Two days.
It took two days before Maria had found the strength to open her eyes. Two days before the light had finally finished purging itself from her body and for her darkness to heal most of the damage done to her already weakened form.
And she ached.
She groaned as she rolled over onto her side, her muscles screaming as she forced herself up onto her elbow; attempting to at least prop herself up to gaze about the room she was in. Maria had expected a cell, a dark bleak room of cold stone and little light. This, however, was not what she had expect at all.
The room was bright, impossibly bright. With white walls and soft grey and silver accents. The window along the back wall was long and wide, showing a deep purple sky with a shattered golden moon. She hissed as she pushed herself up into a sitting position, her eyes adjusting to the harsh light of the bedroom. Carefully, she moved her legs over the edge of the bed, her eyes slowly landing on a silver tray laid delicately on the bedside table.
A frown etched it's way onto her face as she stared at it, a simple Roman Numeral embossed on the lid.
"Three…?" She rasped, her voice cracking from lack of use. Furrowing her brows, she hesitantly reached a hand out towards the lid, stopping just before touching the handle. Maria chastised herself for her hesitance, grabbing the lid before yanking it off; her arm screaming its reluctance at the harsh movement. She blinked in confusion at the tray as she let the lid fall against the mattress.
The tray sat filled with food; buttered rolls, toast with jam, and fresh fruit sat on its gleaming surface. Confusion flooded her mind as she stared at it, not sure why it was there but also uncertain if she trusted it enough to eat despite her famished stomach.
With a deep breath, Maria steeled herself, reaching out for one of the cut strawberries before a knock sounded at the door. Tensing, her fingers flexed, attempting to summon her blades but failing as only a few weak tendrils of black slithered across her fingertips.
The door handle turned slowly as the silence etched on, her fingers carefully wrapping around the handle of the tray lid as the white door slid open.
A tall man entered the room, his hair pulled up into a high ponytail of dreadlocks with rough sideburns along his cheeks. A few scratches varying in intensity adorned his cheek and neck. His violet eyes rose to rest on her, his gaze observant and empty.
"You're awake." He stated as he finished entering the room, a bundle of dark material rolled up in his arm. Maria eyed him suspiciously as he moved over to the dresser, setting the material down before looking back to her, his gaze focusing on her hold on the lid.
"You won't be needing that. We are not here to fight you." He said, his voice smooth with a slight gruff edge to the regal way he spoke. "You should eat."
"How lon-" Maria winced as her voice cracked, trying to clear her throat and trying to speak again. "How long...was I asleep?"
The man regaled her with a blank expression, watching her for a moment before replying, "Two days."
She winced. Two days. She had been unconscious for two days surrounded by complete strangers. Strangers who had kidnapped her and attacked her. And then there was that girl… Maria had lost herself in thought for a moment, realizing only too late that the man was speaking to her. Jerking slightly, the lid slipped from her grip and clattered to the floor, making her jump as the man let out a telling sigh.
"As I said," he began as he stepped forward, picking up the lid and setting it beside the tray on the bedside table before casting his gaze up to her, his deep violet clashing with her light hazel, "we are not here to fight. You are here to be protected." Standing to his full height, he tucked one hand behind his back in a way of such ease it was almost habit to him. He held his other hand out to her, casually waiting for her to take it, "My name is Xaldin."
Looking him over carefully, Maria let out a shaky breath before reaching to take his hand, still uncertain, "...Maria."
"Pleasure." He said as he shook her hand before releasing it, looking over her healing wounds, "I would suggest eating, and perhaps a bath. You are still recovering after all."
"Why do you care?" She questioned, tilting her head to the side.
"As I said, we are to protect you. As the Keeper of Darkness you are most vulnerable as you are now." He stated as he grabbed the bundle of fabric from the dresser and opened a side door, revealing a large bathroom. He set the bundle down on the counter before walking back into the room, "You and the Keeper of Light have been separated for too long. Your wounds are healing, but only just."
Keeper…? The girl. That's why she was so bright. She was the light. Of course she was… Maria ran away because of Yen Sid and Mickey's stupid rambling about not being able to find the light, and she ran right into her. Perfect. Maria clenched her fists with a sigh, staring at her hands with a look of disdain.
"I didn't want to find her."
Xaldin titled his head slightly, looking her over with a searching gaze, "You were wanting to avoid finding them?"
"Wouldn't you?" She asked, glancing up at him, her exhaustion and sorrow showing clearly on her face.
Letting out a sigh, Xaldin stepped towards her, resting a heavy hand on her shoulder, "Bathe. Eat. And then worry about what is to come." Turning, he stepped towards the door to leave, stopping as he opened it, "I left clothes for you on the counter. Either myself or one of the other members will come to check on you in an hour." He stated before turning to leave.
Maira thought for a moment before calling out, "Xaldin?"
The tall man stopped just before shutting the door, opening it enough to peer back in at her.
"What...what was the number three for? It's been bugging me. You said I was only asleep for two days."
He watched her for a moment before shaking his head, trying to repress a smile, "It is my number. I am Number III of the Organization."
"Organization… so you all have your numbers etched on cutlery?"
"No... I enjoy cooking in my spare time." He said before closing the door with a soft click, leaving Maria alone with her thoughts and the idea of being, once again, captive. The only "good" thing was that she was used to having that kind of role, but...
What was she going to do about it now?
…
Everything hurt. There was no exaggerating that; I felt like every muscle in my body was slowly being torn apart as I gradually reached consciousness. I grimaced, a groan escaping as I groggily opened my eyes. I hissed, recoiling at the brightness of the blinding white that greeted me, before trying to open my eyes again.
It took a minute for my eyes to adjust, blinking a few times, and I turned my head when I heard a sound that sounded similar to humming. Rather nice humming, actually, and I was greeted with the greatly contrasting black leather coat and pink hair. Marluxia, seeming much better than what I remembered last seeing him, hummed to himself as he fiddled with a plant that definitely hadn't been on my nightstand before. It gave a rather nice color to the room.
"Oh!" He gasped, seeing me staring at him in confusion from the corner of his eyes. He turned, looking at me with a smile. "You're finally awake! Wonderful; I was beginning to think the Keeper of Light was comatose forever. Number Nine has been especially anxious waiting for your awakening. Are you hungry?"
"...What... " It hurt to speak. My voice sounded hoarse. "What happened?"
"Mmm… I'm afraid I can't give the best explanation like Number Six or Four, but I can tell you that it was because of your meeting the Keeper of Darkness. Your "other half" so to speak. You had so much darkness in you, that when it was taken out and the light in the woman went back into you… well, it needed a chance to recover and flow properly." He placed a hand on his hip, explaining calmly.
"H… How long was I-" God, it hurts. I cut myself off, bringing a hand up to my throat, and struggled to sit up. Marluxia watched silently for a moment before helping, a hand on my back. As I struggled to breathe, the pink-haired man made his way over to the dresser, picked up a water bottle, and handed it to me. It took me a moment to open it, and when I finally did I downed at least over half the bottle. I coughed, having drank too fast, and thanked him.
"Don't worry about it, Irene. You have been asleep for two days after all; even we Nobodies would be dying of thirst." I looked up at him gratefully, glad that it was him and not that scary blond chick I had woken up to. Wait, what did he say? My eyes widened.
"T-Two days!?" Marluxia nodded at me, moving his attention back to the vase full of flowers. Daisies, hyacinths, carnations… a rather odd combination. Daisies meant "get well" which made sense, but hyacinths…? That's "sorrow". Well, in a way I guess it went together. The carnations were white, and the only thing I could think of it meaning without it being too weird was "good luck". "O-Okay, then… Um. Well. That's… nice. G-Guess I finally caught up on my sleep, huh?" I gave a nervous laugh. "I, uh, like the flowers. They're pretty."
"Aren't they?" He smiled, almost appearing genuine if not for the dead look in his eyes. "I'm glad someone appreciates their beauty. The filthy Keeper of Darkness completely obliterated my last combination. Can you believe her? Such rudeness and upon a first meeting! Ghastly." He hmph'd to himself, irritated at the memory.
I suddenly remembered how he looked right before I passed out. "Y-You're-You're okay? H-How's your-" Leg? Hip? Or was it his waist? "-your injury?" Marluxia stopped fiddling with the flowers, turning to look at me with the slightest hint of surprise in his dead eyes. Then a smile flickered onto his face.
"You were worried about me? How sweet. I'm perfectly healed now though; once Vexen regained consciousness I took a few potions from his lab and used them. Nothing a little magic couldn't fix. You should be more worried about yourself."
"O-Oh… Okay. Sorry…" I lowered my head, not sure how to respond to that. I blinked when a tray of food was suddenly placed in my lap, Marluxia having pulled the tray off my dresser. On the tray was a bottled water, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a simple roll, and an apple. "...?"
"You're supposed to eat it," He told me, looking amused by my confusion. I blinked, eyebrows raising as my eyes widened in realization. I stammered for a long moment, struggling to find a proper reply, before clamping my mouth shut and awkwardly picking up the roll.
"Th-Thank you," Was all I could say, taking a timid bite of the food. The moment I did so my stomach howled with pain, the roll being gone from my fingers as I had quickly devoured it. Marluxia did say I was out for two days; was it really so surprising I was this hungry? I had to force myself to slow down so I didn't choke.
"...Well, seeing as you've finally awoken, I supposed I've got no choice but to bid you farewell for now." I stiffened when I felt a gloved hand rest on my head, Marluxia smiling down at me with a rather… strange look in his eyes. Despite how uncomfortable I was, I didn't push his hand away and just took another bite of my sandwich. "I've to report your awakening to the Superior. Do take… care of yourself, will you?" He chuckled to himself, almost as if he had an inside joke that only he knew about, and gave my hair a light ruffle before pulling away and stepping out of the room.
I was left in silence by myself, only having the food for company, and not knowing what I should do I just leaned back against the bedframe and sighed. I couldn't believe I was actually asleep for a solid two days; just what on earth transpired? Marluxia said it had to deal with the "darkness" being ripped out of me and all the light needing a chance to flow normally, but… I don't know. Maybe I'm just over thinking things again.
If Marluxia is fine, that means everyone else is too… right?
...
Xaldin had said that someone would be by in an hour.
Naturally, that meant that Maria had spent forty-five minutes relaxing under the heat of the shower. Forty-five minutes of heat and steam and the hot water on full blast before Maria had decided to exit the bathroom, clad in tight black jeans that hung low on her hips and a smooth charcoal colored tank top that exposed her pale clavicle. A towel hung around her neck casually as she stepped out of the bath; steam lifting from her head as she moved her hand slowly over her hair, her natural heat drying the previously damp locks.
The room was just as she had left it, save for a few missing rolls she had managed to devour beforehand. Relaxed, refreshed, and with her heat refueled, she felt much more alert. Picking up an apple, she turned it over in her hand before bringing it towards her lips only to still as she heard a soft knock on the door. Extending her left arm sharply as the door opened, Lexaeus's eyes were met by the long tip of a red blade. Maria's eyes were the only other thing hotter than the molten blade in her hand.
They stood there for a long moment, perfectly still as they stared each other down, all cold eyes and heated could hear the time passing by the ticking of the clock, Maria's jaw clenching as her patience wore thin before a small reflection of light caught her eye.
In Lexaeus's hand sat a chain link puzzle within his enclosed fist. Curiously, she let her sword vanish to embers before holding out her hand to him.
"That. Can I see it?"
Lexaeus simply blinked at her before offering the small trinket; watching as her eyes lit up at receiving the metal toy. Maria cocked her head to the side as she fiddled with the links, her apple left forgotten and tucked under one arm. After a few moments she finally managed to figure out how to get it apart with a smile before endeavouring to put it back together.
Lexaeus took note of her then, since it was the most still he had been able to see the Keeper of Darkness as of yet. He looked her over, the set of her jaw, the angle of her gaze; the way she held her expressions and stance. He also noticed the spray of freckles that lay across her face and cheekbones, reminding him idly of Irene's own face; although the younger girl was without the colorful array of freckles, they held the same gaze as they thought, focused and intrigued all at once. The auburn haired girl had a longer face than that of Irene, her face more angled, but their eyes were the same even if the color was not. He wondered what other traits they would have in common as the Keepers of Darkness and Light.
He wasn't surprised when several moments later,the trinket was in one piece and held back out to the ginger giant.
"Do you have any other puzzles?" She questioned.
Lexaeus simply blinked at her before nodding slowly, "I have several. I was instructed to show you around the castle."
"Can you show me during the...tour, I guess?" She gripped her apple in her hand again, her free hand stuffed inside the back pocket of her pants, hazel eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"That can be arranged."
"Good." She looked him over before hesitantly holding out her hand, "Maria."
Taking the offering, he shook her hand with a nod of his head, "Lexaeus."
"Sorry 'bout kicking your ass. Not so sorry about it being interrupted though. I have a feeling there's more that you could do."
His brow twitched slightly at that, his face remaining calloused and void as he looked her over, "And you as well." Releasing her hand, he turned back to the door, stepping outside and gesturing for her to follow.
"So, what number are you?" She inquired as she moved to follow him, ever curious.
"I am Number V."
"So you're lower than Xaldin or higher? He didn't explain exactly how many of you live here."
"We are titled in the order we came."
"That's not a very cohesive ranking system."
"For one who was near silent in battle you ask multiple questions."
She shrugged as she followed him, taking in her surrounding: how many halls they passed, staircases, windows, doors, "I'm a curious person."
"So it would seem."
"So, where are we going?"
"To the common area. That is where you had appeared when you had first arrived."
"There still blood on the floor?" He stayed silent at that, and Maria let out a quiet whistle at his response. "Tough crowd…" she muttered before taking a bite of her apple. Well, if she couldn't get information by idle chatter, she'd have to find another way.
And that was where the fun would start.
…
I really really did like the flowers. They added so much more color to the room and just a bit more sanity to my unstable mind. My body hurt a little as it moved, as I was forcing myself up off the mattress and attempting to stand, and I grit my teeth in response. It had been so long since I've hurt like this; are they sure I didn't just get run over by a semi-truck instead?
Wait… do they even have semi-trucks on this world? God… everything is so sore. It's as if I hadn't moved in decades, my legs threatening to give out before me. I had to use the bland furniture to steady myself, stretching my legs a bit as I stood in place to try and get the blood flow moving properly. It took a few minutes, but everything finally seemed to get back into working order.
Seeing as I slept in for two days, I definitely wasn't going to be remaining in these nasty clothes with my grimy, oily hair, and I quickly pulled out some clean clothes from the bag Zexion had brought for me the other day. A large green chiffon button up, some jeans that held tight around the hips but flared out near the ankles, and… well, screw it. I'm just going to remain barefoot. I may be their captive, but that doesn't make me their servant. I don't have to dress up for anyone here!
I brushed my teeth first before hopping into the shower, taking maybe twenty or so minutes, and stepped out feeling completely refreshed. I stretched loudly, yawning, and quickly got dressed. I didn't bother spraying my hair again, simply brushing it to the side with my fingers as it was still a little damp, and cleaned my glasses before putting them on.
I coughed a bit, the room burning with steam, and I had to escape back into the bedroom so I didn't suffocate. Nebulizer- where's nebulizer? I started hurting ten minutes into the shower, but it wasn't until I got out that I started to really have trouble breathing. Even if having the "light" returning to me helped with the sickness, going two days without my regular breathing treatments wasn't too terribly much of a good thing.
That, sadly, took thirty minutes to do, but it took me a good fifteen to even find a plug-in. When I finally did, I hooked the cord and mouthpiece up to the machine, poured in the medicine, and got comfortable on the bed with my laptop. I lacked internet, but as I breathed in I did my usual Paint Tool Sai. Hilariously, halfway done with the medicine there was a loud knock on the door before it opened.
A familiar, slender-built figure stepped in, his sea green eyes gazing around the room before landing on me. I brightened at the sight of my new kinda-friend, grinning. Demyx beamed, though looked utterly confused within seconds of realizing I was currently attached to a tiny white machine. "Irene? What… What are you doing?"
"Bweathing," I answered, not pulling the mouthpiece away. He blinked at my muffled response, shrugged, and walked over and took a seat beside me on the bed, peering over my shoulder curiously to see what it was I was doing. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw it, looking rather impressed.
"Whoa~! How are you doing all of this?"
"Pwactice." Demyx watched in awe for a few minutes, but he quickly grew bored and summoned his sitar. I jumped a little when it appeared out of the blue (haha! Because the sitar is blue?) and he started to strum notes, but I eventually relaxed and continued doing my own thing.
That's how the rest of the time spent using the nebulizer went; Demyx singing and playing his sitar, and I just clicking away and painting digitally. Demyx actually wasn't too terribly bad of a singer; I actually rather enjoyed it. Once the medicine ran out I saved everything and closed my laptop, unplugging it, and turned off my machine. I looked at Demyx, who was staring at me, and gave an awkward little wave.
"So… what's up?"
"Marluxia told the Superior you were awake, so Saix gave me orders to guard you." Demyx responded nonchalantly, shrugging. "I mean, I don't know why seeing as it's near impossible for anyone to break into the castle, but if I get to hang out with someone who isn't going to yell at me twenty-four seven I'm cool with it. You hungry?"
Uh… okay then. I mean, I'm not too terribly hungry, but… Okay, that's a lie. I'm still starving. Throwing my fists out in front of me, punching the air, I grinned. "Yes~!" Demyx grinned and hopped off the bed, his sitar dissipating into lights, and he walked towards me.
"To the kitchen!"
"Onwards!"
We marched out of the bedroom, making our way into the hallway. After a few minutes of walking I slowed down and let Demyx take the lead, not exactly remembering the way to the kitchen. In my defense, not only was I directionally challenged, but everything looked the same. When we finally reached the kitchen, I was little surprised to see that no one was there. With how many people were in there the other day I was sort of expecting another crowd.
Demyx waved his hand, telling me to get whatever I wanted, and immediately started to rummage through the fridge. I decided to very awkwardly get out another pack of cinnamon poptarts, taking a seat at the table and slowly breaking off pieces to eat. Demyx finally seemed to find something suitable to eat, pulling out a jug of orange juice and a plastic-wrapped plate. Pulling off the wrap it was revealed to be some scrambled eggs. After dumping some shredded cheese on them and putting it in the microwave for a good minute, he moved over and sat down across from me, munching on his food.
Around eight minutes had passed when someone finally entered the kitchen. Unfortunately, instead of Zexion, Lexaeus, or even Marluxia, it was…
"L-Larxene!?" Demyx practically choked on his food, his voice going up a few pitches at the sight of the moody blonde. "Wh-What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like?" She snarled, waltzing into the room and opening the freezer. "I'm getting myself breakfast. Maybe if you actually bothered using that brain of yours you would figure it out! Oh, wait, my bad." She laughed, closing the freezer and standing, placing a hand on her hip as she glanced at him over her shoulder. A hand rested against her chest. "I'm sorry, I made it sound like you actually had a brain in that thick skull of yours. I forgot it was just as empty as the nonexistent heart in your chest."
Hurt clearly flashed across his face, pain in his dead eyes, but it vanished just as quick as it came. Demyx turned his head, staring down at his breakfast blankly, before giving a small shrug.
"Aw, did I hurt the poor wittle baby's feelings?" Larene mocked. I frowned, looking at her and watching the scene take place. She didn't seem to notice, though I doubted she would even care. If there was anyone who was supposedly "heartless"... it was most definitely her.
"...If anyone's a baby it's you. Though I doubt you have any feelings to hurt." Oh god. Okay, yup, I said it. Oh well. Piercing acid green eyes shot over and glared at me, narrowing in complete and utter hate. Demyx lifted his head up and stared at me in surprise. "While I understand that you guys don't really "have" hearts or whatever, there's no reason to be such a jerk. U-Unless you were a jerk before you lost a heart and that's why you're such a jerk now, but that's no excuse to- to… m-make fun of... "
My voice cracked and died down, seeing just how furious she was. She looked ready to tear me to shreds, and after Axel had nearly succeeded in doing so I really didn't want to risk it. I looked down uncomfortably, tearing off another piece of poptart and chewing anxiously. Demyx was still staring, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion with his lips just slightly parted in surprise.
It was only when I felt the hair's on the back of my neck and on my arms start to stand up that I risked a glance, but when I did so I knew I was dead. Lightning literally was crackling off of her, coils flickering and wrapping around her fingers, an almost golden glow around her body as the electricity crackled angrily. "You dare to talk back to me? Just because you're living here because of your stupid light powers doesn't mean you can LECTURE ME!"
There wasn't even any time to run. Bright blue and yellow streaks of electricity came flying towards me. Blinded by the brightness the heat scorched my skin, but before I could scream or before it could actually touch me there was a loud shout from the other side of the room.
"Dance, water, dance!"
Jets of water shot out from Demyx's sitar, something he had summoned as soon as Larxene let out her attack, and went flying straight towards me. Water clones intercepted the blow, exploding upon impact, and as Larxene let out an outraged scream as a stream of water shot out and soaked her I felt a pair of arms around me and suddenly there was darkness. I couldn't breathe; my throat closed up as the black enveloped me. I would have clawed at my throat, but I was too winded to move. I had been slung over someone's shoulder without warning, and as the person continued running I found myself growing faint. I-I can't…
Gods, I'm going to throw up. What even happened?
I wasn't able to think about it, but before I could pass out we entered a room filled with white and I gasped, air flooding my lungs. I was tossed onto a couch without hesitation, and was left to gasp and cough and claw at the soft leather as I tried to recover myself.
"A-Are you alright? Gods- you didn't have to do that! Now Larxene will try to kill you! Oh gods, she's going to kill both of us!" Demyx ruffled his mullet frantically, glancing over his shoulder as if expecting the devil herself to appear at any moment. Letting out a few more coughs I finally managed to regain my bearings and weakly pushed myself up, trying to ignore the intense pounding in my head. "What are we going to do~!? Zexy, help me!"
"...Do not call me that." A single blue eye glared at him, promising deadly nightmares if Demyx used that name on him again. "And please, do refrain from sending the Keeper of Light through anymore Corridors of Darkness until we can make proper attire for her to wear so she can have resistance against it. She's so full of a light that a mere Midnight Anklet just isn't going to cut it."
"B-But Larxene was going to kill us!" He wailed, "You know how scary she is!"
Clearing my throat and ignoring the pain in my chest, I looked at the two men. Demyx had plopped me on the couch that Zexion was sitting on, causing the bookworm to be rather disgruntled. "What did you even do to irritate her so? You should know better, Number Nine."
"I-I wasn't planning on attacking her! It was…" He paused, the odd look flickering onto his face again. Zexion's frown deepened, his eye narrowing when he saw the expression. "Larxene was making fun of me again and… I wasn't going to say anything, but… Irene defended me. Then Larxene got mad and tried to roast her, so I-I just… reacted, I guess. It's our job to keep her safe, right? Because she's the Keeper of Light?"
Was… Was he trying to justify saving me? Okay then… not too entirely sure how I feel about that. Zexion arched an eyebrow, turning his head to look down at me, and I tensed. He had that look again-like I was an animal ready for experimentation. It was… slightly unnerving. "You… talked back to Larxene? The Savage Nymph? To defend Demyx?" I'm not too entirely sure if he respected me for that or if he thought I was a completely moron. Probably the latter.
"I…" I bit my bottom lip, bringing a hand up and scratching at my neck. "I… I don't like bullies… Besides, Demyx is nice. If anything, she's the one without a brain. Can she play music? I don't think so. Can she sing? D-Doubt it; her voice would- her voice would be like nails on a chalkboard…" Okay, I'll admit, I feel a little bad about talking behind her back but she was such a jerk! My voice squeaked a little and I flinched, highly uncomfortable at the situation. "I-I mean, I play instruments, but even I'm not that good at it. D-Demyx is really good at the sitar and he could play the music perfectly despite have to sightread! Do you know how hard sightreading is!? It sucks! I mean, I like playing, but I dislike sightreading. It's really hard, especially since we're always sightreading the more difficult and advanced songs."
I nodded, rambling a little, and clapped my hands together to signify the end of my speech. Demyx looked a little dumbfounded, whereas Zexion was just staring at me like I grew a second head.
"Therefore, Demyx is smart and Larxene is not! All there is to it! She's the one without a brain."
"...I won't argue that number Twelve lacks a certain intelligence that would be befitting a member of the organization, nor shall I deny that Nine has a talent for music, but I beg to differ that his intellect is any higher."
I opened my mouth to argue, though paused as I didn't really know much else about Demyx. The blond took over, however, and pouted at Zexion who had flipped his book open again. "Aw~ Here I thought you were going to give me a proper compliment. You've never given me one before! And here I compliment you all the time..."
"Compliment me on what?" Zexion challenged.
"W-Well… uh…" Demyx faltered, staring at the annoyed Zexion and trying to find something to praise him for. "The… The skilled way you… read through books?" I couldn't stop the snort that escaped, instinctively reaching up and slapping a hand over my mouth and nose. Demyx looked at me, feigning offense, and Zexion just rolled his eyes.
"You're pathetic."
Demyx just stuck his tongue out at him. Finally deciding that he was done kneeling on the marble floor, the blond stood and plopped down on the other side of Zexion, peering over his shoulder curiously. "What're you reading?"
"..."
"Hello?" When Zexion didn't answer, the man clearly attempting to pretend the blond didn't exist, Demyx waved a hand in front of his face. When Zexion leaned away to escape him, Demyx just yanked the book out of his hands. "Uh… Emotions of the Heart? That's a bit ironic, isn't it?"
Zexion tore the book away from him without hesitation, cradling it close to chest as he glared darkly. "While Kingdom Hearts is our main goal, there's always a good chance that there's another option to regain our hearts. To do that, one must understand the heart and how it works. It takes progress, experiments, and understanding." Considering I know nothing about this place, that was probably the only thing I could make sense out of.
Demyx just scratched his head, blinking. "Eh… sounds kinda boring. Like, I mean, great! If there's another way to get our hearts, that's awesome, but I don't know if having a heart is all that important really. Isn't it easier to just feel nothing than to get crushed by your emotions?"
"Perhaps," The slate haired man responded. "I wouldn't really know, however. Feel free to ask Number Four; Vexen is certainly old enough to know all about emotions." Wait, why wouldn't Zexion know about emotions? He was a "somebody" before, too, right?
"Why would Vexen know and not you?" Who the heck even is Vexen? I think Axel mentioned him once before, but I'm not too sure. Demyx blinked, as if remembering I was there. Thanks, I love to be forgotten! ...Not. Zexion didn't answer, but looked back down at his book and pulled it away from his chest, opening it and silently starting to read again.
Demyx looked at me. "Well… that's because Zexion was a little kid when he joined the organization. He doesn't have many memories to go by. You should have seen him though! I joined while he was still a few years younger than he is, and whenever he had to give a speech his voice would crack and- and Xigbar- pfft- he-he almost fell out of his chair laughing! A-And poor Lexaeus had to help him portal to his throne because he didn't have good control over them yet. And-"
WHACK!
I yelped and jumped back, nearly falling off the couch in alarm when Zexion suddenly slammed the side of his book into Demyx's face. The blond shrieked, but was unable to catch himself as he toppled off the side of the armrest and landed on the ground. Next thing we knew there was loud, horrifically familiar laughter and a pair of arms wrapping themselves around me and Zexion from behind the couch.
"Dude! You just got pwn'd by a book! Ha! What a wuss. He may be tiny and cute, but it's always the quiet ones you got to look out for." Xigbar was right there, his arms wrapped around mine and Zexion's shoulders. I went completely still, barely breathing from the contact. Please let go, please let go, please let go- "Aw, and lookie here! Our little Light Keeper is here keeping Six and Nine company! You're making friends already!" Xigbar grinned at me, but when he turned his head to look in my direction I leaned away as far as I could. "Aw, you're hurtin' my feelings, kid!"
Unimpressed and a little disturbed, I retorted, "Somehow I doubt that." Everyone keeps going on about how they don't have feelings, so therefore there aren't even any feelings for me to hurt. "C-Can you let go, please?" I'm pretty sure Zexion is about to go on a book-slapping rampage. There wasn't much expression change, really, but the irritation was clear in his single narrowed blue eye.
"Yes. Release us. Now."
Xigbar stared at him, frowning for a long moment, before letting go as if he had touched fire. He held his hands up in the air, a grin across his scarred face. "Fine, fine! Ruin all my fun, spoil sports! Hey, Demyx, how long do you place to sit there curled on the floor?"
"My nose is bleeding! Zexion made my nose bleed!"
The slate-haired man resituated himself on the couch, grimacing when Xigbar climbed over and made himself comfortable between us, and flipped his book open once more. "You shouldn't have been telling those stories. I don't gossip about you, do I? I expect you to show me the same respect I show you."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry! Now give me a potion so I can stop this grossness!" Demyx sat up on his knees, a hand over his nose as he tilted his head back. Blood was trailing down and tears stained his eyes. "It's disgusting and it hurts!"
Zexion sighed, and after a moment of hesitation he reached into his organization cloak and pulled out a small bottle filled with a bright green liquid. That… doesn't look very trustworthy. I watched in concern as Demyx downed the whole bottle, only to stare in surprise and fascination when his nose stopped bleeding. He wiped away the excess blood with his hand and sniffed, watching as the bottle vanquished into lights.
"Thank you!" Demyx exclaimed, and it was at that moment the door opened. I grinned at the sight of a familiar giant and waved without thinking, grinning excitedly, and the three men stared at me oddly. Lexaeus just nodded to show he saw. The girl, no, woman next to him, however…
My eyes widened. She's the one Demyx said was attacking everyone! She looks… really familiar, actually. Like I've seen her before the day where we both passed out. With hazel almond eyes, a longer face with high cheekbones, and short auburn hair, she kinda… reminded me of mom, actually. Why… Why does she look so much like her?
The woman gazed at me disdainfully, as if the very sight of me ruined her day. "What is this; the lobby?" She pointedly ignored me, turning her gaze onto the ginger giant.
"The common area. Most of the members rest here during free time or after missions. Zexion…" The bookworm looked up upon hearing his name and arched an eyebrow, awaiting Lexaeus to speak more. "He's known as the "Cloaked Schemer": Number six. Xigbar, "The Freeshooter": Number Two. Demyx, "Melodious Nocturne": Number Nine."
Zexion merely nodded, Xigbar gave the peace symbol, and Demyx just grinned. Xigbar continued to grin until surprise suddenly took over. He looked at the woman, then at me, then at the woman again, and then at me. "Dude! Check it out!"
"Check what out?" Demyx asked in confusion, looking up at him innocently. Zexion pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out an irritable sigh, and I stared. "What's wrong?"
"Her face!"
The woman looked ready to skewer him. "What's wrong with my face, asshole?" Zexion opened his eye, looked at her for a good moment, before he paused. He looked down at me. Feeling his stare, I turned my head and blinked at him. "Hey! Too scared to answer after I kicked your friends' ass?" The woman snapped, small sparks flickering around her now clenched fists.
"Not at all," The slate-haired man responded calmly, unimpressed by her angry demeanor. "I was just noting the resemblance you and Irene share." The woman froze.
"...Irene?" The auburn-haired woman looked as if she had just gotten slapped in the face. I faltered, wondering if I should stand and walk over to see if she was alright, before settling with remaining where I was at as I knew there was nothing I could actually do to help. Her hazel gaze was piercing, burning daggers into me. "Your name is Irene?"
"Y-Yeah…" To say I wasn't intimidated by her stare would be a lie. Part of me wanted to try and hide behind Zexion, but I knew that if I did so I would probably be on the receiving end of the book smack. "I-Irene Thorn. It's-It's nice to meet you!" I did my best smile, grinning at her despite the small twinge of fear buried deep within my heart. This woman had caused Marluxia massive pain…
Though it was only brief, I could still recall the vivid sight of blood pooling around him, dripping down his hip and trickling onto the floor. The flipped table, the broken vase, the unconscious man, and the battered Zexion… Even though I haven't truly gotten to know her yet, I knew she was someone dangerous and that I didn't want to get on her bad side.
In fact, everyone here in this place seemed to be dangerous. As long as I went along with whatever their plans were, I had a feeling I would be mostly safe. "O-Oh! Uh, this is Zexion!" I gestured to the man next to me, having already forgotten Lexaeus had introduced them, and then pointed at the dumbfounded blond still sitting on the ground. "That's Demyx! So far, he's my favorite. He's really nice! Oh, and Lexaeus is really cool, too!" The man next to her blinked at my words, but said nothing. The fact that she already probably knew the giant's name completely slipped my mind. "Xigbar scares me though."
Demyx snorted loudly at that, bringing his hands up to cover his mouth, whereas a barely noticeable smirk twitched at the corners of Zexion's lips. Xigbar looked personally offended, though he sort of deserved it for being a creep. "Hey, the hell's that s'posed to mean!?"
"Exactly what it sounded like," I told him, staring blankly at him. While a little terrified, I knew he wasn't allowed to kill me. Not yet, at least. "You scare me. The only nice ones are Demyx, Lexaeus, and Zexion." I started to count off with my fingers, making sure it was the right amount of people. I continued, "You and Larxene are terrifying, Axel is rocky because while he did try to slice me in half he isn't all that bad once you talk to him, I don't know anything about Vexen, Luxord, or Xaldin, and apparently Saix will go berserk if you say the wrong thing so I guess even though I haven't seen him angry yet he scares me too. I don't trust the Superior, either."
"You realize it's dangerous to trust any of us, right?" Demyx asked, knitting his eyebrows together. Zexion flipped another page of his book. I looked at Demyx, confused.
"Who said I trusted any of you? I said I thought you were nice, not that I trusted you."
"Well," Zexion began, calm as ever and making me just a little bit irritated that he wasn't looking at me as he talked, instead choosing to flip through the pages in his book again. "It's certainly relieving that you aren't as naive as I previously believed. Perhaps there's hope for you yet, Keeper."
"My name's Irene." I frowned, biting my bottom lip, and sunk down in the couch slightly as I crossed my arms. "Don't call me "Keeper"." Demyx finally stood, taking a seat next to me and squishing me between him and Xigbar, who was crushed between me and Zexion, and I found myself leaning closer to Demyx than Xigbar because of how he creeped me out. "It's your fault I'm even here..."
"Why did you leave out Marluxia?" Demyx asked, looking down at me curiously. Zexion turned his head, sniffing the air, before looking back down at his book and reading something. Though he didn't mention anything about it, he leaned away as far as he could to escape Xigbar as well. Then, after a few short moments, he spoke.
"You did leave out Number Eleven. Where does he reside on your list?"
I threw my hands up in the air exasperatedly, "Okay, rephrase; Demyx, Zexion, Lexaeus, and Marluxia are the only nice ones so far! Ya'll are shady, but that's to be expected seeing as you're all a bunch of kidnappers, and the only consolation there is that you're all different varying degrees of shady. Demyx is officially the least shady."
"Hey! I can be very shady if I wanted to!" The blond protested, feigning offense towards my words. "I can be the shadiest kidnapper!" Xigbar rolled his one visible eye and I attempted to worm myself out from between them, sliding off the couch and landing on the floor and sitting there. "...What are you doing?"
"Not getting crushed." I told him. Xigbar, who was getting rather annoyed by all this, raised his hands in the air and exclaimed,
"Okay! As cute as this whole little conversation is, can we get back to the matter at hand?" He pointed at the woman standing beside Lexaeus, frustration clear in her eyes. "I don't know about you, but I don't recall any of the history books mentioning how the Keepers of Light and Darkness looked alike."
Zexion pulled away from his book, a frown adorning his face. "In fact, most of the reports Vexen and I had read claimed that they all varied greatly in appearance. There were never any physical resemblances between them." Wait, are they being serious? This woman and I don't look that alike at all! ...Do we? "Curious… what makes you two so special that you share similar attributes?"
"We look nothing alike!" The woman growled. "You all are insane!" The room started to heat up a little, her fingers flickering with the tiniest sparks of flames. Lexaeus' shoulders tensed, the giant looking ready to restrain her if she tried anything. "Have you even bothered looking at us? She has olive skinned chipmunk cheeks; I have pale high European cheekbones! My hair is auburn and her's is so dark it's almost black! She's short and I'm tall! You all need to take a second to actually look, because-"
"Eyes." Lexaeus finally spoke. The woman stopped talking and the room went silent, all looking at Lexaeus. His cold eyes turned to look down at her. "Your eyes… your expressions… they are the same." Our expressions are the same…
Both of us were confused, maybe even a little irritated. The only thing I could consider us looking alike would be the noses; we both had that little bump in the middle. She was tall and slender, face decorated with angular features and freckles, and was very pretty. Compared to me, however… well, I couldn't see much resemblance at all. "How can they be the same when we've never even met before?" I muttered, bringing my knees up to my chest on the ground. I was getting tired of the conversation very quickly.
I was tired and still really hungry, and while not everyone was mean it didn't mean I wanted to remain here. I wanted to go home. I wanted to see my family, my friends. I don't want to be a "Keeper of Light". I don't want to be part of something that I have no decent use for. I could feel anger boiling up inside me- anger that didn't feel like it was entirely mine- and it was taking all I had to not snap.
Unfortunately, people seemed to take notice of the rage simmering quietly inside my gaze. And, out of all those who could have said anything, Xigbar was the one who spoke. "Is somethin' the matter, kid? You looked ready to pop a blood vessel."
"She's not a look alike," I growled, all traces of humor gone as my expression was replaced with that of seriousness. "We've never even met until now; if there have never been any similarities between Keepers before, why would there be now? Your expressions can change based on those who hang out with you- bits of personality and speech can rub off on a person depending on how long you spend time with a person- but we've never met."
My voice cracked a little as I spoke, the room in total silence as I paused, and I took a shaky breath as I struggled to not stutter and to keep my voice as clear as I could.
"How… H-How can we look so much alike when haven't spent any time together until now?"
...Zexion nodded his head at my words, finding the logic in them, and Lexaeus stared intently at the woman as he observed her reactions. She was frozen, stunned, but still rather livid by the situation at hand. Xigbar looked intrigued by my calm rage while Demyx looked deep in thought. Then, with one arm crossed over his chest and the other being waved in the air as he began to talk, Demyx suggested, "Maybe you two are related?"
If we were related, then…
Zexion sighed. "Don't be ridiculous, Number Nine. Not in all of history has there been a pair of Keepers that shared blood. Furthermore, I took the liberty of doing some research into Irene's family when Twelve and I returned to her world and she only has two siblings. Both of whom are busy with their lives."
"...Not just two." Was she really…? But that wouldn't make any sense; life doesn't work like that. It doesn't just take people out of your life to fulfill some mystical role that doesn't make sense, force you to play a part in it, and bring the people back. She was stolen and presumably killed- there was no way she was standing there in front of me now. But she looks so much like mother, I-I'm not sure anymore. With magic being possible, I can't help but wonder if there's a possibility she hadn't died after all. "I… I had another sister."
My knees were pulled up to my chest at this point, my eyes flickering up to the woman before I had to tear my gaze away. There was a painful tug in my chest, fear of the unknown growing deep inside of me as I recalled all the times that I had wondered what my sister would have been like, how she would have acted and how she would have looked. If we would get along. I dreamed of meeting her, but at the same time I knew it was near impossible. And now… to think that it might be possible was… overwhelming.
"Had?" Xigbar questioned, raising an eyebrow. Something flashed in his amber eye- something sinister and cold, ideas rushing through his mind faster than one could blink. "What do you mean by "had"?"
Zexion looked a little curious as well, though the woman's eyes had widened by this point, the Keeper of Darkness frozen in place at my next words, the flames around her hands dying out.
"...She went missing around thirteen years ago." I bit my bottom lip, looking up nervously as I watched the cogs turn in their brains. Lexaeus, silent and calm, stared down at me for the longest time before he spoke, his deep voice echoing around the room.
"What was her name?"
Her name… as if I could ever forget it. I met his gaze, swallowing down the painful lump in the back of my throat, and stated with a shaky voice, "Maria. Her… Her name was Maria."
The giant turned his head to look at the woman beside him, his expression confirming what everyone was thinking. The woman had turned thirty shades whiter, face the color of a sheet, and was staring at me as if I were a ghost.
At that moment footsteps could be heard, the man named… Xaldin... being escorted by the man with blue hair with the scar on his face as they entered the room. Saix, I believe? Xaldin looked about the room at each of the members, feeling the tension in the air. His eyes locked onto my form on the ground before turning to Maria and Lexaeus in turn, brows furrowed.
"What is going on?" He asked, his tone leaving no room for debate.
The woman inhaled sharply at his questioning gaze, hazel eyes wide, before turning sharply on her heel, storming off in a flaming huff out the way she came as her feet burned scorch marks into the ground.
Xaldin faltered, looking very confused for a moment until his shock bottomed out, and seeing as no one was going after her he shook his head and moved to follow after. "Cease your departure at once! It is not proper to burn holes in the castle floor- Maria? Maria, come back here!" He vanished down the corridor, calling out to her and trying to get a response.
Meanwhile, I was completely frozen by what I just heard.
…
Maria stormed off quickly through the castle corridors, twisting and turning through the way Lexaeus had shown her. Upset, confused, pissed off, and absolutely done with this world and everyone in it.
"Maria, I said to halt!" Called the voice of the Organization's number III as he chased after the auburn haired girl.
Speeding up, she rounded a corner intending to lose him; her fire had materialized around her hands and forearms in her anger, swirling around her limbs in loose tendrils of barely concealed fury. She made to slip down another hall before a large, incredibly strong hand seized her arm- not bothering to worry about the flames that danced there.
"Cease your fleeing-."
"Don't you fucking touch me!" She snapped as she raised her left arm to send a harsh flurry of blackening flames at the other before a gust of wind - so strong it sent her staggering - rushed against her, snuffing out her flames and leaving her breathless and struggling to stand.
Xaldin stared down at her, his face void save for the hint of something almost like sympathy flashing through those supposedly emotionless eyes. Sighing quietly, he loosened his grip on her arm, placing his other hand on her shoulder to help ease her against the wall.
"I am sorry for all of this. This was...unforeseen."
She glared feebly, angry that her fire was so easily snuffed out, but also painfully aware of how weak she still was after her bout with the other members, "You mean the implication that we're related?"
"It has never happened before, in all the years of the Keepers."
"There's a first time for everything."
"As it would seem."
"I don't believe it." She stated with a huff, her hands balled into fists as she turned her head to glare at the floor.
"What you believe and what is true are two different things. Your sister did not believe-"
"She's not my sister!" She snapped, fire raging up around her before Xaldin raised his hand, the wind hitting her with such force it flattened her against the wall; all sense of flame gone again as she gasped for air.
Lowering his hand, Xaldin's expression schooled itself into something more stern than upset at her outburst, "The girl did not believe any of this possible before we arrived. And you did not believe we to have existed. It does not matter what one does or does not believe; what matters is what is. And at this moment, what is is the fact that you both have similarities that are too close to ignore." He stated, his tone not one to be argued with. He watched as she grit her teeth, eyes flickering with flecks of black and red amidst her hazel as she tried to keep her anger under control.
Xaldin considered himself lucky in that moment that she was not up to her peak strength like she has been against the others; otherwise, he believed, this conversation would have gone much differently.
"I am sorry. I understand that everything has changed for you yet again, and I doubt it would be any easier the second time around." He said before leaning down closer to her eyes level, one hand moving to cup her cheek and move her head to look up at him as he continued, "but I will talk to the Superior about this. I will not make presumptions of you; but it is something that must be discussed."
Maria sighed, her eyes showing a level of defeat that Xaldin has not previously thought her capable of, as she said, "You have to understand...I can't believe it's her. I just can't."
"Then don't. Wait until I have spoken with the Superior and we can decide what to do from there."
She stayed silent for a long moment after that, nodding hesitantly before speaking again, "How did you do that? That wind."
With an almost smile, Xaldin relaxed. "I am known as the Whirlwind Lancer. Wind is my affinity."
"Right."
"Why do you ask?" He quarried, intrigued by the sudden change in topic.
"So that next time I'm ready and can kick your ass."
Xaldin full out grinned at that, his violet eyes flashing with fascination and amusement, "You are more than welcome to try." She gave him a small smile then, the tension leaving her shoulders a bit as he stood back up to his full height, and easy air falling about them now. "Come, little one. We need get you back to your room."
"I thought you said you were going to be talking to your Superior? You can't watch me and talk to him." She said as he began to lead her down the hall, Xaldin's hands folded regally behind his back, the male more than ready to use his winds should she manipulate her fire again.
"That is true. Which is why I will not be the one to watch you. Nor will you be secluded to your bedroom."
"Excuse me?" She remarked, her confusion showing plainly on her features as she stepped up quicker to look up at him, "What do you mean? Doesn't the whole 'captor' thing imply I'm to be stealed away in my cell?"
Frowning, Xaldin looked down at her, his brows furrowed in his own confused expression, "We did not give you a cell. We are not captors, Maria. You were brought here to be kept safe; and as such, the castle is yours to roam. However, for a time, you must be watched. Seeing as how I cannot do so, and as you have already proven to have...disinterest with some of the other members, there are only so few left willing to do so." He finished as he stopped in front of a door emblazoned with a crisp black "VIII". Wracking his knuckles across the white surface three times as he continued, "And thus we find your companion for the evening."
The harsh grumbling could be heard from the other side before the door was opened sharply, making their hair move from the sudden gust as a tall redheaded man glared up at the ebony haired man.
"Xaldin, I swear this better be- Oh. It's the kid." He began as he spotted Maria, his hands braced on either side of the door frame as he leaned down to look her over now that she wasn't bleeding and looking half dead on the floor.
Maria glared, eyes flickering red for the briefest moment as she repressed a growl, "I'm not a kid, asshole."
"Younger than me."
"That doesn't say much."
"Says enough."
"Not after I burn your face off."
"Ooh, think you're hotter than me?"
"I think that's a fact."
He grinned, green eyes bright, and said, "Alright; fight, fight fight. Keeper's got guts. What's your name?"
She crossed her arms, glaring, "Maria. You?"
"Name's Axel, got it memorized?" He asked as he pointed to his head with a grin before putting his hands on his hips and leaning down in her face, "The Flurry of Dancing Flames. How about we go a few rounds?"
"Axel." Xaldin scowled, unamused.
"What? Just trying to keep thing lively." Axel defended, complaining as he stood up to lean against the doorframe, arms crossed. "So, what're you here for?"
"I need to speak to the Superior," Xaldin told him, glowering lightly at the redhead, "Maria is in need of a guard."
"And?" Countered the fire starter, rolling his eyes at the taller man.
"Basically, he's saying you're my babysitter." Replied Maria coolly, brows raised in a mock expression of disappointment. "But from where I'm standing… it feels like I'll be the watching watching you."
Axel grinned at her for a moment before her words registered, the male turning to glare down at her. "Hey!" Slamming one hand onto the doorframe, he grabbed the young woman by the front of her shirt with the other, lifting her onto her tip toes. "You wanna try running that by me again?" He growled, voice low and dangerous.
Maria was unphased, but Xaldin stepped forward. "Axel." He warned again, watching as fire flickered around number VIII's hands.
"I'm calling you a pretentious ass; now, was that more clear?" Maria snapped, embers flickering to life and dancing around her own clenched fists. Axel stared down at her, only anger and heat hidden within the hazel orbs she possessed.
"...Huh." He released her, letting her drop down to her feet as he put both his hands on his hips, standing to his full height. "You're something else, you know that?"
"I've been told I make quite an impression," She shrugged.
"I think Marluxia would agree."
"That rose bud has no idea." The two were grinning, smirking at each other as they exchanged banter back-and-forth. Xaldin was confused at the sudden shift in their mood, looking between them before letting out a heavy sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering,
"You two are going to be insufferable together, aren't you?"
"Possibly," Maria responded, smiling almost mischievously as she shrugged.
"Definitely." Axel told him, his words causing Maria to look up at him in surprise before a genuine smile spread, a broad smirk worming onto the redhead's face. A groan escaped the Whirlwind Lancer's lips upon hearing that, his shoulders sagging at bit.
"Insufferable…"
"Ah, relax, Xaldin!" Axel exclaimed cheekily, moving over to slap him playfully on the shoulder. "I'll stay with her; you go see to the Superior already."
Sending a glare at the offending hand on his person, Xaldin rolled his shoulders to shrug Axel off before turning his attention back to Maria. "Will you be alright?"
"Eh," The woman muttered, crossing her arms. She said, "What's the worse that could happen?"
He frowned. "Maria-"
"Go. I'll be fine."
"See? Everything's fine!" Axel interjected, "I'll be with her the whole time."
"That is what worries me," Xaldin all but seethed, shooting a glare at Axel that promised murder. Should anything happen, at least. Waving his hand, he conjured up a portal, turning his attention back to his hazel-eyed companion. "I will find you once I am finished."
"You're good." Maria told him, watching him vanish through the portal. Turning, she noticed Axel waving cheekily at the portal as it vanished, the redhead training his piercing green eyes on her once it was gone.
"So… what should we do now?" He asked, grinning coyly at her. An idea formed in her head, a rather cruel one at that, and she was unable to stop the smirk that twisted her lips upwards.
"Hey, Axel… do you like games?"
Axel blinked in surprised, humming thoughtfully for a moment. "Hm? Yeah, I guess. About as much as Demyx; why?"
"You ever catch a solar flare?"
"How would you?" He asked, and without any warning Maria took off in a speeding flurry of sparks and flames. It enticed a thrilled and curious grin from number VIII, the male accepting the challenge. "Alright, two can burn like that! Got it memorized!?" He shouted down the hall, surging off after her and leaving scorch marks left in their wakes. For a moment, he could hear laughter, but it was gone before he was sure it even really there.
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