A cold wind rose outside, howling softly as the rain gently fell onto the barren world, running into the numerous storm drains. A small storm, and it didn't stop the inhabitants of the World That Never Was from traversing the alleys and streets and buildings. In fact, two hooded figures were walking past Memory's Skyscraper and up the winding path to their Castle.

Letting the rain soak his spiky hair, one of the partners rumbled, "You and wanting to walk..." He shifted his grip on the brown bags of groceries that they had gotten from another world.

His companion, who preferred his hood up in this weather, replied humorously, "Why not? Get in a little exercise, you bum."

"Hey, high metabolism, plus an already well-built form, can scream anti-laziness. Which in this case it does." He grinned, emerald eyes glittering with mischief. "And also, you with your hood up."

"You can keep your hood down all you like," the man retorted, smiling at their play, "just don't shake your hair like a wet dog when we get inside."

"Sure, Mar-Mar," the redhead replied, grinning still.

As they walked up the blue, transparent path to the Castle That Never Was, Marluxia offered, "I'll make something for Roxas to eat, if you like." Indeed, the Graceful Assassin was brushing back up on his skills as a cook, and delighted in making dishes for his fellow Organization members. Most particularly because he always received positive results.

Axel's eyes flicked to meet the man's blue ones. "Sure, course."

Walking inside the Castle now, Marluxia portalled into the large kitchen, setting down the protected groceries onto the counter next to Axel's own bag. "You wanna go ahead and fetch him, then?"

Axel rose his head from where he was looking down at his boots in absent intrigue. "Huh? Oh, gotta find out where he is first." Turning around, he said, over his shoulder, "I'll bring him for you. I think Larx has him."

Marluxia grunted contentedly as he set about making his small meal for Roxas.

Larxene dove forward in a predictable movement, avoiding the swing of her opponent's weapon. Landing on all fours, the Savage Nymph pounced upward to bat at her foe's face with sheathed hands. Her male combatant reeled back in mild surprise until Larxene charged again, weaving in and out of his blows, parrying the weapon with her bare hand and using it against him, controlling the weapon as her own. The control was brief, however, as the opponent reclaimed his weapon by recalling it with his being.

The small opportunity was taken though, and before he knew it the wind had been knocked out of him. Suddenly he was lying on his back, the Savage Nymph sitting with her haunches on his stomach. Her blue eyes sparked with triumph and glee. He laughed. "Okay, okay, Larx, I give. You won." He lifted himself up as far as he could go with Larxene still sitting on him.

With a playfully wicked grin, Larxene obliged. Standing tall, she smirked as he rose to his feet as well. "After all these years," she said flippantly, "you still take too much time recalling your weapon."

Demyx shrugged. "At least we gave Roxas a show." He motioned with his thumb behind him, where indeed the child was sitting a safe distance away from where the two adults had been sparring.

Larxene's smile softened as she looked upon her son. When their gazes locked, Roxas's eyes shone with their green sheen, the slivers of blue sparkling like treasures beneath the sea. Roxas rocked himself until he got on his hand and knees, crawling over to his mother. Larxene put herself on her stomach, legs folded underneath somewhat, and waited, arms propping her torso upward. Demyx sat down next to her, sea-green eyes glimmering with encouragement for the young child.

Roxas gurgled as he reached Larxene's hands. Patting them, Roxas smiled up into his mother's eyes. Instinctively, Larxene placed her chin onto Roxas' head, and the seven-month-old infant cooed his delight at her shadow over him. When she felt his tiny hands stroking her cheek, Larxene carefully rose to her full height. When Roxas balled his hands into fists repeatedly, asking to be lifted, Larxene tilted her head to the side in playful encouragement. Roxas sat on his rear, gurgling in thought.

Larxene's motive? She was trying to encourage Roxas to take actual steps. He was able to, but she wanted him to know that on his own. His young body was already developed enough to hold weight with feet as the support. When Roxas once again tried getting Larxene to pick him up, she simply stared back down at him with that same smile.

Roxas, still sitting, tried to jump. When he realized he got nowhere -as just like before and before- he frowned. He tried rocking forward when Larxene lowered her hand just out of reach; he'd have to stand in order to reach it. When he was on all fours, Larxene whispered, "That's right. Almost there, Roxas."

Axel walked into the sheltered area of the training grounds just as Roxas clambered onto all fours; the rain had subsided greatly, and it wasn't as cold now. Intrigued at the boy's endeavors, Axel stood at a distance, leaning against the wall when Larxene noted his presence with a flick of her blue eyes. His own emerald orbs swirled with anticipation as Roxas rose on his legs, pawing the air before coming back down on all fours again. Almost there, kiddo.

Roxas' eyes glittered with wonder when he realized what he was capable of doing right now. He rose again, gaining more height, but still coming back down. When he looked at his mother, who nodded, he tried thrice more. He found himself standing unsteadily, but standing all the same. He reached for his mother's hand, but was puzzled when the hand went back a bit. Determined, Roxas moved forward without using his feet; he tumbled down, managing to put his hands out to fall safely.

Roxas' nose twitched in infantile irritation, but it was wiped away when he saw Larxene's jubilant face, blue eyes jolted with small pride. Wanting more of that positive expression, Roxas shakily stood again, trying to reach for that hand again, but it was still out of reach. Roxas tried another method, lifting his left foot to come down forward. When his foot hit the ground solidly, his eyes grew wide in wonder; he tried with his other foot, gaining the same result. Before everyone in the grounds knew it, Roxas was stumbling -but still walking- toward Larxene's hand.

Axel smiled softly as Larxene scooped up the child in her arms, hugging him, Roxas' green eyes glowing with satisfaction and pride for himself. The Flurry Of Dancing Flames walked over to his lover, nudging her shoulder roughly with affection. Demyx, beside the Nymph, was rubbing Roxas' head with congratulations. "Nice job, kiddo," the Nocturne purred.

Axel nodded. "You'll have a story to tell Marluxia now while he prepares Roxas' dinner," he rumbled to Larxene. "He'll want to hear about Roxas' first steps."

Larxene nodded and kissed her lover along the neck. "He shall," she whispered as she portalled through.

Axel, alone with Demyx, said to the Nocturne, "Wanna come with me to visit Jester? You guys get along fine enough." After all, it was Demyx who had believed Jester's story during that rainy night on the full moon four months ago. When the werewolf had learned it was Demyx, the two had gotten along very well.

Demyx thought for a split-second, then nodded. "Sure."

A/N: Yep, to be up-to-date, right now Roxas is 7 months old. Hope you all enjoy this read as much as you all enjoyed the "Pyroelectricity" trilogy!