Chapter Nine — Part Three

Soul's Shenanigans

Xion had no idea what was in store for her once she agreed to go with Maka on an outing. I wonder what normal girls do for fun. Maybe they eat sea-salt ice cream and fight heartless too. Xion shook her head. Wait, normal girls already have hearts, so why would they fight heartless?

She held her closed fist to her chest. Normal girls have hearts unlike a nobody like me.

It turns out, Maka had the same idea as Soul. Maka and Xion spent the day at the local mall. They had to put disguises on first to make sure no one recognized them, well, Maka had to put on a disguise while Xion had the excuse as a cosplayer for a videogame if anyone asked. Xion found herself wandering and lost when Maka was preoccupied with which book to purchase.

Xion enjoyed walking around in the city, more than being in the mall itself in her honesty— the mall was too crowded for Xion's liking. After leaving the mall, and exploring the city itself. She marveled at the world around her, in all it's mysterious glory. Xion concluded to herself that once she got a heart, she would settle in a quiet town, hopefully at Twilight Town. Or at least a place with lots of great scenes to view.

*Currently, Maka and Xion were heading towards Maka's house*

Friendship, despite her experience of it with Roxas and Axel, was still a mystery to her. The people in this world had hearts, and they formed friendships rather quickly and displayed it in different forms. Some would buy matching gifts, do activities, or even do nothing together. While listening in on other people talking, Xion came to the conclusion, that she had a long way to go, if she were to understand friendship.

"So Xion, how are you liking this trip so far?" Maka asked.

"I find it's fascinating. I usually don't get to explore world's this thoroughly." Xion answered. "Usually my time in worlds is just Organization work. So it's pretty much; find the thing, beat the thing, and then I head to the clock tower and eat ice-cream with Roxas and Axel. That was before you guys got recruited."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Maka sighed with relief. "When I lost you earlier, I was worried something had happened."

"Well, you're not entirely wrong about that." Xion admitted.

"What happened after I lost you in the mall?" Maka questioned. "You didn't get into any trouble did you?"

"Not exactly trouble, per se…" Xion twiddles her thumbs. "But I saw something really interesting though."

"Interesting huh?" Maka's curiosity sparked, "Like what more specifically?"

"So get this, after I lost you at the mall," Xion began, "I saw Roxas at the mall too. He was eating with some girl. She talking for the most part, and Roxas just smiled and nodded." She recollected, "It was weird seeing Roxas like that. And I uh… couldn't help but stare."

Maka gave a skeptical stare of disbelief at Xion.

"Are you sure it was him?" Maka looked worried.

"Yeah, I recognize that hairstyle anywhere." Xion confirmed. She changed her hairstyle to emphasize Roxas' wild hairstyle. "I made to not be seen by either of them just to not jeopardize whatever plans Roxas had for her."

"Who was talking to Roxas? Wouldn't his organization outfit raise some questions?" Maka added more questions. "Well, you're an exception Miss Cosplayer."

"It was some girl with long black hair and indigo eyes." Xion explained, "He wasn't wearing that outfit though, it was… different." He looked neat in it now that I think about it.

"Did they spot you?" Maka gave one last question. She sounds familiar, but where?

"Well I'm apart of a secret Organization that emphasizes on remaining hidden, so no. I ran as fast as I could if they did." Xion reassured. "You think I made the right choice?"

Moment of silence came, as they finally reached the house.

"I'm sure it's fine." Maka brought her keys, unlocking the door, letting the door creak open. "Well Xion, welcome to my humble—"

The door swung open, as Xion saw a spectacle. A woman with unusual proportions being assaulted by Roxas. The woman had only a towel barely covering herself. Her hand was ruffling his spiky hair, and other was statically waving to Maka and Xion. Soul, for some odd reason, was resting on the floor— covering his bloodied nose with tissues. Next to Soul was a camera, similar to what Xigbar would use when catching other members off guard during his pranks.

What's going on? Why are they here?

"R-Roxas, what are you doing to that poor woman?!" Xion transformed her hand, "Get off her right now! She doesn't have any clothes, give her something to wear!" Something tells me this woman is bad news.

Despite Xion's command, the room was eerily silent, as the woman almost exposed and purple hair, continued to play with Roxas' dirty blond hair. Roxas huffed with exhaustion.

"..." Maka said nothing, examining what Xion saw as well. She gave an exhausted groan, massaged towards her temples, followed with an introduction, "Xion, meet Blair. She's a magical cat that lives here. Her old home got pulverized by Soul and I way back when."

"You're so obedient, yet so assertive Roxas, Nyaa~." The woman purred. "You'd make a great husband."

What did Roxas do? I don't like how that woman said those words. What is she trying to suggest?!

Roxas tried to pry himself off, but the purple woman's leg had locked him in. No escape.

"Roxas, Why are you stalling?" an epiphany struck into Xion's mind, "Don't tell me… you're taking advantage of girls with hearts? How could you! Is this the type of game boys play?"

"Xion it's not like That! I just fell after I gave her the towel! I promise." Roxas defended himself.

"Blair get off of Roxas." Maka commanded in a tired manner, "Xion doesn't like it."

"Understood Commander Maka!" Blair immediately stood up, letting Roxas hit the floor. She gave a salute, "Requesting permission to hug?"

Maka gave another sigh, but this time— more relaxed. She opened her arms. Blair launched herself and gave Maka a great hug.

"Awww I missed you so much Maka." Blair exclaimed, "It's been forever. I'd do anything to make sure you guys stay here. It gets so boring being alone. "

"Same here Blair." Maka accepted the hug. "It feels like forever here too."

Moments later, the hug was broken, and Blair asked the golden question.

"Are you guys staying forever this time, or still—" Blair got cut off.

"A little while longer. We still haven't figured out the goal of the alliance yet." Soul interrupted. "We had Crona stay at the Organization's base in the meantime, right now he should be either resting or snooping around.."

Maka shot a glance full of daggers at Soul. His little outing with Roxas caused Xion a bit of problem. She slowly unsheated her legendary book.

Soul slowly backed away. "I'm sure you ladies and Roxas have plenty to take about, so I'll just be—"

*Maka Chop*

"Ughh…" Soul rested on the kitty cushion.

Xion mentally noted. One down. One to go.

In a flash of darkness, her hand transformed into the end of the Keyblade.

"Roxas." Anger and darkness loomed from her body, "Are you sure you weren't taking advantage of Blair? Because you looked pretty comfortable on Blair to me." Even more comfortable than the time I let you sleep on my lap. I'm not jealous, just— concerned.

"Wait Xion, I can explain." Roxas back away, and back on his feet. "You have to believe me."

"..." Xion kept her keyblade form intact, "I'm listening. You have one chance." I don't know why, but I'm not thinking as straight as I should be. Stay sharp, me!

"Soul gave me enough munny to buy new clothes, and once we did, Soul left to the restroom to let me try to give a girl A number. I made a few mistakes here and there, got some girl named Tsugumi though. Well, she gave her number to me; but I gave my number/calling card to a girl— Tsubaki Nakatsukasa."

Maka's eyes widened upon hearing the news, but did nothing. She decided to adjust herself next to Soul. She listened as Roxas continued his story. Soul signaled Maka a thumbs-up for fact checking. The two had a conversation of their own without Roxas and Xion's awareness.

Blair returned to the bathroom and now with her usual outfit— a black and blue dress revealing her shoulders to her neck. Her body transformed into a purple cat, with a small witch cat placed on her head. She rested on Maka's lap.

"We ate lunch together and then I gave her the number. Then I found Soul, and we walked to inside his home." Roxas summarized, taking another breathe, "Soul tricked me and Blair kept on hugging me. Her towel fell, and she wanted me to give it back to her. So I did. But I fell. And that's when you two opened the door."

"... What do you mean by give it back to her. How did she lose it?" Xion's eyes focused on the surroundings. The floor does seem wet, so slipping and falling seems probable now that I look at it.

"It fell when she was hugging Soul." Roxas answered. "You've seen it yourself— Blair's a physical person— er cat with magical powers."

Xion's attention shifted to Blair.

"That's right nyaa." Blair cheerfully nodded. "In this form, I let Roxas scratch my belly and scratch my noogin. I was just returning the favor while in human form. Boys his age sometimes have a thing for mature women, so don't blame him too much."

"...I believe you." Xion turned her hand normal, allowing Roxas enough reason to breathe.

Roxas proceeded to lie on one of the chairs while Xion looked around her surroundings. The place had plenty of various furniture cat-themed, and lots of pumpkin faces laced on the plates displayed on the shelves.

"You guys really like cats and pumpkins." Xion commented.

"Not my design choice." Maka replied, " Something happened while we were gone, and Blair decided to spruce up the place a bit."

Xion continued to wander about the house, and found a the wall with a back shape stain on the wall, and blood remains near the sofa. This must've been where Blair exited the bath and hugged Roxas and Soul.

Walking closer to the Sofa, Xion's heel hit what appeared to be a camera written with Property of Soul, and some photos inside. What's this? Some photos?

She picked up the camera, and the photos. Should I look at what these pictures show? It might belong to Blair, Maka, or Soul— so I should ask permission first. Or it might be best if I just leave it where it is.

Xion walked towards the others.

"Hey guys, can I see what these photo— oof." Xion fell flat on her butt, the "oof" noise echoing throughout the home.

"Xion are you okay?"Maka appeared, noticing the water on the floor. "The floors still wet huh? I'll clean it up."

"Yeah, I just fell is all." Xion looked at her organization outfit, "Wow it looks dirtier than I remember. Maka, are there any spare Organization outfits in this house?"

"How about you try on a different outfit instead? You can use my wardrobe." Maka offered, "Our sizes should be relatively the same. Also just put your Organization outfit into the basket in my room, I'll put it in the washer, and get it dryed."

"Thanks Maka." Xion accepted.

Xion entered Maka's room, a normal girls room. It looked nothing like Xion's room. Maka's had various colors, posters, and colored shelves. Dust bunnies hid away under the bed, and all around. In comparison to Xion's bare white room with everything white and cleaned daily by Dusks.

Xion opened the wooden wardrobe, various colorful outfits, and a school uniform. The same uniform when Maka first met Xion and Roxas. Well, several of the same outfits actually.

On one side of the wardrobe were modest outfits and a dress or two tucked away in the corner. On the other side were jumbled together outfits, more stylish than the other side. This side seems to be what Maka would wear for hanging out with her friends.

A thought struck Xion. Does Maka consider Roxas and me as friends? She DOES have a heart, but does that stop us of being friends? Hearts are the source of emotion, and since we lack hearts, can I really show Maka that I value our "friendship"? Do normal friendships have people borrowing each other outfits?

A self smacking helped her refocus.

*Smack Smack*

Focus. I just need a new outfit. What's most practical here? Wait I'm not fighting today. So, what'll feel most comfortable? Should I go for style or for comfortableness? Why not both?

Xion scanned the different outfits a few more times. With all these options, she wondered if she could try them all on. Anything different from the black trench coats would always classify as experimenting in her book.

Is there anything that would impress the others? This might actually be the first time I'll be wearing something not made by the Organization. Alright, I want something with a bit of pizzazz, but also a bit modest too. Looking at Maka's wardrobe, it's all really modest, but not much pizzazz. Can I really judge outfits if I only wear the same outfit everyday?

A chill crawled through Xion's back upon that thought. Her whole life is based off of the Organization's goals. What were her goals that she wanted? Did she have any of her own goals?

Hmm, with Maka's taste in clothing, you wouldn't be able to tell she's a DWMA Student who fights Kishin. Then again, looks can always be deceiving.

Despite the various options, it appeared that most failed to fill the quota for pizzazz. A strange outfit suddenly caught her attention.

What's this? UwU

The new outfit that practically a hidden gem— compared to the rest of Maka's wardrobe. A grin formed around her mouth.

Perfect.

*Ten Minutes Later*

Roxas arose from his nap, as Blair bounced on him abruptly, crashing his face onto the floor. Maka and Soul were still awake watching an animated series. The current episode had girls in different color schemes of Red, White, Black, and Yellow outfits stomping down on crime against a satirical and very villainous mob boss, who's revealed to be the pawn of an even bigger scheme. (Get the reference?)

Despite the conversation of Maka and Soul arguing who would win each fight, he could hear the sounds of shoes skipping against the wooden floors, and a familiar hum entering the room—Xion's hum. Xion must be back from doing whatever she was doing earlier.

He decided to remain laying on the floor, with Blair in cat form, on his back. He was about to join in on Maka and Soul conversation, something, more specifically someone had captured his attention entirely. It was none other than Xion, whom appeared in a new outfit.

Maka and Soul stopped talking as well, to see their friend in a new outfit. The attire of Xion consisted of a burgundy colored bardot crop top, with sleeves hiding her forearms and elbow. Her shoulders and shoulder blades were bare. Her blue jeans were up to her waist, having a bit of skin around her belly button had black socks with shoes that had the logos of stars on the side.

She twirled and posed.

"How does this look?" She nervously asked.

"You look pretty cool." Soul commented.

"That outfit looks great Xion." Maka applauded.

"Why haven't I ever seen those clothes?" Maka leaned to Soul's ear, quietly questioned.

"That's the outfit I put in your closet. Pretty cool right?" Soul smirked (From Chapter 5)

"X-xion?!" Roxas' eyes widened in disbelief, and his grin was honest. "You look amazing!"

"Thanks you guys." Xion beamed, "You should thank Maka though, it's her outfit."

Roxas turned to Maka.

"You wear something other than the academy uniform and the Organization uniform?" Roxas tilted his head.

"No she doesn't. Her outfits are all old-fashioned anyway" Soul waved his hand. Maka growled.

"I was shocked too." Xion agreed.

"My fashion is not old-fashioned, it's just too cool for you guys to understand." Maka defended.

"Yet no one understands it." Soul teased.

"WHatever Soul," Maka turned her attention to Xion, "Xion that outfit is yours to keep."

"Wait are you sure?" Xion looks stunned.

"It suits you. Think of it is as a present." Maka insisted, "Sometimes friends like to give each other something nice."

"Thanks Maka. I'll try to wear it every vacation days." Xion promised.

After talking some more, Xion decided to watch some television, alongside Maka, Soul, Blair and Roxas. An hour later, Roxas and Xion decided to head back towards the Headquarters.

"Alright, Roxas and I are heading back to the HQ." Xion rose, stretching herself. "Are you sure you two want to watch the TV for a few more hours? That doesn't sound healthy."

"Don't worry about us." Soul told, "We got catching up to do with a few more movies."

"If you say so." Xion shrugged, "You ready to head back Roxas?"

"Yeah." Roxas replied, "Wish we had more vacation days. We could spend the rest of our days like this forever."

"Sometimes a little change is good." Maka reminded.

"I'm sure once we revive Kingdom Hearts, we'll get plenty of vacation days." Xion enthusiastically reminded. "Helping out the Organization is the right call."

Maka and Soul exchanged looks.

"That probably means another big extermination day." Roxas groaned internally.

"Right, even we need to make the right choices ourselves." Maka sighed, "It might not even be what we want. Another day of fighting heartless tomorrow. "

An idea popped into Roxas' head.

"Wait, how about the next vacation day, we eat ice cream at Twilight Tower." Roxas recommended, "The sunset looks great, and the town is peaceful. Usually."

"Sure, that sounds like a plan." Maka answered for both Soul and herself.

Roxas summoned the Corridor of Darkness, as Soul called to him.

"Don't forget about the flowers!" But his voice wasn't heard as Roxas and Xion departed back to the Headquarters.

"Flowers? What for?" Maka asked, "Wouldn't flowers be the last things you boys would buy."

"It was a present from his admirer. He told me." Soul stared at it, "I think Roxas' is hiding something about it, as a matter of who gave it to him. He slipped the girl's number in his pocket earlier to hide it. But why?"

"I'm sure it's nothing important." Maka heated up some popcorn. "Make room, we're watching a historical movie."

"No way, horror is where this night's going." Soul gobbled on some raw fish.

It would be a long night for the young meister and cool weapon.

*Meanwhile*

During Xion' and Roxas' traveling through the Corridor of Darkness, a thought had entered the spiky blonde boy's head.

"Hey Xion, you know what I just realized?" Roxas spoke. "We'll be going to the Headquarters wearing something not Organization related. We look sorta like the other people from Maka and Soul's world."

"Wow, we do. I think we pull it off pretty well. You think the others will recognize us?" Xion noticed as well. "Actually, you think we might get in trouble? Maka's probably cleaning my Organization outfit in her house right now, so I can't wear . I hope we don't get in trouble."

"There's no way we can get in trouble. It's just trying something new. That's all." Roxas gave the vote of confidence, "It's a vacation day, and well, I'm sure they'll be jealous that we're trying something new."

"I hope…" Xion wearily agreed. "Hey Roxas."

"Yeah?"

"You think anyone knows that you can't summon the Keyblade, and that I can transform into it?" she gave a worried expression. "Will we be turned to Dusk, even if we are special?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure they'll find out eventually." he sighed, "But, I think we'll get better before then. We'll both be able to use the Keyblade again in no time." He gave a tried yawn, rubbing his eyes.

"How do you know that? This is more bizarre than last time." She frowned, "Axel isn't here either to help think of solutions."

"Yeah, he was sent to Castle Oblivion with the others." Roxas felt just as depressed as the day started. "I really miss him."

Xion saw how gloomy Roxas was. Axel really is Roxas' best friend. Guess I never stood a chance. Wait, Axel's not here to help us out…

She smacked her cheeks. Stay positive!

Roxas stared at the ravennette in concern.

"Are you okay Xion?!"

"Yeah. Just trying to stay awake too." she lied. "So what'll happen if we go on separate missions, and the Heartless is really strong?"

Roxas put his thinking cap on.

"..."

"..."

A light bulb turned up.

"If we—" he began.

"I don't think it'll be if, only a matter of when." Her brows furrowed.

"... When we get split up on different missions, you'll do the usual keyblade slamming " he spoke again "And I'll improvi—"

"Using a stick doesn't count." She gave a deadpan expression.

"... I'll use my magic then." he summoned a small Fire.

The small warm flame died as fast as it was summoned. Roxas' face turned a tad pink.

"But your magic sucks." Xion couldn't help but laugh, "The Heartless aren't that weak."

"Then I'll just become stronger." Roxas answered, "Simple as that, I'll do some training at Mount Olympus, we get back to normal, restore Kingdom Hearts, Axel gets back, we eat sea-salt ice cream with Maka and Soul. Things will work itself out."

"But HOW will we get back to normal is the first problem." Xion noted. "This is serious Roxas."

"I am being serious. That plan was very serious." Roxas fired back, sulking inside. "Who can we ask then?"

Xion gave a defeated sigh.

"No one for now." She sulked.

Roxas felt something inside twinge; his chest and his mind felt angered as well as frustrated by the sight of a sad friend. More so, as it was Xion who was sad. Powerless described it well.

Thinking of how to cheer her up and what to say to lift her mood would always be one of the greatest challenges Roxas would face. He decided to take her hand and look straight into her sky blue eyes.

"We'll think of something—" he remained serious, "So don't worry. We'll solve this problem; together." He tapped his temple, "Got it memorized?"

"You can be such a dork sometimes." Xion's smiled and gave a light giggle, "Axel does it better. Thanks, I know we can do something if we put our minds to it!"

"It's what friends are for." Roxas let go. "We'll do more brainstorming after tomorrow's mission."

"Got it." Xion agreed.

The two Nobodies had finally reached the Headquarters, and walked through the walk corridors as quietly as possible. A few occasions they thought they were caught, only to realize it was just some dusks cleaning the floors late at night. Finally, they reached their bedrooms, switched their outfits, and slept for the rest of the night.

Word Count: 3908

Author's Note: Hey guys and gals here's the last segment to Chapter Nine. The odds of me updating? Who knows— writer's block has appeared once again, and it's stronger than ever. I'm free to message if anyone has questions about the plot for the story. I don't plan on giving major spoilers though.

Also special thanks to StellarMage99 for helping out.