Chapter 10: Breaking Point

"My apologies for intruding you, young master." Luxord respectfully bowed his head as he quietly stepped into Roxas' office.

Roxas nodded his head as he motioned for Luxord to come forward. "It's no problem at all Luxord. What have you come to see me for?"

Luxord lifted up a pile of paperwork he was carrying in his hands and dropped them on Roxas' desk. "This is the rough draft for our contract with the Organization. It requires your overview before we can proceed with schedule."

Roxas let out a soft sigh as he nodded his head. "I understand…"

Luxord noticed the restlessness in Roxas' eyes. He looked absolutely drained. "Is everything alright young master? You seem even more troubled than usual…"

Roxas shook his head as he leaned back into his chair. "I'm fine Luxord. You need not concern yourself."

Unconvinced by Roxas' denial, Luxord walked over behind the desk and stood next to Roxas. "Are you worried about the remaining Strife household? Do they know about Avalanche's current situ-"

"They have yet to be informed," Roxas said reassuring him. "Not even my brother knows."

If Cloud's heart condition hadn't stressed Roxas out enough, he now had the company to worry about also. Though he promised his siblings to take a break from work, that promise was soon enough already broken. For the past few weeks, all their previous business contacts were slowly severing ties with Avalanche. Instead, they were forming alliances with a long-time enemy of Avalanche, Shinra.

With investors slowly drawing their money out and Avalanche's stock market value steadily decreasing, Roxas had decided to align themselves with Organization XIII, a newly developed financial corporation. By doing so, Roxas hoped that this would help maintain Avalanche's stability and financial security.

Of course, the plan and Avalanche's current situation was kept secret from his family. Roxas decided it would be best if they didn't know.

"It'll only make them worry more…"

Luxord nodded his head understandingly. He knew Roxas was only keeping this a secret to relieve his family from further stress."How is the Master? Has his condition gotten any better?"

"…"

"…"

"It's slowly worsening by the day…"

"And the Madam?"

"Worried herself sick as well…"

Luxord reached out his hand and placed it gently on Roxas' shoulders. "Please give them my regards sir…"

Roxas turned his head to the side, a small smile managing to form on his face. He knew Luxord's concern was sincere. After all, before Roxas' took the helm of the company, Luxord had acted as his father's right hand man as well. Much like other veterans in Avalanche, his loyalty and commitment to the Strife's had been unwavering.

"I'll be sure to do that…"

Just then, another visitor entered Roxas' office, causing his smile to fade away as quickly as it came.

"Good morning… Mr. Strife."

Roxas sent his new guest a less than welcoming glare as he faked a smile. "What have you come to see me for… Xehanort?"

Xehanort slowly walked over to Roxas and Luxord, wearing an almost devilish look on his face. "Oh Roxas! I just heard about your father's heart condition! Please tell me he's alright!" Xehanort faked a nervous and panicked expression as he continued to feign his crazed hysteria.

Roxas clenched his teeth ever so slightly. Both he and Luxord could sense the mocking tone in Xehanort's voice. They knew Xehanort couldn't care less. It was all simply an act to him. "He's slowly recovering… I thank you for your concern."

Xehanort let out a loud sigh as he placed a hand over his chest. "What a relief! Heart problem at his young, delicate age! Truly a tragedy!"

Luxord kept his hands hidden as they turned to fists. He was appalled by the old man's obvious lack of respect. "Is that all you've come here for Xehanort? If you're truly concerned, by all means go visit the Master. But please. Don't sing your songs here.."

Xehanort let out a small laugh. "You misunderstand me Luxord. I was simply trying to send my condolences. I actually came to inquire about something…"

Roxas raised his brow. "Really? What might that be?"

"Well you see, Mr. Strife," Xehanort said as he acknowledged Roxas' authority, though clearly mocking it as well. "I understand you're planning to reach a business agreement with Organization XIII, correct?"

"Yes. What of it?"

"Well, in my personal opinion, sir. I've come up with an even more ingenious idea."

"What might that be?"

Xehanort grinned. "Instead of aligning ourselves with Organization XIII, we should be trying to form an alliance with Shinra. I've already met up with some of their top executives and they say their more than willing to accept Avalanche with open arms."

Roxas glanced over at Xehanort, a bit irked. "Shinra?"

"Yes sir."

"As in the supposed underground terrorist group? The organization that establishes and runs under the table casinos and brothels? The same company who develops and supplies mass amounts of weapons to our neighbouring nations? That Shinra?"

Xehanort chuckled. "Oh come now Roxas! You mustn't believe all the rumours you hear. They are an open and honest establishment. It'd be no doubt more profitable for us to join up with them than this new group of yours."

"Despite being our long-time rival for nearly ten years now, you still decided to meet up with their partners? And on your own no less?"

Xehanort nodded his head, completely ignoring Roxas' obvious disapproval of his actions. "It doesn't hurt us to keep our options open? Right Mr. Strife?"

Before Roxas could say another word, Luxord had already beaten him to it. "Out of the question! Aligning ourselves with Shinra will no doubt ruin Avalanche's reputation and integrity!"

Roxas nodded his head in agreement. "Luxord is right Xehanort. Your proposal is out of the question."

Xehanort grinned. "Do you really follow the words of your advisor so blindly? I expected our company's leader to be a bit more independent than that." Xehanort placed his hands on Roxas' desk and leaned his body forward, sending taunting glares to the two men in front of him. "I guess I was wrong about you Mr Strife. You're obviously still a child who needs someone to hold hi-"

Luxord flinched. "How dare you insult the-"

"Luxord."

Before he had a chance to reprimand Xehanort, Luxord was interrupting by Roxas. "With all due respect young master, I can't just stand here and allow him to questi-"

"It's quite alright Luxord," Roxas said, stopping him once again. Though he was irked, Roxas knew better than to get worked up over such petty insults. "Xehanort was simply…sharing his view on things. Keep in mind, outside the company, he is our senior. We should be the ones showing him respect…"

"Y-Yes sir…"

Xehanort let out a devilish smile. "So the young ones do have manners after all."

Roxas turned his chair around to face Xehanort, forcing a smile once again. "Though you deserve my respect due to your seniority, you should also keep something in mind Xehanort."

"Oh really? What is that?"

Roxas grinned as he leaned forward, folding his hands together."Despite your seniority, I am your superior during office hours. In good conscience, I cannot accept your proposal. So, unless you want to push this matter further, please don't overstep your boundaries in this company."

On the outside, Roxas was as calm and reserved as usual. On the inside, he, like Luxord, wanted nothing more than to punch the old man square in the face. How this once lowly security guard suddenly managed to climb up the ranks was astonishing. The moment he was able to, Roxas would have the old man fired in an instant. The only problem was, the crafty old goat managed to gain both his father and his older brother's undying trust. It would be difficult to rid himself of this thorn.

Xehanort grinned. He knew this all too well. It was the reason he was able to walk around so confidently, even without the same amount of authority as Roxas. "Very well…Your Highness. I'll keep your words close to my heart."

Roxas discretely twitched his eyes a bit. "If there's nothing else you wish to discuss, I kindly ask that you leave my office. I have matters I must discuss with Luxord in private."

Xehanort grinned. "Nothing else comes to mind. I suppose I'll be taking my leave now." Just as Xehanort was slowly making his way towards the door, he suddenly stopped and turned around, apparently remembering something. "By the way Roxas. I was surprised to hear what Ventus was up to. I never imagined you, let alone your entire family, would approve of his hasty decision."

Roxas raised his brow. "What hasty decision? What about my older brother?"

Xehanort looked surprisingly over at Roxas. "Oh didn't you know? He's throwing a little party…"

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

"I'm worried about you Sora. You haven't been getting enough sleep," Kairi said worriedly as she stared at the bags under Sora's eyes. "You should get more rest…"

Sora shook his head. Things had been getting more and more hectic as of late. Everyone at home was in a panic due to his father's growing heart problems. Roxas was running around in circles trying to find the best doctors to treat him. Xion took time off from school and Tifa had grown so worried that she fell sick as well. If that wasn't enough, things were becoming even more stressful at work. It was more than any normal man could handle.

"It's alright Kairi. Just a bit of exhaustion…"

Kairi nodded her head understandingly. The two of them had stepped outside the building for their lunch break. Things at Avalanche were really beginning to heat up. Though he didn't understand much of it himself, Sora had told her that Roxas was in the middle of a negotiating a very important business contract. Because of this, everyone higher up at Avalanche was running around wildly, trying to get everything sorted out. Even Sora, who was usually carefree, was feeling the pressures and stress as well. He was slowly being drained of his spirit.

"If you think I'm tired, you should see Roxas…"

"How he's taking all of this?"

Sora sighed. "On the outside Rox seems fine. He goes to work with a smile on his face, attends all the meetings and then goes straight home to spend quality time with my parents." Sora bit his lip. "Even though he pretends that everything's fine, I'm sure he's losing sleep over this too. Even more so than anyone else…"

Kairi looked sympathetically at Sora. "Are you worried about him?"

Sora quietly nodded his head. "He's keeping all this stress and anxiety bottled up. It's going to kill him one of these days…"

Kairi thought back to the way Roxas was acting in the hospital the other day. That was probably the first and last time she would ever see Roxas cry. Kairi knew he would restrain himself from crying again, keeping up his cool disposition. Though every one of the Strifes needed to remain calm, Roxas especially, had to keep up a front.

"Hey Sora?"

Sora glanced over at Kairi as he took a bite out of his sandwich. "Yeah Kairi?"

Kairi began fidgeting around with her hands. "Why don't we postpone the wedding?"

Sora immediately dropped his lunch on the ground. "W-What?!" Quickly getting over his lack of energy and restlessness, Sora worriedly looked over at Kairi. "W-Why would we postpone the wedding? What happened?"

Kairi stared sadly at Sora. "It's just with everything that's going on. Your father's heart problem and the company's current crisis, it's all becoming too stressful for you…"

"K-Kairi…"

"Everyone's feeling the same way. It's not exactly a happy time to get married…"

Sora rolled his eyes as he wrapped his arms around Kairi's waist, finally understanding where she was getting at. "There you go thinking about everyone else again."

"Don't tell me you don't…"

"I do," Sora said as he smiled. Sure, he knew everyone was especially tense at the moment. But he also knew putting off their wedding just because of that wouldn't do them or anyone else any good. "Everyone in my family is really out of it right now. Things are getting more and more depressing by the day. But…that's exactly why we should get married now. It's times like these when celebration and festivities are in order. They're needed to lift up everybody's' spirits."

Kairi's eyes widened. "I-I never thought about it like that…"

Sora grinned as he tightened his grip around Kairi. "Don't think you can get out of this so easily. After all, I took a knife for you."

Kairi smiled, knowing Sora was only trying to lighten up the mood. He always had a way of doing that. "Hmm… it wasn't really that impressive actually," Kairi said as she leaned herself on Sora's chest.

Sora raised his brow, glaring questioningly at her. "Oh really? What exactly is your idea of impressive?"

Kairi shrugged her shoulders, continuing to tease him. "I don't know. Maybe I'd be more impressed if you took a grenade for me."

"A grenade?"

"Yeah. Like in the song."

Sora chuckled. He was prepared to discuss how ridiculous that sentence sounded when an idea came to mind. "Okay. Let's say we were walking through the park and some terrorist suddenly appears."

Kairi raised her brow. "Why would there be a terrorist in the park?"

Sora sighed. "Well, do you think the old lady walking her cat is going to be carrying around grenades? No! Obviously there needs to be a terrorist."

"Well, why is he throwing grenades at us? We didn't do anything wrong."

"How the heck would I know? It's not like I'm well versed in that field of employment or anything"

Kairi giggled. "Before the terrorist showed up, was he playing chess by the bench with the rapist and serial killer?

"You going to let me finish or what?

"Okay, okay. Continue with your little scenario."

"Happily," Sora said as he nodded his head. "So, let's say we were walking through the park and a terrorist suddenly came up to us and started throwing grenades at you." Sora smirked a bit. It sounded even dumber out loud than in his head. "Do you know what I would do?"

Kairi faked a clueless expression as she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. What would you do?"

Sora leaned down and pressed his lips ever so softly onto Kairi's. Though she was caught by surprise, Kairi only smiled as she kissed him back. When the two of them pulled away from each other, Sora grinned. "Being the brave man that I am, I would grab you by the hands… and we'd run away screaming at the top of our lungs."

Kairi chuckled. It would seem Sora hadn't lost his playful spirit after all. "So you love me enough to get between me and a knife. But you're not willing to push yourself in front of a grenade?"

Sora smiled. "That's different. You can't really avoid a crazy man with a knife or a gun."

"Yet you can avoid a grenade?"

Sora nodded his head playfully. "Yes. Yes you can. Because the moment that terrorist pulls out a grenade from his trench coat, we'll have noticed it sooner and run away by then."

Kairi pretended to pout as she folded her arms together. "That's not exactly chivalrous…"

Sora grinned as he leaned down and kissed Kairi once again. "Because I love you, I'd try to save the both of us. That way you wouldn't be sad over losing this adorable face. What kind of idiot would try and catch a grenade?"

Kairi shrugged her shoulders while still keeping her lips locked on Sora's. At this point, the two of them were just talking under their breaths.

"I don't know. Someone who wants to be romantic?"

"…"

"…"

"More like some lovesick idiot."

"Like you're one to talk?"

"…"

"…"

"Point taken."

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Sora let out a soft sigh as he approached Strife Manor. Work was as hectic as ever. Even he was pulling late night shifts. Still, nothing compared to the stress of being at home.

As his car pulled up along the driveway, Sora raised his brow in confusion at what he found in front of him. Roxas, Ventus and Xion were all standing outside by the door. Though he couldn't hear what they were saying, it almost looked like they were quarrelling.

Feeling a bit anxious, Sora quickly hopped out of the car and rushed over to his siblings.

"Relax Roxas…"

"Guys, please don't fight."

"How can you be so irresponsible!"

"Guys, please!"

"Do you realize how ridiculous you sound right now?!"

"Hey!" Sora yelled out as he approached his siblings. "What's going on here guys? Why are you all standing outside?"

Xion sighed in relief as she ran over to her brother. "Thank goodness your home Sora! Rox and Ven have been going at it ever since Rox came home from work!"

Completely oblivious to what was going on, Sora starred confusedly at his twin brother. "You rushed home early just to pick a fight with Ven?"

Roxas ignored Sora as he starred angrily at Ventus. "Go ahead Ventus! Tell Sora all about your great big party!"

Sora raised his brow. "Party?"

Ventus sighed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a flyer. He handed it to Sora, who examined it carefully.

TOMORROW AT CENTRAL PARK!

COME SEE THE AMAZING TRIO: VENTUS, TERRA & AQUA IN CONCERT

"You're throwing a concert in central park tomorrow?"

Ventus nodded his head.

"Hey that sounds like a great idea! We could all use a little fun in the sun!

"No!" Roxas angrily yelled out. He walked over to Sora and placed his finger over another section of the flyer. "Keep reading!"

Not understanding what had gotten Roxas so worked up, Sora nervously complied. As he read on, Sora was caught a little by surprise as well.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WILL BE THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCE TOGETHER!

"F-Final performance?" Sora stared confusedly over to his older brother. "Y-You guys are disbanding the group?"

Ventus groaned under his breath as he scratched his messy blonde hair. "With everything that's going on… plus with Terra and Aqua having a kid and all… We all agreed it would be best for everyone to settle down."

"If you think it's for the best," Sora said as he nodded his head. Though he was in a bit of shock, Sora could still understand why Ventus had arrived at that decision. What he couldn't grasp was why Roxas had gotten so upset over this. "What's the problem Rox? Isn't this what you've always wanted from Ven? For him to quit the band?"

Roxas facial expression didn't change. His blazing anger was still very much visible. "Tell him what you plan to do after the concert Ventus! Go on!"

"…"

"Tell him how you're running away!"

"I'm not running away!"

Xion whimpered. She couldn't stand seeing her brothers fighting this way. "Please Rox. Don't get so upset. I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason Ven is doing this. Let's just hear him out," Xion said, pleading to her brother.

Sora walked over to Ventus. Though he didn't understand the situation in the least, Sora knew Roxas would never get this worked up without good reason. It had to be something major. "What is this all about Ven? You're really starting to worry me..."

Moving his gaze away from Roxas, Ventus looked over to Sora. "I've decided to study abroad…in the Land of Departure."

Sora's eyes instantly widened in shock. "W-What?!" He quickly grabbed onto his brother's shoulders in a panic. "Y-You can't be serious Ven? Y-You can't leave!"

Ventus sighed as he slowly moved Sora's arms away from him. "I've already booked my flight. I'll be leaving right after the concert is done…"

"V-Ven…"

Roxas laughed out mockingly, clapping his hands together. "Bravo Ventus Strife! Always the free spirit! The free wind! Comes and goes whenever he likes!"

Ventus shook his head sadly. "It's not like that Rox… I just don't think I can stay here…"

"Because that would be too easy right?!" At this point, Roxas simply could not hold it in any longer. The anger and disappointment he felt towards his brother was burning him up. And if it wasn't bad enough, to add insult to injury, Roxas had to find out from Xehanort, an outsider of all people!

"Of course not…"

"You've always been like this Ventus! You take the easy way out and run away when things get too hard for you! When we were kids in school you blew off your studies to play in the arcade! When dad asked you to take over Avalanche you ran off to pursue some delusional music career! Now that his heart condition is worsening, you're running off again! Studying abroad my ass! This is all just a way for you to shirk your own responsibilities. You're simply a coward!"

"I'm not running away from anything Roxas! I have everyone's best interest at heart!"

Refusing to listen to a word Ventus had to say, Roxas angrily ran up to his brother and grabbed him by the collar. "In dad's critical condition you want to leave the family and run off again?! How does that help anyone? Do you want him to worry himself sick again?! Are you trying to kill him?!"

"Of course not Roxas! Just let me explain!"

"Enough! I'm tired of all your damn excuses!" Keeping his left hand held firmly onto Ventus' shirt, Roxas clenched his right hand and raised it up into a fist. "Concert in central park! Studying abroad! Everything is all just fun and games to you! When will you ever grow up, Ventus Strife?!" Before anyone else could react, Roxas angrily launched his fist at Ventus' face, sending him falling down to the ground.

"Ven!"

Horrified at what could happen next, Sora quickly ran behind Roxas and restrained him. Xion also came to Ventus' aid, tears falling uncontrollably down her face as she looked over to her older brother.

"Release me!"

"Calm down Rox! I'm sure Ven has his reasons!"

"Let go of me Sora!"

"You need to calm down! We can all talk this out!"

"Damn it Sora! Let go of me!"

After minutes of struggling, Sora had finally managed to settle Roxas down. Though he was still worried about his twin's distorted anger, Sora reluctantly let go of Roxas. There was dead silence between them. The only thing that could be heard was Xion's whimpering.

Ignoring his little sister's cries and sniffles, Roxas stared angrily down at Ventus. "I'm going to ask you one more time. Are you really willing to go through with this selfish decision?"

Wiping the blood away from his face, Ventus sighed softly to himself. He decided not to explain himself any further. In his current state, Roxas would not be willing to accept any kind of reasoning. Ventus knew that. "I've already started packing my bags. My mind is made up…"

Sora stared sadly down at his brother. "Ven…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

Roxas clenched his teeth together. "If that's your decision so be it." He turned himself around and began walking down the driveway. "But I refuse to accept such as coward as my older brother!"

Roxas quickly left the scene. Before Sora or Xion could stop him, Roxas hopped into his car and drove off.

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Sora quietly knocked on Ventus' bedroom door. Though it was already slightly opened, Sora figured it would be better not to intrude if his brother wanted time alone. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Ventus sitting on top of his bed, packing his clothes away. "Hey Ven. Mind if I come in?"

Though he had his back faced towards the door, Ventus didn't turn around. "Sure…"

As he slowly walked in, Sora sat himself next to Ventus on the bed. "What a day, eh?"

Ventus forced a grin. "Has he come home yet?"

"No. Not yet," Sora said, shaking his head. It was almost midnight and still there was no sign of Roxas. "He's not picking up his phone. Axel doesn't know where he is either…"

"He's that mad at me eh…?"

Sora stared up at the ceiling. "Wouldn't you be?"

Ventus guiltily turned his head to face Sora. "I didn't want you guys to find out this way…"

"Do mom and dad know?"

"I've already talked to them about this…" Though Cloud and Tifa hadn't disapproved of his idea, Ventus knew his parents were hurting on the inside. They were sacrificing themselves for him once again.

Sora lowered his head back down. "Why are you leaving Ven? I just don't understand…" Though he hadn't reacted as aggressively as Roxas, Sora was hurt all the same by his older brother's decisions. It just didn't make sense to him.

Ventus let out a soft sigh as he got up out of bed and stood up. "I'm not you or Roxas, Sora. I'm still trying to find myself. Roxas has Avalanche. He's become the head of the family. Everyone looks onto him for support. And you, Sora. You've found love; you're getting married, preparing to start a family. You both know who you are and what's important to you. I still haven't found that yet…"

"…"

"Ever since we were kids it's been this way. Even though I'm the eldest, I've always been the most hopeless. When I look at dad, bedridden and barely able to move, I feel like such an embarrassment to him. This is why I want to leave. I want to get away, reinvent myself, and find some kind of purpose. Hopefully when I come back, I'll be a better man for it. Dad won't have to worry about me as much…"

Sora stared sadly over at this brother. He never knew that was how his brother felt. It hurt Sora even more because of it. "Ven…"

Ventus dropped his head down and stared at the carpet floor. "I know you guys are angry and hurt… You have every right to be. But I really hope you ca-"

Before Ventus could finish his sentence, Sora stood up and locked his brother in a tight embrace. "It's alright Ven. I understand…"

Ventus' eyes widened in shock. "S-Sora…"

As they pulled away from their man hug, Sora gave his brother a warm smile. "Don't worry about a thing. Roxas and I will watch over dad in your place. You just go and do what you need to do…" Though it hurt Sora to say these words, like his parents, he knew it wouldn't do anyone any good to clip Ventus of his wings. He was, like Roxas had pointed out, a free spirit.

Ventus smiled back at Sora, relieved to see the understanding in his brother's eyes. Out of all of his siblings, Ventus already knew Sora would be the most reasonable to talk with. The two of them were always on good terms like that. Though they had all grown up, that hadn't changed one bit. "Thanks a lot Sora…"

Sora gave Ventus a quick pat on the shoulder. "Just promise you'll stop by every once and a while to visit. Kay?"

Ventus nodded his head. "You can count on it…"

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

"Alright Sora," Kairi said on the phone as she grabbed her purse from the desk.

Ventus' celebratory concert was starting in just a few short minutes and Kairi was hastily trying to make it out of the office. "You don't need to come get me. I should be there in ten minutes."

"….."

"Alright I'll see you there."

As she ran through the hallway with her eyes fixed on the ground, Kairi hasty scamper was put to a stop when she accidently bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry about that," Kairi said as she slowed herself down. When she lifted her head up to see who she had hit, Kairi was more than surprise to find it was Roxas.

"R-Roxas? What are you doing here?"

As he brushed his pants and straightened out his suit, Kairi noticed the sour look on Roxas' face. "I'm here to work. Why else would I be here?"

"Shouldn't you be leaving too? Ventus' concert is starting really soon."

At the sound of his brother's name, Roxas flinched a bit. The two of them hadn't talked since their fight the other day. "Of course not. I have more pressing matters to attend to," Roxas said, trying to sound expressionless as possible.

Kairi let out a nervous smile. Sora had taken the day off to help Ventus, Terra and Aqua prepare for their concert. At this point, Kairi had pretty much heard all about the Strife sibling's little quarrel the other day. "Please don't tell me you're still mad at your brother…"

There was a brief silence between them.

Roxas rolled his eyes as he avoided the gaze of his future sister-in-law. "Sora told you?"

Kairi shyly nodded her head. "Yeah…"

"Idiot can't keep his mouth shut," Roxas said, mostly muttering to himself. "But of course he would tell you."

Kairi let out a soft smile. Out of sheer impulse, Kairi quickly grabbed onto Roxas hand and led him down the hallway. "Come on."

"W-What are you doing?!"

Kairi ignored Roxas as she kept her head faced forward and continued to march on. Roxas nervously tried to break free from her grip but Kairi was much stronger than she let out to be.

"W-What are you doing Kairi?!"

"You have a car don't you?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"Great. I need a ride and you need to make up with your brother."

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Sora anxiously reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He pressed the number one for speed dial and then lifted the phone up to his ear.

"Kairi?"

"…"

"Aren't you here yet? The concert is starting in ten minutes!"

"…"

"In the parking lot? Okay. Naminé and I will meet you there."

As Sora hung up the phone, he turned to Naminé who was standing right next to him. "Kairi says she's in the parking lot."

Naminé raised her brow. "That's weird. Didn't she take the bus? Why would she be in the parking lot?"

Not really giving it much thought, Sora simply shrugged his shoulders. "Ah who cares? Let's go find her."

Naminé nodded her head in agreement. The two friends hastily ran away from the stage in the center of the park and made their way to the parking lot. As they reached their destination, Sora and Naminé couldn't find Kairi anywhere.

Sora scratched his head. "That's weird. She said she would be here…"

Suddenly, the two of them heard a familiar voice in the background.

"Hey you guys!"

Sora quickly looked around. It was then that he spotted Kairi, as well as his twin brother, stepping out of Roxas' car.

Kairi eagerly rushed over to her friend and fiancée while Roxas slowly trailed behind her. "Hey you guys! Sorry we're late."

Sora's eyes widened in shock. "R-Roxas? W-What are you doing here?"

Roxas rolled his eyes as he tucked his hands into his pockets. "I've been asking myself that the whole ride here…"

Sora couldn't believe it. Just the other day Roxas was prepared for World War III to break out. How Kairi had managed to drag him out to Ventus' concert was astonishing. "D-Does that mean you're no-"

"It means!" Kairi said, interrupting her fiancée. "Naminé has a dance partner now. That's really it."

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

After everyone had gathered around and waited patiently to see the live act they came for, the audience was rewarded for their efforts as Ventus, Terra and Aqua slowly walked onto the stage.

Terra took a seat behind the drums while Aqua started fine tuning her guitar. Ventus, obviously the lead singer of the group, picked up his microphone off from the stand and looked out into the crowd. A smile formed on his face, obviously pleased by the great turnout. As he browsed through the audience, he was even more pleased when he spotted Sora and Kairi, standing right in the middle of the crowd.

When Ventus made a little wave to indicate that he spotted him, Sora smiled and quickly nudged his head back. Ventus confusedly followed Sora's line of motion. It was then that he noticed Roxas, standing right behind them. Ventus couldn't believe it. "He really came…"

"How?" Ventus mouthed to Sora.

Sora grinned and gave Kairi a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I see…"

Giving himself a couple moments to take it all in, Ventus took in a deep breath and then spoke into the mic. "Hello Radiant Garden! Are you guys ready to rock?!"

The audience roared in excitement. "YES!"

A huge smile formed on Ventus face as he looked over to Terra and Aqua and gave them a quick head nod. "Alright! Then let's get this show on the road!"

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Roxas let out a soft sigh as he watched over the party that was happening right in front of them. He was standing farther back, away from it all. Still, he could clearly see Ventus on stage, singing his heart out. The music was blasting like crazy and everyone seemed to be having fun. Roxas looked down onto the ground as memories to that other day came rushing back. "Maybe I was too hard on him…"

{Now don't you even act like! You don't wanna get up!}

"What are you thinking about?"

Roxas flinched. His eyes met Naminé's as he lifted up his head. "N-Naminé. What are you doing?"

{You better get out on the dance floor! Show me what you got!}

Naminé smiled. She was holding two drinks in her hand, one of which she kindly offered up to Roxas. "I thought you might be thirsty."

"Thanks," Roxas said as he shyly accepted it. "Shouldn't you be out there having fun?"

{Cause I don't even want to much! Just for y'all to understand!}

Naminé took a quick sip out of her drink. "I should be asking you that. Why are you standing here all by yourself?"

Roxas calmly shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I'm not a partygoer…"

{A party ain't a party if I'm not in the party, so I need to see some hands!}

Naminé raised her brow. "Oh really? So I'm guessing the Roxas Strife in all those tabloid magazines is someone completely different, right?

Roxas smirked as he shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say? It's a pretty common name."

{All I really need to know! Is that you came to the party to enjoy yourself!}

{You left your stress and your worries, back at home on the shelf! And let's get freaky!}

{Hey, oh! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Freaky!}

Naminé smiled as she turned herself around to face the stage. "They're really good. You're older brother has an amazing voice."

Roxas took a sip out of his drink. "His voice and good looks. The only redeeming qualities to him…"

{Make sure the DJ puts this song on! And turn it up!}

{And keep it moving all night long! Til the sun come up!}

Naminé turned around and starred worriedly over at Roxas. "Not that it's any of my business, but have you tried making up with your brother yet?"

Roxas raised his brow. "Did Kairi blab about my family issues to you?"

Naminé shook her head. "Not at all. Kairi knows how to keep these things private. Sora, on the other hand, he may have let it slip…"

{Oh, oh, oh, oh!}

Roxas rolled his eyes. "Of course he did. That idiot just can't seem to keep his mouth shut…"

Naminé smiled. "Maybe you need to learn how to relax. Communication is key in any kind of relationship. You should try talking with him, work everything out."

Roxas let out a soft sigh. Something Sora had once told him started ringing in his head.

"If you want to reach a compromise, you have to take the first steps…"

If there was one thing that Roxas could not stand, it was fights within the family. He knew everyone was right. Ventus surely had his reasons for leaving. "Maybe it's about time I figure out what those reasons were…"

{All I really need to know! Is that you came to the party to enjoy yourself!}

{You left your stress and your worries, back at home on the shelf! And let's get freaky!}

"I guess you're right Naminé. I'll be sure to have a talk with him later on…" Roxas grinned as he looked over at the stage. His idiot of a big brother looked like he was having too much fun. They'd have plenty of time to talk after the concert.

{Hey, oh! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Freaky!}

"For now," Roxas said, pulling out his hands and reaching for Naminé's. "What do you say you and I get freaky on the dance floor?"

{And let's get freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey! Freaky! Hey, oh, hey!}

Naminé giggled as she took his hand. "Cheesy reference but okay."

{Freaky… Freaky…}

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Ventus smiled as he wiped the sweat away from his forehead. "This next song is dedicated to my brother and his very lovely fiancée. Hope you guys like it."

The music had reduced in speed quite considerably, prompting everyone to pick out a partner and enjoy a bit of slow dancing. Sora and Kairi looked up at Ventus and smiled as they continued to sway back and forth.

{They got a lot of girls who know they got it going on…}

{But nothing's ever a comparison to you…}

Sora's smile grew as he stared lovingly into Kairi's eyes. "He took the words right out of my mouth."

Kairi blushed as moved away from Sora and playfully hit him on the arm. "Please don't tell me you told him to sing this."

{Now can't you see that you're the only one I really want…}

{And everything I need is everything you do…}

Sora grinned as he wrapped his arms around Kairi's waist and pulled her back in. "Of course not. Ven and I just think a lot alike."

{Any girl walk by, don't matter…}

{You're looking so much better…}

{Don't ever need to get caught up in jealousy…}

{She could be a super-model, every magazine, the cover…}

{She'll never, ever mean a thing to me...}

Kairi closed her eyes as she leaned forward and rested her head on Sora's shoulders. "You going to miss him?"

{She's no you…oh, no!}

{You give me more than I could ever want!}

Sora let out a soft sigh as he held onto Kairi a bit tighter. "I'm going to miss him terribly…"

{She's no you…oh, no!}

{I'm satisfied with the one I've got!}

{Cause you're all the girl that I've ever dreamed!}

{She's only a picture on a magazine!}

{She's no you… She's no you!}

"By the way," Sora said, pulling away from their embrace. "I have a present for you."

{They got a lot of girls who dance in all the videos…}

{But I prefer the way you do, the way you move…}

Kairi raised her brow. "You got me a present?"

{You're more than beautiful and I just wanna let you know…}

{That all I ever need is what I've got with you…}

"Not exactly," Sora said as reached into his pants pocket. As he dug through it, he pulled out a stunning silver charm bracelet. "It's actually from Ven. A sort of early wedding gift."

{Any girl walk by, don't matter…}

{Every time you're looking better…}

{I think you're perfect, there ain't nothing I would change…}

Kairi eyes widened as she looked up on stage. As he was singing, Ventus noticed that Sora had shown Kairi his gift to her. Noticing the confusion on her face, Ventus gave her a friendly wink as he carried on with his performance. Kairi smiled when she saw this. "That's so sweet…"

{She could be a super-model, every magazine, the cover…}

{She'll never, ever take my heart away...}

Sora smiled as he reached for Kairi's hands. "You want to put it on?"

Kairi watched Ventus with a big smile and then turned back to Sora. "Of course."

{She's no you…oh, no!}

{You give me more than I could ever want!}

{She's no you…oh, no!}

{I'm satisfied with the one I've got!}

As Kairi lifted up her hand, Sora carefully wrapped the charm bracelet over her wrist and then locked it together. He smiled when he saw that it fit her perfectly. "I think it looks even better than the engagement ring I got you. Ven sure does have an eye for fine jewellery…"

Kairi smiled back at him. "Remind me to thank him after the concert."

Sora nodded his head as he thought back to the conversation he had with his brother the other night.

"What do you think Sora?" Ventus asked as he leaned over his young brother. "Think she would like it?"

Sora smiled as he examined the beautiful piece of jewellery in his hand. "She'll love it Ven," Sora said as he placed the bracelet back in its box. "Though I for one, am a little bit offended."

Ventus raised his brow. "How so?"

"Well," Sora said while grinning. "You got us a wedding gift that only Kairi can enjoy. Where's my bracelet?" Sora faked a hurt expression as he pouted.

Ventus chuckled. "You're getting married to a great girl. That's the best gift of all! Even if I got you something, I don't think you'd enjoy it as much as that."

Sora nodded his head in agreement. "I guess you're right. She's all I'd ever need…"

Ventus smiled as he placed a hand over Sora's shoulders. His little brother was all grown up. "You better take care of her, alright? Big brother won't be here for awhile. Don't let me come back to hear from Roxas or Xion that you're beating your wife or having an affair. Treat her the way she deserves to be treated."

Sora smiled back at him. "Don't you worry. I will."

Sora couldn't help but grin as he looked over at Kairi. "He still has a couple hours after the concert before his flight is scheduled to take off. You'll have plenty of time to say thank you."

Though he was upset that his brother was leaving, Sora knew everything would work out for the best. He had Kairi with him. He wasn't worried.

{Cause you're all the girl that I've ever dreamed!}

{She's only a picture on a magazine!}

{She's no you…girl…}

{She's no you!}

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

The audience was roaring with applause as Ventus, Aqua and Terra all took a bow.

"Thank you guys! You were a wonderful audience!" Ventus face lit up as he looked down and saw all the beautiful smiles around him. His heart sank at what he had to say next.

"As you all know, this will be our final performance together…"

The crowd only got louder from there. But it wasn't the applause that raised the volume. It was from everyone's groans and cries of disappointment. Ventus specifically noticed Roxas, standing close to the front of the stage with an incredibly saddened look on his face. Sora and Kairi were standing right next to him.

Ventus sighed as he tried to pump the crowd up once again. "Oh come on you guys!" He turned to his two friends on stage, pointing specifically to Aqua's ever growing tummy. "You can't expect us to keep touring with that little angel on board can you?"

Much to Ventus' relief, the audience burst out into laughter.

"Anyways, before we wrap this up, I'd like to call a very important person on stage."

Immediately, everyone in the crowd started looking around, anxiously wondering who it was that would get to go up on stage.

Ventus bit his lip as he looked down onto the ground. "Um… For those of you that don't know, I'm going to be leaving for the Land of Departure shortly after this concert wraps up. Before I do that, I'd really like to have a word with this person. Um… We had a little spat early on this week, but I'd still really appreciate it if he could join me up here."

Walking towards center stage, Ventus placed his microphone back on its stand and then looked down to the audience. "What do you say Rox? Would you spare your big bro a few words?"

Everyone's eyes immediately fell on Roxas. He bit his lips, obviously reluctant to step forward. Sora, who was standing right next to him, gave Roxas a quick pat on the back as he motioned for him to go. "Come on Rox. Talk to him…"

Taking in a deep breath, Roxas rolled his eyes and stepped forward. Sora, Kairi, and Naminé began to clap their hands, prompting everyone else in the crowd to do the same. Ventus face lit up. He was about to bend down and offer his hand up to Roxas when he noticed something peculiar in the audience.

"…"

"…"

Ventus eyes widened. Without even thinking, Ventus quickly jumped down off the stage and through himself on top of Roxas.

"Rox! Look out!"

A single gunshot was heard.

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Roxas slowly opened up his eyes. He didn't know what had happened. One minute he was walking towards the stage, the next he was lying on the ground. Even more peculiar than that, Ventus was lying on top of him.

All Roxas could hear in the background was screaming and yelling.

"Hey Ventus. Get up. What happened here?" As Roxas tried to push his older brother off of him, he quickly noticed that Ventus was being very unresponsive.

Roxas nervously tried to lean his head up a bit."Ventus, what's goin-"

Roxas eyes immediately widened in horror. Ventus back was covered in blood.

In a panic, Roxas excitedly stood up, causing Ventus lifeless body to roll off a little bit on the ground. "W-Wh… W-What…"

"Oh my God!"

"Rox! Ven!"

Amidst all the anarchy going on around him, Sora and Kairi's voices could still be heard in the background. They were running up to him.

But Roxas chose to ignore them. He chose to ignore everything. His eyes were fixed on Ventus as he slowly dropped down on his knees. He placed his hand gently over his brother's back. He slowly found it was getting harder and harder to breath. His hands were beginning to become soaked in a red liquid that Roxas refused to identify.

Roxas stared confusedly at his brother. "V-Ventus wake up…"

"Roxas!" Sora and Kairi were now standing right next to him. Sora watched in horror as Kairi hid her face in Sora's chest. Uncontrollable tears started falling down their faces. "T-This can't be happening! This can't be happening!"

Roxas blocked out all their voices. "C-Come on Ventus… S-Stop playing around…"

"G-Get up Ventus…"

Roxas continued to shake his older brother. Still, he got no response.

"G-Get up Ventus… This isn't the time to be playing around…"

"…"

"G-Get up Ventus…"

"…"

"G-Get up…"

"…"

"Please Ven… Get up…"

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

A/N : Bet you're wishing you hadn't read this chapter… Someone had to die. That's the general formula.

Songs used were "Freaky" and "She's No You", courtesy of Roxas & Ventus' voice actor, Jesse McCartney.

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]

Preview...

"You just worry about you're damn wedding!"

"Have you cried at all?"

"Try putting yourself in his shoes."

[+++++] [+++++] [+++++]