Trouble Lurking

Somewhere in the Castle-That-Never-Was was a huge library. The place was above all Zexion's kingdom, he was the one to take care of it and other members were rarely seen there. That's the reason why Vexen, who was going there thinking he'd be alone, was surprised to find Axel sitting in an armchair, his eyes locked on an open book. His expression was strange and the Chilly Academic walked to him.

- Good evening, Number VIII.

Axel winced but didn't turn to him.

- Good evening, Vexen, he quietly answered.

Puzzled, the blonde sat on the chair in front of Axel. Seeing the redhead so deep in thought was an unique event and it deserved his full attention. First, he looked at the book he was holding and was surprised to see that nothing at all was written there: the pages were blank.

- What is it ? Vexen asked.

- I was reading, Axel answered slowly. And then I came across those white pages. There's been a manufacturing defect, two pages are missing. After those it goes on normally, but two pages are missing.

He ran a hand through his hair, sighing, still fixedly looking at the blank pages, like he couldn't take his eyes away from them.

- When I saw that, I just thought « it's doesn't matter, I saw that there was another copy on the shelve, I just have to put this one in the trash. »

Vexen nodded.

- You're right, but what's the problem? Because there obviously is one.

- At that time it seems evident, yeah. And then, I was getting up to do it and it occurred to me... That this book is actually like me. Like all of us.

Vexen frowned. He didn't understand what Axel meant.

- Two pages are missing, it's only a little defect. And each and every one of us in the Organization, have a manufacturing defect too, you see? We lack a "heart". I was thinking that there are four hundred and ninety seven pages in this book. It lacks two pages but does it means it's nothing? Is it okay to just throw it away because it lacks a little something? Couldn't we just read the other four hundred and ninety five pages? They're as good as in the others copies.

He made one of his gloved hands slide on the white paper.

- Are we all good to throw out? How can anyone say that because we lack this "heart"? Why can't we do with what we are? Does it really make us that different? Are we that inferior? Do you see what I mean?

Vexen didn't answer immediately and when he did, he spoke slowly as if he were carefully choosing his words.

- You're surprising, Axel. It is quite unexpected to see you thinking about our existence like this. But I don't have the answers to your questions. Comfort yourself, when Kingdom Hearts will finally be completed, we will all get a heart again and you will no longer have reasons to ponder about it.

For the first time Axel looked away from the book. He closed it slowly and kept it in his hand for a while.

- You're right.

He got up and stood still for a moment, looking uncertain. He finally put it on the table, in front of the Number IV.

- Do what you want with it if you please. I don't know...

And he went away. Vexen watched him leave more puzzled than before. The Flurry of the Dancing Flames sure was full of surprises. He took the book and read the title - "Mechanics of feelings" – then got up and quietly dropped it into the nearest paper bin.

Oh yes, full of surprises...