It's been a little while hasn't it? I didn't realize I got really caught up in writing my Final Fantasy stories, but hey I am back! So here we go!

Ch.21

While Saix did worry how the next days would go, things seemed to quiet down much to his surprise. The very next day Xion was sent back out to take out the Heartless that had not been defeated before. Axel made sure that day that she would go alone, only making Saix worry that Axel had in fact figured out what had gone on before. There was no persuading Axel this time and trying to push him on the subject would only make things worse.

But of course Xion had her keyblade again. There was no need to even ask to follow with her, Saix could only hope though that she would be able to handle it by herself now. When the end of the day came and he went to meet Roxas and Xion at the clock tower, he couldn't even begin to explain the strange memories of relief that flooded his mind. She was proud though, happy that she could manage on her own again with the keyblade.

The days were moving by quickly, but at the same time they were slow and pleasurable at the end of the day. The only thing that Saix found himself interested in doing was going out to the clock tower now. He used to bury himself in his mission reports, working as best as he could once Axel became second in command. He rarely let himself have any moment to relax for he saw no reason to do it if he was alone.

But now there was a reason.

Having Roxas and Xion there was the reason that seemed to make it all worth it. Even if they didn't have huge decisions, it was still enough for him. But of course things could not stay peaceful forever. Saix knew it well enough at this point. He had to remind himself some days that this wasn't just a leisurely life. There were stakes at hand and still much more to come.

Early one morning Saix was preparing himself when he heard the sound of a portal in his room. He turned around to see Axel standing there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Once again he didn't care to knock at all, and he looked far more uncaring than the last time that he did it.

"So," Axel started off. "There's something I need to ask."

"And what would that be? I know me saying no isn't going to stop you anyway," Saix snipped.

He could hear Axel scoff. "Well you're right about that. But anyways, what has the little puppet been doing?"

"Puppet?" Saix asked as he whipped around.

"Better name than mask head," Axel shrugged.

Saix tried not to grind his teeth together. He had to mentally restraint himself from saying something that would be classified as going too far. Axel already was crossing that line, but Saix was not about to let himself stoop that low. He would never play to Axel's games like that.

"What about Xion?"

"I asked what she has been doing. You can't play dumb about this. I know you and zombie boy go out to the clock tower with her."

"And that means I am to confess what I do in my spare time? Aren't I allowed to have some personal space over certain matters?"

"Yeah I guess, but I thought that friends told each other things. Maybe I was wrong," Axel replied as he shrugged.

"If you came here just to chastise me, then I will have to ask you to please leave my room."

"Nah, you don't have to act so annoyed. It's not a big deal. Anyways you and the puppet have a mission today. Just pairing up as it is needed from time to time and everything."

Saix narrowed his eyes. "I highly doubt you barged into my room at this early hour to just inform me of that. You have something else you want to say to me, correct?"

"At least spending time with puppets and zombies hasn't worn down your brain," Axel laughed. "You're right though. You got something else important coming up. You'll be having a new mission to Castle Oblivion soon."

Saix hummed as he moved to take a seat at his desk. He knew he could tell from Axel's words that there was more to this than met the eye. Axel would probably just barge in anyways nowadays to bother him, given the circumstances between them. But still there was something else about the way he spoke.

"And is this mission ordered by Xemnas… or by you?"

Axel grinned. "I think you should know the answer, you just proved you were smart enough to figure out I even had something else. But if you want the easy way out, yes Xemnas still wants some more answers. As you said in your reports, the place still has a lot of secrets and mysteries. Now this next part is the tough part, what do you think is the part Xemnas is really curious about?"

"The supposed chamber, yes I know."

"Then you would know why Xemnas still wants to try and find it."

"But what purpose would there be to try if I already spent countless weeks trying to no avail."

"I guess you really aren't seeing the bigger picture," Axel said as he walked over to Saix. He leaned over and brought himself closer to Saix's face. "You should have more reason to go. Since you have such apparent care for the puppet, maybe you care to help her. To learn of her past that she has no memories of."

"What are you trying to imply?" Saix trended carefully with his words. Since he knew Axel liked playing with his words and beating around the bush, he didn't want to take any chances. But it did make him wonder though,

"Don't act thickheaded. You know what I am getting at," Axel scoffed as he stood back up. "Castle Oblivion. Xion. And Namine."

"And Namine?" Saix raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. She is just another one you seem to fake care for, am I right? Since she is still out there somewhere after all. Not that she has anything to do with this, but hey it's all tied together isn't it?"

Saix sighed as he watched Axel walk back to the door. "The reason for me going is still more for your benefit over Xemnas's."

Axel stopped and turned around, sporting a cold grin. "Now what makes you say that?"

"Xemnas has his reasons to find the chamber. Whatever those reasons are, you want to know cause I highly doubt he has even told you them."

Axel was silent, his grin faded away. Saix had hit the nail right on the head.

"Two chambers," Axel stated. "The Chamber of Repose and the opposite the Chamber of Waking… they are both tied together. But it is the Chamber of Waking which Xemnas really wants. The one we cannot seem to find. If we found that, we could finally gain the information that Xemnas has been keeping to himself. If you still honestly want to move on with our plans, you know what we need."

When Axel said 'our plans' Saix's eyes widened a little. He had not heard Axel talk about their plans in ages. He had thought by this point things were too far gone to even have mention of such things. But here he was, bringing them up again as if it was no big deal.

"You think you can still handle such big tasks? After all," Axel continued. "You failed last time to keep up part of your private mission."

"Zexion slipped out from under my radar as I explained."

"Yes and I had to deal with it. Maybe you've gotten too soft for something like this."

Saix breathed in slowly, still reminding himself to be careful. "Vexen was still something that-"

"Yeah I know," Axel said quickly. "It's whatever. You just do what you are instructed, okay? That's all we need. You do the dirty work and leave the rest to me. Just don't let me have to handle all your dirty work again, got it?"

Saix said nothing as Axel summoned a corridor.

"I'll give you the details on your solo mission soon enough." He could hear Axel let out a huff of air before walking through the portal. Once it closed, Saix exhaled a breath he didn't realize he had been holding on to. But he was alone again… alone to be with his thoughts.

"A solo mission to Castle Oblivion. Going back there… just to look for a chamber. I highly doubt I will find anything… but…" Saix reflected over what Axel had said. "I knew Namine originated from there. Her origins are not conventional… not by Nobody standards. But does that apply to Xion? What reasons could she be tied to such a strange place? Hm… maybe the mission will be something worthwhile after for my own benefit."

When he met up with Xion later in the morning, he tried his best to put everything else out of mind. He had a mission to focus on and he wasn't going to let it get dragged down with concerning thoughts.

"Good morning Saix!" Xion replied when she saw him. "You ready for our mission today?"

"Yes, let me know when you are ready to leave, okay?"

"Right!"

The two of them headed out shortly after Xion gathered up some potions. The mission itself wasn't too terrible, not with the two of them working side by side. It was just the normal Heartless to take care of anyways, nothing too big or major. As they went along though Saix watched as Xion fought with her keyblade. She still staggered time to time, and had trouble completing some attacks, but she was managing fairly well otherwise.

But he could tell there was still a lot of room for her to improve and recover what she had lost over the time she was without her keyblade. "Perhaps if we get the chance I can help her train. For a later time though when it is most optimal."

When they got to the clock tower they started to eat their ice cream as they waited, but the minutes stretched by. Soon enough time passed and still Roxas had not shown up yet, and it was already getting late.

"Where do you think Roxas could be? Is he just working late?"

"I would assume so. It's not too often that a mission goes over the usual expected time, but it isn't flat out unexpected."

"So he probably won't make it today."

"I suppose not, but there are always the other days. We shouldn't let it worry us," Saix replied.

"Oh, okay. You're right. It's just weird for him to not be here for a day."

"Indeed."

After that they fell silent, finishing up their ice creams without another word. But eventually Saix could hear a soft hum from Xion. "Hm… Saix?"

"Yes Xion?"

"Is it all right if I ask you something?"

Saix nodded. "Go ahead."

"You know how you were talking the other day about how we have a past we are supposed to remember? But Roxas and I just couldn't remember? Well… when I sit here with you guys, it's weird... I get the strangest feeling I used to watch the sun set with somebody else. Or when I'm by the sea…" From her pocket she pulled out a small seashell. "When I look at the water, and hear the waves lapping against the shore… it's almost like I can hear another voice."

"Is that so?" Saix questioned. "It might mean that your memories are starting to filter back. Or there is something that is trying to recall those lost memories."

Xion started to shake her head. "I don't know though… I think they are memories. But it just seems weird to have them. Maybe it's just because I forgot everything and now I am trying to remember?"

"That could be a possibility. I still am not entirely sure over the matter."

"But you weren't like that right? You remember everything from the start?"

"Correct," Saix answered. "You and Roxas are still mysterious as to why you don't have your memories. But I still do hope we can find a way to help you two regain them."

"Thanks Saix. I hope so too. I would like to know who I was before…"

"So would I Xion, especially if what Axel was alluding to was true or not. I guess I will find out in time."

Roxas's Diary Entry: Day 117

Today it was me and Xigbar. Saix and Xion went out on their own mission. Xigbar told me that Xion and me are "exceptional"... you know, like, special Nobodies. Because we can use the Keyblade? Work dragged on late, so I didn't make it up to the clock tower. I wonder if Xion and Saix made it. Those pictures started flashing through my head again on the mission. The boy in red... What's it all about? Maybe when Xigbar called me "special" he meant "crazy"...

Seriously, though, is Xion experiencing the same thing? It feels weird to ask.

Secret Report: Saix

Once again things just never seem to add up. I think for once we can move back into a calm trend of missions, but Axel comes along with something new. This time he is telling me I am going to go back to Castle Oblivion but alone. I am to search for the chamber on Xemnas's behalf but at the same time I am doing it for Axel's reasons to find out more about Xemnas's plans.

He said that Xion also came from the same place as Namine, which would be Castle Oblivion. But that only opens up to more questions. I wish I could just get some solid answers for once. I have never felt so lost before in all of this. I feel more lost than ever, but at least I am able to find some solace in the moments I spend at the clock tower with Roxas and Xion.