Days Novel Vol 2: Chapter 6 (1/2)

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Written by: Kanemaki Tomoco
Original Plan: Nomura Tetsuya and Nojima Kazushige
Illustration: Amano Shiro
Copyrighted by Disney, Square Enix and Touchstone Pictures
Translations: gold_panner

Notes: No profit is gained from these translations unless you count meeting and befriending amazing people profit. Every effort is made to make them as accurate as possible.
 

Chapter 6: Tell a Lie

 

 Xion definitely said ‘Sora’. Why does she know Sora’s name?

Axel returned to his room, deep in thought. If Xion had memories, and if, just as Axel had guessed, she was a being with some connection to Naminé—to Princess Kairi, then it wouldn’t be strange for her to know Sora’s name.

But Xion isn’t meant to have memories. If I were to at least believe Xion’s word, then she doesn’t have memories of her past. And, she shouldn’t have had a reason for her to lie about herself. So, perhaps Xion’s memories are returning. What on earth is hidden in her lost memories?

That reminds me, Saïx said that Xion was born at Castle Oblivion. But there were no traces of such a thing there. I wasn’t able to understand everything about that castle, but at least at this point in time, I haven’t been able to find anything like that. Of the facilities, the only thing left is the research facility Vexen left behind.

And, what I learned at Castle Oblivion is that memories are terrible vague things.

We Nobodies are controlled by our memories of our time as humans. And, what the Organisation was doing in that castle was rearranging the memories belonging to the human Keyblade Hero, Sora. Human memories are terribly weak things, and thanks to that, it feels possible for the fragments of their memories to be scattered. In the first place, Naminé’s power was necessary for that rewriting.

No, there was one exception.

That is the memory-copying doll that Vexen built in the castle’s research facility—the Replica. That Replica was able to absorb Riku’s memories without the need for Naminé’s involvement. It was able to replicate even abilities at the same time as memories. Even more, actually; it was able to absorb Zexion’s power, too.

There, Axel suddenly hit on a particular thought, and looked up. What did Saïx say?

Xion is a failure—a defective failure, who doesn’t qualify as an Organisation member—

A chill ran down Axel’s spine. It can’t be, that can’t be what it means. I need proof, Axel thought vehemently. This right now is still just a guess. Nothing more than my own delusion. I want to know the truth. The truth about Xion…

xxx

I remember. I haven’t forgotten.

Lying in bed, Xion stared at the white ceiling.

It’s still a little hazy. But, I remember. That is, the contents of my dreams. Somewhere where a blue ocean spreads out wide—everyone played there. Everyone… Not Axel and Roxas—my friends on the island.

Since I fainted yesterday, I feel as though I’ve suddenly remembered so many things.

Yeah, wasn’t this what I dreamed of the whole time I was sleeping? And maybe these are memories. The memories that Roxas and I forgot.

But I still don’t understand who I was. Even though I dream, and even though the memories are returning, I can’t see who I was as a human.

I wonder who I was?

xxx

Without sleeping much, Axel headed for the lobby a little earlier than usual.

It would be good if I could negotiate about today’s mission alone with Saïx. Unless completely irregular, my missions lately have been to search for the fake Organisation member—Riku. Today should be the same.

For the Riku search mission, I’ve generally been able to choose where I search. Thanks to that, the range I’m allowed to act within isn’t restricted. That means that I can also suggest how to find out about Riku.

I intend to make use of that.

On his way to the lobby Axel saw Saïx’s figure, and called out. “Hey.”

“…You’re early, aren’t you?” said Saïx, glancing over Axel.

“Am I scheduled for Riku hunting again today?”

“You are, but are you going to ask if you can go on missions together with Roxas again?” Saïx started walking towards the lobby.

Axel followed after him. “No, it’s just that there’s something about Riku I’m interested in. I want to check up on something, but I thought I’d just get your permission first.”

“Hmph… Even without my permission, you’ll go looking as you wish, won’t you?”

“Well, I don’t really want to go into Vexen’s research room without having let someone know.”

Saïx stopped walking. “What do you intend to check out?” he asked, eyes slightly narrowed, as if studying Axel.

“Riku, of course. Isn’t it obvious,” said Axel, shrugging. I’m getting better and better at lying.

“If it’s Vexen’s reports in Castle Oblivion that you’re after, then I expect you have skimmed over all of them already.”

“I just want to know something from before that. Maybe there will be come clues.”

Saïx’s gaze was fixed on Axel. “Fine. You have permission to enter the room. I’ll send an underling with the key later.”

“Thanks, man. This’ll really help things go faster. Well then, that’s what I’ll be doing for my mission today.”

Saïx’s mouth twisted into a shape like a smile. “I wonder why you’re checking up on such trivial details, anyway?”

“…You’re right. Are you interested?”

“Do as you like,” said Saïx, as Axel fluttered his hands around, and he left that place.

If another Organisation member had said the same thing, would Saïx have given his permission? Axel wondered, vaguely. Does Saïx still trust in me?

xxx

Roxas’ mission was at a world called Wonderland. It was the third time he’d visited this place. Just like the times before, the mission was to subjugate a specific Heartless with Luxord.

Upon setting down there, a white rabbit holding a watch ran right past Roxas and Luxord’s eyes.

“I’m late, I’m late, I’m very very late! I must hurry back and give my report! She’s sure to be angry. If I don’t rush, she’ll have my head!” The rabbit ran off deep into a corridor in quite a panic.

“I wonder what he was in such a panic for?” muttered Roxas, staring in the direction the white rabbit had disappeared off to.

Luxord smiled slightly. “A curious heart in an important element in carving one’s own fate. But, too curious, however, and one will drive oneself to ruin. Whether that white rabbit will bring you good luck or bad luck—”

“It’s not really that big a deal, right?” Roxas cut in. “Whether we chase that white rabbit or not, our mission to defeat Heartless stays the same, right?

“Well—I wonder. So then, Roxas. How about we try chasing that white rabbit?” Luxord proposed, unexpectedly.

Roxas looked up at Luxord. “Huh? What about the mission?”

“Whether we chase that white rabbit or not, our mission stays the same, right?”

“Yeah, but…” I don’t really get what Luxord really has in mind.

“Let’s follow it, Roxas.” Luxord began to walk, and Roxas followed after him.

xxx

Vexen’s research room was filled with the unique air of a closed off room. Unlike Saïx’s research room, lined with computers, an enormous number of files written on paper and in books were in piles.

“Kinda overwhelming…,” Axel muttered unconsciously, but the files were each properly titled, and Axel knew Vexen’s personality well, peculiarly precise like only a researcher could be.

Looking at a bookshelf, Axel picked up a few files. He spread them on top of a desk, pursuing with his eyes information on whether or not there was anything about Xion written there.

After many files, he reached one with the words ‘About Naminé’ written on it. He chased the letters. What on earth is Naminé? And, what is her connection to Xion? Why was Xion born in Castle Oblivion?

The answers to all his questions were written right there.

xxx

Thanks to chasing the white rabbit, they were able to find the target Heartless and exterminate it quickly.

“Your curious heart had the effect of making our mission easier, I see.”

“A curious heart carves one’s fate, wasn’t it…,” Roxas repeated. Even if it seems completely unrelated at a glance, perhaps it is connected somehow. For example, if something interests you, then it’s not a bad thing to try and pursue it.

But, Luxord kept speaking. “That which will lead to your ruin will also be your curious heart.”

What on earth is he talking about…

“Well then, let’s RTC.” Luxord opened a corridor. Stepping inside, Roxas kept thinking about Luxord’s words.

xxx

Xion sat vaguely on the clock tower, biting an ice cream.

Today’s mission was easy, too.

Saïx always looks at me with cold eyes. Surely I’m not important to Saïx at all. My nose feels stuffed up somehow. Something’s pinching behind my eyes and nose.

The me in my dreams seemed to be having fun, but why am I like this now?

“You’re early today, aren’t you?”

Xion turned at the sound of Roxas’ voice.

“That’s cause I had an easy mission.”

Like always, Roxas passed behind her and sat next to her.

“How are you feeling?”

“…I think, I might be okay now.”

“That’s good.” Roxas smiled, and started to eat his ice cream. The two of them sat side by side, eating ice cream. Cold, sweet and salty ice cream, just like always.

“Axel is?”

“Looks like he hasn’t come yet.”

Just then, the bell on the clock tower rang. The sun would sink soon.

“If he’s this late, I don’t think he’ll be coming today.” We usually see Axel a little earlier than this.

“Should we wait a little longer and see?” said Roxas.

Xion nodded. “…Yeah.”

If the three of us didn’t eat ice cream here like this, then by today I definitely would have been turned into a Dusk, and disappeared from this world, wouldn’t I? It was thanks to Roxas that I became able to use the Keyblade again, and also because Axel talked to Saïx for me. And when I fainted not so long ago, the two of them saved me.

Xion took a small breath, and said, “You and Axel are always saving me, aren’t you?”

“I haven’t done a thing. Axel’s the one who’s said all those things to Saïx for us,” Roxas said.

Xion went to say, that’s not true, but she held her tongue. If I say it, I know he’s just going to deny it. Instead, Xion said, “…I’m so glad you two are in the Organisation for me.”

Then, they watched the sunset.

“I guess Axel isn’t coming…,” Roxas murmured.

xxx

Lately I’ve felt so refreshed after waking up, thought Roxas as he got ready for the day. I’ve stopped dreaming. And then, every day has been pretty fun. Yesterday was really fun, and I went over what I’ve written so far in my reports, and counted the days since I joined the Organisation.

It was fun, remembering things like what had happened, and what I’d done with Axel and Xion since I joined.

I don’t have any memories of my time as a human, but I think if I had them, it would definitely be this fun.

Roxas left his room and headed for the lobby.

My missions have been kinda fun, too. But, there is one thing troubling me. That is, lately not everyone has been coming to the clock tower after missions. That’s been happening for about ten days—Since I spoke with Xion after going to Wonderland, Xion and Axel haven’t been coming to the clock tower.

Hn, there are so many things I want to tell them.

Entering the lobby, Roxas found Axel there, surprisingly.

“Hey, Roxas.”

“—Morning, Axel.”

For some reason, Roxas didn’t quite know how to reply to this normal greeting.

“Today your mission is together,” Saïx ordered straight away.

“….And Xion?” Roxas asked Axel, in a small voice.

“Already left,” he replied.

“Oh, I see.”

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Uh, where?”

“To Neverland.” Axel entered a corridor, and Roxas hurried after him.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Roxas began, as they walked along the corridor.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, talking with you like this.”

Axel scratched his head, tilting it to one side. “Has it now?”

“Yeah, it has. You haven’t been coming to the usual spot, that’s why.”

“Aaaah, my bad my bad. I’ve been a bit busy, that’s all,” Axel answered, and that moment, the exit came into view. Neverland—the world with the sprawling ocean.

xxx

It hurts.

Xion swing the Keyblade down, and defeated a Heartless. Though they were the kind of Heartless she’d been destroying in one blow up until now, Xion was panting heavily and leaning on the Keyblade.

For so many days now I’ve been dreaming every night, and it feels like I haven’t slept at all. It’s like there’s this world, and that world. That world—the world in my dreams. The me in my dreams seems to be having so much fun. That’s why for me here, it’s the opposite, and every day is deathly tiring.

And then, since I haven’t been sleeping, I’m not moving well. I want to sleep for even just the tiniest wink. That’s why I haven’t been going to the clock tower. While I’m awake, I think it’s bad the entire time. But, if I sleep, I dream.

Whether Saïx knows this or not, my missions have continued to be easy. But sometimes I’m not able to perform even these easy missions well.

Maybe things would change if I talked to Axel and Roxas. That reminds me, there are things I want to ask Axel, too. Yesterday the place I dreamed of was probably Castle Oblivion. And Axel was there, too… or that’s how it felt. I don’t know if I’m allowed to ask about it.

I’m so, so uneasy. But, it’s definitely too late for there to be things I can’t ask. Maybe I’ll go to the usual spot today and see…

xxx

Drawing the scent of the salt water deep into his lungs, Axel turned to Roxas, who had followed behind.

“Oh yeah, wasn’t this the world? The one where you said you ‘flew’?”

“Yeah, I really can fly! Axel, watch!”

Smiling with his whole face, Roxas kicked off the ground. But—he just jumped.

“What the…?”

He kicked off again. But, he got the same result.

Axel, who had been in a depressed mood as he wondered what kind of face to put on for Xion if he saw her, blew out a breath of laughter unconsciously.

“What are you doing, Roxas?”

“That’s weird… I could fly before.”

Roxas kicked at the ground desperately, and Axel suddenly couldn’t stop laughing. I can see now that what I was thinking was stupid. Nothing can happen if you do nothing but think. I should have known this. I wonder why I wasn’t able to move. Just like a human.

Just then, they heard a shout. “What’s happening!” The man seemed angry. “We dig and dig, but we find nothing but junk! To make things worse, more Heartless came out, too!”

Beside the cranky man stood a worried looking old person.

“Blast it all! I’ve lost my mind!”

The man began to walk, and the old man followed after in a flurry.

“Captain, where to?”

“We’re returning to the ship!”

And just like that, the two of them left.

“What’s with those guys?” Axel murmured.

“I don’t know much, but when I saw them in my mission before, they were saying something about treasure maps,” Roxas answered.

“Treasure maps, huh… they on a treasure hunt or something?”

“They dug a hole, and a Heartless appeared.”

“So, you mean there was a Heartless in the hole they dug?”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“What’s with you? Be a little clearer.”

“In the hole was a wooden chest with junk in it.”

“So, maybe the wooden chests have some kind of connection to the Heartless?”

“Maybe…,” said Roxas, thinking.

It’s just so unclear… or rather, so not straightforward. There are these things that seem like treasure maps, and if you follow them and dig a hole in the ground you’ll find a wooden chest, and then Heartless appear from those wooden chests. Have I got it right?

“Okay, first we’ll go check out the hole those guys dug.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

Axel started walking towards where the man and the old man had been standing.

xxx

Something sparkling flew around the hole.

“You’re…” the fairy I met earlier. Tinker Bell.

“Hey, Roxas, what is this?!” Axel asked, scratching his head. Tinker Bell hid behind Roxas, as if frightened.

“I don’t really know either, but I met her on my last mission. She’s not our enemy.”

Axel peered behind Roxas, and Tinker Bell turned her back on him in discontent.

“And, it was thanks to her that I was able to fly through the air.”

“Fly… through the air?”

“Yeah.” Roxas turned around to face Tinker Bell, speaking to her. “I want to fly again. Please, put some of that shiny dust on us again?”

Tinker Bell seemed to be thinking about it for a moment, but she finally flew round and round Axel and Roxas. From her body, dust made of light came sprinkling down on Axel and Roxas. And then—Roxas’ body went floating up into the air.

“Wahh?!” Axel yelled in surprise.

“See? Just like I said, right?” He flew higher into the air, looking down at Axel.

“Roxas, how are you flying like that?”

“I don’t know the technicalities, but if you have some of that shiny dust on you, and you think “I can fly,” then you can fly.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah, that’s all,” said Roxas, spinning once.

“You give It a go too, Axel.”

“O… okay…,” said Axel, but he stayed there like that, furrowing his brow in thought.

“What are you doing, Axel.”

“Looks like… it’s no good…,” Axel shrugged.

“No way. Trust me!”

“….I trust you.” Axel closed his eyes. And then—he was bobbing in the air. “I-I’m flying…,” he said.

“See? You can fly!”

It felt uneasily unsteady, but Axel really was flying in the air.

“Awesome!”

“See? It’s awesome, right?”

The two of them flew around for a while, testing things out, but then Tink came over to them. She was pointing in the direction that the guys from before—Hook and Smee—had gone, in the direction of the pirate ship.

“Are you telling us that they went to the ship?” Roxas asked, and Tink nodded.

“So those guys from before got onto the ship, right? Are you, by any chance… a buddy of theirs?” Axel asked. Tink puffed her cheeks out. She seemed pretty angry.

Just then, there was a loud noise and something came flying past.

“Wahh?!”

It was clearly a dangerous object—a cannonball. They cannons were firing from the pirate ship. More and more cannonballs came sailing over.

“Are they attacking us?” asked Roxas, dodging a cannonball.

“Nah, they’re mistaking us for Heartless, aren’t they?” Axel replied, as Tink pointed at the ship. She went flying over in that direction.

“Hey, wait!” Roxas called, and went to chase after her in a panic, but Axel grabbed his shoulder.

“Wait, Roxas. It’s too dangerous to go near that ship right now.”

“But—”

Roxas couldn’t help being worried about Tink, who had flown away. But then, right in front of their eyes, their target, a flying Heartless, appeared.

“Also, our mission takes priority. Anyway, the little missy is so tiny she won’t get hit, right?”

“…Got it,” Roxas nodded reluctantly.

“Don’t go zoning out and getting hit by cannonballs, okay?”

“You too.”

Axel threw a chakram at the Heartless. Roxas also aimed at it, and swung the Keyblade down. But, the Heartless dodged in a slippery manner. Just as he went to chase it, a cannonball zipped in front of Roxas, cutting him off.

“Wahh!” Roxas lost his balance.

Axel, perfectly used to flying by now, grabbed his arm. “I thought I told you to be careful!”

“Let’s go.” Just like that, the two of them chased the Heartless out over the sea.

The Heartless aren’t all that tough. But, the cannonballs are making this another story.

Axel shot flames and set the Heartless on fire, and in that unguarded moment, Roxas swung the Keyblade down on it. It was a disappointingly easy victory.

“Mission completed,” said Roxas, watching the heart float up into the air.

“How many times are they gonna shoot those things before they’re satisfied…,” muttered Axel. They’d managed to defeat the Heartless, but the cannonballs showed no sign of stopping.

“I wonder… if she’s okay.” Roxas stared at the pirate ship.

“Hm? You mean that little lady?”

“It really would have been better to follow her.”

However, with the cannonballs firing, there was no way to get close to the ship.

“It doesn’t look like this is going to let up—and it’s too dangerous to try going close to the ship in the middle of that, and most things to do with the worlds are banned, right? Let’s leave things here for now.”

Well, if Axel says so then there’s nothing to be done. But, it’s thanks to her that we’re able to fly through the air like this. If she’s in some kind of trouble, then I want to do as much as I can to help.

“Don’t be getting down about it. Little miss will be fine.”

“I guess… so.”

“Anyway, let’s RTC,” said Axel, and Roxas nodded. There was nothing to be done.

xxx

Spending time alone with Roxas was so comfortable and easy. I don’t really want to think about Xion right now.

Axel was holding an ice cream in one hand, and laughing together with Roxas at the usual spot.

“I guess that shiny dust wouldn’t work on other worlds.”

“I wonder, now…” The experience of flying was definitely special. I totally understand why Roxas was so worked up.

“You two are early,” said Xion, appearing.

“You’re late, Xion!” Roxas called, in a merry voice. Axel averted his gaze from Xion unconsciously.

I’m uneasy.

Xion sat down beside Roxas. “I’m sorry, it took a little longer than I’d thought.”

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you. Xion, we flew in the air today!” Roxas began talking to Xion, still worked up. “There was this sparkly, shiny dust, see, and if you get it on you then you can fly!”

Xion gave a small sigh. “It’s nice you two seemed to have such a great time.”

“It’d be nice if you could come too next time, Xion. That world—has an ocean.”

“The ocean…,” Xion murmured, looking down. “If you like the ocean, there’s this world I went to before that had a very pretty ocean too. Destiny Islands…”

“The ocean is nice, isn’t it. The sound of waves and the like.”

“Yeah.”

Roxas was still in an excited mood.

“Am I… in the way here?”

“Xion, what are you saying?” Roxas said, and Xion looked down.

The other two noticed that Xion seemed off, and an oppressive atmosphere descended upon them.

“…Hey, Axel,” Xion called, in a small voice.

“What?”

“Axel, you’ve been to Castle Oblivion, haven’t you?”

Axel nodded, even as he mulled the question over. I wasn’t expecting that. Does she know something?

“What on earth is over there?”

“The Organisation’s research facilities, that’s all that’s there,” Axel answered, frankly. Xion’s expression showed that she was clearly at a loss.

“Research facilities…? People get sent there all the time, don’t they. Especially you, Axel,” said Roxas, as if trying to help the silent Xion out.

“But, we haven’t gone there,” said Xion.

“I’d say that’s cause there’s no reason for you to go,” answered Axel, right away.

Silence descended upon them again.

The bell of the clock tower began to rang, and Xion took the opportunity to stand up. “I’m going back now.”

“Huh?” said Roxas, and at that very moment, Xion’s body swayed dizzily.

Then, just like that, her foot slipped off the side of the clock tower.

“Xion!”

Roxas threw his hand out to grab hers.

xxx

to be continued here

 Criticism, suggestions, questions and comments always welcome ♥

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Entering the lobby, Roxas found Axel there, surprisingly.

“Hey, Roxas.”

“—Morning, Roxas.”

For some reason, Roxas didn’t quite know how to reply to this normal greeting.

So Axel says hey to Roxas, and Roxas says morning to himself? That doesn't sound right.

[gold-panner.livejournal.com]

Ah! Thanks for catching that~