Chapter 21: Lucky Thirteen

Roxas's POV

"Roxas I love you!"

The words rang over and over in my head. Those words so passionate and heart tearingly desperate that the veil I had been hiding under had almost torn. How was I supposed to ever forgive myself now? She loved me and I.....and I...I. I suddenly stopped walking. The air around me crisp, the small gusts gently caressing my face as I stood paralyzed at the entrance of the Struggle preparation building.

Maybe. Maybe, I loved her too? The very second the thought had dared to cross my mind I violently shook my head. I couldn't love her, could I? It wasn't possible. Yet, here I stood wrestling with my agony. Fighting back the insistent urge to run back and fall to my knees, begging for her forgiveness. But-But I was a nobody, a nonexistent creature that still exists. A creature that is unable to ever really feel, only the mere illusion of emotions.

Although, if they were no more than illusions, why would they be so strong. So real? It couldn't all be fake, could it? I closed my eyes tightly, trying to sort through my thoughts. Trying to find a possible answer that would logical. The only thing I came to realize was that love was a force you can't control, and that I had fallen hard.

My feelings, even if they are hollow for now, are real. They had to be. There's no other reason to explain my actions. Why I would possibly care so much. There was no other feasible explanation except for love.

"Talk about ironic," I muttered with a small bitter laugh. The day I realize I was in love with her just so happens to be the day I brake her heart. Life certainly was turning out great.

"Hey the next match is about to start, are you ready?"

I blinked, bewildered, "What?"

The boy behind me fidgeted, pulling strands of his abnormally long dark hair to hide his face. He didn't want to make eye contact with me. How predictable.

"The next match, " The boy repeated, still lowering his eyes, "it's starting soon."

The next match? "Against who?" I inquired.

"Your brother, sir," the boy quickly replied, a tinge of eagerness seeping into his tone as his colbat eyes flashed to mine.

My brother. Of course it would be him. "Alright then, you are dismissed," I absentmindedly gestured the boy away, new thoughts constantly buzzing around my head. Thoughts of uncertainty and despair dominating. I would be up against Sora. Sora. Perfect, happy-go-lucky Sora. The better son. The one person who could potentially be my downfall in my quest.

I shook my head, leaving behind my doubts, as I walked cooly into the preparation room. I would win.

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"I can't believe what you said!"

I growled, "Shut up Sora."

Sora shook his head, the anger burning in his eyes equivalent to my own, "I won't shut up! Roxas you broke her heart!"

I slammed my fist against the stone wall, leaving a small dent, "Thanks for the reminder!" I hated this. I didn't need any reminders of how much I hurt her, nor did I need my brother lecturing me. All I needed, was to push the memory as far back in my mind as I could.

"You're welcome," Sora retorted coldly. Great. Now my own twin hated me. Not to say he probably didn't hate me before. I laughed inwardly at the thought. So much pain for one sin. How pathetic. I turned away, with my fists clenched in frustration, but Sora caught my shoulder.

"What's wrong with you, Rox?" Sora said, his tone surprising me. A gentler, softer tone. One that resembled mother's. Mother. An image of my mother projected in my mind. Then the image vanished, only to be replaced by the face an angelic blond haired girl with cerulean blue eyes. Namine.

"Nothing's wrong, Sora! Maybe you should mind your own business for once in your stupid God damn life!" I spat back but felt an instant recoil at my words.

Sora nodded, void of any emotion, "See you on stage." Without uttering another word Sora walked on, fading into the light. Letting out a defeated sigh, I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes.

Was this how I really was towards people? Were those the kinds of words I uttered everyday? Spiteful, bitter words? This was one of the many times in my life that I questioned my purpose, my loyalties. Pretty much everything.

I knew this was for mother, for Namine, even for perfect Sora, but was the price really worth it? Weren't there any other alternatives to this mission? Some sort of rode less painful and....desolate.

I chuckled darkly to myself. Of course there wasn't an alternative. No ultimatum for me. I would walk this rode alone and suffer the consequences if that meant their safety. Mine was of no importance. I was a nobody after all, and at the rate I was at, I would be for a very long time.

I breathed in one last time before lifting myself from the cracked stone wall, "It's show time."

Namine's POV

"Look at you, already giving up."

My breath caught as I found the mysteriously cloaked figure leaning against a street lamp post casually. I noticed the scenery was different than it usually was when I met with him. Yet, it felt familiar. The broken flickering neon signs, hanging precariously from run down sky scraper's doors. The alleys that spaced the buildings were bleak and empty. There were no people. No animals. No life. The scene was almost hollow.

No longer able to wait for my response, the figure lazily approached me, and I could sense the smile in his voice as he made a large gesture at the surroundings, "Welcome my dear, to the Kingdom that Never Was!"

Sparks of recognition flashed through my mind as the memory of Roxas bringing me here to eat at the Midnight Sun Café' flooded my senses. Roxas.

I bit my lip, trying to stifle the tears that kept insisting on falling from my eyes. But I couldn't help myself. The grief overcame me and I gave into it. Tears cascading down my cheeks in mini rivers.

"Hey, hey no crying, you can't tell me you've already given up, can you?" The figure whispered softly, as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I turned at his touch, his oddly familiar touch, and embraced him in a hug.

"I-I'm s-sorry, I-I j-just c-can't," I cried, tightening my grip on him.

He put me at arm's length, his tone almost desperate, "You can't give up, princess. You just can't."

I gazed him curiously, though still my heart was at its breaking point, "Why? He.....He h-hates me," I said anguish dominating my own tone. It was true, he hated me and this figure couldn't possibly have a reason for me to pick up my heart and keep fighting.

"Because, love was never meant to be easy," He replied simply, then took my hand eagerly, "Now let's start the journey!"

I froze, almost laughing inwardly.

He was right. He was absolutely right. Love wasn't easy. It had never been nor will it ever be easy. I can't give up. I love him and I know in my very core he loves me too. It was foolish of me to give up so easily. Roxas must have a reason for his behavior. I mean we've been through so much and I can't bear to lose him. The smile returned to face, bright and broad.

"Thank you."

"Huh?" The figure said, a frown slipping into his voice.

"I said thank you," I met his shadowed face and smiled, "I won't give up." I shook my head, "Not after everything we've been through."

In the flicker of the light I swear I saw him smile but I couldn't be sure. "No problem, Namine." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze before turning back around.

"Wait," I called, again he turned to face me, expectantly. "I know you can't tell me your real name, but can you at least....allow me to call you something?"

I felt slightly weird referring to him as the 'cloaked figure' all the time. I needed some way to address him.

"That all?" He chuckled, his voice was smooth, and soft, and I couldn't help but feel like I knew that voice.

I nodded. "You can call me Thirteen, lucky thirteen," Thirteen let go of my hand and gave a low bow, the smile in his voice evident.

My eyebrows knitted in confusion, "Don't you mean unlucky?"

"Exactly."

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3rd Person

"Ladies and gentleman, up next are two of the best fighters in the kingdom!" The announcer bellowed from his place high in the stands. The crowd roared with enthusiasm, stomping their feet in anticipation of the next match.

The announcer smiled with satisfaction, continuing, "Please welcome the next combatants, Prince Sora and....Prince Roxas!"

The crowd broke out into a riot as the two boys stepped out from opposite ends of the stage. Sora walking out from the well lit entrance while Roxas from the darkened and slightly ominous entry.

Both boys stood at opposite ends, both their faces holding no emotions as their eyes locked.

"GO!"

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I am the worst at updating, aren't I? *Sighs* Well at least that shouldn't happen for a while now....Because I'm finally done with finals! So since I'm on summer vacation until August that means more updates on all my stories!

Oh, and yes as you might have already guessed the figure is Roxas. And there is a reason for that as well as him going by his Organization number instead of something else.

Well hopefully that chapter didn't suck and that you're willing to.....

READ & REVIEW!