Chapter 4: A New Oath

Hey as promised chapter 4 is here and done. Keep in mind that this chapter will put Roxas on a path he can never turn his back on. Duh Duh Duh. Haha hopefully you guys enjoyed the last chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it. Also if any of you are wondering by what I meant by Square Inks newest announced released, I meant the 2.5 HD Remix hitting America in 2014! I nearly had a nerdgazum when I saw the trailer! Don't judge or do, I don't care. By the way this will probably be the longest chapter of the story. And also my friend mayhemlaw has asked if he could write a prequel for this story. I told him yes, but he will be using ideas approved by me. So it will not spoil anything that this story has. Also I'm still writing the story off my iPhone, so forgive any errors you manage to find.

(Roxas POV)

I made it to the garden shortly finding Sora locked in combat with multiple assassins. Blades clashing, magic being casted, and the entire time Sora calm face never wavered. I felt a smirk tug my lips. That is until I saw him also protecting a red headed girl, who I'm assuming is Ansems other daughter. Either way I had no time for questions, because I could tell Sora was being tired out. I summonsed oblivion, and charged into battle. I knocked over a guy that tried to stab Sora, and sent Oblivion through his heart. Then Sora and I glared at each other briefly nodding.
Then we fought as one. Our movements were in almost perfect sync. We fought back to back, and side by side. We easily thinned out their ranks from thirty to fifteen in mere seconds. I rolled under sword aim for my head, which I would've missed if not for Sora's warning. I then slashed at my attackers legs, and I heard Sora finishing him off. We smiled at each other. Truth be told I treasured the moments when we fought this perfectly in sync. We were unstoppable. I'm silently thankful for all the training our father put us through.
Within mere minutes we had finished off the assassins. I was exhausted. It felt like we had killed at least a hundred of them. I could hear Sora out of breath behind me. I saw the blood that now stained the once emerald green grass, and at first I was glad. These men were evil, sergeants of his black hearted uncle, they deserved death! But did they really? Something in me told me that they weren't entirely at fault here. I knew that my darkness was trying to win my heart, but I refused to let it win. So in order to loosen it's hold on me I dismissed Oblivion. I then fell to my knees, as did Sora. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that the princesses where about to approach us.
I weakly smiled, but then I felt myself cough. I watched as blood left my mouth. Confused as to what caused this I then noticed there was a sharp stunning sensation coming from my side. Looking down at my coat I noticed a rather long slash on it revealing a bleeding cut. When did I get slashed? Then I collapsed to the ground. Something was wrong. I feel this week from just one slash, unless it was poisoned.
"Shit" I muttered, before blacking out.

(Namïne's POV)

I held my breath as I watched Roxas, fight off the assassins with who I'm assuming is his brother. He fought with such speed and power that he seemed inhuman. I know that I should be frightened by him, but for some reason I'm not. If anything I'm...worried about him. The darkness in his heart must be strong for him to be wielding a dark key. Darkness only empowered people who were evil, right? But Roxas seemed like a good guy.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed how Kairi was staring at Roxas's brother. With a look of concern? Was Kairi into his brother? I'd ask her about that later. I shifted my attention back to the fight. But as I watched the two fight, i was amazed. The way the fought side by side, protecting each other, and attacking together, it seemed more like a well practiced dance.
The entire time I watched Roxas, and secretly admired how his hair danced in the wind and along with his movements. When they finished, me and Kairi hurried off to thank our saviors. But I then I saw they both fall to their knees, at first I wasn't to worried, but then Roxas coughed up blood. And then I felt my heart stopped when he collapse to the ground completely.
Ignoring all warning thrown to me I rushed over to his side. Resting his head in my lap, trying to wake him. His brother came to my side and tried slapping him awake. It looked like it was the end of him. I felt tears making their way to my eyes. I barely knew this boy and somehow he had caused my heart to ache for him. How?
"Espuna!" A female voice shouted from no where. Then I looked down and saw that Roxas was bathed in a green aura. I blinked, as I saw Roxas's wound magically being healed. I was about to search for the source of the voice, when his deep ocean blue eyes. For an eternal moment, our eyes meet. It felt like he was looking into my soul, and seeing all my secrets, and I have no idea how I feel about that. But then he gave me a soft smile.
"Am I dead?" He softly asked. I felt myself blush a little when he said. At the angle he was at, I could make some details on his bare chest. He seemed to keep himself in very shape, my eyes stop once I saw the black inks of a tattoo. I had always thought tattoos were interesting, I don't really want one but you can't deny that some can be beautiful.
"DON'T MOVE!" One of father's guards shouted, ruining the peaceful moment I had shared with Roxas. I silent cursed the man, until is saw why he had shouted. He had his rifle aimed at a female dressed much like Roxas was with the hood up. She also carried Keyblade, but hers was blue and yellow, it looked more like jagged sword in the shape of key. She held her hands up defensively. I heard something very similar to a growl come from Roxas, and before I knew he was on his feet.

(Roxas POV)

I growled. How dare this man aim his gun at my sister! I practically leapt front the ground, and summoned Oblivion. I rushed up to the man, and put the edge of my blade near his throat. I heard him gasp in fear , and saw the panic in his eyes. Apart of me was screaming at me, demanding that I spill his blood. But I knew doing so would be wrong, so I was only going to scare him.
"Don't you dare point that thing at my her!" I snarled. The other men pointed their weapons at me. But I didn't really care. I knew that Sora had my back. Cause I heard his Kingdom Key being summonsed and rifles being drawn on him as well.

(Namine POV)

I felt two things as I watched him threaten the guard. Fear, and sadness. Fear because how serious he was being scared me. Saddened because it looked like he really cared about this girl. Perhaps they were in love, or engaged, who knows? And it hurt knowing that it was over before I ever got a chance.
"Trust me when I say this," I heard Roxas's brother calmly explain, "You don't wanna tick Roxas off. Especially when it comes to our sister, Xion. Who you just so happen to be aiming at." I felt my eyes widen. I had almost forgotten that Roxas mentioned he had a sister. Then his brothers words finally sank in!
"Yes!" I mentally cheered. "I still have a chance!"

(Xion's POV)

Ugh, my brothers. I love them and everything, but they overprotective like dad was. I can take of myself, they both know it. I may not be master swordsmen like them, but I'm a master of magic! Defensive or offensive spells, name a spell and I've mastered it. Where as my brothers had only master only one type of magic. Sora had master offensive spells, like thunder, light, firgra, and blizzard. While Roxas master defensive spells, such as Reflect, Stopza, Gravity, Areo, and Dark Barrier. And despite this they still think of me as the little defenseless little sister. Well actually Sora does, more so than Roxas. Roxas only acts like this when I'm hurt or in danger. But still.
"Lower your weapons this instant!" I heard a deep voice command. The guards all hesitated, but followed the order. Roxas backed off, the man, as did Sora. I sighed, and removed my hood, and moved a piece if my raven hair out of my face. Then I noticed that both princess were staring at my brothers. With a look that I recognized all too well. It looked like the way I looked at Riku.

(Roxas POV)

I kept Oblivion out, despite knowing how dangerous that would be, and despite the guard backing off. I didn't let my guard down when it came to defending my family, after all. It was one of the only things I have left and I'm not losing them! I almost forgot where I was until...
"Princess Namine, wait!" I heard one of the gaurs a shout. I turned my head to see the blonde haired princess, rushing towards me. I smiled now knowing her name. Namine. A very unusual, yet beautiful, name. She stopped when she was within arms length of me. Her eyes went straight to the tear in my coat. Is she checking to see if the wound is still open. I looked into her light blue eyes, and saw nothing but concern for me. But why? I am practically nobody to her, aren't I?
I heard Ansem tell his men that they were dismissed and that they were to search the castle for more assassins. I knew he was just trying to get rid of his guards, but I wouldn't stop him. Why should I? Namine was started inspecting the tear, studying the skin below. I felt my cheeks, turn a light red.
"I'm fine princess," I kindly said, "Xion's an excellent healer." I got her attention, and noticed that she looked embarrassed, and had a light blush on her cheeks. The sight gave my heart a warm feeling, similar to the one I had felt earlier.
"Ahem," Ansem cleared his throat, causing us both to look at him directly, "Prince Roxas, Prince Sora, and Princess Xion. Thank you for saving me and my family. But if I might ask, where have you been all this time?" I rubbed the back of my head, nervously, I didn't want to imagine what would happen if we told him the truth. I was about to open my mouth, but Sora beat me to it.
"Ah, we've became pirates," he said, damn him and his limitless honesty. The queen and the princesses looked horrified. But Ansem didn't seem bothered by it in the slightest. He didn't even blink. Almost as if he knew all along. But that was crazy right? The only one who knew we became pirates, was King Mickey. Mickey wouldn't have told anyone, right? I pushed the thoughts aside, and spoke up.
"But we're not your everyday pirates," I confidently answered, "We only attack other pirates, or the Dark Navy or Army. We don't harm the innocent, that our most important rule. Next to defending them, of course." Sora, and Xion nodded in agreement. I don't know how, but I could tell Namine was smiling. It was weird, but I welcomed this feeling. And in turn the foreign warm feeling in my heart returned.
"But why become pirates?" I heard her sister ask, "Why not just join another Kingdom and fight the Darkness?" I hung my head low, if I had a Keyblade of light, that's exactly what we would've done. But the other kingdoms, were not known for treating wielders of darkness with open arms. If we had gone to those kingdoms, they would have imprisoned me, and worse case killed me.
"Because Kairi," Ansem explained, "The other Kingdoms have become fearful of wielders of dark Keyblades, and Roxas bares a dark blade. Meaning one of two things would have happened to him. He would have been thrown in jail, or worse." He paused, looking at the ground as if he was trying to figure out his next words. Well if he won't say, I will.

(Namine POV)

I waited for father to finish, what could be worse then being thrown into jail? I have visited our kingdom's prison, and it's not a sight for sore eyes. People there are treated terribly. Like they were animals instead of people.
"They would've killed me," I heard Roxas say nonchalantly, "By either beheading me, or ripping my heart out. And I personally don't like the idea of my uncle being unopposed, so we became pirates." I smiled, despite his situation I could see Roxas's heart was in the right place. And I could tell his siblings loved him, why else would they join him in this crusade.
"Hmm?" I heard Roxas question, placing a finger to his ear. I then saw a look of fear in his eyes.
"EVERYONE DOWN!" He shouted. Then I saw a black sphere in the sky.

(Roxas POV)

Riku's voice came through my comm.

"Roxas you've got an incoming cannonball," he frantically said, "It's been enchanted with darkness! And it's heading towards the garden section of the castle! Get out of there!" I had no time to think of a plan!

"EVERYONE DOWN!" I shouted, i then grabbed Namine and pressed us up against a nearby wall. My body shielding hers. I was acting off pure instinct. I then summoned, Oblivion. Casting a reflective spell mixed with a dark barrier. Closing my eyes, I summoned as much strength as I could from the darkness to strengthen the barrier. I heard the cannonball hit the ground in the center of where we once stood, and braced for the impact.
DAHOOM. The ground began to shake, and I heard the wall collapse, followed by Namine's scream. I concentrated harder to produced an even stronger barrier. But something wasn't right, I was able to produce the stronger barrier, but I didn't feel strained. Normally when I rely on the darkness too much, I can feel a powerful strain on my heart. But not this time. This time, I felt something softly burning in my heart, but it wasn't painful, it was warm and inviting. I felt a weird sense of peace. What could have caused this?

(Xion's POV)

I watched Roxas throw a barrier around himself and the princess Namine, and Sora protect the princess Kairi by throwing a wall of light around them. I ran over to the King and queen and threw a protective barrier around us. I watched as the cannon hit the ground, it must have been enchanted by darkness, because it shake the ground with equal force of an earthquake. Thanks to the strength of my barrier the debris just bounced off us. Then I saw the wall that Roxas had taken to had collapsed on him! Oh dear god! NO! Not Roxas!

"ROXAS!" I screamed, I wanted to drop the barrier at the very second, but I knew that if I did, both me, the King and queen were dead. I struggled to fight the tears that sought to stream from my eyes, but I somehow managed. Once the danger finally passed, I lowered the barrier, and Sora lowered his wall of light. The princess clung onto him tightly. Normally I would have teased him about this, but this moment is anything but normal. It felt like a piece of me had died. I silently walked over to the fallen section of the wall that contained my brother. I cried out his name, as did Sora, and Kairi called out for her sister. I heard the queen begin to cry. I couldn't blame her.

I lowered my head, and fell to my knees. No matter how much Roxas could scare me, I still loved him. And now I felt so guilty. Guilty that I never would be able to apologize to him for the way I had treated him when we were young. I was starting to cry. I started hiccuping Roxas's name, and begged him to come back.

(Sora POV)

I can't believe it! No! No I refuse to believe that Roxas is gone! He's too strong to meet his end from just a like this! I collapsed to my knees. I could hear princess Kairi, crying into her hand, and I remembered that she just lost her sister. I got up, and tried to comfort her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, as a silent tear run down my cheek. The second my hand touched her, she dragged me into a hug, I slowly returned it.

"It looks like I'm captain now," I grimly thought, "I love you brother, I hope you know that." I was about to let my tears out in force. But then I heard an angry growl, coming from the rubble.

"WIND SCATTER!" My face lit up, Xion's as well. It was Roxas's voice! He was alive! The biggest chunk of the fallen wall was blasted towards the direction of the towering castle outer wall. It left an opening, and from the opening, the blonde princess, Namine I think her names was, emerged from the rubble. She was unharmed, not even a scratch on her. But there was a panicked look on her face. She reached her hands back into the opening and started pulling on a sleeved arm, and out came Roxas! He was alive! Didn't matter how, didn't matter why! He was alive.

Thats when I noticed that there was something up with Roxas's arm. Then I noticed that his shoulder was out of place. I heard him groan as he was dragged out of the opening.
"Sora," I heard him shout, "Can you come here?" Before i could answer him, Xion threw herself at him, and hugged him tightly. I heard him groan in pain. Xion quickly got off him.

"You dislocated your shoulder!" She shouted, I ran over.

"Yeah Xion," he grunted, "I know. Sora a little help here." He weakly held his arm up towards me, I knew exactly what he wanted me to do. I sighed, and grabbed his arm, and gently place a foot on his shoulder. I saw him remove one of his gloves and pit in between his teeth.

"You sure about this?" I asked. I receive a nod and a growl in return. I sigh, and pull back on his arm, and press my foot against his shoulder. I hear the pop of Roxas's shoulder, and his muffled scream of pain, and I slightly flinch. Once I feel that it's back in place I stop, and help him up. He looked like he was trying to fight the pain. Xion saw this, and casted a Cure, which ease pain also.

(Roxas POV)

i slowly rotate my shoulder, being grateful that Xion casted a cure spell on me. From the corner of my eye I noticed how concerned Namine looked. That strange warm feeling still burned in my heart, and I was liking it. I gave her a soft smile, when she started to look sad.

"Your Majesties," a deep calm voice shouted, "Are you alright!?" I turned towards the source of the voice, and saw one of Ansem'a guards. But this one was different, he had blonde spiky hair, and it almost looked liked Sora's hair. Plus he carried a giant black sword on his back.

"Don't worry Cloud we are fine," I heard the King reassure him, but the guy didn't look convinced, "But there is something I need you to do."

"Of course king Ansem, anything." Cloud answered right away, I could tell Cloud was one of Ansem's most loyal of soldiers. Though I was curious as to what the King wanted from him.

"Gather as many of people as you can," Ansem said, "And get them aboard the Royal Gamble. Then set sail to somewhere safe." An evautation? We could fight back and save their kingdom, didn't he see that. I heard Cloud agree with Ansem, and ask if Ansem would be joining him on the boat.

"I'm afraid not," Ansem calmly said, "I believe I know the reason why the Dark Navy has taken an interest in our kingdom. But I' sending my daughters with the Heart family." What?! He wanted us to watch after his daughters?

I heard Cloud trying to make an argument that would change Ansems mind, but Ansem wouldn't budge. Saying that his daughters would be safer with three keybares than an small army. He motioned for Cloud to be dismissed, I then saw Ansem whisper something into Sora's ear, Sora nodded immediately. I noted that Ansem was about to walk towards me.

"Roxas! Roxas come in!" Riku's voice came over the comm. I put my hand to my ear.

"I'm here what's up?" I asked. Hoping it was just a small update.

"I think Vanitus just it the mainland," his words echoed in my head, "He's heading towards the castle!" I heard what he said, but it didn't really matter. The only thing that I only heard, VANITUS!

"Sora!" I coldly said, "Give me your scope!" He looked confused, but I shot him a look that said "Do as I say" and he complied. After he handed me his long-range scope, I open a portal to the top of the castle walls. I ignore the stares of confusion, and look through the scope and see him. More importantly I see all the destruction he single handily caused. The village below the castle was inflames. I felt my anger build and burn in my chest. I then returned to the others.

"Vanitus is on his way," I coldly said, "I'll fight him off a give you all enough time to escape." I was about to open a portal to Vanitus, but Ansem stopped me dead in my tracks.

"And how will my daughters get aboard your ship," he question, "I assume you arrived here through a dark corridor, which is something only you can use. So tell me how do you plan on getting My Daughters to safety?" I looked at him, our eyes locked in a silent battle.

"Sora is the master of the light," I answered, "he can get your daughters to my ship, with no problem. We took a dark corridor so we could keep our presence here hidden. And using a corridor of light is a lot safer than using a corridor of darkness, trust me." I saw that my siblings had a look of concern in their eyes, but I didn't pay much attention to it. What I found odd was the way Princess Namine was looking at me. I've never been looked at like this, by anyone, EVER.

Ansem then asked Sora if he could deliver, he told yes. Ansem looked hesitant, but gave in, he then rushed to the castle, but not before he and his wife said their goodbyes to their daughters. While this happened, Sora and XiOn confronted me.

"What are you going to do when you see him?" they both asked. Truth be told, I don't know. All this time I've been waiting to kill him, but I don't know if I can kill one of my brothers, even Vanitus. I gave them nothing, I just turned my back.

"I'll be back," I hollowly said, "Remember to keep them safe." I was about to leave when I heard someone running up behind me, followed by a tug on my coat. I turned around to see Namine, she had a pleasing look in her eyes. I put a fake confident smile for her.

"Don't worry," I reassured both herself and me, "I'll be back." She looked almost scared, like she knew I was faking the smile.

"Promise?" She asked. I gave a surprised look. Is she really this naïve? What good would a promise do? But for some reason I felt like she wouldn't allow me to leave if I didn't promise.

"Promise." I whispered to her. She then gave me a quick hug, and then joined my my brother and the others. Why did she hug me? Struggling to get the question out of my head, I summoned Oblivion and opened a portal. And walked through, preparing myself for what I was about to do.

After a short walk I emerged from the darkness. All I could see in front of me was a burning village, burning items, and blacked out figure walking calmly through the chaos. Once it walked a bit further, I could just make out the armor the man wore. It was like a black muscle system with blood red highlights. Which he wore a jet black loosely opened black trench coat, and a black mask that cover his entire face. But the blade he carried with him I knew anywhere. It was his, Vanitus's. Void Gear, I think is what he called it. But I didn't care.

"Well, well, well," came the mocking voice I knew so well, "If it isn't little Roxas! Hahaha, what they ran out of people who can fight so they sent you? (I scowled, and growled at him) Uh Uh. Watched that temper of yours. After Daddy did say that's how you get reckless." I froze for a second, I knew that Vanitus was trying to mess with me and throw me off my game. But when he mention our...my father! I lost it.

"SHUT UP!" I screamed, and then rushed towards him, ready to end this once and for all.

(Sora POV)

I watched as Namine and Roxas talked for a seconded, thinking back at what Ansem had whispered to me. "Please protect Kairi, I fear there is a danger coming only you can protect her from. So please keep her safe." Of course I agreed, I had no reason not to. Kairi seemed nice, and plus I had this sad feeling that she'd never see her home or parents again. And why? Because I had the same feeling one year ago, during the coup.

I heard Namine coming towards us, and nodded to everyone. I told them to stand close to me. They all complied without question, Kairi stood very close, for a bout a second, then she gripped me from behind. I felt a warm feeling in my heart, I liked, and noticed that I only had this feeling when I was around her. I decided it be best to ask Riku about this later.

"Alright here we go," I said confidently, "Next stop The Thirteenth Moon." I summoned Kingdom Key, and spun it over my head, channeling a strong light at the tip. I could just see the blinding outline of a giant crown surround us. The light then engulfed our bodies. I had to close my eyes, so I wouldn't go blind. Then when the light disappeared I could smell the ocean air, and heard the crew vigorously working hard. We had made it.

"Welcome to The Thirteenth Moon, Princesses," I warmly said. I looked back to shore, and hope Roxas was alright.

(Roxas POV)

I was slammed against a brick wall, and received a shockwave of pain throughout my back. And before I could even groan in pain, I heard the sound of a blade meeting flesh, followed by a sharp pain in my right shoulder. I looked down to see that Vanitus had put a throwing knife in me. I yelled in pain. I could barely hear him snickering, I hated him! I hated him so much, that it was driving me crazy. We had been fighting for ten minutes, and yet I had somehow not manages to land a single hit on him.

"Tisk Tisk," he mocked, "And here I thought you'd be better. Oh well I guess it's not totally unexpected, I was always better than you." I was about to yell in protest, to tell him off. When. He snapped his fingers, which was followed by the sound of an explosion. I followed the source, my eyes widen with terror. The castle! He had blown up the castle! The place I had travel so far, to help aid, now lied in ruin and rubble.

"Normally I'd kill you," Vanitus continued and kneeled down to face me, "But not this, at least not yet. I want to watch you suffer, as you witness everything you love and protect being destroyed by me! Then when your begging me for mercy, will I kill you!" I barely listened to his threat, or promise, I was to busy looking at the destroyed ruins of the castle. I felt a piece of my heart cry, and my soul shatter. I had failed! Again!

"See ya later baby brother!" Was the last thing he said to me before entering a dark corridor. I looked down to my shoulder to see that he had removed his knife and stopped the bleeding. But there was still a lot of blood on my chest, and on my coat. But I ignored it and opened my own corridor, and ran to the castle. Praying that the King had survived.

When I arrived at the castle, I was speechless. The once beautiful castle had been reduced to a pile of white rubble, and flames licked at some areas of the castle. I searched through the rubble, and dead bodies of the guards, soldiers, and castle staff, yet I could not find the King or Queen. I felt a bit better about my chances of find them. I started shouting out their names hoping that at least one of them would answer. After a few minutes of shouting I began to give up.

"Roxas!" I heard the weak cry, of the King. I followed the source and found him in the remains of the throne room. He was leaning against his throne, his wife's body in his grasp. She was unmoving, her clothes were stained in blood, and her hair had small traces of it. He looked awful, his face has spots of blood, his clothes were stained red, and he looked like he'd been through hell.

"Don't worry Ansem," I told him, "I can get you out of here, get you healed, and take you to your daughters. Now come on!" I offered my hand, in attempt to get him on his feet. He simply shook his head and coughed.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to join," he weakly said, "I've lost too much blood. And I already feel myself slipping away." I felt my heart drop into stomach. I knew what it felt like to lose a father and just about everything else in life.

"But before I leave Roxas," he looked at me with pleading eyes, "I need you to promise something for me."

"Anything." I said, I had enough heart to grant a man his last dying wish.

"Please watch over Namine," he asked, "I can't explain why, but there are dark forces after her. I want you to take care of her. Make sure she's safe. Please?" I was silent, I knew he didn't have much time so I did the one thing I knew i could do.

"I promise," I said, "I'll keep her safe." He closed his eyes, and whispered a thank you.

"There's one more thing," he added, "Take this painting and give it to Namine, tell them both I love them, and give them these." He handed me a rolled up paper, and two medallions. One was a golden star, and the other was a paopu fruit shaped medallion. I placed the medallions in my pocket, a placed the paper in my other pocket.

"I'll make sure to give these to them," I asked fighting back a tear, "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," he weakly breathed, "Go forth into this world with my blessing, and knowing that I believe that you will restore this world to it's former state of peace. I know that you will conquer the darkness." And then his eyes closed for the last time. I couldn't believe what he had just said. Come to think of it what did he mean by his blessing? I felt a tear run down my cheek. I closed my eyes, deciding to give him and his wife a proper grave.

Wow, this was really long! Like said before, this will be the longest chapter, probably. Anyway I'll try and update probably later this month, but probably expect the next chapter beginning of next month. In case I don't update, Happy Halloween! Also REVIEW.

Til next time.