[Disclaimer: ...we obviously don't own Kingdom Hearts...if only we were that good... ;) ]

CHAPTER SIX

The Ransom Note

Down the hallway, Axel, Zexion, Saix, and Marluxia stood looking around for the two girls who had seemingly disappeared.

"Where the hell did they go?" Axel exclaimed.

"I don't know, how could you lose them?" Zexion asked.

"Me? Since when is it my fault?"

"Arguing is not going to get us anywhere," Saix said with a scowl.

"But it's always a fun thing to do to pass the time," Marluxia added.

"That was close," Leximy whispered. "Now what were you saying?"

When she didn't get an answer, she poked Chelly, who squeaked.

"Shh! I mean…tell me!"

Chelly glanced down the hallway before turning back to Leximy. "Ah, sorry! I was waiting for them to go further down the hallway so they couldn't hear us!" she explained, poking her back; Leximy quietly squeaked. "Eh, not the loud reaction I wanted…okay, so should we play a prank on them? Or give them some tests! …to pass or something…I was really going after some crickets, but this is much more fun."

"The only way we're going to find them is if we work together… even if it pains me," Saix said, glancing at Marluxia.

"Yeah…let's think…where could they be?" Axel said.

"Think like a girl…" Zexion instructed.

All eyes turned to Marluxia.

"Why are you looking at me? I'm not a chick!" he exclaimed.

"Right, right…" Axel said, putting his hand under his chin and thinking. "We could've asked Larxene…"

There was a pause before everyone said, "Nah…"

"Marluxia is more of a girl than Larxene," Saix pointed out.

"HEY!"

"She was wearing Hello Kitty pajamas, though," Zexion pointed out.

"Good point," Axel granted him. "Let's check the places where they most often frequent?"

"Do you think they went through a portal?" Saix asked.

"I doubt it. We would've heard it."

"Maybe they're…having a tea party?" Marluxia suggested.

"Why would you even suggest that? Of course they're not having a tea party!" Zexion said.

"I'm not a girl! I wouldn't know~!"

"Maybe we should check their rooms first?" Axel asked.

"Do you think they're hiding from us?" Zexion asked.

"What reason would they have to hide?" Saix asked.

"I'll give you one guess," Marluxia said as he smiled intently at Saix.

"That's creepy…" Saix said, referring to Marluxia's smile. "I don't understand what you are implying."

When Marluxia continued to smile, Saix sighed. "Whatever…" he said, turning to Zexion. "Why do you think they would hide? Is this some sort of…game?"

"I wouldn't put it past them…maybe we should prepare for the worst," Axel said with a grimace.

"Okay," Chelly said, sitting on the ground and unfolding the blueprints of their plan. "Anything you'd like to add? We have endless supplies at…my fingertips!" she said, holding up her hands and smiling.

"Well…I think we should use twelve safety pins, a llama, and some shaving cream…sound good? You can make those work, right? I know you've been watching McGuiver…"

"You don't honestly think…" Zexion started.

"I do," Axel confirmed, looking around suspiciously. "We should keep our conversations quiet…the walls have ears…"

Suddenly a scream rang out, prompting the group to turn around. Standing there was Demyx.

"What the…what are you doing here?" Axel exclaimed.

"I've come to help with the search!" he reported with a smile.

"Why did you scream?" Saix demanded.

"He said the walls have ears…that's scary…"

Saix hit his forehead with his palm. "It's a figure of speech…"

"Oh…okay then," he said with a smile.

There was a pause in which Axel tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Demyx, we need to use you as bait. You can lure them out of their secret spot, right?"

"Leave it to me Axel! But wait… do I have to go alone? What if I get kidnapped…" Demyx said before whispering, "By Vexen?"

Marluxia sighed. "Just get out there."

Demyx reluctantly walked out of the room and pretended to cry. "This is so scary…I'm so alone… Oh, how I wish Chelly and Leximy were here so they could protect me."

As he came closer and closer to the room the girls were in, they could hear him crying out for them.

Chelly leaned to Leximy and whispered, "Should we help him?"

"Restrain yourself, it's a trap, I know it! Demyx is a terrible actor…" Leximy instructed, pointing to Demyx who sat down against the wall in the fetal position, rocking back and forth and whimpering.

"Hm…you're probably right…maybe we should freak out the rest of them," Chelly said with a cunning smile; she put her hand against the wall, and suddenly a shadow began to creep out from her fingertips, growing steadily along the wall. When it was big enough, it charged toward Demyx.

Looking up, Demyx's eyes widened. "What is that?" he exclaimed, running back toward where he came from.

When he arrived back to the rest of the group, they all looked at him with curious looks.

"What are you doing?" Marluxia exclaimed.

"There was a big shadow that was going to eat me!" Demyx sobbed.

Axel sighed. "Looks like it'll be harder than we thought…"

Leximy smiled as Demyx was out of sight. "Okay, here's the plan…we need to figure out a way to separate the group… we'll kidnap two of them, tie them up and steal their robes! You can make us look like them, right?"

Chelly nodded thoughtfully. "Which ones should we take out? Demyx might be the easiest…"

"I don't know…I was thinking Zexion and Marluxia. They're the only two that wouldn't put up a fight."

"Hm…that's a good idea. We'll make sure Zexion keeps his book so he can tell Marluxia stories while they're tied up."

"What a nice kidnapper," Leximy said with a smile. "Hey! Do you want to write the ransom note? Oh wait, we don't need one…they won't even know they're missing…"

"Eh, it still might be fun," Chelly said, transmuting some magazines, a pair of scissors, paper, and glue. "Let's get to making them," she added with an evil laugh to match Leximy's.

"I'm scared…" Demyx said, hiding behind Axel.

"Why? They're two girls that don't know the castle that well," Marluxia pointed out.

Demyx covered his mouth aghast. "Do you not know what they're capable of?" he exclaimed.

"No…"

"Chelly can make my pockets a bottomless pit," Axel said.

"So…?"

"If she's capable of that, who knows what else she's capable of…" Axel said.

"Leximy can control minds," Saix added, holding his head.

"Really?" Demyx exclaimed.

Saix shrugged. "I'd be more worried if she could, wouldn't I?"

He gave the slightest hint of a smile on his face as Demyx frowned.

Taking the ransom note, Leximy smiled as she looked over it. "This is a perfect ransom note for us!" she said approvingly before reading it out loud. "'We have those who you are looking for. If you want to ever see them again alive, send the bookworm and the feminine one to the Round Room. Alone'. Sounds good to me. Can you open a portal and send this through to them?"

"Roger!" Chelly said as she opened a small portal; she took the note and put it through with a smile. "Now we wait."

The two exchanged evil smiles before disappearing in black flashes.

As the five Organization members pondered what their next move would be, a piece of paper fluttered down and landed on Demyx's head.

"AHH! IT HAS ME!" he exclaimed as he fell to the ground, kicking and punching.

Axel leaned over and picked up the note. "Demyx, it's a note," he said, holding it up and began reading it aloud. "'We have those who you are looking for. If you ever want to see them again alive, send the bookworm and the feminine one to the Round Room. Alone.' What the hell…"

Zexion looked up from his book. "Am I the bookworm?"

Marluxia pat Saix's back. "Looks like they want you and Zexy."

"I'm the moon guy, you're the feminine one."

Demyx looked up at them as he sat on the ground. "Does that mean Chelly and Leximy were kidnapped? Oh no! We'll never get them back!" he cried.

"I'm not so sure…" Axel said; he put his hand under his chin thoughtfully, staring at the note.

"While you're sitting here pondering, I'm going to act," Zexion said, closing his book. "Let's go Marluxia; it's up to us now."

"I'm coming Leximy!" Marluxia said, following Zexion toward the Round Room.

In the Round Room, Leximy sat on Xemnas' chair. "I think I hear someone coming… Do you think it's them?" she asked, sitting back comfortably. "I like this spot… Think I have a chance at de-throning him?"

Chelly nodded her head as she crossed her legs, sitting on her own chair. "Oh of course. Just give him some candy. I'm sure it'll keep him busy for hours," she said with a smile as she felt their presence on the other side of the door. "Show time," she added, disappearing.

The door slowly opened and Zexion and Marluxia walked in, spotting Leximy in the chair.

"Leximy! We found you!" Marluxia exclaimed happily.

"Where's Chelly?" Zexion asked.

Before he got his response, Chelly was behind them. "Sorry…" she muttered before grabbing their hands, pulling them behind their backs; a metal wire appeared and wrapped around their wrists tightly. She glanced at Leximy for approval. "Are we good?"

"Yep, now for the de-robing… I sure hope they're wearing pants…"

Marluxia screamed.

"Did you hear that?" Axel asked.

"That was Marluxia," Saix confirmed with a smile.

"Oh my gosh! They've been murdered!" Demyx exclaimed. "It was a trap!"

"Who would do such a thing…?" Axel asked. "Saix has been in here the whole time…"

Saix rolled his eyes.

As Chelly zipped up Marluxia's robe and looked down at it. "These are too tall…" she said, before pausing to think. She reached over and touched Leximy's shoulder, causing her to grow taller. She touched her own shoulders after and the effect was the same. "Man, I should've thought of this years ago! Should we put our hoods on…?"

"What are you two planning…?" Zexion asked.

"Hopefully something evil against Saix," Marluxia added with a smile.

"Wait, this isn't going to work. You need to disguise our voices, too! And I need a book if I'm going to pass for Zexion."

"You'd rather be him?" Marluxia asked, glancing at Zexion. "What's wrong with me…?"

"Anyway, let's go, Chelly, before they get suspicious," Leximy said, ignoring Marluxia.

"Okay!" Chelly said, taking Marluxia's scythe. "I hope I don't kill anyone with this…" she added, swinging it around and almost taking out Zexion and Marluxia's heads as she turned.

"Watch it!" Marluxia said.

Leximy paused. "Oh no! I hear footsteps! They're coming!" she exclaimed, kicking Marluxia and Zexion behind some chairs and putting gags in their mouths. "Get ready, take position!"

"What's my position? What's my position?" Chelly whisper-shouted as the two put on their hoods.

Xemnas walked into the room at that moment. "What's going on in here? I sense someone sitting in my chair…"

'He has chair sensors?' Leximy thought to herself.

"Marluxia? Zexion? What are you doing…? Don't tell me you two… oh no…"

Leximy nodded, and put her arm around Chelly's waist.

Xemnas cleared his throat. "Well, I'm…uh…I'm sorry to interrupt you. Carry on," he said, covering his eyes with his hand as he exited the room.

"Phew, that was a close one," Leximy said as the door shut behind him.

"How did he know we're supposed to be Zexion and Marluxia?" Chelly asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I have a book and you were standing with your hand on your hip…" Leximy said.

Marluxia and Zexion protests were muffled by the gags at Leximy's explanation.

"Well, you do sometimes do that Marluxia…" Chelly pointed out, to which Marluxia glared at her.

"Okay…so how are we going to convince Axel, Demyx and Saix? Just direct me and I'll use my magic," Chelly said with a smile.

"First," Leximy said, pointing to her mouth. "Voices. Second, think like a girl."

Marluxia yelled but it was muffled.

"We just need to convince them it's us…I mean Marluxia and Zexion," Leximy explained. "I know! We need some demands…that's what usually goes with a ransom note, isn't it?"

"Yeah, what do we want from Axel and Saix? We need to think evilly," she said, touching her throat and Leximy's throat. "Did it work?" she asked in Marluxia's voice.

"I guess so," Leximy replied in Zexion's voice.

"Okay, good," Chelly said, holding up a ransom demand. "I've got this all covered. Let's go."

The two walked out, disguised as Marluxia and Zexion, to meet Saix, Axel and Demyx.

"Ah, I think I hear them coming," Axel said.

"It's about time, what were they doing in there?" Saix said impatiently.

Xemnas peeked his head in the hallway. "You don't want to know!"

"Superior!" Axel and Saix exclaimed in unison.

Xemnas waved and ran off, leaving the group in a momentary silence until Chelly and Leximy joined them.

"Have have you two been?" Axel demanded.

"Why did you scream Marluxia?" Saix asked.

"Uh…" Chelly said, looking at Leximy for support.

"What kind of question is that?" Leximy asked. "It's Marluxia," she said, holding up the book to her face.

"That is true…" Saix said, half smiling.

"So…what's the verdict?" Axel asked.

"Verdict?" Chelly repeated.

"Yeah, why did they call you two in there? Is there a ransom demand?"

"Uh, yeah, actually… they had a few requests…"

"And they are…?"

"Oh, right, sorry…we found a ransom note," she replied, handing it to Axel.

Axel took it and looked over it, Saix looking over his shoulder. "What the…"

"Who would want these things…? 'A lifetime supply of pens'? Who uses pens?"

"I know Chelly and Leximy don't," Demyx said. "Maybe we should go around and ask everyone what writing utensils they use!"

"So we're assuming it's someone in the castle?" Axel asked.

"Why else would someone want us four to get along?" Saix asked, pointing at the demand.

"Wait…what's the third one?" Axel asked. "'Write a song, essay, or story about why Leximy and Chelly are the cutest, smartest, most awesome people ever'? Does that seem fishy to anyone else?"

"Whoever wrote that is obviously a very intelligent person. They're trying to throw us off their trail by framing our beloved girls," Leximy said, hiding her face behind the book in her hands.

"Zexion makes a valid point," Chelly pointed out.

"I guess the people who left the note didn't realize we'd be so smart!" Demyx said with a proud smile.

"Unless…" Axel said thoughtfully. "Unless they did…"

"Maybe we should just give them what they want instead of thinking about it? Right now we're getting nowhere…" Chelly pointed out.

"So, I guess we need to sign here? To show that we agree?" Leximy said, pointing to the bottom of the paper.

"Yeah, I guess we do…" Saix said with a sigh. "If we're going to get Leximy back."

"Yeah, I don't see any other choice," Axel said. "Though how are we possibly going to get Xaldin to smile?"

"Or Xemnas to admit he goes tanning? He's just naturally that color," Saix said with shifty eyes.

Axel stared at Saix.

"Would you just sign already!" Leximy exclaimed in Zexion's deep voice before coughing. "I mean… the sooner we get this back to them the better? Right?" she added, hiding her face behind the book.

Saix raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"Do you have a pen, Axel?" Chelly asked.

"Somewhere in these pockets I do…" Axel said, digging around in his pockets; he pulled out a picture titled 'Moogles vs. Cats'. "Not that…" he said, trying again and pulling out a flower pen and handing it to Chelly.

"Hey, thanks, I do love flowers," Chelly said, glancing at Leximy before signing Marluxia's signature perfectly on the paper before handing it to Saix.

Saix put the pen down on the paper as Leximy watched his pen, leaning closer and closer.

"I don't know about this…" Saix said, looking up and realizing Leximy's face was closer than it was a moment ago. "Zexion? What is the meaning of this?"

"I was, uh…just wondering how you hold your pen. I'm fascinated with such arts, as I am with reading," Leximy said quickly, hiding behind her book.

Saix glanced at Axel who shrugged.

Chelly did a head gesture suggesting an eye roll. "Just get on with it, Saix, and ignore Zexion."

Saix sighed and signed his name, handing Axel the pen. "Why do I feel like I've sold my soul…"

Axel laughed. "I doubt we even have souls, Saix, so no worries there."

"…That doesn't make me feel any better…"

"Stop with the jokes, Saix, you don't feel."

"You know what I meant," Saix said.

"Sure," Axel said, signing his name. "I guess what's done is done."

He handed the paper to Demyx who sat down cross-legged and stuck out his tongue, trying to do a fancy signature. As he finished, Leximy snatched it from Demyx and did a perfect calligraphy signature. "Okay," Leximy said with an evil laugh. "Me and Marluxia here will take this back to the…kidnappers."

"Kidnappers? Plural? There are two of them?" Saix asked.

"Uh…yes, did we not mention that? Oh well, let's get going," Leximy said, heading toward the door.

"But…where are you going?" Axel asked.

"It's just like Zexion said, to give back the note to the kidnappers…"

"So…since we agreed to those terms..." Axel started.

"...when they give back Chelly and Leximy…" Saix continued.

"...we have to do what it said…" Axel finished.

The two glanced at each other and shuttered in realization.

"What happens if we don't?" Demyx asked.

Axel and Saix glanced at each other once more.

"I…didn't see," Saix said.

"It was probably in the fine print, anyway," Axel said.

"Yes, it says right here," Leximy said, pointing to a blank part of the note. "Uhm… 'Leximy and Chelly will…spontaneously combust'. Oh dear, that doesn't sound pleasant. You boys better not mess up."

"Us…boys? What about you two? You're just as much a part of this," Axel said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"As I said before…let's go!" Leximy said with a nervous laugh before dragging Chelly out the door.

"Something is the matter with those two…I can't quite put my finger on it…" Saix said.

"Don't you understand? They're under so much stress worrying about Leximy and Chelly that they're acting different! Those kidnappers are evil!" Demyx exclaimed; he dropped to his knees and sobbed.

Axel and Saix turned to each other before looking back at Demyx.

"Uh, Demyx…I'm sure they're fine," Axel said.

"It must have been someone from the castle, like you said," Saix said. "So they wouldn't hurt them…"

"Who would it be?" Axel asked as he leaned to Saix.

Saix shrugged. "We'll figure it out. But we'll have to do it subtly so no one knows what we're up to."

"Agreed."

Transforming back into herself, Leximy walked over and kicked Marluxia.

"Hey! What was that for?" Marluxia exclaimed after Chelly had taken the gags out of their mouths.

"Sorry.. I got wrapped up in the moment. Do you want me to kiss it for you?"

"Oh, would you!"

"…no."

Marluxia's smile faded as Leximy looked sternly at the two. "So we've decided to let you two go… on one condition: you don't speak a word of this to anyone, or there will be consequences," she said, pounding her fist into her other palm. "Oh yeah, and you two have agreed to do everything on this list."

She held it out for them to see.

"What? When did I sign this?" Zexion exclaimed.

"When you and Marluxia were reporting to the others," Leximy said, glaring at him challengingly. "Now remember, you have to do these things or Chelly and I will die…got it?"

Marluxia audibly cleared his throat and looked at the list. "Hey, wait! Get along with Saix? You've got to be kidding me!"

"…this seems unfair…" Zexion started, and then looked at Marluxia. "But what other choice do we have?"

"If this'll make you happy…" Marluxia said looking at Leximy. "Then fine."

Chelly, having already transformed back into herself, touched the metal around their wrists; the metal quickly dissipated into the air. "Okay, sorry about that. You guys will do great…right?" she asked with a smile.

Zexion cleared his throat. "Of course…"

"I'm sure Saix and Axel will figure it out," Marluxia said doubtfully.

"They're not Demyx after all," Zexion added as he picked up his book.

"Then you'll just assure them that nothing's out of the ordinary. Now let's go," Chelly instructed, pointing at the door.

"Oh one more thing…" Marluxia said. "Before we go…can we, uh…can we have our robes back? It's a little chilly…"

"I don't know…" Leximy said with a glance at Chelly. "I kind of like this robe… It's big and comfy. What do you think we should do?"

"I think you should return them… get your own. Oh wait, you can't," Zexion said.

"I'll tie you up again," Leximy threatened with a glare.

Zexion hid behind his book.

"We should have just included this in the note…maybe if we write it small they'll think they just missed it," Leximy said, pulling out a pen and writing in very tiny letters 'Let Chelly and Leximy borrow Marluxia and Zexion's robes'. "Sound good?"

"No…" Marluxia said.

"I miss having a shirt…" Zexion said sadly.

"Why? You look good to me," Chelly said comfortingly.

Zexion glanced up at her from his book. "Really?" he asked with a smile.

Chelly nodded and turned to Leximy. "I think we should give them back their robes…we can go get yours. I think the sewing Moogle has it, unless Saix was holding onto it for you?"

"Yeah… I should go ask the Moogle. He's still in Axel's, I mean my pockets, right?" Leximy asked.

Chelly nodded and followed Leximy out of the room. She was almost to the group when she tripped; Saix lunged forward and caught her. "Leximy! You're alive!"

"Of course I'm alive!" she said as she looked up at him.

"I'm so glad! Hey…why are you wearing Zexion's robe…?"

"Uh…it's in the fine print?"

Saix took the ransom note and looked over it.

Axel looked over and saw Chelly in Marluxia's robe. "Chelly…?"

Chelly held up her hands that were completely covered by the long sleeves. "Does this robe make me look fat?" she asked, turning around and showing the long train behind her.

"No...What are you wearing?" Axel asked.

"Marluxia's robe," Chelly replied, turning to Marluxia. "You're too tall…"

"I'm…sorry?"

Demyx rushed over and hugged Chelly. "You're alive! I'm so happy!"

"We are! I'm happy about that, too!" Chelly said.

"I was so worried," Demyx said, wiping away a tear.

"Thanks, Demyx, you shouldn't have been though…"

"Hey, let me have a turn," Axel said, hugging Chelly after Demyx moved. "Who took you guys, anyway?" he asked looking down at her.

Chelly turned to Leximy.

"Uh…these evil kidnappers. It was really…scary. Yeah, scary! They were really smart, though. And cool… they were really cool…" Leximy reported.

"O…okay," Saix said, obviously perplexed by her description. "They didn't hurt you at all? Was it someone we know?"

"Well…yes and no. We aren't really at liberty to say…"

"I see…"

Axel glanced at Chelly. "Uh…yeah…they were really smart and cool…" Chelly said with an agreeing nod.

"No descriptions…?"

"Smart and…cool…"

"Nothing else…?"

Chelly coughed. "It's just like Leximy said, we're not at liberty to say."

"Hey, don't you guys have to get to work?" Leximy asked.

"Why would you say that?" Demyx cried.

"Sorry…"

"I guess we should get back to the Grey Area… Without me there to hand out assignments, who knows what the others are doing…" Saix said with a shudder.

In the Grey area, Lexaeus stood in front of Xaldin, Xemnas, and Luxord. "One more time guys, from the top," he said, pressing the button on the CD player. 'Single Ladies' started to play, and Xaldin, Xemnas and Luxord danced with Lexaeus leading. Xigbar, Vexen, and Roxas sat on the side lines and cheered them on.

"I'm sure they're preparing for their missions for the day," Chelly assured Saix.

"I don't know why they'd do extra work when they have to do work at all! It's madness!" Demyx exclaimed.

Chelly pat him on the shoulder. "I'm sure Saix will be nice and give you a partner to go on a mission with today," Chelly said, looking at Saix expectantly.

Saix sighed. "Sure…you can take…Marluxia," he said with an evil smile.

"Hey, what about that note? You two are supposed to be nice to each other! You don't want me to die, do you?" Leximy asked with big, sad eyes.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? Am I not nice to be partners with?" Demyx asked.

"Oh, uh…it's not that…it's…well…it would give them more of a chance to be nice to each other… yeah, that's it."

Marluxia sighed. "I'd rather be with Demyx."

"Oh, really?" Demyx asked as he smiled brightly at Marluxia. "You mean it?"

Marluxia forced a smile. "Yes."

"I wish I could go on a mission with you, Demyx!" Chelly said.

"Aw thank you, I feel so loved!" Demyx said with a smile.

"Nice job," Axel whispered to Chelly.

"What do you mean?" Chelly whispered back.

Axel coughed. "Never mind…"

"Well, if I will be enjoying the…pleasure of Marluxia's company today, I suppose it would only be right if I assigned the two of you together," Saix said, pointing to Zexion and Axel. "Any objections?"

Axel started to raise a finger as Saix said, "Because I don't care."

"Sounds good to me!" Leximy said.

"I approve," Demyx said.

Zexion turned and glared at Demyx, who smiled back.

"What about me, Saix? Do I get a mission?" Chelly asked.

"You can take my mission if you want to, Chelly!" Demyx offered.

"Really? Can I have two missions?"

"Don't you think that's overdoing it a little…?" Axel asked.

"Well…maybe I can finish both of my missions before you finish yours," Chelly said, glaring challenging at him.

"No! Chelly! You have to keep me company today! What am I going to do while everyone else is out killing…things? Don't leave me!" Leximy exclaimed, grabbing onto Chelly's arm.

"You know, being desperate isn't really attractive," Saix said.

"No one asked you!" Leximy exclaimed.

Marluxia smiled. "I don't' find it a turn off at all, Leximy."

Saix glared at him. "No one asked you."

"Maybe that's a good a good idea," Axel agreed. "I wouldn't want anyone getting hurt."

"But…we'll be so bored here, " Chelly whined. "What is there do?"

"You can play music!" Demyx suggested with a smile.

"I can't play any instruments…" Chelly said sadly.

"We can figure something out…" Leximy said. "Maybe we'll go out on the town… Just us girls," she suggested with a hopeful smile.

"That sounds wonderful," Marluxia said.

"Are you trying to admit something Marly?" Axel asked.

"It's Marluxia to you," Marluxia said with a glare. "And…no…maybe…no…"

Demyx laughed. "I think he is~" he said as he smiled at Marluxia, who glared back.

"Oh, shopping sounds fun," Chelly said with a smile. "I can buy my Moogle some cute outfits…"

"Aw, it's like your baby!" Demyx said.

"It is, huh?"

Demyx suddenly gasped. "Who is the dad?"

Chelly looked around the room. "Uh…it's not really my baby, Demyx…"

"Don't beat around the bush! Who is it?"

"It's Will," Leximy said. "I'm sorry Chelly; I know you told me never to speak of that week this summer you came to stay with me…"

Axel's mouth dropped, and Zexion cried behind his book.

Chelly giggled into her black gloved hand. "That'd be funny if they actually believed yo-" she stopped and looked at Axel and Zexion. "Guys, she was just kidding!"

Demyx laughed as Axel and Zexion tried to compose themselves.

"Oh…good one," Axel said with a forced laugh.

Zexion cleared his throat. "Shall we go on our mission…and get it over with?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Axel agreed.

"We should go out for ice cream later!" Chelly said.

Suddenly Roxas walked over. "Did I hear someone say ice cream?"

"Yes…we're getting sea pepper ice cream, want to come?" Leximy asked.

"Sea pepper? What is the world coming to?" he exclaimed as he walked away.

"We should go see a movie, too…and…I don't know…what do normal girls usually do for fun?" Leximy asked.

"Hm…" Chelly said, pausing thoughtfully. "We, uh….talk about boys, and…watch sad movies…and…play games…and…make things…pretty?"

Demyx gasped. "You're going to decorate? I wanna help!"

"You have to do your mission," Saix reminded him.

"But…but…I wanna play games with them!"

"Get a hold of yourself, Demyx," Axel said.

"But…I wanna…"

"It's okay, Demmy, we'll save the super fun stuff for when you guys get back," Chelly assured him with a smile.

"Okay!" Demyx said.

"Heh…heh…sure we will," Leximy said looking at the ceiling.

"What are you fools doing? Get back to work!" Xemnas exclaimed as he walked by. "Those Heartless aren't going to kill themselves!"

"Yes, Superior," Saix said. "Come on Marluxia."

Marluxia opened a portal and put his arms out. "After you…friend," he said smiling politely.

Saix clenched his teeth and walked through.

"Let's get to it," Axel said opening a portal and walking through.

Zexion sighed and followed.

"I'll be back soon!" Demyx promised as he ran through his own portal.

Chelly waved as the portals closed and turned to Leximy. "What are we really going to do?" she asked with a suspicious look.

Leximy smiled.