Chapter Seventeen: Observe

Secret Report: Vexen II

This situation has escalated at an unprecedented rate. What's worse, I cannot totally abrogate responsibility for its development. The best I can do is take measures to analyze and prepare some counter strategy for whatever move Ansem makes.

Still, this does open up other avenues of research. While I might not be able to prepare more replicas for deployment, I can certainly analyze a greater breadth of combat data than from Riku alone.

Roxas has been growing by leaps and bounds since his training regimen has begun. In short order he has begun to acquire power and skill far outstripping his initial outing. Furthermore, Naminé showing the initiative to develop her already unusual powers beyond the initial mission was most unexpected.

It's quite interesting, seeing them meeting...dare I say surpassing expectations. Though being put in circumstances demanding such rapid growth in the face of fatal consequences is something that we in the Organization have had little fear of for the most part. Our work is perfected to a near science.

Gathering and exploiting this new data to its maximum potential would be a tantalizing possibility. Unfortunately, self-preservation takes priority. Ansem should remain the primary subject of my observations

Vexen had tracked the darkness using the crystal viewer nearest to his workstation. Switching from floor to floor in an effort to determine where Ansem would materialize. Of course, he occasionally would pause on the images of one of the many keyblade wielders. Taking a note on Sora's growing repertoire, or Kairi's increasing mastery over her light. But not too long that Ansem's trail would grow cold, sooner or later he would show up again and Vexen needed to be ready for whatever might—.

There. On the twelfth floor the darkness was beginning to concentrate. Vexen grimaced as the viewer shifted to show the floor that was set aside for Roxas', and now Naminé's training. Quickly he changed the view to make sure the darkness was not manifesting right on top of them. He relaxed, seeing that at the moment Roxas, Naminé, Axel and Zexion were not at the primary site of concentration. At the moment, Naminé had developed a simple yet effective hit and run strategy weaved in with spellcas—

"Hey there tall, cold, and creepy." His eye twitched at the sing-song sound of Larxene's voice, accompanied by her leaning on Vexen's shoulder. "How goes the search for your little screw-up?"

"He's close to the floor I'm viewing. Which means I need focus." Vexen shot her a glare as he shoved her arm away, though Larxene remained unmoved. He expanded the view outward, showing a little more of the replicated Traverse down while keeping Roxas and Naminé in the center of the picture.

Larxene leaned over to the viewfinder and gave it a tap, chuckling as she saw Naminé dispatch some shadows with some spells. "Aww, it's cute how she thinks she's any good at fighting."

Vexen shook his head as he recalibrated the scrying orb to monitor the darkness. "The fact that she is even remotely combat viable on her first day of training is no small feat."

Larxene crossed her arms as she stood upright and looked over to Vexen with a raised eyebrow. "And since when has our Organization ever been satisfied with 'small feats'?

Vexen contemplated a retort. But for once she had a point. Xemnas accepted nothing but the very best in terms of results. Any shortcomings were not left forgotten. More than that however, the scrying spell he cast on the orb began to shine a very bright light at the gathering dark in one corner of the district. "It seems we have found our quarry, Larxene."

Her eyes widened as he saw the possessed Riku sitting on the ledge calling out to the group of nobodies on the ground. "Oh, wow. Ansem's making his move already?"

"Probably not. This is most likely an experiment for him before he moves on to larger plans." Vexen mumbled as Ansem made his introduction. Axel and Zexion attacked to try and drive him off, but the darkness only grew. Vexen nodded as he saw the keyblade change hands from Naminé to Roxas. "A fair strategy given the circumstances. They need to bring all their strength to bear if they want to survive."

"If they even can survive." Larxene tilted her head as she watched Invisibles rise from the shadows. She began to chuckle. "Don't worry, you'll get whatever's left of anyone kicking the bucket for your little experiments."

"Larxene, this is not the time for jokes!" Vexen hissed as he began to grip the orb. "If Roxas or Naminé perishes, the entirety of the Organization's agenda will be in jeopardy!"

"Relax. I know we still need a keyblade wielder that will dance to our tune." She put a finger on the orb, opposite of where Vexen had his hand. "If things get hairy, I'll Step in and make sure we have options." Larxene flashed a smile as she held a finger to Vexen's nose. "Okaaaay?"

"Wha—Move. Move!" Vexen shoved Larxene's hand away and leaned in close to watch the fight. Roxas had begun to glow with a red fire. "These...These readings from Roxas. They're like nothing I've ever seen before!"

Larxene set aside any annoyance watching the image of Roxas blasting flame with each keyblade slash. "Woah. Since when did the kid start cribbing notes from Axel?"

"This...this is completely new! It makes our limit break power look like a parlor trick!" Vexen grinned from ear to ear as he began to gesture and add more analysis spells to the crystal. "Yes! A style of attack based on previous inputs and commands! This opens up entire—."

Larxene raised an eyebrow, pouting in annoyance as Vexen began to ramble. "So...how is this...command style even working?"

Vexen barely seemed to register her question, instead continuing on. "—and of course, in lieu of an actual heart, the keyblade must have a greater attunement to the elemental energies he is channeling. Nonetheless the possibility of—"

"VEXEN!" Larxene shouted with a thunder enhanced SNAP of her fingers. The booming sound immediately got the scientist's attention as she crossed her arms. "The short version, if you would be so kind."

Vexen sighed and gestured to the globe. "As Roxas attacks with various abilities, he draws on that power and internalizes it. In time, he can temporarily modify the attacks with his keyblade. And there's one other fact you should know," Vexen turned to Larxene with a mad look in his eye. "Sora has developed this ability as well."

Larxene took a step back. "What? But Sora had the keyblade for months, why would he just learn it right when Roxas is picking up this trick?"

Vexen gave her a flat look as he folded his hands behind his back. "Do you want a proper explanation, or would you prefer some simplified drivel?"

"We would prefer you to be concise." Marluxia's voice cut through Vexen's confidence and he snapped to attention as he walked in."Now is there a reason for both Sora and Roxas progressing in a similar manner that we should be concerned about?"

Vexen's mouth was a thin line as he began to consider the matter. "The two of them are growing in power, though obviously Roxas' rate of growth is much faster. It's only a hypothesis, but it may be that both Nobody and Other are establishing a power equilibrium between the two of them. Only made easier by their propinquity."

"I see, so the fact that they are both together in this castle is influencing their growth." Marluxia watches the shadows fade and Roxas walked over to Naminé, Axel, and Vexen.

Larxene tapped her cheek. "Good to know, that means the kid can probably take care of himself. So the question becomes, if they both become truly equal, who will win?"

Vexen held his hands up. "Don't look at me. The battlefield is such an unstable testing environment, that even the slightest advantage could shift the outcome entirely."

Marluxia's eyes narrowed. "So once again, we must wait until the right time in order to see who will be of greater use to our Organization."

"So this effect of a nobody gaining power as long as their other is close by." Larxene leaned in close to the sphere, tapping on its surface. "Do you think it works for every Nobody?"

Vexen clicked his tongue and shook his head. "I wouldn't know where to start. Any heartless created from us could be anywhere in the world. And besides, there is no other Nobody that is like Roxas."

"No. But there's a particular little Nobody who is very close to what he is. And she can provide quite the advantage." A smile began to creep up Larxene's face.

Naminé may have enjoyed the nicer meals she received since Roxas arrived, but right now even her old bowl of porridge sounded good. Even so, Roxas tried to press the issue. "I'm telling you Axel, if Naminé is going to be training with us, she needs more to eat."

Axel gave a wry smile as he listened to Roxas. "Food or not, I'm just a little interested to know what's going on between you and Naminé. You've been seeing her regularly since this all started."

Naminé winced and weakly waved her hands in front of her. "He hasn't been interfering with any of my work, and we only see each other after he's done for the day."

Roxas clenches his fist."No one else sees her for anything besides her powers. And she's working just as hard as any of us to help the whole Organization. What's wrong with me being a friend to her and wanting to make her happy?"

Zexion and Axel shared a glance at each other, before Zexion coughed. "Roxas, we're Nobodies. Happiness is not something that can exist for us."

Roxas winced and looked away, and again the hallway was silent. "Then why did the three of us spend time together yesterday?" He asked quietly as he stood before Axel and Zexion, with Naminé close to him. "If it was pointless, why do it at all?"

Axel grimaced at the questions and Zexion seemed little better. Even so, Axel managed to speak up. "It...it helps. It's the closest thing we've got to having anything close to what we once had with hearts." At the confession, Axel brought a hand to his chin. "So the better question to ask might be: if Naminé is helped at all by these visits?" He looked over to her with a raised eyebrow. "If Roxas is just another face for you to know then—."

"No!" Roxas was taken aback at Naminé's cry, as were Axel and Zexion. Roxas looked back to her with wide eyes and hands clasped together. Her voice trembled as she admitted, "He's...he's so much more than that. He's my best friend."

Hearing her admit that, something caught in Roxas' throat and his cheeks felt a little warm. Slowly, he gathered the words to speak. "Naminé, thanks. You're my best friend too." Seeing her smile at those words, once again there was something inside. Like when they held hands together. It was the closest thing Roxas could call happiness.

"Well...I hate to change topics from this gripping conversation," Axel interrupted, snapping Roxas and Naminé out of their haze as they looked back at him. He was scratching the back of his head sheepishly before continuing, "But clearly this is pretty important to both of you if you're getting this worked up about it."

Zexion raised a finger. "I believe it would behoove us to include her as part of a group meal. As Roxas pointed out, she is important to our work. As such, we can use the opportunity to build our relationships."

Roxas raised an eyebrow before asking. "So, becoming friends?"

"Erm...Yes. As close as we can be as such given our condition." Zexion shook his head and continued to explain. "Furthermore, we can rotate whoever takes the porridge for the night and thus maintain our supplies with minimal controversy."

Axel began to chuckle. "Seeing as how Roxas and I have already had our turn with the stuff, I'd say it's only fair you take up the bowl tonight."

Zexion sighed and began to nod "Yes, I suppose it is."

Slowly, Naminé began to smile at the three of them. "Thank you all."

"I would save your gratitude until we get our status report." Marluxia's voice caused Naminé's smile to fall. All four of them looked over to him walking down the hallway with Larxene close by. "Meeting room. Now."

The room was one of many outfitted with the crystal ball. Though the one given the proper designation of 'meeting room' was the one closest to their quarters on the top floor. Laxene looked expectantly to Axel and Zexion as Roxas and Naminé stood close by. "So? How did she do?"

"Considering this was her first time fighting, period," Axel answered, crossing his arms before giving a nod "She's alright. A bit wobbly at the start, but she got used to the heartless fast enough."

Zexion raised a finger as he added on, "Not to mention she has shown a grasp of basic magic in a short period of time. Even that on it's own makes her potentially worthy of full membership in the Organization." Nobody but Roxas noticed how Naminé's eyes were downcast at the mention of membership.

"Well we have you as our main magic expert, so that's not good enough." Larxene waved off the praise before putting a finger to her cheek and turning to Naminé. "Say, Naminé. With all the 'progress' you've made. I can't help but notice you still don't have a keyblade."

Roxas stepped forward. "Hold on, it's just her first day training!"

"Unfortunately, we haven't got the time for your hand holding." Larxene rolled her eyes. "Which is why I've come up with an alternative solution." With a snap of her fingers, the globe in the center glowed to life.

Axel rolled his eyes. "Did you need to be so dramatic?"

"Pay attention." Marluxia snapped and everyone watched as the image came into view.

An image of someone Roxas recognized. "Kairi?" The girl was taking down a strange version of the Guard Armor he faced before, except if all of its parts were re-arranged.

Naminé watched her as the final strike of her keyblade caused the creation to collapse into shadow. Her eyes widened and she gasped, "That's...that's it. That's what's missing." She reached out to the crystal ball as Kairi let her blade vanish. "It's not Roxas' keyblade I need to call, it's hers."

"Exactly. In order to accelerate your growth, we will need you to make contact with the princess. Naturally, we cannot allow you to go unaccompanied." Marluxia turned to Roxas, Axel and Zexion. "You will escort her to the princess and ensure swift extraction once Naminé has established a sufficient connection. Understood."

Roxas nodded. "Understood. We'll keep her safe."

"Good. Then there is one other matter." Marluxa looked down at Roxas, his eyes narrowing.

"How did you become aware of Kairi?"

Just hearing the question from Marluxia was like having ice shoved into Roxas' gut, as did hearing Axel's. "Say, it wouldn't happen to be related to how you know about Riku, would it?"

"If I had to take a stab in the dark," Larxene leaned towards Roxas as she guessed, "You learned about them because of Naminé, didn't you?"

Roxas was already having a hard time keeping his thoughts together with what was happening. And Larxene getting in his face hardly helped. Still, he managed to work up an answer, "I...saw her drawing them when I visited, and asked about what she was drawing."

"This interrogation is inane." Zexion crossed his arms as he spoke up. "Given the circumstances, I think this knowledge is hardly inappropriate for him to know."

"It's..honestly not that much of an issue." Naminé slowly stepped forward, hands to her chest. "His visit's aren't really distracting—"

"I will be the judge of that." Marluxia barely raised his voice, but at its sound Naminé completely stopped. "We cannot lose the progress made with Sora's memories because of your additional training. It is too critical to our plans." He walked towards her, hands behind him as she backed towards the wall. "As soon as you are fed, you are to return to your room and resume work. You will see Roxas tomorrow for the mission and no sooner."

Roxas' fist clenched. He couldn't just stand there, he had to say something, do something! "M—"

"Marluxia, wait." But before Roxas could, someone else spoke before him. Roxas hoped to hear those words, and he was pretty sure Naminé would have liked them too. But the fact that Larxene said them with a smile only made that cold sensation begin again. "This might work out nicely for us if we pull the right strings."

Marluxia closed his eyes and remained where he was before Naminé. "Go on."

"If we want Roxas to beat Sora, then it might be a good idea for him to know Sora." Larxene smirked as she walked towards Naminé. "And what better way to do that then with the rest of his memories?" Marluxia began to smile and nod, and Roxas just felt the cold sensation gnaw away at him even more.

"Yeah, I'm drawing a line in the sand." Axel glared at them, causing Marluxia's expression to fall to a more flat stare. "Messing with Roxas' memories is off the table."

"I concur." Zexion stepped forward next to Axel. "If anything went awry, we could lose Roxas completely, and that is something the Organization would not tolerate under any—"

"Relax, I'm not going to send him on a bender for no reason." Larxene waved off the complaints and rolled her eyes. "I just want Naminé to show him some of those memories. Know the enemy, am I right?" Leaning down to Naminé's eye level, she asked with a grin. "Do you think you can manage that, little witch?"

Naminé trembled, but didn't break eye contact as she answered clearly."Yes, Larxene, I'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Good. I'm so glad you understand your place in all this." Larxene patted her head, but Naminé cringed at the touch. And Roxas felt the sensation inside of him begin to melt away, being replaced with something simmering. Seeing Naminé so afraid of the two of them...

Roxas was beginning to see why she was so lonely. And he didn't like it at all.

"Dismissed." With those words, Marluxia turned and left with Larxene like nothing had happened. While Roxas was left with Naminé, Zexion, and Axel, and the painful silence between them.

Zexion looked from Naminé back to the door Marluxia and Larxene had left from. "Axel...what has been going on up here?"

"We...can...talk about that later." Axel gave a nervous smile, "So, Dinner?"

Roxas didn't feel like answering, all he wanted to do was try and help her. He walked over to her and slowly offered his hand.

In an instant, she grabbed it and held on tightly. He wasn't sure how long the two of them looked into each other's eyes. All he could think of was what he wanted to say to her more than anything.

"I'm here for you." No matter what, he didn't want her to feel alone and afraid. Not again.

A small smile came to her face as she whispered back. "Thank you."

Slowly, Naminé began to step forward."Dinner...sounds nice." Axel led the way as they walked to get their meals. Though nobody asked why Roxas and Naminé still held hands.

Honestly, Roxas wouldn't have let go, even if Xemnas himself ordered it.