I realize how long it's been since I've posted and have to really lower my head for this one. It's been too long between chapters, and I apologize.
Also a thanks to all my readers and those who have recently discovered it.
This is a bit of a short one, but there's a lot about to happen, so I didn't want to start one action shot and cut off in the middle because it got too long.
I will try my hardest to be quicker in posting(while retaining quality). But rest assured, no matter how long disappear, I won't abandon my story!
Thanks again for reading!
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"You still appear troubled," Xemnas said, as the other members dispersed into the Castle. The portal faded away behind them, and they were left alone in silence. Fyer looked up at him. "Did the Hatter frighten you? What did he say?"
Fyer looked down, not sure how to respond. His words had been full of regret, as if he knew exactly what he was saying. But none of it made sense to her. Was it the mere ramblings of a madman, or did it mean something she was not understanding?
"I'm not entirely sure what he said to me. It didn't make sense. But it still bothers me," Fyer began quietly. Xemnas reached out and touched her face.
"Tell me what he said," Xemnas asked, waiting curiously. Fyer's expression when the Hatter had embraced her concerned Xemnas. He wanted to know exactly what the Hatter had done to make her look like that. It was his fierce protectiveness flaring up again, despite the fact that the Hatter had very quickly come to their defense when the Rikus had appeared.
Fyer repeated Hatter's words, and Xemnas stared at her with a blank expression. It sounded threatening, but he didn't understand it either. He understood now why she looked perturbed. Xemnas offered her one of his warm smiles.
"Perhaps the mere words of a madman," he suggested, taking a step closer so that his presence enveloped her. Fyer felt it and relaxed immediately. "Do not fret. We have an ally that will help us defeat those who are after you. There is no more need to worry. Everything will be fine."
Fyer nodded. They had been cornered only the day before, but now they had a chance. It was by the good graces of Riku that they could even relax. Despite his fierce dispose, he had a good heart. He had lost his friends, and was trying to exact revenge in his grief. Fyer knew she would have done no different if the same thing had happened to her. As long as he remained true to his word, they were finally on a level playing field.
"You did well," Xemnas said suddenly, tilting her chin up so she was looking at him. Before she could speak, he went on. "Riku would not listen to me. He only heeded your words, and you spoke the right ones. I felt…" He paused for a long moment, analyzing what he was trying to describe to her. "I felt a sense of pride…for you."
Fyer smiled back. She knew what he was trying to say. She reached up and placed a hand on his chest, where his heart would be.
"I feel it for you as well. Your strength has always amazed me. It serves you, and yet carries me as well," Fyer answered, remembering how easily he could bring her from the edge of panic with his mere presence. He looked down at her hand with a thoughtful expression. "I'm just glad everything went well. I was afraid at first that Replica would mess things up, but…everything's alright."
"Yes. Everything is perfectly fine," Xemnas agreed, placing his hand over hers. He finally looked into her eyes again, and he seemed suddenly hesitant to speak. Fyer regarded him curiously, wondering if she was imagining things. It looked as if he had something he wanted to say, but couldn't quite muster it.
"What is it?" Fyer asked directly, unable to hold in her curiosity anymore. Xemnas tilted his head, expression odd.
"When we leave tomorrow, I will be gone for a very long time. I will seldom be able to come back until I am sure the enemy is destroyed and I fulfill my promise to Riku. It is my hopes that this will be concluded swiftly. Once Riku faces the ShadowWalker, I can reach Ansem and finally take him out," Xemnas mused, eyes full of fierce determination. When he looked down at her again, his eyes cooled.
"So…," Fyer began, knowing what that meant. She would be in this Castle, guarded by an Organization member who was forced to stay in the Castle with her. There was little for her to do except wait for Xemnas to return. She realized she was going to miss him terribly. She had been able to be at his side frequently in the past days, and she was unused to him being gone. "I'll be glad when this is over. I just want to be with you."
"As do I, Fyer," Xemnas agreed, watching her expressions. "It will be a listless existence until I am in your presence again." Fyer smiled as he reached an arm around her shoulders. His formality had faded only slightly as he had changed from his stiff nature. Even so, she was glad it had not completely faded away; it was what made Xemnas part of who he was.
"Come. Our last walk was interrupted. It will not be so again," Xemnas said suddenly, and Fyer blinked. Xemnas smiled slightly. "Do you not wish to be out of these walls until absolutely necessary?"
"Is it safe?" Fyer asked quietly. She looked down, afraid to meet his gaze. She trusted Xemnas, and would go anywhere with him, but their last excursion in Twilight Town had left a deep seated fear within her, and a painful realization at how fragile their defenses were. Xemnas hesitated.
"I know your fear. I feel it too," Xemnas admitted. Fyer kept her eyes down. "I do not blame you for being afraid. Even at a time I said I would be able to defend you, I could not. I made a grave mistake underestimating our enemy. It will not happen again."
Fyer finally looked up uneasily. Xemnas was admitting his weakness to her, but it wasn't the issue. He didn't seem to value his existence at all, and that was the true thing Fyer feared. He had made it clear that he treasured her, but did he realize how much she would be scarred if he carelessly threw his life away?
"Is it safe for you, too?" she corrected, looking into his eyes at last. Xemnas was silent for a long moment, seeming confused by her question. She saw this and grew frustrated. Before she continued, he placed a finger carefully on her lips.
"Do not fear for me," Xemnas said firmly, and Fyer shoved his hand away. He watched as she leaned toward him.
"You always tell me that, but I will anyway. As hard as you try to keep me from getting hurt, you put yourself in the brunt of it. Think of how you would feel if you failed and I…was no longer with you. I would feel just as bad, maybe even worse. Remember that when you put yourself in danger, it hurts just the same as if it was me," Fyer said, heart beating fast. She had attempted to explain this to him once before, but had not seemed to get her point across.
Xemnas didn't say anything for a long time. He only watched her silently, seeming focused intently on every movement of her lips. When she finished speaking, he continued to observe her thoughtfully. Fyer grew impatient, wondering if he was simply going to disregard what she had said. Unexpectedly, he leaned down and pushed his lips against hers. Fyer reached out and grabbed the front of his coat to steady herself, and his arms wrapped around her and held her close.
When Xemnas released her lips, he stayed close, his face only a spare inch away. Fyer's grasp on his coat did not lessen.
"You would truly miss me?" he asked quietly. Fyer looked at him in shock, surprised he even had to ask. It was the first time she realized he was reaching out for reassurance. Fyer closed the distance and touched her lips to the corner of his mouth.
"Every second of every miserable day without you," she whispered. There were endless ways she could say it to him. He seemed pleased by this one. He tilted his head so that their lips were touching.
"I promise I will never leave you alone. I will love you always," he said with conviction.
In that moment, only they existed. The whole of the world could not tear them apart. A bond so powerful could not be broken by anything. Fyer wished it was so. Despite the strength between the two of them, it all seemed so fragile in what they faced.
"Come," Xemnas murmured, turning and waving his hand swiftly through the air. As a black portal tore into the air and opened before them, Fyer took an involuntary step back, her shoulder brushing Xemnas. He reached out and caught her shoulders to steady her.
"Xemnas," Fyer began, confused. She looked up at him, trying to understand. Had he decided to ignore possibly danger? He slid one hand across her throat, trailing up to tuck hair behind her ear.
"We will not be alone," Xemnas assured, finishing his movement by pulling her hood up onto her head. Fyer hesitated until Xemnas took her hand in warm assurance. Fyer tugged her hand free, and Xemnas looked down in bewilderment. Fyer reached out and tucked her fingers into the hem of his glove. She pulled his glove off, then took his hand, looking up sheepishly. Ever since their first meeting, she had despised being touched by those leather gloves. It felt cold; it was touching her without truly making contact. Xemnas' smile returned, and he tucked the glove away.
When the pair stepped out of the portal, Fyer grew confused. Trees loomed over head, filtering sunlight through like a net. There was sand beneath her feet and she could hear the whisper of the waves nearby. Fyer glanced over at Xemnas, who was taking in their surroundings solemnly. As soon as he was sure there was no one nearby, he released her hand and removed his jacket. Fyer followed suit, folding hers neatly on top of Xemnas'.
When Fyer straightened, he reached out and took her hand, eyes full of affection. Fyer tilted her head, curious about what was going through his head. She was willing to do anything for him, and he had several times over proved he would do the same. However, even on the edge of his affection that longed for something more, he held back for fear of hurting her. To have to look at her and know that every moment he had to reign himself in must be a torture. Fyer looked away for a long moment. She longed for the day she could draw him to her and he didn't pull away reluctantly.
"What is going through your mind, Fyer?" Xenas asked, breaking the silence. His eyes were full of curiosity. He was so attuned to her that he had not missed anything. He had seen all the faint expressions that crossed her face as the thoughts flitted through. Fyer blushed and hesitated, not sure how she was supposed to answer. Xemnas saw this and raised an eyebrow. "You seem uncomfortable. What has crossed your mind to make you this way?"
His voice held a tone she had never heard before, and it made her look up with a snap. If Fyer had heard it correctly, he almost sounded…playful?
"I-it's nothing important," Fyer began, and Xemnas raised an eyebrow again. He smiled slightly.
"It seems as if it might be. Are you willing to share these vivid thoughts of yours?" Xemnas asked teasingly, and Fyer knew he had somehow figured out what was on her mind. Mortified, she took a step back.
"I wasn't thinking about…that," she lied, looking around quickly for something to change the conversation. Xemnas smiled wider, leaning in close. He gave her a sensual look.
"Perhaps a walk will aid in dispelling these…thoughts of yours?" he asked, though his tone suggested otherwise. Fyer knew he was poking at her now, and she felt just as amused as she did saddened. They could do nothing but 'dispel' any risky contact between the two of them.
"I suppose," Fyer answered, turning her back. She closed her eyes for a moment and swept away the dark mood. It felt as if he was always backing away and reigning in around her. She knew he was doing it out of protectiveness, but it still didn't ease her distraught thoughts. She was being selfish again.
"Fyer," Xemnas began, tone subdued. Fyer turned back around, managing a smile.
"I'm fine," Fyer assured, noting his momentary confusion. He studied her for a moment, not sure what to say. Fyer reached out and grasped his hand gently. He pulled it back, pulling her with him.
"I share your thoughts," Xemnas murmured, looking deep into her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Y-you do?" she stammered. He smiled again.
"Of course," he answered, gazing at her lips for a second. "Each day I feel stronger around you, as though I could finally be sure I would not hurt you. And yet…the possibility that I could is still there. I cannot take that chance."
"I won't ask you to," Fyer interjected quickly, glancing down. "I would never want to jeopardize what we have. I would love you even if you could never touch me again. But I would still be sad, because I love you more than I love myself."
To Fyer's amazement, she seemed to have stunned him with her words. His eyes were crystal clear in the sunlight, almost sparkling. Fyer rarely got to see him in such a beautiful light, and it only served to make him even more desirable. Xemnas finally recovered and touched her face very softly with his hand.
"Then I am grateful that I can," Xemnas replied, gazing at her for a moment more before straightening. "I brought you here to see your smile again. You appear saddened." Fyer shook her head and let her worries go. She couldn't keep bringing herself down when Xemnas was trying his best to hold her up.
"I'm fine now," she promised, giving him an earnest glance. She reached out and took a step back, inviting him forward. He looked from her hand to her face before he finally smiled. It made him glow, and she wondered how it was possible for someone to be so beautiful. Seeming unaware of this, Xemnas regarded her with a contented look and moved forward after her. His steps were careful and at ease, closing the distance between he and Fyer. Seeing him so relaxed made Fyer even happier, leaving her dark mood behind. She took his offered hand when he reached her side, and followed him out of the trees.
"It's empty," Fyer remarked, as they stood at the tree line. It was the same beach that the two Rikus had launched their ambush. It was still empty, as if the residents of Twilight Town had moved on down the beach, avoiding this place.
Xemnas scanned the scenery, concentrating hard. He was searching for any sign that an enemy could be nearby, but he felt nothing. Fyer watched him.
"You said we wouldn't be alone?" Fyer reminded, and Xemnas snapped out of his daze. He glanced down at her before shifting. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her gently until he was standing behind her. He leaned down and tilted her chin back slightly.
"Upon the clock tower," he said softly, and Fyer spotted the tall structure out on the far side of the beach, overlooking the trees and the ocean. She couldn't see anyone from where they were at, but she only knew of one Organization member who traversed the tower for peace of mind. Xemnas released her and straightened. "Although, I am unaware as to why the beach is empty."
Fyer joined him as he approached the driftwood pile. Xemns reached out and touched it, reminiscing as he did last time. Touching the wood, he looked over at Fyer.
"As the debris gathers, they do not toss it away. They pile it here and leave it, as though it has nowhere else to go," Xemnas mused, leaning back and crossing his arms. Fyer nodded her head toward it.
"Perhaps it has a purpose, but no one knows it yet," Fyer pointed out, scanning the pile curiously. She wondered where so much debris had come from. A lot of it appeared to be trees torn from the ground, and it made her relieved. She didn't see anything resembling lumber that had once adorned a house. Xemnas smiled again and watched as she pulled a slender branch from the pile. The waves and sand had worn it smooth, turning it into a grayish blue color. She studied it for a moment before turning and lifting it toward Xemnas.
"Perhaps its purpose it to be reused, in a match between you and I!" Fyer exclaimed, pointing it at Xemnas. He looked surprised. She faltered. She was only trying to be playful, and Xemnas wasn't sure whether to take her seriously or not. Before she could retract, Xemnas moved off to the side and pulled a similar branch free. He sidestepped until he was squarely in front of her. He raised an eyebrow.
"You are brave to challenge me," Xemnas warned, amusement in his eyes. Fyer lifted her chin.
"I'm not afraid of you," she retorted, both surprised and happy that he had finally lapsed into such a spirited mood. They had both been quiet and careful in their actions because of what had gone on around them. This beach was their refuge, and they finally felt the pressure lift, even if it was only for a moment. And they were determined not to waste it.
"You should be, my lovely foe," Xemnas shot back, raising his stick at the ready. Fyer did the same, waiting to see if he would make the first move. He waited with a smirk, eyeing her languidly. Fyer finally moved forward carefully, watching his body language. He watched her approach, not moving from his stance.
Fyer swung her stick, colliding with his. He took a step back, and she closed the distance, reaching up as he struck downwards. His blows were surprisingly light, and she knew he was restraining himself. He took a step back, and then to the side, his weapon connecting with her side; gently.
Fyer jumped to the side, shocked she had not moved quick enough to block it. Xemnas had a joyful expression on his face, and Fyer matched it. She turned swiftly and attacked, and he parried her with ease. They went back and forth across the sand, Fyer being careful to dodge the attacks that slipped past her stick. She managed to keep herself from being struck again, but Fyer felt unchallenged. She parried an attack from Xemnas, then distanced herself.
"You're taking it way too easy on me!" Fyer cried, pointing her 'blade' at him. Xemnas was in a lowered stance when she said this. He straightened, then bowed elegantly.
"As you wish," he replied formally, a smile never leaving his face.
Xemnas made the first move this time. Fyer found it harder to block his strikes, but still managed to keep herself from being touched. All the while, Xemnas seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. Fyer was distracted momentarily when her stick was struck from her hand. It went flying behind her, into the sand with a soft noise. Xemnas swept around behind her, placing his 'blade' across her neck. He placed his other hand on her hip and leaned forward.
"I thought I was taking it too easy on you?" he asked teasingly, and Fyer huffed. She had been holding her own until she had seen his expression. She had wanted to observe it for a moment longer, but she had hesitated and he gained the upper hand. Fyer looked over her shoulder.
"It appears not. I don't stand a chance against you no matter what," Fyer answered, catching her breath. Their spar had not been lengthy, but it had gotten her heart racing. Xemnas lifted his stick from her neck, but still kept his arm around her. She turned around and kissed him without warning. Xemnas was stunned, and Fyer reached back and slipped the stick out of his hand. As it dropped to the ground, Xemnas chuckled softly.
"Evidently it is the same for me," he admitted, smoothing her hair back. He leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "You are my only weakness. You are the only thing that could ever bring me to my knees."
Fyer listened, shivering when his breath washed over her ear. The image was appalling, but she understood what he meant. When he leaned back, he glanced up at the sun overhead.
"We have the rest of this day to do as we please. What do you wish to do?" he asked her, eyes taking in their surroundings carefully once again. Fyer reached out and touched the half heart hanging from his collar.
"I don't care anymore, as long as I get to spend it with you," Fyer answered truthfully. Though she had longed for the sunshine and the breeze as she had been locked away in the Castle, it didn't seem as important anymore. She could scarcely take her eyes away from Xemnas. Even if he was gone and she looked upon the world around her, it would not be the same.
"Then let us walk, dear Fyer," Xemnas began, taking her hand and turning. He looked down at her. "Tell me all there is to know about the Fyer that came to this town alone. I want to hear it from your lips. I want to know everything."
Fyer began to protest at first, but she realized he was too ashamed to tell her about his own past. Every time she mentioned it, he would turn the conversation on its head, or distract her. Instead of simply trying to distract her, he had a look in his eye that hungered for her words. She relented, but not completely. As they walked, the looked up at him, capturing his attention.
"Someday, you must tell me about you, too," Fyer said firmly, to which Xemnas only smiled sadly. His hand tightened for a moment.
"When you are ready, I will," Xemnas promised, looking forward with his golden eyes. His words seemed unsure, but his tone left no room for doubt. Xemnas never let her down.
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Axel lay on his back on top of the clock tower, gazing at the sky above silently. He sensed Xemnas nad Fyer nearby, but nothing else. He was keeping a keen watch on the surroundings without ever moving. When he closed his eyes with a sigh, he saw the darkness behind them. A few seconds later, Saix's yellow eyes opened before him.
Axel sat upright with a jolt and cursed. He looked down at his partially exposed shoulder and saw that the scars still remained. They no longer hurt, but they continued to serve as a reminder to haunt him. He had recovered, yet his mind was lagging behind. Fyer had managed to pick him up and shake off his lack of motivation to live, but the scars of what happened still plagued him each night as he tried his hardest to fall into sleep.
Axel brought his attention back to the surroundings and lied back again, glaring up at the blue sky. The clouds floated lazily by, and Axel huffed at them.
"What the fuck are you so happy about?" he growled at the clouds, closing his eyes again stubbornly.
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As the sunset came, Fyer watched it sadly. The day had passed too swiftly, and she resented its close. Still, what was to come did not seem quite so grim anymore. They still faced a powerful foe, but they had become a force to be reckoned with. Fyer knew Xemnas was in little danger of being defeated by anyone, but she still worried. Despite the fact that she could do nothing to defend him, Fyer felt uneasy when he was not with her.
Being able to reach out and put a hand on his arm was reassuring. When she was left in the castle, all she could do was wait and hope he would return unscathed.
Xemnas' hand suddenly brushed her face, and she jumped. They were sitting side-by-side on the driftwood pile, resting after traversing the city. They had talked a long time, and Fyer felt as if Xemnas knew her life better than even she knew it. She looked over curiously.
"I have not even left yet, and you are already uneasy," Xemnas said with a hint of amusement. Fyer didn't think she'd ever get used to him predicting her thoughts so easily. She nodded, having nothing to say to revoke his accusation. Xemnas paused a moment, then placed an arm comfortingly around her. "I will lay this madness to rest, and then you won't have to worry any longer. Everything will be…perfect."
Fyer listened with content, unable to voice one problem that Vexen had made all too clear. As Xemnas remained as he was, Fyer would still be fragile and age. In time, she would lose him. If there was not one enemy, there was another. She tucked this thought away again, knowing nothing could be done to alleviate it. She would be happy even with what fraction of Xemnas' life she could spend at his side.
As the sun set on the beach before them, Fyer was warm in Xemnas' protective embrace. The day was ending, and coming to a close, much like many things would be in days to come.
But of which things would end, she was not sure.
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"What are you doing?" Replica asked, interrupting Marluxia's concentration. He opened his blue eyes and glared at the accompanying man.
"Something that requires your silence," Marluxia snapped, closing his eyes again. "Our time to act is short. I still have allies in the castle that are awaiting my word. They already know what to do. We will strike in as many places as we can, and they will be weakened when they split their forces to deal with both problems. I intended to wait, but the foe in my castle has changed things considerably."
Replica was about to reply when he noticed a strange aura around Marluxia. A moment later, Marluxia's brow furrowed.
"Execute the plan as soon as possible. You know what you must do," he commanded, speaking to an unknown entity. "I will be ready."
Replica Riku folded his arms and waited, deciding to keep his silence instead of interrupting again. Marluxia opened his eyes again and leaned back, his face carefully neutral. He was still in pain from his injuries despite Replica's pitiful healing skills. It would not take long for the scythe bearing warrior to be back in his prime, though. Replica lifted on arm from his chest, splaying his hand.
"What exactly are you planning in that Castle? What of this one?" Replica asked, anxious to get started. Marluxia opened his eyes and looked at Replica without moving.
"It doesn't matter. It doesn't concern the unlikely plan you've come up with. The Organization members will be here tomorrow, hunting as we will be. You're sure you can find them first?" Marluxia asked, changing the subject swiftly. Replica noted this, but didn't press. He lost interest quickly.
"I vow on it. The Organization members will have far too much trouble to even begin searching for our targets with what I have in store for them. Rest assured," Replica answered, a venomous tone in his voice. Despite his reassuring words, Marluxia still didn't completely trust him. In that aspect, he didn't have much choice in the matter anyway.
"Well then," Marluxia said, forcing himself to stand. He straightened and looked Replica in the eyes, his cold regard returning. Replica was slightly surprised that Marluxia still retained any strength to make even that movement. The man had a reserve of energy somewhere that Replica had not sensed. He was a formidable foe, if he ever became one. Marluxia blinked, the darkness growing in his gaze.
"Let's get started."