Roxas whimpered a little when Axel's soft lips left his own, but he smiled into his warm green eyes as the other held him gently. He laid his head back on Axel's arm and snuggled closer, as they both turned to gaze at the crescent moon moving lazily overhead.
Axel broke the silence first, looking down at him curiously as he spoke.
"So I never asked...why exactly were you a swan?"
Roxas sighed heavily, frowning a bit as he thought. He didn't really want to talk about it, but he supposed Axel had a right to know. Before anything could be solved, he needed to know about the curse and how it could be broken.
"It's kind of a long story." the blond said softly, tossing a small pebble into the lake and watching as it rippled the reflection of the moon. But no matter how many times he tried to alter it, the reflection never really changed. He sighed again.
"We've got some time..." was all Axel said, stroking his hair softly with a small smile playing at his lips.
Roxas nodded slowly. "If I understand correctly, this weird sorcerer had issues with my father, so he attacked us on our way home from your castle. He killed everyone...," the boy said, falling silent for a moment as he sadly remembered the scene. Axel didn't push him, knowing all too well that the memories were gory and unpleasant. He didn't blame the blond for not wanting to talk about it...
Once he felt able to, Roxas continued. " But he wasn't happy with just that, I guess. He kidnapped me and brought me here, telling me to marry him so that he could rule my father's kingdom with me at his side..."
Axel looked repulsed. "You didn't, did you?"
"Of course not!" Roxas snapped back, blushing furiously. "Why would you think I'd ever marry someone like that?"
"Hey, I don't know! He kidnapped you, so I wouldn't exactly put it past him to force you to marry him!"
Roxas groaned a little, swatting at Axel's arm. "It doesn't matter. I didn't, okay?...Anyway, he wasn't too happy with my answer. I swore I would never love him, and I guess I made him really angry then, because he cursed me. I'm a swan now, everyday except when the moonlight hits the lake. That's the one time I can be me again, and once the moon's gone or if it's cloudy, I can't change back to being human at all."
Axel looked at him sadly, but there was a slight undertone of anger in his eyes. It was unforgivable! Who did this man think he was, killing Roxas's only family and taking him away from everyone that loved him? All the people had been so sad and worried for the little blond, crying that such a sweet, innocent boy had to die in such a terrible way! And Axel himself had been completely crushed by what he'd found; it took all of his courage and faith to hope that maybe, just maybe, Roxas was still alive out there somewhere, waiting for him to come and rescue him...
Roxas whined a little as the redhead shifted beneath him, trying to get up. He wrapped his arms around the older boy's neck, clinging to him almost desperately now.
"Please...Can we stay like this a little longer? I don't know how much time we have left..." Roxas whispered, lowering his head and burying it in the older prince's chest. Although he'd never admit it out loud, he thought Axel smelled nice, and he snuggled closer to the familiar scent even as the redhead tried to get up.
Axel sighed somewhat impatiently as the little blond clung to him. He sympathized with all that had happened, sure, but he wanted to take action now, and punish the man responsible for all this.
"I can't just sit here, Roxas. Not after all that you've been through!" He untangled himself from Roxas's arms and moved to hold the little blond's face in his hands.
"Axel..."
"He didn't hurt you, did he? Show me where the bastard is and I'll break his nose!"
"Please don't, Axel. I'm fine, okay?"
Axel shook his head a little, ignoring the pleading look in those bright blue orbs with some difficulty.
"But I can't let that bastard get away with taking you like that! Or with killing your father! I was so worried when you disappeared; I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you!"
Roxas sighed and pulled away slightly, looking at Axel in all seriousness.
"You really can't fight this guy, Axel! He killed a whole regiment in just ten minutes! How long do you think you'd last?"
The redhead grumbled, but he had to admit that Roxas had a point. Who knew what sort of spells and attacks the sorcerer was capable of? The man was obviously a threat to be reckoned with, but that didn't mean Axel could just sit back and do nothing about him!
After a minute of silence, he grabbed Roxas's hand and pulled him to his feet, surprising him.
"I can't just leave you here, Roxas! If this man is really so dangerous, then I have to get you out of here!"
Roxas pulled his hand away and waved his arms a little in exasperation. "Earth to Axel! In case you weren't listening, I'm due to change back again very soon! As crazy as your mom can be sometimes, I don't think even she would agree to you marrying a swan!"
Axel stopped pulling him and dropped his gaze to the ground. But Roxas wasn't finished.
"Besides, we wouldn't get far before Zexion found us. I don't know when he's coming back, but he's a damn good tracker. It's kind of scary. I know; I tried to escape once and I didn't even make it six miles before he caught me..." The young blond shuddered slightly at the memory.
Axel said nothing for a few minutes, clenching his fists as his teeth gritted slightly. He was so happy to see Roxas alive, but staying here was definitely not good for him at all. Roxas looked alright for the most part, but he was definitely much thinner and paler since Axel had last seen him. The redhead got the feeling that this Zexion guy wasn't really treating him right, and it sickened him to watch his love deteriorate like that.
Axel grabbed Roxas firmly by the shoulders, looking into his eyes desperately seeking answers.
"Then what are we supposed to do, Roxas? You can't stay here forever, and I'll be damned if I let you!"
The boy bit his lower lip anxiously. "I can't be free until the spell is broken...But I want you to promise me that you won't fight Zexion!"
The redhead just stared at him, his face an emotionless mask.
"Axel!"
"Alright! I promise, okay?"
Satisfied, Roxas smiled sadly and hugged him. "Thank you, Axel." He didn't doubt that his friend was an excellent hunter, one of the best in the whole kingdom if the rumors were true. He could take care of himself in a normal fight, Roxas was sure. But he was afraid that Zexion's power would prove to be too dangerous for him to handle, and that Axel could get seriously hurt in the fight. And he couldn't live with himself if he ended up causing Axel pain like that...
"The only other way is that you have to vow to love me forever..."
"It's all I've been thinking about, Roxas! I love you!"
Roxas shook his head slightly. "You have to prove it to the world!"
Axel gaped a little at this. Quickly shaking his head, he shot Roxas an exasperated look.
"How is that easier than just killing Zexion? How in the hell do you expect me to prove that?"
"I DON'T KNOW, OKAY? I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO DO!" Roxas suddenly sobbed, pulling at his hair a little in frustration. "IT'S EITHER THAT, OR WATCH YOU GET KILLED BECAUSE OF ME! AND I CAN'T BEAR THAT!"
Axel watched him sadly, as his fists quivered at his sides and his eyes stung with new tears.
"I can't bear to have someone else die because of me..."
Within seconds, Roxas found himself pulled into another crushing hug, and he sobbed into Axel's shoulder, clinging to him as if he were a lifeline. Axel's heart broke to see him this way, and he leaned down and cupped Roxas's face, wiping away a few tears with his thumb.
"We'll think of something, Roxas. I promise. There's no way in hell I'm going to lose you again..."
The little blond nodded, sniffling a little, and Axel brought his face closer until their lips touched once more. Roxas shut his eyes and melted into the kiss, letting Axel pull him back down into the grass and stroke his back soothingly as he cried.
There was so little time, it seemed, but Roxas enjoyed every minute he spent there with Axel, securely held in his arms. If only for a moment, it made him feel completely safe, like nothing could hurt him anymore...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For some time, the two of them stayed together like that, as Axel kissed softly up his neck and face. Roxas sighed and relaxed into his ministrations, wishing that the moment would never end. But as he creaked a single eye open, he had to sit up and push Axel away, smiling apologetically at the confused redhead.
"It's almost time..." He motioned behind them, as the moon's reflection on the water began to drift towards the edge of the lake. Axel shook his head in frustration. He still had not answers.
"There has to be something we can do!"
Roxas said nothing, but got up slowly and brushed off his clothes. Axel followed slowly, doing the same, until a sudden idea popped into his head. His eyes lit up and a large smile spread across his face, as he reached out and took the little blond's hand firmly in his own. Roxas shot him a quizzical look, and he smirked wider.
"I just got a brilliant idea, Rox! My mom is hosting a masquerade ball on All Hallows Eve, and she's inviting everyone from the neighboring kingdoms to attend. Well, mostly the monarchs and nobles who have daughters and a couple with young sons, but all the big shots from around the world are going to be there. I get the feeling she's just trying to get me hitched..." He shook his head dismissively, and Roxas winced slightly. He'd always liked Queen Ella, but he couldn't help but be a little hurt by this news. For someone who seemed so dead-set on them getting married, she sure got over him fast...
"But think about it! Mom's balls are infamous; no one in their right mind would miss out on them! All the kingdoms' representatives will be there, so I'm thinking maybe that could count as the 'world.' It's kind of a stretch, but maybe it'll do! It's all we have to work with right now!"
Roxas face began to light up with hope, and Axel felt his own heart soaring by just seeing that. He continued matter of factly, smirking at his genius.
"If you came to the ball, and I made my vow in full view of everyone there, that's got to be enough to break the spell!"
Roxas nodded excitedly. "That actually might work, Axel!"
"I know!"
But within moments, the boy's expression faltered, and the redhead looked at him curiously. "But how would I get there without Zexion knowing? And that doesn't involve flying?" He flapped his arms a little to make a point.
Axel ruffled his hair and laughed. "Don't worry, Roxy! I got it all figured out!" He pointed to his temple with two fingers, winking playfully.
"I saw a dirt path on my way over here. I'll just send a carriage to come get you that evening! All you have to do is get Zexion out of the way for the night, and I'll do the rest!"
Roxas looked a little doubtful still, so Axel leaned in and put an arm around his shoulder, smiling reassuringly.
"You have a few days to figure it out. The ball isn't until Friday night, so you can think up a plan by then, right?"
The little blond thought for a moment, finally nodding slowly. He smiled as Axel planted a small kiss on his cheek, the redhead's own smirk slightly devious.
"That's my Roxy. You'll think of something, I just know it. Just delve deep in there and bring out that evil little brat you were all those years ago..."
Roxas laughed, punching him in the shoulder. "Who says I buried him all that deep? Maybe I'm still evil..." He narrowed his eyes and mimicked Axel's smirk, making the older boy laugh and ruffle his hair.
"Don't I know it! But seriously, Rox, you'll be fine. You'll be out of here in no time, I promise..."
The younger boy hugged his arm tightly, looking up at him with adoring blue eyes. "Thanks, Ax...I'm glad you're here..."
"No problem! I'm just sorry I tried to shoot you earlier! I feel horrible about it! But I'll make you a deal," he said, "After the ball, we'll do something extra special for your birthday! How's that sound?" He added another playful wink at the end, and Roxas shuddered to think of what the redhead could possibly be planning. But he laughed it off, standing up on his toes slightly and kissing Axel once more. He felt truly happy for the first time in a long time, and it seemed like things would work out just fine...
Pulling back, Roxas patted Axel's arm softly.
"Now, you should go. I don't want you to get in trouble with your mom, and we'd be in big trouble if Zexion found you here..."
Axel placed his own hand over Roxas's, squeezing it tightly once before he let it fall. The redhead watched sadly as the blond turned to go.
Roxas stepped barefoot into the lake and waded his way out almost to the middle of the dark water, letting his arms stretch out beside him as he basked in the fading glow. He looked so beautiful and stoic, as the moonlight caressed his pale skin and lit up the small flaxen spikes all through his hair. Axel's heart ached to stop him, wishing that he could just stay human and come home right then. But he stayed strong and watched quietly; getting too emotional might upset Roxas, and he cared for the boy too much to watch him cry again.
"I love you, Roxas..."
Roxas smiled sadly, embracing the light as more of it began to surround him. The water also rose around him in currents, almost obscuring his body from view.
"I love you too, Axel..."
Once more, the feathers and beak sprang forth, and the boy shrank down even shorter than he was as a human. Axel felt his heart sink more when he looked back to see there was a swan once again.
The boy wadded slowly back to shore, feeling a little sad as he saw Axel's sorrowful eyes studying him intently. Would the redhead still accept his new form? Despite all that was said and done between them mere moments ago, Roxas still felt unsure in his new body. Would the redhead still love him, even if he had to be a swan forever?
Hopping back onto the shore, Roxas was surprised when Axel knelt down and hugged him gently, carefully minding his more tender feathers. He pulled back enough to see into the other prince's eyes, his heart warming as the emeralds held nothing but love and concern.
"You sure you'll be alright?" Axel asked softly, scratching lightly at the tuft of feathers crowning his forehead. Roxas sighed and nodded, leaning into the touch before the redhead finally pulled away. Axel gave him a small salute, before he turned and sped back into the woods, leaving Roxas alone in the clearing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Well, it seems like things should work out fine." Marluxia said, coming out from his hiding place and smiling at Roxas. Lexaeus and Xigbar soon joined him, as they all smiled at the swan knowingly.
"W-What?" Roxas stammered, blushing a little. It didn't help that it contrasted so obviously with his white feathers.
"Nothing, kiddo. You just looked pretty cute there. I'm glad you found him..." The frog said, patting the swan on the head softly.
Roxas fought back the blush, looking to all of his friends happily. Nothing, not even their teasing, could ruin how he felt right now...
But something did. Suddenly, there was a familiar 'caw' from above, signaling that Zexion was back from his nightly exploits. Marluxia took to the trees and Lexaeus and Xigbar scurried off to hide as Roxas tried to wipe the happy smile off his face. What struck him as a little odd was that Zexion usually came to visit him while he was human, but tonight he seemed to be coming back later than usual.
As soon as the sorcerer landed and transformed, Roxas could tell something wasn't quite right. There was a somewhat angry gleam in his eyes, a familiar one the blonde knew he didn't like, but his face held a knowing, casual smirk. That can't be good, whatever it means...
"H-Hi, Zexion." He offered, realizing all too late that he never tried to be nice to the grey-haired man. If Zexion didn't know that something was up, he probably did now.
"Good evening, Roxas. You're being unusually sociable tonight. Did something good happen today?" The swan gulped. 'Yep, he knows...'
"W-Well, I...I..." he stumbled a little, "N-No, not really..."
"Hm..." the slate-haired man replied, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Nothing at all?"
Roxas shook his head more firmly this time, glaring at him. "No! Nothing happened!" 'Oh smooth, Roxas...Real smooth...'
"So how is Axel these days?"
"Oh, he's just fine! Why do you care so much...about..." Roxas looked up nervously. 'uh-oh...'
"A night at the ball, where he can pledge his undying love? Well, isn't that just splendid!" Zexion snarled bitterly, and quicker than Roxas could react, the man grabbed him roughly and held him under his arm.
"What are you doing?" Roxas cried, thrashing with all his might. "Let go of me!"
"Not likely, Roxas! I'm sorry to say that you will not be going to that ball on Friday night! Not if I have anything to say about it!"
The boy was horrified. Zexion had to have been watching the whole time to know this much. So Roxas didn't deny any of it. He just kept squirming and shouting.
"Put me down, you creep! You can't stop me from going!"
"Oh yes I can!" the sorcerer shouted back, yanking Roxas back to the castle and down to the dungeons. "You've had more than enough time to think my offer over, Roxas, and I'm tired of waiting! Your father's kingdom will be mine, one way or another!"
Roxas shook his head, trying to bite and scratch where he could reach. "No! Let me go!"
Zexion laughed bitterly, glaring down at him. "Even if I did let you go, they'd never let a swan into the castle! You and Axel forgot one very important thing about the night of the ball: the moon is new!"