Chapter Seven - Dark & Light
Roxas cuddled further under the blankets, ignoring the dry tapping against his nose. A soft rumble of babbling noise met his ears and the nudging persisted. With a groan he opened his eyes, stiffening at the sight of the small dragon before his memories began to merge together.
Neyu wagged his tail, thumping it against the bed and jumping ever so slightly. His small wings expanded but refused to take lift. Tilting his head, he blew hot air over Roxas' cheek and began tugging on the blanket with his teeth.
Raising an eyebrow, Roxas stole the covers back and rolled over. Neyu was affronted. He chomped on the air bitterly before pawing the blankets aside, stealing access to Roxas' neck. Catching a tuft of blonde hair between his teeth, Neyu yanked hard.
"Youch!"
Flipping over, Roxas' hand raced to the back of his neck. Seething, his teeth grit together, he hissed outwards and scowled at the dragon that was waddling from the tent with a scratchy blunt scream. Roxas slung the covers back and pulled on his boots, gathering up his swords and chasing after the mischievous beast, still rubbing the back of his neck.
"Damn dragon!" he yelled. Yanking the tent flap back he flinched, doubling-back at the bright sunlight.
His hand left his neck to brace against the infringing light. The bustle of the camp met his ears; the rich smells of polished steel and moving horses mixing with the shouts and laughter of rumbustious men. Catching himself, Roxas took a step backwards, afraid at the onslaught to his senses. His thoughts jumped to Namine and Terra; his brain began to process a thousand unhealthy feelings and through his pause he realised he had lost sight of the accursed dragon.
Footsteps approached lazily on his right, the back heel skimming the dirt before picking up. Neyu's gurgling returned, and with a sour look Roxas' sight found Axel's smirk. The redhead was lazily lounging towards him, his hair, grin, skin, and face all perfect. The clothes were fresh spun-silver with golden threads embodied into a slick black and bronze dragon breathing flames along the front. No jewels hung from him, but he shined all the same.
He stopped a small ways from Roxas, his hands deep in his pockets. Neyu remained wrapped about his neck, mumbling softly in a tongue Roxas couldn't understand.
"So you're finally up. Heh, you can sleep forever, kid-"
"I told you not to call me kid." He lowered his hand from his face, turning his attention to the swords in his hand. Digging one sheathe down into the ground, he grasped the first and began to tie it loosely about his waist.
"Oh, right. Sorry, forgot you had a name," Axel laughed. The sound was genuine, the accident exactly that, but still the comment earned a glare from the blonde. He caught the way the belt was tightened roughly and the twin blade was picked up and set in place, and Axel knew a nerve had been hit.
"Where's Terra and Namine?"
"The other Branded? I told you already. They're with Demyx."
Roxas tightened the last notch, feeling comfortable. With one hand on his hip he cast a sour look over the camp of moving men. "You promised to take me to them in morning. The sun's up."
"Good observation."
Another dark look was cast his way, but Axel didn't care. With his hands still deep in his pockets, Neyu hanging off his shoulder and the sounds pivoting around him, he had more important things to address.
"Dad said he wants to see what you can do first."
Roxas' look fell to the ground and he concentrated hard on the dirt. "I already showed-"
"No, no, he wants to see an offensive attack. Something real."
"What I did was real. Do you have any idea how much magic I used that day?"
Axel shrugged. "Look, you can leave your cloak but Dad wants to see you first. There's nothing I can do about that, Rox."
"My name's Roxas."
"Whatever. We're nearly at Venya Village-"
"We're at Venya Village already?" Roxas' head shot up, a frown on his face. "How the hell did that happen?"
Axel lifted an eyebrow. "Are you done interrupting?"
At Roxas' silence he nodded, walking north and knowing the blonde would follow. Sure enough there came a hesitant pause followed by scuffled footsteps and the clanking of swords. Roxas caught up to Axel slowly, hanging a little behind but making sure he was within ear-shot and arms-length as they entered the thickening hoard of men.
"Like I was saying, we're close to Venya Village. We'll be there by the end of the night. Know what that means?"
Roxas' stare faced outwards, catching the way men looked at him and grumbled heavily under their breath. He didn't like the way they reached for the knives hidden behind their backs, or the way some of them spat roughly on the ground and moved deliberately away from him. It wasn't that it hurt, but it angered him to be treated so differently.
"Roxas, were you listening?"
"Huh?"
Axel shook his head. He stopped for a moment to allow Roxas time to catch up, releasing one hand from his pocket to stroke Neyu's head.
"When we're at Venya Village we'll be granted beds for the night. Thing is…" he stopped, looking about awkwardly. "Damn. How do I put this?"
"Arians think we're diseased," Roxas whispered, still glaring at the Deren men. "We won't be allowed in the rooms, or the stables. We'll still be under the stars."
"Er, yeah… How do you-"
"It's not my first visit to Venya."
Axel snarled at a Deren soldier reaching for his sword. The man bowed his head ashamedly, slinking low and backing off. With a small push to Roxas' lower back Axel edged him forwards. The blonde smacked the hand away, not caring that the soldiers were tensing as he started down the set path. Axel followed.
"So it's not your first time in Venya then?"
"No."
The answer was short and abrupt. With a roll of his eyes Axel reflected on the conversation, nudging Roxas into a right turning and ignoring the scowl he was given.
"Can I ask what you were previously doing in Venya?"
"You can ask," Roxas muttered. "But that's not to say you'll get an answer."
"Figures. Wait here a minute."
Axel put his hand out to stop Roxas. The blonde stilled before reaching the arm, staring down on it with a wrinkled nose before he glanced upwards. They had come to a clearing within the centre of the camp. The dusty path beneath their feet was bone dry, all of the tents had been cleared and standing on the far side of the perimeter was the royal family. Accompanying the stiff royals was Demyx and Zexion, both of them standing tall. On their right stood the two people Roxas was looking forward to seeing again.
Namine spotted him first, a laugh bursting from her throat and drawing all of their attention to her. The wind caught the royal's cloaks and lifted them, giving them a regal gesture as Namine went to spring forward into the makeshift ring. Terra stopped her, catching her about the middle and holding her back. She looked up to him, her smile gone. He shook his head at her, lifting his head back up to Roxas with a hard frown.
Roxas' smile fell. Turning to Axel, he saw Neyu wrap himself down Axel's arm, coming to rest across his chest.
"What's going on?" Roxas asked.
"Dad wants to see what you can do," Axel repeated, stroking Neyu absentmindedly. The small dragon cooed, his head drifting back and forth at the contact.
"I don't understand."
"The fastest way to experiment exactly what level you're at is to have you fight with another Conjurer. Demyx is a Class Seven Conjurer. He's undoubtedly too strong for you. But Zexion's only Class Five. He shouldn't hurt you too much."
"Excuse me? Hell no! I'm not some animal you can throw into a pit and have fight!"
"What did you think was going to happen?" Axel asked, the glint in his eyes hard as he turned to Roxas expectantly. "I said I wanted to help train you. The only way to train with magic is to fight with other magic dwellers. Normally Arians start practicing as children under influential teachers. You've missed out on a lot of time. You're magic is uncontrolled-"
"My magic's fine!"
"As such," Axel barked, overtaking Roxas' softer growl. "You will have to be pushed harder under a substantial teacher so that you are not to harm anyone around you. Have you ever fought in a Magic Ring before?"
"A what?"
"This is going to be harder than I thought…" Axel sighed, skimming his hands through his hair. "Alright, listen up. A Magic Ring is a special training device used in most professional colleges. Only Class Five Conjurers and above can create them, but the idea is that no magic may enter or leave that ring, hence nobody gets hurt. It also means that unless the Magic Ring is dismissed there'll be no helping you. Weapons can't enter the ring so you'll have to leave your swords with me."
"Like hell!"
"Demyx conjured this ring. Zexion will be your opponent. Offensive magic only is to be used."
"What happens if I use defensive?"
"Demyx has the power to dismiss it. It's his Magic Ring, remember? He can call an end to any and all magic within its circlet."
"I don't like this."
"Like it or not it's happening. Now hand me your swords."
"What if I refuse to fight?"
"Then Demyx removes that collar from your throat and I march you into Venya Village a captured man. I'll hand you and your friends over to their will. Would you like that?"
At the harsh tone Roxas grumbled, spitting on the floor before he yanked the belts from his frame. He threw the swords down in the dust by Axel's feet, ignoring the raised eyebrow he was given and Neyu's small mewl. The dragon jumped down to the swords, sitting on them protectively before sneezing.
"What happens if I win?" Roxas grunted, watching as the male on the opposite side delicately removed his own weapons and handed them to Demyx.
Axel laughed, shaking his head. "You won't win."
Roxas didn't respond. Flexing his fingers, he stepped past the line that had been dug in a perfect circumference in the centre of the camp. His boots crunched against the gravel and he caught the solid nod Terra gave him, forcing himself not to take Namine's worried glance to heart as she clutched the brunette tightly.
Opposite him Zexion entered the ring and a translucent wall sprang up about them. Gentle ripples glided down the blue sheet, like the softness of a waterfall, and Roxas caught Demyx lowering his hand on the other side. Axel picked up the swords, rolling Neyu away when the dragon snapped at him playfully. He stared at the blonde as he made his way around the circle, ignoring the growing number of soldiers that turned from their duties to watch the match; Arians were rare to see back in Deren. To see a magic show was even rarer. No doubt they were hoping for some fantastical event they could describe back home. Axel smiled, knowing they were to be disappointed. It was only training after all.
Within the ring Roxas felt his heart pound. Pushing his left foot down harder into the dust he saw Zexion mimic him. The wind picked up slightly and Zexion's eyes narrowed; two small tornados shifted at his feet.
"This is a training match!" Demyx bellowed, walking around the ring with a small nod to Axel as they passed. "No extreme damage is to be dealt! Offensive magic only is to be issued and all defensive skills will be disabled by myself if used! I want no serious injuries, so try not to hit the boy too hard, Zexion!"
Within the ring a small smile came to Zexion's lips. Roxas growled, small pulses of energy flowing down his arm to crackle in his hands. Zexion caught them with a raised eyebrow, still standing tall and strong.
"On my mark you are to begin and the match will continue until the opponent gives or unconsciousness is struck! Am I clear?" Demyx nodded, still making his way around the ring. "Very well. Begin!"
No sooner had the word been struck than Zexion cast his arm outwards, ushering up an incinerating sandstorm of dust and debris. The mud swirled and caught the air, lifting itself up into a rampant tornado that swept over and around the ring, fogging everything under a prickly brown haze.
Roxas grunted at the cuts and abrasions shifting and slicing into his skin. Raising his arms to his face, he attempted to defend himself, bringing up a shield for half a heartbeat before it dimmed and died. He stared at his hands for a moment, unable to understand what had happened before Demyx chorused out from somewhere in the impenetrable sea of muddy air.
"I said no defensive magic! Offensive only! This is your first warning!"
Roxas growled, his hands still over his face as the blue ring was taken from his sight under the blinding dust storm. How was he to fight what he couldn't see? Worse, how was he to counter the storm? He had never had to cope with anything like this before.
Whilst he was thinking he heard the whipping scream of a fierce blister of wind before he cried out at the slice across his chest. The wind had come across his skin like an airborne knife, slitting his stomach to urge him along. The cloth had been cut, and as Roxas stole a glance downwards he paled to see crimson leaking lightly from his gut; the cut had ben shallow, thank heavens.
"This is your first lesson," Zexion drawled from somewhere to his right. As he spoke the voice continued to shift places, and Roxas knew he was being toyed with.
"Magic is about tactics; short, precise manoeuvres that will see you to the end of the battlefield with as many men and as few moves used as possible. Blinding your opponent is a clever tactic, but what about when that particular tactic is turned upon you? Think on your terrain. Always adapt. How do you manipulate yourself away from a target? How do you strike what is not to be seen?"
"How about you stop giving me questions and start giving me answers!" Roxas snarled.
The outburst earned him another ferocious whip from the wind, this time in a cross across his gut. He doubled forwards, seething silently and pulling his red hands from his belly.
"Giving you the answers will not help you learn," Zexion coached. "To learn you must think for yourself."
Biting down on the rage in his heart, Roxas tensed. "Fine."
A whole new wave of energy threatened to overtake him. He knew Zexion still circled him, and the sandstorm continued to berate him, pointing out his flaws. Gritting his teeth hard, he let the light energy wash away to be overtaken by something darker.
A calmness entered the air. The dust settled and outside the vision once again became clear. Zexion frowned, opening and closing his palm to no effect. The wind had died. From the top of the Magic Ring a black liquid began to descend down the water, shivering its way through the glistening magic Demyx had conjured and tainting it a putrid ebony.
King Titan stepped forwards, his eyes narrowed as the black poison drowned the duo from their view. "Reno take your sister out of here."
"Huh?" Reno looked to his father, shaking his head. "But da-"
"Do as I say when I say it!" Titan roared, throwing his cape back over his shoulder and stomping over to Demyx. "Remove that barricade immediately!"
"I'm tryin'!" Demyx grunted, his body twitching and shuddering with the effort. "You never said the kid could use dark magic, Axel!"
"I didn't know!" Axel barked back, joining his father on the far side. "I thought you Arians could only have one sort of magic!"
"We're only allowed one!" Demyx growled. He tried again to remove the barrier before yelping and jumping back, clutching his arm tightly. "I can't shift it. Something's wrong. I can't reach Zexion, either-"
"The time for magic has passed," Titan said, removing his cloak and throwing it behind him. "Move back!"
"Dad, I-"
"MOVE, AXEL!"
Axel flinched, slinking away and dragging Demyx back with him. King Titan took a heavy breath, holding his head high before an empowering white light shivered and shimmered around him. The light grew until it was blindingly bright, forcing them all to stagger backwards. A dim shape reared upwards, spreading outwards and expanding until it reached high over the treeline. The light finally burst with an emphatic surge of electrical power.
King Titan was no more in human form. Standing with his head reared just above the trees, the black and gold dragon roared upwards. The wings were scarred, the muscle toned under the black sheen of scales as the underbelly glowed an invigorating blood red. The fangs snapped at the air, powerful enough to sever three men in half with one bite, and as he sank to all fours, the wings spread outwards enough to dwarf them all, he stood as a ferocious beast; the width of three houses across and as strong as the sea and wind combined.
Demyx and Axel slinked behind him as some of the soldiers prepared to transform with their king. Titan approached the Magic Ring, wandering around the circlet as if looking for an opening before his attention was drawn down to the brunette charging for him. Titan roared, deafening all around as the wind seemed to pick up about him. Bringing his horned tail about, he slammed the flat side into Terra, toppling the brunette backwards.
Raising himself onto his back legs, Titan took hold of the black magic, shredding into it with piercing claws and ripping the walls as if they were paper thin. The magic pooled away, the black poison distilling out like a rampant wave before it sank deep into the soil, cracking the ground as it fell away.
Titan stepped across the ring. His red eyes scanned over to Zexion and dilated to find the male unconscious with poisonous black liquid sneaking its way through his bloodstream and along his neck and face. The male convulsed, black water bubbling out of his mouth and spilling over his clothes.
The black dragon stepped over him protectively, but there was no need for the fierceness. For all the darkness and the hatred Roxas had conjured the blonde himself was on his knees, his arms gripped tight about his stomach as the darkness dimmed and brightened from him. The small frame physically shook with ragged breaths and the tears fell hot and clammy from the closed eyes.
Titan's jaws snapped threateningly at the air. "Stop this now, Branded!"
"I-I can't!" Roxas cried, grunting when another shockwave shimmied through him. "I can't do it!"
"Branded I'm warning you-"
"Move!" Terra snarled. Running underneath Titan's belly he darted outwards, forgetting his sword as he raced across the ring.
"Come away, Branded! You know not what you are fighting!"
"I'm not fighting anything!" Terra growled. Throwing himself to his knees by Roxas' side he steadied the blonde's shoulders, lifting the chin. Another black shockwave pooled about them and Terra could feel the dark thoughts burying their way through him. His breath caught cataclysmically and the shudder of ice began to split his veins. Looking down he saw the dark snakes invading his bloodstream with horrified eyes.
"Terra you have to go-"
"No!" Terra snapped. "Remember before, Rox? Yeah? You can get through it again. Come on, just like before."
"I can't this time! It's stronger-"
"Here," Terra interlinked his hands with Roxas'. The urge to vomit curdled in his stomach at the swirling darkness, but when Roxas tried to pull away he only tightened the hold. "Okay, on three alright?"
"I can't, Terra-"
"Just try, alright? Okay. One. Two. Three!"
Roxas concentrated hard, throwing one wave of energy back in favour of the other, weaker strand. Terra strangled a cry in his throat when the light magic crackled and blazed pathetically against his hand before Roxas' shoulders caved and a stronger, darker wave fell out. The black veins strengthened a sinister hold, catching their chests and threatening to destroy them both.
"You will kill yourself, Branded! Move, now!"
Terra ignored the dragon, holding on tighter with tears in his own eyes at the manifesting infestation attacking his heart. "Again, Rox. On three."
"I ca-"
"One. Two-"
Roxas didn't wait for three. Slipping back onto the second wave of magic, he tried to switch currents and enhance the frailer channel. The light sparked in his hands like small shimmers of electricity before they enhanced and broadened, becoming thick unending waves. Terra thanked his stars that this time the wave didn't hurt, and he felt the darkness become beaten down in his heart. The black worms biting through his body simpered away and returned to normal, as they did on Roxas.
Slowly the tears dried on the blonde's face and he opened his eyes, breathing heavily, his shoulders dipping and lifting with every pant of breath. Blinking twice, he glanced up to hear Terra laughing before he was swamped in a hug. A moment of awkwardness settled before he slowly returned the gesture, hearing Namine laugh somewhere nearby before she bombarded them with her own soft hands and faint breath.
They parted and Terra ruffled Roxas' hair, holding him by the shoulders. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, alright?"
"Branded!"
All three flinched at the commanding voice. Terra stood, helping Roxas to his shaky feet and pushing Namine behind them both protectively. The dragon before them hissed again, folding its wings carefully and judging the situation.
"You have switched back?"
Roxas looked about at the destruction of the location. The trees around them had withered and died, what little grass had grown before no longer lived and the earth itself had cracked. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"Do you realise exactly what it is you have tapped into?"
"Hey, he said he was sorry!" Terra snapped, walking over to grasp his sword.
Titan watched the action with narrowed eyes before he returned to the staggered blonde. "You have caused this mess. Fix it."
Roxas was startled. Glancing about the location, he flinched once more at the dead land. He gulped, nodding sensitively and beginning to lower himself down before Terra yanked him back up.
"No. You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Roxas."
"You would challenge me, Branded?!" Titan snapped.
"Terra, it's okay. I'm not tired, honest."
Terra glanced back to him, his grip loosening. "You still find that channel more comfortable?"
"It's easier," Roxas shrugged. "I didn't mean to use it this time, though. Honest I didn't. It just took over."
Without waiting for his friend's response Roxas knelt. His fingertips brushed the decaying ground and he shivered at the repentance of darkness hiding there. He tapped the weaker wave of energy, feeling it strain against his heart and pounding at the back of his head. The light flushed from his fingers in a magnetic wave, booming across the ground.
It crept from his fingertips slowly, winding its way down through the cracks of the ground and swallowing the darkness, battering it back. Titan snorted when the magic tickled the scales of his feet, his eyes still locked upon the blonde he didn't trust.
The small beads of light found Zexion's unconscious frame, gathering against his skin like leaches and draining black fluid from him. When each little collection of light had gathered enough the inside turned black, pulling away from the skin before dispersing; shredding themselves into non-existence.
With a groan Zexion shifted his shoulder and rolled over, his eyes still shut. A ragged breath escaped him and he covered his face from the sunlight. Small, infrequent gusts of wind lapped at his fingertips, and he twitched in response.
In a heartbeat Demyx was sprinting under Titan and kneeling by his friend. Lifting Zexion's head, he laughed weakly when the male pushed away from him with a grumble about personal space.
"Is he alright?" Titan asked.
Demyx nodded to the dragon before his sharp eyes turned dangerously on the three Branded. Roxas had returned to standing, holding onto Namine as she clutched his waist fearlessly. Terra tightened his grip on his sword. They stood clustered together; Terra's attention locked upon the Deren King as Roxas and Namine turned their attention outwards to the massing numbers of soldiers.
Titan snorted, ruffling his wings and biting at the air. "This is unacceptable. Axel!"
Axel flinched, still rooted to the spot. Neyu cuddled up his arms to hide behind his neck, poking his nose through the fire red hair in fear of the all-mighty dragon growling in front of them. The redhead stayed silent, his eyes trained down on the ground in front of him as he waited for what he knew was coming.
"I am disappointed. Severely disappointed. You will take this Branded to your camp-"
"He's not going anywhere!" Terra barked.
Titan ignored him. "You will fix it up, and then you will come see me in my tent before this pavilion moves out. Am I clear?"
"Yes," Axel whispered, his hands deep in his pockets.
"I cannot hear you, Axel! I said am I clear?!"
With a shaky breath Axel lifted his head. His hands clenched into fists and he raised his voice, looking his father in the eyes and ignoring the glare of the soldiers. "Yes, you were clear!"
"And you, Branded!" He turned to Roxas, looking down on the blonde with frightening magnificence. "You will do as you're told or so help me there will be nothing left of you to take to Venya Village. Am I understood?"
"I said you're not taking hi-"
"It's fine, Terra," Roxas whispered, unhooking Namine from his waist with one last squeeze.
"Roxas, you don't have to do this," Namine whispered, grabbing his arm to hold him back.
"Nami, you saw what happened, right?" Roxas asked, his breathing heavy and the sweat lining itself perfectly across his brow. "What happens if next time it's one of you? I can't take that chance… Maybe this training is a good thing."
"It could also make things worse," Terra muttered, placing his sword back in its sheathe and sweeping an arm around Namine.
"That's a chance I have to take, Terr-Ah!"
Axel dragged Roxas away. With a ferocious grip on the blonde's arm, Neyu still hiding behind his neck, Axel marched Roxas through the camp. He ignored the resistance and the fidgeting as he stomped through the crowd, his heart set on returning to his tent without making eye-contact with any of the surrounding soldiers.
Behind them Terra spat and started forwards before Demyx stopped him, trapping the brunette in a hollow bubble as Namine was seized by a Deren soldier. Terra struggled against the shimmering aqua prison, drawing his sword and trying to burst it, but the magic was too strong and the flexible coating moved with the weapon.
Axel jerked Roxas along. The blonde cursed openly, trying to remove the harsh grip from his arm and wincing when it dug in deeper. The soldiers parted for them and Axel reached his tent, battering the flap away and throwing Roxas on the bed inside.
With a grunt Roxas landed hard on the mattress. Neyu jumped beside him, lifting the blonde's torn shirt with his muzzle and hiding just beneath the bloody cuts, the fabric ghosting over his wings. Axel paced in front of them, his hands so tightly squeezed they lost all colour.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Axel barked.
Roxas stayed strong, feeling Neyu slink against him. "I said I was sor-"
"You almost killed one of my friends, Branded!"
"It was an accident!"
"How do I know that?! I took you out there after telling everyone that you could only use light magic! Do you have any how much of an arsehole you've made me out to be?!"
"What the hell does that matter?" Roxas snarled, gripping the edge of the bed.
"It matters because I'm a prince! I have a reputation to uphold. My name isn't tainted like… like-"
"Like mine?"
Axel froze. With a small growl lodging itself in his throat he waved the blonde's comment away. "Branded are all the same. The fact that you're a little different doesn't mean-"
"We're not all the same!"
"It doesn't mean anything!" Axel cut across, raising his voice over Roxas'. "Do you have any idea just how dangerous dark magic is? How powerful and destructive and Goddess-damn disgusting of a trick it is?!"
"I said it was an acciden-"
"An accident. I heard. But how am I supposed to believe that? How can I trust you after what you've just done? My dad is gonna hand my arse to me because of you!"
Roxas' stare dropped to the floor and his shoulders slumped inwards. "I didn't mean it. I'm sorry."
"I just… I don't get it." Axel sighed dejectedly, sinking down onto his own bed with his fingers on his chin thoughtfully. "Even if it was an accident-"
"It was!"
"Even if it was," Axel growled, taking back control, "how the hell did you do it? Arians only get one power from the Six. Just what the heck are you? What's wrong with you?"
Roxas stiffened, curling in on himself and moving further back. "Nothing's wrong with me. I'm fine. Maybe not 'normal', but I'm fine! I'm sorry for hurting your friend, I really am. I'm just… I'm…"
"You're what?"
Roxas fought with himself for a moment, pulling at the sheets on the bed. "I'm slipping," he finally admitted.
"Slipping?" Axel repeated, one eyebrow raised. "What are you-"
"I know I'm not the same as the others, alright? I know there's something off about me. I don't like dark magic. I don't like the feel of it; how strong it is, how black and hopeless it is. It gets me too, yanno?"
"Then why the hell do you use it?"
"Because I was afraid, alright?" Roxas seethed, still refusing to look up. "I was pushed into a situation where I had no control and the light magic just wasn't working! I panicked and I slipped. I tried getting back out of it but it's like getting out of a hole twice my size! It's hard."
"You slipped…" Axel repeated the words slowly, almost as if he was tasting them. Finally he nodded, calming himself. Kicking off his boots, he slid further back across his bed.
Neyu wriggled out from beneath Roxas' top with a mewl, jumping down from the bed and up onto Axel's lap. He only had time to curl up for a moment before Axel moved him gently, placing him on the pillow and reaching over the side for a heavy saddle-pack. As he rummaged through it he ignored Roxas' cautious glance.
"Explain it to me."
"Explain what?"
"What I just saw. All of it." Pulling out random items, Axel continued searching.
"I don't wanna-"
"Whether you want to or not I'm gonna have to explain it to my dad. He's pretty pissed, kid. If you don't explain it to me you're gonna have to come with me and explain it to his face. You wanna do that?"
At remembrance of the searing black dragon with the onyx eyes Roxas paled. Fidgeting nervously, hiding a yawn behind his hands, he repelled the drowsiness that began to wash over him.
"I guess maybe it's easiest described as standing on a riverbank between two channels of water. The left river's warm and feels nice, but it's rough and untamed and it aches to try and wade through it – that's the light magic. Then there's the other river, the smooth one on the right. This one's shallow; I can practically walk through it – and that's the dark magic. I try to keep a grip on the light magic when I'm with my friends, but when I'm on my own and it's not working I panic. It's so much easier to walk through the small stream rather than tackle the rapids."
"Then why didn't you stop when Demyx pulled down that Magic Ring?"
"I can't stop it," Roxas whispered, staring down at his hands. "It's like there's some kind of mud at the bottom of the riverbank sucking me in. I really am sorry about your friend. He'll be okay, Right?"
"He'll be fine. If Demyx isn't worried then you've got nothing to fret over. Well, I say nothing, I mean you haven't killed someone. Dad told me to patch you up so he must want you to live. It's odd, really."
"That the Deren King wants me alive?"
"Well, yeah. No offense kid, but Demyx and Zexion are like my extended brothers. For you to get away with that… well, let's just say I've seen Arians and Illyrians hanged for speaking to my dad in the wrong way. He must really see something in you."
"He won't hurt my friends, will he?"
"The Branded?" Axel glanced up, giving Roxas a smile before returning to his search. "Nah. Deren people don't kill for any old reason. Nothing'll happen to them unless they do something. You'll receive punishment for your own actions."
Roxas winced. "That sounds bad."
Axel ignored the blonde's worry. He finally reached the bottom of the bag and pulled out a tight wrap of bandages, a cloth and a small flask of clear liquid. Roxas stared at them with a wrinkled nose, nudging further back against the bed until he hit the tent wall.
Throwing the bag back over the side of the bed, Axel picked up the flask and cloth, biting the top open and dumping the liquid onto the rag. "Right, let's get this over with. Take your shirt off."
"W-what? What for?!"
Axel raised an eyebrow, shaking his head and smiling. Pointing the rag towards Roxas' midriff, he stood from the bed. "That needs seeing to before it gets infected. I can't get to it unless you take your shirt o-"
"It doesn't need seeing to!" Roxas countered, loosely hugging his stomach. "I'm fine."
"Yeah, I can see that." Rolling his eyes sarcastically he towered over the blonde with a charming smirk. "Just take it off."
"I don't want to."
"Why not? What's the big de-"
"I just don't want to, alright?!" Roxas snapped. He blushed crimson, his heart racing in his chest when Axel refused to move.
"Well if you don't want me to do it I can always go get Demyx. He's an Arian. You prefer him?"
"No!"
Axel frowned. With a hand on his hip he blocked the blonde's exit. "Well what about another Illyrian? My sister'll do it if you-"
"I don't wanna take my shirt off for anybody!"
Axel stayed silent for a moment. Slowly he made his way to the blonde, noting the clear discomfort. Glancing down to the rag, he gave it one last bath with the liquid before he held it out to Roxas. The younger male stared at it curiously before gently taking it. It was warm and damp in his hands, numbing his fingertips and tingling against his skin.
"What-"
"If you won't have nobody else look at it then you'll have to clean yourself up. That stuff's strong though. Once it gets in your bloodstream you'll have a few minutes before you're out cold."
"What is it?"
"Pain relief. Some of the best from the Deren Province."
"I don't need it."
Roxas tried to hand the cloth back but Axel wouldn't take it. From holding the cloth those few seconds his whole hand had become numb to his wrist. He didn't like the feeling.
"I don't-"
"Arians only have weak skin," Axel muttered. Taking hold of Roxas' numb hand, he held it tight and refused to let go when the blonde tugged back. His rough thumb brushed the smooth skin, dipping at every scratch, dimple and scar. "You can't transform, but you can use magic. You're a Branded, but it seems to me like there's stronger Arian blood in your body than Illyrian. I dunno if that's a good thing, but it'll mean this stuff will have a much stronger effect on you. There's a reason you can only get it in Deren where us thick-skinned lizards live."
The laugh was soft from his lips as he let Roxas' hand go. Still smirking deviously, he sat on the bed beside the blonde and ignored the way he scooted from him.
"I bet you can't even feel your hand, can you?"
Roxas blushed harder, dropping the cloth between them. "I don't need pain relief. I've done fine without it all my life."
"I don't believe that. Come on, if you won't do it it'll take me two seco-"
"I don't wanna take my shirt off."
"Just lift it then."
"But, I-"
"It needs doing. You're bleeding through your shirt."
"It's fine…" Roxas muttered. He glanced down to his shirt, catching the sight of red seeping through before he strangled back the gulp and closed his eyes tiredly. "Honest."
"See, why don't I believe you?" When Roxas didn't answer Axel spoke again. "What is it you don't want me to see? It isn't like you've got breasts or nothing, so what?"
"I just…" He paused catching his breath and attempting to smooth out his heavy pulse.
Axel nudged him and across from them Neyu rolled onto his back, burying his head beneath the pillow. "Just what? It can't be that bad, kid."
Roxas fidgeted some more, sliding further along the bunk until he was in danger of falling off. Axel reached out for his numb hand, steadying him gently and pulling him back with a laugh. Roxas pulled his hand free and an awkward silence settled.
Axel sighed. "Kid-"
"My mark's there," Roxas whispered, his eyes firmly set on his hands. Small wisps of his blonde fringe obscured his vision, but he puffed them away from his face with a shallow breath.
"Mark?"
"Yeah. You know, my mark. To say what I am."
"The Branded mark?"
Roxas sucked in a breath through his teeth and nodded. "Yeah. I don't like people seeing. It's not nice… I don't like it."
"Is that what all this fuss is about? Kid-"
"My name's-"
"Roxas," Axel smiled. "Yeah, I know. Well, Roxas, if that's what all this is about then you don't have to worry."
"Huh?"
"I'm not gonna avoid helping you just because of that. Now c'mon. Lift your shirt and let's get this done. Dad still wants to see me remember."
"I-I dunno-"
"Here." Without giving the blonde time to shy further away or block himself off, Axel reached out and gently took hold of his sides. He pushed the jacket away and peeled the top upwards.
Roxas sucked in a breath, his palms opening so the light could crackle along the end of his fingertips in preparation for defence. Axel caught it, and with a raised eyebrow he slowed his movements and raised the shirt up to the blonde's ribcage.
The cuts themselves were shallow. Zexion had done no real harm, but it was better to be safe than sorry, and the wounds would need healing. He went to touch the smear of red before Roxas shied away and the light in his palms intensified.
"Relax, will ya? It'll only hurt a little, I promise."
Without giving Roxas chance to respond, Axel swept the cloth over the cuts. The blonde hissed inwards, pulling away before Axel dragged him back. The light crackled threateningly, but with the continuous influx of heavy medicine hitting his system Roxas soon found the light slipping from his fingers. His eyes drooped, and when he tried to force the magic through his fingers it was only to have it splutter and die. His vision fogged and he stopped fighting, feeling as if he was being dipped into a warm bath or something softer.
"See? Told you it'd be okay. You'll be…"
Roxas didn't catch the last of Axel's words. He slowly sank backwards, his eyes closing heavily. Axel smiled, cleaning the cuts a little bit faster. The blood left the pale skin, leaving six shallow cuts slitting their way across the others stomach. They began to bleed again, and Axel rolled his eyes, muttering a silent curse to Zexion.
Drenching the inside of the linen bandages with the pain relief, he lifted Roxas up a little and wrapped them around his midriff. Tying them tight, he turned Roxas about and laid him down on the bed, folding a blanket over him and pulling it up to his shoulders.
"Neyu," he called, turning back to the dragon.
Neyu shifted, turning his neck to look at Axel with wide blinking eyes. He rolled over onto his front, shaking his wings slightly before jumping down to Axel's feet. He sat patiently, craning his head up and snapping his jaws lightly with a small gurgle.
"I want you to stay here and keep an eye on him, alright? I don't think he'll be going anywhere, but don't let nobody in here except me. Got it?"
With a nod the small dragon leapt up onto the bed. Jumping over Roxas he pawed the pillow, half-hiding himself beneath the covers and resting his chin along the blonde's shoulder, turning to face the doorway. Axel smiled, scratching behind the lizard's head. Neyu's tail thumped beneath the covers until Axel pulled his hand away.
Axel gathered his courage with a deep breath. His father would be beyond annoyed, and he wasn't looking forward to facing the King of Dragons. His smile gone, he slipped from the tent, heading out into the mass of bustling noise.
"You are not making any sense, Axel," Titan mumbled.
In the Dragon King's tent a small party had gathered. The heavy crimson fabric was draped and looped; a wooden table was pierced with daggers holding maps and parchment, a bed was on the far-side of the room. Titan sat upon a high-backed chair, now in his human form. The regal gold and crimson clung to him, the steel armour solid and heavy to lift but easy for him. He stared down upon his son, leaning forwards.
"How would this be possible?"
Down on one knee, the heat rushed to Axel's face. On his left was Demyx and Zexion (who was sat in a chair and beginning to recover), and on his right was Kairi and Reno. They were watching him with eagle-eyes, unimpressed.
"I don't know how else to say it, Dad. The kid just said it's like slipping between two channels of energy."
"Dark and Light…" Demyx spoke up, stepping further into the room. The laughter and smiles were gone from his eyes. Burying his hands down into his pockets, he shook his head. "That's not right, Axel. Arians only get one form of magic. For this kid to have two – let alone to have both light and dark – it isn't right. Something's wrong here."
"I understand your concern, Demyx," Titan said. "It was a frightening ordeal to have dark magic so close to the camp."
"It's not that," Demyx said, folding his arms. "What's bothering me is that I couldn't sense it until it actually happened. And then when it did happen it was too late, and I couldn't stop it. I'm a certified Class Seven Conjurer. I should have been able to dispatch my own Magic Ring and deal with this easily. But something was stopping me. I couldn't get inside to break it."
"I understand. Thankfully nobody was harmed within the process, however this is still a confusing incident. Dark magic and light magic are never to mix. To have two essences within one boy is startling to say the least."
"What's worse is that the Branded appeared to have free will over the elements," Zexion added. Slumping forwards, he clung to his knees for balance. The dark magic still wavered through him, and he couldn't stomach it. "When we was inside the Magic Ring the Branded consciously shifted from light to dark magic-"
"I've already explained that," Axel growled, glaring at Zexion from over his shoulder. "The kid said he used it as a last resort. You were pushing him too hard."
"It was a training exercise, Axel. What did you expect him to do?" Demyx asked. "We were completely unprepared for this attack. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't wary about training this kid now."
"Where's the Branded now?" Reno asked, pulling a stool out to sit on it. "You haven't left it unattended, have you?"
"It's in my tent. I've got someone guarding it."
"It's not your pet again, is it Axel?" Kairi swept some of the dirt from her dress, giving her brother a knowing smile. "You know Neyu is as useless as you when it comes to concentration."
"Neyu does his job," Axel defended. He went to stand before he caught his father's sharp eye. Not wanting to push his luck, he slinked back down to the floor.
"Axel, this Branded is more dangerous to have loose with us on our journey than I first thought. However, to chain it could create a more harmful effect."
"So…what are you saying, Dad?"
Titan sighed, running his hand back through his fire-red hair. His sharp eyes glinted before he turned to Demyx. "I am sorry to have to put you through this, Demyx. Truly, I am. But this Branded is not to face death for this accident, nor is it to be punished. If anything I believe training of the Branded must progress as planned, and the sessions must be increased. It is imperative that control be learned over these elements, else they be turned upon us."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Demyx said.
"So, it's still staying?" Axel asked, looking up at his father with a small smile. "You're not gonna make me get rid of it?"
"No, Axel. But precautions will have to be put in place. Whilst I am confident you are capable of defending yourself against the most basic of magical attacks, I am not so certain the same can be said for magic such as this."
"Wha-"
"I agree. When I was in the Magic Ring with that Branded something changed. As a Light Conjurer the boy is perhaps A Third – almost a Level One. As a Dark Conjurer… The boy is at least a Level Five. I had little time to think of preparing an attack before the plague was upon my body and sucking life from me."
"Indeed. It is as Zexion says. Darkness outweighs light in this Branded. I will not wake up one morning to find that you have been slaughtered in your sleep."
"But, Dad, I'll be fi-"
"I will not hear of it, Axel!" Titan snarled. "This Branded is dangerous. Demyx, I would be grateful if you would place some restrictions upon the Branded's collar."
Demyx raised an eyebrow. "What kind of restrictions? Half restrictions or-"
"I want it completely restricted. It is to use no magic unless commanded to."
Demyx nodded, bowing low with Zexion and stalking from the tent. Axel watched them leave. When left only in the presence of his family he stood, rolling his shoulders back and frowning.
"I don't think the Branded is gonna like this, Dad."
"What the Branded does and does not like is none of my concern, Axel. It's dangerous; physical chains are unwelcome, and magical restrictions will perform the task much better."
"But what if they do more harm than good?"
"Who cares, Axel?" Reno laughed, crossing his legs and grinning. "We're just experimenting with this Branded, right? Trying to figure out how it ticks? If it breaks it's just an unhappy accident. Nobody really cares about it, so nobody'll throw a fit when it dies."
Axel growled, scowling at his brother. "Those other Branded care-"
"And?" Kairi asked, her hands on her hips. "Axel, nobody cares what two Branded think of the world. If these three fade…so what?"
"It's not just 'so what', Kairi! If we damage this Branded we may not get another chance of finding one like it! It's one of a kind."
"I'm not saying it isn't, Axel. But-"
"That is enough!" Titan roared, standing from his seat. His three children fell silent, staring darkly at one another with sideways glances. "I am sick to the back-teeth of hearing you squabble as if you were five years old again! You are adults! Men and women grown. To hear mine own children bickering over a Branded, of all things… I will not have it!"
A muttering of apologies echoed around him. They shuffled nervously, glancing anywhere but at their angered father. With another heavy sigh Titan fell back into his seat, covering his eyes with his hand.
"You are dismissed. We move out in an hour's time, so ensure you are all prepared." They went to leave, and Titan lifted his hand. "Oh, and Axel? Make sure that Branded stays with you. Demyx will tether it, but it is still your responsibility. Am I understood?"
Axel nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His father hummed behind him and he left the tent. Kairi left to pack her things, but Reno lingered a while to inspect a passing group of soldiers. Axel ignored his comments about how he was growing soft and jogged through the camp back to his tent. He knew his father wasn't done with him yet, and he wasn't in a hurry to find out what else was in store for him.
He was almost at his tent when he heard the scream. Soldiers stopped from tending the horses and taking down the tents, clenching their fists and staring after Axel as he ran inside. He half expected the Branded to be awake and attacking, but inside the tent was a whole other scene.
Demyx was yelling, hissing under his breath as Neyu chomped on his fingers. He waved his hand through the air, trying to throw the dragon from him but only angering it further. The soft growls echoed through the room, and Axel laughed, running up to them and grabbing Neyu.
"Neyu! Neyu, let go! It's okay, he's allowed in."
With another small growl the dragon released Demyx's bruised fingers. The blunt fangs had left small indentations and bruised skin, but had drawn no blood. Neyu wiggled in Axel's arms, coiling his head back to look up at him and smiling.
"What the hell is wrong with your pet, Axel?!" Demyx seethed, blowing on his fingers as if it could take the pain away.
"Sorry. I told him not to let anyone in," he laughed. He lifted the dragon up to his shoulder. Neyu latched on, coiling around his neck and snorting heavily at Demyx. "What are you doing in here, anyway?"
"Your dad wanted me to restrict the Branded, remember? I thought I'd better get it over with whilst it was knocked out."
Axel looked over the room and to Roxas. The blonde was still asleep. The aqua chain glowed deeply against his throat, and Axel sighed.
"Yeah, I guess you should get it done now before Dad has another fit."
Demyx smiled, avoiding Neyu's snapping jaws as he passed. Kneeling by the Branded, he pressed his fingers to the blonde's neck. The charm glowed for a moment, and Axel brought his hand up to scratch Neyu's head, tilting his head to the side in interest as the dragon gurgled near his ear. The collar turned from blue to a darker blue with black beads intertwined.
"What's that do?" Axel asked.
Demyx pulled away, slapping his hands together. "It's just a restraint. The Branded won't be able to use magic unless I give it the go-ahead. It probably won't like it, like you said, but that's what your dad wants. Personally, I think it's fair. You're my friend, Axel. If you're gonna be spending time with this Branded the last thing I wants is to wake up one morning to find you dead…or worse."
Axel smiled. "I can handle myself, Dem."
"I know. Anyway, I've gotta go. I've still gotta get my stuff together before we move out. You all set to go?"
"Just got to pack up and move the Branded."
"Don't take too long. We've got a lot of ground to cover before we can get to Venya Village."
Demyx went to clap Axel on the shoulder, but Neyu hissed at him. Instead he left with a curse under his breath for the dragon. The tent flap closed behind him and Axel moved over to Roxas' bed. Sitting down upon it, he let Neyu crawl down from his arm and smoothed away the hair from Roxas' forehead.
Neyu mewled, thumping his tail happily and crawling under the covers. The lump moved beneath the blankets, cuddling against Roxas' stomach with a small whickering sound. Axel laughed, shaking his head and pulling his hand away.
"It's not like that, Neyu. The kid's a Branded."
More murmuring and soft gurgles were his response.
Axel rolled his eyes, standing from the bed and smirking. "I'm just looking after him. Nothing else."
Neyu poked his head out from the bottom of the covers, grinning wickedly and wiggling his scaly eyebrows. Axel laughed, heading to his side of the room to re-pack his things. Neyu's tail thudded against the bed and Roxas groaned, rolling over in his sleep. The dragon looked between them both, caught the halter in Axel's movements and smiled, curling up on the end of the bed by Roxas' feet.
Wow, it's been a long time :) This chapter is a lot longer than I expected, but it also involves a lot more! Hopefully things will start moving along soon but I won't start writing the next chapter until after Christmas. I hope you all have fantastic holidays!
Stalker - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And I'm happy you liked the descriptions too! I wanted the characters to be different from the ones in My Neko, and hopefully that will start to come across soon! I'm glad you're becoming attached! Thank you for the review!