*takes in deep breaths* Okay... Okay... I can do this... *Show up* Hello beloved readers! I'm back for a long awaited update! So sorry for not updating for like um... 8 months? Hahahaha... So sorry. The school really killed me. I hope this story of 8435 words can make it up. Sorry again!

I'll like to thanks BlendInTheDarkness, arkee, NightfallSky, darkwolf1126, Flower5450, violentyetawesome, Takamira, emmausgirl94, Magikbyrd, Starowner, LunaClefairy, amazoness23, KC-Chan13, khdayskh1314, xion, NinjaxSketcheartx, M-North, an anonymous reviewer that stayed up late to review, Riley-Hell's-Princess, Easy2Hurt, Topaz Miuki, KeyToOblivion, PooperScooper000 and Random Reader for reviewing in this story! Thank you all! I hope I didn't missed anyone out.

Next is the people who reviewed the previous chapter. Thank you amazoness23, Easy2Hurt, NinjaxSketcheartx, violentyetawesome, Topaz Muiki, KeyToOblivion, khdayskh1314, emmausgirl94, Riley-Hell's-Princess, KC-Chan13, Takamira, PooperScooper000 and Random Reader! Sorry for making you guys wait.

Thirdly, I would like to thank the people who fav the story! Thank you, emmausgirl94, Flower5450, violentyetawesome, Takamira, RSV, Magikbyrd, amazoness23, JohnKat lover67, KC-Chan13, Animated Music Drawer, khdayskh1314, NinjaxSketcheartx, ShadowofaHeart, moonofwitch, Topaz Miuki, Easy2Hurt, kingdom hearts lover17, PooperScooper000 and ForgivenPromises! LOVE YOU!

Fourthly, the people who alerts. Thank you emmausgirl94, violentyetawesome, animearlinefreak, Takamira, RSV, Starowner, khdayskh1314, Riley-Hell's-Princess, TheSpiritOfSnow, NinjaxSketcheartx, RavenGoesToHeaven, M-North, Topaz Muiki, Maethorelen, Purple Shadow Wolf, PooperScooper, HeartsMockingjay and FirePhoniex12! Thank you guys!

Last but not the least, all the fellow readers! Thank you so much for continuing reading. Thank you so much for your patience and loyalty!

Sorry for any mistakes in the story. Enjoy.

Sing Me A Song

Chapter 14: Bundle of Feelings and Emotions

As number 12 exited the stage. Kairi and her gang couldn't believe what they just heard.

"Oh my… Rasp made an original song? I didn't think she actually has the skills to do that. I thought she only has the skills of a… a…" Kairi muttered, unable to find the right word to describe who she thinks Natalie Rasp really is in her eyes.

"A bully?" Namine asked.

"A hooker?" Riku added, who earned an 'ew…' from his girlfriend.

Kairi shook her head then said, "No. And that's a very gross word, Riku. I believe, she is a self-centered-good-for-nothing-spoiled-rich-teenag e-girl. Ya. That is who she is. Used her sweet talks and 'cute' looks to make those poor students do her dirty job. And she's a liar, act innocent and and… God. Now I think that more words are needed to fully describe who she is."

"It's okay, Kairi. All we need to know is that she is a bad person," Sora said then patting Kairi's back to calm her down. She's scary when she's angry.

Kairi let out a huge sigh then nodded her head slightly. "Ya. Xion would kick her butt for me in this competition anyway." They turned their attention back to the MC who began to speak. "Now, let's welcome Number 13, Xi-! I'm sorry. Yes? It is true? Oh. Okay then. I'm sorry to tell you all this, but Ms. Xion Zayas was suffering from a sickness and is unable to join us today. And so, she is disqualified for this competition! Now, let's welcome Number 14, Luke Hendrel and his twin, Lloyd Hendrel from Grade 12!" The MC announced and applauses were given to the duet, but none of the applauses came from the little group.

"Xi-Xion is…. Disqualified? !" Namine almost screamed.

"Impossible. Xion is great in health. There's no way she is out due to a 'sickness'." Riku stated while hugging Namine to calm her down from the unexpected and shocking news.

Kairi stares out blankly. The news struck her hard, Xion was unable to perform? Is she alright? During lunch, Xion didn't show up like she said and so she and Riku have to eat alone without her and Roxas. And speaking of Roxas. He didn't show up to cheer for Xion either and they weren't able to contact his cell phone. Something is wrong, but what? Since the lunch event, she can't help but felt a disturbing feeling. 'Could this be the bad feeling I have been feeling all day? I-I… I have to find out!' Kairi stood up from her seat and started to walk to the nearest path, excusing everyone in their seats as she passed.

"Kai. Where're you going?" Sora hissed loudly to her, but not loud enough to disturb the other audience.

"I'm going to look for Xion and Roxas. Something is wrong and I want to know what it is!" Kairi answered and ran up the stairs to go to the theater's main door above.

"K-Kairi. Wait!" Sora too, stood up and followed close behind his redhead friend. Once Namine had calmed down, she decided to join Kairi and Sora, and Riku said nothing else but 'me too'. He's worried too. Xion is like a little sister to him and after seeing how his girlfriend reacted to the news just now, he would do anything to see her happy and cheerful again, and not clouded with fear and hurts. Holding her hand affectionately in his, the couple exited the theater and met up with Kairi and Sora, who are standing in front the door to the back stage, which is blocked by Lexaeus, the head of the school's securities and the quietest one.

"No one other than the staffs of the theater and contestants can enter. You all shall not pass," The tall, muscular auburn-haired man said emotionlessly.

"But, Mr. Lexaeus. My friend, a contestant, is inside and the MC just announced that she fell sick! I must go check on her! Please!" Kairi plead him. But the security only shook his head. Kairi pouted and used her puppy eyes, but those didn't work for the massive security. The redhead groaned in anger and stomped on the ground a few times as she walked a few steps away from Mr. Lexaeus, who still have the emotionless look on his face.

This is getting nowhere and they all knew that. They couldn't sneak in, nor using the door from the side of the stage (since there is a competition going on), nor using the back door, which can only open from the inside unless you have the key. So, Sora offered, "Mr. Lexaeus, what can I give you in change of the access to the back stage? Anything you want?"

Lexaeus raised an eyebrow, showed interest in the brunette's offer; however, he quickly dismissed it. "Sorry, but as a security, I'm against such bribery, especially from a student."

"B-But-" Sora tried to convince the man before him to change his mind, but the look from Lexaeus eyes shut him up.

Namine walked up to the guard and spoke, "Please, Mr. Lexaeus. Just hear us out f-"

Before Namine could finish her sentence, another female voice interrupted, "MR. LEXAUES~!"

The gang, including the silent security guard, turned towards the voice and saw the source. Came running towards them was a group of trio: a brunette girl dressed in orange tank top with white Hawaii-like floral design at the bottom, beige-coloured capri pants, cream coloured shoes with orange socks and accessories with a blue beaded bracelet and a sky blue spherical charm necklace.

Not far behind her is a spiky blonde hair boy dressed in a black muscle shirt decorated with a white, crudely-drawn skull and crossbones, a short sleeveless, grey vest and baggy camouflage-print capris pants, finished with camouflage-print shoes, a yellow 'X' necklace and a brown bracelet with silver pins.

A boy who tried to catch up with his friends is a short, plump black-haired boy. He wears a short-sleeved, white shirt with dark cuffs underneath a red jersey decorated with a black silhouette of a seemingly skeletal dog with three bones above it and the phrase 'Dog Street' printed next to it in large, white letters. He also wears blue pants, shoes and a purple bandana around his neck.

Sora recognized them, he had seen them hang out before in Twilight Town and the blonde boy had even participated in the Struggle tournament last year (which sadly he lost after he dueled with Roxas. Riku? Nah, he didn't join. Not his kind of fighting, he said.).

The girl is called, Olette Yasashi. The blonde boy is called, Hayner Kettei and the last boy is called, Pence Kashiko.

The trio came closer to them, and then Sora's gang realized the box in Olette's hand.

"Mr. Lexaeus. Here's the 1000 piece puzzle you want so much," Olette said then handed the box to the security. What the brunette said shocked the gang slightly; they have no idea that a security guard so huge and quiet actually likes puzzles.

"Ah. Thank you very much for buying it for me, Ms. Yasashi. I would have bought it myself if I know where I can find it," Lexaeus said and accepted the puzzle box, scanned the box's cover with excitement.

"You can just call me Olette, Mr. Lexaeus. And you're welcome." Just then, she noticed the other 4 students other than her and her friends. "Who are you guys?"

"Uh… We-" Sora stuttered but the blonde guy cuts in. "Hey! I know you! You and the other spiky blonde kid joined the Struggle competition last year!" Hayner said while pointing his index finger at Sora. "You're that Sora guy isn't it?"

"Uh… Ya. I am. The name's Sora Hiranaga. You're?" Sora introduced himself and held out his hand, which Hayner accepted in a firm handshake.

"I'm Hayner Kettei. The girl is Olette and the fat one there is Pence."

That made Pence kind of unhappy, "I can introduce myself Hay, thank you very much. My name is Pence Kashiko. If you have any problems or question about computers or Twilight Town, I'm the one you need."

"And if you need someone to buy you ice-cream if you're the winner of a race, he's the one you need too," Hayner stated.

Pence just sweat dropped while Olette told Hayner to stop teasing Pence for a while.

"So, why are you guys here? I thought most people would be watching the competition by now," Olette asked them.

"A competitor, also a friend of ours, fell sick before she can even participate. We want to check on her, but this security just won't let us through," Kairi replied and pointed her index finger at the silent security guard.

"OMG! That's serious. Mr. Lexaeus, please let them pass. All they want is just to check on their friend." The brunette girl pleads him.

"I'm sorry that I can't do that. It's my duty to keep everyone other than staff and competitors from going in."

"B-But…." Suddenly, her eyes went serious. "Mr. Lexaues, if you won't let them pass, I'll have no choice but to tell you to triple or even quadruple pay the cost of the puzzle to me. If you let them pass, it's for free!" The deal was quickly made by Olette and it is a deal that sparks Lexaues's interest to the max.

"For real?"

Olette nodded.

The silent guard gave Sora's gang a minute long gaze, his mind working. 'If I let them through, I can save the money for the puzzle. That cheap old boss already pays us low salary, I guess it would be okay just for this one time… It's not like Saix is anywhere near here to report to boss…' Then he spoke, "Can't believe I would say this…. Fine. You guys can go in, just don't tell anybody bout this or else."

Everyone's eyes sparkled with joy when they heard that. "Thank you!" Kairi thanked him and quickly pushed open the door and entered the backstage; she couldn't lose another minute to make sure Xion is alright.

Since Kairi have been the backstage before, she knew where she was going: the changing room. There's where Xion is most likely to be. Soon, she reached the changing room and ran in. "Xion! Eh?" Scanned her eyes around the area, she didn't spot the certain ravenette.

"She's… not here?" The redhead stood there, stunned.

Footsteps of her friends soon caught up with her and halt when they saw her just standing there.

"Kairi, what's wrong?" Riku asked.

"Xion. She's not here."

"What?" The rest of them peered into the room and true enough, their black haired friend was nowhere to be seen.

"She got to be here somewhere. How bout we split up and find her?" Riku suggested. They all agreed and split up, promised to meet up in the same place after 10 minutes. Kairi went to check the changing room more thoroughly, knocking on closed changing cubicles and later went to check the girl's toilet. Namine checked rooms after rooms, which all appeared to be empty, except for a few tables, chairs, ropes and things she have no idea what they are.

On the other hand, Sora went to check the waiting room, where some candidates still waiting for their turn, but Xion wasn't there. After that, he decided to check the sick bay. Outside of the door, the security guard Lexaeus was organizing the puzzle pieces with Olette. The other two guys were nowhere to be seen. Letting Lexaeus know he need to go to the sick bay and back again, he quickly ran there, but the finding was fruitless. Riku had thought that there's no reason for Xion to hide, so he decided to ask the staffs and candidates for any clue of where she might be. He didn't get the answer he was looking for until he asked a blonde female staff.

"A female candidate with short black hair? Oh. There is one. Xion Zayas. Number 13, right?"

Riku nodded his head. "Do you know where she is?"

"Hm… I did offer to bring her to the sick bay, but she denied. She said she would just go home. I think she should already left by now."

A smile appeared on his face. Finally, they know where Xion is. "Thank you, Ms…"

"…Sekito."

"Thank you, Ms. Sekito. And please excuse me, I have to inform my friends." Riku pardoned himself from the staff then left to find his friend. In front of the changing room stood Kairi and Namine, concern shown clearly on their faces. Kairi was the first to notice him advancing towards them. "Riku! Any news?"

"Yes. One of the staff said that she offered to bring Xion to the sick bay-" Riku was unable to finish his line when Namine cut in.

"Then she must be there! Let's go now!"

"No. She isn't." Another familiar male voice said, which turned out to be Sora, walking from the direction of the entrance door towards them. "I just came back from there. She wasn't there either."

"T-Then… Where is she?" Namine asked.

"Babe, calm down. I haven't finished just now," Riku said and landed a comforting kiss on her head. "The staff said Xion went home. She must have left since we can't find her here."

"Really?" The other 3 asked him.

"Yup."

"That's a relief to know where she is. But is she alright?" Kairi wondered.

"Call her."

Kairi turned to the brunette. "What?"

"Call her. She has a cell phone, right? We can just call her to ask whether she is alright or not." Sora stated.

"OMG…. I can't believe we didn't think of that in the first place. Thanks Sor." The redhead said and took out her own cell phone, calling Xion's number. When the beeping started, Kairi set the phone to speaker and held it out, so all her friends can hear and talk with Xion. The beeping sound goes on for another 10 beeps before someone from the other side answered.

"*sniff* H-Hello? *sniff*" A trembling voice spoke.

"Xion? Xion is that you? Are you alright? Are you crying?" Namine asked.

"*sob* N-Nami? *sniff*"

"Yes, Xion. Is me. In fact, Kai, Sor and Rik are also here. We're all here. Are you alright Xion? Why are you crying?" Namine asked again.

The soft sobbing continued before Xion finally spoke, "I-I… I'm just… *sniff* I'm just so dis-disappointed… *sniff*"

"It's alright, Xion. This is only the first competition, you still can join the second one. Please don't cry," Kairi tried to comfort her.

"*sob* It's n-not only the com-competition… *sniff* It's…. It's…. *sniff*" The sobbing started to get louder.

"Xion, are you at home now? We'll come right no-" Riku was once again cut off.

"NO! Please don't! *sniff*" Unexpectedly, Xion yelled.

"X-Xion…" The gang of 4 whispered.

"*sniff* I… I need some time alone. *sniff* Please…. Don't come… Please… *sob*"

This was the first time any of Xion's friends heard her in such vulnerable, sad and broken voice. She's always so energetic, so full-of-life, and sometime shy in a cute way. As they hear her sobs and sniffs, they knew she was hurt really deeply, that it caused her to let the feeling spilled out. Her soft sob was so heartbroken that they (mostly the girls, since girls are more emotional) can feel their own heart cracked.

Kairi was the one who broke the sobbing silence, "We understand. But please Xion, call us when you feel better or when you need us. We all are so worried about you, you know we care about you."

The answer from Xion is soft, but they could make out the word 'Um…' between the sobs.

"We hope to hear from you soon. See ya, Xion." Sora said. Another almost inaudible 'um…' came from the ravenette from the other side of the phone before the line went dead. The gang of 4 stood there, staring at the phone with a disconnected call, having no idea what to do next.

~*~*~Sing Me A Song ~*~*~

(A.N: Onward to Roxas's side! Hope you guys able to catch up with the whole timeline. If not, you just have to reread the previous chapters. Sorry 'bout that.)

Roxas's Side of the Story

Wednesday, two days till competition countdown

The start of the day was usual, unlike any other. Roxas would walk to Xion's place to pick her up and they both walked to school together. The morning classes were fine for him, but he felt kind of uncomfortable during History class for some reason, and he wasn't in the mood to find out why, thought that it's just the girls again.

After the sword fighting class, and a quick shower, he meets up with all his friends in the canteen for the first and final time of the week.

"Isn't it fast? The singing competition is just two days away!" Kairi said excitedly.

Sora nodded then added, "And the sword fighting competition is in a week's time. Man! I wanna slash my sword at those opponents! They are no match for me!"

Roxas couldn't help but chuckled at Sora's childish-like confidence, "Don't be so sure, Sora. Remember, Cloud Strife is going to join this year. And only one of us will have the chance to duel with him."

"So? I'll beat him! I'll be the one who would duel with him! I'll defeat that spiky-head!" Sora exclaimed with determination.

"You're the spiky-head," Riku said with a small smile on his face.

Sora turned to Riku then said, "So you're saying I can't beat him, aren't you, Riku?"

Riku simply nodded, which caused Sora's face to heat up and only reddened even more when Riku added, "I don't even think you would stand a chance to duel with him."

"Don't underestimate me, Riku. I'll defeat him for real. Why don't we make a bet, whoever beats Cloud Strife, will get 500 munny from the loser. What do you say, Riku?" Sora (stupidly) suggested the deal.

Riku's smile grew larger as he heard the amount of the 'prize', "You got yourself a bet, my friend. Ready to hand over the cash."

"What if none of you win?" Namine asked the two boys who are sending daggers through their glare.

"There's no need to worry about that, hon. One of us is going to win, and it's going to be me." Riku said and wrapped his arm around Namine's waist, pulling her closer to him. Riku sure has no problem showing his affection to Namine, he doesn't care who sees and what they say. All he needs is just Namine. "After all, I have you there to cheer for me."

"No~ It's going to be me." Sora retorted.

"Nope. It's me." Riku fought back.

"No~ Me!"

"Nope. Me."

"Me!"

"Me."

"Me!"

"Me."

"Me!"

"Me."

"Me!"

"Stop making yourself a fool, Sora."

"C-Come on, guys! Stop! If any of you get hurt now, it's 'so long competition' for the both of you!" Roxas tried to convince them to stop arguing. Sora always wanted to be better than Riku (even though he doesn't quite show it), that's why he often argued with him out of jealousy.

'Why can't he think of other ways to be jealous?' Roxas thought to himself when the glare the other two threw at each other started to fade. When Roxas noticed their shoulders relaxed, he knew the fight was over. Fights between them never last long anyway, after all, they are best friends. Then, he focused on the girl's conversation.

"It's normal to be nervous. We are human after all. Just try your best and we'll pray for the best too." He heard Namine said to Xion, who smiled back at the blonde.

"Yup! We will be there to cheer you on, Xion. You'll win for sure!" Kairi said and the others looked at her and gave her a smile or nod, telling her they would be there to cheer her on.

Xion smiled even wider and thanked them. "Thank you, guys. You all are the best."

Roxas found himself smiling wider too, that's something Xion never failed to affect him. Her smile, laugh and playful energy. They are like a good virus, influence him and his heart. Roxas felt something flutter in his stomach whenever she smiles, and he didn't mind that feeling. In fact, he loves how it felt.

Lunch ended eventually and so was school. The last piano practice that Xion had with Roxas was fluent and she played the whole song, while singing, without making any mistakes. As a reward for her excellent performance, Roxas treated her Sea Salt Ice Cream for the day. They spent a very great time together but eventually it was time for Xion to go home. After bidding each other farewell, Xion turned and walked home. Roxas, too, retreated back into his home and entered his bedroom.

Like all the lazy girls and boys around the world, he flopped onto his bed on his belly right after he entered the room. Moaned into his pillow with pleasure after another tiring school day, he started to think about his life in this pass few weeks. The 'Natalie kissed him' incident still bothered him, and ever since Natalie acted nice, things may be better but the irritating feeling never left. He just couldn't figure it out. Why is Natalie being nice? Flippe too. Why?

"Sigh… I really don't want to think about them right now…" With that, Roxas closed his eyes and drifted off to a dreamless nap.

~*~*~ Sing Me A Song ~*~*~

Thursday, one day till competition countdown

It was early in the morning when Roxas's cell phone rang, and he was still in bed. Woke up and picked himself up from the lying position, he grabbed his bag and began to fumble his hand around, in search of the little digital device. After a good 10 seconds or so, he finally grabbed hold of the vibrating cell phone.

"Hello? *yawn* Roxas Hikari speaking."

"Yo! Roxas! Is me, Torue. And~ Jarred!" Two different voices said.

"Oh! Hello, guys! What's up?" Roxas greeted them. Torue and Jarred are both of his History classmates and friends. Torue and Jarred are cousins and live together because Jarred is transferred from Radiant Leaf, and his parents are still there in Hallow Bastion. A unique skill of his is able to copy someone's writing really good and they seldom have flaws. However, that skill of his had caused him problem in Radiant Leaf when he copied his doctor's writing onto a paper to fake his absences. Both of them, just like him, are really interested with the ancient Keyblades.

"We would like to share a marvelous news with you! Guess what!" Jarred exclaimed.

"What is it?"

"There is a Keyblade exhibition in a town named Twin Hills tomorrow!"

~*~*~ Sing Me A Song ~*~*~

"OMG! Keyblade exhibition! Tomorrow! Keyblade Exhibition! Oh my god, I'm so excited!" A certain blonde said happily as he walked up the path to Xion's house. Earlier that day, Torue, Jarred and he had chatted non-stop about the Keyblade exhibition and they planned to discuss more about it later with other History classmates who are interested to go with them as well. Just thinking about the plan make Roxas grinned and full of excitement.

Unintentionally, Roxas started to skip happily like a girl. Well, no one would around here at this kind of time, so he just let his body act so childishly.

"Hi, Roxas!" a familiar voice called out to him.

Roxas abruptly stopped and looked up to the voice. The grin on his face widens. "Xion!" He called out and ran towards her.

"You seem to be very happy today. What happened?" Xion questioned him when he stopped in front of her.

"Oh! How do you know that?"

"I believe everyone would think of that when they saw a teenage boy skipping around like a 5 year old girl who got a new dress." Roxas flushed in embarrassment when he heard that. OMG… She saw that?

"You saw that?"

Xion nodded. Roxas blushed even redder. That is so embarrassing… Then, his best friend asked again, "So, what made you so happy?"

"You know Torue and Jarred from my History class?" Xion nodded slightly to him before he continued, "They told me this morning that tomorrow an exhibition of the ancient Keyblades would be held in Twin Hills! They said they would be able to drive me and a few of the other History class students to the exhibition tomorrow after school! Can you believe it? ! After so many years, I got to see the Keyblades with my own eyes!"

Suddenly, Xion's eyes went wide. She must be so surprised to know the news like he did. "R-Roxas… Are you sure it's tomorrow?"

Roxas nodded excitedly then said, "Yup! I really can't believe it! Real Keyblades and I got to see them! This is a once in a lifetime chance!" Just thinking about laying his eyes on one made his adrenaline rushed!

"B-But, do you have to go tomorrow? Not on Saturday?" Xion asked. Why does she sound so worried?

"Jarred said it is a one-day only exhibition, so if I missed out tomorrow, I missed out forever!" Roxas explained to her.

He noticed the look Xion gave him is quite… How to put it… Different. Like she's hurt. But, that's impossible. She doesn't seem to be sick or anything.

"Where is Twin Hills?" The question came out from Xion suddenly.

"Huh? Oh. I don't know either. Torue said he knows where it is, so he would bring us there." Roxas answered. "Isn't this awesome? ! I finally got to see a Keyblade!"

"Yes, it is. But-" Unfortunately, Roxas unintentionally cut off her sentence.

"I can hardly wait. It's gonna be the best day of my life forever!" Roxas turned and started to walk down the path. When he didn't hear a pair of footsteps behind him, he turned his head and found out that Xion didn't follow him; she stood motionless at the same location. Not quite sure why she acted like that, he called out to her, "Hey Xion! You're coming or not!?"

Xion shot up then she replied, "Ya! Coming!" She started to walk down the path. Roxas turned his back to the front when he saw Xion started to follow him, but he didn't know that Xion had kept a distance between them.

The both of them walked to their school in locked silent, only the sound of the birds and the rustling of the leaves are heard along the whole way. Roxas thought that Xion wants to enjoy the 'voice of nature' (as she called it), since she didn't break the silence. So he continued thinking of the up-coming trip and things he should bring. 'Camera. Hope they allow us to take photos.'

Soon, they reached the school and went to their lockers. After Xion took her stuffs, she directly went to her class, not even a saying a word to Roxas. On the other hand, Roxas didn't realize it, as his mind was only full of the excitement for the exhibition and soon, Torue and other History class classmates started to crowd around him, talking with him non-stop about the exhibition till the bell rang.

Lunch time came and Roxas was walking out from his class when the group of History class classmates came up to him again. All of them were talking altogether; different words and voices entered his ears, making him dizzy. Now he knows how celebrities feel around paparazzi. Feeling a migraine going to show up, he quickly interrupted, "Wow wow wow. Can you all don't speak at the same time? I can hardly understand a thing you are saying."

Quickly, the 8 students surrounding him like security guards and him as the president, stopped their inaudible gibbering. Roxas let out a sigh when the ringing in his head stopped as well. "Now. What are you guys trying to tell me?"

Torue was the one to speak out, "We're just planning to talk about the plan for tomorrow during lunchtime. You must join us."

"Oh. Sorry. I already planned to have lunch with my friend, Xion. Maybe next time." Roxas declined.

"That's not a problem. You see, Zayas passed me a note just now. She said it's for you." Perny, a boy with black hair, said as he pulled out a slip of paper from his pocket then offered it to the spiky blonde in front of him.

Roxas took it then read her handwriting in his mind. 'Roxas, sorry! I won't be able to join you with lunch today. Mr. Luxord called me and said he had to discuss a homework that I didn't do well on. Sorry again!'

'Business Studies homework? Does she mean the balance sheet one? I'm pretty sure she did okay on that…' Roxas's thought was cut off by Jarred's loud voice.

"So? Are you coming?"

Roxas gave one more look on the note. Well, since Xion won't be able to join lunch with him. He might as well just join them. It's better than just eating alone. "Ya. Sure."

Lunchtime of the day was…. Different for Roxas. He has been having lunchtime with Xion every day; he didn't expect him to be so uncomfortable with the sudden change in his everyday routine. Without the familiar female face beside or in front of him almost drive him to the edge of nervousness. Okay… Maybe that was a bit too exaggerating. But he did feel really uncomfortable with the people around him. They might be friends (well, most of them are acquaintances), but the smiles, pats on back and casual chat made the spiky blonde felt really uneasy for some reason. Their closeness with him since the morning seems to cause him claustrophobic, his stomach somersaulted, migraine coming to visit little by little and he had to have an urge of to puke right there and then (and tried his very best to hold it back). He felt like a lamb under the eyes of wolves, playing with their prey before they finish it off.

But he hid it all behind his smiling mask and energetic voice. Maybe they just want to know him better? Not all of them have the same classes with him except for History. Perhaps they take this chance to talk with him? But something is a bit off… Their friendliness is a bit…. Unnatural. Fake, in a way. But then again, like a lamb being preyed on, he better go along with the 'game' if he wants to get through it. Maybe he can slowly get used to it.

And so he talked, laughed and smiled with them. Trying his best to conceal the uneasiness from them, hoping his mask won't crack and betray him. He really hopes Xion would just show up behind him. He would be so glad to leave the group and join her; she's one of the few people who can allow him to be himself. But she never showed up behind his back, thus he had to endure it for now.

"Curse you Luxord for taking Xion away…" Roxas cursed silently.

When lunchtime finally ends and the next class started, Roxas let out a sigh of relief, feeling better after he was once again free from the cylinder wall of people. However, Roxas wouldn't be able to sit next to Xion because someone had taken the seat he usually sat. This caused him and Xion to be one seat apart from each other, and also caused them unable to talk secretly at all.

'Great… And I thought I can ask her how the discussion with Mr. Luxord was…' Roxas thought sadly as he started to take down notes.

The rest of the day is boring and uneventful. Roxas had just exited the class when the same group of History class people came to surround him yet again, like crazy fangirls, only they are guys, not girls. Ken suggested they should mark out the plan back at his place so everything would be more organized.

Roxas tried to deny again, but another note from Xion (as told by Torue) had stopped him. This time, the note reads: 'Roxas, you can't believe it! Mr. Zexion called me. Said he needs to describe the story 'Animal Farm' to me in detail because I fail to make the report 'more like a literature one would'. Sorry again. Go home without me. See you tomorrow.'

'Animal Farm? Hm… I don't remember Xion mentioned it before. I thought she's reading 'How to Kill a Mocking Bird'.' Roxas thought.

"Coming? You better if you don't wanna miss the ride tomorrow." Ken said, making Roxas frown slightly. He didn't really want to tag along with them, since he already did for most of his free time in school. But he didn't want to miss the ride either. "*sigh* Okay. But just for a while." Roxas said, putting on his mask once again.

"That's what we wanna hear. Come on," Ken placed an arm around his shoulder, making Roxas shudder, but left unnoticed. "Off to my house."

Together, the group of 9 walked out of school. And the blonde laughed half-heartedly when one of them brings up a random joke. He knows today just would not be the same…

~*~*~Sing Me A Song~*~*~

Friday, the day of the competition

"Today's the day~ Keyblade Exhibition!" Roxas said happily as he quickly dressed, he could hardly wait for the school to start, end then off he goes, to the exhibition!

After having a simple breakfast, he headed towards Xion's house, and heard their 'arguments' as usual. Those two are always the same. Picked Xion up, the two of them then go to school. Along the way, Roxas couldn't help but only talk about the exhibition later. He was so excited and he also told her how many photos he would take with his camera (or secretly use his phone's built-in camera if the exhibition does not allow the use of cameras), and everything else that he knew about the exhibition from the group told him yesterday.

Xion listened to him with a smile on her face, nodding her head softly when he mentioned something interesting (which for him is almost everything he said). As a listener, Xion had done a great job and Roxas really appreciates it. He always likes to share things with his friends, especially with Xion, since they both have quite a lot in common. Oh. Axel too of course.

School was utterly bored but Roxas tried his best to make the best out of it by thinking about having lunch with Xion, Kairi and Riku, and then visit the Keyblade Exhibition after school. The school would not look so bored now he has happy thoughts. Or so he thought…

During lunchtime, the same group of History classmates circled around him again and asked him to join them for lunch. Roxas wanted to decline their offer when a student suddenly showed up and told him that his friends, Riku and Kairi, already had their lunch before him due to a slight change in their schedule. The student claimed that Kairi and Riku had requested him to pass the message to him because they are late for their next class. After hearing that, Roxas thought he would be having lunch with Xion only for the day, but yet another note proved him wrong.

'Roxas. Sorry again. I thought we can have lunch together today, but then Mr. Xigbar called me. Really, oh god why? Anyway, Mr. Xigbar wants to discuss about my writing, grammar and stuff. So I can't join you again. Sorry!' Those are what written on the note.

'Again? Really, why all teachers are calling her? I need her too.' Roxas was shocked at his own thought. N-Need her? Why did he use such strong word? It's like she is a part of his life. Without her, he would die or something. Well… Xion is his best friend, apart from Axel. But, does he need her? An unfamiliar sensation spread throughout his body, making him shudder. 'W-What…. What is this feeling?'

"Hey! Are you listening or not?" Torue snapped him out of his trance.

"Oh! Sorry. Just… Thinking…" Roxas replied.

"So, again. Coming?" Perny repeated.

Roxas frowned slightly, hoping it left unnoticed by the group of classmates before him. Another lunch time with them? It's not that he dislikes them. They all are nice to him. It's the atmosphere he didn't like and the uneasiness it brings. But, just like yesterday, he didn't want to eat alone or with some random students, and they wanted to sum up the plan for later in the day. He pretty much has no choice but to agree to their offer. 'Just one more day with them. It's not like it will kill me. Yeah. It won't kill me.' Then, he walked off with them.

~*~*~Sing Me A Song~*~*~

(Same day, lunchtime, Kairi's side of the story)

"Aaaah~ That class sure is boring…" Kairi murmured as she walked to her own locker. "Well, at least I got to eat with Xion and Roxas~"

Happily, Kairi opened her locker, not noticing a slip of paper fall out and landed onto the floor. After she placed all the textbooks of the previous classes into her locker and took those for the classes after lunch. She shut her locker up and locked it. Right before she's about to leave, she just happened to look down to make sure her shoelaces are still tied and noticed the slip of paper.

"What's this?" Kairi kneeled down to take the paper then read the content. "Kairi. This is Xion. Let's have lunch outside at one of the picnic tables today. Roxas won't be able to join today. He said he had to meet Mr. Xigbar, about his grammar or something. I might show up late as well, so start without me. See ya soon!"

"Outside huh? Sounds good. I wonder does Riku know about this… Maybe Xion gave him the same note as well. Hm… I wonder why Xion didn't contact us using text messages… Nah. I should go meet them now." Kairi told herself and walked to the door, which leads to an outdoor corridor that would bring her to the outdoor eating area, which also connects to the canteen.

Once she's there, a head of silver hair caught her eyes. "Riku!"

The said silver-haired boy moved his eyes from a novel he was currently reading and looked up to the person who called out his name. "Oh. Hi, Kairi. I see you have received the same note from Xion as well." Riku said and shut the book in his hand.

Kairi walked forward and sat down in front of him. "Ya. It's been a while since we ate out here too. Seems like Xion missed it, huh?"

Riku simply nodded then stated, "Xion mentioned that we should start before her. And too bad Roxas won't be able to join us today."

"Hm… Mr. Xigbar seldom called students to stay back after class or meet him in the office. I wonder why he's calling Roxas now? Okay~ I'll go buy my lunch now." Kairi said then went to buy her lunch, Riku stayed behind to let people know that the table was occupied. After Kairi came back, he went to buy his lunch. Eventually, the both of them sat in front of each other at the picnic table, eating their lunch in a steady pace, waiting for their ravenette friend to show up.

"What's taking Xion so long? It's already been 10 minutes." Kairi asked and inserted a piece of carrot in her mouth.

Riku shrugged and replied, "I don't know. Normally, she should be here by now… Let's just wait again." Then, he put a spoonful of his fried rice into his mouth then chewed.

"Okay…" Kairi said the continued her lunch. But no matter how delicious her lunch is today, she still couldn't shake off a bad feeling… Like someone she cares about is going to get hurt… Badly.

~*~*~Sing Me A Song~*~*~

(Same day, back to Roxas's side of the story)

Lunch… What can he say? It didn't feel like he was having a lunch break; he felt like he was having an acting class, one that he needs to do perfectly on in his current situation. Unable to have lunch with Xion, he had another lunch with his History class acquaintances. They said they would like to sum up the plan during lunch, but it didn't seem like that at all. Right after they found a vacant table and all of them had gotten out or purchased their lunches, they chatted about anything but the plan.

Why do they tell him to eat with them if they're not going to talk about the plan at all? Now to think about it, if they didn't want to talk about the plan, he'll just go eat outside. It had been a while since he last ate out there anyway.

"Sorry guys. But it seems like we don't need to sum up the plan. I believe we don't need to as well, since we did that thoroughly yesterday. So, if you guys can excuse me, I have a place to be." Roxas said politely as he readied to stand up.

The students stopped their gibbering then said in unison, "No."

Roxas was caught off guard by their answer. "W-What?"

"We would like you to stay, Roxas. It's just that, we seldom spent time together except History class. And keep on talking about the exhibition is a bit boring –we know- but if we don't say we want to sum up the plan, you won't join us. Sorry that we lied. We just wanna talk about other stuffs with you other than the same topic. So, can you stay? We can sum up the plan before lunch end if you really want." Torue explained with a small smile.

Roxas looked at his friend, then to the group of History classmates. They just wanted to hang out with him more? The whole thing... Is it really what he thought it was? They used this opportunity to know him more? "You guys… Really just want to hang out with me?"

They nodded slightly.

The spiky blonde-haired boy let out a sigh then smiled softly back to them. Oddly, he realized he didn't remove his mask fully. Why did he do that for? Now he knew they just want to know him more, there's no need to hide. But why is the mask still on? Is there something his conscience knows about but he didn't? What's wrong?

"Okay. I'll stay." Roxas said, the hesitation in his tone was left unknown.

The conversation that was stopped earlier continued and Roxas found himself participating in the conversation. They talked about games, sports, jokes, memes and a lot more. Roxas didn't talk as much as they are, but at least he was conversing with them, stopped whenever he went back to eating.

In the middle of a conversation, one of the classmates asked him whether he can borrow his cell phone for a while. His phone credit was finished and he really needed to reply an important message from his mother. Being the kind boy he always was, Roxas lent out his cell phone without a second thought. The classmate thanked him then did what he needed to do. Roxas went back to the conversation with Torue, Jarred and Ken. The classmate returned him his cell phone a few minutes later, Roxas simply slid it back into his pocket without a look.

Soon, the bell rang. Lunch time is over.

And like in a blink of an eye. It was the last class of the day. Once again, Roxas wasn't able to sit next to Xion, some girl had taken his usual seat and the teacher had entered the class. He let out an inaudible sigh then sat down on a nearby vacant seat. The class was okay for the blonde. Despite he's writing down the notes from the slides onto his own notebook, he couldn't erase the smile on his face; he couldn't stop thinking about the Keyblade exhibition. Just a few more minutes more then he can go see real keyblades. Just thinking about those fascinating ancient weapons made Roxas even more excited.

Finally, the school end bell rang throughout the school. Students flooded into the hallways like water and Roxas was going to be one of them as well. After placing his stuffs into his bag, Roxas turned to see Xion, but only saw her seat was empty. She had already left before him. "Xion…" Why did she leave so fast?

Roxas took his bag then exited the class, heading towards his locker to put the books he didn't need in. When he reached his locker, Xion was nowhere in sight. Did she really leave already? Why is she in such a hurry? They haven't even said goodbye to each other. To think about it, they hardly spent any time together today… He missed the old time. He let out another sigh then opened his locker. Suddenly, a note slipped out from within. He caught it before it dropped onto the floor. 'What's this?'

Roxas unfolded the paper then read: 'Hi Roxas, is me Xion. I got a little depressed after meeting Mr. Xigbar. I got quite a low mark on that essay and I put a lot of efforts in it! It's not like I want my grammar to be that bad. Geez… Anyway, I went home earlier to chill off this frustration. Sorry that I left earlier. Go have fun at the exhibition; we can talk after you come back from it. Have fun!'

'Xion got low mark on English? Her grammar wasn't that bad, but chilling off a frustration of hers is what she usually does. We usually chilled off together with Axel, ice cream and on top of the clock tower.' Roxas thought. He would love to accompany and be a listener for her while she cursed out her frustration with ice cream, but he has an exhibition to go to. Axel normally would take his place if he's absent, but today was Friday; Axel has his part time job. 'Sorry, Xi. That you have to chill off all by yourself…'

Roxas shoved the note into his pocket then placed his stuffs into the locker. He got some revision books out then locked his locker. The gang of History acquaintances walked up to him. "Seems like you're ready. Let's go, Roxas. To the exhibition!" Jarred exclaimed in an excited tone. The blonde smiled slightly then nodded his head before he followed them to the front door with them surrounding him yet again. He still felt uncomfortable trapped in the middle of them.

Once they stepped out of the school building, Roxas felt the warm afternoon sunlight shining down on him. After being trapped indoor for such long hours, it felt so good to be out in the sun. 'Hmm… I hope I can get back before sunset…' To Roxas, he believes there's nothing better than eating ice cream with Xion and Axel while talking about the exhibition he went, Xion cursed about the teachers and Axel cursed about his extra works from his cheap boss. Surely they had things to talk about today. It had been a long time since they have been on the clock tower, just chilling out and talking. He missed those days…

"Hey, Roxas." Torue's voice snapped the blonde out of his daze. "Do you think they will have the infamous X-Blade out for display?"

Roxas chuckled at his question. "I don't think so, Torue. The X-Blade had been destroyed by the Keyblade Masters centuries ago. Even though it was said that the X-Blade was used in the war, it was actually still a weapon under construction. It was strong despite being an incomplete work –just imagining how powerful it would be if it was forged to perfectness- but it was weak enough for the keyblades to destroy it. So I believe they won't have the X-Blade for display, I doubt they even found a broken piece of it." (A.N.: I haven't finished KH: BBS, so my knowledge of X-Blade is practically 0. So this was made up, and that means: Please don't believe this 'fact'.)

Torue clapped his hands softly at Roxas's answer. "That was awesome. No wonder you always get A in tests. You really read your textbooks and did your research."

Roxas smiled at the compliment. "Thanks Torue. The history of the Keyblade War is just so… Interesting. So I couldn't help to learn more of it and the weapons." When he finished his sentence, they had exited the front gate. Not far from them was a jeep, large enough to fit in their gang of 9 students.

"Okay, guys. Get in the jeep. And don't dirty my baby!" Ken sternly told them from the driver's seat.

"Okay okay, Ken. We're coming and don't worry about your 'baby'. She'll be clean."Torue said as he followed the others and climbed onto the jeep's backseat.

Roxas oddly found himself sighing without a reason. His hand slid into his pocket and pulled out the note from Xion. Something feels… "Strange…" Roxas whispered as he re-read the note.

"Hey, Roxas! What are you doing? Come in already." Jarred called out to him.

"Oh! Coming." Roxas placed the note into his school bag then climbed into the backseat of the jeep, shutting the door after he entered. The jeep has 8 seats: The front section of the jeep consists of the driver and passenger's seats, the middle has three seats, same as the number of seats at the back. It wasn't really cramped with 9 people in the jeep since some of them are quite thin.

"Next destination: Twin Hills." Ken said then started the engine. It roared into life then soon, the jeep drove away from Twilight Starz High.

Roxas looked out of the window until the school was finally out of view. The strange feeling that he experienced during lunch time had surfaced once again. If it was warning about him of an incoming danger, he had no chance of escaping now.

And that is the end of this chap. Sorry if it doesn't satisfy you. The next chap would be better, I promise!

Below are the characters' full name who appears in this chapter :

Sora Hiranaga

Kairi Minami

Namine Kaneko

Riku Fukuda

Roxas Hikari

Olette Yasashi

Hayner Kettei

Pence Kashiko

Xion Zayas

Characters that have no surname so far:

Lexaeus

Torue

Jarred

Ken & other History classmates

Don't forget a review, or fav, or alert! Thx u! :D