Chapter Twenty Seven: Value

Secret Report: Larxene III

This mission has just been going from bad to worse! Ansem is running around planning who knows what. Sora getting closer without good insurance on our end to keep him on a leash. Our keyblade wielders are only acceptable when we need them to be more than that.

And worst of all I'm bored!

There has to be a toy to play with so I can let off steam. Sora's too strong, I could psych him out for a bit but he'd just take me down with a keyblade. We need Roxas in decent shape, as much as I'd love to take that brat down a peg. Naminé was a reliable toy during her education, but now she's gotten stale.

What about Kairi?

To take such a pure light and make it scream in sorrow, howl in pain, or cry in agony?

Now that would actually be entertaining.

Axel had mixed feelings on missions where the objectives were simple. On the plus side, if things went smoothly, that meant he could clock off early and kick back. On the very negative side, it was so easy for missions to have unforeseen complications. Especially after the job was done and the higher ups decided 'whoops, you didn't do something we didn't bother to tell you'. Marluxia had been far better to Axel regarding that then Xemnas was, but more and more it seemed that Roxas and Naminé were continuously drawing the short end of that stick.

Though it was getting harder and harder to watch, and the annoying thing was that Axel couldn't say it was just because of his mission. Though he couldn't put his finger on the why of it.

So when Axel accompanied Roxas back from his duel with Sora, he couldn't help a bit of concern about the verdict. The goal was to fight long enough till Marluxia and Larxene had seen enough, but right now their faces were inscrutable. Naminé watched from behind the crystal ball at Roxas, eyes occasionally glancing to Marluxia and Larxene. Zexion crossed his arms and met Marluxia and Larxene's gaze and asserted, "I would say the two of them are even."

"We need him to be better than even." Larxene scoffed as Marluxia walked towards Roxas.

Marluxia narrowed his eyes as he came to a stop in front of Roxas. "Is there a reason you hesitated when you had the charm? You could have baited Sora into an opening instead of giving it back."

"It was important to him."

Roxas' answer was almost immediate, Larxene tilted her head in confusion while Marluxia crossed his arms. A second later, and Roxas clenched his fist as he continued, "And if I held onto it for longer, he might have lashed out at a bad time."

Marluxia remained silent, but slowly began to nod. Axel however, was left as baffled as when the fight started. He had expected Roxas' meeting with Sora to spark something bitter. Two halves of the whole struggling for dominance, to prove their right to exist. After all, Roxas was wanting to actually win in the Coliseum, result notwithstanding. But now there was a kind of respect, an understanding the two seemed to be slowly coming to. Though Axel had no idea what the end result would be.

However, nobody else seemed to ponder the implications much. Least of all Larxehe who rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips at Roxas' answer. "Fine, psychological warfare is not your forte." She leaned in and pointed at Roxas. "What about the darkness? Are you holding out on us?"

The question hardly helped Roxas' tension, as he desperately tried to utter any kind of answer, "I don't…"

Axel had a feeling how this song and dance would go. Roxas would say that he didn't want to use it. And Marluxia and Larxene would beat him until he changed his mind. It worked on Naminé, who held out for a while before finally giving into the plan to change Sora's memories. And at the time, Axel just considered it business.

But now? Now he was beginning to think that business was taking things too far.

So he took a step forward next to Roxas and shook his head. "If he can't control the darkness, then it'd just make things worse. We don't want Ansem to nab the Organization's keyblade wielder."

Marluxia scowled, but turned his back on Roxas and walked to the crystal ball. "Then either control it, or find a weakness in Sora to exploit. We cannot falter at this critical juncture."

"And speaking of weakness," Larxene chimed in as she walked over to where Naminé was watching and patted her shoulder. "It's your turn tomorrow to go fight your original half."

And there was the kicker Axel was dreading.

Naminé flinched away and protested, "What?! But I just got this a few days—!"

"As did the princess of heart. Therefore, you should be able to close any skill gap." Marluxia's stern order made it clear Naminé had no real choice. Especially now, when he and Larxene have been trying to secure their plan for days, and wanted any kind of concrete result. Zexion furrowed his brow at the new command, and Axel had to admit that the difference between Xemnas and Marluxia's rule was looking pretty minimal.

And Roxas made his thoughts crystal clear.

"No!" Roxas started to move to Naminé, only for Marluxia to hold him back as he cried out, "She can't!" Struggling against Marluxia's grip, Roxas then shouted out, "She needs more time!"

Larxene laughed and shook her head at him. "And who made you an expert, rucksack?"

"You did! When you made me train Naminé and fight Kairi!"

Axel had to admit, the sight of Marluxia and Larxene wide eyed as their own plans were thrown back at them was amusing. The fact that Roxas was doing it made the moment absolutely priceless.

Roxas wasn't in the mood for humor however, glaring at Marluxia as he released his grip. He walked up next to Naminé and argued, "She needs more time before she can take on the power of light. Doing it now wouldn't help at all."

Larxene inhaled and raised a finger, about to launch into a refutation. However, the silence indicated that she lacked any rejection of substance. Clicking her tongue, she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Naminé. "This isn't the end of that discussion. Sooner or later, we will have you fight the princess of heart."

With a shove, Marluxia pushed Roxas towards Naminé and commanded, "Go, review Sora's memories so you can determine weakness to exploit in your fights."

As Roxas stumbled towards her, Naminé reached out to steady him. Axel could swear there was the faint hint of a smile on her face before they turned to the door leading out. "Let's go."

Though before they left, Marluxia stopped them with one last order. "And as always, we expect you to maintain the foothold you have in Sora's memories."

Naminé was quiet for a moment, before looking back and giving a slight nod. "Yes, Marluxia."

As the door closed, Zexion crossed his arms and glowered at Larxene and Marluxia."Her progress at manipulating memories is not insignificant. Sora managed to remember her name." "They are achieving your goals, yet you do not offer any praise and push them harder."

Larxene turned away from Zexion and groaned, "You call these half-victories achievements? Especially when things keep getting out of hand?"

Marluxia nodded as he opened a dark portal out. "We must achieve a proper advantage over our enemies soon, otherwise our operation will come to an ignominious end." As he and Larxene turned to leave, the gears in Axel's mind were turning. There had to be a way to get them off Roxas' back. Some way to either focus on something else or prove Roxas' point.

And in a flash, he had it. Axel held up a finger as he suggested, "If you don't agree with Roxas' decision, maybe one of you should see how strong Kairi is." Now Marluxia was too hands off to take up such a suggestion. Fortunately, there was someone who was very reliable in her animosity.

Larxene gave a hungry grin and clasped her hands together. "Oh, Axel, you know just what to say to brighten my day."

The moment they arrived in Naminé's room, she let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks for standing up for me." Even though she hadn't fought with Sora, watching Roxas put himself on the line was harrowing enough. Naminé came to a stop next to the crystal ball and relaxed. "I really didn't want to fight Kairi, and not just because of her strength."

Roxas gave a firm nod, as he followed with haggard footsteps. "I think I know what you mean." He leaned on the crystal ball, closing his eyes as he pondered."Sora and Kairi are both good people. Honestly, they seem to want to help us more than Marluxia and Larxene."

"I wish we could ask them to help. Honestly, they would," she sighed, clasping her hands to her chest. Yet there remained one fact that would stymie any effort to reach out, the one that had dogged Naminé since the beginning. "But with Marluxia and Larxene watching every time we interact, they'd stop us if they realized what we were up to."

She felt a gentle touch to her shoulder and looked back to see Roxas giving a smile. "It's an idea. And I might know someone who could help."

Someone to help? Naminé had heard that Castle Oblivion was effectively being cut off from the outside, so that could only mean two people. "Axel and Zexion?" She hardly knew Zexion, and Axel was one of her more direct minders before everything got out of hand. Still, she would take him any day over Larxene and Marluxia, not to mention they were doing their best to supervise training for both Roxas and her. "If they're willing to lend a help, that'd be great. Just be careful." Turning around, Naminé tilted her head as she asked, "Is there anything you want to know from Sora's memories?"

Though she suspected the answer already. During the fight, Roxas seemed captivated by what Sora had dropped. He scratched the back of his head as he requested, "What do you know about that charm?"

Naminé closed her eyes and began to recall Kairi's explanation, "It's called a wayfinder. It's meant to guide lost sailors back home." A charm that she would have to replace in Sora's mind if Roxas and her weren't strong enough. It wouldn't be enough to simply say she was the one who gave it instead of Kairi. It had to be something that was truly hers. But even as the mission to change Sora's memories got sidelined, it was a question she couldn't help but ask herself.

What would she want to give someone close to her?

Roxas furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. "Did Kairi think Sora would get lost?"

Reaching out, Naminé took his hand and guided him to her chair. "It's a long story. You may want to get comfortable." As Roxas settled in the seat, she held his hand and showed him…

A blue sky…The ocean…An island…

Three children planning to leave on a raft. Hoping to see what was beyond their world.

Kairi gathered shells, weaving them together with a string. A simple doodle of his face for fun. And more than anything, a simple wish to see him home safely.

But that night, there was a storm. Darkness came and swallowed their world. Sora lost Kairi and Riku but found the keyblade. And though he was amazed by the sight of new worlds, no weapon or wonder could replace his friends.

So with Donald and Goofy he went on a journey to the farthest, darkest corners of the universe. Saving worlds threatened by the heartless on a search for his friends. But when he found them, things were not as he hoped. Riku had turned against Sora, accusing him of galavanting off while Kairi's life hung in the balance. Her body was alive, but her heart was gone.

Some part of Roxas ached at the sight. Fighting a friend as a horrifying idea, one he didn't want to imagine. And if Naminé was ever in that kind of danger?

Roxas wasn't sure what he'd do.

So Sora journeyed to the heart of Hollow Bastion, desperately trying to find a way to save his friends. To talk some sense into Riku or find some way to restore Kairi. But in the end, all he could do was fight. To try and drive away the darkness that threatened everything. Defeating the dark presence that had taken a hold over Riku.

But it wasn't enough. Kairi's heart had taken refuge in his own.

And the only way to put it back was for Sora to release his heart.

Roxas ran to Sora. He wanted to cry, wanted to scream. Wanted to say something that could stop Sora. But he had no body, no real presence in this recollection. He closed his eyes, unable to bear the sight.

Even as he knew that he would have done the same for Naminé.

That should have been the end. Sora turned into a heartless, with Roxas arising in his place. All Roxas could see through Sora's eyes was the dark.

The confusion.

The loneliness.

But then there was light. A light Sora reached out towards in desperation. Wishing with everything he was to hold it in his arms again.

To hold her in his arms again.

In a flash Sora was restored, embracing Kairi in his own body again. By all accounts, it was impossible. Heartless didn't just get their bodies back.

But Roxas couldn't care. It was something truly miraculous.

But even so, there was one person still lost. Riku, whose heart was ensnared by darkness. And Sora wouldn't abandon him. And before he set off, Kairi gave him the completed charm. Something to hold onto no matter the distance. Even if they were lost across time and space, Sora would do everything to come home with everyone.

And Sora boarded the gummi ship out of Traverse town, Roxas understood why he was so desperate to have the charm back.

It was the hope he held onto, no matter the trial he faced. The hope of a promised reunion.

"Roxas? Roxas, are you okay?"

Naminé's voice roused him from the memory. Roxas realized he was gripping her hand like a lifeline. He slowly loosened his grip and took a deep breath. He tried to organize the strange collection of thoughts and ideas running through his head. "I'm fine. I just need some time to think." Even if what he had seen was a somewhat shortened account of Sora's adventures, it had left an impact.

An impact that left Naminé wincing as she saw how it left Roxas. She shook her head as she clasped her hands to her chest. "It might have been a bit much. I just wanted to show you why it matters so much to him. Maybe it doesn't make sense now but..."

Roxas heard her trail off, at a loss for words over what she had tried to show. How Sora and Kairi's devotion went so deep that it seemed to surpass darkness. And honestly, it wasn't something Roxas could completely describe either.

But he could try.

Slowly standing up, Roxas placed a hand on his chest."I think I understand why they matter so much to each other. They've grown up together, become great friends over the years. After everything they've been through together with the keyblade." Roxas took a deep breath and felt how every memory he had seen came together. "The love they have is one they'll fight for, because it's worth it to them."

Naminé slowly smiled and nodded back to him."Thank you. That means a lot to me." But her momentary elation soon faltered as she glanced back to the crystal ball. "Just knowing there's someone here who realizes what Marluxia wants to break."

"I won't let him." Roxas reached out and took Naminé's hands as he swore, "Somehow, I'll find a way to help all of us."

Naminé was wide eyed before she nodded and clasped his hand in hers. "We'll do it together." After a moment she looked to the side and shuffled her feet, even as she didn't let go. "Sorry, it feels like I should say or do something more for this."

He could understand the sentiment. Even though Roxas had held her hand a few times before this, something about this time felt different. More than just the simple comfort, it was the only thing they had to commemorate this promise to work together. Still, he didn't want to pressure her. "It's alright, you don't have to."

"Well, I want to," Naminé asserted as she gave a gentle squeeze. "I want to give something more than words in return for what you've done for me."

Nodding, Roxas began to grin. "Whatever you think of, I'm sure it'll be great." And that was something he was absolutely certain of. Even if it was the simplest drawing, Roxas would treasure it. It was a sign of a promise to fight for something good. For Sora and Kairi's happiness, and theirs as well.