"What say you Dragon?" I questioned forcefully as I signaled Ximh back...I didn't want to fight him any further...I wanted him to just give in...
"I say..." The Dragon began, glancing over to Rexikat. "I say it is her decision,"
Rexikat sighed and turned away. "Pashnirix," she said, "this is unfair. Don't make me choose."
"You know I will not willingly give you up, Tigress, but if you choose to leave, know that does not mean I won't return for you." he stated affectionately. This was tearing me apart...I felt like the bad guy now...ripping someone dear to you away...it felt like what had happened to me and I hated it.
Rexikat nodded, and then turned to me. "RaXi," she spoke desperately, "the Leader mustn't know of this. If Pashnirix comes to Castle Oblivion--"
"If he comes to try and steal you back, we will stop him," I cut her off in a vicious tone. She frowned turning her eyes to the ground.
"But," I continued quietly, "if he just wants to spend time with you...I suppose...I can keep a secret." I almost laughed just THINKING how Rexikat believed I would ever inform the Leader of anything willingly. Let that man find out for himself...I was not his dog.
I could tell she was trying her hardest to read my face. I allowed her...there was no lie to hide. Joyously she threw her arms around me, and rubbed her nose against my neck. A shiver ran up my spine...this was quite a....UNIQUE experience. No one EVER dared touch me....ever...“Thanks,” Rexikat muttered gratefully in my ear.
I turned away, this show of affection not at all my 'cup of tea'. “Not a problem,” I disregarded, “I know you would do the same for me.” In fact...I counted on her to do the same someday...soon...should I go against the Leader...I would need allies.
Rexikat nodded. “We should get back to the castle,” she said. “You need to have your arm fixed up.”
I agreed, the longer I left my arm this way...the worse the wound would become. Creating a portal for the others, I halted before entering...turning back to look at the Dragon once more. He was not my enemy...it had only been the circumstances to cast us in such a light. I felt the need to say something...strangely...to apologize...to explain that if the circumstances were different, I'd have Left him and Rexikat be. To apologize for all the orders I'd cast upon him. “I—”
Pashnirix held up a hand, smiling graciously. “Do not worry,” he said. “I have problems of my own to deal with now. Trust that this is not the last you will see of me.”
I nodded slightly. "Very well then...I see you understand perfectly." I conveyed. Placing my hand on my chest I bowed very slightly. "You are a man of great honor and conviction...I wish you only the best. May next we meet...be under better circumstances. I have no desire to kill you, dragon."
He nearly laughed. "Nor I you Duplicity, farewell then. And take care of Rexikat, my greatest treasure..."
A sadness seemed to circulate through me...I nodded and closed the portal off. Such emotion...the feelings Pashnirix radiated...they were very similar to Verex's. Feelings that didn't seem commonplace for a Nobody to have...and yet....
"....your arm RaXi..." Xyta concluded a sentence...I'd heard none of it.
"My arm can wait. There is other business to attend to first." I turned to Setxune and extended my left hand to shake. "Thank you for your aid...I appreciate it. But I must ask one more favor from you. Please, show Xyta to the dining hall and the two of you get something to eat. I will join you there soon..."
Setxune quietly smiled and nodded. Xyta looked at me defiantly for a moment...but reluctantly gave in and followed. I watched them walk down the hall. So far...I wasn't being a very good mentor...I'd left her in the care of too many others...yet I didn't wish for her to accompany me on my mission report. Like Marluxia had done for me...as I'd only JUST realized...I wished to protect her from the Leader of the Organization at all costs.
"But until she has an apprentice of her own...she won't realize I'm protecting her...she'll just think I'm neglecting her..." I mumbled.
"What's that?" Rexikat asked, looking at me with concern.
I turned to her quickly. "Nothing at all." I rebuked quickly. "I apologize Rexikat...however we must now visit the Leader. As far as my report goes...I was simply successful in retrieving you. I have no reason to report any unnecessary 'details'. YOU will decide...whether to explain yourself or not. Just remember to keep your wit...as well as your tongue. Lest you forget he doesn't take well to those who speak with disrespect." I smirked...I was the disrespectful one...he hated speaking with me. But I felt the need to warn her nonetheless.
Opening a portal I was stopped just before stepping in. Nyx and Lexian came rushing up. "You took so long...RaXi...you're injured!" Nyx stated as she stopped before me. I hadn't noticed but, blood was running down the cracks in my "makeshift bandage". There was already a small pool on the floor. I shrugged and renewed the ice...I would just have to hurry.
"Why do you all notice that first thing? Really...it's nothing. Just a slight wound is all..." I scoffed. I lied...it was a gaping wound...it only appeared small thanks to me sealing it over with ice. "And before any of you suggest me getting it taken care of, we have to see the Leader. So I'm sorry...but whatever you have to say...will have to wait."
"But uh...Xyta..." I heard a small voice mumble. Aidex came out from behind Nyx.
"She's fine. In the dining hall with Setxune...you should head there and get something to eat as well. I'm sure Xyta would be really happy to see you." I smiled gently. "Nyx, Lexian...I will expect an update when I return. Please be prepared to meet with me at the conclusion of my meeting."
"Of course." Lexian stated immediately. He had his hand on Nyx's shoulder. Her eyes were so worry-filled, it made me feel bad...so I averted her gaze. I nodded at them both and stepped through the portal Rexikat had already gone through. Straight into the quarters of the Leader himself....Xraktos. My eyes narrowed...how I loathed this man....
~RaXi
