“Back in prison.” She sighs and looks around in her new ‘home’. They didn’t put her in the same cage as last time--she bitterly laughs when they learned from their mistake; instead, they gave her a normal room with no exit door. There’s a large window giving her a view of the world. There’s a twin size bed, a night stand, a desk, a wall closet, and her own private bathroom.
While she can open a Corridor of Light, she knows there’s a spell around the entire space to prevent her from using any magic. She thought about the window, but considering the height, the glowing teal pit of abyss, and the lack of strength, she knows she doesn’t stand a chance of survival. Kairi sighs before going to the closet--as expected, the familiar black coats are an abundant supply. There’s also black pants and shorts, black boots--the feminine version--and gray and white tops. She’s lucky she found clean female undergarments. She grabs undergarments, a shirt and short, then heads to the attached bathroom. Luckily, it’s full in stock of basic essentials. As much as she wanted to relax longer in her shower, she had to cut it short given her paranoia. She’s ruffling her hair with her towel when she senses someone coming into her room. She immediately opens the door, the steam escapes into her bedroom, and she sees a familiar face holding a tray of food. “Feeling better?” His accent is one that she’ll never forget. “Yes.” She takes the tray from his hands to set it on the table, “Thank you for bringing food.” “Of course. We wouldn’t want our Princess to starve.” Her left eye twitched at the words “our Princess” yet chose not to comment. “You have my gratitude.” She hears a portal open and she’s alone once more. The redhead begins eating after she fixes her damp hair. It’s a white stew with chicken, potatoes, and carrots, some slices of bread, plenty of water, and even a little dessert. Normally she would suspect it to be poisoned; however, considering that she just awoke for who knows how long so she disregards that method. If they were going to kill her, they would’ve done so while she was unconscious. After finishing her meal, she goes back into the bathroom to wash her clothing. They’re magically enhanced to repair any wears and tears along with keeping it clean no matter how dirty she becomes. Being in this room means her clothing are back to normal. Her legs became stiff after standing by the sink for a while. She hangs her clothing by the shower rails so there’s no droplets all over the floor. She grabs her belt bag, which they surprisingly didn’t take from her. She laughs at the comical way it bulks up because the bag is also magically enhanced. She sits on the floor against the side of the bed to lay out all her items. This helps her pass the time. She checks the potions and elixirs she has; they become regular drinks without their magical properties. She stands up, though she had a wobble because of her legs. Aside from that, she stretches her body with her arms above her head--a satisfied noise is heard. Instead of flopping down on the bed, she sits on the window sill to look at the view. There’s really nothing to look at so she takes this moment to reflect on past events. She remembers her and Riku were in Traverse Town to investigate recent activities. They suspected it was the Heartless again or the Nightmares, but it was a trap. Ansem and Xemnas appeared and they engaged in battle: Riku vs. Ansem and Kairi vs. Xemnas. She was certain they were winning the battle until the duo sensed something coming. They had to retreat if there’s reinforcements coming in, but Ansem pulled Riku away and disappeared in a portal in the ground. Kairi remembers him shouting her to get away before they get her. Despite her desire to save her friend, he was right. Kairi managed to evade Xemnas with the help of her summons, but their reinforcement came in sooner than she anticipated. She tried to escape from the two members of the Organization, but their reinforcement eventually got her. She specifically remembers feeling sleepy as well as sluggish--she clicks her tongue when she realized he used a spell combination of Sleep and Stop. She combs one hand through her now cold hair and sighs; she’s worried about Riku. Did Ansem let him go after they took her? Was he severely injured? What will the others think? What will happen to her now? “Keep making that face and you’ll get wrinkles.” a laid back voice teases. She looks up at the ceiling to find the sniper peering at her. “How nice of you to care.” She leans back against the edge of the wall, “Come to check on me or deliver a message?” “Both. The higher ups decided to let you rest for a couple of days since you took major damage and you’ve been asleep for a while.” “How long was I asleep for?” “As if I know. You know very well how time is different between worlds.” “Right. Should I prepare myself when the higher ups decide to meet with me?” His shrug looks sort of funny since he’s upside down, “Like preparation is going to help you. Do what you want, kid.” With that, he leaves her alone. Kairi wakes up in the same bed she fell asleep on. “Not a dream.” She mumbles out as she rolls onto her back. Her mind spaces out while her eyes stare at the empty ceiling. Some minutes pass before she gets up and walks to the desk, where she drinks some of the leftover water in the pitcher. She looks around her room once more before moving to the opposite wall of the bed. “May as well do some yoga.” “That looks complicated.” She slightly glances over her shoulder to find the same guy with the accent with another tray of food. She looks out the window once again deciding to remain silent. She hears him switch the trays of food before hearing the portal open then close. Kairi finishes her yoga session then walks over to the desk; a plate of an omelette, a bowl of fruit, a glass of juice, and more water in the pitcher. She drinks some water then takes a quick shower--her original clothing is still damp so another day of wearing their clothing. Once dressed, she digs into her breakfast. It’ll be some time before someone else comes to give her lunch. She tried to speak with Namine through their connection, but it seems they can’t hear each other’s voice. They can briefly see each other--she tries to give her counterpart a reassuring smile and she receives one filled with worry. Their connection was very brief, leaving her bored now. Her body is feeling better given she had proper rest and actual meals. She is worried for what’s to come when she has to meet the true Organization. Out of nowhere, the need to sing something came to her. This usually happens and she’s not too sure why; it does calm her down a little. Taking a deep breath, she begins to sing. She’s not surprised about the amount of echoing in the room given the lack of furniture to absorb it. She’d sing song after song to fill in the silence. It is rather lonely and boring without Pluto. She wonders how he’s doing--the last time she saw him was on Destiny Islands when they walked through the portal. Speaking of portals, she hears one opening--she immediately stops singing and sits up. “Awe! Why’d you stop?” That voice…”Demyx?” She calls out and the figure pulls down his hood. “Yup! Good to see you, Princess!” She blinks at him; he still looks the same as last time but his eyes are different--they’re golden instead of sea green. “You...became part of…” Her shoulders sink in disappointment and sadness. “Huh? Surprised because of the eyes?” He puts a hand on his hip and waves the other hand, “Yeah, I was surprised too. I thought after disappearing, we’d be gone for sure. But then I open my eyes and here I am still.” “So you are.” She comments. There’s an awkward pause before he speaks again, “Why’d you stop singing?” “Why’d you come here?” She counters. He lets out an amused scoff, “Touche. I came here because I can hear you sing. I think the whole castle can hear you.” Kairi arches an eyebrow, “ I highly doubt the echoes can resonate outside of this room.” “Welp! WE can hear it.” “Could it be the pointed ears? You know most animals can hear sounds at higher pitches than normal humans.” She did her best not to laugh at his pout, “Ah. Even your ears fold down when you pout.” Demyx rapidly covers his ears, “They do not!” He watches her laugh out loud. “How are you feeling?” She calms down from her fit of laughter and a bitter smile replaces her joyous one, “Better than when I first woke up.” Demyx sits down in the chair by the desk, “Good to hear. So, about those songs.” She allows herself to do an eye roll and leans on the palms of her hands, “How long have you been singing?” “Some odd years now. Keeps me sane and free from boredom, I suppose.” Water suddenly gathers in Demyx’s hands--it materializes into an instrument she recalls last time. “Do a duet with me.” She pursed her lips, “I don’t think I know any lyrics that would fit the sound of the sitar.” He lets out an amused grin, “Don’t underestimate my musical talents.” She shakes her head, “Alright then. Take the lead.” It’s safe to say they’ve been in a musical session for a couple of hours now given that the usual server appears with food. Plus, Kairi’s throat is beginning to get sore. “I’m surprised you made that horrid sound into something pleasant. Must be part of the Princess of Heart deal.” He states. “More like a talent, really.” She shrugs as she eats her lunch. “Are you always this humble?” “Are you always this nosy?” “Curious.” “Curiosity means you are nosy. It could cost you your life.” “A gamble of chance to uncover mysteries and secrets.” “A gamble of fate to determine what will happen when they are uncovered.” An amused smile appears on his face; he flicks his hand to reveal a full deck of cards, “Do you play?” “Depends on what game. Unfortunately, I don't have much to wager on--or more precisely, I don’t have much to wager on given my predicament.” “We’ll be playing poker. I hope you know the rules.” She nods, “If I win, you tell me about yourself. If you win, you get to pick what you want to eat.” Her eyes shine in interest. “What about Demyx?” “If I win, then you both have to make a song with me!” “Do we have an agreement?” The dealer asks, “Deal!” They went for three rounds; Demyx lost the very first round, but he decided to stay. Kairi won the second round--she requested a dessert pastry for dinner. At the end of the third round, she wins again. She wants a burger with fries and a milkshake as well. “I thought girls like you want to watch their calories.” Luxord, she learns, states. “I’m not like most girls. A deal is a deal so I expect nothing less.” “Very well.” All the cards but one disappear. He holds it out to her-- “The Queen of Hearts. Really, can you be more cliche?” She takes the card anyway. “I beg to differ. There’s no other card more suitable for you, Princess.” “That’s ‘Queen’ to you, Joker.” A low chuckle is heard from the gambler. He opens a portal, “I shall prepare your desired meal, Your Majesty” “I think it’s time I left too. I’m starting to feel claustrophobic.” Demyx waves at her and the duo leaves. Kairi flops onto her back on the bed and looks at the card with a slight frown, “Queen of Hearts, huh?” The image of the other Queen of Hearts pops into her head--Alice wasn’t kidding when the cards don't do her justice. She tosses the card onto the bed and shifts so that she’s looking at the window. Kairi opens her eyes and lifts half of her body up--a portal opens with Luxord coming in with her dinner. “Enjoy your dinner.” He places it on the desk and leaves--he hears her thanks. Kairi wakes up with her mind wide awake. She gets up to do her morning routine--Demyx comes in with breakfast. “The higher up want to meet with you. We’ll leave once you're ready.” She concluded that he’s staying to escort her. She eats first before taking a quick shower and dressed in her original clothing now that it’s fully dry. She attaches the belt bag and she’s ready. Demyx notices a glimmer of light encompassing her. A pure Heart filled with Light truly is an odd thing. Kairi remembers this odd space in-between dimensions. It’s rather cold in this space--another reason why they would be wearing the coats, she guessed. They exit through another portal and the first thing she sees is a familiar balcony with a glass ceiling. She turns her head to see the others waiting; all of whom revealed their faces--they all have the same eye colors. She makes eye contact with Luxord and nods her head in acknowledgement, “Joker.” “Queen of Hearts.” He nods back at her with a slight smirk. “Her, a queen? Please. She doesn’t even fit the part.” The only other female present remarks--a sudden twinge of fear and hate came to Kairi. “Namine?” “And you are? With that hairstyle, those eyes, and that shrill voice? Mm. No wonder Demyx didn’t ask you to sing.” She arches her eyebrow. Demyx turns grimm. The woman glares, “Think you’re funny, huh?” “Considering I do see some amused faces, yes.” A coy smile appears. She can hear something crackling--almost sizzling--in the air around them. “She’s an electric type. Makes sense.” “Now, now. Hold your horses, Larxene.” Xigbar starts, “You’ll get the chance to have the cat fight you’ve been itching for soon enough. The big boss gotta give the signal, after all.” “Typical of men to anticipate a cat fight.” Kairi remarks. “It’s famous in bar fights.” She scoffs with an amused smirk, “Not wrong. Placing bets then?” “Same bets?” Luxord arches an eyebrow. “Same bets.” “What you got to offer, missy?” Xigbar inquires. “If she wins, she gets to choose her next meal. If I win, she has to tell me something about herself.” “And if I win, then both Kairi and Luxord have to sing a song.” “Hmph. Childish.” Ansem remarks. “What say you, mate? You’re in?” “Do you drink?” Xigbar asks. “I’m 16.” “Legal enough.” “Still a minor in some worlds.” “Still legal enough in others.” His signature cocky smirk is present, “Is this world included?” “What, can’t handle your liquor?” She has the decency to snort unladylike, “Please. You’re going to regret having a drinking session with me.” “In that case, you lose, you and I are having a drinking contest.” “Deal.” She holds her hand out to him and his cold gloved one grasped it. “Why not have a drink now?”Xigbar asks. She shrugs, “Fine with me.” “Don’t get so cocky now.” Luxord provides the mugs filled to the brim of beer, “You still have to go through trials we have in store for you.” She takes the mug and raises up, “Then maybe the blonde one gets a chance to win.” she clinks her mug against Xigbar’s, “Cheers. Drink in 1,2,3!” They all watch her chugg the entire mug within seconds. She tilts her head back before facing straight again now with an empty mug. Demyx cracks up at Luxord’s and Xigbar’s face of disbelief. She wipes her lips at the back of her wrist and her own cocky smirk appears, “So, what have you got to offer since I won?” The one eyed man barks a laughter, “We’re keeping her!” “In that case.” She steals his drink and finishes it within seconds. “So, about those trials.” She looks at the eldest man in the eyes.
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September 2021
AuthorHi there! My name is Kristine and welcome to my website! |