Fairytale
By xTwoHeartsx
Disclaimer : Kingdom Hearts and its characters are the properties of Square Enix and Disney
Setting : AU
Rating : T
Warning : nothing to be afraid to, I think
EDIT : Okay, sorry for updating this chapter twice, but I found TOO MANY mistakes until it makes my eyes bleeding and my brain wanting to bury itself from heavy embarassment…. Well, I made a few minor changes and added details too…. If you had read this once, it doesn't necessary for you to read this again. I know I still made mistakes, but I don't know which and how, so please tell me if you find it? *innocent smile*
Story 1 – The First Sight of Life
Refreshing cool breeze. Clear blue sky, clean from any cloud. The sun shone its warm rays of light brightly. The green leaves were rustling, blown by gentle wind. The birds were chirping happily, playing on tree's branches. It was a fresh, sunny morning. Beautiful, peaceful, calm−
CRASSH!!!
Okay, maybe not so calm. But still beautiful and peaceful−
"THE PRINCE IS GONE!!!"
So not peaceful too, then.
"What did she say?!!"
STAB.
"Hey, your arrow went astray. You killed three innocent birds at once."
And obviously not beautiful anymore.
Not a decent opening for a fairytale. Nonetheless, this was a story about a lonely prince who was searching for his real self and the meaning of his life, also the happiness which he had never felt in his life before….
That morning, everything was so exciting. Whatever it was could make Roxas excited and smiling happily. Either because of the sunny weather, or the chatters from the people around him, or even just a flock of flying ducks could make Roxas amazed. The bright and clear circumstances like this really injected Roxas with positive energy. He had never felt so excited like this before in his life!
After waiting for painful sixteen years… I couldn't stand it anymore… afterall God wouldn't give me the chance… so I'll make my own chance to feel 'happiness'! Roxas smiled a little sad smile, his gaze lowered. He always envied to a high Sora touting his experiences in going to the town; whatever he saw, met, felt, did… so interesting. And obviously, with such lively and big smile plastered to his face everytime, Sora must be included in 'happy' category. Or at least that what Roxas' teacher, Ansem the Wise, said.
Ansem always taught about human's heart and its mystery with so much passion if he didn't teach about old literature and Traverse Land's geographical structure. He once said, human's heart was the one which made all of human's feelings for each emotions. If it was scary, then human would feel anxious, nervous, unsteady. If it was sad, then human would feel something hurt inside their chest, made them wanted to be alone, cry, etc. Emotions like that; scary, sad, curious, angry, etc. had been felt by Roxas. There were only two kinds that Roxas hadn't felt yet; 'happiness' and 'love'. And he had really big curiousity to the two things that was so glorified by Ansem. From what he said, the happiest man was the man who had a heart to love….
It was sounded so beautiful for Roxas. Too beautiful until it hurt not to know how it felt….
So Roxas started to search the meaning of 'love' from that day Ansem told him, as the first step to the 'happiness'. Of course, not from his parents. His father had never talked more than five words to his mother a day unless there're something important – and usually it related with Roxas' growth; and that's definitely not a good sign – while his mother had never made eye contact with his father. Even Roxas was confused why they got married from the start if they weren't too fond of each other's presence? From the maids' chatter that passed by his room, supposedly marriage was the primal symbol for two individuals who were in love, and because of that, marriage was a very holy and sacramental event through a man's life. It was very important that all people celebrated their marriage with such glorious ceremony. Well, it didn't mean that Roxas had attended one. Just saw it from the book.
And of course not from Sora's reaction which always evaded Kairi every time the girl approached him. It was said that 'love' made someone wanted always be with the person they loved. And it's clear that Kairi approached Sora not because of love, but the fact that… Sora would be the king in the future. This made Roxas' stomach entwined, so he quickly erased the thought.
Back to the moment. Roxas took in his surroundings with full attention, like a little boy with his first new toy – very interested and happy. He was walking on a rather wide street with artistic pattern on its stony ground. On the each side of the street there were full of high buildings with so much beautiful states and elegant carvings on them as decorations. The buildings were mostly dark color – dark grey or a slight paler grey – kinda monotone but it's still beautiful. For Roxas who had never seen this, it was very amazing. He never knew that his hometown was very artistic. Its tall and slim black lampstreets, neatly arranged lush, large trees in front of each building, or the elegant clothes that worn by people around him – the ones who gave him suspicious looks for his concealing black coat . Well, he didn't realize since he was too absorbed by the scene around him.
"What are you doing here?"
Roxas jumped when his hand was grabbed tightly by a big and strong hand. He turned his head quickly, and his heart skipped a beat. A tall man with complete iron armor and a rather big spear on his hand. A guard!
"Uh," was an intelligent answer Roxas could muster. Be calm, no one knows me yet…. Even he is a guard, that doesn't mean he is searching for me… he is just patrolling…. Calm down, think fast…! "I… I'm lost… I… I want to go to my… uh, my grandma's house…."
"Well, where is your grandma's house?" the guard asked, a bit suspicious with Roxas' stuttered words. With that black coat covered almost all his body, Roxas' appearance was the similar with a pocket thief. "You are not a noble, right? Why are you in the royalty area?"
This is the royalty area? Roxas repeated inside his mind. Well, that's explained why the buidings here were so luxurious…. Afterall, the pictures in the books show different condition about the town's scenes…. "I-I'm not… I came from outside of the town… I was searching for her house when I realized I have arrived here…. Uh, I think her house is at the center of the capital…."
"The center of capital is there," the guard pointed toward Roxas' behind, to a large beautiful gate. The gate was near 33 feets tall and very wide; all of the parts were made from smooth white stone, strong and conceited. It had the form of two huge pillars with dazzling human carvings on it, and a big stone vault being held on top of it. Behind the gate, between the large and thick black iron bars, the real town with its simple and cheap-material-built buildings was lied. The gate was really fitting as the divider for nobles from mere proletarians. Somewhat, that gave a strong clutch in Roxas' stomach. "How did you get here in the first place?"
"Uh… I… I was…."
"Officer, please help me! My cat goes up the tree, I can't reach her! Poor, poor Patricia is scared for her life now! Please, help me!"
Okay, so Roxas owed the cat lady now. With the guard's attention dragged away from him, he could run away quickly toward the gate which wasn't so far away from his place. Unfortunately, being never go out from his own room, Roxas was breathing very heavily when he reached the exterior part of the gate. He leaned on a light brown stony wall of a small house, trying to catch his breath.
I have to develop my stamina endurance, he decided as his breath got calmer gradually. He inhaled a long breath for the last time and released it slowly, making sure his lungs had worked normally again. He pushed himself from the wall, set his eyes to the newer environment in front of him. So this is the real town….
The way wasn't as spacious and decorative as one in the royalty area with many things placed in front of buildings – boxes, sacks, tables, etc. The buildings were a lot simpler and had no expensive decorations such statues, cravings, or things alike. But at least the buildings were more colorful and various shaped. And, the people were much more with their plain and simple clothings and informal chatters. Roxas immediately decided that he liked the town much better than the royalty area. Or worse, the castle.
He walked at the rather crowdy way. The chatters were louder but merrier; happy laughs and friendly jokes were audible everywhere. Even the people he saw didn't wear expensive clothes and almost of them were in working state – sell things, lift heavy boxes, bring many merchandise, yell things about their shops – but Roxas could see 'expression' on their faces. Lively, sincere expression with much energy, not some fake and arrogant faces that disgusted Roxas so much. Well, this was really a life with human, not some theatre with arranged dialogue between its players.
After a while walking and looking around the town, finally Roxas arrived at a spacious plaza that had big round shape, surrounded by tall buildings that consisted of various shops, inns, and other public buildings. At the plaza, there were so many people with small kiosks and tents; partially were still half-finished when the others were had already finished. Roxas' eyes went wide when he remembered this scene from one of the books he had read.
Bazaar. Based on Sora's story, bazaar wasn't as glorious as festival or parade, but was still one of the important events in this Twilight Kingdom's capital, Destiny Capital. Destiny Capital, as Twilight Kingdom's capital – the biggest kingdom in Traverse Land – certainly filled by various activities and always crowded by the habitants and newcomers. This busy capital was popular by its frequently interesting events; but even if Roxas himself was born and lived in this capital, he had never participated any event yet. He only enjoyed the merry noises from his room and hearing Sora's stories who had came to the events. He would listen to the stories with full attention; wondering what the atmosphere would be like, imagining it, trying to feel it, pretending to be there… but it only made him more sad and curious instead. If Sora had showed off his experience in coming to the events too long, usually Roxas would become pissed off and throw Sora out from his room, and after that Roxas wouldn't accept anyone in his room for a while. Unfortunately, Sora was Sora, the numbest person ever Roxas had known. Even though he was treated like that, Sora definitely would go back, asking for forgiveness (and would be positively forgiven), and repeating another same session with different stories. He never realized that he had offended Roxas though he didn't mean it. Ironically, Roxas himself was never fed-up hearing Sora's stories and made his own feeling guilty because he would mad to his brother after that.
Past, Roxas shook his head slowly, erasing the thoughts. Start from this day, all of them are past. I will start everything with new spirit, new destiny, new intention…. I'll change my life thoroughly!! Besides, there is Sora… it won't be a problem if I don't exist. No one would miss me. So, this time is my turn to experience everything! I'm already sick just hearing Sora's stories!
Bazaar's preparation in front of his eyes once again disturbed his thought. It seemed so fun, and it was only the preparation. Besides, that was just a small bazaar – Roxas knew it from a friendly, two-teeth old lady saying, that it was a charity bazaar with family theme; Gift for Family, was the name of the bazaar.
Roxas walked with light steps, as light as his heart at the moment, didn't know anything about the ruckus that happening in the castle that stood splendidly above the highest hill in Destiny Capital right now – and maybe didn't want to know. He approached a half-made kiosk on the center of Destiny Hall – the city biggest plaza, where most events held there.
The kiosk was the biggest there. And, if he looked intently, the kiosk didn't look like a kiosk. Roxas felt he had seen it from a book Ansem brought for him one day; in carnavals' history books…. Broad wooden floor with two pillars on the left and right as props, and a huge, thick red curtain covering the back side of the 'kiosk'. Roxas gasped. A stage! Behind it, there was a small emergency-like outbuilding from woods, looked like a small warehouse. Beside the warehouse, there were a few cargos with six horses tied to the front cargo. A caravan….
Roxas gazed to his surrounding in amazement. That was the first time he saw a stage and a caravan directly!
Not so far from where the curious boy stood at, there were three people working on the half-ready stage. One of them was a dirty blonde guy, with a very strange style sticked on his hair. His upper part hair spiked up, while other part of his hair was stubbled, and on the back side his hair left grown a bit long. His clothes was a plain short-sleeved white shirt with baggy dark blue trousers and brown leather shoes. He was holding a panel on the left pillar which was being hammered by a guy next to him, a tall and lanky guy, with fiery red spiky hair; making a mini-explosion-like on his head. He was wearing a sleeveless dull green shirt – revealing his lean but muscular enough arms – and a pair of fitting but not skinny black trousers, with a pair of black leather shoes. On the wooden floor, there was a small girl kneeled, holding a small stool firmly where the lanky guy stood at so he wouldn't fall flat on his butt. The girl had short raven hair. She was looked so scrawny in her saggy long-sleeved simple black gown. She seemed very young. Her bright blue eyes caught a black cloaked figure stared at their stage with full attention.
"Axel, Demyx," she called softly, getting the dirty blond's attention but the redhaired man still concentrated in hammering. "Look behind you, but slowly."
"What's up, Xion?" the dirty blond asked curiously, utterly ignored the girl's instruction before, and because of his extraordinary speed in turning his head, the panel he held shifted along with his body movement, making the redhaired man hammered wrong place; right on his poor thumb.
"AAHH!!" he cried out with pain and automatically let go the hammer in his grasp so he could take hold of his throbbing thumb. Unfortunately, the rather heavy hammer fell down right to his coincidentally-bare toes , made the ache three times more painful. "OWW!! MY TOES!!"
"Axel!!" Xion cried panicly as she stood and let go of her grip from the stool unconsciously, while Axel tried to hold his aching toes so that now he stood by one foot, then losing his balance, and yes, as the closing he fell with not-so-graceful manner. His firm but a bit lack of flesh butt kissed the hard and dusky wooden floor, and more of the painful cries could be heard from the owner. "Oh my goodness!! I'm so sorry, Axel!!"
"O-oops… you okay… Axel…??" the blonde asked hesitantly, scared. His fear increased when the emerald cat eyes glared at him, full of killing intention.
"You…!! Demyx, you mix up everything forever!!" Axel yelled angrily, intented to get up, but his throbbing left thumb, right foot, and butt held him back from strangling the cowered blonde in front of him. "If my body didn't hurt so bad like this, your face would be as flat as this floor!! Be thankful, Demyx!"
"Whoa, c-calm, Ax…."
"Are you alright?"
Three heads turned to the unfamiliar worried voice. The figure that was seen by Xion before had already there, bending his body so he could see Axel who had… miserable state better. Black hoody coat that was worn by the figure covered most of the face except for the lower part of the face and the nose, but from the husky voice they could say the figure was a boy.
"Uh… yes…?" Axel mumbled, a bit shocked since a stranger worrying his condition.
"But, I heard you screamed in pain," the figure insisted. "Are you sure that you okay?"
"I-I'm okay," Axel nodded a bit. "Just a little accident… thanks to my friend's stupidity…." Axel glowered at Demyx. The latter scratched his not-itchy back head sheepishly.
"That's good then," the figure smiled, amazed three people in front of him with the pureness of the smile. A sincere and innocent smile…. When did the last time they see it?? "Eh, well, excuse me…." He seemed a bit embarassed and stepped back. "Sorry for disturbing your work…."
"Hey, wait," Xion reached the figure's hand while Demyx helped Axel up. The stranger's appearance was a relieve for Demyx, since it canceled Axel's desire in killing Demyx. At least, for that time. "I saw you showing so much interest to our stage…."
"Oh," the figure was startled, and then nodded uncertainly. "Y-yes… I have never seen a play stage like this before, so…."
"Never??" Axel responded as he raised one of his eyebrows which were as red as his hair. With upside-down tear drops shaped tattoo stood up on his pale face, his appearance was really an attention-drawer. "Hey, this is just a little thing, you know! Have you really never seen a play before??"
The figure stared down to the ground, then shook his head, sadness visible from his small figure. Demyx exchanged looks with Xion, afterward they stared at a shocked Axel. Silence. Axel scratched his back head, feeling a bit guilty.
"Well, if that so−"
"Axel! Demyx! Xion!"
The owners of the said names turned to the owner of the deep voice that called them. A rather short man with slate hair covered his right part of his face was walking in fast pace toward them, a pissed off expression glued onto his soft face. His grey shirt with a navy blue coat and black trousers showed his well-mannered personality. Roxas thought he was a noble.
"All of you!!" he scolded as soon as he arrived on their place. "Once again no one of you working!! I just went back for a while to talk with Saïx abour your costumes, and see what you are doing now!"
"Blame him!" Axel pointed at Demyx. "Because of him, now I've got throbbing thumb, bruised toes, and flat butt!"
"Uh, I'm really really sorry, Axel," Xion apologized, feeling guilty.
"Not you, but this idiot head!" Axel glared at Demyx. Demyx lifted his hands in surrender gesture.
"Hey, hey, cool it down! Didn't do that in knowing, okay! Besides, Xion told me to turn my head, so…."
"Is that true, Xion?" the slate-haired man asked Xion with slightly amused tone even his face was still flat. "Axel hammered his own thumb, then dropped it to his own foot, and eventually fell from the foothold?"
"T, that's right…," Xion nodded hesitantly, and a second later, the short man covered his mouth and his shoulder trembled a little. Axel reddened from dejection as Demyx looked at the slate haired man with too much interest.
"Zexion!! How dare you laughing at me!!" Axel exclaimed. "Moreover, where did you get that 'hammered my own thumb and dropped it to my own foot' thing?!"
"It's easy," Zexion shrugged, even his silence laugh had stopped, but a small amused smile was still carved on his face. "You was hammering when I left you all, whoever could hammer your thumb and drop it to your foot if it's not you who held the hammer itself?"
"It's a shame not to see it, Zexy," Demyx grinned, happy for some reason. "Actually, it was really funny, if Axel didn't kill me with his glare next…."
"Demyx!! That's because of you!"
"Uhmm… I better go now…."
Their attention was back to the small figure behind Axel. Zexion raised an eyebrow, his curiousity ticked.
"Eh, wait…," Xion held him back again. "Sorry, this is Zexion, our folks too…. Just hold on, we still want to talk with you."
"Who is this?" Zexion asked while he scanned the newcomer with new interest.
"Uh, that's right," Demyx tilted his head. "Still haven't got your name, kid. Mind to tell?"
"I'm not 'kid', I'm already 16 years old!" the figure retorted and opened his hood, revealing spiky and messy golden hair but still beautiful to see, followed by a bit round face with pale and smooth skin that seemed so fragile, and a big and bright baby blue eyes; four people in front of him were impressed to see such a pretty face. After overcame his slight annoyance, he smiled innocently. "I'm Roxas, nice to meet you."
"I'm Axel, A-X-E-L, got it memorized?" Axel, being the first who revived from amazement, replied his smile and pointed his forehead with his index finger. Roxas nodded, a bit confused but also amused as well.
"I'm Demyx, always on your service!" Demyx grinned widely.
"I'm Xion. Glad to know you!" Xion smiled sweetly to Roxas.
"Zexion, an unofficial babysitter to these people with mental of five years old," Zexion nodded, with his still-flat face. Roxas nodded with a wide smile on his face after hearing Zexion's words, very happy because he finally could make new friends. Friends apart of Sora and Kairi. Also the books, paintings, violin, and piano. "Do you have something to do here?"
"Eh? N, no, I was just looking around this stage…," Roxas answered, a bit embarassed.
"Hey, Zexy, this boy said he has never seen any play berfore," Axel tapped the slate-haired man's shoulder lightly. "Isn't that such a pity?"
"Hmm," Zexion lifted his hand to his chin, covered his lower face with his hand in thinking position. "Tonight we're going to exhibit a play. Come if you want to see."
"Right, right!" Demyx supported. "It's going to be fun! The story of this play is made by Zexion too, and you will see Xion playing as− ow! What's that for, Axel?!" Demyx rubbed his abused head and glared at his fellow.
"You will ruin the excitement if you crack it open now," Axel snorted. He turned his gaze back to the small blonde. "Afterall, no damage to see our show. We're well-known enough, and there're a bunch of people like our play."
"I'd love to, but…," Roxas looked at his surrounding anxiously, as if he was looking for something. "I-I can't be too long here…. I have to leave this place soon…."
"Huh?" Axel raised an eyebrow. "What's the reason?"
Roxas didn't answer, just bowed his head sadly. "I… someone is searching for me…. I can't be found…." If I were found, then I couldn't even see your play….
"Hmmm…," Axel thought. That explains why he is wearing such concealing cloak… I wonder who is looking for him…. Is he a wanted person? But from the look, he doesn't look like a thief, let alone a robber …. Or maybe he is running away from his home…. Heh, this kid is interesting…. "How about stay in our caravan?"
"What?" Roxas lifted his head immediately, shocked. Demyx and Xion looked at him as well, no less shocked. Zexion glanced at Axel, calm expression never left his face even it's clear he was bemused too. "What do you mean?"
"Hey, you're afraid to be seen by this person who is looking for you, right?" Axel grinned. "Then, no problem if we can hide you, yes? With that, you still able to watch our play. Moreover, we will depart tomorrow; not so brilliant for a boy like you to wander off alone. Include that cute face of yours, you will be a delicious lunch for slave merchants…."
Roxas reddened upon Axel's words, and Demyx promptly strangled his fellow's neck playfully.
"Axel, you couldn't be serious!!" he yelled as he pounded Axel's head, excited for some unknown reason. "He is just 16 years old! And how about you? 22 years old? Man, that's like, what, 6 years! You will be caught for exploiting minors, you know!"
"Hey, that's not what I meant!" Axel freed himself from Demyx's grasp and gave a fast encounter with a tackle toward the dirty blond's feet so the guy fell right on his butt. "Wash that dirty brain! I was just saying a fact!"
"Is that okay…?" Roxas mumbled, stopping Axel and Demyx's argument. "I mean, I'm an outsider… to stay in your caravan, is that okay…?"
"Of course that's okay!" Xion assured Roxas and tapped his shoulder softly. "Our caravan is rather big, so an addition for one person wouldn't be a bother. The others will understand! Right, Zexion?"
"Hmm…," Zexion observed Roxas intently. "I can not be so sure. Maybe not a disturbance for others, but I can not predict how will Xemnas and Saïx react… with exception if this boy can do something." Zexion stepped closer to Roxas. "Can you act or play musical instruments?"
"Eh??" Roxas was a bit startled, but he tried to think. "Uhmm… err, I'm not sure about act, but I can play violin and piano… not so bad, I think…."
"Wow!! He can play instruments!!" Demyx beamed, excited because there's someone who liked musical instruments aside him. "Zexy, isn't that great?!"
"Hmm…," Zexion thought again. Roxas took a mental note that each time Zexion thought, his hand must be on his chin. "That is acceptable. But still, that does not mean he can join immediately. You know their principle is 'nothing is free'. So, if you want to participate in our caravan, you must approve that you are useful even just a little, Roxas."
"'They'?" Roxas whispered to Xion.
"Xemnas and Saïx. Xemnas is our leader and the owner of this caravan, and Saïx is the one who manage everything for us. He is the one who making plans where will we go to and hold a play next, also organizing all of us. Both of them are the most important people in this caravan, and without them we would not be existed. Because of that, everything depends on their decision too."
Roxas nodded knowingly. Zexion took a glance at Roxas, afterwards he turned to the three heads beside him. "All of you!" he exclaimed immediately, startling everyone around him. "Continue working! We can not perform any play if you don't finish the stage!!"
"That's right!" Demyx cried with panic expression. He dragged his two fellows toward their unfinished work. "C'mon, work!"
"How about Roxas?" Axel asked as he removed Demyx's hand from his arm.
"Do not worry. I will introduce him to the others while waiting for Xemnas and Saïx's return," Zexion nodded at Roxas. "I allow you to stay in our caravan so that, uh… the person who is looking for you will not find you for now. Follow me."
"Thank you," Roxas nodded, then he followed Zexion stepping to the huge caravan. His heart pounded with excitement; he was going to see the real caravan and meet a lot of people; it was really an important and exciting experience…!
"Our caravan's name is Kingdom Hearts," Zexion explained as they walked to the biggest tent beside the cargos. "We often go to various places to perform plays. Where do you intent to go to, Roxas?"
"I…," Roxas bowed his head. Sora… Father… Mother…. Please forgive me. "I don't mind wherever as long as I don't have to be here…!"
It seems he is running away from something, Zexion thought. He opened a curtain that covered the tent's inner part from the outside on the side of the navy blue tent. "This is our gathering tent. Usually we talk about everything together here."
Zexion let Roxas in, and Roxas was amazed to see the inner side of the tent. It was so… brimful and messy. But, it made Roxas excited instead. So much objects ticked off his curiousity.
A huge round table was on the center of the tent, with many wooden chairs surrouned the table. Near the tables there were many chests with various size; some of them were opened, showing its colorful contents; huge gunny sacks; the neglectedly pilled up clothes on the stony floor and also the clothes that hung neatly on rails; stage properties such as hats, iron armors, swords, shields, etc. Everything was so intriguing. That huge tent had high roof, and a few lanterns were hung on it; the lanterns were off since it was still bright. Three people were sitting on the wooden chairs. One of them was sitting quietly as his hands worked on a something that seemed like two chained ferreous sticks. That man was very big and had a very muscular body, seemed terrifying. Two others was chatting heatedly; one of them was a female with strange hair style that making her bangs combed back like bugs' antennae while another, Roxas wasn't so sure whether the person was a male or female, but the person had some long and messy pink hair. Pink…?
"Lexaeus, Marluxia, Larxene," Zexion called calmly, and all of them turned promptly. Oh, so the person is a he, Roxas thought when he saw the face of the pink haired person, and after a closer observation, the body was firm and muscular. "This is Roxas, our soon-new-member."
A, a new member?? Roxas thought panicly. But I just want to follow them for a while until I can go by myself….
"Hey," the pink haired man greeted as he stood up, approaching Roxas, followed by the seemed pissed off female while the huge man stayed silent on his chair, but his blue eyes stared sharply at Roxas, as if he was judging the boy. "I'm Marluxia, newbie. Nice to meet you."
"H-hi, nice to meet you too," Roxas accept Marluxia's outstretched hand. And, another thing that approved Marluxia was a male, besides his body was firm and muscular, that he was tall, taller than him and Zexion, also the female beside him.
"Larxene," the female said lazily. "Hey, Zexion, Xion and Naminé are enough for our kiddies members, why we get another kid?"
"Be nice, Larxene," Zexion retorted flatly. "Xemnas said that we have to accept people with abilities. Whether that is a kid or an old man, that does not matter."
"Huh," Larxene snorted, then scrutinized at Roxas. "Whatever. At least he is cute."
With that, Larxene turned around, walking back to where she sat before. Roxas reddened again. There were already two people that said cute to him. And that two people weren't bootlicker servants, so….
"Don't mind her, Larxene is always like that," Marluxia shrugged with a small smile. "She does that to everyone. But, better you don't make her mad."
"And that's Lexaeus," Zexion pointed at the huge man. The orange haired man just nodded to Roxas, but a second later he returned his attention to the chained things in his hands, trying to unchain it. "Do not mind him as well. He is a really quiet person."
What a place with a bunch of unique people…, Roxas thought. I've never met people like them before. But he quickly erased his thought when he remembered that he was indeed never meeting so many people. Maybe people were unique indeed?
"So, what part is he going to try?" Marluxia asked.
"Part?" Roxas replied with another question.
"Ah, right," Zexion remembered. "My mistake, I forgot to say, each of us have our own part. As for Marluxia, he is in the cast section, so he always plays characters in the drama as well as Larxene and Lexaeus. Lexaeus is more as supernumerary and helping on equipment. And, Xion is also in cast section while Axel and Demyx are in music section, which make them playing music in the play. But they play roles too sometimes."
"How about Zexion?" Roxas asked, intrigued.
"I…."
"All of our brilliant plays are produced by him," Marluxia cut with a grin toward the slate-haired guy. "He is a story and script writer. It's such a shame he doesn't want to stand on the stage even though his acting is great."
"Wow…," Roxas nodded, now understood about the roles of each people in the caravan. "Then, I'm in music section?"
"I assume that will be," Zexion nodded.
"What instrument do you play?" Marluxia asked, interested to Roxas.
"Eh, piano and violin," Roxas answered nervously.
"Ah, what a lucky coincidence!" Marluxia tapped Roxas' shoulder softly. "Axel can play flute instruments and Demyx with the string instruments. Piano and violin will complete our instruments section!"
"Well then," Zexion clapped his hands once. "Marluxia, I think it's time for you to continue your practice with Larxene for tonight's performance. I'll take Roxas meeting the others."
"There're still others?" Roxas asked immediately, while Marluxia nodded and waved to Roxas, then walked back toward the blond haired woman. Zexion nodded as he brought Roxas out from the tent.
"Of course. Our caravan wouldn't be so big if it just consisted of nine people," Zexion explained. He brought Roxas to a smaller tent near the gathering tent.
"This is the costume tent. We change costumes, do some make up, practice a scene before go to the stage, and so on here. Let's go," he explained as he let Roxas in. Roxas' excitement was increased when he saw the crowded tent; full of various and colorful clothes that seemed nice and attractive. On a corner there were a few big mirrors located. On the other corner there were a few chest that full of bottles and make up things. Roxas saw two people were there as well, one of them was a male with age that seemed not different too far with Roxas. He was taller from Roxas though, with quite long silver hair, shiny and silky. Roxas realized at that moment immediately, that this guy was very attractive, moreover with that pair of aqua eyes that were so deep and sharp. Let alone his strong form. His casual pale yellow sleeveless shirt and baggy blue trousers didn't decrease his splendid aura. A girl with pale gold hair at her shoulder-length was standing beside the silver haired guy. Her skin was porcelain white, with a very pretty face. She was so pale; and with her white shirt and a mid-thigh skirt with same color, she appeared very fragile, but also very pretty. Roxas was amazed to see these two perfect people.
"Well then, My Princess… would you give me an honour to dance with me in such a beautiful night?"
"Certainly, My Prince…."
"Oh, so our stars are practicing here?" Zexion commented, breaking the romantic feelings that got into Roxas as soon as he saw the two actors doing the dialogue. They must be very good…. The two of them turned around, giving Roxas more sight toward their appearance, and Roxas couldn't be more dazzled. God, they're synonyms with words Prince and Princess! Roxas frozed.
Prince… Sora…. And me….
"Hey, Zexion," the guy greeted with a small grin that was so perfect it would make a bunch of girls melted into goo if they saw it. "What's up? It's not like you to disturb our practice. Usually you kick out the one who disturbs us."
"Now is… a rather special condition, I may say, Riku," Zexion answered, put his hand on Roxas' shoulder. "This Roxas, our new initiate." He looked at Roxas. "And, Roxas, now you're facing with the two biggest stars of Kingdom Hearts."
"Uh… hi?" Roxas accosted nervously after hearing Zexion's words. Riku laughed.
"You're exaggerating, Zexion," he said amusedly, then held out his hand toward Roxas. He was taller than Roxas, even a bit shorter than Zexion. "Hi. I'm Riku."
"I'm Naminé," the girl smiled sweetly, and Roxas could feel himself melting inside. So pretty…. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Roxas."
"T-the pleasure is mine," Roxas stuttered, cursing himself mentally to act so foolishly. Naminé laughed softly. Even her laughing voice was so melodious….
"Okay, now back to practicing," Zexion dragged Roxas away. "I don't want to see a shoddy play just because the players don't memorize their dialogues."
"Okay, okay, Mr. Perfectionist II!" Riku teased, then raised a parchment on his grasp once again, and so did Naminé. The parchment was full of small and neat handwriting Must be Zexion's handwriting. The two actors were back to their practice when Zexion closed the tent's curtain.
"So, where to go now…?" Zexion thought for a while. Now it is him the excited one in showing me around, Roxas thought amusedly as he waited for the writer to think, but his eyes were wandering off toward a nest of small tents. Zexion clapped his hands once. "Oh right! Of course, dining tent." Zexion looked at where Roxas looking at. "Oh, those small tents are our sleeping tents. In a tent usually consists of 3-4 people. I'm frequently in a tent with Vexen and Lexaeus." Zexion realize the blank expression on Roxas' face. "Oh, you haven't met Vexen yet, have you? It won't be too long until you meet him."
They walked toward a tent that had same size like the gathering tent, but many boxes with food supplies and a huge stove with cooking utilities were on the side of this tent.
Inside the tent there were six wooden dining tables with rectangular shape, arranged orderly with long chairs surrounded the tables. On one side of the tent there were many wooden barrels. A wooden small table with bowls, plates, glasses, spoons, and forks on top of it was on the other side. Roxas could promptly smell something delicious coming from the tent.
Roxas found five people in there. The first, a man with very short blonde hair and many piercings on his ears was arranging cards on the table in front of him, and sat across of him was another man with black hair with grey streaks pulled into a neat long ponytail. An eyepatch covered his right eye, and an old wound scratched on his left cheek. In conclusion, this man had a scary appearance. At least, for Roxas. He often found the characteristics on the eyepatched man were the same of pirates'. And pirates were bad guys.
Not so far from the two men, a huge man with dense long black hair, also with dense sideburns on his strong face, debating with a slim woman with braided brown hair. The brunette woman was just half-sized from the man, but she didn't seem scary at all – whereas Roxas would definitely trembling if he must faced the big guy. Stood beside her, there was a scrawny girl with hairstyle that similar with Xion.
"Attention please," Zexion clapped his hands a bit loudly, drawing all attention in the tent toward him. "Today we got an initiate, Roxas."
"Oh? A new kid?" the eyepatched man grinned interestedly.
"Cool! Our caravan will be merrier!" the girl with Xion's hair style cheered happily. She was so cheerful and energetic. Reminded Roxas about Sora. "Whoaa!! Aerith, look! He is very cute!"
"I'm already 16 years old," Roxas said, somewhat tired being called 'cute' every now and then. But the girl ignored Roxas' words and immediately crashed the poor blonde with her strong bear hug.
"Yuffie!" Zexion exclaimed, immediately pulled Yuffie away from Roxas who was panting, having his respiration pipeline suffocated. Yuffie pouted. "Keep your manner! He isn't a hugable doll!"
"Ahh, Zexion! Don't be jealous!" she whined childishly. Zexion opened his mouth, wanting to say something when the brunette woman approached them.
"Yuffie, Zexion is right. Be polite," the woman nagged Yuffie a bit.
"Aaang, Aerith~!"
"Don't mind her, please. My name is Aerith, nice to meet you, Roxas!" Aerith smiled gently to Roxas. Roxas was amazed (again). This woman was very beautiful too, but more mature than Naminé. To think about it, all of the occupants of this caravan were very attractive…. Of course, Axel and Demyx were very attractive, add their unique style, girls would definitely swoon over them. And obviously Riku was out of question. Marluxia too, even his hair was pink, but it was clear he was a handsome man. Even Zexion, with his cool and calm manner he could get girls' attention as much as he wanted. Besides, Xion and Yuffie were very cute, while Naminé and Aerith were so pretty, and even Larxene's manner was questionable, she was also beautiful; all of them were very fitting in becoming actors and actresses. Moreover, Lexaeus and the two other men that Roxas hadn't known yet had some mature aura that would take women's attention.
"Nice to meet you too," Roxas smiled. Yuffie cried out happily.
"Aww, look at his smile!! He is such a cutie, Aerith!!" she exclaimed. "I'm Yuffie~!"
"Yo, don't foreget me," the eyepatched man stepped toward Roxas, also with the blond man, while the huge man was still doing whatever he was doing on the stove at the corner of the tent. "Xigbar."
"I'm Luxord," the blond man introduced himself. Roxas shuddered hearing his accent. In good meaning. "If you need some amusement, come to me. We can play card together."
"Xaldin, introduce yourself, buddy!" Xigbar shouted to the man who was busy stirring a giant ladle in a giant pot. He turned his head with pissed off expression.
"I'm busy! Neither of you could eat tonight if I left this pan!" he yelled, annoyed. "I know his name is Roxas! And now he must be know my name is Xaldin! Don't disturb me anymore!"
"Xaldin, I've told you not to stir it to the left!" Aerith was going back to Xaldin's side, they got into another heated argument. All of them stared for a while at Xaldin and Aerith who was debating about which was better, cutting potatoes into cube or round shape.
"Well," Xigbar shrugged. "That's them. Xaldin, our finest chef, and often play behind the stage."
"He meant Xaldin is in equipment and decoration section," Yuffie whispered. She grinned widely. "By the way, I'm in the acting section!"
"Me too," Xigbar said calmly, then squeezed Luxord's shoulder. "And same goes with this guy. Without his appearance on the stage, the ladies won't be that excited."
"I take it as a praise," Luxord smiled politely. Roxas judged this man had manner, and his neat appearance was saying it too. He looked at Roxas. "You will get many attention too, kid."
"Eh, I'm in the music section," Roxas mumbled shyly.
"No problem, you can act too. Like Axel and Demyx."
"Uh… I can't act…."
"Xigbar will gratefully teach you," Luxord elbowed his companion right on the ribs, earning restrained groan. "As well as our brilliant writer beside you."
"Yaaay!" Yuffie cheered. "Our play will be merrier~!"
"For your information, Aerith is in acting section too," Zexion added. He shot a sharp stare at the three people in front of him. "I take your shiftlessness as you have already memorized all of your dialogues finely?"
Silence. All eyes didn't dare to reply the writer's eyes. Zexion was pissed off.
"Quickly practice, all of you!!" he shouted, effectively made all of them ran away and quickly practicing on the corner of the tent. "Such childish people…," he grumbled softly as Roxas held back his laugh. This caravan was full of interesting people. Roxas would definitely like it to be there! "Xaldin, do you see Vexen?"
"He went with Xemnas and Saïx before," Xaldin answered. "Though they'll back soon."
"Thank you," Zexion replied, then he stepped out from the tent, followed by Roxas.
"So, this is the Caravan Kingdom Hearts. There are another three people you haven't met yet," Zexion said when they were outside, walked back to the play stage. "So long, do you like here?"
"Very," Roxas nodded enthustiacally with a wide grin. Zexion could do nothing but replied the excited smile. "I'll be very happy if I'm accepted here!" he bowed. "Since I just had a few friends before…."
Zexion raised an eyebrow. "It's okay. All of us are very friendly. Well, you can give an exception for Larxene, Lexaeus, and Xaldin. And maybe Xemnas and Saïx… but all of us will mostly accept you." Zexion smiled assuringly. "Now it's just depend on you ability."
"I understand," Roxas nodded firmly. "I… I have learnt to play piano and violin for 10 years, so I think it will be decent enough!"
"10 years?" Zexion raised his eyebrow again. "That's not a short time."
"R-right," Roxas mumbled. "My parents told me to since I was little…."
"Hmmm…," Zexion hummed. But he didn't get so much time to think since three figures walked toward Roxas and him.
"Yoo, Roxas!" Axel called as he walked toward Roxas and Zexion's place with Demyx and Xion. "How is it? Have finished the tour?"
"Yes," Roxas nodded excitedly. "I have met everyone, except Xemnas, Saïx, and Vexen, but I'm glad to be here! I think I'll be happy here!"
"That's good to hear," Axel grinned as he ruffled Roxas' hair.
"Axel! Stop it!" Roxas yelled playfully as he removed Axel's hand from his head. They laughed together. It has been a long time since I laughed so much like this… furthermore, with firends! It's so amazing!
"Before that, Axel," Zexion cut with firm tone. "How about the stage? You couldn't be leaving it unfinished, could you?"
"It's perfect, no worries!" Axel grinned widely. "I just gave it final touch since Xaldin, Lexaeus, and Xigbar have taken handle for the big part before!" He patted Zexion's back not so gently, earning a low growl and a stare. "Loose a bit, Mr. Perfectionist II!"
"Mr. Perfectionist II?" Roxas repeated with questioning tone. The redhaired man looked at him. "What does it mean? Riku called him that too before…."
"That's our nickname for Zexion," Demyx explained. "He is so fussy about little things so we call him Mr. Perfectionist II!"
"Then, there is the I too?" Roxas asked curiously.
"It is a nickname for Saïx," Xion smiled. "Since he is fussier than Zexion!"
"And that of course for a perfect performance's sake, Xion."
Hearing that heavy voice, they immediately turned around. They found three people there, all of them were mature men. One of them was a very tall man with tanned skin and silver long hair, radiating a certain aura that scared Roxas. Other one, who talked just now, had long sky blue hair. A rather big X-shaped scar on between his eyes made Roxas more scared but also intrigued. The last one, a man with long straight blonde hair. His eyes was light green, added his very pale skin and he was officially the creepiest man for Roxas.
"Saïx!" Axel pretended to be very friendly and embraced the blue haired man's shoulder casually. "Hei, buddy! You've got back! I didn't see you!"
"Let go of me, Axel," Saïx got away from Axel's embrace. "You would better practice your playing."
"Xemnas, Saïx, it's such a fortunate coincidence," Zexion turned his attention toward the tanned skin man and the blue haired man beside him. "I want to introduce you to a person who take an interest to join our caravan, Roxas."
"Roxas, hm…?" Xemnas said with heavier voice than Saïx. He looked at Roxas with judging eyes. "What could you do?"
"Eh, I-I can play piano and violin," Roxas answered quickly, trying hard not to see that frightening shining orange eyes. He didn't expect that the caravan's leader was such a scary man. And very to the point.
"Hm… piano and violin…," Xemnas thought loudly, repeating Roxas' words. "Saïx?"
"We are indeed in looking for a person in music section, Sir," Saïx replied flatly. "Especially piano… Naminé can play it, but she has to play. If it's violin, we can still depend on Zexion, but often Zexion refuse to play since he is busy to plan the next story."
"So that is," Xemnas nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll see your ability first tomorrow, since we have to make a preparation for tonight's performance. For this time, if you're willing, you can stay in our caravan, get yourself to be accustomed here. And maybe for knowing our performance's style, you should watch our performance tonight. Zexion, and Vexen, accompany him."
"Alright," Zexion and the tall blond answered.
"Well then, Saïx and I will take care for tonight's performance tickets," Xemnas said. "All of you, prepare yourself. And Roxas, get ready for your performance tomorrow. You can use our piano, and borrow the violin from Zexion."
"Yes Sir!" Roxas replied, happy since he wasn't refused crudely. "Thank you, Sir!"
"Alright, time to warm up!" Axel exclaimed excitedly. He looked at Roxas. "My feelings told me that we will be best bud, Roxas."
Roxas smiled widely. "It will be a big pleasure for me!"
PLEASE READ FOR THE SAKE OF THE STORY'S CONTINUITY!
So… this is the first fic I submit to FFnet. Please forgive me if my English is so bad since it's not my first language – that's why I have to practice my English with writing fanfics…. Well, just tell me if you find some ridiculous mistakes in my story! I'll thank you forever by it!
And… before I can continue this story, I really really need your opinion! Which one do you prefer? Yaoi (boy x boy) or straight? Akuroku goodness or lovely Roxine? And it will affect all of the pairings…. If you choose yaoi, the rest of the pairings will be yaoi (but no, there will be no yuri or girl x girl cause I can't stand it at all, sorry), and if you choose straight, the rest of the pairings will too. So, it depends on your decision! And if no one decide it for me, then forgive me I won't continue this story… (hint hint) Aaaand… don't expect a fast upload. Well, you already knew English isn't my first language so it's two times difficultness for me, and in my country internet isn't something easy to access, and the last one, college is a bitch for my free time…. So… you get the picture.
But, I really love you to read my story! And, I triple love you if you review (or even flame, whatever) and point my plus and minus, what's interesting in my story, what's so annoying, any mistakes, typos, or just nag me to continue the story, etc…. whatever! Just ramble, tell me you're alive and read my story, and I give you some love in a shape of fic~! 8D
Well, since this is just the first chapter, maybe the story just bored you to death, but just give me your vote about the pairings (since it will be sooooo boring without some love in a story, don't you agree? 8D) and I'll give you more interesting chappies onward…. So, what are you waiting for?? Review now!! XD
Oh, and I just do the disclaimer on this chapter. Just people with half brain would say I own Kingdom Hearts.
Okay, I'll stop my rambling now. Remember to click on the sweet little link below~! Thank you!