Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days

Written By: Amari

Original Game By: Tetsuya Nomura

Owned by: Square Enix



(*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Raxima. All rights go to Square Enix and Tetsuya Nomura.*)

~ Prologue ~

I couldn’t understand why everything was blank. It was almost like I had no memories. Where was I? Who was I? I glanced at everything around me as I stood. A large city with empty screens displaying nothing but colors. Everything was dark, but I could see as if it were daytime. I brushed my hair behind my ears and winced as I caught sight of my reflection in the window. Long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with two large strands of hair, one slightly covering my left eye; one bright, emerald-green eye and one crimson eye to contrast that sparkled even in this darkness; naturally toned muscles with tan skin pulling over them as they flexed. Was this…me?
I was startled as a hand landed on my shoulder. I whirled around to face a man. Long silver hair fell to the small of his back, putting emphasis on his golden eyes as it framed his face. A black robe, black gloves, and black boots made me assume that he was a part of some group- a club maybe? Fear triggered tears to spill over my cheeks. “You don’t need to be afraid of me, young one. I won’t hurt you.” His deep voice- soothing, almost- seemed to lure me in.
“Wh-who are you?” a bell-like voice responded- my voice. “What do you want with me?”
“I am Xemnas, leader of Organization XIII. What is your name?” he asked, gold eyes full of curiosity. I hesitated, trying to quickly conjure up a fake identity. “You don’t know, do you?” Xemnas asked, holding out his hand. Letters appeared and hovered over it, forming the word “Raxima”. I blinked, looking up at him. “Is…is that my name?” I asked.
“It is now.” He replied. He handed me a black coat and boots similar to his own, nodding. “Would you like purpose? I can give it to you.” He smiled, sweet but sinister. I nodded, curious. I pulled both on and smiled back. He outstretched his hand and, somehow, manifested a portal of some sort. I stared, amazed and frightened. Xemnas simply said, “That is the Corridor of Darkness. It’s how we travel.”
I looked up at him. “You mean… there are more of you?” I was anxious to meet these other members. He nodded, guiding me through the Corridor, and replied, “Welcome to the Organization, Raxima.”
********
When we reappeared, we were standing before a large white castle with oddly-shaped towers. I was just about to ask where we were when another man came running at us, grinning. He, too, wore Xemnas’ garb, but had strangely spiked, dirty-blonde hair and dull green eyes. He continued to grin and said, “Hey! Looks like you found another one. That’s the third time this year!” His voice reminded me of- although I didn’t know what it was- a geek of some kind. I couldn’t help but giggle at his enthusiasm.
“I got her to laugh! Score!” He laughed as well. He held out his hand, saying, “I’m Demyx, by the way. Welcome to the Organization, umm…”
“Raxima.” I said, shaking his hand. He nodded, turning to the doorway behind us. “Hey, Roxy! Axel! We’ve got another one!” Soon, two more arrived. The taller of the two had an over-confident look on his face. His fiery-red hair and green eyes made up for that, though. The other one- oh, just looking at him- made my heart flop and chagrin pump into my cheeks. Yet again, his spiky blonde hair and blue eyes seemed captivating to me as they jogged over to us.
“Raxima, this is Axel-“ he pointed to the fire-haired one. “- and Roxas.” He playfully punched Roxas in the stomach, who laughed and struck back. Whereas Xemnas looked about 32 and Demyx looked about 27, Axel looked to be around 20 while Roxas looked about 16. “But, yeah, this is Raxima. Say hi!” Demyx laughed.
“Hey, there!” Axel said, smiling triumphantly.
“Nice to meet you!” Roxas followed, his sweet smile making my heart flutter again. When I blushed, they all laughed. Axel patted my back and said, “Let’s get you inside. Everyone else will want to meet you!” He ruffled my hair a little and I laughed.
Once we got inside, I was no longer afraid, but eager to meet them all. I was happy to be so easily accepted into a large group. I was a little confused at first, but I got learn everybody’s names. Xigbar was Xemnas’ second-in-command, followed by Xaldin. Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion were in charge of the lower levels of the castle. Saix, Axel, Demyx, Marluxia, and Larxene all had some sort of elemental power (ice, fire, water, earth, and lightning respectively). Roxas and Xion were the only two wielders of the legendary Keyblade and Luxord was considered the gambler.
The Organization mainly consisted of male members, apart from Larxene, Xion, and me. I was curious to find out why, but I was even more captivated by something else. Later, at dinner, Larxene cooked a special meal that consisted of sukiyaki, monja-yaki, tempura, yakitori, and udon noodles. I was lucky enough to get a plate of each before Xigbar challenged Demyx to an eating contest. Larxene scolded them and told them not to spoil everyone else’s dinner, whacking them in the back of the head with a wooden spoon.
Toward the end of the meal, when everything had calmed down, I decided to ask the question I really wanted answered the most. “So… what exactly are we?” my voice cracked a little when everyone turned to look at me. Axel took a big swig of his sake and answered, “We are a group of special Nobodies who rule over the rest of the Nobodies. A Nobody is the lifeless shell of a person when darkness corrupts their heart. The Nobody is created at the same time as a Heartless is created.
“But, for those few who are strong at heart, when they’re turned into a Heartless, special Nobodies like us are created. Xemnas, Xigbar, Xaldin, Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion were the original six Organization Elders. The rest of us who joined in were assigned a number in order of which time they joined. For example, my number is eight and Roxas is thirteen. You would be considered number fifteen, after Xion.” He paused, then took another drink.
I let all of that information sink in. Was I only a lifeless shell of a person? “Wait a minute! If we’re each only a shell of a person, who were we originally?” I asked, curiosity burning inside of me.
“We don’t know. That’s what Organization XIII is all about. We’re searching for a place called Kingdom Hearts, which is where all of the hearts released by the Keyblade go. Once a person is turned into a Heartless and a Nobody, they can never be whole again unless their heart is found by their Nobody.
“Actually, a few of us here know who we originally were. Xemnas used to be a guy named Xehanort, Roxas used to be a kid named Sora, and Namine used to be Sora’s friend, Kairi, who is still alive today. Namine had to take apart Sora’s memories for some reason-“ he snickered deviously as if he remembered something funny. “- But, she’s starting to put them back together again. Sora’s current status is stasis, which means he’s sleeping in a cyrotank.
“We’re a bit worried about Roxas, though, seeing as he is Sora’s Nobody. We don’t know what happens to those people who return to light, so we’re keeping a close eye on him.” I felt a harsh pang of fear in my stomach. Roxas… what would happen to him? I wondered who my original self was, what I looked like, what I sounded like. “Don’t worry, Raxima!” a sweet voice chimed in. Xion’s violet eyes looked solemn but fierce. “Roxas will be A-okay! Right, Roxas?” she turned to him, smiling, but he didn’t seem to notice. He kept his gaze focused on me, causing me to blush again. He grinned and nodded.
An artificial yawn from the doorway made me turn. Larxene winked at me and teased, “Well, I think little Roxy here should have some ‘one-on-one time’ with Miss Raxima, dontcha think?” she giggled. I blushed an even deeper red when everyone nodded and got up to leave. Axel shot me a quick thumbs-up as he pulled the door closed behind him, leaving me alone with Roxas.
My heart pounded loudly, my temperature raised a little, and I was nervous. Chagrin wouldn’t give up and revealed me. Roxas, also, blushed a light pink. I was sure that he could hear my pulse, which made me blush- if possible- even redder. By this point, I was probably as red as Axel’s hair.
“So, uh-ummm…Raxima?” he stuttered, looking at me. My eyes widened as he scooted closer to me. His hand was so close to mine, I could very nearly feel the heat emitting from it. “Yeah?”
“You’re blushing really red. Should I call Zexion? He’s our medic.” I shook my head. “Oh, that’s good. Well, as you may have noticed, only you, me, and Xion are able to feel human emotions.” I nodded. I was afraid that, if I spoke, I would say the wrong things.
“That’s because we’re different. We weren’t ‘born’ the way everyone else was, but not in a bad way. It’s makes us special.” He raised his hand and lightly touched his fingertips over the place where my heart should have been. Electricity shot through me like a bullet, raising goose bumps over every inch of my body. “It’s shows that we have a stronger chance of having our hearts return to us. A-and, if mine does…” he paused, drawing his hand away. He placed it back next to his side, conveniently landing on top of my own.
“It’d be cool to have you there when it happens. You’re a really cool person. Even though I can’t be sure because I don’t know you completely… I can sense that.” He grinned and I felt like I was about to faint. I nodded instead, replying, “Thanks, Roxas.” After a short moment of just staring at each other, Xion came in to alert us about the time. Roxas nodded and stood, helping me up. I felt another shockwave and swooned, nearly crashing into the table. Roxas waved as he followed Axel and Demyx to their room, the two ruffling his hair. I followed Xion in the other direction, smiling.
“So, tell me. What did you two say in there? You were awfully quiet.” Xion asked teasingly.
“What? Were you listening or something?” I sneered, smirking.
“Larxene had everybody wait. We were disappointed when we couldn’t hear anything, but Axel saw that you two were blushing…and holding hands!” she accused, tickling me.
“No, we weren’t!” I laughed, racing her to our room. I had a strong feeling that I was going to like it here in the Organization.




(Time Lapse-276 Days: Week 39 in the Organization)




~ Chapter One ~

Trying not to make any noise whatsoever, I slowly advanced on my target. Holding my twin scimitars tightly, I flinched and cursed at myself silently as I snapped a twig underfoot. Roxas turned sharply in my direction, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Smirking sinisterly, he called out, "Raxima, you can't hide forever! I will find you and when I do-" He was cut off by me as I leapt out of the trees, swords raised overhead. He rolled away just in time, but snagged his coat. I sighed and rolled my eyes at him. "Dude, that's the fifth time this week! I can't keep sewing your same shirt forever!" I shook my head and advanced on him. I released my blades, which disappeared before they hit the ground, and pulled out a small handgun from my pocket.
"Oh, by the way..." I pulled the trigger and grinned as the water splattered across his face. "You're out! I win the water war!" He groaned, but laughed and I helped him up.
Roxas and I had been hanging out in a little place called Twilight Town, a nearby world with a great view from the top of the clock tower. It was sometime during the summer and we were fighting with water guns, water balloons, you name it. Whenever we did this, I simply wore my bathing suit and some jean shorts with my favorite pair of flip-flops. Roxas was wearing a small white jacket over a black shirt and baggy khaki jeans, preferring to go barefoot. I loved hanging out with Roxas in Twilight Town. It was almost like being with a brother, only we were closer. Ever since my first day in the Organization, Roxas and I have been by each other's side. It was no longer a secret that we were both in love with each other because Xion 'coincidentally' saw Roxas kiss me on the Organization's anniversery and told everyone in a fit of excitement.
I had fell into place with the way of things quickly. I, now, helped Larxene with the cooking, studied with Zexion, played and won poker with Luxord, and grew a small garden of special black roses with Marluxia. I, also, did many other things, but only minor things.
We put away the water guns and headed back to the portal to Betwix and Between, a.k.a the Corridor of Darkness, leaving the woods. We stopped short and observed a small group of kids our age getting into a fight with each other. "C'mon, Seifer! You can take him, y'know!" The darker one cheered.
"Cakewalk." The white-haired one said.
"Yeah, go Hayner! Go get 'em!" The other boy and girl cheered. The two boys in the middle nodded and starting throwing punches at each other. However, quicker than expected, the taller one named Seifer was on the ground. Hayner stood over him, smiling triumphantly. I sighed, relieved that both Hayner and Seifer were okay. I turned to Roxas and said, "Hey, let's go talk to them! It'd be great to have some new friends!" He smiled and nodded. We both ran to Hayner and his friends while Seifer and his friends ran away.
"Wow, that was awesome!" I said as we approached them. They turned, a look on each face that said "Who are you?"
"My name is Raxima. This is Roxas. We saw you take down that Seifer guy!"
"Yeah, it was impressive!" Roxas finished. Hayner grinned. "Glad you think so. I'm Hayner. This is Pence-" he pointed to the fatter one, who waved sheepishly "-and Olette. Are you two new to town? If so, we could give you a tour." He suggested, winking at me as if he wanted to ask me out. I backed away and allowed Roxas to put an arm around me, showing Hayner that I was taken. Hayner looked disappointed slightly, but waved it away.
"That's very kind of you, but we need to get home." He turned to me and winked. "Your Mom'll be worried if you aren't home for dinner. She might think the we eloped or something." I smiled lovingly and tucked my self into his arms, purposely angering Hayner. "I would love it if we did." That was what broke the ice. With hands in a fist, Hayner blurted out, "Are you two, like, together, or something!?" Roxas hugged me tighter and nodded.
I knew that Roxas and I had the same idea by the way that we were deliberately making Hayner jealous by our true relationship. He huffed a breath and muttered, "I'm heading off to the station. Meet me up on top so I can show you Twilight Town, okay?" Not waiting for a reply, he stormed off.
"Wow, man. I've never seen Hayner so jealous before! This is awesome!" Pence laughed. Olette giggled and said, "I'm curious. Are you two really together, or are you just tricking Hayner." We both shook our heads. "No, we're really together." Roxas answered. I simply stared up at him, unable to look away. She smiled and nodded. "So, do want a tour of the place?" We shook our heads again. "I really do have to get home to Mom. It's pretty late. Man, that water took forever to win!" I giggled as Roxas groaned and muttered, "I can't believe I lost to my girlfriend!" Pence and Olette nodded.
"Well, it was great meeting you two! You're both really cool!" Pence said, shaking my hand.
"I hope we can see you tomorrow! Maybe we can have a huge water war!" Olette giggled, hugging me. I nodded and turned to Roxas. "Maybe we can bring our brothers, Axel and Demyx." I suggested. We both laughed, waved goodbye, and headed home.
**************************
Once we were back at 'The Home That Never Was' (our world's name was The World That Never Was, but we called it home), Roxas gave me a quick kiss on my head and wished me a good night. I hugged him and did the same, then headed back to my room. I wanted to talk to Xion about today, but I found the room empty. I searched all over the Castle until I finally found her at The Alter of Naught, staring up at the heart-shaped moon. "Raxima, why do we Nobodies exist? Don't give the regular explanation, really try to tell me. What are we? Why are we?" she half-cried, half-giggled. I stared at her curiously, wondering why she was asking this now. She turned around and I gasped. She was smiling eerily, as if she had lost her mind or something. I was reassured about that by the insane cackle that she emitted. Drawing her Keyblade, she charged toward me, still cackling wildly. I blocked her attack quickly and threw her over me. She collided with the wall and laid there for a minute, before laughing again and standing up. I heard someone behind me, so I called, "Uh, Axel! Roxas, can you help me here!?" The two ran past me at Xion, seizing her arms and disarming her. She simply continued laughing and shrieking, "We're nothing! We're nothing!!!" Soon, the whole Organization was up there with us. "What on earth is going on, you four!? What is wrong with Xion!?!?" Xemnas asked.
"I'm no so sure! I just came looking for her and she attacked me! She's gone mad!!!" I explained, tears spilling over my cheeks from fear. Zexion, who had helped me control my emotion fits, hugged me tightly and let me sob hopelessly into his chest while Axel and Roxas struggled against Xion, who was still acting insane. Xemnas stepped toward her and said, "Xion, calm yourself! Why do you behave so?"
"We're nothing! You're nothing, I'm nothing!!! We'll all fade to darkness!!!!" she cackled. Xemnas sighed and, in one swift movement unable to catch with the human eye, he shoved his own blade through her. She stopped, eyes bugging out of her head. She smiled normally at me and whispered, "I'm sorry. I should have been more careful." She closed her eyes and disappeared his a pillar of light. Xemnas began shooing everyone back into their rooms. Still shaken by Xion's attack and death, Roxas guided me back to my room while I sobbed into his shoulder with Zexion coaching me, "It's okay, Raxima. You'll be okay." When they offered me a drink, I shook my head and, without saying anything at all, I closed myself in my room and cried myself to sleep. Before I lapsed into sleep, I remembered when Xion died how she disappeared into a pillar of light. Suspiciously, I noticed that the light left Xion and entered Roxas, like he had absorbed her spirit. But, before I could get a good explanation, my eyes fluttered closed. That night, I didn't sleep well, due to the nightmares of Xion's last moments.