Jessica's Point of View
I didn't end up leaving. Luna was mad, but there wasn't anything she could do about it. Axel, Roxas, and Xion visited me after their missions and kept my company instead of going to the Clock Tower. After a little over two weeks, my arm was finally healed, and Xemnas told me I would be going on missions again starting the following day. When I went to The Grey Area, it was empty. I wondered if I somehow slept in, and they changed their minds. Soon, Roxas came in and looked around. "Hey, do you know where everybody is?" I asked. Roxas shook his head.
Saix entered the room. "Lord Xemnas has summoned us. Jessica, your presence is optional." Saix started to leave the room, and Roxas and I followed.
"Wonder what he wants. Must be important if he's asking for everybody," I mused.
"Dunno. I guess we'll find out," Roxas replied, his voice barely higher than a whisper. I could understand why he wanted to keep his voice down. Over the years, Saix became intimidating. Roxas hadn't known him when he was just a teenager. He was a lot more approachable back then.
We arrived at the Altar of Naught. Everyone else was already there, facing away from the stairs. Roxas took his place near Axel and Xion. I found myself nervous and unsure. I had never seen a meeting like it before. We would always meet in the Round Room. In the end, I stood at the back of the group, not wanting to draw any attention to myself as Xemnas began his speech. "The time has arrived. And at long last, we see before us the great collection of hearts. Hearts full of rage... hate... sadness... and bliss." Xemnas gestured to the sky, and then I saw it. A giant heart-shaped moon. I gasped. "Shining down on us is the crystallization of all hearts- Kingdom Hearts. There, in the sky, hangs the promise of a new world." Xemnas turned to us. "My friends! Let us gain further power, to conquer the human heart, and claim it as our own. Let us remember why we are here and what we hope to achieve. Hearts shall be gathered and be made our own. Hearts shall never again have power over us."
I should've been excited for the remaining members of the Organization, but I just couldn't bring myself to. Instead, I was sad. If the ones who died at Castle Oblivion had remained a while longer, they could have seen this. It was a huge step in so many getting hearts, but the ones who meant the most to me wouldn't be able to feel emotions again. Xemnas didn't say anything more. He allowed everyone to view Kingdom Hearts as much as they liked. Slowly, people trickled out. The first person to go was Demyx. That didn't surprise me. The next to leave was Luxord. When Xaldin left the room, he noticed me. "Things will be much better for you when we have hearts. It's been so long that it hasn't seemed like a realistic goal until now. Just hold out a little while longer."
I couldn't speak. Luckily for me, Xaldin didn't wait for a response. Axel, Roxas, and Xion left in a group soon after. As they were leaving, Roxas turned back to me. "You coming?"
I didn't have the strength to leave yet. I was so sad, I couldn't move. "I will. Go on without me," I prompted. The only ones left in the room were me, Sais, Xigbar, and Xemnas. "Do you need something from me, Jessica?" Xemnas inquired.
"No," I shuddered.
Saix was the first to pick up on something being wrong. "What's got you upset?" There wasn't any judgment in his voice as I would expect there to be. After all, what would I have to be upset about? The remaining members were getting hearts. It sounded like a sincere question, so I gave him an answer.
"I-" I didn't want to make a scene, but my face crumpled anyway, and tears fell out. Overcome with emotions, I made no effort to keep my voice down as I explained, "They should have been here!" I was a sobbing mess.
"Yeah, I'm out. I'm not taking care of this. Maybe someone else can. Someone like, oh, I don't know, the person who asked her what was wrong. I'm not dealing with a hormonal teenager today. You can send her my way when she's sobbing less," Xigbar stated before teleporting away.
I looked to Saix, but he wouldn't look at me back. "I have to give out the missions for the day," Saix mentioned, walking past me.
That left Xemnas. I refused to meet his gaze, but he approached me and wrapped me in a hug. I was so upset that I allowed him to and hugged him back. Xemnas kept me in his arms for as long as I needed. I was there for a small eternity before I finally pulled away. I wiped the water off my face. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot," I apologized.
"No. What happened at Castle Oblivion was a tragedy. It is a shame that they will never know what it will be like to have a heart. Since you had such a deep connection with some of those members, it is understandable that you would be so upset," Xemnas replied.
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. "I'd better get going. Axel's been waiting long enough," I said.
"Actually, your mission is with Xigbar today. After your incident, I'd rather not take any more risks on Axel. I don't want you to get hurt again," Xemnas commented. I grimaced. "It is only temporary until I am confident in your ability to keep yourself safe. Xigbar can fight over longer distances, which means he is more likely to be able to keep you safe even if you are somewhat separated."
"It had nothing to do with Axel being unable to protect me. I did something stupid. Axel has a good range, too, or even Xaldin. Can't you put me with someone else tomorrow?" I tried.
"Do not argue with me. My decision is final," Xemnas insisted. He made no room for any objection.
I was already on rocky terms with Xemnas, so I had to obey. "Whatever," I sighed.