Far Too Familiar [Xion/Open]

[Aqua]

How long had it been since she had last been here?

Aqua looked up at the foreboding Castle, upon the remains of what had once been the Land of Departure. Her home world, where she had trained to become a Keyblade Master, and where everything had gone so very around. Where her friend should be, but she did not know anymore. Her oceanic orbs flickered around her, to the broken pathway that lead to Castle Oblivion, where she had walked so many years ago. Raising her hand, she placed it upon her chest, feeling her own heavy heartbeat. Was he here, though? Within the Dark Realm, Aqua had heard whispering voices, seeking her out. Had it been him? She nearly shuddered at the thought, but she resolved herself to continue forward. What else could she do?

Inhaling deeply, the Keyblade Master walked forward. Her expression was determined, her oceanic eyes blazing. She had to find out what this Organization had done with the remains of her world. Had they found the Chamber of Waking? If so, Aqua could only shudder at what Xehanort would do. Her pulse rang in her ears, but she never faltered. The doors loomed overhead, and without pause, she reached out her hands, and pushed the doors forward. The sound seemed to resonate all around her, and Aqua paused. What if someone heard her? Sensed her? Would Xehanort come? So many questions raced across her mind, but she had not time to hesitate!

Aqua slowly walked in, her armored boots echoing with each step she took. In a flash of light, she summoned her keyblade, feeling more reassured with the familiar weight within her hand. The Keyblade Master looked at the familiar white halls, and she still remembered when she had first realized what she had done when creating the Chamber of Waking. Not only had she restored the room, but she had altered her entire world. Aqua paused, and she carefully pushed those thoughts away. First, she had to see that what she came for was true. She also had to be careful in doing so, because she had no idea whether or not anyone else was here. With her free hand, the young woman slowly took out the small charm she always carried with her. Gazing at it, Aqua smiled.

"I'll make this all right, I promise."

With those uttered words, she continued onward.

[xion]

She had been down below. Searching and waiting. Searching for her answers; searching for the Riku Replica; searching for Vexen. She had been waiting to be ambushed; waiting to be caught by anyone in the Organization and dragged back to Xemnas. Still, while looking and waiting, she had been rummaging through Vexen’s equipments and lab notes trying to find anything about herself or about her fellow Replica. All Xion found, however, were little notes to modify this on her, or modify that on him. One of the notes even praised her. It said she was one of the finer experiments he had created, and that he had to drag the Riku Replica here in order to do more testing. She wasn’t stupid, she wasn’t. She knew that the original Riku, the one that made her smile, laugh, and cry, had destroyed the Replica.

Still, hadn’t she come back from who-knows-where? If she could come back from the darkness, couldn’t he? Of course, she had held Sora’s memories for a time while RR hadn’t, but they were still overall the same. Suddenly, something came to her attention and she felt that someone, or something, else was here. Abandoning her search, she opened a portal. The presence was fairly new, so she had no doubt in her mind that the person who had entered was still on the first floor. Walking rather excitedly through the portal, Xion let out a small sigh of disappointment when she realized the two, maybe three, people she had hoped it would be weren’t there. Instead, there was another girl-girl or woman?-with blue hair and a Keyblade.

Her sapphire like blue eyes widened and she extended her hand outwards, summoning her own Keyblade to herself. She rested it against her shoulder, and she placed her other arm on her hip. She didn’t think the other…person had noted her presence yet, and she was glad about it. Xion shifted her head upwards, and slightly to the side, then raised her free arm to throw her hood over her head. She also zipped up her coat to where you couldn’t see anything but her blue eyes. Carefully thinking about what to say, she opted, instead, to study the person some more. She looked familiar, and yet she couldn’t quite place where she had seen her before. Was she apart of the Replica Program as well, and, if she was, who’s Replica was she? Besides looking for information, she couldn’t place why anyone else would want to come to Castle Oblivion.

Opening her mouth to make a statement, Xion was glad when the other woman spoke before she did, and all she had to do was answer. “If you’re looking to make something right, I’m sorry to say you’ve come to the wrong place to do it. If you continue, the memories you hold dear will slowly fade away.”

[Aqua]

Aqua sensed the other presence as soon as they drew near.

The ability to sense another Keyblade wielder came with being a Keyblade Master, and her oceanic orbs flickered quickly to the hooded figure. Aqua took in the shape of her keyblade, noticing it was the Kingdom Key. Her slender frame tensed, though she did not move to attack. Perhaps this figure could give her the answers she wanted, and that was what she had come here for. Aqua tried to see her features beneath the hood, but all she caught was the sight of very blue eyes. For a moment, she merely froze, those haunting blue reminding her too much of a certain friend. Aqua caught herself, though, and composed her expression carefully. Xehanort had taken over Castle Oblivion. Fitting, as he had been the one to destroy her world in the first place.

Irony never escaped her.

"I have a rather close affinity to this place, so it would have no effect on me," Aqua answered vaguely. It was true, and even if not, she had nothing left to lose. Without her friends beside her, the light within her heart had diminished. Being in the Dark Realm for so long had not changed her physically, but the darkness within her had seemed to grow somewhat. Aqua still had hope, though, and that was her light. The hope of seeing her friends again, and finally becoming Keyblade Masters with them, as they had all dreamed of doing. How cruel fate was, alone on her own path. Nothing this figure said would stop her, and she was determined to find what she had come for.

"Please, stay out of my way. I won't be stopped." That was the only warning she would give, and Aqua continued forward. Her memories were the most precious things to her, but she held them to her. It was all that had kept her going these past years, and no Castle would take them from her. Not when she had created this maze, not after she had sacrificed so much to give her friends a chance. The Keyblade Master had no wish to fight, but she would make an exception for a certain someone. Just the thought of him sent anger through her entire being, and it drove her forward. That and her hope this could all be fixed.

[xion]

Xion didn't move as the woman slowly turned to observe her. She was glad she had had the sense to slip her good over her head. If she had thought the intruder was with the Organization, she had obviously been wrong. She doubted Xemnas would take in another Keyblade wielder besides Roxas or herself. He would have been to cautious to make another clone either way. Not after the two failures that were herself and RR. He would be an idiot to make Vexen make any more clones. Then again, Xemnas had gone reletively insane towards before her death. Still, Xion snapped herself from her thoughts and made sure to pay more attention to the intruder before her. She had the blue hair. That was something that was perculiar. Blue hair wasn't common, and the only other being she knew with blue hair was Saix. Mistrusting the woman before her, she gripped her Keyblade harder and took one step forward. She was still in front of the door, blocking it so that the woman would have trouble getting past her to it. "Is that so?" she asked in a rather bored tone, though her lips would have given her up had they been visible. They were curved up into a smirk. "I am afraid to tell you, although I am really not afraid, that unless you are with us, them, then you shall go no further." She spoke it with such authority that she almost frightened herself.

Although, she had said what she did to protect the woman, even if it didn't seem like it. This place would bring nothing but sorrow, and the only reason she was here was to search for answers. Besides that, this place didn't affect her memories because her memories weren't her own. If she lost any of the memories she still remembered, they would be Sora's and she wouldn't be sad to lose them. And, as a bonus, it was worth it to her. To find the answers she longed for, and to find her fellow replica was all she really wanted. And, if she managed to save someone along the way, then it would only make her 'happier.' At least this visit would be less painful than her last one here. When she had met Kairi and saw Riku for the first time since her death. She shook her head outwardly and move her Keyblade to point it at the stranger. Xion disliked fighting, but she wouldn't let the intruder get passed her. "I can't let you pass, whoever you are. Because you have no number, no rank." she pointed at herself with her free hand. "They ranked me XIV. They called me No. I. However, since every being must have a name, they changed it to Xion."

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[Aqua]

Azure eyes flashed with momentary anger.

Aqua had no wish to fight, but she would if she had to. She had gone through too much, had sacrificed too much to be stopped now. It did not matter if this person was a Keyblade Wielder. If there was one thing left for Aqua to pride herself with, it was that she had become a Keyblade Master. This was her homeworld, and no one had the right to tell her she could go no further. Aqua calmed herself quickly, trying not to let her temper come through. She had never been one to anger easily, always level headed and calm, but this was different. The thought that Ven may be here was enough motive for her, enough hope within her heart to keep going. "This was once the Land of Departure, but you would not know that. This Castle, these halls, destroyed by your Superior."

The figure's tone did not sway her, would not deter her from her objective. Her azure orbs sought this one's own blue gaze, searing and searching all at once. No, this figure was not a true threat. Aqua sighed to herself, wondering if telling the truth would even be wise of her to do. The Chamber of Waking had remained a secret, but no matter what happened, Aqua would never reveal that location. Aqua looked over the cloaked figure, taking in the whiteness of the halls, the sterile appearance that had given her the chills when she find out the exact extent of what she had done. Not only had she changed the broken throne world, but she had recreated the entire landscape of her home.

"This Castle is by my creation, and yet Xehanort deigns this area as his own. Destroyed by him, and used for his own dark purposes." Aqua glanced to the Kingdom Key, her eyes narrowing a fraction. She raised her own Rain Storm Keyblade, but she had disappeared in a flash of light. Even if her way was blocked, she had her own abilities to use. Aqua reappeared behind the figure, not attacking. Aqua had no desire to fight, just to see something with her own eyes. "Xion, despite your wishes to keep me away, I won't go. I have more right to be here than any of your Organization does."

Her expression was determined, but softened with a kindness in her eyes. How long had this one wielded the keyblade? Not long enough, but power came from inside, and Aqua could sense the affinity for light. Experience determined an outcome, though, and she had more of that. "I don't want to fight. You would not win. Not many new keybearers stand a chance against a Keyblade Master."

[xion]

Xion raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Although, she figured she deserved that somewhat. After all, she had implied that she was still under the command of the Organization, even if she wasn’t anymore. Besides that, she still wore their coat even if she no longer wanted to. The truth was, it was a comfort to her. She had been wearing this coat when she had last seen Roxas and Axel. And Riku had been right. Traveling through the dark corridors was a lot easier when you had the coat to protect you from the darkness. Still, she felt as if she was missing something. Like this girl, this woman, was holding something from her. Something that, granted probably had nothing to do with her in general, had to do with the Organization. And, even if she wasn’t with them anymore, she felt she had a need to know. “Land of Departure? Seems like a fitting name for all those who perished here.”

She spoke, of course, of those five members that had been killed here while she was still with the Organization. Some by Riku; some by Sora; some by the Riku Replica, and some even by Axel, himself. Xion had what she was talking about, but she felt her mouth curve downwards into a firm frown as she let her Keyblade fall to the ground. She didn’t stare at it, but she knew it disappeared as a small dark portal surrounded it. If she wanted it, all she would have to do was re-summon it to her hand and hope that it would come back. Hope that she wasn’t loosing her ability to summon the Keyblade like she had in the past. “You’re wrong, intruder. I am no longer with them. And, although I am still tied to them against my will, I no longer serve Xemnas.”

Her eyes widened slightly when she went on to say that she created the castle. Her arms, which were loosely at her side, felt numb as did the rest of her puppet body. Slowly, she raised her numbing hands and pulled the zipper down somewhat and removed the hood from her face. Her messy black hair fell forward as did her head, so her face was still hidden from view. Nevertheless, she turned around and lifted her head to glare at the women. “You think that I care that you created this Castle? If indeed you did, do you not know how much I hate you for it? Because of your precious little Castle, I can’t find the answers I so need and desire. I can’t find my fellow Replica, and am thus left to be alone.” She clenched her teeth together and took a step back, glowering at her. “Nobody’s don’t have any rights. Not to be, and especially not to preside over a place. But you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

Her cerulean-like eyes hardened and she lifted her chin, defiantly. “Especially since you’re a Somebody. Your heart is filled with Darkness. I can tell that about you, but you belong in the light.” Her lips curved up into a smirk. “Maybe you should find your way back there instead of dwelling in that of which you don’t understand. Me, on the other hand, I was made to follow the Darkness.” She lowered her head slightly before raising her eyes. “And I do? You think I like fighting with the very weapon I only wield because I took it from him?”

[Aqua]

Aqua was quickly taken aback.

She watched as the keyblade was dropped, and she tensed. If this were a plot of some sort, she would remain ready. Her heart was already racing, and she knew she was wasting her time. What if any of the other members showed up? Though Xion claimed to not be with them, that did not mean other did not linger. Her abilities were strong, but Aqua knew she would not stand much of a chance against so many. "Not quite what the name meant. This world was where those chosen by the Keyblade could train to become Masters. No more, though," she replied sadly. Her memories of this world were as shattered as her world had become. This broken castle left to the whims of one succumbed into total darkness. None of this should have happened, least of all to her friends.

"I can't blame you for hating me. If I had been stronger, then none of this would have happened." A sigh escaped her lips, and her keyblade disappeared within a flash. Her gaze went back to the figure--who revealed herself to a girl. Aqua had no idea what to do with this present situation, but it was obvious she would not be venturing the castle without giving something in return. She stepped forward, glancing down at the shorter girl. "No, I don't understand, but you have as much reason to exist as anyone else. Maybe even more so," she replied gently.

"I understand the darkness more than you think. I fought against it, dwelt at the very core of it, but my light is all I have left in my darkness." Her eyes closed, and she remembered her time in the Realm of Darkness. What choice did she have after she saved Terra? Aqua had regained her keyblade by coming back into the Realm of Light, but so much had happened since then. A small smile crossed her lips, and Aqua looked away. Nothing could be found without a payment of sorts, and Xion looked like she could use her help. Turning, she walked a few paces from the girl, deep in thought.

"I know this castle, I can help you find what you're looking for. In turn, I want free roam without anyone knowing about my presence here." It was the only compromise she could think of.

[xion]

Xion blinked once and then gave the older girl a blank look. On the inside, though, she was curious. What if any of the other members decided to show up? What if one of the founding members, or Saix, showed up? Besides that, the founding members, nor any of them for that matter, probably wouldn’t be too happy that she let an intruder in here, let alone that she was here herself. After all, they were bound to be mad at her for quitting the Organization and going rogue. They were probably mad at their whole trio. They had all left, and they were going to pay the price once they were found. She winced internally and gave Aqua a look of sarcasm. “Yeah, I figured that. Especially since you said you created this place, and it has been here for quite a while. Besides, the beings I’m talking about died say…last year.” However, she grinded her teeth together whenever she mentioned Keyblade and Masters.

It only made her think of Sora. Sora was a Keyblade Master, wasn’t he? And, besides that, he had been in this Castle defeating all those members before being put to sleep by Naminé. So, it only made sense that this place was for the Masters to train. Those members were just obstacles in his way. “I guess, if you would have been stronger, then I wouldn’t be here. I was created not so long ago…I say, a bit over a year or so. When time doesn’t really affect you, you don’t count it.” She took a step back as the girl took a step forward, and she frowned. “My only reason to exist is to find my answers. If I were with them…” She trailed off looking to the side before gazing at her once more. “If I were with them, then my purpose would be to replace a different Keyblade Master, one with blue eyes like mine.”

She squinted slightly and looked down, silently repeating her words with her own hand on her lips. Her light is all she has in her darkness? How could that…be? Shaking her head inwardly, she opened her mouth to speak. “You’ve dwelled in the darkness, and yet you hate them so? You have your heart, so I don’t expect you do understand like I wish you Somebody’s would…I know Organization XIII is no good, possibly more than most, but they’re not all that bad. They’ve done few, if any, crimes. Everyone hates them, and everyone wants them gone. But, I don’t see anything wrong in what they’ve done. Can you tell me, whoever you are, what’s the crime in wanting a heart?”

She felt her eyes widen slightly before crossing them behind her back. All she wanted to do was roam around Castle Oblivion, and she was willing to help her search for her fellow Replica and Vexen’s reports? It was almost too good for her to believe. “I need to find a friend of mine, but it is kind of hard considering this place has so many levels to it. Not only on the floors above, but the floors below, too.” She stopped and smiled brightly. “In return, I’ll make sure no one knows we’re here. The Dusks and Heartless won’t bother us.”

[Aqua]

Perhaps they could both help one another.

Aqua also would not mind the company, and the Keyblade Master would admit she craved it now. Her long exile within the Dark Realm really had taken a tole upon her heavy heart, and she felt some connection to the younger girl before her. Not to mention it was almost like looking into a mirror of sorts. Beside the darker colored hair, Aqua almost fancied that she was looking at a younger version of herself. What could the connection be? Blue eyes pierced into ones similar to her own, and Aqua almost wished she could find the answer for herself. Perhaps if she did show her around Castle Oblivion? "Then we won't have to worry about anyone following us, will we? That was for the best. There was one thing she still had to see for herself, and she would not let anyone else follow her as she did so.

"I don't see any crime in wanting a heart, unless you purposely allowed your heart to be swallowed by the darkness. I can't say I hate them, but one of them took my friends away from me, and I can't forgive that easily," Aqua admitted quietly. Slender fingers curled into her gloved palms. The thought of Xehanort filled her with a burning anger that would never disappear, not until she found a way to make him pay for all he had done. He had taken Terra and Ventus away from, but was it not her fault for sending him back into the Realm of Light? The anger seemed to leave her abruptly, and a sigh escaped her lips. There was no point, because she could not change what she had done in the past.

"Do you know the general direction of where we should be looking?" Aqua asked lightly, smiling in return at the younger girl. Maybe this was a new chance to start over in a way, and the Keyblade Master had to admit she liked the idea. The castle was vast, though, and it may take time to fully explore every room. Hopefully, Xion knew where to look, and Aqua would be able to lead the way. Her gaze flickered over the pristine white walls of Castle Oblivion, and she wondered if even this desolate world had changed. Lost in the timeless Realm of Darkness, she had not changed at all, and yet everything else had. So much to take in and bear, but she would.

[xion]

She smiled wryly, but she shook her head. Although the Dusks and Heartless would not necessarily follow them, that didn’t mean they were safe from anyone else that was lurking about. There might be other people around here, people like Vexen, who could possibly be in his lab again. At the thought, she wanted to rush down there, even to just make sure that he wasn’t there, but she had to restrain herself from doing that. She wasn’t the only one on this little mission to Castle Oblivion anymore, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to let the opportunity escape through her fingers. "I’m afraid that’s not entirely true. Castle Oblivion doesn’t just belong to those creatures. There are probably other Puppet’s around, and possibly the scientist that created them, too. Although, between the both of us, I’m pretty sure we can handle anything that comes our way.” She smiled softly

Xion bit her lip and stared up at the ceiling. Had any of them, really, allowed their hearts to purposely be taken away by the darkness? She was sure that Roxas and Axel hadn’t allowed their hearts to be taken away, and, if Axel hadn’t, then Saix couldn’t have, either. And, didn’t the older girl know the founding members of the Organization? If she could infer right, then, didn’t that mean that the older members had given their hearts to the darkness? She felt her teeth clench, and she shook her head, feverishly. That simply couldn’t be true. Weren’t the older members the ones who wanted their hearts the most? If they were, then why would they willingly give their hearts up. “I don’t understand.” She admitted staring at Aqua. “What do you mean by that?”

She shook her head, but then nodded it in an understanding way. She knew what that felt like. To loose you best friend for the sake of the Organization. It sounded as if the girl understood more than she had previously thought, and it made her want to laugh. A sarcastic laugh, but one nonetheless. She restrained herself, however, and gave her a smile. “Yeah, I know what it feels like. Because of the Organization, I lost two close friend’s of mine, too.” She ran her hand through her messy black hair. Xion didn’t think she knew where to go, but, then again, maybe the two of them should start along the lines of the lowest basement levels. “Let’s see. I was looking at what Vexen was doing before he was killed off, and he was in the lower basement levels, so I’m thinking that, maybe, we should check there?”

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