On Glass Wings

--xxSerenity


-6-

faithless hearts


Time.

It was a factor, and it was also something that he was just about out of.

Riku stared up at the clock on the wall of the practice room. Two p.m. He grasped the trapeze in two hands, but it, along with the rest of the scenery before him, doubled with his heavy eyes.

"Argh.." He grumbled to himself and shook his head. The last week had been pure torture. He ate, drank, and breathed this routine with little to no sleep. Maybe two hours at most. Leon had been informed that he had been intentionally skipping classes to practice as well, so he was incredibly behind on school work, and all he had to show for everything were horribly blistered hands, and an overly damaged ego. "Tomorrow.." He murmured to himself as he stared up into the high ceiling while laying sprawled out on the net after yet another failed attempt. "I'm nearly out of time."

-oOo-

Sora was ready to fall asleep, as he often was during long car rides. He had turned back around in his seat, nestled between the two in the back of the limo with his arms over his chest, his chin gradually drooping. Though he was knocked back awake every time they'd hit a bump.

"Heh, that tired huh?"

"Shut up." He snapped while withdrawing into a sort of fetal position, his arms tucked into his stomach while his knees were pulled up to his chest. Leon scoffed, and let the boy to his own while turning his gaze out the tinted window. So much for idle conversation.

"So, what is it you do exactly?" As if he hadn't gathered knowledge from Leon's attempt, Cloud dared to strike up a conversation as well.

"Shut up."

But he failed, just as Leon had.

"I don't think he's in a very talkative mood right now" Leon pointed out, while Sora just continued to pout. He had closed his eyes by then and sighed. He might've lost the fight, but he definitely wasn't about to give in and be friendly at that point.

When the limo came to a rolling stop outside the main building, Sora had made a dash for freedom, stupidly jumping over Cloud's lap as soon as the blond pushed open the door. But reaching out to catch him by the skate, Leon pulled him back.

"I wouldn't advise you to try that again" He warned.

Taking his advice, he climbed out of the car once Cloud was out, just to make sure he wouldn't make a dash for it again, and leaned against the limo with crossed arms and a rather childish pout, just waiting, like a toddler, to be escorted in.

Sora was silent and brooding as he absorbed his surroundings upon entering the building. The clean white walls and the tiled floor were a deep contrast to the old, lived in home of the orphanage, and aside from the noises of the acrobats in training, it was relatively quiet. No young children anyway.

"Would you take him to Riku and tell him to set him up with something? I'll come check on him later." Leon said to Cloud as he took a seat at his desk. Sora, however, drew back when Cloud motioned toward the door.

"Am I going to have to take your hand?" Came the sarcastically uttered request of the blond haired one. Sora scowled and shook his head, but before either of them had a chance to leave, they'd find that Sephiroth had appeared in the doorway.

"What is this?"He inquired in a cold, demanding tone, motioning to the somewhat intimidated Sora, who looked up at the silver haired performer with a mixture of nervousness as well as contempt.

"I know I told you. He's the new addition" Leon stated simply, while shifting through his normal stack of papers.

Sephiroth eyed the boy, who then tried to glide backwards on his skates to avoid the piercing stare, and after a few silent moments, the elder muttered a mocking "hmph"

"How dissapointing." He murmured soon after.

Sora was both hurt, as well as confused, but he didn't comment on it, seeing as how Cloud was ushering him forward with hands at his back, and he glided along on his roller blades compliantly.

When they were out in the hallway, and out of the other's company, Sora decided that Sephiroth was a scary guy, and he didn't particularly want to cross him. Being Riku's brother though, he did look a lot like him, and he didn't seem as scary, maybe only mildly frightening.

He felt the flush heat up in his face and he quickly dismissed those thoughts, just as Cloud paused in front of a set of double doors before pushing them open.

"After you." He said, while motioning for the teen to press onwards.

When he entered, the first thing he noticed were the three familiar faces. It was only after that he registered just what it was they were doing.

"Damn it, Riku. You suck so bad." Roxas called while spending his idle time bouncing on a smaller one person trampoline that was set off in the corner. Meanwhile, Riku rolled onto his stomach, sinking deeper into the net which he had become so well acquainted with. The blindfold was still over his eyes, but he was able to send a glare anyway in Roxas' general direction, even if it hadn't been clearly visible.

"You can't even rock the swing let alone dive blindly. So shut up..bitch" He muttered in response, before grumbling to himself how he wasn't going to be able to do this leap of faith tomorrow.

"Get yourself acquainted. Leon will be in later" Cloud murmured to Sora, who merely nodded before the blond made his exit, leaving the teen to stand idly and awkwardly in the corner.

He had gone unnoticed for sometime, that is until Namine just happened to glance over from her place on the opposite platform with the trapeze in her grasp.

"Hey! Sora!" She called, causing the other two to look as well.

"Well, looky there. Didn't I say it? By the end of the week" Riku declared triumphantly to a newly glaring Sora.

He didn't want to admit it to himself, but he was getting angry again. Those eyes closed shut for the moment as he forced the memories of earlier that day out of his mind. He didn't want to think about how he failed to keep his promise, or how she abandoned him...

Then suddenly, in a flash of red, he completely snapped. All of his problems he saw as Riku's fault. He wouldn't be here if it weren't for him after all.

"Come on, Sora. It hasn't been that bad, has it?" Riku called after having climbed to the high platform once more.

The taunting, mocking tone, at least that's how Sora interpreted it, caused the anger stricken boy to lunge forwards. Straightly fixed wheels on the bottom of the skates scraped noisily against the polished wooden floors.

"You big,dumb jerk!" He yelled as he approached the center trampoline. Roxas and Namine looked on surprised, but also confused, that is until Namine realized what he was aiming for.

"Sora, no!" Namine dropped the swing she was clutching, but realized she was too late to stop the younger teen as he leapt, throwing himself at the trampoline.

Sora's skates pressed into the thick fabric of the trampoline's bed, and he bent his thin arms back for needed leverage.

"Weird.." Namine thought as she watched him. "It's like he knows what to do."

Being that he was also a very small thing, and weighed very little, the boy sailed up with ease, and a startled Riku, still blinded, hadn't even seen it coming when Sora pounced him, though he heard it, the fierce and desperate yell as the younger one threw himself upon him, both hands pressing forcefully against the older one's chest.

Riku stumbled backwards, and could feel the edge of the platform, but before he fell, he made sure to latch onto the upper arms of Sora, so that when he did fall, the boy came with him, and they both tumbled off the equipment, a struggling mess of intertwining limbs while Sora struggled to attack.

Meanwhile, they both plunged the long way down, and Riku let out a yell that was something of a mix between anger and fright. He still donned the blindfold, so everything was black and all he felt was the air at his back and his hair as it skimmed the sides of his face during the fall.

Then there was the extra weight that landed on top of him, even if he landed on his back, Sora landed harder with his knee into his stomach, unintentionally, but it still knocked the wind out of the silver haired performer, who gasped in pain and tried to throw him off.

But Sora clung, flailing like mad and clawing at whatever he could, including Riku's face, and his arms. Riku tried to throw him off, then attempted to at least stop his flailing arms, but every time he went to grab him, the pressure on the blisters on his hands sent jolts of electric pain straight up his entire being.

"Damn it, Sora! Quit it"

But he wouldn't. Instead, he merely continued to claw at the bared portions of Riku's arms and face with all the ferocity of a rabid cat and Riku growled and grunted while blindly seeking out the boy's wrists, which he finally caught, though with great discomfort as his sore hands tightened.

"Calm..the fuck...down." He growled threateningly, and rolled the two over so that he was atop the smaller, struggling boy.

"I hate you!" He screeched, while squirming beneath the stronger teen. Riku felt his brows furrow beneath his blindfold, but since Namine had arrived on the scene, throwing herself into the net just so she could aid Riku in restraining the crazed boy, he was able to lean back, allowing her to throw her arms around Sora's shoulders when he made another lunge.

"Calm down, Sora!" As he struggled, she whispered to him, followed by soft, gentle coos of sorts that eventually had his tense body weakening.

For the second time that day all fight and all resolve left him, and weakly he punched a fist into the net.

"It's his fault.." He whined and eventually slackened against Namine's body, her arms encircling him in the form of a gentle hug. Though her eyes moved over to Riku's once he was rid of the blindfold, and in them she witnessed the undeniable sense of remorse coupled with his characteristic aggravation. He felt bad, and was trying to be angry.

-oOo-

No one wanted to bring up the incident as the day went on. Plus there was a show to do anyway.

Sora stood backstage with Roxas, and a few other of the other "newbies" still trudging through their basic training.

He wanted to admit to himself that the show was as boring as the last time he saw it, which was with Kairi and the others. But at such a close range, the flashy colors, and dazzling effects coupled with Namine's and Sephiroth's undeniable talent on the trapezes, made him change his mind.

He was entranced, it would seem, especially with Namine in particular, who was so graceful and elegant as she swung, leaping from swing to swing, every so often caught by Sephiroth who would in turn send her in another direction, just so she could spin in midair, and strike a beautiful pose, or execute a dangerous yet amazing flip. The silky whiteness of her attire flowed about her small body, particularly the billowing sleeves which held a likeness similar to angel wings, and the lighting and effects that surrounded her definitely made her exuberant performance seem all the more bright and beautiful.

Sora had a certain gleam in his eye as he watched her. Roxas did too.

"She's so pretty.." Roxas would finally admit, although he was somewhat dazed when he said it. Sora nodded once, solemnly, as if guilty to admit it. He knew he wasn't developing any sort of feelings for her, that would've been disloyal to Kairi, even if there was nothing there either, because Kairi didn't feel the same.

Regardless, Kairi would always be the only person he'd ever love. He promised himself that.

-oOo-

When the show was over, Sora wanted to be shown to his room. He no longer wanted to be around any of them that night. Riku was told to be his guide, but he refused adamantly, so Namine was the one that showed him up the long stairs to the hall of dormitories, and to the empty one at the very end of the hallway.

She even helped him unpack the things that had been sent for, from the orphanage, later that day, trying eagerly not to take much interest in his personal belongings, like certain notebooks, a weird little black pen thing that appeared to have some sort of pointer at the end, and a silver

crown charm on a chain in particular.

"You were amazing.." Sora finally whispered, as if he had trouble getting the words out, while she helped stuff other such trinkets into drawers by his beside.

"Heh.." Namine smiled lightly, and offered a weak thanks before moving toward the door. She was still in costume, so the rising moon through the window cast a light over her that gave her an almost ghostly appearance. "Thank you..." She paused, looking thoughtful before she add: "Are you sure you don't want to hang out with us?" She had asked it with concern. But he shook his head.

"No, thank you. I'm sort of tired.."

She nodded in understanding, and took her leave, letting him alone to do as he wanted, and after that day, all he wanted to do was sleep.

But he couldn't sleep and he knew he wouldn't sleep, as much as he wanted to. The bed was comfy enough, even nicer than his own back at the orphanage, he thought. But the moment he even closed his eyes he thought he could hear the distant, maniacal laughter that tortured him during the day. The moment he'd drift off into a peaceful slumber he'd be haunted, like he always was. He wanted to sleep, but he knew it was physically impossible.

So for the last two hours, vibrant blue eyes glowed in the dark shadows that washed over the room, broken only by the bits of moonlight that pierced through the windows.

Sora sighed and hugged his knees tighter to his chest, the sound of his rapidly beating heart competing with the torturous ring of silence in his ears.

A glance to the clock confirmed that it was only a little after midnight. He had been sitting there in silence, and in darkness for the past two hours since they all retired to their rooms.

"Argh, I can't take this any more.." He growled out loud, finally getting to his feet and leaving his room. The door creaked with his exit, but a glance down the hallway of the dormitories showed that all were asleep, or out in late night outings, since those vast halls were empty as well as dark.

Bared feet trudged lazily against the cold tile. He had no real idea where he was going, but anywhere would've been better than sitting alone in that dark room.

Eventually the thoughts of Kairi replaced the thoughts of how miserable he was here, but in turn she only made him more miserable. Why did she have such a sudden change of heart like she had? It made no sense to him.

Brows furrowed, and bony arms set neatly over his t-shirt clad chest. Sighing to himself, he shook his head and tried to sort through this mystery just in time to hear soft footsteps further down the hall.

Curious, he approached the silhouette, who eventually came to take the shape of Namine in the light from the moon outside the window.

They were close, but she hadn't noticed him yet, and Sora noted the reason to be none other than closed eyes while she sang slightly out loud to herself.

She had on an iPod which was fixed into her ears and clutched in her hand as she stalked idly down the hallway, nearly bumping into the boy as he halted just to eye her curiously.

"Huh, Oh, Sora!" She exclaimed when she finally realized he was standing there while pulling the earphones from her ears before stuffing the contraption into the pocket of her pajama pants.

He was neither happy, nor horribly displeased to see her, so he offered a meek wave while still bearing a rather confused expression as he eyed her. There was something about her that sparked up a certain dislike in him, but it was only at that moment.

It didn't take him too long to figure it out however.

"What are you doing up? We all thought you'd be asleep by now." She asked sweetly while fixing her hands neatly behind her back.

Sora shrugged and looked past her, checking to make sure that there wasn't anyone else close by.

"I couldn't.." He admitted a little uneasily, causing a spark of confusion on the young girl's face. But she shrugged nonetheless.

"I'm going to visit Riku, would you like to join me?"

Sora was divided. He wanted to say no given the hatred boiling at the mere mention of the name. But he also knew he didn't want to return to the lonely solitude of his dark room. He took a sudden interest at the floor, small hands fidgeting nervously with the hem of his T-shirt.

"You should also apologize for today" She then added as an afterthought. He sighed, but nodded just the same, knowing that she was right. His anger had been a little unprovoked.

"Yeah.." He finally answered.

"I know you're not entirely too happy here. But you should give it a chance." Namine offered after an unpleasant quietness that lingered the few moments during the start of their short venture to the practice room downstairs. "Everyone needs family.."

Sora frowned a bit, but did his best not to lash out at the girl, whom was only trying to be friendly, he concluded.

"I did have a family.." He grumbled a little less than enthused. Namine's normal smile gave way for a saddened frown.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean–"

"No, Don't apologize, I'm sorry. Things have just been sort of hard.." Sora cut her off before she could finish, and Namine's cheerful disposition once more returned.

"Well don't you think you could give us a chance?"

Sora stopped walking, and Namine stopped a few feet ahead of him, turning to face him while somewhat confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Why am I really here? I don't think a guy like Leon who owns this place would just up and want to adopt a kid..."

Namine looked thoughtful for a moment, and the truth was, she wasn't sure if she should tell him or not. It wasn't a terrible secret or anything, but she still felt somewhat uncomfortable. It might've only boiled him and Riku's already bad blood further.

"Well, the thing is–" She started, though she had turned away from him so she faced back down the hallway. Sora followed suit, even if they didn't start walking just yet. "–We're not doing too well, the company that is. The crowds are getting less and less.."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"That day when you were running, and Riku found you, he told us that there was something about you. He couldn't say what it was, but he felt like..you were what this place needed."

"..I don't understand. What do you mean?

"Eventually, you're going to be on the stage with the rest of us"

Sora had to do a double take to make sure he heard her correctly, though when he was sure, he merely reached behind the back of his head to rub idly, while trying to hide his unpleasant surprise.

"..Namine, are you crazy? Besides the fact that I've never done anything remotely resembling the stuff you do..I hate it. It's boring" Then he added as an afterthought: "No offense.."

"You can't possibly say you hate something if you've never even tried it.." She reasoned, her head lightly canted to one side, and Sora frowned as the blond strands of silky hair framing an angelic face mirrored a certain red headed girl he used to know.

"I– I can't possibly do what you're saying I can. "

"I agreed with Riku, you know. I only had to look at you once to know that you're someone special. And for Riku to say that about anyone..Well, it has to be true. Just give it a try. We're all gonna help you, you know"

Sora didn't respond, even if he did blush at the mention of being someone special. No one had ever referred to him like that before, not even Kairi. Needless to say, the girl's words did tug at his heartstrings a bit. But he still remained a block of ice regarding everything else.

"Hey Namine?" He decided to change the subject, just as the two started walking again.

"Hm?"

"What did Riku mean when he said "I can't do this leap of faith"? "

"Sephiroth made a deal with him. He said that if he could do this particular routine he could have his lead role for the rest of the performances."

"Doesn't sound too bad, though I guess the routine is hard?"

"In itself– not really. But the whole object of it is that you're blindfolded when doing it. So it's all about timing, and no one here seems to have good timing." She added with a chuckle, though she sighed soon after. "I have utmost faith in him, but he doesn't seem to have it in himself."

"I guess the act holds true to its name then.." Sora thought out loud, and Namine nodded in agreement.

"It was his mother's special move. She was the only one that could ever do it."

"What happened to her?"

"She died. It was actually part of the reason why the company has lost so much. She was the star here, and after the accident, all the performers sort of lost their shine. Myself included, even if I wasn't her blood daughter." Namine explained, and Sora absorbed it all with interested eyes. "His father had been very sick already. The death of his wife was just so much he could take..." She trailed off, figuring he'd get the hint.

They turned the corner and started down the steep flight of stairs to the first floor. Sora trailed his hand lazily along the railing, blinking curiously as he mused over all he had heard, since he could relate to some of it anyway.

"So what about you?" Namine finally asked as they started for the stretch of practice rooms on the first floor. "You never answered my question about your parents."

Sora visibly tensed, although he tried to hide it by turning his eyes off to the side. A nervous lump formed in the back of his throat, and he forced it down before actually daring to speak.

"My mother died.." He responded quickly, so quickly that Namine's brow arched inquisitively. How bluntly worded, she had thought.

"And your father?"

"I don't know..."

-oOo-

Sora couldn't believe that Riku was still training so hard and so long after midnight. He watched curiously as the silver haired teen flipped his stiff body backwards, gracefully, arms that had been horizontal reached upwards for the swing, only to miss it by mere seconds. He plunged, yet again, though this time he barely had the strength to turn himself to land safely on his back.

"I just can't get this" He growled to himself in his momentary weakness, slamming a balled fist into the mesh of the safety net.

"Maybe cause you're exhausted." Namine interjected, her voice cutting into the silence of the solitude that Riku thought he had.

"Nami..What are you doing here?" He started gently, though by the end of his statement he sounded a little aggravated.

"I came to make sure you weren't dead yet. And I brought a friend" She added.

Riku 'hmphed' as he rolled off the net, landing lightly on bare feet while directing his obscured gaze to the duo in the doorway.

"And whom is it this time?" He asked while reaching up to pluck at the blindfold so he could unravel it from around his eyes.

"It's me.." Sora spoke in a timid whisper. Riku froze, and let his hands drift away from the fabric, which was still lightly tied around his head. He seemed tense for the moment, but he quickly brushed it off and smirked.

"Should I be afraid this time?" He snickered while resuming the removal of the blindfold. Sora frowned a little, though his eyes wandered to the floor in shame.

"I just wanted to say– I'm sorry about before"

"Why would you apologize? It isn't as if you had much of an impact anyway."

"You were flailing and screaming like a girl!" Sora exclaimed, completely forgetting the fact that he was supposed to be apologizing.

"I was already injured, and it was hard to fight off your weak, little cat scratches. Doesn't mean you were very damaging."

"Come on, Riku. Lay off. He said he was sorry." Namine interjected, which caused those deep jade eyes to turn on her.

"Just because someone apologizes, it doesn't mean I have to accept it." He snapped, but Namine only scowled, and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Well you're like a spoiled toddler when you don't"

"Come on, Namine. I don't need your lectures tonight" He grumbled before turning to Sora. "And I definitely don't need some ungrateful, whiny orphan brat attacking me. So seriously, don't try that stunt again. You will regret it..dearly"

Sora frowned, but drew back nonetheless when Riku pointed that accusatory finger at him. He left the two to their own then, when he made his way to the door and exited, letting the echo of it slamming bounce off the walls.

"Hmph. What a stubborn brat he can be" Namine pondered out loud, though she turned to Sora with a warmer smile. "Don't let him get to you. He's just nervous about tomorrow."

But as Sora continued to stare at the door, after having watched him storm out, he realized he was still annoyed, and he regretted apologizing to that undeserving fool.

"Yeah well, I hope he fails." the boy scoffed and shook his head, though struck with a thought, he glanced over to the girl.

"Hey Namine?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you and Riku have like..a thing going on?"

Namine snickered and shook her head.

"I was interested a while ago, but he wasn't"

"How's that even possible? You're a..really pretty, talented girl.." He immediately blushed when he said that, while concluding that he really did say stupid things when going on a half nights sleep.

"Awh, you're sweet." Namine said with a warm smile. "But the thing is..Heh..that's the thing."

"Huh?"

"You'll find out soon enough." She responded with a thoughtful grin. "I'm starting to believe there was more than one reason Riku had for wanting you in particular."

Sora only frowned in confusion though, since that didn't make any sense at all.

-oOo-

When the new day had dawned, Riku found himself awake in bed for the longest time, just staring at the ceiling, and barely blinking. Today was finally the dreaded day. Not only was he a year older, but today was the day he'd live up to his bold claim, or be humiliated in trying to.

After a rejuvenating shower, brushing of the teeth, and dressing, he met Roxas, Namine and Sora in the hallway.

"Namine.." Riku had started, his tone already apologetic. Though knowing what he was about to say, Namine offered a half smile, half grin, and merely pounced on him in an affectionate hug.

"Don't worry about it and happy birthday."

Riku smiled, comforted by the fact that he could be himself, his jerky-at-times self, and she would barely be at all phased.

"Thanks Nami." He replied, before breathing in deep. "I think I'm ready to do this.."

-oOo-

The actual stage seemed much bigger when it was empty, Sora noted to himself, after remembering having seen the latest production with everyone back at the orphanage, the other night.

Glancing over towards the audience seats, he noticed Leon, Cloud, and Sephiroth had gathered, along with a few more people, probably cast members and the like, including two strangely hyper, bouncing girls.

"Good luck, Riiiiku!" Shouted the brunette with an oddly flipped hairstyle, while the other girl besides her merely bounced excitedly in her seat.

No words were exchanged between Riku or Sephiroth, or any of those others actually. There didn't really need to be. The set was ready for him, and people in the controls room were ready with the swings.

"Don't worry, you'll nail this." Namine whispered, while offering one more reassuring hug.

He might not have looked it, but Riku was nervous as all hell. He barely hugged his friend back, and instead he merely ushered her off him, gently, while nodding.

"I know.." he murmured.

"Yeah, You can do it, buddy" Roxas grinned as he moved behind him, just to offer a friendly slap on the back. Riku snickered and turned to face him.

"Then it's your turn." He chuckled a little, and Roxas shook his head.

"Only when you pull this off.."

"Fair enough."

Sora stood back, feeling suddenly more out of place than ever. Riku had to pass him as he moved to the set, and as he did so, he shot him a rather nasty look. The coldness in those jade eyes made the younger of the two shiver lightly, though he turned, transfixed, as he watched the image of composure walk a long walk to his doom, it would seem. He knew that he, himself, would never be able to do this. He finally concluded that Namine was absolutely crazy, but he also knew he had to give Riku credit.

Before that moment, Riku had been given explicit instructions to wait for the buzzer that would signal the time to jump so he would be in sync with the swings. So he took the moment to stand at the edge of the high up platform, which stood on one side of the lengthy horizontal stage. The large, center trampoline had been raised, and it sat between that one platform and the other on the opposite side.

Safety nets were stretched around the two platforms and the trampoline, but the fall seemed even more dangerous than it had in the practice room.

As the three found seats in the audience themselves, Sora felt strangely nauseous. How was he going to pull this off? The whole thing seemed insane to him. Either way, he sat back to enjoy the show, watching as Riku secured the blindfold around his eyes for that final time.

"Are you ready, Ri?" Leon yelled up to Riku, who now stood poised and ready at the edge of the platform.

"Ready as I'll ever be" He called back. Leon spoke into the headset he wore, alerting the guys that were working the controls.

"He's set. Buzz when ready."

The guys at the controls affirmed the order, and prepared to hit the final button, waiting just a few moments more to ensure the proper readiness.

A hushed silence washed over the few people that had gathered to watch when the buzz rang out. All pairs of eyes became solely fixated upon the figure perched on the high up platform.

The buzz echoed, the eyes stared, and Riku made that final leap...


--xxSerenity