A/N
This was originally uploaded on my old login. It was taken down, edited and re-uploaded here!
Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or any of it's characters!
Roxas.
The name echoed through the heads of Hayner, Pence and Olette on a daily basis. Sometimes it would stay in their minds for minutes, sometimes seconds, and then it would disappear and leave no trace in their memories until the next time it was thought about. The children never once spoke of the name when it plagued their thoughts, for each person was afraid that they would be viewed as crazy. They would just silently try, and fail, to cling onto whatever distant memory was trying to climb to the surface of their mind.
Sometimes, small things triggered the thoughts. When Pence went for a meal with his family, the black and white checked pattern on the chef's trousers reminded him of a wristband of the same design, worn by a person who's presence seemed so close, yet so far. Or Olette would be laying in the grass looking up at the sky, and the beautiful blue would make her think of an equally beautiful set of blue eyes, but the face of their owner was always just out of reach.
Sometimes, it was seemingly nothing that sent them into a daze. These times where usually the most inconvenient. For example, when Hayner was facing Seifer in the Struggle tournament. He was so close to winning, with just ten seconds on the clock and seven more orbs than his opponent. Rather that fighting Seifer for more, he decided to evade any attacks thrown at him until the round was over. It was working too, as Hayner was very quick on his feet. Just four seconds to go and the crowd where going wild. He was finally going to win! Two seconds left and-
Roxas.
The name hit Hayner's heart much harder than the impending Struggle bat. A hazy vision of a blonde boy carrying his own bat danced into his sight. "Good game!" he said, giving Hayner a huge smile. Then it fizzled out, leaving Hayner disoriented and laying on the floor with one of Seifer's feet on his chest as he stood in a victory pose.
"Maybe next year, looser!" he taunted, smugness radiating from him. But Hayner wasn't listening. He was too busy wondering what had just happened and how he had lost so close to the end.
"Hayner!" Olette shouted, pushing Seifer away and extending a hand towards the defeated boy. "What happened? You where so close!"
"I... I don't know." he answered honestly, taking her hand and brushing dirt off his clothes.
Sure, all these incidents where unnerving, but the children had learnt to ignore them. That was, until their paths crossed with an unusual teenage boy. The boy, who went by the name of Sora, had an aura of familiarity around him. The curious thing was, he was new in town, so how could this be? Hayner had said he was welcome to hang out, and Pence and Olette had agreed, but no-one knew why. Why where they so willing to accept the stranger into their lives?
They never got the chance to find out; before they knew it, Sora was leaving. The trio ran to the station, eager to wave goodbye. They had met briefly, only once, but it was almost as if their hearts were tied by some explained force. Sora clearly felt the same, as they saw a tear fall from the corner of his eye for reasons unknown. Sora wiped it away and got on the train, but not before taking one last glance at the group that had come to say goodbye. Hayner, Pence and Olette stood on the platform with heavy hearts, watching the train fade into the distance. They felt an unexplained sadness wash over them, and exchanged confused yet miserable glances at one another. Then they headed home, walking in silence as each one of them focused on the only word they could think of.
Roxas.