Okay, umm...

I'm really sorry, guys XD I'm working, I really am, but you see, I've delved into roleplaying again with a vengeance...My best friend, who you will never, ever find on here, has decided she really doesn't mind Kingdom Hearts after all. And she's just a phenomenal writer. So...I've been rather distracted by that. And I've had this chapter done since I updated the last time, but I didn't want to post it because that would leave me on par with myself again. But I've decided it's silly to hoarde it, now. You guys deserve better XD.

Work has gotten in the way too, as has school. Ivy J cannot Macgyver a chain, no matter how amazing she thinks she is. Lesson learned.

E.S. Rockbell: Well, you get to find out :D I particularly like this next world, it's been very fun to write, although I'm still stuck on the ending XD.

Mangiana: You know, I thought it should be Neverland from the very beginning of my writing. I'm not sure why, really, as Neverland is all about being childish and not growing up. But I think that's part of the point; just because Peter doesn't, doesn't mean that no one else does. So I guess that's why :D Besides, them on the Clock Tower was hot. I mean...-shifty eyes-

Neko Ninja Hezza: That's okay, your review for this one makes up for it :) I'm working on the Akuroku, and it's coming, but it's not writing very well because I'm so used to Soriku XD It's a very different dynamic, between Axel and Roxas. But it's within five chapters or so of this, if I recall correctly XD It's been a while since I looked at my outline.

Nekotsubasa: I adored your review, by the way. Just so you know. XD I'm always the most unsure about my makeout-scenes-bordering-on-the-edge-of-lemon-and-what-follows-after, 'cause I'm rather limited on that sort of experience, lol. 'Specially with two guys. But that's what research is for! :D Very fun research. -shifty eyes- Minotaur's FTW.

calmxbeforexthexstorm: Yes, action! I TOLD you guys it was coming. Did I lie to you? Nooo! :D So obviously you guys were pleased with it, because everyone's all like "YAY! :D".

LupinandHarry: Yeah, everyone's very pleased. I'm so happy :D Let's just hope you all don't stop reading after this one -shifty eyes- More incentive for me to keep writing.

Naruta13: Yeah, Pride Land can get violent. I figure he woulda been rather rattled, though, it wasn't meant to seem 'imminent-death!' bad, lol. -catches when you swoon- :D

mochiusagi: I find it hilarious that everyone's getting mad at Kairi when she's not the one who actually stopped them XD Granted, they would have stopped when they heard her, but I think they would've found someplace else has someone else not thrown in their input, guys XD Seriously.

The Quiet Shadow XVII: ACK, UNINTENDED SPOILERS! I mean -shifty eyes- lol, j/k. Note to self: Check words in other languages before writing a non-English title. The title is in Latin, you see. It's supposed to read something along the lines of "Ten Keys to Light". That little makeout scene was meant to be hot, lol. So I'm glad it did what it was supposed to. Kairi's not really meant to be a yaoi fangirl, per se, she just sees it between them and understands that it makes them happy. Or it will. Eventually. Right now they're a little sidetracked by the whole 'epic quest' thing. I have plans for her anyway, though not here :D. Like I said to Neko Ninja Hezza, up there, Akuroku is coming, it's just coming very slooooooooooowlyyyyyyyy, 'cause I'm finding it difficult to write. That, and the lack-of-room on the Gummi Ship makes it difficult for them to have the encounters that they would need to develop, lol. So it's coming. Just...not yet XD. And I would be very, very happy if some of that Soriku/Akuroku art was based on my stuuuuuff -hint hint- XD I would be drawing my own, you see, but unfortunately, my pencils don't seem to want to cooperate with me any more...I think they feel overshadowed by my tablet XD

So, everyone: Here's your latest chapter! :D


Riku circled his opponent, wary turquoise eyes searching for any hint of his next move. Fiery irises pierced him, regarding him like a wild animal in a trap; cornered, but capable of serious damage if provoked enough.

"Are you willing to submit to the darkness again, Riku? You could be a great power, wielding it with such fearlessness."

"Fuck you." Riku snarled. "I'm not submitting to anything."

"And yet you agree to live within the light. Tell me, is that not a submission to a greater power?" Ansem's steel-grey brows rose over his yellow-orange eyes.

"The light doesn't try to control me. That's the difference."

Ansem chuckled in that all-knowing way that so swiftly pissed Riku off. "Are you so certain of that?" He inquired tauntingly. "Perhaps it is just so devious in its ways that you don't even notice it."

Riku bristled, sea green eyes flashing with fury. "Shut the fuck up!" He shouted.

With another soft laugh, Ansem folded his arms over his chest. "You protest far too much for the thought to not have crossed your mind, Riku." He continued. "You see, I know you better than you thought I did."

The silver-haired teen knew Ansem was trying to piss him off.

He also knew that it was working exceptionally well.

Without further thought or delay, he lunged towards the steel-haired Heartless that had invaded him, putting all his strength behind a strike that would pierce the dark being's abdomen. Finally, he would be rid of that voice, whispering deep within his heart whenever he found himself lacking...offering unimaginable power that he only needed to trade his soul and his free will for. He would never be tempted to dissolve into darkness again. He smirked as Ansem simply stood there, waiting for the Way to Dawn to strike him down.

Suddenly, Riku's path to Ansem was blocked. His eyes widened, and he desperately tried to pull his strike; tried to rein in the momentum he had poured into the movement. But somehow, as if with a mind of its own, his blade dragged him forward, closer and closer...

The Way to Dawn Keyblade pierced Sora's chest, burying itself practically to the hilt. All the colour drained from Riku's face as the brunet teen's impossibly blue eyes stared straight into his soul, filled with shock and pain. A trickle of blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, the sight of it shattering Riku's heart into a thousand tiny shards. As he yanked his hand away from his weapon, Sora dropped to his knees, lifeblood beginning to stain his shirt and jacket a sickly, bruised black-purple.

"No! Sora!" The silver-haired teen cried, shaking violently as he stood there, watching the dying Keyblade Master collapse to the floor. A thicker stream of blood painted a trail along the brunet's cheek from his lips, pooling on the floor beneath his face. Slowly, his head turned slightly until he could look at Riku again.

"Ri...ku..." He whispered, the light fleeing his eyes, turning the deep, searing blue an empty black. He fell limp, a sickening gurgle pushing more blood from his lips as his breath left him. The bleeding slowed, then stopped altogether.

"Now will you accept the darkness again?"

Riku dropped to his knees, wide turquoise eyes staring at nothing. He could sense Ansem taking advantage of his silence, filling him to the very tips of his fingers and toes with darkness. There was hardly any point to fighting; he didn't deserve the light, not now. He had let Sora die...worse, he had killed him with his own hands. A complete accident, but an unforgivable crime nonetheless. The black energy overwhelmed him, surrounding his mind, his heart, until all he could see was darkness.

It was over...


Riku surged into a sitting position; eyes wide, chest heaving with panic. His hands shook violently, even when he clenched them into fists to minimize his trembles. The first thing he did after recognizing his surroundings again was to turn around. There, snuggled under the blankets, lay Sora, safe and sound and sleeping rather deeply. Relief flooded the silver-haired teen.

'It was just a nightmare, Riku. Just a fucking dream.'

He raised one hand to his face to rake his bangs back, but paused, startled, when he felt moisture on his face. Touching his fingertips to his cheek, he found tear-trails painting his pale skin. Not wanting anyone who could possibly be up to notice, he propped his folded arms up on drawn-up knees, buried his face in his arms, and concentrated on stopping the tears.

'I can't let him touch Sora. What the fuck am I going to do? I have to stay away from him. Maybe I'll...I don't know, I'll leave again! Go off on my own. You can't hurt him...or make me hurt him...if he's not around, you son of a bitch.'

"Riku?"

With a start, he lifted his head to stare at the King; then realized, slightly too late, that had been exactly what he'd been trying not do. Under his breath, he cursed Ansem, Xemnas and Xehanort as he carelessly swiped his tears away with a hand. "Hi, King Mickey." He whispered, a little shakily.

The mouse king touched Riku's shoulder, feeling the silver-haired teen's trembles even through his gloves. "What happened?" He asked, the concern evident in his voice. "Are you okay?"

If it had been anyone else, even Sora, Riku probably would have brushed it away, changing the subject almost immediately and trying to make the person who had asked forget about it. But Mickey had been there, in the darkness with him. The mouse king understood matters of darkness better than practically anyone else he knew.

"Yeah, sure, King Mickey. I'm fine. I'm just dreaming of accidentally killing the people I care about." He replied, excessively sardonic.

Mickey's dark eyes softened. Riku didn't fool him. "Y'know that's not gonna happen, Riku." He murmured. "Xehanort's Heartless is just tryin' to scare you."

With a forced laugh, Riku shook his head. "Of course he is. It's working." He fisted his hands in his hair, clutching locks of shining silver as if trying to pull them out. "King Mickey, it worries me. What if I lose control? What if, one day, he takes me over and hurts one of you? What if, somehow, he makes me hurt one of you?"

Mickey clambered up on the bed and actually hugged Riku around the neck. Taken off-guard, Riku blinked, surprised, then awkwardly patted the mouse king on the top of the head, between his round black ears.

"Riku, you're much stronger than you think you are. Trust me." Mickey assured him. "You'll be fine. But if worst came to worst, we wouldn't let anythin' happen to you. Or to any of us. We'd fight with everythin' in us to protect you and each other. That's what bein' friends is all about."

A soft smile filtered onto Riku's face. With a sigh, he gently hugged the mouse king back. "Thank you, King Mickey." He whispered. "It means a lot to know that you have so much faith in me."

Mickey chuckled. "Sora and Kairi have faith in you too, Riku. Roxas doesn't really yet, but I'm sure that once you boys start gettin' along better, he will too."

"Of course Sora and Kairi do. They're my best friends, and they have faith in practically everyone." A wry grin blossomed on the silver-haired teen's face. He took a moment to glance at Roxas, who lay asleep, facing the wall on Sora's other side. "And Roxas...I honestly don't know if we're ever going to completely get along. But it means more, if only a little, coming from someone who hasn't known me forever."

"Welp, if you insist. You're welcome." Mickey canted his head slightly. "Listen, would'ja like me to sit here and try to keep the dreams away?"

Riku blinked. "You can do that?" He asked, startled. Mickey grinned.

"I'll do my best. I'm all right." He assured the silver-haired teen when he opened his mouth to protest. "I'm not really all that sleepy anyway. Besides, maybe all y'need is for me to be here. Another friendly presence, I suppose you could say."

The silver-haired teen smiled, a genuine expression of gratitude. "Thanks, King Mickey."

"It's no trouble, Riku. Really." Mickey walked down the bed to settle near the teen's knees. Riku lay back against the pillows and turned to face Sora, who was practically buried in the middle of the bed. A soft smile touched his lips as he reached out and gently ruffled the sleeping brunet's spiked hair. Sora murmured something in his sleep and stirred unconsciously, his cheek coming to rest on Riku's shoulder. A touch of pink crept into the dark Keybearer's skin as he blinked down at the younger teen, who had apparently settled himself and did not stir again. Not willing to disturb him, Riku left him there, shifting just enough to feel comfortable before closing his eyes and inviting sleep back in.


In the morning he was left with impressions of dreams; not actual images, but feelings, and quick moments of imagery. But even that was enough; he was restless and jumpy all morning, trying not to snap at people, but ending up mostly unsuccessful at that attempt. Occasionally he would catch a dark chuckle-sense from the Heartless within, which certainly didn't help.

Why was he suddenly so active again? The silver-haired teen had to wonder. Had he been building his strength this whole time, and had decided to start needling him again because of what had happened between him and Sora?

'Just like you, Riku, I am a...how would you put it? A jealous son of a bitch?'

Riku bristled. 'That would imply you had a heart.' He shot back. 'But if you did, you wouldn't have to piggyback on mine, now would you?'

'I rather like yours. So strong, so valiant. And somehow still childishly loyal.' A shiver roiled up and down his back at a whisper-sense of a hand tracing his spine with gentle fingertips. A chill swirled through him, turning his blood to ice. Suddenly he was fifteen again and standing in the chapel of Hollow Bastion, talking with the hooded figure that opened his heart to the darkness.

'Stop.' How was he doing this?!

'You don't like this little trip down memory lane?' Now it felt like the words were being whispered in his ear, with long, thin fingers running through the under-layer of his hair. His eyes slid closed; he wanted to pull away, but he suddenly couldn't move without tremendous effort, and it began to feel like there wasn't much point-

"Riku?"

The voice dragged him back to the present with a gasp, to the Gummi Ship, hurtling through space on its way to Olympus Coliseum. To Sora, who stood before him, holding his shoulders and watching him with worry – and a pang of fear – in those blue eyes.

"What the hell just happened to you?" The Keyblade Master demanded, shaken. He'd come out of the cockpit from piloting duty to see Riku standing at the door to the sleeping area as if in a trance; head tilted back slightly, eyes closed, breathing shallow and somehow laboured. That was scary. "Are you okay?"

It was like a wall suddenly came down. Riku went carefully and neutrally blank, dropping his gaze. "Yeah, I'm fine, sorry. I must have zoned out."

Stunned and a little hurt by how quickly and easily he'd been shut out, Sora let go of the elder Islander's shoulders automatically, but followed him into the room once he'd collected himself again. The silver-haired teen had flopped down onto their bed on his belly, but pushed himself into a sitting position again when he heard Sora's entrance.

"Damn it, what's wrong with you?"

Slowly, Riku's gaze lifted until he could meet Sora's irritated azure eyes with it. "What do you mean?" He inquired, voice just as oddly neutral as the rest of him.

"Don't give me that bull." The younger Islander retorted, folding his arms over his chest. "You wouldn't have retreated like that if you weren't bothered by something. Now tell me – or somebody, anyway – before it eats you up inside."

"I-" How was it that Sora saw through him so easily? Was he really so transparent? With a sigh, he shook his head and stood again. Maybe he should tell him now what he'd been thinking since Xehanort's Heartless had interrupted them so rudely the day before. "I...maybe I should go off on my own. Keep looking for the Light Key by myself."

Sora looked up at him, eyes wide. Whatever he'd been expecting, that was not it. "You're kidding me." He said, flatly. "You can't possibly be serious."

Riku glared right back. "What if I am, Sora?" He demanded. "What if I feel like it might be better if I were alone?"

Hurt flowered in those azure eyes at that. "You're saying we're, like, holding you back or something?" The brunet teen spat, obviously stung. "Like it was better when you were alone, before we found you again? Is that what you mean?"

"No, damn it, that's not what I mean." Frustrated, the silver-haired teen gave a soft growl, turning to the window. Things would be so much easier if he just stopped jumping to conclusions. "Sora, I have an enemy inside me, do you not understand that?! Xehanort's Heartless is still there. And maybe it would be better if he didn't know how close we were to collecting all the keys. If I was the only person he could possibly be close enough to hurt." He sank down onto the bed, his head in his hands.

He felt a hand touch his shoulder again, gently. "Riku, how long has he been back?! And why haven't you told me?!" Sora demanded. "You've been keeping it a secret all this time?"

Riku shook his head. "Kairi knows." He murmured. "I had to tell her...she was going to explain to Roxas why Cinderella was so jumpy around me. And I think, somehow, she already knew. You know how she is."

The brunet's forehead dropped to rest gently against Riku's. "I thought you finally got rid of him when Kingdom Hearts exploded in the World That Never Was." He sighed. "I guess that was too much to hope for, wasn't it?"

"I didn't really realize he was still there until we started on this journey." The silver-haired teen shook his head. "I wouldn't have gone home if I'd known."

'Liar. You could not have possibly kept Sora away from his home for so long, and you know quite well he would have chased you until you returned with him.' Ansem taunted from within.

Sora's brows furrowed. "I'm kinda glad you didn't, then. At least you got some time at home." His touch was gentle as he ran his fingertips down the side of Riku's face, tracing the pale skin. "And would this have ever happened, Riku, if you hadn't been with me from the start?"

"Maybe it would be better if it hadn't." His voice dropped to a whisper when ultramarine irises narrowed. "It's...distracting, Sora, and as much as we wish otherwise, we both know we can't afford that right now. Not with this whole key-collecting thing we're supposed to be doing."

Sora gave a sigh, standing and walking away with his arms folded over his chest. "What is it with you and running away?" He inquired, turning back to face him. Riku blinked in surprise, not expecting that.

"What?"

"When you thought I'd abandoned you for Donald and Goofy, you didn't bother to talk to me about it. You ran off. When you took back the darkness to help me wake up, you kept an eye on me, yeah, but you didn't come out and tell me you were there until Kairi practically forced you to. And now you want to run away again, just because we've just realized we're...into each other, and it's made things a little more complicated." He blushed a little when he said the last bit, but shook it off and regained his edge. "What gives?"

Riku shot to his feet. "Because Xehanort's Heartless is threatening you, damn it, and I'm not sure I have enough control over him to keep him from carrying out those threats!" He shouted, furious. The moment the words left his mouth, though, he realized exactly what he'd just revealed. With another frustrated growl, he turned away again, resting his elbows on the windowsill and leaning his forehead against the cool glass.

After a moment, he could hear soft footsteps approaching, somewhat cautiously. "He's been threatening me?" Sora asked, voice soft. Reaching out, he put a gentle hand on Riku's shoulder, but drew it back in surprise when he felt trembling beneath his palm.

Riku blew out a breath, raking his fingers into his bangs before he nodded. "Killing you, breaking you down until there's nothing left. Using you as a shield against me. It doesn't matter, he's threatening to do it. I can't let that happen, do you understand me?!" He turned determined turquoise eyes on the stunned teen. "If it means I have to stay away from you until I find some way to get rid of him, I'll do it. The worlds need you, Sora. They don't need me."

"Yeah, they do, Riku. And I do too." Sora reddened again when Riku looked up at him in surprise. "Not like that." He clarified, lips twisted wryly. "You'll always be my best friend, Riku, and because of that, I need you by my side. And I'm not the only one. Kairi...and the King..." He gave a tiny smile. "And besides, you're leaving us out of this a little. Who says we're just going to stand aside and let Xehanort's Heartless get his shots in? Even if no one else did, I'd put up a hell of a fight before I'd let him use me as a shield."

Riku couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips. "King Mickey said almost exactly the same thing." He replied. The smile faded after a moment, though. "But there are times when we're all off-guard. Are you sure you could wake up in time if I were strangling you in your sleep? Would you know it if I suddenly piloted this thing into a star?"

"That wouldn't be you, Riku. And you'd fight it." Sora's lips twitched. "And who knows? Maybe that would give us all just enough of a warning." Reaching out, he gently took ahold of the silver-haired teen's arms. "Please, Riku...don't go. I don't want you out there alone again."

Riku sighed heavily. "All right." He agreed, after a short silence. When he looked up and saw the relief in Sora's eyes, he gave a tiny smile. "I wasn't sure I really wanted to go, anyway." He admitted. "I would've done it...if you hadn't decided to convince me otherwise."

"That's what I do." The brunet gave a wry chuckle. His hand shifted up to cup Riku's cheek as he rose on his toes to kiss him, but a pair of fingers pressed against his lips. He blinked in surprise.

"We shouldn't." When the younger teen's brow furrowed in a frown, Riku took a deep breath, thinking carefully before he spoke. "I don't want to give Xehanort's Heartless any more fuel, okay?" His voice dropped to a whisper again. "I know you can take care of yourself, but I just don't want to wave it in his face. Maybe we can pick up where we left off when I finally get rid of him, but right now..."

Sora's lips twisted into a rueful expression. "You want to protect me." He raised a hand to cut off the protest. "I know exactly what you're saying, Riku, don't try to make it anything different." With a sigh, he looked down, then stepped back, hands raised as if in surrender. "But I understand. I'd probably try to do the same thing, now that I think about it." He gave a tiny, sad smile. "So I guess I can't really argue."

Before Sora could turn away, Riku reached out and took ahold of his shoulder. "Sora?" He called. When the shorter Keybearer looked up again, he caught and held those bright blue eyes with his own. "This doesn't change anything, okay? I want you to understand that."

A twitch in the brunet's lips lightened the mood momentarily. "Good to know."

And with that, he pulled from Riku's grasp and left.


"Hey, Roxas. I'll take over the cockpit duties for now, okay? You go get some rest."

The blond looked up in surprise at Sora's voice. There was a note of something unsettled in it, he realized, and looking up into those eyes identical to his own, he saw the same off feeling reflected in that bright, deep blue. His own narrowed. "Are you okay?"

Sora tried a grin. He wasn't entirely sure he pulled it off, though. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll call somebody in if I need help, all right? You go on."

"That's not what I meant."

The attempted smile faded. "I know it wasn't." He replied meekly. "And I'm...all right, I guess. I just need some alone time, okay?"

"Why?" The blond looked suspicious now. "What's wrong?"

"It's no big deal, Roxas, really. I just want to be alone. Please?"

Realizing he really needed it, Roxas nodded reluctantly. As he left the room, he saw Riku standing at the door of their sleeping area, looking out towards the cockpit. He seemed wistful, a little angry, and a little sad. "What's up with you, now?" He inquired. It seemed Riku had zoned out, because he jumped when addressed.

"What?" He asked, before he realized the question and scowled. "Nothing. I'm fine."

The blond could feel the sudden hostility, and that irritated him. "Fine." He replied, with a scowl of his own, watching as Riku turned away. Curious, he glanced back into the cockpit, at Sora, who had set the autopilot and was currently sitting in front of the viewscreen, head in his hands.

There was something here that he was missing, and that bothered him greatly.


"Sora!"

The Keyblade Master yelped when he found himself caught up in a hug, laughing. "Hi, Herc." He looked around from his new vantage point, about a foot higher than usual. The Coliseum was a lot more crowded than he was used to seeing it, something that struck him with interest. "Wow. There're a lot of people here, Hercules. What's going on?" He asked, as the Olympian hero set him back down on his feet again.

Hercules shot him a thumbs-up. "We're hosting a competition here at the Coliseum, for heroes." He replied. "Competitors have come from all over Greece. You should enter, you and Donald and Goofy. Then maybe you can prove yourselves to Phil's satisfaction."

Sora chuckled. "I have a bunch of others with me now too." He admitted, gesturing at everyone else. "But they don't have Phil's approval. What'll they do in the meantime?"

Blinking in surprise, Hercules looked over Sora's shoulder at the group. "Oh." He took a second to think. "How about Phil and I watch them fight? I've seen how good you are, Sora. I think I can gauge their potential." His eyes lit on Kairi and sobered. "Except you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Why?" She asked, before she really thought about it. Hercules chuckled.

"Phil's a stickler for tradition. Atalanta, the huntress from Arcady, had to wrestle Peleus of the Myrmidons before he'd let her compete. She beat him, too. Phil couldn't believe it."

Glancing at Donald and Goofy, Sora grinned. "Sounds like fun." He replied. "While you're doing that, can I go meet everyone else? I wouldn't mind getting to know a few of them."

The great hero shrugged. "I don't see why not." He pointed out a taller man with red-brown hair. "There's my cousin Theseus, King of Athens. He can introduce you to everyone else while I'm judging your friends."

"Okay." The Keyblade Master grinned, flashing Hercules a thumbs-up. "Awesome. I'll come back to check in on things when I'm done, okay?" He glanced at everyone else, who nodded.

"We'll see you later, Sora." Kairi waved. "Have fun."

His eyes rested on Riku for just a moment longer than the others, but he shook it off, turning away. Roxas caught this, however, and scowled. 'Damn it, it is his fault.' He realized. Whatever Riku had done, it was the reason Sora was acting so funny. That irritated him to no end.


Hercules led them into the Coliseum itself, treading softly over the sand that made up the floor. He directed Kairi, Donald and Goofy over to the stands, then went off to find Phil, who stood near the doors, inspecting something that looked rather like a set of free weights. The tiny satyr scowled at being interrupted, but the moment he learned the reason, he brightened again, though he covered it with irritation.

"Well, c'mon already." He demanded. "I have things to do before we can get this tournament on a roll." He pointed one hand at Roxas and the other at Riku. "Get in gear, boys."

"Us?" The inquiry came out of Roxas' mouth before he could stifle it. Riku smirked.

"What's wrong, Roxas? Afraid I'll kick your ass again?"

The blond's temper flared. "And who was kicking whose ass, Riku, before you tapped into the powers of darkness?" He shot back. The Islander's smirk twisted.

"You're no longer a member of the Organization, Roxas, nor are you working with two Keyblades any more." Riku shrugged. "I'd say that evens things out a little."

"Now, boys, don't bait each other." Mickey pleaded. "We're just here so that Hercules can see how well ya fight. There's no need to get upset with each other."

Roxas scowled, walking out into the arena and drawing the Essence of Turmoil. As he walked past the silver-haired teen, he muttered under his breath. "I wonder why Sora's been acting so oddly. D'you have any idea why that would be, Riku?"

Riku went very still, the Way to the Dawn materializing slowly in his grip. Was Roxas implying what it sounded like he was implying? "I don't know what you mean, Roxas." His voice was quiet. Roxas' azure eyes sparked.

"I find that a little hard to believe, considering he only started acting the way he's been since you guys had that little talk on the Gummi Ship." The ex-Nobody retorted. "So obviously something happened."

Obviously not realizing that the boys were already fighting, Phil blew a piercing note on his panpipes. "Begin!"

And with that, Roxas lunged at Riku, Essence of Turmoil's cutting edge out and ready.


The Goddess of Discord, Eris, lay on a cloud above the Coliseum, practically clapping with glee. Despite the fact that the two boys she had been toying with were of another world entirely, her influence affected them exceedingly well. They fought as if to draw blood, and not just to prove their skills. That ought to help discourage Zeus from allowing his son to hold these tiresome battles. Hera herself, Queen of the Heavens, had enlisted her service, insisting that these battles needed to stop before Hercules managed to get himself killed. And while Zeus was exceedingly fond of his son and the Keybearer, his wife had just as much influence over him as Hercules did. Even the great hero Hercules would stop if his father, the Lord of the Sky and the Thunderbolt, asked him to. Hera had only one request, and that was that Eris' influence did not put Hercules in any danger. Perfectly willing to adhere to that one rule so long as she was free to do what she liked with everyone else, the Goddess of Discord agreed. Knowing that it would please him, she had brought her son Strife along and put him to work. He'd done beautifully, pitting all these ferocious young men against each other. She would have to praise him later for his hard work.

A shout rang out down below. Distracted from her thoughts, Eris looked down. The two off-world boys who had been fighting; one with hair of spun starlight, the other of glorious sunshine gold, had stopped. 'Oh, drat.' She mused to herself. 'I guess Strife and I shall just have to work harder.'

One way or another, the blood of a hero would stain the ground. She would make sure of it.


Briefly distracted by another entrant into the Coliseum, Roxas let his guard down for just a moment. With one swift movement, Riku knocked the Essence of Turmoil Keyblade out of his hands and threw down the Way to Dawn. Both weapons disappeared as the silver-haired teen forcefully shoved Roxas against the wall, his arm pressed against the blond's throat.

"What happens between Sora and I, Roxas, is none of your fucking business." He hissed. "Just because you were once a part of Sora does not make you entitled to know everything that happens with him. So stop trying."

"Roxas! Riku, what are you doing?!"

At Sora's voice, Riku hesitated before pulling away. Roxas rubbed at his neck, his bright blue eyes hard with fury. With a small huff of displeasure, the silver-haired teen whirled around, not even allowing himself to look at Sora as he left the stadium. He could feel the Keyblade Master's shocked, worried eyes on his back as he stalked out of the Coliseum.

The arena was surrounded by tame wilderness, the nearest town a dark smudge on the horizon. Finding himself in need of some time alone, Riku found himself a tree to settle down under. It wasn't like the trees of home; the bark was rough and cracking, and the leaves were smaller and thinner, but it would do. With a sigh, he sat down, stretching out on the grass and looking up at the green canopy above him. The patterns of light shifting through the foliage drew his gaze. His eyes drifted shut...he would get up in a moment, but right now his eyes needed to rest...

A slim frame materialized in a sitting position on the ground, dark blue eyes watching the sleeping teen whose head now rested on their knees. White-blonde hair, pulled back from a thin face that seemed to be composed of many softened angles, blew gently in the wind, strands pulling free of the knot at the nape of the neck to brush past the figure's cheekbones. A glittering, forest green tunic, hanging to the knees and belted at the waist, outlined a figure that, though slender, was undoubtedly female. A dark brown cape covered her shoulders, left bare by the sleeveless tunic, and one edge of it was thrown back to reveal the ivory stag brooch that adorned her tunic strap. Sandals with cork soles shod her feet, the leather strings that held them on criss-crossed to her knees. A bow and a quiver, both of intricately-carved black wood, hung over her covered shoulder, the arrows in the quiver fletched with white feathers. One long, thin finger gently stroked the hair away from the teen's face as he slept.

"Ooh, is he not handsome?" A soft voice cooed from the tree branch above the two. The blonde woman looked up to see a dove sitting in the tree, its dark eyes fixed on her. Moments later, the dove became a woman with long, golden-blonde hair, whose sparkling red dress and golden corset-like garment hugged her voluptuous curves. Her lips, painted a similar shade of red, twisted slightly. "Do you fancy him, Artemis? Will the virgin huntress finally give up her title?"

Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, arched one nearly-invisible brow. "I would have thought you would know better, Aphrodite." She commented. "I have no need for a man, especially not one so young." She looked down at the sleeping child, dark eyes soft. "Besides, he has one he cares for already. I thought you, of all the gods, would know that."

The Goddess of Love and Beauty waved that off carelessly. "So?" She replied. "I would wager my girdle that you could make him forget about his love. Besides...he refuses to give in to his desires anyway. Silly thing. Distance will not do either of them any good."

"I should think you would be touched by his devotion. He only distances himself to protect the Keybearer from the darkness within his heart."

"Oh, he is being overcautious." Aphrodite hopped down from the tree branch, landing without a sound next to the Huntress. "He is strong enough to contain the darkness within him. He has been doing it for a year and a half, now. One would think he would trust in himself enough to make his what should be his." She sighed dramatically, pressing a hand to her heart. "How sweet they would be together. Maybe I will see what mischief Eros can get into." Her golden brows wiggled rather suggestively. Artemis glared at her.

"If you dare, I shall get Zeus to banish your darling son from the Coliseum." She hissed. Aphrodite's bright violet eyes widened.

"You really have a soft spot for this boy, Artemis." She tapped her chin with one slim finger, contemplating that. "Perhaps if I restricted him to the dream realm, hmm? He could work with Hypnos' son, Morpheus. Would that satisfy you?"

The blonde huntress sniffed, clearly displeased. "I would prefer that you restrain yourself and your son from meddling with these children in any way, but if you insist, you know I cannot stop you unless I go to Zeus." She admitted reluctantly. Aphrodite clapped her hands with glee.

"Wonderful! Now, don't let Eos see him. He's a pretty little thing; she might just want to keep him for herself." She vanished with a wink, leaving behind two snow-white feathers crossed on the ground. Artemis sighed, looking down at the sleeping silver-haired teen. He stirred slightly as if roused by the fuss the Cyprian had made when she left, causing the Huntress to strengthen the mild sleep spell she had placed on him so that he wouldn't wake. He was short of rest, she knew; it was best for him to remain asleep long enough to awaken fully rested. Aphrodite was right; she did have a soft spot for the boy, just as she did for all young creatures.

With a soft word from the Delian goddess, the dryad in the tree reshaped her home slightly, the waving cypress becoming more squat, and its branches bending over to enclose the small space where they were, protecting it from wanderers. Now the young silver-haired warrior could sleep in peace, under her protection and that of the spirit of the cypress. Satisfied, the Lady of the Wild Things sat back, leaning against the trunk of the tree, gently stroking the young man's hair as he slumbered.


Roxas sat just outside the Coliseum doors, resting on the foot of one of the gigantic warriors who framed the doorway. Now that they'd finished testing, he had the rest of the day off to explore, or rest, or do whatever.

Unfortunately, this also meant he had very little to distract him from the fact that he was still very pissed off at Riku.

'I don't understand how he and Sora became friends.' The blond thought to himself. 'Riku can be such an asshole. I have just as much a right...maybe even more of a right...to be worried about Sora. Especially when it's Riku's fault that he's acting the way he is.'

Soft music drifted into his ears. With a sigh, Roxas leaned back, closing his eyes, feeling the tension melt from his shoulders and evaporate away. Turning his head, he looked towards the source of the music and found a young man, looking to be about in his twenties. He sat on a ledge nearby, plucking at a stringed instrument he held in one arm. His bright, golden-blond hair brushed his shoulders, framing a chiselled face with deep blue eyes. He wore a pale yellow garment that wrapped around his hips like a skirt, leaving his chest bare. His sandals were a little like Hercules'; leather, with a strap that held them on looped about each ankle. The music slowed and then stopped as the musician noticed his audience.

"Did I disturb you, young one?" He inquired, his voice soft and deep.

Slowly, Roxas shook his head. "No, you didn't." He murmured softly. "It's not what I would normally listen to...but it's nice. What kind of instrument is that? It looks kinda like a harp." He canted his head slightly. The musician chuckled.

"The tortoiseshell lyre; made by Hermes himself when he was only a day old." Was his answer.

Roxas blinked, curiosity in his bright blue eyes. "He must have been pretty skilled to make an instrument before he could talk." He commented, rather sensibly, in his opinion. But his companion laughed.

"You are one of the off-world children, are you not? You are not familiar with us." He met Roxas' eyes with his own, examining the shorter blond well past the time Roxas would have looked away. "Yes...you are one of the companions of the Keybearer. Forgive me. I am unused to introducing myself." Pulling himself to his feet, he stood up straight, and Roxas was stunned to see that the musician was a good seven feet tall...taller even than Axel. "I am Apollo, God of Light, Truth, and Music."

"Oh, wow." Was all the blond teen could say, eyes wide and round as he stared at the god. "I...had no idea." When the words left his lips, he closed his eyes, his response making him feel rather stupid. Apollo laughed again, softly, but not unkindly.

"You are not alone, young one. Few people, even those native to this world, can discern the gods among men." He settled himself again, placing his lyre on his lap. "Now, something troubles you, I can tell. Do you need someone to unburden your spirit to?"

Roxas shook his head. As tempting as that was... "No, it's no big deal, really." He replied. "Just some...friend troubles."

"Hey, Roxas?"

The blond looked up. Sora was standing at the door to the Coliseum lobby, looking out at the two of them with curious blue eyes. "Who's this?" He asked, canting his head as he came to stand beside his ex-Nobody. Apollo nodded his head – quite respectfully, Roxas thought, for a god addressing a mere mortal.

"Hello, Keybearer." The musician greeted him. "The God Apollo. Hercules has mentioned you frequently."

Sora pinked at the cheeks, caught by surprise. "Really?"

The golden god smiled reflexively. "Your exploits, or what we know of them at any rate, are common gossip around the family table when Hercules comes to visit." Seeing the confusion in both boys' eyes, he explained. "We are half-brothers, Hercules and I. Though Zeus loves his wife, he has...dallied with others, on occasion."

Sora's answering grin was the smile of one who'd heard something so shocking that there was no other response but to laugh. "Oops. Does she know?"

"Nothing can be kept from Hera. She dallies herself when it strikes her fancy, so the arrangement suits them both." Smoothing his features again, he then arched one brow at the Keyblade Master. "What did you come to talk about, young Sora?"

The brunet teen blinked in surprise. "Oh." With a shake of his head, he brushed it off. "Nothing, really. That was just a bit of a crazy match you were just in, Roxas...I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He grinned sheepishly. "You left the Coliseum before I could talk to you."

Roxas shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. "Nah, I'm okay." He started in surprise when Sora's arms slid around his shoulders, capturing him in a jovial hug. "Jeez, Sora, really. I'm fine. It was just a little intense, that's all."

"Good." Sora chuckled at the blond teen. "I'll see you later, okay? I'm gonna go explore."

Shaking him off, Roxas shot him a glare, only half in jest. "Good. Take your hugs elsewhere."

The young Islander grinned, leaving the two to their conversation. It was awesome to know that the gods of Olympus were taking such a personal interest in the Coliseum and those battling there. Maybe there wouldn't be so much interference from Hades or any of his allies this time. That would be great.

Now...if he could only find Riku, and get a real answer as to what happened during that match. The way the two of them had fought worried him. There was something more going on there, and it made him uneasy.

Walking out past the colonnade that ringed the Coliseum, Sora looked around. Since he'd been here last, the Coliseum had moved from Olympus to someplace a lot like a regular old world; no longer did clouds ring the area. The surroundings were mostly wild countryside, with trees dotting the meadow that spread out around the golden stone building. A stone pathway led to the front door of the Coliseum, the edges of the stones worn with age, use, and weathering.

Something odd caught his eye. When he turned to look, he saw a tree that appeared to be bent over, its branches draping to the ground like Grandmother Willow, from Jamestown. But this was the same kind of tree as the tall, branching ones that stood along the path to the Coliseum, hunched over in a position that looked rather...unnatural. Curious, he approached the bent-over tree.

When he reached out to brush a few branches aside to see what they concealed, they stuck firmly in place as if rooted – so to speak. Before he could struggle with them, he heard a low female voice call out something he didn't catch, and the branches parted for him like a theatre curtain. When he saw who was sheltered beneath the branches, he blinked, surprised.

Riku lay on the grass, sleeping rather peacefully. His head rested on the knees of a woman with white-blonde hair and dark blue eyes, who gently stroked his hair. When she looked up and saw Sora, standing there and looking rather suspicious, she raised her hands in a gesture of peace. "I have not hurt him, Keybearer." She murmured softly. "I would no more hurt him than I would hurt you."

"Who are you?" The brunet teen inquired warily, bright blue eyes narrowed. The woman glanced down at Riku, making sure they hadn't woken him, before she met Sora's gaze again.

"I am the goddess Artemis, Huntsman-in-Chief to the Gods." She inclined her head respectfully. "Do not worry. Your friend Riku has rested under my protection since he left the Coliseum. But now that you are here, I will leave if you wish."

"I-" He hesitated, not wanting to end up accidentally insulting her. "You don't have to. I was just..." Trailing off, he searched desperately for something to say.

Artemis chuckled lightly. "You are very protective of your friends, Keybearer, and they of you. You should feel blessed to have so many who care for you." Her long, thin fingers gently toyed with a lock of Riku's silver hair. A tiny smile touched Sora's lips.

"I do." He admitted.

With an approving nod, the divine huntress lifted her hand from Riku's hair. "I believe you two have much to discuss, so I will leave you now." She dipped her head again. As her thin frame slowly melted into smoke, Sora heard the flapping of wings and looked up. A snow-white bird peered at him from one of the branches of the tree, and he could have sworn it winked at him, but he couldn't be certain, because he blinked in surprise. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself sitting on the ground, in exactly the same place the fair goddess had been sitting moments before. Consequently, Riku was now using his knees for a pillow.

Oh, great.

'Oh, come, Keybearer. Do not try to tell yourself you have not wondered what this would be like...' A voice from the wind floated into his ears, obviously another immortal whispering to him. When he looked up, he saw that the white bird had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a pair of long, thin feathers crossed on the grass. A soft scowl touched Sora's features; while the mysterious voice was right, and he had entertained the notion once or twice, now was not the time. Gingerly, he slid his hands under Riku's head, trying to ease his knees out from underneath the sleeping teen without waking him.

His touch, unfortunately, had the opposite effect. Riku stirred, unconsciously rubbing his cheek against the brunet's hand. As Sora held his breath, turquoise eyes flickered open, fixed on the canopy above them. Shifting slightly, the older teen turned his head a little and then paused, as if noticing that there was more than grass beneath him. His chin lifted, and for a split second, their eyes met.

Startled, Riku surged into a sitting position, turning around to face the Keyblade Master again. His eyes were wide with surprise. "Sora?" He asked, confusion plain as day in his voice. Flushing a deep red, Sora refused to look at him, keeping his gaze fixed on his hands.

"I...I wasn't here before...I didn't mean for this to happen...I just wanted to talk to you..." He fumbled, trying to find the right words. "When I got here, you were already asleep, and Artemis was watching over you."

Obviously not quite awake yet, Riku blinked curiously at him. "Artemis?" He echoed. This time, Sora risked a glance up at him, although he was still a rather vivid shade of crimson.

"The goddess, Artemis." He replied. "She's one of the gods who'll be watching the Coliseum battles. She said that she was protecting you while you were asleep out here." Absently, as he was wont to do when nervous, he toyed with the crown pendant hanging from his neck. "I came out here to find you, to talk to you about what happened during your match with Roxas, and it startled me a little to see her here with you, 'cause I had no idea who she was. She was sitting right here, where I am now, and she left when I got here. I figured I would just sit down and wait for you to wake up, but all of a sudden I found myself sitting here with your head on my knees and I really didn't mean for it to happen, but I think one of the other gods did it and- I'm rambling. Man, I feel like such an idiot." Mortified, he closed his eyes, drew his knees up to his chest, buried his face in them and folded his arms in such a way that they covered the rest of his face.

He heard a muffled sound and, surprised and the tiniest bit curious, he lifted his head just enough for one eye to peek over his arms.

Riku was laughing. Just softly, chuckling really, with one hand pressed against his mouth to try and stifle it. After a few moments of helpless laughter, he looked up, a wry smile on his face.

"I think I might have been a hell of a lot more startled if I'd woken up to the face of some unknown woman." He admitted. "So I feel like I should thank this god, whoever it was." Reaching out, he gently ruffled Sora's hair. "At least I got to wake up to a familiar face."

Sora leaned into the touch without thinking. He realized the mistake almost instantly, pulling away again with a sigh. "Sorry." He flushed again. Riku's lips twitched, somewhat ruefully.

"It's okay. You're not the only one who's been tempted."

The Keyblade Master couldn't help a half-smile. "Damn Ansem."

"Yeah." Riku's hand slid out of deep brown spikes, stroking the younger Islander's cheek gently. "Damn him."

It was a long moment before Sora found the willpower to pull away. "I hate to mess this up, but I have to ask." Reaching up, he clasped the elder teen's hand. "What happened with you and Roxas, Riku? That was a really intense fight; you were, like, at each others' throats. What was that?"

Riku sighed. "He seems to think you're acting oddly." He replied. "And that it's my fault."

"Oh." Sora fidgeted, rather uncomfortable. "Well, I suppose he's not too far off, really."

"He also seems to think that you're incapable of taking care of yourself without his assistance. That just because he was your Nobody, it gives him the right to butt his nose into your business...all right, our business," he corrected, when Sora arched a brow at him, "whenever he wants."

Granted, that did irritate him a little. But Roxas was only trying to help, really. He didn't mean to be nosy...hell, did he even know how to be nosy? "And you let it upset you to the point where you were practically ready to bash his face in? Just for being concerned about me?"

Riku opened his mouth to protest, rethought, and closed it. Truthfully, he had had that idea. "When you put it that way, it sounds so stupid." He scowled. "But it-"

"It is stupid." The Keyblade Master scowled right back, though his quickly shifted to a rueful expression. "I understand, Riku, I do. But letting it upset you that much is going a little overboard, don't you think? I mean, doesn't that make you feel really kinda silly?"

The elder Islander sighed. "I guess so." He finally relented. Swallowing his pride a little more, he asked. "Is he okay?"

Sora's lips twitched. "Yeah, he's okay." He replied. "I think he's just as irritated at you as you are at him, but I think you'll get over that quickly enough. I hope so, anyway."

Riku shook his head. "You take all the fun out of being pissed off, you know that?"

The young Keybearer grinned, flashing him a peace sign. "I know. It's my job."


Nyahaha, Sora's so cute :D I luff him so.

So, um, I'll keep working! In drips and drabs. Really! XD I have literally everything but the last little bit, and a section in the middle, of Olympus Coliseum to finish. Then I have Radiant Garden, 100-Acre Wood, and a few more places. Then we're off on our next little whirlwind tour, lol. Which ought to be good times...that is, if I can ever get the first place done. T-T

WARNING(well, kinda XD): Next chapter changes the rating to an official M, just so's I don't have admins breathing down my neck. Don't be too afraid of reading, it's not all that graphic, really. And it's all pretty well marked off, so if you want to skip it, that's fine. You'll get the jist. I imagine everyone will more be looking forward to it, though -shifty eyes-

Love,

Ivy J.