Axel
I Wonder Why… I Was Willing to Die for Them?

I lay on a cold, solid floor, though not quite a substantial one. It feels too cold, actually. But then again, I'm probably just too hot. That's the trouble with being a fire wielder. You tend to just …burnout. Of course, that's only if you let your entire non-existence be channeled into it.

I wonder what Roxas thinks of me now, now that I've given up my life, well as much as I had, to save him. Is he even still alive inside that brunet kid? Naminè used to say that if we found our other halves, we could become whole again, but even she never believed that. Even if it were true, though, I doubt Sora would be weak hearted enough for Roxas's personality to shine through unless it was being given the chance. Then again, maybe Roxas would be tough enough to get out, just to watch me die.

Hmm, well, maybe the kid's not all that bad. He certainly seems to care. I've never actually seen someone cry over another person they'd met only once before, and certainly hadn't been very fond of. But, then again, maybe that's the Roxas in him after all. I mean, when we were fighting side by side it had certainly seemed like it was Roxas again. There had been friendly banter, and jokes about the enemy. He had even healed me once, when I'd nearly fallen unconscious to the ground.

He seems to think there's a chance I could survive this. Or maybe he's just in denial. I can't imagine why he'd want me to live, though. I mean, I took that girl from him, the one he so viciously fought for before.

"Hey, tell Kairi I'm sorry about what I did to her."

"Y-You can tell her yourself when you see her!"

Aww, kid, don't say stuff like that. I know I'm not going to see that girl again, and I'll miss her too. I don't now many who'd just stroll through a portal like that without even struggling. But it doesn't help that you're trying to make me feel better, because I can't feel, remember? You said so yourself.

Besides, the fact that I'm dissolving ought to be a hint. Turning right back into the nothingness that made me.

Of course, I think you know better now, about our feelings. Or maybe that's still just the Roxas in you. After all, I know he wouldn't want me dropping dead like that. If it is still you though, Sora, then, hell, you're a better man than any I've ever met, Roxas included.

Damn. You're not even sniffling anymore, hey kid; those are real, full-blown tears. I can't mean that much to you, can I? Well, you mean just as much to me, even if it is only because you're the original Roxas. I can almost see him in you, you know. I think that's the reason I was willing to do what I did. After all, I let the Roxas I knew die out once, I sure as hell wasn't about to let it happen again.

I wonder if he's already gone though? Well, if he's not, I think he'll appreciate this.

I'm all but transparent now, but that doesn't mean I'm gone, not yet. We Nobodies are made out of stronger stuff than that. Before I go, I'm leaving you a tribute. It'll take all I've got left, but it'll be more than worth it. Besides, I can't stand to see you keep being so miserable anyway.

Focus. I've got to stay focused. My precious chakram, they've served me well. Who even knows how many people I've killed with those bladed wheels, just because the Organization said so, just because Roxas was there, and I needed to stay beside him. Maybe I'll meet up with him again in oblivion. Until then, you can keep them, my wonderful weapons, but not like that. You could never use them like that. I don't know how many times Roxas nearly killed himself by trying.

One last thought, before I'm gone. Remember me, okay Sora? Remember the last flame I used to give you your life, and when you finally kill that bastard Xemnas, I hope you're willing to use my gift.

Don't ever forget me and my Bond of Flames.