Jessica's Point of View
I had no idea how long I had spent in Castle Oblivion, but I knew it had been a long time, so I went home for the night with Zexion's diary in hand, feeling dead inside. I entered through the Grey Area. Saix and Xemnas were sitting by one of the coffee tables with papers going over what I supposed were the missions for the following day. They both turned to me as they heard me come in. "Jessica? What are you doing up so early?" Saix inquired.
"Early? What time is it?" I asked.
"Five in the morning," Saix answered.
Xemnas looked disappointed. "Go to bed," He told me before turning to Saix. "Take her off the list. I won't have her getting hurt because she's too tired to focus." They returned to their task. I was stunned. I hadn't stayed up all night before, and if I spent the night elsewhere and Xemnas found out, it had never turned out well for me. Xemnas seemed to be taking me staying up all night on another world a little too well. I waited in anticipation for him to yell at me or scold me, but it didn't happen. Finally, he turned to me again. "Did you not hear me? Go to bed. You are not going on a mission today."
"You don't want to know where I've been?" I questioned. I realized I should have just done what he said as the words left my mouth. I wasn't thinking straight from the sleep deprivation. I was grateful that Xemnas seemed to realize it, too.
"Jessica, it's too early for me and too late for you. Get some rest. We'll discuss this when you wake." I headed out of the room, but Xemnas noticed the book in my hand before I could leave. I hadn't even thought to conceal the Nobody symbol, much less the book itself. "Wait." I stopped. "What is that?"
"What's what?" I looked down at my hand, realizing that I was still holding Zexion's diary. "Nothing. It's mine."
"No, it's not. The Nobody symbol is on the cover," Xemnas stated. He walked over to me and grabbed the book, but I snatched it back from him. He raised an eyebrow. "If you won't tell me what it is, I need to find out for myself. You know this."
"It was Zexion's. I found it. His diary," I explained.
"In that case, I cannot allow you to keep it. There may be secrets inside that I cannot afford to get out," Xemnas decided, trying to take back the book.
I moved my hand back, taking the book out of his reach. I glared at him. "My sentiments exactly. This is private. I cannot allow you to take it no matter the cost. Fight me if you will, but ask yourself if this is worth fighting me over before doing so."
Xemnas's expression became weary. "Jessica, give it to me, and I'll let you have it back once I determine that there isn't anything I cannot allow you to read inside."
"No!" I refused, taking a few steps back.
I saw something blue out of the corner of my eye and turned to see Saix had also gotten up, and he was looking at Xemnas, silently asking if he should step in to help diffuse the situation. Xemnas glared at me in irritation, but then something changed, and his expression softened. "Alright. Let me walk you to your room," He offered.
I was caught off guard by his sudden change in demeanor, but I was relieved I didn't have to fight Xemnas for the book. "I can go by my-" I started.
"Saix, finish up. I'm not sure if I'll be back until later," Xemnas ordered. I realized what was happening. I would pay for my defiance. I held the book tight to my chest as we walked back to my room. I was surprised that he didn't try anything. He didn't leave when we arrived at my room. Instead, he let himself in and watched as I set Zexion's diary on my desk, took my boots off, and sat on my bed. I waited for him to leave, but instead, he turned the light off and waited. I assumed that he would stay with me, so he knew exactly when I woke up, so I didn't bother saying anything and fell asleep as soon as I got in bed and pulled the covers over myself.