Chapter 36 - The Good Fight: Reprise
Being there with Zexion, alone in the silence, was all he ever needed.
Demyx would have stayed in that darkened lab for an eternity if it were allowed. He wanted nothing more than for them to dance all night and pretend nothing else was happening. Perhaps it was finally being together again, after those long days they spent apart. Maybe it was their growing anxiety over the mission. But something, a very powerful force, kept them lingering inside that lab. Unwilling to stop humming and swaying and laughing against each other's chests. Hesitant to part once again to join their separate parties on this trek to the new world. Refusing to let go of each other, even for a moment to breathe.
But it couldn't last. Their time had run out, and the perfect moment they shared came to an end. Just one more refrain. One more promise to return. One more kiss goodbye. Then Demyx was finally out the door. He made his way to the grey area with as much haste as he could muster, accompanied only by the sound of his footsteps echoing off the sterile white walls of every hallway. He'd never seen this place so empty. Everyone was gone, already in position and waiting for permission to strike. This was their last chance. Either they brought Vexen home today, or they returned to the castle empty-handed for the last time. Demyx had to keep his focus. They couldn't afford a mistake.
He reached the grey area to find Luxord and Saïx talking. Upon spotting the musician, Luxord lit up as he greeted him. "Ah, Demyx! I was beginning to fear the worst!"
"Sorry," Demyx said, unable to match the man's enthusiasm. "I'm ready to go."
A brief look of concern flashed across Luxord's face, but it quickly shifted to its usual warmth. "Saïx here was just briefing me on the current status of the mission. Everyone is in place, awaiting our arrival."
Saïx nodded and continued the explanation. "We have eyes on all sides of their encampment, and plenty of coverage for a quick extraction. All that's needed is an opening."
Demyx wasn't really listening. He caught only fragments here and there — "encampment," "coverage," "extraction." All he could think about was Zexion. He respected his partner's wishes, and offered his full support to his decision to join the rescue. But he'd be lying if he didn't acknowledge the part of him that still loathed the idea. He couldn't stand the thought of Zexion being in danger, even for a worthy cause such as this.
Strong as those anxious thoughts were, Demyx pushed them aside. He couldn't get distracted by them. Not today, of all days.
As the briefing dragged on, Demyx caught sight of a figure coming down the hall toward their position. There was an instinctive lift in his spirits when he realized it was Zexion coming to join them. But that lift was quickly replaced by the staggering weight of dread. The kind that tightened his throat and twisted up his insides. Knowing this was it — that after this, they would be separated again — left Demyx aching to reach for him. To take him in his arms and shield him from whatever impending dangers they were about to face. But instead, he forced a smile, not wanting to make Zexion any more nervous than he already was. He wondered if the apprentice was thinking about Vexen, about how little time they had. Maybe he was feeling a heavy sense of dread, too.
Luxord looked up at the sound of approaching footfalls and grinned. "Why, Zexion! Come to pay your respects?"
Zexion didn't respond. He shifted in place, awkward and shy. Saïx graciously bailed him out, speaking up to fill the silence.
"Zexion will be joining the rescue efforts. In light of what's happened, it was decided that his talents could be put to better use in retrieving Vexen."
"How exciting!" Luxord beamed. "And will you be coming with us?"
"He's coming with me."
The new voice belonged to Xigbar, who was limping into the room looking rather disgruntled. Everyone except Saïx reacted to his presence with surprise.
"Xigbar?" Luxord objected with obvious disapproval in his voice. "I thought you were resting?"
"So did I!" Xigbar exasperated, gesturing toward Saïx as he complained further. "But this asshole woke me up and told me I either had to accompany Zexion or be prepared to help Axel and Roxas when they get back."
Saïx had his arms crossed, unwavering against Xigbar's words. "In light of the circumstances, I think you made the wiser choice."
"Once you reach the age where your lower back does what mine does, then you'll understand how wrong you are."
Xigbar smirked, and Saïx returned it with a smirk of his own. "And when that day comes, I promise to never forget it."
"Xigbar," Luxord interrupted their spat. "Your injury."
"I'm not hurt." Xigbar assured him. "Just a little strained, is all."
"That's not what you said earlier—"
"Uh, guys? We've gotta get going."
Demyx's reminder was met with an uncomfortable silence, wherein they all realized that they were stalling. Each of them was reluctant to go, as if some unseen forces were holding them back. For Demyx, it was the same as what he'd experienced in the lab only minutes ago. Wishing for time to just freeze for a while. Battling the overwhelming desire to linger, to hold tightly to this present moment and never let it pass. The hesitation, the apprehension, the awareness of the looming threat ahead of them. These feelings were shared by all in the room. The time had come and no one wanted to leave.
Luxord cleared his throat and clasped his young friend's shoulder, smiling as he did. Lightening the mood — or at least attempting to. "You're quite right, Demyx." After that, he sauntered toward Xigbar and pressed his lips to the man's cheek in full view of everyone standing there. "Kiss for good luck?"
Xigbar chuckled, but was by no means shy about fulfilling the man's request. Embarrassed, Demyx looked away just as they kissed again. It hardly felt like the time to be mushy, but as he stood there, waiting awkwardly for them to finish, his gaze drifted — and landed on Zexion.
He almost wanted to kiss him again. For good luck, like Luxord said. Or perhaps just because he would never tire of it for as long as he lived. Suddenly, being mushy didn't seem like a problem. They'd shared plenty of kisses already today, but it would never really be enough. He always wanted more. They both did. Especially now, when it felt like they might not get another chance.
But he couldn't put Zexion on the spot like that. For now, a meek smile and a nod would have to be enough.
Xigbar finally broke the lengthy kiss, leaving Luxord hovering only an inch away. He was smiling, almost daring the man to take him back and kiss him again. But the clock was ticking. Another kiss would have to wait until they returned. Xigbar clapped his hands and gestured for his party members to follow him. "Alright, all aboard the pain train! Let's go!"
He then extended his arm and was about to summon a dark corridor when he was halted by a sudden appeal.
"Wait."
Saïx had made the request, an urgent one at that. Everyone froze, awaiting his explanation. He stepped forward a few paces, taking on a very serious demeanor — more so than what was usual for him.
"Vexen will require the support of a well-organized team." His eyes fell to Zexion, then to Demyx. Then, back to Zexion. "Not of a single hero."
For how long his gaze lingered on Zexion, it was obvious who the man was really addressing. But the only response to his warning was a chorus of quiet nods, nervous gulps and softly cleared throats. Demyx and Zexion avoided eye contact with each other now, and more so with Saïx. The silent pause seemed to stretch on for ages. Eventually, however, it seemed that the man was satisfied with their acknowledgement and he did not press the issue further. "Best of luck today, gentlemen."
With that, Xigbar finally opened the dark corridor, and one by one, each man stepped inside. When they reached the other end, they exited into a vast forest, shaded under a deep green canopy and with foliage all around them. The atmosphere was eerie and hushed, as if they were being watched by someone — or something — that they could not see. Demyx could feel Zexion shiver beside him as they collected their bearings.
"All the way back here?" Xigbar scoffed.
Luxord shrugged in response. "It was decided that this was the safest location. There's much less risk of us being followed in."
They set off toward the encampment where Vexen was being held, holding their breaths and listening to the mysterious sounds of nature in the air. They heard the unsettling calls of birds they didn't recognize, the rustling of leaves as tiny creatures skittered through them, and the crescendo of hooves pattering in the distance. They sensed the presence of inhuman eyes staring them down. They got the immediate sense that they were intruders here. Not unwelcome, but very much uninvited.
As they finally left the shadows, scattered beams of sunlight shot down through gaps between branches, illuminating the area in such a way that made it look much less foreboding. Zexion's eyes were wide, gazing in every direction and brimming with awe and wonder. "It's beautiful…"
"It may be pretty, but it's still dangerous." Xigbar warned. "Stay on your toes."
They continued their long walk, taking care to step quietly as twigs crunched and snapped beneath their feet. It must have been at least a mile before they reached a clearing with a small pond and a massive willow tree. Demyx recognized this tree from his last trip there with Luxord. Given its size, he could only imagine how old it was. It was so tall that one couldn't see the top of it. Its trunk was especially thick, and vines hung down like curtains, reaching all the way to the ground. Zexion was equally captivated by the sight, approaching the tree with caution, as if afraid to disturb it.
"Remarkable…" he breathed. "I've never seen anything like this."
Demyx couldn't help being endeared by the apprentice's fascination. This world was indeed lovely, almost to the point of being romantic. He wished he'd appreciated the sights more when he last visited. Part of him even hoped that this might not be their last trip here.
"So what's the plan?" He asked their older comrades.
Luxord kept his voice low as he answered. "You and I will be stationed on the north side. Xigbar and Zexion will be on the south." He glanced in the direction of the encampment. "The captors are currently erecting a makeshift gallows. After that, they will gather to begin the trial. That will be our time to act."
Xigbar added, "Last we heard, they're a little on edge because some guy named 'Smith' is missing. So, while they're busy looking for him, it'll give me just enough time to rush in and nab Vexen without being noticed."
Luxord nodded. "After that, it'll be a coordinated effort on all our parts to get him back to the dark corridor."
Demyx accepted the plan, though there were some parts missing. "But what are we doing?"
"Zexion, you'll be the eyes on the back of my head. I'm gonna need 'em," Xigbar directed, paying little attention to Demyx as he gave his instructions. "You're my cover here. While I'm scouting out new routes in, you're checking behind us to make sure we're not spotted. Capisce?"
Zexion gave a nervous swallow. "I understand."
"Hold on," Demyx protested. "Maybe I should go in too."
"Sending too many people in is a bad idea. More risk of getting caught." Xigbar maintained. He then turned to address the musician. "Demyx, you're a musician and you've got great ears. We'll be relying on that expert-level hearing to help us track the enemies' movements."
The rejection left a sting in him. As if some inner voice was speaking the words his mouth wouldn't say — that he wanted, no, needed to be near Zexion, no matter the risk. "That's all?"
Luxord patted him on the back. "There are no small roles, Demyx. Only ones the rest of us couldn't handle."
Demyx couldn't believe what his so-called 'Expert-Level' ears were hearing. It was one thing for Zexion to be here at all, but he'd have to go inside the encampment, too? With only Xigbar to protect him? It wasn't enough. Xigbar was injured, whether he admitted it or not. There was no way he'd be able to keep Zexion safe if things went awry. Demyx needed to go in there with them. He opened his mouth to object again, but to his surprise, it was Zexion who stopped him.
"Don't worry, Demyx." He assured him with a warm smile on his face. "I'll be fine."
The whole thing was just baffling to Demyx. Zexion didn't even seem scared. Nervous, yes, but not afraid at all. How can he be so calm, so collected at a time like this? Demyx shot him a long, wary look of doubt and confusion. Did he understand the danger here, or was he just pretending to, for Demyx's sake? Did he truly grasp that his own life was on the line?
Zexion, however, did not falter. Not under the pressure of this mission, and not under Demyx's fiery glare. With unblinking eyes, he glared right back at him. His expression was firm, but still serene. Disarming. He reached forward and lightly touched Demyx's sleeve. That was all it took to end the standoff. Without saying another word, he had clearly stated his intention to continue this mission, risk and all.
Demyx pursed his lips. This was a battle he wouldn't be winning, and probably one he should never have started. Beyond Zexion's gentle reassurance, Demyx could hear his partner's request to trust him. To relax and let him try. As difficult as it was to imagine, he supposed that, were their roles reversed, he would have wanted the same thing.
"Okay, boys, wrap this up. No time to dilly-dally."
At Xigbar's command, they silently traversed the rest of their path and reached their destination just a few minutes later. The encampment was larger than Demyx had expected. It was triangular in shape, and had high walls made of logs that had obviously been cut down from this very forest. A large, unassuming gate marked the front entrance. Scouts were lounging at the tops of each wall where platforms had been constructed. They were clearly not expecting any confrontation, as they weren't even looking out beyond their own territory, nor were they holding their weapons.
It finally came time for the two groups to part. The four of them lingered for a moment before they reluctantly split up. Luxord and Demyx headed north while Zexion and Xigbar went south. Once they were settled into their assigned station, Demyx listened in to the voices of the captors inside. They were laughing.
He narrowed his eyes questioningly. "It's almost too easy."
"Don't be hasty," Luxord nudged him. "We must stick to the plan."
They lie in wait for a bit longer, listening to the conversations between men inside the camp. Some were discussing new locations where they were apparently intending to dig for gold. Others were telling jokes and singing songs about something called 'Indians.' Others still were preparing a meal, drinking, complaining. Not a word about Vexen. Nothing about the trial or the execution. Demyx couldn't understand how normal, how business-as-usual things sounded when these men were obviously planning to take a life tonight.
Just as he was beginning to grow restless, Demyx heard a louder, more authoritative voice speaking. "Wiggins!" the voice yelled. "What is it you're up to?"
A much meeker voice, higher in pitch and obviously coming from a subordinate, began to stutter out a response in a flustered manner. "Oh! Er— Very sorry, sir. I-I was just—"
"Never mind that. I have a job for you. Come with me at once."
"Yes, Governor. Right away, sir."
Demyx turned to his companion and cocked his head. "'Governor?'"
The man grinned. "That was the voice of their leader."
"Wonder where he's headed."
Luxord hummed in thought. "I suspect it's something to do with the trial they'll be holding for Vexen."
"If they've already put up the gallows, what's even the point of having a trial? I mean, the sentence is already decided."
"Indeed. The trial is merely a preamble to the execution."
Demyx gulped. It wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, but it was the one he expected.
For a while, nothing was really happening. Demyx was more and more eager to get this mission going as time dragged on. Furthermore, in such silence, he was forced to be alone with his thoughts. Fearful thoughts. Thoughts which turned straight to Zexion and stuck there, strong and unwavering. It wasn't that he thought of Zexion as weak. He knew his partner could hold his own, and had done so plenty of times before. He kept in shape. He had his own set of skills. But none of that seemed to matter when faced with the dangers of this strange and hostile world they were on. These guys had guns. Any one of their party could fall without ever seeing who shot him. Or worse yet, if Zexion were to be captured, then he'd be strung up right beside Vexen. He shuddered, and was certain that Luxord had taken notice.
"Alright Demyx?"
Demyx battled with whether he ought to just speak his mind or let it drop. What could he say that wouldn't sound selfish or cowardly? He shook his head, wanting to just avoid the discussion altogether. But he knew that he could talk to Luxord about anything. They'd been to this world before. They talked about love. They talked about how hard it was, but at the same time how rewarding it was. Luxord was full of wisdom on that day, and Demyx left the conversation feeling better than he had in weeks. He needed that feeling again. He needed hope.
"Luxord?"
"Hmm?"
"You love Xigbar, right? Like, you really love him?"
Luxord gave him a curious look. "Very much," he declared wholeheartedly. "Why do you ask?"
"Would you do anything for him?"
"Of course I would."
"Even if it was risky?"
Now, Luxord's expression had changed. He developed a knowing look, then a disapproving one, and then, one of sympathy and understanding. "I would die for him. Of that, there is no question," he finished with a slightly stern tone, as if knowing exactly what Demyx was thinking. "But the circumstances would have to be dire enough to warrant such a sacrifice."
Luxord had figured it all out, that much was apparent. His wealth of experience and intuition were no match for Demyx's pitiful efforts to hide his true motivations. He couldn't help but wonder how Luxord was not worried about Xigbar. Was it because he simply had such strong faith in his partner? That he believed in him? Was it just different because they were older? Or, perhaps, was he actually worrying as much as any person would, but not showing it outwardly?
As he sat there, still as stone and internally wrestling with his anxiety, Demyx began to hear the faint sound of the Governor's voice in the distance. He scooted forward and pressed his ear to a crack between the logs. The voice was very faint, as if coming from the other side of the camp. He couldn't really make out what he was saying, but the man sounded very angry, bellowing and ranting in every direction.
Luxord leaned in. "What are you hearing?"
He strained his ears further, trying to pick out a few words. "Leader's still mad about 'Smith.' I guess they haven't found him yet."
"Interesting." Luxord puzzled. "I wonder what the significance of this one man could be."
"Whatever it is, they're not holding the trial until he gets back."
That was a revelation worth noting. Luxord scratched his chin quizzically. "I suppose that buys us some time."
And it certainly did, for they sat there waiting for what felt like hours. Every so often, a Dusk would appear to update them on the situation. They never brought good news — only ever delivering orders to stand by. Meanwhile, the men inside the fort were eerily quiet. Several had apparently left to look for this 'Smith' individual, while the rest slacked off, casually lazing about their camp with not a care in the world. Now more than frustrating, it was infuriating. Demyx had always considered himself the most cowardly member of Organization XIII. It served him well, as he kept out of danger for his entire tenure and was never expected to stick his neck out for anyone. But now, as the mission stagnated and the situation with Vexen grew more and more desperate, not one of his comrades was willing to take a risk and get the job done. None, except for himself… and Zexion.
"We ought to just rush in now, while they're distracted."
"We will receive a signal when the time comes for us to strike." Luxord replied firmly. "Not a moment before."
"I could get in and out of there no problem. Zexion wouldn't have to go in." Demyx was pleading now, hoping that at least Luxord would listen to him. "Look, Vexen is his only family. I can help get him back if they'd just give me a chance."
"That's a noble cause, Demyx," the man affirmed. He spoke warmly now, with a hint of compassion in his words. "But if you're not careful, Zexion could lose you as well."
He paused, allowing Demyx the space to truly hear his words. "You must ask yourself if that's something you want to risk putting him through."
There was a long silence as Luxord's last warning sank into Demyx's mind, heavier than a boulder dropped into the ocean. He'd used the word 'risk,' though in a very different context from the rest of their conversation. In all his talk of being brave and protecting Zexion from the perils inside the enemy camp, he hadn't considered for one second the risk to his partner's heart. Leaving Zexion behind could hurt him in the worst possible way. In trying to save him, he could break him — and at a time when he was already broken. Demyx hadn't spared a thought for what an utter betrayal that would be. He felt a painful clench in his chest at the thought of it.
There was no time left to ponder Luxord's advice, however. A familiar sound jarred Demyx out of his spiraling thoughts. Shouting could be heard nearby. There was activity in the camp again. He leaned against the wooden logs, pressing his ear close and listening hard.
"What is it?" Luxord queried. "Do you hear something else?"
"Yeah." Demyx answered, his blood running cold as he began to comprehend what was happening inside. "They're all yelling."
"What about?"
Just then, a dark corridor opened behind them and Xigbar barreled out of it, winded and with an urgent look about him.
Luxord stood and approached the man, preparing to reprimand him. "Xigbar, it was awfully risky to open a corridor so close to—"
"It's Zexion," Xigbar huffed, still catching his breath. "He's in there. Just ran in by himself."
Demyx's heart dropped into his stomach. He scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with terror. "What?!"
"They found that Smith guy." Xigbar wheezed. "Apparently he's committed treason and they're gonna hang him, too! It's total chaos in there!"
Luxord appeared to think for a moment, considering their options. "How much time do we have?"
Xigbar was doubled over and panting. "They're gonna start any minute. Zexion took off as soon as we heard. He was so fast I couldn't stop him."
Luxord gave the man a moment to slow his breathing before prying more information out of him. "What's our new plan?"
"I'm going to talk to Marluxia. Nobody move a muscle until you hear back."
Luxord gripped his shoulder, smiling tenderly and with determined eyes. "Be careful, love."
Xigbar turned on his heel and disappeared into the corridor.
Demyx stood frozen. Zexion was gone. He'd thrown the whole plan out the window and dove in alone. He was inside the encampment, surrounded by enemies and with no one to protect him. Panic gripped Demyx by the throat. He thought he'd be sick. What he couldn't understand was why. Zexion was smarter than this. How could he leap right into danger like that? How could he be so reckless? So stupid?
But something else was nagging him, sticking in his mind just as much as the disbelief. Demyx found that he couldn't really call Zexion a fool. The man wasn't stupid at all. He was brave. He did the one thing no one else was willing to do, putting his life on the line to save his comrade — to save his father. He saw an opportunity and he seized it. And, knowing Zexion, he probably had already calculated the risks, developed a strategy, and formed a new plan all on his own. He was the smartest person Demyx had ever met. He wouldn't just rush onward without putting some thought into it first.
Demyx was still fearful, but now more than that, he was inspired. Zexion took a leap. Now it was his turn. He couldn't be certain if he'd be helpful or just in the way, but he wasn't about to let Zexion risk his life alone.
"I'm going in after him."
Luxord balked at the suggestion. "You most certainly are not. You heard what Xigbar said. The whole camp's in a frenzy!"
"Zexion is in there by himself!" Demyx emphasized with growing alarm. "What if they catch him?!"
"Please, just calm down a moment and—"
Luxord was cut off by the arrival of a familiar creature. The tiny bird that had chased them away before was back, darting in and out of their faces while its rapidly beating wings buzzed loudly as an insect.
"Not this guy again!" Demyx groaned, waving the bird away.
"Certainly an aggressive creature," Luxord agreed, pulling at Demyx's arm as he backed away from it. "We'd best fall back before we agitate it further."
Demyx allowed Luxord to lead him a few feet backward, but the bird only followed them as they went. Already, that was odd behavior. It should have been satisfied to see them retreat, but it was still pursuing them. It zoomed toward their faces, but always stopped just short — hovering like it was scanning them. Once it was only a few inches away, it would back off, slow and deliberate. Very unlike a wild animal. More like it was waiting.
As Demyx studied the creature's movements, he picked up on the pattern, the urgency… It was quickly becoming clear that the bird was not there to scare them off like it had before.
"Wait… I think it wants us to follow it."
"Are you quite sure?"
Demyx tiptoed forward, hands visible, and waited. The bird darted off. Without hesitation, he ran after it while Luxord trailed a few feet behind. The tiny creature was flying so fast that he could hardly see it, but he managed to keep up the chase. They rounded a corner and soon reached a small opening in the outer wall of the fort. The bird flew inside, obviously waiting to be followed. Demyx was about to squeeze through when Luxord caught him by the hem of his coat.
"Wait!" He cried, breathless from the pursuit. "It's dangerous… What if something happens to you?"
"I've gotta get Zexion back! You want to lose both Vexen and him?"
"Demyx, we can't lose you, too!"
That was when it hit him. Demyx no longer questioned Luxord's calm, because he wasn't calm. He was afraid. Afraid for Xigbar. For Zexion. For him. The apprehension was etched into his expression, his sad eyes pleading with Demyx to stay where he was safe. He emoted genuine desperation when he spoke. The real shock of it all was that Demyx hadn't expected it. He hadn't expected to see Luxord's walls come down right in front of him, and he hadn't expected to be the reason they came down in the first place.
Luxord tightened his grip on Demyx's coat and implored him once more. "Demyx," his voice shook slightly. "Please."
That word hit him harder than he expected. Not an order, not a request. A plea. Demyx closed his eyes. He went back over all the reasons, all the little things, all the people that mattered to him. He remembered the day he bonded with Vexen, the day he'd all but earned the man's blessing. For once, someone believed in him. For once, he didn't have to feel like he was stupid or cowardly. He said something profound and intelligent and Vexen was proud of him for it. He owed the man everything for instilling even a modicum of confidence in him. He wouldn't feel half as bold as he did today if it weren't for that.
He remembered the poker nights with his friends. How Xigbar and Luxord had taken on the role of parents for him, whether he wanted them to or not. He remembered when they found out about his relationship with Zexion. They weren't angry, and they didn't laugh. They were happy. Happy for him, happy that he had found love. They celebrated with him. And when things started to go south, they listened to everything he had to say. They gave him advice. They were empathetic and caring. Were it not for his talks with Luxord, Demyx wasn't sure he'd ever have been brave enough to truly love Zexion the way he did. Knowing that they had his back, that they were rooting for him, made all the difference.
He thought about his conversation with Roxas, about fighting for his someone. There was no doubt who that person was for him. Zexion was the reason he even bothered getting out of bed every morning. He was Demyx's whole universe, all wrapped up in one magnificent, flawless person. Nothing could compare to the euphoria he felt when they were together. He wanted Zexion for the rest of forever, and he would fight for him, just like he promised Roxas he would. Wherever Roxas was, Demyx was sure that he'd be making him proud right now.
He opened his eyes then. Luxord was still clinging to his coat, his eyes glistening with fear and desperation. This was the man who had taught him that one could love someone without a heart. He told Demyx that loving someone was a choice. That every little thing one does is another decision to love their counterpart. Demyx didn't get it at the time. But now he knew that he was living every moment for Zexion. His someone. Tens of thousands of little declarations every day, every minute. He would never stop — not as long as he was alive.
"I love him." He told Luxord, his own words wavering just as much. "I understand it now. That's the choice I made. Everything… it's all for him."
A series of emotions flashed across Luxord's face. So many that Demyx couldn't catch them all. But the overall message was clear. Luxord understood. He said that he would do anything for Xigbar. He said he would die for him. Now, he realized that Demyx truly felt the same way about Zexion. After everything the pair had been through, everything they'd endured just to make it this far, he wasn't about to lose it all to this. He had to have him back. He couldn't go on without him, and Luxord understood that perfectly.
Luxord slowly released his coat from his grasp. "Godspeed, Demyx," he murmured with tears in his eyes. "And hurry back."
His last point of reflection was on whether or not he was doing this out of selfishness. Was he trying to prove himself? Was he just fulfilling his own desire to protect the man he loved more than breathing? No, he could confidently say that was not so. This was about fighting for what mattered. Fighting for what he believed was right. Demyx wanted more than just to have Zexion back in his arms. He wanted to protect all the people who had helped him grow into the man he was now. Vexen, Roxas, Axel, Saix, Xigbar, Luxord. It was because of those people that he was so determined and unafraid as he stood there on the cusp of destiny. The choice he was making now was one that would alter the course of his future — perhaps everyone's future. But this was his choice. He was choosing to live for his family. By doing this, he was choosing to love not just Zexion, but all of them.
Before he could grow teary himself, Demyx flashed his comrade a resolute smile, then turned to face the massive wall of the fort. He took a breath. Then another one for good measure. And then, he ducked through the opening and that was it. He was in.
I said I would finish this fic, and I meant it. Nothing can stop me now.
See you in the next chapter. :)
Peace and love,
Ostelan
