*peeks out from around a corner* Uh... hi guys! Sorry this uh... took a month... but its uploaded now at least.

Enjoy... and don't kill me please.

"I don't believe you."

She saw that one coming. Roxas was incredibly quick to jump to conclusions and this instance was no exception. He needed to learn not to judge a book by its cover, but open it and read the story it has to offer. Quite literally in this case though she did have to wonder; was his accusation really that unfounded? She did know Ienzo from years before, true but at the same time he was now one of the organization. And the organization (save for Isa, Xion, and her brother) could not be trusted.

"If you wanted to join us, why didn't you act sooner?" Roxas continued, fixing the slightly older teen with a harsh glare. "Did you come here to ramble off a bunch of lies to us? Or are you a spy, sent to gather information?"

"Roxas that's enough!" Lydia snapped back at the apprentice. She was tired of his rash attitude and decided it had to stop here. "I realize he's still with the organization but even he deserves to be heard."

"But what if he's-

"If he is a spy, he will be dealt with accordingly," Ienzo flinched slightly, noticing the veiled threat in her voice. "But for now, let's hear him out. Ienzo, explain please."

He sighed, running a hand through his teal bangs before crossing his arms. "I suppose I should be truthful so I'll just come out and say it. I've known about yours and Saix's situation for several months now Roxas, even before you yourself knew what was going on. When I was still human I researched Lycans and was interested. By the time this"- he gestured to himself with a lazy flick of his hand- "Happened to me, I already knew enough about them to recognize the signs. I clued in to Saix first, but at that time I was still unsure of whether or not he actually was one. But after the next full moon when you became ill, I noticed those signs even more. A little more research confirmed it but I kept that information to myself. I knew that if either you or Saix were discovered, it could put your very lives in danger.

"Moving on," he said gruffly and cleared his throat, "You two are aware that the organization has increased their efforts to locate Roxas, yes?" The two wolves nodded silently as they took in the news. "I'd assume Xion told you that. Unfortunately, that's not the end of it. It gets worse, much worse I'm afraid.

"Late last night, Xemnas called an emergency meeting. I know we're not supposed to be able to show true emotion, but that had to have been the closest any of us have ever gotten to an all-out rage. He was positively furious that our second and last key-bearer had also gone missing without notifying anyone of where she was going. He has suspended any and all missions until you and Xion can be found and taken back to the organization, at any cost."

'Wonderful...' Roxas thought sarcastically. When Lydia glanced towards him, she saw him shudder slightly. 'We're running out of time...' She thought back to him, and he gave an almost unnoticeable nod of confirmation.

"That's not all. I've noticed in the past week that Xemnas almost seems to be getting stronger darkness-wise. He had high levels of darkness to begin with, but like Xion, his has increased exponentially in a very short period of time."

Roxas jumped in shock. "Wait, does that mean you know...?"

"Yes Roxas, I know about her too. It took a little more research, but I eventually put that puzzle together as well. And now she's been kidnapped, taken somewhere on this world by the others of her kind. You may not believe me when I say this but their intentions, or those to her anyway, may not be completely evil."

"Hey wait a second, hold on," Lydia cut in, "How do you know that? How could you possibly know what their intentions were if you were not part of their group yourself? I'm finding all this hard to believe."

Ienzo chuckled, looking towards Roxas. "I'm sure you know at least somewhat of their intentions through your connection with Xion. As long as she's still alive, their intentions must not be all that bad, right?"

Roxas looked like he was struggling internally with an answer before blurting out, "Yeah, but you have no kind of connection with her like I do. How can you be so sure?"

"My organization title may be the Cloaked Schemer, but illusions aren't the only thing I deal in." He said as a smug grin appeared on his face. "I'm also a third-class Psychic, and have been checking up on her every so often. I would have kept a permanent watch, but I'm only strong enough for five minute intervals when I'm not on the same world as my target."

Both Lycans looked shocked and excited. Not only were Psychics of any class extremely rare, but their abilities were highly useful for just about anything.

"Do you think you could use those abilities of yours to find Xion?" Roxas questioned, eagerness overwhelming his features at the thought of being able to save Xion.

Ienzo shook his head sadly. "Wherever she is, the signal is being blocked by some sort of magic barrier. It's so strong I can't even tell where it is on this world, never mind being able to break through. The only reason I know that Xion is still here on this world is the faint, very faint signal I'm getting. But like I said, the barrier is messing with my powers and I don't know her exact whereabouts."

There was a collective sigh as the feeling of helplessness covered the trio.

After a pregnant pause, Lydia spoke up. "Well that was a very informative Ienzo, but you still didn't answer the question. Why are you here?"

Zexion sighed again as he scratched the back of his head nervously. "I'd like to quit the organization. I know I said that already, but it's the truth. I've gotten tired of being under Xemnas' rule. The thing is, I've wanted to quit for some time now. Xemnas is too harsh with his orders; he doesn't take the safety of the worlds into consideration. And with this last order he's gone too far. The way I see it if I'm going to get my heart back, I'd prefer to get it back by a more... peaceful method. I've had enough of all this pain and suffering. It has to end."

"You know if you join us, then you will have to fight with us," Lydia said solemnly. "We're not what you would call 'peaceful' people."

"But at least you're fighting for peace." He said truthfully. "Peace won't come if it's just you two up against an entire legion of Angels. You're going to need all the help you can get.

"In any war, people have to choose sides. Battle lines are drawn, and which side you're on can make the difference between victory and defeat. I've chosen the side I want to fight with." He paused, slowly lowering himself onto one knee as he put his right hand on his chest over where his heart would be. "So please, Lydia let me fight with you. I promise to do everything in my power to aid your cause."

'He knows the Old Way...' She thought as the shocked expression eventually faded from her face. Of course he knew the Old Way, he had read up on it. This surprised her though; she didn't think that he would go to these lengths to get her to let him join.

"Get up Ienzo. There's no need to grovel on the ground like that." He silently complied, dusting himself off in the process. She huffed, "What will you do if I let you join? Where will you go?"

The young nobody looked sheepish. "I... I hadn't thought of that actually." He stuttered at the question.

"Foolish decision kid. Thinking you can just come out here and I'd let you join. Just because you were a friend of my brother's doesn't mean shit out here. You have nowhere else to go but back to the organization do you?"

He looked down in shame. "...No."

Lydia sighed. 'Kids these days... never thinking things over...'

"I suppose I have no choice then. Come here Ienzo."

Zexion's head shot up in surprise. "What?"

"I know you're not deaf, Ienzo. Don't keep me waiting all morning."

Hesitantly, Zexion took slow steps toward her until he was about three feet away. He squirmed under her intense gaze.

Lydia paused once more, the tension rising with every second. Deciding she had waited long enough, she spoke. "Now I want you to listen Ienzo, and listen well. I'll let you join on one condition. Before we have you tested, I want you to prove yourself to us by gathering as much information as you can about the organization, Xemnas, the Angels, etcetera. Whatever you can find that corresponds to our situation and you think can help us. When I think you are ready, you will be tested for our gene and If you posses it, changed if that is what you want.

"But," She continued forcefully, "If I find that you have betrayed us in any way shape or form, I will dispose of you. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." He responded, his eyes full of determination.

"Good," she smiled, serious expression gone. "Now go get some sleep kid. It's late, and I know you're tired."

He nodded. "Yes. Thank you Lydia. I appreciate it." And without another word, he disappeared into a portal.

Roxas, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, yawned. "Well that was unexpected," He said quietly. "It must be pretty bad over at the organization if more than two people want to quit now."

"Yeah... it seems like the closer we get to November, the worse things get." Putting her hands behind her head, she looked up into the early morning sky. "Everything's going to hell."

Roxas sighed as he did the same. "The full moon's tomorrow too. I can feel its power already." His eyes almost seemed to glow as he said the words.

They were both silent for a moment as they took in the view. The moon was beginning its decent towards the western horizon, its powerful glow still visible through the trees. By now it must have been closer to four in the morning, and it was still dark. With the season far into fall the sun would likely not rise until at least six, by which time the Lycans would be fast asleep.

"I guess... all we can do now is hope that the angels hold off on an attack until we're ready." Lydia muttered to herself thoughtfully. It really was all they could do at this point.

Roxas crossed his fingers together. "Let's hope."

-Till November-

I woke early the next morning, much to my dismay. The one chance Lydia gives me to sleep in and my internal clock has to betray me. Wonderful. Something told me this was not going to be a good day.

Lifting my head off my big black paws, I glanced around. We were in our usual clearing, though from the sheer amount of use the grass had long since been trampled down. I could see an orange morning glow filtering down through the trees, bathing the clearing in soft light. If I had to guess I'd say it was around eight, maybe nine in the morning. Though I guess when I compare it to six or seven in the morning when I usually get up, this wasn't all that bad.

Across the clearing, Lydia was still sleeping. I figured this was a good a time as any to go for a quick run before she woke and started barking orders again. Quietly getting to my paws I padded away from the clearing, making sure I got far enough away before I started to run.

Running felt nice. The wind in my fur, moving so quickly my feet hardly touched the ground; it made me feel like I was flying. It was amazing. There's no better feeling in the world in my opinion. Save for the ability to actually fly. Almost makes me envy those angels. Almost. But as soon as I start to think about them I remember what they did to Xion, and all the anger comes flooding back.

Its times like this that make me stop and wonder about my life and what's happened. It makes me laugh too, when I realize people- normal people that is- would kill for a life like this. I can understand how they would feel; doing the same things day in and day out, every day's the same. Practically carbon copies of one another. Nothing truly exciting happens. Hell, the most fun some people ever have is a hold up at a gas station. Not that exciting. Not supernatural.

Some may think I have it good. I get the power to transform into a wolf. I get a magical weapon. I get power over magic through that weapon. It all sounds great on paper but the truth is, I'd rather be anyone but myself. If I had been born normal, I could have had regular old friends, lived a normal life happily. But instead, I had to get stuck with this life, this destiny. Destiny obviously didn't like me.

I came to a halt once I spotted the river through the trees. It was one of the smaller ones- a tiny tributary that eventually led back to the main stream somewhere east of here. From what Lydia's told me the main river goes all the way to the coast, but beyond that I have no clue. An ocean? A lake? I'll probably never know.

I lapped at the stream, enjoying the cool sensation as the liquid rushed down my throat. Once I was finished I turned to leave, but I stopped at the sudden sting in my left shoulder that I instantly realized as the gash. I glanced down at it curiously, giving it a lick. The wound was hot to the touch, and was stinging more and more the longer I looked at it.

'What the...'

Before I could even finish that train of thought, the wound erupted into violent black smoke that continued to pour from my shoulder. Pure agony filled me as I screamed, the sound coming out of my throat as a hellish roar. Wave after wave of pain assaulted my senses, the darkness in my wound flaring and pulsing with the beating of my heart. I was blinded by the sheer amount of darkness that was trying to engulf me.

'Not on my watch you don't!'

Suddenly, I could feel a surge of light energy from within, pushing back the darkness and returning my vision to me. I could only just now feel that it was sapping my energy, causing me to sink to the ground. I tried to fight it, but by this time I was so exhausted I couldn't even maintain my transformation. Shuddering from the sheer effort I managed to shift back, curling up into a ball and trying to stifle the moaning I couldn't control.

'Come on Roxas, help me out here!' Ventus snapped, obviously having difficulty driving the darkness away. He needed help.

'Trying...' I thought, forcing what little energy I had left into my left shoulder. It had the required effect, our combined energy acted as a sort of cork, stopping the flow of darkness and temporarily solving the problem.

I just lay there panting for several minutes afterward. I needed a moment to regain my composure- and my breath.

'Are you alright Roxas? That was some pretty intense shit back there.' He commented when I could form coherent mental words.

'Fine, thanks to you. I owe you one Ventus.'

'Don't thank me yet. That darkness will leave a lasting impression on our heart, deepening the gash that was already there.'

'My... I mean your heart was... injured?'

'Yeah. Ten years ago when everything went down with Vanitas and I, after Terra and Aqua were killed, Vanitas and I fought. During the battle he tried to inject darkness directly into my pure heart of light, thus killing me. Technically he succeeded, but I managed to get away before he could engulf my heart completely. Darkness like that leaves a lasting impression though, and I was no exception to that rule.'

Sitting up from my fetal position, I dragged myself over to a nearby rock and leaned against it. Though I had recovered enough energy to talk mentally, I was still too weak to stand. 'And now we're left with more questions than answers; the biggest of which being how darkness got into the wound in the first place.'

'It had to have been Vanitas. He must have used a variation of the same darkness-injecting technique that he used on me. What's got me puzzled is why he looks the exact same after all these years. He still looks like sixteen year old kid,' He paused for a second, seeming to think something over before continuing quietly,'Then again if I get my body back, I wouldn't have aged either...'

'So what do we do then? You're not really thinking of telling Lydia are you?'

'Normally I'd say 'HELL YES', but under these circumstances we're better off not telling her. I know for a fact this is something that Lydia can't help us with, and like you've mentioned before there's no sense in making her worry over it. You and I are strong enough to hold back the darkness for the time being, and with the full moon out tonight to boost our power we should be fine. I doubt even Vanitas could best us in combat with the moon shining down!'

'The only problem is that even with our combined strength, we can only provide a temporary fix. What do we do once Vanitas is taken care of? What if his darkness doesn't fade with him?'

'I think we should only cross that bridge when we come to it. Better off not thinking about that kind of an outcome for now.'

'Good plan. I like it.'

Getting up from my spot against the rock, I raised my head and sniffed. Nothing unusual on the breeze, that was good. Closing my eyes, I listened to the forest around me, trying to hear anything that didn't belong. I didn't. The coast was clear.

Without missing a beat I opened my eyes and leaped, shifting in mid-air and tearing off into the trees on four legs. As much as I needed to stop and think over what just happened, I needed to get back to Lydia more.

I knew my tactic for dealing with these things was half-assed at best, but in a life and death situation you cope however you can.

Strange ending is strange. Roxas you weirdo.

anyway, i got a great mark on my project (You know, the one that took me a month to finish and kept me from writing untill now).\

So now Ahat its over i'm really going to try to update as fast as i can for this month. I want to finish this by the summer and if i really cram i might just make that deadline. I hope.

Any reviews would be phenominal.