Alexus's Point of View

Zexion and I went through several white rooms to get to the dining room. I noticed that even the dining room was white. I couldn't believe how many white rooms there were. Everyone was wearing black coats. I assumed they were probably in mourning clothes because of my mother. I didn't know if they knew her, but it would've been the most logical explanation. Including Mr. Xemnas, there were a total of five people sitting at a long rectangular table, though there were thirteen chairs in all. I wondered if more people were coming. Mr. Xemnas, who was at the head of the table, noticed us.

"Alexus, come. Have a seat." Mr. Xemnas gestured to a seat between him and a teenager with red hair that went backward in spikes and bright green eyes. I had hoped to sit next to Zexion, but I didn't have the energy to speak up. I went to the chair and sat down obediently. I looked around for where Zexion was sitting. That was when I noticed that he hadn't come in with me. I spotted him sneaking around to his seat. I wondered why. A man with pale skin, long blond hair, and bright eyes noticed him.

"Zexion! Where have you been!? I have been looking everywhere for you," The man exclaimed. Now I know why Zexion was trying to go unnoticed.

"Sorry, Vexen. I… was introducing myself to the new girl," Zexion replied. I figured the blond man's name was Vexen.

"Not for the whole day, boy. I would know. I was looking for you when the superior left," Mr. Vexen snapped. Zexion took a seat next to a very large man with blue eyes and orange-red hair that went straight back. He had a very serious look on his face, and it was kind of scary. There was an empty seat between Zexion and the red-haired boy who was sitting next to me.

"I'm sure you can continue this conversation later, Vexen. Perhaps at a more appropriate time," Mr. Xemnas suggested. A man with one yellow eye and an eyepatch over his other with black and grey hair in a ponytail came in the room and took the seat across from mine. He was also wearing a black coat. He looked at me with a creepy smirk plastered on his face. It made me feel very uncomfortable.

"Well then, it looks like we're just short X Face," The new man observed. I wondered if he was talking about the boy guarding my home.

"He is staying to guard Alexus' home alongside Myka. He will not be joining us until we have found a better solution. I don't want Ralene going anywhere near that house," Mr. Xemnas explained. Tall silver creatures with a thin body, pointy hands and feet, and a zipper for a mouth came in holding plates of food. No one else seemed to be alarmed, so I refrained from screaming. I wanted to cry. They were the most horrifying things that I had ever seen. Their bodies swayed from side to side. Mr. Xemnas saw the terrified look on my face. "Don't worry about the Dusks. They won't hurt you. They are magical beings, and they will do anything we tell them. If you need anything, tell a Dusk, and it will do anything you want." I was still doing all that I could to not burst into tears. The Dusks set the plates of food down in front of everyone, including me. I couldn't help letting out a squeal when it set my plate down in front of me. I noticed how sharp its hand looked.

Once the Dusks were gone, I looked down at my food. It was steak and broccoli. I don't mind steak, but I can't stand broccoli. Mama knew this and never made it for me. I wanted to cry, but I held it in because I wasn't about to in front of all these strangers. The people at the table started conversing. I couldn't hear any of it. I was too focused on things I had lost. I ate my steak and moved my broccoli around my plate with my fork. The red-haired boy leaned over. "Don't like broccoli?" He whispered. I nodded. He glanced at Mr. Xemnas, who was busy talking with the one-eyed man before scooting my broccoli onto his plate. "I'm Axel. If you need anything, let me know." I wondered if he was trying to impress me in hopes that he would gain favor through me from Mr. Xemnas or if he was genuinely nice.

"I'm Alexus. Thank you. Mama never made me eat broccoli. I miss her so much," I sighed.

"It's going to get easier eventually. You'll see. Want some survival tips? Avoid the eyepatch guy. That's Xigbar. He's practically a conniving snake, and he only cares about himself. That guy with the braids over there doesn't like to be bothered. His name is Xaldin. You shouldn't have any problems with him so long as you don't get in his way. The uptight blond guy is Vexen. He's safe so long as you stay out of trouble and stay out of his lab. If you go in his lab, don't break anything. Been there, done that. Not fun. The big guy is Lexaeus. He may look scary, but he's pretty gentle so long as he's not dragging you out of a castle. Long story. Don't ask. The kid's name is Zexion. He's the youngest here and a nice enough kid when he's not alerting guards of your presence so that they throw you out. Again, a long story, don't ask. There's also Saïx, the one guarding your house. He has blue hair and an x shaped scar on his forehead. I'll make sure that he's friendly enough with you. He's a bit of a stick in the mud, but he always has my back. Don't be scared to ask him if you need anything," Axel explained.

At least now I have names to go with the strange faces. "Am I going to be seeing a lot of them?" I wondered.

"All the time. We all live here in the castle, and you will too," Axel answered.

"What kind of business is this? Mr. Xemnas told me you all were his employees," I inquired.

"That's one way to put it. I can't really say much about it right now. A bit of friendly advice for you, don't ask too many questions. No good will come of it around here," Axel replied.

One by one, people left the dinner table. I wasn't sure whether or not I was supposed to leave or which way my room was, so I stayed at the table until there was only Mr. Xemnas, Mr. Xigbar, and Axel. I would like to think that Zexion would have stayed if it hadn't been for the fact that Mr. Vexen dragged him out by the ear. Mr. Xemnas was still talking to Mr. Xigbar about things I didn't understand, so I conversed with Axel. "Axel, take Alexus to the freezer and give her some ice cream," Mr. Xemnas ordered.

"Yes, sir," Axel said. We got up and went to the kitchen to get my ice cream. I was glad that I was going with Axel and not Mr. Xemnas.

Thank you, JustAFemaleGeek and AniStar13, for following.

JustAFemaleGeek: I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and I hope you will continue to enjoy it.