A/N: Much faster update this time! ^^ Enjoy!

The Shadow Games

Will you risk your life to save the one you love?

"Cloud. His name was Cloud Strife."

I couldn't sleep that night. Nightmare after nightmare haunted me, images of my mother's and father's deaths flashing through my mind. Dad had died because of Axel. And yet, I wasn't mad at him. Maybe it was because I had befriended the man before he told me, or maybe it was because he obviously felt as guilty as he should have. Even more, probably. So I didn't snap at him.

"Are... are you sure that was his name?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know the name of the guy that saved my life. Why?"

"Cause... that's... that was my father's name."

Axel immediately apologized profusely when he realized that, even went so far as to say he'd give his life for me in return. I declined the offer, though. No reason for more to die because of me. Mom and Dad had, Ven most likely would... I didn't want anymore blood on my hands.

Now that we knew we had a connection, we grew closer. Even though he was a Shadow, I found myself wanting to be his friend, instead of feeling obligated to. I quickly found out about his fire addiction, and the reason why he was a Shadow.

"I got in trouble with the cops. Apparently, playing with a lighter in the middle of the sidewalk is illegal. I have no idea why."

"You don't... have an issue with it?"

"Sure I do. I've just gotten over it. Trust me, eight years in this place changes your view of things pretty quickly."

After training, we were free to wander the Kennels. I had gone straight to mine and tried to sleep. It didn't work. Axel visited, tried to start a conversation, but I had basically ignored him. Eventually he went away. I had tried to sleep all day, failing the whole time. Now it was night, and I still couldn't fall into slumber. Sighing, I stood and exited my kennel, trying to not awake the other Shadows. That was the last thing I needed.

I headed for the Training Room, deciding a little practice couldn't hurt. Picking up a Keyblade, I swung it for a bit before getting out some dummies. Dodge, block, slice, retreat. Over and over I repeated the pattern, occasionally changing it up or mixing some magic in.

Shadows were also, when they were transformed, able to collect Mana, which, when enough was gathered, allowed Shadows to use magic in the form of fire, ice, or lightning. There were also some Shadows who concentrated so much on their magic, they obtained the ability to use Aero, an aerial and defense boost, Gravity, which brought things closer together, Stop, a time freezing spell, and Cure, which, obviously, was a healing spell. Even these spells could be upgraded as well, though. The greatest a Shadow could go was Firaga, Blizzaga, Thundaga, Aeroga, Graviga, Stopaga, and Curaga.

An hour passed, so I finally stopped to take a break. While I was resting, however, a deep voice broke through the silence.

"Not bad. Not bad at all."

I jumped up, searching for the source of the voice. A man cloaked in a black coat, pants, shoes, and gloves came out from near the door, arms crossed. The hood to the coat was up, hiding his face. I raised an eyebrow.

"Who are you?"

The man stopped in front of me and pulled off his hood. He had amber eyes and tanned skin. His silver hair was long, reaching to about the middle of his back, layered, and messy-looking. His bangs were a bit spiked up at the top of his head. He grinned at me. Creepy...

"I am Xemnas. And you are Roxas, correct?" he asked.

"Yeah... wait, how do you know my name?" I challenged.

"A friend told me. Axel. In fact, it's because of him that I'm here now."

"Oh really? And why is it that you're here?"

Another creepy grin. "I have come to give you purpose."

"Uh... huh..." I took a step back. "What kind of purpose?"

"You see my outfit? This is the uniform of a secret Shadow league known as Organization XIII."

My curiosity was piqued. "What's this Organization XIII for?"

"We are trying to overcome the hold the government, known to some as the Organization, has on us Shadows. By grouping together we will destroy their chains, and become free. No longer will we be forced to play the games."

"I see. And you want me because...?"

"Your skills with the Keyblade are quite impressive. In time, you will be able to use them for our benefit, should you choose to join. We would equip you with a real Keyblade, and give you the training you need."

It actually sounded promising. True, I didn't want to hang out around a bunch of Shadows, but if this meant I might not enter the games, and Ven could be freed, I was in. "...So I'm guessing there are thirteen of you?"

"Twelve, actually. You would be thirteen, if you wish. I am the leader, number I. Axel, your friend, I presume, is number VIII."

I nodded. Twelve people wasn't impressive, but twelve Shadows with full-on weapons was. "How would I get an outfit?"

"We have our resources. Are you with us?"

I grinned. "Count me in."