Symphonic Flames

Chapter 9 – Is This…Goodbye Pt.2

Namine was outside her door, eyeing her watch, worriedly and nervously. Axel doesn't have any time left! Zoom out…let's get a better view.

This is better. EVERY Organization member was outside her door, in front of her, in a horizontal line ready and waiting for an explanation as to why Demyx, leave it to him, said that he walked into Axel's room and he is NOWHERE to be found.

"I thought he was SICK!" yelled Roxas.

"Me too," mumbled Namine.

Shortly after that comment, the head honcho, Xemnas made his way down the hall.

"What's with all the commotion? What is going on here?" he inquired.

Vexen, number 4 in the Organization and also known as the Chilly Academic turned around and stepped towards the leader.

"Apparently, Axel was sick. So Namine told us. But Demyx walked into the room to check and there was no Axel. So now we'd all like to hear from Namine, what's REALLY been going on," he said matter-of-factly.

All eyes on me, she thought. Great, this is just great.

"Well, you see, Axel—

Axel had warped into his room and then came out to find everyone crowded in front of it.

"What's going on? Don't you know I'm sick? I'm glad I have so many visitors. The fact that all of you care, even the boss, oh you shouldn't have. I am soooo FLATTERED!" said Axel.

Everyone turned to his direction and stared.

"He's fine...," grumbled a voice from the crowd.

Everyone looked in the direction to find it to be the one and only Xaldin.

Soon after, Marluxia rolled his eyes, and shook his head.

"Obviously, he's got no choice but to be fine. He's still saying nonsense like 'I'm so flattered.' Oh come on!" said Marluxia. With that, Xaldin and he had departed from the crowd back to their business. Marluxia before he took off, grabbed Larxene before her sarcasm kicked in and caused unnecessary drama.

Roxas said his few words to Axel, something along the lines of 'Do it again or you die' and 'I'm sorry I pried, I was worried' before leaving with the rest of the crowd. Demyx also said his share of words before heading up the back of the crowd. Not too long after everyone was gone, Namine grabbed Axel by his Organization coat and shook him so hard; his head looked as it would fly off.

"What the hell, what the flying hell! Are you TRYING to get me killed? Have you forgotten that I'm your only way to and from that damn girl? HUH?" yelled Namine.

Axel looked disoriented, his spiky hair now a giant mess. He managed to pry Namine's hands off his coat and straighten himself out.

"I didn't forget but…

Just then like on cue, Symphony's last moment, her last smile while waving to him as he left appeared in his mind. It was as clear as daylight.

"Symphony, I have to go...I promise you though, I WILL come back…please don't cry."

She sniffled, and her eyes slowly moved up his body then stopped as she gazed into his eyes wearily.

OK. I won't. But Axel…?"

"Yes?"

"Won't you please take care of yourself? Stay safe and don't forget…about me. I…I'll miss you so much," she said before breaking down into tears.

Axel forwards towards her and embraced her, holding her close and kissed the top of her head.

"I won't forget. I promise. Remember we're always in my heart and my mind…you're with me no matter how far apart we are. 'Kay?"

Symphony nodded. "OK."

He let her go now and walked towards the portal and it felt like he was being torn in half. The world had no idea how he felt. No one would understand ever unless they'd been in a position like this.

"Axel!" She yelled to him.

He looked back at her, a quizzical look on his face.

"I love you. Come back to me, I'll be waiting." She yelled out to him.

Immediately, his heart began racing. She, loved him?

With a smile spread across his face, his eyes had spoken before his mouth could.

"Symphony, I love you too. I won't fail you. Not now, not ever…"

That's what his eyes said. He then proceeded through the portal, bye for now but never goodbye forever…