[UPDATED] Translations of Axel Seven Days ♥
this is a partial translation for the novel titled Last Minutes to Castle Oblivion. because i saw a lot of awkward sentences and typos in the provided translation, i'm going to alter the text using my own copy of the novel at hand. ♥ \o/
all credit for the original translations go to: http://Ishtarl-Demonic-Fox.deviantart.com
Last Minutes to Castle Oblivion
edited by akuroku813
In The World that Never Was, Zexion was headed towards a small room in the back of the castle. From where he was headed someone was coming down the stairs with heavy footsteps.
"Zexion! Zexion!"
The man calling out to Zexion was Vexen. Zexion replied coldly, "You're so noisy. What do you want?" He'd said it like he was raving at Vexen because, in truth, he really didn't like him.
Feelings like 'like' and 'dislike' should have disappeared when he became a Nobody, but memories from his time as a human still remained, therefore he remembered that he rather disliked this guy. Though it was true that, regarding their past research, he should have held more respect for him.
"Where is Xemnas?"
"Going to his usual place," Zexion replied, receiving a from look from Vexen.
"The sleeping room?" Vexen mumbled that damned room's name.
"If it's something urgent how about you go there yourself?"
"That's a sick joke," Vexen replied hastily, turning his back to Zexion.
"Going to that place is completely...inevitable, but I shall wait for him to return. Even if it was urgent it would be bad to go there. You should only go there if it's important. The space between is even worse," Vexen mumbled to himself while walking away.
Zexion also started to walk away.
Just then a voice from above called out.
"That place is also my weak point. How are you Zexion?"
Looking up instinctively, Zexion saw a man seated on one of the timber planks of the still unfinished ceiling. That man, Xigbar, had his face hidden deep under the Organization coat's hood so his expression remained unreadable.
"Eavesdropping were you? What are you doing? Xaldin's and your new duty is to look for new Organization members. You shouldn't be idling down here," Zexion coldly replied, once again started to walk away.
Xigbar dropped down behind Zexion and started talking to his back. "I've done my work well enough. I found one yesterday. I think his name was Ma--something."
"It couldn't be Marluxia, could it?" Zexion retorted.
According to Xigbar, even if it is a new Organization member's name, it is of no significance.
"So you already know. That's just like you Zexion."
Zexion stopped walking at these words spoken in a teasing tone.
From the time I was that person's pupil I've felt like I'm being looked down on by Xigbar. Although it's not just me; Xigbar looks down upon all beings the same way.
"I think that 11 is a decent number for us. Now even Lexeaus is requesting a proxy so he can get some rest for tomorrow's work. As for me, I have work to do today, so I'll leave it here," Zexion said to the talkative Xigbar, turning his back as he began to walk away.
Just then Xigbar chased after Zexion and whispered into his ear, "You're so stiff. Let's have a good conversation."
Zexion frowned uncomfortably, but he didn't try to shake off that arm.
"For example...about Xemnas's secret."
At those words from Xigbar, Zexion's shoulders shook.
Xigbar released Zexion to walk forward and spoke as if to himself. "It was quiet a few years ago. Some guys with hooked swords appeared in this area and there was an awesome battle. After they were destroyed, a man who lost his memory fell down. It was just at that time that Xemnas--No, Xehanort took up the name of Xemnas."
Xigbar turned to look at Zexion staring at him.
"And that means..." Zexion replied without expression.
If I listen to Xigbar's nonsense the sun will completely set, even though the light from the sun doesn't reach this world.
"The sleeping room."
Even at Xigbar's mention of that room Zexion didn't react; he just kept staring at Xigbar.
"Yes. In an underground facility in which the darkness of hearts was being investigated. A grave sealed by Ansem the Wise. The first thing that Xemnas wanted to do after he banished that meddlesome Wiseman was make that room at the back of the facility functional. Since then he often speaks to someone in that room alone." Xigbar said this all at once, waiting for Zexion's reaction.
Zexion replied as though he was sick of the conversation,"You really like eavesdropping, don't you?"
"I can't hear what they talk about. It's 'cause of that I've become so much more intrigued. You're also interested, right?"
At Xigbar's words, Zexion slightly shook his head as if to tease the man.
"I am dedicated only to my duty. You should stick to your primary duty and gather more members. We have to quickly prepare a new base and only 11 members isn't going to be enough to accomplish that," Zexion spat out, starting to walk.
"A new base...ah, Castle Oblivion, eh? I wonder what Xemnas is planning to use that place for?" Xigbar replied to Zexion's back.
"The goal asked of us--"
"Is a goal that is asked of no one else," Xigbar interrupted. "The 'Sleeping Room' and the 'Room of Awakening'...Another grave, that's what he's searching for. A room not made by Xemnas. In there, there is definitely another 'friend'."
Zexion turned back to Xigbar, glaring at him.
xxXXxx
That day, twelve members of the Organization gathered. The twelfth member, the only girl, Xigbar had found and brought here.
At the center of the round table, she, who was named Larxene, sat swinging in her chair and almost glared at the other members.
"Seems like she's a girl with a strong emotions," Demyx whispered to Axel who just shrugged his shoulders.
"Even if she has strong or weak emotions she's still a member of the Organization," Axel replied to Demyx who was the one to shrug his shoulders this time.
Twelve members, thirteen members--I'm not really interested in the number, Axel thought, glancing at Xemnas who was seated in the big chair.
The Organization is an organization of Nobodies.
Nobody: something that doesn't exist.
First it's something created from a heart taken into darkness: a Heartless. But if someone with a strong heart becomes a Heartless, a mind and body separate from the heart emerges into a being. That's a Nobody. Then those Nobodies with special existence fall into this world with a human body. In other words: the Nobodies gathered here as members of the Organization...once had strong hearts.
Is that true?
Axel answered his own question.
As humans...did we really have strong hearts?
I don't really know.
Then, the one and only thing that Nobodies desire is a heart.
As a Nobody, from the time I fell into existence, being empty all that time...would I really be satisfied if I had a heart?
"Well, we have now become 12."
At these words from Xemnas, Axel lifted his head.
"How many more d' we need?" Xaldin asked.
I don't know who'll be the last one. I wonder what sort of person will sit in that last seat? Axel thought, crossing his arms.
xxXXxx
The meeting's gloomy atmosphere is always tiring, thought Axel, standing in the castle's lobby as he stretched his neck.
Just being made to wait like this will make my body tired.
"Oy, you! You with the red hair!"
Axel turned around to the voice, scratching his head.
"What is it, Larxene? The name's Axel. Got it memorized?"
"There is no way I can remember more than ten people's names."
"That may be so..." Axel said, staring at the approaching Larxene.
"So, does this coat suit me?" Larxene spun around right in front of Axel's eyes.
The size is altered for any new member. It should fit perfectly.
"What, does is look weird on me?"
As to why this girl is speaking to me, I have no idea.
"You need something?"
"Can't I speak to you even if I have nothing of importance to discuss?"
"That's not it..."
What a pain, being asked that and having to answer. This is a total waste of time.
"Why are you talking to me? There're other people you can talk to, aren't there?"
"I just don't want to speak to any gross old men," Larxene replied in a composed tone of voice.
"If that's it then what about Demyx or Marluxia? He's the member that came before you, you know. There's also Zexion...and Saix, but he's sorta--well--"
"What? Having me talk to you isn't satisfying?" Larxene asked in a haughty voice.
"It's not unsatisfying. It's just nothing."
"Well...I really didn't have a reason to talk to you. You were just walking in front of me so I thought we'd chat."
She just said before that she didn't want to talk to any gross old guys.
Axel gave Larxene a look, trying to show her that he he was sick of talking, but it seemed she didn't notice at all.
"It's really quiet here, isn't it?"
"There's no living things here but us Nobodies, so--"
"Seems boring."
"Not really," Axel answered, although, truthfully, he always thought this place was boring.
"Hm. Well, that's all. See you around," Larxene hid her face deep in her hood and started walking away. That was the whim of a haughty girl.
Axel sent her off with his 'sick of you' look and shrugged.
xxXXxx
In his own room, Demyx was getting his hair ready.
It wasn't that he had to put his hair in his own unique style, it's just that Demyx thought that was how he'd done his hair when he was a human.
Standing against the wall was his Sitar. Although it was a weapon, the special Sitar was created from the memories of his time as a human, so it was important to him.
After setting his hair in place, Demyx picked up the Sitar and started to play.
No matter how many times I play I can't make a satisfactory sound.
Actually, I do realize that satisfaction doesn't last forever. It's just that without a heart...it's not possible to be satisfied.
I can't think of anything satisfying.
"What a racket!"
Hearing those unpleasant words and feeling a sudden presence behind him, Demyx turned around. Standing there was Xaldin.
"When you enter someone's room it's polite to knock," Demyx said unpleasantly, once again starting to play.
"How do you hold onto these memories from your time as a human?"
"Eh? What're you saying, old man?" Demyx stopped his hands' movement, turning to face Xaldin, "What d'you mean?"
"Nothing. I just think that how you are all subject to your human memories is interesting. That's all."
"Mhm," Demyx replied, sounding less than interested and resumed his playing a third time.
"Cut it out already! It's so noisy that I can't sleep."
"It's so noisy that I can't sleep...That sort of thing is completely like a human thing, eh?" Demyx said, laughing as he played the Sitar.
"Don't be stupid. Even Nobodies have to rest. Right now the worlds are in turbulence. In order to save my energy I have to rest."
"The worlds? I don't know a thing about that! I don't even know what the higher level members are thinking most of the time," Demyx complained in a loud voice, continuing to play the Sitar.
Xaldin, looking uncomfortable, shrugged and vanished.
Demyx continued to play.
xxXXxx
On top of the table, some cards were lined up. Axel and Luxord faced each other, appearing to be playing some sort of game.
"Eh, wait a minute!" Axel stopped Luxord with his hand as he was about to flip over a card.
"I can't wait."
"NO!" Axel crossed his arms and glared down at the cards on the table.
"No matter which card you choose it's your loss," Luxord flipped the card, ducking his head.
"Eh!" Axel put his head in his hands and afterward looked up at Luxord. "One more time."
At Axel's words, Luxord smiled and began to cut the cards.
"Looks like you two are having fun."
Xigbar appeared and Luxord stopped cutting the cards.
"How about one hand?" Luxord asked.
"I don't have any interest in this sort of game," Xigbar said teasingly to Luxord after sitting on the table.
"You got some time off today, huh?" Axel asked casually, putting his hand on Xigbar's shoulder. It was an acknowledged fact that Xigbar was friendly with anyone and everyone.
"It's 'cause Xemnas went out."
"Yeah...It's rare for him to go out," Luxord said quietly, splitting the deck in two.
"No, he goes here and there quite a lot. Right now it's 'cause this time is a precious stand-by time."
"A precious what?" Axel asked as he searched Xigbar's face.
"The worlds are moving. I'm probably just worried about my accomplice's movements."
"Accomplice?" Luxord tilted his head.
"Any more than that is a secret," Xigbar said teasingly, getting off the table and starting to walk away. "Be careful not to get used."
At Xigbar's words, Axel and Luxord's gazes met.
As the silence lengthened, Luxord whispered, "The original members go up to 6...so I've heard. But what are they trying to do with their different actions?"
"Seems like they don't have a goal," Axel said, turning it into a joke and grinning. "Let's play another hand, Luxord."
At Axel's words, Luxord started to cut the cards again.
xxXXxx
Marluxia was walking alone in The World that Never Was.
It's so boring in this castle.
Since entering the Organization I've been feeling like I could escape this boredom and yet, in reality, everywhere is the same. I'm probably thinking that because of my human memories, but even after becoming a Nobody the days are still so hollow. I don't really know what it means to be without a heart.
"Hey, Marluxia."
The voice coming from behind made Marluxia stop in his tracks. A woman's voice. And in this castle there was one woman.
"What do you want, Larxene?" Marluxia turned around, talking back to the woman with blonde hair and strong emotions: Larxene. For now, there was only one Nobody who entered the Organization after him.
"I have something I want to ask. How did you get here?"
"It wasn't really any different from you."
"Hm..." Larxene thought for a moment about whether she was satisfied with that answer or not. "For now I'm not really doing anything important. It's really boring here isn't it?"
At Larxene's words, Marluxia suddenly felt a strong affinity for this Nobody who was thinking the same as him. "Well, you'll be given a task sometime. Now is the time to save your energy."
"A task, huh? It's just that I don't really know why we're doing what we're doing," Larxene stated, walking over to stand next to Marluxia.
"We're trying to earn our hearts back," Marluxia said, just like Xemnas once told him.
Larxene dropped her head for a minute before saying, "A heart is not really necessary. Having a heart is painful. I'm fine with the way things are."
"...That may be so," Marluxia replied and started to walk side by side with Larxene.
xxXXxx
The laboratory is two rooms joined together.
Even though, occasionally, Zexion could hear a strange voice coming from that other room, he continued to work in silence.
Soon, together with these rooms, we will be moving to a new place. Soon, within Castle Oblivion, the research of the Organization will be complete.
That place is a special place; a special place within a special castle, a place perfect for research on memories and things strung with memories, a place unknown by our enemies.
Zexion's lab was very similar to Vexen's lab which was in the next room.
Vexen was returning memories to their original state and Zexion was--
"Are you making any progress?" A voice asked from behind.
"Well...in a way."
At Zexion's works, Lexeaus raised an eyebrow and then continued. "Seems like the members who will head to Castle Oblivion have been decided."
"Have you come all this way just to deliver that news?"
"There's three for below grounds and above. Of those below, it'll be us two and Vexen."
Zexion had already understood that he and Vexen would be dispatched there.
Lexeaus is a bodygaurd it seems.
Zexion nodded and asked, "Of those above ground?"
"Those above ground are all the newcomers: Marluxia, Larxene and Axel."
"So only the suspicious ones, eh?"
At Zexion's words, Lexeaus nodded. "What ever Xemnas is trying to do...well, I don't really know. Maybe he's trying to clear out all the newcomers."
At the gentle way Zexion had suggested that, Lexaus lowered his shoulders, suspicious. "In order to eliminate all the members we tried so hard to find, Xemnas had that castle built?"
"Well...I don't really know," Zexion replied, turning to face the computer.
"That's all I have to report."
"Thank you. Later then," Zexion said, with his back turned to the presence who dissapeared.
xxXXxx
In Twilight Town--in front of the haunted Mansion--one boy lay, slowly coming to consciousness.
He slowly stood up and blankly looked ahead.
There was a pitch black hole before him and from it a door between the darkness opened.
From the hole, a man wearing a black coat emerged and walked toward the boy.
Silently the boy brought his gaze to the man.
"You want to know?" the man asked him.
The boy nodded, fixing his gaze.
The man waved his hands and in front of the boy letters rose into the air.
"You don't feel anything. You cannot feel. Do you want a meaning for existing?"
The boy clearly nodded.
The letters swirled around and around his body.
The one letter was added.
That letter was the letter X.
The word that floated there was to be the boy's name from then on.
"...Roxas," the boy read his name in a clear voice.
"You are the new member," the man said, welcoming him.
xxXXxx
Who. In. The. Hell created this town's neon lights? Axel thought, looking up at the pitch-black sky.
This world, without stars or a moon, seems completely overbearing.
"Where do you think you're going?" someone asked. The voice belonged to the person who always kept an eye on Axel. Someone ordered that the redhead always be watched.
That was Saix's job.
"Anywhere is fine, right?" Axel asked without turning around and as he pulled his hood over his face.
"Without a mission you are not to leave this world."
"I can't breathe in this place," Axel whined, starting to walk away.
"...Can you not hear the worlds' calling out?"
"Calling out?" Axel finally turned around and looked up at Saix who was standing at the top of the stairs.
"From here on out we are to leave when we are ordered."
"I haven't heard anything about that," Axel flippantly said, once again turning his back to Saix and opening a door between the darkness.
My destination...somewhere I like.
A town with a beautiful sunset: Twilight Town.
Lately, that town, where one can see the sunset and sit alone eating Sea Salt ice cream, has been Axel's place of relaxation. He would sit alone in that place and idly eat ice cream with no one to bother him.
Axel stepped forward into the door between the darkness.
Nostalgic, isn't it? You remember?
The first time we met, the day you got your new name?
We watched a sunset, just like this--
owari. \o/
i'll add my notes to these later on just because...these guys are SO entertaining it's virtually impossible to NOT talk about them. stay tuned.
day one, now up:
all credit for these translations go to http://Ishtarl-Demonic-Fox.deviantart.com and her friend "A-chan." i double apologize for not asking permission the first time, but now that i have her approval i'm going to go ahead and edit these translations again. ♥
The 1st Day
edited by: akuroku813
With a large moon, Kingdom Hearts has been illuminating the world. The world called The World that Never Was went from not existing to a world that mustn't exist. In between the worlds a place called the Battlement Darkness exists, and more than that it exists in secret, very deep in the dark.
A world that mustn't exist exists...a world that shouldn't exist.
Nobody.
On the balcony of the castle, Axel looked up at the moon, a frown forming on his face.
That which mustn't exist...
Is that the world's wish? Why were we born?
No matter how many times I ask I never get an answer.
"Going out is against the rules," a voice suddenly said.
Knowing that the voice belonged to Saix, Axel didn't answer and he just continued to stare at the moon.
It's been three days since Roxas disappeared. Even when he was around going out of the castle once was against the rules.
Axel had spent the last few days idly in the castle and had been on his best behavior. He'd been a part of Roxas' decision to leave.
The time spent was ambiguously uncertain.
"How are you? Injuries and condition?" Saix asked.
"Injuries?" Axel turned his face to Saix. "What're you talking about?"
Axel waited for Saix's answer, but just as usual Saix didn't say a damned thing. Instead he relayed an order. "Well, it's about time for the meeting."
"What's the point of this meeting?" Axel asked, returning his gaze to the moon.
I wonder if there's anything in his uncertain memories. If so, I don't want to know. I wonder if Roxas hasn't already completely disappeared...
"I know where Roxas is."
At those words from Saix, Axel looked down and sighed.
So Roxas does still exist.
"Hurry up. Xemnas is waiting."
"Oh no, not Master Xemnas..."
Axel finally looked back to Saix whilst laughing at his joke. Saix, however, did not form a reply.
xxXXxx
No matter when you came to it, the round table made of marble was always cold. Because half of the thirteen seats were now empty, the feeling of coldness felt stronger. In addition to that the seats were hard and uncomfortable to sit in.
"It appears as though he has finally been found."
"Roxas? Or the brave hero...?"
"Both or either."
While listening to Xemnas and Xigbar's conversation, Axel stared at an empty seat. The 13th empty seat belonged to Roxas. A big seat for such a little kid, but Roxas always sat there regardless.
Just like always, Axel wondered what Roxas was thinking while listening to the conversation.
Even though they had spent so much time together, Axel still didn't understand what Roxas was thinking. But it was always his intention to understand or at least pretend to understand.
For someone without a heart, what did you feel?
"It seems like the time has come for us to move," Xemnas said.
At these words, Axel's shoulders slumped.
If only I'd stopped Roxas. If I'd told him all my secrets this probably wouldn't have happened. Still...I couldn't betray the Organization.
No, I did betray them. At the castle, I was the one who threw the Organization members into confusion and helped Riku and Namine meet. But that wasn't a complete betrayal. I'm still lost.
Yes, from the moment I met my best friend Roxas, from the moment I headed to Castle Oblivion, I've been lost.
"Don't you have something to say, Axel?"
At the second time hearing his name, Axel raised his head. Xigbar was looking straight at Axel, a grin from ear to ear spreading across his face.
"You're the one who's had the most interaction with the brave hero's group, right?"
At that, Axel quietly nodded, then he sprawled out in his chair and looked straight at Xemnas as he asked: "Where is Roxas?"
Xigbar cut in with a teasing tone. "Do you know the saying it's darkest beneath the lamp?"
"It couldn't be..."
The was only one place that matched with what Xigbar said.
"Twilight Town," Axel mumbled to himself as though he were alone. At his words the other members of the Organization focused their gazes on him.
Luxord, seated next to Axel, who was involved with his thoughts, asked, "Is the brave hero there as well?"
Saix replied, "He should be with Roxas."
"Is it really possible that Roxas is in that town? We had a thorough search there--"
Xemnas cut off Axel's argument. "That is true. Roxas is not in that place."
"What do you mean?"
At Axel's question, Xemnas glanced at Saix and replied, "From here on, it is best if Saix explains. As for you, you will go and bring Roxas back."
[The World That Never Was]
There in the castle was a room existing deep in secret. In the place where vestiges of the former Organization remain, there is one computer filled with various data.
Here was where the already vanished Zexion had done his work.
I have heard that just like the original Ansem, he was helping with Ansem's work.
"I can probably use you as well," Saix said sitting in front of the computer. He showed the lit computer screen to Axel. There, a map of Twilight Town was shown.
"Now that we know about that town what will we do?"
"This is not Twilight Town," Saix replied hitting the keyboard.
On the map, white markers appeared here and there. There were four of them.
"What's this?"
"Dusks. They have been commanded to go after Roxas."
On the monitor, a white marker was flickering, stopping above the place where the Ghost Mansion was.
"That's a shock. Even if we allow the Dusks to go there there's no reason to think Roxas will return. I'll go there myself."
Axel reversed his steps and opened a door between the darkness, but he was restrained by Saix. "Look!"
"Look? There's no meaning in just looking!" Axel immediately retorted back at Saix.
Even though that town is changing, I don't see why I can't go and bring him back right away!
"This is not Twilight Town, and the Roxas that exists there is not the Roxas you knew."
I don't understand what he's saying.
Axel just stared at the monitor.
If this is the real Twilight Town, the computer should be able to show me an image of Roxas. But even if I could see him with these small lights everywhere, I wouldn't be able to tell if he's real or not.
"What's happening?" Axel asked.
Saix looked back at him. "This is a world created by someone's data."
"I don't understand," Axel said impatiently staring at the monitor.
"In order to seal up Roxas and switch his memories with those of the Keybalde Master, this imaginary space was created from Roxas' memories."
"To be able to do something like that..."
I only know of one person able to freely control memories like that. The girl with the blonde hair. Princess of the Nobodies.
"Probably the memory witch. Namine has something to do with it," Saix said even before Axel spoke.
"It is your responsibility that you lost track of Namine."
Saix looked up at Axel, spinning in the chair. "As we tracked Roxas we came upon this fake town. It was only yesterday that we infiltrated, but at the moment only Dusks can enter."
"You mean I can't enter this world anytime soon?"
At these words Saix raised his shoulders. "I'm only saying that Dusks are the only ones allowed in."
"If Dusks can be sent there then so can I. I'm a Nobody, that's not different." Axel continued looking at the monitor.
Dusks and the Organization members shouldn't be that different. After all, we're both creatures that are not meant to exist.
"Even for a little bit...I'd like to be there."
Saix let out a rough sigh at Axel's serious expression.
"You cannot possibly go if you don't know if you can return. Roxas is in a place where he doesn't understand the situation. Will you be satisfied in seeing that?" Saix asked.
Axel insisted that he was and Saix could only shake his head.
"It will only be for a moment, and I cannot guarantee your safety," Saix said, pointing to a device at the back of the computer.
"From there you will be digitalized and sent into that world. Is that clear? You will only have a moment."
At Saix's words, Axel nodded and Stood behind the device.
Saix pressed one small button.
A light came out of the device and Axel disappeared.
xxXXxx
No mistake. This is Twilight Town. Since I've been here so many times I'd think I'd remember what it looks like.
Axel saw some kids coming up the slope heading towards the station. One of them was Roxas surrounded by three other kids.
Seeing them all brought back a memory to Axel. A memory of a time when he had caught a glimpse of them in Twilight Town with Roxas.
But he had never before seen Roxas connected with them. Axel laughed at the familiarity between them and Roxas.
"Rox--" Without thinking, Axel called out to Roxas, but then the world warped and slowly disappeared.
xxXXxx
"Are you satisfied?"
Axel noticed Saix standing right in front of him.
This was a world that didn't exist, always a dark town, and in the back of the town the Organization went about their research.
"You entered that world with my help, but I am opposed to the order that you bring Roxas back."
Standing behind the machine Axel finally lifted his head and looked at Saix, his mouth contorted into a grin.
"...'Cause I'm the traitor?"
"I don't think that you can possibly bring Roxas back, but you were the easiest to put into Roxas' world of memories. Therefore, you were chosen." Saix stood up from his chair and whispered into Axel's ear. "You are the one thing that remains in Roxas' memories."
[End of Day One]
thanks for reading, and be on the look out for the other translations! \o/
all credit for the original translations go to: http://Ishtarl-Demonic-Fox.deviantart.com
Last Minutes to Castle Oblivion
edited by akuroku813
In The World that Never Was, Zexion was headed towards a small room in the back of the castle. From where he was headed someone was coming down the stairs with heavy footsteps.
"Zexion! Zexion!"
The man calling out to Zexion was Vexen. Zexion replied coldly, "You're so noisy. What do you want?" He'd said it like he was raving at Vexen because, in truth, he really didn't like him.
Feelings like 'like' and 'dislike' should have disappeared when he became a Nobody, but memories from his time as a human still remained, therefore he remembered that he rather disliked this guy. Though it was true that, regarding their past research, he should have held more respect for him.
"Where is Xemnas?"
"Going to his usual place," Zexion replied, receiving a from look from Vexen.
"The sleeping room?" Vexen mumbled that damned room's name.
"If it's something urgent how about you go there yourself?"
"That's a sick joke," Vexen replied hastily, turning his back to Zexion.
"Going to that place is completely...inevitable, but I shall wait for him to return. Even if it was urgent it would be bad to go there. You should only go there if it's important. The space between is even worse," Vexen mumbled to himself while walking away.
Zexion also started to walk away.
Just then a voice from above called out.
"That place is also my weak point. How are you Zexion?"
Looking up instinctively, Zexion saw a man seated on one of the timber planks of the still unfinished ceiling. That man, Xigbar, had his face hidden deep under the Organization coat's hood so his expression remained unreadable.
"Eavesdropping were you? What are you doing? Xaldin's and your new duty is to look for new Organization members. You shouldn't be idling down here," Zexion coldly replied, once again started to walk away.
Xigbar dropped down behind Zexion and started talking to his back. "I've done my work well enough. I found one yesterday. I think his name was Ma--something."
"It couldn't be Marluxia, could it?" Zexion retorted.
According to Xigbar, even if it is a new Organization member's name, it is of no significance.
"So you already know. That's just like you Zexion."
Zexion stopped walking at these words spoken in a teasing tone.
From the time I was that person's pupil I've felt like I'm being looked down on by Xigbar. Although it's not just me; Xigbar looks down upon all beings the same way.
"I think that 11 is a decent number for us. Now even Lexeaus is requesting a proxy so he can get some rest for tomorrow's work. As for me, I have work to do today, so I'll leave it here," Zexion said to the talkative Xigbar, turning his back as he began to walk away.
Just then Xigbar chased after Zexion and whispered into his ear, "You're so stiff. Let's have a good conversation."
Zexion frowned uncomfortably, but he didn't try to shake off that arm.
"For example...about Xemnas's secret."
At those words from Xigbar, Zexion's shoulders shook.
Xigbar released Zexion to walk forward and spoke as if to himself. "It was quiet a few years ago. Some guys with hooked swords appeared in this area and there was an awesome battle. After they were destroyed, a man who lost his memory fell down. It was just at that time that Xemnas--No, Xehanort took up the name of Xemnas."
Xigbar turned to look at Zexion staring at him.
"And that means..." Zexion replied without expression.
If I listen to Xigbar's nonsense the sun will completely set, even though the light from the sun doesn't reach this world.
"The sleeping room."
Even at Xigbar's mention of that room Zexion didn't react; he just kept staring at Xigbar.
"Yes. In an underground facility in which the darkness of hearts was being investigated. A grave sealed by Ansem the Wise. The first thing that Xemnas wanted to do after he banished that meddlesome Wiseman was make that room at the back of the facility functional. Since then he often speaks to someone in that room alone." Xigbar said this all at once, waiting for Zexion's reaction.
Zexion replied as though he was sick of the conversation,"You really like eavesdropping, don't you?"
"I can't hear what they talk about. It's 'cause of that I've become so much more intrigued. You're also interested, right?"
At Xigbar's words, Zexion slightly shook his head as if to tease the man.
"I am dedicated only to my duty. You should stick to your primary duty and gather more members. We have to quickly prepare a new base and only 11 members isn't going to be enough to accomplish that," Zexion spat out, starting to walk.
"A new base...ah, Castle Oblivion, eh? I wonder what Xemnas is planning to use that place for?" Xigbar replied to Zexion's back.
"The goal asked of us--"
"Is a goal that is asked of no one else," Xigbar interrupted. "The 'Sleeping Room' and the 'Room of Awakening'...Another grave, that's what he's searching for. A room not made by Xemnas. In there, there is definitely another 'friend'."
Zexion turned back to Xigbar, glaring at him.
xxXXxx
That day, twelve members of the Organization gathered. The twelfth member, the only girl, Xigbar had found and brought here.
At the center of the round table, she, who was named Larxene, sat swinging in her chair and almost glared at the other members.
"Seems like she's a girl with a strong emotions," Demyx whispered to Axel who just shrugged his shoulders.
"Even if she has strong or weak emotions she's still a member of the Organization," Axel replied to Demyx who was the one to shrug his shoulders this time.
Twelve members, thirteen members--I'm not really interested in the number, Axel thought, glancing at Xemnas who was seated in the big chair.
The Organization is an organization of Nobodies.
Nobody: something that doesn't exist.
First it's something created from a heart taken into darkness: a Heartless. But if someone with a strong heart becomes a Heartless, a mind and body separate from the heart emerges into a being. That's a Nobody. Then those Nobodies with special existence fall into this world with a human body. In other words: the Nobodies gathered here as members of the Organization...once had strong hearts.
Is that true?
Axel answered his own question.
As humans...did we really have strong hearts?
I don't really know.
Then, the one and only thing that Nobodies desire is a heart.
As a Nobody, from the time I fell into existence, being empty all that time...would I really be satisfied if I had a heart?
"Well, we have now become 12."
At these words from Xemnas, Axel lifted his head.
"How many more d' we need?" Xaldin asked.
I don't know who'll be the last one. I wonder what sort of person will sit in that last seat? Axel thought, crossing his arms.
xxXXxx
The meeting's gloomy atmosphere is always tiring, thought Axel, standing in the castle's lobby as he stretched his neck.
Just being made to wait like this will make my body tired.
"Oy, you! You with the red hair!"
Axel turned around to the voice, scratching his head.
"What is it, Larxene? The name's Axel. Got it memorized?"
"There is no way I can remember more than ten people's names."
"That may be so..." Axel said, staring at the approaching Larxene.
"So, does this coat suit me?" Larxene spun around right in front of Axel's eyes.
The size is altered for any new member. It should fit perfectly.
"What, does is look weird on me?"
As to why this girl is speaking to me, I have no idea.
"You need something?"
"Can't I speak to you even if I have nothing of importance to discuss?"
"That's not it..."
What a pain, being asked that and having to answer. This is a total waste of time.
"Why are you talking to me? There're other people you can talk to, aren't there?"
"I just don't want to speak to any gross old men," Larxene replied in a composed tone of voice.
"If that's it then what about Demyx or Marluxia? He's the member that came before you, you know. There's also Zexion...and Saix, but he's sorta--well--"
"What? Having me talk to you isn't satisfying?" Larxene asked in a haughty voice.
"It's not unsatisfying. It's just nothing."
"Well...I really didn't have a reason to talk to you. You were just walking in front of me so I thought we'd chat."
She just said before that she didn't want to talk to any gross old guys.
Axel gave Larxene a look, trying to show her that he he was sick of talking, but it seemed she didn't notice at all.
"It's really quiet here, isn't it?"
"There's no living things here but us Nobodies, so--"
"Seems boring."
"Not really," Axel answered, although, truthfully, he always thought this place was boring.
"Hm. Well, that's all. See you around," Larxene hid her face deep in her hood and started walking away. That was the whim of a haughty girl.
Axel sent her off with his 'sick of you' look and shrugged.
xxXXxx
In his own room, Demyx was getting his hair ready.
It wasn't that he had to put his hair in his own unique style, it's just that Demyx thought that was how he'd done his hair when he was a human.
Standing against the wall was his Sitar. Although it was a weapon, the special Sitar was created from the memories of his time as a human, so it was important to him.
After setting his hair in place, Demyx picked up the Sitar and started to play.
No matter how many times I play I can't make a satisfactory sound.
Actually, I do realize that satisfaction doesn't last forever. It's just that without a heart...it's not possible to be satisfied.
I can't think of anything satisfying.
"What a racket!"
Hearing those unpleasant words and feeling a sudden presence behind him, Demyx turned around. Standing there was Xaldin.
"When you enter someone's room it's polite to knock," Demyx said unpleasantly, once again starting to play.
"How do you hold onto these memories from your time as a human?"
"Eh? What're you saying, old man?" Demyx stopped his hands' movement, turning to face Xaldin, "What d'you mean?"
"Nothing. I just think that how you are all subject to your human memories is interesting. That's all."
"Mhm," Demyx replied, sounding less than interested and resumed his playing a third time.
"Cut it out already! It's so noisy that I can't sleep."
"It's so noisy that I can't sleep...That sort of thing is completely like a human thing, eh?" Demyx said, laughing as he played the Sitar.
"Don't be stupid. Even Nobodies have to rest. Right now the worlds are in turbulence. In order to save my energy I have to rest."
"The worlds? I don't know a thing about that! I don't even know what the higher level members are thinking most of the time," Demyx complained in a loud voice, continuing to play the Sitar.
Xaldin, looking uncomfortable, shrugged and vanished.
Demyx continued to play.
xxXXxx
On top of the table, some cards were lined up. Axel and Luxord faced each other, appearing to be playing some sort of game.
"Eh, wait a minute!" Axel stopped Luxord with his hand as he was about to flip over a card.
"I can't wait."
"NO!" Axel crossed his arms and glared down at the cards on the table.
"No matter which card you choose it's your loss," Luxord flipped the card, ducking his head.
"Eh!" Axel put his head in his hands and afterward looked up at Luxord. "One more time."
At Axel's words, Luxord smiled and began to cut the cards.
"Looks like you two are having fun."
Xigbar appeared and Luxord stopped cutting the cards.
"How about one hand?" Luxord asked.
"I don't have any interest in this sort of game," Xigbar said teasingly to Luxord after sitting on the table.
"You got some time off today, huh?" Axel asked casually, putting his hand on Xigbar's shoulder. It was an acknowledged fact that Xigbar was friendly with anyone and everyone.
"It's 'cause Xemnas went out."
"Yeah...It's rare for him to go out," Luxord said quietly, splitting the deck in two.
"No, he goes here and there quite a lot. Right now it's 'cause this time is a precious stand-by time."
"A precious what?" Axel asked as he searched Xigbar's face.
"The worlds are moving. I'm probably just worried about my accomplice's movements."
"Accomplice?" Luxord tilted his head.
"Any more than that is a secret," Xigbar said teasingly, getting off the table and starting to walk away. "Be careful not to get used."
At Xigbar's words, Axel and Luxord's gazes met.
As the silence lengthened, Luxord whispered, "The original members go up to 6...so I've heard. But what are they trying to do with their different actions?"
"Seems like they don't have a goal," Axel said, turning it into a joke and grinning. "Let's play another hand, Luxord."
At Axel's words, Luxord started to cut the cards again.
xxXXxx
Marluxia was walking alone in The World that Never Was.
It's so boring in this castle.
Since entering the Organization I've been feeling like I could escape this boredom and yet, in reality, everywhere is the same. I'm probably thinking that because of my human memories, but even after becoming a Nobody the days are still so hollow. I don't really know what it means to be without a heart.
"Hey, Marluxia."
The voice coming from behind made Marluxia stop in his tracks. A woman's voice. And in this castle there was one woman.
"What do you want, Larxene?" Marluxia turned around, talking back to the woman with blonde hair and strong emotions: Larxene. For now, there was only one Nobody who entered the Organization after him.
"I have something I want to ask. How did you get here?"
"It wasn't really any different from you."
"Hm..." Larxene thought for a moment about whether she was satisfied with that answer or not. "For now I'm not really doing anything important. It's really boring here isn't it?"
At Larxene's words, Marluxia suddenly felt a strong affinity for this Nobody who was thinking the same as him. "Well, you'll be given a task sometime. Now is the time to save your energy."
"A task, huh? It's just that I don't really know why we're doing what we're doing," Larxene stated, walking over to stand next to Marluxia.
"We're trying to earn our hearts back," Marluxia said, just like Xemnas once told him.
Larxene dropped her head for a minute before saying, "A heart is not really necessary. Having a heart is painful. I'm fine with the way things are."
"...That may be so," Marluxia replied and started to walk side by side with Larxene.
xxXXxx
The laboratory is two rooms joined together.
Even though, occasionally, Zexion could hear a strange voice coming from that other room, he continued to work in silence.
Soon, together with these rooms, we will be moving to a new place. Soon, within Castle Oblivion, the research of the Organization will be complete.
That place is a special place; a special place within a special castle, a place perfect for research on memories and things strung with memories, a place unknown by our enemies.
Zexion's lab was very similar to Vexen's lab which was in the next room.
Vexen was returning memories to their original state and Zexion was--
"Are you making any progress?" A voice asked from behind.
"Well...in a way."
At Zexion's works, Lexeaus raised an eyebrow and then continued. "Seems like the members who will head to Castle Oblivion have been decided."
"Have you come all this way just to deliver that news?"
"There's three for below grounds and above. Of those below, it'll be us two and Vexen."
Zexion had already understood that he and Vexen would be dispatched there.
Lexeaus is a bodygaurd it seems.
Zexion nodded and asked, "Of those above ground?"
"Those above ground are all the newcomers: Marluxia, Larxene and Axel."
"So only the suspicious ones, eh?"
At Zexion's words, Lexeaus nodded. "What ever Xemnas is trying to do...well, I don't really know. Maybe he's trying to clear out all the newcomers."
At the gentle way Zexion had suggested that, Lexaus lowered his shoulders, suspicious. "In order to eliminate all the members we tried so hard to find, Xemnas had that castle built?"
"Well...I don't really know," Zexion replied, turning to face the computer.
"That's all I have to report."
"Thank you. Later then," Zexion said, with his back turned to the presence who dissapeared.
xxXXxx
In Twilight Town--in front of the haunted Mansion--one boy lay, slowly coming to consciousness.
He slowly stood up and blankly looked ahead.
There was a pitch black hole before him and from it a door between the darkness opened.
From the hole, a man wearing a black coat emerged and walked toward the boy.
Silently the boy brought his gaze to the man.
"You want to know?" the man asked him.
The boy nodded, fixing his gaze.
The man waved his hands and in front of the boy letters rose into the air.
"You don't feel anything. You cannot feel. Do you want a meaning for existing?"
The boy clearly nodded.
The letters swirled around and around his body.
The one letter was added.
That letter was the letter X.
The word that floated there was to be the boy's name from then on.
"...Roxas," the boy read his name in a clear voice.
"You are the new member," the man said, welcoming him.
xxXXxx
Who. In. The. Hell created this town's neon lights? Axel thought, looking up at the pitch-black sky.
This world, without stars or a moon, seems completely overbearing.
"Where do you think you're going?" someone asked. The voice belonged to the person who always kept an eye on Axel. Someone ordered that the redhead always be watched.
That was Saix's job.
"Anywhere is fine, right?" Axel asked without turning around and as he pulled his hood over his face.
"Without a mission you are not to leave this world."
"I can't breathe in this place," Axel whined, starting to walk away.
"...Can you not hear the worlds' calling out?"
"Calling out?" Axel finally turned around and looked up at Saix who was standing at the top of the stairs.
"From here on out we are to leave when we are ordered."
"I haven't heard anything about that," Axel flippantly said, once again turning his back to Saix and opening a door between the darkness.
My destination...somewhere I like.
A town with a beautiful sunset: Twilight Town.
Lately, that town, where one can see the sunset and sit alone eating Sea Salt ice cream, has been Axel's place of relaxation. He would sit alone in that place and idly eat ice cream with no one to bother him.
Axel stepped forward into the door between the darkness.
Nostalgic, isn't it? You remember?
The first time we met, the day you got your new name?
We watched a sunset, just like this--
owari. \o/
i'll add my notes to these later on just because...these guys are SO entertaining it's virtually impossible to NOT talk about them. stay tuned.
day one, now up:
all credit for these translations go to http://Ishtarl-Demonic-Fox.deviantart.com and her friend "A-chan." i double apologize for not asking permission the first time, but now that i have her approval i'm going to go ahead and edit these translations again. ♥
The 1st Day
edited by: akuroku813
With a large moon, Kingdom Hearts has been illuminating the world. The world called The World that Never Was went from not existing to a world that mustn't exist. In between the worlds a place called the Battlement Darkness exists, and more than that it exists in secret, very deep in the dark.
A world that mustn't exist exists...a world that shouldn't exist.
Nobody.
On the balcony of the castle, Axel looked up at the moon, a frown forming on his face.
That which mustn't exist...
Is that the world's wish? Why were we born?
No matter how many times I ask I never get an answer.
"Going out is against the rules," a voice suddenly said.
Knowing that the voice belonged to Saix, Axel didn't answer and he just continued to stare at the moon.
It's been three days since Roxas disappeared. Even when he was around going out of the castle once was against the rules.
Axel had spent the last few days idly in the castle and had been on his best behavior. He'd been a part of Roxas' decision to leave.
The time spent was ambiguously uncertain.
"How are you? Injuries and condition?" Saix asked.
"Injuries?" Axel turned his face to Saix. "What're you talking about?"
Axel waited for Saix's answer, but just as usual Saix didn't say a damned thing. Instead he relayed an order. "Well, it's about time for the meeting."
"What's the point of this meeting?" Axel asked, returning his gaze to the moon.
I wonder if there's anything in his uncertain memories. If so, I don't want to know. I wonder if Roxas hasn't already completely disappeared...
"I know where Roxas is."
At those words from Saix, Axel looked down and sighed.
So Roxas does still exist.
"Hurry up. Xemnas is waiting."
"Oh no, not Master Xemnas..."
Axel finally looked back to Saix whilst laughing at his joke. Saix, however, did not form a reply.
xxXXxx
No matter when you came to it, the round table made of marble was always cold. Because half of the thirteen seats were now empty, the feeling of coldness felt stronger. In addition to that the seats were hard and uncomfortable to sit in.
"It appears as though he has finally been found."
"Roxas? Or the brave hero...?"
"Both or either."
While listening to Xemnas and Xigbar's conversation, Axel stared at an empty seat. The 13th empty seat belonged to Roxas. A big seat for such a little kid, but Roxas always sat there regardless.
Just like always, Axel wondered what Roxas was thinking while listening to the conversation.
Even though they had spent so much time together, Axel still didn't understand what Roxas was thinking. But it was always his intention to understand or at least pretend to understand.
For someone without a heart, what did you feel?
"It seems like the time has come for us to move," Xemnas said.
At these words, Axel's shoulders slumped.
If only I'd stopped Roxas. If I'd told him all my secrets this probably wouldn't have happened. Still...I couldn't betray the Organization.
No, I did betray them. At the castle, I was the one who threw the Organization members into confusion and helped Riku and Namine meet. But that wasn't a complete betrayal. I'm still lost.
Yes, from the moment I met my best friend Roxas, from the moment I headed to Castle Oblivion, I've been lost.
"Don't you have something to say, Axel?"
At the second time hearing his name, Axel raised his head. Xigbar was looking straight at Axel, a grin from ear to ear spreading across his face.
"You're the one who's had the most interaction with the brave hero's group, right?"
At that, Axel quietly nodded, then he sprawled out in his chair and looked straight at Xemnas as he asked: "Where is Roxas?"
Xigbar cut in with a teasing tone. "Do you know the saying it's darkest beneath the lamp?"
"It couldn't be..."
The was only one place that matched with what Xigbar said.
"Twilight Town," Axel mumbled to himself as though he were alone. At his words the other members of the Organization focused their gazes on him.
Luxord, seated next to Axel, who was involved with his thoughts, asked, "Is the brave hero there as well?"
Saix replied, "He should be with Roxas."
"Is it really possible that Roxas is in that town? We had a thorough search there--"
Xemnas cut off Axel's argument. "That is true. Roxas is not in that place."
"What do you mean?"
At Axel's question, Xemnas glanced at Saix and replied, "From here on, it is best if Saix explains. As for you, you will go and bring Roxas back."
[The World That Never Was]
There in the castle was a room existing deep in secret. In the place where vestiges of the former Organization remain, there is one computer filled with various data.
Here was where the already vanished Zexion had done his work.
I have heard that just like the original Ansem, he was helping with Ansem's work.
"I can probably use you as well," Saix said sitting in front of the computer. He showed the lit computer screen to Axel. There, a map of Twilight Town was shown.
"Now that we know about that town what will we do?"
"This is not Twilight Town," Saix replied hitting the keyboard.
On the map, white markers appeared here and there. There were four of them.
"What's this?"
"Dusks. They have been commanded to go after Roxas."
On the monitor, a white marker was flickering, stopping above the place where the Ghost Mansion was.
"That's a shock. Even if we allow the Dusks to go there there's no reason to think Roxas will return. I'll go there myself."
Axel reversed his steps and opened a door between the darkness, but he was restrained by Saix. "Look!"
"Look? There's no meaning in just looking!" Axel immediately retorted back at Saix.
Even though that town is changing, I don't see why I can't go and bring him back right away!
"This is not Twilight Town, and the Roxas that exists there is not the Roxas you knew."
I don't understand what he's saying.
Axel just stared at the monitor.
If this is the real Twilight Town, the computer should be able to show me an image of Roxas. But even if I could see him with these small lights everywhere, I wouldn't be able to tell if he's real or not.
"What's happening?" Axel asked.
Saix looked back at him. "This is a world created by someone's data."
"I don't understand," Axel said impatiently staring at the monitor.
"In order to seal up Roxas and switch his memories with those of the Keybalde Master, this imaginary space was created from Roxas' memories."
"To be able to do something like that..."
I only know of one person able to freely control memories like that. The girl with the blonde hair. Princess of the Nobodies.
"Probably the memory witch. Namine has something to do with it," Saix said even before Axel spoke.
"It is your responsibility that you lost track of Namine."
Saix looked up at Axel, spinning in the chair. "As we tracked Roxas we came upon this fake town. It was only yesterday that we infiltrated, but at the moment only Dusks can enter."
"You mean I can't enter this world anytime soon?"
At these words Saix raised his shoulders. "I'm only saying that Dusks are the only ones allowed in."
"If Dusks can be sent there then so can I. I'm a Nobody, that's not different." Axel continued looking at the monitor.
Dusks and the Organization members shouldn't be that different. After all, we're both creatures that are not meant to exist.
"Even for a little bit...I'd like to be there."
Saix let out a rough sigh at Axel's serious expression.
"You cannot possibly go if you don't know if you can return. Roxas is in a place where he doesn't understand the situation. Will you be satisfied in seeing that?" Saix asked.
Axel insisted that he was and Saix could only shake his head.
"It will only be for a moment, and I cannot guarantee your safety," Saix said, pointing to a device at the back of the computer.
"From there you will be digitalized and sent into that world. Is that clear? You will only have a moment."
At Saix's words, Axel nodded and Stood behind the device.
Saix pressed one small button.
A light came out of the device and Axel disappeared.
xxXXxx
No mistake. This is Twilight Town. Since I've been here so many times I'd think I'd remember what it looks like.
Axel saw some kids coming up the slope heading towards the station. One of them was Roxas surrounded by three other kids.
Seeing them all brought back a memory to Axel. A memory of a time when he had caught a glimpse of them in Twilight Town with Roxas.
But he had never before seen Roxas connected with them. Axel laughed at the familiarity between them and Roxas.
"Rox--" Without thinking, Axel called out to Roxas, but then the world warped and slowly disappeared.
xxXXxx
"Are you satisfied?"
Axel noticed Saix standing right in front of him.
This was a world that didn't exist, always a dark town, and in the back of the town the Organization went about their research.
"You entered that world with my help, but I am opposed to the order that you bring Roxas back."
Standing behind the machine Axel finally lifted his head and looked at Saix, his mouth contorted into a grin.
"...'Cause I'm the traitor?"
"I don't think that you can possibly bring Roxas back, but you were the easiest to put into Roxas' world of memories. Therefore, you were chosen." Saix stood up from his chair and whispered into Axel's ear. "You are the one thing that remains in Roxas' memories."
[End of Day One]
thanks for reading, and be on the look out for the other translations! \o/