Rise of the Blackhearts Staring: Axel

What do you mean, he would try to keep as far away as possible? You mean, to keep far away from him so he wouldn't have to go back to being a part of him in the fanfic, or actually being concerned for him? Because after all of KH2, he grew to accept Sora as his other half after their TWTNW battle, and even spoke highly of him in FM+. He isn't happy for not having his own life, but he has no bitter or ill feelings anymore.

Axel never tried to kill him. You think that he would search and work so hard to getting his best friend back, and try to kill him? That fight wasn't about death, it was more like a serious spar, his goal pertaining to get Roxas to remember. You can see in the end of the fight that they are in a understanding level and Roxas sees what Axel was to him, no malice at all on both sides. And then there's the scene in FM+ where they talk in the TT Clock Tower, and peacefully discuss as friends the heart and if Roxas has one, while eating sea-salt ice cream (you know the scene, where a tear fell?), and this was after the Roxas/Sora fight.

So no, Roxas doesn't care, not that he tried to kill him in the first place anyway. That's what marked Axel a traitor. His order was to eradicate Roxas, yet he didn't.

 

Ohhh.....it all makes sense now.....thanks Twilight.

 

Pika Power: I couldnt have answered it any better than *TwilightNight*.

Sorry it took so long for this new chapter. I was busy debating as opposed to writing. Thanks for the respect Pika.

Same thanks to *TwilightNight* , my beta.

Interlude 2: The Graceful, The Savage, and The Schemer

Standing on top of the Alter of Naught, looking up at the faded dark silhouette which was once referred to as "Kingdom Hearts", was a man with a strong body dressed in The Organization's garb, contemplating on how much he missed in his year of...nothingness, after his....failure, if it wasn't for him...

Yet, he also wondered, how someone could truly exist. He cheated death once, how did he manage to do it a second time? First he lost his heart, then his body and soul, yet he still existed. Just how many mysteries was there to solve, and how many were not thought or known?

His contemplations were suddenly broken as he heard footsteps behind him, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor lightly, not making one off beat as it got closer. Crossing his eyes at the corner, he called out, not having the need to look back to see who was his visitor, "So, how did it go?"

A woman, as predicted, answered him, her tone light, yet triumphant. "Excellent…they are separated. It was actually quite...fun, I have to admit. I could see how he enjoyed his little game back then, having people in the palm of your hand."

The man smirked, just as satisfied, and not at all fazed at the last remark, only to finally glance back at her with his attention. "The division of two by two should be easier to manipulate than one group of four."

"Nice sense of math. What do they want with them anyway?" she inquired nonchalantly, placing a hand on her hip as she leaned it to one side.

"The Nobodies are destined to rejoin the Organization," he began to explain in his deep tone, only to continue, "A new heart should calm their worries."

He chuckled slightly after the last sentence.

"And the Keyblade wielders?" she questioned, her position and demeanor unchanging.

"I have no idea as of yet…I believe it has something to do with her," he replied enigmatically, almost as in thought, and there was a moment's pause, before,"They seem to like keeping us in the dark, worse than the Superior was."

She silkily placed her index finger close to her bottom lip, the thought of Xemnas making her want to speak up, but she was unsure if it was wise to do so, or if he was willing to trust that information to her. Nevertheless, she did ask straightforwardly, as was in her nature, "Why did you betray him? While you did tell me the basics, why and how, the personal reason was kept to yourself."

The question seemed to bristle the male, in a way of offending him, yet his level of voice did not raise, but remained naturally strong as usual, "Does that matter at the moment? You didn't share yours either, as I clearly remember."

"I thought mine was obvious."

He turned away from her. "You've forgotten I was-"

"One should be careful of speaking of betrayal… especially with a reputation such as yours..." the quiet voice of a young man commented, the hidden tone accusing, yet could pass off as a offhand quip.

The woman rolled her eyes as her lips curled unpleasingly. What do you know? Dilan and Braig's pet watchdog is here.

She looked at what appeared to be dead space as she folded her arms, her fluid body language expressing annoyance. How dare he have the audacity to question them? "Ienzo, what do you want?"

"Very respectful tone for a lady. I simply want to know what you're doing up here, it just doesn't look good for two former traitors to be conspiring together, does it?" he questioned back simply and short, revealing himself as he walked out of nothing, not warping, but seemingly materializing from air.

The man spoke up smoothly and calmly then, as if trying to disarm the young man with words, "We were discussing what we are suppose to do with Riku and Sora. Does that compose a problem?"

Ienzo placed his hands on his chin, sizing up the two betrayers who stood before him. He decided to tell them his real purpose, "I'm here because Even said it's ready, and Dilan wants it over with, so he can go back home."

"What, going home? You don't mean his home, home, do you?" the female exclaimed, the news a bit odd. Dilan, was usually the all business type, it was so out of character for him, as far as she knew.

The youth replied, "Yes, Braig is running the show again, I think Dilan figures since he has a heart, he will enjoy his return."

The man pondered carefully over why he was being told this, as Ienzo always had an objective, thus, he questioned him low, "Why are you telling us this?"

Ienzo looked up at the man coolly, "Because, I'd rather know who my opponents are, then wait for them to stab me in the back, once more, not that you were initially the cause of my previous 'death'. If anything happens to Dilan, we know where to look."

He reached into a pocket within his trenchcoat as he finished, and pulled out a chain, with a heart shaped locket at the end.

The only other male in the room took it, eyeing the object warily and intensely, but his expression passive, "What's this?"

"When you see Axel, give this to him. I know it will make him vulnerable, and will make Even's job easier."

With a shadow hanging over his eyes, he let a barely visible, sinister smile crack from his face.

 

Yay! Ienzo!.....great story.....at first i though Marluxia was Xemnas cause it seemed that way but still....gret chapter.....especially since it's somewhat kind of short....but that's okay...make it long if you want....

 

that was rockin
but i hope the next one is about sora and riku (mmmmm, riku... *glomps riku*)

 

The title said who the only characters in that chapter were from the begining.

And yeah, thats the great thing about the fact that they wear uniformed black cloaks with hoods... you never know whos who until you figure it out from hints.

Unfortunatly I dont have a directors cut chapter. I wish I did though.

Ok, I have another Axel, Roxas chapter in the works... but yeah I am keeping the Riku Sora fans in suspence a little too long, I'll get to work.

 

By popular demand... Chapter 6!!!

*TwilightNight* once again doing the betaing and improving of the story.

Chapter 6: A Melodious Nocturne

As the two keyblade masters walked through The World That Never Was, they found it odd...odd that there were no presence of Nobodies, or Heartless, except that one enemy Riku fought. It was eerie to say the least, a world which had been a constant battlefield before, now was vacant, especially after it took a war and Axel's life to simply enter into said world.

Although the two heroes did enjoy the moment of reprieve, the tension in the air was thick as they walked deeper into the dark city...the city covered by unceasing nightfall.

Sora couldn't bare the silence, so he spoke up, pointing up at the white castle which hovered ominously overhead, "Do you think Kairi is up there?"

The platinum haired teen simply answered, without breaking stride, or looking at his friend, "Probably."

Growing somewhat annoyed at his friends quip, Sora went to inquire, "Well, why do you think they took her again?"

"Don't know," the elder teen replied truthfully, in the same way as earlier. Although Riku was always quick, short in all his comments, Sora took it the wrong way this time, due to the fact that Kairi was in danger.

The spiky haired teen was growing frustrated, and it seemed as if his friend was uninterested in the girl they both cared about. Sora thought about how to express this to him easily without trouble, and then he decided that being blunt will help, "Riku, why are-"

"Sshh!" Riku stopped dead in his tracks, holding up his index finger signaling Sora to stop, whispering as his ears picked up on something, "You hear that?"

"Hear what? And why are you whis-" Sora asked a bit loudly.

"Quiet! Something's down there," Riku again whispered, pointing down a dark alley to the left of them.

In the silence that followed, they could hear a mournful, ghostly voice. It was distant, but it could be heard, even through the blowing dark wind.

Sora leaned closer to his best friend, speaking softly, now that he knew what Riku was talking about, "Hey, let's check it out." With that, he silently headed down the alley, approaching the mysterious voice as his anxiousness grew, just wondeing what it was in the unknown. "You coming?"

Riku rolled his eyes, he would rather deal with the tension in the air, than approach a potential threat, but he trailed after him anyway, in case he would need help.

As they moved into the darkness, towards the resonance, they could hear that it was not forming words, but was humming softly, and was accompanied by relaxed acoustic sounds, reminiscent of a guitar, but more harmonious. The plucking grew more and more excited as they advanced, while it played a dark, but catchy melody.

Then lyrics could be heard easily now as they got closer, "I see my red door I must have it painted black, maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the fact. It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black, no more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue, I could not foresee this thing happening to you. If I look hard enough into the second sun, my love will laugh with me before the morning comes....." In a more intense voice, it repeated the course, "I see a red door and want it painted black, no colors anymore I want them to turn black, I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes, I have to turn my head until my darkness goes...."

The humming started up again, as the acoustic solo grew into full swing, and the source of the music could be seen through the darkness. They could then notice a man, sitting down on a stool, in the middle of the dark alley right before the dead end. He wore a black trench coat, and a hood which covered his eyes. He was not playing a guitar, as predicted, but a large familiar blue sitar. He did not note the two who approached him, being that he was looking down while he played.

As the music wound down, silence once again overtook them, and the only thing which could be heard was the howl of the dark wind like before. Riku took his last step, standing beside where Sora had stopped.

The mysterious man heard the final footstep and flinched, snapping his head up, and he paused for a moment in recollection, before calling, "You?! How did you get in here?!" He jumped off his stool, and stepped back a little as he turned to face the two keyblade wielders. He held his sitar like a spear, keeping a wolf at bay. "What do you want with me now?"

Riku was at a lost at this Organization member, not knowing what to say exactly, as he looked threatened, unbeknownst to him that Sora fought him, and the musician didn't want to face the same fate again. He spoke softly to calm him down, "Uh, nothing."

"Oh," was all the guy muttered, but he still eyed them suspiciously, holding his sitar tightly like it was his life's saving grace, which probably was. The member of the Organization instantly composed himself, as if he wasn't about to run off, and stood upright, looking at them warily, "Then, how can I help you?"

Pulling back his hood, it revealed a youthful and smiling young man. He had light brown hair that thinned out as it reached a bit past his shoulders, and on the top of his scalp was flaky soft hair, settling on all sides of his head smoothly, loose strands working as his bangs. It was a different form of the mullet he had posessed before.

He leaned forward, in a friendly manner.

Sora stepped back, as if surprised, expecting to see someone else, "Who are you?!"

"Oh, sorry, my name is Edym, and you are?" he introduced, stepping outward, holding out his right hand as if too shake hands with the brown haired teen. Sora felt as though the man was lying, and although he never heard his name, he felt as though he was called something else, yet the appearance...

Sora jumped back like the guy had a disease, and drew forth his Kingdom Key and took his combative stance. Edym stood back upright, the sitar disappearing as if washed away by water, but no liquid remained. Crossing his arms, he simply remarked, "Now that's just rude."

Riku, who was previously just watching, spoke up, "Have you two met before?"

"Yes!"

"No!"

The two males eyed each other in odd befuddlement, as they said it both in sync, and realizing he was contradicting the other, Edym calmly corrected himself, "Well, we bumped into each other a few times, but we were never formally introduced."

Sora, not leaving his defense, accused, "He's a member of the Organization, he doesn't have a heart, he's faking us, he's not even truly friendly."

Edym looked at Riku, and held out his palms up, as if pleading, "No, it's not like that. I really do have a heart...this time for real."

Sora lashed out, "Liar!"

Riku, realizing the situation wasn't going to be defused with these two going at it like that, probed the circumstances a little more, "Why were you playing that song?"

Edym perked up at that, hearing someone asking about the music. "Because it's such a good song! Do I need another reason?"

Riku analyzed his response, because he knew there was some other type of meaning in that music that somehow clicked with him, and it made him probed Edym even more, "But why?"

"Because I felt like it," Edym replied truthfully with a shrug, not knowing what else to say, and his response sounded sincere enough.

Sora lowered his guard, getting the point Riku was trying to make, and chimed in on the interrogation, "What's the song about?"

Edym looked down, "It's about how you feel, when you lose something important. I can only imagine how you must feel now." His voice was very filled with sympathy and honesty, and he stared directly at Sora as he shot his head back up. It wasn't overdone, or forced like he had seen in the past from the water wielder.

So, Sora was stunned for that minute. He couldn't be a Nobody, since Nobodies couldn't feel emotions, as far as the truth of it goes. But then, with that conversation, Sora was reminded of why he was there, and he blamed, "Why did you take her?"

Placing his hands on his chest, he quickly went to prove his innocence in the matter, and explained, "Dude, I didn't take her. It's not something I wanted to happen, I was against it all along, but it wasn't like I could do anything else."

With that though, Sora came to a conclusion for the both of them, making sure he was stern and serious when proposing, "Help me get her back."

Edym let out a sigh, almost exhausted, "I can't do anything, I told you. If I did help you, they would probably kill me, you, and still stop us anyway."

"Why do they have her?" Sora asked, saying the burning question, closely snapping in the want to understand why would they take her again.

"I don't know. Dilan is the one who wanted her. But he's out of town now. Braig might know something, though," Edym confided unto him, holding up his index finger, only to then realize that Sora was totally puzzled. Going to clarify, he added, "Okay, Dilan used to be Xaldin, and Braig was named Xigbar. Our real names got scrambled with a added 'X' when joining the Organization, but now since things are a bit different, we went back to our real names, that's all. Understand?"

He let out another smile as if proud that he explained it so simply.

Sora was still lost, remembering how cruel and powerful Xaldin and Xigbar were, and grew worried. Letting his best friend to his contemplations, Riku went to ask, "How do we reach them?"

Edym then hesitated, looking around, as if he about to do something wrong. He leaned in, however, and spoke softly, "Okay, Braig isn't taking visitors right now, but Dilan is on vacation, I'm sure if you reach him there, he won't be so grumpy. But, if anyone ask, you didn't get directions from me, okay?"

Sora was confused now, wondering why would someone whom he killed be so eager to help him? Could a heart really change someone that much? And why was Riku so quick to comply?

The platinum haired teen was satisfied, though, and gave a nod, "Alright, let's get going."

Edym opened a portal for them in return, and stepped aside, gesturing them towards it, as if a host welcoming a guest through a door.

Sora looked over at his lifelong friend, obviously uncertained, "Do you really trust him?"

"Why not? I dont think he's lying. Besides, if it takes us towards Kairi, it's worth it, right?" Riku tried to reason, though he wasn't sure who was he honestly convincing here. But he had faith, that whatever happens, he knew they could make it.

"Fine...," Sora gave, his shoulders sagging, going with a bit more trust, not on Riku, but on....Edym. Sighing, he reluctantly walked through the dark portal, as his best friend followed close behind, both disappearing into the void.

The portal closed behind them, leaving the lone Organization member in the dark alley. As it sealed, the smile vanished, and he glanced down sorrowfully, as if an internal conflict tore at him.

Another portal opened, and a second Organization member walked out calmly, and his voice was just as relaxed and monotonous as his entrance, shortly complimenting, "You did well."

Edym turned back to face his new companion, though not a very pleasant one, "Yeah, I'll go tell Braig what happened."

The cloaked figure reprimanded him as if correcting a child, his gold eyes piercing, though didn't show any signs of changing his conduct as he ordered, "No, tell no one of this."

"But didn't Braig say that he wanted to know everything that happened to them?" Edym questioned.

"Do you dare question a servant of The Superior??" he inquired back, now a threatening tone to his voice. "You do realize when he returns, he will cleanse the rust off the Organization?"

Edym fidgeted in the gaze and austere vibe of the man who stood before him, "Oh… no, no it's not like that, I just meant-"

"Silence, you look foolish enough."

 

YAY!!! RIKU!!! *glomps*
oh, and sora too, i guess...

 

FINALLY CHAPTER 7 has arived!

I blame the Superbowl for the delay.

Again, big thanks to *TwilightNight* !

Chapter 7: A Friendly Walk And A Dark Encounter

Through the crystal fissure, two friends walked along idly along a path. They were heading towards a tower off in the distance, which seemed to have a dark aura around it, and as they kept approaching, the darkness became more and more noticeable.

But, nonetheless, there was nothing attacking them, there was no immediate threat, and the two Nobodies, seemed to enjoy the moment of serenity.

Roxas spoke up first as they kept walking, "So, uh, what are we doing here anyway?"

Axel thought about his reply for a moment, reluctantly going back to the time when they affronted the certain female. That wasn't exactly the way he expected their meeting to go, hell, he didn't even predict a meeting. She was suppose to be gone back then..."I don't know, didn't Larxene tell us we will find out something here?"

"Yeah, but what?"

The redhead shrugged, rolling his eyes in a exasparated manner, "I. Don't. Know." There was a pause as they continued to their destination, Axel thinking back on something. "Hey Roxas, why didn't you want to go with me when I came to pick you up?"

Roxas stopped, not expecting that sort of question to pop up, "I…don't know." The young nobody lowered his head. "I was whole, Axel, for the first time I could remember I was whole. I could feel it...."

Axel turned around, his eyes shifting to the side wryly, but showing annoyance, "Yeah, you were whole, huh? Did you really even exist? All you were was a part of Sora, it wasn't you, not Roxas....you were simply living someone's else life and seeing it through his eyes." He placed his left hand on his hip, and held out his finger, talking down to his younger friend."Wouldn't you think?"

Roxas, agitated by his friend's accusing tone, slapped his finger out of the way, stepping forward and getting into the taller redhead's face, "Yeah, what if that's all I am, part of Sora? What if that's all I am meant to be? What if I'm happy like that?"

"You're not," Axel answered in a knowing grace as he took a step back, not anticipating Roxas's abrupt lash out. Shaking his head, he turned his eyes to somewhere else, adding, "You're not the Roxas I remember."

Roxas was stunned by his best friend's words, and he remained silent for awhile, before questioning, "What is that suppose to mean?"

The other Nobody swirled his eyes back on the blond. "The Roxas I know would rather be himself, and would die fighting for that. Remember when Riku came to you?"

Roxas let out a defeated sigh, "Things are different now. You know, sooner or later, I will go back..."

Axel looked down sorrowfully, memories filling him, "Roxas, you're lucky you have the option of being someone, I dont."

"Axel…," Roxas called out to his friend softly, his defensive facade from before fading as he eyed the man before him in regret. "I didn't mean that...."

Axel waved a hand nonchalantly to dismiss it, a bitter smile gracing his face, "I understand, you can live your 'life' and all, it's cool. I'll just try to find another friend. One who actually knows what it's like being a Nobody and all."

A third voice suddenly interrupted their serious conversation, "How touching, those without hearts, are nursing a friendship which they are incapable of feeling."

Both of the duos' heads snap in the direction it was coming from alert, and they noted another member, dressed in a black trench coat, with a hood covering his face. But that wasn't what really caught their eye...slung over his shoulder smoothly was a rather large, very familiar scythe...

Axel expressed surprise momentarily, not expecting another of Castle Oblivion, not to mention the appointed Lord of it, but it soon switched to determination in less than a second as he summoned his two chakrams in a burst of flames. He was never fond of the one who stood in front of him, and his eyes narrowed sharply at the figure, his voice in a drawl when he spoke, "Marluxia...what are you doing here?"

Following in suit, Roxas summoned his two trademark Keyblades, not really knowing what to make of this appearance, but gearing up anyway.

"Marluxia is dead, you should know that, Axel, everything unfolded just as you had planned before. Oh...or wasn't Castle Oblivion your chest board?"

"Shut up!" Axel shouted, in a rare moment of loosing his cool, flinging his two chakrams with added fire at the other man, who took his own weapon from its rest on his shoulder as he made it slash down, which parried the ablazed opposition away in a loud clash of metal, apparently effortlessly. The dual wheels belonging to the pyromaniac spun out back to him like a boomerang, raising a arm to catch one by the top of his head smoothly, and grasping the other rushed chakram on his other as it passed by the side of his waist slickly, not breaking stride and unfazed.

Closing his eyes, Axel gave a small, dry chuckle to himself.

Ah, what a ironic déjà vu.

Ignoring the attack, Roxas went to stare at his friend as the redhead opened his eyes, blatantly finding something amusing, his chakrams clutched normally by his sides as he settled. Not breaking focus on the threat which stood before him, the blond spoke, a sense of tension in his tone, "Axel, what's he talking about?"

There it was again. The mention of Castle Oblivion. Nobody ever told him much, only the few details like their betrayal when the fire wielder came back...alone. They always kept things from him, even Axel himself, which were now understandable concerning the truth about his Other.

The man with the scythe gave a deep grumble, lending his own chuckle to the mix, "Oh, I see, so you didn't tell him? As expected from you. Did you tell him about how Larxene trusted you? Which isn't easy to gain with the girl... you're never aware of who might backstab you. I take it you did not mention how Zexion begged for his life. How our downfall was master-minded by you? The way you enjoyed our demise? Perhaps it suits you better to keep your friends in the dark..."

Axel gritted his teeth, more on the fact of Roxas hearing this. Damn it.

Roxas finally broke his attention, gazing intently now over at Axel, in disbelieve and lack of understanding. Demise? Plan? Kill his own comrades? Was he truly capable of such things? Or was it all part of Marluxia's game? It was at that moment where words appeared on his mind as he remembered....

Hypocrite, you shouldn't be speaking, because I did nothing! You mean yourself, right? Everyone who trusted you were destroyed, so don't give me that. Coward, backstabber, and a liar, without honor, that's what you are, and you make me sick. Sadistic? Let me not remind you of your face, your smile, your enjoyment, when….if anyone should be wretched in Oblivion and suffer, is you!

The blond found himself gripping his Keyblades harder, not going to make conclusions just yet. It was Marluxia who they were dealing with, and the Organization.

Axel, as earnest as ever, sent forth a stretch of flame, but more laidback this time to study the other's reaction, in which the scythe wielder halfway halted it with a wave of petals that radiated from his weapon on command, as though the scythe and petals were an extension of himself. The halfhearted flames were simply extinguished, neutralized by nature itself.

Roxas hesitated a moment in his confusion, not knowing what to think, or what to take as truth, both Larxene and Marluxia had spoken out about this, and Axel's reaction back then when facing the female wasn't at odds with what they were saying...but still. As his swirl of constant thoughts overtook him, his natural reaction was clear, rage. He ran towards the member who was serving a unwanted visit, swinging his Keyblades in fury. As he came within striking distance, the man vanished in a blur of cherry blossom petals, as though he was never there.

He reappeared behind the two Nobodies, Axel scoffing unimpressed as his eyes looked upward.

"So quick to violence. I would expect that out of you two, violence was your usual reaction to everything. Don't you know that there are easier ways to get the job done?" In a another flash of pink petals, the scythe disappeared, but then he held up his hand, darkness radiating from it. He continued, "Take the Blackhearts for example, they are so eager to do my work for me."

On cue, dozens of portals opened up from the ground, and out of each one, a Bleeding Heart crawled forth. The two Nobodies intending to face off against the current Organization XIII member, were surrounded by masses and masses of bizarre creatures.

Roxas looked around, raising his eyebrows alarmingly. "What are these things?"

Axel firmly grasped his chakrams, taking the initiative of Roxas being distracted from the previous disussion to his hands. "Don't worry about it, just kill them!"

Roxas lifted up his Oblivion just in time to parry the heart's leap.

Axel attempted to cut through the one nearest to him, but it leaped back, and in a quick second, lunged back forward, knocking Axel down with a surprising strength. Roxas slashed through the one which initially attacked him, only for a second one to reach out with a tenticle like appendage, pulling him down.

The situation looked bleak for the two Nobodies, but then they were saved by something unexpected.

 

........so who was the guy that was talking to......uh.....Edym......and......what's Marluxia's real name?.....if you haven't come up with a good one that's fine....cause....I wouldn't be able to unscramble any of their names....

 

Chapter 8!!! Another shorty, but goodie. I cant go without thanking my betawriter *TwilightNight* again.

Enjoy!

Chapter 8: An Enigmatic Dragon

After walking through the dark portal, the first thing the two heroes heard was the serenity of a waterfall, the water trinkling down into the stream or river below, cradling their ears. As the cataracts of both adapted to the sudden bright place they were standing in, they realized were they were… the castle...in the world that was once known as Hollow Bastion, now called Radiant Garden.

They were at the main entrance to the high tech castle.

Sora looked around nervously, being there reminded him of some rather unpleasant memories, the main of which was watching his best friend being taken by darkness.

Not only that either. He couldn't help but also sensed something familiar, in this particular world...it was distant, far from here, but he could feel it. It was recognizable, yet not. It was him, but not him...and Sora creased his eyebrow as he focused.

Roxas?

Riku, not as affected by this as his buddy, looked up at immense gate, and noticing it was left opened, walked through it calmly. The blue eyed teen blinked as he watched the platinum haired male go to it without a problem, snapping out of his thoughts of his Nobody. Not wanting to be left behind, Sora composed himself, and followed his friend stealthily.

It was simply the past, perhaps. And whatever sense of Roxas he had, it will have to wait.

When they stared into the hall, they saw an armored figure hunched over on one knee. He was breathing heavily, dressed in blue armor, unlike any the two have ever seen before. It looked to be very much inspired by dragons, the shoulder pads seemed to be wings, the helmet appeared to be that of a dragon's head, it also had a red flowing cape.

He had something wrapped in a white cloth, slung across his back, that they both noted to be about eight feet in length.

Giving glances at each other as to agree, Sora and Riku went to approach the male, the brown haired teen speaking up hesitantly, after all, they didn't know if he was a enemy. "Hey, what's going on?"

The man abruptly composed himself, standing up in such a proud grace that Sora had to widen his eyes in interest. He turned around, his lungs apparently still taking air unevenly, and his hands were perched on his hips as he leaned forward. Everything from his nose and above were covered by the dragon like helmet.

Sora leaped back, and with a bright flash, drew forth his Keyblade, in case he tried anything. He was reacting to the man's stature, and immediately guessed he just stumbled onto Dilan, the man once known as Xaldin. Riku responded to Sora's reaction, and drew forth the Way to Dawn, stepping back slowly himself.

The man seemed unimpressed with the teenagers' apparent intimidation of him, "What's wrong with you kids, did I frighten you?"

Sora tilted his head to the side suspiciously, the voice not being the same as he anticipated. If only they could see through that helmet...then again, what would Dilan be wearing a helmet, of all things? He didn't sound like the Organization member as well. Lowering his defense just a bit, Sora scratched his head with his free hand, embarrassed by his exaggeration and mistake. "Um, no. We just thought you were someone else. Do you know where we can find someone named 'Dilan'?"

He smirked at the name. "Well, what do you know? I was looking for him as well."

The armored man then turned the other way, and without another look, kept walking deeper into the castle. Sora and Riku both eyed each other once more, this time confused by the enigma of the warrior they just met, but they decided it would be best to follow him. Making their Keyblades disappear, they moved to step right next to him.

However, the man seemed annoyed when Sora and Riku were walking along side him, uninvited.

Feeling that they weren't exactly wanted, Sora spoke up timidly, trying to break the ice of the guy's cold shoulder and start a conversation, "Uh....so, why are you looking for Dilan?"

The older male just kept walking, not answering.

After pausing to allow a response, the brown haired boy continued to try, chuckling a bit anxiously, "Okay, uh, guess that could be private, that's why you can't answer. Well, is he a friend of yours?"

The man still did not reply, his eyes set gazing forward into the more deeper caverns of the castle, though his jaw tightened.

Sora glanced over at Riku, expecting him to come up with something to help warm up the tension. Riku blankly just pointed at the mysterious object the man had across his back, "What's that you're carrying?"

From the body language that was protruding from his head, and despite his eyes not visible due to the dragon helmet, they could tell he just rolled them. "If I tell you, will you two leave me alone?"

Sora shrugged his shoulders, nodding with a smile, "Sure. Why not?"

Sighing, he went to explain, "This, is the essence of my revenge, and it's the only thing I have left which keeps me from falling into darkness."

Neither Sora or Riku were satisfied with his cryptic response, but since they did agree to stop bothering him, they remained quiet. The knight, or at least he resembled it, stopped before a lift, and hesitated as if unsure how to work it. Sora simply summoned the Kingdom Key back again as he noticed what was holding them up, and reached out, tapping a nearby crystal lightly.

The three were instantly teleported unto the said elevation, and Sora smiled smugly, giving a knowing look to the man, "Oh well, it looks like you need us. We're not that bad, let's hang out for a bit, is that alright?"

The warrior apparently had no choice now, as they seem to know the place more than he did. Looking down at the younger two, he finally introduced himself, "The name is Kain…"

 

Nice.....:D......I like this guy already......

 

rockin dude
and RIIIIIIIIIKU!!! HUZZAH!!! *mega glomp*

 

You guys do know who Kain is right???

 

........huh.....it all makes sense now......and yet it doesn't.......

 

not a clue
HE LOOKS LIKE BATMAN!!! XDDDD

 

The Dark Knight of the Dark Ages! LOL!

Ok, if you guys are truly intested you could read his story in the link. The first two paragraphs will give you his backstory.

His personality is typically an introvert.

He is very a professional, soldier type.

 

i still think he looks like batman XD

 

Is kind of there, Fire, like it showed that he had gold eyes. Who else has gold eyes? xP (Hint: Is one of the characters I RP in Org. Rivals)

 

Um... I pmed Firekeyblade letting her know it would be explained in later chapters. Its ok they, You didnt give her anymore hints than the chapter itself gave.

I was really suprised you guys did not know who he is... he is only reffered to in every Final Fantasy game. Even one that came out before FF4... he used to be like the Babe Ruth of Final Fantasy, everyone knew who he was. I guess I'm just old... :(

And yes, he does look like Batman.

Ok, back to the story. Its a funny one...

Everyone give thanks to *TwilightNight* for betaing it for me again.

Chapter 9: An Unexpected Rescue / Big Bad Pete

The Bleeding Hearts began covering the two Nobodies with what appeared to be liquid darkness, until all they could see was pure black. They lay struggling desperately to defend themselves from the overwhelming bizarre creatures attacking them, too much all at once, even for such fighters as them, when these were new specimens they have never seen. It wasn't until it was getting drastic, that they were saved by something unexpected.

They could hear slashing and stabbing sounds around them, followed by the shrill death screams of the Bleeding Hearts. It released them both from the darkness, and as they gained their eyesight, their gazes looked around. As Roxas stood back up after a while of checking, apparently fine, he saw the Organization XIII member standing in front of them, but something was between them and him.

Axel went to stand as well, puzzled as to what just happened, but quite surprised at what he saw. "Why are all these Nobodies here?"

They were surrounded by dozens of Dusks, as well as a few Samurai Nobodies, Roxas's own, or were.

The one they called Marluxia tilted his head to the side, not taken aback, but simply curious at the turn of events, "Interesting…I didn't think they would side with you."

He skillfully jumped back evasively before a number of spike like appendages wrapped around where he was standing, making it a missed attack. The assailant, rising from the ground and spreading its wings, revealed itself, another underling who this time, used to be under Axel’s control: an Assassin Nobody. Marluxia, not wanting to waste pointless time, reached into a neck of his black trench coat, and pulled out a small metallic object. He tossed it to Axel, and the redhead let one chakram dissolve into flame to free his hand, plucking the object expertly out of the air as it came to him. His green eyes studied it momentarily.

"What's this?" he inquired.

"The body of a Elite Nobody, is too strong, we must corrupt the heart," he easily replied, a small, silky smirk appearing on his face at the irony that Nobodies do not have hearts. "You can just call it 'proof you survived a direct attack'. Why don't you think on it for awhile?"

He was speaking purposely in riddles, which annoyed Roxas at the moment, along with everything else. Upon seeing the blond's reaction, however, Marluxia let out a knowing smile, and with a wisp of darkness, only leaving floating sakura petals behind on his wake, he was completely gone, abandoning the two former Organization XIII members surrounded by the lesser Nobodies.

As if on cue, the underlings then turned their attention towards Roxas and Axel.

The redhead was looking at his clenched fist though, not wanting to see an object capable of "corrupting the heart" of a Nobody, even if they didn't have a heart, especially when it was given to him, but he curiously wanted to unlock it as well…it was what they called the weakness of temptation. For all he knew, he could be opening a Pandora's Box, yet….

He was distracted from any other thoughts as he noticed the remaining Nobodies were encircling him and Roxas. Axel eyed them cautiously, not sure of what their intentions were. They all were staring at the two, as if studying them, but you could't really tell.

The Assassin took a step forward to Axel and Roxas, who grasped their weapons tightly for any form of incoming attack, anticipating yet another battle. It isn't what happened as the Assassin revealed its intentions as it curtseyed gracefully before Axel.

The older male just blinked.

The Samurai and Dusks followed, bowing before the two human formed Nobodies as well, one after the other in synch.

Both the duo of best friends were confused and flustered by this, giving each other glances, as if that would explain the type of behavior the Nobodies were giving. The blond was the one who broke the silence, as he asked tensely, "What do you think they want?"

Axel shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head softly. "I don't know, but they're not with the Organization, it seems they're with us now. But why? I mean, the Dusks sure weren't showing me mercy when Sora and I were being attacked by them, and I…well, you know."

Despite saying this and the current situation, he turned his attention back to the item that hid inside his clutched hand, its chain hanging out of it. Hesitating, he went to open it slowly, preparing for the worst, only for it to reveal an unimpressive looking silver locket. Staring at it dryly now, it appeared that it was locked, without a key to go with it, it wasn't simply the type of tiny locket you'll find on jewelry or in a necklace. This was a real deal. It seemed familiar to Axel too, but he didn't know from where.

Roxas took a passive interest in what Axel held, but he dismissed its import once he saw it, figuring it to be nothing more than a dumb distraction. Pointed at the now closed heartless tower, he said to him, wanting to get going, seeing as the Nobodies weren't doing anything, "We're almost there. Let's find out what we came here for."

__________________________​

As they approached the main gate when they finished running to the dark tower, a few Soldiers, and Large Body Heartless appeared to defend it, but since both of them had their weapons in hand, they were slashed from keyblades and chakrams, and combusted from fire as the two Nobodies took care of it breezily. Not only that, but besides the both of them, the army of other Nobodies were following their lead, helping, which made the Heartless defenses utterly feeble.

Then suddenly Roxas stopped, almost as if a ray of lighting hit his brain, and he looked back, a smirk growing on his face as he understood and was aware of the far away essence. "Sora! He's okay!"

But those thoughts were quickly dismissed when he realized he was now with his best friend, Axel. His Somebody was with Riku too, so they were both well off.

The said male scratched his head, ignoring what Roxas had just said, as odd as it was, and looked down the hall. "I think we just got played."

"What?" Roxas mumbled, creasing his eyebrows, turning his head back to the front.

They saw a fat anthropomorphic cat coming, who seemed shocked to see their presence in this property. He was carrying a fifth teen inch screen television set, with an old bunny ear type antennae, and was walking out of a room filled with cardboard boxes.

"Why would they send us somewhere where Heartless come from?" Axel reasoned, eyeing his friend.

"Hey, what's a yous doing here?" the large cat questioned the intruders as he got closer.

Roxas let out a little chuckle at the creature's comedic appearance.

"What's so funny? You laughing at Big Bad Pete? Why I oughta teach you a lesson!" the huge cat, now known as Pete, shouted angrily, dropping the TV to roll up his sleeve. The television set toppled over onto his foot, and he winced in pain, hopping up and down in his remaining foot as he held the other pain gripping one in his hand.

Roxas stared over to Axel, blatantly both amused and weirded out at the pathetic display, jokingly saying, "Are we suppose to take him seriously? Look at him, he's so helpless…helpless enough that he's a danger to his bulging foot. Maybe Sora will like to have that bunny eared antennae of a TV…and I don't mean as a present for Kairi."

Kairi...Naminé. Roxas vaguely wondered if Sora and Riku had gotten farther than they have...

Axel smiled at his words, not fully doubting Sora might keep something like that, but took a moment to think at this for a second. "Hey, you think maybe he might know something?"

Roxas raised a eyebrow, confused, giving a unimpressive look at Pete, before turning back to Axel, his expression appearing as if asking the fire wielder if his brain were missing a few screws. "This weirdo? How can he help us? I don't even think he can help himself."

The army of Nobodies, looked on, eager for a command from their two commanders. They were making the situation a bit awkward. Axel turned to them, still confused at their behavior, but thinking that if they were so keen to do what they said, why not give something a try? "Okay…you guys wait up, aaaand come in if we need you, alright?"

They all gave a nod, and with a flash of twilight thorns, the lesser Nobodies disappeared.

It was only then that Pete's guardian revealed herself. She came running through the door with a furry fury, barking and growling at the two remaining Nobodies, who backed up a bit. It was a runt of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Roxas simply chuckled, looking at the little creature, until he laughed a little as it snarled and barked at him, not dangerous or intimidating at all, and the way it was trying so hard to be, entertained him. It was just…funny.

Axel reached down to pick the dog up without a sense of caution, and it snapped at him biting his thumb, making him let out a yelp. He stuck his hurt finger inside his mouth, wincing with the pain, and glaring at the stupid fur ball, though with a smirk. He wasn't sure what was the proper reaction, laughter or rage… he looked over at his companion, and saw he was still laughing, this time, at him and what the dog did, so he decided to join him in the fit. Feisty thing it was, reminded him of Larxene…

That thought just truly made Axel crack up.

Pete finally stopped hopping around, as if it the took all the pain on his foot, and went to snatch his dog up softly. "Awe, Chainsaw, they didn't hurt you did they?"

Roxas stopped his mirth, just for a moment, though a full smirk was on his face as he looked at the overgrown cat. "Wait, you have a dog named 'Chainsaw'?"

He snorted, as he placed a hand over his mouth. This Pete…he didn’t know, he was just…wow.

Pete stomped his feet in frustration, narrowing their eyes at them, "Hey, what are you doing here anyways? I was just moving some stuff around, and you twos show up and start pushing Heartless around like you own the place! What's the big idea?"

Axel composed himself first, though the vision of feisty Larxene was still on his mind, and it made him chuckle for a second. He knew if ever turning that girl into a dog, she will successfully detach your leg and rip it off with her sharp teeth, and just to spite you, she'll find a way to play with it by making it walk. Then again, she might've changed from what him and Roxas saw before…and he was honestly just exaggerating, though he wouldn't put it pass her. "What's the big idea? We were sent here too look for...do you know what happened to Organization XIII?"

Pete looked that man up and down, noting that he was obviously a member, so why wouldn't he know? He clutched his still barking dog closer to his chest, almost lovingly. "Well, well, you got kicked out of your little club, aye? Why should I help you?"

Roxas then collected himself to be serious, only momentarily, but seeing Pete cradle his doggie made him let out a another fit of small giggling. He still couldn't really believe this guy…cat…cat guy? Man, it was just like Goofy…except he was a anthropomorphic dog.

By this time, though, one had enough, and Axel, showing frustration, looked back to Roxas, "Could you try to be quiet? I'm trying to talk to him." Sending him a stern stare, he went back to the catlike person. "Actually, no, something happened to them, we wanted to know what it was."

"Well, you guys seem alive and well to me. In fact, I wish you'd all quit harassing me, I mean, Maleficent told me to start packing this place up because you keep taking Heartless away from us."

Roxas, clearing his throat to regain a bit of seriousness, inquired, "So that's what you were doing, getting ready to move out?"

"Yeah, well, what you going to do, just stand there, or help me pack?"

Axel shook his head, thinking that there had to be a way the Organization was still here. Was it like him how they returned? But then, they had hearts, and he didn't… biting his lower lip, he muttered to himself, gazing down at the ground, "I don't get it, how could the Organization not go away? I mean, I watched most of them die..."

Unaware to him, as low as it was, Roxas managed to hear him, and was surprised by Axel's candidness as he snapped his head at him, making him remember what both Marluxia and Larxene told him. Honestly, Axel still hadn't explained that either. "What do you mean?"

Axel, realizing he slipped, went to correct himself casually as if Roxas was mistaken, "Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. I meant, that I even died."

Roxas frowned at him.

Pete scratched his head, just annoyed that the two just ignored him. "So, yous guys got beaten once, as I know, too bad, I wish I could've taken you all on, and I would have, if you didn’t have me outnumbered and all. Who beat you alls anyways?"

Axel rolled his eyes, the improper speech was starting to get irritating.

The blond male answered for him, turning his focus from studying his best friend, to Pete, "Sora did. And I guess me...by default though."

"Oh, you mean that Keyblade brat?" Pete pretended he didn't appear that impressed as he looked sideways in a huff. "Hmph, I didn't think he was that strong."

Roxas grew indignant, scowling at the cat figure, "Hey, you should have respect for Sora, he did save the worlds, and in turn, saved you, though that isn't exactly a favor."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah!" Roxas replied, summoning his two trademark Keyblades on his hands, as if daring him to say anything else. Now he sort of remembered this Pete…not fully, but he could see a image of him, being a constant nuisance to his Other…

"Hey..." Pete mumbled , gazing at the Keyblades as if realizing something. Placing his hand on his chin, he now recognized that the kid did looked similar to Sora, only with blond hair...and different style, and he had the same weapon, as well. "You're just like that brat, aren't you? No wonder you guys are looking for Organization XIII, you want them taken out too."

Axel and Roxas both thought about their situation, they were not sure if Organization XIII should be taken out. Larxene certainly seemed friendly, and real enough, but Marluxia seemed to be hell-bent on their destruction. Did the opinion of the members about the two of them differ? For Axel, he was more concentrated on the Castle Oblivion members. Did they hate him? Were they like Marluxia? Or were they like Larxene, who said she didn't care?

Neither wanted to see the Organization destroyed, but they knew that they were up to no good, at least it appeared so, but they really wanted to get to the bottom of whatever occurred, first and foremost, before taking any other type of action. The two Nobodies stared at each other, trying to communicate silently and decide what to do with their expressions. Both rationalized that their response was not binding, but it was a strategic move. If they said "No," the fool would become uncooperative. But, if they said "Yes," he would be more inclined to help them.

They both nodded finally in consent.

Roxas was the one to speak, agreeing with a nod of his head, and a fake smile, "Yeah, sure!"

"I'll tells you what, just step through this here portal, push around some of those Organization XIII members, and come back when you're done, y’ hear?" Pete replied excitedly, and he snapped his fingers, as a crack of black void appeared in thin air before it expanded, opening up behind the two human Nobodies.

Axel and Roxas turned to face it, eyeing the portal in front of them suspiciously. Pete wasn't the brightest, but how could they know if he really did trust them? Was it a trap?

Their suspicions were soon confirmed, as they were both shoved abruptly inside the portal in a second with strength.

As it closed behind them, Pete waved, "Tood-a-loo! Have a nice trip, see you next fall!" He then grabbed his belly, laughing as the portal closed with them in it. "Aye Pete, why are you so smart!"

He went back to continue his business of packing up boxes relaxed, now that the situation was concluded and over with. Chainsaw, the dog, recovering after Pete dropped it to shove the two people, finally stopped barking and ran back into the room it came from with a whimper.

It appeared scared.

With a flash of twilight thorns, the Nobody army returned, as if noting what he had done. Pete tensed his shoulders, knowing something was right behind him, waiting. Turning, Pete looked around, seeing he was greatly outnumbered, and spoke softly with a sigh, "Uh-oh…"