Author's Note: So sorry for lack of updates! My PC/Internet connection died. I was debating on starting this chapter with Sora's side of chapter one, but it's not really Sora's story! And it'd be a bit of a repeat of dialogue, so I ditched that idea.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters – they belong to Square and Disney.

Stare Into The Abyss – Chapter Five

After his "chat" with Sora, Axel returned back to the Organization's residence with one thing on his mind. He wanted some answers. Forget Sora. Forget Xaldin. They don't matter right now.

As he entered the main hall of the building, he heard a familiar voice calling him from the balcony overhead. "Axel?"

He looked up and spotted Riku making his way down the stairs towards him. "Not now Riku." He carried on, heading through the doors ahead of him towards the Superior's main room at the back of the building.

"Where've you been? You missed out on all the fun." Riku was still following him.

Oh, I doubt anyone had as much fun as I just had. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Not really. You don't seem very inter… Did you know you're bleeding?"

Axel sighed. "Yeah, I noticed. Thanks for pointing that out."

"How'd that happen?"

Axel noted that there wasn't any hint of concern in the boy's voice. More like smugness…"Can't you go annoy someone else?"

Riku grinned. "Bad day?"

"Yes. But I can assure you, I can make yours much worse if you really want me to."

"Fine. I get the message." Riku chuckled as he walked away. "By the way, I think Di… your Superior wants to speak to you."

"Xaldin is still alive. You failed."

Axel bit his tongue to stop himself from saying what he'd of really liked. "You set us both up."

"Is that what you think?'

"You were the one who told him to open Kingdom Hearts. You told him about what happened at Castle Oblivion. Why?"

"He wouldn't have been so willing to attack you, had I not told him what happened back at Castle Oblivion. He believed you were the traitor. It made him much easier to manipulate."

Axel shook his head. "What about ordering him to open Kingdom Hearts?"

"I wanted to see just how far you were willing to go to become complete. It's something all of you want. Knowing you're an incomplete person with no memories of who you were…I knew that all of my NEOs may betray me should they find a way to achieve that."

"But you said you were helping me!"

The Superior ignored him, continuing. "I ordered Xaldin to open Kingdom Hearts telling him it would work. But for that, he'd need Sora. With Sora there, it gave you the perfect opportunity to test what you've had in mind all this time. You were going to betray me to become complete, but I still have need of you. I told you that you had potential, didn't I?" He smirked. "It should prove interesting to see your reaction when you realize what you were anyway. Or rather who…"

Axel didn't like the sound of that. "Why don't you tell me who I was then?"

"If you want this, you'll have to earn it. Have you anymore questions?"

"You told me you wanted me to choose between opening Kingdom Hearts, or using Sora. Can you tell me which was right now?"

"Sora is the key. But you've missed your chance. You'll have to wait for your next."

Axel nodded. At least he had an idea of what he needed to do now. "What about Xaldin? You still want him killed?"

"Yes. But it can wait. I'll have some new orders for you tomorrow. Assuming you're willing to follow them."

Axel doubted he had much choice. He wasn't happy with how this was going, he'd rather take care of things himself like he'd planned to. He didn't trust the Superior, but he'd play along, for a little longer.

Axel found himself back in the same room the next morning. Along with Riku and another cloaked member who was standing alongside the Superior. His hood was still up, Axel had never seen him with it down. He'd only ever rarely heard him speak, although he never actually spoke aloud, instead he seemed to prefer using something similar to telepathy to communicate. None of them were sure if he even had a name, they only referred to him by his number; Number two. With the Superior ranked at Number one, it made him the first NEO. He was the only one of them who nearly matched the Superior in power.

"Good, now you're all here, I can give you your orders." The Superior looked directly at Axel as he was speaking. "You're to find and finish off Xaldin. He should still be at Hallow Bastion. You injured him badly, he wouldn't have gotten far."

"What happened to Sora?" Axel asked. "He didn't catch up with him?"

"Apparently not. He's already left Hallow Bastion."

Why would he of left? Axel had assumed he'd have at least taken care of Xaldin like he'd agreed, before leaving. Surely he of all people had known what would of happened if Kingdom Hearts was opened.

"But Xaldin is still there?"

"Yes. Somewhere. I'm sending you with some... help this time, seeing as you're still injured."

Axel's jaw clenched. That sounded more like an insult to him. I don't need any help.

"After you've taken care of him, you're to return to Twilight Town with Riku. As those of you who were here yesterday heard, another keyblade master has undergone the awakening process there. You're to observe him, test him if you wish, but do not kill him just yet. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

Axel was already irritated. And they'd only just boarded the train that would take them to Hallow Bastion.

"Can you even speak?" Riku was leaning forward asking "Number Two".

The hooded man didn't make any acknowledge.

"Riku? If you're planning on pissing him off, how about doing it while I'm not around?" Axel got a bad feeling around the mostly silent hooded man.

"What? I'm just asking." Riku sighed. He tilted his head and glanced over at Axel. "You said something about Sora back there… Is that where you went yesterday?"

"Yes. You want to see him, don't you?"

Riku narrowed his eyes. "Of course I do…"

"What if you were ordered to kill him?"

Riku glared at him. "I'd kill every last one of you before I'd ever follow an order to kill Sora!"

Number Two's hooded head turned slowly towards him and Riku cringed visibly.

And what would you do if they decided to kill Sora? Especially when you know you need him now. He asked himself silently.

Maybe I'd be next in line behind Riku.

Author's Note: "Number Two" is indeed the Unknown/Enigmatic Man from Final Mix! I've got an important role in mind for him.

AloneInDespair: I'm glad you think it's getting interesting! Hehe, I have a few plot twists in mind to throw in soon. ;)

Saddened Soul: This should hopefully give a little more insight into him, but he'll have a bigger part to play later on!

EvilEnigmaticMoomba: Thank you! Sorry I didn't update too quickly this time, but here you go!

ellenh92: Do you have one of them neat cloaks:P

Aeshma-Daeva: Hopefully I'd covered why he'd gone there in this chapter - He'd gone for Sora first of all! Don't worry - I like long reviews XD

Crisis Haylo: BHK should be making an appearance in the next chapter. ;)

Ginger Ninja: I can't wait to see the Org members in action in KH2. 3D Axel goodness! And thank you! I'll check that site out!