Chapter 22: Wayward Lamenting P2
Kingdom Hearts: ReChain of Days
By: Karma's Slave
Disclaimer: I do not own the kingdom hearts franchise; they are the sole property of Square Enix and Disney.
Day 76-78
Roxas walks into The Grey Area. Xaldin stands next to one of the chairs while Axel leans against the window; Axel smirking over to the young boy, while waving a hand like a parent would as he spoke "You and Xion play nice, now!" in a mocking tone.
Roxas rolled his eyes at the red-head.
His and Xion's mission for today wouldn't be as eventual seeing as they were on collection duty.
Xaldin sneered a glance at the boy "Wasting two members on a single mission...Amateurs."
Xion ignoring the comments "Let's go, Roxas" They travel to Twilight Town in another mobility assessment of collecting Organization emblems.
The past two days, Roxas and Xion hadn't been doing any complicated missions, the two younger nobodies had to admit, and it was nice not risking their non-existence lives.
Roxas enters The Grey Area and departs with Xion to Beast's Castle.
They arrive in the Upper Level of the Entrance Hall
"We have to investigate this castle today, right?" asked Xion
Roxas making a motion with his head, "Right" he tells her.
Xion the in agreement with Roxas "We'd better be careful not to let anybody here see us."
"I guess" Roxas muttered
That took Xion off of her guard "You guess?" she first said before adding, "What do you mean 'you guess'" Xion asked him
Roxas then shrugged his shoulders "Yeah, I mean the last time I was here, the place seemed deserted. All I heard was...never mind." Roxas tried to say but then stopping.
Xion giving Roxas a curious expression "What...what did you hear?"
Roxas having one of his hands behind his head and rubbing at his head "I heard this roar, Like an animal; a big one." He finally tells Xion.
"Really? In a place like this" both of Xion's eye-brows had gone up "What was it?" she then questioned.
Roxas the put a hand under his chin "I don't know. I guess we may find out today."
Xion merely nodding, "I guess so. Anyway let's get started."
The Nobody duo had been wandering around the area until they had come across some wooden crates; that were piled up. "This crate's covered in dust" said Roxas as he went closer to the object.
Xion was still looking around "Guess it's been a while since they used this room." She commented, as she took note of the dust and massive cobwebs on the walls.
They come across a painting of the castle in a thunderstorm; Roxas looking at the painting "It's a big stained-glass window." The boy then said.
They exit the hall and search the Courtyard. Roxas spots something on the ground "Are these...bread crumbs?" then asking Xion as Roxas kneeled down to look.
Xion made a small sound in her throat before talking "Maybe someone laid them out as food for the birds?" she answered her friend.
Roxas then coming to a conclusion, "Then the castle isn't deserted after all"
Walking past a statue "I was able to use these statues to open up a secret passage over there."
Xion a little impressed by this "What made you think to do that?" the dark haired girl asked.
Roxas could only make an odd facial expression as he told Xion "I don't know...Things just sort of clicked into place."
As the two young nobodies continued walking they spotted some footprints; "footprints?" "It could be the heartless roaming around" Xion suggested to answer. "They're big. Whatever this thing is, let's be careful." Roxas said to Xion
They enter the main Entrance Hall and examine a locked door "The door is locked."
Roxas turns his head for a moment and sees something on the wall "Xion, take a look at the gashes on the wall. Are these claw marks?"
Xion moving towards the stone made wall "Some Heartless that got restless, maybe?" she then commented.
They see some dirt on another wall "This wall is filthy." Roxas pointed out
"Do you still think the Heartless did it?" Xion then asked Roxas, as she wasn't sure that this was the work of the heartless anymore, it just seemed not them.
They enter the West Hall and hear a voice; "The master is in quite an unfortunate mood today" Speaking an unknown voice with a very thick accent.
"Roxas" Xion then whispers, the boy then nodding his head "I heard it too." He said.
Lumiere hops down the hallway, Roxas peeks around the corner "If only he would leave his chambers..." Roxas's eyes grow big with surprise.
"What did you see?" asked Xion.
Roxas coming back to Xion "Would you believe...a walking, talking candle stick?
"What?" Xion being skeptical about it "Oh, come on Roxas" Xion takes a look "Whoa, you weren't kidding. But...how can it..."
"Beats me but it did say something about a master." He said
"So you figure it's one of the castle's servants?" Xion said as she didn't know how to process the living candlestick.
"It makes sense Xion, I'm aware of how crazy it sounds" said Roxas, The dark haired girl the nodding her head. "Well, that covers pretty much everywhere we can get to." Xion added.
"Okay, let's think this through that candle stick mentioned something about a master, right?" spoke Roxas
"Yeah, that he won't leave his chambers." Xion answered "Maybe whoever this "master" is has a room or something down at the end of the hall." She added
"Wanna go find out?" Roxas suggested
"What? But we…" Xion tried to speak with her lack of speech
"We'll just need to slip by without being noticed." Roxas said his plan to Xion.
"You really think we can?" Xion asked.
"Well, I know we can't go back empty-handed. Saix wouldn't be too happy about that. As long as we're careful, we should be fine."
Xion groaning inwardly as Roxas played the Saix card. "Okay... If you say so, Roxas"
They attempt to sneak past Lumiere but get a little too close
"Hmm?" the living candlestick looking around the area as he thought he heard something.
"Uh-oh!" thought Roxas; they run back around the corner before Lumiere whirls around "How strange...The light, it must be playing tricks on me; Heh-Heh." Spoke out Lumiere.
"Whew" breathed out Roxas "He almost spotted us. We need to be more careful." he added. They sneak by him and notice some cleaning tools
"A bucket and a mop?" questioned the young nobody "I can't imagine trying to keep a place this huge clean" remarked Roxas.
Xion speaking up, "Well the lesser nobodies are commanded to keep our castle clean; which means that this castle must have a lot of servants." Spoke Xion
They enter the West Wing and scan the walls
"More claw marks..." distinguished Roxas
"Then that Heartless must be really out of control here." She said as They soon spotted some footprints
"Footprints..." pointed out the boy.
Xion sighing "Big ones at that but not large enough for it to be a dark side; so what would Heartless type be then?" asked Xion
Roxas shrugging his shoulders "I don't know but the footprints are leading into that room back there."
Soon enough they examine the doorway "Think this is the master's room?" Roxas asked his comrade
They hear a loud roar, which startles them
Xion momentarily stopping, "What was that?" she asked
Roxas starting to regret his choice of going into the master's room "Maybe just barging in is a bad idea."
"Roxas, can you get a look at what's going on inside from here?" asked Xion
The young nobody thought about it and as soon as Roxas nods his head; he opens the door just a tiny bit and peers inside. He sees a dark room with torn curtains and damaged furniture and a beast...
"Wh-what IS that thing!" Roxas mentally asked himself.
"How dare she not join me for dinner! This is MY castle! And it is MY wish!" yelled the creature at the top of his lungs.
""My castle"? Is he serious?" Roxas thought as he began to tear himself away from looking in on the beast.
"Well, Roxas what did you see?" Xion questioning her friend.
Roxas was searching for the right words in his head "There was a...weird monster inside." He moves to let her look
Xion taking a gander and seeing the beast for herself "Whoa...Who…What is he?" she asked Roxas
Roxas then telling Xion, "I don't know, but get away from the door. I don't want him to see us here." Xion nods in agreement
"Roxas, that monster…" Xion tried to speak but Roxas had cut her off "It sounds like this castle belongs to him."
"You think!" remarked Xion "He called this place "my castle." It doesn't get much clearer than that." Roxas said to her.
Xion seemed to understand more clearly now "Ah, then I guess he must be the beast; Beast's Castle? Makes sense. Do you think he's fighting the Heartless, like us?" she then asked.
"It's too soon for me to say." Answered Roxas
"You're probably right. We shouldn't jump to conclusions." Commented Xion
"Although, those gashes in the wall..." Roxas putting some the pieces together
"You think he made them, not the Heartless?" Xion getting a clue to what Roxas was thinking.
Roxas with a hand scratching at his head; "He must've been fighting something, that's for sure." He spoke.
Though Xion was seeing it for herself, somehow her brain had trouble just trying to digesting the information, "A beast with his own castle and a candle stick for a servant..."
"This place must have quite a story behind it." Roxas reasoned with.
"Well, we know what the master looks like. I think we can report back to Saix now." Xion told Roxas as their recon mission was complete.
"Yeah, we should" Roxas agreed, "do you want to return to the castle now? Or should we stake out for heartless as well" Xion asked.
They return to the Entrance Hall. Roxas stops near a locked door "Huh?" as a noise was beginning to get Roxas's attention "Xion are you hearing that? I hear noises." Roxas speaking up, Xion turning back to look at Roxas, "Really I don't hear anything. Maybe you're imagining it." Xion told him.
They pass another locked door; Roxas was being tempted with this "I hear rustling on the other side of the door. Who's in here? Maybe I can get a peek..."
"Roxas! Don't open it!" Xion warned him, her voice getting strict for a moment Roxas began to feel slightly stupid "Oh... Right, sorry. We should play it safe."
They pass a third locked door
"Its theses voices, Xion" Roxas began to say "... I can't make out what they're saying." He added.
Xion sighed, "So much for returning home" she thought to herself. "Well, if somebody's in there, we'd better steer clear. She said aloud.
They pass the final locked door
"I hear a voice someone's in there." Spoke Roxas as he put his ear to the door; Xion then doing the same.
"...The master insists...from Belle..."
"Belle?" the dark hared girl questioned.
Roxas didn't know who this belle was either as he looked at Xion for a quick seconded "Somebody else who lives here, maybe? We'd better stay out of this room."
"Hey, Roxas... There's something I think everybody in this castle has in common." Xion pointed out.
"You mean that none of them are human?" Roxas replied
"Right. There was that walking candle stick, and the master is some kind of beast." Spoke Xion
Roxas scratching behind his head "There are no signs of people living here, but I hear something behind all these doors. They might be more servants." He told Xion
The black haired girl nodding her head at his comment "I wonder what happened in this castle." She then said to Roxas.
"That's a question for next time." Said Roxas as he was ready to leave; Xion agreeing "Yeah, you're right" As the two young nobodies headed for the corridor of darkness "C'mon, let's return to castle" added Roxas.
Day 79,
Roxas and Xion return to Beast's Castle on heart collection mission. They enter the Entrance Hall and hear someone speaking
Whoever was speaking Roxas and Xion could hear them sighing heavily and constantly "She doesn't seem to have made any different. The master's tempter is as bad as ever" said the new voice.
Xion then hearing footsteps "Roxas, Someone's coming" warning her comrade "Hide" Was all Roxas could say as they run off to a corner as the new voice came into the area.
"If only he would make an attempt to be suave or genteel. Surely then he'd see..." spoke the tiny figure
Xion's blue eyes widening "Is that a..." Roxas nodding his head "Yup, a walking and talking clock."
Xion lightly shaking her head "He mentioned a master. You think he's a servant here in the castle?"
"Seems likely" Roxas answered; Xion groaning at this "Well, what are we going to do? The way he's pacing around..."
Roxas felt her frustration "Yeah, we'll have to keep out of sight while we take out Heartless."
They try to sneak by Cogsworth, but they get too close
"Mmm?" went the clock as he looked around the hallway
"Uh-oh!" thought Roxas
They escape before Cogsworth turns around "How peculiar. I could have sworn, Oh well. Perhaps the master's finally driven me to distraction." Spoke the clock
Roxas and Xion were feeling relieved of not being caught "Whew. He almost spotted us; we need to be more careful." Roxas then said.
They continue across the hall silently and walk up the stairs to the East Wing. They defeat Heartless throughout the castle and return to castle.
"Master Yensid" Aqua and Mickey said mutually at the retired Keyblade master as they both bowed respectfully at him. The old grey-haired master gave the two young keyblade masters a nod of acknowledgement.
Pluto sat besides Master Yensid as he wagged his tail happily as his task was complete.
Riku didn't know who this Master Yensid was aside from what King Mickey and Master Aqua had told him but Riku followed suite and did the same as the two young keyblade masters.
The retired master looking over to a now thirty years old Aqua as opposed to the twenty year old she once was "it has been a long time since we have last met, Master Aqua" commented Yensid
"Ten years has certainly passed by, sir" said Aqua
"And I sense, that there is a fragment of Master Eraqus within you" Yensid spoke as his connection to his old friend was not squandered over the years. Aqua nodding her head, "Yeah, there is a piece of him within but we've have so much to talk about; the things that I have missed and the pieces of information that not even your stars could tell you" started off Aqua
"Though I do admit that; I am still having trouble at swallowing this information myself." She told the old master. The bluenette felt like her mind was cracking into a million tiny pieces.
Master Yensid held his hand up as he motioned Aqua to stop, "There will be enough time to talk after, and once you three have eaten properly and rested." He spoke as he waved with his hand.
Aqua was about to protest the offer of rest and food but the retired master stopped her.
"Sleepga" casted Master Yensid as he created the powerful version of the 'Sleep' spell
The trio had fallen under the spell without a fuss, after word Master Yensid had called upon his trio of fairies; Flora, Fauna and Merryweather to take the keyblade wielders to the sleeping quarters
That night Aqua had a dream and within that dream was Kingdom Hearts and all the trouble that would come with it.
Day 94; Eighteen days later
Roxas walks into The Grey Area, seeing it empty. Saix walks in with his trademark scowl upon his face
"Lord Xemnas has summoned us. We are to go to the Alter of Naught" The blue haired man said to the boy. Roxas follows Saix to the Alter of Naught
They walk out and meet the rest of the Organization at the Altar of Naught
Xemnas was the only one distance from the group of nobodies as he stared up into open space "The time has arrived. Look to the skies!" Xemnas speaking with his raises his arms raised high as his back was faced to the other nobodies
"There hangs the heart of all hearts; Kingdom Hearts shining down on us at last. See the countless hearts that have gathered? Hearts full of rage, hate, sadness and bliss. There, in the sky, hangs the promise of a new world." Spoke the leader of the organization
He lowers his arms and faces the group "My friends! Remember why we have organized, all the things we hope to achieve. The strength of the human heart is vast. Soon, though we will have gained power over it! Never again will it have power over us."
They continue to stare upon the heart moon.
Ventus was watching all of this threw Roxas's eyes; the keyblade apprentice wasn't sure to be either impressed or worried about this Kingdom Hearts the nobody leader has seemed to put together.
But the more Ventus started at the superior h couldn't help but feel that familiar presence, Ven couldn't exactly name it at least not for the moment.
"Hey, that's oddly interesting" thought Ven as he noticed something about the Nobody leader, "Kind of has the same hair style as Terra" and then after that thought something seemed to have clicked in Venus's thought process.
"No, it couldn't be, Terra would never do the things this guy has done" Ven trying to reason out of his own thoughts. "Besides, Terra's been…missing in action"
"Missing in action" he sighed as he talked out loud for second,
"Is that really the best way I could put it?" Ventus asked himself as he recalled some of his last moments in Sora's heart at Hollow Bastion, he overheard Aqua speaking with Master Eraqus about Terra; not that Ven was aware how he was doing it at the time.
Ventus could never forget the last thing Terra said to him and Aqua "The three of us could never be torn apart; I'll always find a way" that was the last thing Terra had said to Ven
In Ven's mind an Image of Terra's face came into thought and the face of Xemnas; the guy was like thirty years while Terra was 20 but then…and that was when Ven saw it
Inwardly he gasp fro breathe out of pure shock
Xemnas was Terra, only ten years older. Ventus felt stupid not seeing this before but Xemnas has never even once showed any sign of being Terra and for starters, "where is his keyblade?"
Later, Roxas returns to The Grey Area and meets up with Xion
"Something tells me, we're going to have good luck for while" Xion said to her friend
Roxas from when Xigbar said to him "There it is, right out that window: Kingdom Hearts. What do you make of it?"
And then there was Saix telling him "Kingdom Hearts thirsts for hearts; a thirst only your Keyblade can sate."
Roxas and Xion are sent to Beast's Castle. They appear in the West Wing
Roxas was the first to speak "The Heartless we're after is called a Neoshadow, right? I hope we don't wind up searching all day." Xion nodding her head in agreement, "Then let's head out through this hallway" suggested Xion
They enter the West Hall and see Lumiere walking around
"Surely there must be some way to get Belle and the master to forgive each other" spoke the candle stick
"It's that candle stick."Xion whispered to Number Thirteen; "Yeah, the one we saw before" Added the blonde haired boy.
Lumiere was looking worried "If they don't then I shall be a table decoration forever! No I will speak to Mademoiselle Belle. Perhaps she can talk some sense into him..." the candle stick speaking with such determination.
Roxas grew confused "I don't get it. The candle stick doesn't want to be a candle stick?" Roxas said out loud.
"So this Belle person lives here in the castle." Said Xion
"He said something about getting her and the master to forgive each other. I guess they've been arguing" remarked Roxas
"She'd have to be brave to stand up to a beast like that." Xion praising a person she's never even met.
Roxas quirking an eyebrow "You're assuming Belle's human. So far nobody else here seems to be." Said the boy, Xion biting the inside of her check "Good point but even despite that you can't assume she's not human either" said Xion
Roxas now shaking his head "Well, we're not here to worry about her. Let's find the Heartless we're after." He said
"Right" They look to see that Lumiere is looking around much more carefully and quickly
"Roxas, I don't think we'll be able to sneak past him this time." Xion said warily; motioning his head yes "Yeah, maybe we should look for another route."
"A castle this big must have a few secret nooks and crannies." Xion then added. They find a door at the end of the hall leading to the Undercroft. From the Undercroft, they enter the Secret Passage and search around. A Neoshadow appears at the top of a set of stairs
"Roxas, up there" Number fourteen quickly spotting the heartless.
"Let's take it out." He says
They defeat the Neoshadow
Xion with a tiny smile on her face, "Mission accomplished" she tells Roxas "Yeah." The blonde haired boy agreed.
"Ready to head back?" Xion then asked "We can stop for ice cream and…" More Neoshadow's appear behind them
"Huh!" shouts Roxas
They hear the Beast roar as he jumps in and slashing at the two Heartless, making them disappear "The Heartless do not belong here; not in my castle!" Beast yells as fights off the remaining Neoshadow's while Roxas and Xion had chosen to remain out of the beast's sight.
He then leaves the Secret Passage
"Whoa..." commented Xion
"So he has been fighting the Heartless." Said Roxas as he placed a hand under his chin.
"Apparently" replied Xion
"Guess this castle plays by different rules than ours." Roxas then concluded; Xion with a look of confusion looked to him "What do you mean?" she asked.
Roxas crossing his arms over his chest "That beast is the master here, right" started off the boy
"Right" Xion agreed as she nodded her head; "And Xemnas is our master, right?"
Xion, now quirking an eyebrow "Right...but what does he have to with this?" she asked. "But if Heartless showed up in our castle, we'd be the ones to get rid of them, not Xemnas." Roxas then said.
Again Xion nodded her head "Well, yeah. That's our job."
"Exactly, I figured it worked like that everywhere. I thought that's what being master meant. After all, he's got servants here. He shouldn't have to fight." explained Roxas.
"I don't know Roxas" started Xion "That I'd call us Xemnas's servants, exactly... But you're right. If he's taking the Heartless on himself, he must have a good reason." Xion added.
"Like what?" questioned Roxas, Xion thinking of the right words "Like...maybe he has something he wants to protect." Xion finally managed to say
"Hmm..." Roxas putting thought into what Xion told him
Let's call it a day, Roxas. Axel's probably waiting.
Yeah.
Axel sits on the clock tower, waiting for them and eating ice cream. They walk in "Hey, you two. How'd work go? Think you can keep pulling off double duty?"
"So far so good" noted Roxas; "Roxas took today's Heartless in no time flat." Complemented Xion
"Well, great. Keep it up." Said Axel, They sit down next to him and bite into their popsicles
Roxas then speaking out loud, "I don't know why we need to continue fighting Heartless like this." Axel looking towards the young boy "Sure you do. We have to finish Kingdom Hearts. We finally got our first glimpse of it today, remember?" spoke Axel
Roxas looked unsure "Yeah, but what is it? "The heart of all hearts"?"
"It's where all the hearts you and I collect wind up" Xion was being the first to answer him "Exactly, It's because of you two and the Keyblade that we're finally making some progress. We might finally get hearts of our own." Axel added on for Xion.
""The strength of the human heart is vast," Xion quoting Xemnas
"Yeah, but what do we need with it?" Roxas asked as he was still unsure
"Are you crazy?" Axel then asked.
"I just don't understand why having a heart is so important. Do you?" Roxas argued
Axel making a serious expression "Kind of a strange time to bring it up..." said the red-head.
"But don't you ever stop and wonder? We're fighting for something we don't know anything about." Xion says nothing; while Axel is little taken back by this before he says "Roxas, We're fighting because we want to know what it's about."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Roxas spoke with hesitation; they continue watching the sunset.
Diary Entry: Day 94
Xemnas summoned us. Nothing he says ever makes sense to me. He showed us Kingdom Hearts, a big heart-shaped moon floating up there in the night sky, and said the human heart will never have power over us. Great...I guess?
So why are we trying to get hearts again? Axel said I'll understand better once I have a heart, but I'm not so sure...
-Roxas
Secret Report:
The hearts collected by our two Keyblade wielders, Roxas and Xion, have gathered together; and now, almighty Kingdom Hearts waxes large in the night sky.
Our efforts have come to bear fruit, nearly ripe for the plucking. All plans proceed smoothly alarmingly so, in fact, though this is no time to be deterred by paranoia.
-Saix
Day 95
Roxas walks into The Grey Area
"Good luck with work." Said Axel as Xion and Roxas were preparing for a new mission back in Agrabah, this time they were on heart collection. So the mission at hand wouldn't take long.
"Ready for another day?" Xion asked
"Let's go" said Number Thirteen
The mission hadn't taken any longer than predicted as Xion and Roxas quickly killed off the heartless in Agrabah
"C'mon, Axel's waiting." Roxas said as he dismissed his keyblade
"Okay."
They sit on the clock tower with Axel " Another successful day?" asked the red-head
"Of course! Where'd they send you, Axel?" Roxas then said to him "The place you guys hit yesterday." Answered Axel
"You mean the castle with the talking candle stick?" Xion then spoke up. "That's the one." Axel said to Xion "They needed me to do a little digging through the dust and cobwebs. How 'bout you?" added Number Eight.
"Heart collection in Agrabah; Same as usual" Roxas said to Axel.
Axel, now changing the subject "You're really getting the hang of working together, huh?" he then said
"I don't know how much longer we can fool the other members, though."
Roxas scoffing at Xion's worry "Relax, we'll be fine." He said
Axel smirked "Don't be too sure. They're not stupid."
"Guess we'll have to keep our fingers crossed." Said Number Fourteen
"Well, maybe Saix and Xigbar are tough to fool, but come on, Demyx" commented Roxas
Axel let out a chuckle on that one "Ouch! Roxas, that's not cool." "But look at him!" Roxas making his point "All he does is playing his sitar all the time."
"I don't think you give him enough credit. He works just as hard as…" Axel stops and thinks "Okay, no he doesn't. But I'm pretty sure he has a job."
Xion joining in on Demyx's defense "You know I've seen Demyx out in the field, rocking out on that sitar of his." "What does that accomplish?" retorted Roxas
"Hey, for all you know, he's out there fighting Heartless and doing recon; just the same as you." Axel then said.
"But I've heard him say he wasn't cut out for combat." Added Roxas "I guess everybody in the Organization is good at different things" he then said.
"That's right. Everybody's unique." Axel said to change the subject. Xion curious by this, "Even Nobodies; don't you need a heart to be unique?" she then asked.
"Oh, I think we have other things that set us apart. Like our pasts." Axel said as he tossed the stick of his now finished ice cream out of his hand as it now falling to the ground.
Xion grew confused "What past?" she innocently asked, "You remember stuff from before?" Roxas asked with interest
"That's one of the things that made the Organization members special. Unlike lesser Nobodies, we remember who we were." Axel informed the two younger nobodies.
"I don't" stated Roxas, "Me neither" Xion added.
"Crap" Axel thought to himself, He'd forgotten that Roxas had no clue about Sora and as for Xion that was a different story. "Well...maybe that right there is what makes YOU unique." Axel said to make a smooth recovery.
"What kind of person were you like before you were a Nobody?" Roxas then asked.
"Me? Oh, I don't know. Same guy, more or less." Axel answered as he would try not to think about…Lea
"You're lucky Axel, I wish I could remember who I once was" Roxas said in tone of voice that didn't sound wither happy or sad. Xion didn't say anything, but she did nod in agreement.
"Trust me you two, you're not missing much." He said to the kids "Who needs baggage, right?" he then said to make them forget this conversation but even Axel figured they weren't going to let that go.
"But I can't remember anything; not even my first week as a Nobody." Roxas then said
Axel making an arm wave "Man, whatever. You have trouble remembering things from five seconds ago." Brushing off Roxas with mock
"Oh, thanks!" replied the boy
"I'm like you, Roxas. I don't remember much from the beginning either." Xion then said; "You two do have a lot in common." Axel stated
"I wonder what kind of guy I was before..." Roxas then said as he sat forward on the ledge; they sit silently for a few seconds.
Meanwhile, a girl in white and a man in red robes stand before The Old Mansion
"Yes, this mansion shall do" said the dressed in red robes, while Namine stood by his side.
Diary Entry: Day 95
I went to Agrabah today with Xion. We make a pretty good team now. Afterwards she and I and Axel talked about us and the other Nobodies. The ones who make it into the Organization are powerful enough to keep their memories but me and Xion can't remember our pasts. What was I like?
-Roxas
Secret Report
Neither Roxas nor I have any memory of our human lives. I don't even remember my first days as a Nobody. Roxas said he was the same, but I'm not so sure.
For me, it's a total blank. I can't even remember the day I met Roxas, or Axel. It's all a blur.
-Xion
Day 96
Roxas enters The Grey Area and is greeted by Xion
"Hey, Roxas" "Morning, Xion" they greeted one another
"You ready for another day?" she then asked with a small smile; Roxas nods
"Xion, Roxas" Saix called out to them "I need you on separate missions today."
Xion's eyes growing big "What? Why?" as her biggest worry has just been realized; Roxas was just as surprised as Xion was.
Number seven explaining the missions "Two major Heartless targets have surfaced in two separate worlds. Roxas, you take Beast's Castle. Xion, you go to Agrabah." Saix giving his order
The dark haired girl ran a gloved covered hand through her short hair "But how can…Never mind." She then muttered. Xion didn't want to blow up the secret of her Keyblade disappearing.
Axel who of which was appearing by "Whoa, you're gonna send Roxas to Beast's Castle? I don't know; I was just there yesterday for recon, remember? I saw the Heartless you're talking about. You don't want to pit Roxas against that that. Not by himself." As Axel came to the rescue, sort of speak.
Saix wasn't too happy with Axel's reasoning as he glared at the red-head "If I send them both, whose going to handle the Heartless in Agrabah?"
"I will" answered Axel as he merely shrugged his shoulders. Xion and Roxas watched as Axel verbally battled with Saix.
"You?" "Sure, I'm a big boy." Axel said as he crossed his arms "Except you can't collect hearts" pointed out Saix. Axel shrugged his boney shoulders once more "So what? I'll keep the Heartless out of trouble, then they can hit it another day." As he reasoned with Number seven.
Roxas speaking up between the two old friends "Is that okay with you, Saix?" Roxas asked.
Saix letting out a noise that could have passed for a snarl "Fine but this is the last day. Starting tomorrow, you both work solo" Demanded the blue haired man.
Roxas making a gesture with his head "All right." Saix walks away as he scowled at the trio as he would have to report on the mission changes
Axel putting his arms across his chest "Looks like you bought yourself another day."
"You guys, I don't know about this..." Xion was about to say but stopped herself as Saix came back into the area
Roxas goes over to talk with Saix; but Number seven hadn't even given the young nobody a chance to speak at all as he said one thing to the boy. "Let me be clear: today is the last day I will permit you to work as a team." He warned Roxas, the boy could only nod his head 'Yes'
As the short tempered man had opened the dark corridor for the Numbers thirteen and fourteen; Roxas and Xion enter the corridor
Saix turning his head back to old friend "Don't think for a minute I believed that."
"Believed what?" Axel said in his mocking voice as the red head smirked
"That reprehensible performance." Spoke Axel's old friend
"Uh-huh, well... I'd better get over to Agrabah." Axel opening his own corridor and enters it.
Roxas and Xion enter Beast's Castle through the Secret Passage; Xion was wearing a face full of panic "You okay?" Roxas asked as he put a hand on her shoulder; Xion putting a hand to her face, "I don't know what I'm gonna do starting tomorrow" she said.
In a desperate attempt, she tries to summon the Keyblade, but it doesn't appear. Xion sighing "It's no use..."
"Maybe if you let her borrow your keyblade, it could help wake up hers" Spoke that voice that did sound like Roxas's own voice.
While he'd watch Xion panic Roxas had an idea run in his mind. Roxas summons his Keyblade "What about my Keyblade? Can you control mine?" he said to her.
"Roxas, I don't know but I guess trying couldn't hurt" He gives it to her. She makes a slash in the air "I guess...I can." Xion said as she was pleased that she still had the ability to wield a keyblade.
Roxas making a gesture, "Then go ahead and use it for the day" "But Roxas" Xion protested
"Maybe it'll help you remember how to summon your own." He told her, Xion couldn't deny but she had to admit that Roxas did have a point.
Xion then realized Roxas wouldn't have anything and since he barely used magic without the keyblade "Wait what are you gonna use?" Xion then asked him.
"Well..." Roxas didn't think this through" He picks up a large stick from the ground "I can improvise" he said to her
Xion dead-panned "Roxas, that's a stick."
"Hey, you managed without the Keyblade. You think I'm not up to it? Just take it. It's fine." Roxas said to reassure her
"Okay, if you're sure. Thanks, Roxas." Xion then said.
They make their way to the West Hall, but are stopped by Cogsworth
"Those horrid creatures plaguing the castle have kept the master from seeing Belle for days. There has to be some way to bring the two of them together!" the living clock said out loud.
"The clock" observed Xion
"He mentioned Belle" noted Roxas
"Remember the last time we were here?" Xion asked "The candle stick was talking about the same thing. The servants seem awfully interested in making sure Belle and their master get along." Xion added.
Roxas raising a brow "You think it's strange?" he asked her "Only that they seem to be in such a rush about it." Answered Xion
"True" he stated "Well, let's just focus on our target." he added
"Right"
"We have to slip by here without being seen." Said Roxas
They attempt, but get too close in the narrow hallway; "Mmm?" went Cogsworth as they run away before he turns around
"How curious... I was certain... Hmph! Pull yourself together, Cogsworth. The whole castle is enchanted, after all." Spoke the clock
"Whew... He almost spotted us. We need to be more careful." Roxas spoke.
They eventually sneak past him and make their way to the Ballroom
"I'm sorry, Roxas" Xion began to apologize "My taking your Keyblade must make things harder for you." She said
"It's fine. No need to worry about me. How about you? Has using it jogged your memory at all?" Roxas asked with curiosity
"Nothing yet... Sorry." She said
Roxas giving Xion a reassuring look as he spoke "Don't be. I'm sure it'll come back to you soon. Don't sweat it." "Yeah... Thanks, Roxas." She replied.
A Bully Dog appears "Look! Over there!"
"That's our Heartless! You ready, Xion?"
"Anytime!"
They defeat the Bully Dog
"Thanks, Roxas. You can have this back." She returns his keyblade to him
"Did it help? Do you remember how it works now?" She shakes her head "I don't know... Let me give it another try." She holds out her arm and concentrates. The Keyblade flashes into it to her surprise.
"You did it!" Roxas and Xion both hold her Keyblade and jump excitedly
"I don't believe it! Roxas, it worked! Thank you so much!"
"I can't wait to see Axel's face when we tell him about this. C'mon!"
"Okay!"
Axel sits on the clock tower "Whew..."
Roxas and Xion arrive "Axel!" they both said together with huge smiles on their faces
Axel wasn't really in a mood to put up with too much enthusiasm "Hey-hey! What are you grinning about?"
"How was your mission?"
"Oh, loads of fun. Would it kill the Heartless to hold still?" Axel asked sarcastically " I fell right on my butt chasing the stupid thing."
"Nice. Didn't I hear you tell Saix you were a big boy?" Roxas bated him
Axel glared at Roxas "Very funny. How'd your caper go?" he asked the kid.
Xion summons her Keyblade proudly
"Ta-dah!" went Roxas
It vanishes and she giggles "I'd like to dedicate this Keyblade summoning to my good friends Roxas and Axel."
"Pfft, me? I didn't do anything."
"Sure you did. If you hadn't spoken up for us this morning, Roxas and I would've had to split up."
"And then Xion might never have remembered how to use the Keyblade."
Xion nodding her head "Thanks, Axel." Axel turned his face away to hide the red rising in his face
"Ahem... How 'bout an ice cream, then?" he then said to her
"Huh?" went Xion. "Buy me one, and we'll call it even." Said Axel "Heh, you got it. Wait here, I'll be right back!" Xion said as got up
She runs off and returns with ice cream. They sit down and watch the sunset. Roxas laughs and takes a bite
"I hope we always have each other."
"Yeah..." Xion smiled
"What's gotten into you?" Axel asked Roxas as he wasn't used to Roxas being optimistic
"I just want these days to last forever. Hanging out, the ice cream, the sunsets..." spoke Roxas
"Nothing lasts forever, man. Least of all for a bunch of Nobodies but you know we'll still have each other. Even if things change and we can't do this anymore" said Axel
"Yeah?" pondered Roxas
"As long as we remember each other, we'll never be apart. Got it memorized?"
"Ha-ha, wow, Axel. That sounded ridiculous." Chuckled Roxas
"What? I thought it was pretty deep." He said as he scratches his head while Roxas and Xion laugh
Ven hearing Axel say, "We'll never be apart" it made him think of Aqua and Terra.
Diary Entry: Day 96
Today's mission was with Xion, in Beast's Castle. I tried loaning her my Keyblade, and she had no problem using it. That meant I had to fight without it, but we got the job done.
Afterwards Xion remembered how to summon her own Keyblade, so I guess we're out of trouble. When we were done, we all had ice cream together.
-Roxas
Secret Report
Xion regained her ability to wield the Keyblade. I don't know how or why. Maybe there's more to the Keyblade master they're not telling me about.
I feel like I've been spending more time talking to Roxas and Xion lately than my old friend, Saix. This has to have been what it was like, friendship.
-Axel
End chapter,
Okay, I don't know when the next chapter will be because today, I have a minor surgery to remove a cyst in my neck, so I don't know how long I'll be out of order.