Undying Hearts:
The Revenant Saga

Please note that all canon characters and settings belong to Disney and Square-Enix, not me.

CHAPTER MINORLY REPRISED.

A/N: Co-write series of sorts with Luthien Sky. I'm writing this saga, and she's going to write the one that runs parallel to it, centric around Riku and Kairi, the title of which is a WIP. As is this fic.

My UH is going to concern the Nobodies. LuSky's is going to concern the other characters – as I said, Riku and Kairi, also Sora and the kids from Twilight Town. And all that jazz. Though both fics will weave into each other, and we will be adding ideas to each other's stories.

As you may or may not know, the main pairing, which is probably going to be mild, but very much a big part of the story's plot, is Axel x Roxas. There will also most certainly be Vexen x Larxene. If my male-fangirlishness can't resist it, there may be some Axel x Vexen. But incredibly small amounts. Or none at all. Or just subtext. And Axel tops. Yeah. I'm just digging my grave deeper here, aren't I? Also, any pairings LuSky has in her fic will more than likely be included here. They won't be too crazy, so I think you're alright.

Also, I'm having doubts about the rating, especially with the content of this chapter! Just don't let little kids anywhere past the first few paragraphs!

Note: There's a very high chance (but I'll get to it more at the time) that Roxas won't actually appear in this fic. He'll be in LuSky's, but in this fic he'll be talked about more than he appears.

Well. I should think that's all. I'll post more note at the end.

The First Arc of Undying Hearts:
The Revenant Saga

'...I can't tell if you're the same person that I know,
But up 'til now, and from now on,
Even if I made enemies with everyone other than you,
Even if that day came,
I'll always protect you, so do not lose...

...My lone flower.'

(HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR - Ichirin no Hana)

Chapter One

The tannoid pinged.

"Flight Two-Six-Six to Wonderland, now boarding at Gate One; Flight Two-Six-Six to Wonderland, now boarding at Gate One." A woman's hoarse, droning voice announced.

The speakers were loud – much louder in the restrooms than anywhere else, where they were directly overhead, fixed into the plain plaster ceilings. When the announcer's voice cut off, there was no other sound in the male restroom than running water, bursting quickly from the lukewarm tap of the middle sink on the row of marble counters. Apart from that one man, running the water, the room was empty, and perfectly still. The ajar doors on the cubicles never flinched, nor did the front door open.

Axel spat out the small dribbles of water from his mouth. His head moved upwards from the sink at a steady pace, and he looked directly at himself in the clean mirror. His hair was flat, the spikes dripping wet and the colour a dark red. Streams of the water were still running down his face from his hair and blinking eyelashes. Sighing through his nose, he continued to stare straight into the eyes of his own reflection.

All this time, and he still wondered how he had gotten himself into this.

It was all he thought about as he left the castle and travelled through the rift to Twilight Town. All he thought about as he used the small amount of Munny that he was provided with to take the transit ship to Radiant Garden. All he thought about on the way there. All he thought about for the two days he had spent stranded there.

He turned the tap off, and leant over the bedewed sink bowl, wringing his hair; watching as the remaining water emptied down the plug hole. After wearing the same black vest top for the past two days, he at last removed the unclean garment and proceeded to use it to dry his hair with further. Then, he pulled back on the worn jacket over his bare torso, fastening it up to the last button. It was mid-winter in Radiant Garden, and as much as his wish was probably futile, he didn't want to freeze to death out there; the wetter his hair was, the colder he would get, so he began to rub in a frantic manner at the masses of red.

Axel wasn't meant to live like this. He knew damn well he wasn't. Looking back in his reflection staring with the same vacant expression back at him, he knew – there was that look of degradation in the eyes of the man he watched - the poisonous green that usually flickered like a gas flame was lifeless and dull, even though there was now something filling the space in his chest where it was once hollow.

Subconsciously, his fingers reached upwards to his right eye, then rested just underneath. They stroked gently down his pale face, brushing against the familiar thin, vertical black line. He knew he wasn't supposed to be wrapped around someone's finger so easily, but... This was something he had to do. There was no other option.

He rubbed at his hair for a minute or so longer, then finally the red-head stuffed the top into his bag, which he then zipped up and threw over his shoulder. Finally, he pulled on his final piece of clothing, a large-rimmed hat – which flattened his hair down back into spikes – and then left the restrooms.

And he passed small crowds of people in the Gummi Ship Station. People taking advantage of this transit system now that it was in use. A lot had changed in the year he wasn't in existence, and that was one of them. Thanks to which, the population of Radiant Garden had increased considerably, as well as the pollution. The glossair fuel that the ships ran on had a distinct scent that filled the station, and the surrounding area, as well as the young man's nostrils. He walked through the station, faces just passing, never glancing at him, people getting on with their lives as if his life didn't matter to them (which it didn't). And exited.

As much as he truly existed, as much as he was now truly human, he was alone. Surely a very tall and thin boy in scruffy black clothes and bright red hair underneath a large hat was something to earn even the slightest glimpse from, right?

Wrong.

The air was bitter outside, and the usually purple skies of the world were a sallow grey colour. As soon as the doors to the station opened, Axel was hit by the icy wind. That jacket was definitely not warm enough for this weather. He took a seat alone right next to the front doors; he sat down on the cold, cobblestone pavement, which was glistening with a layer of frost; his back to the station's wall, laying with one leg outstretched and the other knee raised to support his right arm in a 'casual' position. The empty pouch was opened wide, and left next to him, waiting to be filled.

That was it. All he could do now was wait as the common people strode past him without even giving him a second look. Or even a first. He was trying, at least. There was nothing he could do without Munny. Well, that wasn't true. He could scout the world, doing what he was supposed to be doing. But that aside, he had nowhere to sleep, hardly anything to eat; nothing he could get without Munny.

Munny he was never provided with for this 'mission' in the first place. Which is why, of all occurrences, he'd been driven to the life of a Goddamn hobo.

His head was tilted far downwards, his eyes shut tightly, his face covered by the rim of the hat. Yesterday, when he had left the pouch out, silently begging, no one had ever looked at him, never mind given him Munny. Fair enough. Nothing new.

No one ever gave a damn about Axel. Not in the last life. Not in this one.

So, what had made that day any different from the previous?

Through the small handfuls of people walking past, chatting quietly amongst themselves, someone walked very closely past him. Right in front of him, in fact. There was a clinking sound; wonderful, crystal-like. Clink. Clink. Clink. Clink...

...Was it really...?

Clink.

Five small, 'ten' Munny crystals were in the pouch when Axel opened his eyes and looked towards it, gently shining and glowing the warm colours they were known to radiate.

Fifty Munny. Had someone actually just given him that?

Whoever it was began to walk away at a considerable pace, just as the red-head looked up.

They had their back to him, but he knew anyway. He could almost feel fate's smiling lips pressing against his cold forehead, and his own lips curled upwards before they opened.

And an unfittingly grateful, yet familiar tone came out. "Thanks, Vexen."

When he stopped in his tracks, there was a prolonged pause. Despite the fact that everyone else on the street was still moving along, everything between the two of them was still. Axel waited five seconds or so for his reaction. And then, his smile faded.

He remembered.

The man he addressed was tall, at least half a foot taller than his own height whilst standing; clad (sensibly, unlike the red-head) in a long, black winter coat. It was apparent that even from behind, he recognised him in an instant; also – despite this – the other man hadn't recognised him. Though it made sense. Axel's face was shrouded under his hat when he was looking down. But now that he was looking upwards, his face was confirmation to what his unique voice had already started.

Axel never needed any confirmation himself – he had seen the back of that long, faded blonde hair so many times, he could still remember it well after two years or so.

There was a pang of guilt that hit him hard when this happened. A pang of guilt he couldn't believe he'd even forgotten. First off, after the prolonged stillness, Vexen gradually began to look over his shoulder. His body also then turned at the same pace, as his eyes looked directly into the red-head's. He hadn't changed after those years. His hair was in the very same style from the front, too, his skin still pale and beech-tinted. Interestingly, but not so much to Axel (his mind was on other things at this point), the only difference to his appearance was the thin pair of glasses he wore. It was probably because he didn't know what to do, but Axel's lips were parted, and he was giving the older man quite a vacuous look. The blonde's look was similar, but he seemed more in shock than anything.

He was looking directly into the poisonous orbs that had been burned hard into his memory. He didn't recognise him with his head down and the hat covering his hair so much that he didn't stand out. Like the other people, he didn't even give him a second glance. But unlike the other people... At least he gave him a first glance. Since his voice alone had not been proof enough, his face – his eyes – confirmed the young man's identity. No... There was definitely no mistake. It was him. It was.

Another couple of unfilled, awkward seconds that seemed like dreary hours passed. Neither flinched, nor even blinked. It was only after realising his mouth was getting cold and dry that Axel composed himself. And even then, his looks were varied.

"Erm... Hi." The red-head's voice was anxious. He hated the awkward silence, but he had to say something. Anything.

But... What do you ever say to someone you...?

Vexen's mouth closed, but his eyes were still wide. He looked bewildered; probably also put on the spot. Axel was now cursing himself for having a heart. The damned thing was making him feel bad. Something he could have done without for this situation...

...Hell, what difference would it have made? He bet that he would have felt bad either way.

He waited. He wanted the older man to at least say 'hi' back. To just respond, in any way. Just to acknowledge him. He hoped that he would. He was probably waiting for something that would never happen, but he had to at least try.

He was right.

Vexen had a look about him like he was trying to convince himself he was seeing things. Like he was trying to convince himself that the red-head wasn't really there. He'd been near the Gummi Ships too much. The fuel was causing him to hallucinate. Of course. That was why. Axel couldn't really be there. No. No. Never.

So, he turned back again. He never spoke, or changed his expression. He just turned, and began to leave. Pacing. But quickly.

There lingering mindlessness struck again. Part of his subconscious thoughts made Axel scramble upwards (which was at least good in some way, since his rear was getting pretty damn cold and beginning to ache from sitting on the cobblestones), throw his bag over his shoulder, grab his pouch of Munny and race after the blonde.

He didn't really know what he was doing until he said, "Hey, wait!"

Even then he did the incredibly rash, not to mention stupid thing of catching up to Vexen and trying to stop him by reaching out to grab his arm.

The older man's entire body froze and shook as soon as he touched him. The anxiety grated hard on his nerves. What happened next was incredibly sudden, but in the space of two or three seconds, Vexen gritted his teeth, grunted aloud, pivoted, and with his free arm rammed a clenched fist into the red-head's nose.

There was a spine-chilling crunch, and everything was very still and awkward for that very moment once again. When he took his hand off his arm, stumbling backwards and yelling out, the blonde was free to make his escape. But he didn't move an inch. Axel's eyes were wide, and his right hand was grasped against his face.

"AHH- FUCKING... SON OF A FUCKING... OWWW!!" He began to scream aloud, stumbling around in various directions. "MOTHER OF FUCKING HELL! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! AaaaaaarrrrrGGGHHHH, FUUUUUUUCCCK!!!"

He continued like this a little longer, whilst Vexen stood with his fists still clenched, but in a fixed pose. Axel was well aware that now the people passing him were taking notice of him, but he only (abruptly) stopped his cries of pain when he saw enough of one woman stood staring at him. Her expression was mixed – she was shocked, horrified, disgusted and infuriated, all in one. He came to a complete halt, only taking a second to realise why she was giving him such a look. Her arms were around a little boy stood closely in front of her – her hands cupped over his ears, even though he had a plain expression that showed that he had no idea what was going on, whatsoever...

...He was getting pretty damn sick of these awkward intervals.

Axel looked back at the woman, and – ill at ease – grinned.

"Heh. It's okay. I deserved it." He said with a discomfited chuckle and hand gesture (with the hand that was carrying the Munny pouch, definitely not the hand covering his nose), trying to make it seem to her like he thought she was concerned, even though he knew well that she was actually repulsed by his foul language in a public place; in front of her child.

The aghast woman pushed the boy along quickly, getting him as far away from the profanity-spewing red-head as fast as she possibly could. Axel shifted again, and looked towards Vexen, who had collected himself a little, and was ready to get away from him. He assured himself as he headed off that he would never have to see him again. Never.

"W-Wait!"

No. He wasn't waiting. Axel's footsteps continued to resound behind him.

"Hey, c'mon, would you wait!?"

No. No. Definitely not. He headed down into the borough. The younger man did, too.

"Seriously, would you wait a second!!?"

No. Never. Never again. He just smacked him in the Goddamn face, why was he being so persistent?

"...Vexen!"

Axel's voice sounded slightly off now that most of his nasal passage was damaged. He continued to call out, but, it was tiring, both chasing the blonde (who moved at a ridiculous pace) and yelling to him at the same time.

"...Please!"

So breaking his nose apparently wasn't enough. Vexen mused to himself on what actions he would take next. If he had to.

"...Just!"

...Maybe he could have broken his arm next?

Axel's breaths were becoming shorter, and his words were separate. But it wasn't just because of the pursuit.

"...W-Wait!"

...Or perhaps his leg? Or even both legs.

The younger man moved his hand away from his face. He slowed his pace. The red liquid was there, the exact substance he dreaded the presence of. It dripped in uncontrollable ribbons.

"...I... I!"

He might as well just break his neck. Twist his head around hard. Shatter every single bone in it. Kill him instantly. Or just leave him to die. Whichever. It didn't matter. He'd get what he really deserved. More than the nose breaking. He didn't lie to the woman. He did have it coming. But he also deserved to have a lot worse done to him. The dirty little bastard.

Axel's footsteps ceased...

...Had he finally gotten rid of him?

Vexen glanced backwards. Just once. Just to make sure. And then he would carry on. He'd carry on back home. He'd never have to see him again. Never.

But that one look was all it took.

Like Axel had done before, it was all it took for him to detest his heart. He detested the feeling that rose from it. He detested the guilt.

The red-head was now on his knees. There was blood, blood of the same rich colour as his hair, covering his hands.

The guilt stung. Vexen had half a mind to continue walking again. He would just leave him like he was. After what he'd done. However, he was glued to the spot. His gaze was fixed on the younger man.

He looked at how pathetic Axel looked, on his knees on the cold paving, gasping out for air, in pain, bleeding, and didn't feel gratified. Not at all, not even in the slightest. For that, he could easily hate his heart. And every single feeling that came with it.

But with the state he was in, Axel would always hate his heart more. It never took more than a single glimpse at his red fluid to make him wonder how he'd gotten himself into this crap.

A/N: You know, it took this chapter for me to realise that I hate writing Axel! I never know which one to use, the evil one from CoM or the soppy one from KH2. I think I used soppy one in this, due to heart retrieval. But even then I can never seem to get his character spot on. Not that there was very much charactarization in here anyway. We'll get more indepth next time. Plot holes to be filled soon, my homies! Until then, leave a nice fat, juicy review for me, please!

Luffles you!

Nweezle.