I keep thinking if I just keep posting these babies, SOMEBODY will reveiw. XD I have too many ideas of Grandure sometimes. XD Summary: This story takes place in an alternate universe and begins after CoM at the start of KHII after Roxas’ Story. However, there are a few differences that make this Story AU. When Sora refuses to forget Namine he is left with broken memories he insists on remembering himself. Yet while he sleeps his world is slowly disolving around him. Can his other half save his home while his best friend continues to search for a way to wake him up? His childhood friend continue to forget him as Kairi slowly crumbles under the weight of her own forgotten memories. They are all running out of time as The Organization continues to find ways to hurt them all. | Chapter I and II | Chapter III | Chapter IV | Broken Chains Trailer | Whew, I'm gettin' fancy. Go me. :does fancy dance: _____XxX_____ Chapter Five: Unbreakable Chains “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.†.-Christina G. Rossetti “I’m sorry, Sora.†“What are you sorry about?†Sora finally opened his eyes. Naminé stood in front of him now. The two of them were alone on the smaller island by the tree. She looked sad but determined; her blue eyes cold and hard. She wasn’t crying, but the look on her face seemed to state that is wasn’t as if she didn’t want to. She couldn’t. Sora reached out and tried to speak, but Naminé shook her head. “You have to forget me. Forget about promises. Just forget, Sora.†Sora could only watch helplessly as Naminé hand reached forward. She touched the side of his forehead and closed her eyes. Everything was dead silent for only a moment, when Sora could suddenly feel something inside him loosen, some chain in his heart that was so tightly wrapped together, he was afraid if it broke so would he. He winced as it continued to loosen. (“You’ll forget me…â€) The wind blew in his ears carrying the eerie twinkles of chains in the wind. Sora tried not to focus on the girl’s words, but instead figure out why his arms weren’t working. Naminé sighed, her free hand tightening around her sketchbook. Sora looked down, and in the glimmer of silent lighting, he barley caught sight the golden chains wrapped around his body. His eyes widened as the chains of his heart loosened even more. (“But that’s just the chain of memories coming undone.â€) Other chains appeared, wrapped around tree trunks, hanging off the branches, and sinking into the stormy sea. As the chains gently clinked against each other, their uncanny music played memories across his mind. Each link was a memory, but Sora noticed they weren’t all his alone. His mind floated away, focused on each link, listening to the voices draw him in. He forgot about the girl in front of him, even though her fingers still rested on his temple. (“When we grown up, let’s get off this island.†Riku looked excited, as if he was letting out a secret want he had to keep silent for far too long. In the back of his mind Sora wondered how long his friend had been hiding that wish, but he was too young, too innocent to question it further. He grinned at his best friend, and nodded. "Sure." ) (“Have you heard of the legendary power of the paopu fruit?†She grinned at him and leaned forward, a knowing look her face. She nearly burst out laughing at the look on Sora’s face. Was her friend really that dull. She mentally sighed. Well it looked like it was up to her. Aw, wasn’t that romantic?) (“Deal? Winner get’s to share a paopu with Ka-†Riku winked at him, and watched as Sora’s face filled with slight jealousy. Riku let out a small laugh, but it felt hollow. He had bumped heads with his friend over plenty of things and the older boy had always taken the lead. But this feeling of rivalry was different. It was full of... envy? Riku took his mark-) (“Wait, I…â€Sora felt his heart skip a beat. Share a Paopu with-… Riku was laughing at him again, but there was something different about it. Something darker than normal.. He looked up ahead, but there was no one.) (“Along with any other worlds out there! I want to see 'em all!†He smiled, staring out over the blue water. It had been so long ago when he told Riku he'd go. He looked up to the form blocking the sun. She turned, a smile shining amid her laugh. Sora felt jolt go through his heart. Her face... He remembered her-) "What are we waiting for?" Everything else grew muffled and Sora barley heard Naminé’s voice- “I really am sorry, Sora.†The chain linked to his heart gave what Sora feared was it’s last twist, and jolted Sora out of his thoughts. His memories disappeared once again, fading back into the darkness of his heart. His hand flew forward of its own accord. The chains wrapped around his body shattered into a thousand pieces of light. “No!†Thunder rolled as he grabbed Naminé’s hand. “Sora what are you-!?†Sora held her wrist tight, far away from his face “I’m not going to forget anything… Not my island, not her and not you.†“What?†She stared at him, shocked and mouth agape. “I don’t want to forget you.†Sora said softly, trying not to scare her. She tried to pull her hand away, but Sora held tight. They stood there at what could only seem as an impasse, neither willing to compromise, neither willing to give in. Finally it broke, shattering like the chains before. “What’s her name?!†Naminé suddenly yelled at him, yanking her hand out of his grip. Taking a step back, Sora looked slightly guilty, “I… I don’t know. “Don’t you want to know who you really are? Don’t you want to remember her?†Naminé motioned at the keychain hanging on his belt with the hand still clenching her sketch book. It was the first time Sora noticed it. The seashells clanked against the chains of his pants. She gave it to him… he remembered that much, but the ‘when’s and ‘why’s were lost in the darkness. Rain began to drip from above, like the tears in Naminé’s eyes. Sora looked back up at the blonde girl. She shook her head. “You’ll forget Sora. You don’t want to forget her…†“No. I don’t.†Sora admitted. “But Naminé, I don’t want to forget you either.†He reached into his pocket and pulled out a second keychain. The yellow fruit gleamed up between the two of them, and in the silence he heard Namine's sharp intake of breath. He smiled, "I made a promise to you too." He said honestly. “But Sora-“ She stopped, picking her words carefully, "Please don't break her promise... not for someone like me." "I won't break anyone's promises." Sora pulled her the other keychain as well and smiled at the both of them. “I won’t forget her. And I won’t forget you. I promise.†"But-" Sora smiled, almost in a happy daze as he gripped the first keychain in his hand, "I remember her face, Naminé. I'm not going to forget that again." Surprise covered Naminé's face as she opened her mouth to speak but suddenly her eyes widened, staring over Sora’s shoulder. She took a step away, and the sketch book feel out of her hands. The pages fell out and fluttered off into the stormy sky like white birds. Sora turned to look for them, when he caught his eye. The boy stood at the edge of the bridge, a permanent sad and hurt look on his face. Blonde hair swept to the side, icy blue eyes stared after the pages, then right back at Sora. Something passed between the two boys, a connection that was untraceable. The boy half-smiled and nodded. Sora smiled and nodded back, almost as if an agreement had passed between the two. The name came to his mind before he was even aware of it himself. “I know you.†Sora started softly, “Roxas.†“You need to wake up Sora.†The blonde boy stated without introduction. Sora nodded, as if in a trance, turning back to look at Naminé. “Yeah… I know.†He said softly, still speaking to the other boy. “Just give me a little while longer, ok?†“I can’t.†Roxas didn’t seem upset about it, his voice flat and apathetic. “Not for much longer.†Sora sighed, almost exasperated, and nodded. “Fine.†He turned away, “I’m coming.†“No!†Naminé grabbed Sora’s arm, yanking on it with both hands, “You can’t Sora. You’re memories aren’t back! You’ll forget-“ Sora laughed, a sweet but foolish laugh that echoed in the silent storm. “I already told you, Naminé. I’m not forgetting anything.†“She’s waiting for you.†Roxas nodded toward shore. “I know.†Sora softly pulled his arm out of Naminé’s reach, to follow the other boy. Naminé looked lost for a moment, scared and alone. Sora turned at the bridge and smiled again, “See you when I wake up.†II. Sora followed the other boy, neither speaking, each engrossed in his own thoughts. Or at least, that is what Sora believed. Roxas’ face was so passive, so apathetic, that Sora could barley tell if the boy was human much less in any thought as deep as his own. He snuck a glance over to shoulder, only to start when he saw the rest of his island was as black as pitch. He couldn’t even see the smaller island, much less Naminé. He backed into the other boy, only to find Roxas staring at the entrance as the base of the tree in the middle of the island. The waterfall sprayed cold water on the both of them as they stood there, each waiting for their own incentive to speak. Finally Roxas sighed. “There. She's there.†“The Secret Place.†Sora ducked his head to look in the passage way. The darkness waited for him like always, the random drawings on the wall glowing pearly white. He turned back to the other boy. “Wha-“ “She waiting.†Roxas cut him off. "Are you com-" Roxas shook his head. For once, a harsh emotion passed across his face. "I'm not allowed." Sora looked apologetic. "Oh... Sorry." He paused, and looked up at the sky, as if the darkening clouds held some sort of advice. He spoke without turning. “You know I can’t wake up just yet.†Roxas sighed, sounding slightly annoyed, “I figured as much.†“Can you..." He paused again, wetting his dry lips and looking for the right words... (Riku turned back, a sad but almost content smile on his face. The door continued to close, cutting them off from one another.) A Separation. Sora smiled too, and barely looked over his shoulder, the words coming to his lips. "Take care of her." Then he was gone. III. Roxas opened his eyes. He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. He had fallen asleep. That was never good. Dreaming had never truly been the same since he found out what he was once again. When ever he slept, Sora’s memories came alive, wrapping around his mind like a vice, squeezing out his own memories. For that reason only, Roxas tried to keep from sleeping whenever he could. But he was only human- Or as least as human as a Nobody could be. It had been cooler than normal, autumn finally grasping hold and sending cooler air to a normally hot climate. He had thought that the resulting autumn air would keep him awake. Instead, the cool breezes had lulled his tired mind to sleep, and right back into Sora’s Memories. At least that is what he had hoped. If Sora’s memories were growing so powerful that they could drag him in like that- Roxas didn’t want to think about it. “You have to wake up Sora.†He muttered once more to the leaves above him. The wind played about his ears, almost as if someone was whispering back. He sighed again and took his hands out from behind his head. He stared up at the dark crimson sky, watching golden threads of sun dance along clouds edges and play with the retreating night. So he had only been asleep a few hours. Obviously it had been enough. Take care of her. He sat half-up, still leaning on his elbows, taking in his surroundings. The sea lapped its soft waves in the side of the island, eating away at the sand and pushing more upward. The slow push and pull effect was calming. He half-smiled bringing one knee up and leaning an alternate elbow against it. The mere moments between night and day were passing quickly and with it- his contentment. Twilight was leaving once again, and it almost made him homesick. That is, if a Nobody could feel homesick. His eyes traveled up the beach and he noticed with slightly discomfort that he was no longer alone as he had been that entire early morning. He leaned forward and cocked his head slightly at the silhouetted form walking toward him from a few yards off. When he realized who the tall form belonged to was he couldn’t help the surprise that spread over his face. He sat up all the way, and dangled his bare feet off the edge. Orange tinted waves splashed below him, but he didn’t take notice. He watched the man stop a few feet in front of him, a familiar, and yet changed, smirk spreading across his face as he stared up at the younger boy. He stuck his hands in his pockets, and merely shrugged as if his presence there was normal. As if either of their presence there was normal. Roxas sighed, “Axel." The red-haired Nobody grabbed the side of the steep embankment and easily pulled himself up next to the boy. Roxas watched as the lanky man situated himself far enough away to seem less of a threat, and yet close enough to still cause the boy minor discomfort. “What are you doing here?†“You don’t look happy to see me, Roxy.†“Don’t call me that.†Roxas retorted without thinking. Axel laughed, and leaned slightly back on his hands, staring up at the sky. “Fine.†Roxas dipped his head in thought, still watching the other. He wasn’t used to seeing him without the signature black cloak that named him one of Organization XIII’s finest. In fact, Roxas didn’t know of a time when he hadn’t seen him in it. But now, he wore simple light slacks and a black t-shirt, barefoot just as Roxas was. The effect made him look normal, albeit in an eerie and uncanny sort of way. Axel turned his head slightly, green eyes sad. Roxas suddenly felt defensive. “What?†“You still don’t look too happy.†“I’m waiting for the bad guys to jump out of hiding.†Roxas shifted slightly back, looking around. The man laughed once more. “What, out of the palm trees?†He stared back up at the sky, leaning back on his hands. “We both know they’re too dramatic for that.†“Why are you here?†“Always straight to the point.†He sat up once more, rubbing at the back of his neck with one hand, “I’m here to keep an eye on you actually.†“Did he send you?†“Does it matter?†“Don’t be stupid.†Axel nodded and laughed sadly, “Yeah, I guess it does.†Silence covered both of them momentarily. Roxas narrowed his eyes at the other, leaning forward. “Well, did he?†He prompted darkly. “No.†Roxas sat back, feeling slightly less vulnerable. “Then... What are you here for… really?†“He’s waking up.†Axel said simply. Both knew what he was talking about. Roxas dipped his head, nodding as he did so. “I know.†“How do you know?†Axel asked, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. Roxas didn’t explain. â€It won’t be for a while.†“Before what?†“The end.†Silence lapsed only for a moment though, before Axel sighed, “Well, Mr. Smarty Pants, I guess you already know who else is coming back…†he waved his arm around in an indecisive manner. “Coming back?†Roxas tore himself out of his thoughts. “No.†“R-I-K-U.â€Axel nodded, motion each letter with one hand. “Riku.†It was easy to see the discomfort in Roxas’ eyes. He wet his lips, looked away and then back again before speaking, “Where did you hear this?†“Naminé sent for him. No doubt He’ll hear about you, and want to-“ “So it’s not final.†Axel paused, shifting his weight to his other hand. Roxas didn't look at him wrapped up in his own thoughts and worries. After a moment, the red headed man made a small noise of agreement. “I guess not. Either way- You’re going to have to watch out for yourself… Stay away from him.†He rolled his head toward the boy to smile ironically, a single spike of stark red hair falling in his eyes, “Got it memorized?†Roxas raised a brow, shaking his head at the red head, “Does that line ever gets old?†Axel waved him off, smiling and chuckling “Nah…†Silence took over again, as the waves grew louder with the coming tide and the birds and other animals pulling themselves out of a restful night sleep. Both Nobodies sat there just beyond the bridge, content to just be for the time being. It was something the rest of the world took for granted- the chance to live. They watched the sun climb out of the horizon line, to take it's place in the sky. Twilight was gone. Roxas stood, brushing off his pants in one sweep. The other Nobody didn't seem to take notice, stone still as morning warmed both their faces. The sun was just high enough to take the chill out of the morning, and lighting the entire island in a golden yellow. Roxas sighed, and rubbed a hand through his hair, getting rid of the last of grains of sand still lingering behind. He reached over the side of the leaning Poupu tree and pulled out a bag. The other finally seemed to realize his old friend had moved. "You're leaving?" Roxas nodded, "If I stay too much longer, they'll start asking questions." "They..." Axel rolled the pronoun off his tongue, not liking how it tasted. He looked up at his old friend with a light sigh. Roxas shifted slightly uncomfortable and defensive once more. He frowned, "What?" Axel observed him a moment longer, then looked away and shrugged. "You're a little too happy about all of this." "Happy?" He nodded, still staring unfocused at the docks down the beach, "You don't scowl quite as hard as you used to." Roxas couldn't help the small contented smile that spread across his face. He resituated the bag on his shoulder and nodded. "You know, I'm kinda glad." Axel looked slightly confused as Roxas continued, "It's not as... strange. You being here." Axel smiled as well, and nodded, "Don't get too relaxed. I still think Riku is coming back to kill you." Roxas rolled his eyes with a huff, and headed toward the bridge. Axel chuckled leaning back and calling out, "Not to bust your bubble or anything." IV. Pausing at the three way road, Pluto scratched at the back of his neck, and tried not to think about the rumbling in his stomach. He had a job to do, and as usual it was up to him to keep the King and his allies connected. At the thought, the Royal Dog picked up his head a little higher. After all it was a very important job and not one he should complain about. Although, being a dog, he didn’t have much to complain about anyways. He just wished that strange smelling blonde girl had given him something to eat before he left. His stomach rumbled again and he gave a little whine. After all it wasn’t too much to ask, was it? Still he could tell she was worried. He could smell the apprehension all over her, and in way her hands shook as she wrote her letters. She smelled afraid. He was slightly confused. Perhaps that’s why she was writing the King. “Do€™t let DiZ catch you? Ok?†The strange girl had kissed the dog’s wet nose in a childish show of affection. “Please. Find the King first.†If a dog could sigh in a dramatic manner, Pluto decided now would have been the time to do it. Get Message. Find the King. Give the message. Get Reply message. Find Riku- Riku. Pluto perked up at that idea. The silver haired boy had always been rather fond of the Royal Messenger whenever Pluto had visited the King in the past. Perhaps he would feed him. With the thought of food fresh on his mind, Pluto put his nose to the road and gave a perceptive sniff. His King went left, while Riku’s dark scent went right. Pluto gave a small snort in thought. His stomach rumbled. He turned right. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you all are enjoying this, I would appreciate a review. Not that I’m a comment-whore or anything. xD
