-Chapter 10-

Disclaimer: I didn't make Kingdom Hearts, and I don't have anything to do with anything associated with it. Blah, blah, blah, same old same old.

Author's Note: Ugh! So, I went to post chapter 9, and believe it or not, the login button was busted! I spent 10 minutes attempting to figure out a different way onto my sight, to no avail. Fortunately, that got fixed for all of 5 minutes, and I was able to speedily put it up. Or, you know, I could be normal and go to bed now, considering it's like, 11:59 pm on the dot. But who in the world goes to bed before midnight? Psh, that's just not normal. X3

Midnight

Sora, Riku and Roxas made their way down the field. Roxas kept his head to the floor, staring intently at the passing clover. Every now and again, Sora and Riku exchanged bemused looks over the blonde's hung, oblivious head. They could only guess at what was on the small blonde's mind, and they weren't that far off either.

Roxas was thinking about Axel. How when they had first met, Axel had chased him, whatever God there was only knew why. Things were so different now. Axel was a good friend of his, and he took care of the little blonde. His mind wandered to the time the redhead had nearly kissed him in the hallway.

He was playing, Roxas thought savagely. He shook his head, only to realize that just gave him a headache. Axel was just that kind of guy. He did what he wanted, if he thought it was funny enough. Everything was a game to him…

And yet, it's not that simple, Roxas cried out in his mind.

"Hey, Roxy," a voice echoed into Roxas's ears only a few inches away. Roxas jumped a foot into the air, cursing himself for his unruly thoughts. He glanced up at Axel, feeling his face burning up. The redhead looked bemused. "And I thought I made weird faces when I was daydreaming." The redhead smirked. Riku chuckled, and Sora outright laughed. Roxas couldn't help himself. He started laughing too. "What's going on anyways?" Axel said a after a moment, when the trio had stopped laughing.

"The struggle benefactors are coming to our school to ensure a good sense of safety rules," Roxas said, shrugging. Axel snorted, making Roxas jump.

"Do they think we're going to kill each other?" Axel near shouted. Roxas smiled.

"No, it's for the people who've never struggled before." Roxas explained. Axel snickered.

"That makes it sound funnier than it is," the redhead snickered. Roxas punched him in the arm, and Riku and Sora grinned.

Axel soon had to leave them to catch up with Demyx and Zexion, who had just run past them, shouting for Axel to hurry up. They had to sit separated from each other, to separate the classes, so Roxas was left with Riku and Sora. At least until a familiar voice shouted caught their attention.

"Hey! Roxas!" Roxas looked up to say Hayner, Pence, and Olette running toward him. He grinned and waved back, and they made their way over. A ways behind them, Namine was walking disdainfully, obviously not inclined to run. She was carrying her drawing pad, which meant she would hear nothing of the assembly.

"So, Roxas," Hayner grinned. "I guess we'll be rivals again?" Roxas laughed.

"You won't last that long," the blonde grinned. Hayner smirked.

"Hey, I taught you everything you know, squirt!" He punched Roxas, who laughed again.

"You'd be surprised, Hayner!" Roxas smirked. "I've learned some new stuff! I think I could get pretty far this year." Hayner snorted.

"Yeah right!" The rebel retoreted. Pence, Olette, Riku, and Sora laughed.

"You two do this every year!" Pence laughed.

"The only new stuff you could know is how to fall correctly, Roxas," Sora pitched in. "I saw you practicing, and that's what it looked like to me!" Roxas just smiled.

"I know. That one took a while too." He suddenly looked worried. "I hope I don't have to use it…" Sora snorted.

"I wouldn't wanna fall either." He said earnestly. The gang laughed, along with Namine. Roxas looked over at her in wonder. She never used to join in like this. Now, she was paying more attention to the group. I wonder what's up, he thought vaguely. Roxas turned his attention to the front of the field.

"Where's Kairi?" Riku added after a moment. Roxas blinked. He was correct; the girl was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh," Olette giggled. "She's with Tidus, Wakka, and Selfie. Something about Pre-Calc homework."

They had sat down in the very front to watch as the Struggle benefactors prepared the field, and of course to get a good view of the struggle pre-battles. One benefactor was a crazy Strugglest, Setzer, who seemed intent on the thought that he was God's greatest gift to the world. Setzer was already claiming, just a few feet down, that he would win the battle, as, unfortunately, he'd done every year before. As Roxas looked down the row, he saw some more people walk out onto the field, helping preparations. Seifer was shouting how he was gonna beat two certain blondes into pulps, and Roxas just grinned evilly when the taller male looked at him meaningfully. As Roxas looked on, he was shocked to see a tall, white haired man with orange feral eyes give Axel a high five, then glance toward Roxas. Seeing that Roxas was staring at him, the man grinned. The look was quite terrifying, even if meant well. Roxas grinned back uncertainly, and the man laughed. He was wearing black jeans, and a white shirt that cut tightly to his chest. The nearby girls swooned as he walked up to Roxas, and there was no doubt why. Roxas could feel his eyebrows rising into his hair.

"Hey, kid," the man said as he knelt by Roxas. Roxas felt his jaw open and close. The man laughed, a strange sound that was kind of evil. "Don't worry, I won't bite. I'm Xemnas, I'm Axel's, ah, 'boss'." Ah. More people to suddenly be nice to Roxas from a gang that usually beat people to a pulp before asking their name. What the heck was going on?

"Uh, hi," Roxas said uncertainly. Xemnas was looking between him and an equally shocked Sora. He looked interested in how the two looked almost exactly alike. "I'm Roxas." The blonde stuck out his hand, and Xemnas shook it.

"Good to meet you, finally." Roxas noticed suddenly that that meant that most of Axel's gang was here, at the school.

"Why are you here?" Roxas could have sworn Xemnas's eyes flickered over to a silent Larxene, flanked by two large guys, and back.

"I work with these people, and they asked if I could help out today." Roxas wondered if they weren't keeping an eye on Larxene. "Speaking of which, I gotta run. See ya, kid." Xemnas ruffled the blonde's hair and walked away, where some men were calling him. Feeling rather dumbstruck, Roxas looked up to see a howling Axel. Axel must gave been laughing at Roxas's face- it was kind of bewildered. He turned to look at Riku and Sora. Sora looked as confused and as bewildered as Roxas felt, but Riku was in awe.

"Roxas, that is the richest guy in Twilight Town. He holds the most power over everyone… He's so strong he doesn't even need bodyguards. He once killed a guy because he stood too close to him. And he likes you." Riku looked awed. Roxas rolled his eyes.

"I think he was just being nice." Riku shook his head, but before he could say anything else, Setzer told everyone to calm down. Immediately silence overtook the crowd.

"Welcome." Setzer said into a mike, handed to him by a man in orange. "We're going to talk about the upcoming Struggle battle. Most of you have already signed up for it… those of you planning to fight in the battle, step forward." Roxas stood, having signed up the day he was asked to put up the posters. Was that really so long ago? Hayner walked up to stand next to him, and they went to stand near the others. Larxene pushed to the front. Axel, having forgotten entirely about the battle in recent events, stared up at Roxas. Roxas tried not to meet the redhead's gaze, an action that confused him.

"Good to see so many of you are trying, but we all know who will win." Setzer said in a singsong voice. Or maybe that was how he naturally sounded. Either way, it caused a group of nearby girls to swoon. Setzer continued on, ignoring them. "Make a semi-circle and then sit." They made the shape, Roxas choosing to stand next to Hayner and away from Larxene, and then sat on the slightly dewy grass. Setzer began to speak in the mike again. "We're going to discuss safety rules…" And then he started on the most boring discussion in Roxas's natural life. What to do when holding the struggle weapon, (position of the hands: left hand slightly below the other if you were right handed) what to do when defending (how to deflect the simplest of attacks- he must not have held much in the way of respect for any of the contestants), what attacks not to do (anything ultra dangerous to the other person's well-being), where you could hit (virtually everywhere except the crotch and pressure-points), and so on. Finally, as everyone was beginning to fall asleep, Setzer ended his lecture with a singsong laugh (Roxas was beginning to think this guy was like those old singers back in the day, when they used to neuter you to make you sing high).

"Wake up, little children. We're going to pit you against each other in practice battles this week, and then hold the prelims." Immediately the semi-circle sat up. This was what they were looking forward to: the actual battling.

Roxas looked around the group, sizing up his opponents. His eyes met with Larxene's. That strange twisted smile lit her face, and Roxas froze. That smile was definitely not good.

"Alright, who would like to go first?" Setzer asked calmly. Larxene's hand shot up. Setzer looked taken aback, but grinned. "Okay. And you can pick your opponent, although, as much as I know you want to you can't pick me-" Roxas saw Xemnas's face; he was mouthing a particularly nasty word. Larxene's hand slowly moved down to point at Roxas, completely ignoring what the tall man beside them was saying.

"Roxas," she whispered. Roxas wanted to kick himself. Why didn't he realize this?

Setzer, not realizing anything, turned to receive the struggle weapons: clubs. Roxas took his with more force than he'd wanted. His mouth had gone dry, and his heart had sped up. Looks like this was going to be more than a test.

"Alright, take to your respective posts." Setzer yelled out, backing away. Roxas and Larxene stood a few feet away from each other. She was grinning crazily.

"I know how I'm gonna get back at Axel," she whispered, her eyes glinting like an animal's. Roxas blinked, a little shaken. What did that have to do with him?

"Ready, fighters?" Setzer called. Larxene swished her weapon back and forth hungrily. It was obvious she preferred something a little smaller, like a dagger, but if this was all she was going to get, Larxene was more than happy to cave the little runt's head in. Roxas swallowed, crouching low to the floor. Hopefully everything he'd learned so far would save his life.

"One," The man in orange called. Roxas could hear Sora yelling for Roxas to get out of there; he was in over his head. "Two," the man continued. Axel was yelling with Sora. The world seemed to slow, and Roxas saw Larxene's muscles bunching. He tensed. "Three- Struggle!" Roxas jumped as Larxene rushed at him. He slid down the grass of the field. The crowd had gone eerily quiet, realizing this was no ordinary battle. Larxene pulled herself around, sprinting towards him; her speed was unbelievable. Roxas danced to the side, using his weapon to block her slashes. She sprang forward and away, feinting. She feinted faster than Roxas could tell, and he stood, waiting, for the telltale signs she was about to attack for real.

He saw it- Larxene's muscles bunched again, and Roxas ducked as she lashed out. He swung in and up, hitting Larxene squarely in the stomach. She flew across the field, rolling in the grass. Roxas stood still, panting, waiting for her to get up. She jumped up quickly, wasting no time. Larxene sprinted towards him, but just as he was about to jump away again, she leaped up into the air. Roxas felt her weapon connect with his back, and then he was flying. He hit the ground hard, and felt the air coming out of him in a gush. She didn't stop, but rushed again, leaving no time to heal. Roxas jumped up and blocked her slash. Larxene didn't pause, but slashed again. Roxas's arms were screaming as he fought to block her every hit, feeling his strength drain. The attack to his back offered no respite, either, what with all of his previous wounds now screaming. Larxene swung harder and harder each time, until Roxas was aware he was on his knees. He had to do something, he knew, but was it too late?

Roxas ground his teeth together and let himself fall on his back. Larxene crowed in victory and swung a last time. Roxas jumped up at the last second, letting her weapon crash uselessly against his leg, an attack that was meant for his face. He swung his club under and up at her legs, knocking her down. She tried to roll up quickly, but Roxas was ready, and as she jumped up he swung. His weapon made contact with hers, and he swung as she did, harder and harder, feeling his strength returning. Finally, sensing her weakness, he slashed again, this time switching to his left hand unnoticeably, and her weapon fell to the ground a few feet away. Not giving her a chance to grab it, Roxas swung again, and hit her ribs. She stared at him, and grinned momentarily before crumpling. Roxas watched as she fell, and fell himself sink down into the grass. Larxene could pack a punch. He sagged, using the club as a crutch. Xemnas sprinted over, a strange look on his face.

"Roxas," he murmured, helping the blonde up. "I underestimated you. As did Larxene. Good job." Hayner appeared then, running up to help Xemnas with his burden.

"Dude!" Hayner shouted, his face pale with concern, his eyes alight. "Where the hell did all that come from? Can short people even DO that?" He was practically glowing for sheer relief.

"I had to fight for my life," Roxas muttered. Hayner's face fell a little, but it perked back up.

"At least you know you can beat her, right?" The blonde asked tentatively. Roxas stared at him for a moment before sighing.

"She thought she could win without putting any skill into the battle, Hayner. She wasn't even trying. I had to use everything against her." The smaller blonde whispered. Hayner looked uneasy, but he tried to hide it.

"Don't worry dude," Hayner said softly as he began to lead poor Roxas off the field. A little ways away, Larxene got up and, with the help of her men, staggered off the field. Her head was held high, but her face was outraged and thoughtful at the same time. Roxas moaned in pain. Never before had he hurt so much. "We're here for you." Hayner added. He sat Roxas down.

As Roxas slowly sank to the floor, he was aware of a strange sound, like a waterfall. It took him a moment to realize what it was that was making that noise, and when he did, he was shocked.

The students were cheering for him, and Axel was among them.

-Later-

Roxas had sat through everyone else's trials, though no one so much as bothered to even challenge him. He had a feeling he'd just earned himself some respect. Major respect. And he didn't even need a gang to do it for him.

As Roxas was walking with Sora- leaning on his shoulder for support- and Riku to lunch, Pence, Olette, Kairi and Namine ran up to them.

"Roxas, that was amazing!" Olette practically screamed. Roxas grinned. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"Since the last Struggle battle I participated in, I've been watching all of the people fighting, on and out of the TV. I took mental notes, and practiced when I could." Roxas laughed, and it hurt his ribs. He winced. "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to pull off that fall technique. I've never practiced it on a real person before." He breathed for a moment, trying to catch his breath. "She was going to kill me though, so I had little choice." Roxas stated simply. Sora flinched.

"Good thing you can fight," a voice said behind them. As Sora and Roxas turned, arms appeared under Roxas, and Sora let go as the small blonde was hoisted up into the air. Axel grinned down at a blushing Roxas.

"Axel, you don't have to-" Roxas started.

"Please, my little trouble-attracter," Axel laughed. "You're injured, and walking it off is not the best thing to do right now." Axel flinched momentarily. "I've felt what Larxene's rage can feel like, and boy, you're going to be hurting for a while." Axel grinned after his amazing, heartfelt speech (sarcasm). Roxas sighed in amusement, and groaned at the pain. This was too much. Axel might be able to take it, but Roxas sure as heck couldn't.

They managed to make it to the lunch hall, where the rest of Axel's gang (who were still in school) bombarded them.

"Dude," Demyx yowled, "where did you learn to fight like that?" Roxas smiled. More people he'd never known were walking up to him. Namine grinned from behind Axel as she saw the older teen's hands tighten on Roxas. The small blonde didn't seem to notice, but Namine did. She snuck off, pulling out her drawing pad to work on Roxas's birthday present a little more.

"Dude, could you teach me to do those moves?" A blonde teen almost as tall as Axel, with a hundred piercings, sidled through the crowd. Axel laughed.

"Roxas, meet Luxord." Luxord bowed.

"The pleasure is all mine, mate, but seriously, teach me!" Luxord crowed. Roxas laughed too, but groaned as it hurt.

"I think they were moves that would only work if you were small." Roxas grinned. Luxord sighed in defeat.

"Never thought I'd say it, but now I wish I was a tad on the small side now. At least you can defend yourself, kid." Luxord laughed, and pulled away. A gaggle of girls pulled in, to Roxas's amazement. He'd never been too good with girls. Kairi and Olette were among the mob, only they were more amused at the attitude of the multitude of girls around them screaming for Roxas's attention. This time, Roxas felt Axel's hands tighten on his arms- and his heart took off. The blonde shook his head. It was normal- after all, Axel had nearly kissed him, and maybe it meant something. … Unless he'd dreamed that whole thing up. ARGH! NOW HIS MIND WAS OUT TO GET HIM WITH ITS HORRIBLE PESSIMISTIC THINKING!

"Roxas, are you listening?" A random girl he'd never met before girl demanded. Roxas blinked and grinned tiredly.

"Sorry, no, feeling a bit tired." For some reason the girls giggled. Roxas raised an eyebrow. This was weird.

"I was saying," the girl tried again. "Wanna come to the movies with me and a few girls?" She batted her eyelashes up at him. Roxas felt the impulse to gag but held it in. How many times had he wished girls would talk to him, and now all he wanted was to revel in the fact Axel was holding him. This day was just getting weirder and weirder.

"Uh," Roxas said in a confused state, still unsure of what to say. "I don't… know." The girl cooed.

"C'mon Roxas, you know you wanna." The other girls were staring enviously at her. Roxas realized they thought he would say yes. He grinned to himself.

"Why don't I take some of my friends too?" He asked slyly. He felt Axel's hands tighten further. He could have sworn Demyx shot him a look of confusion.

The girl was ecstatic. "Sure!" She squealed. "Anyone you like." Roxas laughed. He wasn't going to go, but he had an idea his male friends would kill him if they knew his plan.

"What day?" Roxas asked. Axel seemed to stiffen.

"How about… tomorrow?" She asked excitedly. The other girls were murmuring discontentedly.

"Oh, can't," Roxas groaned, and groaned again. Groaning without permission… bad idea. "I'm uh, doing something with uh, Axel." He was panting from trying to stay awake. He could've sworn Axel's body lightened.

"Indeed," the redhead said softly in that voice of his. "He's coming to my house- we're working on something, and it'll take all week." Roxas blinked. Seriously?

The girl was horrified.

"Riku would like to go though, wouldn't you?" Roxas said, looking over at the white-haired boy. Riku shot him daggers, and Roxas laughed. Immediately the girl collected herself. "And Hayner," Roxas continued. "Pence would like to go too." The boys in question stared at Roxas like he'd caught some of Larxene's evil. Roxas didn't mention Sora, although he was sure the brunette didn't want to go either. His suspicions were confirmed when Sora stood in front of him and looked beseechingly at him. Roxas grinned and winked. Suddenly he was too exhausted to continue.

"Ah," Roxas grumbled. He murmured a little louder, "If you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to…"

And promptly fainted.

In Axel's arms. Where, for all the world, he wanted to stay for the rest of eternity.

READ ME

Okay. So, in case any of you didn't see the outbursting rant I had on my home page, I am overjoyed that my number readers quadrupled in over a day. They went from 104 to 408 in exactly 24 hours. The only problem is-

NONE OF YOU REVIEWED!

I will eat all of your FACES off if you don't review!

Not really, but if you review, I will not only give you an invisible cookie, I will love you for dear life.

Here's what I want: Is it good? Is it bad? What do you want me to put in it? I want criticism (but be nice)! Tell me who you want to see (expect some Vincent Valentine action). Tell me what I need to fix, tell me what you want strengthened. TELL MEEEEEEE!

Now that that's out of the way, Hope You Enjoyed! X3