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Final Fantasy © to Square Enix!

Chapter 2: Home

The dark corridors that Xion always walked felt so stuffy and frightening each time she walked them alone, but this time… holding Axel's hand, she felt so safe. Roxas walked on his other side, holding his other hand.

They did look like some families she'd seen at Twilight Town before.

Was this what a family felt like?

They exited the corridor, stepping out into a familiar clearing next to a familiar stone wall.

The mansion.

Roxas let go first, running to the gates.

A warm smile filled his face as he looked up at it. "We really get to stay here…"

"It's our home now. Let's make some new memories here."

"Hey!"

From behind them, coming out of the trees, stepped a small group of people. Leading the charge came Hayner, Pence, and Olette.

"You're here!"

Hayner broke forward, running to the boy. "Roxas! It's awesome to finally meet you!"

"Hayner… Pence… Olette…" Tears filled the boy's eyes as the other two approached.

Xion looked up at Axel. They'd explained to her why and how he knew them, or at least a version of them. So they both felt happy to see him so happy.

Olette glanced over first, waving. "Hi, Axel. Hi, Xion."

"Hi."

The girl walked over, giving Axel a cautious glance as she stepped up to Xion, holding out a hand. "My name's Olette, nice to officially meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too."

"Lettie," called one of the other people approaching, "why not introduce us?"

The three local teens turned around.

"Ok."

Olette smiled at the three, gesturing to a woman with soft brown hair pulled in a ponytail and a man with short spiked dark hair. "This is my mom and dad. Mom, Dad, this is Roxas, Axel, and Xion."

The man, who held a rolled sleeping bag under his arm, gave a little salute. "Name's Biggs. Nice to meet all of you. These three told us you might need a little help, so we brought some stuff. Didn't know you'd be here this quickly though."

"Well, now we get to meet them." The woman smiled. "My name is Jessie. It's a pleasure."

Pence looked up at another man and woman. The man also had dark hair, poking out from a red bandana. The woman beside him had almond-colored skin and curly black afro. "These are my parents."

The woman stepped forward first. "My name is Folia, and this is Wedge."

"Nice to mee you guys! Pence has been really excited about some new friends showing up, so we're happy you're here."

"And these are my parents." Hayner smiled up at a man with spiked blonde hair and face tattoos and a woman with dark brown hair pulled into a low bun.

The man, grinning, walked forward, holding out a hand to Axel. "Nice to meet you. Name's Zell, and this is my wife, Emily(1)." He looked down at the two new teens. "The kids were worried that you might arrive during the night and have nothing."

"We figured you'd come here, since it's the place all your friends know." Pence nodded.

"They asked us to help bring you some stuff." Wedge grinned. "We got you all some sleeping bags until you can get some real beds, and we got you some bread and sandwich stuff. I hope none of you are allergic to peanut butter."

"Allergic?"

Axel smiled down at Xion. "I'll explain later, but I'm pretty sure none of us are allergic. Thank you all for the help."

Jessie grinned. "Let's get inside and get you all set up for the night."

"Sure."

Roxas and Hayner pushed the gates open and jogged toward the door. As he approached, his footsteps slowed.

The last time he'd entered this place… he'd found Sora and vanished.

"You ok?"

"Just… there are some bad memories from the last time I was here."

The other boy smiled softly. "That's ok. You're going to make some new ones now."

"Yeah."

Opening the door, Hayner stepped inside. "Wow! It's dark!"

"Don't worry," Wedge smiled, "we brought some candles and some lights too until those can get fixed. I'm pretty sure the wiring it usable, but probably pretty messy."

"Thank you."

Going inside, the cool night air gave way to a comfortable warmth. Biggs pulled out a camping lantern and turned it on.

Probably not the best ides, since it made the place look more like a horror movie set.

"We can come back in the morning to help some more if you want, but we'll help you get settled for now."

Axel smiled. "Thanks, but I'll probably be out job hunting tomorrow. I've got some savings, but I need a better job."

"You guys can camp out in here." Running to a room, Olette threw the doors open.

Inside, they saw what appeared to be a dining hall, with a broken table in the middle. A fireplace sat on the other side, unused for a long time.

"That works."

Folia nodded. "Kids, why don't we get the fire going while the gentlemen get that table out of here?"

"Ok."

The three dads set the stuff down and joined Axel by the table. Without much issue, the four of them picked up the two halves, and walked out.

As soon as they got out of earshot, Zell's eyes narrowed. "So, what's the story?"

"Huh?"

"A guy, who our kids don't really trust, shows up here with two kids. Seems suspicious."

Oh…

They weren't just here to help.

"Long story."

"Then get telling."

Axel let out a long sigh. "Ok, so your kids know me from my bad-guy phase, but I'm not that guy anymore. I just want to give my two best friends a good life."

"Where are their parents?"

"How do you know them?"

"And tell us everything," Zell and Axel set the table down outside, "we know about other worlds. We have teenagers who have been so excited about helping one. We found out later that it's supposed to be a secret."

Well, that made things slightly easier.

So, he explained.

In the simplest way, at least.

"And that's pretty much it. I guess it does look a little weird, but those kids have nowhere to go, and they're my best friends. The least I can do is look after them, especially after all I've done."

The three other men listened with even expressions the whole time. Only now did Biggs' face melt into a smile. "Ok. We're all dads, so we were concerned. But, you sound like you mean it. That doesn't mean we won't be keeping an eye for a while."

"Go ahead. I don't mind. I know your kids don't trust me that much."

Wedge sat down on the grass, looking up at the slightly darker, red sky.

The sun never really set on this world, but they could see the moon and a few faint stars from here.

"Sounds to me, like you want to be a good parent."

Parent?

"I think the term guardian is more apt. If one of them called me 'dad' or something, it would be super weird."

"Guess so."

"But hey," Wedge offered, "if you ever need advice or just want to talk, the three of us usually hang out at least once a week. You're welcome to join."

"Dad's night out?"

"Basically."

"Sounds good. I just want things to go well. Those two have been through enough pain for a lifetime… and they're basically toddlers in teenage bodies. I want them to have a peaceful time. The only things they need to be worried about are grades, homework, and who they'll go to a school event with."

"Normal teenage stuff." Zell stood up. "Our kids are ready to help with that."

"I'm sure they are."

They all stood up, heading back inside.

From the front door, they could see the glow of a fire coming out of the old dining room.

"What took you so long, Dad?" Olette called as they came in.

"Just having a discussion, that's all."

With the table out of the way, they'd laid out three sleeping bags in front of the fire. For a few nights, this would do.

Roxas sat with Hayner and Pence, smiling and laughing.

Xion sat with the ladies, smiling softly in the warm firelight.

"Tomorrow," Jessie looked up, "I have some free time in the morning, so I think Olette, Pence, and I will take these two shopping, since apparently they have no other clothes and no personal belongings."

Axel didn't miss how she met eyes with her husband who gave a soft nod.

"Sounds like a plan."

The two women stood up. "And we can bring some cleaning supplies too."

"Don't worry about that." Hayner grinned. "I'll bring that. I can start cleaning up the place while you're out shopping."

"Ms. Folia and I will help you." His mother stood up. "But I think it's time we all went to bed."

"Agreed."

"Then we'll see you all in the morning."

"Yeah."

"See you in the morning."

Seeing them all out, Axel smiled. Good people lived here.

Even though they didn't really trust him yet, it showed they cared. They cared enough about two lonely children to go out of their way to make sure they were safe.

This was the right place to make home.

Definitely.

Going back inside, he glanced around the dark, large foyer.

Their home.

It needed a little work, but it would be an amazing home.

Stepping back into the dining room, he found Xion already curled up in her sleeping bag. She picked the middle one.

Roxas sat on his, staring at the fire.

"She asleep already?"

"Yeah."

Axel sat down on his sleeping bag, staring at the fire. "It was a long day. You should get some sleep too."

"Should I?"

In the firelight, the boy's cheeks glimmered with tears. "I'm scared… scared that I'll wake up and find this was just a dream. It just seems too good to be real."

"It's real, Roxas. You're here. Xion is here. We're in our home. We have a home… It will all still be here when you wake up. Tr… Trust me."

The boy wiped his eyes, glancing down at Xion before he looked up at his friend. "I… I trust you."

He climbed into his own sleeping bag and fell asleep in about a minute.

Exhaustion crept up on Axel as well, but he wasn't ready to sleep just yet. He stared into the fire.

Parent.

Was that what he was now?

Maybe he'd taken on that role since the beginning and never knew.

He always did like picking up stray puppies…

Standing up, he lit a candle and walked outside the room.

His mind wandered as he went into each room, clocking it.

Naminé's old room.

The library with the secret passage below, which he didn't feel like opening right now.

The back of the foyer opened into a small internal courtyard with a horse statue in the middle. All overgrown, of course. Maybe, they could plant a vegetable garden there or something.

Hallways stretched around the courtyard. Each one with doors that opened into two more rooms. Lots of bedrooms.

The back hallway opened up into another overgrown garden area with the stone fencing around it.

So much potential.

Just like those two.

Right now, they had the chance to be and do whatever they wanted. The door was open.

They could build their lives from the ground up.

He yawned.

Ok. Ok.

He'd give in.

Walking back, he laid down in his sleeping bag and fell asleep.

With the dying embers of the fire, barely lighting up the room, the early morning hours felt cold and dark compared to the evening.

Xion gasped, bolting up in her sleep as sweat poured down her face.

Panting, she frantically looked around.

Roxas…

Axel…

Her new heartbeat, which pounded in her ears, did little to calm her. But the sight of her two best friends, one on either side, brought her down to earth.

Breathing deeply, she sat in the darkness, continually glancing between the two of them.

Eventually, she calmed down enough to lay back down.

Allowing sleep to take her once again.

"Good morning!" Hayner threw the door open first, a mop over his shoulder.

Roxas came running from one of the back hallways. "Hi! We were exploring the house."

"What did you find."

"I picked my room." He pointed to the left hallway. "First room on this side."

"Awesome!"

Folia and Emily followed him inside, smiling at him. Axel and Xion soon followed from the back of the mansion.

"Zell and the others had work this morning," Emily set down a bucket full of cleaning supplies, "but they'll join us later."

"Where do they work?"

"They're police officers." Jessie came in with Pence and Olette. She looked at the teenagers. "You two ready?"

"Yeah."

"Anything we can pick up for you?" Her eyes met Axel's.

He shook his head. "I have a few things. I'll be fine for now." He glanced down at himself. He'd finally opened the gift from the three fairies, and they had some good taste. The outfit worked perfectly for him.

Felt weird not to be wearing his old coat, but it was a fresh start.

Maybe they should get rid of those things…

"If you say so."

Folia tossed a broom to Hayner. "The three of us will get started here. After you're done job hunting, will you be joining us?"

"Of course. This place is massive. It'll probably take a whole week to clean it all, and that's before trying to fix up the outside."

The three women glanced between one another, a knowing look in their eyes.

"Then you better hurry back."

"Alright."

Giving Roxas and Xion a smile, Axel stepped out of the mansion, headed for town.

Pence grinned. "Let's go you two."

"Yeah."

The cool morning air hit their faces as they walked through the trees. "They just put in a new door to the town wall. Apparently, they didn't like kids hiking through the sewers to get out here."

"Can't imagine why."

A metal shutter door stood in the wall next to a ground entrance, most likely to the sewers. Jessie reached down, pulling it up. "After you."

Ducking under, the teens found themselves in the middle of town.

Roxas and Xion both smiled as waves of good memories filled their hearts. Times together, doing missions as a team.

Even the first time they worked together.

"This way."

Olette and Pence in the lead, they walked into the middle of town. They could see shops all around them as the trolly, dinging as it did, moved through the streets.

The bright bistro sign… that was new.

But things did change a little.

"Hello there," came a kind older voice. From inside one shop, they saw an old woman in a pink and teal dress.

Roxas smiled. He knew her… at least the digital copy of her. Miss Prudence. She'd been the only woman to believe that he didn't steal her photos, and he found her cat, Chiro for her.

"Hi, Miss Prudence!"

The old woman smiled. "I see some unfamiliar faces with you. Why don't you introduce me?"

"These are the kids I told you about this morning." Jessie smiled, "This is Roxas and Xion."

"It's nice to meet you both."

"Nice to meet you too."

Xion just gave a soft nod.

Olette walked over to her shop counter. "Miss Pru is like the town grandma. She knows everyone."

"You two just moved into the mansion with your guardian. I assume he was that tall man with red hair I saw earlier."

"Yes ma'am." Roxas walked over. "His name is Axel."

"Axel, Roxas, and Xion… well, I hope you like it here in our little town. We're so happy to have you here."

"Thank you."

Xion looked at the old woman, noticing that she gave a smile and wink to Ms. Jessie.

Wonder why…

"Well bless my heart! Those are two faces I haven't seen in quite some time!"

An old man wearing brown overalls, came over, his dark eyes glittering.

This man, they knew all too well.

"Mr. Hillam!"

"Oh, stop that, young man. You know you can just call me Jabez."

Prudence looked over at him. "You know these two, Jabez?"

"Know them!?" He laughed. "They and that red-haired friend of theirs were my best customers! I thought they were going to buy out my entire ice cream stock sometimes."

Pence laughed. "Well, you do make the best ice cream."

"I try my best, Pence my boy." He shook Roxas and Xion's hands. "I wondered where you two disappeared to. You always used to pop in for a snack. Then one day, you just vanished. I was a little worried, but I'm happy to see you again."

"Thank you, Mr. Hil-"

"Jabez."

"Thank you, Mr. Jabez."

"That will do." Clapping Roxas on the back, he sauntered off. "I expect to see you quite often again."

"You will!"

"Good!"

Ms. Prudence eyed the teens carefully before smiling. "So, what are you all up to today?"

"Shopping. We're getting Roxas and Xion some new clothes."

"Sounds fun." She reached under her counter. "Catch, you two." With a gentle toss, two pieces of taffy came flying their way. Both caught it. "Consider that a welcome present. Now, go and have a good day."

"We will!"

"Thank you!"

Jessie led them to a line of shops. "So, have any ideas for what you want to get?"

"Well…"

Pence reached into his pocket. "We have a picture from the other Twilight Town." He showed it to Roxas.

He knew that picture well…

"Yeah."

Jessie leaned over, muttering. "Still cannot believe there's a digital copy of this town…" Her eyes studied the photo. "I'm pretty sure we can get that outfit put together if you want, Roxas."

"I'd like that."

"Alright! And we'll find some other clothes for you as well. Won't do you any good to wear the same thing every single day." Her eyes glanced over at the quiet girl. "What about you, Xion?"

The girl's eyes glanced down at the coat she wore. "I don't know… I've always had this and nothing else."

"Then," Olette hooked her arm with Xion's, "we'll just have to experiment and find new things for you. Sound good?"

New things?

Everything was so new.

Xion felt her head spinning a little from how much seemed new, but there was nothing she could do to stop these new things.

Her whole life was new.

"Sounds good."

"Then let's get started."

"Yeah."

"How is progress on Naminé's replica going?" Ansem walked into the lab.

He'd spent all his morning and afternoon in meetings. Turns out, the monarch of a world vanishing for years and just suddenly showing back up causes a lot of political confusion.

But the people seemed happy to welcome him back, especially now that the whole confusion between his actions and Xehanort's under his name seemed to be cleared up.

He was grateful for people like Merlin, Leon, Cid, Aerith, Cloud, and Yuffie. They'd really made this city something special.

And they'd rebuilt it just as it was.

Though, the people seemed so much closer now.

And he'd gotten to talk to Yuffie and Aerith about some future ideas he had. They seemed very excited.

Ienzo looked up from the computer. "Progress is slow, but that's to be expected. With her heart not fully reconstructed, it will take some time."

"Of course."

"Oh my goodness!" Even jumped back.

They all turned.

On the ground, a figure began to fade into existence.

Right now, features looked muddy and strange, but as they stared, it all began to clear up.

A black coat.

Blue hair.

…

"Isa…?"

Footnotes:

(1) If it isn't already obvious, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are the very same ones from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Folia is also a character from the same game; she's a teacher at an orphanage and one of the Honeybee dancers. Zell is also the Final Fantasy 8 character, and Emily is the "library girl with a pigtail" that has a crush on him in the game.

Voice Actors:

Jessie Raspberry- Erica Lindbeck (Jessie, Futaba Sakura, Blaze the Cat, Celica, Barbie)

Biggs Emery- Gideon Emery (Biggs, Seiya, Weasel, Fergus Reid, Orca, Urianger)

Wedge Jones- Matt L. Jones (Wedge, Percy, Erg, Drip, Gunther Magnuson, Kyle)

Folia Jones- Erica Luttrell (Ms. Folia, Sapphire, Mercy Graves, Emily Kaldwin)

Zell Dincht- Todd Haberkorn (Natsu Dragneel, Deatht he Kid, Sho Minasuki)

Emily Dincht- Cherami Leigh (Makoto Niijima, Lucy Heartfilia, Asuna Yuki)

Prudence Garey- Barbara Goodson (Hisa, Marle, Rita Repulsa, Elrasla Grilaroc, Chiyo)

Jabez Hillam- Matthew Mercer (Ira, Sylas Briarwood, Trinket, Levi, Kagaya Ubuyashiki)