I wasn't sure what to say to Marluxia after our little conversation, so I went into the room and awkwardly got to fixing the sheets on my bed. I debated putting pajamas on, but it seemed like far too much work at the moment. Instead, I chose to remain in my day clothes and sighed, looking around the room and seeing if I needed to clean anything.
Picking up the notebook that was on the floor, I opened it and flipped through all the drawings I had inside of it. I could hear footsteps from behind, a small chill of cold air hitting my back, and a familiar hum of curiosity as Marluxia leaned over my shoulder to get a look at what I was doing. "May I see those?"
I faltered at his words, uncertain and hesitant to just hand off my drawings to someone I just met, before reluctantly stepping away and turning around to hand him the notebook. Marluxia grabbed them gingerly, flipping through them with a gentle grace, and spent a good minute looking at each one with a look of interest. I stood there nervously, rubbing my right thumb across the knuckles on my left hand as I waited to hear his judgment.
When it came to drawing I was a bit proud, but it didn't make me any less anxious to hear what people I knew thought of my creations. Marluxia, finally tearing his eyes away from the lined papers, raised an eyebrow at me. "You did all this?" I resisted the urge to bite my bottom lip, forcing myself to look up at him as I nodded my head. "I'm impressed. Not many have a talent for art- for someone so young you must be exceptionally skilled."
Hearing that made it impossible to hide the grin that was forming, a slightly embarrassed yet still proud smile on my lips. I rocked back-and-forth on my heels, taking my notebook from him and holding it against my chest protectively. "Thank you! The art gene sort of runs through my family, but because of that not a lot of people in my family actually do draw."
It was rather saddening really, but there wasn't much I could do about it. I was mainly self-taught, as I only saw my grandmother occasionally and I didn't really have anyone to teach me how to properly draw. I mimicked art styles depending on what fandom I was drawing for, and then I finally managed to come up with my own style. I've been drawing ever since I could remember, sketching nearly every day, and the improvement one makes over the simple course of a year is astonishing.
"Wait… hold on; how can you be "impressed" if you can't feel anything!?" I scrunched my nose up at Marluxia, the male shaking his head at me as I looked at him accusatorily. "So you can feel things, can't you? I knew it! You do have a-whoa!" I let out a loud yelp when a hand suddenly latched around my wrist, tugging me forward until I roughly hit a broad chest. I recoiled, immediately uncomfortable with the contact, and I tried to pull away, but Marluxia put a hand on the back of my head to keep me from moving, his other arm wrapped around my back and holding me in place. "Wh-What are you-"
"Be silent and listen. Tell me what you hear."
"What I-" I began, only to falter. I stopped talking, doing as told, and focused on just listening. Other than the sound of our own breathing, there wasn't anything that stood out. I didn't know what he was trying to get me to listen for, but… there's nothing. "I don't hear anything."
"Exactly." He pulled away, hands on my shoulders, and looked down at me without much of an expression. "There's nothing there." There's nothing… there…
Oh. There's no heartbeat. But… how does…
Pushing myself away, I tucked my notebook against my side underneath my arm and reached out, surprising him only slightly by grabbing his arm and pushing up his glove, feeling his wrist for a pulse. He had to have one; you can't just… live without a heart. It doesn't make any sense. So maybe magic exists here, but that doesn't mean people without hearts can just… stay alive. That defies all logic and biology, and while I'm not very good at science I know enough to know that that's just not possible.
"W-Where is it?" Where's the pulse? I can't find it. "That doesn't make any- give me your other arm!"
Marluxia humored me by doing as told, rolling down his glove and pulling it off his hand, and gave a dry chuckle. "You won't find anything; I told you, we- as Nobodies- lack hearts. In both figurative and literal sense."
"B-But-But how!?"
He eyed me curiously, not saying anything for a long moment, before finally asking, "You don't truly believe us, do you?"
I opened my mouth, ready to respond, before closing it and looking away. All their explanations just made me more confused, more at a loss, because it defied all logic. Everything I knew and grew up, everything I've been told and taught, and then they just prance in with their fancy flame chakrams and their arrow guns, and their magic and portals of darkness and death, a-and their natural pink hair and rose petals, and lighting and water powers-
"Irene?" I jolted, startled by the smooth hand against my cheek, and as his thumb brushed away a tear I realized I had started crying again. I stepped back, wiping at my face with my sleeve, and sniffled. A deep frown etched onto his face, his expression quickly darkening, and as he put the glove back on his hand he asked, "Is this about what happened earlier? Or… is this because you do not wish to be here at the castle?"
Squeezing my eyes shut tightly, I grit my teeth together and just shook my head. I don't know. I-I don't… Everything is just so messed up right now. "It's-It's nothing," I choked out, forcing the words out as I blinked away the second wave of tears, struggling to regain control, "I-I'm fine. Just tired. S-So-So yeah. I'm gonna… I'm gonna go take my nap now, okay? Th-Thank you for bringing me back to my room."
"...Of course. I'll leave you to it. Just know that I'll be here if you wish to have someone to talk to." With eyes void of emotion, he gave a small smile and stepped back, making his leave and closing the door behind him.
Once he was gone, I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. My lips curled back, my teeth grinding together as I strangled back a sob, and as I stepped forward to climb onto the bed the tears began to fall. I collapsed onto my side, all the pent-up emotions exploding at once as I thought about everything that's happened, and I hugged the pillow to my chest as I cried.
I seriously don't know how to deal with all this. There was too much happening at once and… none of it made sense. I-I just can't. I don't care what Luxord says; this was just one situation I couldn't cope with or adapt to.
…
"Home? What do you mean, home? I thought Vexen said you were wandering when they found you." Axel had asked as Maria had started to walk away from him. Her eyes held a certain sadness to them; her hazel orbs flashing with a deep set sorrow.
"They did." She stated softly as she continued to wander down the halls, not keen on going anywhere in particular.
"Then what do you mean? What's home to you?"
She stopped then, gaze focusing on the floor in thought before answering, "That's the thing. I don't really know."
"You don't know?" He questioned as he made his way up to her, his brows furrowed as he tried to puzzle out exactly what she meant.
"I was taken from my family when I was small. And even with Yen Sid and that stupid Mouse, it never felt like home." She stated as she tilted her head back to gaze up at the ceiling; seemingly lost to her memories, "I ran off. And from there I wandered. I couldn't go back to where I came from; and even if I wanted to, it's not home anymore."
Axel frowned at that, arms hanging useless at his sides, "So, you're lost."
The Keeper of Darkness hummed, finally turning to look at him. "Can one really be lost if they were never truly found?"
"I suppose not, but you can have a home. Everyone has something."
"Even you?"
Crossing his arms, Axel thought for a long moment before smiling, snapping his fingers as a portal appeared; swirling darkness pulling at them like a Siren's call. "Come with me."
"Excuse me?" Maria demanded,, brows raised skeptically at the redhead.
"Do you trust me?"
"That's kind of a loaded question, isn't it?" She asked, crossing her arms in apprehension.
"Can't say you're wrong about that." He stated with a half laugh before his expression softened, as if trying to be open about his apparent 'feelings', "It'll at least get you out of this castle for a minute. What've you got to lose?"
Maria eyed him for a long moment, raising a brow at him as she watched Axel gesture hopefully towards the portal. With a roll of her eyes, she stepped towards the portal, "If this is a trap, I'll kill you for it."
"Wouldn't dream of it any other way." Responded the redhead as he followed Maria through the portal.
Darkness surrounded them, licking at their arms and clothes as they made their way through the dark corridor. Maria's own darkness affecting the portal in an almost alarming way, causing Axel to step closer as he walked beside her. A light shimmered at the end of the corridor, warm and inviting. As they stepped through, Maria had to bring a hand up to block the sun from her eyes; having become accustomed to the dark that always accompanied the Castle.
After a moment of adjustment, Maria was finally able to take in where they were, staring in awe at the sight before them. The summer sun stood proudly in the sky, shining brightly around them as it neared its setting stage. The town below was bustling with life, people running and playing, shopping, or just enjoying the day. From their place on the Clock Tower ledge, they could make out the edges of a beach, the ocean lapping at its ledge in deep blue waves. It was beautiful, even with its domesticity.
"So, welcome to Twilight Town."
"It's lovely." Maria murmured as she looked around, almost lost as to how to react.
"I generally come here after missions to relax." Axel stated as he sat down on the ledge, patting the space beside him, "Take a load off. Come on."
She cast a glance down at Axel, debating for a moment before sitting down beside the other firestarter.
"I still don't trust you."
"I'm not asking you to. Nobodies, remember? Trust is kinda hard."
"That's true." She said as they watched the bustling street below. They sat like that in comfortable silence as the sun began to set on the horizon, a soft red glow coloring the sky.
"Hey, Axel. Do you know why the sun sets red?"
"I didn't peg you for a fan of sunsets." He replied with a laugh.
She chuckled softly, "Light carries all colors. And out of all the colors, red travels the farthest."
Axel smiled, leaning back on his hands, "You know, you're kinda sentimental sometimes."
"I've heard it's a good way to get someone to let down their guard. Makes it easier to go in for the kill."
Axel laughed, a full hearted laugh; something that seemed so out of place for the apparently emotionless redhead, "Don't you remember? I'm immortal. Got it memorized?"
"You're also an idiot." She muttered with a smile, moving to lean her head against his shoulder as she closed her eyes. Exhaustion finally settling in on her, "But thank you."
Axel stared down at her from the corner of his eyes, green orbs shining with curiosity before letting his gaze travel back out to the sea, leaning his head atop hers, almost as though trying to remember a feeling this should bring.
Maria relaxed against Axel, letting her mind wander as, for the first time in a long while, she felt at ease. For once, Maria felt at home.
...
I was nine-year-old when it happened. I found out I was pretty gifted with magic when I was around five, but mother was so startled when it had happened that I tried not to use it. We lived in such a wonderful town: water fountains and flower gardens everywhere, with a large castle guarded by few soldiers. We have a benevolent ruler and my mother… she owned a wood shop. She happened to really like making music boxes and I always did my best to help her.
One day we were tinkering with a new musicbox she was making and I had managed to get it to play music. I remember her smiling. But later that day when we were discussing what to have for dinner a mouse in brown robes came knocking on our door. Being little I didn't understand completely what was going on, but they went to another room to talk and when they came out… mother was crying. It's been so long since I last heard her voice… but I still remember that day.
She hugged me so tight it hurt. We didn't hear much from the mouse until a few days later when mother told me I was leaving, that I was moving somewhere safe to learn the magic I had been so keen on hiding away. I was willing to do anything to make her happy, so I didn't get why she was making me leave her. I was heartbroken. I loved my mom.
I didn't want to leave her for some strange looking mouse whom I had just met. Sbe said I had to, that the worlds' depended on me. I wanted nothing to do with the Keepers of Heart or the person I was supposed to protect. I was just a kid.
But I beared with it, even if I didn't want to, and I did as told. A few days after arriving I entered my heart and learned how to summon a staff- colored gold and bronze with a large diamond atop it. They said it was to help channel my magic and the voices… said it was made based off my heart. It was all very confusing. But I kept going.
Lessons were rough; the three good fairies continuously pestered me to dress properly, to brush my messy hair, to eat my vegetables…
Back then I thought they were a nuisance, never realizing until I was older that they were just scared and wanted me to grow up strong. I liked them, even if they could be a little overbearing at times. Their kindness did little to comfort me though, as I was often plagued by thoughts of home and my mother at night. All I could think about was the last time I saw her, crying and looking at me with the face of despair. I miss her…
Her hugs, her cooking, her voice… I can barely even remember her face.
Yet… in this despair, I found one single solace. R- "
The name never left his lips, the images before me blurring and fading and becoming like static, voice muffled and broke. The dream was far more detailed than the last, yet was missing all that was necessary to fully understand it. Who was the person he found comfort in? What was his name?
She never forced me to do anything. She gave advice, showed me what she could do with her sword. That woman was a force to be reckoned with, and despite being someone who was supposedly made wholly out of darkness… she was most definitely the brightest thing in that lonely tower. A bit rough-around-the-edges, but sweet and caring…
…- reminded me of my mom. When I finally allowed myself to open up to her, speaking more than just a few words at a time, we became surprisingly close. She would always play with me, too, despite being so much older. She'd chase me around the courtyard, wrestle with me, and even made me let her play with my hair. I'm not sure why- she just always had a fondness for it. Mom always played with my hair, too… she said it was always so light and fluffy- she'd joke and ask if we could trade hair for the day.
But then… instead of having me work on healing magic, like the Keeper of Light is supposed to focus on, the Master decided to try have me do offensive magic instead. And… when I finally managed to cast fire… I ended up hating myself more than anything in the world… for I had caused the one other person I truly cared about so much pain…"
...
It was easy, the fall. To fall into your mind and all it holds. The descent into dreams is always easy; it's the simplest of dives there is. But the fall into your thoughts, into your heart? Well, that wasn't always so easy. After all, the first few falls were always difficult for Maria; painful and dark. But now, the fall was easy; it was finding yourself. After everything that had happened with that damn Mouse, the fall had managed to become home.
Even if she had refused to go back to that home, to find herself in her own heart... Yet something called to her, something...oddly familiar. Like a friend you haven't seen in years. Pulling her down away from dreams and into her own heart.
During the fall, Maria could only think, It's beautiful. To see how much her platform had changed since her last decent- to see how her heart had grown. But as she touched down on the crimson ground she couldn't help but notice the one thing that shouldn't be there. A dirty blonde haired stranger standing and gazing out from the edge of her platform, a type of...emptiness shrouding him. She wasted no time in approaching him.
"Who are you?" Maria demanded as she narrowed her gaze, her platform darkening with her mood upon seeing this unknown figure in her heart.
As he turned to her, his face shadowed by his bangs, he regarded her with a kind of sullenness she had only ever seen a handful of times. The times from when she had overheard the Master and the Mouse talk about the three fallen keyblade wielders...
Turning to gaze over his shoulder, the stranger cocked his head to the side, looking Maria over as he placed his hands in his pockets. There was a silence, and then... "Do I know you?"
"No."
"...Hmm. Weird. I guess you just remind me of someone then…" A flicker of realization in his gaze, his lightly colored eyes bore into her. "Somebody I know, that is…"
"Who?" She demanded, standing tall and bringing a hand up to rest on her hip. Her other hand twitched, held ready in case she needed to someone her weapon, but… this man didn't seem like he was a threat. He was empty- surrounded by nothingness and giving off an aura of oblivion.
The man paused, glancing to the side uncertainly. "I'm… not sure. You just do, that's all. Your eyes have that same determination and ferocity."
Maria's expression hardened when she heard that, lips tilting downward into a frown. "You still haven't answered my first question. Who are you?"
Head lowering, the man brought his hands up to gaze at his palms. His voice was soft as he murmured solemnly, "I… don't know. I'm not sure of anything, really."
Taking a hesitant step forward, Maria asked, "How can you not know who you are? Just what are you? Why are you here?"
Eyes flickering out from beneath thick locks of hair, she was able to make out the tiniest glimmer of dulled green eyes from beneath the dirty blond mess as he tilted his head to the side. "Can one really know anything… when they aren't even sure if they're real?"
"I suggest you start explaining." She ordered, sharp nails curling into her fist. The man stared at her for a long moment before sighing, eyes fluttering halfway closed as he stared down at the crimson platform.
"That...may take some time."
"You've managed to force your way onto my platform. I think we've got time." The Keeper of Darkness remarked, crossing her arms over her chest. Focusing her balance onto one leg, she popped a hip out to the side, raising an eyebrow at him inquiringly. "Start explaining; now."
He thought for a moment before looking out over the expanse around them, seemingly lost even to himself. "Perhaps we should start at the beginning then…?"
And that's how it started; the stranger and the lost. They spoke for what felt like hours. That's the funny thing about being in your own heart, time seems to move on its own course… uncaring of how time moves in reality.
They had spoken at length about their pasts, listening to each other's pain. Their memories and their hurt laid bare to the world. Yet during all of this, one thing seemed off. As if the words themselves vanished the moment they went to be spoken; stolen from the very air before the sound could even form.
"You were causing who pain?" Maria has asked, her hazel eyes curious despite the confusion that sat evident in her gaze.
The stranger stood facing out at the nothingness again, looking out at where the platforms that connected to her heart used to be. At least before Maria had closed off her heart to everyone. He paused for a long moment, as if lost to himself yet again, the male trying to grasp at something that just wasn't quite there. He spoke, pain and confusion mixed together, voice forced and strong as if it was all she needed to hear to understand. "Causing her pain."
Maria narrowed her eyes at that. "Her or yourself?"
"Myself?" He asked, as if unsure of what that could mean. As if the very meaning of one's self was lost to him, much like his very being was gone. "I've hurt her but...I'm…" He trailed off, his words fading to silence as he looked down to his hands, as if hoping that they somehow held his secrets.
Maria watched him for a long moment, her gaze softening solemnly. His sorrow almost companionable to her, she asked quietly, "Do you really not know your own name?"
"My name?" He muttered before dropping his hands. Slowly, he turned to face the hazel eyed girl, his shadowed emerald orbs landing on her with the most intensity she had yet to see on the stranger "It's…" The man started to speak softly, confused and uncertain all at the same time, before his voice hardened, a sudden flash of clarity in his empty eyes as he finished, "It's Micheal. I think… my name is Micheal."
…
"It's not your fault, Micheal…"
"P-Please... don't hate me…"
All of a sudden I choked, my eyes snapping open as I woke up, and I gasped as the world around me blurred and was dotted with black.
Pushing myself up as I coughed, I slammed a fist painfully against my chest. I merely continued to hack and cough and wheeze, until finally- finally- the darkness faded and my throat and lungs cleared up. I breathed heavily for a few moments, just sitting there with a hand resting upon my chest, waiting for everything to go back to normal.
While a little scared, I wondered if that attack had anything to do with the dream or the Keeper of Darkness. It was… terrifying… and a little worrisome, but I had to get through this. I just had to play nice with the Organization members until I can go back home. Besides, if that really was my Maria… I had to talk to her.
I couldn't, I wouldn't, just sit here and hide if my sister was running about. Pushing myself up into a sitting position, I winced at the pain in my chest and slid off the edge of the bed. I had to have been seriously stressed out to have that kind of dream again, but given everything that's been going on… it isn't really all that surprising. I actually got some back story no the people this time now though, so that's an interesting little thing.
Somehow I'm not surprised my brain would incorporate Disney into my dreams.
I sighed, moving over to the bag on the ground, and pulled out a different shirt to wear. I wasn't sure how many hours had passed, or if it was even the same day, but I didn't want to risk it. I quickly took off my button-up and slipped on a grey turtleneck instead, placing my glasses back on my face, and stood. I brushed my teeth, did a once-over with my hair, and headed off to the door to open it.
Here's to hoping Maria doesn't kill me…
I reached out, grabbing the doorknob, and just as I wrapped my hand around it the door opened, slamming into me with surprising force and smacking me straight in the face. I yelped and cried out as I stumbled back, falling onto my rear on the floor. Rubbing my bruising face, I looked up to see what had caused the attack.
My eyes widened upon the sight of a familiar giant, the ginger staring down at me expressionlessly. "Lexaeus!" I haven't gotten to speak to him much, but then again he doesn't really talk much. "O-Oh! Um, a-are you my… my guard today or something?"
He gave a silent nod, as angry-look as ever despite the pure emptiness in his eyes. Lexaeus stepped forward, kneeling down, and extended a hand out to me. I stared at it in confusion for a moment, wondering if he wanted a high-five, before realization hit me. I reached out and accepted the help, the giant helping me back onto my feet with the slightest of tugs.
Heck, even with as small a tug as that I still nearly went barrelling forward and crashing into him. If he hadn't used his other hand to stop me, clasping it on my shoulder, he probably would have become a human pillow. "S-Sorry!" I stammered, pulling away and placing a hand on the wall so I wouldn't fall again. "Um, th-thank you. Y-You okay?"
Lexaeus didn't respond. His eyebrows furrowed even further, almost as if he were confused or contemplating something, before he stood. It was then I was reminded of his true height- of just how tall he really was. I barely went up to just above his elbows, having to crane my neck back so far just to look at his face.
Most of my friends back home were taller than me, one even standing just an inch below Marluxia's height, but this man was in a completely different league of his own. It didn't help that he looked like he could break me in half like a twig he wanted to. This man was ripped. It was… sort of terrifying, as I knew if he decided to kill me he would most definitely be able to, but at the same time Lexaeus was one of the more friendlier people here in this messed up place.
When he finally spoke, it took all I had not to flinch back from the sheer iron in his voice. He never said much, at least not to me, so whenever he did speak it always took me by surprise. "You should be more worried about yourself. The Organization is full of dangerous characters."
"But…" Though his words made sense, it confused me a little. "But didn't you guys bring me here to be "protected"? So far the only ones that I really consider dangerous are Axel and Larxene, and that's only because Axel attacked me when we first met and Larxene… uh…" Hmm. Should I tell him? Marluxia already knows about it and I never told him anything, but then again he said he was the only who really tolerated Larxene. She probably brought it up.
I shook my head, deciding that it was unimportant. Marluxia seemed irritable enough when speaking about it, and I didn't want to get her into any more trouble than necessary. Lexaeus just stared, gaze intense and speculating.
"It-It's nothing. So, um, what are we doing today?"
"...Follow me." He offered no explanation, simply turning around and walking off. I slumped my shoulders, exasperated by the lack of detail. Regardless, I did as told and ran after him, slowing down to a walk only when I caught up to him.
"Is it the kitchen again? Every time someone comes by, we always seem to go the kitchen. Then it's usually the lounge. Is the lounge everyone's hang out place? I-Is that what it is? Why does Axel seem to hate Marluxia? Why does everyone seem to hate Marluxia? He's really nice. Demyx is pretty cool, too, but a lot people seem fed up with him as well…"
"...Nine and Eleven are unique characters," Lexaeus' reasoning, not looking down at me once as we walked, the two of us turning down a hallway, "Few tolerate Nine because of his antics. Eleven…" He paused, stopping in place. Lexaeus looked down at me, eyes intense, a deep frown on his lips. "There is more to him than what meets the eyes. You are a being of light, surrounded by complete darkness… yet stand too close to the shadows and your glow will get extinguished. Be wary of those you meet."
Cryptic, much… but is he telling me to not trust Marluxia? Why? Appearances are not what they seem… is he saying he's two-faced? I mean, he did go from really hateful towards Maria and really nice towards me… before he went all emotionless and irritable when I tried to explain why I thought they had hearts. He could just be bi-polar. "O-Okay… but what about Zexion? He's not mean or hateful either- just sort of grumpy. Can I trust him?"
"...That's for you to decide." Was all he said before taking off again. I huffed, struggling to catch up to him again, and was practically jogging trying to remain in step with him. "The lab is this way."
"Which way-oh. Whoa!" I had started to walk down some stairs, a few feet behind Lexaeus, when a strange creature flew out from the empty abyss below us. Humanoid, but white and blue with spindly arms and legs that could very well be used as blades. "W-What the heck is-gah!" I stepped back, startled, only to let out a yell and fall to my knees when the creature flew straight at me, odd arms outstretched. "N-No!" I leaned back, pretty much rolling out of the way when it tried to lunge at me again, but being on a staircase…
I ended up falling down the stairs. Thankfully I was upright, merely sliding painfully down them because of how I landed, but it still really freaking hurt and it took me reaching out to grab onto the railing to prevent knocking into the person walking up the stairs. A person with long blue hair and amber eyes, expression colder than I've ever seen yet. His entire being gave out an aura of pride, eyes cruel and condescending despite the emptiness they possessed deep within.
"Where is your guardian, Light Keeper?" He demanded. I flinched, struggling to stammer a reply, and had just managed to get two syllables out I found myself being lifted up in the air. I shrieked, latching onto whatever had grabbed me, only to blink in surprise when I realized it was Lexaeus, the giant having lifted me up and holding me in the arm with one arm. "Five, what is the meaning of this? Why are you allowing her to run around like an imbecile?"
"..." Lexaeus just stared him down, neither amused or impressed by Saix's indifferent and superior act. "...There was a rogue dusk."
"And?"
"...It's gone now." A dusk… that's the lowest form of Nobody, isn't it? No wonder why Axel was so scared of being "dusked". Those things are terrifying. Are the dusks normally under control? Is that why he called it "rogue"?
Completely silent, Saix narrowed his eyes at the giant. He then turned, sending Lexaeus one last stern glare, before continuing on his way up the staircase. Lexaeus' arm now basically a chair, I peered over the giant's shoulder to watch as the rude man vanished from view. "Why is everyone so angry…? You didn't do anything wrong!" It's my fault for falling down the stairs, not Lexaeus'; there was no reason for that man to have gotten mad at him. "Jerk."
"..." Lexaeus glanced at me from the corner of his eyes, an eyebrow just partially raised. Feeling his stare I turned my head, blinking down at him, only to have my eyes widen as I realized something. I looked around us, then down at the ground, and exclaimed,
"Dude, I'm taller than you now! Haha! I'm never the tall one!"
As I laughed excitedly, ignoring my fear of heights as I clung onto his shoulder so not to fall to my impending doom, the giant merely shook his head and continued on walking down the staircase. I wasn't sure how long it took before we reached our destination, the hallways endless and the amount of staircases completely ridiculous. We went down as twice as many stairs as we went up, and after what felt like forever we finally reached a double door.
It was the only thing that looked different in this whole godforsaken castle. It was the same color as the rest, but it was a double door. Lexaeus reached a hand up and knocked, rapping on the metal a good six times before it opened. A man, who managed to look even more grumpy than Zexion, opened the door. His acid green eyes twitched, dirty blond locks falling down to rest on his chest.
Definitely one of the older people here, maybe forty or fifty, and he was wearing a lab coat. "What is it, Lexaeus?" The man demanded, his voice surprisingly high. "Zexion and I are busy trying to repair the research that was destroyed in Wonderland; why are you-" He cut himself off, crazed eyes widening before his right eye narrowed, his gaze zeroing in on me curiously. "Is this the Keeper of Light I've heard all about? Hmph. I was expecting someone a little more… frail. No matter, it's all just as well."
"...Okay…?" I knit my eyebrows together, completely at a loss. "Um, I-I'm Irene. You are…?"
"My name is Vexen." He introduced, standing a little taller. He was almost Lexaeus' height, standing at a tall 6'7. "I'm number four of the Organization, known as "The Chilly Academic"."
"Chilly?" I asked, still befuddled but a very bad idea growing in my head. "Why "chilly'?"
"My element is ice." He clarified. Vexen's expression was a little bit freaky, one eye significantly wider than the other and giving off the look of a madman. "All members of the Organization have a specific element they use."
"Demyx said something about that…" I mumbled, eyebrows knitting together. I thought of the water bubbles he made appear out of thin air, and the chakrams Axel had erupted into flame. "Well, uh, a-anyway, it's… it's ice to meet you!"
He stared. Like… no joke, Vexen just… stared. His eyebrow rose higher than I thought possible, the man turning to look at Lexaeus as if for confirmation he did indeed hear me correctly. Lexaeus gave a small nod and, upon seeing their reactions, I was unable to hold myself back from continuing with a massive grin.
"It's must be snow awesome to have such a cool ability! Y-You probably vex all your opponents." Don't laugh, d-don't laugh- oh gods, it's too late. I was already bringing a hand up to cover my mouth, snorting and giggling away like a maniac at the horrendous jokes. "Th-They must be ch-chilled to the bone!"
"...Lexaeus, where did you find this ludicrous child? I think her brain might be broken." His eyes lit up, the male's lips curling up into a smirk as he brought a hand up to his chin. "This would be the perfect excuse to do some experiments of my own… to find out how the Keepers tick… and why the bond between them is so necessary for their very existence…"
W-Wait, what? His words sobered me up pretty quick. "E-Experiments? O-Okay, um, n-no thank you. I-I'm just-I'm just gonna… go now." As fun as it was being taller than other people, I wasn't very keen on being cut open and dissected. I slid off of Lexaeus' arm, yelping when I landed on the ground rather roughly, and winced when pain flared through my right ankle. "N-No experiments on me today, you-you wonderful people! I-I appreciate the offer, but-"
"Who said it was a suggestion?" Vexen countered, eyes flashing almost maliciously. Okay, now I'm twice as scared. He stepped forward, looking ready to drag me into the lab of possible death. "Besides, we still need to get your DNA in order to decipher whether or not you and the Keeper of Darkness truly are related."
"N-No thank-"
The doors to the lap pushed open, a very familiar and very welcoming face peering out in irritation. "Vexen, what is taking so long? We haven't finished completing your notes. Are you that caught up in conversation with the Keeper of Light and Lexaeus that-"
"Zexion!" Oh thank gods. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Friend! Save me! Free me! Get me away from this crazed scientist and holy crap he's wearing a lab coat. Nice. The blue-eyed male turned his head in my direction when he heard me say his name, raising an eyebrow when he saw the situation. Vexen had a firm grip on my arm by this point, Lexaeus standing to the side and watching silently, while I was tugging and pulling and trying to escape the mad scientist.
"...What is going on here?" He demanded, a frown adorning his face. "Vexen, why are you harassing the Keeper of Light?"
"Harassing?" The mad scientist echoed, right eye widening while the other narrowed. "I am most certainly not harassing anyone, number six! I was merely imploring the child to seek medical help in the lab- her brain must have suffered severe damage from her travel in the dark corridors."
"Y-You wanted to experiment on me!" I argued, trying to peel his fingers off of my arm. For someone who was so tall and lanky, he certainly had an iron grip. "I-I'm not a monkey, s-so go find someone else to go bananas with!"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Y-You heard me!" I refuse to be some sort of… lab rat. I refuse to be poked, prodded, or cut into; I'm not anybody's science project. I'm a person and I demanded to be treated as such. Vexen started to look irritated, opening his mouth to say something, only to release me and stumble back like he had gotten burned when I shouted, "N-Now let go of me!"
The sudden release of my arm caused me to fall back, tripping over my feet and landing rather harshly on the ground. Vexen's expression went from pain to curiosity in a matter of seconds, the scientist staring down at his steaming hand. Meanwhile, I scrambled up onto all fours and dashed over to hide behind Zexion and Lexaeus, refusing to be near that crazed man any longer than necessary. "Interesting, " Vexen murmured, "very interesting. Tell me, child, how long have you been using fire magic?"
What? Has he gone bonkers? What is wrong with him? Still on the ground, using Zexion's left leg for cover, I peered out from the side to give Vexen an incredulous look. "How mad are you!? I can't use magic!"
"I beg to differ." He huffed, turning his hand around so we could all see the new burns. "Weak fire, but strong enough to leave a mark. You channeled it with fear, didn't you? Fear, anger… as the Keeper of Light it's only natural you're able to use magic, but you were most likely unable to channel any of your mana until now- using the Keeper of Darkness as a conduit. Even then, I doubt this is your true element…"
Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. Just… rewind. "What? I-I didn't… I couldn't-"
"You did." The iron-strong voice nearly made me jump, Lexaeus so silent I almost forgot he was there. I looked up at him in alarm, though because I was sitting down it made it a little difficult. I stood, wrapping my arms around myself and gripping my sleeves tightly.
"I…" I didn't do that. There's no way. B-Besides, I wouldn't have… hurt anyone even if I did. I looked at Vexen, uncertain and feeling like a horrible human being. "I-I'm sorry…" I still don't believe it, but if I somehow did then… those burns are my fault. I blinked away a few tears, biting my bottom lip. "I-I'm so sorry…"
The surprise was evident, even on stoic Lexaeus' face, when I apologized. Zexion's gaze sharpened, the male stepping away and looking down at me with an arm crossed over his chest, his other hand brought up to rest on his chin in curiosity. "You apologize quite often despite us being your captors… do you not believe your attack on Vexen to be justified?"
I stepped back, shrinking underneath all their gazes. "I… I just… I don't know. I-I didn't want to- I didn't mean…" I never got to finish. I wasn't able to finish, my voice stuck in my throat, but a large hand on my shoulder silenced any and all words I would have struggled trying to get out.
"Zexion," Lexaeus began, expression as blank as before, "the DNA."
The Cloaked Schemer blinked, raising his head up to meet his comrade's gaze, and lowered with his hand with a nod. "Very well. Please, follow me; I need to recover a few biological samples from you." Zexion turned, heading in through the double doors, and gestured for me to follow. I hesitated to follow him, not wanting to head into the lab, and I glanced up at Lexaeus for help.
The giant merely nodded. Concern and fear written all over my face, I took a deep breath and followed, Lexaeus right behind me and Vexen behind him. The lab was… honestly, a mixture of terrifying and amazing. It was everything you would expect in a sci-fi story, complete with those life-sized jars of liquid you would often find clones forming in.
Vexen headed off to a cabinet filled with odd looking colored liquids, opening the glass doors and pulling out one with a bright color and drinking it. The first-degree burn on his hand faded as if it was never there, the flesh closing over itself. It was a rather disturbing sight, but a relieving one nonetheless. The guilt I felt from having caused the injury still ate away at me, however.
I jumped when I heard someone clear their throat, turning my head to see Zexion looking at me impatiently. He gestured to a small metal table beside him. "Have a seat. Lexaeus will keep you company; I need to go get the equipment." E-Equipment…?
"O-Okay…" Um, this is kinda scary, but… sure. Though a little reluctant, I pushed myself up and climbed onto the table, looking around the room anxiously. It's fine. It'll be okay. Zexion is one the friendlies, remember? He's not going to hurt me. "Um, wh-what all is he going to do?"
Lexaeus merely shrugged at my question. I lowered my head, looking at the floor tightening my hold on the edge of the table. I thought on what happened, of how they said I caused the wound on Vexen. I know that I'm supposedly a Keeper of Light… and that I'm one the guardians of man's hearts? That alone entails I should have some sort of ability, but I just… I just have so much trouble accepting all of it.
All of this is so unreal…
A hand shoving itself in front of my face snapped me out my thoughts, Zexion standing in front of me with a cup held in his hand and a small vial in another. Instead of his normal black leather gloves, he now wearing a pair of latex gloves. Beside him was a small metal cart, all sorts of little instruments on it. "Drink this," he ordered, handing me the cup and picking up what looked to be a buccal swab, "then open your mouth."
Though confused, I did as told. I took a quick swig of the water and opened my mouth, trying not to make a face when he stuck the buccal swab in my mouth and ran it against the inside of my cheek. When he was finished he stuck the buccal swab in the vial, setting it down carefully, and lifted up a small syringe. Is he…? I watched as he stuck a needle carefully inside of it, turning to face me. Oh gods, he is.
"Roll up your sleeve." Wondering if blood was really necessary for a simple DNA comparing test, I rolled up my sleeve and tried not to feel too awkward as he pressed his thumb around the veins on the inside of my arm, Zexion trying to find a good place for the needle. Suddenly, and without warning, he stuck the needle inside my flesh.
It stung a little, but it wasn't enough to make me flinch. At the moment, I was just glad I had strong veins- at least, that's what the last person who took my blood said. "H-How many samples do you need?"
"Enough." He responded. I pouted, biting my bottom lip nervously. I wasn't sure how well I liked that answer. Zexion was certainly one of the more friendlier members that I've met, if only for his politeness, but he made it hard to hold conversation with how cryptic and brief he was when talking.
Once the syringe was filled with blood, the male pulled away and pressed his thumb against the small incision, putting pressure to stop the bleeding, and waited a few moment before removing his hand. He took the vial of blood out of the syringe, setting it down next to the buccal swab vile, and took off his gloves.
"That's all, Lexaeus. Thank you."
The giant regarded Zexion with a short nod, the tall ginger turning to face me. As I pulled my sleeve back down, Lexaeus spoke. "We're leaving."
"...Hah?" I blinked, ready to ask where we were leaving to, but never got the chance as I was picked up and lifted into the air. "Wh-Whoa!" He set me on his arm again, carrying me as if I weighed nothing, and I held onto his shoulder for dear life as he started to walk away. As he passed Vexen, who scrunched his nose up at me distastefully, I could hear Zexion mutter,
"All that's left is the Keeper of Darkness…"
Read and Review~ :3