Aww! Thanks for all the lovely reviews everyone! You don't know how much they all mean to me! Every bit of encouragement is immensely appreciated! I'm also glad to see readers, some of them familiar with the original and others new. But anyway yeah, I'm glad to that you're all enjoying so far! ;3;

So I've made it a policy to update this at least once a month. Really. I'll try my best to get this finished soon! x3 I sorta expect this to have 20 chapters or less, but anyway yeah, I hope you enjoy this chapter too! And once again, reviews are loved! :'3 Sorry if anything seems too rushed, or if there are mistakes!

Anonymous review responses:

YamiHonou: You really think it's good? :'D Thanks!

AWesome: Glad you do! :'3


Memoirs of a Locket

Silence.

Silence, silence, silence, silence.

Such a simple word... and yet... No, just... no.

Obviously, I'm frustrated. This accursed state of noiselessness is just not clicking with me and my well-being at all. This blanket of choking quietude is driving me insane, yet any possible topic I could use to strike up a conversation was nowhere near my grasp. The idea was gone and nonexistent in the wind, and unless I could think up of something - anything - then that'd be a very nice change to have right now.

But first, I have to ask myself: Why am I so nervous with just the mere, mental image of a guy I just met today staying by my side?

Roxas and I were walking down the winding, orange pavement of Sunset Hill, the clicking of the soles of our shoes the only noise to be heard other than the cobalt blue-eyed boy's small, surprised gasps, probably taken aback by the scenery. He was like a little kid, so in awe with just the mere sight of everything here, that I had to giggle silently at his reactions. But those were the only sounds we ever let out of our mouths, and it annoyed me greatly. I swear I could hear the clock tower here all the way from the main town and its ticking if it weren't for Roxas's shocked breaths from all this. Even if he may not seem to mind about the almost noiseless environment, I did, and it bothered me and my conscience a lot.

"Hey, mind if I ask? Where are all the people? I know my Dad said this place has friendly residents but by the looks of it, this place has uncanny resemblances to a ghost town." Ack! He had to be the one to think up of what to talk about first! Second to Sora, that's my specialty! My pride... My pride..! No, don't leave! "Uh, Xion? Anyone home?"

I snapped out of my mental argument and chided myself silently. Get a hold of yourself Xion! You're still talking to someone here. Don't leave him hanging! "Oh, sorry, got a little lost in thought there," I apologized quickly before continuing. "Most folks here normally don't go out since... Well, everyone's busy with their own shindigs and all that. You could say we're… busy, in our own ways." I sound like an idiot don't I?

"Oh... Okay, I guess. Glad to know it's not a deserted place. I admit, it would've sucked if you were a ghost." A light chuckle escaped his lips, and I found myself laughing too. "Believe me, I'd be just as disappointed if I found out I was one." More laughter and I found myself smiling like a hyena. I would've smiled a little longer if that wasn't the end of our conversation, but it was. After the laughs, it was silent again. Think of something, anything! Initiate a battle plan!

"So… Roxas… um, which school will you be attending?" As soon as those words flew out of my mouth, I had to do a mental facepalm out of pure shame. What the hell did I just ask? Of all the questions that popped up in my head, it had to be the most obvious question in the world that I voiced out. There was only one high school here, which was none other than Twilight High, the school I attend. (No, our teachers are not sparkly vampires. Vanitas checked. How? I don't know.) What? Would you expect him, a guy looking around my age attending, classes at Dawn Elementary? I don't think so. Ugh, well at least I said something and could hopefully start another conversation rather than having to suffocate in quietude.

Roxas looked up at the sound of my voice and placed a hand on his chin to show that he was pondering about this question, but I couldn't help holding down a blush. He looked so adorable with his thinking face! And yes I know I'm such a girl. So what? "Well, from what I heard from Dad, I'll be attending Twilight High by tomorrow, since I've already enrolled and stuff. Why?" he asked, and I let out a sigh of relief. Good. He doesn't know that it's the only high school here... yet. My embarrassment should be held off until he finds out by himself.

"Ah, really? Are you a Sophomore, by any chance?" I questioned, pushing aside all other thoughts and already becoming ecstatic at the image of a new classmate - a friend, even - to hang around with. I know love lots of people at school, especially my best friends since childhood, but sometimes, someone not part of the everyday scenery would be nice. "If we are, then we'll probably be classmates!"

"Really? Then lucky me then! I pretty much am a Sophomore!" Roxas grinned, chuckling slightly at my earlier display of enthusiasm, and I couldn't resist smiling softly either. He's too contagious. The enemy is too strong. Just surrender and go along with the flow! "If you don't mind, think you can give me a tour around the school? My best friend would've done so, but he has the tendency to spread stories about me just to embarrass me."

"What? Now what kind of best friend did you just get yourself?" I laughed at him as he scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile plastered on his face. I know Hayner, Pence and Olette would do that, but it wasn't to the point of ruining high school memories. Hell, even Vanitas, which wasn't really much of a surprise, probably to all of you too. But friends were friends, and reverse psychology was usually how everyone interacted with their own best friends nowadays. Not sure if it's irony or just weird.

"Well, it's kind of his way to brag about knowing everything about me," Roxas casually replied and nodded. Hah, told you so. Logic will never fail! "I really don't know if I should be touched or cursed at the fact that he knows lots of things about me."

"A little of both is a good balance. It's how I roll. You should've known that already Roxy!"

... Um, did you say that? Because I'm pretty sure I didn't say a thing... Was that God then? Oh, didn't think so either.

Still surprised at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, I quickly twirled around to look for the source of its owner. Judging by the mere tone, it was probably male, but I saw no one else around. The place was still deserted as ever, which was pretty much a normal sight I got used to.

Slightly dumbfounded, I turned back again with a confused expression on my face, only to be met by the sight of Roxas getting noggied to death by a man with poison green eyes and spiky, red hair that closely resembled flames. I raised a questioning eyebrow as I observed the scene. Who was this guy and why do I have a feeling that I've seen him before?

"Gah, Axel stop! My hair's messier than it is!" Roxas cried as he tried to free himself from the clutches of the older man, who just grinned evilly and ruffled his hair harder while laughing. I didn't really bother helping Roxas, as this interesting scene does amuse me a lot. Hey, he's not getting hurt, so why would I not enjoy seeing something funny?

"Fine, fine, I'll let you go now." The redhead let go of the blonde, much to the latter's relief. Roxas immediately began trying to tidy up his hair to how it usually looked. But honestly, I saw no other difference despite his efforts. It looked the same no matter how he put it up. "But really Roxas, I'm so proud of you! I've left you alone for less than an hour, yet you're already picking up a girl! And a cute one too!"

Blushing, I vigorously shook my head with my face probably redder than tomato and ketchup combined. "I am not cute! And most importantly, I'm not his girlfriend. We're still practically strangers to each other!"

"Oh, you've chosen a modest one too, eh? Well I guess you can't do double dates with me and Larxene." Did he say Larxene? Now I'm sure I'd know that name anywhere. And as I come to that, I heard something click in my head as I came to a realization.

"Oh! So you're Axel!" I gasped out loud from surprise, and both of them stared at me with an odd, suspecting look. I'd know those expressions anywhere. "Stop accusing me as a stalker, I would know! You're the guy who burns down Vexen's laboratory once a year with the help of Savage Nymph!" Axel was known as the 'Flurry of Dancing Flames' at school because of his pyromaniac tendencies and Larxene, apparently,was his girlfriend who loved electricity. And happened to be so fucking mean towards most people, her title proving so. No one could - or even dare - to think of who else could've made a perfect couple like them, so alike in many (deranged?) ways and were equally scary.

But then there was still one more surprise in store for me. I knew that the moment I saw Roxas's face immediately falling into a grim look as he turned to his pyro friend. "How many times have I told you to stop burning down things even if no one's there to see you?"

Axel's expression turned into what resembled a very nervous child, noticing the very stern look Roxas was giving him. Is there something wrong with this picture? I thought stuff like this was supposed to work the other way around... "Er... yeah, I know. But those matches man... and the flames..."

Roxas sighed exasperatedly and facepalmed. "I give up. Let's just skip to introductions." Grabbing my hand, he pulled me slightly closer so me and Axel were face to face. Did I mention that Axel was tall? Great, I feel like a pea with this guy towering over me. Sigh. Wait a sec, Roxas's hand is pretty warm… Stop acting like you have ADHD Xion! "Axel, this here's Xion. Xion, you already know Axel."

Said redhead grinned as he extended a hand towards me. "Pleasure to meet you future Mrs. Strife- Ow!" With a nudge of an elbow, Axel began rubbing his arm on the spot where Roxas had hit. I giggled slightly as they suddenly began a staring contest for superiority, with Roxas hailing as the winner. Were these guys really best friends? They were so different and contrasted each other greatly that I can't help but be surprised. And Roxas seemed to be the more mature one! I guess this was what's called 'opposites attract.'

Wow. Everything's so mixed up. Damn logic nowadays.

"I guess it's nice to meet you too Axel." I smirked slightly, having made sure that sarcasm was as clear as day in my tone of voice, at the sight of his gape face. Yeah, burn baby! I'm the new fire now! Wait, is he grinning? Patting Roxas's shoulder, he spoke with a satisfied smile, "Roxas, you've chosen a good wife. I accept her into our family."

And that was enough for Roxas to steal his lighter, which conveniently appeared out of nowhere in Axel's palm. "You'll get it back tomorrow."

And Axel's reaction was immediate.

"NOOOOO!"


"... So, if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking this load of trouble home," Larxene said with a slight hiss in her tone of voice as she began pulling her knocked-out, redheaded companion by the ear and dragging him inside the train. Turning to Roxas, I'm pretty sure I gave him a look that said 'What in Kingdom Heart's name just happened?' since he just sighed and shrugged. "I honestly don't know myself. Axel doesn't really do a good job at handling his maniacal pyro tendencies."

"And you guys are supposed to be best friends."

"I guess it's my fault then." We both laughed, ignoring the fact that Larxene was glaring at us since she had to take both Axel and Roxas home. Apparently the two were neighbors, and since it was pretty late, I had to get home soon, so Roxas had to ask Larxene. Poor guy. I hope he still lives. "Well, I guess you know what's needed to know about me. I'll be going then, alright?"

"Sure! I'll see you tomorrow and introduce you to my friends!" I smiled at the thought. He might get along well with Hayner and Pence!

"Sounds nice! Can't wait!" He grinned happily as he raised a hand and waved. "Bye Xion. It was nice meeting you." I waved goodbye to him before he rushed in the train, narrowly avoiding the automatic doors as they came to a close. I left the station in good spirits, a grin plastered all over my face as proof of this.

But one thought crept up at the back of my mind, and it destroyed my momentary state of bliss. Once again, I asked myself:

Why was he so familiar?


...

...

...

Why do I get the feeling that, despite the fact that summer vacation's almost here, it'll feel long - way too long - before I could get the big break? Maybe it's just pure paranoia bugging me, but then again... I really wouldn't know.

It all started with a simple alarm that made me fall off my bed. When did they place that thing there? I threw the damn thing out of my sight of course, but because of gravity and my lack of lame accuracy, it landed on my sister's head. (God, why must Kairi and I share rooms? I've been good!) To put it in a nutshell, she pretty much cussed me out since I woke her up in the middle of a good dream, and now I'm thanking God for her to have spared my life while I run as fast as I can to avoid more of 'Morning Kairi' and her relentless fury. Yeah, never mess with my dreaded twin before she's had her bubble tea.

"Had another encounter with the morning hell spawn?" Approaching the train station, I saw Vanitas run to my side with a smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes and let out a loud gruff. "Yeah, I did. That's the last time I try throwing my alarm clock at a random direction."

"You're so lame at that stuff," Vanitas muttered under his breath and directed his attention to the opposite direction of where I was. "I bet I could throw that clock and hit a bunch window."

"I wasn't aiming for the window!"

"Suuuuure you weren't."

"... Okay, maaaaybe I was." I grunted slightly in defeat, shifting the weight of my bag before talking again. "Don't you know how loud it is? I think my ears could fall off."

"Idiot, that's supposed to be the point."

I just grin at his insult. "Well, logic is screwed anyway."

A smirk (smile?) is on his face as he nodded in agreement. "Got that right!"

I love mornings.

... Except Monday mornings.


Arriving at the train station, Vanitas and I ran immediately inside the huge piece of metal transportation once we saw it arrive and open its doors. People - most of them students - were noisily chattering with each other or tried to catch some Z's, probably hoping for some shut eye before arriving at their stop. Not caring about whatever anyone was saying, I walked over to the emptiest part of the train (damn, still too much people!) and plopped down a random, available chair, seeing that the person beside me was asleep, judging by the way he covered his face with a hoodie. After that, I let out a sigh of relief. Made it! I evaded hellfire once again!

"Looking quite happy aren't you dear sister?"

... Or maybe not.

I looked up to see Kairi towering over me with a scary, blank expression. Oh crud. I can't read people and their thoughts! Especially an emotionless Kairi! Dear God, help me.

Surprisingly, she just smiled and put her hands on her hips. " Well, you woke me up in time, so I'll let it pass for now." I raised a suspicious brow. Wait what? Kairi hates waking up earlier than she's supposed to.

But then I understood it all as she walked right over to where Sora was and sat beside him.

Oh Kairi, you.

"Interesting sister you have. Are you two twins?"

... Can't I have a moment to myself and my thoughts? As I turn to my right for me to tell whoever the hell this person was to stop bothering me and go skedaddle, I held myself back once I saw the familiar, cobalt blue eyes almost shining under the hood. I definitely knew who this was. "R-Roxas! Good morning!" I'm sure I'm blushing. Oh God, not again.

"Hey Xion, g'morning to you too," he said with a lazy smile before yawning tiredly. "I didn't get much sleep last night since Larxene kept bugging me to return Axel's lighter. I regret nothing though."

"Must be hard to be best friends with her pyro boyfriend," I stated while shaking my head and giggled slightly. "Can't imagine what you go through everyday."

"Nah, all I have to endure is the-"

"So this is where you've been hiding."

I blinked a couple of times before realizing that this unmistakably rude person was talking to me. I turned to my left and found myself staring at a familiar shade of yellow eyes. "Vani? I thought you were following me?"

"If you didn't run off without me, I would've been," he curtly replied, somehow ignoring the fact that I called him by his undecided nickname, before looking at Roxas. "Who's the kid?"

"Ah! You must be Xion's friend. I'm Roxas!" the blonde introduced himself and extended a hand for Vanitas to shake. My charcoal-haired friend just stared at it before suddenly glaring at Roxas and leaning back on his chair. "Sorry, I don't do well with people like you."

I winced as if the words were meant for me. Did he really have to be this rude? It isn't necessary at all! Seeing that he didn't seem to want to talk anymore, I turned back to Roxas and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Vanitas has never been good with other people. He's kind of the 'I work alone' types."

"It's cool, I've met worse." Roxas leaned back on his chair with a sigh, probably disappointed at failing to make a new friend. Honestly Roxas, there's nothing much to be disappointed about. Trying to lighten up his mood, I tried to change the subject about something else, and we ended up talking about all the good, random things we could think up of. It was nice to have someone who could actually understand why waffles were better than pancakes.

But the mistake I made was not having noticed the pair of golden eyes glaring at my new friend.