This is my first time posting. It's a thought that was playing around in my head, and I decided I should see what other people think.

Takes place in an alternate reality, where the journey only takes place in one extremely diverse world, rather than many. Takes place when Sora is 18 and Riku is 19.

Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is not mine. Neither are Gundam Wing or any Final Fantasy.

Enjoy!

Duo Maxwell's thoughts were, as usual, focused solely on food. He wandered the streets of the capitol of the Sanq Kingdom, searching for his potential breakfast.

He wandered about the busy market place, waving to those he knew, smiling cheerfully, swiping a wallet here and there. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see some of his street kids swiping their own breakfast and grinned to himself. He glanced up at the sky. It was going to be another beautiful day.

It was about mid-afternoon that it happened. It was one of the younger kids. He hadn't been careful enough. The shopkeeper caught him with the handful of fruit in his hands and instantly began shouting for the nearest law enforcer.

The kid was just lucky that Duo was passing by as it happened. Swearing, Duo leapt to a nearby awning, and then up to the roof of the building. As the kid tried to make a run for it, Duo threw down one of his smoke bombs, and swept the kid up to the roof, hissing for him to run. Duo then leapt into the middle of the confusion, twirling another smoke bomb in his hands. The guards who had been chasing the kid straightened at the sight of him. The captain recognized him instantly, "It's the ringleader! Grab him!"

Duo merely smirked and threw the bomb at them before taking off. The guards managed to dodge most of the smoke this time and took off after Duo, completely forgetting about the young boy they'd been chasing originally.

He ran easily through the crowded streets, easily staying ahead of them, laughing as he did. He skidded around a corner and right into another group of the Kingdom's guards. He grinned at them and fairly skipped past them, inwardly cursing his bad luck. Moments later, he could hear shouting and knew that the guards had joined in the chase. He shot through an alley, navigating his way through the maze-like city. Suddenly, he heard footsteps ahead of him. He turned back, but saw shadows moving towards him. He swore silently, he was surrounded. But not without options. He quickly swept to the nearest door, picking the lock and sliding in.

He quickly locked the door again behind him and moved to turn around when a startled shriek pierced the air. He whirled around and came face to face with a startled young woman. He held up his hands in panic, "Shh! Please, I'm not gonna hurt you or nothin'! I swear!"

She stared at him wide eyed, edging back. There was a sudden pounding on the door. Duo froze glancing at the door. He turned back to the girl, silently begging her. He then dove behind a nearby desk, his only chance was to pray that this girl helped him.

There was more pounding on the door. The girl stiffly moved to the door. "Open up!" a voice shouted on the other side. Duo cringed as he recognized the guard's voice. An odd look crossed the girl's face, and she seemed to gather herself together before opening the door.

"Yes?"

The guard looked surprised to see her, but raised a hand, "We're looking for a thief. He was just spotted heading down this alley. He's about this tall," he indicated Duo's approximate height, "Has purple eyes and long brown hair in a braid. Have you seen anyone resembling that?"

The girl paused and Duo took a deep breath and waited.

"No, I can't remember seeing any thief matching that description running by."

The guard's eyes narrowed, "Are you sure?"

The girl drew herself up to full height, which wasn't all that impressive, "Of course I'm sure. Are you insinuating that because I'm a girl that I'm incapable of anything?"

The guard looked startled, "Err…"

"That's what I thought. You know what; I don't need to be insulted this way. Get off of my master's property and leave me alone. I'm in the middle of some very important research and you are ruining my concentration. Do you have any idea how close I am to deciphering the Scrolls of Mandea? Do you have any idea how much work I've put into this?"

The guard stared at her open-mouthed.

The girl snorted, "That's what I thought. Go hunt your thief elsewhere." This was punctuated by the slamming of the door. Duo poked his head around the desk to look at the girl in disbelief.

She was staring at the door, looking a bit disbelieving herself. "I can't believe I just did that…"

Duo stood up, "Me either. Thanks."

She looked at him, "I don't trust you. I know you're a thief. I just… trust them less."

Duo nodded, he could accept that. He pressed his ear against the door and sighed. They were definitely still out there.

He glanced back at the girl who was still eyeing him nervously and turned to her, offering his hand, "Name's Duo Maxwell. I may run and hide, but I never tell a lie!"

Despite herself, the girl smiled, taking his hand tentatively, "Amara Shifte."

Duo grinned at her widely, "It's a pleasure."

She flushed lightly, but nodded, "Yeah."

They released hands and Duo looked about curiously. There were books and papers everywhere, covering every surface, "Er, is this some kind of a bookstore?"

She blushed again, shaking her head, "No. I'm a linguist's apprentice. We work in translating and interpreting ancient texts."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "Is that right? Does that ever get…um… boring?"

She laughed, "Yeah, but sometimes it's really interesting. I learn a lot about ancient people, and I've always loved history. But it does get frustrating and boring sometimes. But it's the only thing I'm really any good at. I guess I just have a knack for languages."

They talked all afternoon. Amara's master was away on some kind of archaeological dig or something of the sort. He did a lot of traveling, leaving Amara to her own devices quite often. So most of her work was done out of pure boredom. But Duo was delighted to find that she was a quick-witted young woman, and she also enjoyed cooking. So he had the best meal he'd had without having to steal for it in probably a year. But as the sun set, he knew he had to get back.

"Well, thanks for everything, I owe ya," he winked, and stepped out the door. Amara sighed, there went her entertaining evening. Odd, really, how a thief like that could have such charm. He didn't really seem so bad.

Duo slipped into the familiar back alleys, glancing over his shoulder. No doubt, they'd still be looking for him. He scowled, the Princess was really alright. But the rest of the government was a about as innocent as he was. He supposed he could really just get caught. He'd get out right away anyway. No cell in Sanq could hold him.

"Oi! Over here! I found him!"

Duo swore. He'd been careless. Almost instantly he found himself surrounded by the city guards. He covered his frustration, and plastered a grin across his face.

"Hey there, guys, what's going on, eh?"

"Don't play innocent, thief," snapped the one who seemed to be in charge.

Duo blinked at them, "Innocent? I don't know what you mean."

The guard snorted at him, "You've caused us problems for the final time. There's no need for us to take you anywhere. Nameless people die in the streets every day. You will be no different."

Duo began to feel slightly apprehensive. He hadn't counted on this. He could defend himself, sure. But they'd really outdone themselves this time. He was far too outnumbered, weaponless, and cornered.

He was, in a word, screwed, "Aw, come on guys. Can't we all get along?"

"Not going to be able to talk yourself out of this one, street rat," the guard raised his arm in a signal, "Kill hi-"

"Hold it," a new voice spoke.

Everyone in the alleyway whirled to face the new speaker. In the shadows, a figure lounged against the wall lazily.

The guard bristled at being interrupted, "Get out of here, lowlife, or you'll be next."

The figure chuckled, and stepped from the shadows revealing a lanky form with unruly, unnaturally red hair, "Somehow, I doubt you'd manage it," he smirked.

The guard's jaw dropped, "You! I- I'm sorry, sir. I didn't recognize you."

Duo noted the guard was shaking.

The newcomer's brilliant blue-green eyes narrowed, but there was a dangerous smile on his face, enhanced by the twin scars beneath his eyes, "I think that's enough out of you, Captain. Get outta here. I'll deal with this."

The Captain was nervous, but persistent, "A Turk such as yourself should not have to lower yourself to dealing with such-"

"I said that I was going to deal with this, do not try my patience," the red-haired man snapped.

The Captain bobbed his head, motioning for his guards to stand down, and they quickly exited the alleyway. Leaving Duo alone with the Turk.

The said Turk watched them until he was sure they were gone, and then glared at Duo with fierce eyes, "You are so damn lucky I happened to be passing by."

Duo beamed at him, "Aww, come on Reno, I didn't do nothing, honest!"

Reno snorted back at him, "Right. You're also lucky you're my best informant." Reno sighed, slumping back against the wall.

Duo frowned at him in concern, "What's eating you?"

"The Princess is worried," Reno trailed off, "It's the damn bureaucrats. She just doesn't have the power to control them anymore. Things are getting out of hand."

Duo frowned, "I heard about the raid in the Seventh Sector."

Reno winced, "You would have." The Turk groaned, "Dammit, I don't know how much longer she's going to be in control. They're seizing everything little by little, and the Constitution just isn't strong enough. The Judiciary's being bought out, and the military and Parliament are ruled by the same people. Everything sliding down a path I hate to imagine."

Two silent pairs of eyes exchanged glances. The sea-green colored eyes narrowed in thought, the innocent sky blue eyes worried. The two slunk away into the darkening night.

Duo watched him carefully, Reno looked old beyond his 20 years, carrying burdens no one as young as he should carry. He snorted ruefully; I guess I should speak for myself, eh?

"I need a drink," Reno groaned.

"You're not legal," smirked Duo.

Reno raised an eyebrow at him, "Since when has that ever stopped me?"

"Touché."

Reno pushed himself away from the wall he'd been leaning against, "I gotta head back soon. You got anything for me?"

Duo shook his head, "It's a quiet week on the street. Unless of course you count petty theft?"

Reno rolled his eyes, "Goodnight thief."

"Goodnight assassin-slash-mercenary-slash-kidnapper-slash-"

"Shuddup you."

"Yessir."

Reno snorted, shaking his head at said thief, "You'll be the death of me Duo Maxwell."

"They don't call me the God of Death for nuthin'."

A flicker of emotion almost like sadness flashed in Reno's eyes for a moment, but it was gone so quickly that Duo was sure he'd imagined it, "No, I suppose not." With that, he turned and strode down the alley, "Stay outta trouble," he called as he walked away, raising a hand in farewell.

Duo chuckled watching him go; I attract trouble like flame attracts a moth. But still, the whole conversation had been… odd. It wasn't like Reno to be so worried, he was usually a cocky, arrogant bastard. Duo chuckled to himself. Even so, Reno was brilliant at what he did and a good friend too. Reno wore a mask. It was as good as Duo's own. Today had been a rare slip of that mask. Reno hid behind his arrogance and cocky smirk, Duo hid behind his smile. It just made living easier.