Roxas ran ahead of Axel as he stepped out into the streets of the dark city.
"Ready for some training?" Axel called to him, jogging to catch up.
"You know it!" he replied, flashing him a grin before heading off again.
Suddenly he stopped, shaking.
"What is it Roxas?" Then he saw.
A Heartless. Its' black smoky form constantly changing, but still managing to look uncannily like Roxas himself. It was staring straight at Roxas, its' gaze not breaking, while he was doing the same, staring straight up at him...what was he doing to him?
Axel took a step forward "Rox-"
Roxas turned abruptly and ran desperately towards Axel, his eyes wide with fear. Axel bounded forwards and caught him, pulling him close. The Heartless moved forward.
"Don't you dare!!" he roared.
Gripping Roxas tightly with one arm he whipped out a blazing chakram.
"Don't you dare..." he repeated in a dangerously low voice. The Heartless sank to the ground and silently slipped away.
Roxas was hanging onto Axel tightly, his face buried into his side. Axel pulled his cloak around them both. Roxas was sobbing as he shook, his lungs fighting for breath. Axel hugged him close, whispering in his ear.
"Shh….it's okay now, it's okay. You're safe."
Axel felt what seemed to be a nod, and heard a muffled "okay". It was then his legs gave way. Axel scooped him up, and started the walk back towards Castle Oblivion.
