Shattered Souls

by AvionVadion

Light begets darkness. There can not be one without the other. The Keepers of Hearts, the guardians of man and those of whose hearts have been lost... Irene and Maria are in for quite a surprise. When she was young Maria had went missing only to never been seen again, yet thirteen years later Irene gets a visit from a certain Organization. Kidnapped, she learns of her role...

14. Questionable Identity

Fan fiction is being weird and is making me update via phone. -_- but heres an extra long chapter for you lovelies to make up for the wait. hopefully it makes sense XD let me know what you think. Thank you for your patience. Read and review! 3

If healing spells worked the same way on restoring energy as it did just mending wounds than I would be having a much easier time getting rid of these weaklings. Swinging the staff took a lot of strength out of me and the shadows were moving as fast as they could to outspeed me. Grinding my teeth together I tightened my hold on my staff and tried to remember that feeling of warmth. The barest traces of a spark heated my hands, flowing into me from the base of the gold I was wielding, and using that as encouragement I let out a desperate cry and charged.

The rings swung through the air clumsily, knocking into multiple foes that had leapt to attack and sent them evaporating into nothing. I stumbled, forwards-backwards- sideways, and my legs gave out. Chest heaving and breathing weak, it was difficult to locate where all the shadows were and just how many were left. I had no idea how much time had passed since Maria left.

I'm so tired… everything hurts…

My eyes won't stop burning and most of my cuts have reopened. I-I can't…

I can't do this. I said I could, but the matter of fact is that I can't. I'm… not strong enough.

I'm too weak.

I… refuse to… give in.

I want to close my eyes so badly and just let sleep overtake me, but if I did that then the last few shadows would kill me. They're starting to slow down since my platform began to glow brighter since my… since Maria's departure… but they were still so fast. Most of them had taken to flattening themselves against the glass by this point, wandering around in preparation for another strike.

Have to… keep fighting.

My head bobbed forward and my fingers lost their grip on my staff, the object clattering to the floor as I collapsed on the ground. I felt numb. Everything was spinning and the amount of Heartless I was seeing seemed to have blurry doubles- no, triplets! I needed to move, but… I just couldn't. Not anymore.

I had reached my limit. I pushed my body as far as it would go.

I was done.

"Your heart has proven itself a worthy vessel for now…"

Oh… that voice…? Who… does it belong to, exactly? What does it want now?

Face pressed against the warm glass I could make out the haziest ball of light drifting towards the Heartless and me from the distance at an alarming speed. The Heartless jumped back in alarm upon seeing it, removing themselves from their flattened states. As the light approached closer I was able to make out a more humanoid figure, resembling that of a… young… boy?

He had wavy hair as black as night itself, and the most gentle hazel eyes. However, those soft eyes turned harsh as he focused his attention on the remaining Heartless. I watched as he lifted an arm up in the air, a gust of wind catching his dark blue cape as a light flashed in his left hand. A staff, colored gold, appeared in his grasp; it's tip resembling that of a bellflower. A single bulb stood up in the middle of the petals, brighter than any normal white.

"Which means," He began, voice calming yet authoritative, "You need not fight here anymore."

His tone and pitch were identical to the speaker from earlier, the sounds the exact same. I watched as the boy twirled his weapon around in the hands, sliding his feet across the glass gracefully as the sudden wind grew harsher in speed around him. His hair whipped wildly against his face and the Heartless were lifted off the ground, bodies being completely shredded by the sheer force of the air. As the shadows were destroyed by this single act the boy turned to face me, hard features softening into something far more delicate and kind.

The person… actually looked sort of familiar, too, like I had seen him before. As if I should know him from somewhere. The boy's boots tapped lightly against the ground, stopping only once they reached my collapsed form. Setting his staff carefully on the ground, the stranger knelt down and reached out with his hand. I flinched, not entirely sure what to expect from these mysterious beings showing up in balls of light, but soon opened my eyes when I felt his hand resting lightly on top of my head. The boy's hand emitted a warm green light, stopping my wounds from bleeding any further.

"It's okay now, Irene… you did well. You passed your first trial and survived the darkness; for your very first battle… I'm quite relieved. You're different from the rest of us and have only just obtained access to your powers." He hummed a small tune, smiling as he patted my head comfortingly. I found myself leaning into the touch, craving any sort of affection after what a heinous two weeks I've had. "But it's high time that you return to the outside. Your heart has purged the darkness poisoning it."

I can… return?

"N-No more… No more… fight…?"

He closed his eyes at that, not answering immediately. "For now, at least… you may rest. Silence those fears… and sleep."

Like that it was as if a spell had been cast. My eyes slid shut and I gave in to slumber's warm embrace. The platform I was on seemed to give way as I fell into light… or, rather, was consumed by it. It wasn't the suffocating light from before, no; this one was a familiar light. I fell downwards gradually, drifting away into the abyss…

...and the next time my eyes opened the light boring down on me was from the lamp shining above my weak form. I couldn't remember where I was or how I had gotten there; I was just so tired. I grimaced and blinked groggily a few times, casting a short glance around the room and at all the people in it, before I laid my head back down and closed my eyes.

A boy flew back, a wooden sword held in his hands- dented beyond repair. Bruises covered his skin and his blond curls were even messier than usual. Tears stung in his eyes as he pushed himself up and he flinched, dropping the toy sword to grab at his wounded shoulder. "I-I don't want to do this anymore, Master…"

"But you have to!" The mouse protested, lowering his own sword. "The worlds are counting on you! So many have fallen to darkness in the past because of previous Keepers being unable to restore the balance; now that we're finally able to properly teach you… we have to make sure you're ready!"

"But I'm not ready! I'll never be ready! I'm just a kid!"

"Which makes it even more crucial for you to learn ." The mouse stressed, greatly upset. "There will be people after you because of what you are… and R-ch-l can't always protect you. I can't always protect you. Now pick up your sword; we need to work on the offensive. Being able to dodge so well is good, but it can only get you so far. Understand?"

The boy bit down on his lip, turning his head away and glaring at the mystical sky around the floating island they were on. The Mysterious Tower loved to move around, which often made those who returned unlikely to recognize it. "I…" He began, only to cut himself off when he caught sight of someone in the distance. A young woman, beautiful and kind, but with a horrendous burn scar covering the left side of her face. She was training with her great sword, muscles easily allowing her to swing the blade without much trouble.

Even after what he did she still encouraged him… and listened to him. Seeing how hard she trained made him want to work a bit more, too, even if he would prefer to take a rest. Michael wanted nothing to do with the Keepers of Heart… but he did like R-ch-l. She was the only good thing about this nightmare.

The mouse's words made him wonder though- if people would be after him… what would happen if someone came after her? The idea scared him. He didn't want to lose her. Not at all.

R-ch-l was like a sister to him.

...

Maria's head was throbbing. For a supposed Organization of "higher" beings, they were asking really stupid questions. And half of the questions asked were already answered when they first started this little question game. It was like some of them honestly didn't understand things unless phrased a certain way; that or they were purposefully making her repeat herself. She had already explained everything that had happened - well, mostly everything.

She had left out a few details - like how Irene had originally locked her out, or how the boy was still stowed away in her heart, or of how the heartless seemed to listen to her in a sense, and especially not how the Darkside had taken the shape of Maria in the end. That was something she needed to think on for a bit. Rubbing her temples, she let out a heavy sigh as Marluxia made yet another comment about how inelegant she is while fighting.

"I can only imagine the damage done to the poor girl due to your...technique." With a hair flip and a demeaning stare from cold blue eyes, Maria had just about enough of the questions.

"Listen up you a-!"

"She's waking." Zexion cut in quickly, stopping whatever Maria had about to say. If the fire starter didn't know any better, she'd swear he timed it on purpose to stave off another fight in their lab.

All eyes turned to look at the young girl; seeing her suck in a ragged breath before blearily looking about the room. Seeing, but unfocused as they passed over them all as though they were phantoms. Demyx took a hesitant step forward, shaky hands raised as he called her name softly before brown eyes rolled back and she fell asleep upon the table yet again. The faintest glow of white light pulsed out weakly from her before fading. Irene had managed to leave her own heart.

The dainty child survived.

"Well, that was kind of a let down." Xigbar chided with a frown, waving one long-fingered hand at the resting child, "That wasn't nearly as flashy as when you woke up."

"That is because she was not expunged from her own heart but simply awoke." Zexion remarked, moving to take Irene's pulse and vitals. The child didn't move even once; she was completely out cold. Vexen moved over to his co-worker, handing him certain tools before grabbing a stethoscope himself and making sure Irene's heart was beating normally. His slate-haired companion shined a light in Irene's forced open eyes.

"So you're saying big black over here got kicked out?" Xigbar's voice rasped slightly as he grinned, as if finding out some hidden truth.

Maria didn't like that, "I didn't get kicked out, idiot. I dove from her heart. Once a heart has made a conscious choice to leave it rushes to its own. The only difference is that we're Keepers."

"What? So you're saying her Light forced you to wake up quicker?"

"What would a heart of pure Light do if Darkness was in it? Have you thought that through?"

It was then that Vexen chimed in, not looking up from his work assisting Zexion as he put away the tools they were using. He answered, "It would expunge it as quickly as possible."

"And try to overcompensate for the change in power by over surging itself." The Schemer added as an afterthought, hoping to stave off more questions.

Demyx, hoping in vain, questioned, "So that's why it got so bright?"

Sighing, Zexion turned to them, giving them his attention again as Lexaeus came over and gathered the sleeping child into his Cloaked Schemer continued, "Yes. The surge of Light overshot the boundaries of her body. However, her Light is nowhere near practiced or as strong as the other Keeper given her lack of training. So as her Darkness," he gestured to Maria vaguely, ignoring the glare from the older woman, "fought to not be extinguished, Irene's heart overspread its own light. Causing a clash."

"Think "unstoppable force meets immovable object"." Maria clarified, arms crossed again as she stood up, "The backlash of energy would be immeasurable."

"And to think I thought you were a simpleton." Vexen remarked, having just returned from letting Lexaeus out of the lab with Irene in tow. "I suppose you're not completely useless."

"You'd be surprised what you'd learn if you didn't go around freezing people on sight." she retorted. She appreciated the 'compliment' from him, however, she was still bitter over their first encounter. Even if she technically did win their fight.

Luxord laughed at that, amused, "Still so bitter after a chance encounter? Hell hath no fury, as it seems."

"Don't think you're helpin' your case much." Xigbar grinned, all teeth and smug-piercing eye boring straight into Maria. They we're going to have so much fun toying with these girls. The Superior will be thrilled.

"S-so…" The quiet stammer surprised everyone to some degree. All eyes turning over to a fidgeting Demyx, aqua eyes darting about to avoid landing on anyone else, the lazy musician asked, "what's going to happen to Irene?"

Hazel orbs poured over him, taking in the almost genuine worry in the water-sprite's expression his subtle fidgeting showing how uncomfortable he was yet refusing to leave until he knew his friend - could you call the two friends? - was okay. Maria almost pitied him for that, if it weren't for the dead look in his eyes. "She'll be fine, she just needs to sleep it off."

"So she's okay?"

"Her body is fine, however her heart needs rest." Xaldin interjected, trying to provide a reasonable response for the Nocturn. "She is not accustomed to battle as we are, let alone in her own heart. Magic was unknown to her before this."

"What he means is that she's exhausted. Out of mana." Axel rephrased, arms still crossed as he leaned against the wall behind Maria. He waved a hand dismissively, "Short and simple of it; kid needs a nap. Got it memorized? Using actual magic wore her out."

"Speaking of magic-" Came the almost velvet like purr, Marluxia's chilling gaze moving back over to the lone woman in the room once again. A delicate hand poised just below his chin in absent thought. "-what was the girl's affinity? You were very careful to leave that part out of your little tale."

Maria looked about at them all, having all eyes on her made her tense, her shoulder drawn taught. She willed herself to look more relaxed than she felt. Honestly, relaxed is the last thing she could possibly feel at that moment. Especially after everything that's happened. She drew in a quiet breath, giving off an air of almost cocky satisfaction at knowing the one thing none of them had guessed.

"The kid? Simple. She's Earth." Maria could hardly suppress her amused laugh at the subtle curses, grimaces, and faint cheers of victory as she watched money exchange hands.

Unsurprisingly enough, Xaldin and Zexion were the only ones to win from that little bet.

…

He couldn't bear to lose her… and yet it was still his fault that she died. Years had passed since the day of her death, but he still remembered it vividly. The look on her face as she stared down at him, and then the sheer surprise as a bullet went straight through her skull. There was so much blood…

Most of it wasn't even her's, and out of all the wounds she sustained it was a single bullet that had managed to defeat her. He still had trouble believing it happened. But Michael knew- each day he grew weaker and each day her closed-off door drifted farther away from the long staircase that led up to the sorcerer's office. He missed her voice so much.

Her laughter. Her smile. The single eye that would gaze at him warmly and encouragingly, helping him get through the day by making him miss home a little less. His mother's face had completely left him now and R-ch-l's was slowly fading away from his mind, too. Most days he found it hard to train, especially now since the King was off jumping world-to-world in an attempt to stop the newfound disturbance.

Michael missed Radiant Garden. Sometimes he wondered if the older boys he once played with ever questioned what happened to him, or if anyone had done something to try and comfort his heartbroken mother. Everyone loved her, but Michael… he loved her most.

She would be so disappointed in him if she could see him now, wouldn't she? It was hard to just get out of bed. He'd lay there most mornings, wondering if living was even worth it now since without his other he was going to die. Since now without R-ch-l… he had nothing to live for. Saving worlds? Restoring balance?

What was the point of it all?

He wasn't a kid anymore, but… even though his childhood was stolen from him Michael still had a childish hope.

That maybe, one day, all of this would end. Whether it would be because this was all one continual nightmare or because the light would decide he just wasn't worth the effort anymore.

He wanted to see his mother again. He wanted to be with her… and with R-ch-l.

Wherever that place may be.

All worlds share the same sky, after all.

He just hoped that they would be able to look at the same stars.

My eyes snapped wide open with a sharp gasp, face wet with tears and body burning as if on fire. I wasn't quite sure what had just transpired, mind a mess and mixed with contradicting thoughts. My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest, pounding harshly against my ribcage as I stared into nothing, panic and fear taking control.

There was blood and death, and shadows and black. Bullets and Heartless, running and unmoving. Nothing made sense, yet all came together. One set of memories sent me fumbling out of my bed, screaming as I thrashed underneath unfamiliar white blankets, while the other set had me feeling utterly crushed- like every action I took to try and escape the danger was useless, and that I should just accept my fate.

I didn't want to die, but… I didn't want my life to continue as it was.

Something inside tugged deep at my heart, foreign and familiar all the same, eating away at me and trying to drag me down. Tears stung my eyes and blurred my vision, and warmth flooded my hands as a white light formed. In a flash my fingers were wrapped around a soft metal, and as I swung the staff the sheet covering me was caught on the golden points and was removed from my body, toppling onto the floor and halfway off the bed. I breathed heavily, expression crazed and hair wild, and I sat there on the ground for a long moment as I tried to understand my surroundings.

White. White and steel blue. Bland and blinding, and not quite initiating a spark of recognition. It was only when my changing-color eyes landed on the only vibrant image in the room that realization came to me.

A single vase… filled with beautifully arranged flowers. It stood out from everything else, giving off a sense of vitality and wonder.

This place…

It was my room.

Not… my room, but the room the Organization gave me. I spent so much time in the laboratory that… it just didn't click at first. Marluxia was the person who gave me those flowers; the reason they hadn't wilted was because they were magic. As long as he was thriving… they were thriving. So then… what was wrong with me?

My staff lowered and touched the marble flower, a small hiccup escaping me as a painful sob began to form in the back of my throat.

What had happened? Why do I hurt so much? That dream… those images…

Could they really be called "mine" anymore?

Who was Michael? Who am I?

Why am I the Keeper of Light… when I know so little of anything? Who decided this? Why are there people… so willing to attack and kill? What had either of us done to deserve it? What had Maria done to deserve being taken from her home in order to be raised into the violent person she is today? Why us? Why do people want to hurt us?

I-I don't… understand.

I want to go home. I-I need… I need safety. I need…

I really need a hug.

...

"I trust you come with news." The voice was cold, detached, but almost aloof in a sense as it flooded the large room with a deep baritone.

Xigbar let his arms rest on the edges of his chair, feet dangling from the high topped seat, "The Keepers' are both up and moving. Better than that, the kid finally found her affinity."

A single silver brow arched delicately over gleaming gold eyes, shifting from the Free Shooter to the blue-haired Diviner. Knowing better than to keep him waiting, Saix began to speak, "The Keeper of Darkness decided that the other not be allowed to travel without her 'protection' unless she had unlocked her magic. In short, the elder Keeper - Maria - dove into the other's heart to help her awaken her affinity and magic."

Xemnas pondered this for a moment before waving gloved hand dismissively, "And what do you think of them? Now that you both have seen them about the castle." There was a moment's hesitation between both VII and II, as if deciding on the best words to use.

"I would call them...unorthodox. The Keeper of Light has no will or want to fight, despite everything that she has seen." Saix stated, his monotone words drawing through the air.

"No kiddin'. Demyx said the kid actually wants to help! Poor brat doesn't even know what's goin' on." Laughed Xigbar, still slightly disbelieving of the absurdity of it. The child was so determined to aid them, to get back their hearts. But she didn't even understand the full picture; not even a glimmer of it. She saw one small piece of an infinite puzzle and was set to believe that that piece was the one truth of it all. That they want to feel again. If she only knew. Hell, if only the other members knew the true plan he and Xemnas created. What Xigbar himself was plotting.

"She has befriended some of the other members. She is naive, yes, but I believe she is malleable to our cause. As long as we keep up our current facade I do not think she will be swayed against us."

Xigbar crossed his arms at that, sagging back in his chair with a practiced sense of ease, "So what? If she turns on us or decides we're not worth stickin' around for, we off the kid. Simple accident ought to do the trick. Hell, if we send Marluxia she won't even see it coming."

"Ending her life would not do us any favors with Maria." Saix informed almost nonchalantly. As if Xigbar had been speaking of sunset rather than of murder. "If we want to convince her of our cause then we need humor the child."

"What do you think of her, the Keeper of Darkness?" It was a simple question. But it was far more complicated than that. Everything was always more complicated when Xemnas was involved. And with Maria's temper...complicated was slowly becoming an understatement. When no answer was immediately forthcoming, Xemnas cocked his head to the side a bit. Almost as if amused, "You hesitate. Is she not how you would imagine?" He asked, pausing for just a moment to settle back in his chair, "Keepers seldom are. They can often leave much to be desired. What about her, I wonder, brings you pause?"

Xigbar scoffed, crossing his arms, "She's a hothead. Arrogant." A thought occurred to him then, making him smirk. "Like Axel, but this one's got teeth."

Saix pointedly did not roll his eyes at the Freeshooter, choosing instead to answer their Superior, "I find that volatile is the best way to describe her, given that she is ruled almost solely by her anger and emotions. But she is quick to act and sees more than she lets on. She is perceptive. And I believe that adds to her mistrust of us."

"She knows we're hidin' somethin', just doesn't know what. It's why she was so determined for the kid to be able to defend herself." Chimed Xigbar, not wanting to be outdone by the Diviner.

A smile slowly spread across Xemnas' features. Plans forming seamlessly in his mind, "She cares although she does not wish to. And aides enough so that when one fails it is not her fault. Interesting." He brought a hand to his chin for just a moment before waving it away, his decision made, "We shall keep her on guard with III and VIII. She seems to favor them."

"And what shall you have us do?" questioned Saix.

"Summon them to me. I believe it's time we spoke to them of our...cause." Without a moment to pass Xigbar grinned and faded away into a Corridor of Darkness, leaving only the Lunar Diviner in the room with Xemnas. The blue-haired man's eyes stared at the leader, inquiring and cold. "Do you have something you wish to say… Saix?"

"I understand why we must bring the Keepers to our side; their strength and their ability to collect hearts… would be considered a great asset towards building Kingdom Hearts. The Keeper of Darkness would also do well to rid us of any foes, should she be persuaded… but why should we try so hard to raise the Light? Why not simply allow her to linger about without training her, when her very being is so much of a threat to us who reside closer to the darkness?"

Xemnas hummed at those words, bringing a hand up to his chin. "You believe that if approached the child will fall towards the King and his companions? Tell me... do you know that there's more to the old tale about the eclipse?" Saix narrowed his eyes, listening intently at the older man spoke. "Before Kingdom Hearts split the dying child into two entities they were given a purpose. They were to keep the worlds in balance and to protect the hearts of those that were wavering, to keep either from falling off the edge towards light or darkness. Their balance is what allows Nobodies like us to exist. We do not belong in light or darkness, and merely exist in between. This is because when our original selves lost their hearts to darkness the Keepers hearts' reacted to save what they could; turning the empty shell of a body into a being that could still retain a… former sense of self."

A small smirk tilted his lips upwards as he spoke, amber eyes gleaming dangerously.

"However, this balance only truly came to be after they were separated. Do you know which Keeper allows us to think? Or even speak? The one who gave us the gift, or perhaps even curse, of past memories?"

Saix didn't answer at first, taking in all this information with a careful mind. After a few moments he spoke, "...You mean the Light gave us form?" It was an absurd notion, especially since they revolved in neither realm and clearly preferred the darkness. The weak child and her predecessors are what gave them their nonexistence?

Xemnas lowered his hand, looking down at Saix with knowing eyes. "Yes… and the one that gives us our strength, our powers, and the weapons to fight is none other than the Keeper of Darkness. Their very presence," Xemnas continued, "ensures our inevitable return to humanity."

In fact, unbeknownst to Saix, their presence made certain of it. A Nobody can gradually nurture their own heart through time should they be trying to feel, because one cannot simply banish the heart permanently from a body. The body will always try to find a substitute the first chance it gets, and through its own power will create a new heart. With the Keepers of Heart nearby the process will surely quicken and as such would risk bringing failure to Xemnas' ultimate plan.

It would be a necessary risk, however, as in the end it would help weed out those who were not worthy enough to be a vessel. Xemnas spoke up again, hiding his thoughts from his current companion. "The Keepers have brought us to this state of being, and the Light Keeper has given too much to not form an attachment. Nobodies are their joined creation, and while the Darkness had taken hold of the Heartless already, the Light is what truly gave us life. Due to this connection the girl shall not turn away from us easily; the fact that she now wishes to help us without knowing the truth shows that the string binding us all can not be cut so easily."

Saix was silent, taking in all this information. "I see…"

"Indeed. Now go. You have missions to hand out, do you not?"

Gold met amber, and in a few moments Saix had disappeared into a corridor.

...

I wasn't sure how long I sat there on the floor, struggling to get a grasp on the situation. What I do know is that when I finally snapped out of it and my emotions shut themselves down, I was left with a nauseous stomach and a really bad headache. I grimaced, sniffling a few times as I lacked the strength to wipe away my tears. I didn't have the motivation to.

I just let them fall, staining my face as my heart sunk deep into the abyss inside me. The bloodstains and tears were gone from my clothes, I tiredly noted, as were all the scars I had obtained from the healing spell Maria had casted. The cuts and gashes the Heartless left were nowhere to be seen on my body. The only injuries I truly had were from when I was in the lab… where the needles had pricked away at my skin.

Now those were going to scar over.

Shakily pushing myself to my feet, staff dismissed and no longer in my grasp, I stood there for a few moments more to catch my breath. The sudden movement left the world spinning, nearly knocking me over. I wobbled sideways, hand reaching out to grab the bed frame for balance. A memory rushed to me and I raised a hand up to my throat, feeling for any signs of damage.

But there was none. I was completely unharmed.

Was… it really all a dream? The staff I summoned… it was real, wasn't it?

Feeling a little stupid I reached out in front of me and tried to focus, attempting to will the weapon to appear. When it didn't work I tried to remember the feeling of it- of how the warm gold felt against my skin and the weight of it in my hands. How it defended me against all that tried to hurt me.

A bright flash suddenly appeared and I blinked, almost dropping the staff when it showed up in my hold. My fingers wrapped around it quickly, barely catching it before it could actually fall. With a heavy gasp I shifted in place, having trouble keeping myself from toppling over. I was so shaken from so many things- it was difficult to process. Magic, Nobodies, Heartless, Keepers… it was all real.

All of this. It's reality.

I… was Light.

And by gods I really needed a shower.

I just noticed how disgusting I was after I raised the staff in the air. How long had I been asleep this time? When was the last time I showered or brushed my teeth? Heck, when did I last eat? No wonder I feel so sick. Not to mention all the blood that had been… been…

A shiver wracked through my body and I tried not to throw up at the memory of just how much blood I had lost. I could still remember the sickeningly warm feel of it, and the pain that had caused those wounds. I wouldn't be able to rest until I had burned those memories away with scorching hot shower water.

It felt like bugs crawling on my skin, my hands twitching in response to the gory memories. As I staggered over to the bags of clothes on the ground I rubbed at my bare arms, wishing for the feeling to go away. Dropping the clothes on the toilet seat I quickly got to brushing my teeth, not bothering to wipe the toothpaste bubbles off my face until after I was in the shower. I scrubbed at my skin so furiously the flesh was almost raw, and instead of flinching away I fully welcomed the near-boiling water.

I had to have been in there for a little over an hour, scrubbing and shampooing until most of sickening feeling was gone. When I finally got out I dressed in a large grey sweater dress and jeans. The sleeves were long enough they fell over my hands and, if the situation ever became necessary, I could just hide my face in the baggy collar. I need… I need food. I was so hungry. If I didn't eat something soon I think I might throw up.

I started to walk towards the door, but then paranoia began to creep up my skull again and I held a hand out, attempting to summon the staff once more. After focusing on the memory of it and how it felt to hold, the delicate weapon reappeared in a white light.

I still can't believe this is all real…

It was insanity. But it was happening. A weak laugh escaped my lips and I lowered the staff to the ground, my eyes squeezing shut. Another sob was trying to build up in the back of my throat, but I quickly choked it down and blinked away any tears. I pushed those feelings down, locking them deep inside the abyss of my heart alongside my homesickness. I was not going to cry here- not now.

Any personal feelings can just be shut down.

Calming my breathing I released the staff, willing it to disappear. I watched it dissipate into light in my hands and then repeatedly curled my fingers into fists, looking at the palms of my hands. For just that short amount of time (was it short? Everything happened so fast) moving my fingers hurt. Would I still be able to draw with them like this? How long until they stop hurting?

Maybe… I won't have to fight anymore. If I can heal that would be enough.

Yeah. Healing sounds nice. Then if anyone gets hurt again I can make them stop bleeding. I like that idea. A shaky sigh escaped my lips and I fiddled with my sleeves, pulling them over my hands as I headed over to the door. I twisted the knob, a part of me surprised by the fact that no one was in my room acting as "guard". They seemed so intent on leaving me with at least one member of their Organization that it was a little weird there wasn't anyone here. Strange. Did they decide to just leave me alone because I was asleep for so long? Or did they not care what happened to me anymore?

Of course, not that any of them truly cared in the first place. Stepping out into the hallway and closing the door behind me, I leaned back against the wall for a second, eyes closed.

This is reality. I have powers. I nearly died. I fought a woman by myself and barely got away with my life. When the Heartless showed up I would have been toast if it wasn't for Maria and that one boy.

"Oh my gods…." Another chuckle and I lowered my head, staring at the ground with watery eyes. I sniffled. "What is wrong with me?"

A large hovering shadow then caught my attention. It wasn't a Shadow Heartless, no, but an actual shadow belonging to a person. Shoulders tensing I leapt to the side, mind automatically assuming the worst based on the day I had, but I hadn't found the person to be that much of a threat. My staff remained nowhere to be seen as I stared up at the person, arms held defensively in front of me. Eyes wide, I tentatively began to relax when I realized who it was.

The man stood tall, strong arms crossed over his broad chest, sharp features staring me down calmly and without emotion. "You're awake." He stated, not commenting at all on my skittish behavior. "How are you faring?"

"F-Fari-oh… uh." I cleared my throat, awkwardly curling my hands to my chest as I stood up straight. I looked at Lexaeus, Maria's words ringing in my head once more about how he would be "proud" for some reason. I still didn't understand why he would be or what she meant by that. "I-I'm… alive."

Yeah. That's a good way to describe it.

His eyes pierced into me, observing every action and looking for deeper meaning in my words. He seemed to have found what he was looking for, because he soon uncrossed his arms and faced me completely, removing his back from the wall. I reflexively stepped away, uncertain of how I was going to be treated from here on out after such an ordeal.

"Have you discovered your weapon?"

O-Oh. Right. Yeah. Um. I blinked a few times, mildly dumbfounded despite expecting it, and awkwardly held my hand out. "Uh, y-yeah. I think. Um." Man, this feels so silly. I bit down on my bottom lip and focused on summoning the staff. I wavered slightly in my confidence, half believing it to not work now that I wasn't alone, and began to question if it was all a big hallucination after all. I cringed, pulling my hand back for a split-second, before attempting to do it again.

This time it worked.

Lexaeus looked at the golden staff, eyes trailing from the rounded base to the intricately designed heart in the large center circle. He nodded, almost as if he were approving of it, before he asked, "And your affinity?"

"Th-That's…" I tilted my head to the side, thinking about it. "I'm… I'm pretty sure it's… earth?"

When all he did was keep staring at me I panicked, frantically waving my hands in the air as I tried to explain what had happened. It was a jumbled mess of words, struggling to tell him how I wound up drowning in light to suddenly facing a girl with control of ice and snow. My voice cracked several times in that area of the explanation, the fight coming back to me in vivid detail, and I found myself skipping over parts of how I nearly died in the blizzard or how she had me pinned in ice, her scepter ready to slit my throat open. In the end I settled for telling him how I made these giant pillars of earth shoot out of the glass platform, and how when Maria and I were fighting the Heartless I had made this large earthquake.

"I mean I could be wrong! But I'm pretty sure? It's kinda funny if you think about it- seeing as both my zodiac and star signs are earth…"

I waved my staff around a little, but nothing could really be seen except for a few wisps of light.

"I'm not really sure how I got it to happen though." I'm pretty sure it was just desperation that made it work. "B-But I did a thing! So! I mean! Yay?"

Don't freak out. Stay calm.

"I-I just…" I just really didn't want to die. I couldn't bring myself to finish the sentence, hugging the staff close to me and feeling its warmth. For some reason it reappeared in my hands when I needed it most against my fight with Holly and… it now made me scared that if I summoned it away it might eventually not appear. I didn't want to let go of it. "I just did a thing."

Lexaeus still said nothing, remaining silent as he looked down at me. After what felt like an eternity he finally gave a nod. "You wanted to survive. And so you fought."

Multiple emotions began to well up inside my chest again and it took all my willpower to push them down. Blinking away the stinging in my eyes I slowly raised my gaze to meet Lexaeus', fingers tightening their grip on the delicate staff. "Y-Yeah," I choked out, voice quiet, "That… That I did."

The giant didn't say anything else after that. He simply turned around and extended an arm out to me, silently gesturing for me to follow him. Tentatively lowering my staff, I stepped forward and grabbed Lexaeus' sleeve with my right hand. We began to walk down the hallway, not a word spoken between us as we headed to our destination. I remained close to him, hiding and taking refuge in the idea that he would keep everything dangerous far away.

Eventually, once enough time passed and I was able to calm down a little, the weapon I was holding disappeared into light. I used my free hand to grab onto his arm, clinging to his sleeve like a small rabbit. The intense desire for a hug became even stronger as I lingered in my thoughts. I tried to figure out why Maria was being so… protective… over me and why she was behaving the way she did, but that only brought up more questions.

Her childhood and the anger she's filled with, and the dark shadows that had taken on her form back at the platform... Her expression upon seeing it staring back at her, and the deadly calm way she cut through it.

Not to mention that I still wasn't over how Holly spared me, even after working so hard to try and kill me.

Or… was she even trying? It looked like she was hardly doing anything when she made the blizzard, and then the one-on-one battle between us… it seemed like she was just toying with me. I made her angry, yes, but she was still in full control. She hadn't gone all out against me. I was weak. I was nothing compared to her.

I was…

I was useless.

Even with a weapon I still lost, and in the end I needed both Maria and that strange boy to save me. How am I supposed to help anyone regain their heart if I can't even protect myself? Pulling away from Lexaeus' sleeve, I slowed down my walk and brought my hands up to hug my arms. I swallowed down the lump that had formed in the back of my throat, lowering my head in silent apology.

Lexaeus didn't pause in his walk, but did turn his head to look down at me. I pretended not to notice it, all the while trying to get my mess of a mind straight. My thoughts were in such disarray and conflict; I wanted to throw up. There's just no way I was meant for any of this.

Zexion even stated that I was an anomaly among the Keepers of Heart. Light was supposed to be stronger than Darkness, but I was weaker than Maria by a substantial amount. I was weaker than Holly, than that man, than Michael. Than anyone else in this god awful castle. I was a mistake. Dusks weren't even supposed to respond to anyone other than Nobodies higher than them, but because something happened to the previous Keeper- a person I was strongly beginning to suspect was Michael- they reacted to me.

I shouldn't be here. I can't do anything of value.

My fingers gripped at my sweater tightly, pulling at the wool as I choked back the sobs desperately trying to form. I bit down hard on my bottom lip, chewing at the flesh as I silenced any sounds that would dare try to come out. I wouldn't cry in front of anyone again. I made that mistake with Marluxia and Luxord; I refuse to do it with Lexaeus. I can't talk about my personal feelings.

But what am I to do… if I'm made to fight again? I don't want to hurt anyone else. It hurts.

My shoulders scrunched up and my fingers dug painfully into my biceps, eyes squeezing shut tightly. I could just barely focus on the sound Lexaeus' footsteps in front of me, my hearing being the only thing keeping me from walking into him at the moment. My memories, my feelings of fear and hesitation, of reluctance and refusal to hurt; it was suffocating. And the vision of battles once fought- of the feeling that maybe I wasn't entirely me as much as I thought I was- it crushed me.

All of this, and even more, made it feel as though I was drowning. It felt different compared to when I couldn't breathe, but yet somehow so similar. Before it was like reaching at the surface of a lake, desperately trying to grasp onto something that was just out of my reach…

...but now it was as if something was pulling me deep down into the abyss at the bottom, my heart weighed down by a pressure so intense I feared I would never be able to rise out of the water. I could not swim and had merely gone through life floating on my back, but an anchor had latched itself onto my body and was dragging me down.

I tried desperately to force back the feelings, but all I could think about was my own powerlessness and how Holly had been merely going easy on me. How, once the Organization realized my lack of usefulness, they were probably going to get rid of me.

Because, quite frankly, hardly any of them seemed to really care about protecting me like they said.

The hollow inside my chest, the one that had long-since formed when I had first arrived at this castle, simply grew larger as this ache joined all the others resting in it. The pain washed over me, melding into the many hurts and becoming one. A sort of numbness that only made itself known by the lump in my throat and the lag in my walk. Holly had asked me all sorts of questions… why I didn't just let her give me a merciful death. If I knew what my role as a Keeper was, if I was willing to trust people who would only wish to use me.

That voice… the one coming from that black-haired boy… wanted to know if my life would be one of the many that would be lost.

Just… what is going to happen to me? Who am I?

My footsteps came to a halt. Suddenly, without any real reason as to why I did it, I raised my arm up in front of me and willed my staff to appear. Warm metal pressed against the palm of my hand, small fingers wrapping around it. The curving, decorative heart in the center of the main circlet caught my attention, the gleaming orbs connected to its top and bottom glistening in the light.

I'm… Irene. That's my name.

I shifted the weapon in my hand, not caring how Lexaeus stopped walking and turned around to watch me. I leveled the large circlet to my face, observing the design with deep concentration.

I'm not strong… or smart…

The voice had claimed this staff was a reflection of who I was.

I'm just me.

Silver slivers coiled around the gold-and-white metal, the warmth spreading to my hands and throughout my body. The staff worked almost like a mirror, allowing me to see my own face in its surface. Though it was difficult to make out I could see a change in my normally brown orbs, drops of white and rose gold sneaking their way in.

I'm not a fighter.

Lexaeus' footsteps reached my ears, but I paid them no mind. The battle in my head was slowly coming to an end. There was something… in the depths of my memory, through all the pain and confusion, that I was forgetting. But what? It was important.

I am…

A reflection of my heart… of my empathy?

It then clicked. Right before Zexion sent me into my heart he had said something to the others, about how that if I was trained properly I could help them in my own way. The words he said had led Maria into anger, and she had forced me to make a pact with her. A deal. Because she was the warrior and had been through something dark, and didn't want me to go through the same thing. Why? Because I was…

...the healer.

I knew this. I knew it and yet it still didn't completely register until now. The Organization can't get rid of me, even if I'm not a fighter. They may not care to protect me, but they do need me for some reason. I want to believe it's simply for them to get their hearts back, but something about that man- their Superior- had disturbed me upon our first meeting. Perhaps it's just because I still freaked over being kidnapped when we were introduced, but the way some of these members acted didn't sit right with me.

Summoning away my staff as I lowered my arm I took a deep breath, closing and opening my eyes. I looked up at Lexaeus, whose expression showed little other than apathy. A bit of closure settled in my heart now and I finally found a resolve. These people had to keep me alive. It may be for some nefarious reason, it may be for the reason I wanted to believe. Regardless, I wasn't going to back away from them.

I'm not going back on my promise.

I said I would help them get their hearts back. I told Demyx, I told Maria, and I told all the other members that were in the hallway at that time. I defended them.

If there's a way… I'm going to do it.

I just won't do anything more. People without emotions lack a conscious, and therefore do not feel guilt. They're sociopaths. That means they're dangerous. If there's more to this than what I know and they're hurting people… I'll step in. I'll help those that they did hurt. How, at the moment, I'm not sure… but if they're going to train me then surely I'll figure it out. I'll be stronger.

I'll be useful.

Stepping forward, I walked up to the ginger giant and tugged on his sleeve, looking up at him determinedly. "So," I asked, curious about our destination, removing the blank look on my face and replacing it with something a little more bubbly, "where are we going this time? The lab again?"

"You need to regain your strength." Was all he told me before my feet suddenly left the ground, the ginger giant picking up and carrying me on his arm around. I yelped and grabbed onto his shoulder, having not expected this. I had thought he was going to actually have me walk for once. Lexaeus looked up at me. "You have been without food and nutrition for too long."

"H-How long was I asleep!?"

"A day has passed since you were brought to the lab."

How come I keep spending so much time in there? And why so early? Ugh. Actually- hold on. How did I end up in my room if I passed out in the lab? Did someone carry me? But who on earth-

My attention drifted to the giant I was having a conversation with. Right. He was there leaning against the wall when I left the bedroom. With his track record it only made sense that he was the one who carried me there from the lab. Honestly I should stop questioning how I wind up in one place instead of another; it always has the same answer. "Actually, where's Maria?" She was with me in my heart until a while ago… right?

"Resting."

Oh. Yeah. That makes sense. Lexaeus said something about food… so are we heading to the kitchen? I feel like that place and the lab are just the two default rooms I've been heading to. So much for exploring the castle. As we descended a staircase I wondered, "I'm gonna be training, right? In, like, healing magic?"

No response. Well, not true; Lexaeus gave a bit of a grunt as he nodded his head.

"Okay… what about fighting?" That was bothering me a lot. I don't want to hurt anyone, but… I should know how to defend myself. At least that was the vibe I was getting from Holly and the fact that so many Heartless wanted to kill me. My hands twitched, briefly recalling the sticky warm feeling of my own blood, and I curled my fingers into fists. My breath hitched and I closed my eyes, cringing. "D-Do… Do I have to learn how to fight?"

"...We shall see."

"O-Okay." Wow, this staircase is really taking forever. Has it always been this long of a way down? My eyes gazed down into the dark abyss below, my mind recalling how I had almost once fallen into that darkness. Thank gods for aesthetically pretty bookworms. It was then I saw something white and snake-like floating about in the darkness, zipping around the air and walls. They looked so familiar. "A-Are those… dusks?"

As if on que one of the snake-like creatures shot up into the air towards us, and I yelped when it wrapped around my shoulders. If Lexaeus didn't use his other arm to grab hold of me I would have fallen. My hand landed on the coil wrapping around me, realizing instantly that yes this was a dusk.

"H-Holy frick," I gasped, breathing heavily as my heart pounded loudly in my ribcage. "That scared me…"

The dusk uncoiled itself enough so that I could make out its face, and it was only when we were staring at each other that I noticed Lexaeus had stopped walking. Awkwardly reaching out I placed a hand on the dusk's head, patting it hesitantly. It's un-zipped mouth seemed to almost smile and its arms wormed around my shoulders again.

"A… Are you… hugging me?" I mean, I was totally okay with that. The other dusk did the same thing before I asked it to show me where Demyx was, although that one did cut my face. I made a weird expression, holding back a laugh, and looked at Lexaeus in slight disbelief before returning my attention to the dusk. "I, uh, think I made a new friend!"

The silent giant said nothing, turning his blue-eyed gaze back to the staircase, and focused on what was around us. "We're surrounded."

"Hah?" I looked up from the dusk I was petting, eyes widening when I saw what Lexaeus meant. Several of the weaker Nobodies I had seen darting around in the air had made their way up to us, and were now standing on their feet all about the staircase and wiggling every so often. "Oh… um-" I opened my mouth to say something, but was cut off when the dusk proceeded to nuzzle my face. Someone was a bit of an attention hog- or maybe they were attention starved? This dusk used to be a person, too, right?

I tapped Lexaeus' shoulder, kicking my legs in the air a little, to quietly ask to be put down. The giant stared at me for a second before doing as asked, carefully setting me on my feet. I held onto his sleeve, scared of falling down the stairs again or into the dark abyss below us, and waved at the many Nobodies. "You, uh, wanna be friends? Or- a hug? 'Cause I'll give you all hugs; I love hugs. Hugs are great. They make you feel all nice and fuzzy inside-whoa!"

Nothing prepared me for the blow to my front, several dusks lunging at once to tackle me. If Lexaeus hadn't been behind me I would have been knocked flat on my back. His hands grabbed hold of my shoulders, keeping me upright, but it did little to untangle me from the horde of dusks all latched onto me. It felt really weird, but at the same time the dusks were kinda cute. Like puppies.

"I-I can't… really move…" I laughed, feeling a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "You guys, uh… comfy? C-Can I stand up? Please?" The dusks uncoiled themselves just enough for me to straighten up my posture, but I still had to lean against Lexaeus for help. "Okay, this is kinda weird. Gonna admit. But~ ya'll are cute, so… I mean… it's cool?"

I wobbled a little to the side, struggling to keep my balance. I looked up at my giant companion, a sheepish grin on my face as I held up my only free arm.

"I-It's okay if they come with us… right? 'Cause I really don't think they're gonna let go anytime soon."

"..."

He stared at the dusks, not a sound leaving his lips. This was a little different from the explanation I gave him and Zexion about how I had met a few dusks that listened to me, but I decided to just go with it. That was Luxord's advice after all; I should just go with the flow. Accept what's given to me. And the fact that these dusks seem to like me… well, I should probably just accept that as well.

This world was insane. This… reality made no sense.

However it was the one I was now living in. I actually think the dusk around my shoulders was the same one from the other day. It sure acted like it knew me. Carefully reaching out to grab onto the railing I began to walk down slowly, making sure not to trip over myself. I really shouldn't listen to advice given to me by a stranger who was most definitely just using me to further his own goals, but it was helping a little. I couldn't deny that.

Besides… I wanted to believe that they were nice people in their past lives. Larxene was probably a jerk in her previous life, but everyone else might at least be good. Lexaeus, Luxord, Demyx, Zexion… and I guess Marluxia to a certain point. I liked Marluxia, but I also had the feeling he was pretending. Especially after what Lexaeus said.

I stopped walking. That's right. Lexaeus was the most honest person here. Him, Demyx, and Zexion. In that order, too. He's the one who warned me against believing what the others were showing me, who protected me when threatened, who acted just as he said he would. Lexaeus never went against his words. Turning around, careful not to fall over, I faced my overly tall companion. Blue eyes met brown, and I tilted my head in innocent curiosity. "Can… Can we be friends?"

He just blinked.

"L-Like, I know I'm not supposed to trust anyone and I don't actually really do trust anyone. If there's anyone here that I can "kinda" trust it's you, Zexion, and Demyx. You guys haven't… well, as far as I know you haven't lied or done anything weird. You guys are nice. Though you could just be pretending to be nice. But since you also technically don't have emotions I guess you are pretending no matter what you do, but still!" I held an index finger in the air. "I think we can be friends! And if I am able to help you guys then we'll probably end up being friends anyway! You'll be my first friend here! Uh, minus the dusks, I guess."

My eyebrows knit together and I looked to the side, a thought hitting me. Are Demyx and I considered friends? When was our last interaction anyway? We were in the lounge when Maria showed up and… we went to the lab to unlock my element. Right.

"Well, minus Demyx, too. Actually, I'll have to ask him if we're friends so for all intents and purposes you'll be my first friend!" I tapped my head lightly, laughing awkwardly, before petting one of the dusks that demanded attention. "I-If you want to be friends, that is. So, uh… yeah. Yay? Nay?"

Lexaeus' reaction was a little expected. He didn't say anything, surprise surprise, and as we stood in silence I tried not to listen to the anxiety eating away at my heart. I felt like a total idiot, but if I was going to help these people and if I was going to live here friendship was a must. Even if it was a fake friendship… I needed something to keep me going.

If they were really using me for some nefarious scheme the least they could do was pretend to care about me. I jolted a little when one of the dusks moved, suddenly distracted by how one uncoiled itself from around my arm and floated off into the unknown. If it weren't for the many dusks still attached to my limbs keeping me rooted in place, I would have fallen back in surprise when I turned to look back at Lexaeus- the tall giant now standing in front of me.

Before I knew what was even happening a large hand was on my head, ruffling my hair. It wasn't a rough and aggressive ruffle like one would expect from someone so big and scary looking, but was more gentle and light. He knew of his strength, how powerful and dangerous his abilities were, and still took care when dealing with others. It… surprised me. Considering he carried me around all the time and was acting like my guardian I should have seen this, but I never really thought about it.

I was silent as Lexaeus pulled his hand away, watching as he gestured for the dusks to move. They did as told, uncoiling from around my body, and wriggled around the floor instead in an almost protective fashion. Strange. The more times I encounter them the weirder they behave. I stared at them, torso twisted so I could look behind me. "Why are they…?" I hummed in confusion, making a face.

Zexion said something about the previous Keeper's death having a role in why the dusks acted like they did around me, but I can't fathom how. What about the first dusk I ever saw? Lexaeus destroyed that one. Wasn't it mean? Or… did it just want a hug like the others?

"You guys are so confusing; I hope you know that." The dusks said nothing, simply darting about and wiggling. I snickered at that, amused, and waved my arms in the air at them in an attempt to mimic their moves. "Are you guys having fun?" More jagged movements and floating in the air. "Okay." I mused, looking up at Lexaeus. "So~ what's up? We friends?"

Instead of an answer the silent hero leaned down, picked me up, and hoisted me onto one arm so he could carry me down the staircase without risk of me falling. I let out a small yelp in the process, still not too used to being randomly lifted up in the air, and placed my hands on his shoulders. It was almost as if he were an overprotective parent rather than a bodyguard. Rather funny, really.

"I'm gonna take that as a… yes?"

He looked at me, blue eyes flickering with something other than apathy for once, but the emotion was gone so fast I wasn't even sure if I really saw it in the first place. "If that… is your decision. A Nobody cannot have such human bonds… but I shall not stop you from trying to pursue such things." He began to move down the staircase, continuing towards the kitchen.

"I just gotta be cautious, right?" I grinned, being put into a really good mood now. Lexaeus nodded. I hummed, thoroughly amused and happy. "I think you're nice. Most of the others are super shady, though. You, Zexion, and Demyx are the best boys. Oh! And Luxord. Kinda. Only talked to him once, but he gave me cocoa! With marshmallows!"

That was pretty much the end of our conversation. Everything afterwards was mostly just me talking to him, rambling about how weird magical hearts were and wondering if Zexion was a wizard. He could send people into their hearts, right? So doesn't that make him a magical boy? Or was he just purely science? I feel like someone told me his element before… or maybe I imagined it. I asked Lexaeus if he knew why Maria was helping me all the time, but he didn't give me an answer. I assumed he didn't really know himself.

When we finally arrived at the kitchen no one was to be seen. When I asked why Lexaeus simply said "missions". I was… confused, but didn't question it. I simply skipped on over to the cabinets where the cinnamon pop tarts normally were, opening them and standing on my toes in an attempt to locate the boxes. To my horror I could find none, even when I resorted to jumping in order to see farther in the back. I fell back onto the palms of my feet in defeat, lowering my head with hands still on the cabinet door knobs. What… am I supposed to eat now?

I feel bad that I already have to eat their food, but now I have to search for something else. I know there were still a few poptarts left from the last time I was in here, so where…? Hold on. Xaldin said the Superior liked them, right? Did their leader find out that I was eating them and took them away so he wouldn't have to share?

He could have put a sign on them or something… "Do not touch".

I closed the cabinet doors and backed away, looking around, and noticed Lexaeus was eating a little fruit cup that had been in the fridge. For someone who must work out a lot I never see him eat too much. That can't be healthy. Maybe… if there's anything I can make without burning it…

I headed over to the fridge and began to search for ingredients. I found most of what I was looking for, and after some searching was surprised to find bread hiding in one of the fridge drawers. My step-mother used to do the same thing back when she still bought bread; helped decrease chances of mold, I believe. I looked over at Lexaeus, calling out, "Do you wanna grilled cheese? I can add ham to it, if you want."

He paused in his calm devouring of fruit. After a moment of thought the ginger giant gave a short nod of his head. I grinned, pulling out everything from the fridge and setting it on the counter, closing the door with my foot.

"Okie doke! Now, where are the pans…?" I spent a solid five to ten minutes trying to locate them. All nausea was currently gone, the feeling of hunger barely noticeable to me now. I looked under the counter in the bottom cabinets and in the stove/oven drawer thing. There was a lot of clattering noises when I did find it, because I had to worm out the pan from beneath a bunch of pots. "Annnd up! Okay! Now, one or two?"

"...Two."

"Awesome! Now…" Here's to try not to be impatient so that the food can actually turn out well. Ugh. I can paint for hours on end, but put in front of a stove? I get so impatient it's ridiculous. I just want it to be done. It didn't take too long to find the utensils and butter the bread so I could put in the pan, but the wait for it to cook was annoying. After about thirty minutes I had finished his sandwiches and put them on a plate. "Please don't burn~ please don't burn~ I'd appreciate it if you didn't burn~."

This. Takes. Too. Long.

Sometime during this Lexaeus showed up and grabbed the plate, returning to the table and eating it. A swirling sound then caught my attention and I jumped, nearly dropping the spatula I was holding, and I turned to look at where it came from. Stepping out of a dark corridor was a familiar slate-blue haired researcher, several pieces of paper in his hands, the young man reading and flipping through them with a thoughtful gaze. "Ze… Zexion?"

The scientist stopped, the dark corridor closing behind him, and raised his head up to look at me. "You've awoken."

"Y-yeah…" Wow. Um. This is a little awkward. The last time I had seen him was when he stepped too close and knocked me out into a deep sleep. "You're, uh, not wearing your lab coat this time." I poked at the bread crust with the spatula, checking to see if it was cooked enough for me to flip. Why does this take so long? "W-Want one of these? I made Lexaeus one."

I mentally berated myself for not being good at starting conversations. Heck, why was I even stuttering? He was supposed to be one of the members I was more comfortable around. I watched out of the corner of my eyes as Zexion neatly folded the papers he was carrying, placing them in one of his coat pockets. "I do not care to dirty a white coat if it can be avoided. I came here to make myself a meal, after all; is that not why aprons were invented?"

Oof. Sass. "Fair enough. Anyway, you never answered my question!" I looked at him, smiling widely, watching as he walked over. I felt a little intimidated by the fact that he was several inches taller than me, though why I felt so threatened in the first place I wasn't sure why. Was it because of Maria's words of how they could be lying? But Zexion, while part of the organization, did help save me. It's because of him I can talk so easily without breathing troubles. "You want a grilled cheese? I can add ham!"

Zexion peered over my shoulder to see what was cooking, and I took that chance to see if it was ready for a flip. As it turns out it was, so I promptly switched the sides that were cooking whilst ignoring how close Zexion was to popping my personal bubble a second time. That's why! It's because he broke the boundary last time. No wonder I'm so uncomfortable now. Alright, now that I know what the issue is I can snap myself out of it. Hopefully.

The scientist pulled away and crossed his arms, a hand resting on his chin briefly. "I was going to make something myself… but since you're offering… it would give me more time to work on completing the notes." He turned his head, looking at Lexaeus who was already finished eating. "And he seems to have enjoyed it… alright." Zexion lowered his hand, nodding his head at me. "I'll take you up on your offer."

He walked towards the table, waving a hand in the air. I stared at him and Lexaeus sitting at the table, feeling almost excited at the prospect of spending time with the two of them, and had to fight a smile as I turned back to continue making the grilled cheese. I worried at my lip, humming a little tune quietly as I swayed back-and-forth and waited for the food to be done.

In the end I wound up giving the grilled cheese I had been making for myself to Zexion so he wouldn't have to wait any longer for a meal, and when I set the plate on the table I made sure it was a little bit away from the notes he was working on. He looked so focused and intense. The way one of his fingers would tap against the table whenever he would pause to think, calculations probably running rampant in his mind at a hundred miles an hour, his azure blue eyes flickering back and forth across the page to check what he had written before moving on…

Zexion looked like a freaking painting. It was almost infuriating at how badly I wanted to draw him. I whirled around, pushing down the urge to pick up a pencil and hunt down a notebook, and went back to cooking. It wasn't like I would even be able to draw him decently without him looking like an anime character, anyway. Although Skylar did say he already resembled one… but so did all the other members of the organization.

When it was finally my turn to eat I sat down next to Lexaeus, not wanting to get in the way of all the papers Zexion was messing with. Lexaeus had long since finished eating, now leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed and eyes closed. The first bite of real food since I've spent time in the lab after the experiment nearly had me throw up in my seat, my stomach remembering just how hungry it was. Before I knew it the first sandwich was already gone from my hands, and I was working on the second one. I kicked my feet a little as I ate, legs too short for my bare feet to touch the ground.

What did these guys do on missions? Collect hearts? They get the hearts from the Heartless, right? So they don't actually hurt anyone. I have so many theories, but… I'm not sure which one to actually believe. I wished someone would just give me a proper explanation about everything. Maybe if I could talk to their Superior again I might get a better understanding as to whether or not they're lying…

Finishing my sandwich I picked up my plate, ready to stand and put it, Lexaeus', and Zexion's into the sink since we were all done eating, when something felt… off. From behind I could feel something similar to when I was in my heart, surrounded by shadows and much larger Heartless, and was on the verge of drowning in darkness. My grip on the plate loosened and I froze, heart picking up speed in my chest. Zexion's pen ceased in its writing and the scholar looked up, and as I heard the swirling sound of something that was very much not friendly I reacted.

Heartless after Heartless had pooled out of darkness onto my platform, and the sound I was hearing sounded far too suspiciously like that. Panic flooded my senses and the chair I had been sitting in tumbled onto the ground, falling over as I whirled around- warm metal pressing against the palms of my hands as I summoned my staff. The delicate weapon sliced through the air, tendrils of white and gold swirling around it, but was stopped abruptly by a gloved hand.

"Ooh~." An irritatingly familiar voice purred, a woman stepping out of a black corridor. A smirk spread across her face, condescending and cold, acid green eyes dead and unfeeling. "The light actually burns! I'm almost impressed. Unfortunately for you… not quite." She pushed my staff back and I stumbled, nearly toppling onto the table, but before that could happen Lexaeus reached out with an arm and caught me. "Ahaha! Wow, you really can't do anything can you? Even with your magic unlocked you're still useless by yourself."

She curled her fingers around her face, index finger tapping against her upper lip as she crossed her other arm over her chest.

"You truly are pathetic, aren't you?"

Larxene. She was the Heartless? Was she… not the Heartless? Was there no Heartless at all? Why did I feel like there was one? Zexion walked out of a corridor earlier, too, but I didn't panic as bad then. What was going on? Is it because I was only scared of her and not of him? I don't understand. Lexaeus carefully pushed me behind him, standing tall and hovering over the blond silently- the threat clear to all who was watching that he would not hold back if she tried anything.

"Oh, grow up." Larxene scoffed, waving her hand at him dismissively. "Gods, you're worse than Axel. I'll have you know I'm here on request."

"A request?" Zexion inquired, standing and stacking up all the papers he had hold of. "From whom? What is it that you need?"

"I'm to take this brat to the Superior." Larxene pointed at me, rolling her eyes. "Feel free to come along if you want, I don't really care one way or another; the faster this gets done the quicker I get to take a beauty nap."

I snorted at that. Her acid eyes darted to stare me down, glaring at me.

"What? Got something to say?"

Maybe. I kept my mouth shut, holding all snide comments and sarcastic remarks in my head, summoning away my staff and hiding behind the shield that was Lexaeus. "I do… but you won't like it." I settled for, refusing to look at her. An idea came to me. "Oh! Actually, here's a joke. Hey, Zexion?"

The scientist sighed, but asked, "Yes?"

"Why did the blonde stare at the orange juice carton?"

Alright, that held his interest. He looked up at me, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Why?"

"Because it said concentrate." I grinned widely, finding amusement in her anger seeing as she technically couldn't hurt me. Not without getting into massive trouble. I felt rather bold now, especially since Lexaeus was standing between us as a wall. I was convinced Larxene couldn't harm me. I peered out from behind the giant's arm, grabbing onto his coat sleeve, and grinned at the fuming blond. "Like you need to concentrate on not being a jerk! But orange you glad I said that instead of the other thing I wanted to?"

There was no laughter, but looking behind me I could see Zexion was wearing the barest trace of a smirk, hand on his chin and fingers covering his lips. It was almost as if he were trying to hide his amusement. If he could feel amusement, anyway. Doubted it. Lexaeus looked down at me, expression still stern as if to silently reprimand me on my childish behavior.

"Oh hardy har har; we all know that one is about Demyx. He's dumber than a cereal bowl. No, sorry, that's offensive to the cereal bowl. He's just a pest."

"You think?" I hummed, ignoring how irritated that comment made me. "Because I know it's a perfect description of you. You're more heartless than an actual Heartless. Oh, wait, that would be offensive to the Heartless, wouldn't it? You're just a brat."

Larxene glared me down, fingers twitching as electric sparks crackled around her hands, but she made no move to attack. "You think you're so clever, don't you? News flash kiddo; you're not."

"And what? You are?" I scoffed. "You're the one who keeps getting into trouble."

"And what would you know about it-!" She began, stepping forward, only to be quickly cut off by a familiar scholar stepping between the three of us. He held his arm out, features dark as he stared up at Larxene. A warning was clear in his dead eyes. Larxene turned her nose up at him, grimacing. "Oh gross; get out of my face!"

"Gross!?" Okay, now I was even more annoyed. Almost angry. "How is Zexion gross!? He's a thousand times nicer and prettier than you!" I pushed my way out from behind Lexaeus, about to walk up to her and give her a piece of my mind. I don't like fighting, but dear gods was she tempting me. "You're just jealous you're not as awesome as him! Or- like, as anyone! You're just a bully!"

"A bully, am I?" Larxene mused, laughing at my words. She leaned over, an arm around her stomach, a hand pressed to her chest. "Oh, I'm the bully! You hear that Zexion!? You have her wrapped around your little finger and I'm the bully. Ahahaha! You know what? Fine. This is good." She placed an index finger against her cheek, smirking. I glared at her, oddly unafraid, but it did little to help the confusion I now felt. Larxene pointed at me, acting as though she were amused by her observation. "Your light is burning brighter than usual~ and we can't have it snuffing itself out anytime soon. So defend that nerd with all your might like a good little girl, okay? Keep up the work and we might find a use for you after all!"

Those words snapped me out of my fury long enough to think.

Larxene was baiting me. She wanted to make me mad, but for what? Her own entertainment? The way she was speaking made it sound like the Organization didn't have a use for me yet, but that went against everything else I had been told by Zexion and several other members. And about being wrapped around his finger? Utter nonsense. It's not like I listen to everything he tells me to do; I was merely defending him.

He was little reclusive, but despite being only a little older than I was he was very skilled in both medicine and science. That was incredibly impressive. I obeyed what most people have been telling me to do since arriving here because that's who I am. I don't like arguments or fighting, and as such I generally do whatever it is that's demanded of me. Unless, of course, it involved doing something I didn't want to do- in which case I would refuse to listen.

Images flashed through my mind, memories of rage and reluctance, the unwillingness to fight and risk one's life, but determination to protect. Visions of loss, of heartbreak, and of despair. Memories… that weren't mine. I stumbled back a little dazed, bringing a hand up to my head. A large hand placed itself on my shoulder to help balance me, but I paid it little attention as I snapped my gaze up to meet Larxene's.

She said my light was burning bright… but everyone else said that the light was inside my heart. Did that mean the light grew stronger with my anger or was it simply because my magic was finally unlocked? I hated how Larxene treated Demyx and I hated even more how she was insulting Zexion- someone who was very accomplished despite his age- and trying to demean him.

Or perhaps… it was because of that boy? Michael?

Just who was he? Is he my predecessor? Was the reason the dusks seem to like me so much because of him? His portrait was on the stained glass, mirroring my own image, trapped in the visage of his traumatized thirteen-year-old self. There was no way it was a coincidence; Maria had to have seen it too. As the days pass I keep finding myself with even more questions and little to no answers. It was starting to tear my skull apart.

Shaking my head, my expression turned into something a little more empty and cold as I stared up at Larxene's impish smirk. The more we interacted the more I began to dislike her, and though I abhorred violence a part of me really wanted to whack her upside the head with my brand new staff. Her laugh was so grating. "Even if I was wrapped around his finger… it's better than being wrapped around yours."

Gods, I hate her. I ignored Larxene's feigned gasp of shock and grabbed onto Lexaeus' sleeve. I tugged on it, pointedly looking away from the blonde, and the giant looked down at me, dead blue eyes flickering with just the barest trace of curiosity. I had opened my mouth to speak, only to be cut off when the irritating woman spoke up again.

"You're not leaving, are you? Did you forget already? God, what a pain! The Superior wants to talk to you, stupid."

I said nothing, not wanting to prolong this conversation any further, and simply fixed her with a cold stare.

"Oh~ wow, would you look at that!" Larxene leaned back and placed a hand over her chest. "So scary! Since when did you have the guts the glare like that? Last time you were cowering behind that wimp of a water mage."

Gold tinged the corners of my vision, fingers tightening their grip on the black leather of Lexaeus' coat sleeve. Ignore her. Don't respond. One should never react to the words of their antagonizer. My lips curled back and my teeth ground together, rage bubbling inside my chest. I've dealt with plenty of bullies before and handled them fairly well, but none of them have ever made me as… furious… as Larxene has.

"Pretending not to hear me now? You really are a child."

"Number Twelve." Zexion cut in, sharp blue eyes boring into Larxene's own acidic green. "You said the Superior wished to see her?

She rolled her eyes at the question, tired of repeating herself. "Uh, duh. Marluxia and I just got back from our mission, but before we could take a break Saix showed up and demanded we find the brat and her crazy sister, and bring them to the big bad boss. Claims it's "time they knew of our goal" and all that nonsense."

"There is no definite proof of their relation as of yet," Zexion informed, correcting her, "The Darkness is not confirmed to be the sister of the Light."

"Whatever. Who cares? Let's just get this over with." Hold on. Marluxia went to get Maria? Oh no. No, no, no, no. That's not good. Oh gods. What if she attacks him again? What if he provokes her? They were far from a good match.

Before I knew what I was doing I was pulling on Lexaeus' arm, trying to head over to the door. He remained rooted to the spot, staring down at me in silent question. "W-We need to go! Th-They might… They might fight again! Come on! Lexaeus!" I grabbed onto his sleeve with both hands, tugging with all my might and digging my heels into the ground, but he still wouldn't budge. I settled for grabbing onto his hand, turning and trying to pull him with me. "M-Move! Come… on… already! Th-They… Marluxia… Maria…"

"Xaldin is with her." He finally spoke, deep voice echoing around the vacant kitchen. Zexion and Larxene looked at us, watching the conversation take place. "There is no need for panic."

"There's always a need for panic! Have you not seen them together!?" Actually, thinking on it, I don't think he has. The last time Marluxia and Maria were together Lexaeus was in the lab, so I had to prevent them from fighting by clinging onto Marluxia. I was amazed it actually worked, so if push comes to shove I'll just hug him this time. "They're always fighting! H-He almost- last time he and Larxene nearly fought-"

"Do you ever shut up?" Larxene huffed. She interrupted my rant and I stopped pulling on Lexaeus' hand, looking at her nervously. "He's not gonna kill her. We need her, too, you realize. If anything you should be more worried about yourself."

"Larxene." Zexion hissed, a hint of a threat underlying in his dark tone. "The Keeper of Light is under our protection."

"Please spare me the details." The blond said, rolling her eyes. I stiffened, wondering why one side wanted to keep me alive and why the other clearly wanted to be rid of my existence. Did Larxene not care what would happen if she harmed me? The Superior wanted me safe, or so he claimed, so wouldn't she get in trouble if she hurt me? "Alright, fine. You and me, kiddo. You unlocked your magic, right? That staff you summoned- it's your weapon?"

She strolled forward and I backed up, flinching when she got too close. Larxene pointed at me, and then placed a hand on her chest as she said,

"I'll teach you how to use your magic. You'll be tossing spells in no time- got it?" She smirked, leaning down so we were closer in height. Something in her voice made me feel very uncomfortable, but I couldn't identify what it was. I believed it was just because I didn't like her as a person. She reached out towards me with her hand, as if she were about to pat me on the head. "Be a good girl now, or lessons might be super difficult-!"

She cut off mid-sentence, startled when a large hand reached out and snatched her wrist. Larxene looked up at Lexaeus in shock, the giant's blue eyes boring into her very soul. She growled as she yanked on her arm, trying to weasel it out of his grasp.

"Let go of me you- you brute!"

Lexaeus did as told, but only after she gave another firm yank. The blond was sent stumbling back, nearly hitting her back against one of the kitchen counters in the process. The hand I was holding pulled me backwards and I yelped, having not expected him to push me behind him. I let go of him and he held his arm out in front of me, stance on the defensive side and his expression stern. "L-Lexaeus?"

"The child is not yours to train." He stated, narrowing his eyes. "She will be taught by her other, and then by myself."

What? Lexaeus is training me? When was this decided?

"Why you!?" Larxene demanded, placing a hand on the counter as she tried to stand straight. She flexed her aching wrist, glaring at the normally silent man. "How come you get to train her!? You know nothing about magic! You're just a buff giant with no brains!"

I looked at Zexion incredulously, hoping he might understand what was going on, but he wasn't focused on me. No, he was watching the scene playing out in front of us. His fingers rested on his chin, his index tapping his nose thoughtfully, an inquisitive look on his face. "It's because they share the same element." The researcher explained, catching the blonde's attention. "Lexaeus and the Keeper of Light… they both use the earth as their stronghold."

Hold on. Rewind. What!?

"You're lying! This brat can not be an earth user! She's more like…" Larxene paused, bringing a hand up to her cheek as she thought about it. "Um, what's a good element for a wimpy kid like her? Oh, I know! Water! She's as stupid as Demyx, so it's perfect for her. Not to mention all the waterworks. How can somehow as goofy as that be anywhere in the same league as this brute?"

Lexaeus is earth? We… have the same element? No wonder we get along so well! I peered out from behind his large arm, grinning widely at Larxene as this news put me back into a good mood. "You wish I was water! Lexaeus and I are earth buddies! And Demyx isn't stupid, jerk!"

Larxene rolled her eyes, placing a hand against her forehead. "Forget I ever even offered. What the hell. This is ridiculous."

...

A day had passed since the events in the lab took place. The younger keeper having found her affinity and unlocking her magic while the elder of the two now recovered from being within the light. Xaldin had stood guard - as he was tasked to do - making sure that none disturbed his charge. He had momentarily placed a Sniper Nobody before the door as he had went to prepare food for Maria. Upon his return he had waved the creature away, a silver tray in hand with his signature 'III' emblazoned on the metal, as he knocked upon the door.

"Maria, are you awake?" He called, waiting for but a moment before sighing. Tossing the tray into the air - and keeping it elevated with a small whirlwind - he sidestepped just in time to avoid a pair of blacked-booted feet from colliding with his spine. He stared at Maria as she made contact with her door, vaguely noticing the portal that dissipated behind them. Xaldin thought he was prepared for the next move, turning and grabbing Maria's forearm as she launched herself at him, but it seemed she was prepared for that too.

Using his grip on her as an anchor she swung up, wrapping her legs around his torso, feet hooked under his arm as she sat atop his shoulder. Using her momentum, she swung her upper body down hard. The extra weight - and how she was locked around him - caused the lancer to topple over, landing roughly on his back as the auburn girl perched triumphantly atop his abdomen. She held her hands up, catching the food tray as it fell for the whirlwind had stopped.

"Must you do this every time I knock upon your door?" Xaldin grimaced, looking up at the grinning girl.

"I've only done it twice. Besides," She started as she rolled off of him, sitting cross-legged on the floor beside the Nobody, "we both know you could have pinned me if you wanted to. You knew my portal opened before I had even stepped out."

Sitting up, violet eyes watched with mild curiosity as she lifted the lid of the tray, smiling at the food he had prepared. "I do not resist as it means you are recovering well."

"Not well enough. I'm still slower than I should be." She muttered as she popped a baked apple crisp into her mouth, sighing at the flavor, "You should have been a chef."

"I believe I was a guard before my time here."

Hazel orbs looked up at that, seeing fondness in his eyes for a brief moment before it flickered and vanished, apathy filling his gaze once more. She hummed as Xaldin stood, grabbing his outstretched hand and pulling herself to her feet. "I would say that's a wasted opportunity, but it actually makes sense."

Xaldin noticed her shoulders sag as she glanced around, seeing that it was just him this time. She has become fond of us both being with her. He thought as he began walking down the hall, "Come. We shall stay in the common room today."

"So you're not going to stick me in my room to recover?"

"I thought you might enjoy a change of scenery."

"Why, Xaldin, you'll make a girl blush like that." She chided, following him with a laugh as she heard him muttering a half-hearted "Insufferable".

They walked in silence for a time, Maria eating and absentmindedly passingly pieces to her companion as they moved. After what she considered a decent amount of silence, she spoke, eyes cast straight ahead, "You and Axel are assigned to me, aren't you?"

Violet eyes looked askance at her before focusing forward again, sensing no threat in her question, "Yes. We are."

"Because you're the most equipped to handle my affinity?"

"That is correct."

"Hm." Maria hummed a little as she mulled this over, her theory confirmed. "And if you're both gone? I'm aware you all are assigned missions."

"Then I presume Lexaeus will tend to you as he did the first day you awoke."

"I thought he watched over the kid?" A slight somber note could be heard in her tone, the woman hesitating as she spoke. Xaldin quickly realized that this was because Maria still does not wish to care for the young light. Answering carefully, the whirlwind said,

"He is one of the guards, yes. As is Demyx, Marluxia, and occasionally Zexion when he is not needed with Vexen."

Maria let out a slight whistle at that. "Kid's got a whole party!"

"She also did not defeat nearly half of our members in a rage." He pointed out.

"You'd think that would earn me more guards."

"It has earned you respect and the need for those who are more qualified to tend to you."

The young woman halted in her walk, grinning a bit at his words. "So you're saying she just has a roulette of whoever is available, while I need something more… specific."

"I find it odd you gleam amusement at being considered dangerous."

"Princess and the bimbo are the same way- if not more so. How is it odd that I do it?" Maria placed her hands on her hips, waiting on a retort despite knowing she was right. Her grin only widened at seeing Xaldin's blank stare; he knew exactly who she was referring to.

"I refuse to dignify that with a response." With that said, he turned and began walking again. Maria let out a laugh as she followed, clearly amused by his reaction.

"Just so you know I'm considering that a win for me."

"If you must."

They walked in comfortable silence after that, Maria having sent the now empty food tray through a portal as they moved. Entering the lounge, Maria was surprised to find it empty for once. It felt almost as empty as the rest of the castle. Almost like… No. Maria shook her head, removing the thought to go stare out the window, seeing a vaguely broken golden shape in the sky.

"What is that?" She asked. Xaldin made to respond before the scent of roses filed the air, gaining their attention as a certain assassin stepped through a portal.

"Unsurprising that I'd find you here," Came Marluxia's casual tone. His expression friendly enough if not or the disdain clear in his voice. "Reminiscing about the carnage your wrought?"

Crossing her arms, Maria narrowed her eyes. "If you've come for a fight you should know I still hold the advantage."

"Alas, I've not come to claim your life." Marluxia stated almost trivially, as if fighting her was now a bore. Promptly ignoring her glare, he continued, "The Superior has requested to see you. He is waiting on the northern terrace. You should know that he is not a patient man."

"He's kept me waiting for nearly two weeks," Maria bit back, "he can deal with it."

"A flame without respite." Marluxia commented, a fire flower appearing in his hand. It reminded Maria of the ones she'd seen a long time ago, back when Radiant Garden was still in its original state and she was but a child. The memory felt almost sour to her. "I've heard tell that you've spent time with the King…"

"Marluxia." Xaldin interrupted as Maria tensed, the mere mention of the mouse sending her blood pressure skyrocketing. Blatantly ignoring the black-haired man's warning, the assassin continued.

The man didn't look at either of them as he tended to the flower in his hold. "Tell me, Keeper, did you follow blindly and burn as you were told, like some docile fool, or have you always shredded the world around you to ashes as the heedless beast you are now?" The last word was punctuated by his hand crushing the flower in his grasp. His dead blue eyes were cold as he glared at her, venom strong in his voice.

Maria's eyes were full black before she could even registered what had happened. From one moment to the next they went from standing in the brightly lit common room to residing in a striking black abyss. No light to speak of anywhere. Her eyes focused on Marluxia, observing how his body tensed and how his eyes darted about, searching for something. For her. Turning to Xaldin, she noticed the same thing- only she could see in the dark.

The wind can't help you here.

A word sounded out, but it wasn't spoken. Not really. Sound didn't exist here. But Maria could see Xaldin's lips moving; the silent command. A plea.

"Enough," he was saying. "Maria, that is enough."

But she was never enough, was she?

With a heavy sigh the dark slowly began to shrink away, pooling around the woman's boots before fading into nothing- as though it was never there to begin with. Only her black eyes showed the silent promise of what would come. Marluxia's stance betrayed nothing, nor his expression. Only the single bead of sweat trailing down his temple showing that- for the briefest of moments- Marluxia was afraid.

"Maria." Stern, fierce. She turned to see Xaldin. His stance had changed. His arms no longer rested casually behind his back; instead they were brought forward, one hand open and ready to summon the wind at any moment. His brows were furrowed together, his face drawn tight. A voice rang in her head then- familiar, colder, cruel. Manipulative.

"You could end them both", the masculine voice suggested, "it wouldn't take much."

Annoyance struck Maria at this interruption, knowing full well who it was that was speaking to her.

Go back to your cave, She demanded, your time ended.

"My time? Ha. Now is no time at all. They'll use you."

How is that any different from you? Leave me, Alexander.

"They will give you misery beyond-"

Leave me.

A laugh, almost mocking in its echo, and then silence. Her heart closed itself off again- to everyone around her, and to those from the past that lived inside her darkness. Simple. Easy. Letting out a breath, the tension- the nothingness- eased out of her, the black fading from her eyes to reveal hazel pools once more. Her gaze moved slowly from Xaldin, whose stance had eased minutely, to Marluxia who remained as impassive as always.

Maria herself, however, gave away nothing in her stance. This was trivial, after all. But her eyes? Her eyes held a fury all their own; even the flames of Hades could not compare. "That mouse…" She began, voice low and fists clenching for a short moment. "That mouse is a liar and a spineless fool." Her hazel eyes gleamed, no other color leaking into them, yet somehow more fierce for their gaze alone. "If you ever compare me to be his puppet again, my flame will be the least of your concerns."

They stared each other down, neither willing to back off, to be weak. It wasn't until the assassin scoffed, placing one hand elegantly on his hip that he spoke up. "Perhaps you are not such a brute after all… despite your apparent loathing towards flowers."

Before she could reply, the retort on the tip of her tongue dried over, hearing a familiar high-pitch voice echoing from the end of the hall, Maria's nerves suddenly on fire. Of course she's awake. Xaldin stepped up to the woman, seeing her tense, and rested one large hand on her shoulder. She glanced up at him in thanks, grateful for the solid weight and scent of the wind to keep her grounded.

…

I don't want to do this. Why are they making me do this? It's bad enough I have to talk to the Superior after having spent, like, what? Two weeks here? He's probably annoyed about the pop tarts, too, if he can even feel annoyed, but to top it all off Larxene is coming with us? Why can't it just be me, Zexion, and Lexaeus? They were a whole lot nicer than her! I hate this.

It doesn't help that she keeps throwing out comments here and there to try and start another argument with me. I've taken to ignoring her and trying to tune her out, but my patience was wearing very thin. The urge to whack her upside the head was getting stronger and stronger, to the point it was taking everything I had not to summon my staff. I held tightly to Lexaeus sleeve during the walk, distracting myself any way I could by using my thoughts.

...It wasn't working very well. So instead I just focused on Zexion, wondering what made him decide he wanted to tag along. He had those notes to work on, so unless he wanted to talk to the Superior I can't image why he'd waste time coming with us. Lexaeus made sense- he was my guard for the day- but Zexion? He confused me.

"Uh-oh," Larxene sneered, leaning down with a grin, hands on her hips as we walked. "Someone has eyes for the nerd~! Shame he doesn't have a heart to feel."

Can I hit her without being hit back? Can I? Please? I really want to destroy her face. Keeping my mouth shut I looked away from the scientist and rolled my eyes. Aren't I supposed to be the child here? Larxene is acting like a freaking third grader. What does Marluxia see in her? She's so annoying.

"What? Not even going to defend yourself? How lame." Larxene stood up and scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "What happened to that spark from before, huh? Or did you finally revert back to your normal cowardly state? Unless- it is true? Was I right after all!? Ahahaha!" Larxene moved over, placing a hand on Zexion's shoulder and leaning down so they were closer in height. He paused in his reading and fixed her with a cold glare, silently demanding she release him. "How cute is that, Six? You have a fan!"

My fingers twitched.

Don't react. Don't say anything.

I want to hit her. I want to hit her. Please let me hit her. Make her shut up. She's more annoying than the bullies I dealt with at school; heck, she almost went above my devil cousin in rank. Now she was a psychopath, but Larxene is the only one that actually tried to kill me. I'd take being manipulated and hit over having someone insinuate something about me and insult someone I thought was admirable. Someone I wanted to be friends with.

It was bothering me greatly what Larxene was doing. Not only was she demeaning him, but she was also touching him- and from what little I knew of Zexion he hated being touched. Larxene's hand slid until her entire arm was around his shoulders, a gloved hand resting under his chin and forcefully tilting his head in mine and Lexaeus' direction. "Well?" She baited, pressing him to speak up. "Aren't you going to say anything to her? Aren't you flattered? Someone actually likes having you around for once!"

"Release me. Now." If the look in his eyes could kill Larxene would be six feet under, maybe even more so. The look on Zexion's face was even darker than when Xigbar had him pinned on the couch. He turned his head away, removing his face from her hold. Larxene's green eyes glimmered malevolently, finding amusement in his uncomfortability.

"Awww, but why would I do that-?" She cooed, reaching out to poke his face. Larxene paused all of a sudden, turning to look down to see where the sudden wave of warmth attacking her came from. Slivers of white light swirled about in the air, the tip of the golden staff pointed directly at her. "Oh?"

My hands were shaking. I wasn't too sure why I did it, or when, but watching her bully him really ticked me off. Larxene needed to learn to respect other people's boundaries- she needed to learn to respect other people. I regretted summoning the staff as soon as I realized I did it, knowing I was going to get my rear handed to me regardless of whether the Superior wanted me alive or not, because I acted first.

I tried to stay calm, but memories of Holly were rushing through my mind. "H-He said… He said to let him go."

"And why should I do that?" She asked, loosening her hold but not removing her arm. She smirked and stared down at me with impish eyes. "What? Are you jealous, perhaps?"

"You really…" Larxene saw only her own delusions, didn't she? Or was this just another act to rile me up? I honestly didn't know and I didn't really care. I just wanted her to release him. "Zexion said… to let go. S-So… let him go."

The light swirling around the staff brightened intensely, becoming rather blinding when looked at directly. Larxene's eyes flickered when she saw this, recognizing the warning. I wasn't going to hurt her, but if need be I will pry her away from him.

"I don't… know what complex you have going on o-or… or what, but… you need to stop hurting others to make yourself feel better! You're the coward here!" I stepped forward, praying I came off at least a little intimidating despite how scared I clearly was. "Treat others the way you want to be treated!"

"And just who do you think you are to lecture me, huh?" Larxene demanded, waving her free hand about as she spoke. "You gonna fight me, little girl? Just remember who it is you're dealing with here."

No. I'm not going to fight you. I just… want you to release my new friend. Gods why am I becoming so bold now? Let me go back to not back talking people, please. Hesitantly lowering my staff as I thought about what could happen next I summoned it away, pondering about a good choice of action. Well, not good but at least semi-decent. Larxene wasn't going to let go of Zexion just because I backed off.

"Aww, chickening out?" The blonde pouted and poked a gloved finger to Zexion's cheek. "Guess she won't be helping you after all-!"

Larxene was not prepared at all for the small body ramming into her stomach, the woman losing her grip on the researcher and falling back hard onto the floor. I was hoping it would just send her stumbling back, but after I landed on top of her I used what small experience I had from my brief fight with Axel on the first day and didn't give myself time to recover from the landing before scrambling up onto all fours and running. Electricity crackled in the air, the smell of ozone burning my nostrils and making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Casting a quick glance at Zexion to see if he was alright, and being relieved that he wasn't caught in the fall, I risked a look at Larxene. She was not happy. However, that would only prove me correct in my assumption that she would be so focused on me that she'd forget about her previous target. And speaking of targets…

"Run! Run away!" I shrieked, stumbling about in a sloppy dash in an attempt to escape her savage fury. "Gah!"

Bolts of lightning shot through the air, aimed directly at my form. I dashed away as desperately fast as I could, but my legs were shaking so much from the confrontation that they felt like little more than jelly. As such it was really no surprise that I fell, but in doing so the electricity just barely missed, scorching the ground around me instead and leaving little black burn marks on the marble flooring. Panic and fear had long since welled up inside me, and were now becoming almost overwhelming.

Pushing myself back up onto trembling feet I was about to run away again, but my eyes caught sight of several familiar creatures appearing out of black-and-white wisps. Dusks. Friendly dusks. They surrounded me almost protectively while the air grew thicker and harder to breathe in, Larxene now trapped in a battle against Lexaeus. She was quick and limber, and he was strong and slow. But somehow despite that Lexaeus was still holding his own and deflecting the majority of her attacks, not even relying on the earth that was proclaimed to be his ally. Still… Larxene was looking more and more furious with each passing second, and as I watched she seemed to literally split into two people.

Lexaeus was holding her back, keeping her from following and hurting me, but Larxene was somehow making clones of herself. That could not bode well for him. Wobbling a little as I stood, I looked at the dusks around me and then back at the duo battling, scared for my friend's wellbeing if this were to keep up.

The dusks listen to me...right? Then… then…

Scared out of my mind it took a few solid seconds for me to gather up the courage to gesture wildly at the dusks. "Y-You guys know what I'm saying, right!?" They said nothing, not that they could, and simply wiggled about as they stared at me. "Do… Do something! Anything! Use tackle on Larxene! O-Or cut, or razor leaf, or- just help Lexaeus!" My vision was beginning to blur.

"Like they're gonna listen to you!" One of the Larxene's growled. She took out several small kunais and leapt up into the air, throwing them with deadly precision towards the silent hero. Lexaeus raised his weapon with ease, blocking the attack with the huge axe-blade he was wielding. The other Larxene snuck up from behind, aiming a kick at the back of his head, but before it could make contact a white snake-like coil shot through the air and wrapped around her limbs, stopping the assault and sending her falling back as several more of the dusks latched onto her. In the corner of my vision I could see Zexion staring at me, gaze calculating and intense, but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was far too relieved that the dusks were actually helping. "What!?" Larxene shrieked, alarmed and confused by the turn of events.

"You're not even a Nobody!" The other Larxene exclaimed, throwing kunais that were crackling with electricity at the dusks surrounding her. I was cheering the weaker Nobodies on, shouting out random grass-type Pokémon moves, when the two Larxene's suddenly split into four. "That's it; I'm done going easy!"

"Bring out your weapon, kid!"

...I think I made a grave mistake…

"It's time we see what you're really made of!"

Okay, yeah, nope. Bad idea. Bad, bad, BAD idea.

My lips curled back, a scream bubbling up the back of my throat, and I let out another high-pitch screech as one of the clones managed to get past the brick wall that was Lexaeus, the Larxene look-alike coming right at me. Seeing a foot aimed right at my face I stumbled back with a yelp, hands held blindly in front of me, the staff reappearing with a flash. Her leg made contact with the metal, but instead of leaping off of it she actually used the momentum to twist her body and swing with her other leg. I ducked just in time to avoid it, and instead of fighting back I released the staff she was standing on and jumped back, not bothering to watch as she landed on the ground. Blades sliced through the air and dusks swerved around, either taking the impact of the blow or knocking it away.

I kicked my feet off the ground as fast as they would go, ignoring how dizzy I was feeling from the lack of oxygen. All this ozone was making it hard to breathe, and all this movement and panic was not helping. My stamina seriously needed work.

"Hey! Get back here, you chicken!"

"We're not through with you yet!"

"Fight us!"

The clones kept increasing, but they were all coming from one Larxene in particular. That meant Lexaeus was fighting with clones, and one of the many blonde's chasing me was the real Larxene. But if that's the case how strong are the doubles? Are they weaker or equal in strength and durability?

I wasn't given enough time to figure it out when several sharp pains pricked my arms and legs, the many kunais that were thrown tearing into my flesh and knocking me down with its momentum and the electric shock that followed directly after being hit. Through the pain I could hear their grating unison laughter, each one making scathing comments about how I was weak and pathetic. One of the dusks moved down to try and help lift me up, coiling around my arm and pulling.

Freaking heck… this hurts. Why? I didn't want this to happen; I just wanted her to let Zexion go. She was a total jerk. If magic didn't exist this whole stupid battle wouldn't even be happening. It's irritating.

Blood dripped onto the marble white floor, trickling onto my fingers and reminding me far too much of the blizzard Holly had trapped me in. I didn't want to fight. I didn't want to die. But people like her and Larxene… aren't giving me much of a choice! If she wasn't such a horrible person… if she had even the slightest ounce of respect for other people… My fingers curled into a fist, twitching at the feel of the warm red liquid. Teeth grinding together tightly I snapped my head up, glaring coldly at the woman and her many clones.

Gold coloring the edges of my vision I found myself grasping firmly on the staff that now reappeared in my hands. I wasn't too certain of what I was doing-only that I wasn't going to let Larxene get rid of my existence. I charged at the women, swinging the weapon blindly, the light around it growing brighter and whiter with each step I took. It actually became so intense it hurt to look at, and as several kunais sliced through even more of my flesh I managed to make contact with one of the blonde's. Kicking hard into her chest as she held me up by my throat I swung my staff, and- both to my horror and relief- it sliced straight through her. There was no blood, only black mist, but the clone let out a loud anguished scream as the light encased her form. It enveloped her, burning her, until she dissipated into nothing.

I collapsed onto the ground, falling hard on my rear, and breathed heavily in my shock as I stared at where the fake Larxene once stood. My neck hurt, bruises certainly going to form, but I survived the first one. Now, pretending that I didn't feel like I just murdered someone at least I now knew the answer to my question.

The clones, though having weapons and electricity just as real as the original, were far weaker and prone to breaking. You just have to hit them in a fatal spot. The Larxene's stopped, staring at their fallen comrade, stunned by what just happened. If it was anyone else they probably would have just kept fighting, but I was weak. They probably weren't expecting that.

Which means they won't see this coming-!

Getting on my knees quickly I wasted no time in hurling my staff at the one on the right, not bothering to see if it hit before breaking out into a run. The clones Lexaeus was fighting were all destroyed now, and the giant was making his way over. Gotta get away! Frick, frackity, frugger! Ack! A kunai sailed right past my face. The ground began to shake, but before the clones that were now in front of me could land anymore hits a giant pillar came out of nowhere and slammed hard into them, crushing them all against the wall. My breath caught in my throat and I skidded to an abrupt stop, eyes wide. The dusks were all gone save for about three, and Lexaeus was now chasing after Larxene and her several other remaining clones while making giant towers of earth and throwing boulders at them.

The ground trembled against the large quake he was creating, and it made getting away even more difficult. A Larxene lunged at me and I quickly willed my staff back into my hands, so freaking grateful to have figured out how to do that, and stumbled back as I held it out in front of me defensively. Fully bracing myself for pain I resisted the urge to close my eyes and watched her movements, seeing her flip through the air with several kunais between her fingers ready to be thrown. I assumed she'd toss them and try to kick me again, when a large axe-blade swung through the air out of nowhere and hit her hard in the side. She went flying, mouth open in a pained gasp, and smacked into the ceiling. The Larxene dropped onto the ground like a ragdoll, dissipating into nothingness.

A hand grabbed my arm, forcing me onto my feet, and I almost slapped whoever it was and would have hurt them if I didn't see their face in time. Zexion. He let go of me and waved his hand, and suddenly we were surrounded; not by clones of Larxene, but by clones of us. "Move." He ordered. I could hear our voices, but they weren't… us talking. It was the clones. The other me's were freaking out about the clones, and the fake Zexion's were explaining something about magic. It was hard to hear considering how everything was overlapping on top of the loud noises of Larxene and Lexaeus battling. "The illusions will serve as a distraction."

Illusions…? So they weren't clones?

"Wh-What about Larxene?"

He gave me a look that said exactly what he was thinking. Zexion already told me the answer. The clones were for the blonde. Uh, not clones. Illusions. Ugh this is confusing.

"O-Okay. Sorry…" I wasn't sure what else to say in this situation. My mind was all over the place and my heart was racing so fast from fright it felt like it was going to explode right out of my chest. I followed Zexion down the hallway away from the violence, the two of us maneuvering through the crowd of clones and illusions. What about Lexaeus, though? He was strong, but… against so many of Larxene? I had no idea she'd be this powerful. Then again… what do I know about anything? "Where are… we going?"

He didn't respond, merely quickening his pace. Two of the Larxene clones went on a rampage against the illusions, destroying over half of them. I flinched and looked away, unable to watch myself and Zexion get killed over-and-over again. It was… haunting. Disturbing. I couldn't stand it. The hair on my neck stood up again, goosebumps running along my arms. I looked down at my injuries, bothered by how much it hurt and by how much they were still bleeding. They resembled the wounds from the ice shards so much… it was uncanny.

I stopped moving and turned my head, noting how the ozone was growing stronger, and looked over my shoulder to see one of the Larxene's heading down straight towards us. Zexion saw this as well, and instead of simply waving his hand a book suddenly appeared in his hold. With just a wave of his fingers the book floated into the air, opening and flipping its pages as they shimmered with a green light. Zexion did not have to touch the object at all for it behave as such, and within moments the Larxene was wrapped in the bright green and physically sucked into the book.

Then we were running again. Or, rather, I was running. A hand on my back gave a strong push forward and my feet were forced to move. I stopped for a moment, but the look on Zexion's face made me keep going. What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go? If I'm meant to keep running where am I meant to run to? I don't understand.

I'm so dizzy…

It's hard to breathe.

I don't want to keep running. This fighting is senseless. Just what is going to…

Wait. I hear voices. New ones.

Turning a corner and nearly ramming right into the wall's edge I hit my palms against it, using it for balance to keep me steady. My eyes scanned the area and landed on a familiar mop of pastel pink hair, relief flooding my senses. I almost didn't take notice of the other two people with him, some strength returning to me as I neared the assassin, my… sister, and a man with dreadlocks I barely ever talked to.

"Mar… Marluxia!"

Maria was someone who probably could have helped and might have if I asked, but would most likely gravely wound everyone. I didn't want that to happen. As for the other man, Xaldin I believe I was told, I knew little to nothing about. Marluxia was my best bet. He was strong and fast and, though an assassin, he was not likely to kill the people that were his comrades. He could help Lexaeus fight off the clones and, based on his… friendship (?) with Larxene he should be able to talk some sense into her.

Hearing my voice the man turned his head to face me, and seeing me running at him with such a fast pace he braced himself for impact, holding his arm out to catch me as I struggled to come to a stop. Unable to quit moving in time I latched onto him tightly, scrambling to a halt as I skidded around his form. Still holding onto his arm I came to a stop behind him, breathing heavily and legs feeling like jello. "M...Marlux… Marluxia…!"

"Flower? What is-" He paused, blue eyes narrowing when catching sight of the many bleeding cuts and bruises that were now forming. "What happened?"

"Lex… Zexion is- Lexaeus fighting…" Words. Explain. Tell him what happened. "On way… to Superior… Larxene showed…" I broke out into harsh coughs, hacking painfully into my shoulder. A gloved hand cupped my right cheek and forced me to look up at Marluxia, his thumb lightly brushing away tears I hadn't even realized were falling. "Sh-She showed up and… b-bullied him, and- I just wanted to her stop a-and now…!"

"Breathe, flower." He instructed calmly, facing me completely and moving my bangs out of my face. "Larxene arrived to inform you that the Superior wished to see you and you were on your way to see him… but rather than it being only her and Lexaeus that were accompanying you, Zexion followed as well? And… she was bullying him, you said?"

Yes! Exactly! I nodded my head frantically, choking back a sob, fingers tightening their grip on his sleeve. Marluxia was smart; he understood. He could figure it out. "W-Wanted… t-to make 'er stop a-an' she… she started to h-hurt…" I couldn't finish, squeezing my eyes tightly shut and lowering my head. "Please… h-help…"

A hand rested lightly on the top of my skull, pulling me close into what could only be described as a hug. An arm around my shaking shoulders, Marluxia gently ran his fingers through my hair. I made no move to pull away or to reciprocate the embrace, my arms dangling uselessly at my sides. "It'll be alright, little flower… you have my promise. Remain here with Xaldin; I shall return shortly. Alright?"

He pulled away and I raised my gaze, watching as he smiled softly before giving a stern stare towards the dread-locked, violet-eyed member a few feet away from us. There it was again- that strange personality shift. It was hard to tell because of the way he angled his face, but something was… darker. I figured it was because he had no heart to feel with that the smiles he gave me always seemed to be lacking genuinity, but this really confirmed Lexaeus' words. Why did Marluxia pretend to be so nice to me, yet act so cold with others?

Nothing more was said as he stepped around me, hands pulling away and instead creating a gentle breeze as red rose petals materialized into the air. Through those petals a weapon then appeared- a scythe, as if Marluxia was the grim reaper himself. The relief faded away in that instant, replaced with nothing more than a cold, ominous dread. "M-Mar…luxia?"

Another smile, this time over his shoulder as he walked off, and in the silence Marluxia rounded the corner and disappeared. In my hand I caught a falling petal, staring at it intently with furrowed brows and a deeply concerned gaze, and I turned to look at Maria and Xaldin who were watching thoughtfully and almost… distrusting at where Marluxia had left. Their eyes flitted to look at me, but instead of focusing on them both my brown orbs met only a pair of hazel green.

"I didn't… m-make a mistake… did I?"

And in my hand the rose petal vanished, disappearing into nothing.

…

They were Nobodies. Worth nothing and utterly meaningless; their existence had no true reason for even being. When Larxene grabbed him Zexion held the barest memory of annoyance in his mind, what with him having no heart to feel with. He preferred not to be touched, nonetheless by someone as irrefutably irksome as Larxene. Going through all the possibilities to obtain vengeance in the near future without catching the attention of their Superior, he had already thought of several ways to act his revenge.

But then his planning was forced to a stop- Irene stepping forward and summoning her weapon. A weapon that couldn't have suited a Keeper of Light so full of emotion anymore than it already did. The decorative heart resting in the big metal circlet was the first thing that caught Zexion's attention, and despite having only known the girl for a short time knew it was befitting of her. She clearly felt empathy for the Nobodies.

So much empathy, in fact, that she cast her own feelings of wanting home aside.

Time after time she defended him and the previous members against the Keeper of Darkness, and put herself in danger by challenging Larxene herself when she bullied Demyx. Now was no exception either.

The Keeper of Light saw Zexion in "distress" and acted upon it, feigning bravery when it was so clear to everyone looking down at her that she was shaking in fear. She was a conundrum and a fool, but not so foolish as to not be afraid. She knew the Organization was dangerous, but her light and her heart were too good. Despite knowing them, despite knowing that they're deadly, and despite knowing Zexion himself could very well be lying to her, she still cared.

Now that was foolish… but also… to his advantage. Zexion could use the girl easily. She listens to him, even tries to "help" him occasionally as proven with this morning. She'd be most beneficial during missions. The only issue was getting her supposed sister to let her do so… which was why he was tagging along in the first place.

He wanted to know exactly what the Superior was planning on telling them. Perhaps he could even add in a few words to help sway the Darkness to their cause. Their cause…

Obtaining new hearts? Ironic and pointless. Were they not the ones who willingly cast their hearts aside? Why should they work so hard to get them back? They asked for this, did they not?

And yet that girl seemed so intent on believing they were in pain- that living without a heart was a terrible thing.

...Perhaps for the newer members, but him? He could care less. Not that he did care; he physically couldn't. He literally didn't have the emotional capacity to.

Having a heart hurt more, or so his memories told him. Betrayal, deceit, fear… his previous self had so little pleasant memories.

It made watching the Light and Darkness interact so interesting. One so naive and full of hope trying to befriend someone so distrusting and broken. Total opposites, yet… possibly related all the same. Bound by their fate. They were such conundrums- mysteries. Inquiries that needed to be answered.

And so he watched, waiting, as the battle took place. Lexaeus moving to protect the girl only to be driven back by Larxene's many clones; the Keeper of Light struggling so hard to fight and survive, being beaten up in the process, and managing to destroy several of the blonde doubles. He observed her movements and her battle stance, deciding that they would have to be worked on in the future. She was swinging blindly most of the time and a simple nudge would send her sprawling off balance. She was a mage through-and-through, this he knew, but that didn't mean she couldn't be molded into a close-range fighter.

All it would take is time.

And deciding how now was a good time to intervene, he walked forward and forcibly pulled the girl back onto her feet. With a mere wave of his hand they were surrounded by his illusions, and then the two were running. Lexaeus followed after, mercilessly destroying every single fake he encountered, all the while fending off the real Larxene. The dusks had been fighting on Irene's behalf, having obeyed the nonsense she had been spouting earlier, assisting Lexaeus in the battle. With a shove Zexion forced the Keeper of Light to keep going.

She stopped only once to look back at him, emotions running rampant in her expressive eyes, but he looked at her with a glare and the girl started running again. Concern…

Worrying over those who would cause her harm, who didn't have the existence required to be worried over…

She really was foolish. He didn't exist, not truly, and bore not a single heart. What happened to him meant nothing.

But she was not completely idiotic. Dare say, Zexion was almost impressed with her actions in the battle. From dodging and dealing blows to even using the Dusks at her command; the girl was using what little experience and knowledge she had obtained during her stay at the castle to try and turn the battle to her advantage. She was undoubtedly obtuse in certain areas, but she appeared to be a quick thinker.

The Keeper of Light would prove to be useful in more ways than Zexion had previously believed.

Still, with her out of the way he and Lexaeus could properly deal with Larxene. The Light would encounter the Darkness and her entourage further down the hall where she would be protected, their scents strong and close by, and due to this Lexaeus would not have to hold back. As for Zexion…

He levitated his book in the air, acid green pages spilling out and swirling around the savage blonde like a whirlwind, slicing and cutting away at her flesh, distracting her from him and allowing her to fall victim to Lexaeus' next attack.

…

Ozone. Fresh earth. The bitter coil of magic. All of these fell short against the overpowering scent of newly bloomed roses, the metallic tang of steel, and the copper tinge of blood. The assassin's call.

That was when he caught wind of the new smell filling the air: there was ozone, fresh earth. The bitter coil of magic. But all those fell short against the overpowering scent of newly bloomed roses and the metallic tang of steel. Intertwined with it all, perhaps the most threatening scent, was the copper tinge of blood. Earth and lightning continued to clash unhindered, knives gleaming off the powerful ax blade. Manic laughter of the doubles fell to stoic silence as both parties remained unyielding to the other- painfully unaware of the presence of the death giver.

The death giver who had come looming from down the halls, his gait slow and easy; scythe held back loose in his hand, the blade near yet never touching the gleaming white tiles. Death makes no din after all. It moved quickly and in silence, leaving all who is targeted unsuspecting of its approach. It was as he neared them, lifting the bladed arc as the light gleamed off the metal, that the Book Keeper noticed how close the assassin had drawn. Calling out just as the Graceful Assassin lunged from his previous position, his movements a blurred unix of deadly black and the rosy pallor of blood yet split- ready to fall upon the unsuspecting victims.

And fall it did.

Down swung the curving steel, the sharp edge aimed to cleave both the Silent Hero and Savage Nymph in two. He would have succeeded had it not been for the youngest' call. Lexaeus saw Marluxia just soon enough to push back, sending both him and Larxene fumbling out of harm's way. Bringing his arms up Lexaeus tried to prepare himself for the coming onslaught, but Marluxia was already ahead of him. What the giant had in strength he was lacking in speed, and the assassin had no such inhibitions.

Shifting his footing, Marluxia brought the blunt of his scythe down on the man's forearms-using the weight of his ax against him and forcing Lexaeus to drop his favored weapon, or risk breaking his arms or falling and bearing his back to his opposer. With a clang the re-and-black coated cleaver hit the ground. He had no time to rebuttal against Number Eleven, a black booted foot slamming against his chest and sending him sailing back into the wall with a rough thud. The Cloaked Schemer wasted no time in rushing to his side.

A shrill, manic laugh sounded then; the many Larxene's becoming one as she cackled at them gleefully. "You just took him out like he was nothing! And he's supposed to protect that brat? Please. I-" The blonde cut herself off abruptly as the death bringer turned his gaze towards her. Cold eyes promising a dark demise if she continued. Larxene realized at once what was happening. "Wh… What the hell, Marluxia? I was only playing with the brat; I wasn't- hey!"

She barely managed to dodge the blade aimed at her head. Not losing ground, Marluxia kept striking. Swipe-after-swipe-after-swipe he advanced, forcing Larxene into the wall to either strike back or be struck down. And strike back she did-

-but he was expecting it. She lunged, electricity flaring as she aimed for a vital blow- only for the curved shaft of Marluxia's scythe to loop over her arm and pull. Sending the Nymph forward and ramming the blade hard into her spine, forcing her tumbling forward and down onto the ground sprawled upon her torso. With a feral growl, she moved to get up and froze in her tracks, a rough knee pressed to her back with the curved rose-colored blade positioned delicately against her through. Gentle, but no less deadly, for its placement.

Marluxia leaned down next to her, his voice low as she spoke next to her ear. "Larxene… what was the one thing you were told not to do?"

"I-" She started, prepared to argue before the blade pressed more firmly against her neck. Blood trickled down lightly against her tanned skin. Swallowing down the lump forming painfully in her throat, she closed her eyes and replied to him with a tight voice, "Don't harm the kid."

"And what did you do?" He purred.

Hesitation, not resignation, halted her- her rage bubbling deep before overflowing. "That little brat deserved it! Besides, it was just a test-!" Before she even knew what was happening the scythe was removed, only for her head to be slammed hard into the ground with a sickening crack. Jarring the wounded woman as her head was yanked back painfully, the knee against her back preventing her moving to lessen the agonizing angle her head was now in. With calm, cool movements Marluxia leaned back down to her. The icy threat still present in his tone.

"That child is not to be harmed… I cannot use a broken doll." His grip on her hair tightened, his knuckles white behind his gloves. "I need her healthy and unassuming if we are to use her for our goals. Do with the other what you will, but the girl you do. Not. Touch. Understood?"

Larxene turned to not, failing against the pain before choking out a horse, "Y-Yes."

"Good." He said, as the clambering of footsteps was heard. A stern "Eleven" resounding from Zexion before a rush of heat erupted from the other end of the hallway, back from where Marluxia came, a voice shouting the assassin's name loudly. Cool blue eyes turned to see the Dark Keeper run into the hall, completely weaponless- for now. The little one, Irene, was not with her; she mustn't have caught up yet. Excellent.

Marluxia released his hold on Larxene and slowly stood to meet hazel eyes. Hesitation, uncertainty- the ever present itch to do something. All of these danced in her gaze until it settled; that cold resolve from earlier back in place, resting in her fiery eyes.

How trivial.

Maria's stare never left Marluxia's own, but when she spoke it was not towards him. "Hey, big guy," She called out towards Lexaeus, "you good?"

"His injuries are merely superficial." Was her response, not coming from the giant himself- instead Zexion being the one to speak. Ever the Silent Hero's charge. "

A nod then, and a quick glance behind the assassin, let Marluxia know her next words were still not directed at him.

"Bimbo. You alive?"

Growling, Larxene staggered up to her feet. Blood oozing out of her nose. "Call me that again and I'll show you just how alive I am."

Maria let the smallest of grins twitch into life before it was gone. "Sparky's good." Muscles tensing and head turning, the woman caught the new movement just as quickly as Marluxia did. The sound of heavy laden footfalls echoing loudly in the room, followed by the towering form of Xaldin who was currently carrying Irene in his arms. Marluxia's little flower.

She still had so much more room to bloom. Clearly the fire starter wasted no time in rushing after him, most likely at the child's request. Either that, or she knows not to trust him. A pity, but it didn't surprise him. It wasn't as though they ever got along. He watched as Xaldin set the girl down on her feet, the man keeping a hand on her shoulder to help her remain steady. Blood dripped from her wounds, injuries she paid little attention to, eyes darting nervously around the room to take in the situation and asses the wounds Lexaeus, Zexion, and Larxene were baring. Irene stumbled forward, pushing herself away from Xaldin, but was stopped by Maria when the woman stepped between her and Marluxia.

Blocking the assassin from the girl's line of sight, cold blue eyes and burning hazel met. The silent command in her gaze as she mouthed, "You finished?" to ensure there would not be any spoken battle. Not in the younger girl's presence, at least. Marluxia nodded slowly, and Maria seemed to accept this answer- stepping aside in response.

A clever weapon she was, Marluxia mused, his gaze shifting to the timid flower of light. The brunette moved past Maria, seeming rather upset at being kept back. So many emotions flickered across her face, expression changing rapidly with her thoughts, brown eyes more expressive than anything else in this barren castle of oblivion. Her hands, bruised and cut and battered, fiddled with the sleeves of her sweater dress.

"Wh… What… What happened?" She looked at Marluxia, gaze wide with worry, confusion, hope, and… was that doubt he saw? Interesting. Her voice was so quiet, shaking with every word. "What, uh, what d-di... did you do?"

What happened? What he did? Hmph. Time to play the game. As always.

Previously

"I didn't… m-make a mistake… did I?"

The sheer uncertainty in that one statement gave Maria pause. This kid had spent so much time fawning over Marluxia and his false kindness she never saw the killer lurking underneath. And one thing Maria could see all too well were killers. He was manipulative, yes, giving fake kindness and empty smiles. He was very good at hiding his true nature from the girl. So good it was almost laughable.

But to see the thought show so plainly on her face… the sheer dread that she might have been wrong to ask- to trust- him to help her so-called "friends". The thought that she set loose a monster? Maria could see the cracks forming on Irene's heart before the kid could even begin to feel it herself.

And Maria hated it.

She watched the petal vanish in Irene's shaking fingers before speaking, trying to keep her voice even and soft. "Hey, kid." Brown eyes turned and looked up at her expectantly, waiting. "Do you trust him?

Irene jerked, caught off guard by Maria's question. "W-What?"

"I said do you trust him?" She asked again, more firmly this time. The little light began to fidget, Xaldin moving to step forward until a hand from Maria stopped him. Maria would act, but only based on what Irene said. "Well?"

"I mean, I uh…" The girl started, avoiding the olders' gazes, "I… trust that he won't kill me? I um, I dunno. It's weird."

"Irene." Tone firm, determined hazel eyes rooted Irene to the spit. Maria wanted an answer; an honest answer, and she'd get it one way or another. She moved to step forward before the girl twitched, tensing.

"I-I want to trust him!" Irene blurted out quickly, voice cracking as she wrapped her arms around herself. "I… I just... it's confusing."

"...You don't know which face to trust." Maria noted. Blinking, Irene processed those words, her brows furrowed as she nodded.

"Y-Yeah. Kinda. I guess?"

Maria nodded and turned to Xaldin, voice low so that Irene couldn't hear. "Xaldin, what's his title?"

Violet orbs narrowed, shoulders tensing minutely. "I beg your pardon?"

"You said you're all numbered. You're number three, the Whirlwind Lancer, right? Axel told me his title once. What's his?"

Xaldin paused, glancing to the confused and worried Light Keeper before looking back to his charge, sighing. "...The Graceful Assassin."

A deadly name for a deadly man. Figures. Maria turned back to Irene, keeping her tone soft despite the fierceness of her gaze. "I'm going to follow him and make sure no one gets hurt." She shushed Irene before she could protest, continuing, "I won't fight him- or anyone else- unless they give me no choice. Sound fair?" She waited for a response, taking Irene's shuddering nod as confirmation. "Stay with Xaldin; you'll be safe with him."

With that she moved to start down the hall, when Xaldin's large hand suddenly clasped her shoulder. "Maria. You need not follow him. The others are capable of fending for themselves." The woman saw something flicker in his eyes then- bordering on concern. There and gone as quickly as it came.

She shrugged him off, stepping back. "It's fine. We won't fight. I'm just making sure that-" Marluxia doesn't kill anyone in front of the kid. "-no one gets hurt from than they already are. Okay?"

"M-Maria…?" Hazel eyes turned and caught chocolate brown. Concern, confusion, and possibly even hope showing in her innocent gaze. "Be… B-Be careful."

Maria smiled, the action strained, as she stepped back. "Always. Can't hurt a solar flare, right?"

It was more of a statement than a question as she turned sharply, dashing down the hall with golden flames surging across her legs. Fire and magic propelling her down the hall towards the assassin, the scent of roses filling the air like a plague. Thick, clogging, choking. Worst than the ozone formed from Larxene's electricity.

Reading them was simple; the easy part, her mind supplied. It was the after that made her think. What would happen after she reached Marluxia? It was no secret that he disliked her their previous encounters confirmed that. But the others she had no idea. Even though she wasn't exactly fond of them they didn't really deserve the worth of a reaper.

Reaper…

That's what he was. Death riding on a blade of roses, beautiful and sickly sweet. Marluxia was walking death and Maria saw that now. However, it wasn't what scared her. What concerned her was what he would do before she got there. She may have bested him in their last bout, but if they were on his terms? She wasn't sure things would be the same.

As she approached, she heard the stern voice of Zexion call out, "Eleven."

A warning.

Too bad, she thought as she saw the entrance to the open hall. Bursting forward with a rough shout of the assassin's name, Maria quickly stopped herself- flames dying around her so as to not produce a fight. She surveyed the room, gaze settling on cold blue eyes.

Marluxia rose slowly, Larxene's bleeding form laying on the ground behind him.

So he did stop the fight… but not without violence. Hesitating for a split second on the best course of action, Maria's fingers twitching with the ever present seed to do something, she settled on the more diplomatic approach. Talking. "Hey, big guy," She called out towards Lexaeus, "you good?"

Her stare never left Marluxia's own as she spoke. The giant was against the far wall, not sitting but not slumped over either. From her first initial scan of the room the brunette noted that Lexaeus was unarmed. His injured- though minor, were not the kind a scythe would make. Which meant Marluxia attacked them both, separated them, and then disarmed the silent man. Given Marluxia's speed, she knew it wasn't that difficult.

"His injuries are merely superficial." The scientist's voice easily carried over the pindrop silence of the room, answering in the silent giant's place. Nodding in understanding, Maria allowed a brief glance behind the assassin. A simple enough gesture given their current stance. Karxebe was slowly pushing herself onto her hands and knees, gripping her bleeding nose with utter disdain.

Maria thought of her options. Confrontation was out, but she at least knew Marluxia wasn't above near-killing his supposed allies. Flexing her hands, she called out again,

"Bimbo. You alive?"

The growl that earned as Larxene staggered to her feet, as well as the neatly arched brow from Marluxia, let her know the Numph was fine more than her words did. "Call me that again," The blonde sneered as blood oozed down her chin from her nose," and I'll show you just how alive I am." Her threat didn't last long, as she fell back down onto one of her knees..

Hazel orbs turned back to face cold blue. A smirk, there and gone, flashed onto her features. "Sparky's good." The moment was short-lived, as she felt- rather than heard- the heavy laden footsteps heading towards them. Xaldin, she knew. Irene must have convinced him to follow after, but…

Her eyes narrowed at Marluxia as the unlikely duo emerged. Irene's small, injured form cradled in strong arms. As Xaldin set the girl down on her feet, Maria hastily placed herself between the innocent child and the deadly assassin- effectively blocking Irene's line of sight. I don't trust him. She met Marluxia's gaze with her own, a silent promise hidden in her burning stare. Touch the others again and pay.

Slowly, being sure he would understand, she mouthed, "You finished?"

His firm nod was answer enough. This was no time to cause a scene; plan, prepare, stay aware. The wizard's lessons always stuck better than his apprentices did. Stepping aside, Maria let her stare leave the floral man to look at the timid kid. Brown and hazel locked, searching and unsure, before Maria's soft nod of approval giving the girl courage enough to step forward.

Wh… What…" Worry filled her voice, with just the barest edge of hope flowing her uncertain tone. "What happened? What, uh, what di… did you do?" She looked at him nervously, foot raising and falling uncertainly as though she knew not if she should move or remain still. Her eyes flickered between Lexaeus and Marluxia, turmoil clear on her face, thoughts running rampant.

Currently

"What, you ask?" Marluxia mused, crossing his arms over his chest. "I merely did what was requested of me, Flower. Is this not what you intended? I made sure no more harm fell upon Five and Six."

Is that what his intentions were? Zexion knew, just from the way he appeared, that it was certainly not the case. Otherwise he would not have caused such harm to Larxene- with whom he spent so much time with. No, the assassin clearly had something else going on in his mind… which spurred him to act under the "request" the girl had made.

He was trying to curry favor with her. Was it for the benefit of the organization… or for his own gain? Regardless, it had little to do with the scientist himself and so he would turn away from it- at least until it required his attention. At the moment his focus was on the Light Keeper, who was slowly making her way over to him and Lexaeus to ensure their safety.

Such a foolish girl. Humans and their hearts… just what did the Superior find so necessary about them? Even now she acted illogically, trying to help the giant stand despite how he did not need the help. His wounds were only minor- Lexaeus was perfectly capable of standing by himself.

She should be more concentrated on her own injuries. Why worry needlessly over non-beings such as them?

"Zexion!" Irene finally said, turning to face him after apologizing through strangled sobs to Lexaeus for acting out towards Larxene, blaming herself for the battle taking place. The Keeper of Light stumbled towards him, stopping directly in front of him and looking the scientist over for any wounds. She kept a hand on Lexaeus' arm, as if scared letting go would cause him to fall. "Y… You're okay? Not… Not hurt?"

"...I am fine." His cold blue eyes met worried brown, and he had to wonder-

Was it the very nature of a Keeper of Light to be so concerned about the wellbeing of others? Or is it just Irene herself, unable to stop herself from reaching out to people? The light a Keeper bore should not have any effect on their personality, as their was heart was born naturally pure, so is she just that naive? So foolish to care for others, even when they themselves are not capable of caring back?

"Th-That's… that's good." She breathed. Irene's eyes flickered up at Lexaeus again, making sure once more he was alright, and her grip on his sleeve tightened. The giant turned, standing at his full height, and rested a large hand gently on her shoulder- nearly encompassing it. "You're… really, uh, okay?"

He nodded. She sniffed and, without any warning, reached in and wrapped her arms around the Silent Hero. Marluxia frowned at this, expression becoming blank and cold as he watched. Lexaeus made no move to reciprocate the gesture, looking rather awkward as this small child hugged him tight, crying over his well-being and feeling incredible guilt for getting him involved in a battle with Larxene.

"-sorry-" Her voice was muffled by his coat. "-wanted her to… to stop and…" Irene pulled away, unable to bring herself to meet his stare as she focused her gaze on the ground. "I'm sorry…"

Her head then snapped up, whirling around to see Larxene wiping blood of her face from her spot on the ground. Fear crossed her face for a split second before she stepped forward- hesitating only briefly- and made her way over. One would think she was heading to talk to Marluxia, but she stepped past him and knelt down beside the blonde that was now glaring at her.

"What?" Larxene snapped. "Come back for more?"

She said that, but her threat was empty. And… Irene saw this. Why, she didn't understand, but while terrified of the blonde she had a feeling she wouldn't hurt her anymore. Probably because Marluxia was here. Irene could tell Larxene liked him, or… well, as much as Nobody could like someone? So confusing. Um, she guessed they were like… close allies? They got along well? She listened to him a lot, or so it seemed. Marluxia even said once that Larxene wasn't that bad once you got to know her…

"A-Are you okay?" Irene asked, then cringed. "S-Sorry. Um, dumb question. Here-"

She reached her hand out, only to flinch when Larxene smacked it away. "I don't need your stupid help! I can get up on my own!"

"O-Oh, okay. Sorry… but… are you sure you're okay? You're bleeding."

"So?" Larxene demanded, wincing as she pushed herself up into wobbly standing position. "What's your point?"

Irene bit on her lip, chewing on it for a few moments, before nervously saying, "D-Doesn't it hurt?"

Larxene blinked, stunned by the question. Suddenly there were footsteps, and a glass vial filled with a familiar green liquid was thrust into the blonde's face. Maria was standing there, holding it out with a hand on her hip, expression guarded. "Here. Take it. Use it or don't; I won't care. But for the record I'm not the one bleeding out on the floor."

Skeptical and untrusting, Larxene stood there for a few seconds before reaching out and snatching the potion from the Keeper of Darkness. She uncapped it, held it to her mouth, and downed the green liquid. Irene watched in fascination as her wounds healed, then stared up at Maria in awe. The woman turned away, running her fingers through her hair, and huffed.

"All this fucking testerone is giving me a headache. I need to make sure someone else deals with their bullshit besides me. Just don't go attacking the kid, again. Got it?"

"Whatever." She huffed, the empty bottle disappearing into nothingness. Larxene stretched her arms out and dusted off her coat, and she cast a quick glance towards Marluxia before looking away. Irene blinked, tilting her head. Did… Did her asking Marluxia to break up the fight… cause them to get into an argument?

Oh no… She didn't want to break up a friendship. I screwed up. I really screwed up. Frick.

Why was Irene like this? She could be such a nuisance.

"Flower?" Irene snapped out of her thoughts, surprised to see Marluxia with his hand stretched out and Maria appearing out of nowhere- like a viper darting out of hiding- and grabbing his wrist. "Excuse me?"

He stared her down, frowning deeply. Maria levelled his stare with her own, not releasing him. "You have blood on your hands." Marluxia paused at that, as there was blood staining his gloves from when he had attacked Larxene, and his expression became less intense. He didn't like Maria, and neither did she him, but he knew what she was doing. He respected that.

"Oh, of course. How thoughtless of me."

Without anymore said he removed his glove from his hand, reaching out and resting his bare hand lightly against Irene's head. Petting her hair softly so as not to alarm her, he gave a small smile. "How are you feeling? You are not upset with me, I hope? I only did what I was asked…"

"N-No…" Irene struggled to speak, not knowing whether or not she should speak her mind. So much was running through her head. "I… um. Thank you. Sorry. Uh… L-Lexaeus and Zexion and… Larxene are okay, so…"

Marluxia hummed. "Indeed. Tell me, flower, shall we continue to the Superior together? He's waiting for us all on the terrace."

She looked around at everyone, seemingly still uncertain, before giving an awkward nod. "O-Okay." Irene only met the leader once before when she was first brought here. She didn't buy any of what he was spouting for a second, but… if he could give a little more information about Nobodies she would be grateful. "Oh! Lexaeus!"

She dashed back over to the giant, leaving Marluxia with his hand in the air. It couldn't be seen by the brunette, but his expression darkened considerably. Lexaeus was standing perfectly upright now, walking over with Zexion and Xaldin, when the girl called out to him. She stumbled to a halt and grabbed his arm again, giving an awkward smile.

"Thank you! I-It's my fault for… making Larxene mad, but you still helped. So, yeah. Th-Thank you."

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" The blonde in question snapped. Lexaeus lowered his head and closed his eyes.

"You are under my protection. Gratitude is not necessary."

Not necessary? How the heck was gratitude not necessary? Irene opened her mouth to argue, when she felt something land abruptly on her head. She jolted, bringing her hands up to feel what it was, only to come into contact with something soft and… plant-like? "There we go." Marluxia purred. "It fits perfectly."

A… crown. Of flowers. A flower crown. What?

Marluxia's distraction tactic worked perfectly; Irene stopped focusing on the giant and his bookworm of a companion, and became completely enamored with the new object sitting atop her head.

…

Maria stared at Irene as she fiddled with the crown, small fingers playing with the petals of it quite happily now that her mind was taken off the battle. She was easily distracted, wasn't she? Ridiculous. "I've never had a flower crown before…" They had started walking down the hallway some time ago, Marluxia and Lexaeus on either side of the girl with Maria watching closely from behind. She was babbling on about how she tried to make them when she was younger, but then stems kept breaking and she felt bad for the flowers so she stopped.

Then she learned how to make bead bracelets in the shape of flowers.

"How can you just make them appear out of thin air like that!?"

"They're my element." Marluxia explained, pleased by her reaction. She was quite simple, wasn't she? She still cast anxious glances towards Larxene, but her attention was all but totally seized by his gift. "It's no trouble to make something as easy as this. Forget-me-nots were your favorite, correct?"

She nodded fervently.

"You know," Maria drawled from behind the group, "I don't hate flowers."

Irene stopped, allowing Maria to catch up, and began walking at her pace- something that was a little difficult since Maria had longer legs than her. Brown eyes glanced up at her, curious and a little confused. Marluxia's cold blue looked back at her, intense and demanding an explanation.

"It was Vexen that made that portal; which sent him falling into your vase, princess." She told the assassin, who eyes narrowed at the nickname. As she continued his expression became one of intrigue. "I didn't even know they were there."

With a flourished wave he dismissed the Keeper of Darkness, bringing his attention back to the flowers atop Irene's head. "It matters not."

Irene let out a light-hearted squeak before interrupting him, darting away from the hand playing with the petals and making her way back over to Maria. "So you like flowers? I love them! They're really pretty and have a lot of symbolism! I can't paint something without adding flowers in it; it just feels weird otherwise."

Twitching at the question, and feeling a bit uncomfortable at the new knowledge that she and Irene shared a hobby such as painting, Maria nodded. "Yeah… they just don't survive well near an open flame."

"Open flame-?" She started to ask. "Oh. OH." Irene connected the dots of that statement a little slower than anticipated. Maria went to back away, more than ready to be done with this conversation, when Irene called out again. "Do you have a favorite flower?"

Pausing, the woman thought about it. When she had a decent answer she spoke with a soft tone, barely audible. "Skeleton flowers… from outside the underworld."

"Skeleton flowers…" Irene blinked, taking in and processing that information, before she clapped her hands together excitedly. "Those are really pretty, too! I don't know the meaning behind them though… but I'll find out eventually! A-And I'll tell you what it means, too! Ooh, Marluxia has this garden of flowers and it's gorgeous! There were waterfalls and flowers, and some had ice on them like magic winter-y flowers, and there were freaking… uh… frick. What were they called? They're the- uh, the man eater ones… fli-flu… fle… fly! Flytraps! And, you know, other deadly plants, but it was awesome!"

Too much. This kid… where did she find this happiness from? Wasn't she just freaking out and crying over Marluxia, Larxene, Lexaeus, and Zexion fighting? How did a simple flower crown divert her attention so much? Where did she find such joy?