The guiding touch was all it took; Xikkuyo's shoulders dropped under Axel's hand, and she started forward as though a key had been wound up on her back. Slow, precise steps, one foot in front of the other, echoing hollowly on the stone until the shadowy Corridor swallowed every sound she made completely. She went through the motions, for lack of anywhere else to turn.

She'd been one of the smallest of their small group then, dwarfed and nearly hidden behind the boys, pressed close to Chie's side for reassurance. Xikkuyo was small now, too, given the way Axel towered over her, and she made no effort to stray from his side as he led her through the Corridor, just as docile as she had been with Saïx. Even as strange as the Darkness was, pressing in around them..... well, she couldn't feel unnerved.

Even if she could, Axel would protect her. People always protected her. She never could save anyone herself, not even herself, not when it actually counted.

She didn't break stride with him as they emerged, but she did look around in evident confusion. The fresh air and wide open sky, the ruddy glow of the setting sun..... The World That Never Was had been dark every time she'd ever looked out the window, and she was fairly sure they'd left while it was morning. What was going on?