Disclaimer: "I do not own Kingdom Hearts."
Kiome-Yasha: "I JUST want to post the first chapter to this story, to get a clear way of how I'm going to tackle this when my other fanfic projects are done. You guys are cared to read, fav, alert, and review if you want to ^_^. I would appreciate them."
Chapter 1 Red Fields
Naminé walked down the hygienic and pallid hallways with a soft hum of concentration in her steps. She held her clipboard from today's examinations, studying each one carefully just as her supervisor instructed. Being only an intern, she had a lot to learn. Thankfully, she wasn't alone—her best friend Olette was also doing her own share of training. However, they were in different departments. Naminé was in occupational therapy, while Olette was Orthopedics. They graduated last year from Traverse University with a masters in Occupational Therapy, and have been part of the staff ever since. Nearly two years have passed, and Naminé still felt like she was a student who was studying for her finals. There were tedious and needless exercises, day in and day out. For once, she wanted to achieve some type of recognition—that she can have her own patient to help treat. Olette already had about five personal clients recorded in her files, while all Naminé had to show was none. Besides being in the hospital, she also had her part-time job at Belle's bookstore. Things were indeed bleak for her career, and it wasn't getting any better.
She sighed restlessly after putting down her notepad. "I'm so glad I'm off this weekend. I seriously need a break."
"Naminé!"
The blonde turned and spotted her best friend walking towards her.
"Olette!"
She came to a stop and spoke, "Is your shift over too?"
Naminé nodded while holding her clipboard with both hands against her thighs. "Yup, I just finished my last check-up with Doctor Leonhart not too long ago."
"Great, because I got a text from Hayner not too long ago about having some fun together later. Apparently he wants us to meet him at the front. Whatever it is, he said Pence is already waiting for us there." She shrugged and reviewed the message once more in order to see if there was anything else she was missing to mention. "Knowing Hayner though, it must be something totally out of our standards of fun."
Naminé giggled in response. "Well, best not to keep him waiting. Not like I have anything planned besides go home and make dinner." She checked the time on her watch. "It's only 5:00pm, pretty early compared to our usual hours."
"You're right," she surrendered with agreement. "Guess it can't hurt to see what this idiot has in store for us."
"Well, let's go turn in our reports for the day and get changed then. I'm sure he's already here," she suggested with a smile.
Olette nodded and followed her friend into the locker room. They changed out of their uniforms and quietly made their way out. At that moment, Olette's cellphone began to buzz. It startled her, causing her to take it out. The screen was lit with the name "Hayner" on it.
She followed Naminé out the door with aggravation in her voice. "What is it? We're coming out now! Try to be patient!"
"Well, hurry up! We're on a time schedule here!" Hayner hollered anxiously from the other line.
"Just what is this fun activity you have planned for us anyway, Hayner?"
"That will ruin the surprise!"
"Yeah right," she critically responded, "I bet it's because you knew I was going to refuse."
"Yeah, but…. I promise, it won't be anything you'll regret," he reasoned confidently.
"We'll see…" she grumbled before hanging up.
"Hmm…" Naminé silently observed the tone of their conversation. "My intuition tells me we're about to enter a guy activity zone here."
Olette laughed nervously at the possibility. "Why do I have the feeling that you're right?"
They turned the corner and stopped. They spotted the enthusiastic male and stared at him dubiously. He waved at them, wearing all types of baseball gear.
"Hey, let's go already! The game started an hour ago!" he shouted with exasperation, "I am not going to miss rookie Roxas Hayes's thirteenth homerun for this season! I paid too much good money for these tickets for it!"
"It's worse…" Olette commented dryly, "We're entering a fanboy zone."
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Demyx got into the dugout with a sour look of defeat on his face. He was out before he could even make it in. He took his helmet off and threw the cap into the bottom of the bench. Luxord patted his back when he sat down, knowing their chances of winning were pretty slim.
Axel popped his gum when he looked up at the scores. "Things sure don't look good for us." He shoved his shoulder into his partner's."Hey, you ready rookie? You're up next."
Roxas kept his head down into the hood of his helmet.
"Hey, Tiger! You're up!" Xigbar called from the other end of the dugout.
Number thirteen positioned his helmet on and got up next for bat. He detached his gloves from the back of his belt and slipped them onto his hands. He smacked them together with a bit of soil and breathed heavily from the pressure.
He stepped out of the dugout where everyone hailed.
Axel joined and applauded. "Bring it on home, Roxas! Got it memorized?"
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Both teams were in their last inning by the time they arrived. Traffic was brutal, and they barely got through the tunnels into the city. The number of the crowd outside and even to the audience inside was unbelievable to get pass. Luckily Pence was already inside with their seats still intact. People were rooting for their favorite team, each holding signs of support. Naminé was impressed by the number of them having "Roxas Hayes" on them. They had words written like "Thirteenth homerun!" and "Roxas will bring it home!" all over the stadium. This was honestly the first ever baseball game she's ever been to, so everything about it seemed mesmerizing. They reached the row where Pence was and sat in their seats beside him.
"Sorry we're late! We had some stragglers." Hayner spoke and glared at the two females, "So, what's the score?"
"Unversed is leading 9 to 8, bases are loaded, and Twilight is up bat. If they manage to hit a homerun, they could win the game. So far though, they already have two outs. That pitcher, Vanitas Holland is giving them no chances," Pence answered, stuffing his face with another piece of corndog.
"He must be juiced." Hayner heaved. "There's no way Roxas will lose to a guy like him!"
"You really look up to this guy, don't you?" Olette curiously asked.
"Well duh! He's like a legend in the making!" he countered haughtily, "Now shut up and enjoy the game!"
"Honestly, why did I even come?" she questioned irritably.
Namine tried to offer peace towards the situation. "Olette, it's not so bad. I actually find this interesting."
"That a girl, Naminé!" Hayner cheered with approval, "Here, you can have my glove! I know this is your first time ever seeing a baseball game, so you get the honor in wearing it! It'll bring you luck, since you appreciate the sport of our manhood…unlike some people~."
Olette rolled her eyes and decided to ignore his insult. Naminé in the meantime watched the field as a player from team "Twilight" got up for bat. The billboard screen flashed the name "Roxas Hayes" on it.
"Hayner, isn't Roxas that player you idolize?" she calmly pointed out.
Hayner burst with excitement. "That's him all right! The rookie of the year!" he placed his hands between his lips and shouted, "Bring it home, Roxas! You can do it!"
Roxas's helmet concealed the intensity of his cobalt eyes, his hair shading any weaknesses from being exposed. The number thirteen was bold and clean on his back. Everyone was chanting his name, praying for that opportunity to see that homerun. Roxas spread his knees apart and held his bat tightly to the side. He locked eyes with the pitcher, gripping the handle to his bat even tighter. They quietly provoked the challenge between them. Vanitas ground his teeth together and carefully exchanged signals with the catcher at home plate. They needed to compromise some strategy that could help strike the rookie out. If they could accomplish that, the game will be theirs.
The audience silently waited in anticipation. Naminé never realized how engrossed she was until she discovered how far she was leaning forward. The seats they had were across from the outer field. So the possibility of someone catching Roxas's homerun was pretty massive. Vanitas threw the ball—Roxas swung—and missed.
"Strike ONE!" The umpire shouted.
The fans booed the call, already waiting for another.
"Come on!" Hayner bellowed.
"Hit it!" Pence eagerly shouted.
Naminé grabbed Olette's arm, becoming equally as frantic. "Oh God, this game is too intense!"
"Naminé you're hurting my arm!" The female painfully yelped.
"Oh, sorry!" She immediately released her hold.
Soon, another ball hit into the catcher's awaiting hand.
"Strike TWO!"
Everyone in the crowd was getting nervous.
Roxas twisted his helmet and hit the tip of his bat onto the plate. He needed to concentrate. Axel and the rest of his team were depending on him. They couldn't afford to lose now, not when the bases were loaded.
"It's all on you man, bring it on home." Axel softly encouraged while chewing on his gum.
Roxas sighed heavily and tapped his foot once more onto the dirt.
'Come on!' he mentally chastised.
At that moment, everything was slow and clear. His vision heightened the moment Vanitas threw the ball. As the red and white sphere gradually made its way towards him, Roxas took the risk and swung. A clap that sounded like thunder roared across the stadium—it was a hit! The word "homerun" blinked erratically across the screen. Everyone jumped out of their seats and cheered from the phenomenon. It only took Roxas a few seconds to realize what was happening before he started running. He threw his bat onto the ground, and stepped on each base with his hand held high. His face was shown for everyone to see, including the cameras. As for the ball, it was going straight into the crowd—more specifically—towards Naminé.
Hayner stared at the incoming ball and then to the gawking girl beside him.
"Naminé!" he cried out hysterically in panic.
"Huh?" she snapped out of her stupor and found the ball inching closer towards her face.
"CATCH IT!" he urgently demanded.
With her hand held high, Naminé reached up and unexpectedly caught Roxas's homerun. It seemed so simple once in her hand, like it was meant to be there. She took the ball out of her glove and examined the item gratefully in awe. A smile bloomed across her lips from the memorable achievement, spreading warmth across her entire face for being a part of it.
That's when Hayner decided to spoil the moment. "Uh, you know that's my glove you used to catch it, right Naminé? So technically, that ball belongs to me."
Olette smacked the back of his head. "It's hers. You can't regret giving it to her now."
Pence laughed at his friend's misfortune. "Tough luck, buddy."
Hayner silently wept from the predicament he had put himself in. "Aww man~, it's not fair~. How was I supposed to know she was going to get it?" He started crying humorously onto Pence's shoulder, seeking comfort for his loss.
"Aww Hayner, if you really want it…" Namine kindly started with guilt.
"No, Naminé!" Olette sharply intervened, "You caught it! It's yours! That idiot is just going to have to suffer for it."
The blonde gave a mournful smile towards the grieving fanboy. "Sorry, Hayner."
He once again broke into manly sobs.
"It's okay." Pence patted his best friend's back.
"She doesn't even watch baseball, more or less even understand the game," he miserably explained.
"I know," he agreed with a sigh.
"Oh well…" Hayner sat up and smiled contentedly nonetheless. "I just hope it doesn't mean you'll regret it."
She shook her head to refuse the thought. "No! Never! This is a weekend I'll never forget."
Olette beamed joyfully with agreement. "I guess this outing was a good start for our weekend after all." She turned to the blond male with consent, "You did good, Hayner."
"Like you ever doubted me," he smugly interjected.
At that moment, Naminé smiled and looked out at the field towards the rest of the splendor.
Roxas's team went out and greeted the hero with open arms for his thirteenth homerun. They leapt with joy, happily celebrating their victory. 'Congratulations Roxas! Homerun!' was written on the screen, signifying his triumph for everyone to see. Before long, it was time to greet the other team with handshakes and high-fives. It was a tradition of respect for a good game.
Roxas was happily commended by each of his teammates and competitors. Vanitas kept his cap down when reaching over to the blonde in open hand. However, when their hands met, tension rose between them. The pressure of his touch was sinister and disapproving, striking Roxas's very core. The rookie turned to meet his rival's gaze and swore he saw a foreboding glare of revenge in his eyes. He dismissed it though as minor soreness from losing. There was no time for hostility, only glory.
This was the beginning step to his career as rookie of the year.
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Naminé came home and placed her personal belongings on top of the kitchen counter. She lived with her older sister, Larxene, who paid for most of the rent. Naminé noticed the leftover Thai food from Mulan on the table. She must have ordered out since she wasn't around to make dinner. She found her sibling sleeping on the couch with the TV on.
'As expected.' she fondly commented within her mind.
When she closed the door to the apartment, Larxene woke up with a start.
"Naminé, is that you?" she asked with a drowsy yawn.
"Yeah, it's me. You fell asleep on the couch again, Larxene." she sweetly chided.
"Don't lecture me about something stupid like that, sis. I'm paying for most of the rent, you know," she arrogantly countered. "What took you so long in getting home anyway? I had to order out to make up for the dinner you left for me," she sarcastically stated with a pout.
"I'm sorry, I got held up by friends. Hayner invited Olette and I to a baseball game," she gently explained.
"Baseball game?" Larxene questioned with disbelief, "Was it Twilight vs. The Unversed? I heard Roxas Hayes performed his thirteenth homerun today on TV."
"Yes! That's the one we were at! I actually caught his ball!"
"Oh you did, did you?" her sister spoke with sexual implication, "So, how fast and hard was it?"
"Larxene!" Naminé blushed madly from her filthy mind.
The older blonde cackled manically with amusement towards her sister's innocent demeanor. "That just clarifies everything then. I heard he's a real heartthrob. Is that true?"
"Well…not that I saw him up close, but…" The girl mumbled at the statement, knowing she couldn't deny it, "…He did look attractive."
"I bet he did." The evil nymph grinned. "Firm body, all that dirt and soil on his face…not to mention that tight as—."
"Larxene!"
She broke out into laughs.
She soon flipped her arms over the back of her head and stretched. "The whole point is, you had fun, right?"
Naminé took out her victory prize from within her coat. "Yeah, you're right."
Her sister then waved her hand to send her off. "If that's the case, leave me alone and get to bed already. It's late and I got work to do in the morning."
"Oh right, sorry." She nodded and headed off into the direction of her room. "Goodnight~."
"Whatever," she grumbled before quickly falling back to sleep.
Naminé entered her room and changed into her pajamas right away. She was exhausted from the experience today, and favored the idea of sleep more than anything right now. She went over to her bed and placed the ball on top of her nightstand. When she got under the covers and rested her head on top of the pillow, she smiled. There was something truly comforting about that ball.
Somehow, she felt like luck was coming her way.
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The team sang in fanfare as they popped a bottle of champagne over Roxas's head. The blonde's hair was now moist with liquor, his teammates laughing merrily at the mess he made.
"You guys." Roxas shook his hair wildly and sprayed the liquid all over them in act of retaliation. "There, see how much you like it."
He chuckled handsomely with mischief before taking the bottle himself to consume.
"Woah! Woah!" Axel swiftly took the drink off his hands. "Not so hasty there, partner! Save some for the rest of us, got it memorized?"
Luxord soon added with the same amount of urgency. "Yeah, mate! Pass it here!"
Roxas wiped his mouth with a grin on his face. "Alright, alright. Take our your glasses and I'll pour some for the each of you."
Axel handed the champagne back to the rookie and allowed him the pleasure in serving them. They all got their share and raised their glasses high into the air.
"To Roxas!" Xaldin firmly shouted.
"To Roxas!" they all repeated.
"For being the one to lead us home for the next part of the season!" Axel winked and added.
"Here! Here!"
Roxas smiled from their support, becoming ecstatic by how fortunate he was. Fate had led him here to be part of the big league. He's trained his whole life for this opportunity. He felt like nothing could stop him from going even further. The only thing that seemed to be missing now though, was that thirteenth homerun ball. Whoever caught it, sure was lucky. It was something precious to him, so he could only hope that the person who caught would take care of it. Until then, he at least had his bat around to substitute for it.
"Axel, I'll be right back. I'm going to get my bat," Roxas announced while heading out the door.
"Good idea! We won't start the party without you, so hurry up!"
He chuckled and dashed into the hallway for the dugout area. "Okay!"
He made it to the end and exited through the cabin doors that led out to the field. It was dark, and he could barely see anything besides the tinted beams from above that surrounded the stadium. It was hardly even real to know thousands of people were just there—all just to see him. He turned and explored his team's dugout, searching patiently for his bat. It was long and crystal steel—he had nicknamed it Oathkeeper because of its unique brand of shine.
Still, it was nowhere to be found.
"Where the hell is it?" he questioned with a bit of frustration.
"Looking for this slugger?" The voice sounded dark and familiar.
"What?" He spun his head around in alarm.
Before Roxas could even make out the intruder, he was already knocked into the ground. His legs were the first to fall, and before long, they were the last to be broken.
End Chapter
Kiome-Yasha: "You know what? I actually feel…pretty good about this story. Yeah, even this first chapter felt pretty good. I guess it's because baseball in general has always been a big part of my family's life. It's a sport they love, especially my Mom. I got stitches once from playing baseball lol. So, I don't know, I felt inspired to try and write rokunami with it xD. I'm really anxious about how this story will turn out from what I have planned. And it would mean a lot to hear what you guys thought about it :3. I'm also doing research as I go, since I'm not a pro at medical knowledge. I'm still working on "Viola Lion" and "Whispers in the Dark", so this story might not get updated as much until those stories are done. And if you haven't already, check them out. Until then, give me some healthy reviews, okay? Be seeing ya!"