Hey there FanFiction! It's Azz here with a brand–spanking new idea for a story! It's possible this has been done before, but not this brand–spankingly awesome. Alright, to be completely honest… it's kinda like when Roxas was put into Twilight Town. But of course, with my own personal, dramatic changes, and the sequel will be something different I hope. Yes, I'm already planning a sequel. In fact, I've already written a snippet of it. Which I do not recommend, especially when I'm still writing this little masterpiece.
I also wanted to have in the clear that this is gonna take some time to complete because I already know this is going to be a pretty complex story, and updates aren't gonna go any faster if you abuse via review or inbox. In fact, they will get you absolutely nowhere, and probably have new chapters delayed for a day or two. Or maybe a week if they are particularly hurtful. Mm 'kay, awesome. Glad you guys know now. Don't say you haven't been warned.
I have no idea how to explain how this story popped into my mind. It could've had something to do with the fact that when I watched 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief' for the first time, I thought that Poseidon disappearing behind a bus was freaking awesome and I wanted to use it in a story somewhere. Or maybe it's been buried in my brain for a while now and I had no clue how to get it out. Or the fact that there's something really romantic about the fact that–
And look at me; I'm giving it away! Okay seriously, ya'll just need to read and find out what happens and stop looking at this because I'll probably end up spilling everything here instead of in the story. And it's sounding good too and I don't want to ruin anything. Like, I'm shocked at myself for producing something this awesome.
Also, I wrote this while listening to 'Vegas Skies' by The Cab if it makes any difference to anybody. I guess it kinda fits in with the plot in a weird kind of way… if you squint. Anyway, I would definitely recommend the song because it's truly beautiful and it's one of my favourites. And I love The Cab.
I furthermore believe that it's time to start with the story and I sincerely hope you all like it as much as I do.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. This is purely for entertainment purposes and no profit or funding is being supplied to the author.
Full Summary: "I don't know how to explain it, but even in my dreams… I feel as though I've seen him before. But… I lost him somehow. And it kinda feels like… he's trying to get back to me." Haunted by the figure of a mysterious teenage boy, Naminé is determined to discover who he is and what he has to do with her. But as she draws closer to the truth and solving the mystery of the unidentified boy from her dreams, she discovers there's more to her life than meets the eye…
Prologue – When I Lost You for the First Time
I can safely say for sure that there is only one question I can think of when I take the time to stop and really look at my life. I can only comprehend a single thought if I sit back, take a moment, maybe grab a bag of popcorn, and just breathe. I can only imagine it from someone else's perspective for a moment. No normal person could have been through what I've been through and manage to be relatively sane. Naturally, just thinking about it, I just want to cry, go to sleep until it's all over, and yell at the world at the same time. But for now… all I can ask is…
How the hell did I get here?
I'm running, no, sprinting through the dark streets of The World That Never Was with a gashing hole in my abdomen and my magic is too drained to cure myself. I'm basically gasping for my life all because of a stupid secret. A dumbass, ridiculous, messed up secret that could destroy the world. AND, I have the love of my life's co–workers trying to capture me.
Exactly. How the hell did I get here?
Naminé gasped and coughed heavily as she ducked behind an abandoned building. She sucked in great breaths of air as she quickly assessed herself. Her wound from earlier was bleeding profusely and it was staining her white dress. She sighed, defeated, and slouched against the brick wall behind her carefully. Naminé checked her pockets for potions and frowned when she couldn't find any. She looked around for anything else that would help the bleeding stop for even five minutes. Naminé ripped a strip of material from the hem of her dress and wrapped it around the torso, knotting it tightly. Choking in air to her lungs, Naminé chanced a look around the wall back into the street.
It looked deserted, like the rest of the city, but she knew it wasn't true. Naminé's eyes thoroughly searched the streets, watching for unusual objects. She watched carefully at the Memory Skyscraper's screen, taking note of any chance of a memory forming. Naminé called her magic to her. "Firaga." She whispered breathlessly and she felt her right hand warm from its glow. It radiated a dull red glow and illuminated her wound, exposing its severe condition. She saw the screen flicker from static to dull colour and that's all it took.
She burst from the alley and towards the assailant. The blonde man, Luxord, ran straight at her as well with reluctant determination. Naminé slid onto her back under her opponent's flying fist on a patch of ice and shot a fist full of fire magic into his face while she escaped between his legs. The girl jumped up and spun around to see Luxord batting away the flames from his hair. The female blonde took note of the dark cloak that the members only wore when they were on missions.
I'm just another assignment to them now…
He turned around and summoned a handful of razor sharp cards at Naminé. He sent them flying towards her at an impossible speed but she sent up a bolt of electricity with a cry. "Thundaga!" The female blonde watched as the cards fried in mid–air. They stood silently, staring at each é was overcome with memories as she stared at a man she considered one of her brothers.
The room was dark and windowless, with a single ceiling lamp illuminating the area, and clouded lightly with cigarette smoke. Two blondes; a young girl and an older man, sat opposite each other with a large, cherry red poker table between them; towers of playing chips on either side. Demyx, Axel, Zexion, Marluxia, Xion, and Roxas all stood behind Naminé; hard, blank looks on their faces, while Vexen, Larxene, Lexaeus, Xaldon, and Xigbar all stood behind Luxord with the same expressions. Both sides were deathly silent as Naminé and Luxord stared each other down, attempting to calculate each other's moves. A cigarette hung from each of the older patrons' mouths on both sides. The female watched as Luxord fiddled with his playing chips and his eyes never left hers. She mirrored his actions perfectly, and he finally spoke.
"Bet." Luxord picked up fifteen playing chips and lightly tossed them into the pot. Naminé's eyes narrowed slightly. She glanced at her cards once more, then at the other five in front of them; Queen of hearts, nine of spades, two of diamonds, Ace of hearts, and ten of hearts.
"All–in." Naminé replied, pushing all her chips towards the centre of the table. Axel and Demyx chuckled behind Naminé and she smirked at Luxord. "Your call, card–man."
Luxord studied Naminé for a few moments, almost trying to read her mind. The world seemed like it had stopped and no–one was so much as breathing. It was about a minute before he grinned at her. "All–in, it is." He pushed his remaining chips into the pot and leaned back in his seat, placing his arms behind his head. He sighed deeply, almost carefree. He picked up his two cards and placed them face up. Eight of diamonds and Jack of clubs. "Queen high straight." Luxord smugly stated.
"Wow, great hand, Luxord. That's pretty tough to beat." Naminé mused from her side, chewing on her lower lip. Roxas chuckled behind her and she found herself smiling with him. Her opponent believed she was smiling because he had won. Luxord smirked before leaning forward to collect his prize. Naminé continued however. "Except…"
"Except?" Luxord asked, halting his movements. His hand hovered over the pot in the centre of the table and his eyes stared into her's.
"Except… I have these." Naminé finished, placing her own cards in front of them. The entire room was silent as they were revealed; King of hearts… and Jack of hearts. Luxord's face fell as the people on Naminé's side laughed. "Royal flush." Naminé giggled. Everyone on the opposite side had slackened jaws.
"Wha–? How?" Luxord was speechless as Naminé leaned forward and collected her winnings. He finally laughed from disbelief and smiled at his opponent. He stood up and held his hand out. Naminé stood and grasped it. "Well played. I've taught you well."
"Indeed, Luxord." Naminé responded, smiling at him as well.
"Dude, you got beaten by a girl." Larxene bluntly stated, blowing cigarette smoke from her mouth.
"Shut up."
Naminé felt her eyes prickle and she wanted to slap herself. She knew crying was a sign of weakness and that her enemies would take advantage of that. She spoke first, her voice wavering unnoticeably. "Luxord…"
"Naminé…" He replied in an almost exact tone, his face falling slightly. "We don't have to fight like this…"
"No, we don't…" She whispered. She watched as Luxord summoned several more cards. They were a few inches taller and wider than her and Naminé realised that they would be used for her capture. "But I have to do what's right." Naminé's hand shot out. "Blizzaga!" Ice burst from her hand and hit Luxord straight in the chest. He fell back onto the ground, silent as his head made a sickening smack against the asphalt, and the cards disintegrated in the air. Naminé sighed heavily before she ran again, past Luxord's unconscious form.
The young girl managed to turn the corner before she became face–to–face with another person in a dark cloak. Naminé skidded to a stop a good distance in front of the man. He stood almost too casually for the situation; his left arm over his torso and his right resting comfortably on top. He had the corner of his mouth leaning on his knuckles on his right hand and he was grinning far too widely.
"And where are you off to this fine night, Naminé?" Vexen questioned at her, his eyes flaring dangerously. She frowned at him and spoke reluctantly.
"Oh, you know. Just for a walk, Vexen. Care to join me?" They circled each other, keeping the same distance as they spoke.
"You've got enough of the organization on your side, traitor." He snipped at her, halting in his tracks one hundred and eighty degrees from his original position. Vexen summoned his shield to him, holding it out in front of his body and in his left hand. Naminé crouched into a defensive position while her right hand glowed once more. It crackled ominously with lightning and it dully illuminated the area. Vexen took one step forward before Naminé noticed it.
A tall, slender figure stood atop a building close by and appeared to be the source of a spinning, fiery chakram that flew through the air. The young blonde watched as it soared and Vexen spun to gaze as well, frustrated by the lack of effort from his opponent. The weapon flung into Vexen's chest and Naminé watched with wide eyes as the man sailed through the air before crashing back down to the earth. She switched her gaze as the unknown figure vanished through a portal of darkness from his position at the roof and appeared again a good few feet from her. The shrouded figure reached into one of their many pockets before extracting a vial of a liquid that was glowing bright green. He threw it to her from across their distance and Naminé grasped it. She looked down and noticed the tiny tag that read 'potion' in familiar handwriting. The flaxen–colour haired girl widened her eyes and snapped her head up as the person lifted their gloved hands to the hood masking their face and pulled it off. Naminé smiled once the grinning, mischievous face that was constantly surrounded by fiery red hair was revealed. "Axel. I should've guessed."
"Naminé." He greeted back to her, giving her a mock bow. She giggled before she relaxed from her crouching position. Axel strode over to her and engulfed her in his arms. She hugged him back, only tall enough to wrap her arms around his waist. They ended their brief embrace and Naminé moved to stand beside him. Naminé released the stopper on her potion vial before emptying the contents quickly. The two watched as her abdomen healed before their very eyes with a bright green flash, the tear in her dress the only evidence that she had been injured. They exchanged smiles before watching as Vexen rose to his feet. "You're supposed to be long gone by now." Axel casually added, looking down at Naminé for a second.
"Sorry to disappoint. I had to make a stop along the way first." She retorted back, glancing for a second to her companion. The young blonde shivered as she studied Vexen's furious expression once he had lifted his head from the ground. His eyes had flashed a very dangerous shade of green and he had an up-turned lip which showed his top row of teeth. He had a look of murderous revenge. A look Naminé promised herself that she wouldn't ever wish to be the cause of…
The hall was monstrous and overwhelmingly bright. Standing atop a great balcony that overlooked a rather large platform with the other members of Organization XIII, a five years young Naminé admired the night sky directly above her through a wide selection of glass panels.
She had always found the oddly shaped moon to be exceptionally beautiful.
Switching her gaze to directly opposite her position across the room, Naminé couldn't help feeling a small ounce of admiration to whoever designed the make-shift arena. She studied how the stunning, white wings that sprung from the wall looked alarmingly the same as the dark wings on Xigbar's weapons. Naminé glanced over to her far left and caught his eye; Xigbar winked at her as if he knew her silent question. She turned back to the level below them, appreciating the rectangular fashioned floor. It was a charming shade of blue, with various shapes framed in a darker tone. Naminé turned her attention to Xemnas once he spoke.
"It is time." Axel snorted from beside Naminé, his hand covering his mouth. Roxas elbowed him in the side and Axel was silent. "Xigbar" –He turned to his left and nodded to the man– "and Vexen…" –He looked to his direct right and nodded as well– "you may both enter the arena."
Naminé watched with eager as Xigbar took a few steps back before sprinting to the balcony railing. He leaped over it and landed on the platform with his feet firmly on the ground. Vexen rolled his eyes before simply vanishing in a portal of darkness. He materialised on the other side of the stage, a good distance from Xigbar. They exchanged unintelligible words before taking up a defensive pose. The eye patched man attacked first.
Lifting his gun–like weapon at Vexen, Xigbar fired several bullets at the man. Vexen raised his shield and the missiles ricocheted harmlessly off. Xigbar dodged effortlessly to the side as the shots flew back. Vexen sprinted forward and smashed his shield into Xigbar.
The duo struggled against each other for a few moments before Vexen was forced back. He leaped forward again. Xigbar quickly vanished into a portal of darkness before the shield made contact and Vexen almost toppled over. He spun around as Xigbar reappeared up on the ledge under the wings and Naminé watched as he stared down the barrel of his weapon, as though he was using quick scope. Multiple projectiles flew through the air towards Vexen as he dashed across the arena, narrowly avoiding each.
He finally grasped the opportunity to raise his shield and the bullets smashed against its surface. Vexen flung his shield in the air towards Xigbar; almost identical to the way one might throw a Frisbee and it smashed into his body before he realised that it had left his opponent's hand. Xigbar crashed into the wall before falling to the floor as the shield flew back towards Vexen. The eye-patched man rose to his feet as Vexen grasped his weapon again, an odd smile on his face before disappearing and reappearing once more through a corridor of darkness in front of Vexen.
Naminé noted that they exchanged more words before Xigbar furiously raised his guns at a deadly speed and they smashed into Vexen's chin with a sickening crunch that the young blonde heard very clearly from her position next to Axel. She gasped quietly and felt Roxas grasp her hand.
The scientist flew back, mostly shocked at the sudden impact that had him off guard and soaring. He landed on his back, on the far side of the arena, and slowly staggered to his feet, softly groaning. Xigbar shouted to his opponent, his arms open in a boastful way. "AND THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS WHY I'VE GOT A BETTER NUMBER THAN VEXY BOY OVER THERE!"
Naminé cringed into Axel's side, still holding Roxas' hand, as she caught a glimpse of Vexen's face. The red–head's arm came around and soothingly rubbed her shoulder the way a protective father would. Vexen's eyes had flashed that dangerous shade of green; a mixture of damp grass and a stormy night, and his top lip had curled to show his perfect white teeth.
"Axel?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't like the look on Vexen's face. It scares me very much."
"… Me too, Naminé."
Axel nudged Naminé back into reality and she shook off the memory, blinking it back into the depths of her mind. Vexen had remained in the spot where he had risen and the furious expression was still firmly on his face.
"Where'd you go Naminé? Imagining what it's going to feel like when I kick you back into the deepest dungeon of The World That Never Was?"
"Bite me." She snapped, her facial expressions hardening considerably. Her fists shone a bright red and they felt warmer significantly all of a sudden. She crouched into her defensive position and Axel followed suit, his chakrams appearing in a burst of fire.
"Do you two believe that you can defeat me?" Vexen asked, his shield appearing suddenly. Naminé was about to reply when Axel answered for her.
"I can do it by myself, Vexy." Axel said cockily, smirking at the scientist. He positioned himself in front of the blonde and subtly gestured for her to leave. Naminé snapped her head to her companion.
"What–? What are you doing?" She hissed, stepping quickly out of her fighting style. Axel turned and winked at her before responding, looking back at Vexen.
"Go." He charged forward suddenly and flicked his right chakram towards Vexen. The scientist caught it in mid–air, seemingly unimpressed, before Axel held out his hand and thrust it upwards. The chakram burst into a tower of flames and Vexen quickly rolled out of harm's way.
"Axel!" Naminé shouted, stepping forward to assist him. The red–haired man suddenly summoned a wall of fire to stop her from crossing towards them. Naminé jumped back suddenly, the flames almost singeing the air in front of her.
"Just go!" He shouted back towards her, disappearing behind the rapidly forming circle of fire.
"I'm not leaving you here!"
"We have a mission to accomplish!" Axel cried. Naminé slowly took steps back, mostly in shock, before coming to her senses and sprinting from the scene.
Naminé had just made it around two corners, tears narrowly escaping her eyes before she felt it. A tiny electric shock that pierced her arm. "Ow!" She stopped with a skid and gazed at her limb, watching as a tiny mark appeared on her right wrist. A second zap coursed throughout her right arm and Naminé cried out louder, grasping onto her arm as though she could grab the pain and make it disappear. She took her hand away as a larger scar took shape and remained.
The shape of a lightning bolt.
Naminé shot her head up as soon as she recognised who gave out that scar. "Larxene."
"Naminé! Darling!" A voice called out, the sound as nasally as ever. A portal of darkness appeared before her a good few feet away and the petite body of Number XII walked through onto the road. Her right arm came to rest on her hip, which jutted out slightly to the side. Her left dangled down her body, curled slightly inwards in anticipation. Electricity seemed to crackle in the air and Naminé felt both of her arms tingle with goosebumps in anticipation of a proper fight. A real battle between her and Larxene…
It was a bright, clear day when Naminé was told that she would be able to practice real hand–to–hand combat against something other than a dummy. A majority of the Organization XIII were all gathered in a vast field, bright green grass covered the terrain. The sun shone brightly from above and Naminé basked in the warmth, lying on the field. The grass felt wonderful against her skin and it smelt like spring, the twittering of birds flying overhead.
"The sun feels amazing." Roxas spoke from beside her on the grass. His eyes were shut and his body was relaxed. He, along with the rest of the Organization present, had abandoned their cloaks for the day and was dressed in casual wear.
"I don't want this day to end." Naminé replied, sighing peacefully.
"Oi, Naminé!" Axel shouted from a few feet away, standing next to Xigbar. She lifted her head before hoisting her upper body up by her elbows. "Come here a sec!" Naminé jumped to her feet easily, jogging the short distance towards the tall, red–headed man.
"What's up?" She asked, looking up at him curiously. Axel was wearing a pair of dark, skinny jeans and a red leather jacket that was zipped halfway over a plain black t–shirt. Xigbar was wearing a pair of loose, blue jeans and a black hoodie that was matching his pair of high–topped shoes. The pyromaniac smirked at her before exchanging a look with his companion
"We think that it's time you got to train with the rest of us." Xigbar answered, crossing his arms across his chest. Naminé perked up.
"Really?" She asked, her eyes widening when Axel nodded. "Oh my god! That's amazing! Who am I training with?"
"Demyx." Axel laughed, nodding towards a figure standing behind Naminé. She turned to see the man in question and watched with disinterest when she saw him battling Xaldin. He was on the defensive and appeared to be struggling. She noted that he was wearing a light blue hoodie and black jeans with blue sneakers, while Xaldin was wearing a black leather jacket and black jeans with matching high–topped shoes. She knew Demyx wasn't the best fighter in the Organization and she felt a little insulted that they gave her such an easy start.
"Demyx?" She repeated, looking at the man in question.
"Demyx." Xigbar and Axel chimed together, smirking. Naminé sighed, as though it were an obligation, and strode forward to where Xaldin and Demyx were battling.
Xaldin summoned one of his lances to strike forward, smashing the sitar out of Demyx's hands. It clattered to the ground, a few feet away. "Oh come on! That's not fair!" Demyx whined, throwing his fists in the air like a small child having a tantrum. Xaldin smirked before heaving a lancer onto his shoulder and walking off.
"Demyx?" Naminé asked, coming up behind him. Demyx spun around and looked at her.
"Hey Naminé. What's up?" He responded sullenly, summoning his sitar into his grasp.
"It's gonna seem like I'm kicking you while you're down… but apparently, you're my first real training battle." Naminé answered, cringing a little. Demyx's head snapped up.
"Who told you that?"
"Axel and Xigbar." Naminé mumbled, nodding back towards the duo. Demyx glared at them as they smirked back, failing to hide their chuckles.
"Assholes." He muttered. Naminé giggled under her breath and the sitar player smirked in return. "Alright, let's get it over with."
Naminé stood a few feet away from Demyx, jumping up and down on the spot lightly as her hands changed colours with each magic spell that flowed through them. Demyx comically cracked his fingers and his neck before lightly playing a few chords on his weapon/instrument. Transparent blue and green musical notes floated from the sitar strings and up into the sky. Naminé watched them go.
"Ready?" She asked, crouching into a defensive position. Her hand glowed bright red and it grew comfortably warm. Demyx smirked at her.
"Bring it on."
Naminé ran forward, her arms falling down her side. Demyx swung his sitar behind him in one hand, as though he were going to hit her like she was a baseball. As the instrument fell forward, Naminé jumped into the air, flipping gracefully, and landing on her feet behind his back. She sent the fireball forward and it hit Demyx in the centre of his back, sending him stumbling slightly. He spun around; looking oddly amused, and began playing an arrangement of chords. Time seemed to slow, or Naminé simply felt tired suddenly, but Demyx continued to move as normal.
Corporeal, water figures of Demyx began appearing all around Naminé, playing the same chords as he, and Naminé felt the odd urge to destroy them all. She held her hand up, and it was glowing bright yellow. "Thundaga!" The water images within a five metre distance burst into useless water droplets, crashing to the earth in puddles. Demyx fell to his feet, drained of a majority of his energy. He glanced at her shocked.
"You got strong, Naminé." He coughed; a sign that his energy was greatly depleted. Naminé was gazing at her hands, shocked as well.
"Trust me when I say I've never done that before." She replied. Naminé snapped her head up when she heard yelling from a while away. Larxene was arguing, hands flying and curse words soaring, with Axel and Xigbar. Naminé noticed in the back of her mind that she was wearing a pair of yellow leggings and a black hoodie.
"Larxene, no." Axel snapped; his arms across his chest.
"It's too early for this." Xigbar finished.
"Did you see what she just did? That magic is too advanced for someone of her age!" Larxene shouted, pointing towards Naminé. The younger blonde raised her eyebrows. Larxene wanted to fight her?
"You're just looking for an excuse to fight her!" Axel exclaimed back, his eyes flashing so red that Naminé could see from where she stood.
"And you're just looking for an excuse to fight me!" Larxene's hands sparked, her knives flashing between each finger on her fists. Naminé ran forward.
"Stop!" She held her hands out, each palm facing either Larxene or Axel. "If she wants to fight me, she can fight me."
"Naminé…"
"To be honest, I was a little bit offended you gave me someone as easy as Demyx, Axel." She turned to look at the sitar player, who had crowded around along with the other members. "No offence."
"None taken."
"See?" Larxene turned to Axel, glaring. "She wants to fight me." Axel glared right back at her, taking a few steps towards her until he was face–to–face with her.
"I'm sure I don't have to tell you what happens if you hurt her." Axel muttered darkly, his eyes flashing bright red for an instant. It disappeared so quickly that Naminé wasn't even sure if it had happened. Larxene pushed him away and turned around, taking long strides until she was about three metres away. Naminé followed her, standing a great distance from her.
They stood staring at the other for a few minutes before Larxene made the first move. She raised her right hand, clenched into a fist, and it sparked brightly, the knives appearing in between each gap as before. She threw them forward, her hand going across her body from left to right as she moved. Naminé quickly murmured, "Firaga," and threw the fireball towards the knives. They met halfway with a minor explosion. Larxene ran through the smoke, startling Naminé, and flipped through the air landing on her other side. She connected her right boot with Naminé's back, and the younger blonde was sent sprawling. Naminé coughed painfully, feeling winded. She turned onto her back and jumped when a knife struck the place where she once lay. She sat up, and muttered darkly, "Blizzaga." Her hand shot out and the icicles clashed into Larxene's chest. She stumbled back, looking uncomfortable.
"That almost hurt." She muttered; the atmosphere around her crackling menacingly as the younger blonde slowly got to her feet. Naminé almost felt a pang of regret for fighting her. Almost.
Larxene charged forward towards Naminé, lightning sparking from her at all directions. Naminé backed up just as quick, sending icicles and fireballs at her which Larxene simply smacked aside casually. Larxene reached Naminé and sliced through the air with her knives. The young blonde jumped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp blades. She ducked down as Larxene took another swing, and Naminé swept her legs towards her opponent's, sending the Organization VIII member onto her back.
Naminé sprang up onto her feet and noticed for the first time that the rest of the Organization were spectating still. Roxas' eyes widened with fear and Naminé glanced down just as Larxene sat up, her hand outstretched. Wordlessly, lightning escaped from her hand and flew through the air, smashing into Naminé's chest. She fell to the ground on her back, and cried out in pain. Larxene stood, clearly showing that she had won the battle.
"Naminé!" Roxas sprinted towards the younger blonde, purposely smashing his shoulder painfully into Larxene as she passed by. He fell to his knees and stared into Naminé's eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Naminé replied, slowly hoisting herself up into a sitting position. She felt out of breath and shoots of pain raced through her when she inhaled and exhaled. "Just peachy."
"I can't believe she did that. She went too far this time." He murmured, his hands curling into fists. Naminé reached forward, despite her pain, and unfurled his hands.
"No. Don't." She breathed, looking at him strongly in the eyes. His eyebrows furrowed curiously as Naminé gazed past him, watching Larxene's retreating back. "I'll get her back someday."
Shaking off the memory, the younger blonde lifted her right arm, the scar in plain view.
"Thanks for this by the way. I always wanted something to remember you by." Naminé's voice was laced heavily with sarcasm. Larxene smirked.
"And why's that?"
"So I can remember what a bitch you were." She responded bluntly, smirking back. The grin faded from Larxene and Naminé could almost see the electricity in the atmosphere around her. Larxene's eyes had darkened considerably in rage and Naminé was certain now that an electrical barrier was circling around the other blonde and growing stronger by the second.
"Careful what you say now, slave. One bad move and I will squish you like a bug." She snarled. Naminé crouched into her defensive pose, her right hand suddenly turning cold and glowing bright blue.
"I'd love to see you try." She answered back, slightly buzzing from the adrenaline rushing through her veins. Larxene smirked, a sight that Naminé was sick of seeing.
"Careful Larxene, she might squish you first." Another voice echoed throughout the street. Naminé gazed behind Larxene, who had spun to see the intruder, and felt herself grinning brightly. There, standing with his sitar by his side, dressed in his Organization VIII cloak, was Demyx. "After all, it was five years ago when you last fought."
"Demyx…" Naminé murmured, feeling emotional all of a sudden. She wanted to slap herself, and quickly reached up and rubbed her cheeks, checking for traitor tears.
"I never pegged you for a traitor, Demyx." Larxene announced, looking at him straight in the eyes. Demyx frowned, confused and curious. "You always seemed too scared to defy The Superior."
"Appearances can deceive, Larxene, can they not?" Demyx replied, picking up his sitar and nonchalantly playing a few chords. Naminé's eyes widened as she watched a puddle of darkness form behind Larxene, wide enough for a person to jump through. From the puddle rose a figure of darkness in the form of Demyx.
Looks like he learnt a few new tricks.
The anti–Demyx slowly crept forward, while the real Demyx continued to talk with Larxene. Naminé realised he was distracting her. Just before the anti–Demyx took the chance to attack, it turned around and wordlessly pointed to the empty alleyway before Naminé, signalling for her to escape.
"No." She mouthed to it, pleading for it to let her stay and fight. It pointed again, sending off waves of impatience and longing. Naminé finally nodded before sneaking away towards the mouth of the alley, keeping out of eyesight. As she disappeared, Naminé heard the sound of lightning and water clashing together.
Naminé took off, racing as fast as she could. Guilt tugged at her heart as she wondered what was happening to her allies. She wasn't sure if Demyx could handle himself, and the battle between Axel and Vexen should surely still be in progress. Battles between those two could last for hours. She ran, feeling numb from the waist down, until she reached The World That Never Was' secret entrance/exit. It was glowing bright blue and swirling to show it was active. Naminé sighed in relief when she saw it, nearly free. She took a step forward before she felt a hand wrap around her right arm and the world went dark.
Pressure pushing down on her for a moment as she struggled against the person's grip, Naminé's vision finally cleared to show the main square of The World That Never Was. She looked around wildly, not quite comprehending what she was seeing. Her eyes glazed over the various cloaked members, each holding a prisoner. "What the–?
"Patience, Naminé. You'll get your punishment soon enough." A deep voice muttered into her ear. Naminé recognized the voice of The Superior and finally froze up, positive she'd been caught.
"Xemnas…" She murmured, feeling very cold suddenly.
"Did you really think you could escape? Especially on my own world?" He asked, tightening his grip on her. She gasped painfully. "Just look. You cannot win."
Naminé watched as each cloaked member pulled off the hoods of their prisoner. First Zexion, Marluxia, Xion, Demyx…
"No…" Naminé murmured as she studied the bruises and cuts that decorated their faces. Zexion was sporting a large, almost disfiguring scar down the left side of his face. Marluxia had a massive bruise over his right eye and was every now and then coughing painfully, blood falling out every second cough. Xion was unconscious, Naminé guessed from the way she was being held, and breathing slowly and rarely. Naminé wanted to race over and tell them everything will be alright.
Naminé felt tears in her eyes as she watched the anguish and disappointment in Demyx's. He was genuinely sorry for losing to Larxene, even with his newest abilities.
Axel's hood was pulled from his head, and Naminé felt hot tears fall. A huge gash was running along his hairline and blood was falling rapidly down his face. A bruise was forming on his left eye, and it was closed in pain. He was talking gently to himself and Naminé had to strain her ears to hear him.
"I failed… I failed… I failed…"
The final hood was pulled away and Naminé knew who it was before the hood fell away. That golden hair, those cerulean eyes, that tan skin…
"Roxas…" She murmured to herself, struggling again in Xemnas' grip.
"Naminé!" Roxas cried, squirming against his captor's restraints. She noticed that they were losing their hold on him,
"Roxas!" She pleaded back, making stronger attempts of escaping Xemnas' arms. He tightened his grip and she winced, verbally whining.
"I believe it's time to show you what happens when you betray us." The Superior muttered darkly in her ear, his hot breath washing over the left side of her face. His right hand raised from behind her back, his left managing to hold both of her arms, and he touched her forehead lightly. All the conscious Organization members on Naminé's side began struggling, protesting loudly to let her go. She suddenly felt calm, as if she were slowly falling asleep. Naminé watched as Roxas finally elbowed the member holding him, the hood falling off to reveal Lexaeus and summoned his key blades. The Key of Destiny spun around before he smashed the Oathkeeper into Lexaeus, sending him flying across the square. Roxas sprinted forward, towards Naminé and her captor.
"Naminé!" He shouted, his arm stretching out towards her. She wanted to reach out as well and collapse in his grasp. She wanted to be with him again in that dark room, playing poker. She wanted to lay with him again, in that green field talking about anything and everything. She even wanted to be in the Castle again, watching Vexen and Xigbar battle if it meant being next to him one more time.
There was a flash of bright white light before it all went black and Naminé went limp in Xemnas' arms.
Well done! You completed the prologue! You can have a cookie.
Okay, first, please forgive me for the length of the flashbacks. Especially the Larxene one. I never originally planned on it being that long, and halfway through; I heavily considered making it a one–shot.
But, here we are.
And I'm going to call it a personal triumph that you made it this far along. So, thank you for that. You're clearly amazing for making it this far and not wanting to blow your own brains out.
Two, I've changed their fighting styles. I know. I didn't study the way they fought in the games because in this, they're my own characters. And my characters have unique fighting styles. So don't ask.
Three, yes... I made Marluxia an ally... For now. Just keep reading because it's not finished, remember?
This chapter took me so long to complete. I wanted to cry from frustration each time I hit a writer's block. They happened more times than I care to mention.
I hate asking, I hate it, it makes me sound needy, but I don't know if this is any good unless you guys tell me so. So, I need you guys to leave me a couple of reviews if it's not too much trouble. Hey, I'd be cool with just a sad or smiley face!
Thanks again guys, and I know it's gonna be while before I post the next chapter. To be honest… I'm making this up as I go.
Until next time. Bye guys.