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Chapter 4

Minutes turned to hours, which in turn turned to days, and as far as Demyx and Zexion were concerned they were no closer to getting through to the little blonde boy. He never spoke a single word to either, only allowing Zexion to give him medical treatment when necessary, and otherwise keeping to himself in the corner of the bed beside the wall. Both he and Zexion had a mutual agreement that the older teen was only there to assist him and nothing more, even though Zexion was determined to rekindle his friendship with the little blonde. Demyx on the other hand was an entirely different matter. Roxas flat out refused to allow the older blonde near him in any way shape or form, and attacked whenever he overstepped his boundaries. Neither of the older males understood why this was, but they accepted it and didn't argue with the younger. However, as they discovered later on, Roxas seemed to have taken a liking to their oldest child.

oOxoxOo

On his way to put Kotaishi down for a nap, Demyx passed by the door to Roxas' room he was struck with a sudden inspiration. Roxas was very protective of his unborn child. Perhaps he could use his own son to break the little blonde's icy shell, though he did risk getting slaughtered by Zexion if he was wrong and ended up scaring Roxas away further. However, in his mind it was worth it.

The door creaked as it was pushed open, causing the older male to flinch. He had wanted to be sneaky and perhaps catch the little blonde by surprise, but much to his dismay the door just had to go and ruin it for him. Just as he thought, as Demyx poked his head in, Roxas was already wielding his keyblade in the corner of the bed glaring angirly threateningly at the older male.

Demyx decided it was best not to say anything, and simply carried his son into the room and over to the bed. With each step Roxas tensed further, but he made no move to attack. He was confused by the small child Demyx was holding, and as much as his maternal instincts told him to protect his child, they also forbid him from hurting the other innocent life. His mind was so conflicted, but everything stopped when Demyx placed Kotaishi on the middle of the bed beside Roxas, then walked right out the door.

Confused sapphire eyes went from the door to the child, back to the door and finally stopping on Tai. Ever so slowly, he sheathed his keyblade, knowing this little thing couldn't possibly harm him or his baby.

Pale green eyes gazed curiously into blue ones, and Roxas couldn't help but feel the need to play with the little lilac haired boy. Tai simply had that air about him, making everyone who saw him just smile. Roxas didn't smile, but he did inch himself over to him, and lifted the toddler onto his lap. Holding the child just felt so right. It was the best the little blonde had felt in a very very long time.

Just outside the door, Demyx watched, enthralled, as Roxas began tickling his son's belly, earning him joyous giggles and squeals.

Ha! I knew it! Demyx boasted proudly to himself. No one can resist my boy!

He continued to watch for several minutes until he finally caught sight of something he hadn't seen in nearly two years. Roxas actually smiled! It was nothing short of a miracle in Demyx's mind.

oOxoxOo

Unfortunately, that was a sight either Demyx or Zexion had yet to see again. After that, every time they attempted to get Roxas to repeat his actions, the boy would merely pull Kotaishi onto his lap and rock him gently, not even so much as cracking a smile. Neither of the two males were certain why, but decided not to question it.

In truth, Roxas didn't want to become attached to the toddler, but wanted to be able to have a source of happiness during his stay there. His wounds were near completely healed, and he figured it was about time for him to move on. Perhaps though, he could come back once it was time for him to give birth so that he and his child could have a safe place to stay. Demyx, or at least Zexion, had proved themselves helpful, even if he still didn't fully trust them. He knew they would help him if he asked, he just didn't want to stay with them for another six months.

So, around three in the morning, Roxas quietly snuck away into the quiet streets, taking a couple hundred dollars and some rations for when he got hungry. Surely with how generous his hosts had been they wouldn't mind if he 'borrowed' some money. After all, he'd be far more of a burden if he stayed. A few hundred dollars wouldn't be much compared to what he would have ended up costing them. It would prove better for all if he took his leave now, and didn't look back.

It's useless to get your hopes up over something that will never happen, isn't that right, Axel?

oOxoxOo

"C'mon Angeal, PLEASE!"

"I said no, now stop bothering me."

The younger of the two pressed his hands together, as if in prayer, and tilted his head to the side looking exactly like the overgrown puppy everyone claimed him to be. A wide, pleading grin spread across his face and he gazed at the other expectantly.

His oily, raven black hair spiked out in all directions, but allowed some of the strand to hang loosely in his face making him look years younger than he actually was. He had originally tried a different hairstyle, but changed it back to his old one after everyone told him it didn't fit his personality. Years of training had given him a very well muscled physique, making him appear almost godly to some people, but those who knew him knew he was more or less a giant teddybear. His most prominent feature aside from everything else, however, were his piercing, light blue eyes. They almost seemed to glow, even in the brightest light, and captivated all who looked into them. He was the epitome of his title 'SOLDIER', a title he once held with the utmost pride, but now would gag if the word were even uttered in his presence.

The one addressed as 'Angeal' simply shook his head, virtually immune to the other's begging. "Why don't you go do something productive instead of bugging me? Hey, I have an idea, why don't you get some sleep? It's four in the morning, I'll bet a lot of people are doing that. You should join them."

"Aw, you're no fun, Angeal. We get another chance at life and all you want to do is sleep!"

Alright, that was it. Angeal pushed himself onto his elbows on the mattress and glared over his shoulder at the overly hyper pup. "Zack, I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but that doesn't mean you have to spend every single hour of the day doing something. You can spend an hour or two a night sleeping, it's not going to kill you. Now GO TO BED!"

Zack's mood instantly deflated with his mentor's words, and he hung his head in defeat. Fine then, if Angeal wasn't going to provide him some entertainment, he'd just have to go out and find something to do himself. He hopped off the bed, replying his trade mark grin, and cantered out the door. Angeal simply sighed and laid back against the mattress.

It wasn't long after Zack bid his final farewells to Cloud that he was whisked away to what he believed would be the life stream. However, much to his surprise, instead he was sent to a completely different world just as healthy and alive as ever. Eventually he ran into his old mentor and father figure, Angeal, who had also been sent to the same world after his supposed 'death'. Zack would have been completely exuberant at having been reunited with his old friend, if not for one small detail. His precious little blonde had been left behind back in his old world. It had taken him a while to get over his lost love, and even if someone asked now it would still send him into a mini depression. However, for the time being he was just happy to be alive again with someone he cares for.

oOxoxOo

A nervous chill ran down Roxas' spine as he wandered through the barren city streets. Sure, it wasn't nearly as foreboding as The World That Never Was, but at least he was used to the cold silence of his old home. This place was unfamiliar to the young blonde, and he couldn't shake the feeling someone or something was watching him from the shadows.

As much as he wanted to find a place to hide from the unseen eyes, he just had to stop and rest. His stamina was failing him, and he found himself covering less and less distance between each break. It was frustrating, but he had no other choice but to give into his body's needs. He quickly ducked around a corner into an abandoned alleyway, and sat himself against the side of the building. The cold bricks made him shiver, but at the same time also served to soothe his gradually rising fever.

Normally he would have began to have second thoughts about trading a warm house for a dank alley, but at the time, the thought didn't even cross his mind. Roxas was actually completely at home in the inky black streets, far more so than he had been with Demyx and Zexion. Perhaps, if the sensation of eyes staring at him subsided, he would just stay there until morning.

What do you think, little one? he cooed to his unborn child, should we camp here for the night? Roxas was nearly shocked out of his skin when instead of the normal, subtle movements, he recieved a small kick in response instead. It was the first defined movement Roxas could actually feel with his hand. For the second time, Roxas allowed himself to smile warmly as the skin shifted beneath his palm. You're getting so big! Before I know it, you'll be out here in my arms, and we'll actually be able to see each other. That thought, coupled with his child's recent accomplishment made Roxas eccstatic. He would have danced if he wasn't so tired.

Suddenly, the joy was shattered as the sound of footsteps neared the alleyway. Roxas' senses were instantly focused on the sound, his body tense.

Three large men rounded the corner into Roxas' alley, each with a devious smirk etched into their features. The one in the middle was the biggest of the three, with short, black hair and light brown eyes that nearly seemed red in the dim light. A tattoo of a serpent snaked around his arm, and from what Roxas could see behind the dingy grey vest a adorned, his chest as well. He wore no shirt beneath the article of clothing, exposing a well toned, muscular chest and rather intimidating biceps and forearms that put Roxas' scrawny figure to shame. However, the man wasn't overly muscular. If Roxas could compare him to anyone, it would be Seifer from his days spent in Diz's alternate Twilight Town. His dark, baggy jeans hung low around his waist, showing off plain black boxers. This man was obviously the leader the way his followers trailed obediently behind him.

The other two were slightly less impressive than the other. On the left was just as muscular as his leader, if not more so, yet he was at least a good four inches shorter. A black wife beater stretched tightly over his well defined pectorals, also displaying thick, muscular limbs. The one on the right wasn't nearly as toned, and instead wore a red T-shirt covering most of his torso. He was about half an inch taller than his leader, and bore the same serpant like tattoo around his left forearm.

"Well, well, well," The leader sneered, stalking slowly toward the small blonde, "looky here, boys. Ain't this just the cutest little blonde you ever seen?"

Roxas leapt to his feet, forgetting all about his earlier fatigue. But before he had a chance to summon his weapon, he was quickly pinned against the brick wall, any escape route cut off as the larger male pressed against his body. Roxas struggled as the man took a hold of his chin and forced his gaze upward in order to meet his own.

"Now what's a pretty little thing like you doin' wanderin' around the streets at night. From the looka things, you ain't gotta place to stay. How 'bout the boys and me take ya back to our place, hm?"

So someone was watching me.

Roxas merely growled and thrashed his head, trying to break free from the man's grasp. His meager attempts simply earned him a chorus of laughter from the three.

"Don't think you're gonna get away that easy," the leader purred, then bent down and pressed his chapped lips to Roxas' cheek. He pulled away, but only so so that his lips were a mear half an inch from the blonde's ear. "You're cute. It's been a while since I've had a little blonde like you to play with. You're gonna last me a good while."

A large hand slowly began trailing up and down Roxas' thigh. Panic instantly set in, and Roxas struggled desperately to flee from the unwanted touch.

"He's a feisty little thing idn't he?" the man on the right chuckled. Both just sat back and watched as their leader ran his tongue along the little blonde's exposed neck, patiently waiting their turn.

Roxas was on the verge of tears. He wanted to summon his blade and fight back with everything he had, but terror gripped him in it's powerful grasp, and forbid him from doing such a thing. If only he could remember how. Finally, something clicked inside the blonde, and for an instant he remembered everything.

The streets were filled with cries of agony as the leader thrashed about like a wounded animal, grasping his face. Roxas was in a state of confused shock. He had no idea what had occured in the last few seconds, only that the man threatening him was now in extreme agony from a large burn streaking across the right side of his face. Roxas screamed at himself to run, that he was free now, but his feet were rooted to the ground. All he could do was watch as the leader turned on him, pure fury and malice blazing in his red eyes.

The man grasped the collar of Roxas' shirt and thrust him violently into the side of the building. The force completely knocked the wind straight from the boy's lungs, and caused his vision to momentarily flash white.

"You fucking little bitch!" he spat, "I don't know how you did that, but I swear to god I'm gonna rip your fucking throat out, you piece a shit!" A fist immediately came into contact with Roxas' face, tearing a huge gash into his cheek. The other hand held him firmly in place as the little blonde spat the blood from his mouth and gasped for breath. From the corner of his eye, he watched as another fist was pulled back into striking position, and he prayed with all his might that the next blow not be directed at his stomach.

"HEY! What do you guys think you're doin'!"

All four turned their attention to a large, spiky haired male standing at the front of the alleyway. Bright blue eyes narrowed on the sight of the three males surrounding the young boy.

"Fuck off!" the leader snarled, "This little hoar ain't worth your time." His lackeys nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

Zack's glare turned from the three, and caught in astonishment as he beheld the wounded blonde. Roxas was still coughing up blood from the earlier blow to the face, as well as from his recently reopened wound. The raven haired male's fury instantly increased ten fold.

"Let him go," he growled lowly, forcing a shiver up the three men's spines. His blue eyes had grown as hard as diamond, and were so sharp they seemed to peirce straight through the trio's souls.

"Or what?" the lackey on the left challenged idiotically, "There's three a us and only one a you! We ain't scared! Ain't that right, Alec?"

The leader, now introduced as Alec, quickly snapped out of his fear induced trance and smirked in amusement. "Heh, that's right. Piss off, guy, or d'ya want us to show you what color your insides are?"

Zack didn't even so much as bat an eyelash at the threat. Before any of the men could even blink, the ex-SOLDIER was on top of them. The fight was over before it even had a chance to start.

In a matter of seconds, the bodies of Alec and his two lackeys were collapsed in a bloody, unconscious heap on the ground. Zack stood over them triumphantly, not even having broken a sweat in the struggle. Not bothering to acknowledge the filth any further, he quickly scanned the alley for the injured blonde. He had to make sure the little guy was okay. After a few more seconds, Zack caught the sound of ragged breathing and followed it to a nearby dumpster. During the fight, Roxas had wedged himself before the garbage container and the brick wall, terrified that he might get caught in the cross-fire.

Zack knelt down and peered into the crevasse, finding two brilliant sapphire eyes staring wide-eyed at him. Blood dripped from his mouth and cheek, as well as the hole in his chest.

"Hey, it's alright now," Zack smiled sweetly, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible, and extended a helping hand. The little blonde immediately shied away from the offer, worming his way deeper into the hole. Zack frowned curiously at this, tilting his head slightly. "It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna help is all." He held out his hand further, only seeming to add to the boy's terror.

Hmm, this isn't gonna be easy, the older male thought, but I gotta get him outta there. He's really hurt. If I don't do something he's gonna bleed to death.

"Come on, you need medical attention. I promise, I won't do anything to hurt you in any way. Trust me."

Those two words; those two simple little words were enough to completely calm the panicked boy. For some reason they affected him far more than he himself could understand. Slowly, but surely, Roxas reached out and took the offered hand. Zack grinned sweetly, and gently helped to pull the boy from his hiding place. However, almost as soon as he exited the crevass, an intense wave of dizziness swept over the little blonde and he collapsed in Zack's arms. The last thing he saw before the darkness over took him, was his beloved redhead staring down at him with brilliant emerald eyes, calling his name.

YAY, another chapter done!

I really hope you guys liked it. Please review! :3 I'd love to hear what you guys think of this chapter!