Chapter 10 The Islands

Okay….so yeah hopefully you guys read the update, again I'm really sorry about that. I lost an entire chapter, and had to rewrite it completely. So sadly it won't be as good as I had originally hoped. But hopefully it isn't terrible. Again, I'm so sorry about that major fuck up, it will not happen again. I can't tell you guys how upset with myself I am because of it, and know that I'm probably going to lose something because of it, which is understandable. For those of you who are willing to stick with me, thank you so much, you're amazing, and I promise to ensure that a screw up like this is not possible again. Adding some details also that are very relevant to the story, only thought of them after the first couple of chapters. Also I'm the worst human being possible for putting this story so far on the back burner for this long! But I'm still running with it! And why? Because I absolutely refuse to leave a story undone! Well...at least this one and a few others! Anyway enough of me rambling, here's what you've been patiently waiting for.

Namine's POV

Waking up was not to pleasant, at all. My head was pounding, my ears were slightly ringing, and my mind felt foggy. Thankfully the room I was in was bathed in shadows, but there was enough dim light for me to make out the ceiling. At first I all I can think is what happened, then slowly the events of last night slowly flood my mind. The taste of the wine Xion gave me, and that bizarre dream. The very thought of that dream, lazily brings questions to my mind. Why did that strange woman, seem to think that Roxas needed me? Roxas is more than capable of protecting himself, and I don't even know how to fight, let alone defend myself. So what use could I give Roxas. Roxas? Suddenly my mind went blank with fear. I kissed him. Oh, my god! I kissed him in his sleep! What the hell is wrong with me? How can I face him, after-
I slowly start to realize that I am no longer sitting in the chair, but I'm laying in Roxas's bed. His sheets laced with his scent, which overwhelming my senses, causing my face to flush, what I assume is a bright red. Without realizing it, I'm fantasizing about the mysterious handsome man. About us, being together, and my body grows warmer. But a question snaps me out of my daze.
"How did I get in his bed?" I asked myself.

Roxas POV

I walked the deck of the Moon, a slight grin graced my lips. Why? I'm not to sure, but it may have something to do with my dream, and a combination with what I woke up to this morning. I woke up to find Namine in my room, drunkenly sleeping, the smell was a dead give away. But regardless, seeing her asleep was a near breath taking sight, and I still remember every little detail. The calm, peaceful look on her sleeping face, the silent rise and fall of her chest, the way her blonde hair fell behind and in front of her shoulders, and the cute way her lips parted as she slept. Despite my soreness, I lifted her out of the chair she slept on, and tucked her into my bed. No one that beautiful should have to sleep in such an unpleasant position, and wake up to a hang-over no less. For some reason, all my self-control left me, and I kissed her forehead. Usually I would scold myself for these kinds of thoughts and actions, but I've honestly stopped caring. If I can't help but have these thoughts, then I might as well enjoy them. That dream was an eye opener. I am mad at the man in white for forcing a confession out of me, though I'm starting to be grateful. Because there is something about that beautiful princess that I just can't describe, and it makes me feel...different. I don't know how to describe it, but it's not a bad feeling, the only way I can even try to describe it is-

"Roxas," I hear Axel call, "We're nearing the barrier, might want to get the other up and ready." I turn to my best friend, smirk, and then nod.
"I'll wake them up," I said, "Besides I need to talk to a few of them."

(Doing something new and trying 3rd POV, this is me being lazy sorry :( but hopefully it's not too bad)

The 13th Moon came to a stop, alerting everyone aboard. The crew gathering on the main deck, while Namine led by Kairi slowly made their way to wheel's deck. Kairi had found Namine weakly walking away from Roxas's cabin, and was surprised to find that she was having a hangover, considering how much control her twin usually displayed. However she helped her sister to a safe place to watch what the crew had told them was "a spectacular show." The crew gathered around Aqua, Sora, Xion, Riku, and Roxas, their keyblades in hand, with energy pulsing from the tips. Then a purple transparent wall appeared before the ship, it seemed to stretch for miles, and the only visible detail was a giant keyhole. Slowly the Keyblade wielders of light each raised their mystical weapons, and four streams of light burst forth into the keyhole. To Kairi and Namine the sight was beautiful, for they had never seen anything like this. Roxas then raised his "cursed" blade, aimed dead for the keyhole, and soon a stream of darkness shot forth and into the keyhole. Kairi felt uneasy by the sight, seeing Roxas's darkness as something that should only be feared. While Namine saw differently. She looked closely at Roxas's stream of darkness, and saw small slivers of light trickle in and out of the energy, and a smile graced her lips. She knew that he was a good man, and this helped prove it to her. She only found it odd that she was the only one who could see his light. The streams of lights, and darkness soon died down, and a click emitted from the hole, and an opening big enough for the Moon to fit through appeared. As if the ship itself came to life, refusing to waste time, it sped through the opening. To both princesses it was something straight out of the fairytales their father had shared with them. Tales of brave warriors who took refuge in a land where only they could reach or enter. The thought of their father, brought a collective sad smile to them both.
"Well so this is where you two were hiding," a mocking voice called out, "Captain was worried you two wouldn't show up." The twins turned and saw Axel, the ships navigator, and both were relieved. However, a question was plaguing them both, but only one of them was willing to ask.
"Axel," Namine asked, "What was that?" Axel looked at them with his green eyes briefly, then rubbed the back of his neck, trying to find a way to explain something which he himself barely understood.
"Well," he answered, "I'm not the best person to answer that question, but from what I understand, it's basically a magic barrier that only our resident key barers can open." Namine blinked, not fully understanding what he was explaining, neither was Kairi for that matter. Axel easily read the confusion in their eyes, and sighed.
"Look talk to Aqua," he suggested, "She's the one who made the damn thing anyway." The girls took his advice and set out to find the kind hearted blue hairs medic/magician.

Aqua's POV

I was back down in the infirmary, taking careful note of our medical supplies, and found something odd. There should be at least twenty bottles of liquid moria roots, but we only have fifteen. Liquid moria root has a strange effect of on the body if injected, it can give a person a sudden burst of adreline, but also make the subject immune to certain types of magic. I use it when making sleeping potions, so that way a patient won't use magic to wake up. But I haven't had to use any for awhile now, so it can only mean someone is stealing bottles. But why? More importanly who? There is no one who comes to mind-

"Aqua?" A soft voice beind me, brings me out of my thoughts, and I turn to see that it is Kairi and Namine. I smile kindly at the girls.

"Oh hello," I smile, "How can I help you girls?" Kairi cleared her throat, and took a breath.

"We were just curious," she began, "What was that barrier that we past through earlier?" I smiled, because if there is one thing I enjoy explaining, it's the barrier that protects our hideout. I motion for the girls to grab a seat somewhere, and quietly clear my throat.

"Well you came to the right magician," I grinned, "You see with Xehanort's force constantly hunting us, we need a much more sure way of hiding ourselves than a deserted, uncharted island. So I created the barrier, using a mix of potions, summonings, and standard barrier magic, with the touch of Keyblade power. The barrier hides our island behind it's magic, shielding us from detection, and sight. We've ensured that no one else can enter it, because of the magic lock we've placed on it. To open the barrier, you need four keys of light and a single key of darkness. And with some indications and certain spells, I've made the barrier act also a regulator. Meaning that only people without malice intention can pass through."

I watched as they tried absorbing the information I just gave them, and smile as I see a flicker of understanding spread across their faces. However, Kairi's face turned back to confusion.

"But if you don't want anyone else to find you," Kairi started, "Then why not just use your light, and leave Roxas's darkness out?" I smiled, trying to hide the small spark of anger the question brought.

"Because," I explain, "Adding a single touch of darkness, sets a limit of how much light and darkness the barrier needs to open. That way we can escape from those who misuse the power of light, and those who abuse darkness." I could tell from Namine's face, that she was contempt with my explanation, while Kairi looked like she had more to say. However, she never got the chance, as I saw two very familiar faces enter my door.

"Morning Aqua."

Sora's POV
(5 minutes ago)

"So let me get this straight?" I ask, "For about the past few weeks you've been having strange dreams, where a man dressed in white has been making you fight with a white blade? Not only that, but you've been recently been able to use the powers of light in the real world? And you seem to have no idea what any of it means?" I watched as my brother nodded, I also took note of the breathing of Riku, and Xion, both of which were surprisingly steady. I rubbed the back of my head, and took a breath.

"Well this will be a first," I emptily say, "But I actually do know what it means." I hear Roxas's sudden in take of breath, and Xion gripping Riku's arm tighter.

"You mean you actually know what it means," Roxas asked with an emotion I haven't seen in a while, "What the dreams mean?" I rub my neck, slightly nervous, and smile nervously.

"Well not what they mean," I explain, "But I know that they're not exactly dreams and I'm pretty sure I know their purpose. Before I first summoned Kingdom Key, well I started having "dreams" like what you described. A voice instructing me on what to do. Being trained with a white sword. I talked to father about it, he said that those types of "dreams" are a test for possible masters of light." I watch Roxas's eyes as they seem to be screaming in protest, and I already know that he's going to rant about how he's not worthy of such a test.

"Look Roxas," I say before he can speak, "I could be wrong, or I could be right. And if I'm right, then why deny it? It's a good thing, to be chosen to take that "test". It also means what we've always known, that your heart has a strong enough light, that counteracts the darkness." His face was blank, as if he was trying to plot out the meanings of both possibilities. Roxas took a breath.

"Yeah but how-" He was quickly cut off by the last persons, I think he'd expect.

"Roxas," Xion said powerfully, "Will you stop?! I mean every time it seems like things are finally going good for you, you act like you don't want them to! Why do you deny yourself any hope?! Do you want to get lost in the darkness?! Cause if you do, well then congratulations, you're doing a great job, by yourself!" The whole room fell silent, and I will admit...I'm shocked. Xion doesn't usually have outbursts like that, but all things considered, I'm glad she did. Roxas turn his attention to the floor, and his eyes told me something I have wanted to see for years. "I'm ready to listen."

"Alright Xion," Roxas said, "You've made your point. Now...any ideas on how to get me out?" Even though he was hiding it, I could tell my brother wore a slight grin. I happily smiled and closed my eyes.

"Well for starters," I teased, "Being honest with your emotions, actually talking to us, asking for help-" I was cut off by a brother punch to the arm. Roxas wore a playful annoyed look on his face.

"Okay. Okay," Roxas sighed, "I get it." Suddenly, his expression went serious, and looking into his eyes, I could see he was in deep thought. About what? I don't know I'm not a mind reader.

"Being honest, huh?" I heard him mutter. He thanked us all of being here and helping him make sense of everything. Then I shadowed him to Aqua infirmary.

Roxas POV

I knew Sora was following me, he always was bad when it came to being stealthy. But I paid little mind to my brother, namely because he's not who is on my mind at the moment. Namine. It would be hard to deny that I feel something for her. Let's go through the facts. After all I would kill to protect her, and normally I try to avoid killing, unless it the Dark Military. She's been on my mind since I met her, and I actually find myself worried about her. So I have to feel something for her, there is no other way to explain it. And since I'm terrible with these kinds of situations, I need Aqua's advice. She's the only one who won't laugh at me for asking. So imagine my shock when I see Kairi and NAMINE in Aqua infirmary. Crap. I did not plan on seeing Namine here. I better leave before-

"Morning Aqua." Sora greeted. Damn, him! Now there is no way for me to pretend like I was just passing by. I would be angry, but the princesses turned around and greeted us with warm smiles. Kairi's I really couldn't care for, but Namine's was heart stopping. I had to will my face to stay cool, and my mind to stop itself from having fantasies, otherwise I will loose my composure. Thankfully it worked.

"Morning boys," Aqua smiled, "And to what do I owe the pleasure?" She eyed me suspiciously, probably guessing that I was here for something important. However, with Namine in the room, I'm going to have to "bluff" my way out.

"A captain can't simply visit his medic?" I joked, "I just wanted to thank you for healing me Aqua. If it weren't for you I probably would have bleed out." Now that, I wasn't lying about, I actually did want to thank her, but now I needed to find a way to make it so that it was just me and Aqua left in the room. Suddenly an idea hit me.

"But aside from that," he continued, "Aqua my arm still feels like it's a bit busted up. And well-"

"Everyone out now!" Aqua said sternly, "I'll be finished which his arm quickly." I smiled, if there was one thing that could always turn Aqua from kind and gentle to the serious medical professional she was, it the possibility of someone being hurt. And thankfully that medical professional side of her, scared the day lights outta everyone, and quickly resulted in everyone minus me and Aqua to sprint out of the room. I smiled at my handy work for a moment, until I heard Aqua sigh, and summon her Keyblade.

"Alright now what's really wrong with you?" She asked kindly, "Cause there is no possible way you should still be in pain, a little sore fine, but nothing extreme." I nervously chuckled and explained everything, from the dreams to me having feelings for Namine.

"And that's kind of why I'm here," I added, "You're the only one aboard who I know won't laugh me for asking for help. Which is what I need. I have no idea how to-" I cut myself off as I noticed that Aqua had this look in her eyes, that screamed "OH MY GOD THAT ADORABLE." And noted that she had a smile, and some tears in her eyes.

"Oh damn it Roxas," she sweetly said, "This is literally the cutest thing you've ever done." I felt my mind shatter, my shoulders drop too quickly, and anger bubbling behind my eyes. Leave it too me to forget that Aqua could act exactly like an overly sweet aunt, that is if I had one, and bluntly point out what I had just done was cute. It's official I'll never understand Aqua.

"Yeah I guess," I muttered, "Now will you help me or no?" She dropped the "lovey" look and replaced it with a fierce determined one.

"Of course I'll help you Roxas," she grinned, "Now pay attention."

I blinked Aqua was a true genius, no that is being lazy, she's...what's better than a genius? Anyway, I would hug this woman, and give her a good piece of my cut of the next loot we came across, as a means of thanking her.

"Aqua thank you so much," I smiled, "If there's anything you need let me know." She nodded, then stretched her back, resulting in a small number of pops faintly echoing from her.

"Well now that you mention it," she sighed, "I seem to be missing five bottles of liquid moria roots. I don't think I need to reexplain what that does. I have had to use the stuff for awhile, so it's not me using them." I blinked understanding what she was getting at.

"You think someone is stealing from your supplies," I simply confirmed, "And you suspect it's one of the crew?" She nodded, and I felt my face become hard as stone.

"And I don't have any ideas who it could be," she added, "And if I try looking into, it might scare of whoever it is. But if you were to look into it, then we might have a chance of catching whoever this thieving little traitor." I nodded, again disappointed with my crew, and myself. My crew cause I trusted them, and myself, believing that I might have out faith into the wrong people. Regardless I push the doubts aside, and agree to help find the thief.

Hours Later

Namine's POV

We had landed on the island hours ago, and while me and Kairi were both excited to explore this new mysterious place, we even wore some of the best clothing that Xion picked out for us. Kairi wore red shorts and pink t-shirt. While I wore black shorts, along with a grey and blue striped v-neck. And despite being excited for being on our own for a while, we got stuck being watched by Xion for a few hours. Or as Xion would put it, she was playing tour guide for us, and although it was long, it was by no means painful. This island was gorgeous. The sands were perfectly tan, the trees were exotic, the fruits looked delicious beyond words, and the village! Yes I said village! The 13th Moon's crew had built themselves an actual village, with a tavern, several small homes, a bakery, tailor shop, and a small church. Now granted it was nearly empty when we arrived, save for some women and children. But after the first portion Xion's tour, the crew had made the place come to life, the crew happily chatting with their families, and danced in the honor of a job well done. The sight was extremely heartwarming, given that I did not get acquainted with the crew out of fear, it was nice to see that these men had at least some morals, I hope. Some do have families, so that has to count for something right? I widen my eyes, take a quick look around the small town, and a question finally burst into my mind.

"Hey Xion?" I asked getting the raven haired pirates attention, "How long did this take you guys to build?" Xion smiled at me, as if I were a child.

"Well you see princess," she teased, "Since we've been on such a limited amount of time, we had to use a combination of magic and hard work to create the village. Now if you want the order of how everything came to be here it is. Took us a good 25 days to find this island, and two weeks to create the barrier. Then it took us about five weeks to get the crew put together, and get their families here. Then a good solid long month to build the village. Which would be normally impossible, but thanks to Aqua and yours truly, we did it." She smiled as I absorbed the mountain of information she just feed me, and asked if there was anything else, to which I kindly said no. She smiled then looked towards the tavern, with a new peak of interest.

"Hey uh listen," she began, "There is something I need to attend to. Do you guys mind finding Sora or Roxas and have them show you to your guys place. We've got an empty hut, that should suit you both just fine." And with that she left us, lost in a the beautiful unfamiliar village. We look high and low for Sora and Roxas, but after twenty minutes came up empty. So we decided to walk into towards the tree line, assuming that the twin pirate princes would be discussing something in private, and for some reason...I had a terrible feeling that we were being watched.

Roxas's POV

Sora and I were at his favorite spot on the island, the sandy rock with the tilted paupo tree, just by the forest's tree line, and boy did we have a lot to talk about. I stood against the pale tree trunk, as Sora sat up on the trunk watching the sky. I wanted to track down the thief but I need to at least wait until tomorrow, otherwise it will seem suspicious to my men. I would have to act like nothing was wrong if I were to catch this thief. Currently I was wearing my black sleeveless leather vest, grey cargo pants, and my black leather gloves. Sora's wearing his usual attire.

"So let me recap what we just discussed," I said, "Just so I know we're both not crazy. You like Kairi? And you want advice from me, on how to take things further?" My crazy twin brother nodded, and I mentally groaned wanting to slap him silly, until he saw how stupid he was.

"Sora you're an idiot," I causally state, "I don't know the first thing when it comes to matter of the heart. Hell I had to go to Aqua for advice how to handle my feeling for Na-" I stop myself a bit too late, and bit my tongue as I see the shock on my brothers face.

"Wait," he grinned, "Now when did this happen?" I groaned aloud this time, frustration in my breath.

"Just drop it." I state in vein.

"Since when did mister dark and lonesome become such a softy?" He teased, "Ya know if I didn't know any better Rox, I'd almost think you said Nami-" Before he finishes, I tug down on one if his legs, and send him crashing to the sand. When he gets back up, he has a look of disbelief, and hurt. I simply shrug and smile.

"Well I told ya to drop it didn't I?" I teased, "Now back to you and Kairi. I don't know bro...I guess the only thing I can say is-"

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A terrified scream catches both of our attention, and immediately I recognize it as Namine's voice. I felt my fist clench, and them figured that the scream came from inside the forest. Tossing all rational thought out the window, I called out Oblivion and speed into the tree line, with Sora hot on my heels mirroring my actions. I have no idea what's going on, but if Namine was hurt I'll kill whatever or whoever did it.

Kairi's POV

I was being hoisted about fifteen feet into the air, by a ridiculous number of vines and roots, as was Namine. But unlike her, a vine was wrapped around my face cutting off the use of my mouth, however that was changed after she screamed. Below us, was a pink-haired man wearing a black trench coat, with a green and pink weapon in hand. The weapon was a very long, probably seven feet green rod, with a pink curved blade at the tip.

"Well, well," he creepily said, "Just my luck. This saves me the trouble of searching the town for you girls." Finally I recognized him as the perverted son of bitch that wanted to have his way with Namine sometime back. Slowly the vines began to lower us towards him, and he looked at us both, with a hungry look that sent a chill up my spine.

"Now then I believe i have unfinished business with you both," he creepily smiled, "Now that there is no one to sto-"

"GET AWAY FROM THEM!" Two familiar voices shouted in unison, and I tore my gaze away from this crazed man, to see Roxas and Sora charging towards us. Each looking very upset, but Roxas's anger seemed animalistic, his eyes were cold and hard, and yet there was something soft in them. Before the pink haired man could make a move, the twin warriors threw their weapons, spinning while arching their way over towards their target. Sora's Keyblade struck the man's weapon from his hand, while Roxas's pierced through the right of the man's chest, the tip shooting out through his back. The man seemed motionless for a moment before he collapsed to the ground in pain. Once he hit the ground, the vines and roots began to gently release us back to safety of the ground. Sora rushed over to us, but checked on me first.

"Kairi," he urgently asked, "Namine. You both okay?" I nodded, and was slightly touched by urgency he used with my name, and he bravely charged in to save us. I then noticed that Roxas had the man pressed up against a tree, and the man looked to be in pain.

Roxas's POV

While Sora checked on the princesses, I went to check on the soon-to-be dead man. He was groveling in the dirt, clutching the wound I gave him, and I could see tears in his eyes as he begged for mercy. My anger started to build, this man was the worst kind imaginable. The kind that do whatever they wish, and beg for forgiveness after being caught doing wrong, but something told me that it was just a part of an act. It made my skin crawl, my brows narrow, teeth grit, and my fingers curl. He would not receive any mercy from me, except maybe the mercy of a quick death. I rip him from the ground, and harshly slam him against the nearest tree trunk. I finally recognize this sorry excuse of a man, it's that pink-haired bastard that tried to have "fun" with the girls earlier. Upon realizing this, I tighten my grip on him, and slap him to make him focus on me.

"Who are you?!" I demanded, "And who do you work for, you walking garbage! Tell me and promise a quick death!" I slowly watched as him abandon the helpless act, and replace it with a cold cocky look in his eyes.

"Well damn," he smirked, "Looks like I can't appeal to the 13th Devil's stone cold heart." I know his words were meant to get to me, and honestly I do no care, because the anger gave me the push to act. With my gloved hand I press my thumb roughly against his wound, causing more blood to spill, and him a great deal of pain. His pained looks making me smirk.

"That wound you got there is pretty serious," I coldly stated, "I might have missed your vital organs, but it's still deep enough for you to bleed out to death. And since no one will fix you up, you might want to think about my offer." I would have gone on, but then I noticed something around his neck. It was a chain. Moving my gloved hand from his wound, I gripped the chain and snapped it free. What I hold before me now, makes me regret not feeding this man to the sharks when I had first threatened him. It was a dog tag. Not just any dog tag, and Dark Navy dog tag. This bastard, I didn't notice him until we picked up the princesses, and I'll bet if I ask around the crew, they'll say the same thing. I wanted to make him choke on these damned tags, but I reminded myself I was not alone, and that doing that would make me no better than Vantais. Killing the dark urge, I cleared my throat.

"Sora," I called out, "Looks like this man's a spy. Working for our dead uncle and brother." Without looking back, I toss my twin the dog tags, and he read them aloud.

"Corporal Marluxia Luramia," Sora cold read aloud, "Of the 340 Dark Naval Unit." I reached for a pistol, and place the barrel to his forehead, and watched as the sweat slid down his face. Then I began wondering how he managed to get past the barrier, it was designed to keep people with malice intents out. So how-

"It doesn't matter that you caught me," he forcibly stated, "I sent out a radio message to the fleet the moment we docked. They'll be here in a number of days! So enjoy them while they last little princes, cause they're very few! Haha hahahahahaha ahahahahahaha!" I clicked back my pistol, and just stared the man in the eyes, with a smug look.

"Do you really think we're that dumb?" I asked cockily, "The barrier doesn't just keep us hidden from sight, it also blocks and destroyed any signal from within it." I nearly smiled as I saw the terror that sparked in his eyes, upon the moment he realized his actions were all in vain. He even tried to struggle out of my grip, but I kept him firmly pressed up against the tree, refusing to so much as let him twitch. However, during his struggling, I could not help but notice a clanking sound coming from his pockets, and he clearly heard the sound as well. Without warning, I shove my hand into his coat pocket, which was thankfully aligned with where I assume his belly button is, and my hand was feeling the familiar cold of glass. I quickly pulled the object out, and found the answer to my unasked question. Liquid Moria Root. This was how he was able to get past the barrier's spell. Even the strongest of magic is useless once liquid moria root was brought into the equation, and that was pretty common amongst those who can use magic. Which clearly Marluxia knew, judging by the way the vines had come to life.

"Well, well," I said, "Looks like we found Aqua's supply thief." I could feel the others looking at confused, and the footsteps of someone else approaching our position. I turn my head slightly to see it Axel, with a few of the men, all armed with single-shot rifles.

"Whoa," Axel commented in his usual smug tone, "What the hell is doing on here?" Sora tossed him the dog tags, and they told Axel all he needed to know.

"So what do you want to do with him Captain?" Axel asked now seriously, and I pondered for a moment. I could easily just kill him here and now, but...could I do it in front of Namine? Could I kill a man with her eyes on me? I look over to her, and see something that I'm all to familiar with seeing. Fear. Fear of me. Of what I can become. Of what I might be. That is all I need to make this decision.

"He tried to do unspeakable things to these two," I motion to the princesses, "He works for the Dark Navy, and has probably more blood on his hands then you and me put together. But I'll leave his fate in your hands Axel." I step away from Marluxia, and watch Axel approach him. I know Axel very well, too well in fact. He might act like a cocky son of a bitch at times, but he has some of the strongest morals and codes I've ever seen.

"Well seeing as how there is no way," Axel breathed, "Anyone of us is going to close up his wound, he'll bleed out. And we don't exactly take prisoners. So I say we end his suffering early. Death by firing squad. Got it memorized?" His voice became ice when he used his signature catch phrase. Normally I would have smiled, I always enjoyed bringing trash like Marluxia to justice, but a part of me just realized that a life was ending. A life that caused only bloodshed, I quickly reminded myself. I refused to feel any mercy of sympathy for this Dark Naval Dog, he was not a soldier, no sailor, or marine, he was a murdering thug with a uniform, something that in my mind is far worse than a pirate. And though killing this trash would accomplish nothing, aside from securing the islands safety, it would gain is nothing, but at least the lives he's ruined can rest in peace, or torment him, which ever is preferable.

"Men take aim," Axel ordered, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I notice that Namine is watching the whole thing wide eye with sorrow. I can sort of understand why that is, and I quickly wanted to change that.

"Wait for us to leave first Axel," I calmly commanded, "This isn't exactly something pleasant to watch." He nodded, and I motioned for Sora to help Kairi out of the forest, I took Namine gently by the arm, and led her through the trees. After about fifteen minutes of walking, I heard the gunshots. Both Kairi and Namine gasped in response, and I could clearly see tears making way to their eyes. I pulled Namine closer to me, and wrapped my other arm around her. Trying my best to provide some kind of comfort, but I'm pretty sure I'm failing miserably, cause I can feel her crying a little. I just wish she would say something to me. Because all I want for her is to not be scarred of me, and I had a sinking feeling that she was becoming just that. I slowly notice that Sora and Kairi have disappeared, leaving me alone with the terrified girl who unintentionally invaded my waking and sleeping thoughts.

Namine's POV

I still can't believe that just happened! Marluxia, or whatever his name was, had tried to do things to me, again, and Roxas had saved me again. I felt so powerless, and guilty. Powerless to stop that mad man from even touching us, and guilty that now a life was taken because of me. And to make matters, Roxas still has no clue about why I'm so quite, or why I can't bring myself to speak to him. After drunkly kissing him in his sleep, I have no clue how I can face him, how I can explain to him how I feel. Not too mention those gunshots. Those gunshots finally woke me up, sure I had heard shots before, during my kingdom's invasion, but this was different. I had always know the world can be cruel, but I had always believed that there was enough good to outweigh the cruelty. I had always believed that the "good guys" always do the right thing, and right now? Right now, after hearing those gunshots, I'm having serious doubts. This world is cruel, that is more clear to me than ever before, but those gunshots told me something. That in this current world, the return evil with kindness would not always work, and that sometimes evil had to returned with evil. And the scary part is-

"Namine," Roxas softly pleaded, "Listen. I don't know what's running through your head right now. But I can tell this. If you're scared of something, don't be. Whatever it is, whether it's me or something, you're never alone. You have your sister, and my crew. And I...I will always be there protect you, I promise...okay?" I look into his ocean blue eyes, and see nothing honesty and hope in them. Not the cold, murderous look he had earlier, and despite knowing how quickly that could change, I don't care. Ever since I've meet him, he's always looked out for me, and tried to care for me. All without asking for anything that would benefit him, and then there was the way he held me. Like right now, he held me tightly close, but at the same time softly, and he had one hand above my waist, while the other was in my hair, making my head rest against his chest. Allowing me to hear the oddly soothing rhythmic beat of his heart. He was probably the most trustworthy man I had ever met, even though he's been branded as a lost cause, and a pirate none the less, I still trust. Because despite his fierce and unnecessary violence, he had a heart of gold, that apparently only a few could see, and it made me want to get closer.

"If you'll let me," I heard him softly add, "There's someplace I'd like to show you." I looked up to meet his gaze, and saw his eyes were asking me for permission to move. Not trusting my own words, I nodded, unwrapped his arms from me, took my hand, and we slowly walked into the forest going a completely different direction from the village and the place Marluxia attacked. The entire time as twigs snapped beneath our feet, the sun began dipping, and the wildlife sang to life, I could not hep but notice how softly he held my hand. It made me smile, and my cheeks flush. I wonder what he wants to show me?

SWEET MARRY MOTHER JESUS! Over 6,000 words!Alright ending the chapter here, and yeah...long over do this chapter. Sorry about that. Please don't kill me. Cause I'm planning on spending more time on this story, cause I've given my other stories and unfair amount of attention as opposed to this one. So you'll get some more than hopefully you were expecting. Also I've decided this will be book one of a series, not sure how long, but I know how this one will end so stick around. Okay? Awesome!