The night was long and soon the day would break. The ever dark sky hid the hour from untrained eyes, but not to the likes of Xeros. He got as much sleep as he normally would, though it was still somewhat uncomfortable. Even after Scyrux's healing and being brought a potion, his body still had some aches. And his mind was still stuck on what he was thinking of the night before. He sat up in his bed, looking up into the sky.
He looked at Kingdom Hearts, staring at its glow as the moonlight bathed his face. Normally, this sight was a comfort. But something about the events from the day before tainted it. He was not sure himself what was happening, but the thought of potential betrayal at the hands of another Nobody, another member of the Organization, put him in such disbelief. Was it really possible that someone in the Organization would try to get rid of them? And why?
Regardless, Xeros stood out of bed, getting dressed and putting these thoughts behind him. I need to find out who did this. I… need to protect the others. The thoughts, though disturbing, did not seem to shake him as much as the idea of losing the others. Before, this type of thinking was shunned, he would push it out of his mind. But after everything that he'd been through, he realized that even if he didn't believe he could share such bonds with the others, he believed in those who he had chosen to believe in.
He left his room to find a surprising sight, as Scyrux was approaching, already up. Scyrux waved, though not as enthusiastically as usual, and with a somber smile on his face.
"Did you at least get some sleep?" Scyrux asked.
"I did," Xeros answered. "Seeing you up early like this makes me think I should be questioning you."
Scyrux gave a snort as he shrugged.
"Slept as well as anyone who went through what we did."
Xeros nodded his head, looking towards Varijex's room. But instead of heading that way, he decided he would go to Xaik's room first. I told her I'd check on her in the morning. I should keep my word.
Xeros began to approach Xaik's room as Scyrux came along. Even though he knew Xaik was strong, Xeros needed to be sure that she knew he was not going to abandon her in this confusing time.
He came up to her door, giving a quick knock. He heard no response so he knocked again, a bit louder this time. There was still no response, so he turned to Scyrux, who gave another noncommittal shrug. Xeros exhaled sharply through his nose as he attempted to open the door. He did so, slowly, as he looked into Xaik's room. Xaik was still fast asleep, and clearly was in need of it. She normally slept peacefully on her side, tucked into herself, but this time she was sprawled out face down.
Xeros walked in and saw a potion by her bed. Scyrux noticed it was still there, unopened from when he snuck in the night previous. She was asleep by the time he swung around, so he left it for her when she woke. Xeros moved by the bed, reaching out cautiously. He placed a hand on her shoulder, as Xaik jumped a bit. Xeros reeled his hand back as Xaik looked up to him, like a deer in headlights.
"I'm sorry," Xeros tried to sound comforting. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Xaik rubbed her eyes and sat up, sighing and groaning.
"It's okay," She said as she yawned. "You're fine, I'm just…"
Xaik saw Scyrux as he gave a little wave. Xaik looked up to Xeros, who picked up the potion and held it out to her.
"Here, drink."
Xaik took the potion in hand, popped the top and drank. Sleeping helped a bit, but the potion was definitely welcome. She instantly felt better as her pain subsided. She then placed the empty bottle down, as she looked at Xeros and Scyrux.
"Thank you," Xaik expressed as Xeros nodded his head.
"So, what's the plan?" Scyrux asked, curiously.
"We need to see how Varijex is doing," Xeros replied. "Then we will figure out what to do."
Xeros started heading for the door, as Scyrux started following. Xaik stayed in bed for a moment as the two noticed and looked at her. Xaik looked at them and gestured for them to continue.
"Go ahead, I'll… catch up." Xaik assured them.
Xeros looked to her, giving her his typical gaze before nodding and heading on his way. Scyrux nodded as well, with an awkward pursed lip and shut the door behind him.
Xaik put a hand on her forehead, rubbing her face as she then got out of bed. She was still very tired, as she expected them all to be. After everything that happened yesterday, she was not sure what would happen today. Would they bring this up to the Organization? Would they just act like this didn't happen and continue? That was unlikely, knowing that Varijex would definitely not keep his mouth shut.
Xaik wondered and hoped he was doing better, given that he was hurt defending her. Hurt because of her. His strength and tenacity kept him and her alive, and she thought about how grateful she should be to him. It was strange, since their relationship was tenuous at best. But to her, he was still part of the group. He was important, as they all were important to one another. He deserved as much thought as the others.
Xaik left her room, heading to Varijex's to meet with the rest of the group. The hallway echoed with her steps and something about the sound was louder than usual. Unsettling, in fact. As her boots clacked against the floor, there was this air about it that seemed wrong. A sensation began to rise in her, like the walls were closing in on her. As if things were becoming cramped, threatening to crush her with the weight of it all. She pushed those thoughts aside and walked to the door to Varijex's room.
It was already open, so she entered to see Varijex sitting at the edge of his bed, hands gripping the side tightly. Xeros was standing near Varijex's bed and Scyrux was leaning against his desk. They all turned to her as Varijex scoffed.
"Took you long enough." Varijex's typical growl was muted, which was strange to hear.
"I'm sorry… but-" Xaik let out before stalling.
Varijex looked at her with a furrowed brow as Xaik let out a sigh.
"Thank you for saving me."
Varijex let out a chuckle, as he shook his head.
"I'm sure it won't be the last time I do." He surmised.
"Well, now that we're all here," Xeros interjected. "I think we need to discuss our next move."
"What next move?" Varijex questioned. "What are you talking about?"
"I was puzzling over what happened yesterday." Xeros commented, followed by another scoff from Varijex.
"When are you ever not puzzled?" Varijex remarked as he then got out of bed.
He walked over to the desk, gesturing to Scyrux to move aside as Scyrux obliged. He picked up the Elixir that Scyrux had left, pointing to Scyrux with a finger on the hand that was holding the bottle.
"Not a word."
Scyrux raised his hands, declaring innocence. Varijex popped the top off and chugged the whole thing, letting out a slightly disgusted noise before going back and sitting in his bed, leaving the bottle on the bed.
"So WHAT exactly were you doing your stupid over-analyzing-thing about?" Varijex regained his usual growl and volume after drinking the potion.
"I have already told my suspicions to Scyrux," Xeros answered Varijex as he looked to him and Xaik. "I think that whoever attacked us was a Nobody."
…a Nobody? Xaik was confused at Xeros's claim. Varijex looked just as stupefied as Xaik was on the inside, though he expressed it outwardly with a cocked brow and craned neck.
"You THINK it was a Nobody?" Varijex blurted.
"It's only suspicion," Xeros alleged. "I don't have solid evidence, but there are many signs that point to it."
"A Nobody… another member of the Organization?" Xaik inquired, nervously.
"Only someone who works for the Organization would know about our travels." Xeros said as they heard Varijex grunt.
They all turned to see him rocking back and forth, clutching his bed as he let out a chuckle.
"Oh, I bet you I have a GUESS as to who."
"You think you know?" Scyrux asked, drawing Varijex's eyes to him.
"There's ONE guy who has had it in for me since the DAY I was brought in," Varijex nodded his head. "Saïx."
The others began to ponder Varijex's statement, wondering if it had any merit. Given his history, it was easy to say he was biased. But Xaik seemed to agree within herself that Saïx was rather cold to them all, so it made some amount of sense. Xeros, on the other hand, knew that of all people, he was least suspicious of Saïx given Saïx's position in the Organization and loyalty to Xemnas. Attempting to get rid of them would only hurt the Organization's bottom line, and Saïx would not risk Xemnas's wrath. Varijex's thought did have some merit, and perhaps warranted a delicate approach in Xeros's opinion. After all, they had no clue who tried to get rid of them, it could have been anyone.
"It is possible, but I'm not so sure." Xeros replied.
Varijex then pointed a finger at Xeros, giving him an intense yet determined stare.
"You know better than ANYONE that I'm right about this."
"In any case," Xeros added. "We need to approach this carefully. As much as I understand, there are still many others we don't know about."
"Why would anyone ELSE have reason to get rid of us?" Varijex objected, so sure in his vendetta against Saïx.
"I am just asking for us to be cautious," Xeros pleaded. "We don't know who could be involved."
"What will we do, then?" Xaik expressed her concerns, as Xeros looked at her.
He placed his hand on his chin, thinking of what they should do. There was only one thing to do, it seemed, as Xeros then stopped his pondering and lowered his hand.
"I'm going to speak with Xemnas." Xeros proclaimed.
"You're going to talk to him…?" Xaik questioned.
"I don't know him well enough, but I do know one thing," Xeros began. "We're useful to him. To get rid of us would only slow progress down. That I can be sure of."
Xeros then walked closer to Xaik, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I'll clear everything up with him."
As Xeros tried to assure Xaik, Varijex stood up off his bed, looking to them. They turned to look back at Varijex as he spoke.
"You may handle Saïx, but I'm NOT leaving Xemnas to you." Varijex said, hardly determined.
"I'm not sure you're going to be conducive to this conversation-"
Varijex then walked over to Xeros, putting a finger to his chest. The tap of the leather was quite loud, so clearly he was poking at Xeros pretty hard.
"Xemnas doesn't just THINK I'm useful." Varijex continued, pushing his finger against Xeros. "He KNOWS. I'M going. Unless you want to FIGHT about it."
Xeros let out an exasperated "hm" as he then looked into Varijex's eyes. He knew this was important to Varijex as well, given his loyalties. He also knew that there was no stopping him from getting the chance to try to prove Saïx was a problem.
"All right," Xeros nodded. "We'll go."
Varijex started to make his way out as Xeros turned to the other two. Varijex watched as Xeros looked at Scyrux and Xaik, leaving him a bit perplexed.
"Varijex and I will handle this," Xeros affirmed. "You two, just rest and wait for us to return."
"NOT in there, though!" Varijex let out as he stepped out of the room.
The three looked at him with their own disgruntled looks, before looking back at each other. Xeros looked into Xaik's eyes as he gave a nod. Xaik returned it, watching Xeros turn and leave with Varijex to go talk with Xemnas. Xaik sighed as she left the room, deciding she should go wait somewhere where she could find some peace and solace. The sensation from before was rearing its ugly head and she needed a minute to think.
"Hey," Scyrux let out, following Xaik. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to go wait in Sorrow's Lectern."
"I'll come, too," Scyrux insisted. "If that's okay?"
Xaik nodded her head as the two began to make their way to Sorrow's Lectern.
As Xaik and Scyrux went their way, Xeros headed to find Xemnas with Varijex in tow. They maintained a silence that spoke volumes. Both determined to find out the truth, but with two different goals in mind. Xeros wanted to understand why anyone might try to get rid of them, whereas Varijex was bent on proving his theory and satisfying his quest against Saïx.
As they entered into the rest of the castle from their spire, they began to walk through the hallways with a slight caution. Xeros knew they had to go straight to Xemnas, any detours or run-ins with the other members might compromise his objective. Varijex, though normally brazen and without tact, was actually following Xeros's example. He knew his own reputation and to stomp around the castle might get the attention of others, in turn bringing Saïx to them and ruining his plan. So they made their way, stealthily through the castle.
The two knew that Xemnas would more than likely be at the tower known as the Altar of Naught, as it was closest to Kingdom Hearts. They had heard rumors that Xemnas would go up to "speak" to Kingdom Hearts, but never found reason to venture there until today. They made their way through the Hall of Empty Melodies, up Naught's Skyway, passing through Proof of Existence.
They stopped for a bit to note the similarities to Evident Desolation. Namely, the portal panels that seemed to lead to different areas. Of course, there were some that were red and the panels seemingly destroyed. They took note of all the panels and the numbers associated with them.
"This place is like Evident Desolation." Xeros commented.
"Our tower has its own version of this? That's WEIRD."
"If so, these lead to the other member's chambers." Xeros noted. "Quickly."
The two rushed out for fear of encountering any of the members coming from their portals and made their way up Naught's Approach. As they entered back into the castle, they found themselves entering Ruin and Creation's Passage. It was a strange area to see, as it was filled with various floating platforms. Xeros went to float his way to the next platform when suddenly, a group of red glowing cubes surrounded him.
"We've been caught!" Varijex yelled out, as Xeros turned to him.
Floating above them were two Nobodies that they knew to be Sorcerers. Surrounding them both with red cubes of energy, they kept them in place as Xeros looked at the Sorcerers. Many of the members had underlings, lesser Nobodies that would mimic the abilities of the stronger ones like the Organization members. These ones specifically were under the command of Xemnas.
"We wish to speak with Lord Xemnas." Xeros beckoned to the Sorcerers.
They turned their attention back to Xeros as their bodies pulsed and expanded. They seemed to turn to one another as one disappeared, both lifting their cubes away. The one that stayed behind floated lower to the ground, and began to go up the appearing trail that led between platforms. Xeros landed on the ground as he stood next to Varijex, giving him a cautious look. The two then began following the Sorcerer, making their way all the way up and out of Ruin and Creation's Passage.
Finally, they reached a curved staircase that overlooked all of the World That Never Was. They walked up to see the Altar of Naught where Xemnas was standing, faced away from them with Kingdom Hearts almost within reach. One of the Sorcerers was next to him as he then turned to see Xeros and Varijex being brought up. Xemnas nodded his head as the Sorcerer disappeared and as soon as the two were close enough, the other one left as well.
"I was told you were seeking an audience with me." Xemnas turned to face the two as they stood at attention. "What can I do for you?"
"Lord Xemnas," Xeros began, bowing his head for a moment. "We've come because Varijex, Scyrux, Xaik and myself were attacked yesterday."
"Attacked?" Xemnas inquired, tilting his head slightly.
"Yeah," Varijex let out, keeping his volume at respectable levels for once. "Someone came after us with Heartless in the Corridor we were traveling through."
"Do you know who would attack you?" Xemnas continued asking.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's-" Varijex started, before Xeros looked back at him, holding his arm out to stop him.
Xemnas took note of this, but waited as Xeros turned back to Xemnas and gave his own opinion.
"We know not who, but we have a suspicion it was a Nobody. Another member, perhaps."
With those words, Xeros expected some sort of reaction from Xemnas. Accusing another member of such treachery would warrant something, even in a person with no emotions. But what disturbed Xeros in that moment was Xemnas was still. Not in disbelief, just calm and collected as always. Xemnas gave a ponderous look, but Xeros had no clue what he was thinking.
"I see," Xemnas spoke, vaguely curious. "And you believe you know who it was, Varijex?"
"Yes, Lord Xemnas," Varijex pushed past Xeros to speak to Xemnas more directly. "I am pretty sure it was Saïx."
Xeros wanted to stop Varijex from being so blunt, but what began to trouble him even more is that even with Varijex's words, Xemnas was not fazed. Even an acknowledgment of Varijex's bias would have been welcome, but one of his more loyal subjects was accused of sabotage and nothing. Xemnas was known to be cool, it was not surprising to see him behave this way as he was probably the Nobodiest Nobody to ever not exist. But even still, Xemnas always showed some sort of passive effort, so this just gave Xeros the impression something was wrong.
"You say Saïx is the one who attempted to have you destroyed?" Xemnas asked, seemingly trying to piece something together.
Xeros began to wonder why Xemnas could seem as apathetic as he was. Such a plot was detrimental to the goals of the Organization. That is, unless… Xeros grew more concerned by the minute as the conversation continued.
"He's never liked us from the beginning, Lord Xemnas," Varijex responded. "And he was the one who assigned us the mission, so he would be-"
"What is the meaning of this?"
Varijex's eyes widened as he and Xeros turned to see Saïx had appeared behind them. Varijex took a defensive stance as Saïx walked past them and stood between them and Xemnas.
"Explain yourselves, Numbers Fifteen and Sixteen. What are the two of you doing here?" Saïx growled.
Something about his tone was off, Xeros noticed. He was clearly upset by them being here, but it wasn't just about seeing Xemnas. It was as if he was surprised they were there at all. He began to wonder if what Varijex said was right, but more frighteningly, if Saïx was not the only one involved to begin with as Xemnas spoke up.
"Saïx," Xemnas called his attention. "We will have words. Wait for me Where Nothing Gathers."
Saix looked at Xemnas, stoically, but clearly confused.
"Lord Xemnas?"
Xemnas glared at Saïx with his amber eyes and Saïx bowed his head. Saïx then held out his hand to summon a portal, walking toward it. He turned back to the two with a glare before walking through. Xemnas then turned back to the two.
"I will see to this," Xemnas assured. "Be not concerned and return to your quarters."
Xemnas then held out his own hand, summoning another corridor. He walked over to it, turning back once more and looking at the two. Xeros looked directly into Xemnas's eyes as Xemnas gave one final word.
"You will be informed about this investigation as soon as it is… resolved."
With that, Xemnas stepped through. He's lying, Xeros couldn't help but think. Xemnas's lack of reaction, him taking Saïx aside to "discuss" something away from them; all of it was too suspicious. There is no way he wouldn't know about this, Xeros continued.
"The NERVE of Saïx," Varijex blurted out. "Coming here like AS IF he didn't JUST try to-"
"I don't like this." Xeros interrupted.
"Well, OBVIOUSLY, it's messed up!"
"No, I mean," Xeros sighed, quietly. "Could Xemnas really not know about this?"
"What, you're saying he KNEW about this?" Varijex scoffed. "Don't be RIDICULOUS."
"You believe that our leader would be so blind?" Xeros retorted. "Either he's less competent than we both believe, or he knows more than he lets on."
Varijex rolled his eyes and groaned as he stopped to think. He fully believed it was Saïx's idea, but it did not sit right that Xemnas would just take him to talk without them. Varijex crossed his arms and then turned his attention back to Xeros.
"I don't believe Xemnas is part of this," Varijex argued. "But it is unfair that we have to just sit here while SAÏX gets the chance to WORM his way out. Let's go in there and PROVE it was him!"
"I don't think that approach will go over well since Xemnas told us to leave," Xeros insisted. "Let's go in and just listen, for now."
Varijex rolled his whole head as he groaned louder.
"FINE, we'll do it your way."
Xeros then held out his hand to summon a portal. He walked into the darkness, Varijex behind him. They appeared in Where Nothing Gathers, also known as the Round Room. They made the portal appear behind one of the thrones, so as to remain concealed as they began to listen in.
Xemnas had sat atop his throne, Saïx on his respective throne. They had started their conversation, but we're not too far in.
"They informed me that they were attacked on the way to their destination." Xemnas spoke. "Would you know how such a thing could have happened?"
"I assure you, Lord Xemnas, I was not aware of such a thing." Saïx explained. "In fact, I was convinced they had lost their way or abandoned their responsibilities when they didn't report back."
Xemnas gave Saïx a stern, yet curious look.
"I was also told by Varijex that he believes you to be the culprit."
"Number Fifteen's incessant behavior spawns unreasonable thoughts." Saïx proclaimed. "I'm sure he is convinced everything is my doing."
"[Because you DID!]" Varijex whispered, aggressively.
Xeros put a finger to his lips to Varijex, as Varijex grimaced. They then resumed listening.
"You claim innocence, then?" Xemnas asked.
"Yes, Lord Xemnas."
Xemnas remained quiet for a bit, before looking away from Saïx, unamused.
"How easy it is for a Nobody to lie."
"But Lord Xemnas, I would-"
"Lacking a heart can make someone quite unpredictable," Xemnas started. "This is why I ensure that I keep an eye on all of our members so carefully."
So, he did know, but it seems he wasn't part of it? Xeros thought to himself as Xemnas continued.
"But my eyes were blind for a time. Blind for the first time you tried to take matters into your own hands."
"What exactly are you saying?" Saïx asked, with a hint of a nervous tone.
"The girl. Number Eighteen," Xemnas leaned over, looking at Saïx. "When she was born, we sensed it. But when I sent out for someone to reach her, she was not where she was supposed to be. She was here, in our world."
Xemnas then pointed at Saïx with a finger, making Saïx reel back a bit in his chair.
"You brought her here, hoping she would be lost in the Dark City."
That was Saïx? Xeros thought to himself. Varijex was even appalled at the thought.
"You attempted to sabotage her arrival, just as you tried to sabotage them all." Xemnas accused. "Even though they've proven so useful-"
"They're becoming a problem, Lord Xemnas." Saïx defended.
Xemnas was surprised, but nevertheless, would allow Saïx to speak.
"You sound so certain." Xemnas replied.
"I, too, have been watching them closely," Saïx argued his case, much to Xeros and Varijex's dismay. "Though they were capable fighters, they've begun to falter."
"[Since WHEN?!]" Varijex whispered, angrily.
"Number Eighteen has become a detrimental influence to the others," Saïx continued. "I observed them when they entered the Realm of Darkness. They all were quick to defend her from the Heartless, rather than escaping. And this isn't the first time she's proven to be a hindrance."
Xemnas began to listen more attentively, considering Saïx's words. It was taking a lot for Xeros and Varijex not to speak out, but they couldn't risk being outed right now. To speak against Saïx would only prove his point.
"When faced with a Heartless threat more fit for harvesting, she chose to destroy it to save Number Fifteen," Saïx added, annoying Varijex by reminding him of that mission. "When I reprimanded her, she spoke against me."
"And you believe this to be troubling?" Xemnas asked.
"As a Nobody, her will is strong," Saïx said, trying his best to convince Xemnas. "As such, it can only be assumed that she could pose a threat to our goals. Her potential for defiance, as well as rousing the others to her, could create another coup like Castle Oblivion."
Suddenly Varijex remembered that earlier on, in his days starting out, he had heard about other members being lost in an incident. He always wondered why there were many missing and now he knew why. He went back to listening.
"I see," Xemnas pondered for a moment, letting out a deep "hm". "My own observations of her are quite concerning."
Xeros froze as he started to realize that Xemnas, though not having taken part in the attack, was starting to consider getting rid of Xaik.
"Then we are in agreement? Number Eighteen is too problematic to continue working with us."
"Though I do not wish to waste the potential," Xemnas mused. "I believe it would be best to bring her in for judgment. And if she does not fall in line, then she will be turned into a Dusk."
With those words, Xeros went into a panic. He's willing to turn her into a Dusk over a small suspicion? His thoughts raced. He doesn't care about all the work we've done for him. We're expendable. Xeros turned and summoned a portal, as he looked at Varijex, noticing his expression.
There was something going on in Varijex's head, but Xeros was not sure what it was. It was not the look of someone who was thinking the same as him. It was almost… conflicted. He assumed it was because of Varijex's loyalty to Xemnas that put him in disbelief. Xeros would have to deal with that, but they needed to get out, first.
Xeros gestured to Varijex to follow, as Varijex saw Xeros leave. Varijex rushed out as the two entered the corridor. Within the corridor, Xeros rushed to the other side, but Varijex stopped. Xeros noticed that Varijex wasn't behind him, so he ran over to drag him.
"Come on, we don't have time!" Xeros pleaded. "We need to get to Xaik and get out of here!"
Varijex then looked up to Xeros, with a stare that Xeros had never seen on Varijex's face before. The closest Xeros could think to describe it would be… his own face on Varijex's head.
"…why?" Varijex uttered, to Xeros's shock.
"Because they're going to turn her into a Dusk! We can't let that happen!"
"That's not our problem." Varijex spoke with an uncharacteristic tone in his voice, which did not help settle Xeros down at all.
"What are you talking about, Varijex?" Xeros questioned. "If they intend to turn Xaik into a Dusk, that means we're all at risk!"
"Not if we stand up for ourselves," Varijex debated. "Listen, we've come so far, gained so much. Do we really want to let it all go for her?"
"Why wouldn't we?" Xeros exclaimed. "Xaik believes in us. But Xemnas clearly does not. How can we trust him- any of them- when they're willing to do this to one of our own?"
"Xemnas wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't do that to us," Varijex contested. "You and I are not like her, we know better!"
"You're not listening to me!" Xeros blurted out. "We all need to leave, right now!"
Xeros turned to go, but Varijex grabbed his arm. Xeros turned back to see Varijex giving him an intense stare.
"Xeros, you're not THINKING straight-!"
"I understand this crisis has you confused, but we do not have time!" Xeros pulled away from Varijex's grasp. "Just meet us in Twilight Town and we'll figure it out from there- together!"
Xeros then rushed out of the corridor, leaving Varijex alone. Varijex looked to the hand that reached out to Xeros as his fist clenched tight. The leather screeched in his shaking hand as a single tear fell down his face and his teeth ground together.
Meanwhile, in Sorrow's Lectern, Xaik and Scyrux were unaware of the danger they were in. Xaik sat atop the Nobody symbol-shaped stage, looking toward Scyrux sitting on the stands. She marveled at this amphitheater, looking at the various balconies that lined the walls, then looked ahead of herself out the window. She could vaguely see Kingdom Hearts in the sky, as Scyrux was laying back.
I wonder what's taking them so long. Xaik couldn't help but ponder. I hope everything is alright… Xaik grew uncomfortable waiting for Xeros and Varijex to return. She didn't like not knowing what was happening, especially with a situation like this. It was one thing to not be informed of her duties, it was another to not know if someone was attempting to end your life. She rubbed her fingers on the pale stage, kicking her feet as they hung over the side.
Scyrux noticed Xaik's anxiousness, unsure of what was going on with her. Though he wasn't sure what was happening either, it didn't faze him too much. He didn't know what was happening, so what could he really do? He sat up, letting out an exasperated moan that echoed against the walls.
"You know, this place is nice," Scyrux tried breaking the silence. "I mean, the acoustics are pretty cool, huh? Does it help with your magic to-?"
"Scyrux," Xaik's voice, though quiet, echoed nicely enough for Scyrux to hear better. "Please don't…"
"Don't what?"
Xaik looked at Scyrux with slightly stern, yet desperate eyes.
"Right now…" Xaik sighed. "…is not the time for you to put up that facade."
"I, uh-" Scyrux was at a loss for words, before he let out a sigh. "...you're right."
Scyrux sat up, looking at Xaik in the face.
"I don't really have a lot at stake with all of this, you know?" He sighed. "But it doesn't mean you don't. I'm sorry."
Xaik nodded her head, giving a slight smile.
"Thank you."
A little more time passed as suddenly a corridor appeared in the middle of the room. The two looked at it, as they saw Xeros enter in, looking troubled. That's not a good sign, Xaik realized.
"We need to leave, now." Xeros let out as the portal behind him shut.
"Xeros," Xaik uttered, desperately. "What's going on…?"
Xeros walked over to Xaik, putting his hands on her shoulders. Xaik expected a flushing in her cheeks, but something about Xeros's eyes haunted her.
"It's not safe here," Xeros stated. "I'll tell you once we've left this world."
"Okaaay, starting to sound serious," Scyrux remarked as he got up. "Let's get going, shall we?"
Xeros turned back to Scyrux, giving him a nod. Xeros let go of Xaik as he held out his hand and summoned a portal. He gestured Scyrux in, Scyrux looking up at him before waking through. He could tell, even without magic, that Xeros was in turmoil. He stepped through as Xeros turned to Xaik, guiding her in.
Before Xaik entered, she took one last look out the window to Kingdom Hearts, not realizing that this would be the last time she would see it from this perspective again. The sensation within her from before had come again, completely overwhelming her. The sensation reminded her of the memory of a particularly bad feeling she had when she could still feel. Dread.
She entered the portal as Xeros went in behind her. The three of them entered, transporting to Twilight Town. Xaik looked to her surroundings. They had come to the Train Station. The clock tower stood tall over them. Xaik looked up to it, thinking of her history here. If she could feel, it certainly would be sad to know now all that had happened here. But this was not the time, as Xeros looked around, seemingly searching.
Xaik looked to see Xeros overlooking the town, Scyrux looking concerned.
"So, what's going on, Xeros?" Scyrux asked. "Why did we have to leave?"
"We discovered Saïx was the culprit," Xeros replied, still looking to the horizon. "He admitted his intentions and managed to convince Xemnas that Xaik is a liability. They intend to turn her into a Dusk."
What?! Xaik was shocked. She knew Saïx had some sort of grudge, but she never thought he would take it this far.
"Why…?" Xaik murmured, before speaking up. "Why me?"
"Saïx believes your will to be problematic towards their goals," Xeros turned to Xaik. "It doesn't matter. If he intends on demoting you, I won't allow it."
Xaik noticed a sensation within her stemming from Xeros's words. Somewhere inside her, she could swear she could be touched by Xeros's words. She reached out, grabbing his arm, as he looked to her hand and then back into her eyes. He was in awe at her big, blue eyes crying out to him, both desperately for safety and in gratitude.
"Thank you, Xeros."
Xeros gave a reassuring nod, as Scyrux noticed the exchange. He smiled as he approached Xaik, putting a hand on her shoulder. Xaik looked at him, as his smile grew bigger.
"I'm with Xeros," Scyrux proclaimed. "We won't let them take you."
Xaik shared the smile with Scyrux, as she placed her hand on his shoulder as well.
"So… where do we go from here?" Xaik asked, releasing her grasp on the two.
"Given our stance, I'm sure the Organization will demote us all," Xeros speculated. "We need to come up with a plan."
"Okay," Scyrux said, placing his hands on his hips. "What're we waiting for?"
"Varijex, actually." Xeros answered Scyrux's rhetorical question.
"What happened to him?" Xaik inquired.
"He was with me, but hearing the exchange between Xemnas and Saïx shook him," Xeros stated, which was surprising to hear for Xaik. "I told him to meet us here, so we should wait for him."
"Should we look for him, then?" Scyrux let out.
"Don't BOTHER." A voice came from above.
The three looked up to see a figure standing atop the clock tower. The figure jumped down, landing in front of them. It was a sight to behold - a jump from that height, and landed so well. Varijex had appeared, descended from above them. Xeros looked in relief, but he noticed Varijex's face was strange. He wasn't looking at Xeros with the typical indifferent or furious face. The expression on Varijex's face looked almost genuinely resentful.
"Varijex, glad you made it out." Scyrux cheered, only to be met with daggers from Varijex.
"SHUT UP." Varijex barked, startling everyone.
"Varijex, what is-"
Before Xeros could finish his sentence, Varijex turned back to him. He held his hand out, summoning his sword to point it at Xeros. The three were completely lost as to what Varijex was doing.
"Of all the STUPID," Varijex began ranting. "INEXCUSABLE, and EGREGIOUS things you could have EVER done…"
Varijex paused, his breathing beginning to increase in speed. Xaik watched the fury in his eyes, never having seen such a terrifying face on him before. Xeros was confused, unsure of what Varijex could be going on about.
"…this HAS to be THE LITERAL WORST choice you could MAKE!"
"Varijex, listen to me. We can't trust Xemnas-" Xeros tried to get out, before being interrupted.
"NO," Varijex yelled. "This isn't ABOUT Xemnas. This is about YOU, not BELIEVING in ME!"
"That's not true," Xeros retorted. "You're smarter than that. If Xemnas is willing to sacrifice one of us like that, you don't think he'd do the same to me? To you?"
Varijex growled loudly, swinging his sword down and pointing with his other hand.
"He WOULDN'T! Not if you JUST FOLLOW the PLAN!"
"And what plan is that, Varijex?" Xeros snapped back. "Give Xaik up so we can have a chance to not suffer the same fate?"
"I DON'T understand WHY you're so determined to DEFEND HER!"
Tired of this back and forth, Xaik decided to speak up.
"What is going on with you, Varijex?" Xaik let out. "Xeros is your friend, why won't you believe him?"
Varijex's gaze crept to the side as his eyes went wide, focusing on Xaik. His stare was uncomfortable, as he pointed his sword to her with his mouth agape.
"YOU," Varijex bellowed."This is ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Varijex began to move in on Xaik, as she backed away. Is he really-? Before Varijex could get too close, a red blade appeared in front of Xaik, between the two. Varijex looked to see Xeros had summoned Verechelen, blocking him from Xaik. Xeros's eyes had become intense, realizing the severity of the situation.
"Back off." Xeros asserted.
"What did I TELL you?" Varijex gave a menacing chuckle. "You LET HER get to YOU!"
"I don't understand!" Xaik exclaimed from behind Xeros. "What is your problem with me?!"
"EVERYTHING!" Varijex screamed. "EVERYTHING is YOUR FAULT! YOU'RE the REASON I AM what I am NOW! You just HAD to RUIN THIS, TOO!"
I'm the reason…? Ruin…? Xeros stood between the two, but he cautiously looked back at Xaik for a moment, to see if she understood what Varijex was talking about. But all he saw was the face of someone who was completely lost. What…?
"What do you mean?" Xaik asked, hesitantly.
Varijex let out a sarcastic laugh as he threw his arms up, annoyed.
"Oh, WHAT? You STILL don't REMEMBER, do you?! How could YOU?! It's NOT LIKE it MATTERS, HUH?!"
"Remember what?! What are you talking about?!" Xaik cried out.
"YOU ARE THE REASON I FELL TO DARKNESS!"
The three stood confused at Varijex's claim. Xeros wasn't sure how this could be, given Varijex claimed he didn't remember his past. He… told me… Xeros realized. He… lied? While Xeros began to think about how Varijex had deceived him, Xaik was still lost at Varijex stating her involvement with his fall.
"What… do you mean?" Xaik questioned.
"WOW," Varijex's shoulders slumped. "It's like I HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT!"
Varijex then flicked his wrist as suddenly a black pool appeared on the floor next to him. Xaik looked, as the other two turned their attention to whatever Varijex seemed to summon. From the pool, a figure began to rise. As it stood up fully, Xaik's eyes widened as her body froze.
No… it can't be… Xaik froze, as she recalled her dream and her experience in the Realm of Darkness. This is… The figure, a black humanoid shape with clawed hands, looked to the three Nobodies as it turned to look at Xaik, specifically. Varijex had summoned the Heartless from her memories; the Heartless that stole her heart. Xaik shuddered at the sight, as Xeros and Scyrux took defensive positions. Scyrux noticed Xaik's apparent panic, reaching out to her.
"Xaik, what's wrong?" Scyrux asked, concerned.
"That's… that's the-"
"THIS is what YOU DID TO ME!" Varijex interrupted. "This is MY Heartless! My HEART was CONSUMED BY DARKNESS, because of YOU!"
Xaik couldn't handle all of what was being told to her. She managed one last sentence, as her body and mind began to spiral.
"That's the Heartless that stole my heart."
Xeros and Scyrux looked at her as they saw her eyes go dull. Even Varijex was stunned by the revelation that his Heartless was to blame for her becoming a Nobody. Xaik was motionless, as suddenly everything began to fall into place.
A lone boy sitting in the back of a train car.
His face, I can see it now.
I didn't understand before…
…But I do now.
"My name's *****, by the way."
Varijex…
…Varije…
Suddenly, Xaik noticed a tingling sensation in her mind. It grew, threatening to overwhelm her. She gripped her head, as Xeros noticed and grew concerned. Scyrux rushed over to her side, as he took a look at her energy. The tangle that had slowly been unraveling was now returning to form. Xaik didn't speak as all of her memories of the Varijex from her past began to flood back.
Every memory of him suddenly clicked into place. His face occupied its proper place on his head in her past. She saw his face, with every scene. On the train when they met. In the Sandlot watching the Struggle practice together. And at the beach… where they spent time before he left her. Xaik looked at Varijex, with tears in her eyes. Varijex could see the agony behind her eyes, and he knew that she finally remembered.
"Ja… Javier…?" Xaik let out, meekly.
Varijex reeled as he then pointed his sword at her once more, beyond furious.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT NAME!" Varijex roared. "I ABANDONED THAT NAME, JUST LIKE I ABANDONED MY PAST!"
Varijex lunged out at Xaik, threatening to strike. But before he could come close, Xeros jumped in the way and blocked the attack. Varijex gritted his teeth, as Xeros looked at Varijex with something he had never before, fury. Xeros pushed Varijex back, as Varijex saw Xeros and Scyrux stand in the way, weapons in hand.
"I won't let you hurt her!" Xeros yelled.
"I'D like to SEE you STOP ME!" Varijex then looked to his Heartless, as it was merely standing there. "GET HER!"
Varijex's Heartless then turned toward Xaik, as it slammed its hands into the ground. It began to run at her on all fours as her eyes went wide again. Xeros and Scyrux braced to destroy the Heartless, unaware that Varijex had moved to flank them. They realized it too late as Varijex summoned a magnet orb, pushing the two out of the way with Xeros's own staff.
Now wide open, the Heartless leaped at Xaik. She put her arms up, as she was tackled and taken over the edge of the railing overlooking Twilight Town.
"Xaik!" Xeros called out as he flipped over the staff pushing him.
He let it go as it pinned Scyrux to the wall. Xeros used his magic to fall to Xaik, reaching for her. Xaik reached out as Xeros's hand almost grabbed hers. Suddenly, Xeros felt himself get caught by the foot, helplessly watching Xaik be dragged away by the Heartless. He turned to see Varijex had grabbed him by the leg.
"You FORGOT rule number ONE!" Varijex reminded Xeros, before pulling him back.
He spun and threw him into the glass entrance of the Train Station. As Varijex went to continue fighting Xeros, he felt a tug on his sword. He looked to see Scyrux had wrapped his whip around it, looking rather intense compared to his usual disposition.
"You SURE you want to do this, RUNT?!" Varijex barked. "You AND I both know you're not NEARLY STRONG ENOUGH to beat me!"
"I don't want to fight you!" Scyrux hollered. "But I won't let you hurt our friends!"
Varijex snarled as he then yanked with his sword, bringing Scyrux closer to him. Scyrux planted his feet, trying his best to fight as Varijex grabbed hold of the whip to pull him in. Scyrux slid against the ground, dust kicking up as he pulled away as hard as he could. He knew Varijex was strong, but he never quite understood until this moment.
"Would you SHUT UP with all this talk about FRIENDS?!" Varijex snapped at him. "I DON'T NEED FRIENDS!"
Varijex kept pulling as Scyrux's eyes began to glow. A yellow bolt traveled from his hand through the whip. Varijex noticed and gave one strong tug as Scyrux lost concentration and was pulled toward Varijex. Varijex attempted to slash at Scyrux, but Scyrux tucked and rolled out of the way. He landed behind Varijex as he ran back, pulling on his sword once more.
"I know!" Scyrux yelled back, exasperated. "I've known about all the lies you tell yourself, ever since I joined the Organization."
Scyrux let his shoulders droop, as he became thoughtful and his expression turned to regret.
"I never said anything because I thought we were alike."
Scyrux's lament and apparent regret was sickening to Varijex, as he growled before retorting.
"We are NOTHING ALIKE!" Varijex snarled.
"I see that now!" Scyrux agreed. "Because I started to think more about what I wanted- And I definitely wouldn't have wanted this!"
"WOULD you JUST give it up, you MORON?!"
"I've done enough giving up!" Scyrux yelled. "Maybe it's time I do something about you!"
Scyrux began to glow all over as his eyes flashed. He let out more energy as he tried to transfer it through his whip. To his surprise, Scyrux watched as Varijex released his sword and rushed at him. He pulled his whip off the sword and tried to bring it back before Varijex could make it to him. Varijex was too fast, as he grabbed Scyrux by the collar and ran him into one of the support pillars of the Train Station.
Scyrux let out a gasp of pain as his back slammed into the stone. Varijex dropped him as Scyrux fell to his knees. Varijex then kicked Scyrux down the steps, calling to his sword as Scyrux rolled down the stairs. He fell down onto his stomach, finding it difficult to get up. Varijex stepped down the stairs, clutching Solderdraw tight.
"I TOLD you," Varijex growled. "You AREN'T strong enough!"
Varijex brought his sword up to deliver the final blow, but suddenly noticed a strange force pulling him backwards. It felt like the world was suddenly tipping to its side as he began to fall down into the Train Station. He stabbed his sword into the ground, keeping him from falling into the hole that he created with Xeros. He looked down as he saw Xeros lunge at him, grabbing Varijex's foot with slightly deranged eyes.
"You never listen, do you?" Xeros said. "I didn't forget."
Xeros then yanked as hard as he could, causing Varijex's sword to come out of the ground. Varijex fell into the Train Station screaming as Xeros heard the eventual THUD of Varijex landing. Xeros rushed over to Scyrux's side as he knelt beside him.
"Are you alright?" Xeros asked, looking Scyrux up and down.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I just-" Scyrux inhaled sharply through his teeth. "I need a minute."
"NNNGGGGAAAAAHHHH!"
Xeros turned to hear the familiar yelling coming from inside the Train Station. He stood up, holding his hand out to call to Verechelen. It disappeared from the ground where it had originally been thrown by Varijex and into Xeros's hand. Xeros began to float, taking a stance ready to fight. He watched the entrance, hearing the panting echoing from inside as well as glass crunching under the stomping.
Varijex stepped into the twilight once more, as he pointed to Xeros with his sword.
"Did you THINK this was OVER?!"
"I know better," Xeros asserted. "This time, I'll make sure it's over!"
Xeros fell toward Varijex as they clashed weapons, staring at each other - not with their usual playful energy, but with a turbulent air between them.
As the two rivals continued their battle, Xaik was taken downtown of Twilight Town. She tried to fight off as the Heartless held her in its grasp, claws holding her arms. They neared the ground as Xaik realized she would soon hit, turning herself. Both of them hit the ground on their sides, bouncing a bit as Xaik rolled down the street. The Heartless rolled down with her, as they eventually stopped in the Tram Common.
The people were startled to see them both suddenly appear, as many looked to see what the commotion was. Xaik rolled over, climbing onto all fours as her whole body ached. She looked to see the Heartless also getting up, staring at her with its horrid, yellow eyes. The people began to panic, realizing what the creature was.
"A monster!" One person yelled.
"Run!" Another screamed.
The civilians began to scatter, running away from the Heartless as it looked around at all of the people, frightened by its presence. It looked at Xaik as she was stunned once again. Being faced with the Heartless that stole her heart struck her body with the memory of that fear, paralyzing her. No, no… Xaik freaked out. Not like this! Why did it have to be this Heartless?!
But much to her surprise, the Heartless turned its attention away from Xaik. As the crowds of people cleared, a lone little girl with pink hair stood terrified. She shuddered and began to cry as the Heartless's head tilted and it slowly approached her. The girl's mother, who was unable to fight through the panic-stricken crowd, cried out.
"No!" She yelled. "My daughter! Please!"
Xaik watched in horror as the Heartless crept up to the girl as she was frozen. Wait, no! Xaik realized that though the Heartless was sent after her, it was distracted by other prey - a human with a heart. It drew ever closer to the little girl, as Xaik tried to get up. Come on! Xaik pleaded with her body. Move! Do something!
The Heartless loomed over the little girl as she could only weep quietly. It reached out with its claws, almost touching the girl's chest.
"NO!" A voice boomed, followed by a large hammer striking the Heartless's hand away from the girl.
The Heartless turned toward Xaik to see her with her arm outstretched. Her body was vibrating intensely as her eyes were filled with rage.
"It's me you're after!" Xaik's voice alternated frequencies as she spoke.
The Heartless turned its attention back to Xaik as the mother grabbed her child and ran away. Xaik held out her hand, calling her hammer back to her. The Heartless then rushed at her as her hammer returned to her hand and she swung at it. The Heartless narrowly dodged the hit, jumping over her. She turned and swung at it in the air, but missed again as it landed a little ways away from her. It then turned and went in for another attack.
As it leaped out, Xaik charged up her hammer. She swung, shooting a sonic blast from it. The Heartless was pushed back, launched into the wall of a nearby shop. It smacked against the wall, sliding down onto its knees. Xaik spun and threw her hammer in an attempt to finish it off as the Heartless watched the hammer flying straight at it.
Just as it was about to hit, another object flew through the air, knocking the Xaik's hammer out of the air. Xaik was shocked as she saw her hammer fall to the ground, but more shocking was seeing that the thing that stopped her hammer was another hammer. She turned to her left where it had come from and the thing that she saw completely stunned her.
A much smaller Heartless, no bigger than a Soldier, stood nearby. It held out its hands as the hammer it threw returned to it. Xaik took in the features of the Heartless. It appeared feminine, wearing a purple and pink dress with the Heartless Emblem on its chest. The hammer was purple and red, also crested with the Heartless Emblem, much like Sonic Oscillation had the Nobody insignia on it. It had markings on its face that resembled sad eyebrows and blush, and pink hair.
It… it can't be… Xaik realized as she stared that what she was looking at was, in fact, her own Heartless. It made sense that, since her heart was taken by the Heartless, it would create its own Heartless. She called to her hammer as she watched her Heartless go toward Varijex's. It stood between her and Varijex's Heartless as the latter stood back up. But this time, it wasn't standing so ferally - it began to stand more like a man rather than a beast. It then summoned a dark sword to its hand as it took a fighting stance, left hand extended and holding the sword backwards, similar to Varijex himself.
Both Heartless moved in to attack as Xaik raised her guard. She did her best to defend from the attacks, but was slowly being overwhelmed. Varijex's Heartless was attacking her with similar techniques to Varijex, but a bit more refined and less ferocious. Her own Heartless was merely swinging its hammer back and forth from below. The combined high and low onslaught was difficult to counter, and soon Xaik found herself slashed in the arm.
As she yelled in pain, she dropped her lower guard and her Heartless struck her in the legs, bringing her down to her knees. Varijex's Heartless tried to slash down as Xaik managed to raise her guard up. But her Heartless bashed her while she was wide open, knocking Xaik back. Xaik flew back, slamming against a wall as she fell to the ground, dropping her hammer. Varijex and her Heartless approached Xaik. They seemed ready to finish the fight.
Xaik thought of what to do, as she was seemingly no match for the two. There was an irony that Xaik found, being destroyed by her own Heartless as well as the Heartless of Varijex- or rather, Javier. It was also interesting how their Heartlesses somehow managed to work so well together, given how poorly her and Varijex got along.
And that thought, that realization, suddenly sparked a fire within her. Her body began to tremble as the magic within her began to build up. The Heartless both stopped, noticing something strange happening, as the ground was shaking. Xaik slowly started getting up, as she picked up her hammer.
He left me… Xaik remembered the feeling she had before. But this time, something new surfaced, a sensation unlike any other. …he chose to push me away. She then looked at the two Heartless in front of her. She focused initially on Javier's Heartless. He didn't open up to me and was consumed by darkness… and that darkness… Then turned to her own. …It stole my heart… my life from me! The ground shook violently enough underneath her feet for the Heartless to begin to vibrate a bit. The air became erratic as all sounds became distorted.
He left me.
He shut me out.
He put me down, turned his back on me and hurt me.
He hurt me! When all I wanted was to be there for him!
He thinks he can just cast me aside, again?! After everything we've been through?!
NO! NOT AGAIN!
I-
-WON'T-
-LET HIM!
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Having built up all this magical energy, Xaik let out a mighty roar, expelling it as a sonic wave that blasted the two Heartless back. The yell drowned out all sound as she then swung her hammer and sent another sonic blast. Her Heartless attempted to block the blow, but was launched into the air. She then rushed in as Javier's Heartless tried to put its guard up.
Xaik jumped up, smashing downward as she impacted with the sword, shattering it instantly. The Heartless, now defenseless, could only watch as Xaik followed through, hitting it directly on its head. Its head went down as Xaik smashed its head between her hammer and the ground, turning it into black smoke. The rest of the body then poofed into smoke before dissipating. Xaik panted as she stared at her hammer, embedded in the ground. She lifted it up, looking to see that her Heartless was on the ground.
She walked over to it as it was trying to get up. As she stood over it, the Heartless looked up to her with its false sad expression. It reached for her coat, grabbing it. Xaik looked into its yellow eyes as it gripped on her coat. She looked at it, lamenting the loss of her heart, as well as the fact that she would not be able to release it from this Heartless. It would most likely just reform into a new Heartless, but it didn't matter. Xaik would not let those memories continue to haunt her, not when there was so much at stake now.
Xaik lifted her hammer up, giving her Heartless one last look.
"I'm done worrying about my past."
Xaik brought her hammer down, destroying the Heartless in a cloud of black smoke. Xaik watched the heart appear from the Heartless before it flew up into the air, disappearing in the sky. Xaik watched her heart go as a tear fell down her cheek. She wiped it as she sighed, before her eyes turned to determination and she looked back up towards the clock tower. She then ran back up the hill, making her way back to the Train Station.
While Xaik had battled with her Heartless, Xeros continued his battle with Varijex in the Train Station. The clanging of their weapons echoed against the brick and stone as they struck with such power behind every attack. It had always been intense between these two in battle, but this time the intensity was palpable, the weapons sparking with each clash.
At one point in the battle, the two were suddenly stopped when an ear piercing scream passed through the air. Both had to cover their ears, fearing extensive damage to their hearing with how loud it was. When the scream stopped, the two tried regaining their composure to fight again. That was when Xeros realized what that scream was. Xaik! He feared the worst, but would not have much time to think as Varijex rushed him again and he blocked the blow.
"Why do you HAVE to KEEP BEING so STUPID?!" Varijex snapped at Xeros. "I THOUGHT you UNDERSTOOD!"
"You expect me to understand?" Xeros retorted. "When you lied to me about what was most important?!"
They exchanged more strikes, but neither could land a hit.
"The PAST is NOT IMPORTANT! The goal is WHAT MATTERS!"
"The goal is a lie, too!" Xeros argued. "Xemnas does not believe in us! Why can't you see?!"
"And WHAT?!" Varijex pressed his sword forward, causing Xeros to kneel. "JUST because SHE BELIEVES otherwise, you're willing to THROW AWAY EVERYTHING?! ALL that I taught YOU?! ALL of OUR WORK?!"
Xeros then pushed up, turning the table and forcing Varijex down onto a knee. Varijex grew angrier at the persistence, which was a shame because normally this type of behavior was somewhat admired.
"I will always be grateful for everything you gave me," Xeros's voice was still aggressive, but laced with a somber tone. "I had nothing before you. We both needed your strength to survive, I know that."
Varijex's face became slightly less tense as he heard Xeros's words. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, not as enemies, until Xeros continued.
"But Xaik isn't like us. She chose me," Xeros began rambling, as he was prone to do when things were tense within him. "She wanted me as a friend without having to think of me as less than her to do it. I know I canbe more, now. Part of a true team, a trusted friend. In Xemnas's castle, the strong rule and the weak are expendable, and he will always be the strongest. Please, just give this up."
Xeros noticed a slight wavering of Varijex's resistance. Xeros looked as Varijex's head dropped. He looked, desperately wanting Varijex to finally come around and listen to reason. But what met him instead was a face fitting of his title, completely lost in madness.
"She chose me, once."
With those words, Varijex then punched Xeros in the stomach, slashing at him as his guard lowered. Xeros yelled in pain as Varijex grabbed him by the throat and threw him behind. Xeros landed on the ground. He groaned as he saw Varijex approaching, sword in the air, ready to strike Xeros down.
"And you're wrong about Xemnas. I WILL be the STRONGEST!"
Varijex tried to slash down, but suddenly he fell up. Once again, it seemed the gravity shifted as he landed on the ceiling. He saw that Xeros was glowing, but not his typical red-black aura. He was glowing bright as he then fell down toward Varijex, his blade pointed forward. Varijex rolled out of the way, but he found himself falling to the side this time.
Xeros shifted the gravity once more, following up with another strike. Varijex narrowly avoided the attack, getting clipped by Xeros's weapon as Xeros changed the gravity again, causing Varijex to fall onto the wall parallel to them. Xeros repeated his process, Varijex sustaining the damage until Xeros finally reverted the gravity to normal and Varijex yelled as he fell to the ground. Varijex groaned in pain, having suffered several falls in a row as well as some attacks from Xeros.
He looked up to see Xeros was descending upon him, blade pointed down. He could only watch as Xeros was going to defeat him. Xeros came down, with a sorrowful expression. As he headed toward Varijex, there was only one thought that came to mind.
Don't make me do this!
Varijex shut his eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain. But when nothing came, he looked to see Xeros was frozen in the air. His face was horrified, tears welling in his eyes. Varijex did not understand what was happening, but something had triggered within Xeros. Suddenly, his reality was shifting between two images - both of descending with a weapon in hand, about to end a brother.
He's down on the ground.
Why is this happening…?
(I don't understand…)
I see his eyes as I'm coming down, about to deliver the final blow.
…why did he make me do this…?
(…what is happening to me…?)
I see the terror in his eyes. He knows it's over.
…I don't want to do this…!
(…this is… familiar…)
(…is this…)
(…a memory?)
NO!
As Xeros recalled this tragic memory, suddenly he let out a yell as he could tell his mind was trying hard to wipe it.
FORGET! FORGET! FORGET!
(No, wait!)
I DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER!
(No, I can't lose myself now!)
WIPE IT FROM MY MEMORY!
(Xaik was screaming...)
WIPE IT ALL, REMEMBER NOTHING!
(Not again! I won't forget!)
Xeros fought against his mind, trying to keep it from resetting him as it had before. But even trying as much as he was, it still left him vulnerable. Varijex, having regained some of his strength, jumped up. He grabbed Xeros, who could not fight back since he was too busy trying not to forget everything. Varijex then threw Xeros down, hard.
Xeros slammed into the ground, letting out an agonized groan. He was breathing heavily, completely worn out from the battle and his memories returning. Varijex landed on the ground, looking to an injured Xeros, unable to move. Knowing how tenacious Xeros was, Varijex had to put an end to this fight before Xeros could manage to get back up. He looked behind him, seeing all of the trains parked.
Varijex gathered his remaining strength, vocalizing as he used his magnet power to lift one of the back train cars. He ripped it from its coupling and lifted it up. As he brought it overhead, the shadow loomed over Xeros, who could see the train above him. He was unable to do anything, however, as he was too weak and still unable to collect himself.
"You were WRONG, AGAIN!" Varijex roared. "I'M the one MAKING SURE this is OVER!"
Varijex went to crush Xeros with the train car, but a purple streak flew through the air, slamming into the train car. Varijex and Xeros were both stunned to see the train car first dent, then break in half from whatever crashed into it. Varijex looked up as he saw what had hit it. It was Xaik's hammer.
Varijex looked forward, seeing Xaik, enraged. Her entire body was vibrating immensely. He was surprised that he didn't notice until now, but he could feel tremors under his feet. He saw her looking at him with such intense, tearful eyes, the likes of which he never expected to see on her face.
"Varijex!" Her voice was once again switching frequencies.
Varijex covered his ears as the sound seemed to pierce his ears, specifically. He went to call to his sword, but before he could, Xaik's hammer returned to her hand as she swung it, sending a soundwave at him. It knocked him back as he tried planting his feet. Xaik then continued swinging, sending sonic waves at him, one after the other.
"You hurt me!" Xaik swung, knocking Varijex back. "You hurt me in the past, and you hurt me now!" Another sonic wave, pushing Varijex close to the wall. "But I won't… let you hurt them, anymore!"
The last swing sent a wave that threw Varijex into a wall. Varijex groaned as he fell forward, landing face down. Xaik walked over to see him down on the ground. She was panting, teeth gritted as she looked at him lying there. He tried getting up, but after everything, it was too much. He flopped, letting out one last groan as he seemed to lose consciousness.
Xaik calmed herself as the magic began to quell, the vibrations settling. She turned to see Xeros on the ground as she snapped out of her apparent rage.
"Xeros!" She called out as she rushed to his side.
She knelt next to him as he turned to her. There was a look of relief as he looked at her face.
"You're alright…" Xeros gave a slight smile.
"Yeah," Xaik said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm okay. I'm glad you are, too."
Xeros chuckled at Xaik's remark, thinking how funny that statement was. But even knowing the facts of her not being able to be glad, he found himself believing that she might really be glad if she thought she was. He went to sit up, but a sharp pain coursed through his body. He let out a pained exhale. Xaik tended to him, placing her hand gingerly on his chest.
"Don't move," Xaik pleaded. "I'll go to a shop and get some potions."
As she went to leave, she noticed a hand on her own. She was startled a bit as she looked and saw Xeros's hand was on hers. He was looking at her strangely as he took a deep breath. Xaik wasn't sure what the look was, as it was unusual to see any sort of expression on his face. But as far as she could tell, it was a good face.
"I'm grateful that you're safe," Xeros uttered. "And that you saved me."
Xaik let out a relieved sigh, sharing this moment with Xeros. The way he gripped her hand in his, she could feel the warmth of his touch. Xeros appreciated her touch on him, her gesture reminding him how much he mattered to her.
The two heard footsteps as Scyrux walked in, holding his shoulder. He saw them still alive and gave a chuckle, as he was glad they managed to win. He walked over as Xaik stood up, going to hug him. Scyrux let out an agonized moan as Xaik reeled.
"Sorry," Xaik apologized. "I didn't mean to…"
"Nah, it's fine, I just-" Scyrux stretched and rotated his shoulder, trying to ease the pain. "I just know I'm gonna feel that one in the morning."
Morning… Xaik thought about how there was still a lot to do. They managed to fend off Varijex, but their problems were far from over. For now, Xaik would focus on what was needed right then, leaving Xeros in Scyrux's care as she went to get potions. As she left, she saw Scyrux go to Varijex and check him before tying him up with his whip. Xaik noticed a sensation welling up within her, but now was not the time.
First, we recover. Then… then we deal with him.
