Here's that second chapter I promised to you faithful REVIEWERS!!!! ...and readers.

Okay, this chapter was fun. I always like messing with Nex's head. And I know, poor Axel. But don't worry, he'll be okay. And he'll get his chance at revenge. -

KH no mine.

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With her hands wound tightly at the base of her back, Nex walked down a bleak hallway, several other Nobodies right at her feet. Her light violet hair waved back and forth as she moved, and her eyes kept watch for any sudden movement from her supposed superiors.

Where they were taking her, she wasn’t for sure.

All Nex knew was the she had been wrenched from her cell once again. It was comforting to be free of that prison, but it was difficult to know that she would be going right back into it sooner or later. Nevertheless, Nex held her ground against the three men who surrounded her. Luxord, Xaldin, and, of course, Xigbar. She knew that each of them had dealt with her in the past, and each of them knew her reputation as well. It was difficult not to want to lash out at them, but that same barrier from before still withdrew her powers from her.

Nex clenched her teeth in frustration.

[IThat Heartless lady…She’s the one who’s doing this to me! [/I

No matter what the woman named Mafia had said, Nex chose never to believe a word of it. Though there were distinct similarities between the two of them, nothing and no one would ever rival Nex’s stubbornness.

“Where are you taking me?” Simple enough question.

“To Xemnas.”

“For an interrogation.”

“And your demise.”

Stupid answers.

“And then?” asked Nex. Xigbar glared at her with his one hateful eye, its golden glow like that of the sun.

“Enough questions[Igirly[/I. If it weren’t for Xemnas’s annoying orders, I’d have shot you up by now.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes really.”

Nex scoffed. Xigbar was getting on her nerves, exactly the same way as he had done in the past. But she didn’t push the older Nobody’s limits. He was not one she would want to get in a fight with, especially now that she was powerless to defend herself. It would have been a major mess for the winner to clean up.

The remainder of the journey was deathly silent. Nex’s thoughts continued to stray in Axel’s direction. She had no idea what was really going on outside these hideous marble walls. Axel could have been dead for all she knew. It was frustrating to her, to say the least. No one could understand how pained she really was on the inside. Nobody or not, Nex’s distresses were evident, even to her captors. Still, the silence ensued. Nothing could be heard but the pitter-patter of cold boots on cold floors and the clinking of metallic chains; the ones linked painfully around Nex’s wrists.

“We’re here princess,” Xigbar irritatingly continued his slew of ludicrous comments. Nex clenched her fists, cutting into her skin easily.

The Heartless woman she had met earlier, Mafia…very soon, that woman would slip up somewhere and Nex would release the full extent of her powers, no matter how much it pained her to use them.

Nex glanced up from the floor to a massive door in front of them, weaving in and out with lavish carvings, each of which implied the irreversible sign of the Nobody. Kingdom Hearts hung itself in the sky above, donning massive amounts of light onto them. It was hard to tell, but it seemed to Nex that small, blinking lights were being fed to the giant Heart. But, as she looked closer, it was obvious that those firefly lights were indeed the remainders of a poor innocent’s heart, soon to be locked away in the caresses of Kingdom Hearts, never to be released ever again.

Unless, of course, by the will of the Key and its bearer. But that’s another tale.

The door eased itself open effortlessly and with almost no sound. The room inside was small, yet enough to fit a minor crowd. Tombstone-like objects were organized neatly around the room, each of them having some sort of weapon inscribed on their surfaces. They raised themselves up in a staircase fashion, and some were smashed to bits. Several had their weaponry symbols lit up brightly but some titles had been lost to the darkness. Nex had no clue what any of them meant. All she knew was that two of the most hated men in the world stood a mere six feet away from her.

Saix and Xemnas.

The Superior immediately began his speech. Nex couldn’t help but think it was a little pre-rehearsed. It was Xemnas, after all.

“Do you know where you are?” spoke his deep voice. His gaze was nearly timeless as he stared from fiery yellow eyes through to Nex’s blunt violets, completely ignoring everyone else in the room.

“Like I care,” she answered. Xigbar wasted no time, and kicked Nex to the floor. She grunted in pain and struggled to stay facing Xemnas. Her hate for Xigbar would have to be relinquished later.

“This room is Proof of Existence. It is exactly as the name implies. These tablets that you see before you are [Iour [/Iproof that we truly exist in this pathetic excuse for a world,” Xemnas bent down to Nex’s level. She was disgusted that they were even breathing the same air. He wrapped a gloved hand around her chin. “And once we gain our objective, that proof will become a reality.”

What happened next, no one expected.

With a simple move of cleverness, Nex spit directly into Xemnas’s smug little face.

She smiled deviously. Xemnas scowled and wiped away the saliva with the back of his hand. It took Xaldin, Xigbar, and Luxord a few moments to realize what happened, but once that did, they came rushing forward. Saix was the only one who remained calm. In actuality, he was the only one hardly paying attention to the situation. His mind was somewhere else.

“You wretched witch!” cried Luxord, ready to backhand Nex with his open palm. But Xemnas stopped him before he could make a move. He wiped the rest of the spit away, and continued his lecture. Nevertheless, he was still ticked.

“I’m surprised you don’t wish that same fate for yourself, Nexydys. After all, you are one of us, are you not?”

“Never.”

“Hmph. What a shame.” Quietly, Xemnas walked away from Nex. With his back to her, she could see defined muscles lining his figure, emphasizing his strength. She couldn’t take him or the others down on her own, no matter how hard she tried. Powerless, useless, worthless; all of them were words to describe Nexydys in her time of need. And she hated every minute of it.

Xemnas held up his left hand. At first nothing happened. But seconds later, a whirling wind appeared in the space next to him. In a tornado of air and light, another of the tombstone objects appeared, manifested out of thin air. Unlike the others, this tablet didn’t have a weapon of any type adorning its exterior.

How did he do that?!

“The Unknown Reaper. A fitting title for one so bold,” Xemnas let the stone fade back into nothing but particles. Nex couldn’t tell, but was that title supposed to be referring to her? “Indeed, each of our members has a forename, Nexydys. If only you had joined our ranks, you would have had the same privilege.”

Privilege my butt. She wished her telekinesis was working; she could have easily projected that thought into all their minds, and then watched their faces twist in anger. Nex smirked at the idea. But, perhaps, getting information was a good idea. She could use it to her advantage if she got out.

“Forenames?”

“Yes. For example, yours would have been the Unknown Reaper. We do not know your weapon and we hardly know your power, so therefore your mind is your weapon, supplying you with endless energy. That is, until your body ran itself dry. But your ability to kill with a single thought brought me the idea of the ‘Unknown Reaper’. Understand the concept?”

“Sure. New names, powers, weapons. Gotcha.” Xemnas frowned again. Nex wasn’t the prisoner he was likely to get much out of. But he would work with what he had. He still had the Melodious Nocturne’s death to hang over her. As soon as he had informed Nexydys of his demise, she would undoubtedly succumb to his efforts. Just like she had in the past.

“Now, Nexydys, you have few choices lying at your feet. One, you can renounce your faith in Axel and replace it in the XIIIth Order, where it truly belongs. Two, you can face an imminent death. Your move.”

Nex grimaced. So many choices, so little time.

“No matter what I do,” she began. “My freedom would be nothing more than a stupid hoax. So don’t even try to give me this crap. I’ll never join you or your damned Organization!”

The evil laugh. The trademark laugh of all villainous creatures, Heartless and Nobodies alike. And Xemnas was using his now.

“So long ago, Nexydys. Does your memory still fail you?”

What? What’s he talking about? My memory’s just fine!

“You disappoint me. Were you not part of our ‘Organization’, so very long ago?”

“Speak English!” screamed Nex.

“Our apprenticeship, Nexydys. Under Master Ansem, were we not all loyally subjects? Insubordinates, if you will.”

“How…How do you know about that?”

“Oh, how do I know? Why, isn’t it obvious?” Patience was running out on both ends of the table. Xemnas was toying with her. This game of cat and mouse was just about over.

“No!”

“Do you not remember? I believe your favorite companion’s name was…Ienzo, if I’m not mistaken.”

No…He knows about my past life? How is that possible?!

“If you can understand, Ienzo made a place as this Organization’s Number VI. But his name was no longer Ienzo, just as your name is no longer Sydney. He was named Zexion, as undeniable evidence of our fake existence. And you, my dear friend, are now named Nexydys. Pray tell, how can I be lying about all this?”

Nex was speechless. That was why Axel’s real name was Ela! Why his past life intertwined with Organization XIII! Xemnas knew everything. Nothing had escaped his gaze. But how?!

“Just who the heck do you think you are? Who the heck do[I any [/Iof you think you are?!”

Xigbar started chuckling behind Nex. She didn’t even bother turning to look at him. She had her hands full with Xemnas at the moment. He kneeled down to her and stared at her square in the face[Imaking [/Iher look at him.

“Don’t you recognize me Syd?”

“No! And get your freaky face away from me!” Xigbar grunted agitatedly, but then smiled again. A devilishly sly smile, that is.

“It’s me, you idiot. Braig.”

Nex would have smacked him had her hands been free to do so. He had just insulted one of her best friends. Braig was like a big brother to her, yet Xigbar was the scum of the earth; exact opposites in every way. It just wasn’t possible.

“You’re not Braig. You never could be.”

“Oh, but it’s me alright. You know it too. I can see it in your eyes. Sorry Syd, you might think this is a dream, but it’s not. Get over it. And ya see Xaldin over here? You see any resemblance?”

Maybe…Maybe Xigbar wasn’t lying after all. As Nex stared deeply at Xaldin’s pale face, she immediately knew. In every feature of his figure, Xaldin was her old friend, Dilan. They were so alike that it scared her. Nex’s eyes widened in luminous realization.

The friends she had had, nearly everyone who had ever been there for her, had been turned into Nobodies. And the proof was staring her right in the face.

All was quiet in Hallow Bastion. Sora had dropped by briefly to restore the old wizard’s book, but then left as quickly as he had come. But, although you could hear a pin drop, restlessness was still apparent in the small nook of Hallow Bastion. The entire group of friends had gathered together, hoping and praying in their own way, that Axel would make it through.

Squall had made a clean getaway with Axel being at the wizard’s house unconscious. He, Cloud, and Aerith led Sora directly to Ansem’s old study, where some strange happenings had corrupted the town’s computer system. Meanwhile, Yuffie had watched over Axel like a hawk. The Nobody had developed a slight fever but, according to Aerith, was going to be fine. She defined his ailment as severe emotional distress. Squall doubted that, since Axel’s existence meant no emotions whatsoever, but Aerith was usually never wrong.

Although Cloud had run off to chase Sephiroth once again, the remainder of the gang stayed in their humble abode. Axel lay in an offset room with Aerith applying warm rags to his sweat-ridden head.

“Is he going to be okay?”

Aerith looked up to see Leon in the doorway. His baggy eyes lamented sleep and Aerith sighed at his appearance.

“He’ll be fine. It’s you I’m worried about. When was the last time you slept?”

“A few days ago.” They both laughed, but the tension in the air remained.

“…I wonder what happened to him. The pain he’s gone through in the past few hours was excruciating for him,” Aerith said, holding Axel’s hand in hers. Squall smiled at her affection.

“He might tell us when he wakes up. Then again, Ela never was a big talker.”

“Yeah. You’re right.”

Axel stirred for a brief second. Both Aerith and Squall held their breaths, and then sighed heavily when their friend didn’t truly awake from his slumber.

“This is the second time he’s done this to us, Squall,” Aerith said. She dipped her head in a mourning fashion. “I…I don’t want to see it happen again.” Squall walked over to Aerith and laid a hand on her shoulder.

“I know. He scares me sometimes too.”

“Squall! Squall!”

“Yuffie! He’s still trying to sleep!”

“This can’t wait Squall! The Heartless are attacking!”

“What?!”

“See for yourself!” Yuffie said, pointing to the nearby window. Squall stared outside and, sure enough, thousands of Shadow Heartless were gathering near the old castle. They swarmed it like a massive flood of black; evil and ominous. Squall turned back and looked hard at Aerith.

“Go. I’ll take care of him,” she said, answering his thoughts. “But…please. Be careful.”

“…We will,” he replied. Holding out his left arm at its full length, the legendary gunblade appeared in his hand in a flash of light. “Sora should be arriving soon. You should get him to a safer place.”

“I will.”

With a nod of approval, Squall and Yuffie left the house with weapons in hand. Both were prepared for a long, arduous battle.

“You were planning this all along! You joined our research team just so you could earn Ansem’s trust! And you let [Ithis[/I happen to us; ALL OF US!!! Your selfish attitude did this Xehanort!”

Nex struggled against the strength of both Xaldin and Xigbar. In her time of need, she was helpless. The truth had come fighting out almost immediately. This traitor, this horror of a man standing in front of her was once the calm, quiet, cryptic Xehanort; a pastime she had once considered a friend. Nex hated him with all her mind and soul. She hated the world, she hated her life, but Xehanort was in the foremost of her mind as the most villainous and retched creature on the planet.

Steadily, Nex regained strength, but nowhere near the amount she wanted.

“Hmph. All true young one.”

Nex suppressed a scream of rage welling up inside her chest. “What?! You [Ilet[/I us become Nobodies?”

“It was necessary in order to accomplish my goals.”

“You…you…traitor! You’re not the man I used to know!”

“No. I am not,” Xemnas smirked. “I am no longer a man.” Nex’s eyes watched the Nobody’s grin settle. Xigbar and Xaldin smiled along with him, as if everything they were doing were all a hideous joke.

Xemnas let the smile drop. He wasn’t used to having so much fun with his prisoners and the overuse of emotions tired him. He walked away, his back to Nexydys. Saix took his cue and came forward, gesturing to the defeated woman on the floor.

“Lock her up.”

Aerith leaned over Axel’s lithe figure, dabbing a warm rag on his sweaty forehead. The poor man seemed to be in so much pain.

“Where do you hurt, Ela?” she whispered over his delicate face. “Where do your pains lie?” She sat back and looked at him for a brief moment. [IHow can I heal what I do not see?[/I Aerith replaced her dilemma with some gentle singing. Her voice filled the room, lighting up the mood. But how could she be so calm when a battle was right outside her front door?

“No…”

“What?” Aerith stirred as Axel’s expression twisted.

“No.”

“Ela?”

“No!” With blazing eyes Axel wrenched himself awake, flying off his pillow and sitting up almost immediately. He panted heavily and rubbed his temples together, trying to erase the memory of the nightmare.

“Ela! Oh thank goodness.” Aerith wrapped her arms tightly around Axel, but he pulled quickly away from her touch. Aerith was surprised by his actions and, looking into his eyes, saw an amazing amount of fear within them. She was taken aback just by the sight of them. Axel’s breathing slowed to a normal pace before he spoke.

“Aerith…,” he began. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you don’t have to apologize.”

“I do. I didn’t mean to scare you like that,” Axel took a quick look around the room, wondering where he was until he realized it was Merlin’s house. “Where is everyone?”

“Ela,” Aerith sighed. “The Heartless have began their attack on the city. It won’t be long before Sora shows up to help.”

“What? Why didn’t anyone tell me!” But, slowly, Axel’s memories resurfaced; Nex was gone, his best friend was dead, and he had fallen unconscious with guilt and misery. And the Organization was plotting at that very moment to wipe all worlds of their innocent hearts.

“You remember what happened?” Aerith said after Axel’s expression changed.

“…Yes,” Axel looked at her, sadness resonating between them. “I have to go.”

“I don’t think so. You’re still hurt and under my care. You’re not going anywhere with your condition.”

“They need you out there Aerith. Not in here taking care of me. I’m leaving.” With his words, Axel wiped the blankets away from his body and walked towards his folded cloak, lying on a dresser a few feet away.

“No Ela! I don’t know what happened to you those past few days, but they did nothing good for you! You’re still in pain; don’t think you can hide it from me.”

“Aerith!” Axel wined. She winced at his outcry. “I’m fine! Nex is with the Organization as we speak; who knows what they’re doing to her!” Aerith was speechless. Axel didn’t see her expression, but he knew she was upset. He looked at her, sighed, and wrapped his frail arms around her. Aerith took a moment to do the same. “I’m sorry. But you know I need to find her. No matter what it takes.”

“…I know.” Aerith stood back and stared deeply into her best friends amazing emerald eyes, knowing that look anywhere; she knew that once Ela set her mind on something, he was not easily swayed from it. “Go Ela. Go with all your friends thoughts and prayers.”

“Thank you.” Axel smirked at having won Aerith over, but he left the house in utter defeat. The battle was over, but the war had just begun.

Toldya. REVIEW PLEASE!!!! I NEED ME SOME FEEDBACK!!!!!