XLIII.
Almost three weeks after the incident in Hollow Bastion, Xemnas calls another meeting, again, at early as fuck o'clock in the morning. Like fuck, why can't we just have meetings at noon, when everyone is actually alive? This meeting, however, is in a courtyard that I didn't realize the Castle That Never Was, had. There's a glass dome over the top of it, revealing the dark sky, beaming moon and pouring rain. There is no quaint charm to this courtyard, it doesn't give me any sort of greenhouse vibes. Instead, I look around at the turf, uneven, made for different levels of combat. I look at the stadium seating, and I realize what this courtyard was made for.
It's a battlefield.
But none of the other members look even the least bit disturbed by it as we all arrive, bleary eyed and tired as all hell. Demyx lays down, propping himself up with his hands behind his head. Xaldin leans against the stadium seats and Luxord sits atop a large rock, his head in his hands as he attempts to blink back sleep. Axel and I have our full weight against one another, coming together like a steeple, threatening to collapse if either of us make a wrong move. Xigbar is on the ceiling, sitting against it, knees bent, head in his hands. Saix and Xemnas appear, both looking at least a little exhausted, both of their eyes flicking up to the ceiling.
"Don't worry about me. I'm just fine up here." Xigbar says. Saix blinks, face wrinkled as though he just smelled something particularly unpleasant. Xemnas, however is much less shaken. In fact, he begins, looking at each of us as though we are waiting on his words with baited breath, and not half awake.
"Comrades," He begins, like he begins every single meeting. "I have gathered you here today for a very specific cause. It is no surprise to any of us that we have lost our Key, our precious XIII. And of course, it seems that we are all aware now, of the initial plan, to use Kairi, the Princess of Heart, to turn Sora into a Heartless and retrieve Roxas. But with our heart collection ratio at an all time high, it has been decided. There is no reason to extract Roxas from Sora. Why, indeed, should we retrieve a heart from our comrade who has regained his? Would that not take away precious hearts from us, when we are finally able to fully form and release Kingdom Hearts." It's a logical statement, which in and of itself doesn't feel right for Xemnas. I look at him, eyes narrowed, then to Saix, trying to asses who it was that came up with this plan.
Axel shifts beside me, and with tired eyes, I look up at him. He's got a hard set to his jaw, his eyes are staring at a blank point on the ground. What's that about?
"Now that's a plan I can get behind." Demyx nods sleepily from the ground. "Sounds relaxing."
"I sincerely doubt the Superior intends to sit around and allow you to do nothing." Xaldin grumbles.
"Can't get that lucky, Nocturne." Xigbar cackles, and for a second, I forgot he was up there.
"Oh man." Demyx mutters, and despite my exhaustion, I crack a smile at just how utterly Demyx he is.
"Of course, there is work that will need to be done on our parts. By each of us. Roxas, I believe is an unnecessary cause. Sora is determined to fight Heartless, to return their hearts to Kingdom Hearts. And even if he were to suddenly become resistant to our plans, Rueki has a hold on him, thanks to her empathy link." I am quite uncomfortable with my name being mentioned at this meeting, and I know Axel is too, because now, he is standing completely upright, which forces me to as well. He crosses his arms to his chest and I see his fingers drumming against his arm—a bad case of pent up anxiety. There's something about Xemnas' words that make things feel quite final. I'm not a member of Organization XIII, I never have and I never want to be. And yet, I have a feeling he will have no qualms thrusting the duties of a member upon me completely. With the knowledge of my empathy link being public and my history of solo missions in the data Twilight Town, I believe his demands will know no limit. "That being said, although Roxas is inside of Sora's vessel, I believe it is possible for him to regain control."
"You're referring to Roxas taking possession of Sora?" Luxord raises an eyebrow.
"That's not even possible." Axel shakes his head.
"It is a gamble indeed, that I agree with VIII on." Luxord nods.
"And yet, it is a risk that we must take. Imagine the success we will be met with, if Roxas were sentient inside of Sora. If the boy bearing the Key could regain his lost memories of being a member of our Organization. He would be an unstoppable force, not only devoted to our cause but passionate. And still, we would not need to waste precious hearts on him, upon the completion of Kingdom Hearts. He would be a champion to our cause. Imagine, for a moment, if you will, the Keybearer himself, at our beck and call." Xemnas says, and I can tell, in his voice that he truly believes he is painting a beautiful and inspiring picture for all of us. But I watch Demyx shift, Luxord clears his throat, Xaldin looks away, Xigbar pretends to be occupied by the ceiling and I know that I am not the only person who thinks the Superior sounds like an absolute maniac. I chew my lip, eyes flicking to Axel who, fuck, is still looking at the ground, a thousand ideas racing behind his eyes. I know him well enough at this point to be certain—something is disturbing him beyond compare. And now, he is plotting. "For the time being, we will begin intercepting the hero on his journey. Rueki, where are the Keybearer's current whereabouts?" I think for a second, trying to visualize Sora's surroundings.
"Some place called the 'Land of Dragons'. Lots of snow, looks like it sucks." Which probably means Axel and I are going to get stuck there. At least with my human space heater at my side, I'll be in good hands.
"For the time being, we will allow him to pass through there peacefully, however, upon his departure, Xigbar, I will have you leave for this Land of Dragons and begin laying the bait that will surely prompt the Keyblade Master back. Xaldin, you are to resume your post within the Beast's Castle. And Demyx, our Nocturne, you have a new mission now, in the Underworld." Xemnas says. Demyx groggily blinks at him.
"What? Me?" He asks.
"Indeed. You are needed to retrieve the fabled Hero Stone." Xemnas says, and I'm surprised Demyx seems to understand what it is, because I sure don't.
"Why would we need that though?" He asks. "Isn't that just for heroes?"
"Do you not consider yourself a hero to our cause?" Xemnas asks. I swear, I literally see Demyx twitch. Finally, he sits up, eyebrow raised.
"I don't get it though." Demyx says.
"Here I was, thinking we were the bad guys." Axel speaks up and I look to him anxiously, fearing the retaliation. We are still on probation. But his gaze is blazing, he's not happy about something and he's not going to let anyone, least of all Xemnas, step on his tail.
"Regardless of what moral alignment you consider yourself to have, it is undeniable that we would benefit from taking this stone from Sora. If he cannot utilize the powers this stone grants a hero, we will be able to easier go up against him. Even you can appreciate a fight where you have the upper hand, despite never having experienced that luxury yourself." Saix snaps and Demyx recoils.
"Oh, come on, that's not fair." He mutters.
"If Demyx doesn't wanna go, I'll do it. After all, I'm the only one here who would be immune to whatever firepower Hades unleashes." Axel shrugs, feigning nonchalance. I think to the others, he truly seems to just be making offhanded commentary, but to me, I know he isn't. I know him well enough to see the mischief behind his eyes. Why does he want to get out of here so bad?
"How many times does the Superior need to hand out missions before any of you realize that they are not optional tasks to be passed off to others?" Saix snaps. "Truly, the idiocy—"
"Hey, you don't see me complaining." Xigbar says, and this time I jump a little as I look up and see him.
"Dude, why are you on the ceiling?" I ask. Xigbar just laughs like that is an appropriate answer.
"The fact of the matter is that yes, Axel, you are immune to fire, but could do no damage to the god of the dead, if you had to. Demyx has the elemental advantage over him." Xemnas says. Demyx looks at me, like he's hoping I'll pipe up in his defense, but I guess Xemnas' logic does make sense in a twisted way. I don't understand why he expects Demyx to fight for something will only be useful in one specific world. Really, a stealth mission seems it would be smarter for such a task, but I really don't think Xemnas cares about logic right now. I was so terribly worried about Axel and I being eliminated for our insubordinate actions, never did I once consider that Demyx might be the next one on Xemnas' chopping block. The thought nearly makes me sick.
"You've got this, dude." I nod, hoping my shit attempt at a pep talk at least makes him stop complaining long enough to understand the gravity of this situation. Clearly, everyone seems to understand that Xemnas is beginning to act quite strange, but I wonder if anyone else is as sure as Axel and I are, that the Superior is losing it.
"Now, if there are no further concerns, I would like to call to attention the arena we are in." Xemnas says.
"It's been a hell of a long time since we gathered here." Xigbar is suddenly on the ground, seated not far from where Xaldin is sitting.
"Yes. Our combat arena has not gotten nearly as much use as I would enjoy, however, in light of our current success with heart collection, I came to the decision that nothing would benefit our group more than some friendly competition. To amp one another up." Xemnas says. There's an excited murmuring from the group and even I feel enticed by this possibility. Letting off some steam might be nice. Especially since this isn't nearly as 'life or death' of a situation as the current missions seem to be. "Saix, I can think of no one better to begin this little friendly competition than yourself. Choose your opponent." Xemnas encourages, and I don't even hesitate. My eyes meet Saix's and there's a knowledge that passes between the two of us, an unspoken pull that would be magical if he wasn't a complete asshole. Everyone else seems to understand the pull between the two of us, and they begin filing to the stadium seats. Even Axel allows me this, squeezing my hand before he departs.
"I did not explicitly pick you." Saix states, and that's true, he never said anything, but I am so burning to take out my pent up resistance on him.
"Are you saying you don't want to take turns beating the shit out of each other?" I ask. He doesn't argue with me, so I know I'm not wrong. Axel casts me an uneasy glance from where he sits, and it takes me a moment to realize that he wasn't around the past couple times Saix and I fought. "What are the rules?" I ask.
"Do not maim or murder." Xemnas says.
"A shame, truly." Saix says. My eyes narrow.
"Yeah, good luck catching me, dickhead." I hiss. And that's when I realize I have overshot my mouth, considering I am the only one here who cannot summon my weapon. My eyes go wide, but I think quick. With the snap of my fingers, I visualize a Dusk, inside mine and Axel's room. 'Retrieve my weapon and my belt', I think, and in the blink of an eye, a Dusk shows up, carrying those two items, slinking from a dark corridor into the courtyard.
'…is mistress pleased…' the Dusk more says than asks, and with another snap of my fingers, I send it away, buckling my belt and strapping into Survivor.
"You've caught on quick to dark summoning." Saix says. I shrug. "Have you considered why that is? What sort of darkness is lurking within you?"
"Because you never try to play head games with anyone." I roll my eyes. "Stop talking, let's go." With that, Saix summons his weapon and looks up, to where the moon is beaming above us. Fuck.
Before he can get the chance to go Berserk, I charge, moving as fast as my legs will take me. I draw Survivor back and whip around, spinning in a circle as I slash at him. He easily blocks my attack, but with his attention up around eye level, I'm able to distract him long enough to land a kick in his midsection. He huffs and suddenly his eyes blaze.
"Consider it a lucky strike." He says.
"I'd rather be lucky that good." I reply, and with that, I duck out of the way just in time for him to whirl his Claymore around. I hit the ground, rolling out of the way, fumbling for a grenade. It is then, using my preoccupation against me, that he strikes, slamming the blade of his sword down into my shoulder. I jolt, my body writhing as I scream. "Fucking cunt!" He pulls his blade out of me and I leap up, slamming a grenade to the floor as hard as I can. The force of the explosion knocks us both back, but I'm prepared. I sail through the air but land on my feet. The impact takes my breath away, but as quickly as I land, I try to fumble for a potion. I have no time though. Suddenly, Saix is charging at me, and he's glowing. Fucking Berserk.
With a battle cry worthy of a barbarian, his sword comes sailing in my direction. I have no choice but to take off sprinting, trying to assess the battlefield. My legs don't take me fast enough though, before he slams his Claymore into me, and I go flying, as though I'm spring loaded.
Time seems to move too slow and too fast all at once, but before I know it, I go sailing into the large rock that Luxord sat upon, and in a quick display of my reflexes, I flip and land on it, only sliding a little with the momentum. I go to slam the potion I now have at hand, when Saix leaps into the air.
"Dammit!" I shout, leaping down, taking off in a full blown sprint. This isn't good. I'm not going to be able to penetrate his defenses while he's going berserk. I'm not going to have a moment to even guzzle this potion. I need a distraction, desperately, or he is going to plow me down, which would not only be painful, but terribly embarrassing. No way in hell am I going to suffer a tragic defeat at the hands of this asshole, especially not in front of everyone. He's a prick, he is an absolute dick. He treats my lover like a traitor and my best friend like a nuisance. I think of everything I have recorded about him in my pettiness journal, every time he pushed me too far and came out on top and I cannot let that replay. An idea forms as my lungs burn from all of the running. Wind whips at my face and he is closing in on me. This idea is stupid, unnecessary, probably not going to help.
But that's kind of my thing at this point, isn't it?
With the snap of my fingers, I summon a series of Dusks and come skidding to a halt, behind the wall they have created between me and Saix. They are clearly confused, unsure of what to do, which is no surprise, considering how utterly stupid they are.
'…must protect mistress but cannot harm the Luna Diviner…'
'…everything the moonlight touches belongs to him…'
'…but how to appease him and mistress…'
"You're an idiot." Saix roars, though he cannot see me. I hear the sound of him tearing through the wall of Dusks with his Claymore as I search through my pocket. Come one, come the fuck on…Eye Drops. This will fucking do. Saix slashes, I hear fewer and fewer voices of Dusks behind me, as I load a Potion and the Eye Drops into Survivor. I pinch my eyes shut, trying to quickly center my energy. "The Dusks will not attack a member of the Organization, unless the Superior himself wills it! You foolish girl, you have done nothing but waste time!" He clears the wall of Dusks and I whip around, Survivor aimed at him.
"I know, that's the point." I say, and before he can move, Survivor fires off a Panacea, immediately softening his features. His teeth are less pointy, his scar less pronounced, his eyes as lifeless as normal, no longer bursting with rage. His glow disappears. His Berserk has been cured. My eyes light, a delicious glint as I roar, slamming the full weight of my attack into him. I feel like hell, I'm not up to snuff with what I could've been if I had the chance to heal, but Berserk has exhausted him, diminishing his defenses and his energy, and like hell if I'm not going to capitalize on that. In a barrage of kicks, punches, slashes, I manage to land a large series of blows that end with him grunting, choking, roaring. I slash Survivor straight across his throat, ever so lightly, not enough to cause massive trauma, just enough to leave a superficial wound. Just enough so that he knows what I am capable of. His pupils become tiny, and although he is not afflicted by Berserk any longer, I can tell, this has pissed him off. I feel so incredibly victorious though. When he leaps away, just far enough so that I am within the reach of his blade, and he knocks me back into the rock, the grin doesn't wipe away from my features. Instead, we are at a standstill, looking at one another, me pulling a Hi-Potion out of my pocket to slam, him, touching the blood that trickles ever so slightly out of the wound I left on his neck. "Just a little something to make you think of me." I say, and I hear a hysterical howl from the stadium seats. Xigbar? Axel? I'm utterly unsure, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought it was a clever thing to say. I've finished my Hi-Potion, when Saix comes charging. I leap up onto the rock as I load a Hi-Potion and a Luck Sphere into Survivor. He might no longer have super powers, but this doesn't mean I can't.
In fact, I think that would be the perfect just desserts, and I fully intend to serve him.
My energy rockets out of Survivor and I feel like I am high. This is the rush of Dark Magic, but on steroids. This is a thousand cups of coffee on a perfect day. This is the surge of power that comes from taking down a difficult opponent. This is a Hero Drink, exactly what I need.
I jump down and with all of my might, I slam Survivor straight down onto him. Like a house of cards, the once mighty Saix folds, crumbling to the ground. I know I have seconds left of the Hero Drink's effect, before it wears off and leaves me critically depleted, so I don't waste a second. I kick him in the stomach, I punch him in the face. He stumbles backward, trying to regain his footing, a desperate look in his eyes. I sprint at him flying through the air, my legs wrapping around his neck in a flying triangle choke. I get him to the ground, land another punch, and the overpowered effect of the hero drink wears off. I literally fall straight off of him, hitting the ground with a thud, my legs curling away from him and into my chest.
I get the overwhelming feeling that I'm going to die. I can't move. There's no way, I try to find the energy to reach for another Hi-Potion or an Elixir. If I can just heal myself, I can finish him. And then, I realize, there is no need to finish him, which is marvelous, because I cannot muster up the will to slide my hand into my pocket. I pant, utterly broken on the ground, but he's gasping for life too, eyes wide, body spent from the effects of Berserk.
"If you think this is victory—" He begins.
"I think fuck you." Is my incredibly well crafted response.
"You are as stupid as you are—" But again, I cut him off. It's hella easy to do when he has to huff between every word.
"I'm tired. What's your excuse for using the same insults over and over again?" I mutter. We lay there, an utter heap, a fucking mess, when suddenly, a dark figure stands over me. I don't even need to look into the person's eyes to know who it is. "Stop acting like I can't protect myself. I'm a badass. You don't need to always be watching out for me."
"You look half dead, sweetheart." Axel scoops me up into his arms, as though I am a ragdoll, and I lean completely into him.
"You should see the other guy." I smirk, eyes flicking up to his. "Can you grab me an Elixir? I can't really move my hands."
"I do see the other guy. It doesn't count as winning if you kill yourself in the process, got it memorized?" Axel reminds me, but starts searching through my pocket, he quickly retrieves an Elixir, uncaps it and brings it to my lips. I'm able to swallow, but that's about all I've got, until the Elixir is sufficiently finished. Almost immediately, I feel vibrant, alive, fully replenished, like I just got a nice nap. My wounds have closed up, though little white marks are left in their wake. Xigbar is beside Saix, hoisting him up.
"Little Rueki got you good, big shot." Xigbar cackles, and again, I don't think he gives a shit that we found our way to a stalemate. In fact, I think that is the least epic conclusion any battle can come to. However, I'm certain that he was, at the very least, entertained. II hoists VII up and hands him an Elixir. Saix grunts, eyes narrowed as he drinks his own Elixir.
"She's a fool if she thinks that a stalemate, whilst high on alchemic mixes, counts as a victory." Saix grumbles, as though I'm not even in the room.
"Yeah, because Berserk is real fucking fair." I snap.
"Somehow, you always prove that you are infinitely more foolish than you look, a feat indeed." Saix seethes. From where I am curled in Axel's arms, I'm at a perfect angle to yank my boot off. I try to throw it at Saix, when Axel jerks me and I lose my momentum.
"You literally just had to buy another of boots!" He reminds me.
"I don't care, this is a worthy cause!" I protest, weakly. He heaves a sigh and sets me down on my feet, just after I pull my boot back on. There's a desperation in the way he touches me, as he sets a hand on my waist and kisses my forehead. It's such a simple and chaste gesture, but I can feel an intensity behind it that screams volumes.
"I'm proud of you, sweetheart. But count your blessings. Let's go watch someone else get thrashed around." And we do. I'm shocked by how much fun I'm having. Watching Luxord square up against Axel is a battle of wits that I am utterly unprepared for. Luxord certainly has time on his side, and uses it fully to his advantage, but Axel is nothing if not resourceful. Each time Luxord stops the field and hurtles a razor sharp playing card, Axel manages to dodge out of the way of the attack, just as time unfreezes. Dice, cards, they all go up in flames as VII claims an easy victory. Demyx and Xigbar make for an odd combination when it comes to battles, but I am pleased to find that Demyx holds his own for a damn decent amount of time. Xigbar attacks from afar, with perfect aim, and watching him battle is completely disorienting. No matter how many Water Clones Demyx sends in to wear Xigbar down, the man cannot seem to stay down. Upside down, arrow gun perfectly pointed, Xigbar claims his victory with a grin on his face. Finally, Xemnas requests that Xaldin close the 'festivities' with him, and it's a display of raw power unlike anything I have ever seen before. I have not been on a mission with either I or III, but Xaldin is all brute force, just like he looks. Still, he is evasive in the extreme, riding the wind in the way that only an air elemental can, ducking out of the way of attacks that seem unstoppable. Xemnas, though, is exactly what I expect. He is ruthless, he barely flinches when an attack is landed—and truly, I don't think Xaldin is holding back. With dual Ethereal Blades, he tears through the field, destroying so much in is wake. No matter how high the wind takes Xaldin, he always must come down, and when he does, Xemnas is more than ready to claim victory.
For today, I get it, why no one, save for Roxas has left the Organization. If this is what the early days were like, I would be loyal too. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves, there is a sense of purpose, a sense of comradery. This is a beautiful break from the dark reality that encompasses this group, but all good things must come to an end.
We rise from the stadium seats to retreat to our rooms, each of us healed, but incredibly sore, when Xemnas gives us reason to pause.
"Today has been a delight that this Organization has not seen in too long." Xemnas says. "Each of you have shown an impressive display of power. It has been too long since our ranks have contained such strong, core pieces. I think perhaps, the time may be coming soon, to officially induct a new member. Too many of our comrades have fallen. Numbers IV, V, VI, XI, XII, and XIII are no longer with us. I wonder, Rueki. Which number do you think you'd do justice, to assume?"
My blood runs cold at the implications behind his words. Axel doesn't want me to know this all powerful secret about my past, because of the control Xemnas will have on me. I'm not sure what it is, but I know the second he assigns me a number, he will place me under his thumb and press until I either crumble or am whipped into shape. This offhanded comment is not a pleasant one. It's not a safe one.
Before I have a chance to respond, Axel grabs the top of my arm and yanks.
"Come on, Rueki." He hisses, and though there is ice in my blood, I am certain his boils. For all of his efforts are being met with a great slap in the face. He's done everything that Xemnas has asked him to do and when he hasn't, he's brought back even better solutions. Despite the fact that Roxas will not be rejoining any longer, what we presented to Xemnas was a damn good plan. And now, if Xemnas tries to induct me, all of his efforts will be for naught.
He storms, hand still wrapped around my arm, back to our room. I don't know why he doesn't just teleport, but I have a feeling it has something to do with a desperate need to expel energy. I have to jog to keep pace with him and am nearly out of breath by time we're safely in the confines of our room and he slams the door shut behind us.
"We have to get out of here." I rasp. His grip on my arm tightens. I wince, wondering if bruises will be left in the shape of his fingerprints. He releases me from his hold and storms away, running his hands through his hair.
"No, we just need to move up the timetable for kidnapping Kairi and turning Sora into a Heartless." He mutters, a deadly focus in his gaze as he paces around the room. I can see in his eyes how badly he wants to take out the frustrations on the furniture, and I totally get it.
"Xemnas said we didn't need to do that anymore. Now Roxas can keep being whole, Axel, we're good, we got out of that. Now you and I just need to get out of here!" I insist.
"We do that, and we'll end up a hell of a lot worse off than Roxas! Rueki, we can't just leave, not while the Organization is around. Xemnas needs to be taken down. He's already turned someone I cared about, and forced away someone else. I'm not fucking losing you." He snaps.
"What's the point in getting Roxas back?" I ask.
"More people on our side. That's why I couldn't go along with your plan the first time, but you, me, Roxas and Sora up against Xigbar, Xaldin, Saix and Xemnas? That's a safe bet. That's something we can make happen." Axel nods.
"What about Demyx and Luxord?" I ask.
"Turn them. Do whatever it takes to get them on our side, Rueki, or at least ask them to disappear for a little while. Dem will for sure. Luxord might too if he thinks it's the smart choice, appeal to his logic, just get them out of here and we'll be fine." Axel assures me, whipping around to look at me.
"Why is this all on me?" I ask.
"Because I need to go get Kairi. And you've got to stay here." He says.
"Oh the hell I do! You're not going without me, I'm your partner, we're in this together or not at all!" I say.
"And we are in this together, but Rueks, we've got to play this smart. We need both of us working this from both angles. I saw how you fought today, I know what you're capable of. You can more than hold your own here for a little while when they figure out I've deserted. You can do this Rueki, I need you to."
"Dude, come on!" I protest, but he silences me by smashing his lips to mine. The sheer force clacks our teeth together and I have to grip his arms tightly to remain stationary. His mouth on mine is so incredibly distracting, but I have the good sense to push him off, though now, he grabs the tops of my arms, holding me steady.
"I won't be gone long." He promises.
"It doesn't matter, you can't just spring this one me!" I plead. "I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to do!"
"But you can do this, Rueki!" You can't trust anyone, you've got to keep your head down, keep your mouth shut about where I am. I will be back as soon as I can, and then, we're out of here. We'll get Roxas back, we'll use Kairi to get Sora back, and then it will be you, me and two Keyblade Masters. We'll take Xemnas down, got it memorized?" He says, with utter urgency in his voice, his eyes wide and blazing, like a madman. "But you've got to stay here, where you'll be safe. If you're here, they'll think I'm coming back. You'll be able to cover for us, bide us time. If you come with me, they won't hesitate in chasing us down. They'll get to us and finish us off before we can even put our plan into motion. Rueki, I saw you fight Saix today, and damn if I wasn't impressed by what I saw. You're smart as hell, don't forget that. And don't let anyone screw with your head. Stay alive, whatever it takes. Don't let onto our plan, and if I don't get back to you before they start at you, don't hesitate to kill any of them. Can you do that for me, baby?"
I'm shaken by him. There, with his hands grasping me, I feel so impossibly small, weak, unable to do anything. He's asking me nearly the same thing he did in Castle Oblivion, when it came to Larxene and Marluxia, however, this time, I would be up against more than double the foes. But now, I know the answer, because I know he's right. This needs to be done. Whatever plans Xemnas has in store for me, I am sure they will be deadly. We cannot let them come to fruition.
"Yes." My simple answer is enough to make him slam his lips into mine once more, but I am ready for the crash. I meet him with a force, and intensity that I feel could shake the world. Instead, when he pulls back, I'm the only one shaking, my heart hammering so loud, I wonder if he can hear it. "How much time do we have?"
"Not much." He says. Like flipping a switch, I tear my arms away from his hands, to throw them around his neck. I leap, my legs locking around his waist, and he catches me quickly, a growl emanating from his throat. He tears the zipper from my shirt down and tosses the garment aside, his teeth at my neck, grazing, nipping, ravishing. I cry out, a grunt of a moan and arch myself into him. I struggle with his zipper and yank it as far down his chest as I can in this position. Axel wheels around and quite literally tosses me onto the bed. I recoil against the springs of the mattress and make a small huffing sound before he descends on me, his coat and boots now cast to the wayside. I kick my own shoes off as he straddles me, his lips slamming down onto mine. We're all tongue and teeth as we kiss, wet, hot, needing. Everything feels like it is crashing to an end and if I can cling a little tighter to him, this moment will become our permanent reality, I am sure of it.
With heated movements, I start undoing his pants and he starts helping me out of my shorts. We cast aside bottoms and undergarments and when we are fully unclothed, he brings his weight down onto me and lays us down, bodies flush with one another. I wrap my legs around his waist and we break apart, gasping for air, hot breath mingling between the two of us. I am dizzy from the kiss.
Without patience, he drags himself across my entrance, savoring in the fact that I am already wet for him. High on adrenaline, drunk off of his touch, my whole world feels hazy, other than the sensation of the head of his cock brushing my clit. I grunt, shifting my hips forward, bucking them against him. He groans, clutching me tight, but only grinds against me, won't offer me any relief.
Languidly, he slides up and down my pussy, my wetness spreading with his movements, bumping my clit, nudging just slightly against my slit, rocking his hips until my legs fall away from his waist and are spread desperately apart. I'm begging for him now, so keen to have every inch he'll give me, and it's right there with me on the edge, that he flips like a switch and frantically crams his cock into me.
There's no hesitation, suddenly he's buried to the hilt and I gasp, lurching upwards. He wraps his hands through my hair as he snaps his hips into mine. His pace is brutal, and each time I think I can take a breath, he hammers into me, harder, faster, fucking me deeper and deeper. Snaking a hand beneath the small of my back, he pulls me impossibly closer, the flush of our bodies as they move, sweat slickened against each other adds an entirely new sensation, something sweeter, gentler, a beautiful contrast to how he pounds me.
I feel the exquisite tickle of flames on his fingertips, as his hand dances across my lower back. Barely a whimper escapes my lips before his meet mine, silencing me. I make small, pathetic noises as he kisses me with a ferocity that feels like the first time. Like he's so desperate just to touch me, just to have me. Flames dance as he slides his hand down my ass, grasping it roughly. I throw my head back, my body jolting.
"Axel!" I cry out his name.
"Fuck, Rueki, look at you." He chokes, pressing his forehead, to mine. My hands find purchase in the muscles of his back as I try to commit him to my memory. I have him memorized, I have for so long, but if he's going to be gone, even for a short amount of time, I want to remember every detail of this. The way he tastes, how hot his skin is, the way he looks at me, dizzy with desire for me and only me.
It's like this, his eyes locked onto mine, intense and utterly mesmerized, that an orgasm shakes me. I shiver and shudder against him, warm and wilting. "Dammit, baby, I'm right behind you. Fuck." He chokes, and he does follow me, his face contorting as he cries out.
After riding his orgasm out, he falls limp against me, his arms locking underneath my waist.
"I love you Rueki. I love you so fucking much. I'm gonna make this right for us baby, I swear I am." He murmurs, burying his face in the curve of my neck.
"I love you too. And I know you are." I whisper.
"No, you don't fucking get it. Everything I've put you through, it's all going to be okay, I'm going to turn it around. I'm going to fix this Rueki, got it memorized?"
I do, and I spend the rest of the night memorizing him.
I wake in the morning, screaming from nightmares of Zexion's hands around my throat.
I know he is gone before I even turn to look at the empty space in bed beside me.