I sit alone in a room. It is bright and vibrant, not like I'm used to.
I'm looking out the window. The sky, ever red with the sun on the horizon.
…I'm looking, but…
…it's pointless…
"*****, are you awake?"
A woman calls out to me.
…that voice…
…Mom…?
I respond. She continues to call out.
"Your friends are here, should I let them up?"
…no, don't let them…
…I don't want them to see…
I tell her to let them up, so as not to worry them.
…my room…
…this is my room…
They come upstairs.
Wait…
I can see their faces.
"Hey, *****."
I greet them. I remember their names.
Zale and Maya.
…it's so good to see their faces. To hear their names…
"How are you doing? It's been a while since we've seen you." Maya asks.
I tell her that I've been feeling unwell, and assure her I'm okay.
…I'm lying…
"Sorry you're not feeling well," Zale responds. "Whenever you feel better, maybe we can take you out to the beach?"
…that's…
"Summer's coming up, so it might be a good time to go."
…that's where…
"That sounds like a great idea!" Maya agrees. "What do you think, *****?"
…that's where he…
I tell them sure, that I'd love to. I smile.
…he left me.
Xaik woke up from her sleep, opening her eyes to see out her window. She looked to the dark sky, seeing Kingdom Hearts hanging high in the sky. She sat up in her bed, as she looked around her bland, silver and gray room. The only color that stood out was from herself, her hair and nightgown. She pushed her sheets aside and put her feet over the side of the bed, thinking to herself how it seemed like her dreams were becoming more clear.
As she dressed herself, she thought of how she was remembering her home. She remembered the names and faces of her friends. She remembered her mother's voice. Slowly but surely, these things were returning. But even with those things coming back, she still lacked the proper emotions to really feel and understand what that meant for her. As Scyrux had pointed out the other night, she was still empty; she knew that. But that wouldn't stop her from continuing her work. The sooner she could help the Organization finish Kingdom Hearts, the sooner she'd become whole again. Be able to feel, again. Go back home to see her friends, her family… and maybe see that boy again.
Having finished getting dressed, Xaik left her room to go see if she could find Xeros. She was up a bit early and as much as she wanted to go back to sleep, she thought it would be better if she got right to work. As she passed by the rooms of the others, she heard a loud yell and a CRASH come from behind a door. It startled her as she looked at it and realized she was passing by Varijex's room. She had heard of Varijex's rough mornings, mostly through mentions from Xeros and sarcastic jokes from Scyrux. But she never understood what that meant, until now.
Not wanting to stick around, Xaik hurried on her way to see if she could find Xeros. She walked to the Grey Area, seeing that he was talking with Saïx. Instead of waiting, Xaik decided to show some initiative and began to approach them. Xeros was facing toward Saïx, so he did not see her coming. But Saïx, on the other hand, noticed and gave a grimace. Xeros saw Saïx's expression change as he then turned to see Xaik walking up to them.
"Good morning, Xaik." Xeros greeted.
"Good morning, Xeros." She then looked to Saïx, who merely glared at her. "And to you, Saïx."
"How unusual to see you up at a reasonable time, Number Eighteen."
Saïx expected Xaik to shrink into herself as she normally would, but something was different today. Xaik didn't realize it at the time, but something within her was pushing harder than normal to take up space. There was this sensation in her that tried to fight against her body and its tendency to make itself scarce. She wasn't sure what it was or why, but she figured it was best to go along with it.
"I've been doing my part thus far," She spoke, trying to sound confident. "I just want to ensure I continue doing it."
Against everything Xaik assumed, Saïx did not seem to like her response. She thought showing drive and ambition would maybe improve his view of her, but it seemed to do the opposite. His gaze was piercing and soon Xaik found herself unable to muster more of the confidence she had created.
"I suppose you wanted to know what mission you are being sent on?" Xeros asked Xaik as she nodded.
Xeros turned his attention back to Saïx, who noticed Xeros was giving a strange look. It seemed to Saïx that Xeros was in support of Xaik, which he didn't take a liking to.
"Very well," Saïx said as he looked to Xaik for a moment and then turned back to Xeros. "Number Fifteen will be sent to do one last sweep of the Deep Jungle, as we detected the presence of Heartless there."
"You've GOT to be JOKING."
A voice echoed behind the three as they turned to see Varijex had just walked in. He stormed up to Saïx, bumping past Xeros and Xaik.
"WHERE do you get off-?!"
"I will not tolerate your insubordination, Number Fifteen." Saïx hissed.
"I'm SICK of being sent on these STUPID recon missions."
"You will do as you are told." Saïx uttered, his hair seemed to get a bit frazzled with his words.
"It's UNBELIEVABLE that you continue to waste MY time by sending me out on KIDDIE missions," Varijex flailed his arms as he complained. "When something like this SHOULD be given to SOMEONE like the squirt!"
…I suppose that is offensive. Xaik thought to herself as she merely looked away, uninterested in the drama. Saïx, on the other hand, seemed to grow impatient. But rather than lose his cool, he put his hands behind his back as he stared down Varijex.
"If you think this mission is more fitting for her, then she will accompany you."
What?!
"WHAT?!" Varijex yelled, as if to echo Xaik's thoughts.
"The two of you can expedite the process so you no longer will waste the Organization's time."
"YOU'RE out of your MIND, if you think-!" Varijex started as Saïx merely took a step forward toward him.
Xaik noticed as Xeros seemed to shift in stance, and she watched as Saïx squared off with Varijex.
"Obey," Saïx demanded. "And show me that you are truly worthy of higher commission."
Varijex growled as he turned and stormed off. Xeros watched Varijex leave as he then looked to Xaik, then back to Saïx.
"So Xaik is being sent with Varijex, then? Those are your orders?" Xeros asked.
"Yes," Saïx stated, plainly. He then turned to Xaik. "Ensure that you and Number Fifteen accomplish the mission."
As much as Xaik did not like getting roped into this conflict between the two most aggressive-behaving members of the Organization, she had no choice. If she wanted to do her job and do it right, she would have to go on this mission. She nodded her head after a moment.
"Yes," She spoke up, clearing her throat. "I will."
"Then you are dismissed."
Xaik nodded again as she turned to leave. Before she got too far, she noticed a hand touch her shoulder and it made her jump a bit. She turned and saw Xeros was behind her, giving her another strange look.
"Are you okay with this?" Xeros asked, almost concerned. "I know that Varijex is a lot to handle on one's own."
"I believe you…" Kingdom Hearts knows I do. "…but I will do my best."
Xeros nodded, giving a stern "hm" as he released her from his grip.
"I know you will."
Something about hearing those words from Xeros gave Xaik that one sensation again. The one he often gave her. Right now, it made her want to disappear, but now was not the time. She nodded her head as she turned and left the Grey Area, to find Varijex. What am I thinking?
Xaik went to the Hall of Empty Melodies, but found no trace of Varijex there. She wandered around a bit, passing by his room to check. But still no sign. She wondered where he could have gone off to, then a thought occurred. Memory's Skyscraper… She remembered that first conflict she witnessed between Saïx and Varijex, she and Xeros left to find him and he was practicing out in front of the skyscraper. She found it kind of interesting how Varijex was kind of similar to Scyrux in that way - leaving the castle to be left alone or escape.
And so, she made her way out of the castle to the skyscraper in search of Varijex. The trek was not very long, but it was still somewhat unpleasant. Especially since the end goal was to meet with Varijex. As she got closer to the skyscraper, she could hear distant grunting and other noises. Focusing her magic, she thought to listen to what she assumed to be Varijex.
"-INKS that just because he is higher in RANKING, that he can just PUSH me around!"
Soon enough, Xaik was able to hear it without using her magic as she saw him standing in the middle of the open, swinging his sword around.
"And he just HAS to go and put HER on a mission with me! Why is it ALWAYS her?!"
Always…me? Xaik knew that Varijex didn't have a high opinion of her, but it was odd to hear him talk about her like they had been together since she got here. But he made it expressly clear that he didn't want to train her, save that one mission. And aside from the time they fought the Shipbreaker in Port Royal, they hadn't gone on any missions together.
As Xaik was left confused by his words, Varijex swung and turned around, seeing Xaik and groaning.
"GREAT," Varijex fumed. "Just the person I DIDN'T want to see."
"As you once said," Xaik spoke up. "I'm not 'happy' about this, as much as you are."
"DON'T go quoting me to ME, Squirt!"
How Xeros deals with this on a regular basis is beyond me. A thought occurred to her as she thought about Xeros and Varijex. Xeros seemed to get by somehow, regardless of Varijex's abrasive nature. Xeros seemed the type to just let stuff like this roll off of him, but it was more than that. He somehow could game Varijex into compliance. Malicious compliance, but compliance nonetheless.
If Varijex was like some sort of beast, Xeros could somehow tame him. Xeros did it with respect, or something akin to it. She did know they had some sort of fascinating bond; Xeros was his student, so it was only natural he learned some tricks to deal with Varijex over time. But Xaik didn't have that relationship with Varijex. So, what could she do to make him listen?
Respect. Xaik thought. He wants respect. Saïx did not respect Varijex, instead actively looking down on him. Which more than likely is the reason for him lashing out. But Xeros acknowledged Varijex as his equal, if not superior. Xeros knew that Varijex was strong and could be learned from. Nobodies might not have egos to stroke, but if there was one that would be the exception, it would be Varijex.
"I… meant no disrespect." Xaik thought of how to further appease Varijex. "I was not… trying to mock you."
Varijex looked at Xaik with squinted eyes. It was unusual, seeing her this solid. Normally, she was meek and shaky, constantly appearing weak in the face of someone stronger. This only served to make Varijex disgusted by her presence. But right now, she seemed to be standing her ground, but without defiance.
"And what DID you mean by it?"
It's working…! Xaik cheered in her mind.
"You… know better than anyone how ridiculous this is." Xaik continued. "I don't think it's appropriate for… someone like you to handle this mission."
"You got THAT right!" Varijex nodded, as he crossed his arms.
Okay, think Xaik, you got his attention. She thought quickly. What does Xeros usually do after that?
"No worries, Varijex. If it's too much for you to handle…"
"But you're the one who says that you're the best of all of us. Are you telling me that was a lie?"
Though she had to be careful, lest she invoke his wrath upon her, she came up with a solution of her own for this Varijex problem.
"So… I've decided to take on this mission on… by myself."
"GOOD," Varijex griped. "At least YOU understand."
"Yes, I understand…" Xaik nodded.
Varijex sneered as he then looked like he was going to turn away, but then he heard Xaik talk behind him.
"I understand that I am perfectly capable of doing this job… without you."
Varijex stopped in his tracks as he turned to look at Xaik, who was just giving him a blank stare. He sensed a familiar dynamic here, but the thought of Xaik ever taunting him in any manner was too implausible to consider.
"What… did you say?" Varijex murmured.
"I understand completely. Since becoming a fully fledged member, I have been able to handle myself just fine." Xaik blankly stared at Varijex, feigning ignorance. "Your help is not needed. I can do it on my own."
"Hold ON," Varijex shook his head, giving Xaik a wide-eyed, angry stare. "Are you IMPLYING that you're at the same LEVEL as me?"
Tread carefully. "I didn't imply that. Do… do you think I'm at your level?"
Varijex gave Xaik a stupefied look as he failed his arms and then went back to staring at her.
"WHEN did I EVER imply that?!"
"It's just that…" Come on, take the bait. "You must trust me enough to do this mission myself. Am I wrong?"
"ARE you WRONG?! Of COURSE you are!" Gotcha. "YOU THINK that just because you got your STUPID NUMBER and your INFERIOR TITLE, that makes you TRUSTWORTHY ENOUGH to ME?!"
Xaik began to shake in her coat, but this time, it was purposeful. Her acting was on point and Varijex had become like putty in her hands. It gave her a sensation that she liked. She wondered if Xeros could be proud of her for managing to handle Varijex on her own like this.
"O-oh, I'm sorry…" Xaik stuttered. "I must… be mistaken…"
"FINALLY, something you're ACTUALLY right about!" Varijex then held out his hand, as he summoned a portal behind them. "COME on!"
"What do you mean?" Xaik continued her ruse.
"We're going to Deep Jungle and I'M going to SHOW you just how far from ME you actually are!"
Varijex then rushed into the portal as he entered the darkness. Before Xaik went in, she gave a smirk to herself. I think I understand why Xeros does this now.
They then exited the darkness as they appeared in the Deep Jungle. Varijex looked around as Xaik noticed that they were in a different part of the jungle this time around. The trees were not as thick here and they were packed closer together. This thicket reminded her of the one back in the land of dragons, but more yellow than green.
After a moment, Varijex then began to walk forward. With sword still in hand, he began to hack and slash through the trees to move forward. Now set on his path, he was going to complete this mission and show Xaik just how much better he was than her. Xaik followed as the two remained silent for a majority of their time spent roaming the jungle.
But that silence would not last, as after a while of searching and not so much as a single Shadow appeared, Varijex grew restless, groaning his signature "ngah".
"I KNEW this was a waste of time!" Varijex growled. "Leave it to Saïx to BE wrong, as USUAL!"
Varijex stuck his sword into the ground as he bashed his fist into a tree. He brushed his hand through his hair as he continued to grumble.
"HE said that they detected a Heartless here, but last I heard, there was NO-" Varijex stopped as he realized something.
He remembered that Xaik was on the mission that went to the Deep Jungle long ago. When he was dealing with more of Saïx's inane lecturing, and Scyrux interrupted for his own report. That was when Saïx said…
"If the Heartless are nowhere to be found, then that world is a waste of time."
Xeros and Xaik didn't know, but Varijex was there when Saïx claimed that the Deep Jungle was no longer of importance to the Organization. This was the reason that he didn't want to go in the first place. He didn't go on the last mission, though, so he wouldn't know if that was true or not. His lack of knowledge was slowing him down… or rather, Xaik's refusal to cooperate was slowing him down.
"Alright, Squirt," He said as he turned to Xaik, with unamused eyes. "Are you blind or just STUPID?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Xaik questioned.
"YOU were one of the two that was last HERE," He accused. "And you said you found NOTHING."
"No," Xaik defended. "Scyrux and I found no traces of Heartless. And what we heard-"
"How can you be SURE?" Varijex persisted. "How do I know YOU didn't just NOT notice something, or FORGET?"
"Maybe I didn't notice," Xaik replied. "And I don't think I would forget."
There was a moment that Varijex's face shifted from his irritated expression to one that was a bit creepier. It was somewhat bewildered, as if Xaik just said something unbelievable.
"REALLY?" Varijex chuckled. "You? YOU would NOT forget?"
Xaik became uncomfortable as Varijex began to loom over her, giving her a glare that threatened to crush her very being.
"I-I… I don't think-"
"Of COURSE you don't! You ONLY forgot everything about YOUR life before LOSING your heart!" Varijex began to lay into Xaik. "I mean, HOW could someone who COULD forget everything about who they WERE, POSSIBLY forget about something so TRIVIAL?!"
"…now, hold on-" Xaik tried to get in, but Varijex wouldn't let her.
"NO, there is no HOLDING ON! Not for a INSIGNIFICANT, small-fry with PINK HAIR who doesn't have the CAPACITY to REMEMBER something that SHE claims to be IMPORTANT!"
"When did I ever-?" Once again, Xaik tried to argue, but Varijex continued to talk over her.
"You don't HAVE to SAY it, IMPLY it or WHATEVER you do to spout your ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS-"
…stop…
"-ANNOYING-"
…Stop…
"-and UNCARED FOR opinions that it has EVER been my DISPLEASURE to have to HEAR-!
"STOP!" Xaik yelled, as Varijex covered his ears for a moment.
Unbeknownst to Varijex, there was a great force that had been welling up within Xaik. While he was busy berating her, her body began to vibrate. When she yelled the sound came out distorted, as if the frequency was altered. He had to cover his ears for a moment, as the sound was uncomfortable. He looked as he saw something in Xaik he never thought he would see. Fury.
Xaik, having been barraged with insults, noticed something begin to creep into her head. All she could think about was that memory of her with her friends. Not being honest. Just remaining passive as they decided things for her. Then and now, she was unable to express the pain that she had within. But no longer; now she would speak her mind, to quell this strange sensation that came over her and took hold.
"What is it to you if I forgot my past?!" She yelled. "You don't even remember your own!"
Varijex merely stood frozen, completely flabbergasted at Xaik's outburst. Xaik continued to rage at Varijex, the role reversal completely going over their heads.
"I don't need you to tell me what's important and what isn't! The lacking within me for those memories is enough to deal with, without you adding in and making things worse!" Xaik took a step back, pointing at Varijex with a finger. "I don't even understand how someone who doesn't remember their past could be as cruel as you!"
Xaik took a deep breath and sighed an aggressive sigh as she composed herself. The sensation that was built up within her subsided and she was left realizing that she had done something rather unusual. Behaving like that was definitely something that she had to try to do; having to expend that much energy to put up that ferocity was taxing, to say the least. And Varijex did that constantly. Her last statement rang true, as she thought to herself. Why would anyone put so much energy into acting that way?
And then, as if she had managed to uncover more of the mystery, Varijex looked at her with something that resembled an expression that Xaik had never seen on his face. Fear. It was only for an instant, but that instant was enough to see that whatever Varijex did to make himself the way he was, it was just that, an act. He was empty like the rest, unable to feel the rage he put on. So, why did he do it? Xaik turned away, unable to even look at him. Whatever the reason was, it didn't matter. What mattered was that they finished the mission. The sooner they could find the Heartless or clear the Deep Jungle, the sooner they could leave and go their separate ways.
"I'm finishing this mission," Xaik spoke, not even turning to face Varijex. "You can RTC. It turns out that I don't need you, after all."
Xaik then began to walk away, leaving Varijex on his own. With her going off on her own, she figured she could concentrate and maybe listen for the sounds of Heartless. But the first sound she heard-
Drip. It was strange, because Xaik was sure they weren't near any running water.
She proceeded through the jungle, making her way as she didn't really see anything of note - no signs of Heartless or other people. She wondered if there were more people outside of the ones in that camp she found last time she was here, but she could never be sure. The jungle seemed to stretch indefinitely so the chances seemed both slim and great at the same time. Soon enough, she found herself climbing uphill rather than just walking forward. And in the distance, she could hear the sound of the ocean.
Soon enough, the trees began to thin out and she could see an opening. She walked out of the jungle to see there was a huge cliff that overlooked a bit more jungle as well as the sea. But more impressive was a huge house that was built on a massive tree. A long rope bridge spanned the gap that led to the treehouse. Xaik was stunned by the ingenuity of this house, as she thought of going to it. The bridge was rather precarious looking, which made her a bit hesitant, but she wasn't going to stop. If there were people in that house, then maybe they would have seen the Heartless that might be roaming about.
Treading carefully, Xaik walked across the bridge, making sure to hold onto the ropes on the side. She heard the planks under her feet creaking and one in particular near the middle sounded particularly weak, but she pressed forward. She made it across, as she climbed up the tree and walked onto the first platform that the house was built on. The whole place was well crafted, and pretty sturdy for how old it looked. Xaik entered and saw that it was a bit more of a mess on the inside than it was outside. Someone definitely lived here, but given the state, there was some sort of struggle. Xaik took note of all of the things she saw around her, seeing if whatever caused this chaos might have been Heartless. Claw marks, but none that matched any Heartless she had ever seen.
This could have been the Heartless, but… Xaik puzzled to herself. There's no sign of any right now. Maybe I'll head back. And so, Xaik began to exit the house, trailing her fingers along the wooden walls. She looked over the side, as she then heard something behind her.
She turned to see that three Heartless had appeared in the middle of the room. These Heartless looked like blue monkeys which danced around. Xaik summoned her hammer as she quickly used her magic and created a shockwave to try to blast the Heartless immediately. They leaped out of the way of the blast that cracked the wooden floor under them, jumping up onto the ceiling beams. As they jumped down and descended with claws scratching at her, she rolled out of the way of the attack. She swung and struck the nearest Heartless, causing it to fly and crash through a window before disappearing in black smoke. She swung at the next one as it jumped back, opening up for the third to try to slide at Xaik with its feet. Xaik reacted, slamming down as she crushed the Heartless before it could hit her.
Left with only one, Xaik poised herself ready to counter whatever attack it would use. These Heartless were simple, only using melee attacks, which Xaik was able to handle well. Then, as if to turn the tide, two more Heartless appeared. These ones also appeared as monkeys but they were yellow, appearing more feminine with bows on their heads. They each had a slingshot in hand, which they pulled back to fire small, dark orbs at Xaik. She moved out of the way of the shots, as she saw the blue one coming in for an attack. She blocked the blow, as she saw the other ones aiming to fire again.
I can't deal with these attacks simultaneously! Xaik pushed off the Heartless, trying to smash it as it ran away. She then turned to see the shots coming at her and blocked them. Thinking a long-range attack could be useful, she charged up some vibrations and sent a sonic wave at one of the ones shooting her. It dodged the blast with insane speed. They're fast! The one she shot at rushed to the side of the other, but instead of lining up for another shot, it tossed something in Xaik's direction. She moved out of the way, as it landed on the ground. Is… that a banana peel? The blue monkey Heartless then rushed in for another attack, as Xaik blocked it and stepped back, not realizing that the first one had thrown another banana peel at Xaik's feet. She slipped on it, falling down onto her bottom. She watched as the blue Heartless came at her with claws forward.
Before it could get close, something crashed through the window behind it. Something flew and impaled into the Heartless, as Xaik saw it was Varijex's sword. Then through the window, Varijex tucked and rolled, landing close enough to grab the handle of his sword and slice the Heartless in half before it could land. The two halves faded into black smoke as Xaik looked up to see Varijex, who had a serious look on his face. This was not his usual look of rage or sadistic pleasure, he looked focused.
Without so much as a noise, he jumped up and tried to slash down at the Heartless as they rushed away with their unrivaled speed. At least it was unrivaled, as Varijex turned and ran in to grab one of the Heartless with his left hand, making his sword disappear from his right to punch the Heartless in the torso. He then spun and threw the Heartless into the wall as he ran in for a second punch, but the Heartless managed to dodge as Varijex's fist went through the wall. He pulled it out, his sword having been resummoned as he slashed at the Heartless as it tried to escape. With only one remaining, he turned his attention to it, as he saw that it had taken aim at him.
It fired, but Xaik had run in and deflected the blow with her hammer, giving Varijex the opportunity to run in and slice the Heartless down the middle. As the last of the Heartless was slain, Varijex made his sword disappear as he was faced away from Xaik. Xaik made her own weapon disappear, as she composed herself and looked at Varijex, trying to see if he'd turn and say something - maybe berate her for her outburst earlier or insult her for not handling the Heartless without his help.
"Let's go," Varijex said, with a strange lack of growl. "We're done here."
Xaik didn't respond, as she watched as he turned, now looking at her with a muted anger.
"I SAID, let's GO." His usual growl returned, as he then began to walk away.
Making his way to the exit, he stormed off as Xaik pursed her lips and began to follow. I guess this is just how things are going to be… She thought as she walked behind him. I don't know why I expected him to be any different. Like the others, Varijex was closed off. But whereas Xaik could at least get more into the heads of Xeros and Scyrux and try to understand where they were coming from, Varijex was beyond her comprehension, it seemed. There was no logical explanation or reasoning for his behavior and he refused to explain himself. But if he would remain that way, there was no point in Xaik trying.
The two crossed the bridge, as Varijex stopped. He seemed like he was about to open a portal back to the Castle when he turned back to see Xaik was looking at him. He rolled his eyes, as he groaned.
"What?" Varijex demanded.
"Nothing," Xaik replied. "We're done with the mission, right? Let's just go back, like you wanted."
Varijex let out a frustrated sigh as he looked at Xaik, but Xaik wasn't quite sure how to place the expression he gave. It was as if he was trying to do the usual Varijex stare, but it was lacking the normal drive, that fire that he somehow produced to really sell it.
"What do you want from me, huh? You want me to say 'I'm sorry' or something?" Varijex raised his arms in a confused manner. "Because last I checked, none of us have feelings to even be sorry."
His voice, though maintaining the growl, didn't have the typical loudness to it that Xaik was used to. It was unusual, to say the least, but it didn't really do much to appease her sensibilities.
"No," Xaik sighed. "I don't expect that, it's just…"
"Just what? I'm not like the others with their sob stories, okay? And I don't need to explain myself-"
HISSSS. Xaik caught a loud, deep hissing noise coming from behind Varijex and deeper in the jungle. Her eyes widened as she leaned to look past Varijex, who didn't seem to notice because he was too busy rambling.
"-especially not to Saïx, who frankly, I'm SICK of-" Varijex stopped as he noticed Xaik was looking away from him. "What are you doing?"
HISSSS, RUSTLE, RUSTLE. Xaik continued to hear the noises as she then summoned her hammer to her. This put Varijex on alert as he then summoned his sword.
"What is going on?" Varijex blurted as he turned between looking at Xaik and at the jungle.
"I hear a snake…"
"A snake?" Varijex said as he turned back to the jungle.
"Scyrux and I fought a large snake the last time we were here, but…" Xaik continued to hear the sounds, which were much louder this time around. "This one sounds… really big."
As Varijex looked into the jungle, he could see something moving in the trees. A huge shadow was slithering through all the trees, pushing them aside. As Xaik had claimed, it had to be unreasonably sized for a snake. Then he looked a bit harder, as he could see the form begin to slow down as it approached. As it began to come out from the shade of the trees. The Nobodies were stunned as they saw what had come.
Indeed, what Xaik heard was a snake, but a snake of massive proportions. It was black with dark green alternating between what appeared to be armor plates, and a purple underbelly as well as a red stripe along its head. It had a crooked, forked tongue and in the middle of its head was the Heartless emblem. It looked at the two as it hissed, and then the darker slits of its orange eyes opened wide and began to glow purple.
Varijex let out a battle cry as he rushed at the Heartless, getting its attention. It looked at Varijex directly and with a bright flash, Varijex was stopped in his movements. He froze and fell over, completely motionless. As he grunted, Xaik could only watch as she heard a yell from Varijex's position.
"Don't look into its eyes!" He yelled from the ground.
The Heartless then turned and whipped its tail at him, knocking him into a nearby tree as he let out a pained groan. Even getting hit and thrown into a tree didn't break him free. Xaik then turned as the Heartless looked at her, the eye slits opening wide. Xaik covered her eyes as she then heard it begin to come at her.
She turned and ran, as she rushed across the bridge. As she ran across, one of the planks broke under her as her leg fell through. She pulled herself up as she saw the Heartless was still looking at her. She made it across, thinking herself safe as the Heartless was much too big to be supported by the bridge.
She then watched as the Heartless coiled itself up, then sprung into the air as it came right at her. As her eyes widened at the sight, she rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding being chomped by the Heartless. She ran to go inside the house, as she saw the Heartless try to bite at her again. She rolled forward, as the Heartless bit into the wood flooring. As it pulled its head back, it looked at Xaik to use its petrifying look.
Xaik covered her eyes, only to be met with a large impact striking her and sending her through the wall of the house. When she wasn't looking, the Heartless slammed its tail into her. She was on the ground, holding her stomach as the hit did a number on her torso. She then watched the Heartless begin to slither in and hiss at her. It tried to petrify her again as she closed her eyes. She heard it as it reared its head, ready to strike again.
I have to listen! She listened for the sound, waiting for the right moment. It then came at her as she stepped to the side and smacked it in the mouth with her hammer. It hissed in pain as it shook itself. It then reared its head once more as Xaik kept her eyes closed, waiting and listening for the right moment. I got a hit in, I just have to focus and do that again! It then lunged once more, but when Xaik moved to the side to counter, the Heartless quickly changed directions.
Having swung and missed, the Heartless had tricked Xaik, taking the attention away from its tail, which swiped at her. But instead of smacking her away, it coiled itself around her, wrapping her in its grasp. Xaik opened her eyes as the Heartless began to constrict her, bringing its head back to hiss in her face. I… can't… breathe…! Xaik was being crushed by the Heartless and couldn't break free. She thought to focus and vibrate out of its hold, but without air in her lungs, she couldn't concentrate.
I… can't… hold… on… She began to lose consciousness as the Heartless merely hovered over her, continuing to crush her. Just when it seemed like she would fall to this Heartless, something came crashing through a window.
"Yyaah-eeh-ah-eeh-aaaaaah-eeh-ah-eeh-aaaaah!"
That… yell… Xaik heard as her blurry vision saw a figure come flying in, climbing up the Heartless's back. As it distracted the Heartless, its grip loosened and she was starting to breathe again. With her vision returning she saw that Tarzan, the wildman she and Scyrux had found last time they were here, had joined the battle with spear in hand. It climbed up to the Heartless's head. As the Heartless tried to shake him off, Xaik realized this was the perfect opportunity.
"The eyes!" She mustered as best she could.
Seemingly understanding, Tarzan obliged and took his spear to one of the Heartless's eyes. It hissed in pain as its hold on Xaik was now manageable. She began to vibrate to get it to release her, as it widened and she fell to the ground. Tarzan then jabbed the other eye, as it hissed even louder, throwing its head back. It slammed Tarzan into the wall as he groaned in pain, falling down off of the Heartless. Xaik ran over to Tarzan, trying to help him up.
"Come on, get up!"
As Xaik tried to get Tarzan back into his feet, he looked up and suddenly grabbed Xaik and jumped out of the way. The Heartless attempted to bite them. It then pulled its head back as it looked around. As Xaik and Tarzan crouched, they realized they managed to blind the monster enough. Tarzan turned to Xaik and gestured to be quiet as the Heartless was listening for them. Looks like the tables have turned. I better get to Varijex to help him.
Tarzan then crept on all fours, trying not to make noise. Xaik also followed, stepping lightly to not alert the Heartless that seemed to have lost them and was turned away. Xaik almost made it to the hole she was thrown in, when she heard a crackle under her foot. She looked down to see she had stepped on glass from the window Varijex had broken. Not good! The Heartless turned quickly, rearing its head and striking. She jumped out of the way, as she ran outside and quickly got up against the wall.
Xaik covered her mouth to conceal her heavy breathing. In the chaos, Xaik had lost Tarzan, leaving her alone. I need to get across that bridge! She then made a break for the bridge, as suddenly a CRASH erupted behind her - the Heartless bursting through the wall. She began to run for the bridge as it then listened for her movements and began to retch. Xaik looked back as the Heartless then spewed a dark blue glob of viscous liquid in her direction. She dodged it, but the spot where it landed began to bubble and melt.
The Heartless then made another attempt to shoot acid from its mouth as Xaik tried to dodge, but tripped. She tried to get up as the Heartless looked like it was going to spit more at her, but she then saw Tarzan was climbing up the tree house. He jumped down onto the head of the Heartless once again, wrangling it as it thrashed around. The spit it had prepared missed Xaik as she turned and started running across the bridge.
Xaik rushed her way across the bridge as she looked back to see Tarzan distracting the Heartless. But just as she was about to make it across, it spat another glob of acid and it hit the edge of the bridge. The acid melted the wood and rope, causing the bridge to fall. Xaik noticed her footing was going, so she acted quickly, threw her hammer, and jumped for the side of the cliff. She managed to catch the edge with one hand as she looked down to see the long fall.
Luckily, lugging around a huge hammer did well for her upper arm strength. She reached with her other hand, pulling herself up. As she climbed up, she picked up her hammer and ran towards where Varijex last was. She rushed to his side, seeing he was still frozen and fairly hurt. He groaned in pain as Xaik dropped her hammer and knelt at his side. What do I do? She thought to herself.
"Come on, Squirt…" He coughed. "Use that brain you bragged about."
Even in his condition, he managed to find a way to create conflict. Of course, Xaik had to think of how to help Varijex. The way he was frozen, she wasn't sure what to do. It was very much like how Scyrux would paralyze his foes.
Wait a minute, that's it! Xaik remembered that she had something for this in her coat pocket. She reached in her pocket, pulling out a Panacea, and pulled Varijex toward her. She popped open the top as Varijex looked at it.
"You can't be serious…" Varijex moaned.
"You need this to get better!" Xaik yelled as Varijex groaned.
"I don't do potions!"
Unbelievable! Xaik rolled her eyes at Varijex denying assistance.
"Look, you need to drink this or we can't fight the Heartless!" Xaik pointed out. "And the reason I packed this in the first place was because I heard you arguing with Scyrux about them that one time he accidentally paralyzed you with-"
"Alright, ALRIGHT!" Varijex coughed more as his chest was in too much pain to yell. "Just give me the stupid thing…"
Varijex opened his mouth as Xaik poured the Panacea into his mouth. In an instant, Varijex's whole body went limp and then he was able to move again. He sat up as he shook himself. He then jumped up onto his feet, moving and shaking them. He then cracked his neck and moved his shoulders as he slammed his fists together, before summoning his sword to him again.
"PAYBACK time!"
With those words, Varijex ran over to the edge, seeing the bridge was out. He looked to see Tarzan was still engaged with the Heartless, climbing up the side of the house with the Heartless chomping at him the whole way up.
"Who is THAT guy?" He questioned.
Xaik ran over next to Varijex, concerned for Tarzan who was only barely managing to hold off the Heartless.
"We need to help him!"
Xaik looked down and around to see if she could find an alternative route. But there was nothing nearby to get them across.
"There's no way across!" Xaik called out.
Varijex looked at her, then looked across.
"Come on, LIGHTWEIGHT!" He barked as he grabbed her shoulder, lifting her up.
Xaik was stunned as Varijex seemed to effortlessly hold her up, as he then began to focus his view across. She didn't know what he was doing, but whatever he was planning, it was definitely not good.
"What are you-?"
"Let's see how well you FLY, Squirt!" Varijex cut her off.
He then grabbed her with his other arm and spun her around, as he threw her across the gap. Xaik yelled as she flew through the air, heading straight for the house. Xaik saw she was going to crash right into the side of the house, so she held her hammer forward to brace herself. She slammed through the side, the hammer taking most of the impact of the landing, as she rolled on the floor before stopping. She shook herself as she got up on her hands and knees and sighed. Why does this always happen to me?!
Varijex, having successfully tossed Xaik across, dropped his sword down flat. Using magic, he made it float and stood atop of it, allowing him to fly across. The Heartless was driving Tarzan further up the house, until he reached the roof. He jabbed and poked at it with his spear, keeping it at bay. As the Heartless retched to spit more acid, Varijex jumped off of his sword, catching it in his hands and slashing down at the Heartless's tail.
The Heartless hissed as it whipped its tail at Varijex, who blocked the blow. It sent him backwards a bit, but he regained his footing and rushed back in. Xaik came out of the house from the hole she crashed in, seeing the body of the snake next to her. She charged up a sonic wave, shooting it at the side. The Heartless was knocked back, but it then turned its attention to her. It attacked, biting at her as she jumped down from where she was.
As she landed, she turned to see the Heartless try to smash her with its tail. But as the tail came down Varijex ran over, jumping up and slicing through the tail. The Heartless let out an agonized hiss as its tail fell off, and it tried to bite at Varijex. But then Xaik ran over, leaping in front of Varijex and striking the Heartless in the jaw. The Heartless fell backward as its head crashed through the house.
"Time to FINISH this!" Varijex called out as the two looked at each other and ran to attack the Heartless while it was vulnerable.
The Heartless began to move, and Xaik thought that their window was closing.
"Varijex!" Xaik cried out. "Throw me!"
"YOUR funeral!" Varijex cackled as he grabbed his sword with both hands.
He placed his sword pointed down, creating a sort of ramp for Xaik. Xaik ran along the blade as he then catapulted her up into the air. Xaik flew up, as she realized she needed to get up higher than the Heartless for a truly impactful blow. But she lacked the momentum to get all the way up, as she then watched a spear impale itself onto the side of the house. She looked down as Tarzan had come in for the assist.
Xaik nodded as she then reached for the spear, grabbing it with her free hand and using her current momentum to spin around on the staff of the spear. Gaining more momentum, she then let go, now up higher than the whole house. She raised her hammer up as she peaked in the sky, beginning to fall. She focused her energy, vibrating herself and then her hammer as she came down with the full force of gravity.
The Heartless raised its head from the hole in the house, as it looked up to see Xaik coming down. But before it could react, she came down with all her might, striking the Heartless on the crown of its head. The hit sent the vibrations violently through the Heartless as its head slammed down into the ground and bounced before falling on the ground. It fell, motionless, as it let out a final hiss that faded out as the Heartless disappeared in black smoke and a large heart appeared from it, drifting into the sky. Xaik landed on the house, sliding down as she fell to the ground. Her feet hit the ground as she made her hammer disappear and looked to Tarzan, who was slowly approaching her on all fours.
He looked to her with strange eyes. His eyes were harsh, intense. It was as if he was gauging whether Xaik was friend or foe, which she couldn't blame him for. Though they fought the Heartless together, she was a stranger with intentions unbeknownst to him. This was his home, he had to defend it, but why did this strange person come to fight for it as well? It was then that Xaik realized that she probably understood Tarzan at this moment. Is this… what it's like? Xaik pondered to herself. He doesn't know me. And yet… he helped me…
After sharing their gaze for a while, Tarzan nodded his head at Xaik.
"Thank you." He let out, leaving Xaik somewhat stunned.
"You're welcome." Xaik expressed as Tarzan rushed to climb the house.
He jumped to pull his spear out, landing as he took one last look at the house. Xaik watched Tarzan stare with his intense eyes, before rushing off to the other end of the jungle where the lands connected. Xaik watched him disappear into the distance, as she then heard Varijex come up behind her, confused.
"SERIOUSLY, who WAS that crazy man?" Varijex questioned.
Xaik giggled a bit to herself as she then turned to Varijex.
"That's Tarzan," She answered. "He lives in this jungle."
"Well, aside from LACK of clothing," Varijex admitted. "He's a pretty good fighter, I'll give him THAT."
Xaik looked to Varijex as he looked back at her. She had a confused expression on her face as he became perplexed by her face.
"What?" Varijex demanded.
"You… complimented him?"
"I don't know what you're expecting of me," Varijex replied. "I have respect for those who are strong and skilled. It takes dedication to those things to get what you want."
"And what is it you want?" Xaik inquired.
Varijex was taken aback by her question. He didn't understand why Xaik was asking him this question and it frustrated him. He had not shown any sign of trying to understand her, he did not care for her - in fact, he made sure to be the opposite of caring. And yet, here she was, trying to get in. If he had a heart, he was sure he would probably be quite upset at this.
"I don't know why you BOTHER asking me," Varjex scoffed. "YOU of all people should know BETTER."
"That's not good enough." Xaik retorted.
Varijex looked at her, finally having the energy to muster up those furious eyes of his.
"You don't GET to tell me what's GOOD enough!"
"Maybe I don't," Xaik sighed. "But can you blame me for wanting to understand? Everyone in the Organization has the same goal. Help complete Kingdom Hearts, become whole again."
Xaik took a deep breath, as she faced down Varijex. Looking at him, directly in the eyes, without her own body quivering at his aggressive aura. Varijex noticed her, looking at him not with a look of contempt like earlier, but with one of just pure apathy.
"But it's like you don't want that. So, what do you want?"
Varijex thought about Xaik's question, reflecting on it for a while as she crossed his arms. He thought of how best to put it in a way for Xaik to get off of his case. He then turned to her, holding out both his hands, palm up.
"Power," Varijex answered, his tone different again. "I don't care to get my feelings back. Not because I can't care, but because those don't matter. I want a heart because by then I'll be strong enough to conquer it."
"I don't understand," Xaik was confused. "If you don't remember having emotions in the first place, then why do you want to be strong enough to not care?"
Varijex chuckled as he started to get his normal growl back. He turned away, waving dismissively.
"I know well enough that emotions are a WEAKNESS. One I CAN'T afford." He then held out his hand, summoning a portal back to the Castle.
Before stepping through, he looked back at Xaik, giving her an intense glare.
"I wish I could say I was GLAD to have this talk," Varijex added. "You reminded me what MATTERS. I GUESS you do know what's important. For a NOSY little SQUIRT."
He then turned away as he walked through the portal. Xaik was overcome by a sensation she did not like, but it was not overwhelming. I guess that's all there is to him, then. She sighed as she walked through the portal, going back to the Castle. If that's what he wants, I guess I have nothing else to say.
Xaik found herself back in the Hall of Empty Melodies as she saw that Varijex had already gone and disappeared. She wandered to find Xeros so she could put in her report. As she went toward the Grey Area, she saw Saïx coming out and he looked at her. He looked at her curiously as he approached and stopped her.
"Number Eighteen," Saïx spoke with a low growl. "I hope you intend to give your report on the mission, as Number Fifteen refused to do his duty."
"Yes, I can," Xaik stood attentively and looked Saïx in the eyes. Something he was surprised to see. "Varijex and I encountered Heartless in the deep jungle. There were only a few, but one strong Heartless was among them."
"A strong Heartless?" Saïx inquired. "Describe it to me."
"It was a large, snake-like Heartless, with the power to petrify with a look. It was a tough battle, but we succeeded in defeating it with the help of the locals."
"Was it pureblood or an emblem Heartless?" Saïx questioned.
"Emblem."
"Unfortunate, then," Saïx said as he placed his hands behind his back. "For such a powerful Heartless, as you describe this 'Petrifier', to not be defeated by a key bearer."
"It was not expected," Xaik defended. "And our duty was to sweep and destroy-"
"Your orders were to sweep for remaining Heartless, but the priority of the Organization will always be to collect hearts, especially from the more powerful emblem Heartless." Saïx said as his stance shifted to something more aggressive. "Next time, you will report back rather than taking matters into your own hands."
Saïx looked at Xaik as he expected her to merely tremble as she usually would, bowing down to him and begging forgiveness. But Xaik's face told a different story, as she looked at him with eyes that had a hint of defiance.
"I understand the priority of the Organization," Xaik started. "But the Heartless engaged us and incapacitated Varijex, leaving me as its sole target. I could not escape and nor could I leave Varijex behind."
Saïx got that look on his face, where there seemed to be some sort of rage behind his yellow eyes. His hair seemed to flair a bit, but with everything Xaik had faced today, she would not let this get to her.
"Lord Xemnas put his faith in me… in all of us, so that we could all do our part. As I am not one of the key bearers, I must prioritize the safety of myself and my fellow members first. Otherwise, that constitutes failure for the Organization, does it not?"
Saïx let out a displeased "hm" as he then sighed through his nose. He then placed his hands behind his back once more as he looked down to Xaik, who kept eye contact.
"Perhaps we need to re-evaluate your positions so that you can be of greater use to the true purpose of the Organization." Saïx then looked away from Xaik. "You are dismissed."
Xaik bowed her head and proceeded to walk away as Saïx gave a sideways glance before going about his business. Xaik went to her room to rest, as it had been a long day. On the way, she passed by Varijex's room; the door was shut. She sighed as she then proceeded to her room, turning in for the night.
I am walking up the hill with Zale and Maya, heading to the train station.
They're talking about normal things people talk about.
…they don't see…
"So, *****, do you think you're going to see the Struggle tournament this year?" Zale asks.
I tell them I'm unsure, that it isn't that big of a deal to me.
…going there would just remind me…
"But what about *****?" Zale asks.
…even if I can't hear it…
…please don't say his name…
"Do you think he's going to go see it? He used to play, didn't he?" Zale continues.
…they still don't see…
…they don't see how much it hurts…
"It's been a while since we've seen him, is he busy or something?" Maya asks.
I tell her that it's been a while since I last saw him, but I'm sure he's okay.
…I just keep lying, don't I…?
…how can I expect them to see…?
We make it to the train station, buy our tickets to the beach.
Zale and Maya sit somewhere in the middle car, next to each other as they keep talking.
…the back car…
…maybe…
I get up and they notice.
"Where you going, *****?" Maya asks.
I tell them I need to stretch my legs, so I'm walking the cars.
I open the door to the back car.
…he's not there…
…I see him…
…but it's just my imagination…
…he's looking away, just like the first time…
…I imagine him there, as he turns to me…
…wait…
…that's not…
…why do I see…?
…Varijex…?
