Hot damn, I have over a 100 readers =O. Wow! Thanks everyone for reading my story. I cranked this chapter pretty quick compared to my other updates.
Review! Review! I eat them like candy. I would really like to know who my readers are =). Even if it's a one word comment, lol. Supporting other fanfiction authors is a great way to give back =D! Maybe if I get more reviews, I'll pump out the next chapter quickly too =P :::dangles motivational candy=.
Not enough bait? Fine, no new chappie for you, mwhaha. Just kidding, but to hear from you guys would be great.
QUESTION: I had this awesome dream about Peter Pan =O. The dream came out to nine pages when I typed it, lol. Should I add my dream to the Peter Pan fanfiction?
(Um, I don't mean for the Peter Pan fic to be in THIS fic lol. I mean it as its own fic lol)
I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Disney.
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PART IV
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250th Day
VII.
.
Her lips write love letters,
stamped and finally mailed out after keeping them inside her dusty heart box for so long.
.
He is unmoving, still like a broken mailbox,
unable to read the incoming mail.
.
Kairi's fingers glide down the soft plains of his cheeks,
to his chin, neck, shoulders.
.
Sora lets her have this moment,
unsure if this will be a good or bad memory.
.
She presses her body further against him.
Sora knows he has to stop playing pretend.
.
His hands grip her arms, unlatching them from his shoulders.
Slowly, he cups her cheeks and their lips let go.
.
Kairi is breathing quietly. Their foreheads lean against each other.
She moves for another kiss. Sora glances at the lamp lights above instead.
.
"I'm sorry." Sora whispers, his eyebrows furrow.
He gazes back at her, doesn't like the question in her eyes.
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"I love you." The redhead mutters, interlacing their fingers.
He pulls away, creating distance from her confession.
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"Kairi, I ca-"
.
"I love you." Kairi repeats louder.
.
"I can't." Sora shakes his head.
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"Why not?" She knows she shouldn't have asked.
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"I don't love you…in that way." Sora lowers his head.
.
The letters burn.
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The Princess of Heart stares at him, sitting on her knees, hands in her lap.
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"I thought…you…" She replies weakly.
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"I did." Sora answers, knuckles white with tight fists.
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"Is it because of Riku?" The redhead wants her voice to be heavy with anger, her heart won't let her. She can't seem to do anything right lately.
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"Let's not bring him up, please?" Sora asks, stands, his back to her.
.
"Please?" Kairi echoes incredulously, following his actions. "You love him!" She shouts in place of a question.
Sora spins around, pulls her into a hug, forcing her arms to her side.
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"I couldn't keep our promise." Sora's tone is forlorn.
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"What?" Kairi is caught off guard.
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"When we were on the dock back on the islands. You made me promise I wouldn't change. I can't keep that promise, I never could." Sora explains.
Kairi shoves him aside and rubs her arms, shivering with rejection.
.
She turns and walks away, her head bent. He follows her for a few moments and decides better of it.
He watches her disappear into the embrace of shadows.
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Sora sweeps up the ashes of her dead letters and isn't sure if he should dumb them in the garbage.
.
251st Day
VIII.
.
The Princess of Heart stands next to Queen Minnie in the gummi hanger.
Steam rises from golden tubes, pipes churn like wheels of a train, screeching against their ears.
.
"I hope I can come back soon, when things are a bit calmer." Belle says, carrying a canvas bag with wooden handles.
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"That would be lovely dear; I'll make sure to arrange it." Minnie agrees, clapping her hands together.
Belle attempts to be at ease with Kairi's quiet demeanor. Their hearts connect and she knows something is off but does not ask.
Kairi isn't a child, she is sure she can take care of herself.
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"I hope you'll visit me when you have the chance." Belle says, kneeling to peer at Kairi's face.
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"Sure, I'd like that." Kairi replies, collecting a few strands of strawberry hair in her hand, twirling the tips with her fingers.
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"Ok." Belle finalizes, bites her lips, and straightens her posture.
"I'd better be going. Take care of yourselves!" She waves, jogging towards the gummi ship's entrance. "Bye!"
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"Bye Belle!" Minnie waves energetically. The gummi hatch slides shut.
The pair walks toward the control center where Chip and Dale busy themselves preparing the ship for takeoff.
The assembled party watches the ship lift from the ground, thrusters humming to life.
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"What a lovely girl." Minnie comments. The hanger walls rattle as the aircraft zooms off.
Kairi gazes at the bulky golden gears, shifting with the passing seconds. "And to think, it seems more people are deciding to leave."
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This catches the Princess of Heart's attention. Lifting an eyebrow, she asks, "What do you mean?"
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"Aerith didn't tell you?" Minnie questions, fully facing the redhead.
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~O~
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"You're leaving?" Axel utters, sitting on his bed and putting his boots on. Aerith leans against the wall by the dresser, nodding in confirmation.
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"Yes. I have some business in Radiant Garden to attend to." Aerith elaborates, watching the redhead's spiky hair bob with his movement.
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"I didn't think you would." Axel states offhandedly. He slips on a black sleeveless top, deciding not to wear a black net shirt underneath.
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"Me either. I do not want to but…" Aerith eyes the drawn curtain, squeezing her hands together.
"It is a serious matter I cannot ignore. I am sorry."
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"Sorry?"
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"Yes. I want to help you." She walks forward, eyes friendly and apologetic.
"It is silly, really. All this time I wanted to protect you. Keep a close eye."
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"Why? You hardly know me." Axel stands, tugs at his shirt, and gazes at the healer.
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"I know, but I thought I could at least protect your chance at living." Aerith pulls at her braid.
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"Because I was a Nobody?" Axel leans on the bed post, crossing his arms.
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"Because everyone thought you were. They were scared what the possibility of your presence meant." She smiles.
"I myself was scared at first, but I did not want to discriminate against something I never got to experience myself."
Her mind conjures memories of Merlin, drinking tea and eating star shaped cookies in his home in the late afternoon.
"I always believed Nobodies were not bad people, just misguided ones. I still do.
Now that you have a heart, you can decide for yourself if the path you chose was the right one."
Aerith is startled by her watery vision. Her eyes widen as a pair of arms encircle around her shoulders, pulling her close to a strong chest.
Axel leans his chin against her head, eyelids heavy.
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"You did protect me, when I was asleep, remember?" He comments jokingly. "You didn't know who I was and you still gave me a chance.
That's more than a thank you can cover." Axel laughs, pulling away. "It's weird."
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"What is?" Aerith questions. The redhead wipes the tear from her eyes.
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"It's my heart." He pauses, pulling his hand away. "Even though we're strangers, you feel like a sister to me in some weird way."
Axel says awkwardly, rubbing his head. "Just what I think my heart is saying."
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"Oh." Aerith smiles. "That's sweet."
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"Whatever, gotta make the ladies feel good, right?" He receives a punch in the arm while fighting down a blush.
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"Well, it does not hurt to try and understand yourself." Aerith inputs sarcastically, eyeing him critically.
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"Aerith?" Said healer and Axel turn to find Kairi halfway through the door, peeking at the scene with a cheerless blue eye; her hand gripping the knob tightly.
.
~O~
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"What should I do?" Sora mumbles to himself, staring at the pond in the outer gardens of Disney Castle.
Blue fish spotted white swim in the murky water, the surface dotted with moss. The brunette lies on the grass, yawning.
"I need to fix things."
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"Sora!" Said keyblade master jerks his head towards the source of the voice.
Riku wears a gray shirt as he hurries to slip on a sleeveless zip up hoodie.
Sora scrambles to his feet, surprised the silver haired teen is-
.
"Whoa!" Sora shouts. Riku grabs his wrist and races off, the brunette stumbling behind in confusion.
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"Slow down! What are you doing?" Sora shouts, trying to keep pace with him as they enter the castle.
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"Kairi didn't say anything about leaving the castle, did she?" Riku rushes to question, pushing the tension aside.
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"Wait, what?"
.
~O~
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"If you think it's for the best." Minnie gazes carefully at Kairi, servants carrying her bags into the gummiship.
Aerith sits on a ledge by the control center, her feet swaying. Axel leans against the wall, his face expressionless.
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"Yeah. It's mo-"
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"Kairi!" Sora staggers into the hanger, gasping for breath. Riku follows, looking around quickly, spotting the Princess of Heart.
"What are you doing?" The brunette jogs down the ramp, eyes riddled with why's and what if's.
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Queen Minnie switches her gaze between the assembled trio.
"I'll be right over there dear." Minnie says quietly, walking towards Aerith and Axel.
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Kairi avoids Sora's don't do this to me face, isn't sure if she wants to look at Riku's what's wrong eyes.
She decides to stare at the gears, clicking in place, the sound tapping at her skull, whispering it's time to go as a reminder.
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"You're leaving?" Sora is tempted, but isn't silly enough to ask-
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"Why?" Riku inquires, trying to gauge her expression. The redhead keeps her eyes trained on the gears.
.
~O~
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"Aerith?" Said healer and Axel turned to find Kairi halfway through the door, peeking at the scene with a cheerless blue eye; her hand gripping the knob tightly.
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"What are you doing here?" wondered Axel.
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"Is it true?" Kairi closed the door and approached the pair. "You're going back to Radiant Garden?"
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"Oh, yes." Aerith smiled somberly. "I apologize for it being short notice, but-"
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"Take me with you!" Kairi shouted, startling the older pair.
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"What? I can-"
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"Please!" Kairi took the brunette's hand, squeezing it tightly. "I want to see my home world."
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"This is not the time for sightseeing. You can come another time." Aerith stated firmly, placing her hands on the younger girl's shoulders.
"I am not going for a quick visit; I have serious business to attend to there."
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"What brought this up?" Axel inquired, eyes prodding.
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"I'm going." Kairi finalized, pulling away from Aerith's grasp. "I lost my home, my parents, my grandmother, my memories, and I lost So-"
She takes a deep breath. "What makes you think I'm going there for fun at a time like this?"
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Axel cringed as he crossed his arms.
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"I know you have." Aerith bit her lip and interlaced her fingers. "I did not want to make it seem that way.
It is just…There is a serious matter that has the whole city in an uproar. I have to go and help."
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"Then let me go with you. I can help." Kairi smiled is faint, ghost of what it used to be.
"Radiant Garden is where I came from. I've never been back there yet." Kairi's heart constricted. "Let me be useful."
.
Aerith was taken aback by the Princess of Heart's sudden tone, helpless and tired, cracked like paint chipping off the wall.
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"Are you sure?" Axel asked.
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"Why don't you come too?" Kairi suggested to the other redhead. "You lived there once."
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"Uh, wait a minute." Axel waved his hands in panic. "This isn't about me. I have things to do to you know. I just can't up and leave."
.
Kairi twisted her mouth in a frown.
.
~O~
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"I'm going to Radiant Garden with Aerith." Kairi decides to look at Riku to sound more convincing.
.
"Aerith's leaving too?" Sora shifts his gaze towards the healer.
.
"I want to see my homeland." Kairi places simply. Riku and Sora stare at her,
homeland rolling of her tongue with the finality equal to a thoroughly baked goodbye.
.
"Your home is…" Sora trails off, not sure what she means by her answer.
Kairi steps closer with more confidence. Her heart beeps in danger, tells her to back away.
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"I need to straighten out some things." Kairi explains, drawing her attention to the eldest companion.
"I never went back, I need to know…" She isn't able to form a full answer, knows most of the reason isn't tucked neatly in her words.
.
"You sure?" Riku asks and receives a nod. "You're going to come back, right?" Sora looks helplessly between the two. This is happening too fast.
.
"Of course, silly!" Kairi chirps happily. She wraps her arms around Riku in a sudden embrace.
The silver haired teen stills, eyes widening as he let's go. She slaps his chest. "Don't get into too much trouble." She says fondly.
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"Wait a-" Sora is cut off as Kairi hugs him, arms wrapped around his neck.
Half heart pounding, his arms encircle her waist, wonders if a song from the ending of movies should be playing at this moment.
.
Her heart releases thoughts like a poisonous gas, invading his mind.
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"Sora, you lazy bum. I knew that I'd find you snoozing down here."
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"He's far away, but I know we'll see him again."
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"Starts with an 'S'... Right, Sora?"
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"I do, more than anything, but not with you around."
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"This time, I'LL fight!"
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"This is real."
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"One sky, one destiny."
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"Maybe..."
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"…waiting wasn't good enough." Kairi whispers into his ear before pulling away, a well placed smile on her lips. She hops backward, feigning excitement.
.
"I'll see you guys soon! Don't give me sad faces!" Kairi exclaims, waving to Aerith. The healer nods and approaches along with Axel and Minnie.
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"Aerith?" Sora gazes at the brunette, eyebrows lifted.
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"See you later. I will take care of her. She will be fine." The healer soothes. She looks towards Axel, who gives Kairi a quick hug.
.
"Decided not to come?" Kairi asks.
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"I'm not ready." Axel answers sheepishly.
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"Maybe someday." Aerith places a comforting hand on his shoulder. Axel nods and salutes.
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"Ah, go!" He shoos them away with a mischievous grin. "I refuse to make this a teary farewell." Axel bows with a flourish and the girls laugh.
.
"Thank you for letting us stay. You have been really kind." Aerith speaks as Kairi walks to the ship.
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"It was no problem. You be good now. I hope to see you soon!" The mouse queen replies pleasantly.
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Sora watches, unable to do anything. The girls walk inside the ship and the hatch closes.
.
So does Kairi's heart.
.
~O~
.
"Your majesty!" A knight appears in the doorway of the hanger. The queen beckons him forward.
"The king wishes an audience with you all." His gaze flickers to the trio of boys standing behind the queen.
.
Riku, Sora, and Axel glance at one another.
.
~O~
.
The boys bend forward to fit through the small door, following the queen into the throne room.
Riku views the enlarged space awash in white. They amble on the red carpet, leading to the throne, where Roxas stands a few feet away from King Mickey and Yen Sid.
The blonde frowns and averts his gaze upon spotting Axel in the group. The redhead's awkwardness shoves his hands into his pockets.
.
"Since things have settled." King Mickey begins and glances at the four boys standing in quiet attention.
He observes an unknown strain massage itself into their shoulders. Has he missed something?
"I thought it would be wise to clear the air and clarify a few points." Minnie takes her place beside Mickey, greeting the wizard.
"I have called back the scouts I dispatched to different worlds." The king announces.
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"I thought you wanted to monitor the worlds for any…unordinary activity." Riku says, side glancing at Axel, who stands beside Sora.
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"My scouts have reported nothing suspicious. Yen Sid and I have come to the conclusion that this is an internal issue not involving other worlds so far as we're concerned." Mickey informs.
"Yet, I'm still concerned about your well being, Sora." He admits. Minnie places a hand on her husband's shoulder in reassurance. "I propose a choice."
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"Of what?" Sora asks, stepping forward.
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"I can't take action for your choices, only those that affect my castle." Mickey explains.
"You can remain here for the time being until you figure out what needs to be done.
It is your life; I can't control what you do, even though your role as a keyblade master may affect other possibilities later."
Mickey stares directly into Sora's eyes to reiterate the seriousness of the matter.
"Axel will train until Yen Sid feels it safe enough to release him, until he is able to control what he is."
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"I don't get a choice in this?" Axel thinks, crossing his arms. He fights the urge to look at the blonde.
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"The matter with Roxas I leave to you. You brought him here and must be ready to deal with the consequences that brings." Mickey adds as Sora nods.
"On the other hand, you can return to Destiny Islands and deal with the matter there. Either way, Axel remains here."
.
The blonde haired boy looks to Sora, who shifts his weight to one leg, places a hand on his hip, eyes cloudy with thought.
.
Sora thinks he understands Mickey's reasoning. The mouse is in charge of an entire world, extending his protection to other worlds when it calls for it.
He sighs, realizing the pressure Mickey must be facing as a king and a keyblade wielder.
He can't afford to be reckless. Sora straightens his posture and bows deeply. Mickey is surprised by the gesture.
.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've been causing you." Sora says. "I've been selfish." Everyone stares in perplexity.
"I haven't been thinking about anyone's feelings, just what I thought was right."
Riku can't help the smile tugging at his mouth; surprised Sora listened to him for once.
"If it's really okay, I'd like to stay until everything gets straightened out. Going back to the island now," He looks at Axel,
"wouldn't fix anything. I need the watchful eye of the king." Sora laughs nervously, messing with his hair.
"I don't want to do something stupid again; I think this is a good place as any to keep myself in check." He turns around.
"I realize…a large part of my life isn't mine anymore."
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"Sora…" Riku whispers, shifts to look at him. Roxas is just as astonished by the answer.
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"Ever since I became the keyblade master, I became connected to all worlds." Sora stares at the double doors in the distance.
"Whatever happens in my life now can affect everything around me on a greater scale then to anyone who has something remotely close to a normal life."
Sora's hands shape unconsciously into fists. "I have to be more responsible. So please, allow us to stay a bit longer."
.
Mickey stares at the brunette, self reflecting. He gave a part of his life away when he became king.
He is responsible for a large body of people. He has to protect them in any way possible.
"I'm glad with your decision! It makes me feel better to know you still trust me with your safety." The mouse king leans back on his throne in relief.
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"Of course." Sora chirps, a grin on his face.
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"Please consider yourselves as guests in the castle. I couldn't declare as such before since the situation seemed hazy." Mickey smiles.
"I won't have guards informing me of your whereabouts every five minutes, but they'll still be weary of you."
The four boys nod in understanding. The king stands and approaches Sora. The brunette bends down to the king's level.
"I'm glad we cleared this up. Just next time, trust in your friends. We're here for you." The king extends his hand and Sora shakes it, releasing a breath.
.
Roxas watches the exchange with narrowed eyes. He moves to say something, only to have someone tap his knee.
He looks down, gazing into the black eyes of Queen Minnie.
.
"You wanted to speak to me about something?" The mouse queen asks.
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"I did?" Roxas tilts his head in confusion. Minnie grabs his hand.
.
"Come, let us walk." Queen Minnie squeaks, pulling the blonde boy away. Axel makes to go after them, but is stopped by the glare on Yen Sid's face.
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"We have to continue your training." The wizard speaks, gliding down the steps and pass an annoyed Axel.
.
~O~
.
"Your heart was about to explode if I hadn't gotten you out of there, dear."
Minnie comments, situated on a bench before a bird sculpture shaped from a flower bush. Roxas is too worked up to sit.
They had strolled through the castle for a good hour and were now resting in the inner courtyard.
.
"I should have a say in what happens in my life. Sora shouldn't have to deal with me." Roxas rants, tempted to rip a rose from the flower bed.
The Oblivion keyblade appears in his hand. He tests its weight and swings it in circular motions. Minnie's knight's approach, but she holds up her hand, ordering them back.
.
"Well, that's a step forward." Minnie says lightly. Roxas halts.
.
"What do you mean?"
.
"You accept the fact you have a life." Minnie answers, her fingers caressing a leaf tinted brown at the edges.
Roxas rolls his eyes and spins the keyblade in his hand. Minnie enjoys Roxas sudden rouge behavior, it is refreshing.
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"What else did the king tell you?" Roxas disregards her comment, sticking the keyblade into the ground, leaning his weight on it.
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"What do you mean?" The queen mimics his question.
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"When we talked yesterday. You knew I had a half heart. It's obvious the king told you. What else did he say?"
Roxas doesn't want to sound demanding, especially when her knights seem ready to rip his head off for his lack of manners.
Minnie is a breathing, living being like the rest of them, he thinks. The only difference is she has a crown on her head.
Although, he is in her castle. She doesn't have to put up with his crap.
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"The king didn't need to tell me. Like I said before, I felt it." Minnie isn't insulted by his behavior.
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"Are you like Kairi then?" Roxas turns to face her. "A Princess of Heart? I'm not sure how that all works though."
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"Oh no, dear, not me." Minnie chuckles. "I felt it through the power of the Cornerstone."
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"Cornerstone?" The knights relax when the Oblivion keyblade disappears.
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"Yes, the Cornerstone of Light." Minnie reiterates, smoothing out her dress.
"It is a sacred relic that has been a part of this world for many years. Centuries even.
The reason why our world isn't populated by heartless is because of the Cornerstone. It protects us from darkness." Minnie explains.
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"Darkness." Roxas narrows his eyes at the name, like acid in his throat. "What is it made of?"
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"It isn't exactly known how the Cornerstone came to be. What I do know is it contains light that guides and protects us." Minnie states.
"Since I am a protector of this castle, my heart is linked to that of the Cornerstone. I feel the hearts of everyone more strongly than a normal person."
.
"Oh." Roxas whispers. "Why are you telling me this? I mean, even though I asked, it seems like a vital part of this world. Why tell me about it?"
.
"The Cornerstone is common knowledge amongst the people since it used to be on display many years ago, before the castle was even built.
Intruders came to abuse its power and now we protect it." Minnie rises from the bench upon her knight signaling to her.
"We can speak later. Business waits for no one."
.
~O~
.
Kairi taps her foot inside the gummi ship, scrunches the fabric of the bag in her lap. Her eyes wonder over the stars in the universe, tear drops frozen in space.
.
"You okay?" Aerith sits in a seat across from the redhead.
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"A little tired, that's all." Kairi's answer is non committal.
.
Aerith grips the arm rest and closes her eyes. She never is one for flying in space. "Why did you really leave?"
.
"I told you already-"
.
"That is only part of the equation, I am sure." Aerith confronts her calmly. "Back in Axel's room, you were about to say something about Sora."
Kairi is quiet, unsure whether to smile or laugh. There is no room for frowning. "Sora is a part of why you left so suddenly."
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"It was crazy for me to leave like that." Kairi responds. "I didn't think I'd feel so many emotions at once, it's been awhile." Aerith opens her eyes, gazes at her quizzically.
.
"I noticed." She comments, shifting her position in the seat. "I will not push and ask what Sora did to upset you. I am here to listen if you ever do decide to tell me."
.
"Thanks." Kairi gazes at Aerith in appreciation.
.
"We should be in Radiant Garden by night time. It isn't as far of a distance to travel as Twilight Town." Aerith explains, getting a book out of her pack.
.
"Could you tell me what's happening there? You never mentioned any details." Kairi asks
.
~O~
.
She dangles an orange fish charm a few inches away from a pink nose.
A cream colored paw attempts to snatch it, but the fish charm jumps away, out of reach. The paw rest on a tanned knee.
.
The orange and white striped cat quietly meows for the charm, black eyes flecked with gold.
.
"I think food would be a better choice than a plastic fish." Yuffie comments.
She lifts her head, the fish charm attached to a phone raised above in her hand. She pushes a button to check the time.
"Hmm, Merlin should be here soon." The cat jumps into Yuffie's lap, upsetting the balance of her kneeling position.
She lands on the stone and the phone falls from her hands. The cat lunges after it, mewling in success.
.
The ninja growls, wrestles with the feline, attempting to win unscathed.
.
A few growls and cusses later, Yuffie has the strong urge to kick the animal.
However, the cat lies on the ground, belly towards the sky, rubbing its head into the stone, eyes apologetic.
.
"Aw." Yuffie gushes, scratches the cat's belly, vibrating beneath her finger tips. She can never resist a cat.
"You shouldn't be mean, you know? I was just trying to play with you a-WHOA!"
Upon turning her head, a large metal pole flies at her. She stumbles to the ground.
.
CLANK.
.
Opening a weary gray eye, Yuffie is shadowed by a tall man attired in black. The zippers on his pants and jacket jingle. He lowers the gunblade, hilt gripped in his black gloved hand.
.
The ninja quickly searches and sees the pole roll to the side. She sighs in relief and notices the cat missing, probably scared off by the incoming projectile.
.
"Find another city to harass assholes!" A burly man shouts. Two smaller men, their anger as stiff as the poles they carry, stand behind him.
They glare at the pair through the fence blocking their path. Yuffie bites her lip and stands, pocketing her cell phone.
.
"Leon." She nudges quietly, knitting her eyebrows together. The gunblade wielder grimaces in annoyance.
.
"Get lost!" Leon shouts, turns away, and heads to the entrance of Ansem's castle, ignoring the cusses that follow.
Yuffie hesitates for a few moments before running after her partner. She strolls through the entrance and pulls on a level to close the doors.
Ever since the rioting broke out, Cid, Yuffie, and Leon felt it best to make a temporary home in the castle to avoid contact with civilians.
The left over volunteers, who decided to stay with the committee secretly, supply them with food and other goods from the city.
.
"Next time pay attention to your surroundings." Leon growls, continuing his stride down the hall.
Yuffie doesn't move to argue. Of all the things she could have done, she placed herself in danger because of a cat.
.
The citizens have been thinking of creative ways to get the committee's attention, despite the high black fence, throwing things being one of them.
.
The ninja straightens her short black hair and catches up with Leon. They walk in silence until they reach Ansem's study.
.
They enter and find Merlin sitting at Ansem's desk, flipping through a book. A faceless paper doll dances on the desk top.
.
"When did you get here?" Yuffie pouts, tapping her foot. Merlin and the paper doll look at the ninja.
.
"Ah, there you are." The wizard greets, closing the book and placing it on the desk, careful not to squish his paper companion.
.
"I was waiting for you outside." Yuffie sulks, taking a seat on the floor and leaning against the bookcase.
.
"My dear girl, what would make you think I would walk the streets to get here? Do you wish harm on me?" Merlin babbles.
The paper doll shakes a pointed finger at Yuffie in disappointment. She rolls her eyes as a panel in the wall opens.
In walks Cid, a cigarette lit between his lips while scratching his throat.
.
"Hey old man, I thought you quit those?" Cid halts, gazing at the girl stupidly before rubbing his head in exasperation.
He shrugs his shoulders and throws himself into an empty arm chair.
.
"Eh, can't hurt to have one in awhile." Cid states, taking the cigarette lazily from his mouth, blowing smoke rings.
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Merlin waves a hand and the cigarette glows, startling the engineer. The tobacco stick turns to ashes and the smoke disappears.
Cid glares at the wizard, wiping the ashes off his white shirt.
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"Do that when I'm not around, the smoke burns my throat." The wizard informs. The paper doll flies to his face and adjusts his glasses.
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"What's this about Merlin?" Leon questions, having lost his patience the second he entered the castle. "Where are the volunteers anyway?"
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"I let them have the day off." Merlin says, leaning forward, placing his hands on the desk. "Plus, they don't need to be here for what I'm about to tell you."
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"Which is?" Cid joins the conversation, taking a tooth pick from his pocket, sticking it between his lips.
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"Right." Merlin coughs. "As you know, we need as much support as we can gather." Merlin stands and paces the room.
"I decided to plan a gathering between both parties. Ours and a few representatives of the city to talk things out.
I would like the core of our group to be there, including you all…" Merlin gazes at Leon. "…and Aerith."
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"She's coming back?" Yuffie questions hastily, a tinge of excitement in her voice. She quiets when she receives a glare from Leon.
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"Yes, she is returning." Merlin replies. "Tonight."
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"You tell us this now?" Leon asks, crosses his arm and leans on the door.
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"Yes, well, it was somewhat of a last minute decision." Merlin says. They don't need to know Aerith knew nothing about the city's current state until yesterday.
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"What about the red haired kid that almost got pummeled by you-know-who?" Cid inquires, sneaking a look towards Leon.
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"He is in good hands with King Mickey and Yen Sid. He is awake actually." This draws a collective gasp around the room.
Merlin makes sure to point his gaze at Leon. "And he hasn't massacred anyone in a flame induced rage.
He's getting along rather well with the other occupants of his majesty's castle."
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"Is that so?" Leon comments uninterestedly. If the king is handling him, the red pyro isn't the swordsman's problem anymore. He has more important things to worry about.
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Merlin wiggles his nose and sighs. The paper doll glides and places itself on Leon's shoulder.
The gunblade wielder smacks it away. The doll twirls in the air, landing near Yuffie. She picks up the doll and shakes the creases out of its body.
The doll dances, renewed with life and hugs her shoulder, paper body parts spread out, staying in that position.
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"Axel won't be coming." Merlin motions for the paper doll to come. It refuses. "But someone else will."
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"Who would that be?" Cid cracks his knuckles.
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"The Princess of Heart Kairi." The wizard answers
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"Really?" Yuffie bolts from her sit on the floor, eyes wide. The paper doll clings to her shoulder.
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"Yes, Aerith is returning with her. She seems interested in our cause." Merlin explains.
"I haven't seen the princess since she was a child."
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"Oh, exciting." Yuffie grins as Cid shrugs.
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"Don't embarrass yourself." He warns the ninja, who pouts again. The paper doll taps her shoulder in comfort.
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Leon places his head against the door frame, brooding like water waiting to boil.
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Leon doesn't like the idea of talking to Aerith, but he knows it is something he must do. Despite their clashing opinions, he dislikes tension.
During her absence, he was able to think things over, aside from Merlin urging him to contact her and mend things.
He shouldn't have yelled or attacked her. All the pent up anger of the past few months and his self loathing got the best of him. He made Aerith the perfect target to lash out at.
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Yuffie turns to Leon, hands on her hips, wonders if he thinks about shaking the healer until she fizzles into bubbles, or kissing her senseless.
She puckers her lips, chasing the images away. She can never be half the woman Aerith is.
.
~O~
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Axel concentrates on the rhythm of his heart beat, eyes closed, breathing steady.
His mind wants to lash out, burn the hay and buildings surrounding him like a trap. He blocks out what his mind wants and listens to his heart instead.
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He shifts, legs shoulder length apart and digs his heels into the ground. His arms are crossed in front of his chest, fingers bent.
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Axel waits.
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Opening his eyes, he uncrosses them, heat centered between his hands, growing into a carefully constructed fire ball.
Axel crouches low, draws the ball into himself. Quickly shooting his arms out, he throws the fire at a body made of hay as it ignites on contact.
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The redhead watches the body burn for a few moments. The brightness of the fire dims as he lowers his hand. The flames disappear, leaving puffs of smoke behind.
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He stands up straight and glances at his handy work. The movements feel familiar to him, like an intimate lover, secretly hidden in the closet for no one to see.
The improvement brightens his mood. He rocks on his heels, writing invisible letters with his finger, a trail of flame left in the air.
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"You're getting better."
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Axel twists his head to find Sora sitting on the steps to the training area. Axel stretches, twirls a finger in the air gracefully as swirling flames follow.
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"Like my magic tricks?" Axel asks sarcastically, a lazy grin on his face. Sora doesn't laugh. His eyes are piercing blue icicles.
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"I wanted to talk." Sora replies, dusting off his long shorts.
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"Oh yeah?" Axel inquires.
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"About Roxas." Sora adds.
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"Hey, he can talk to me about anything. He's a big boy." The pyro informs, suddenly not in the mood to deal with the brunette. "It's not your concern."
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"I know he can, but the way you treated him wasn't fair. You attacked him without knowing the full story." Sora walks forward, halts a few feet away from the taller male.
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"What happened to that pretty speech on not wanting to act stupid earlier today? What about keeping the peace?" Axel cocks an eyebrow, placing a hand on his hip.
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"That doesn't apply until you apologize." Sora's voice has gone sour like lemons. The Kingdom Key appears in his grasp.
"If you want to be difficult, and if Roxas won't say anything, I'll just have to deal with this myself."
The brunette takes a fighting stance, the crown charm jingling with his movement.
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"Wait a minute!" Axel snorts. "I'm at a disadvantage here, you have a weapon. I don't."
Axel's thin finger points back and forth between them. Sora pays no mind and proceeds to rush forward.
He jumps, the keyblade above his head. Axel narrows his eyes and rolls out of the way.
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"You're serious." Axel points out, dodging another blow. Sora lunges forward, swinging his blade.
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The red head dislikes being on the defensive. He crouches, finger tips pressed against the dirt as Sora moves to strike.
Axel swings his leg, tripping the brunette. He jumps out of the way before Sora can stumble into him. Axel growls lowly like a cat kicked to the side.
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"If you won't say anything." Sora throws the Kingdom Key forward, it swings through air.
"I'll just have to kick your ass to make you talk!" He runs, another keyblade materializing in his hand.
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Axel flips out of the way, tendrils of snake like flames gushing from his palm.
The brunette slices throw the fire, collides into Axel, and they crash to the ground.
The pyro quickly kicks the keyblade away from the brunette and straddles his hips, pinning his hands above his head.
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Sora tries to break from the grip. Axel sends heat into his wrists. The brunette gasps, feeling his wrists burn, stills, and the heat disappears.
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"That's a nice system you got set up." Sora mutters in frustration.
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"Thank you." Axel grins. "Now that I have your attention, let's be adults about this."
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"You're the one who started acting like a child." Sora shouts, staring down Axel's gaze.
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"You're acting like a child by pointing the finger of blame."
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"I thought you loved Roxas!" Sora blurts out, startling Axel, who loosens his grip. Sora bucks his hips, causing Axel to lose his balance and fall over.
.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Axel shouts, red spikes sprinkled in dirt. Sora straddles his hips, forcing him down.
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"I felt it." Sora says, the harshness evident in his tone. "When you saved me from the Heartless! When you faded into darkness..."
It has been a secret Sora carried quietly in respect for him.
Axel thinks to light his body on fire, but stops struggling instead. He remains silent, piecing the memory together.
"I knew it had to be. It was the same feeling I felt for Kairi at the time…" Sora sighs, lids lowered.
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Axel breathes. At the time? A few thoughts click together.
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"You broke Kairi's heart?" Axel realizes, thinking of his earlier talk with the Princess of Heart. Sora tightens his hold on the redhead.
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"That's not what this is about." Sora states firmly. "Do you love Roxas or not?"
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"I should be pounding YOU in the ground for being an idiot!"
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"Why won't you just talk to him?"
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"You think I haven't tried that? He keeps running away from me!"
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"Not good enough. Try harder!"
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"Screw you!"
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"Answer my question!"
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"Get off!"
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"YES or NO!" Sora shouts, agitation choking his throat.
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"YES!" Axel shouts. "Now get the FUCK off me!" Sora rolls off the burning body, avoiding harm.
The keyblade reappears in his hand. Sora points it at Axel's neck before he can fully stand.
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"Before Roxas came, I suffocated on his memories. I felt what he wanted to feel as a Nobody!
I saw what Roxas couldn't see because he struggled with what he was." Sora licks his lips. Axel avoids his gaze.
"Even though you didn't have a heart at the time, you remembered what love was, what it meant. You wanted him to experience that with you."
Sora lowers the keyblade wearily. "And you never got the chance." He stands before Axel, whose face reveals nothing.
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He takes the taller male's hand in his own. Axel looks at him, eyes guarded.
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"You have a chance now." Sora pauses. "Show him what it's like to be alive. I can't do it by myself." He attempts to remove his hand, but the redhead squeezes it firmly.
.
.
.
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"Ok." Axel peers at their hands and remembers the popsicle stick.
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"Thanks." The brunette offers as a truce. "I don't like to rush stuff like this. I want Roxas to cool off but…we don't have time. I don't have time."
Axel doesn't like what the statement suggests. "Don't take your anger out on him because you're jealous.
You'll push him away. If you have a problem, take it out on me." Axel raises an eyebrow. "…or talk to me about it."
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Axel nods and waves him off, still heated from the argument. Sora ascents and leaves the training area.
The pyro glances away, not wanting to reveal the frustration and worry in his glowing green eyes.
.
Phew, I am tired XD.
Poor Kairi D=. Now the cast of characters are split up! What is the true intention of this split? =cackles evilly= We head back to Radiant Garden, dun dun dun. You all thought I forgot about the conflict there, didn't you? =P. What will Yuffie do once Aerith returns? Will she admit her feelings for Leon =O?
Sora has confirmed Axel's love for Roxas, yey =D. Now that Sora is working WITH everyone for once (and not just saying it) what change will come out of this? Will Roxas stop acing like a sissy? Hahaha, ok, I need some rest.
-EggPan