It wasn’t the most difficult thing to realize that Ienzo was–nervous. But then, Riku knew the body language of anxiousness; he wore it well himself, years before. But he wore it more like camouflage than anything.
He felt partial pity for the guy, but his judgement and forgiveness was reserved for the moment. As nice as it was for Sora to be so forgiving towards those who wanted to change, ergo Lea, Riku valued consideration and logic more. And the fact of the matter was, Ienzo tried to manipulate him. Not quite the stellar resume for being on the right side.
Still–’I can’t hold a grudge against everybody in the Organization. …And he did apologize.’
❝…We’ve all done our fair share of mistakes. Me, most of all. Though I’m sure you know that already.❞ His eyes turned a narrow icy leer in tandem with the last of his sentence, fully intending on reminding Ienzo the tactics he used in an attempt to ‘reign’ Riku in. But as quickly as the cold stare came, it mellowed into something–partially forgiving. Soft, at the least. He sighed, shoulders shrugged lazily as he took a simple step forward, arms and hands thrown up in modest cordiality. ❝These days, most of my grudges are toward myself. So you’re off the hook. You’re forgiven–Ienzo.❞
He flinched at the sudden movement-- that piercing look-- mind flashing back to the replica-- to Zexion’s death. Slowly feeling his strength ebbing away-- his vision darkening--- those piercing blue eyes--
Axel smirking as what little life remained within his form was drained away. He had been loyal-- an ideal member of the Organization. One failure did not merit such extreme destruction. He could almost feel that hand around his neck-- his head feeling light--
He stumbled back into a bookshelf, knocking a few askew. His breath quickened as his heart raced in his chest. The man was trembling as he reigned himself in. Just as Aeleus taught him-- bringing himself out if the past and back into the present. He wasn’t in Castle Oblivion. He wasn’t Zexion anymore. He wasn’t in danger.
Swallowing thickly he righted himself, ignoring the books for now. A hand moved to massage one of his temples as he continued to remind himself of where he was.
The castle. Radiant Garden. He was whole.
“You-- can stay where you are if you like.” Worded as politely as he could, it was a simple request for space. “I hold no ill will toward you-- after all, the replica was the one that...” Ienzo shook his head.
He shouldn’t have come here to begin with. He had believed with time he could face the young man, but the visions were just as vivid. Ienzo’s breathing began to even out as he shifted to a nearby chair, taking a seat.
“Feeling is.... difficult. I must beg your pardon for that outburst. I spent ten years without a heart-- there is an adjustment period to the intensity of these emotions.” The male placed his hands in his lap, taking in a slow and deep breath, calming himself further. Aeleus would have been proud for how he handled himself-- this hadn’t been too volatile.
“I understand you are preparing for war against Xehanort--- I want to help any way I can. That monster should be made to pay for the lives he’s ruined-- the hearts he has taken for the sake of his ‘noble’ quest.” Placing a hand on the arm of the chair, he pushed himself to his feet, determined to see this through. He could compartmentalize his worries and handle them at a later time-- though that was easier said than done.
“You have better insight than most as to what a monster he can be.” They both did-- the two had more in common than he cared to admit.
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