DarkFoxKit: *was on a boat* Sooooo…. you remember that saying 'cry me a river'? Looks like all our fans took that literally.
Key2DestNE: Especially with how sad everyone was about the chapter… *sweatdrops* We might have to cover some up here too!
DarkFoxKit: Well… in this chapter, everything comes back to a full circle for Roxas. This is the ending for Roxas's Story- after this, it's the epilogue and this story will be finished.
Key2DestNE: YOU JUST OPENED THE FLOODGATES AGA- *BOOM!* *A couple dozen more reviews flooded out of the computer, swamping the boat* AH! Bail, bail!
DarkFoxKit: I-I think next time we should d-do a less emotional story! WAAAAH! TIDAL WAAAAAAVE! *Water covers the camera*
Chapter 26: The Final Four- Roxas
It felt like I've been dreaming for a long time… Sometimes they say a far-off dream is like a scattered memory, and a scattered memory is like a far-off dream. It's only too bad that the memories are scattered with those I have come in contact with when I woke up back here in the basement of the old mansion again…
Roxas slowly stood up from where he was laying, the same spot where he had fallen into that hole that lead him into the past. The Nobody looked around, not sure how much time had passed here. There wasn't any alarm systems or anyone going crazy trying to look for him, so Roxas can safely assume not much, if any, time had passed here at all.
The blond-haired boy frowned, feeling a tear slowly drip down his face before he wiped it away. I miss them already… but I guess I won't be feeling anything, soon… He stood up straight, feeling the tug guiding him towards the other room. Roxas walked through the door, feeling the tug growing stronger and stronger before he paused, glancing to his left and seeing two familiar figures. Donald… Goofy… you're both here too… asleep, huh?
"Donald… Goofy…" Roxas couldn't help but say out loud, looking at them. The only time he ever truly came into contact with them was 11 years in the past, and even then it was brief, but still… he felt kind of happy to see them again. The Nobody heard a shutter door opening at the end of the hallway, and he took a deep breath, knowing what it's going to mean for him as soon as he step into that door. Here goes…
Roxas turned and slowly walked into a big white room, there was a larger pod in the center of it and a man in red in front of it. The Nobody had seen this man when Axel tried to bring him back during his Struggle Tournament in the virtual Twilight Town. The man in red gave a smirk when he saw Roxas, placing his arms behind his back. "At last, the Keyblade's chosen one."
Roxas glared at him, he couldn't help but get a memory of Xehanort saying that to him- this guy almost looked like him, too, even if the voice is different. "Who are you talking to? Me or Sora?"
"To half of Sora, of course. You reside in darkness." Roxas gritted his teeth at that, remembering how Vanitas had acted. What does he know about darkness? "What I need is somebody who can move about the realm of light, and destroy Organization XIII."
"Why? Who are you?" Roxas demanded, getting rather irritated at this man. He's just like everyone else, always saying how light is good and darkness is evil. Vanitas would have a field day with him.
The man in red gave a small smirk, shrugging. "I am a servant of the world." Then he laughed, looking the Nobody over. "And if I'm a servant, then you should consider yourself a tool, at best."
This hit Roxas hard, remembering how Xehanort had called Ventus and Vanitas nothing but a tool for the X-Blade, and it really burned him up. "Was that… was that supposed to be a joke? 'Cause I'm NOT LAUGHING!" Roxas shouted as he summoned the Kingdom Key and charged at the man, wanting to give him a piece of his mind, but as soon as he tried to slash through him, Roxas only went right through the man as if he was a ghost! "W-wha…?"
Shocked, Roxas turned around as the man explained. "My apologies- this is only a data-based projection."
Of course the man wouldn't be stupid enough to face an angry Nobody face-to-face, especially one who had defeated Riku in hand-to-hand combat. But this only served to anger Roxas even further, this man had not only insulted him and, unintentionally, his new and best friends, he also brought him here so he could disappear into Sora just so he could have his own petty revenge. Roxas let out an angry scream before he began slashing and bashing the Keyblade against the projection, not caring that he's not hitting anything- he just wanted to hit the man so bad that it hurts!
Eventually, Roxas had to stop as he was getting tired, and the projection disappeared. Panting, Roxas gripped his Keyblade tightly as he heard the man again. "Come, over here." Turning around and standing up, Roxas saw the projection got closer to the pod, acting as if Roxas hadn't tried to kill him.
Roxas glared, slashing his Keyblade through the air as he growled out, "I hate you so much!" Not only do you dare insult me like that, you also insult Ven and Vanitas! I'll never forgive you… Even if you plan to bring Sora back, why can't it be me instead!? I've traveled the realm of light! Why him!? What makes HIM so special?
Not knowing of the Nobody's furious thoughts, the man nodded. "You should share some of that hatred with Sora. He's far too nice for his own good!"
Even though Roxas had told Aqua he had to leave so he could finish what he started, somewhere deep down inside, he still didn't want to disappear. Roxas, more than anything, wished to be his own person, make real friends, but it seems this man is just going to laugh in his face about it. Roxas had just realized he had a real heart all along- one that was given to him by a now good friend of his- and he didn't want to give it up, not yet… "No! My heart belongs to me!"
Roxas ran at the man again, despite knowing it was only a projection, and slashed at it just as it disappeared. Roxas saw the pod in front of him was slowly beginning to open up, revealing his original other half, who was floating and still sleeping peacefully, unaware of the tragedy about to take place right in front of him.
"Sora…" Roxas shook his head sadly as he laid eyes on his original's face, for the first time he had finally gotten to see the real Sora instead of just in his dreams, or in the past when he was a child. Why did it have to be this way? Everything I've done… was it all for nothing? Meeting Axel, meeting Xion, leaving the Organization myself… Why would Ven choose Sora to be his shelter when his heart shattered? I know I lead him to Sora before, but it was always meant to happen, I'm literal proof of that. Why Sora? Why must everything be connected to Sora?
Shaking his head a second time, Roxas slowly stood up and walked a little closer. Still… I guess I can't really blame him. The guy didn't ask for any of this, and neither did I. This had always been… what was meant to happen. If only I was his brother instead of his Nobody, things could've been different. "You're lucky… Looks like my summer vacation is…" Roxas felt his body slowly disappearing, knowing it was time to rejoin Sora. "...over…" As soon as he said that word, Roxas disappeared in a bright light, returning to where he came from and leaving the brown-haired boy all alone once more.
I guess… now that I'm here… I might as well wake the lazy guy up. I turned around, seeing nothing but darkness for a minute or two and called out his name. "...Sora?" And suddenly, everything went white and I found myself falling.
… Where am I now? Am I just doomed to float in Sora's darkness forever now? I thought I'd fuse with him, and yet… I'm still here somehow- why?
"Roxas… you've trapped yourself… in the isolation… of Sora's heart… That is not where… you were meant… to go."
That voice… it sounded like the one I kept hearing before in my journey in the past. I had actually forgotten about it due to everything that had happened during my journey eleven years ago. I couldn't help but just give a bitter smile.
If I wasn't meant to be here, then why am I?
"Because… you're being… stubborn. You may have… rejoined with Sora… but you haven't accepted him… you still have doubts. Until you accept your original self… you'll be trapped here… possibly forever if you haven't changed in eleven years."
I guess I still wanted to be my own person… Oh… that reminds me- why did you send me back eleven years in the past? You never explained it… I'm sure all that's happened would've happened whether or not I was there in the first place, so… why?
"For… two reasons. First… the past is… a fickle thing- you can never be sure… if something will happen… without somebody being there or not. You may not know it… but you were… always meant to be there… eleven years in the past. The only reason… I thought… it differently before… was because of… the whole memory… of you being erased… happened. So… I remembered… it differently, that is… until I saw you… again, Roxas… in this timeline. Now I know… why so many things… were lined up that way… before."
… So you're saying that none of it connected to you before until you finally remembered me? I don't get it… how could you remember me? All trace of my existence should've been wiped out when I returned here.
"Heh… it was. The only difference was… I saw you, ten years later… When I did… everything came flooding back… The memories… the times we've shared… I always thought… something was missing before, and it was… you weren't there."
…What does it matter if you remembered me or not? I'm only a Nobody, and now I'm destined to just rot here forever, in the darkness of Sora's heart.
"Maybe… maybe not… but the second reason I sent you… to the past? You… needed encouragement. You were feeling sad… alone… upset that you were sent to a fate you didn't want. So… I wanted you to see… other souls- ones who had… experienced the same purpose."
You know, it's funny… all this time, I've been talking to you, and you even helped me during that final battle with Terranort… and yet, I still don't even know who you are.
"Heh… You and I know each other well, Roxas… even if you can't figure it out. We have a connection… one that will last throughout time… and eventually… bring us together again. But tell you what- … if you… can find your way… into the light… of Sora's heart… then you will know… who I am."
That's not fair, I can't even move. I guess… I'll just have to go to sleep until I'm ever needed again. I just hope that Ven's heart is okay and still recovering from what happened eleven years ago…
I blinked as the voice chuckled. "He's recovered just fine… and you will see him again… when you enter the light… of Sora's heart." How did he know? … Whatever… it doesn't matter, I'm here and Sora's awake, that's all that matters I guess. I just closed my eyes and entered oblivion…
Months later… I had experienced everything Sora went through on this journey, though only on a subconscious level, I couldn't really react or anything, it's like watching from someone else's eyes without any will of your own, many would find that scary, but it's my only pastime here otherwise. I had heard the Organization XIII's members trying to get me to react by calling out my name. I felt bad for Demyx though, he just wanted to be his own person and he was forced to battle with Sora to his death.
I was happy that I could see Axel as Axel again, it seems he was missing me. I did feel guilty for making him miss me so much, in fact he even kidnapped Kairi just to get Sora to turn back into a Heartless so I could exist again. I wish I could talk to him, but I still couldn't move or speak.
It wasn't until Axel used his Limit Break while at full power and kamikazed himself did it really affected me. Why would he do that!? Yes, I remember Lea telling me how it happened, but hearing about it and seeing it for myself… it just shocked me. When I heard Axel tell Sora that he just wanted to see me again, I just… it just… hurts so much. If only I could've talked to him, if only we could've left on a better note than our last fight…
No… I won't stand for this anymore! I've lost everything, I had to give up everything for the sake of Sora! And now even Axel is gone too! Not anymore, I WILL have my answers and I WILL have my life back! I managed to grab control of myself, and I slowly stood up. No more lying here and floating in the dark abyss, I'm taking the fight straight to Sora! I put on my black coat and used the hood to shield my face as I opened a Dark Corridor. Unfortunately, only Sora can see me in this state, but that's all I need.
Sora heard Donald yell for him, and he quickly turned to see a couple of Samurai Nobodies blocking them from going any further. "Donald! Goofy!" Sora was about to run at them, but he suddenly felt dizzy and a little disorientated as reality warped around him for a moment.
Suddenly, a Corridor of Darkness opened a few feet away from him, and one of the members of Organization XIII came walking out. Sora noted that he looked a lot shorter than the other members, but what surprised him was the Oblivion Keyblade that appeared in the figure's hand. "A Keyblade!?" Since when did the Organization have one!?
The figure didn't speak, he just held onto Oblivion with both hands and charged the brown-haired boy! Sora yelped, quickly blocking the attack with the Keyblade he had just gotten from Axel's fading body, Bond of Flames. Sora gritted his teeth, trying to see just who was under the cloak, before suddenly, the surroundings changed! "W-wha!?" Sora glanced around, seeing a familiar platform underneath him- his Dive to the Heart. Why the heck am I here!? And- does he have two Keyblades now!?
Indeed, the black cloaked figure was now holding another Keyblade in his hands; the Oathkeeper. Sora couldn't believe what he was seeing! The only time he ever saw someone use two Keyblades at once was himself when he's using Valor or Master form, and even then he can't use it all the time! The figure suddenly crossed both his Keyblades together and he made a dangerously fast 360 with both Keyblades! "TAKE THAT!" Sora only had time to jump to avoid a direct hit, but he still got slashed by the tips!
This guy attacks fast! Sora gritted his teeth, but he did a Reversal and got behind the cloaked figure before slashing at his back, doing a powerful combo before forming four orbs of light around him, slamming into the Organization member, hard. "It's over!"
The figure grunted, before he suddenly spun around in the air, slamming both Keyblades into a Reflectaga that his opponent quickly formed. The brown-haired boy gritted his teeth before he began to run, trying to create a bit of distance between both of them.
What makes you so special, Sora? Show me the answer! Roxas thought to himself angrily as he knew the boy was trying to create a distance between them so he had a moment to breathe. The Nobody, no longer caring about being cautious, decided to go all out on him, using the beams of light to attack mercilessly. The boy couldn't get far without getting hit by those pillars of lights.
Roxas then slid across the platform in a blur and Sora didn't have time to react before Roxas gave him a combo attack with both his Keyblades, using his anger and hatred to attack even more than he ever did before. Sora groaned in pain as he managed to glide away from Roxas and quickly cast Curaga on himself.
Sora then blocked another combo from the figure as the boy approached, and using this moment, he slashed at his opponent while his two Keyblades were down, performing the same combo as he had before. "This is it!" He formed the four orbs of light, and sent the cloaked boy flying away before he Dodge Rolled out of the way of another spin attack, trying to create distance again.
Roxas glared angrily, his grip on his two Keyblades tightening. Oh, you think you can just run away!? Well, think again! He covered himself with light, quickly gliding around the platform before performing a reversal behind his original self and landed a powerful combo! Sora was sent flying into the air, but he recovered in mid-air, blocking Roxas's final attack. "What!?" How did he block that!?
Sora managed to push the cloaked figure back before landing on his feet and a few feet away, giving him some time to breathe. Just who is this guy? He fights so much like me, and yet a lot more aggressively. All I know is… he's the strongest opponent I've fought so far, and that's really saying something. I can barely keep up with him! He performed his own combo while the cloaked boy was still shocked, finally jumping into the air and firing four pillars of light into the ground! "Back off!" The pillars slammed into the figure, sending him flying into the air and allowing Sora to perform another aerial combo on the cloaked opponent before he began falling back down.
The cloaked Nobody slashed down at the brown-haired boy and landed on his feet, he was putting all his magic into his light pillars, not to mention most of it went with Sora, so using things like Fire or Blizzard or even Cure was out of the option right now. Roxas can only use what was originally his to begin with, such as the light pillars, but it seems Sora had stolen something else from him… his Shotlock, something Sora can only use when in his Limit Form. I can't believe you… You take everything from me, including the Shotlock Aqua helped me make stronger just to use it yourself!?
Sora quickly leapt into the air, trying to dodge another attack from his opponent, but it quickly backfired as the cloaked figure slammed both Keyblades into Sora's torso while he was still in the air, sending him flying back to the other side of the platform! Sora groaned, quickly casting Curaga a third time to heal the wounds all over his body. I've never had to use Curaga so much before, not even against Sephiroth!
Roxas then slid across the platform again, trying to attack Sora directly, but Sora managed to retaliate. Both of them, in almost slow motion, were trying to hit each other with their Keyblades, however, Sora managed to get the first hit! "UGH!" It sent the Nobody into the air, his Keyblades falling out of his hands before something prompted the brown-haired boy to let out his hand and called, "LIGHT!" and the two Keyblades that Roxas was using and dropped shined brightly as they circled around Sora!
This angered Roxas even more, seeing his original stole more than just his Shotlock! He even stole my Keyblades! His anger fueling his energy, Roxas began spamming those light pillars more and more, the light pillars scattered and flowed together, they moved around everywhere, wide and narrow- it was impossible to dodge them!
Sora almost couldn't believe how fast and powerful the figure was attacking, but he does have a slight advantage, having the two Keyblade working for him now. Sora managed to get in close to the cloaked Nobody and began his aerial combos since the cloaked figure was floating, and when he did, Oblivion and Oathkeeper were both attacking the Nobody as well. However, despite being comboed, the cloaked figure didn't stop firing the light pillars at him, showing absolutely no mercy even while being attacked. Why isn't he actually flinching!? All the other Organization members flinched for a moment when attacked- why not this guy!?
Finally, though, the cloaked figure grabbed both Keyblades and dashed forwards faster than the eye can see, about to slam them into Sora's head. "Gotcha!" The brown-haired boy's eyes widened, but he quickly performed a Reversal, barely dodging the attack made by his opponent that may have taken off his head!
Sora panted, knowing he can't hold back or he'd be done for. This guy is obviously strong and well trained, I don't think I can beat him without my Drive Forms. Too bad Donald and Goofy aren't with me, I could really use their help. The only Drive Form I have right now is my Limit Form, and it isn't fully charged yet!
Both boys quickly jumped back, and Roxas panted, feeling bruises forming on his arms and legs. However, he smirked, feeling a familiar connection forming again. At least he couldn't take this… "Ready!?" Thirteen pillars of light, all with the Nobody symbols on them, appeared around him, and the Nobody jumped into the air, muttering the next words. "Command Style: Light Rage!"
Sora gasped when the Nobody suddenly shot off some lights into the blackness around them, transforming it into a twilight sky covered in dark clouds, and suddenly, the cloaked boy began firing light orbs at him! Sora knew it was gonna hurt if he stuck around, so he did the most logical thing he could do; jump and glide away as fast as he can around the platform! What the heck!? I've never seen any Nobodies using light like THIS before! Sora managed to dodge most of it, however, some of the orbs managed to catch up with him and slammed him into the invisible wall around the platform, causing a lot of damage before the cloaked boy finally stopped.
Roxas smirked, seeing Sora groaning at the searing light that had hit him dead on. That's right- feel the same pain I felt, all because of you! He charged Sora, summoning some more light pillars and sending them flying at the boy. "Take that!" Unfortunately, Sora used Reflectaga again, barely blocking the light pillars before Roxas slammed his Keyblades into the boy's side, sending him flying! "Come on!"
Sora tried to use magic to attack, and he quickly jumped back, crying out, "THUNDER!" He summoned a lightning bolt to strike at the Nobody, who dodged it as he used Reversal around the lightning and then slid at the brown-haired boy again before throwing Oathkeeper and Oblivion like spinning frisbees, causing Sora to be knocked back a few feet. Okay, so using magic on this guy isn't going to work so well…
Roxas knew Sora's every move, his every magic, his every ability, his every strategy, what makes Roxas such a dangerous opponent to Sora was because he knew Sora's strength and weaknesses while Sora knew nothing about his own. Hmph, for someone who is supposedly me, he sure knows nothing about himself! The Nobody thought bitterly to himself as he continued to attack Sora. Now using the pillars of light even more to his advantage, he spun around along with four of the light pillars surrounding him to help his attack with range, making it even harder for Sora to dodge it.
Sora grunted, feeling himself get beat up more and more while his opponent barely looked tired! I-I can't believe it… I know the Organization is strong, but this boy… he's as young as me, yet he's kicking my butt! Finally, though, he smiled, feeling himself fully charged. Well… it seems like hopefully this'll turn that around! "LIGHT!" Sora's clothing suddenly transformed into a slightly redesigned version of his original style, apparently shocking his opponent.
"What!?" Roxas growled, he had known about Sora's Drive Forms, but he was hoping to finish this before the boy could use it. Sora's Keyblade glowed a bright orange as he began attacking the Nobody in a frenzy, making it hard for Roxas to retaliate, but that didn't stop him from summoning more light pillars to try and attack Sora.
Sora got slammed by one of the light pillars, but he quickly slammed the Organization member into the air, noticing a glowing barrier around his Keyblade for a moment before he pointed it at the boy. "Take this!" He fired off his Shotlock, firing well over two dozen balls of light at the cloaked figure and sending him flying back! I don't know where that came from, but that was awesome!
When the Nobody was hit by the Giga Impact, Roxas felt even angrier, which he thought was impossible, but just having his own Shotlock used against him like that, and by his own original self too, was just pushing the line! Roxas, although hurt from the attack, only attacked even faster and harder than before, shocking Sora as he thought that the Nobody would slow down after being hit several times already, instead he seems to be getting stronger as the battle dragged on.
By now, Sora's Limit Form wore off, and this allowed the Nobody to attack hastily. Sora barely managed to guard against one of his attacks, but it didn't stop the incoming pillars of light that came along with him. It was clear that the cloaked figure was giving it his all, but it scared Sora how much faster he was getting the longer the battle went on. Still, the boy refused to give up as he activated Trinity to attack faster. Sora managed to do some damage on the cloaked boy, who was hissing and grunting in pain, but then the Nobody pushed Sora off him.
"Why don't you quit!?" Roxas snapped angrily at his original self as the thirteen pillars of light began surrounding him again, the Nobody symbols flashing on the tip, and he jumped up high as he transformed the darkness around them into the twilight sky with the dark clouds once more. "Command Style: Light Rage!" Sora's eyes widened, surprised that the Nobody could use it again so soon!
The boy quickly began flying around the platform once more, this time barely going fast enough to dodge all the orbs of light before he pulled out a Hi-Potion and drank it, still dodging the orbs as fast as he could. "There!" How can this guy use that attack twice in what feels like two minutes!? I- YIPE! He barely dodged as the cloaked figure charged him, the former attack ending, but that didn't stop the pillars of light from staying around him as he tried to attack with a tackle. Thankfully, Sora dodged, but he knew his magic was quickly depleting, so he downed an Ether, restoring his energy levels. "Okay!"
Now Sora was trying to strike back again, trying to use his fastest combo attacks. Roxas grunted, but his anger kept him from weakening. Roxas jumped higher before he summoned four pillars of light to move at Sora just before he flipped like a human chainsaw and smashed his two Keyblades right into Sora's face!
Sora grunted in pain, but he quickly rolled with the attack, firing off a Firaga and lighting the area around him up with flames with the Nobody in front of him included! He tried to cast off a Thunder as well, but before he could, his opponent tackled him, both Keyblades ahead of him and slamming Sora into the invisible wall! "URK!" Why is this guy being so reckless!? I KNOW he's being hurt a lot! It's like he doesn't even care for his own well being!
Sora activated Trinity again, knowing he'll need to use it to keep up with the guy. Roxas smirked, seeing his original self getting desperate enough to use Trinity more than once in the same battle. Sora almost about teleported at Roxas, but Roxas was ready for him this time. Roxas began to Reversal around Sora, who also tried to following him, using Reversal too- both of them were literally fighting in the air, zipping in circles trying to dodge each other's attacks, until finally, Sora managed to take a stab at Roxas, who managed to hit Sora with Oblivion at the same time!
"Ready!?" The figure's voice sounded like he was about to murder him, that's what Sora found so creepy too, what's this guy's problem? They charged at each other once more, almost like in slow motion, but again, Sora was able to hit him back and flung him into the blackness sky. "LET'S GO!" Sora managed to take Oathkeeper and Oblivion again.
Roxas couldn't believe this- not once, but twice now, his original stole his Keyblades and is using them against him! Why you…! How DARE you steal those Keyblades! Xion gave those to me, and I will NOT let you insult our friendship by letting YOU use them AGAIN! He growled, beginning to spam the light pillars as fast as he could. It was even faster and more desperate than last time, and Sora couldn't even get in close to hit Roxas more than a few times.
Sora hissed in pain, and he tried to hit the Nobody again, but the guy was attacking far more aggressively and faster than the last time. The boy only managed to get in a few hits, along with Oblivion and Oathkeeper, before he got comboed by the attacking light pillars that all but ambushed him! And it didn't take long until the figure managed to get behind him and take back the Keyblades, which Sora barely managed to dodge another striking blow to the head by a quick Reversal.
Roxas had just about enough of him and he slide at Sora again, who dodged once more. He's sure that the boy was gonna use that Limit Form again if he didn't take him out soon, and the last thing Roxas wanted to see was Sora using his Shotlocks again. Gripping his Keyblades tightly, his memory of his life in the Organization as well as his journey eleven years in the past flashed across his head, and more than anything, he wanted to go back and relive them again- even if it wasn't the happiest way to live, he rather go through them again then be stuck here with this goodie-goodie moron! "I want my LIFE back!" As soon as he shouted that, the thirteen pillars surrounded him once more. "Command Style: Light Rage!"
A third time!? Just how much power does this guy have!? Sora was tired, it was hard for him to dodge those attacks, and he couldn't dodge them all in the end, he got hit several times. The boy managed to down a Hi-Potion, but that barely helped him stand up. Sora knew he had to end this quick, his magic was running low and his items were starting to run out, and this cloaked figure didn't even look tired!
Of course, Roxas WAS tired, but he was so angry that he completely ignored that he was at his limit. The Nobody wanted to hurt Sora, he wanted to teach him a lesson, wanted Sora to disappear so he could exist again! He took EVERYTHING from me! Why would Ventus choose HIM!? WHY!? Roxas charged at Sora with another tackle and the light pillars following behind him.
Sora yelped, barely dodging the attack, but he sighed in relief feeling his Drive gauge finally filled up again. Finally, that took long enough! He held up his Keyblade before the cloaked figure could attack him again, and his clothes glowed white. "LIGHT!" Time for me to try and wear this guy down again!
Roxas hissed angrily, not liking that Sora got another chance at using his Limit Form. The Nobody himself felt his body slowing down but he forced it to keep going. Roxas performed Reversal after Reversal, trying to dodge Sora's attacks, of course, he couldn't dodge everything as Sora's Keyblade glowed orange and was attacking faster than two Keyblades combined! Then Roxas's eyes widened when he saw Sora powering up another Giga Impact at him. No… No!
Sora pointed his Keyblade at the cloaked Nobody, firing off the Shotlock again. "This is it!" He fired off dozens of the light orbs a second time, and they all slammed his opponent into the invisible barrier surrounding the platform, making Sora cheer happily. "YES!" He tried to attack the cloaked figure again, but his Limit Form faded away just as the Nobody slashed at Sora, sending him flying back! …Ow…
The Nobody slashed and comboed Sora, wanting some form of revenge after seeing his original not only steal but used his Shotlock twice against him! Roxas didn't even realize how tired his body was as he forced it to go faster, slashing Sora into the wall before summoning the pillars of light to attack him mercilessly. Sora managed to stand up once more and managed to slash at Roxas, whose eyes widened under the hood as he felt the last bit of power from his light fading. "Uuugh…" No… No, I have to make him pay!
Sora jumped back a few feet, seeing the cloaked figure had stopped and leaned down for a minute. Is it over?
Roxas couldn't use any of his light attacks anymore, including his Light Rage, all he could do now was attack with his two Keyblades. Growling from under his hood, he began charging at Sora again, who gasped for a second before charging at Roxas too. Both of them parried their Keyblades with a CLANG! "Who… who are you!?" Sora finally demanded, probably wanting to know just who this guy was and how he was so powerful.
"Someone from the dark." the cloaked figure whispered lowly as they jumped back away from each other again. It's been too long since I said that… How ironic that I said it eleven years ago yet it only feels like a year to me…
The figure slumped down as Sora's eyes widened, thinking about what he said. "You… you can't be… Riku!?" He held out a hand, almost as if trying to take off the hood. He… why is he attacking me then!? I don't understand!
Roxas could've just laughed at that, but instead he shrugged calmly. "Riku? I defeated a Riku once." Riku wasn't so bad, it's only when he caught me off guard with Guardian did he take me down. Which reminds me… does Riku have any connection with Terra at all? Aqua did mention that he got the Ceremonial Inheritance from Terra, or at least, it's a possibility… And he does fight a lot like him…
"You WHAT!?" Sora snapped, angry that someone could just take down Riku like that, and now he was worried for his silver haired friend, especially seeing how merciless this boy fought. Riku… Is he okay? I hope he is- if this guy beat him…!
Roxas didn't care about Sora's concern, he still wanted to know why did Ven chose him to shelter his heart, not to mention why DiZ chose him instead of the Nobody himself, and why even Xion chose Sora instead of Roxas. Getting back to his fighting stance, he said, "Tell me… tell me why he picked you." He charged Sora again- although at a much slower pace this time, letting both Keyblades drag across the ground before he slashed at Sora with Oblivion. The brown-haired boy dodged that slash, and blocked the next double-slash from Roxas's two Keyblades.
Sora gritted his teeth at the strain of holding both Keyblades back before the cloaked figure shoved two of the Keyblades into the air- Oathkeeper and his Bond of Flames! Before the cloaked figure could use Oblivion to attack him, though, Sora forced both Keyblades back down, keeping Oathkeeper pinned under it. But the cloaked figure pulled Oathkeeper back and jumped over him before attacking him again. Sora responded by jumping, avoiding the attack, but as he tried to hit the figure back with his own Keyblade, the other boy hit against it with Oblivion, causing Sora to be pushed into the air.
Roxas looked up, seeing Sora up high, and he didn't waste any time jumping at him, ready to deliver a fatal blow. Sora, however, wasn't going to give up so easily, and he managed to turn around by flipping himself upside-down before barely blocking both Keyblades. He landed on the platform on his feet, and he panted as he looked up at Roxas, who was still in the air. Roxas himself was looking at the platform, the picture of Sora and those he had the closest connection with, his friends. It was then the Nobody realized why Ven chose Sora… Sora was the kind of person who would help anyone, no matter who they were- just like the blond-haired look-alike of Roxas. "I see… that's why." However, the battle wasn't over yet.
Roxas landed back on the ground, beginning to twirl around and slam a combo into Sora's body- however, the boy kept dodging. Finally, feeling himself backed up to the invisible barrier behind him, Sora was forced to block a strike from Oathkeeper. Roxas didn't let up though as he continuously slammed his Keyblades onto the Bond of Flames. Finally, he saw a chance and took it, slamming the Keyblade out of Sora's hands!
Sora's eyes widened and the brown-haired Keyblade Wielder quickly raced towards his Keyblade, trying to grab it. Come on, come on…! I've almost- Just before he could grab the Keyblade though, Oathkeeper slammed down, pinning the guard to the ground! No! He turned, glaring up at his opponent, who pointed Oblivion right at his face! Grr… I have to get my Keyblade somehow- otherwise I don't stand a chance! Clenching his fist, Sora thought of one way to get the Keyblade back. Reaching out his hand, calling for it, the Bonds of Flame disappeared in a flash. The figure noticed this and reacted in shock, "What!?" and it appeared in Sora's hand, who didn't hesitate to slash down on the cloak figure!
Roxas froze for a minute, the full extent of his injuries and exhaustion finally taking their tolls on him. The Nobody dropped both Oblivion and Oathkeeper and they disappeared, and he walked forward a bit before stumbling to the floor as the hood fell off, revealing his face to his original. For a split second, the entire place rippled around the Nobody.
…I… I lost to Sora… heh… I guess maybe it was meant to be after all. Hmmm… something's… off. I feel like I'm… sitting on something, yet sleeping at the same time. That's weird… I slowly lifted my head to see what was going on, maybe I blacked out and Sora sat me down?
As I opened my eyes and was blinded by some bright sunlight, I heard a familiar voice beside me, and I couldn't help but gasp in shock. "...You've finally woken up, huh Roxas?"
"Huh?" I quickly looked up, was that…? It is! It was Axel… but… wasn't he… didn't he fade away? He was standing beside me, giving me that smirk. Wait… "Lea?"
"Huh?" The redhead paused, giving me a confused look. "...No, it's Axel, Roxas- sheesh, I don't know how you got my original name but you should get my new one memorized!" Then he chuckled, glancing away. "Then again… I guess it makes sense- you might be falling asleep instead… Soon I might not be able to talk to your consciousness like this."
"...Wait… this is a dream?" I frowned, looking around, no wonder it feels surreal. "How are you talking to me like this?"
Axel shrugged, sitting down next to me. "I'm not sure, to be honest… I guess it was my last wish- to be able to talk to you again." He chuckled a bit, nudging me weakly. "It's kind of funny, isn't it? My last wish before disappearing… was to talk to someone who had already taken this path before me."
"Oh… so you're… still fading away? Axel… I didn't want this to happen to you… but you had already told me it would. I just… I wish it didn't have to happen." I said, looking away sadly before he gave a playful shove on my shoulder, I'm not even sure if he knew what I was talking about.
"Hey, cheer up Roxas. Don't feel so down- at least we got to speak one more time!" Then he hesitated, giving me a small frown. "...Looks like you're going back to how you were, too. Namine said the same thing, you know… so I guess I've been thinking about it a lot."
"Yeah, I guess you'll be going back too soon." I said, shrugging. "Might as well get used to your new name now."
"... Roxas… Are you sure you don't have a heart?" Axel suddenly asked me and I looked over at him.
"Huh? Where did that come from?" I looked at him, frowning a bit.
Axel shrugged, looking back out at the sunset… that's right, this dream is taking place on the clock tower in Twilight Town… "It's just something I've been thinking about… You have a heart, while Namine and I… We don't really have hearts, do we? We're just following what we think is the right emotion… but you actually feel things, don't you?"
I looked back at the sunset myself, thinking about it. It's true that I do have a heart, Ven's heart to be more precise… but could I say that it's the same thing as having my own? I think I remember hearing someone said it was possible for Nobodies to grow hearts of their own, but I don't know if that's true or not. "I… I don't know… I can't just look inside. But I wonder… if something is really there, wouldn't we at least know it?"
The redhead I've known for almost a year, maybe more if you consider my time traveling adventure, chuckled at that, shrugging. "Well… I don't know, to be honest. I didn't feel that different after becoming a Nobody… but maybe that's just me. Still… just what're you getting at, Roxas?"
"I don't think it's entirely impossible for you or Namine or any of the Nobodies to stay a shell husk forever. Who knows… maybe you will get a heart one day, Axel. But if anyone could answer that, it'd…" I paused, not sure if I should say it.
"Hmm? Come on, spit it out." Axel said, looking at me.
I looked up and gave a smile, finally beginning to understand. "Sora… I'm sure he can find the answer. He is me after all…"
Axel blinked at that, caught off-guard, before he gave a small grin. "Heh… that's true." Then, after a few moments of us just sitting in comfortable silence, he pulled out a sea-salt ice cream bar out of nowhere and held it out to me. "Here… might as well make this just like one of our old visits, right?"
I gave a chuckle, I remember making a wish like this before. I took the ice cream, thankful for it, even if it was just a dream. I was happy to be able to speak to Axel one last time before both of us had to go. "It's funny… it felt like months since I last saw you, Axel."
"Oh?" Axel gave me a devilish grin, ruffling my hair playfully. "I didn't know you missed me that much, Roxas! Why, it's almost like you cared about my well being."
I rolled my eyes at him, shoving his hand off of my head. "Of course I cared about you! You and Xion were my only friends during my time out here. Not just you guys, but even Hayner, Pence and Olette… we'd all hang out here, eating sea-salt ice cream, watching the sunset, it was home alright."
Axel paused, giving me an odd look… Oh… right- guess he forgot about Xion. "...Yeah, I guess so- it really takes me back, you know? Since we first met the day you got your new name… You were a real zombie back then, you know that Roxas?"
"Yeah, I know. You told me that a lot too." I chuckled, remembering future Lea saying that when he first rescued me from Xehanort. "But maybe it was for the better that way, you know? I don't think we'd be as close as we are now if I wasn't."
"Heh… yeah, maybe not." Axel chuckled, biting off a corner of his own ice cream. "After all, Xemnas might not have asked me to babysit you if you could do the everyday stuff…"
"That's true, especially since Xemnas has… nevermind." I don't think I should tell Axel that Xemnas has Terra's body- it certainly would explain why he's looking for Ven in Castle Oblivion or why he's talking to armor as he told me, but if Axel really does remember everything as Lea, it might be wise not to spoil everything.
"Come on, don't leave me hanging!" Axel pouted, giving me a slightly annoyed look.
I gave him a chuckle and sighed, as much as I wanted to spend more time here with him, I knew I had to go soon. "Sorry Axel, maybe you'll find out some other time. But I better go… Sora's waiting for me."
Axel paused at that, his expression growing somber and… a little sad, too. "Yeah… I guess he is." Then he paused, raising an eyebrow as he stared at me. "Wait… what do you mean, 'some other time'? It's not like I'll be doing anything else after this, unlike you!"
I gave a chuckle, if only he knew. "So you'd think… Well, let's just say this isn't the end for you, buddy. I'm glad you're my friend, Axel, I was happy to have been there with you." My body began glowing as light began consuming me, and the same thing was happening to Axel, both of us were leaving now. I gave him a smile, not wanting him to see me cry or be upset. "I'll see you… Axel."
Axel blinked before giving me a small grin. "Heh… always one for hiding your feelings, huh buddy? Alright then…" He finished the last bite of ice cream and tossed the stick away. "See you around… partner." As he said this, I couldn't help but notice a small tear slide down his cheek… was he… crying?
I didn't stop smiling, but I nodded to him, my body fading away from this dream soon. "Take care of yourself… I know we'll see each other again." If only I could reach out and dry his tear… This painfully reminded me of when I had to say good-bye to Aqua, but all I could do was keep smiling as both of us were consumed by the light.
As soon as Axel gave me his last thumbs up, I soon found myself back in the abyss, falling once again… Goodbye Axel… goodbye… I guess I… have to head back to that battlefield with Sora again. Still… at least now… I was able to make amends with the friend who cared about me the most during my life.
The Nobody stood back up and slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile on his face, his anger draining as he finally got the answers he was looking for all along. Heh… He may be obnoxiously optimistic… but he's not that bad… Now I see why everybody, even Ven, chose Sora… He glanced at Sora with a small smile as the brown-haired boy's vision began to blur. "...You make a good other." As soon as he said that, Sora disappeared, going back to reality as Roxas himself stood there for a few seconds before the platform under him disappeared and he was falling through the darkness once again as his coat slowly vanished.
Maybe… maybe it's not so bad… being his Nobody. I guess maybe now I can rest here in peace… but… not without leaving my mark. Roxas closed his eyes as his body glowed through the darkness… he had given Sora a hidden Drive Form- one called 'Final Form', which will allow his original self to be able to use his powers, but he'll have to find it first, Roxas wasn't going to make it easy for him after all.
DarkFoxKit: … Okay, I got the camera to reboot, finally.
Key2DestNE: …. *is covered in both water and reviews* R-right… let's just get this bit over quickly before we get flooded again.
DarkFoxKit: Good idea! … Anyways, yes, we did put in the Kingdom Hearts II's Final Mix battle with Roxas as the boss. You may have noticed the perspectives changed between Sora and Roxas during their fight as well. Oh, and that little present Roxas left for Sora is the Final Form in case you didn't know.
Key2DestNE: Well, I guess that's it- here's hoping we were close enough to the original story for it to feel like it, yet still made something unique! ...Aaaand now to the reviews… *gulp*
DarkFoxKit: Ooooh boy, we've got a lot to cover. thekhfan, hey, the games themselves pulled at our heartstrings- so it's only fair we do that too! Besides, it was pretty obvious it was going to be a sad goodbye with Roxas from the very beginning. And heh… thanks for the compliment, we've learned a lot since our first fanfics. And- ooh, look Key, you've got a fanboy! ;)
Key2DestNE: S-shut up! *blushes in embarrassment* CatLoverx33… weeeell, we can't say anything about that- whether yes or no. It's up to you! Ultima-owner, sadly the secret boss isn't in this fanfic- Roxas's adventures within the past are over.
DarkFoxKit: Spiderfan626, well actually there's two if you count the epilogue- but in a sense, this is technically the last 'chapter' of the story. And… wait, what? I've never heard of Birth By Sleep Volume 2- they're making another one? *looks to Key*
Key2DestNE: *is on the computer* Uh… hmm…. apparently it IS real, but it's just a trailer at the end of the Final Mix version of BBS- there's nothing being truly done with it so far. Well… we might use that, we might not- right now, we're not really sure since there's absolutely no info about it. Antex… yeah, I think it's okay if you hug Fox while you cry. :3
DarkFoxKit: What? Am I THAT huggable? And you and everyone else were crying by the end of that last chapter. Dragon Silhouette, yes, yes she does get the saddest ending. FlightfootKeyseeker, well information on how time passes in the dark realm is unknown, but I assume maybe time doesn't pass as noticeably as it does in the realm of light.
Key2DestNE: It's certainly possible… Oracle's Song, yeah, sorry about the wrong song title- it never officially got a name, so yeah… And I guess some of the complicated matters didn't need to be so, but this is ROXAS. He's got a confusing life no matter where he is. *chuckles*
DarkFoxKit: Timpani Bleck, yes, we did- after all, it seemed to be the best way for Roxas to leave. And good, the point at the end was to make our readers cry after all, glad you liked it so much! … Psst, Key, we better find a new location.
Key2DestNE: Agreed… *gulp* This won't be good. Oracion de las Estrellas *cough* still a long name *cough*, sorry… Roxas isn't getting any heart- we're going full canon, as you can tell. But as you can see, he did fight with Sora in KH2- that's good, right? …Right?
DarkFoxKit: Elizabeth0058, heh… Well, who else could it be by this point? Did nobody see Roxas holding his Keyblade in reverse like Ven does during that battle with Terranort? I guess you were all too busy crying at the end by that time to really care. And I'm only guessing here, but I'm sensing you really want a sequel?
Key2DestNE: *dryly* By this point they ALL want a sequel… Elizabeth, we MAY do one- we're still thinking about it. KPGirl… yeah, sorry we made you so sad- but I guess that means we're doing something right, eh? *sweatdrops*
DarkFoxKit: Tjfanfics99, Uh well… I don't know, we're both kinda going to take a break from Kingdom Hearts for a bit after this, but we might- who knows? NightPegasus13… note to self… don't ever tick off NightPegasus13…
Key2DestNE: Agreed… Maddening Tumult, that's… actually a good idea! Huh. Still… you'll just have to wait and see what happens next chapter before we even consider doing that. Shiranai Atsune, well… it's still canon Roxas- there's nothing we can do about that…
DarkFoxKit: Speculator, yes, I'm sure everyone who read this had their hearts aching. And well… Aqua may had to have wander again since, with no memory of Roxas, she didn't know where to go anymore or why she was on that beach, or why she was crying in the first place.
Key2DestNE: And either way… sorry- no happy ending, really… As you could tell, Roxas got closure… but that's kind of it.
DarkFoxKit: Well, it's not that bad of an ending… Anyways, that's it for the mountain load of reviews. I am DarkFoxKit, this is Key2DestNE, and we look forward to hearing, and hiding, from you.