Well, this was not how I expected things to go at all.

I shifted uncomfortably in my spot on the lab table, cowering beneath the intense inquiring gaze of Vexen. He was tapping his foot, ever impatient, staring me down as he waited for answers. Zexion wrote something down on a clipboard he was carrying, muttering about the multiple possibilities of how it came to be that I could order around Dusks, while Lexaeus stood at my side in silence- arms crossed and eyes closed. It was almost suffocating, the anxiety nearly too much to bear.

If Vexen wasn't here it might not be so bad, but I knew he wanted to cut me open like some kind of lab experiment. He's said so multiple times now- even after we came in- and only stopped when Zexion shushed him. That in turn led the older man to go into yet another rant about how Zexion continued to disrespect him, but at least he didn't threaten me anymore. I fiddled with my sweater sleeves, pulling them over my hands and hiding my fingers, kicking my legs back-and-forth awkwardly as they dangled in the air. This really was weird.

Oh, why did Vexen have to be here…?

Like I said before; I had gotten used to him and I was okay with talking to him, and would wave and say hi and all that, but he creeped me out. My fear of him wasn't really fear more as it was just… sort of me feeling disturbed. He never really went to experiment on me despite all the threats, but I knew that if Zexion wasn't there and he wouldn't have to risk the rage of Maria he might have actually done so. He seemed plenty capable.

Before I knew what I was doing I had already scooted further onto the lab table, crossing my legs and reaching out to grab onto Lexaeus' coat. The giant opened his eyes, gazing down at me expressionlessly, before he uncrossed his arms and offered me one of his sleeves. Oh, thank gods. I reached out, fully aware of myself now, and latched onto his arm, resting my head against it. He was seriously muscular- it was hard to get comfortable with his arm as a pillow. Still, it did offer me some comfort.

This in itself felt weird, especially when you consider the fact that he's practically a stranger to me, but he was just… comforting. An adult I knew who would protect me. A friend. Vexen gave us the funkiest expression, baffled by our behavior. "What are you- ugh, no matter. That isn't what's important. Zexion, have you figured it out yet?"

"I do not have all the details." The researcher responded, shaking his head. "Irene, is there anything more you can tell us about Holly? You claimed she used snow and ice against you, that she forced you into battle, yet… did she say anything at all about how she died? How she came to be there in your heart? Are the previous Keepers truly residing within you?"

"I-I dunno." I stammered, unsure of how to feel at the moment.

The guilt over what happened with Maria was still very strong and this entire conversation had me uncomfortable, but the fact that Zexion was finally using my name made me quite happy. It was a mess of emotions. I wanted to be useful, to answer their questions, so as to be kept alive, yet a lot of what they were asking wasn't exactly my place to tell. I had to be as vague as possible, which- being me- was quite hard.

"Sh-She was… angry, I think. Not at me, but… someone else. I-I can't tell you who exactly, except… I think… whoever it was hurt her. Badly."

That caught his interest. His and the other two men in the room. Lexaeus shifted and looked down at me, but didn't pull his arm away. Vexen leaned forward, humming loudly and raising an eyebrow, a crazed look of curiosity on his face. "Oh?" The older man crowed. "Please, do tell us more. Do you know if she was a Keeper from a time long since passed, or is she- by any chance- the one before you?"

"Um, I-I don't think she's a recent one…?"

Zexion stopped writing, tucking the clipboard to his side and bringing a hand up to his chin- index finger resting against his nose. He had such an interesting thinking pose, although it makes his face even harder to see what with the way he had his hair styled. His eyes were such a pretty blue, too; it was almost a shame. I liked his hair, though- very edgy. Haha. Wait, brain, we're getting off track. What's he saying?

"-according to the Keeper of Darkness, the souls of the past lights and darkness are meant to guide them. Teach them, in a sense, their roles. I wonder… if we can figure out who the Keeper before you was, then a whole new array of possibilities and unique abilities might open up. There is so much to explore and we haven't even started yet. If there was just a way to research a Keeper's heart without… no." He cut himself off and sighed, eyebrows furrowing, the man lowering his hand. "That's not possible. Researching one's heart is too dangerous, especially as of now. We would risk causing you to lose your heart if we did so and that… would not bode well for anyone here."

Ah… okay. That sounded both slightly suspicious and was very disconcerting.

My grip on Lexaeus loosened as my mind began to wander off again, thinking about the boy on mosaic glass platform and the person in my dreams. They were one in the same, right? Michael. I had a bad feeling about all this and… I'm really scared that he might have been the person before me.

The one who died and caused me to be born the way I was.

I don't wholly understand it; the dreams are often scattered, like a far off memory whose pieces wouldn't line up right. If there was just a way to correct them, perhaps… separate his from mine… then…

Oh, maybe I should talk to Maria about all this… when she isn't so upset. But what if talking about it makes her even more bothered and angry? I really keep screwing things up with her. Not to mention that weird vision I saw the one time- the one where she was a child, and Mickey freaking Mouse showed up and whisked her away. The dreams I had of him, Michael, and the three good fairies…

I'm seriously going insane starting to consider them as reality. Frick. I can't do this.

"I-I don't think Holly is a bad person, though." I finally said, forcing out the words. I pulled away from Lexaeus' arm, clinging to his sleeve with only one hand, sitting up straight and struggling to meet Zexion and Vexen's intense stares. I felt so stressed, so scared, so frustrated. There was so much going wrong and I had no control over it. I had no control over anything. "I-I mean, she was kind of a jerk, but… like I said; I think she was hurt. She didn't kill me, e-even though she… could. She attacked me and, uh, asked if I knew anything about what we were, and wanted to know why I wouldn't just… you know," My voice cracked a little and I blinked a couple times, trying to keep my speech steady, "die. She claimed killing me now would be a… a merciful death. But, um, obviously I'm still here so… yeah."

"It was more or less a warning." Vexen declared, folding his arms across his chest. "Compared to most Keepers you did unlock your powers rather late."

My eyes widened at that and I shot my head up, startled. "That's what that one guy said!"

"Pardon?" Vexen was surprised. Zexion narrowed his gaze at me. "What "guy"?"

"There was another one there?" The younger scientist asked. I nodded fervently, trying to remember the stranger. He had been the mysterious voice, right? I recall speaking to him before. "Who?"

"I-I don't know, but… he looked younger than me, I think. Um, he was… he was this weird invisible voice at first- he spoke to me before Holly showed up! It was only after Holly and Maria were both gone that he actually showed himself, ya know? He was- uh…"

Frick, what did he look like again? I made a face, biting my lower lip. I released Lexaeus completely and moved my hands around as I spoke, trying to describe him.

"He wore these really colorful clothes; mismatched and… sort of stitched together, and had this super long scarf! His hair was… black, maybe? But he used some really powerful wind to tear up the remaining Heartless! It was crazy! He also had this really pretty staff- like some kind of flower- and…" I paused, eyebrows furrowing. It was difficult to recall. "I-I think… I fell asleep after. He said something to me, but I don't…"

"You don't remember." Vexen stated. I nodded, the guilt growing stronger within me when I watched him sigh heavily. He threw a hand up in the air, pacing around the lab. "I should have known not to expect as much from you! You're hardly the reliable type. Children… tch."

Okay, ouch. That was… rude. He didn't have to say that so loudly. My head lowered, shoulders dropping, and my hands fell into my lap.

Lexaeus focused his gaze on the older scientist, expression hardening, "Watch your tone, Vexen." The giant threatened, deep voice echoing around the room. The man paused, turning to his companion with a confused stare. Zexion raised an eyebrow, but remained otherwise unsurprised. "Do not treat the Keepers of Heart with such disrespect. They are the guests of the Superior."

"Hah!" Vexen scoffed. "Guests they may be, but also valuable resources. I will give respect when it is due, but this light is merely a child! Might I add, she is also not very bright. Her light is the only thing she has going for her until she is properly trained and even then her only asset is her heart. The Keeper of Darkness, on the other hand, is far more worthy accessory to my research!"

Cold dead blue gazed at the man, but it wasn't just Lexaeus who was staring him down. Oh no- Zexion had fixed Vexen with a look that was normally only saved for Xigbar when he got too touchy-feely. "The Keeper of Light is more than a tool for research, Four." He was calling him by his number now. Vexen really must have crossed the line. I watched in shock, unable to believe that they were actually telling him off for insulting me. "She is an ally. You would do well to treat her as such."

The scientist scowled at those words. Vexen turned away, clearly irritable. Interesting, considering they aren't able to show emotions. You know what? I'm just gonna pretend they can feel, because they act so human it gives me a headache trying to remember otherwise. If you don't focus on how dead their eyes are despite the way they twist their expressions, you'd suspect they were completely normal people. "You can carry on this investigation on your own; there's obviously nothing of use to be gained from it."

That sentence felt like a dagger to my chest. If I wasn't of use… they would get rid of me. Right?

"I-I'm sorry…" I found myself saying, apologizing quietly as my head hung low in defeat. No matter how much I tried there just wasn't anything I could do. Vexen was right; I wasn't the smartest person, nor the brightest. I was slow to understand a lot of things. I wasn't even sure of most of what was happening.

I don't even know who I am anymore.

Vexen ignored me and disappeared, leaving me alone with Zexion and Lexaeus. The older man stood up straight, opening his eyes with a small and barely audible sigh. "Do not take what he said to heart." Lexaeus said, causing me to slowly raise my head up and meet his stare. That empty, blank gaze void of all emotion, yet somehow… gentle all the same. He looked so scary, yet I was not scared of him at all. "Vexen is a scientist. If it does not align with his interests, he fails to see the value something can hold."

I said nothing, merely nodding in response. Zexion watched the scene take place, calculating his next course of action and choosing his words carefully. "Yes… which is why Lexaeus and I are here. We see you for what you are. As such, no harm shall befall you while you remain under our protection."

Right… at least until the Superior decides to get rid of me. Thankfully, based on the conversation I was made to have with him earlier, he seemed quite keen on keeping me alive. He needed me to help keep some kind of balance. That was my only solace. Vexen and/or Larxene… they can't do anything to me. Not without getting into trouble.

"...Thank you."

Zexion nodded, thinking for a moment, before he stepped closer and asked, "Do you mind summoning your weapon? I wish to have a better look at it."

"Huh? O-Oh, uh, sure." I held my hands out, half expecting the staff to not appear at all, when it showed up in a bright flash of light. The warmth flowed through the metal rod, reaching into my hands and seeming to pass through my body. It was such a strange, tingly feeling. "Here. I-I got it after I woke up on the glass plastform thing and met Holly. I think we might be friends now, actually, considering she did let me live. She even told me her name, so! Like, ya know, friendship is totally a thing that could be happening!"

The teen said nothing, observing the weapon and glancing momentarily back at me. What, not even a chuckle? I thought I was being quite charming. I forced myself to smile, grinning as brilliantly as I could, ignoring the fear and paranoia crawling up the back of my spine. Memories of the battle were trying to rush themselves at me, unnerving me, but I pretended they didn't exist.

"I mean, come on! Look at us!" I waved a finger back-and-forth between him and me, Zexion not at all impressed with me. He definitely only viewed me as a lab rat, but whatever. That's fine. "We're kinda friends! You tolerate my insanity! Nothing like life-and-death situations to get the friendship goin', am I right? Lexaeus and I are besties now, too!"

The giant in question did not speak up, merely closing his eyes in response to my declaration. He did not refute nor accept my statement, which honestly made me feel both better and more anxious. They both just appeared indifferent. Vexen suddenly reappeared, walking through the lab in search of something, before pausing when he saw the staff. Expression lighting up, an eye growing wide while the other narrowed, the older man hurried over and stood next to Zexion, peering over to look at the staff with great curiosity. I awkwardly held the golden object in front of me, trying to help them get a better look. This felt so weird.

I watched as Vexen brought a hand up to his chin, muttering to himself again.

"A heart residing within the main circlet; the source of power itself…" He noted, gaze very much borderlining creepy at this moment. "Interesting. Is there a reason for that, I wonder, or is it simply because it is reflecting you in a whole- a Keeper of Heart? The weapon is meant to take shape based on the user's heart, or so research declares, so why is it that it's taken such a form- one that exudes extreme importance?"

"I agree." Zexion nodded. "It is a little- how should I say… ironic?"

Okay, I'm so lost. My brain can't keep up with this. "Ironic because of what Vexen said or because you guys don't have hearts?"

"Whatever you desire to call it; it is clear that the weapon is one of support. Proof of your bleeding sympathy for such empty creatures as ourselves." Vexen reached out, as if aiming to touch the meticulously detailed heart in the middle of the circlet, before retracting his hand back when white light flickered out in reaction to his approach. I yelped and yanked the staff away, alarmed by the attack, but he didn't look bothered- in fact, Vexen actually appeared more amused than anything else. "Hmph. Even still, the light knows not to trust one near the darkness… existing or otherwise."

I made a face at that, really disliking the way they spoke about themselves. These people really enjoyed bad mouthing each other. Yeesh. I have my work cut out for me. I sat up straighter, holding the staff close to my chest, and gave them all a look. "Ooookay, can we please not do that? Just because you don't have hearts doesn't mean you don't exist; if you didn't exist you wouldn't be here right now. So shush." I stuck my lips out in a pout. "Stop that."

Vexen turned to me with one of his eyes growing wide, guffawed by my sudden change of behavior. "You dare to command me to be silent? How dare you-"

"Because I'm daring, I guess? I dunno. But I will not hesitate to whack you with this… this…" I waved my staff awkwardly in the air, attempting and failing to be threatening. "...thing if you do not be nice to yourself. I'll lose, but I will physically fight you until you start liking yourself. Got it?"

Vexen huffed and stepped away, crossing his arms over his chest. Zexion had a hand covering his mouth, the teen observing the interaction intently, so many thoughts running through his mind. It was strange being in the lab and not seeing him wear that lab coat; he looked so cool in it. Ah, wait, did Lexaeus ever say anything bad about himself? I can't remember.

"Also- I have a question. Back on the platform when I was fighting; where did the snow come from? Where did the earth come from? It was glass, right? So why didn't it shatter? Was she able to make a blizzard using the moisture in the air o-o-or what? Does magic just make it happen… uh… magically? And there was nowhere for the earth to have been grabbed from!" It made no sense. "I don't get it! You think we'd have to be standing on actual ground for earth to be used like it was! Is that just a culmination of magic, too?"

Vexen looked mildly surprised.

"Also, after I yeeted Holly's staff over the edge and she beat the crap out of me, and the Heartless appeared, there was this really big one that I managed to use an actual earthquake against. It was… It was a freaking giant Heartless with, like, these weird, uh, tendrils for hair? I could draw it… um. Oh! It had this gaping hole in its chest, shaped like a super fancy heart." I tried to mimic it, placing my hands in front of my chest, thumbs and fingers pressing against each other to make a shape. "It was… really big."

"A gaping hole in its chest…" Zexion murmured, processing this. "Do you mean a Darkside?"

I paused, bringing my hands up to my face and standing awkwardly still, trying to recall any helpful information. I snapped my fingers, pointing at him excitedly. "Yes! That! What you just said! But after she took down the Dark side it- uh," No. Let's not mention that. I paused and shook my head, continuing, "it faded and I told Maria she should probably get out- seeing as the only way darkness could be in my heart was if she was in it, since she is literally darkness itself, and once she left all that was there were the little shadow rabbit things."

"Purebloods." He informed, knowing at once what I was talking about. I guess my descriptions weren't too far off. "They are the only kind of Heartless to not release hearts once defeated. The ones you've battled sound like Shadows, a lesser form of Heartless, and a weaker version of Neoshadows. You mentioned there were other Heartless as well… did they have emblems, perhaps? Once in the shape of a heart?"

Hm? Oh, yeah… now that I think about it they did, didn't they? I nodded at his words and he wrote something down again. I noticed that Zexion was very quiet until you got him started on science or something of the like.

…

Manic.

It was the only way Maria could think to describe the noise now echoing through her mind. Sheer manic pleasure; all for the sake of her own misery, and it was all from him. "Alexander…"

More laughter followed her call, growing in volume and in the pure insanity of it all. The growl that escaped her was just shy of feral.

"Alexander!"

The crimson mosaic glass now rested beneath her boots, glimmering as though reflecting lit torches. Its beauty, however, cowered beneath the deadly glare that was currently cast across the red expanse. Hazel green orbs- nearly acidic with anger- raised to meet the cold gray storm of another. His crazed laughter finally slowed and died off, but not because he was afraid of her rage. No, it was out of pure joy, of the sheer utter chaos her heart was in. The turmoil and pain she was putting herself through for the sake of a child.

A sister. She really ought to know better…

Alexander cocked his head to the side, his lopsided grin all teeth and malice. "The glare's cute, by the way. Real menacing. Killer, really." He chuckled at the scowl that earned him. "Ooh, so nasty. I almost feel threatened- or, I would if I was still alive."

Long, nimble fingers threaded through his hair, messing up the already tousled locks.

"Be silent." Maria hissed, black starting to spread from the edges of the platform, covering the glimmering crimson and the checker patterned rim.

That alone caused the fallen one's expression to go absolutely insane. A sickly-sweet poison of a smile cutting from ear-to-ear on his tanned features, storm gray eyes changing to rust and moss as he got into a stance.

"You think you can play with the dark?" He challenged, gauntlets forming across battle scarred arms, the shield dias staying in its folded position as he ran at her. He loved this; the chaos, the pain. Alexander lived for it. He lived for fighting, no matter what kind it was. "Then come forth!"

He was exceptionally good at hurting others, physically or otherwise. And somehow- even here in her own heart, nothing more than a ghost of what he was- this man was still capable of causing harm beyond his death. The thought and knowledge of that? Oh, it made Maria burn. A flash of crimson eyes, molten bronze held in hand as she leaped with the singing song of sung metal, and her whole platform became entirely black.

A Station of Awakening swallowed in darkness.

Only the sounds of steel striking steel- of fire and earth burning and crumbling amidst the black- broke through. It was always this way with Alexander; he yearned for chaos. She yearned for him to leave. Yet neither could have what they sought. Even if the fire starter were to perish then and there, her heart would be bound just like the others. Tied together forever in their eternal dance of balance.

What a joke…

Balance was a lie. A mocking jest, laughing in the face of their pawns. Laughing in the face of their strife, their lives, so easily crushed without cause. They were no more than pawns in a game.

And she was done playing. "That's it!"

"ENOUGH!"

The gruff, loud order shook the platform to its very core, the course baritone ringing through the air as the darkness vanished. A wall of black water a mile high and at least eight people thick came surging across the red gleaming glass, separating the two clashing Keepers. Rust covered forest and bright crimson orbs turned to gaze at their previous, the eldest of the few ghosts Maria had been able to meet. The towering Waterbearer glowered at them beneath raven locks, his own electric blue eyes clearly visible beyond his hair. The wall of water dissolved as he stood to his full height of six foot six.

"You both are acting like children."

Alexander scoffed, his armor vanishing. "Speak for yourself, Salem. Not all of us want to play "Daddy" around here."

"You will remain silent. You have caused enough damage as it is." Seethed the older man. Salem- ever the guiding hand.

Shrugging, Alexander gave one more lopsided grin, eyes changing once more to their natural stormy color despite the murderous gleam still evident within his gaze. "Silence was never one of my skills, but I'll play your part. Just remember," He chided, eyes narrowing at Maria with piercing intent, "as long as she's still hurting I'll be here. As long as there's pain I'll stand right behind you. After all… pain was my lesson. Or did you forget?"

He was right. He would always be near, just as the other would always be near. They were teachers, lessons, and skills to be learned. To guide her on how to be a "proper" Keeper. Guided, but not controlled. Never again. "Be gone, Alexander. I've had enough of your games today." Maria called, face an impressive mask.

The man watched her, stormy gray eyes void of emotion as he regarded the other. With a light snort and a turn of his head, he started to walk off, muttering under his breath, "Fine. I'm bored of this anyway."

As he turned from her, he vanished into the black, leaving Maria alone with Salem.

"Maria…" Salem called softly, stepping towards her slowly. Red gradually bled back into hazel green as they cut toward him. Salem was the eldest of the ones she knew, as well as the one to have lived the longest life amongst them. He was the only real parental figure she had and although Salem never once showed disappointment towards her, the fear of it still ran deep. Just like her scorn.

"Are you going to scold me?"

Sighing, he held out his arms placating. "I have never tried to scold you, Maria. Only guide you. There is still much to being a Keeper that neither you nor I understand." He dropped his arms, voice softening. "The matter of your other complicates things, so your frustration is justified."

As his words washed over her, she envisioned someone else in his place- a black-haired giant- the concern in their expression matching near perfectly. Yet, somehow, unlike the other man, despite being no more than a ghost, Salem's eyes were filled with life. Maria… was getting attached. She shook her head. "...He reminds me of you."

"Who does?"

"Xaldin. The windrider."

"Ah." Smiling ruefully at her forlorn expression, he continued, "Am I to take that as a compliment?"

Shrugging, Maria turned her gaze out towards the other platforms and their broken bridges. Even Irene's platform no longer connected to her own, the bridge fractured and broken in the middle. It was almost sad how easy it was to cut off her heart from everyone. "If you want." She finally replied. "You know I annoy you both to no end."

"Maria… why are you hiding?"

"Does it hurt?"

"Excuse me?"

"Being a remnant." She explained, not really looking at him. "Stuck here forever in another's heart. You can't move on and be with your families, right?"

"You won't redirect me. We need to speak-"

"You told me once you had a little girl." Maria said, ignoring him. "Do you know if she ever had any children?"

Closing his eyes, Salem let out a heavy breath. His years and sorrow playing across his face. "How tedious… you are avoiding the problem."

Hazel green orbs met his eyes sharply, irises rimmed in heated red. "You mean my manic past life? I hadn't noticed."

"Maria." He tried more stern, stepping short of the hot brief flash of glowing crimson in her gaze. The demanding tone as she rebuke him, giving him pause.

"Don't."

Softening, Maria stared out into the nothing, almost seeming lost.

"I get it, you're all restless… and I know she's hiding. Alexander is never this loud when she's here."

"Then… I'm sure you know the cause."

"Yeah."

Her stowaway.

…

Xaldin had his orders.

Watch over the Keeper of Darkness; adapt to her behavior and mistrust, and ensure she remains complacent. To comply with her wishes and questions just enough so that she does not feel bound or cause her to desire to leave the castle without a guard or "companion". In short, he was to "befriend" her. And in light of recent events, he was to ensure she spent enough time with her other so that their bond could form.

And yet… it was her other that led to her current state.

Hearts, love, emotions… they were such useless things. Tedious and so easily broken. Still, the more time he spent with the Keepers- with Maria- the more he recalled his past life. The glimmering memory of feelings that bubbled to the surface of his mind. Of purpose and longing… all so quickly snuffed out.

The fleeting memories only making it all the more clear how empty he was. How empty they all were.

Nobodies.

The cruel joke of a "second chance" at a life taken from them.

No matter. Xaldin was given a task and he would see it through to the end. Forgoing the remnants of memory and longing, of emotions left behind, he moved onward. His feet carrying him towards the lab of Four and Six. After his repeated attempts to reach Maria proved unresponsive, the Whirlwind Lancer opted for a different approach. One a bit more… cunning.

Nearly an hour had passed since the Keeper had departed and their resident schemer had taken the younger girl to the lab. Surely enough time had passed for the little light to satiate their curiosity- for the time being, at least- so that Xaldin could commence with his plan. The Keeper of Light was needed, after all.

Irene…

The girl truly was wrapped around their fingers. So ready to help, to be friends- she was just a naive and foolish child.

And yet… there was something about her that wasn't completely genuine.

Her smile, he realized, was just as forced as theirs. Towards Larxene, of course, but even towards that of Marluxia- one she often played at being friends with. She was uncomfortable within the castle, even more so around the members of the organization, so she smiled that faux grin; fooling around and acting as though everything was alright. That she wasn't uncertain. Scared. Perturbed.

She would speak so casually of serious matters in front of all of them, yet when surrounded by her chosen few she would allow her emotions to turn rampant, to dictate her words and actions. And somehow, despite this, despite her fear of them or of their stealing her away from her home world to the castle beyond the nothing, she was determined to befriend them. To get to know them.

Scared, naive, and ultimately alone.

And she was still somehow trying to make the most of what was happening. Completely disregarding the emptiness that was the Nobodies. Even going so far as to try to help them, under the foolhardy notion that they only had her best interests in mind. That they wanted to help her. It was almost… disappointing.

He commended the girl for her perseverance, her desire to help making her all the easier to use. And even then, her desire to be close to Maria seemed to change their plans. That she wanted to understand her, in spite of the raging anger and fury of Darkness that was ultimately Maria, because they were probably sisters. If anything, the knowledge that they may very well be related only to seem to further aid their plans of obtaining their goal: completely Kingdom Hearts.

Yet that goal would forever be out of reach unless the Keepers could truly bond, to find peace with each other. A difficult task if what the child of Light said was true…

She claimed to have upset Maria- that she asked too many questions and pried too deeply at the other Keepers's walls, forcing her to retreat to her Darkness. A truce must be had- a compromise- of forgiveness and acceptance.

Only then could things continue as needed.

Xemnas demanded it so.

Such was what led Xaldin to his current state, gloved knuckles carefully rapping against the steel plating of the labdoor. As the door opened from within, eyes scanning the ever-stoic face of the Silent Hero, he thought back to the last even that him here. To think that the child would possess the same element as the guard before him… it should be near impossible.

But the signs were there, the subtle tells and scent of the earth. The Cloaked Schemer himself had suggested it- so certain of his claim that Xaldin couldn't help but to agree. The two Earth-bringers, LExaeus and Irene, had seemed to gravitate towards the other. At first glance they seemed so different, but the similarities were also there. Perhaps not physically, but deeper still.

Xaldin looked past his previous comrade-in-arms, memories of guards and castles long since pushed from his mind as he sought out Irene. The man spotted the girl standing in the middle of the lab, avidly re-telling a story of a battle with odd yet grand gestures, using her arms and hands as she spoke. Zexion stood before her, arms with his usual pen and clipboard, listening to her ramble on about several Heartless and a young teen girl named Holly, taking notes whenever necessary. Xaldin wondered idly if she recalled the table she stood beside as the one the scientists often placed her own.

She seemed rather nonchalant about the whole ordeal, almost cheerful even, but it was clear from her eyes that the very memory of the incident terrified her. Yet that smile, that bright and unrelenting grin, was plastered upon her face as she recounted the tale with enthusiastic exuberance. Zexion continued to listen in that calculating way of his, intently memorizing every little detail with the hope of picking out clues that would lead them to a better understanding on how the hearts of Keepers worked.

Violet orbs flickered back to that of his would-be companion, meeting Lexaeus' gaze with calm resolve. "I need to speak with the girl."

Folding his muscular arms across his broad chest, Lexaeus narrowed his eyes at the smaller man as though in warning. Number Five was completing his own mission, just as Xaldin was- befriend and guard the Keeper. But whereas Xaldin was appointed Maria, the Silent Hero was tasked with the young Irene. To watch over and protect her from any whom would show her harm with single-minded intent.

Given recent events, the Lancer was acutely aware of the Irene's rather unpleasant history with some of the other members, although he could not recall a time that he and the child were together, save for the incident with Marluxia. Xaldin had carried Irene back then after all- acting in her best interest as she was injured. He had never once shown any ill will towards her.

And yet… Lexaeus thought the need to threaten him with a near overprotective resolve.

Xaldin himself was no threat to the girl, so why? Because she was the guiding light? One who so naively showed them compassion and kindness? Or was it simply that she reminded Lexaeus of what was, of a life long before the Organization?

How foolish.

Out of the corner of his eye, Xaldin could see that Irene had faltered in her avid tale- her voice stalling into silence as she saw him. Zexion noticed her hesitation, turning so that his cold gaze could meet that of Xaldin's own empty expression. The schemer was no better that him, or even Marluxia; what Irene saw in Zexion- or why Lexaeus would allow him near and not the lancer himself- was unbeknownst to Xaldin. He could only assume it was because they were closest in age.

That boy… he was not to be trusted.

Forcing his expression into something soft, not wishing to scare the girl anymore than she should already be, Xaldin watched Irene. Just as he was with maria, he had to be with Irene. Understanding, supportive, caring. It was all an act.

Yes. All an act.

They were both nothing more than tools. It did not matter that they were young.

Children.

Not at all.

Irene hesitantly made her way over, trailing after Zexion as she hid behind the older teen. Lexaeus stepped away from the door as she approached, moving towards the brunette and holding out an arm in silence. She hurriedly took it, her behavior almost habitual as she clung to the black fabric, relief and confusion in her eyes. She peered around the giant towards him, Xaldin absently noting that Zexion had taken to standing on Lexaeus' other side just behind the older man.

"What do you want, Three?" The young scientist asked, voice quiet. Irene's eyes shot over to boy immediately as he spoke, the girl observing him closely.

Why was she so fond of these specific members? Demyx at least made sense given their childish natures, yet these two…

Xaldin repressed as a sigh, focusing back ont the matter-at-hand.

"I have a request to make of Irene." Xaldin said, looking down at the girl in question. "Will you accept?"

…

Despite having his back to her as she approached, Maria knew he was aware that she was there. Shoving her hands in her pockets, she opened her mouth to speak before Michael cut her off- curious and confused sounding. "Why are your pathways cut off from the other stations? I thought… a heart wasn't meant to be alone."

"I'm not cut off from anyone." She told him. "I cut them off from me."

"Why?"

"Communication is a two-way street, you know." She answered and waited for him to face her, repressing a shudder at the near-hollowness in his dark emerald gaze. "You want to ask me questions? Then I get to ask you, too."

Pressing a hand to his chin, he seemed to be thinking over the statement and nodded. "Hm… I guess that's fair. Is it your turn, then?"

"Yeah… tell me; how did you get here? My station is barred from other hearts."

"I'm… not sure. I followed something, but… I'm not sure what it is."

"So you don't know what you followed- only that it led you to me?"

"Yes. I know that it's here, but it's… hidden from me."

Maria went to respond when a sharp, "Don't, echoed in her ears. Stern and frantic.

Rachel? But why-?

"Don't!"

It was louder this time, like a shout. Rachel didn't want him to know of her. But that didn't make sense.

Who-?

"Why did you cut off your platform?"

Turning, Maria shook off her unease. She'd have to deal with her previous another time. With a shrug she played it off, acting as nonchalant as she could. "Can't get hurt if there's no one to hurt you." Michael frowned, eyebrows furrowing just slightly.

"I don't think that's an answer."

"I got…" She paused, thinking about it. She had been scolded into submission, pushed until she broke. Used and discarded like a toy. Broken for being the wrong one. Maria inhaled deeply. "I got burned too many times."

Her response was forced at best, willing the memories back into the back of her mind. She pressed on.

"It's better this way."

His frown deepened. "That feels lonely to me."

Maria scoffed, already moving past that comment. "You're not always here, are you? I can feel your presence, but sometimes it's like you vanish. Where do you go?"

"Go?" Michael blinked owlishly at her, clearly confused. "I'm always here. I don't know how to leave."

She rubbed her temples, muttering a soft, "Michael…" under her breath before taking a different approach. "Look, let's try it this way; is there a time you can't account for? Like something is happening, but then you skip ahead? No warning, it's just… different."

He seemed to think over her words for a long moment, hand pressed to his head in deep thought. "That… does seem to happen. It's like I'm awake on moment and sleeping the next. Though I can't recall what happened while I was asleep, I just know that I felt far away."

"So it's as if your heart is torn between words." Maria settled on, pondering his situation. "That doesn't explain why or how you're stuck here though."

"Are you lonely?" The question was so abrupt that it caught Maria off guard, leaving her gaping at the young man as her thoughts were derailed by that one simple statement.

"Wh-What?"

"You seem lonely to me." He pointed out, speaking rather bluntly and without tact. "I don't think it's just because people hurt you too much." Michael's words hit Maria like daggers, Alexander's manic laugh ringing in her ears as he continued- seemingly unconcerned by the woman's now ashen skin. He brought a hand up, resting it against his chest as his face twisted into something- almost borderlining sorrowful had it not been for the empty air that surrounded him. "I think… you never really got to learn how to love someone. So you just push them away."

"Oh, he's getting it now, eh, Maria? He's reading you like an open book." Alexander's voice was like acid in her head; toxic and burning through her thoughts and sanity, setting her nerves on fire. He scoffed at her. "Weak."

"Sh… Shut up…" Her voice was shaking as she spoke, the woman on edge. But whether she was talking to Michael or even Alexander, even she wasn't sure. Yet Michael continued on, pressing, insisting, as though he had discovered something long since hidden and needed to make the truth known despite the cost.

"That's why you don't know how to talk to your other half, right?" He asked. "You know you should care, but you can't. Because that means giving them the chance. The ability to hurt you."

"What do you know!?" She snapped, fire flickering around her as if it had a will of its own, dancing protectively about her being. Heart beating chaotically inside her chest, ready to burn, she raised her voice in a shout, vulnerability heavy in her voice. "You're nothing but a stowaway, alone without memory or body! You're nothing more than a heart that had been left behind! You shouldn't be here; you're not meant to exist here!"

"Maybe so…" He murmured, gaze meeting hers. "But I know that you're hurting. Perhaps not physically, but deep in your heart… that's why that man is fighting you; why the pieces of yourself are struggling against each other instead of staying in balance. They've been out of balance for a while now, haven't they? Or am I wrong?"

"I suggest you STOP. TALKING."

"You shut people out so you won't be hurt."

"He's getting close; he's getting close and it's going to hurt. It'll hurt like all the rest~!" Alexander chimed in, the words of the two men lilting over one another in a chaotic mess. Loud, gratiting, taking her faults and throwing them in her face. Leaving her raw and open and in agony.

STOP.

"But the loneliness hurts, doesn't it?"

"Driving the knife in deeper, tearing you apart piece… by… piece."

Trembling hands clasped tightly over her ears, failing to block out the words, the pain. She needed balance, calm. This was nothing more than torture. An unyielding misery taking from her sanity, from her walls and guards. Chipping away at her fragile heart bit by bit. Misery was a monster all its own, the slow killer; taking its time digging its claws into your very core. Curling around your heart like a vice and making the empty parts its home. Eating away at you to make room for itself- slowly at first- and growing more ravenous over time. Hollowing out the places where love and compassion once sat and leaving nothing but emptiness and apathy in its wake.

Maria knew misery well. She fed it slowly, keeping it sated and at bay, yet this? This was new. Something harder than just misery; something rougher and more ravenous. A pain she hadn't felt since she was a child.

Heartbreak.

"Just… shut up…!"

"Hearts aren't meant to be alone." Michael said, shaking his head. "Really, it's you who caused your heart pain. They're out of balance because you don't-"

"I said shut up!"

Her fire raged, white hot and lightning fast as it engulfed the platform, Alexander's manic laugh dying on the wind as the flames dissipated. Maria was left alone among the white walls of her room once more, eyes opening as she entered the outside world, the woman trembling and panting within a circle of ash. Everything was silent. Her mind, her surroundings; everything was blissfully- startlingly- quiet. Pressing a hand to her forehead, she let out a deep sigh, her shoulders sagging heavily.

She was far from balanced.

But at least her remnants were quiet. For now, anyway.

And yet, because of this, Maria nearly jumped out of her skin when a quick knock sounded from her door. Hesitantly, standing and making her way over, shaky fingers opened the door just for her to block the rest of the room from view with her body. Or at least tried to- considering Xaldin was quite a bit taller than her and could easily look over her head. It was simple to tell that he was looking her over for signs of a struggle. Between the ghostly pale pallor of her face to her limbs that refused to stop shaking, Maria looked wretched. She thought it a blessing that he didn't mention the scorch marks on the floor.

Violet orbs stared down at her, his gaze intense despite his passive stance, and even that set her on edge, the woman staring out at a point just over his shoulder. Letting out a soft breath, the lancer inclined his head, voice soft. "Are you well?"

That was… not what she had expected. Still, "Peachy."

"And your… remnants?" He asked quizzically, giving her the option to avoid the question. How polite.

"Did you need something?"

"I wish to ask for you company."

Maria twitched at that, opening the door just a bit more as he stared up at him. "My company? What for?"

"...Would you care to join me for tea?"

That… actually sounded nice. Michael's words echoed in her ears, his harsh observations still leaving her mind reeling, her emotions raw and vulnerable. An open wound. He spoke the truth, this she knew, but she refused to acknowledge it. Not yet. But then again…

"Yeah…" She paused, speaking slowly as if waiting for Xaldin to change his mind. "Actually, I'd like that." Maria stepped out into the hall, closing the doors, and stared up at him with a vulnerability she didn't know she had.

"Shall we?"

"Hey, Xaldin?" The woman asked as they began walking.

"Yes, Maria?"

"Are we friends?"

He remained silent for a long moment, Maria's heart sinking with every step until Xaldin let out a soft hum. The man was taking so long to ponder the question she was beginning to regret ever opening her mouth, but then he nodded at her. "A Nobody such as myself does not have the capacity to build friendship with another. However, should I have had a heart, I am certain I would… find that enjoyable. Perhaps."

Friends…

Yes. Maybe having friends wouldn't be so bad.

Even if her only friend was Xaldin, she still had one at least. Maybe she didn't have to be lonely after all.

...Actually, Maria took it all back.

Friends suck- or rather Xaldin did, the sly bastard. Upon nearing the kitchen it was impossible not to hear the chatter of the other members, but what greeted her when they finally entered? Now that was something else entirely.

"What. The. Hell."

The large table was covered in baked goods and treats: muffins, biscuits, sweets of all kinds, little sandwiches, and steaming pots of tea in various arrays of colors and scents. What Maria thought was going to be a calm relaxing moment- albeit with Xaldin- had turned into… into…

Pointing at the fanciful display, hazel green orbs shot up to the Whirlwind Laner sharply. "What the actual hell is this?"

Let it be known that she did not sigh at the squeak that sounded across the table at her words.

Although it was pretty close to one.

Xaldin looked at her as if the answer was obvious, clearly not rising to the bait.

Asshole.

"It is tea," He claimed, "just as I had said."

Maria's brow twitched at the dismissal. Repressing a growl, she tried again, gesturing to the many pots and kettles. "This. This is tea. I'm asking what hell they're doing." Her tone was accusatory at best, waving a hand across the room to indicate the others currently present. Those in question being Demyx hiding half-heartedly behind Lexaeus, the scheming Zexion, and-

"M-Maria?"

This time- as her gaze cut to Irene- the woman really did sigh, a heavy defeated sound escaping her lips. Dropping her arm, Maria included her head, tone gentler now. "Yeah, kid?"

Fidgeting, Irene stumbled over her words, never quite meeting Maria's gaze. "I-I… I know I made you upset before a-and I'm sorry, but I wanted… I wanted…" She paused, letting out a shaky breath before finally lifting her head, chocolate eyes meeting hazel green.

Irene's expression was a mix of earnest and sincere, and pure heartbreak- somehow leaving the firestarter feeling raw and exposed. She couldn't wrap her head around feelings like that. The sheer trust held within those dark eyes.

"Y-You've done… a lot to help me understand all of… this. A-And," It was obviously taking everything Irene had in her to keep her voice steady, the girl blinking away tears fiercely as her shoulders grew taut as she tried to stand strong, " And I wanted to say "thank you". So…"

Gesturing awkwardly at the table as though that would explain everything she was trying to say, as well as to all the other members of the organization around them, Irene swallowed down the lump in her throat and gave a timid grin.

"Thank you?"

Thanks. Apologies. Gratitude.

A care for her as a person rather than a weapon. For her opinion, her feelings. Despite how cold and distant she had been towards her. Irene really was full of surprises, wasn't she? Maria shifted her weight as she crossed her arms, clearly uncomfortable but choosing to appear closed-off instead, she regarded the younger girl. Her light. "So," Maria began smoothly, "this is a thank you-and-apology?"

Irene bite at her bottom lip, nodding jerkily, a slightly dejected look on her face.

"Hmm." Leaning forward, Maria looked about at all the treats and delicacies, moving over to pick up a cup and twirling it about in her hand, never spilling a drop. "You made all this because you think you hurt my feelings?"

The girl looked like she was about to open her mouth, probably to tell her who really did the baking, but decided to hold her tongue. Irene watched as Maria grabbed the back of one of the chairs in her free hand, pulling it out and spinning it around before settling onto it with her chest pressed to the chair back. One arm draped along the top, she brought the cup to her lips gracefully, years of practice driven into her movements.

"It's be a shame to waste it. I accept your thank you-apology."

She watched the near collective sigh of the room as she sipped her tea, the only ones appearing not to visibly react being the more serious of the group. She could still see it-however- in the subtlety of their movements. The way Lexaeus' arms relaxed from their spot crossed over his chest, Xaldin's slow blink and easing shoulders, and Zexion's quiet regard to her words. Despite all of the effort they put into this, they had still expected it to fail…

What does that say about me, I wonder?

Xaldin wasted no time sitting down to Maria's left, crossing his arms in faux content. The Lancer's easy acceptance prompted the others to slowly gather into chairs as well, Demyx snatching up muffins hastily as Zexion explained the different tea types to a still-mildly-tense Irene. The slow building chatter lulled Maria into a false sense of calm, the fire mage refusing to let past memories of kings and castles damper the semi-casual mood.

It went like that for some time, idle conversation and chatter, Maria giving non-committal responses if prompted, and the others eating or speaking in turns. Of course, Lexaeus barely spoke at all; in fact, he only ever really responded if someone asked something that required an audible response. He remained close to Irene and Zexion, watching them, guarding them even now, and Demyx rambled on about music, even going so far as to pull out his sitar and play a few tunes, the man easing up as it became clear there would be no fighting.

All the while chocolate eyes watched Maria, turning to her whenever they thought Maria wasn't looking. When she grabbed a muffin, when she refilled her tea, or when commenting to Xaldin about something or other- but Maria was looking. She was always looking. Always searching for the lie, always on guard, ready for the deceit and the pain.

After all, pain was a lesson she learned well. They all made sure of that.

And as brown orbs flitted hurriedly away again, Maria had had enough of waiting for the lie. She was never any good with games.

"Alright," She snapped, "What is it?"

Her sudden outburst was a bit harsher than she intended. The others jerked or stilled in turn at her tone. Demyx, twitching a bit, rubbed the back of his head in confusion, setting his sitar down carefully on his lab. "Ummm, what's what?"

With a rolle of her eyes, the older woman gestured towards Irene with one hand, the teenager's eyes wide and uncertain. "You. You've been staring at me all night. What did I do this time?"

The emphasis of those last two words came out so naturally she didn't even notice, having said those words so often when with the mouse and his wizard that she didn't understand the sudden hurt flashing across tanned features. Matching confused expressions formed along all of the members' faces.

"I-I-what?" Irene stammered out, staring to fiddle with her sleeves. "Nothing? Y-You never did anything wrong."

The raw honesty and concern there startled Maria for a long moment.

"You never did anything wrong."

But… it was always her fault. She was the wrong one. The Darkness, the monster untamed. They always let her know it was her. Maria was wrong. She-

"Did someone say you did something wrong?" Irene's loud voice snapped her out of it. She continued, her words turning more into a nervous ramble than an actual explanation, the child completely oblivious to the woman's open-ended shock. "Oh gods, I didn't say it, did I? Y-You didn't, I swear! I'm so sorry!"

It wasn't until a heavy hand gripped Maria's shoulder that the hazel green orbs were able to focus, briefly noting the inquisitive stare of a certain schemer, Maria's eyes falling to Xaldin's stern violet. They stared at each other for a moment, Maria nodding silently at the man in gratitude.

"-I'm always the one making you mad o-or upset! And I-I'm sorry, oh jeez, okay, I'm probably making this worse, aren't I? I- frick, sorry, I'm sorry-"

She kept going, Irene becoming more self-deprecating the longer she talked. Her hands had risen to her face, the girl's eyes squeezed shut as she cringed at her own behavior.

"I-I'm gonna shut up now; I'm so sorry!"

"No, it's-" Maria started, unsure of how to explain her reaction to Irene's… concern? It was so much different compared to what she was used to.

It was so- nice? Amazing? Caring? So far off from everything she had ever known? Exactly what she needed? The one thing she'd been waiting her whole life to hear?- odd.

"You're fine." She settled on. "We're… We're fine, kid. It's okay."

Hesitantly, the younger girl brought her hands away from her red-rimmed eyes. Trembling fingers clutched the fabric of her sleeves. "R-Really?"

"Yeah, I-"

What?

Maria looked about at the other members, from Demyx's confused curiosity to Lexaeus' calm stare, and to Zexion's searching gaze. No matter how friendly she appeared to be with Xaldin, or even Axel, she still didn't completely trust them. Zexion she trusted even less; the quiet, unassuming child that he was. Maria knew the look he had. The seeking and inquisitive gaze, looking- searching- for something, for anything he could use. Words have power, and for a Keeper information can be the difference between balance and death.

They all already knew too much about them, about the Keepers of Heart. But she had to tell them something.

Too many questions came from silence, after all, and she was already overflowing with them.

Spend a truth to sell a lie.

"I generally don't spend time with others." Maria settled on. "This is new for me."

She shrugged as she spoke, effectively dislodging Xaldin's hand. Folding her arms across the chair-back, she set her china top them, giving Irene a small smile.

"But we're good."

It had the desired effect; brown eyes slowly lit up, shoulders visibly relaxing before rambling words of encouragement and future "tea party plans" tumbled past fast moving lips. Demyx joined in jovially with ideas of his own between muffin-bites, suggesting the bake something more sweet next time.

Maria had to hand it to Marluxia- the girl really was willing to believe most things if you smiled at her. She even rambled on about how everyone worked so hard to bake and cook- though it took a bit to convince the ever-observing teen scientist to help. Irene was pointedly not allowed near the oven, forced to only help brew tea lest the treats come out wrong. The thought was amusing, as Maria could just imagine the girl anxiously trying to help bake and messing up the recipe as a result.

Still…

"You never did anything wrong."

It was nice. Even with Zexion's calculated stare of Xaldin's occasional glances, it was... good… to be around others. Even if they weren't "friends" and even though Maria would eventually leave. Having a bit of "fun" around them wouldn't hurt. Without turning, hazel green orbs glanced up to meet studious violet. Arms folded neatly over his chest, the man remained silent, letting her decide if she wished to speak.

Cute.

"Hey, Xaldin?" Maria murmured softly, her voice easily lost over the din of the others across from them.

With a soft hum, he inclined his head towards her, his deep tenor a calming lull in the otherwise loud room,

"Yes?"

Flickering her attention back to the rambuction duo, she tapped a slight rhythm against her arms with her fingers. "You know I'm going to get your back for tricking me."

A sign, or rather a chuckle given it was Xaldin, escaped him- the smallest of smirks on his features. "I am sure you will try."

Maria smiled despite herself, feeling quite content. Although she'd definitely deny it later, she was… happy.

The woman still stood by her earlier statement; friends sucked. But at least with Xaldin, and she supposed Axel, it wasn't all bad. That is… until Demyx accidentally launched a muffin through the air, smacking Xaldin across the chest. The echoing silence that followed was broken only by Maria's laughter before she grabbed her own baked treat. "Shot's fired, Xaldin." She grinned. "Retaliate."

And just like that, muffins and scones were flying through the air, Irene shrieking and ducking down to avoid getting smacked with sweets. Laughter and jeers sounded throughout the room, Xaldin letting out a tired, "Insufferable," before he leaned his head to the side to avoid a stray cookie that went sailing right towards him. Zexion's index finger tapped against the table, the boy standing, Lexaeus following suit and taking a place in front of him to act as a shield against the barrage of baked pastries.

"What a waste…"

Irene let out another yelp, narrowly dodging a small sandwich that was hurled at her, the girl showing faux anger as she tired to avoid getting any food on her clothes. "I-I already took a shower today! Gah! Lexaeus~!"

Demyx snorted as he watched the girl dive down to hide behind the giant, the man forever wearing that stoic expression, eyes closed as he was pelted with treat after treat. Maria had to hand it to him- he was really dedicated to being a body guard.

And yeah, friends sucked. But at least it was fun while it lasted.

And if she managed to strike Killer Frost across the face when he came to grab Zexion? Well, that was just the icing on the cake.

Worth it.

Welp, that took a hot minute to get out, haha. XD Hope you guys enjoy it! Irene's gonna be starting her training very soon, are you excited? I am. XD

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