arms. Instinctively I sat on the couch nearby and held a pillow as if it was Xentshi. By morning Namine was looking for me and walked in to smile.
"You miss him don't you?" she asked, and I immediately set the pillow down.
"I just...I miss holding him. And I miss Axel..." I frowned, staring at the floor.
"Don't worry, you'll be with them in no time. Ansem thinks you should wake up sometime tomorrow, right now he's double checking to make sure your body is one hundred percent functional." Namine explained with a weak smile.
"You know, you're very much like Aerith. Sometimes I think you're both somehow related." I said, smiling a little and the knowing smile appeared on her face.
"Sometimes I wonder too. But we're not related, we just have important roles to help others." she giggled.
"Now that I understand. I'm just glad you're not really into a shopping spree." I pout, remembering the time when Aerith took me clothes shopping after I moved in with her.
She laughed, it's been a while since I ever heard her laugh. I couldn't help but grin as she tried to calm down.
"No, I don't go into a shopping spree. But I do have some ideas of clothes for you to try." she smiled.
"Gah! Nooo!" I screamed playfully, floating through a wall as she followed out the door and we started a game of chase.
When we passed Kairi, she raised an eyebrow before shaking her head and continued on to the bathroom for a morning shower. A few minutes later Namine was out of breath and leaned against a chair as she calmed down. I smiled at her, knowing she wasn't on the atheletic side. I floated nearby, making sure she didn't push herself too much from all the running she did around the mansion. When her breathing calmed down and she smiled at me, I knew she was going to be fine.
"So how long will I be staying here once I wake up in my new body?" I asked, peering down at her.
"Ansem thinks it could be either a range of a few hours, to two days. It depends on how well you're able to walk once you wake up and getting over the shock of being in a new body and heart." Namine explained.
"Hm..."
"What's wrong?" she frowned, tilting her head.
"In this form, as a spirit, am I able to contact Sora through our connection? I need to make sure they understand it might take a while longer." I wondered out loud, picturing Axel burning down buildings in his stress.
"I think you should be able to, but it would only last a few minutes. So you'd better hurry." Namine nodded.
Concentrating, I reached out to Sora. First I was nervous, but when I felt his pressence recognizing mine we both smiled.
'Sora, I will be fine. But to get my body back it might take a few more days. Will you explain this to the others?' I asked him.
'Sure will. Where are you? Maybe a few of us can help.' Sora crossed his arms.
'Ansem's mansion. And it might have to be only you and Zexion to help me.' I told him, I knew that if Axel came along with he would stop at nothing to make sure I'm fine. That would mean he'd be over protective and won't allow Ansem do his job of making sure my body was fully functional and healthy.
'Okies! I'll inform the others, want me to tell Aerith, Zexion, and Riku then?' Sora asked.
'That's fine with me. The others can find out after you and Zexion leave.' I replied, feeling the connection starting to become fuzzy.
'All right, I'll see you later.'
And our connection broke. Hoping I made the right decision on allowing him to come and help, I smiled weakly at Namine.
"Think it'd be ok for two more people coming here to help?" I asked her.
"No, as long as they won't happen to be Axel." she nodded with a smile.
"It's only Sora and Zexion. As soon as Sora is done explaining the situation to Aerith, Zexion and Riku that is." I informed her.
She blinked. "Sora's coming?"
I nodded. She squealed.
"That would be great! With Sora here, Miss Grumpy will be happy for once since she's been here." Namine giggled.
"What about Miss Grumpy?"
As if on cue, Kairi crossed her arms and tilted her head at us.
"Sora is coming!" Namine informed, and both girls squealed.
I shook my head, hoping it wouldn't take too long for Sora and Zexion to arrive.
Zexion's P.O.V.
I woke up to find Sora jumping up and down beside my bed saying something about going somewhere in a different world and where Roxas was. Upong hearing where he knew Roxas was, I instantly sat up and followed the bounding happy hyper keyblade master. He even dragged along Riku and Aerith along and we stood in his bedroom, door closed and locked with Axel demanding entrance. When Axel walked off, we all sighed in relief before turning our attention to our captive.
"What the hell is going on? You know I sleep in, and this better be good." I crossed my arms, glaring at Sora.
"Ok, first off Roxas is at Ansem's Mansion. The guy is working on restoring Roxas' body. I offered help, and he said it's ok as long it was me and Zexion. And the others aren't to know until we leave." the brunette explained.
Riku crossed his arms, huffing his bangs. "Would they mind if I came along too? I've grown to know how Ansem's mind works."
"That would be helpful, but what about Sukai? Aerith has enough on her hands with the other kids." I pointed out.
"But I can take care of Sukai. There's always Tifa to help, she's great with kids." Aerith offered.
Riku thought for a moment, glancing at Sora.
"I don't mind." the keyblade master said.
"All right, I'll go along with them. By the way, why was Xemnas so intent on getting rid of Zaixou and Xentshi but left Faurxo alone?" Riku directed the question at me.
I bit my lower lip. "Xemnas wanted to father the next child from me and Roxas. After that he wanted the next generation of nobodies be his children. Let's say he wanted to create an army he was sure he would have total control of. He even had Vexen find out how Roxas and could reproduce, and if he did find out then he would apply the same knowledge to make the rest of the organization can do the same."
They stared at me. First in shock, then disbelief, then frowning when the information filled their heads. Aerith was the first to pull out of her shock, staring at me with worry.
"So, in other words, he wanted to create an army of his children from you and Roxas. In other words he would most likely use rape to get what he wanted, right?" she asked nervously.
I nodded. "That's why I had to run, and I tried to make sure I stayed away from Hollow Bastion, but I was weak. In a way this was the only world that kept me safe long enough for Zaixou to be born."
The others nodded. Sora tilted his head. "Then why kidnap Sukai?"
"Probably to make sure that you wouldn't interfere. Keeping Sukai hostage was insurance that you wouldn't attack or he'll kill your son." I explained calmly, holding back a yawn.
"That makes sense." Sora said, glancing at the floor.
"Well, before you guys go, I'll make breakfast. Any specials? I'm thinking making eggs and bacon, maybe even scrambled eggs." Aerith offered as she glanced around.
I raised my hand a little. "How about an egg sandwich with cheese, mayonese, and a few slices of tomato?"
Riku and Sora gave me a weird look, but Aerith smiled and nodded.
"That sounds great." the Ancient nodded.
Aerith left to make breakfast, and I allowed myself to yawn and head for the nursery to check on Zaixou. There I found Axel asleep sitting against a wall, near the twin baby crib with Xentshi and Zaixou fast asleep. I gave the redhead a warm smile before turning my attention to my daughter, who yawned to stare up at me silently as to not awaken Xentshi. Gently I picked her up, rocking her slowly until she fell asleep again. Kissing her brow, I settled her down next to Xentshi and walked out of the nursery, passing a glance at Faurxo and Sukai as I left.
Upon my leaving, I decided to change out of my pj's and into more appropriate clothing for my next trip. When I got to my room Demyx was sitting up yawning. I smiled at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and shoulders. He grinned happily before we both leaned in for a soft kiss. I sighed and slowly I pulled away from the kiss. We stared for a moment, before wiggling myself out of his embrace.
"Ne, I have to leave with Sora. We found Roxas in the hands of Ansem and Namine, they're working on his new body. And apparently Roxas might need mine and Sora's help to get used to his new body when he wakes up." I told him, he frowned.
"Is it only you and Sora?" he asked, half frown half pout.
I nodded. "You have Zaixou for company, and I doubt it would take more than a week. Three days at the least." I reassured with a small smile.
His eyes lit up and pecked my nose. "Well, as long as it doesn't take too long! And I will take good care of Zaixou while you're gone! I've got others to help if needed."
I laughed a little at his enthusiasm, and with his wide grin made me smile. We giggled as he stood up, holding me snuggling in his arms. Carrying me bridal style, we made our way to the living room next to the kitchen just in time for breakfast. The ancient gave us her usual heart warming smile, setting down my breakfast on the table as my love set me in the chair. Within minutes the table was packed full of breakfast and everyone sitting in a chair with only a few inches of space apart.
Axel gave a few clares when his neighbors, Demyx and Larxene, kept elbowing him as they ate. Unfortunately for him, Larxene thought it was fun and decided to elbow him painfully in the ribs just for fun. This lead to Axel elbowing her back, nearly pushing her off her chair. The glare from Marluxia stopped the redhead from doing so and he held back on his strength.
"Hey! How about I-"
"Stop right there Larxene. You wouldn't want to start another food fight don't you? Last time the food fight nearly destroyed the whole kitchen in Castle Oblivian." Marluxia warned calmly, taking a bite of his omlet.
Pouting, Larxene stopped her threats and continued eating. Finally able to eat in peace, Axel took his first bite of toast. I ate my sandwich in silence, keeping an eye on Sora who was actually taking his time to eat for once. Usually he would literally wolf his food down in a record breaking seconds. I'm surprised he wasn't able to choke from stuffing himself from all that food being forced down his throat in loads.
When I was finished, I noticed Sora finished up the rest of his breakfast in a quick flash. I guessed he slowed down just to wait for me to finish my meal. Once I stood up, I excused myself to get onto packing a few clothes. Sora and Riku followed soon after for their own packing, but I had a feeling they would most likely share or won't need anything but to change into different clothing. It would be rather silly of them to arrive to help in their pajamas.
While I changed, I felt familiar loving arms wrap around me. I smiled weakly and glanced up at my love, allowing him to kiss me fully on the lips. It was sweet and innocent at first, but soon it turned into a lustful, teeth met teeth and a little bit of nibbling here and there. I shivered and moaned softly, arching towards his more firm body. When he started to grind our hips did I pull away regretebly. His hurt expression made me feel guilty, and I bit my lip hard.
"I'm sorry, but I need to get going. I promise I'll make it up for you when I get back." I assured him with a sweet kiss.
He tried to smile. "I can't wait until then."
"Zexion! We're ready to go!" Sora called from the hallway.
"Take care of Zaixou." I smiled weakly, before turning away.
Just before I had turned away, I saw one tear falling down his cheek. Quickly I hid my guilt away, following Sora and Riku. Just when I caught up with them my expression returned to the usual calm and collected face they knew. They stared at me in waiting. I rose my eyebrow in question.
"Your portals are more controlled, if we use Sora's power we'd end up in a different world." Riku explained, and I nodded.
Opening a portal, I let the other two step through first until I stepped through. The portal behind me closed, but a new one opened up in front of us, and Ansem's mansion was in view. Sora bounded for the gate, pushing it open and ran to the door. Forcing myself from not rolling my eyes, I continued to walk more calmly with Riku giving a snort when Ansem opened the door and partially started yelling at Sora for knocking on the door more than enough times to grab his attention.
"Sorry! I was just making sure you weren't asleep." Sora grinned innocently.
Ansem shook his head. "And here you're the complete opposite of your angsty blond."
"Hey Ansem. Sorry if my pressence wasn't expected but I thought I should help." Riku smiled warmly.
The silverette's attempt of lighting up the atmosphere worked, and Ansem smiled and nodded.
"That is very helpful, thank you. This would mean I can get a few more hours of sleep at night. Creating this new body is a very delicate process." the older man grumbled.
While Sora bounded inside to search for the supposed ghost, and Riku following close behind, I stepped forward to Ansem. This would be the first time I actually talked and met him. I've heard many things, mostly negative, but I believed he was only doing what he was meant to. I pulled off my casual smile as he stared at me carefully.
"I'm Zexion, a good friend of Roxas. One of his first actually, before he opened up with anyone else back when he was still young. For a nobody." I added the last part in sincerity.
He considered this, then nodded. "Glad to have you around then. A first friend would be good for to help Roxas get over the schock of his new body. I'm no expert, but I can tell that a new body is a new experience and can be scary. A good friend around is a good cure."
My smile widened, and he opened the door wider for me to walk past him. When I walked inside, the scent of Roxas instantly filled my nose. Blinking, I glanced around, and I pinpointed his scent a few feet above my head. I couldn't see him, but I could definately hear him and pinpoint his scent.
"Hey Roxas."
"You can see me?" he asked, surprised.
"No, but I can hear you and I can pinpoint your scent. At least in the almost right location, am I right?" I informed him.
"Yup. You're nose is as good as ever." he chuckled lightly.
I smiled weakly. My nose was always functional.
Roxas P.O.V.
There was something wrong with Zexion. His smiles were weak, fake, and I could tell it took alot for him to pull them off. I floated downwards, my face just a few inches from him. I knew he couldn't see me, so I used it to my advantage to take a good look into his eyes. No matter how well his facade was his eyes gave away what he was truly feeling. He made a face, a hand covering his nose. I forgot his nose was really sensitive.
But I saw that I needed to know. He was sad. It was the kind of sad of being away from your love. I knew this, because I too had the same look. Earlier Namine told me I had the distant sad look from being away from Axel. Zexion had the same look. He was sad for leaving Demyx. I smiled weakly at him.
"Zexion...you didn't have to come if you didn't want to." I whispered loud enough for him to hear.
He glanced up at me in surprise, but covered it with his usual calm expression.
"I'll be fine. Everyone back home is worried about you. Aerith is going to explain everything to them." he frowned a little. "I just hope she won't have any trouble calming Axel down."
I laughed slightly. "Yea, but for some odd reason I think being around Demyx helps him calm down alot. I think it has something to do with their powers."
"I wouldn't be surprised." Zexion snorted.
For the rest of the day, I spent my time with Zexion and Namine. The three of us just talking. I guess with Namine around, Zexion was able to calm and feel more comfortable. And with the three of us sitting on the couch laughing now and then, it lightened up the atmosphere dramatically. And all too soon, it was night. Sora was asleep in his bed, Riku starting his shift while Ansem catching up with his sleep and Zexion was in the library.
I was with him, picking a few books now and then that I knew would catch Zexion's attention. Just around midnight, while I was in the middle of handing a book to Zexion, when I felt pain. Instinctively my hand let go of the book and I screamed. Zexion stopped whatever he was reading and instantly stood up.
"Roxas? What's wrong?" he asked, pinpointing where I was with his nose.
"I...I don't know...should ghosts feel pain?" I groaned, knees up to my chest in fetal position in the air.
"No they shouldn't. They can only feel emotions." Zexion explained.
"Well then its my body." I choked out, and Zexion ran for the lab.
I followed, and when we reached the lab, Riku was already calling for Ansem, who arrived a second later with a black robe on. I glanced at the body in the tube, and saw that its eyes were open, legs kicking, arms wrapped around its stomach. It was then I realized that the liquid changed into a greener color instead of deep blue.
"The liquid...why did the color change..?" I whimpered out, then I took a real good look at the eyes.
They were still a deep blue, but the pupils were slanted like a snake's, with a hint of green around them. My breathing heightened in fear, I didn't notice that I was hypervinalating, and before I knew it I was pulled into those eyes. One moment I was in dry air, the next I was in the strange green liquid, trying to breathe. I panicked when there was no air, thrashing with my legs and arms.
"Roxas! Please try to calm down! Roxas!" Sora called through the other side of the glass.
His words were blurred, and I barely understood anything. I reached out with one hand, reaching out for him for help. He repeated the sentence, and nothing ever reached me. I hit my hand on the glass, and he knew then that I couldn't understand.
'Roxas, please calm down.' he told me.
I shook my head. 'I'm scared...I'm scared...there's something in this body that isn't just me! It's just like Sephiroth! Get me out of here! I want my old body back!'
'We can't Roxas! It's destroyed, this is your only chance to be with Axel, to be there for Xentshi! Please calm down! Ansem can take care of this.' he pleaded, putting his hand up to the glass to mine.
Pain. So much pain. I couldn't breathe, and I was suffocating. My thrashing weakened, and everything was starting to get blurry. With the last of my energy, I glared at Ansem. Whatever he did, it was the liquid. I don't know what the liquid was, but it was the reason of this change.
'I hate all of you.' I said to Sora, and everything went black.
And the next thing I knew, I was standing on the clock tower peering down at Twilight Town. The familiar tiny town was empty. There was no sign of life. I stared, before glancing at myself. I was wearing my black shirt with short white jacket, my black and white checkerboard wristband and black and white jeans. Everything on me was the same that Ansem created for me in the fake Twilight Town. But I wasn't in the computer lab, so this either had to be real, or I was inside my own mind.
"How does it feel, Roxas? To find yourself somewhere, where your most painful memories were at?"
I glanced up. It was a familiar voice, a girl's voice. Someone I knew, yet I couldn't put a face to the voice. I blinked and stared at the figure before me, a tad bit shorter than me by a few inches. She wore the organization cloak with her hood up. I tilted my head in confusion, she looked familiar, but I couldn't put a name or face for her.
Shado: there, I finished just before bed! sorry if it was a bit rushed!
Review plz!
