Authors Note: Hello everyone! As you can tell, this chapter is a bit shorter than my previous ones. My 5K rule is still in play, but larger chapter are very tough to edit and write. So, I decided to cut them down a little so I can post quicker. Two weeks between posting is quite a bit of time. Let me tell you, shorter chapters are easier to manage and edit than hulking 13k chapters. Hope you guys enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Blank Slate
Chapter 11
Day 26-27
It didn't seem like anything changed since the last time Roxas set foot inside this castle. Kingdom hearts was still shining brightly in the sky and the entire world had the same exact feeling of emptiness. When Roxas exited the Corridor of darkness, he found himself in the room he was given when he first became a member of the organization.
Glancing around the tiny room, Roxas couldn't help but frown. This place didn't mean anything to him. It was simply a room he used to sleep for the first 8 days he was in the organization. It wasn't like his other room where it was…warm and comforting. Here, Suu didn't randomly barge into his room and wrap him up in a tight hug while asking to read a book with him or study. Pyra and Yukiko went here to make funny jokes and playful banter. There wasn't the continuous arguing of Miia, Papi, Centorea, and Mero as they tried to claim Kimihito as their own.
And lastly, Kimihito wasn't there to randomly knock on his door and offer snacks and tea while they studied and played.
Thinking back on his host, Roxas felt another small stab of pain, causing his eyebrows to scrunch slightly. His words still played through his mind like a broken record, making the nobody feel really bad for whatever reason.
But those feeling were the exact reason he felt the need to return to this empty place. The nobodies who lived here should hopefully answer some of his questions.
With that thought, Roxas left his room to search for the one person who knew the most about the nobodies.
Walking through the castle was…almost nostalgic for Roxas. The beautiful white structure was just as massive and stunning as he remembered. But that did nothing to make up for the empty vibe this place had. Still, it was strange walking through these hallways again as he made his way to the lounge room where Saix would give them missions.
As walked through the hallways of the castle, Roxas wondered how they would react to his return. He had been gone for a while now and he remembered them claiming that he was valuable to the organizations goal.
But instead of returning once he found out how to use the Corridor or Darkness, he remained where he was. Heck, he didn't even want to be here now. He just wanted some questions answered and he would be on his way…
But would they let him leave?
Would they force him to stay here and work for them? In all the time he spent in the organization, they never really seemed like the kind of group that would do that. But then again, he only spent a few days with them. And in those few days, he hardly knew anything about the Organization or its goal.
Roxas eventually found himself nearing the lounge quarters. He could already here muffled voices through the door.
"You know, this castle is pretty empty with everyone out looking for Roxas."
"Is that so? You sound as if you miss everyone Xigbar."
Roxas felt his lips curl up a bit when he recognized both the voices of Xigbar and Xemnas. They were just the people he wanted to find. But then a frown marred his brow when he heard that people were looking for him. He reached out and was about to open the door when Xigbars next comment halted him in his tracks.
"Humph, as if! The sooner they find the little run, the sooner the puppet can completely absorbed him and his abilities."
"Indeed. With the puppet copying his abilities, we will finally have the Keyblade under our complete control. We will no longer need to worry about Roxas because he will be destroyed once the process is complete. Number 14, Xion will be the key to our plan instead of him."
Roxas felt his heart drop into his stomach. His fingers curled into fists as those words rang through his mind. This was there plan for him? This was what they were going to do with? This was what Xion's purpose was in the organization?
Red hot fury was coursing through his veins as he continued to listen to the two top members of organization 13.
"Yeah, well it may be a while. We've released heartless and Nobodies into countless worlds looking for him. That, and making even more hearts for us to collect when we do find him." Xigbars drawled.
"Very good. We will need countless hearts to accomplish our goal. Luckily, there is still another who is gathering hearts for us."
"Oh yeah, you mean Sora, right?"
Roxas's eyes widened again when he heard that name. How did they know about Sora? He thought Sora was either just a dream…or maybe someone Roxas knew before he lost his memory. But they seemed to know him. How?
"You are correct."
"Where is he by the way? You know, after defeated your heartless counterpart?"
"I do not know, but when he appears again, he will continue collecting hearts for our cause."
Roxas heard Xigbar laughing. "Right, the whole "We need Kingdom hearts to get hearts of our own" Bullshit story. I mean, I can't believe they bought that shit. Then again, it's not like they're going to question you anyway, that is if they value their existence."
"Indeed."
Roxas's throat dried up at what he just heard. His mind was racing with unanswerable questions. If what he learned before about his own fate was disturbing, this was on a whole new level.
Xemnas lied about needing kingdom hearts to gain hearts of their own. He was lying to the entire Organization about his plan for them. But if he was lying, then what was his real goal? And how were Nobodies supposed to get hearts of their own? Or…was it even possible? And why did Xemnas need hearts for Kingdom Hearts?
Currently, Roxas's hands were clenched so hard that the fabric of his gloves threatened to break. He was so furious by what he was hearing, that he was half tempted to march right into that room and attack. But…He also knew he was no match for either of them yet. They wiped the floor with him during their training sessions. There was nothing he could do besides listen angrily to what they were saying in the hopes he would learn something else.
"And what about axel? Was it smart to leave him in castle oblivion with Xion? I mean, he might just screw up again. Is he even on our side? How do we know he didn't purposely loose Roxas?" Xigbar asked.
"Hmm" Xemnas hummed. "Axel is a problem. I detect his allegiance to me is based solely on the fact that he doesn't want to die."
"True."
"But that is also dangerous. Axel is powerful, and if he is somehow turned against us, he will be a thorn in our side."
"So what do you suggest?"
"When Roxas is located, there will be no more reason to have him watch over Number 14. Xion will copy Roxas's abilities to the point where Roxas will disappear. So when we find Roxas, Axel's usefulness will expire."
Again, Roxas could not believe what he was hearing. Before today, Xemnas seemed at least reasonable. He gave off the impression that he valued the members of organization 13. But now…
"you mean?" Xigbars exited voice said through the door.
"Yes. You may eliminate him as soon as we find Number 13."
That was all Roxas could listen to. His rage was boiling over and he knew that he wouldn't be able to stop himself if he continued to listen. As silently as possible, he moved away from the door. His mind was racing with all the words he just heard from Xigbar and Xemnas. He simply couldn't believe that they were just panning to throw him away and Kill Axel. Not only that, but they lied about there plan. Kingdom hearts wasn't going to help them gain hearts of their own. But if that's true, then why did they need Kingdom hearts? What was the point of Organization 13?
Though he had these questions, he knew he wasn't going to get the answers he wanted in his castle. Not wanting to get caught, Roxas extended his hand to summon the Corridor of darkness. He needed to get out of here and collect his thoughts. But where should he go? Thinking back to Kimihito's house caused him to bite his lower lip. He couldn't afford to have his thoughts distracted by that place right now. There were much more urgent things to think about.
That's when his mind went back to when Xemnas mentioned Sora. How did he know about the boy he'd been dreaming about? Was it possible that these dreams were…more than just dreams? I mean, he already slightly suspected that, but this new information just cemented that thought.
There was one way to find out. Finally thinking about a destination, Roxas focused the darkness and summoned the corridor. Taking one last bitter look at this castle, he turned and entered, hoping that he would never have to return to this empty place ever again.
It was a long day for Kimihito as he dragged himself back home. After being kidnaped by Rachnera, stopping Roxas from killing her, and explaining the entire situation to smith, it was an understatement to say he was tired. Not only that, he knew for a fact that Rachnera was going to live with him now. The spider woman made it very clear she wanted to stay with someone who didn't have anything against Arachnera…and she said that while hanging all over him.
Not that he minded. Rachnera had some sexy legs after all…Yes, Kimihito was a leg man. Currently, the Spider woman was filling out some paperwork that would transfer her over to his household soon. So that meant she would probably be here tomorrow night at the latest.
He was not looking forward to telling everyone about their new housemate. Miia was already jealous of everyone else in the house besides Roxas and his friends. The rest would be annoyed for sure, but they would cope like they usually did.
The only other thing he had to worry about was his youngest tenant. When Kimihito explained a few things to smith about his magic, to his surprise, Smith simply raised an eyebrow with interest. It was like she already knew about his magic or something. He wasn't going to question it of course because Smith seemed to know just about everything.
Thinking back on the entire situation cause the overworked host to Sigh. He remembered how he snapped at the young boy. He felt a little guilty about saying those things to him, but he was just shocked that Roxas was willing to kill so easily. That shock made him overlooked that fact that Roxas was trying to save him. Add to the fact that Roxas's amnesia was a factor in his rash actions, and it made so much more sense as to why he tried to kill her.
The man felt even worse because Rachnera was the one that explained that to him. He was surprised how she just brushed off the attack on her life. She didn't show any lasting fear of Roxas when she made her choice to live with them when that would usually be a deterrent. However, when he asked her about it, she just smiled at him and said she was more interested than scared.
As his house came into view, Kimihito paused for just a moment in awe when he noticed that some renovations were already done. The roof was much larger, meaning that they knew Rachnera would probably prefer staying in the attic.
Still, it was amazing to see how fast those people worked. He barely signed the papers that made him the host for Rachnera…did this mean Smith planned something like this again? How did she seen to know just about everything?
Putting that thought aside, Kimihito walked up to the door and opened it. Luckily, there was no one waiting right there for him, so he could at least take off his shoes. But from the voices he was hearing, he could tell that nearly all his tenants were in the kitchen. Bracing himself, he walked through the hallway before entering the kitchen.
He was in the right state of mind when he braced himself, because the moment everyone saw him, the room exploded with activity.
Miia literally launched herself at him, using her tail like a spring. She slammed rough into his body, curling her long tail around him in a secure bundle. Somehow, his face ended up planted in her cleavage while her arms snaked around his head, holding him firm.
"DARLING!" Miia screamed, nearly crushing his entire body with her grip. "W-WE WERE S-SO WORRIED!"
"Mph!" Kimihito gasped, trying to find a way to breath.
"Miia! Your strangling him! Release him at once!" Centorea said, gripping the Lamia's shoulders to pry her off.
"Oh, it was such a nice tragedy." Mero gushed. "Dear sir was kidnapped, leaving behind the ones who loved him to mourn over his loss. It was so amazing!"
"Enough of that!" Centorea growled.
"And now, Dear sir may suffocate tragically and then we will all be deported because no one will host a group of murderers." Mero continued, her fantasy getting the better of her.
"WHAT!?" Miia screeched, loosening her hold a bit so the man could breath. "HE WONT BE ABLE TO HOST US!?"
"Not if you kill him Miia." Centorea said, gripping Kimihito and pulling him from her grasp. "You have to be more gentle…like this." Centorea continued as she gently hugged the man to her chest, her face erupting in a magnificent blush. Though, unfortunately, his face ended up trapped again between even larger breasts.
"Centorea!" Miia growled.
"Papi wants Kimihito too!" Papi exclaimed, surprising the Centaur by tackling her from behind. Centorea was so surprised enough that she loosened her hold on Kimihito.
He managed to back away, gasping for air before turning to see the scene of complete mayhem again. All his tenants were arguing between each other.
"Everyone! Calm down!" He said loudly.
His words had an immediate effect as everyone's attention was now on him. Kimihito was rarely one to raise his voice, so it surprised them. He cautiously looked over each of their expressions. He could tell they had been worried sick about him.
"Listen, I'm sorry I worried you." He started.
"What happened? Who hath kidnaped you?" Centorea demanded.
Kimihito scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well…"
He spent the next few minutes telling them what happened. How Rachnera kidnapped him and now he was her host. He left out the part where Roxas came and nearly killed the Arachnera though. After he was done talking, there was a lot of angry words shared by Miia and Centorea about the situation.
"SHE KIDDNAPPED YOU! HOW CAN YOU BE HER HOST!" Miia roared.
"For once, I agree. She's dangerous master." Centorea said, her arms crossed under her bosom.
"Listen, I know she kidnapped me, but she had her reasons. She's had it pretty rough with her past couple hosts, so I can't really blame her for what she did." Kimihito tried to reason.
"That's no excuse! She could have hurt you!"
"But she didn't. She never had any intention to either. She simply wanted to prove her point." Kimihito responded. "Please, be reasonable."
"I don't like it!" Miia growled. "She's just going to be another rival!"
"She doesn't have anywhere else to go." Kimihito continued. "Besides, Smith already signed the papers, so…she's kinda stuck with us."
Miia growled again, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Fine! But no one is going to take you away from me!" She declared.
"Excuse me?" Centorea asked, her eyebrow raised. "Its obvious that Master will chose me over you. And I will not lose him to you either!"
"What did you say?"
Kimihito gave a small sigh of relief when he saw that they would accept Rachnera as an addition to the house. However, glancing around the room, he noticed someone was not there with them.
"Hey, where's Roxas?" he asked.
The girls stopped arguing for a moment and took the time to look around. "I haven't seen him for a while…ever since he heard you got kidnapped." Miia said, a bit of concern in her voice.
"Neither have I. Maybe he's in his room?" Centorea suggested.
Kimihito felt a bit of worry enter his heart as he nodded. "I-I need to talk to him about something."
The slight stutter in his voice was easily caught. "What is it? What's wrong dear sir?" Mero asked, the others nodding in agreement.
"It's person. If Roxas wants to tell you, he will." Kimihito said firmly, leaving no room for argument. He turned away from his tenants as he started to walk upstairs to Roxas's room. With each step, he could feel his heart beating a little faster. How was he supposed to start this conversation? He remembered the pained look on Roxas's face as he left the warehouse, so he knew that Roxas was upset.
Those thoughts didn't make it any easier as he walked up to his door. He hesitated for a few seconds before he lightly rapped on the hard wood with his knuckles. "Roxas?"
Silence.
Kimihito's eyebrows scrunched a little, thinking that Roxas was still mad at him. He knocked again. "Roxas, are you in there?"
This time, there was the sound of footsteps as someone approached the door. Kimihito lowered his hand as he watched the door knob slowly turn before the door creaked open.
"Roxas, we need to talk…Suu?" Kimihito said, spotting the slime standing in the doorway.
"Big Bro." Suu smiled at him.
"Suu, what are you doing in here?" Kimihito asked.
"Suu is waiting for Roxas to return. He left a few…hours ago," Suu said cheerfully. Despite small hesitations to find the right word, Suu was doing amazing with her speech.
"Wait…Roxas isn't here?"
Suu's gelatinous eyebrows scrunched slightly as she shook her head. "Roxas has not come back yet."
Kimihito felt himself swallow as a bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face. If Roxas hasn't come back yet, then where was he? He felt as if he were a parent who was worried for their kid when they didn't return from school or stayed out past there curfew. Thoughts began to fly though his head. What if he was kidnapped? What if he got hurt? What if he ran away?
But after a few of those thoughts, Kimihito shook his head. After his demonstration at the warehouse, he doubted that anyone would be able to do any harm to the boy. But his last thought was more plausible. It was possible that he was so upset that he ran away.
"Is something wrong?" Suu asked, concern in her emerald eyes. "Is Roxas ok?"
Kimihito looked down at the young slime girl. She looked very concerned as she held one of Roxas's books to her chest. It almost made his heart break. Gently, he smiled down at her.
"No Suu, I'm sure Roxas is just fine. He might…be sleeping over at one of his friends today. He will be back soon."
"Really?" She asked, looking down slightly. "But…he didn't invite Suu. He always invites Suu to wherever he goes…besides school."
Crap. Caught in his own lie.
"Don't worry about him Suu. Roxas will return soon."
"…he will?" She asked, looking up at him hopefully.
"Yes. So don't worry, Ok?" Kimihito said, gently patting her head.
"Ok." Suu said as her smile returned.
"good, now why don't you get back to your reading and I will get you for dinner."
"Ok…Thanks big bro." She said as She then backed away from Kimihito and slowly closed the door.
Despite the fabrication of calmness on his face, Kimihito felt his heart pumping at a rapid pace while he stood there in the empty hallway. Roxas didn't return after the fiasco at the Warehouse. Was he still angry? Did he really run away? If he did, then where would he go? Did he really sleep over at his friend's house? Thinking back, the three of them would always come to his house to hang out. Never once did they stay at Yukiko or Pyra's house. But then again, Roxas may have asked to stay over at one of their houses for the night.
"That must be it. He must have stayed over at Pyra's house tonight." He said, trying to convinced himself. "No worries. I will visit them tomorrow and see if he's alright."
With that thought, Kimihito turned and walked back downstairs. As expected, the girls were fighting again over God knows what. He put on a smile as he walked into the room to once again resolve the conflict as painless as possible while working on dinner.
On a familiar world, the corridor of darkness sprang from the ground, allowing a figure with spikey blond hair to walk out. Roxas exited the Corridor, allowing it to disappear while he gazed around at his surroundings. Currently, he was in a craves that was surrounded by waterfalls…where was water was rising instead of falling. Different earthy platforms were floating in front of him, leading up to a massive object in the distance. This object was easily the most impressive thing about the surrounding area. A Huge Castle.
"…So, these dreams really aren't just dreams after all." Roxas whispered to himself as he took a couple steps forward. The giant castle in front of him was nearly the size of Castle Oblivion, just not as…white. It was mostly darker colors with towers that seemed to curl around the massive building. There was also a huge Heartless emblem in the middle of the castle.
"Hollow Bastion." Roxas said as he took a couple more steps forward. He had never been to this place before, but he remembered the dream he had when Sora visited this place. He decided to come here on a whim because he wanted to see if this place truly existed. And if it did…
"That means Sora actually exists. He's not just a dream." Roxas whispered to himself as he began walking toward the giant castle. It was almost a sense of Déjà vu because this was the exact same route Sora used to get to the Castle.
As he approached a certain platform, Roxas couldn't help but pause slightly as a sense of nostalgia almost took over. This was the platform where Riku took Sora's Keyblade. This was where Riku also attacked and injured the Beast. The memory was so vivid that Roxas was almost certain it was him that stood on this platform, watching his best friend walk off with the Keyblade.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Roxas continued walking forward until he reached the place where the moving platform would take him to the castle gates. It only took a second before the platform zoomed toward him, waiting for him to board.
Again, it was so strange to walk onto the platform and let it take him all the way to the entrance of the castle. It was a very quick ride before it stopped right in front of the large gates. However, just as Roxas jumped off the platform, a familiar sensation suddenly took over. He had only experienced it a few times before, but it was indistinguishable.
"Heartless." Roxas whispered as he saw multiple heartless appear in front of him.
In a flash, Roxas summoned the Keyblade. It had been a long time since he fought heartless, but when the first Wyvern attacked, Roxas leaped up into the air and slashed down on the creatures back, completely obliterating it in a single swoop. He then noticed a Defender charging a fire attack with its shield. Roxas rushed forward just as a fireball erupted from the shield, but Roxas already knew how to counter the attack based on his memory of Sora.
He stuck the Fire ball, sending it back at the defender. The fire collided with the shield, knocking the defender off balance. This allowed Roxas to leap behind the heartless and strike at its weakness. The defender exploded into darkness, allowing a red heart to gently float up into the sky.
Roxas's eyes widened as he watched the heart float upward until it vanished. He remembered what Xemnas said about using him to collect hearts. This was what he meant by that? Each time he destroyed a heartless, that was another heart that was under Xemnas's control?
The sound of multiple Corridor's opening caused Roxas to grit his teeth a little. He turned around to see more Wyvern, Defenders, and dark balls. They all turned their attention on him.
Roxas clenched the Keyblade in his hand, wondering what he should do. If he fought, then Xemnas would have hearts. He didn't want to be used by that lying asshole. But if he didn't fight, then the heartless would attack him…and if the heartless ever attacked the world where his friends were, then he would have no choice but to destroy them.
Gripping the Keyblade even harder, Roxas looked up at the attacking heartless with a face of determination. The struck the first dark ball with ease, causing it to explode in darkness as he faced down the rest of the heartless.
"I will fight."
Taking out the heartless while making his way to the gates wasn't that difficult. Every weakness he knew about them, he knew because of Sora. Eventually, he pried open the main doors and found himself standing in front of a large fountain with a grand staircase curled around it. As expected, more heartless appeared to block his way, but they were easily disposed of.
While walking up the winding staircase, Roxas had to wonder what he was still doing here. He came to this world on a Wim, wondering if it really existed. But even though he proved it, he was still walking around this empty castle.
Another wave of heartless attacked, but once again, they were no match for the Keyblade wielding nobody. However, as he was making his way to the library, he saw something right in front of the doors. A group of heartless were surrounding something.
Getting closer, Roxas's eyes widened a bit when he noticed that something was a person. A person with short blond hair.
Bursting into action, Roxas drew back his Keyblade. "Strike Raid!" He threw the weapon, slicing threw a few heartless before it returned.
The rest of the heatless turned their attention on him. The defenders stalked forward with their massive shields and the wizards already summoning there magic.
Roxas crouched down in his ready position, but just as he was about to attack, a large fireball slammed into the back of one of the Defenders. It vanished, allowing a glowing heart to float away. Before Roxas could question what he saw, a giant ninja star impaled another heartless. Soon, two figures jumped down form the upper level and quickly dispatched the rest of the heartless surrounding the downed man.
Those figures stared at Roxas, their eyes wide as they looked at his peculiar weapon.
"A Keyblade?" The woman asked in surprise.
"Look like it. I thought Sora was back in Hollow bastion somehow." The male said, great surprise in his voice as well. "But this guy isn't Sora."
Roxas stared at them, not relaxing from his stance. These two-people looked extremely familiar, but he knew he never met them before. But…there was someone who did.
"You're Leon and Yuffie, right?" Roxas asked.
The now named Leon and Yuffie glanced at each other, again surprised. "Um…Do we know you?" Yuffie asked.
Roxas shook his head and relaxed, allowing the Keyblade to vanish. "No…but I've…heard about you."
"You have huh?" Leon asked, his eyebrow raised in suspicion. "By who? No offense, but anyone I know would have told us about someone who can use the Keyblade."
Roxas didn't know how to respond to that. Leon was just as perceptive as his dreams indicated. "I…I know Sora." Roxas started, trying to find a way to describe his position.
"Wait what?" Yuffie exclaimed. "You know Sora? Have you seen him recently? Is he ok?" She questioned, becoming extremely interested in this new boy.
Leon shook his head. "Yuffie, don't fall for that so easily. Do you really think Sora wouldn't have told us about someone else being able to use the Keyblade?" he asked as he shot a small glare at Roxas. "Now Tell us the truth!"
"Hey! Aren't you forgetting about me!" The man on the floor groveled as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. "Those damn heartless near killed me. What took you so long?"
"C'mon Cid! We didn't expect a couple heartless to take you out." Yuffie teased.
"Shut yer trap. I'm no fighter. I work on the gummy ships." He said as he turned to Roxas, his eyebrow raised as well. "Still, I think you should cut the kid some slack. While you were taking yer time, this kid was saving my ass."
Roxas felt a little relieved that this guy was speaking up for him. He really didn't know how to explain just how he knew them.
"True, but it is pretty strange seeing someone else who can use a Keyblade." Yuffie said, glancing over at Roxas as well. "So…do you have a name?"
"…Roxas."
"Well Roxas, since you won't tell us how you know us, maybe you can tell us why you're here in this castle." Yuffie suggested instead.
Roxas frowned a little as he tried to think of the answer. "I…I don't know what drew me to this world. I just wanted to…confirm something" He said, knowing he didn't have to be careful with his words because these people already knew about different worlds.
"So, you are from a different world huh? Strange, I thought all the pathways were closed after Sora destroyed Ansem and restored the worlds" Leon said, his gaze getting even more suspicious.
"…So, Sora really did destroy Ansem." Roxas commented quietly.
Yuffie, Leon, and Cid all looked at each other questionably. "Um yeah. Haven't you noticed that there are way more stars in the sky?" Yuffie asked.
"Alright, that's enough!" Leon said, finally losing his patience. "Just who are you? How come we've never heard of another Keyblade wielder, how do you know us?"
Again, Roxas looked uncomfortable as he stretched out his hand and summoned the Keyblade. "I…I don't know." He said finally as he let the weapon disappear. "I don't know!" his volume increasing. This whole encounter did nothing to help his psych. All the frustration, anger, and confusion was just spilling over now. He didn't know how to answer their questions, heck, he didn't even know how to answer his own questions. "I don't know why I can use the Keyblade! I DON'T KNOW THE REASON I KNOW YOU! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
The three were taken aback by his sudden outburst. His voice echoed through the empty room, permeating its walls with his angry yell.
"Wow, calm down kid." Cid said, making calming gestures with his hands.
"I DON'T KNOW HOW I KNOW SORA! I DON'T KNOW WHO OR WHAT I AM!" Roxas finished, letting all his anger and frustration out at once. All his built-up confusion towards his budding feelings, his anger at the lies and deception of Organization 13, and the frustration of having no memories to help him understand how to cope with these things.
Leon, Yuffie, and Cid glanced at each other again, wondering how they were supposed to deal with someone who looked like he was having an emotional and mental breakdown. He sounded like a bull about to charge with the way he was breathing. It was clear that he was frustrated and angry about something.
"Alright kid, take a deep breath and calm down." Cid said, taking a couple steps toward the distressed teen. It was strange because this reminded him of the first time he met Sora. Sora was so flustered when he first entered Cid's shop back in traverse town, albeit to a lesser degree than this kid. It almost felt like this was déjà vu again.
Roxas slowly took a couple deep breaths as he looked up at the approaching adult. He took a couple steps backwards.
"Kid, we aren't going to hurt you." Cid said as he stopped walking forward.
Roxas looked away from them, kinda surprised he lost it like that for a few seconds. That was so unlike him.
"Sorry."
"It's alright. We all have something to get off our chests, ya know." Cid said, scratching his nose with his thumb. "So, it seems you already know us, so introductions are kinda pointless."
"I've heard about all of you, but I…don't know how to explained how I do." Roxas said.
"Eh, it's not the strangest thing I've heard." Cid said.
"I don't know." Yuffie said playfully. "Having a Keyblade master just pop up and somehow he knows us is pretty strange."
"You can say that again." Leon confirmed as he looked over at Roxas. "So, what brought you to Hollow bastion again?"
Roxas still didn't know how he was supposed to answer that question. "I guess…to see if it really existed."
"That doesn't make any sense." Yuffie said inquisitively.
"…then I came here because I didn't know where else to go." Roxas said truthfully. He didn't really want to go back to Kimihito's house quite yet, and he definitely didn't want to go back to Organization 13's headquarters. This was the only place that came to mind.
"What about your family kid?" Cid asked.
"Never had any."
"Friends?"
"…"
Roxas didn't respond as he thought back on all his friends, but again, he didn't want to return quite yet. He still had so many questions. Questions that he thought Xemnas could answer, but that nobody was full of lies. No one else could help him understand what was going on. No one besides…
"Axel." Roxas whispered, remembering what Xemnas said he would do to the fire Nobody after they found him. Surly Axel wouldn't support the organization after learning that, right?
Looking up at the three individuals, a new goal formed in his mind. "I…I have to go." Roxas said finally, turning away from the three.
"W-Hold on!" Yuffie called, causing Roxas to pause. "Who are you?"
Looking over at the three of them, a somber look crossed his face. "That's what I'm trying to find out." He said as he extended his hand and summoned the Corridor of darkness. He walked through, not even glancing back to see the look of extreme shock cross Leon, Yuffie, and Cid's face. When he was gone, three three stood there silently, staring at the place where he vanished.
"W-What the hell was that? That was…that's what the heartless use!" Yuffie stuttered.
"Y-Yeah." Leon whispered, still completely shocked by what he just witnessed. "Who was that kid?"
Kimihito had the hardest time sleeping that night. He kept trying to convince himself that Roxas simply went to stay the night at one of his friends because it was the weekend, but there was a serious nagging feeling in the back of his head. He couldn't help but worry because Roxas hadn't answered his phone, nor any of his text messages. The phone would go straight to voicemail, meaning it was turned off. Having to wait for morning was a very tough ordeal.
But lo and behold, the sun eventually rose over the horizon. Kimihito was decently tired, only getting brief moments of sleep throughout the night. But now, it was morning and the start of a new day. Maybe he would take the girls out after breakfast and they all could go visit Pyra and Yukiko's house to see if Roxas was there.
Upon entering the kitchen, he noticed that Papi and Suu were already up, playing some video games. This was usual because those two were early birds. Centorea would get up a few moments later and usually ask to go for a morning jog with him, though he was never able to keep up with the Centaur. Miia and Mero were last to get up. Due to her not being able to get to the kitchen on her own, Kimihito would usually pick Mero up around 8:30 after she had prepared for the day. Of course, there were times where she…Either accidently or deliberately…didn't finish dressing and Kimihito would accidently barge in on a half-naked Mermaid. But overall, everyone seemed to have their routine.
But Kimihito's mind was still on Roxas. It was true that Roxas wouldn't return until about 9 on Saturdays because he would train a bit longer, but this was different. Kimihito always knew where Roxas was, didn't know if he was training or not. He would have to see if Roxas returned around 9 like he usually would. If not, then he would have to ask Pyra and Yukiko if Roxas crashed with them.
But then, that was another dilemma. Thinking back to what happened last night, Roxas was only trying to save him, but Kimihito kinda blew up at him. What would he say to the kid? Would he say sorry? Maybe thanks for trying to rescue him?
Giving a sigh, Kimihito strapped on an apron before getting to work on breakfast. He hoped Roxas would return in time for the meal and he wouldn't have to worry anymore.
"Is this what a parent feels like?" He whispered to himself.
When 9:00 finally rolled around, everyone was sitting in their spots at the dinner table, ready for another home cooked breakfast. And just as Kimihito feared, Roxas didn't show up. He wasn't the only one that noticed this little detail either.
"Hey darling, where's Roxas at?" Miia asked, dishing herself some fried eggs.
"Yes, I have not seen him since last night." Centorea agreed.
Hearing this, Kimihito felt his shoulders slump a little. "I'm guessing he may have spent the night at either Pyra's or Yukiko's." He responded, though that was still very wishful thinking.
"That's odd. They always come here to visit. Why would they change it up suddenly?" Mero commented.
"Muu." Papi wined. "I miss them already. They haven't played with Papi for a while."
"It's only been one morning." Miia said, throwing the Harpy a flat look.
"Papi knows! It's been so long!" She said, dramatically flopping on the table.
"Now now." Kimihito said, trying to comfort the bird girl. "I'll tell you what. After breakfast, how about all of us go out for a while and visit them. Does that sound good?"
The results of his words were instantaneous. A large smile spread across the energetic harpy's face as she nodded frantically.
Kimihito chuckled a little as he turned his attention to the last occupant at the table. The slime girl hadn't touched her food, just stared at it silently.
"Is something wrong Suu?" Kimihito asked.
Suu looked up at her host, her gelatinous brow scrunching slightly. "Suu…Suu has never slept alone without Roxas." She said quietly. "Suu is…wor-worried."
Seeing the sad expression on the slime girls face made the man feel much worst. He reached over at patted her head, causing her to peer up at him. He gave her a gentle smile. "Don't worry Suu. I'm sure Roxas is just fine."
Slowly, Suu nodded her head, but his words didn't really help her mood all that much.
Breakfast was finally over and everyone was dressed and ready to leave. It was a bright sunny day out, a perfect Saturday for a walk with everyone. There was slight bickering between the girls, but that was usual for them.
It didn't take long before they reached Pyra's house since she lived so much closer than Yukiko.
"So, this is where Pyra lives?" Miia asked, gazing up at the rather average looking house.
"Yeah, I think so. I've only been here once." Kimihito said, remembering the one time he accompanied Roxas as he took home Pyra and Yukiko. He wanted to know where they lived for future reference.
"It's rather plain." Centorea said.
"Well, I don't think renovations were needed for this case." Kimihito said as he walked forward and knocked on the door.
The sound of heavy footsteps was heard on the other side before the door suddenly swung open. Standing there was a rather heavy and balding man with glasses. He looked up and down Kimihito before he noticed the other monster girls behind him. His eyes narrowed a little.
"Can I help you with something?" He asked, a slight bite to his voice.
"Um, yeah." Kimihito said, extending his hand to the man. "I'm Kimihito, is Pyra here?"
Hearing her name, the man couldn't help but growl. "Unfortunately. What do you want?"
Kimihito sweated a little when he literally felt the angry aura roll off the four liminal behind him. "Well, I wanted to ask her a question. She's one of our friends."
"Hah! As if that angry and violent dog could make any friends." The man said, sneering at them.
"Hey! It's true. She comes over and plays with us almost every day!" Miia growled, unable to hold her tongue anymore.
"Humph! So, that's where she goes huh? So, did she threaten to throw your soul in hell if you didn't become her friend?"
"You sir, are disgusting." Centorea said, a tone of complete disapproval in her voice.
"Ha! You're one to talk! The only thing appealing about you is those giant tits." The man hissed back.
"…"
The anger aura increased tenfold from the Centaur. "You little…"
"Move aside fat-ass!"
Suddenly, something jerked the man backwards before he went flying down the hallways, landing flat on his back. He tried scrambling to his feet in the most undignified manner as he glared at his perpetrator.
"Y-YOU Dog! I will have you deported for that!" He yelled at the hellhound standing there.
"Try it you little faggot. Why don't you go masturbate to your body pillow again?" She said as she turned to the group of staring individuals. The man simply huffed as he turned and walked out of sight.
"…Pyra, is that your host?" Miia asked through clenched teeth.
"Kinda. My real hosts are the parents, but he's just their loser son. So…" She said, a friendlier smile crossing her face. "What's up? I don't think you've ever picked me up before bro. Where's Roxas?"
Hearing that, Kimihito felt his heart drop to his stomach. Pyra was the last person the night before to have seen him…and he wasn't here.
"Um…He's not here?" Miia asked. "He didn't come home last night, so we were wondering if you guys decided to hang out here or something." She continued before a look of disgust crossed her face. "But seeing that guy, I can see why you always come over."
"I second that. That man is truly despicable." Centorea agreed
Pyra felt her eyebrows rise slightly when she heard that Roxas never returned to his house last night. "He's…not here. I haven't seen him since last night." She said cautiously.
Again, Kimihito felt his heart race a bit more. "Do you think he might have stayed with Yukiko?"
"I highly doubt it, but it wouldn't hurt to check." Pyra responded.
"Alright, I guess we will try there then." Kimihito said. "We're just worried about him…last night was…"
"Yeah, Roxas didn't take your words very well." Pyra said, unintentionally pouring salt on the wound. "But I wouldn't think that would keep him from returning home."
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Miia asked.
"It's a long story." Kimihito responded. "but I think we should see if he's at Yukiko's."
"Cool, I'll tag along." Pyra said, walking out the door.
"Hold up, Kimihito isn't' your host though." Miia said.
"So? Will anyone really ask to see all his papers for every single one of the Liminal he's hosting?" Pyra asked, her eyebrow raised.
"…Good point."
It took a little while longer before they arrived at Yukiko's house. This was the first time anyone else besides Kimihito and Pyra had seen it. It was a rundown apartment complex.
"And Yukiko lives here?" Miia asked, knowing that herself would be extremely uncomfortable in small little apartments like this.
"Yep." Pyra said as she led them through the complex before arriving at a certain door. She didn't hesitate to knock.
There was only a few seconds before they heard the footsteps of someone racing toward the door. It flew open to reveal an energetic girl standing there with a huge smile.
"Roxas! What took you so long! Why didn't you answer any of my… huh?" She said, tilting her head in confusion. "Big bro? What are you doing here? Where's Roxas at?"
Again, seeing her confused reaction increased the feeling of panic in Kimihito's chest. "Um, Yukiko…you haven't seen Roxas have you?" he asked, feeling a little dumb by his own question.
"Not since he dropped me off last night…Why? Where is he?" Yukiko asked, her smile fading ever so slightly.
There was a pregnant pause as everyone stared at the Yeti girl. Soon, all eyes turned to Kimihito, who started sweating slightly.
"Darling, what happened? Where is Roxas?" Miia asked, a serious tone in her voice.
"Yes, he didn't return last night, and he isn't with any of his friends." Centorea said. "So where would he be?"
"Wait, what are you guys talking about? What do you mean he didn't return last night?" Yukiko asked, a slightly panicked look forming in her eyes.
Seeing that he basically buried himself in a hole, Kimihito decided to use his last resort.
"I need to make a quick phone call." He said, pulling out his phone and dialing up Smith's number.
Authors note: So yeah, this was a bit shorter than usual. I kinda had a difficult time writing this and getting it out, so if you would show some support by leaving a review, that would be most appreciated. That is basically the only way that I know people enjoy this story. So please, it really does give me a boost of inspiration and drive to get more chapters out for you all.
Until then!
