Naminé - On Both Sides

I awoke some time later – it hadn't been long – with Roxas kneeling beside me, patting my cheek softly. I looked around; we were sitting on that same balcony, where Shang Yu had held the Emperor in his keep.

I struggled for a moment, trying to sit up. "Roxas! The Emperor! Is he okay-" Roxas, pulling me quickly into a hug, gave a muffled answer.

"He's fine. He's fine." His hand ran across my spine. "Naminé. I-I can't believe you." He squeezed me tighter. "I really can't. You scared me."

I slowly exhaled, letting myself relax against him, for the first time. "I kinda scared myself." I admitted softly.

I didn't realize what was happening until his lips grazed my forehead. I tilted my head up slightly, so we touched. I felt weak, and lightheaded, but...

I was happy.

Roxas helped me down the stairs (I wasn't sure how he had managed to get me off the roof, and when I asked, he merely smiled and didn't reply) – we were met by the roar of the cheering crowd. The guards had evidently given up on trying to force everyone out, and left them to watch.

The Emperor, who was standing – looking to be in fine condition, except for the paleness of his skin – stepped forward.

"You are Naminé." His voice was deep, and I felt myself unable to reply. I nodded instead.

"You stole your father's armour. Ran away from home." His voice was patient, but had such a stern edge, I felt Roxas stiffen beside me. "You impersonated a male in my army."

He looked up at the palace roof briefly, before meeting my gaze. "And, for what you have done for all of China, I must thank you for it."

And I stared in shock as the Emperor stepped backwards, bowing low at the waist. I felt my heart begin to race as I turned to the side. In a great wave of gratitude, every single person who had been cheering momentarily before, joined him. Including Roxas.

In a few moments, the Emperor placed a shining gold medal hanging on a thick red ribbon over my head. Eyes tearing up, I bowed low in thanks.

Then another man walked up, telling the Emperor he should retire for the evening. He slowly walked away, and for a second, I had the urge to hug him tightly.

"Naminé -" Roxas began, but a small noise cut him off. Off to the side, two guards had a firm grip on the arms of the last Hun who was still conscious. His weapon was thrown off to the side.

I glanced at the sword, the light catching a small crest on the base. A small flame. My eyes wide, I looked up, catching sight of an intense green.

"W-Wait." I stumbled forward as the guards had begun to take him away. They paused, unsure of what I was doing. Even I wasn't completely aware of my actions. Reaching forward, my hand shook as I tugged on the cloth mask, and I winced as I pulled it off.

"N-No…Axel…"

I felt my knees weaken. That's why he was acting so weird in the garden… I stepped backwards shakily. "Axel? You're…you're…" For the first time, I saw pain overtake Axel, and his face crumpled at the corners.

"Naminé." His voice sounded regretful. "I'm not who you thought I was. I-I didn't want to…I swear…" He grimaced as I turned away.

"I won't say I understand, or forgive you." I said so quietly, I wasn't sure if he could even hear me. "But it was your duty as a soldier, to follow orders. You too, didn't have a choice."

He didn't reply.

Author's Note: I. HATED. THIS. CHAPTER. It gave me too much trouble! I'm so sorry for the crap-quality D: The next one will be better - Nam will be going home, and we'll see Sora again! Yippee!

And I was just becoming fond of Axel, too. -_-

Kudos to the people who guessed the double-agent was Axel! (Was FlowerLady-Aerith the only one? :O)

Tell me who you originally thought the double-agent was. ^o^

Or else.