Pairings: Riku/Sora, Axel/Roxas Leon/Cloud more pairings later?

Warnings: AU, I guess spoilers or something for people who haven't seen all the way through the end of the game, medieval stuff, possibilities of violence and bloodshed and sexiness

Comments: I got this muse in the shower! Again! My second KH fic, so don't kill me!

Author's Comments: Um…ok it's not six months later but hey, It only took me almost two months this time to update! Hehe, enjoy the read!

Princely Garbs 8

Sora moved swiftly but quietly as he exited out into the hallway. Because of the recent attack, he was sure most people were safe within their rooms if not camping out in the throne room for the night with the others. There were some guards wondering around, but he moved quietly, timing his action as he went from hiding spot to hiding spot. It wasn't so much a problem of them finding him as it was a problem of Leon finding out his plans. Everyone close to him was asleep inside the throne room on little pallets, everyone but Leon and Cloud.

He was certain he'd be able to persuade, if not command Cloud to let him go. However, Leon would be a different matter all together. He would go so far as to pick him up and toss back into the throne room, feet and arms bounded if he had too. That's why Sora had to move quietly. He didn't want to be found out by a soldier who'd only go and alarm Leon of his actions. That was hypothetically speaking. It all depended on just what kind of orders Leon had given them.

Pressing his back against the chilled wall, hiding in the shadows, Sora watched the two guards by the front gate keeping watch. There was no way to sneaking out easily. The only reason he and Riku had ever made it out in the first place was because they were so relaxed, too busy in their own thoughts to even keep guard. However, right now, everyone was on edge worried that the monsters would somehow show up again.

Sora didn't blame them though; he was pretty freaked out too considering what he'd seen. Hell, they'd come close to killing Riku while all he could do was stand by helplessly and watch. He was such a coward. That's why he had to leave. If the monsters were really after him, then the least he could do was lead the danger away from the castle. He'd never survive an attack on his own, he knew that, but he'd rather it just be him over the thousands living in the kingdom.

"Where do you think you're going?" Sora jumped in surprise, looking over his shoulder like a child who'd just been caught sneaking out of bed to get a cookie from the kitchen. Leon had his arms folded, frowning as he glared down at Sora, awaiting an explanation to his escapades.

Crap!

"I-I was just um…g-getting some water!" Sora said lamely, wincing slightly at his lack of creativity. Couldn't he have come up with a better lie than that one?! Obviously Leon didn't buy it by the darker look he was giving him.

"You're planning to sneak out," Leon said coolly, the look in his eye just daring him to say otherwise.

"I….um…..w-well…." Sora sighed looking down as he felt his will giving away. "Yes…."

"Cloud must have already spoken to you about this then," Leon said, continuing to glare down at him, not quite realizing the look of confusion crossing Sora's face.

"Um…spoke to me?"

"About his plans to take you and leave." Leon frowned then, a look of confusion now crossing his own features. "Why else would you be trying to leave?"

"For their safety," Cloud said easily as he walked up to them from behind, ignoring the look Leon gave him as the other turned to look at him. "He believes that he might just be the cause for the attacks on Radiant Garden. Therefore, he wants to leave as soon as possible so more people won't get hurt. Isn't that right, Sora?" Cloud looked right at Sora as he spoke those words, noticing that his eyes had widened before he glanced away. Cloud was way too smart for his own good.

Maybe a little too smart.

Giving another frustrated sigh, Sora looked up at his two commandants and gave a little nod. "Those guys are after me, I know that. If I stay here, I'll only end up putting more people in danger. The best way to solve that is for me to leave, right?"

"Correct," Cloud said slowly. "But going off on your own isn't going to solve your problem. You're going to need friends as well as people that know how to fight to go with you."

"But I already know how to fight!" Sora said in defense, pouting slightly. "And you're the ones that said that too many people would draw too much attention." He did pay attention in his studies, despite what people thought.

"I'm planning to go with you, your highness," Cloud said softly as he rested a hand over his chest giving a slight bow. "It's my duty to protect my prince no matter what." Sora blushed slightly, not having expected such attention from the ever silent Cloud. Apparently, Leon didn't expect it either, his eyes wide slightly as he stared at Cloud.

"Um…y-you don't have to do that," Sora said blushing still as he waved his hands in front of him. "I mean my kingdom's been destroyed a long time now and I didn't even know until recently that I was even a prince at all."

"Though your kingdom had been destroyed, you being alive means that the kingdom still lives."

"A prince, huh?" All three males in the hallway looked back, seeing Riku standing there, his arms folded as he looks at the three soldiers in front of him. He glanced over happening to notice the backpack on Cloud's shoulder as well as the one Sora was carrying before he frowned. "You guys planning to go somewhere?"

"Um…..well….." Sora scratched at his cheek looking away again. Strange that he'd been finding himself speechless a lot tonight. Could it be because he didn't actually expect to be caught?

"Yes," Cloud said as he walked over to Sora and rested a hand on his shoulder, though his eyes were focused on Riku. "I am taking Sora to see the kingdom where he was born," Cloud said simply, not giving any further hints that there was more to it.

"Then I'll go with you," Riku said walking over towards them.

"No. There is a possibility it will be too danger for you to go as well," Cloud continued even as Riku shook his head in disagreement.

"I'm already in danger," Riku said as he stopped in front of them, his arms folded reminding him of Leon. In fact, they both had that same 'don't toy with me' type look on their faces. In another situation, Sora would have laughed at that. However, right now, he was worried that Riku would actually end up going with them. But then again, there was no way Leon would allow that, right? "Those organization guys or whatever, they want me too, don't they? And by the sounds of it, they're after Sora for something. Probably the keyblade, am I right?"

Cloud frowned and looked over at Leon who was also showing a frown. Frowns still on their faces, the two commanders turned their eyes on Sora causing the other to jump back slightly.

"W-what? I didn't tell him much! I just showed him the keyblade and-"

"It's not his fault," Riku cut in quickly. "I used my authority to force him to speak." He glared at Leon daring him to argue the point. Leon only stared back but didn't say anything as he just stood there, arms folded. He didn't look too happy with the results. Neither did Cloud, actually. Sora on the other hand felt a bit of excitement at the idea that Riku would be going with him. And that made him feel guilty.

The reason he was leaving in the first place was to make sure that Riku and the other were kept safe. But it was true that the Organization was after Riku. The question was why? Were they after Riku because he was a prince? Or were they trying to kidnap him to force their way with Sora? Neither idea made Sora feel any better. But he doubted he could get Riku to stay behind.

"Ok," Leon said quietly, causing three heads to turn to him in shock.

"…Ok?" Cloud said, a bit of confusion and suspicion rising in his voice. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean ok, the four of us will leave together." As he turned and started to walk away, the other three frowned glancing at each other before starting to follow him, wanting an explanation and knowing that Leon would give one. Well…that and trying to get away from Leon now would be pointless, for Sora at least. Cloud could probably have managed it though. "If the darkness is really after both of the princes then we'll do better to take Riku with us as well."

"So you're going too?" Cloud asked, though the words came out as more of a statement. "I thought you'd say that it'd be smarter for one of us to stay and guard the King."

"The king is strong. He'll be able to protect himself." He turned the corner leading them to an exit, only one guard watching over this area, which was surprising. And by the looks of it, this guard didn't seem the type to question his commanding officer. "He'll also have Yuffie and the others there to protect him."

"What's that about me?!"

Oh man, another one?!

The four males turned around finding the named girl standing there with her hands on her hips. She had a pout on her lips, not happy at the idea that Leon and the others were going to leave her behind. Not that Sora was complaining. At least then he wouldn't have to hear her constantly teasing him about Riku and Kairi. "You guys aren't planning on leaving me behind, are you?"

"Someone has to stay here and keep an eye on the king," Leon said, a hand resting against his head as he rubbed his temple. If this kept going on, they'd never get out. And Sora really wanted to get out before Kairi found out.

I just don't want her to get hurt.

He felt eyes on him and glanced over noticing the worried look Riku was giving him. It made him feel warm inside as he returned a reassuring smile, watching the other's frown turn upside down. To make Riku happy…that's all he really wanted. He wanted to see his best friend's smile.

"The old man can take care of himself," Yuffie said, the pout still on her face before she gave a mischievous grin and ran jumping on Leon's back from behind. "I'm going with you guys, Squally wally!"

"I told you not to call me that," Leon said giving a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "And you're not going. You're staying here and protecting the king like your duties calls."

"Or I can just go tell the king right now what you're planning to do." She giggled slightly as she leaned over his shoulder poking his cheek. "You know he wouldn't like it if he knew you were going to sneak out and take the prince and Sora with you behind his back."

"…."

"Looks like she got him there," Riku said with a sigh beside Sora before he grinned at him. "Guess I'll get my chance to go on an adventure after all." Sora blushed giving a quick nod of his head before he smiled up at him. He remembered the time he left as well as the gentle kisses placed on his cheek by both Riku and his cousin. This time though, they would be going together. Even though he shouldn't have felt excited, he did. This would be the first time he'd get to go out and do something with Riku that didn't require sneaking out. But this also meant he had to keep his guard up, he couldn't freeze up like he did last time and cause Riku to get hurt. He'd really never be able to forgive himself then.

But that other guy…he had a keyblade, no he had two of them.

Frowning, Sora glanced up at Cloud who was staring at Leon. Should he ask him? If Roxas was really his brother, didn't he have the right to know? Maybe Cloud could explain why he had the keyblade. Maybe he could tell Sora how to get stronger? He was just barely learning how to call it at will. But he still didn't have any skills in using it for combat. This was going to be way different than a regular sword. After all, it had the power to stop darkness, right?

Either way, asking Cloud about it right now probably wasn't a good idea. He needed to wait until the two of them were alone, out of earshot of both Leon and Riku. And Yuffie. It was a question he needed the answer to for himself. Did he have a brother? Did he actually have one living relative he could call his own? Cloud had apologized to Roxas for something. And Roxas knew about Kingdom Hearts and blamed Cloud. What happened back then that he didn't know about? What was it that Cloud wasn't telling him?

Roxas….

"Where is this place you're heading to?" Leon asked as he stopped them in the dark hallway.

"To the Magic Kingdom," Cloud returned, his arms folding over his chest as he looked away. It made Sora wonder if Leon had actually gotten the chance to apologize for the way he was acting before. But considering who this was he was talking about, he doubted it. "We're going there to see the king."

"The Magic Kingdom?" Riku asked, frowning. "I've never heard of the place."

"It's a place that only Kingdom Hearts and the four kings know about. You would have learned about it eventually from his majesty King Ansem."

"Four kings huh?" Sora asked, ears perking up as he stared at Cloud's back in interest. "So who are the other kings?"

"There's King Sephiroth of Hallow Bastion. King Ansem, as I've just said, of Radiant Garden. King Mickey of the Magic Kingdom. And…"Cloud turned around, his eyes landing on the short keyblader. "You, the last standing family member of the king of Kingdom Hearts."

"So Sora really is a prince huh," Riku said, his eyes moving back and forth between the second in command and his young friend.

"That's correct," Cloud returned as he turned around starting to walk off. "And each kingdom has their own way of getting to Magic Kingdom. Since I'd prefer not to let King Ansem know of our plans yet, I believe we should head to Kingdom Hearts."

"But that's such a long ride from here," Sora said, a cute little pout on his lips.

"We won't be riding," Cloud said as he started to walk again. "We'll be walking."

"But that's even longer!" Sora pouted even more as he gave a sigh. "Without the horses that's way longer."

"It's not that long," Cloud said rolling his eyes. "A day's walk, maybe two."

"But that'll take forever!"

"Stop whining," Leon said, the authority noticeable in his voice even though he didn't turn around. "You've been slacking off lately. This will be a perfect opportunity for you to train your body and soul."

Crap! Leon, you're no help at all!

Sora pouted but didn't say another word as he followed behind his two commanders. Once Leon made up his mind on something, there was no point arguing over it. And with Cloud backing him up in this, there was no way he'd be able to get out of it. He noticed that Riku was grinning over at him and pouted folding his arms in frustration. This was annoying. But then again, he'd get to see a new place.

I wonder what Magic Kingdom is like? I bet Merlin knows something about it.

"Keep walking, we've got a long ways to go," Leon said from up ahead with a half glance over his shoulder at the others behind him.

"But we've been walking for hours now," Sora said pouting as he lagged behind everyone. Even Riku seemed to be keeping up, though he did slow down when he saw his friend being zapped of his energy. He had to keep his mind away from how sexy Sora looked, his skin glistening with sweat and his cheeks flushed as he panted. "How much further do we have to go?" Sora asked as he stopped walking, resting his hands on his knees.

"We haven't even made it out of King Treize's territory," Cloud said as he glanced around surveying their surrounding. Right now they were surrounded by the high grasses of the fields to the south. They could easily have taken the trail but they wanted to get to where they were going unnoticed. Neither King Treize nor any of the Soldiers of Radiant Garden were supposed to know of their whereabouts. If it happened, they'd surely drag the young prince back, despite Leon's authority. Especially now with the attack on the palace. It wasn't safe to be out here.

We need to get as far as we can before nightfall. Riku glanced back at Sora again giving a slight frown as he saw Sora stumbling forward tiredly. He's not used to this. Sora wasn't even considered a true soldier yet. No, training wouldn't prepare him for this neither would it prepare him for what was to come. There was a chance an attack would happen. So they were just going to have to keep their eyes peeled. However, that one guy….Roxas, was it? Riku was definitely going to have to keep his eyes on him. Those keyblades of his were no joke.

Reaching down, Riku rested a hand on his side where the wound had been. Even though Aerith had healed it, he did still feel pain from it. He'd checked it out himself, and found there to be darkening there, probably a bruise. But something about those keyblades of Roxas's bothered him. They seemed similar to the one Sora had but darker. Though he could barely remember it now, Riku had felt like it was trying to suck something out of him…something very important to him. But it had only been in a flash of a moment before the pain had kicked in. They may not have looked it, but they were really some strong weapons.

"You feeling ok, prince Riku?" Yuffie asked, surprising Riku by her sudden appearance in front of him. She had a worried look on her face as she stared at him. "It's not too hot for you is it?"

"I'm fine," Riku said frowning slightly. "And you don't have to call me prince." Prince…that's right, Sora's one too right? Riku glanced over at the other finding him sitting on the ground now. Sora's homeland had been destroyed when he was little. And Ansem had found him on their outing one day and somehow Sora went from being a prince to being a servant and a soldier of Radiant Garden.

I wonder how he feels about that….

It had taken a bit of prying but Riku had finally gotten the others to bring down and tell him everything that was going on. But there were some details still missing from the story. And for one reason or another, he felt that Cloud probably knew what those details were. Could they really trust Cloud? He glanced over at the man noticing how the other seemed to be glancing around checking their surroundings. He seemed to notice eyes on him and looked over at Riku for a second before he looked away.

How do we know it wasn't him who destroyed Kingdom Hearts?

Riku frowned but decided against saying anything. Sora would probably not forgive him for accusing his former servant of such a thing. After all, Sora was too kind hearted for his own good sometimes.

But that's why I….

"We'll take a break for now," Leon said finally giving up as he turned around looking at them. "Ten minutes and we'll head out. The sooner we get to Kingdom Hearts, the sooner we can get to this Magic Kingdom place and find help."

"Also, the prince should rest up as much as possible. That injury won't be fully healed if he doesn't," Cloud added in despite the looks both Leon and Riku gave him.

"Thank god," Sora said tiredly as he flopped down onto the ground instantly. "My feet are killing me."

"Well they are huge," Yuffie said as she stuck her tongue out at him.

"They are not!"

"Yes they are!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

Leon pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, a sign that he was getting frustrated all ready. That made Riku smirk. It wasn't that he hated Leon or anything…just that he disliked a lot of his methods and the fact that he knew hardly anything about the man. But he knew that deep down, he could trust this guy with anything, just like how he trusted the others.

I hope Kairi and the others are ok. It'll be bad if an attack happens while we're gone.

"And I bet Riku likes them too."

"Hm?" Riku blinked hearing his name and glanced over at Yuffie who was still jibing at Sora about something. Except…Sora's cheeks were red. "I like what?"

"Sora's cute little cheeks!" Yuffie said happily as she grinned. "They're just so plush and chubby! Who wouldn't like them?" She reached over pinching Sora's cheeks.

"Ah! Yuffie, s-stop it!" Sora pushed the hands away, blushing even more as he held a hand over his cheeks to try and protect them from the onslaught of Yuffie's fingers. "They are not cute!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too! Are too!"

"Are not! Are not!"

"They are too! Aren't they, Riku?"

Riku blinked at finding himself mixed in the mess before he grinned giving a nod of his head. He couldn't help it, picking on Sora was one of the highlights of his life, especially if it gave him an opportunity to see the cute little pout on Sora's lips. "Yeah, they're pretty cute looking. Definitely little chubby, baby cheeks."

"Rikuuu!" Sora pouted though Riku wasn't sure if he saw his cheeks redden even more or not. But deep down, the thought gave him a sense of satisfaction causing him to laugh.

But it's true…they are cute….

"Let's get moving," Leon said grumbling in frustration as he rubbed at his head. We've still got a ways to go before nightfall."

"Yes oh great captain!" Yuffie said giggling as she saluted him.

Riku glanced over at Cloud noticing how quiet the other had been since they left. Just what was he thinking behind those bland eyes of his? Cloud just turned and started to walk off following behind Leon who glanced over at him also. So Leon was noticing it too. This could be a trap.

A hand blocked his vision and Riku looked up seeing a smiling Sora looking down at him. He smiled in return, forgetting his Cloud worries at the moment as he reached up grabbing Sora's hand and being helped up. "Thanks."

"Um, y-you're welcome," Sora replied rubbing behind his head as he gave him a cheesy grin. "It's what friends do, right?"

"Yeah," Riku said smiling at him as he started walking, the smaller boy following along beside him. "It's what friends do."

"…Hey Riku?" Sora asked not glancing over as he spoke the words. Riku frowned slightly looking down but the other didn't look at him, as he kept walking. "Is this ok for you to go with me? What about your wedding to Namine?"

"Hm? What about it?" Riku chuckled as he rested a hand on Sora's shoulder feeling the other jump slightly at the unexpected touch. "I didn't want to marry her anyway. I don't even know the girl."

"O-oh," Sora stuttered, his body relaxing again as he grew accustomed to the touch. "Then um…d-do you have someone you like?"

What's with these questions all of a sudden?

"No, not yet." Riku said the words slowly as he glanced down at the other. But still nothing was given away by the keyblader's expression. "I guess I haven't found the right person yet. But I'm not in a rush for marriage anyway. I want to enjoy my freedom while I still can."

"I-I see…." Sora went quiet causing Riku to glance at him again. It was unusual for Sora to make a comment like that one. What was on his mind?

"What about you and Kairi?"

"Huh?" Sora looked up at that, eyes widening slightly in surprise at being asked that question. "Me and Kairi? W-what do you mean?"

"I mean do you want to be with her?" Riku asked giving him a comforting smile. "I figured maybe you two could get married once this whole thing blows over. And I'm sure King Ansem will help you to rebuild Kingdom Hearts so you two can-"

"What are you two talking about? Hmmmm?" Yuffie said though she grinned as she walked backward looking at the two of them.

"N-nothing," Sora said quickly as he slipped free from Riku's gasp running off ahead of them to walk with Leon and Cloud. "Let's get going! We gotta get to Kingdom Hearts, right?" Well…that was a sudden change.

"He likes you," Yuffie said suddenly as she looked at Riku. "He just doesn't know it yet."

"Uh….y-yeah…..I guess," Riku said frowning as he looked at her, not sure what he was supposed to say to that. He doubted Sora really liked him in that way…not that he was even sure of his own feelings at the moment. And the way he responded to the thought of Kairi….

They'd be…better together…..

Sighing, Riku followed behind his protectors, preparing his mind for what he'd be facing ahead.

TBC….

Stopping point again. Consider it my Valentine's Day gift of lateness or something like that. I really enjoyed this chapter which surprised me somewhat. And I can't wait for the next chapter. Hehe, there might be some action going on next time, but we'll see what happens when it happens, ne? Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this update!