obedience

x...x

x...x

It was only a year or so after being part of the Organization, and as time passed, more and more often Saïx was summoned privately to the Superior's side. He did not mind. Saïx kept the promise with Axel in the back of his head. The more he could get on the Organization's good side- especially with Xemnas- the more information he could access. Which meant the more he'd know how to win his heart back from the cruel fate of the world. He could tell the man had a favoring for him- perhaps because he was indeed oh-so obedient. Yet this admiration was even from the start…

But, today was a little different- at the end of the day Xemnas had asked him to meet in his private quarters rather than the round room or any of the research facilities. And Saïx couldn't help but be a little suspicious of this. His room, of all places? Why there…? But he didn't question it outwardly, only nodded and went on his way. And soon, when the day was just about to end, he arrived as scheduled to the man's room, stepping forward from the dark corridor. He looked around. It was the first time he'd been in his chambers- or anybody else's other his own, really. Saïx had no reason to go into the others' rooms, after all. It wasn't much different than his, though- there was more storage for books and papers, presumably for research, and a desk with a computer in the corner- probably hooked to the system, again, for more research and data access… But he didn't get much time to examine the elder's room, for Xemnas was already waiting for him, sitting at said desk, legs crossed. In a swivel chair. He could just imagine Axel's voice: 'No fair, I want a swivel chair-'

"Number VII... how good to see you." The man's deep voice broke his thoughts.

Saïx cleared his throat and nodded, stepping closer to him and holding out the small stack of papers that had been tucked underneath his arm. "…Today's reports, Sir."

"Ah yes. Of course." Xemnas stood, walking out in front of the desk and then leaning his backside against it. He took the papers, eyes scanning over them. "Saïx," he spoke coldly, eyes not once lifting, still skimming the reports. His voice cut into him and he felt a shiver fleeting down his spine. How in the world was this man so intimidating when Saïx had no heart to feel fear? But he could have sworn he did. "You are probably wondering why I summoned you here."

"…Yes, Superior."

He glanced up from the papers for but a second, then looked back down, thumbing through the rest of them quickly and then he finally tossed them down upon his desk. A devious grin spread across his face. One that could easily freeze the veins of any man. It was rare for Saïx to see him smile in the first place- but this was not a happy-go-lucky smile. This was a head-for-the-hills smile. "There's something very important I have planned for you today."

The young man was quiet, eyes not once daring to look away yet at the same time practically quivering under the stare of the elder. Saïx could feel his skin break into a cold sweat. He had a bad feeling about this already… It was already the end of the day. What more could he have… 'planned'?

Xemnas continued. "Would you like to know what?"

Did he have to ask?

"…Yes, Superior. What do you need me to do?"

"Hm." The man turned, looking out to the windows that showed the dark gloominess outside the castle. They'd only recently moved to this castle- and Saïx would have hated the man if he could for destroying his former home. Out of everything, he missed the stars the most. It was said that every world was connected by one big sky and shared the same stars… yet this one never had stars. "As you know, you've quickly risen in the ranks for your obedience and exemplary display of skills. For that I would like to reward you by making you the second-in-command." He slowly turned back around to face the other. "But it is a vow you must commit to. Not just verbally."

Not just verbally? Oh, no… here it was. This is what the evil grin was about, this was the catch. "…What do you mean by that, Sir?"

"Well… you see. I would tell you… but I am afraid that you wouldn't agree to it if I told you what must needed to be done…" his voice trailed off and he raised an eyebrow at the Nobody.

Saïx lowered his eyes. He didn't like the sound of this. Yet what other choice did he have? If he disobeyed, would Xemnas not hesitate to turn him into a Dusk, or worse, destroy him completely- Hell, both were practically the same.

Saïx closed his eyes, and then bowed, extending an arm out- almost mockingly. Almost. But not quite. "I am at your command, Sir."

Xemnas watched with a somewhat pleased expression. "Good… By stepping up to second-in-command, it is vow to be at my side, obey my every order, without question. Do you understand? And… about the non-verbal commitment, it will be painful, Saïx."

He swallowed hard, nodding once. "I… I understand, Sir."

"Are you ready?"

Another nod. "...Yes, Superior."

"Good… just as I'd expect you to be."

And all he could remember was catching but a glimpse of the elder's hand reaching for him before he was overcome by searing pain, followed by his own scream… and he passed out.