Chapter Thirty-Four
There's a small group of people gathered in the hotel kitchen. All of their eyes are on me, waiting for me to tell them what we're going to do. It's been three days since Hayner showed me the newspaper article. I spent those three days making up and changing my mind repeatedly until reaching the decision I'm about to issue.
"We'll be infiltrating the castle in two weeks. Anyone who doesn't feel they're ready is more than welcome to back down now, but waiting is no longer an option," I announce, my voice sounding much stronger than I feel. A few people smile widely, a few bite down on their lips or nails in hesitation, and a few stand up apologetically and leave. My stomach lurches a little as our already small numbers dwindle, but keep a brave face.
"So what's the plan?" asks Hayner. My expression falls slightly.
"Uh…well…I don't have one," I say sheepishly. A small murmur erupts in the room, but luckily doesn't last long before the castle guard speaks.
"I do," he says, effectively causing all eyes to turn to him, including mine. I raise an eyebrow in question. "Are you aware, Iris, of the tunnels leading from the basement off of the grounds?"
"N-No," I stutter, surprised. He smiles.
"The guards mostly use them if there are intruders or suspicious people around. It's quicker and stealthier," he explains.
"But does Larxene and her hired guards know about it?" His smile grows.
"No offense, Iris, but why would the royal children know about the guard tunnels?" I smile sheepishly.
"Fair point," I respond good-naturedly. "But how do we use it if there might be other guards in there?"
"I happen to know that on the day of the meeting, all of the guards who will be siding with Larxene will be attending the meeting. A small group of us have been given the duty to remain on watch, all of which have expressed wishes to support you," he explains.
"So, we get inside in groups, station ourselves around the castle, myself closest to the meeting room, and just wait for everyone to filter out?" I ask. The guard frowns.
"I don't think that would be what's best strategically," he starts. "I think it would be best to send in an ambush group during the meeting to get things going. Larxene will rush to safety, thus isolating her enough to give you a chance against her. We don't want another guard taking you out. Then the whole thing is futile," he says. I bite down on my lip.
"I don't want anyone on our side getting hurt to give me a better chance," I say softly.
"We're all grown-ups here, Iris. We know what we're risking," says a villager in the back. There's a mumble of assent amongst the crowd. "Our goal is to keep you safe enough to get you back on the throne."
"Why can't one of us just take out the bitch?" someone else asks. I shake my head.
"It has to be me. She's my sister, so if anyone is going to kill her, it's going to be me," I say, my voice stony. No one questions me.
"So, we're agreed on the plan?" the guard asks me. I run a hand through my hair with a sigh.
"Well…I don't really have much of a choice," I say dejectedly. "It's the only plan we've got." I try to keep the grim expression off my face, but it's already mirrored on everyone's faces. Everyone knows the odds are not in our favor, but there's still enough hope in everyone's eyes to keep us going. This compels me to beam a smile to the group. "We just…We just have to stand our ground and do our best."
I train fervently for the next two weeks, but the day is upon me before I can blink. I push the negative thoughts I have into the back of my mind as my support group and I take the train to Radiant Gardens. None of us speak on the ride, and I know they're all trying to do the same thing as me.
As planned, we approach the castle in groups, and the guard lets us in one group at a time. He's leading my group to the entrance of the tunnel when I hear someone whistle loudly. I turn quickly to find the source of the noise and gasp. My mind feels fuzzy, and my heart flutters. Walking towards me at a very brisk pace is Axel. He reaches me and smiles, but I can only stare with a stunned expression.
"Hey," he says with a grin. My mind kicks back into gear at his voice, and I tilt my head disbelievingly at him.
"Hey?" I reply. "Hey? You kick me out two months ago after saying some very hurtful things, then you just show up here on such an important day and all you say is 'hey'?" I hiss. My fingers are itching to grab onto an arrow and send it straight through his heart, but I manage to resist the urge. His smile falls, and he scratches the back of his head nervously.
"Look, I'm really sorry about that. It was stupid of me to act like that, and I didn't mean those things I said. I've done a lot of thinking about everything, and I really want to be here to help you. You were right; I was being a coward. A big, stinkin' coward. But I want to set all that straight and prove to you I'm worth something. I'm here to support you and what you believe in because you're worth it," he says. My heart is fluttering rapidly, and I feel light. Throwing my reservations to the wind, I fling my arms around his neck.
"I love you," I whisper, tears swimming in my eyes. His arms wrap around me tightly, and he kisses the side of my head.
"I love you too," he replies. After giving us a moment, the guard clears his throat. I pull back and look at him before looking back at Axel. I smile and plant a quick kiss on his lips.
"You sure you want to do this?" I ask. He grins.
"Yep. And I've brought someone along," he says. I look behind him to see Xigbar standing a few feet away, leaning against the fence. He grins widely at me and gives me a little wave, a gun in his hand. I wave back nervously, and Axel smiles at my expression. "Don't worry. He's an awesome shot." I nod, not very reassured, but deciding to just go with it.
"Alright," interrupts the guard. "If this moment is over, we should really get a move on." I nod again before rejoining my group with Axel at my side.
We make our way through the tunnel, encountering other good guards at random intervals to guide us. Finally, we emerge into the basement. I pull my bow around and set an arrow onto the rest while making my way to the door leading into the main section of the house. The door has been left cracked by previous groups, and I peek around it.
"Clear," I announce softly before nudging the door open enough for each of us to get through. We make our way to our station near the throne room, which is where we assume Larxene will head to for safety. When settled along the hall and around corners, I whisper to the group, "Alright, the ambush group should be busting into the meeting room in about ten minutes. Once they do, we have to-" a loud crash followed by yelling and a gunshot interrupts me, causing the blood to rush from my face. Moments later, a man from a different group comes running to us.
"The ambush group has been ambushed. They were expecting us. You need to get to safety, Iris; they'll be sending the main guards down this way to get you," he says urgently.
"I…I don't-" I falter. He pushes me to get me moving down the hall.
"Go! Get somewhere safe until a few more of them are taken out! Go now!" he hisses. I run off down the hall, keeping my bow drawn and ready. My heart is racing, and it's hard to keep my wits about myself enough to not just start shooting off arrows. I reach the foyer and take off up the stairs, trying to figure out where to go. They'll expect me to head to my old room. They'll be searching all the rooms for me actually. I just need to get somewhere they wouldn't look through immediately. Somewhere where I'll have the advantage. Just don't panic. Just don't panic. I hear more gunshots, and tears start swimming in my eyes. Don't panic, don't panic, don't panic, don't panic! I feel ready to scream in panic, so I stop against a door in the hallway to catch my breath. I'm not even still for a minute when a hand clamps down on my mouth and drags me through the door I'm in front of. I start biting at the hand, causing the owner to hiss but not let go. My attacker gets me in the room and shuts door.
"Shhh," he hisses. "Iris, it's me. Calm down," Demyx's voice whispers in my ear. Immediately, I relax and nod against his hand. He lets go and I spin around to face him. His hair is a mess and his eyes hold a wild, panicky look. I'm consumed with sympathy for him.
"Me-Me," I say, throwing my arms around him in a hug. He hugs me back briefly before holding me at arm's length.
"You shouldn't have come, Iris. You need to get out of here now," he says urgently. I shake my head.
"I can't, Demyx. I have to set things right. I'm not running away," I say resolutely. He runs his hands through his hair, messing it up more.
"Iris, they will kill you," he hisses.
"Who are they, Demyx? Who are Larxene's guards? I need to know if I want to take them out," I say. He bites his lip, not wanting to tell me. I fix him with a steely gaze. "Tell me, Demyx." He's silent for a while before answering, and I can hear the faint sounds of swords clashing. He winces at the sound.
"Their names are Xemnas, Xaldin, and Saix," he starts. "They're those three men from that night." I feel as though my heart stops beating.
"S-Saix? He's here? He's one of her guards?" I ask. Demyx nods. I scrape a hand down my face.
"He was the guy that took me and beat me for two months before sending me to the market," I say quietly. Demyx looks at me awkwardly, not knowing what to say. I meditate on this thought for a moment before setting my resolve. I look intently into Demyx's eyes. "Where would they have taken Larxene right now, Demyx?"
"You're seriously considering staying?" he asks vehemently.
"I'm not hiding this time, Me-Me. I'm doing what daddy always told me and you to do: stand my ground. I think it's high time you did too," I respond. He tries to stare me down, but quickly breaks. He sighs.
"Throne room. They're waiting for you to go to them," he says.
"Who all will be in there?"
"Larxene and all three men. No one else, though. Iris…you go in there and you'll be outnumbered. You really think you can win against four people?"
"I guess I won't know until I try," I say before hugging him again, knowing instinctively he won't be following me.
With one last meaningful glance back at my brother, I ready my bow again and leave the room.