Here is the next chapter. Hope this will keep you guys interested until the next chapter is up. Also Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far I TOTALLY love reading your reviews and they do matter. I just wish I knew how to respond to them. Well enjoy!

Chapter 9

Night time fell among the Disney Castle but tonight was not to be an ordinary night. It was the night or the Graduation Ceremony (Prom) in the ballroom of the castle. All of the wielders that were to graduate tomorrow were dressed in the most lavish of gowns and tux that the kingdom could offer. In the ballroom that glistened that royal Disney Blue, the wielders and their guest were dancing, talking, walking, standing, eating and simply having a good time. Although there were excited spirits in the room, one spirit seemed dull despite the radiance of her beauty on the outside.

(Insert "Pachelbel Canon" by whatever style)

Dressed in a calm peach ball gown that blended well with her tanned complexion and hugged her thick, fit, frame, Alex stood among her peers in silence with her thick, long, black hair beautifully pinned into a hive. She didn't want draw more attention to herself as she had drawn already in the past day or so being out in the market. But who was she fooling? Being quiet could not shave the fact that she was The Great Lion Warrior's daughter and that one of the best memorials, "The Day of the Lion", was tomorrow. She stood awkwardly and alone to the side as she watched those around her like a spooked kitten. Then a gown that sparkled Safire blue flowed up behind her.

"Alex!" called Kelis "Must I put a tracking device on you?"

"Wouldn't do you much good," said Alex as she smiled that dry smile in the same manner as her father Leon.

"Well, at least I didn't have to track you down. You came on your own."

"Yeah. Although this isn't my type of party."

"It'll spice up. Let's go get some punch."

Kelis walked to the direction of the refreshments followed by Alex. All around the other graduating wielder's attention was elsewhere but Alex felt as if she was the center of attention. It was embarrassing enough to where such usual clothing that she wasn't use to and to have people stare or even glance in her direction was enough to trigger her fight or flight instinct but she remained calm.

Kelis took a glass and the dipper from the punch bowl to scoop her some Sea Salt Punch after pouring Alex a glass. They sipped there beverage and stood off to the side to watch a few people dance to the classical Pachelbel music the Disney Orchestra performed.

Kelis sighed.

"That about the only thing we are missing. Dates. I don't think I have ever just really taken a liking to anyone here."

"Probably because no one has ever taken a liking to you until now," said a voice from behind.

The two turned to see none other than Riku dressed outstandingly dashing and handsome than usual. The girls were stunned to see such a once sluggish but hip Riku get transformed into a prince charming. Although his black and gold tux was similar to military standard and his hair was still spiky slick but a little neater, that still did not erase his new cool, mature charm.

And for the first time in a long time they saw how his silvery blue eyes pierced their interest.

"Okay. You're not Riku! Riku would NEVER say that! What's happening?" said Kelis who stood stunned herself.

"Riku, you look stunning," complemented Alex. Although she was stunned herself she remained calm. It was only Riku after all but hotter.

Riku nervous but warmly looked her in the eyes.

"As do you, Alex," said Riku as he gently bowed his head in her graces. "Ladies, would either of you like to dance?"

They looked at each other oddly.

"Okay, are we being punk'd here? Like seriously?!" asked Kelis. "I mean, you've become mature in the past years but not like this."

Riku shrugged as Alex grinned at Kelis' shock.

"You two go ahead and knock yourselves out. I'll just stand back a bit longer."

Riku look at Kelis and held out a gentleman hand.

"Kelis, you in?"

She hesitantly looked at him then took his hand. Riku grinned and lead her to the dance floor.

"I'm gonna get to the bottom of this," mumbuled Kelis to Alex.

As Riku and Kelis headed to the dance floor Alex watch as her friends disappeared into the group.

Once in the center of the ballroom, Riku held Kelis close as they fell in rhythm with the other dancers. Once on point they began to chatter.

"Okay drop the act, Riku," said Kelis.

"What? Can't I be sensitive for once?"

"No. You're Riku. Nothing sensitive about you."

"Think what you want."

"Well there is a catch. I know there has to be a reason for the Prince Charming attitude."

Riku sighed a little disappointed. There was a catch but he was kind of embarrassed to say exactly what. Kelis noticed his awkward silence.

"Well….?" started Kelis.

"Yes," said Riku gathering courage, "There is a catch because she caught my heart."

Kelis stopped dancing and pulled away from him with curiosity.

"Who?"

Riku pulled her back close.

"Don't stop incase she's looking," said Riku to a confused Kelis, " I always knew she beautiful but not gorgeous. I couldn't lay my eyes off of her after tonight so that's why I'm trying to play it cool so it won't seem so obvious."

"She must be imaginary because you still ain't told me who."

"If I tell you please don't blow it and make a scene."

"Okay. I won't."

Riku sighed a deep sigh over her shoulders.

"She she's standing over there."

He slowly danced Kelis' attention towards the area they just left. Kelis spotted a girl in a black and red dress then gasped at the shock of who was in it but kept calm.

"Riku, no!"

"You saw her?"

"Yes! We hate her!"

Riku frowned confused.

"Who are you looking at?"

"The girl in the black and red. That's Fujin!"

"What? No! Look again. She should be standing a little forward from her."

Kelis looked again but the only other girl in view was—

"Alex?!"

"Yes."

"Riku, that our friend."

"I know!"

"Then why would you take me through all this just to….. wait! You're shy of her now aren't you?"

"Shy? I'm completely petrified."

"Since when?"

"I've been crushing on Alex for some months now."

"Well just talk to her like normally."

"It's not that easy when you have butterflies in your gut. That's why I'm trying to be a bit more charming for once."

"Well as the night go on make a move. You know her attitude so it shouldn't be rocket science."

The song was coming to an end.

"Yeah. I'll think of something."

"Don't think just do."

As the song ended, Kelis unlatched herself from Riku's grip and walked away.

(End Music)

The blue fire floated within the castle stadium as the many of the contending organization members prepared themselves for a match of Russian Roulette . A few swarmed the sidelines as the battles were about to begin. Axel, who didn't seem to care about his "graduation", stood among the crowd as they walked pass. He still felt oddly empty inside as the day before. Soon two familiar blonde headed boys walked up to him.

"What are you just standing around for, Axel? The matches are about to start," started Roxas.

"Let him enjoy his stand. After the graduation he may not be standing at all," said Demyx tuning with his Sitar.

"Yes he will. Right Axel?"

Axel, who wasn't paying attention, hesitantly answered him.

"Huh? Oh. Yeah, of course."

"See, Demyx, Axel got it under control. He'll pull through."

"Well when are you going on, Roxas."

"No one knows when they are going to battle, stupid! It's random but I don't have to battle. Lord Diz pulled me aside for some reason and told me that I was automatically ranked number thirteen."

"WHAT?! Hey, that's not fair!"

"Well he thought so. I'm not the only one. Vexen, Zexion and, of course number one, Xemnas also was ranked to automatic spots."

"But that only leave nine openings out of the seventy other Nobodies!"

"Well, guessing you might not be standing."

Demyx turned to Axel who obviously heard nothing.

"Axel, aren't you surprised by this?! There are only nine more ranks available!"

"Chill out, Demyx," said Axel, " You're an okay fighter. I guess."

"Guessing isn't good enough! Now I really have to fight to the finish!"

"I don't really care," sighed Axel, "It's not like I have something to lose."

Just then, a blood red headed Nobodie appeared before the three. Axel look over with surprise as he, for the last time, saw one of his other childhood friends.

(Insert "Friends in My Heart" by Yoko Shimomura)

"Jilex," started Axel.

Jilex smiled warmly at the fiery head.

"I just wanted to wish you well on getting a rank. Some of us may not make it," said Jilex sounding confident but disappointed. Axel focuses his attention on her.

"You will, Jilex. I know you will. Hopefully you'll take Demyx spot."

"I heard every word," said Demyx despertatly tuning his weapon but they ignored him.

She firmly shook her head no.

"Axel that's very sweet of the encouragement but its only life's harsh fact. I won't make it. That's why I'm telling you that you will."

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I. And we're not supposed to. All I know is that we never had a life here to begin with so I'm glad it's nearly over."

Jilex dug in her pocket to pull out a star like fruit.

"Here, it's a Paopu Fruit. Keep it and share it with someone you wish to bind with—forever."

Axel took the fruit with much misunderstanding.

"You're not the only one who has visited the land of light," said Jilex as she began to walk away but Axel, wanting answers went after her.

"Wait, Jilex! What are you doing?"

She turned to him with much love and warmth in her eyes.

"I rather die with no heart at all than to live with a heart of impurity. You'll understand someday."

Axel stood quiet as she stepped closer to him. Having him a bit taller than she, Jilex leaned forward to do something she always wanted to do—kiss him. Roxas and Demyx pretended nothing happened. After it was over, Axel stood breathless as he watched yet another female companion slip from his heartless life. He kind of knew what just happened but found it best to respect her choice and let her go.

Once out of sight, he looked down at the fruit as Roxas and Demyx stepped near.

"I didn't know it was like that between me and her," said Axel coldly.

"Well, she was psycho," said Demyx.

"That's psychic, retard!" corrected Roxas.

"One of those words."

Axel held the fruit this time tighter than before and simply wondered " why?"

"Maybe I do have something to lose but a lot more to gain."

(Fade Music)

(Insert "The Vengeful Spartan" by Gerard Marino)- God of War Song

Suddenly, the sound of a large bell rang throughout the stadium and the grand gothic doors were opening to reveal a train of worshipers walking in with fear. They did not hesitate to bow after walking in and pilling off a formation of six on both sides of the fiery blue isle. Down the middle of the isle of worshipers came none other than Lord Diz. The worshiper chanted a chant as he and another figure in black made their way to the throne. All of the Nobodies bowed their heads as their presence was met by their Lord. Everyone except Axel for he was least intimidated.

The worshipers closed in as he took he place on the high throne. After sitting the worshipers remained bowed as they walked backwards back out the doors in which they came. For a moment, all was quiet. Then his voice rang out.

(End Music)

"Finally! For every beginning there is an end. But for darkness there is neither a beginning or end so therefore I feel completely at ease about tonight. Whoever shall perish at battle, will descend back into the darkness in which they came. May only the strongest fill the remaining nine spots in the Organization. Let the battles begin!"

(Insert "A Fight to the Death" by Yoko Shimomura)

With that said, Lord Diz lifted his arms high and a rumble was felt throughout the stadium. The invisible boundaries appeared around the audience while the dreadful heartless and other killer obstacles appeared in the stadium realm. Suddenly without knowing, two nobodies from out the stands were picked at random and teleported into the middle of the stadium where they had to first face the other challenges then challenge each other to a fight to the death. The last Nobody standing moves to the next round while the other dissolves to their extinction.

Many hours had past, many survivors, many perished and many grew drunk off of the animosity of battles that would drive them to victory—hopefully. Lord Diz himself was getting a kick out of seeing his puppets turn against each other and the best part was that he was the one doing the random choosing. All he had to do was think of the two he wanted to see in combat and they were immediately transported to the ring. Axel was growing bored of this tourture until his thoughts dropped when he saw who Diz had transported in the stadium ring next.

(End Music)

Standing side by side with a blonde headed girl who appeared to have two pieces of hair coming from her head that resembled antennas was none other than Jilex. If Axel had a heart it would have jumped through his chest after seeing that one of his childhood friends was to go against one of the most brutal female Nobodies of their age – Larxene. As Axel was terrified, Lord Diz smile with delight in his high throne next to the organization's new leader Xemnas.

The two girls went at it. Fighting heartless together and surviving other deadly obstacles. After much damage to the heartless, it was time to destroy each other. They now stood on opposite ends of the stadium, face to face in the mode of kill. Larxene and her knives, Jilex and her psychic mind; they battled. Larxene jolted toward the smaller Nobody with much rage and Jilex just stood her ground but once close enough in striking range when she drew back her knives to slash her to pieces, Jilex formed a protective barrier around herself which shocked Larxene back to the other side of the stadium. Although her attack was strong, Jilex knew she was too weak to keep up the attack. Axel cheered amazed at his friend's attack. Getting back to her feet, Larxene grew mad with hate and summoned lighting to strike the ground causing Jilex to lose balance. Once off guard, Larxene took the liberty to sprint towards quicker than before. Jilex's instinct kicked in and she began to throw teller-balls and the attacking Nobody. Larxene stopped in her tracks to block the paralyzing balls by throwing her knives at each one and piercing their energy. Like a boomerang, the knives came back to her and she stylishly embraced them. Jilex stood lost, Axel gazed worried, and Lord Diz sat amused as Larxene, all at once, summoned electricity through her knives and shot them in the direction of Jilex. Thinking quickly, Jilex formed a shield around her but the force of the blow was too great and the electrifying knives came piercing through the barrier, stabbing and electrocuting Jilex in all angles of her unprotected body. Time seemed slow for Axel as he heard, but worse, watched his secret lover cry out in pain but he held his breath. Jilex fell to her knees, back facing her opponent as she managed to single out Axel in the crowd. He could psychically feel her calling his name and looked down to see her looking up in his direction. With her face strong and weiry, Axel read Jilex's lips but heard her voice whisper to him--

"Be Strong."

With those final words, she completely fell to the ground and dissolved into the darkness. It was finished.

Larxene had recalled her knives and the barrier disappeared from the watching Nobodies. Axel sat frozen after watching this terrifying scene. Lord Diz stood from his thrown.

"I couldn't think of a better way to end the night, Larxene. Well done."

Larxene stood up straight and nodded to the Lord in gratitude. She then turned to leave the field.

"We shall continue the graduation or shall I say elimination tomorrow. The remainder of you should get a meal. For some of you, it may be your last. You are dismissed!"

Many of the spared Nobodies fled the stadium but Axel was not one of them. He still sat dead in his area starring at the spot his friend, secret lover, Jilex faded with the darkness. He wanted to yell out as rage, hate, anger, aggression, but worst of all destruction raced through his thoughts and all was to be directed towards the one man who had destroyed his life from day one—Lord Diz.

Just then Roxas and Demyx came up to him.

"Axel?" spoke Roxas in a soft tone.

Axel said nothing but only his emerald green eyes burned with wild fire. They could tell he was furious. Without warning Axel quickly got up and stormed in the direction of the exit but he found that it wasn't good enough to hide his rage so he opened a portal, walked in, then disappeared from sight. Roxas and Demyx were left speechless.

Nearly six hours into the night and the prom was coming to an end for the young wielders. Many were dropping like flies at the good time they were having. Just then, Max and Pete, the of the ball, introduced the guest performer of the night.

(Insert "You Are Not Alone" by Michael Jackson)

"Ladies and Gentleman," started Max " The night is coming to a close but we can't end this celebration without one of the greatest performers of all time. Give it up for Mickey Jackson!"

Everyone clapped then grew silent as Pete signals the King of Pop began the song to end the night.

Some wielders began to leave, some slow danced and others watched the performance.

Out on the balcony, under the stars in the cool night air, stood Alex, the only lonely girl at the dance. She looked up to the sky where she saw a shooting star fly across and the rest smiling down. She sighed and wrapped her arms around herself to protect her exposed flesh from the chill of wind as the slow beautiful song was heard playing from the open balcony door. Surprisingly, a warm jacket was draped around her shoulders and she whipped around to see none other than her admirer.

"Oh, thanks, Riku," started Alex smiling a warm welcoming smile at her friend.

"Yeah, well, it is pretty cold out and I wouldn't want you to catch one."

He walked up beside her and turned to where his eyes meet hers. Alex slightly turned away disappointed.

"It'll probably be a good thing."

Riku knew her reason for saying that and it kind of annoyed him that his once awesome friend was depressed but he didn't want to blow his crush off by not taking considerations for her feelings. He gave it his best shot.

"Listen, Alex," said Riku not really sure of words, "I'm no expert on feelings but I know for a fact that your dad would be proud of you. And if he were here, to see what a fine young woman you've become, then he would tell you, straight out, that you are everything he wanted you to be. You are an intelligent, beautiful, clever, strong minded girl and your heart is in the right place. And if anything else could be added, he would say that he died for you not because of you."

Alex turned back to Riku to where her warm brown eyes met his icy blue ones. The wisdom in his voice captivated her mind and the words he spoke were almost identical to the ones her father would have said. Losing strength, Alex flung herself into the open arms of her childhood friend as he welcomed her passionately. No longer could she uphold her pride to be strong emotionally about the subject. No longer could she use anger and training as a mean to reduce year's worth of damage or erase chilling nightmares. She simply just had to cry into the arms of someone who cared.

Riku felt wiser than ever and he stuck out his chest even more to allow Alex's tears to soak in. As her sobbing continued, he gently brushed his head against hers after she tucked it under his chin. They embraced each other in the star's diamond light and Riku lead them into a slow dance.

"You know," he started, "I've been wishing to dance one on one with you all night."

"Well, you got your wish," whispered Alex as her rested on his strong, proud chest.

She could hear his heart beating slowly and strong then she realized that it matched her own.

"What is it that you wish for tonight?" asked Riku in a tone so smooth and sensitive it nearly makes Alex's flesh tingling. She looked at him sensing the passion in his eyes.

"I couldn't wish for anything more than what I have now."

She rest her chin on his shoulders and brushed her head against his in return for earlier. She understood that Riku had feelings for her and yet, she was strangely, suddenly attracted to him.

Soon as his song came to a close, Mickey Jackson yelled out at the bridge of the song and fireworks exploded in the garden. A few of the wielders rushed outside to see the design, "Congratulations," written in the sky along with other unique graphics. Riku and Alex stopped dancing and starred up at the sky still within each other's embrace. As the explosion died down and people lost interest, the song was ending and Riku and Alex stood their ground to rest their foreheads together as a huge heart displayed from the last firework. The night was over.

(Insert "Riku" by Yoko Shimomura)

Axel swiftly walked beside his shadow in the mist of the night under the moon light in the Great Maw. Down the long, purple soiled gorge he was able to take out his fury on nothing but the ground and chunks of rocks. He came across a bolder and with flaming fist WHAM! He exploded the rock into sand and dust. Then he came across another and it too was shattered. When there was nothing left, he turned to the cliff side and began punching and tearing away at the rocks one flaming fist after another. Soon he grew tired and pressed his forehead against the rock wall. How could he have let his friend die before his eyes? Although it was survival of the fittest and he had no control over the match, guilt tore at his every conscience. The last thing Jilex had told him was to be strong. He was trying but a part of him wanted to self destruct and if were to use his energy to blast one more thing he just might. Instead, Axel tilted his head back towards the dark sky, closed his emerald green eyes and yelled, a mad roar that only the valley could hear, until his lungs could no longer hold the pressure. Then he stopped yelling and opened his eyes to the sky where he saw a long figure sticking out from the high cliff side. Axel took the liberty to transport himself to the mystery.

Once there, at the highest peak in the maw, Axel peered over the edge of the cliff to see a sword jabbed into the near top. He looked down beyond the sword to a long deep drop.

"Whoa, hate for someone to fall this deep. Scary," said a voice in Axel's head.

He remember taking another one of his close friends here. It was the best day of his young life until someone ruined it. Assult Riders, old man, and screams all came flooding back to him. Then he recalled the one reason he truly brought her to the maw—to bind her as an eternal friend.

"As long as I still exist the fire will burn inside."

"Because I love her!"……………………………………….. "I love you, too."

Axel snapped open his eyes. He stared long over the maw to the other side towards the land of light to remember the one reason he didn't self destruct as a child.

"I love you, too, Alex. I love you, too."

(Fade Music)

(Insert "Kairi" by Yoko Shimomura)

Riku and Alex walked side by side with their arms locked together and laughing and smiling about the night. Somehow in just half the night, Riku had managed to completely relax Alex about 'The Day of the Lion' and make her enjoy what she have now. Guess that's what she needed all those years was someone to talk to and besides Kelis, Riku was just perfect.

They walked through the night halls of the castle to their suites.

"So you've been crushing on me all of this time. Why didn't you say anything to me sooner?" asked Alex.

"Well, I never really saw you that often. Guess that's what did it, too. Not seeing you as much made me think of you more. But other than that, I didn't exactly know how you would react I mean, we did grow up together."

"Yeah, would have been weird."

"Then why? Why do you suddenly like me now?"

"Well, why not? You said it yourself that we grew up together. Who else know me better?"

They went silent for a while.

"You know, I can remember when I first came here. I think the day you adopted me as a friend, when no one else would, kind of was the first development of love,"

"Yes, until we got to know each other and you kind of annoyed me. Waking me up early for training, even when we didn't have training or school you were beating down our door wanting to play."

Riku laughed that calm, cool chuckle.

"Yeah, but I'm really glad we did get acquainted. Growing up as an orphan, I'd say that you were the best thing, beside King Mickey letting me stay here, that has ever happened to me in my 19 years of living, Alex. Thank You."

Alex blushed a little.

"You're most welcome."

They arrived outside of Alex's suite. Riku sighed a little disappointed because he wasn't yet ready to leave her but he could tell that the day had beat her down. Alex loosened her grip around his arm and turned to face him.

"Well, 'bout time I get some shut eye but I had a good, well, rest of the night," said Alex.

Riku said nothing but looked down at her as she looked up just in time to catch him examining her face. Alex smiled a faint smile as she, once again, found herself lost in his stare. It seemed as though Riku was nearing closer to her face and she was right. Alex didn't exactly know what to do. Her heart was sending mixed signals to whether or not she should kiss him but before she could make a decision Riku had sealed the chemistry between them. They passionately locked lips for a while and no matter how good it felt to finally love someone after so long, Alex broke away realizing that something was not right.

"What's wrong," asked Riku trying to look into her eyes.

"Nothing," sighed Alex, "I'm just tired I guess."

An awkward silence fell among them.

"Well you should get some rest. Tomorrow is the big day."

"Yeah."

She turned to open the door.

"Goodnight," called Riku.

Alex smiled that Leon faint smile and closed the door. Riku sighed and walked to his suite.

(Fade Music)

What do ya' think?! I had so many different options to choose from on the last scene and it was kind of hard to choose but I'll work around it. Thanks!