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"Speech"
'Thoughts'
Writing/Singing
"Foreign Language/Flashback"
-Scene Shift-
Chapter 9: Imaginary Reflections
Of all the existence of the Worlds, there are none that are as sad as those of the Nobodies.
Sired from those who have lost their hearts to the creatures of Darkness, known as the Heartless, the Nobodies don't truly exist.
They don't feel.
They don't understand what it is like to have a heart.
...Or do they?
Who knows for sure as that can be quite the compelling argument.
They who are shunned by both Light and Darkness, who dwell in the Twilight, what do they have worth fighting for? For those without hearts, those that are empty, a complete void, do they have the right to exist?
These were the thoughts of one particular Nobody as she wandered through a series of alleyways of an all too familiar place.
At first glance, one would've identified this land, this World, as the World that Never Was… Yet it wasn't at the same time, despite how this world was named as such.
Heeled shoes echoed through the quiet streets as a pair of deep blue eyes wandered all over. When crossing by some clear and reflective surfaces, her eyes caught onto her reflection.
Upon first glance, she saw herself as a blue eyed young girl with black hair styled in a bob-cut. Once blinking, her reflection was replaced with a silver haired teen with green eyes. A break away on reflective surfaces soon reappeared to now reveal a blue eyed boy with brown hair styled like a sea-urchin. Then it went to a red headed, blue eye girl before the hair went to blond in a quick second. Lights flickered every few seconds to change the reflection to that of a blue eyed blond teen in a black coat before the clothes quickly changed into a few variations of a black, white and cream colored themed attire.
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she opened them and saw her reflection go back to the appearance she prefered being in before moving along.
This was a being of whom many have no memories of. A true Nobody, hailing from the edge of oblivion. Originally, she was labeled as No. XIV; but through certain members of Organization XIII, she was named No. i.
Xion was created by No. IV -Vexen- in order to be sure they had a Keyblader no matter what; a failsafe if Roxas -No. XIII- disappeared, was destroyed… or too self aware for whatever true goals they had in store. And in order to fully realize their intended goals by the higher ups, she needed to become a perfect Replica of Sora by absorbing the rest of the Keybearer's memories from Roxas.
She had learned of this when going through the Organization's computer systems. Wanting to learn more about her origins as she was experiencing someone else's memories; i.e. Sora's.
Upon learning all this, she made her escape from the Organization and was hunted down. And through a series of circumstances, she was recaptured and was forced to combat Roxas in order to destroy him.
In the end, it was Xion who was defeated; not her friend. She faded away upon her death and as she was absorbed into him, Sora's stored memories to rejoin with the rest.
A part of Xion didn't mind as she didn't want to kill her friends. The rest was merely sad as upon her dying, no one would ever remember her.
Hence the true concept of a Nobody.
To her knowledge at the time, all memories of her would cease to exist from the Organization members; even with Axel and Roxas... her best friends. Yet it happened as she didn't want Roxas to fade away and Sora to sleep forever while she was still Xemnas' puppet.
For all intents and purposes, Xion was the truest concept of a Nobody, being forgotten on ever existing in the first place.
Memories of her forever lost, something she yearned for never coming to pass with her closest friends.
The next thing she knew, Xio only knew an empty void. A void as far as the senses could tell. It could've been hours, days, months or even years when she was in that place.
Suddenly, she woke up in the World that Never Was at some random corner of the realm. She wandered aimlessly, searching for answers on what made her come back.
Exploring the Organization's world of operations, Xion eventually realized things were not as it seemed. There were no signs of any lesser Nobodies roaming about, for starters. There were even no signs of any Pureblood Heartless. In their place were these odd looking animals in a dark coloration.
She was forced to combat a number of them at every other moment until coming across a large flight of stairs. When she made halfway up, the forgotten Nobody heard a series of footsteps rushing towards her location.
Upon looking at the source, she was surprised to see Sora looking right at her.
"Namine? Is that you?"
Blinking, Xion gazed down and saw her form had shifted to that of Kairi's Nobody without her realizing it.
Not wanting to confront the Keybearer from Destiny Islands, the forgotten one turned back around and started running.
"Wait! Namine!"
She tried getting away from him, but Sora was too fast for her. He grasped her hand, causing her to stop.
"I've got a message for you." He started. "I meant to tell you once this was all over."
The moment Xion turned back around, Sora blinked as her appearance shifted back to the one she preferred the most.
"Huh?" His surprise took over him. "Who are… you? And why do you look like…"
It was understandable in seeing his confusion between odd familiarity and curiosity. Change the hair color and style and Xion would be a spitting image of Namine… or even her Somebody: Kairi.
And how was this possible? Xion was based off the fragmented memories of Sora and her initial appearance are heavily based off of Kairi, who was Sora's strongest memory at the time of her birth. Yet if anyone else gazes upon her, they'd only see who they have a strong connection with resolving around the Keybearer from Destiny Islands.
Xion never responded to Sora's questions, merely looking at the steps below with a look of sadness on her face.
Although Sora doesn't recognize her, there was a slight tinge of pain in his heart as he suddenly shed a tear.
"Wh-Why… am I-"
Xion wanted to speak, to say anything. Yet... seeing Sora cry with a tear that was clearly not his own. Was it…? No, impossible. She had long since been forgotten.
As he questioned himself on what was going on, Xion used this opportunity to pry her hand away, put her hood back up and run away.
"Hey! Wait!"
Xion ignored his request as she kept running up the steps. Everything started to shift around her as she did upon Sora running after her. Wanting to properly flee from him, she formed a Corridor of Darkness to help on her escape.
The moment she passed through the dark portal, she heard a distorted voice that resembled Riku's.
"You gotta wake up!"
What in the world?
"Come on Sora, wake up!"
Everything around her… suddenly felt really strange. She felt… She felt something! But whatever it was, it didn't feel pleasant at all. It felt like she was being pulled apart and mashed back together all at once. What was happening right now?
Next thing she knew, Xion gasped with a large intake of air.
Her deep blue eyes were wide before shutting them rather quickly with a bright light filling her vision. She slowly opened them back up and saw she was somewhere nowhere resembling the World that Never Was at all.
Instead of the constant night hanging over the world, this place was actually bright out. And opposed to the coldness the Organization resided, the current environment felt rather warm.
Getting up onto her feet, Xion decided to explore where she was currently at with her curiosity reaching a newfound level.
Walking at the end of an alleyway, she found herself at some sort of marketplace with a lot of people roaming about.
Her blue eyes blinked underneath her hood as she kept observing the environment around her. Her feet helped her traverse through the area with some vendors soon requesting demands left and right.
"You can never find a finer pot in bronze or silver, missy." Stated a seedy looking vendor, holding a unique looking urn.
"Would you like some sugar dates or pistachios?" Asked a happy go lucky man. "They are freshly picked."
"How about a pretty necklace for a pretty girl." Spoke a fat man with varying displays of jewelry on his stand. "Maybe this one. The sapphires can help draw in your eyes."
"Fresh fish!" Cried out a fisherman. "Get them while they're fresh!"
Xion shook her head left and right on the requests and demands. She didn't want to feel pressured in purchasing anything at all. All she kept doing was walking through the marketplace as she was left with her thoughts.
'This place somewhat reminds me of Agrabah.' She noted. 'Only things missings are the blistering heat and the sand.' Stopping for a moment, she breathed a little to take in the air. 'I somewhat smell sea-salt, so I must be near an ocean.'
As she kept walking, a curious thought soon crossed her mind. 'Was any of this for real or not? None of this… makes sense to me.'
It seemed like it, given the simple breeze hitting her face under her hood. Smelling the exotic fragrance wafting about. Even feeling the little rumble in her stomach because of said smells.
Speaking of…
'Wonder if they sell sea-salt ice-cream.' She pondered before shaking her head. 'Highly doubt they would.'
Looking over to the side, she saw a fruit stand which had an assortment of apples, pears, and what she believed to be blood oranges. Coming over to the stand, she looked over the selection.
"What would you like, missy?"
Xion hummed a little. "I'll take a few apples and oranges please."
The vendor nodded as he grabbed the desired fruit. "That'll be twenty copper coins."
The forgotten Nobody blinked before patting herself down in order to find something she hoped was on her person.
"I don't have all day, girl."
"Just give me a moment, I think I-" She then felt a small bulge from within her Organization coat. Pulling it out, she saw her Moogle pouch. "Sorry for the wait."
She was thankful for the fine use of her purse as she obtained quite the mass of Munny before her capture and eventual 'death'. The Munny converts to whatever currency there is in the inhabited land or World one was in. And no matter how much she had on her, her purse would never be full or heavy for that matter.
Handing the coins to the vendor, Xion was about to leave when she saw a few orphan children eying an assortment of bread on a stand nearby. Beside them was someone wrapped in a shall which gave away that she was a young woman.
What drew her onto them was the little commotion going on there.
Feeling curious, she went over to see what was happening.
"-I promise, I can come back from the manse I'm staying at and give you the coin-"
"I won't hear any of this, girl." Spoke the bread vendor in a gruff voice. "No coin now, no bread at all."
Telling from the shall girl's posture, she was in a bit of distress; moreso towards the orphans than her own. Wanting to diffuse the situation, the forgotten Nobody came up to them.
"Is there some sort of problem?"
The bread vendor looked at the black hooded girl before answering. "Yeah. This beggar girl is wanting my bread and making an excuse."
"But I'm not lying." Protested the 'beggar'. "I do live at a manse and can give you the coin upon my return. I swear on my life."
"Likely story. I hear this too often to keep track."
Xion merely eyed the two opposing people as she released a sigh. "How much does she owe you?"
"Excuse me?"
"How much does she owe you for the bread?"
The vendor looked at the new arrival before giving his honest answer. "For a few loaves of bread, it's gonna be two silver coins."
Xion shifted the fruit in her grasp so she can pull out her purse to retrieve the desired amount. Once handing over the coins, the orphans beside the 'beggar' girl grabbed the loaves of bread, thanked both of them and took off.
"Don't come back here again if you don't have the coins, girl."
"I will and I'm sorry." Apologized the shall girl to the ventor. "It won't happen again."
"See that you do. Now go, I got other people to talk with."
Xion moved away from the bread stand and she didn't get far when the shall girl from before placed her hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for what you did."
"It's no problem." Xion turned around a bit and looked at the girl before her to end up getting a better look at the face underneath the shall.
From what she could see, her face can be considered pretty with how it's shaped. Her silvery-blonde hair was tucked back and hiding beneath the cloth. And her amethyst eyes were the prominent detail which stood out the most.
"So I take it you wanted to help them?" Xion said, referring to the orphans earlier.
"Yes, I did. I was in their place once and I hate seeing that happen to those very unfortunate."
Xion nodded before releasing a sigh. "Yet you forgot to carry some money on you."
The shall girl shifted a little in her spot. "Unfortunately, yes."
"Why didn't you?"
"I was… in a rush earlier today and I forgot to take my purse with me."
Deep blue eyes eventually caught onto the lie. She wanted to say something towards the shy and timid girl before her, but chose against it.
"Just don't let it happen again, please."
"I will." She said before her amethyst eyes lingered a little.
Moving her eyes down on the girl's gaze, Xion realized she was looking at the fruit bundled in her arm. Not wanting to be heartless, the forgotten Nobody gave her two apples before heading off as she briefly heard the 'thank you' over the clamoring people roaming about.
Taking more attention now to her surroundings as she ate her fruit, Xion noticed people were in a multitude of armor and robes, ranging from steel and leather to simple linen and silk. Anyone that looked able to fight also carried an impressive range of melee weapons, as well as hand crossbows and longbows.
As she explored, Xion's ears picked up on the gossip and small talk. Each bit of detail was revealing in it's own way. It helped give you a great deal about the people in any given place. What they thought was important and what was simply part of the rumor mill that existed no matter where you were.
This detail was a useful bit of information to learn when she used to be in Organization XIII. Helped out a lot on the many missions she went on, either solo or with others.
And right now, Xion wanted to learn where she was now in order to get a better idea on where to possibly go next.
Would she stay at this Pentos city she heard people say or go to one of the other Free Cities on this continent said cities resided? Or could she take a boat and sail for about a month to reach Westeros, which resided across the Narrow Sea and go from there.
'Might do better over there than here.' She thought, crossing an intersection. 'Can't make any of the languages here, other than the basic one. But that's too biased so far.'
"...Lord, cast your light upon us." A woman's voice called out from one section of the intersection, causing Xion to look towards the source. "For the night is dark and full of terrors."
The forgotten Nobody soon heard a bit of an echo coming from a crowd of people surrounding the source moments ago. When gazing at the person first speaking, the woman looked like a priestess of sorts with the dark brownish-red dress to stand out from the rest of the surrounding people. Though she did see that part of her cheek was burnt as if trying to remove something placed there.
"Like it or not, I was once a slave as I was bought and sold several times in my life." The priestess started out as she seemed to tell her tale. "Branded and scourged to the point that once my usefulness was done, I would be tossed aside like a broken tool… Until the Lord heard me… He heard my voice like he hears the voices of kings and the slaves; even the stone men in their miserable times in exile."
Xion didn't really get the whole idea with what's going on, prompting her to try and move on. Yet with so many people around, it was hard to navigate.
"He has sent you saviors to this world!" The priestess continued with what Xion soon learned as a sermon. "To either help bring balance to it or to destroy it! And in the end, all will be remade!"
'Well that's rather cryptic odd.' Was Xion's thought.
"For the Lights will cleave through the Darkness and-"
Ignoring the rest of this sermon, Xion kept moving along and crossed through the intersection to continue on with her exploration.
Sometime had passed as she vaguely enjoyed the sights. And by the time she was biting into the last of her purchased fruits from earlier, Xion heard something abrupt nearby.
"Seven Hells take you peasant!" Cried out a screeching, bratty voice. "Do you know who I am?!"
"A stupid little cunt that's about to lose a hand if you don't move along, Beggar Prince."
Beggar Prince… That was a supposed nickname Xion had heard mentioned amidst the many other rumors and stories thrown around the city. Some stories ranged from outlandish to utterly ridiculous, but they had some things in common. This "Beggar Prince" was looking for a way to raise an army and reclaim something called the Iron Throne from across the Narrow Sea. Not to mention this "prince" had an innocent younger sister.
Xion didn't exactly care all that much, given this Viserys Targaryen person seemed rather rude and arrogant. And seeing this guy acting out like a spoiled child before her possibly cemented the idea.
Tossing the finished fruit to a nearby flower bed to be used as some compost, Xion made a pass as she heard this Viserys guy backing away from the merchant he was arguing with.
"Fine! I didn't need your support anyways!" Screeched the whining Targaryen. He soon pumped into Xion, causing him to snarl a little. "Move!"
"Rude much?" She muttered under her breath.
"Come, Dany, we're heading back to the manse." Viserys ordered before hearing nothing but silence. "Dany? Dany? Where'd you go?!"
Xion looked over to the Beggar Prince as he spun around in the stone street, with his worry increasing with every other second.
"Dany?!" The Targaryen went towards the nearest guard and grasped his shoulders. "Where the hell is my sister, you stupid brute?!"
The man tried to stutter out a response when a series of shrill screams drew the attention of many in the surrounding area.
"MONSTERS!"
"DEMONS!"
"THE RED PRIEST'S AND PRIESTESS' WERE FUCKING RIGHT FOR ONCE!"
One of the people tripped and fell near Xion's feet. She helped him up and asked out of concern. "What's going on?"
"Living shadows." Came the mans' response. "They're started attacking people from out of nowhere."
Before any further questions and answers could be exchanged, Xion's instincts went off, pushing the man towards the side as one of the "living shadows" landed where the man once stood.
"Heartless." Xion hissed from underneath her hood.
It was a Shadow Heartless though it appeared it wasn't alone.
Not waiting for any further incentive, Xion called for her Keyblade -Kingdom Key- and miraculously, it appeared. She had fear for that since Roxas defeated her that she'd be unable to call for the Keyblade anymore due to the power returning to its original owner. Thankfully, this proved to be incorrect.
Without hesitation, she instantly swatted aside the Shadow that landed before her and made it burst into wisps of darkness. She turned to face more Shadows and glared in defiance. Running forward, her body felt the familiar flow of combat as she cleaved and slashed through her old foes.
From the sidelines, Viserys widened his eyes as he never thought of seeing one of those weapons in person. Though how it looked matched an old description he heard from back when he lived in Westeros as a Crown Prince. A large weapon of extraordinary power being in the shape of a giant key. He had only heard tales of it during the Tourney at Harrenhal and in the Usurper's Rebellion.
Rushing towards the black coated girl, Viserys grasped her shoulder and spun her around. "Who are you, girl?! And how do you have that sword?!"
Xion was taken back a little on the abrupt demand, yet she merely shoved the Beggar Prince away as another Heartless tried to attack the whining adult from behind.
She would rather not have someone rough handle her in such a manner, shoving the man's hand away.
"Let go of me! Stop whining for once and save your breath for fighting!" Xion shouted back before eying the sword tied at his hip. "Either use your sword and help or get away!"
Turning back to the Shadows, she bit the inside of her cheek at the sight of Soldiers now appearing to aid in their dark brethren.
That did little to deter her as she rushed forward, whacking away at the Heartless left and right.
These were easy enough as she had beaten many of these before during her stint in the Organization.
She also knows that when it comes to the Heartless, it was never as simple as it seems with what was already present.
True to her assumptions, nearby barrels and pots began to rattle about when legs violently sprouted out with a singular yellow eyehole.
Grasping her Keyblade tightly, Xion exhaled calmly and reached down deep within her, hoping to find the power that she had managed to excel at.
Throwing her Keyblade up into the air, she shouted…
"THUNDER!"
Making out to a more open area, Viserys frantically looked around for any sign of his little sister. And it didn't take long as he was able to spot the shall she was wearing before it flew off her head to reveal her silvery-blonde hair as she was running away from these "living shadows" chasing after her.
"DANY!"
Xion saw the Beggar Prince rushing off and was about to yell at him with everything going on. Yet she noticed him chasing after a girl she somewhat remembered she encountered earlier in the day at the marketplace.
Despite not liking the guy on his behavior, Xion could possibly respect him on wanting to protect his innocent sister.
Not wanting him to be taken by the Heartless, Xion was soon closing the gap as she was hot on the trail.
From what she could tell, Viserys was decent with his sword. He fought like a man possessed as he carved a path through the Heartless. Granted they were merely swatted aside instead of merely getting actually hurt in the first place.
Still, she did have to commend the guy for being able to get through so many Heartless unscathed with a weapon that had no effect on them.
Xion then felt something shove her violently, making her gasp in pain. Tumbling to the ground, she quickly scrambled up in time to hold up her Keyblade in defense against a Barrel Spider that charged full force at her.
Being pushed back slightly, the Heartless' advance halted with Xion pushing it back before swinging her Keyblade down at full force shattering the Heartless into splinters.
The other Pot and Barrel Spiders walked about, twitching around as several of them "barreled" forward at her. She tumbled out of the way but felt herself flying through the air for a brief moment.
"Oh right, they explode." Xion grumbled when an idea popped into her mind. "Oh right, they explode."
Raising her Keyblade directly at a cluster of Barrel and Pot Spiders.
"Fira!"
A large fireball formed and erupted from the tip of her blade and impacted a Barrel Spider. The effect was instantaneous and chained together to create a brief flurry of dancing flames as several nearby Pot and Barrel Spiders were caught up in the inferno and promptly blew up.
Xion couldn't help but think of her dear friend Axel.
"I wonder how he's doing." She murmured to herself, feeling slightly… sad now.
A cry for help cut through her reminiscent gaze, snapping her head towards the girl who was now surrounded by more Heartless with her brother unable to get to her.
Sprinting forward, Xion held her Keyblade out wide and spun to quickly carve out a good portion of the Heartless.
Some Heartless turned to her while the rest were still attempting to get to the girl.
Even though she knew her reserves were low at the moment, she figured it would be better now to use it to save someone rather than trying to go the long route in eliminating the Heartless.
Using up the last of her magic for the time being, Xion flung her Keyblade back up into the air.
"Thundara!"
Lightning reigned down from the sky, striking every remaining Heartless around her and the girl. The bolts struck and destroyed all the creatures of Darkness with the display of magic ending shortly after. Xion slumped forward slightly, resting her hands on her knees as her Keyblade disappeared.
She didn't realize that having not fought for so long she'd get this tired so soon.
With everything over, Xion was the first to comfort the Targaryen Princess. "Hey, it's alright now. You're safe."
Dany opened her eyes and looked at the girl before her. "I-I know you. You helped me at the marketplace."
Before Xion could give out a response, she was abruptly shoved aside as Viserys soon hugged his little sister.
The forgotten Nobody was about to yell back on his action, but brushed it aside to see the moment between the two siblings.
'I swear if he does something like that again, I'm gonna have to take a page out of Larxene's book and hurt him in some way.'
Xion was a shy and timid girl, no argument about that. But there had to be some moments which she needed to channel her inner "Savage Nymph" to get some jobs done for the Organization.
"Now with everything settled, who are you?" Viserys said, breaking Xion out of her thoughts. "How is it you have a Keyblade?"
'...He knows of the Keyblade?' Xion silently questioned, utterly bewildered on the fact. 'How was this possible?'
"Come on, speak up!" Viserys demanded.
"Brother, you should at least give her the chance to speak." Dany said softly, trying to calm down from earlier events.
Getting back onto her feet, the forgotten Nobody brushed off some dust off her body before speaking. "I agree with her. You merely surprised me. As for who I am, my name is Xion."
"Then are you friend or foe?" Interrogated the prince. "The last known Keybearer was the enemy to the crown and was one of the Usurper's Dogs."
Xion rose a brow under her hood. "I don't know who you're talking about, but I am not your enemy. I just couldn't stand by as the Heartless were attacking all over the place. Especially with your sister's life on the line."
This seemed to be somewhat of the right thing to say to Viserys as he grinned haughtily.
"Then perhaps you'd like to be one of our guards, Xion." Offering the prince, much to Dany's surprise and Xion's confusion. "You'd be a lot more useful in protecting the rightful heirs to the Iron Throne; unlike our guards from earlier."
Thinking for the briefest of moments on the offer, Xion merely shrugged. "I got nothing else going on right now. I'm new to the area and need to keep myself occupied."
This was rightfully true. She was new to this World and with the appearance of the Heartless, she needed to take care of them. And they might not always show up, given past mission experiences, so would need something to preoccupy her time.
That and upon seeing the Targaryen girl in her brother's grasp, there was something odd about her. One look at her amethyst eyes showed pain, loneliness and many other emotions.
"Then I believe you'll do well with us for now on." Viserys said before gently handing his frightened sister to the forgotten Nobody. "We must head back to Illyrio's manse. Be sure to keep up safe."
Ignoring his order, Xion gently took hold of Dany's arm as a means of being the princess' support. Upon contact, the Targaryen relaxed a little but only so much.
"We can take it slow, if you'd like."
"Thank you."
"Though don't know if your brother would snap at me for us being too far away from him."
"He… tends to do that often." Admitted the timid Targaryen. "Saying that anything wrong towards him will wake the dragon."
"Then your brother has quite the temper tantrum?" Seeing Dany nodd, Xion sighed. "Wonderful. And I thought Saix was annoying. Since I'm going to be your guard for the unforeseeable future, mind telling me about yourself?"
As Xion was escorting Dany towards the manse she lived at, the Targaryen girl informed her of her tale.
West of the Narrow sea lies a land of green hills and flowered plains and great rushing rivers. The Dothraki called it Rhaesh Andahli, the Land of the Andals. The Free Cities talked of Westeros and the Sunset Kingdoms. To the Targaryen's it was their homeland and theirs by right.
Yet it was taken from them by treachery, said Dany's brother. You don't steal from the dragon as they remember, yet Dany did not. From what Xion was told, Viserys was merely a child when he and his pregnant mother fled King's Landing to escape the advancing armies of the Usurper, Robert Baratheon.
Their older brother, Rhaegar, battled the Usurper in the bloody waters of the Trident and died for the woman the two men both loved; despite Rhaegar already having a family with a different woman. The Sack of King's Landing were led by the men Viserys called the Usurper's Dogs: the Lords Lannister and Stark. Princess Elia of Dorne, -their good-sister or sister-in-law in simpler terms- pleaded for mercy as Rhaegar's children were killed before her eyes before she was defiled and killed shortly afterwards. And their father, King Aerys Targaren -second of his name- was slain by one of his own Kingsguard, a talented bodyguard, by the name of Jamie Lanister.
Dany was born on Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of the Targaryens, after her mother and brother fled the Westerosi capital while a Summer storm threatened to rip the island's defences apart. And when asking Dany if she even remembered the place, Xion was met with nothing for she was merely a babe.
Freshly brought out of her mother's womb, who eventually died of birthing complications, she and Viserys was taken by Ser Willem Darry and four others loyal to the crown and fled in the cover of darkness as the Usurper's men drew near.
The majority of her life, Dany had lived in Braavos as guests of the resident Sea Lord and their residence had a big red door. She had her own room with a lemon tree growing outside her window. It was the simplest life for her, but it was the best. But as the years went by, their guardian Ser Willem grew ill and died. When this happened, the servants stole what little money and possessions the two Targaryen siblings had while being kicked out of the property of the Sea Lord's heir who saw no further use for them.
Xion thought that was completely and utterly rude.
Only having their clothes on their back and a handful of items, one of which was Rhaella's crown, the siblings were homeless for a long time. Dany wanted to return home to the House with the Big Red Door, but could never return there; only wandering most of Essos since.
That was until being found and brought in by Illyrio's men to Pentos to live as his honored guests a little over a year ago by now.
Upon moving into his manse, Dany had never ventured outside of the property before to explore Pentos. So recently, she had requested her brother to go with him as he went outside of the manse's walls. He soon relented and let her join him with several of Illyrio's guards joining them.
And that eventful day was how she and Xion soon met.
For over a month now, Xion has lived with the Targaryen siblings behind the manse's walls. The forgotten Nobody had to play bodyguard with them whenever they left the residence. Even having to be in the same room as them when Illyrio had guests over.
Over time, Xion was able to learn much from not just the Targaryens but also from their host's library. It provided much about the current World she was in and to say that she felt rather overwhelmed by it all would be an understatement.
So much war, conquest, death, enslavement and that's just the surface. Honestly, most of the books spoke of how so many nations and kingdoms were forged by blood and steel.
It made her want to hightail out of this World and go somewhere more calming.
Yet she debated against it, due to her becoming friends with one of her "charges" in a short amount of time.
Dany was much like her when she first started out in Organization XIII and she felt a kindred spirit developing with the young Targaryen. She had a natural sort of curiosity to learn more and there was a kindness to her that endeared her to Xion.
However, the warm and fuzzy feelings of friendship was not what she shared with her other "charge" and "host."
Now there are a few things about Illyrio and Viserys she didn't like at all.
With the "cheesemonger", the plump man stroked the Beggar King's ego by feeding him information Xion quickly realized were lies. Viserys was too blind, due to his arrogance. Xion was finding it increasingly difficult for a while now to just up and leave the place while possibly taking Dany with her to parts unknown. Illyrio might have given the siblings shelter for over a year now, which she was thankful for; but Xion knew the magister had his own intentions for the act.
Illyrio reminded the forgotten Nobody of some members of the Organization on some manners. Her time with individuals Xemnas and Saix taught her a great deal on reading on people's intentions. A man like him didn't accumulate the wealth he had without selling everything and maybe what relatives he had to the highest bidder. Not to mention finding the right people to befriend for his own or similar agendas.
And from what Xion could tell, Illyrio hoped Viserys would reclaim the Iron Throne and collect on what was due to him for his "kind acts" for him and his sister. It was a big gamble, no doubt, and it could bite him in the ass due to Viserys' maddening personality.
Speaking of the inbred lizard, Xion simply hated him. Now Xion wasn't one to just go and despise someone so quickly and easily. But wow, did Viserys accomplish such a task.
Xion never liked the whining man to begin with and that never improved in the slightest. He treated everyone around him like dirt, from the simplest servant to even his own sister!
Sure he says it's "tough love" or something along those lines, but one should never do something like that to your own flesh and blood.
Viserys' arrogance and unwillingness to trust anyone farther than his own imaginary circle was going to get himself killed one day. And if he cries out for anyone to save him… well… no one will lift a finger to do so.
Argue what you want on his actions. Him acting this way due to his family's legacy should not give him the right to be the man he is towards others. If he wanted to be a good ruler, actually be kind and just for starters; just not be… Viserys.
And yes, she was using him as an adjective. Best way to simply describe him.
Honestly, Xion may have only existed for less then a year but she knew that people shouldn't or aren't as petty or as cruel as this Beggar Prince was. Even Xemnas and Saix weren't as… No, wait they are still pretty high on her shit list, as Axel once called it. And now she felt a momentary wave of depression thinking about her best friends once again. Roxas and Axel… she wished to see them again so badly. Anything to get away from that annoying ponce.
Oh and not to mention Viserys wanted to use her as a means to reclaim Westeros. Well more importantly the Keyblade. With how the weapon was able to affect so much on his home continent in his youth, he thinks history will favor him with her by his side.
Wanting to get away from Viserys, Xion needed to vent some steam. So she used the means of going outside the manse to slay the occuring Heartless as an excuse. Claiming with her "representing him" and slaying them, it'll boost his status and image.
And of course, he bought it and let her do her request without a second thought.
"Xion." Dany whined, resting on her bum. "You know I can't keep up with you."
"But I wasn't even that fast this time." Xion brought up, recalling her Keyblade.
"Xion, you know you don't qualify as normal." Dany said, crossing her arms with a pout. "Your version of normal speeds are much more than anything I or any other normal human can do."
Giving her a kind and humored smile, Xion merely held her hand out to Danaerys who at first looked away childishly before it faded into a giggle, accepting her friend's hand.
During the time getting to know one another, Dany soon built up the courage and kindly asked Xion to teach her how to fight. It did surprise the Nobody on the request, but she soon relented on the reasons why.
First was obvious with how similar they were and no further discussion on that. Second, after witnessing the many days of her best friend training in the yards; something sparked within her in wanting to become something more than just a shy and weak "dragon".
This proved a bit more evident when Xion saw Dany with bruises. And it didn't take long to realize where they came from.
She had wanted to thrash Viserys so thoroughly but was talked out of it from Dany. It took everything within her to even hold back more rage she didn't know she'd have. Daenerys… looked terrified when requesting Xion for restraint.
After some discussion, Xion relented and decided to secretly teach her friend how to defend herself.
She wasn't the best teacher of swordplay, handsdown, but her fighting style was inherited through Sora's memories and all the time she went out on missions for the Organization. Fighting so long against the Heartless sharpened her style and made it her own, breaking it away from Sora and possibly even Roxas.
It was strange and surreal to her that this was her life for these past weeks.
Just waking up, spending time with and training Daenerys and just going about a few errands while learning more about the World she currently resided in.
And upon recently, she found something that would truly cheer up her friend. An item which belonged to Dany's mother. Xion was able to get her hands on it and return back to the manse, hoping it'll make things better for the "brooding dragon" as she sometimes called her friend.
Unfortunately, this time of happiness eventually came to an end.
"You're getting married?" Xion muttered, the concept of marriage completely foreign to her. "What's that even mean? What for?"
"My brother Viserys spoke of gaining a powerful alliance and army that would assist in regaining the Iron Throne." Dany spoke in a near robotic tone. "I must do my duty to our house."
"...And did he say who you're marrying?"
"A horselord of the Dothraki, one of the strongest in Essos. His name is Khal Drogo."
"Dothraki…" Xion remembered reading about them and in all honesty, she didn't exactly have a positive opinion on them regarding their actions. Raping, murdering and pillaging were there way of life and she hated it. Who were they to impose such violence upon the lives of the innocent?
And now, her friend was marrying one of them.
"Wha… what exactly is going to happen now?" Xion asked quietly, feeling a sense of loss. This was outside what she was used to.
Dany had looked over to the many garments that had been prepared for her, eyeing them warily. Yet chose none for her to wear at all; merely sticking with her Organization attire above all else due its practicality.
Going over to the pile where Dany's new gown and accessories laid, Xion took a look over the material. "Gotta hate to admit it, but your brother and host have good taste in clothing."
Dany formed a small smile. "I would like to see you in one of those one day."
"Yeah… wait what for?"
"To see you get married one day, obviously. Also, all I've seen you in are those clothes you currently wear."
"And they suit me quite nicely and I prefer them over everything else." Xion argued.
Sighing, Dany soon got out of the tub as she grabbed a towel to help dry and clean herself off. "I thank you for your honesty and all the time together we've spent together as always." A mischievous twinkle shined off her amethyst eyes as a small grin formed on her face. "Now let me be honest with you, in kind. I know how trying he is, but I am eternally grateful you haven't killed my brother. We both know how easily you could do it."
For someone with no actual family to call her own, Xion's next words weren't lost to the princess before her. "You've lost enough, Dany. Your home, your right to go back, everything. I would never deprive you of the last remaining relative you have left in this world… even if he's a total and utter prick."
There was an awkward silence between the two as Dany idly twirled her finger through her hair for a moment.
She shifted about nervously. "Do you know… about pleasing a man?"
Xion tilted her head in bewilderment, crossing her arms in thought.
"Well there's hanging out with my friends, Axel and Roxas. Watching the sunsets with them while eating sea-salt ice cream together… if this is what you mean."
"Once again, I'd like to try this treat you mentioned several times before. Sounds delectable."
"It's an acquired taste, if I'm being honest." Xion said with a teasing smile. "Then again I did eat ten of them in one sitting with the two."
Daenerys giggled slightly. "But, aren't there other ways?"
"Well, we did want to go to the beach and I remember I had to clean Roxas's face several times whenever it was drawn on. Axel always made me laugh and knew what to help when we needed advice."
Dany regarded her friend as she went on about her time she spent with her friends yet…
"Xion…" Dany was unsure of how exactly she was going to ask this. "What do you know about-" She felt her cheeks become flustered. "-About s-sex?"
The blue-eyed girl frowned. "Sex?"
She thinks she's heard that word… though she wasn't sure. She did hear a lot of new words here in Essos but sex certainly was a new one.
"What's that?"
Dany gaped slightly, the color from her face leaving with her finding absolutely no signs of trickery coming from Xion in regards to the question.
"Dany?"
"Huh?"
"You didn't answer my question." Xion said curiously. "What's sex? Is it important?"
Now Dany was in a bit of an extremely unusual predicament, being that of shielding a clear young maiden girl who was unaware of one of the most common things anyone and everyone has heard of. And in all honesty, Xion has protected her in her own way so for once she shall do the same in this instance.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself over, Xion." Daenerys said hurriedly. "I promise, it's nothing important."
Weirded out by her change in demeanor, Xion decided to acquiesce to Dany's dismissal of the topic.
"So… when is this Drogo gonna come on by?"
"Later today, from what Viserys' told me."
Xion nodded as she soon helped her friend get into her prepared gown and accessories.
-Later-
"Ah, good. You've arrived." Illyrio said in a pleasant tone as he gazed at the Targaryen princess. "You look very regal. May the gods bless you on this most fortunate day, Princess Daenerys. Khal Drogo will be enraptured."
Standing by the entrance of the property's main building was Dany. Her purple silk gown was highlighted with the assorted accessories she wore on her. Especially the three-headed dragon pin holding up her gown on each of her shoulders.
Xion stood beside her all the while, with the two having a discreet moment where the Princess reached back to clench her hand for comfort.
She briefly looked behind her to give the puppet a look of appreciation with Xion doing the same.
"Why haven't you bothered changing, Xion?" Illyrio inquired. "I picked the nice assortment for you."
"You know as much as everyone else, those won't work well for me at all."
"...Enough said."
Beside the "cheesemonger", Viserys was in his best black tunic with his three-headed dragon pin placed above his pectoral with his best sword strapped towards his side. Said Targaryen merely glared at the Keybearer for being "rude" to their host.
Feeling as it was going on forever on the wait, Viserys spoke. "Where the hell is he?"
"The Dothraki are not known for their punctuality." Illyrio said plainly.
Upon mentioning said men, the foursome heard the sounds of horses drawing near the property. Their hoofs scraping against stone and earth at a quickened speed as four riders arrived near the steps leading up to the main building.
As the Dothraki riders stopped, Illyrio walked down the steps as he spoke in Dothraki, greeting them on coming here. From there, he spoke back to the basic tongue. "May I present my honored guests: Viserys of House Targaryen, the third of his name, the rightful King of the Andals and the First Men. His sister, Daenerys of House Targaryen. And… Xion."
'...Wow, no proper introductions for me.' Xion thought with an eye roll. 'Still must be peeved of me for these past weeks.'
She had taken a moment to observe the men riding upon the horses. They appeared strong though looks can be deceiving. One of them had actually stared right at her and gave her a strange smile that she could not describe properly. Great, one of them was weird.
Dany moved forward to greet the Dothraki but she was stopped by her brother who pulled her close.
"Do you see how long his hair is?" Viserys whispered into his sister's ear. "When Dothraki are defeated in combat, they cut off their braids so the whole world can see their shame. And Khal Drogo has never been defeated."
Xion could see why, given how long the leading man's ponytail, sideburns, and beard lengths were. Each placements were braided in an intricate way, making her briefly wonder how he properly maintains it all.
'That's a lot of hair on one face' Xion thought to herself.
"He's a savage of course but he's one of the finest killers alive." Viserys added as if it were an afterthought. "And you will be his queen."
"Come forward, my dear." Illyrio gently said to his guest.
Seeing it was her time to shine, Dany swallowed a lump in her throat before moving forward.
Despite the suddenness of it all, with no amount of proper time to prepare, Dany mustered every lesson she experienced to keep herself calm and collect. Descending down the steps as she advanced towards her husband-to-be. She recalled Xion's happy smile and comforting presence, knowing her dear friend was only a few feet behind giving her more strength as she stepped closer.
Upon stopping before the Khal's horse, Daenerys shakily looked up to Drogo managing to pull off an unflinching look.
As Dany was being observed by Khal Drogo, Xion tightened her fist with the leather glove straining on the pressure.
Xion couldn't make out what Drogo said as it was more like a series of grunts were let out. Before long, he tugged the reigns on his horse and rode off without looking back. And his bloodriders, from what Xion was told of being his most loyal men, followed after soon after.
Seeing them ride off, Viserys broke away and ran down the steps. "That's it? He didn't say anything." He looked at their retreating forms with utmost confusion. "Did he even like her?"
Before Illyrio could even say anything, Xion abruptly beat the "cheesemonger" to the punch. "I have a feeling we'd know if he didn't."
While everyone else on the property added some kind of respectful title to Viserys whenever they spoke to him, Xion hardly did so anymore after learning his abusive nature towards his sister.
"Your arrogant tongue is getting to be an overly burdensome annoyance, Keybearer. Be thankful your status will save you from whatever may befall onto anyone else."
Viserys immediately turned on his heel and walked away with Illyrio following not far behind.
Xion glared at Viserys momentarily before walking right by the two annoyances and went right over to Daenerys. The Targaryen Girl gave her a shaky smile, the two holding hands for a moment with Dany being truly grateful to have someone like Xion right about now. Had it not been for her brother and Illyrio watching, she'd felt as though she may have collapsed into Xion's arms and clung to her with all her might.
"Come on, Dany." Xion said softly. "Let's go back inside."
Dany simply nodded silently. Normally, she'd always go after her brother whenever it came to important moments and events that dealt with the restoration of her house but right now she just wanted to be alone with her friend. The two walked back into the manse whilst Illyrio and Viserys continued their walk
Eventually coming to a spot overlooking the Narrow Sea from the property, Illyrio started talking his web of lies into the "dragon's" ear.
"It won't be long now. Soon you will cross the Narrow Sea and take back your family's throne." Illyrio began. "The people drink secret toasts to your health and coming success. They cry out for their true king."
Viserys took a breath before he started walking. "When will they be married?"
"Soon. The Dothraki never stay still for long."
As they walked, a thought crossed the prince's mind. "Is it true they lie with their horses?"
Illyrio sucked in his teeth a little. "I wouldn't ask Khal Drogo."
"Do you take me for a fool?"
"I take you for a king." Illyrio reminded him. "Kings lack the caution of common men. My apologies if I've given offense."
"I know how to play a man like Drogo. I give him a queen and he gives me an army. Not his full might, just ten thousand at best with the rest of Westeros falling under my banner soon after."
"Indeed, your Grace. Khal will honor your agreement and soon you will reclaim your birthright."
Viserys held a smug look at that yet a stray and very annoying thought occurred.
"That Keybearer." Viserys spat out, refusing to use her name. "She's not good for my sister. I've heard from stories that there was a Keybearer that participated in the Usurper's war on that bastard's side."
"Be that as it may your grace, this one is here and clearly on your side." Illyrio stated.
He too has heard of this Keyblade from his sources in Westeros yet he never placed much stock in them. But now that he saw one of its wielders and how powerful she had proven to be in a short amount of time. Illyrio was no fool in knowing that it was Daenerys that kept Xion around and tolerated Viserys. Had it not been for the Targaryen Princess, the Keyblade wielder would have undoubtedly left by this point. The Gods only knew what would have become of this strange girl.
"She should know that she speaks with a King!" Viserys said in a petulant manner. "That stupid whore should have done the proper actions and handed that Keyblade over to one proper suited for such a weapon."
"From what I was told, a Keybearer's duty is to the land… the realm… not a single Lord or King." Illyrio stated.
"Then why is it there was one that fought with Robert Baratheon against my family's throne?" Viserys countered in a hiss.
"I believe we can only know so much on that regard." The Cheesemonger said placatingly. "War is often never as simple as you may believe it to be, Your Grace. For all we know, that Keybearer was fooled into serving Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark but eventually saw through their deceptions. After all, he hasn't been heard from since the Rebellion."
"Well then where is he?" Viserys asked in aggravation.
"No one knows, Your Grace. He simply went and vanished never to be heard from again." Illyrio hesitated for a moment. "Though… there has been rumblings, Your Grace. From the Kingdom of the North."
"Rumblings? Rumblings on what?"
"My sources have spoken of another who had come to Westeros and wields not one but two Keyblades." Illyrio said enigmatically.
"What?" Viserys squawked. "Why have you not told me of this?"
"This has been a recent development." Illyrio stated. "And this one apparently has been busy. Apparently, the North has also been recently plagued by these Heartless as Xion had called them and the one there in Westeros has been traversing all over the North and facing them wherever they appear. And above all else…"
Illyrio leaned forward to whisper into the Beggar King's ear. "He wears a black coat."
While the two colluded and spoke to one another, one Targaryen Princess wept profusely within the arms of her closest friend.
"I don't want to marry him, Xion." Daenerys's voice was muffled as her face was buried into Xion's shoulder. "I want to go home. Braavos, Westeros, I don't care. I want to live peacefully. I don't want any of this."
Xion wasn't sure what a wedding was but judging from how Dany was reacting to it, it didn't appear to be something to celebrate over.
All the puppet could do was hold her friend close and soothe her as best as she possibly could. Sometimes, words were not needed to show someone how much you care for them.
Roxas and Axel had done that for her as she had for them. What Dany needed right now was a friend. And she'd be just that.
-Days Later-
Today… was the day. The Dothraki wedding has unfortunately come at last.
Despite the "momentous" occasion, Viserys was still in an impatient mood and his usual whiney self. He was sitting on his makeshift seat not far away from his younger sister.
Xion could care less about the Targaryen prince's mood as she stood just below the new Khalessi and her husband. The fact Dany had asked for Xion to stand above her own brother hadn't gone unnoticed by Viserys and it made the forgotten Nobody quite happy to be valued more than the supposed "dragon". Even Drogo had taken an interest in the black coated girl his new wife seemed to care more than her own blood. The horselord looked at the black haired youth with benign curiosity.
Now as for the wedding itself… saying it was strange and barbaric can be the simplest of words labeling this event.
…..
…..
…..
What in the world was this? Why were all the women getting almost naked? And what was that weird pelvic movement? Was this what dictated a wedding? This was beyond bizarre for the puppet. None of this made any sense to her.
And don't get Xion started on the food spread… given the flies hovering over some of the meat some laid on just big piles of leaves before getting cooked.
Then there were the rest of the Dothraki Horde that were dancing, moving and chanting about.
Ok, seriously, what the heck was that guy doing to that woman on the ground?
And now someone else had taken his place.
"Something troubling you, Keybearer?" Viserys smugly sneered, having noticed the Keybearer's discomfort with what these Dothraki savages called food and entertainment.
Horse meat, lamb and even a few dogs from what he overheard. There were some mundane foods such as fruits, vegetables and spiced wine and ales were brought to the Khal and his new bride before anyone else was served. Unknowingly agreeing with Xion, he didn't enjoy the smell coming from the left out meats at all.
"What exactly are they doing?" Xion asked, not really noticing the rude tone in VIserys.
"What?"
"Them, what are they doing?" Xion pointed to a Dothraki woman getting her clothes torn off and being touched all over by another man.
Viserys took a moment to look between Xion and the two that had gestured to. At first he thought she was jesting but from her facial expression and obvious discomforted demeanor in witnessing such an act cause the exiled Targaryen to guffaw openly.
"Of course you are a true maiden."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Viserys didn't answer her as he turned to Illyrio, who sat beside the prince. "When can I speak to the Khal? We need to start planning the invasion."
Illyrio's response was expected since Xion knew more about the Dothraki than he did apparently. "If Khal Drogo has promised you a crown, you shall have it. When their omens favor war."
The explanation brought a scowl and a curse from Viserys. "I piss on Dothraki omens. I've waited seventeen years to get my throne back."
Xion was suddenly met with one of the Dothraki men going right up to her with a brazen grin. Grasping her shoulder violently, Xion instinctually swatted it away making the Dothraki blink. Sneering, he shot his hand out and grabbed her collar and pulled when she grabbed his wrist.
The Dothrak spat in annoyance when his eyes widened as he felt the girl apply pressure to his wrist before she twisted it off of him and threw him down.
"Get off." Xion said in aggravation. "What are you even doing?"
Daenerys felt herself losing her breath, eyes panicking at the sight of the Dothraki whom Xion casted aside snarl and pulled out his Arkh blade.
"Mounting you, girl."
"Mounting me?"
Drogo simply watched, eyebrow raised in interest at the black haired girl who had just tossed aside a man a foot taller than her with ease. The Dothraki let out a few shouts and soon was met with the sound of hooves clopping on the ground.
Leaning forward, Xion earned his undivided attention as she moved forward to confront one of his riders; who tried to mount her once more.
Just as he drew closer, Xion leapt up into the air with ease. Swiping her hand, her Keyblade appeared in hand and in one motion cut through the riders braid on top of whacking his neck hard enough to knock him out.
Many Dothraki let out startled cries of shock and even distrust while others watched on in silent awe. Even using the common, basic tongue to curse her as a "witch".
Khal Drogo abruptly spoke up with a large grin present on his face as he looked to Xion who had landed gracefully back on the ground.
"Seems Khal Drogo was impressed and entertained on her display." Illyrio stated. "Normally a Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths is considered a dull affair. What Xion has done has pleased him well."
Returning back to her spot, Xion rolled her shoulder as she dismissed her Keyblade. "Well that was annoying."
Drogo soon spoke towards the Keybearer in his native tongue.
"...Any idea what he just said?"
Illyrio translated on her behalf. "He complimented you on your fight. And it seems he would like to fight you some day. Not to mount you, but to see how well of a fighter you truly are."
Drogo stated several more phrases at the downed Dothraki man.
"Though he does ask why you haven't killed him?"
"...Mind translating this for me?" Xion asked the "cheesemonger", who nodded at the request. "Tell him that rider needs to live in dishonor in thinking he could mount the likes of me."
'Whatever that really means.' Xion internally stated, still unclear as to all this. Seriously, what weird world did she land in?
Drogo only laughed aloud in approval as the translation was given, a roguish grin directed at the puppet as he nodded at her for her skill and spirit.
"He accepts your reason, Xion."
"Good to know."
It was by this time the activities resumed, yet people still looked at Xion with mixed feelings.
Soon enough, a man came forward which quickly drew the interest of those nearby.
The man was older and dressed as a Westerosi knight with a sword strapped to his side and a stack of books under his arm. Presents were expected at any wedding and Khal Drogo and the new Khalessi had received many already. Mostly exotic silks, weapons for Drogo, foods and other things of that nature.
Yet no books have been given so far.
To make this even more interesting, the new arrival greeted Drogo in his native tongue, to which Drogo responded in passing respects with two words Xion understood: Jorah and Andal.
"Hello, my friend." Jorah the Andal greeted before climbing the small steps. "A small gift for the new Khaleesi." He handed the pile of books over to Dany, all the while ignoring the fight going on behind them.
Xion was ready to step back in and stop it all, even if she'll earn more mixed reactions from everyone present.
"What are they?"
"Songs and histories of the Seven Kingdoms."
Dany was touched by the gift made to her directly as she accepted the books with a sincere look of gratitude. "Thank you, ser." She stated before waiting half a beat to ask the question Xion was about to voice. "Are you from my country?"
"Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island." He introduced himself. "I served your father for many years." Jorah then turned to Viserys and bowed a little. "Gods be good I hope to serve the rightful king."
'I don't remember hearing or reading about Aerys having a Mormont under his service.' Xion thought, but kept to herself.
The whole thing with Jorah appearing seemingly out of nowhere alone, bearing gifts, didn't sit well with the forgotten puppet. And while she had no proof to base her suspicions on, her instincts didn't stay quiet about the man either.
Deciding to reserve judgment, not that she could have done anything here without drawing unnecessary attention to herself, Xion remained silent as Jorah the Andal exchanged his pleasantries with the Targaryen siblings before walking away.
She'll keep an eye on him, that's for sure.
Not long after the Mormont departed, Illyrio beckoned two of his servants *cough* slaves *cough* forward, bearing a heavy metal chest between them.
Having no idea what was inside the box, Xion had no way of knowing the significance of this moment as three oval objects, cradled in silk were revealed to everyone within eyesight of the chest.
Both Dany and Xion were entranced by the oddly strange beauty on their appearance. Scales covering each of them with one being primarily jade in color with a bronze tint to some areas, another in ivory white with gold and the last was ebony black with red.
"What are they?"
"Dragon eggs from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai." Illyrio explained to his attentive audience. "The ages have turned them to stone, but they will always be beautiful."
Dany gently picked up the jade egg between her hands and brought it before her face to inspect it a little more.
"Thank you, Magister."
Before she had the chance to continue looking at her recent gift, Khal Drogo stood up on some unspoken signal, just as the crowd fell silent.
Descending the steps and heading off some distance away, Xion spotted a flash of a silver mane before someone blocked her view, but had a pretty good idea where Dany was meant to go. The Keybearer fell in behind her friend on her right side, ignoring the curious glance Jorah shot at her.
This was where she belonged, by her friend… the new Khaleesi's side.
Eventually coming to a stop, Dany couldn't help but marvel at the most beautiful white haired horse with a mane of purest silver she had ever seen.
"She's beautiful." Breathed out the new Khaleesi, once more entranced by the animal with her richly adorned saddle.
Dothraki custom dictated that the newly wed would ride off into the sunset and consummate their marriage under the light of the stars… alone with no one else present. And since Drogo already had a fearsome warhorse to match his status, it only seemed fitting Dany got a horse of her own.
In all honesty, this gift was still more than Xion had expected out of the man. After all, this was still the first wedding she attended and experienced.
"How do I say 'thank you' in Dothraki?" Dany asked Jorah, who had followed not far behind.
"There is no word for 'thank you' in Dothraki." Was the Mormont's response.
Dany didn't fight as Drogo helped her to the saddle, easily lifting her as if she weighed nothing, but his gentleness surprised the forgotten puppet before Drogo went onto his own horse.
Before Dany had the chance to move, her brother came by her side and said something simple, yet complicated. "Make him happy."
Praying that she would not fall off and disgrace herself, Dany gave her steed the lightest and most timid tough with her knees. Her ride began to trot and for the first time in hours, Dany forgot to be afraid.
Or perhaps it was the first time ever, despite Xion's influence and help in making her stronger.
There was this feeling inside her blood, singing in joy as her steed started going faster and faster around the area. It was as if part of her heritage was coming out as her imagination ran wild, thinking her horse was actually a dragon instead.
It wasn't much, but it was enough.
As Drogo was about to head out and join his new bride, his dark eyes met with Xion's blue. Nothing was verbally said, but the Keybearer gave out a silent message to the horselord: hurt her and you'll answer for it.
Seemingly getting the message across, Drogo shot her a curious glance in return. But the slightest glinting of his eyes said it all; understanding the threat and it's intent. If anything, there was the briefest bit of respect added more onto the black haired girl before him.
Soon enough, festivities had ended once Drogo took off to catch up with his bride with the sun setting in the distance.
Jorah waited until Viserys had wandered off to stand next to Xion. "Despite not saying anything, you threatened a Khal and he respected you for it. I don't think many people could have gotten away with that and lived."
Despite the slight reprimanding tone in Jorah's voice, Xion nodded to the knight in respect of a different sort.
"You care for her more than her brother." He stated rather than asked.
"I do. She's the only friend I have left. So there's no way I'm going to betray her trust. I hope you can understand that."
"I do." Jorah stated simply and nodded once more, his hand never leaving his sword's hilt.
Although the fact it merely rested on the weapon rather than wrapped around its hilt said she was no threat and didn't plan to make herself one. Yet the knowing glance she saw in his gaze told her it was quite conflicting on what may happen in the coming times.
-That Night-
Lying on her cot in her own tent, Xion couldn't help but toss and turn. She couldn't sleep at all, worried about her friend.
The puppet didn't know how much time has passed since the festivities ended as it seemed forever. Parts of her anxiety kept her mind racing, making it hard to rest properly.
It didn't help that the Dothraki continued to celebrate all throughout the day well into the night. She had actually shut her ears several times, finding the constant shrieking and chanting severely irritating and only compounded on her anxiety.
"When will they finally go to sleep so I can sleep?" She groaned.
Xion had retired to her tent after Dany was taken away while also having to deal with several other Dothraki men that didn't get the memo that she wasn't some girl to be "mounted". No one bothered to explain that part still.
She would've prefered going back to Illyrio's manse, but she was told she needed to stay with the rest of the khalasar now. Her property back at the manse, along with the Targaryen's, will be sent over in the morning just before the khalasar migrated to a place called Vos Dothrak, the Dothraki holy land or whatever.
There, Dany has to perform certain rights to properly be part of the khalasar. And if she were to get pregnant prior to arriving there, there's supposed to be additional stuff she's supposed to do at that time.
'It's gonna take forever to know all of their customs.' Xion thought, shaking her head. 'But all I've got now is time.'
Xion turned in her bed once more when she heard the flapping cloth from the front of her tent. Turning around, Xion immediately sat up upon seeing her friend clearly shaken with her clothes barely covering her up in the slightest.
The princess was shaking uncontrollably with signs of her crying, dry tear stains on her cheeks.
"Dany?" Xion asked in worry as her friend drew closer.
The Targaryen was still shaken as she collapsed into her friend's arms, not giving the puppet a chance to get up. She let loose several tears as Xion held her close.
"I-I tried telling him no. I wasn't ready." Dany admitted. "I wasn't ready to-"
Xion silenced her as she tightened her hold on her as the dragon cried into her shoulder.
She wept, clinging to her best friend with all her might with a few moments where she twitched violently with the feeling of what Drogo had done to her fresh on her flesh.
"What did he do to you?" Xion asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't comprehend whatever it was that Drogo had done but whatever it was…
Dany rested her forehead against Xion's cheek.
"Something I hope you never experience." Dany said tearfully.
Xion's heart clenched at how truly broken her friend sounded that brief moment, hand gently stroking Dany's hair.
"I-I'm right here, Dany." Xion assured.
"Thank the gods you are." Dany said, exhaustion beginning to creep up on her.
As the Dragon Princess drifted off, XIon kept her close. "I'll always be here for you, Dany. I promise."
-End Chapter-
AN:
Another chapter has come and gone as we finally get to see what is going on with our other Nobody Keybearer, Xion.
Now just to bring this up, I have no idea how much things actually are in terms of pricing George R.R. Martin's created world. I'm trying my best here so please give me some leeway on that bit from what research I had to look up. Comparing to the likes of the medieval era to the surrounding ones.
So it's my belief Xion wouldn't have any further memories of anything beyond her demise in 358/2 Days. So she wouldn't get any new experiences and strengths from both Roxas and Sora when she first arrived in Pentos. All that she would really have are all of her abilities and strengths from said game to what we experienced on her data fight in KH3: ReMind. Anything else will come out at a later time if needed.
Free Man Writer: Yeah while Roxas was a lot more present within Sora, Xion truly became non-existent in away with a fraction of her existing in Sora. Thus this leaves us a lot of room for Xion to grow on her own and develop more as an individual fighter.
Jeb: Exactly and as she grows her fighting prowess, she will start breaking away from her shy, timid nature; given the current world she resides in now. Not to mention her being with Dany will at least give them a pillar to lean onto.
Free Man Writer: And just to assuage some reviews we've seen, don't worry about things going according to Canon, we know full well what we're dealing with here and have planned out a majority of the first two to three seasons and beyond.
Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!
R&R