Things are about to get crazy in this one. There will be character deaths.
I own nothing.
Roxas sat at his desk in psychology class looking depressed; he still felt betrayed by Axel, but he felt more guilt than betrayal because he had snapped like that, 'I want to apologize to him, he did try to make up for it… but… That bitch! I wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly-!'
A sound over the intercom cut off Roxas's thoughts and Xigbar's voice came after, "Attention everyone, I was informed that last night Kairi Heart was found dead. If any students need any comfort the counselor's offices will be opened all day. This weekend there will be a serviced held in her memory at the mayor's house. That's all."
Everyone was silent, even Roxas! He thought he would probably get the urge to run out of the classroom to find somewhere he could whoop his lungs out in happiness because of the news, but he felt… nothing. And by the looks of his classmates, so did they. No one knew how to feel at this point.
They heard the rush of footsteps pass the door and Saïx went to check what it was, turned out to be the few friends and admirers Kairi did have in the school. Saïx closed the door again and stood in front of his class "Does anybody have anything they want to talk about concerning this?" he asked.
"I've got a question sir." Hayner said raising his hand. He received a nod and asked, "Why is it now that we've heard the news some have probably waited to hear, we don't know how to react?"
"That is an excellent question Hayner. And there are many answers to it, so I will ask how many of you actually disliked Kairi." the hands of all his students had gone up hesitantly and he nodded "Well that reason for some could be that… even though you felt, shall we say negative emotions, towards her, you also feel she played some part in your life.
"Roxas, may I use you as an example?" the blonde nodded slowly "You all have heard last week about how Roxas took whatever anger he may have felt for her out on Kairi herself. Roxas is not known to lash out physically for any reason at anybody. Think of it how you will, but it's possible that the reason Roxas may feel empty now is because Kairi was who he vented on.
"He directed his anger, not only for her but for others, at her. And his mindset told him that there was no problem in that because he never really was friends with her in the first place and all she had done was insult him because of who he is. Everyone understand so far?" he received nods "Shall we continue this discussion?" same response.
Axel was in the school library with Demyx at break, even though he had a book in front of him his attention was directed at the librarian. That man, he couldn't help but feel cold inside at seeing him! That auburn-red hair and those blue eyes that were hidden by glasses staring at that book in his hands, unmistakable!
"Ax, why so tense?" Demyx asked.
"That librarian, I can't believe I never noticed before." The redhead growled.
"What about him? Axel you're acting weird."
"You don't get it Dem, you wouldn't and I don't blame you. It all happened before we met."
"Well whatever's eating you about him, kick it to the curb. Roxas is coming this way." Demyx said getting up and leaving just as the other blonde got to him.
"Axel, I wanna talk to you." Roxas said.
"I thought you were pissed at me." Axel responded quietly.
"I really need someone to talk to right now. Please?" Roxas pleased.
Axel couldn't help but curse the blonde for being too cute when he was desperate, with those oh so blue eyes welling up with tears to create oceanic orbs, "Okay! But enough with the sad puppy look or you'll make me jump you right in front of everyone." Roxas gave a small smile at took a seat next to the redhead, unable to not be happy at the fact that he was still cared for.
He felt Axel take his hand and intertwine their fingers "So what's bugging you?" he asked softly.
"You heard about Kairi right?" the blond responded.
"Yeah."
"I… didn't think it would happen. Who would do such a thing?"
"Ugh, you're starting to sound as if you actually liked her."
"No, I just feel a little empty."
"I thought you would love it if she were dead?" Axel asked thinking Roxas was trying to cover up the fact he had asked for her death.
"I thought I would have too. I had heard a few years back that there's an organization people could contact if they wanted someone dead, someone who was more or less a threat to society. I was encouraged to call them once back when I went through that counseling with Zidane but I swore I never would. Not even on Kairi no matter how much I hated her." Axel's eyes widened.
'But… Didn't he….?" Now he was confused "Are you just saying that?" he asked casually.
Roxas shook his head, "If you think about it, even though you're paying someone to do it their blood is on your hands too. Besides even if I didn't care about that I wouldn't have been able to pay them, my dad keeps that money under lock and key."
'Oh shit! That means someone posed at Roxas on the phone! But who? This means trouble for me and Roxas.'
"Axel, are you alright? You're shaking." Roxas said breaking the redhead's thoughts.
"Roxy, I want you to do me a favor."
"What?"
"If you ever see me talking to anyone anywhere that I don't trust, stay far away from me until I approach you myself."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean if you see me talking to anyone who knows me but I despise, and you will be able to tell, for your own safety don't come near me until I come to you."
"Safety? Axel what are you talking about?"
Axel looked at Roxas with his eyes pleading, "Please Roxas, promise me. I can't tell you everything; I can only say that it's connected to why Riku and his brothers left town. Don't ask me anymore questions about it and please make that promise to me."
"Why are you acting like my life is at stake?" Roxas demanded.
"Because it is." The blonde just stared at him blankly "Roxas please don't make me say anymore. Just promise me you'll do as I ask for both our sakes. I'll explain it someday, I swear." Axel said pulling Roxas into his chest.
Desperation, that's what the blonde heard in Axel's voice, and it was getting to him even though he didn't fully understand what was going on. And to think just yesterday he never wanted to speak to the older teen again because he was kissing the now dead Kairi; but still, "Axel, you may have hurt me yesterday but I still feel… I must make that promise, so I will."
Axel seemed to relax against him and he kissed Roxas's temple, "Thank you Roxas, I love you." All the blonde could do was cry as he heard those words.
As the school day was ending Zidane found himself happily jogging to the music room where his brother had taught for the day, always on Fridays Kuja had the music class. He found himself nearing the room and slowed to a walk then he saw his little sister Mikoto stumble backward out of the room fearfully until she landed on her backside by the wall opposite to the door.
"Mikoto are you alright?" he asked running to her side.
The younger blonde's light teal eyes were wide and glazed from held back tears; she was visibly shaking and seemed not to notice her older brother. But slowly she raised her trembling hand and pointed at the room across from them that was dark inside "I-I w-was coming to meet Ku-Kuja-Nii… But… in-inside…" she stuttered.
Zidane looked at the classroom standing slowly then made his way inside "Kuja? Kuja!" he called but there was no response. He looked around cautiously not seeing much in the room accept the seats, piano, and the rack that held the instrument cases; next to him was the teacher's desk but he noticed something odd.
He took a step closer to it and nearly slipped, had something spilt around that area? He reached out for the light switch and instantly regretted flicking it on once he saw what had caused him to falter. Red was staining the tiled floor of the room and it lead behind the desk where only a pale hand had stuck out with violet nail polish on the fingers that made it undeniable as to who it was.
But still he slowly stepped towards the wooden obscurity and rounded it until the one he hoped not to see came into view. The long platinum- violet hair flaring around the head, silver-blue eyes wide and empty, light pink lips slightly open allowing crimson to flow at the corners down the pale skin of the face and neck to join the bigger puddle the seeped around the body.
"K… Kuja?" the blonde called hoping to receive some form of response even though he knew by the looks of it, it was in vain to even hope such a thing. So he sank to his knees at his brother's side, not caring that blood was staining his jeans, leaned over as his hand covered the eyes to close them as he kissed the cold lips.
He didn't care if there was blood as he leaned back up with tears streaming down his face, "Good-bye Kuja, we knew it was inevitable. I'll take care of Mikoto. I love you."
"Zidane-Nii… Is he?"
"Yes…" he heard his sister scream after his answer and she took off running down the hall to look for help. All he did was lay his head on the still chest and cry.
The intercom blared after a few minutes and a voice that wasn't Xigbar's spoke, "To all students and staff, do not be alarmed. This school is now under lockdown as you are all hostages to our lovely Organization. The Angel's of Death have served you upon call and now we ask you to serve us. We seek a student by the name of Riku Strife.
"If you cooperate and reveal his whereabouts you will all immediately be released. We'll wait for as long as it takes for those who know to speak up, but we already had to result to some casualties in the process. Right, Mikoto Tribal?"
"Why did you kill my brother? Let me go! Let us all go! We don't know where Riku is! You're all wasting your time!"
"Mi- Mikoto…" Zidane stuttered.
"Zidane! Zidane where are you?"
"Bartz. Bartz I'm in here!"
Bartz came into the classroom and stared in horror at the scene, "Oh my god… What the hell happened in here?"
"They… They k-killed Kuja… And they have Mikoto. Bartz I don't know what to do. What if they kill her?" Zidane cried.
Bartz ran to his side and held him, "Everything's gonna be okay. C'mon we have to find the others."
"No! No I can't leave my brother!" the blonde cried.
"Hey I heard something down this hall."
"Well check in the rooms then! Remember the boss said everyone has to be in the cafeteria area."
"Zidane we gotta hide." Bartz said pulling his friend up.
Two men came into the room, both wearing cloaks so it was difficult to tell what they looked like. They looked around the room slowly and carefully, but they saw no one accept for Kuja's body on the floor "Maybe it was in another room?" one asked.
A pregnant pause passed between them and the other stooped down to grab Kuja's hair, proceeding to drag the body out of the room, "Let's go."
"Huh? B-but… why do we need the body?"
"Because Boss said he wanted anyone we took out to be displayed in front of everyone to get better cooperation. The faster we find those little traitors the quicker we get home. Plus we gotta comb the place for other traitor and enemies. We found an enemy that I wish I could have taken out, now let's find that traitor."
"Wait a minute. Didn't this guy have a brother?"
He was hit over the head, "Of course you moron! That's why we have the girl!"
"Oh yeah. Sorry."
When the room was finally empty the cabinet on the other side opened allowing Bartz and Zidane to step out "They took my brother… They have Mikoto…" the blonde murmured.
"Zidane, you know more than you're letting on. Tell me." Bartz said.
"We gotta find Marluxia. Now."
"What? Why, what are you talking about?" But instead of getting an answer he watched as his friend bolted out of the room "Zidane!" he called following after him.
"Well, well, look who was trying to run away like a certain assassin I know." Both boys were grabbed by an extremely built man in a black cloak as soon as they got out of the room "I told you it'd work."
"Heh, smart Lex. Now let's drop off the runaways and go find Mar- Mar so we can finally get down to business." The other cloaked man said dragging Kuja's body down the hall, the bigger one following with the two teens under an arm each.
"Let us outta here!"
"I wanna know what's going on right now!"
"Hey I gotta meet my mom!"
"You can't keep us in the school!"
"How can you do that to our teachers?"
Students were shouting over and over at the cloaked people who barred all exits. From the ceiling hung, so far, three bodies. Xigbar, he was killed because he tried to fight off these intruders in his office. Larxene, she tried to get out of the school by force. Kuja, because he was doing his other job; he was more than a teacher.
Sora was huddled with Terra, Demyx, Zexion, Axel, and Roxas in a corner. Sora was scarred and confused, Axel and Demyx glared at their captures, and Terra just kept Sora as close as possible "What do they want?" Zexion whispered.
"They said they're looking for Riku. I don't know why." Demyx answered keeping the slate-head close at his side.
Roxas looked up at Axel and saw the hard expression on his face "Axel, is this what you were talking about earlier?" he asked.
"I'm sorry Roxas. Looks like you can't run. Looks like I can't protect you like I thought I could. I want you to remember though, I love you." The redhead answered in a gentle tone.
Roxas nodded, "I know, I love you too." A hand on his shoulder made him jump but he made no sound so he wouldn't attract attention, and he turned around to see the school librarian "Mr. Rados? What are you doing here?" he asked.
The librarian put a finger to his lips and beckoned him and Axel to follow him… Out the window. Axel lifted Roxas and passed him to the other man before jumping out the window himself and following them to sports shed by the pool "What the hell is this about?" Roxas asked.
"That's what I wanna know, Genesis!" Axel spat.
The librarian sighed and took his glasses off "I guess it's time I told the truth now." He said.
Roxas blinked in confusion, "Genesis? As in Rhaphsodos? Genesis Rhaphsodos the singer? I heard he-"
"Died, yes. And I was there when it happened. So what the hell… Niisan!" Axel demanded.
"What?" Roxas exclaimed looking at the redhead.
"Yes Roxas, Axel is my little brother. That means his real name isn't Axel Ryder, it's Lea Rhaphsodos. When he was taken away from me he was forced to change his name so the media wouldn't be on the story about what happened to the other Rhaphsodoses." Genesis explained.
"Other Rhaphsodoses?" Roxas questioned.
"Me and Reno. I don't know what the hell happened to him after that day when those bastards stabbed Genesis and took me away." Axel said.
"Reno's been in hiding, in a city called Midgar with a few friends of his. That's where I left him while I looked for you. Take a look." Genesis held out a photograph.
Axel stared at it with a sadness and longing. In the photo was another redhead, hair not as wild as Axel's but it was still spiked up some while the rest fell down to his waist held in a ponytail. On his face under his eyes were marks but not like Axel's upside down teardrops, they were red and crescent shaped.
He was sitting in between the legs of a blonde with blue eyes who had his arms around the redhead's shoulders. Around them were four others around them, a bald guy in sunglasses, a guy with long black hair and a dot on his forehead, a blonde girl, and an auburn head girl "You can keep it, he wanted you to have it." Genesis said.
"He looks like he's doing alright." Axel murmured.
Sora huddled more into Terra's side when two of the cloaked captures made their way towards them "Two are missing." One said.
"Aw who cares. That little brunette there is the one you want anyway, he can draw out our target." The other responded pointing to Sora.
"I see. Tell me boy, you know Riku?"
"He's an acquaintance, he was in my English class." Sora lied.
"So you never really spoke to him?"
"No sir."
"You're lying to me son, I can see it. Your eyes are dilated and you're shaking. I can see your pulse racing under your skin."
"Because I'm afraid! You're keeping innocent people here for no reason and three people are dead! No one knows where Riku is so just let us go!" Sora shouted and he was grabbed roughly by the hair, lifted off his feet.
"Let him go!" Terra cried.
"I know you know how to at least get in contact with him. So I'll hold on to you Sora Lockhart, Riku's bound to come for you."
Tee hee hee~! What a twist!
Oh noes! They're gonna use Sora as bait!
I felt bad killing three people in one sitting but it had to be done.
And if Roxas didn't call for Kairi's death then who did? To be revealed!