Rising Dawn
Chapter 1: A new foe
Roxas sat on the clock tower overlooking twilight town, a sea salt Popsicle sticking out of his mouth. He sucked it lightly as he watched Hayner, Pence and Ollette go about their day with a quiet sadness. Not long ago it seemed that they had been friends, spending the days together without a care. Yet they hadn't even been friends, they didn't know Roxas existed. The sun began to set, casting its golden glow over the small town as each friend said their goodbyes, going their ways. Roxas blinked lightly as the sound of their cheerful voices drifted up to him. He'd known them so well and yet they didn't know him at all. A quiet sigh escaped him as he lowered the Popsicle bellow his waist, positioning it over the edge. It glistened an almost angelic blue in the sunset's golden light, his honey eyes trained on its core. He had friends. Yes he did, many in fact. Through Sora he was friends with untold amounts of people, each wonderful and unique yet he felt a sadness as he thought about the friends he had had in his 'regular twilight town life'. "Why so down number XIII?" questioned a masculine voice on the wider side of the clock tower. Roxas glanced up startled as he spun to look at the stranger. He was a tall man with spiky blond hair and sparkling green eyes. These though weren't what caught his attention; it was the long black cloak the man wore that did. It glowed eerily against the sky, bringing back memories of old. Popsicle forgotten Roxas stood to his feet, keyblade in hand. "Who says I'm down?" He responded, never taking his eyes off the man. His grip tightened on the hilt of his blade as he studied him "Who are you and what do you want?" he inquired, a feeling of foreboding rising up in his chest. The man smirked, a look coming to his eyes that Roxas did not like at all. "Ryuu and what I want is you." He said slowly letting the fullness of his answer sink in. He took a step forward causing Roxas to take a step back, his foot coming dangerously close to the ledge. Roxas glanced over his shoulder, seeing the ground far below now speckled with nobodies of various forms. A bead of sweet slipped down his face. This was not an adequate place for a battle. Ryuu noticed Roxas face, smiling more "Nowhere to run, nowhere to go." He said tauntingly as he advanced toward Roxas. Roxas turned to face Ryuu, keyblade positioned defensively before him. He met the other's gaze, his mind working quickly on a way out. "Gotcha now." Ryuu exclaimed, streaks of lightning flashing through his hair. He attacked fiercely, his weapon a bow staff of pure metal that shone brightly. Roxas blocked, grunting lightly as he held his position. No other option, he thought loosening his block lightly. Ryuu smirked once more, thinking he was gaining the upper hand. He reared back prepared to strike then all together lost his smile, replaced by pure shock as Roxas launched himself off the clock tower. He watched dumb founded as the other nobody fell head first at a deadly speed towards the ground bellow. Roxas closed his eyes, concentrating as he focused on his task ahead. He summoned all his strength, forming a portal right bellow him to catch him from his fall. He shivered involuntarily as the cold emptiness of the portal gripped him. Before he vanished he heard the angered cry from Ryuu many feet above.
Riku sat on the poapu tree staring out across the glassy ocean at the sun set. It was beautiful as all sunsets seemed to be since he returned to the cozy island, painting the sky with dazzling colors. Riku laid back at ease, feeling relaxed as he often was now. His eyes began to drift shut lazily as his body relaxed into the frame of the tree when a smell filled the air. It was a smell he had not known for a long time but easily recognized as the scent of darkness. "Darkness here?!" Riku sat up, green eyes alert as he peered cautiously around him. Nothing seemed out of place, in fact everything seemed calm. A cry filled the air, causing Riku to glance skyward just as Roxas fell from a dark portal that had formed in the sky. He landed with a splash in the water just bellow. Riku pushed off the tree, going quickly to the others aid. Roxas broke the surface, spitting salt water out of his mouth as he sucked in air. He shivered lightly, possibly and after affect of the portal. Riku instantly recognized the other boy, eyes wide in surprise "Roxas?" He questioned almost in disbelief. Roxas glanced up at Riku, coughing as he regained his breath. "Riku!" He exclaimed recognizing the snowy haired teen. He took Riku's hand as it was offered to him, feeling the strain in his arm as Riku pulled him up to his position. Roxas stood, shaking the dripping water out of his blondish-brown hair, a light smile forming. "Didn't expect to bump into you." He said with a light chuckle. Riku studied him before responding; taking in his wet and slightly ruffled appearance. "What happened?" He inquired, folding his arms across his chest. Roxas shook his head, a puzzled look evident "I'm not sure. One moment I was sitting alone thinking and the other I was attacked by another nobody." He explained, telling him about Ryuu and the other smaller nobodies. "He said he want me then attacked." Roxas finished, thoroughly puzzled by the events that had taken place moments before. Pondering Riku considered what he had just heard, feeling uneasy by the whole event. "Did he follow you?" he questioned, his arms falling to his sides. Roxas blinked, surprised by the question "I-I don't know." He answered truthfully, watching as Riku called out his keyblade. He followed suit, summoning his own as his gaze met Riku's. The same thought passed between them, evident on the others face. If a nobody was to attack they would need to deal with it quickly so no one would be harmed. Riku glanced up at the same moment Roxas did, each sensing the coming threat in their own ways. They moved into position backs against one another as the first nobodies came through.
Ryuu growled in frustration, his gaze focused on the spot where Roxas had slipped through his grasp. Kyoko isn't going to be pleased, he grimaced thinking about the leader. The nobodies bellow disappeared one after the other at his bidding, no use would come from them at that moment. He then followed suit, opening a portal of his own. He stepped through, coming through the other side in no time at all. The room he stepped into was painted in various shades of blue and black giving the room a dark feel. "It would appear that you failed." Commented a man standing near the window. Ryuu rolled his eyes lightly "Yes it would Daichi, the brat slipped away through a portal." Daichi frowned, focusing Ryuu with his icy gold gaze "You were inadequate and sloppy Ryuu." Said person shrugged as he took a seat on one of the various chairs in the room. He propped his feet up on the table, folding his arms behind his blond head. "We just need to find out where he went then we can nab him then and there." He concluded with a nod. "And where would he have gone?" Daichi inquired, his voice dripping with dislike for the other man. "Destiny Island." Interjected another male. He was not the tallest boy standing a few inches shorter than the other two. He had violet hair in a low ponytail and sticking orange eyes and an air of purpose about him. The other two stared at him for a moment, Daichi being the first the recover. "How do you figure that Koryuu?" Asked Ryuu, running a hand through his spiky hair. "That is where his other half resides." Koryuu responded, walking further into the dimly lit room. "Sora the other key to our plan." Daichi concluded, a smirk forming on his face. Koryuu nodded, meeting Daichi's one golden eye that was visible. His other was covered by long pale blue tresses that set off his fiery gold eyes. "Well lets go." Ryuu stood, stretching lightly as he walked over to the wall. He raised his arm, palm facing away as a portal opened before him. "I'm coming as well." Daichi stated, walking over to him. "Good luck." Koryuu turned away, his ponytail whipping the air as he did so. He left the room without another word as the two stepped through the portal.
Riku jumped back as two nobodies launched themselves to his right. The clash of metal against flesh sounded around them as they fought. Roxas not far off to his right fought vigorously against three nobodies of his own. The flow of nobodies suddenly came to a halt as the air around them changed. It vibrated as Ryuu and Daichi immerged from the portal. Riku wrinkled his nose in disgust at the vivid scent of darkness that hung around them. "Roxas we've come to collect." Daichi stated, launching an attack from that air towards him. Riku moved to his aid only to be stopped by a flash of lightning near his head. The air whooshed past him, leaving a faint sting. He growled softly, turning his gaze towards the blond. "Ah ah ah." Ryuu tisked annoyingly with a grin. "I'll be your opponent." Another gush of lightning was launched at Riku who deflected it with his dark shield. He raised Way to Dawn above his head as he launched himself at the nobody above him. His blade clashed against the metal bow staff, sparks flying from the impact. "At least this won't be boring." Ryuu commented with glee. Riku frowned before jumping back as he launched another attack towards Ryuu's flank. "You better count on it." He responded, muscles pumped with battle. Roxas was faring about the same, his battle having moved down to the beach. He dodged to the side as Daichi attacked him. The smell of blood penetrated the air as a cut leaked blood down Roxas cheek. How? He thought amazed, blue eyes wide. Seeing his reaction Daichi smiled, taking a step back in a sword stance. "My blade is invisible to the eye." He explained appearing behind him with a downward slash. Roxas rolled out of the way, the blade skimming his jacket. "Nice dodge." The sword wielder commented. Roxas stood from his knees, keyblade clutched tightly in his hands. "Thanks." He responded, jumping back as yet another attack came. Riku attacked Ryuu fiercely, coming to a standstill as his blade pushed against the others staff in an attempt to make contact. Riku risked a glance at Roxas to see how he was fairing. He noticed that Roxas's opponent seemed to be forcing him back, but why? Then the answer occurred to him. He wanted to trap Roxas between himself and the small piece of land Riku stood on. "Roxas look out! He's trying to trap you." Riku shouted before turning his attention back to his opponent. Roxas glanced behind him, realizing that another minute and his back would be up against the wall. He glanced at Daichi, leaning back quickly as the deadly blade barely skimmed his neck. He panted from the close encounter, his face beginning to show worry. Daichi laughed maliciously, his golden eye gleaming in the pale moonlight. "Now it ends." He said, swing his sword towards Roxas's midsection. Roxas jumped up away from the blow succeeding in avoiding it. He noticed Daichi smile, puzzled by it. "Ryuu now." Daichi commanded, turning his attention on the other. Ryuu pulled away from Riku with a nod, opening a portal bellow Roxas. Riku noticed this as he jumped for Roxas, leaning as far over the gap as he dared. He barely caught Roxas's outstretched hand, holding it tightly in his own. Roxas glanced bellow him at the dark gap that dangled there. He knew he wouldn't be harmed if he fell but the thought of where the portal would take him made him hold on even more tightly. Roxas glanced up seeing Riku's face strained as he attempted to haul him out of the hole. He noticed as Daichi and Ryuu walked up behind Riku, staring down at them. "What should we do with this one?" Ryuu inquired, nudging Riku with his foot. "He comes too." Daichi responded, giving Riku a sharp shove of his own. This was just enough to send the unbalanced teen head first into the portal. The two disappeared after a moment into the darkness that lay bellow. Daichi smirked, satisfied that part of the mission was accomplished. "Let's head back." He stated, walking through himself. Ryuu followed after, his bow staff leaning against one shoulder in a lazy fashion. "That went rather well." He murmured to himself as the portal disappeared leaving the Island once again silent and peaceful. The only signs of battler were sand that was swished about but that could have been done by anyone.
Riku shifted, feeling cold floor against his bare skin. Where am I? He pondered sitting up, a slight shiver running up his spin as he gazed around him. The room was dark and cold, a faint smell of stone on the air. There was a pathetic excuse for a window just above his reach that cast a faint glow on the steel bars that blocked his way. A cell. The answer hit him suddenly as the events of before came back to him. It still didn't make since. What did those men want with Roxas? Where they part of the organization? A gasp escaped him as he shot to his feet, glancing fervently around his cell. Where was Roxas? "Roxas!" He called, hoping the other was near. No answer met his, his words echoing emptily in the space around him. He growled softly, leaning his back against the cold wall. What was he to do? An idea occurred to him as he summoned Way to Dawn. He walked towards the cell bars with purpose in his eyes. He would get out and find Roxas. Raising Way to Dawn he prepared to strike the metal bars when a streak of light from a door fell across the floor. Riku looked towards it expectantly, gripping the blade tighter in anticipation. Two men walked in, but it wasn't them that caught Riku's attention it was the thing that was being dragged between them. It was Roxas. He lay limp, head lulled to one side between the two as they advanced towards the cell. Riku glared at them, his green eyes narrowed. "Hey the others awake." The one he recognized as Ryuu stated, meeting Riku's gaze. He smiled lightly then looked at his partner. It was Koryuu though Riku didn't know that, he hadn't seen him before. Koryuu merely nodded, not sparing his companion a glance as he gazed down at Roxas who moaned softly. "Put him in the cell." He told Ryuu, releasing his grip on Roxas upper arm. Ryuu saluted in a phony fashion "yes sir." He responded, dragging Roxas the rest of the way to the cell. He paused before the door, seeing Riku poised with Way to Dawn in hand."Now now." He said, hoisting Roxas up by the back of his shirt. Roxas opened his blue eyes lightly, dizziness evident "You wouldn't want him to be injured would you?" He inquired with a light chuckle as he watched Riku's face. Riku frowned, taking a step back as he let Way to Dawn vanish in a flash of light. Koryuu watched from a distance as Ryuu placed Roxas within the cell then locked the door once more. He didn't really care if Ryuu was injured by Riku but his job was to supervise so that they didn't escape until the leader came. As if on cue light foot falls sounded from behind him as the person entered. Riku held Roxas up lightly as the small boy tried to straighten himself. He was rather dizzy and had a lump on the back of his head "Are you alright?" Riku questioned softly. "yes." He responded, his voice small and quiet. "Well I see you're awake." Commented a female voice. Riku and Roxas looked up to see a slender woman standing before their cell. She had sun kissed skin, hair as white as Riku's and commanding light purple eyes. Under her left eye was a blue star that stood out vividly against her tan skin. Koryuu and Ryuu beside her bowed lightly in respect "Leader" They said at once. Leader? Roxas thought surprised that such a fragile looking woman could be their leader "I'm kyoko leader of our humble group." She told them with a whisper of a smile as she turned her gaze on Riku "You must be the keyblade masters friend. You'll be of some use in the future." She stated as if he was nothing more than a tool to be used. Riku narrowed his eyes, settling for glaring at her. He hardly knew this woman, yet he already disliked her immensely. She turned her gaze on Roxas, smiling a sweetly sick smile. "Roxas, Number XIII of the former organization." She stated, watching him. He gave no response, watching warily as Riku supported him. "What is it you people want from me?" He questioned at last, his voice slightly tired sounding. Kyoko eyed him in a manner that made him shiver. It reminded him of a cat who's caught sight of a juicy mouse "You will serve to help Dawn learn the secrets of the heart." She responded turning slightly to look at Koryuu "Dawn?" Riku inquired through grit teeth. Kyoko nodded lightly "Yes Dawn. It is our group." "And what is your group's goal Kyoko?" He asked. "Show respect when addressing the leader!" Ryuu said roughly, glowering at Riku. Riku glared back, not backing down for a moment. Kyoko waved her hand lightly at Ryuu "It's alright Ryuu, he doesn't know better. He's a simple boy." She said. Roxas looked nervously at Riku, sensing his friend's annoyance and anger. Kyoko looked back at the boys, addressing them directly "Our goal is to learn the secrets of the heart and to do that we need the two keys. Roxas is one of them and the other is.." "Sora." Roxas interrupted, feeling slightly sick at the prospect of what she wanted. "Yes Sora." She relied with a knowing smile. "Ryuu, Koryuu lets leave our guest to their thoughts." She said turning as she walked out of the room. Ryuu followed after, Koryuu at his heel as they left the teens in the darkening room. "What are we going to do Riku?" Roxas questioned, now standing on his own. "We're going to escape. Escape and warn Sora." He concluded, gazing after the three members as they vanished. A still silenced settled over the dank room. They would escape. Riku thought. No matter what and Sora and Roxas would be protected.