Chapter Six: The Aftermath
The Organization consist of strong willed individuals who each possess their own unique abilities and backstory. The leader of this organization is none other than Xemnas. He's known as The Superior of the In-Between, who also rules the World that Never Was, or the castle where fellow nobodies like him reside.
Xemnas wears the same uniform as everyone else. Under the hood, was yellow eyes with brown skin and white long hair that flowed past his broad shoulders. Out of anyone in the Organization, he was the one most consumed by darkness, and the one who told the other nobodies about Kingdom Hearts. What he desires with Kingdom Hearts remains unknown to others.
Currently Xemnas was making his way to the laboratory; for a status report from another organization member. Upon opening the door, he saw three teenagers on separate beds with all sorts of machine attached to them. A man with long dirty blonde hair approached Xemnas. He was the Chilly Academic who checked the teenager's condition.
"Vexen, any change with Roxas or Xion's condition?" asked Xemnas.
"No sir, it appears both are in a state of some sort of coma." Vexen reported back," However, that young lad named… Crona was it? Well, he appears to have a heart, and some sort of creature attached to him."
"Crona?" Xemnas' eyebrow rose," The child of Medusa Gorgon? Who brought him in?"
"Axel sir," Vexen responded immediately," He was the one who brought Crona in, as well as Roxas and Xion. He appeared while I was researching "black blood and the effects" and forced me to take care of them while he went off into some random world to "pick-up" Saix. "
"I see…" Xemnas hummed," has Axel or Saix returned yet?"
"Yes, they returned together some time ago," Vexen handed him stacks of paper," And here are the reports, you can read these when you are ready."
Xemnas eyed the several different titles of the reports, which was in alphabetical order. Each page was completely written in a small font and on front and back.
A Witch's abilities
Black Blood usage and effects
Current progress of Project 27
Darkness and Black Blood fusion
Difference of Souls and Hearts
Differences between Kishin and Heartless
Kishins and their similarities to Heartless
Knowledge of the Witch Association
Meisters and Weapons
Plasmology: Study of Souls
Power of Souls and Hearts
Soul Eater World: Possible Candidates
"Soul Resonances" and "Limit Breaks"
"Vexen, if you don't want to be turned into a dusk," Xemnas threatened," Summarize these papers, so I don't have to read them all."
"B-but Sir!" Vexen hesitated," Those ARE the summaries! I've done the best I can, I've been working nonstop for a whole week on these things! Even I deserve a rest every now and then."
"If you truly believe you deserve a vacation, I wager you this; Summarize all these reports in less than one page per report, then you will receive a vacation; if not, then you will not be joining the others with Project: Castle Oblivion."
"... I'll have the shortened summary of the reports handed to you before today ends." Vexen rubbed his temples, closing his baggy eyes, and sat down,"I still have much to do."
With that, Xemnas left the laboratory and back to his chambers. After a few moments came Axel, with more papers in his hands.
Great, another nuisance. Vexen internally grumbled.
"Number 8, what do you want? Can't you seem I'm very busy?" Vexen said checking on the machines," Or have you lost all common sense along with your heart?"
"Chill out Vexen," Axel placed a piece of paper on one of Vexen's many desks," Here's the report from Saix and me. It's got some pretty juicy stuff here; might even make your "Summary Reports" go by faster with this information."
"How did you hear about that?!" Vexen turned around.
"With my ears of course," Axel grinned," So how's their condition?"
"Hmph," Vexen turned back to the machines,"They're in a state of coma, can't your EARS hear that one?"
Axel's smile faded.
"By your shocked expression; I'm guessing no. With the machines help; they will be able to recover faster. There's still no telling how long this will last."
Axel grumbled," Well if anything happens, let me know. "
"I suppose, but as long as you do my missions for me during their healing process; then I'll accept your "demands"." Vexen shot at Axel.
Axel looked mildly annoyed at Vexen's "offer" but accepted nonetheless.
"Mmm, glad we have that settled," Vexen approached an unconscious Crona," Help me undress this child, will you? I believe I can successfully remove this creature that was attached to him."
"Undress?" Axel stared at Crona's body, and back to Vexen," What the actual -"
"HEY WATCH THE BOD, YA TOUCHIN' MAH SERVANT!"
Both Vexen and Axel took a step back. The "creature" Vexen had mentioned had sprouted from Crona's back and its form was a muscled toned, monochromed beefcake.
"What and who are you?" Vexen questioned.
"ME!? Well, the name's RAGNAROK! I'm one of Lady Medusa's finest experiment;" Ragnarok screeched and pointed his middle finger to Crona," the wimp over here is Crona; Medusa's worthless son. Don't try to take me on!"
Ragnarok's screech did not damage anything in the room except their ears. Vexen summoned his weapons; waiting for Ragnarok's assault. Yet, Ragnarok did not attack and merely just stared at them. Ragnarok scoffed at Vexen's shield and turned his attention to Axel. A smile stretched across his face.
"Well, fancy seeing you again MISTER AXEL!" Ragnarok grinned," Why is someone so strong and generous like you with a scrawny noodle hair creep like that guy?"
"Axel, explain how you know this creature?" Vexen demanded," Why wasn't I informed of your relation? None of my reports or finding mention this…"
"Long story short; I met Crona and Raggy at the Soul Eater world, beat them up, then gave them some food and darkness to play with; and they both have been acting funky." Axel pointed to Crona's back," Apparently Ragnarok is fused with Crona and both have separate souls, yet use one heart. Another source told me recently that they received another heart; due to an accident with another experiment. So now they each have a separate soul and heart."
"I see," Vexen licked his lips," I want to see what makes these two clicks. First, I'll wait for Crona to wake up, then I give them a psychological analysis. By an earlier report from Xion; Crona is rather passive, and Ragnarok is aggressive... I wonder if having separate hearts has affected this."
"Ya know, as much as I like to help with Crona and Raggy, I have to go with Zexion for a mission; sooo don't have too much fun while I'm gone." Axel stretched," I'll checkup after my mission; you might need to get the measuring tape for more uniforms."
"Why would I-" Vexen began as Axel left and closed the door," ... Guess I'll just work on my research and reports. *sigh* What fascinating studies I get to work on as a Scientist."
Vexen turned to Ragnarok and noticed Crona had finally reawakened. New challenge, see if I can get him to assist me. He is from the Soul Eater world and the child of a deadly witch; so, he must have some prior knowledge about Souls and Black Blood.
Axel was in the hallway and bumped into Saix. Saix's eyes kept looking at reports while Axel chatted with him. Or at least tried. Axel noticed that Saix still had some injuries from the fight evidently shown on his face.
"Heya Saix, nice fighting yesterday; who knew he could fight so well. Guess we know why he's called the King." Axel laughed while slapping Saix's back.
Saix kept concentration on the papers, while Axel kept talking. The lack of response made the hallway seem longer than usual.
"I'm going on a mission with Zexion right? Right?" Asked Axel," What kind of mission will it be today? Or do I have to guess? I am guessing the Neverland world today!"
Saix finally stopped looking at the papers the moment Axel finished asking questions.
"No, we both know how much of a terrible guesser you are for starters. It's the Soul Eater world again; it seems something's been brewing for quite some time now. Since the Witch Association is involved; that means Zexion and you will go recruiting. Don't fail; we need these two for Xemnas' plans. Who knows how long this Alliance will last and what's needed for it."
"No worries, this is me we're talking about. When was the last time I failed?" Axel posed flamboyantly.
"About two seconds about with that pose." Saix simply said and walked towards the main room.
Alright that's enough progress for one day. We can keep rebuilding our friendship for another day. Axel internally admitted.
After Axel regained his composure, he went to the activity room and found Zexion. The two got their papers, and headed into the CoD (Corridor of Darkness). Upon reading the mission; Axel realized who were they recruiting.
Zexion read the papers again," The bio says that Maka Albarn is academically smart, brave, hardworking, slightly hot-headed, caring, bright, confident, and confront. She'll make a wonderful nobody if the plans succeed. Next is… Soul Eater Evans; he's very street smart, impulsive, laid-back, careless, arrogant, gluttonous, headstrong, stubborn, even be said as a slacker. Dear me, he's quite the foil. I'm curious to see how they fight together. I wonder how things will fare for them if separated. How do you propose we recruit them?"
"Give them a few "reasons" why they joining us is their only chance."Axel reading their bio," They won't need hearts since their Somebodies though, so that adds a bit of challenge. Then again, turning them into nobodies would be way too simple. Let's keep them as Somebodies."
"Reasons such as?" Zexion asked," I'm curious to see what interests' teens nowadays, Roxas and Xion are technically teens, but they are only two teens and they don't represent all teenagers."
"Zexion…" Axel yawned," You're chattier than I remember"
"Well you're lazier than I remember, but you don't hear me complain about it do you?" Zexion sassed," It's because I believe we can successfully recruit these two. My recent past missions have been failures, but this one will help redeem myself and get on Xemnas' good side once more."
So that's why Saix is back to being the right-hand man. Didn't expect Zexion of all people to fail at a mission.
As Zexion and Axel reached their destination; noticed there were at some sort of academy. The students wore classy uniforms of red, black, and white, similar to Maka's outfit, but with a few minors' adjustments in clothing. Contrast to what many students wore, other students wore different outfits; showing who was important at this academy
Currently there was a huge fight going on and the students ignored the two adults. Walking closer to the fight, Axel and Zexion saw their targets being attacked by a kid with practically no hair with a yellow lance along with a girl sporting the uniform and a lantern of some sort. The chants of fighting roared as the kid with no hair stood still; as if he was powering up, while the girl was fighting against Maka.
"Go Ox, show that girl what happens to traitors!"
"You go Kim! Don't hold back!"
"Show them how a real Soul Resonance works!"
Despite the roars against Maka and Soul; some people still chanted for them. Axel was about to intervene when Zexion stopped him.
"Why are you stopping me Zexion?" Axel glared.
"Remember the recruitment procedures; See if they can fight, defend, and retreat if necessary." Zexion said cooly," If she can't handle these too; then I suppose we can take the two teens and take Maka afterwards. Does that sound fair?"
"... Fair." Axel pouted.
Kim tried to burn Maka with her lantern, only for Maka to dodge and uppercut her chin in response. Kim arched upon the heavy blow; Maka went for a slice, blocked by Kim's lantern. The lantern flared causing Kim to into the air. Maka caught Kim by the collar before Kim got too high, and threw her at Ox; who was nearly done charging up.
"Oh, she's quite skilled, looks rather sluggish, Marluxia could teach her a thing or two I'd say." Zexion commented.
Ox caught Kim with one hand, and let his other arm finish charging his attacking. He charged at Maka with full force. Maka quickly turned her scythe into a bigger scythe and took a defensive stance. Ox faked a frontal slash and quickly got behind her. As he sent volts at Maka's body, she gritted her teeth and the scythe changed back into a smaller form.
"ARRG!" Maka roared in pain, taking a knee.
"Maka." Ox stopped and lowered himself, "Explain yours-"
Maka kicked Ox's crotch with her remaining strength and punched him into Kim. Maka took a knee and breathed slowly and heavily as her scythe went back to its human form.
"What does it take to prove that I'm not a traitor!?" She roared roughly at the crowd.
After her question; three more two students and a teacher entered the area; challenging her. Maka's hurt expression showed everything. The crowd fell silent, unsure if to run, or to stay and watch.
The first one was a boy wearing a tuxedo, with black hair with three white lines on his head going horizontal. His eagle yellow eyes looked sharply at Maka's unsteady condition. Both of his hands were accompanied by pistols. His fingers weren't on the trigger, and wasn't aiming at Maka just yet. His face was white and showed signs of disturbance.
The second one was a boy with black cornrow hair, and short on the ends. His black rimmed glasses hid where his eyes were looking. His expression clearly was uncomfortable at the whole situation. His gauntlets were ready to attack, but his didn't appear that he wanted to fight.
The last one was clearly an adult, with a screw on his head and removing his glasses and white coat; revealed a black scythe and black shirt. His body was calm and collected; while his eyes were looking around. The moment his eyes saw two tall hooded figures; he readied his weapon at them.
The crowd of students began running away from the man's vicinity; in terror.
"Professor Stein finally lost it! Run away, every man and woman for themselves!"
Axel and Zexion walked next to a fatigued Maka. Zexion had eyed the academy earlier and already planned the getaway.
"Maka, drink this; it's another elixir." Axel said as Zexion handed Maka the bottle.
"Axel, what are you doing here?" Asked Maka; chugging the blue bottle quickly," Bleh, why does this one taste funny?"
Axel glanced at Zexion. Zexion grabbed the green bottle," Oh shoot, this one's expired. My apologies ma'am."
Axel ignored Zexion's unusual mistake and spoke to the 3 fighters.
"I hate to burst your bubble," Axel laughed as Zexion summoned their weapons," But lay a hand on Maka, and we'll attack."
"I think you're mistaken," the screw headed adult spoke," There's just been a huge misunderstanding about what happened earlier, so I'm trying to figure who's aligned with who. Tell us, whose are you on?"
"We'll let you figure that one out, let's go Axel, Miss Albarn?" Zexion taunted, trying to push them into the corridor. Maka didn't budge, and a voice came from the scythe.
"Maka, we've been fighting for a while now,"Soul reminds her," I think it's best to fight later. We'll talk things out with them another time."
As Maka was about to enter the Darkness, the teen spoke up.
"Really Maka, you're gonna run from a CHALLENGE?" the suited teen provoked," Hey Soul, I thought COOL guys don't run from fights?"
Maka stopped dead in her tracks with a bulge of anger showing on her forehead.
"Kid, what are you doing?" the other teen spoke.
"Calm down Kilik," Kid gestured," if we get them to stay, then there's a chance we can beat them."
"Alright, but what if we lose against the two hooded guys?" Kilik said worriedly.
"Don't worry, we have Professor Stein with us, no way we'll lose!" one of Kid's gun spoke. Kid and Kilik nodded; understanding how they would handle this situation.
Kilik and Stein headed straight towards Axel and Zexion, while Kid stayed behind for cover fire. Zexion hastily grabbed Maka and her scythe and bolted towards the Darkness. Axel summoned a wall of flames and went in as well. The bright red flames were the last things the 3 fighters saw before Maka and Soul left their sights.
The four were travelling in Darkness. Axel and Zexion were talking to one another, leaving Maka and her scythe out. Mumbles every now and then could be heard.
"...You mean the scythe is Soul! This is truly a fascinating world!" Zexion wrote in his book.
"It's crazy, but get this…" Axel continues
While the adults were conversing, Maka and Soul felt the darkness around them try to take their sanity away. Maka used her Soul Perception in finding the source of this spell, found no results. As her eyes moved to the two adults; their souls seemed incomplete, as if something was missing. It reminded her of Roxas and Xion; when she first saw him with the Keyblade, she couldn't sense his soul, just fragments of it.
"Maka, what's going on, you looked confused?" Soul asked, reverting forms.
"Arg, I can't see their entire souls, just fragments of it, and I feel a little queasy. "Maka frowned," When did everything get so weird?"
"Bein' honest here," Soul scratched his forehead, "I think it started when we first ran into Roxas and Xion that day. Then we got the note and helped Crona rescue Roxas and Xion." Soul reminisced," After we got back to the city, we saw some wanted posters of us, then people attacked us. After that we ended up in the school, and that's about where Axel and the other guy got us outta there."
"Going with this flow of events; Organization XIII is considered a bad bunch because they're rumored to have an alliance with the Witch Association." Maka connected information," So when we helped Roxas and Xion… then that's when we were branded as traitors? But who reported us? Crona disbanded from the Witch Association and even attacked his own mother to show that he wanted to change sides to help us."
"But how do we know it wasn't an act?" Soul questioned.
"Trust me, I checked his soul, Crona wasn't lying back then." Maka pumped her fist," At least we have that going for us."
"Hah! Good thing we have that optimism, or else we'd screwed!" Laughed Soul," Hey Axel, other guy, where we are going exactly?"
"The name's Zexion." Zexion answered," And we are going to see the laboratory; Roxas and Xion should still be there."
"If things go smoothly, then Crona should be there as well." Axel added.
As the Darkness faded, Maka noticed they were approaching a room of light. Then as she exited, she saw machines attached to three different people she knew; Crona, Roxas, and Xion. She felt that their time spent as comrades was vital for making herself stronger. To fighting Heartless, to those Clowns, somewhere in the back of her mind; she knew there was a bigger scheme behind it all.
Now that they were closeby to her and all unconscious, except Crona. Crona who always looked scared and anxious, now currently had a happy smile with eyes at the ceiling. Behind Crona was a tall man with long dirty blonde hair flowing just past the shoulders, he too looked just a happy.
The moment tall he saw Maka, Soul, Zexion, and Axel entering his laboratory; his expression changed. Maka felt this man had a similar vibe to when she first met Professor Stein, and to the Witch who said Crona was just an experiment.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion Vexen." Zexion bowed a little," But we have some excellent news."
"Axel," Vexen spoke with an icy tone," Why did you bring more Somebodies into this castle? And why did you tell me to bring new uniforms and measuring tape?"
"Isn't it obvious? Maka and Soul are joining the Organization!" Axel smiled," Their special cases, just like Roxas and Xion."
"Joining?!" Maka and Soul looked confused in unison.
Hearing the names of Maka and Soul, Crona turned his head to Axel's direction, his eyes shifted from Axel straight towards Maka, then to Soul.
"Maka! Soul!" Crona got off the table," I'm so glad your -"
"Crona wait don't-" Vexen tried to say.
Crona crashed onto the ground, unable to stand up. He looked at his legs and proceeded to crawl towards Maka. Maka and Soul stared with an unsure expression. Soul assisted him back to the table, while Maka barely could look at Crona's injured state.
"*sigh* Crona," Vexen lectured,"Even the strongest of fighters need to rest every now and then. You can play with your "friends" another time. "
"Uh-h okay…" Crona with a defeated sigh," I wanted to show her that I could now ugh… zzzz..."
With Crona fast asleep, Zexion spoke, all attention on him.
"Alright, Maka and Soul," Zexion clapped," Would you two like to join the Organization? I'm sure Roxas and Xion would be pleased to hear you say yes."
Their attention went to an unconscious Roxas and Xion. Axel left the room. Vexen went back to writing reports.
"-er if they were awaking, that is. By joining us, you get more power, meet new people, fight Heartless, keep your hearts, go to different Worlds, and help fulfill Kingdom Hearts so that we get our hearts, wear neat uniforms." Zexion smiled," So interested in joining?"
"Sounds shady." Maka wrote down what Zexion offered," What do you think Soul?'
"Sounds pretty cool, but what if we say no?" asked Soul," And before you answer that, why is this Organization in an alliance with the Witch Association, what are you guys after?" Zexion kept smiling.
"You'll have to ask our Superior; Xemnas." Zexion brought out a frame of him," I admit to pitching in with a few schemes here and there; but Xemnas is usually giving out the orders. The alliance was to further our connections and trade information, I would believe."
"What about denying the "invitation" to join?" Soul grabbed Maka's hand.
"Well, if you were to decline," Zexion's inhaled slowly," Then there is nothing that can be done to change your mind. It was your decision in the first place to join. (If you do that is)."
Maka's instinct knew how to respond.
"Hey Zexion," Maka glared with Scythe form in hand," What if we want to eliminate the Witch Association?"
"Well if that's your intentions," Zexion summoned his book," Then I'll just have to eliminate you right now."
Despite Zexion's thin appearance, an ominous aura emitted through him.
She activated her Soul Perception, in hopes of having any information to work with. Again, like before, she saw a soul in various pieces.
Before they could do anything else, the door bursts open with Axel and a tall tanned skin man with long white hair. Zexion put his weapon away and stood still.
Maka kept her guard in front of the taller man. Okay I may have said something unnecessary, and who is this guy?
"Maka stay on your guard." Soul warned. "I think this guy is there boss!"
"Young lady," The Man spoke, "If I were to ask your assistance in regaining lost hearts to the innocent, would you want to help our cause?"
"?!" Maka danger emitting from this man. Comparing himself to her, even by the way he breathed, Maka suddenly felt very weak and powerless.
"Speechless?" the man lightly chuckled," I suppose that is natural since you're meeting someone new. My name is Xemnas, would you like to join this Organization?"
"I'm not sure." Maka responded," Something about this place is eerie. That's just how I feel."
"Well you can temporarily join this Organization then, I'm well informed that the Witch Association is very "bad", so I made an alliance to understand them. After we understand them, we will eliminate them. Would you like to help eliminate the witches?"
"Soul what do you think?" Maka hesitated his offer," I don't want to join, but…"
"Go for it, if we take down the Witch Association, then we can remove that "traitor" status." Soul reverted.
"Right. Alright Xemnas, Soul and I are temporarily joining this Organization." Maka firmly stated.
"Good to hear, "Xemnas waved," Vexen, prepare them the "necessities" before they can actually be revealed to the other members. If anything happens, you're responsible. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir. Everything will will go smoothly, I assure you." Vexen nodded.
"Good, when Roxas and Xion are awake once more, then the meeting will begin, then I show them the new members; Kaamx and Suxol." Xemnas smiled," With more members and …. "
"Wait, who's Kaamx and Suxol?" Soul slouched," I'm Soul and that's Maka."
Xemnas left the room still muttering.
"Ughh, his speeches are so boring!" whined Axel," Just keep it short and simple one day; it wouldn't kill you."
"Zexion, go get the dusks to take care of the necessities, I have to go prepare the reports." Vexen ordered," Axel, make sure Crona, Roxas, Xion, Maka, and Soul stay in this room and don't destroy anything when I return."
"I'm retiring for today." Vexen proceeded to leave the room.
"Fine Mr. Good-for-nothing." Teased Axel," Zexion and I'll go do the things you're incapable of doing yourself.
"..." Vexen stopped," Actually, I'll just take care of the necessities myself. Zexion go rest or something."
Vexen and Zexion left the room. All three relaxed on the couch.
"So Maka, Soul," Axel looked at the ceiling,"Are you sure about joining? Even if it's for a short time?"
"It's the best option we have so far. We can't stay in the Academy because of this "Traitor" Status fiasco. And teaming up to take down the Witch Association sounds like the best plan so far." Maka heavily yawned," Besides I'm sure we'll… think of… something" Maka fell asleep.
The silent hums of the machines and Maka's snores filled the area. Soul and Axel left the couch, and went to the window.
"Axel," Soul gazed at the Heart shaped moon," Whose Namine? What are you hiding?"
"Telling you so fast is boring," Axel admitted," Let's trade information for information. How does that sound?"
While Soul asked about practically everything involving their situation; two other teens known of Organization members XIII and XIV had become immersed in a slumber filled of newfounded memories and dreams.
Roxas experienced memories of Sora's adventure before going into another core. The current dream was of a door closing and a young silver haired teen closing shutting a huge door; leaving the brown-haired boy alone. Another demonstration of self-sacrifice for friends was shown to him for a "Riku".
Xion was experiencing memories of people who were very important to Sora. She saw the perspective of Riku, Sora's best friend, and how selfless he was along with how he struggled against darkness. Shortly after she was experiencing memories from Kairi, another special friend in Sora's heart. She felt the emotions Kairi had for Sora, and several memories of the time they spent together and being themselves.
Morning came the voices of familiar friends had woken Roxas up. With the random voices still in his head, he dropped out of bed, and onto the cold white floor. Scanning the area, the people around were very familiar and wore matching Organization uniforms
"Roxas, good thing you finally woke up." A green eyed meister exclaimed with much relief," We were beginning to get more worried."
"Psh, yeah you should've seen Xion and Maka waiting at your bedside,"Soul laughed,"Girls are so dramatic."
Maka's eye glowed with anger and slammed Souls head with a big book.
*Maka Chop*
Soul laid on the floor defeated.
"Maka? Soul?" Roxas confused," How did you guys get here? Also how'd I get here?" Last thing I remember was fighting a mouse with a keyblade and a kid with guns…
"Long story short," Yawned Soul," Xion and you got kidnapped, so Axel, Maka, Crona and I went to rescue you."
"Thanks, you guys." Roxas grinned.
"It's no biggie," Maka smiled,"It's what friends do for each other."
The door opened and out came Vexen, who looked exhausted.
"Alright the meeting is about to begin." Vexen noticed Roxas awake,"Finally, you're awake, just like Number 14. Roxas, go to the meeting room. Xemnas has many important announcements today. Maka and Soul, wait for the Dusks to escort you two to the room."
"Okay." Roxas nodded, and teleported away.
After Roxas landed in his Seat, he noticed how there was still only 13 seats, and how Xion was sitting on a chair leveled below his. Every other member was present and seated once Vexen reappeared.
"Fellow members of the Organization," Xemnas began dramatically," For quite some time we have had only 12 members, but now after Xion and Roxas' joining our ranks, it was now 14. Today is a remarkable day because we will now have 16 members."
Murmurs among the members filled the air. Roxas looked down where Xemnas pointed, it was Maka and Soul wearing their uniforms.
"Xion, they're joining the Organization?!" Roxas whispered.
"Yes, it's exciting, right?" Xion whispered back.
"The reason to why these two are joining is different from everyone else in this room," Xemnas continued," I'm sure you all sensed it since yesterday. It is because the new members Kaamx and Suxol are both somebodies. But they have more to offer than what meets the eye. Their real names are Soul and Maka; Soul can transform into a Scythe, and Maka is the only one who can wield him. An interesting duo who no doubt be an asset to this team."
Many eyes turned to a wildly pink haired man, who stood up and began to feel disturbed.
"Sir, don't you think this organization already has enough Scythe wielders?" The pink man looked far from happy." Me being a scythe wielder and all Is this a joke?"
"What? Are you scared of a little competition, and that these two will be better in fighting than you?" A yellow haired female with green eyes asked the male scythe wielder.
"Hey Larxene, leave Marluxia alone," Demyx pleaded,"I think it's great we have more buds to help get hearts. Doesn't matter if they can help. The more the merrier, right?"
"Let-ting me continue," Xemnas was slightly annoyed," Both are still training and will only be here temporary. In this time, make them feel welcome."
"Things are going to get interesting." Axel commented
More members began to talk once more amongst each other.
"Now onto the next topic; Castle Oblivion. That previous project was delayed to due; interruptions beyond our control, but now it will serve its usefulness and house six members of this organization." Xemnas continued," The members going will be Vexen, Lexaeus, Zexion, Axel, Marluxia, and Larxene. Those who I called will depart before the the end of tomorrow night, so I'm giving you a free day and plenty of time to just your essentials. The return time for this project will preferably be a few months only, members will switch. Today's meeting is finished." Xemnas concluded," Saix, Vexen, Zexion, come with me to my room; there's a few more things to discuss."
With the four members leaving, soon the others chosen six lefts to their rooms as well, while the remaining members approached Maka and Soul.
Xigbar was the first to approach them.
"Name's Xigbar." He greeted," Care to tell me why Xemnas is recruiting more kids?"
"Soul and I are not kids," Maka scoffed him off," We're capable fighters just like all of you here."
"Hah, capable?!" Xigbar snickered," You haven't met Demyx over here, the terms of a "capable fighter", that's the last thing you should call him, it might give him the wrong ideas."
Xigbar continued to laugh and put Demyx into a headlock. Demyx was too weak to break free and gave everyone around him the puppy eyes, pleading for a knight to save him. His eyes met Roxas and Soul first; they tried avoiding his eyes but failed in the end. Roxas and Soul sighed heavily and knew what had to be done.
"Xigbar stop harassing Demyx!" Roxas defended," He's really good at recon; and fighting isn't his forte."
Demyx's face widened upon seeing someone helping him out. As Xigbar was about to retort that statement, Soul intervened as well.
"C'mon old man," Soul gestured," Putting younger guys in headlocks at your age is not cool. It's actually pretty creepy." Demyx's face showed the goofiest way of being happy. Roxas felt a tinge of nostalgia after seeing that face; as if someone he knew made a face so goofy. Despite Demyx's lack of heart, he still acted that he possessed one.
"Old man?!" Xigbar's face crinkled slightly to the insult and let go of Demyx's neck.
"Oof!" Demyx fell on the floor.
"Well it looks like this Scythe has some fangs like Tiger over here," Xigbar laughed and ruffled Roxas' hair," I'll more fun with you later, Mutt."
Before leaving his one good eyed checked out Maka; she felt intimidated as if she a bunny being eyed out by a hungry venomous snake; preparing to squeeze the life out of her before swallowing her whole.
As Xigbar left, a tall man with black dreadlocks and two on each side hanging on his face. His broad shoulders, well-built body, and stern appearance gave the impression that he was one of the stronger ones among the members. Soul and Maka waited for him to speak.
"Since you two are the latest assets to this Organization," he spoke," do not get arrogant and flaunt your power like the Freeshooter does. I hope you two have good morals and common sense or else you will be engulfed something you cannot run away from."
"I, uhh, appreciate the advice," Maka spoke up as he walked away," but who are you exactly Mister?"
"Xaldin." the man said before leaving. Next came the same guy who got headlocked and a short blonde-haired man with various ear piercings.
"Thanks, uh... Soul, right? Yeah thanks for having my back like Roxas does," Demyx smiled shedding a fake tear," Feels good to know when someone has your back. Guess that's why you two entered together right?"
"Y-yeah I guess?" Soul supposedly agreed.
"Well if you need any help with any missions I'm definitely your man!" Demyx posed masculinely. It did not look manly due to his lack of muscles however. Maka laughed and teared at his "joke".
"Demyx, it's alright if you're not strong." Maka wiped a real tear," Just train and you'll show them how strong you actually are."
"Yeah, I'd do that if sweating wasn't so gross in this uniform." Demyx summoned his Sitar," So if you guys ever wanna Jam with me;" Demyx showed his Sitar," But just to let you know; I'm quite the musician myself and string instruments are my specialty. Give me a call if you guys wanna start a band. We could call it Hearts Astray!" Well, if you excuse me, I gotta practice for band auditions."
Looking satisfied, Demyx hummed and walked away. The next one was a tall man with various piercings on the eyes.
"It seems like yesterday it was Roxas who joined, then shortly after was Xion. Time flies as we gamble away with free time, would you not agree?" He asked.
"Look man, whatever you're selling, "Soul took a step back," I'm not buying. Drugs aren't cool."
"Indeed, they are not cool, by using such a useless item will wase away your youth. I took one too many gambles and here I am." He chuckled sadly, and walked away.
Last were the two familiar teens; Roxas and Xion.
"So why did almost everyone approach us like that?" Maka asked them," Was it to scare us, hint that we aren't accepted, or what?"
"Everyone's an odd bunch, let's keep it at that." Roxas stated.
"I'm curious, are you nobodies now or still somebodies with memories and emotions?" Xion asked at last.
"Still Somebodies with kick-ass hearts and souls intact!" Soul proudly raised his bicep in triumph. Roxas imitated the silver haired scythe, and posed right next to him.
"Nobodies with no emotions and hearts!" Roxas huffed triumphantly. Seeing their posing side by side gave Maka an idea.
Maka brought out two pairs of sunglasses from her hidden pockets and handed one to Xion, and whispered an idea. They quickly put the sunglasses on and posed even better than the girls laughed as they imitated the boys poses, upping them in style and striking down their confidence in aspects looking cool. Roxas awed and clapped upon seeing the many levels of radical Maka and Xion had passed. Soul laughed upon their ridiculous poses being opposite to the cool shades.
After they joked around for a bit longer, the pink haired man, Marluxia had approached them.
"Hello little Maka and Soul, I'm Marluxia, a fellow Scythe wielder," He introduced himself while smelling a rose," I'm going to "test" you two in a fight. Do you accept?"
"Bring it!" Soul accepted," Where's your partner though? It's more fun to know Maka and I kicked two asses."
"I suppose her name is Graceful Dahlia, just like me, The Graceful Assassin." He chuckled," Now follow me, the fighting will be in Twilight Town, the Sandlot. Roxas and Xion may watch me triumph. The others are already there."
As Soul, Maka, Roxas, and Xion followed Marluxia into the CoD, Roxas mentally agreed with what Axel said during the meeting. Things are going to get interesting.
Author's Note: Another chapter down. Only question is, was it any good and worth waiting for? Feedback helps, so feel free to review. I'll most likely post the next chapter in December.