~*Chapter 8 - Bodies Wasted on The Shore*~

***

The beach is a beautiful place… although; I've never really been to see it. Axel told me it's amazing. I asked him when he had seen it and he said on a mission. I asked him what the best beach was, and he said the one in Destiny Islands. I shuddered as soon as I heard those words; I'm still not sure why. But, Axel's been acting peculiar lately. He's also been conversing with Saix a lot. Whenever I see the Superior he glances at me strangely, as do all the other members. Is there something wrong with me? I feel strange… almost like a new person… I don't remember changing. I still remember when I hurt that boy… I still can't look at my reflection or my hands.

There's a festival for something called "Summer Vacation" in Twilight Town. Axel has invited me to join him because he wants to get Roxas to ask Namine on a "fruit". Yes, a fruit. Axel used the word "date", but a date is a fruit, right? Which I honestly don't think it makes any sense. Axel said we were also going on a "fruit", which make my chest vibrate. I know that sounds strange; but that just what happens… I can't necessarily explain it. Either way; after this I'm going to have missions piled onto me, so I'd better enjoy my vacation while it lasts.

***

"She doesn't have anything nice to wear, how is she going to pull it off?!" Larxene yelled at Zexion, whom covered his ear.

"Is screaming the only way you talk…?" He muttered, lowering his hands.

She growled. "Axel didn't ask me! And if you ask ME; something fishy's going on between those two! Something weird! They're always smiling at each other, and laughing like idiots! It gets annoying!" She shrieked, slamming her fist on the arm of the chair.

"I think you're just jealous, Sparky," Xigbar exclaimed, cleaning off his snipers.

She screamed. "I am not! Why does everyone keep saying that?!" She yelled, stomping around the room.

"She doesn't have to be jealous! My Larxene is a beautiful and wonderful person! She doesn't even compare to that girl!" Marluxia said, tapping his finger on the chair impatiently.

Larxene finally smiled. "Thanks, Marly. You're right," She replied.

I walked out into the Grey Area and sat down on one of the couches. "Good morning, everyone," I said, smiling like an idiot.

"G-G-Good morning, beautiful…" Demyx stuttered, his eyes widening. Zexion elbowed him without looking up. "I-I mean-- Good morning, Xana!"

Beautiful? There was nothing different about me… except the fact that my hair wasn't down today. My hair was tied back in a bun with chopsticks sticking out.

I giggled. "Well… everything in the atmosphere seems a little… 'uptight' if that's the right word," I said, looking around.

Larxene turned and glared at me. "That's it!" She yelled, standing up and marching towards my seat. "I'm done with you and your peppy attitude! It's time for you to pay for what you did to my chances with Axel!"

I glared back and stood right up in her face. "I didn't ruin anyone's chances, Larxene. You did."

She shrieked and threw me backwards over the chair with a jolt of lightening. "You think you're so much better than all of us! Why?! You have no reason!"

Saix glared at her. "Larxene…" He warned.

She looked at him. "She doesn't!" Then back at me. "Just because she has THAT POWER!"

He glared harder and raised his voice slightly. "Larxene… stop where you are…"

"She's no different from the rest of us! It's not like she has a beating--" She reached her hand forward and touched my chest, then stopped and stared at me.

Then she fell to the ground as if something had shot right through her. Everything went silent as Xemnas walked toward the group, and more importantly; Larxene. "Let's all mind our own business, hm?" He said, looking at me.

I gulped as the rest of the group cleared away as if nothing had happened. Xemnas approached me and put his arm on my shoulders. "Come with me, dear," He said, affectionately. I nodded and followed his lead out the door.

***

"Wh-what…? What does she have to do with me?"

"It was not particularly HER that gave us the message… it was someone else. A man named DiZ. Are you familiar with this name?"

"N-No… not at all."

But I was… I WAS familiar with that name. I don't know where it was from, but I knew it.

"How long uh… how long will this take?" I questioned, holding my hands together.

"Why? Do you have plans for tomorrow?" He asked, leaning forwards in his chair.

"Why… yes, I do. The festival. I promised--"

"Axel?"

"Y-yes, sir…"

"What is going on between you two?" He asked, intrigued.

"N-Nothing," I lied, "Nothing at all. Why would you think something is going on, sir?"

He shrugged and sat back in his chair. "Just pure curiosity," He answered. Then he brushed something off his shirt. "Anyway, you'd best be going now. Don't keep them waiting."

I nodded and stood. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." I turned to walk away.

"Oh and…" He started.

I turned back around. "Yes, sir?"

"Don't get involved with anything out of your league… that is, of course, if you want to come back in time for the festival."

I nodded slowly. "Sir… I'm… I'm not quite sure what you mean…" I muttered.

"All will be revealed, child. All will be revealed…"

I slowly backed up and then ran out, as fast I could without turning back.