We made our way back to Roxas' house in relative silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. This past day was a lot to take in. So much has happened in the span of just an afternoon. I haven't had to cope with this long but I look forward to it all being over. I feel sorry for Roxas, he's been trapped, alone, in this nightmare for months. If a few hours are this tough, I can't even imagine.

When we arrived Roxas quickly packed a large duffle bag. He packed necessary overnight things and a change of clothes along with Oathkeeper and Oblivion, his cloak, and several of those teleporter capsule things. Axel was gone when we got back, but Roxas didn't seem bothered by it, said he had texted him about it. I had a feeling that they had spoken about more than just that, but I let it go.

" Got anything I can use?" I asked, not really liking that I was going to be unarmed in a potentially dangerous, life threatening situation.

" I don't have anything else here. We should have grabbed something from the training room…" Darn you hindsight! I sighed, shaking my head. " With luck, you won't need anything." He pulled out his phone, quickly typing out a message before slipping it back into his pocket. " I updated Cloud about where I'll be."

" Did you tell him about my dad?"

" Yeah. He might be able to talk the police into setting up a guard outside. It won't stop him, but it will make him more cautious."

My mom was overjoyed to say the least when Roxas and I walked through the front door. She hovered and fretted over everything, convinced Roxas needed special attention. Granted he did kind of wake up from a seventeen day coma like it had been only a night's rest and jumped back into things. Need to ask him how that's possible now that I think about it. He should have, for all intents and purposes, been weak and barely able to move. Not able to be a badass ninja assassin taking on Dusks. I think I hadn't bothered to ask yet because most things that have happened today are just so out of the ordinary I'm tired of asking questions.

…Yeah that's probably it.

By the time we sat down for dinner, a quite large one I might add, Roxas looked like he was about to use his plate as a pillow. I kept having to elbow him when he started to doze off, mindlessly eating his food. I suppose he is tired after all that happened today. Then again he did sleep for seventeen days…This was going to bother me now because I need to know how this is possible.

" Roxas, dear, why don't you head to Sora's room and rest? I'm sure you're tired." My mom said as if it wasn't obvious. He blinked several times before his gaze focused on her, slowly processing what she said. I'm sure he was less than thrilled about being so exhausted right now. If he had it his way I'm sure he'd be fighting Xemnas instead of peacefully eating dinner with me and my mom.

" Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." He replied quietly, getting up and leaving without another sound. I mean that literally, too. Not a single sound. That really just isn't fair.

As soon as he was gone my mom leveled me with a stern look. " What on earth were you two thinking? Just running out of the hospital like that!" She hissed quietly. Great, so she acts all concerned and motherly to Roxas but I get blamed and in trouble for us leaving. That was all him. I was quite literally shoved through that portal.

" He insisted." Better to just keep it short and sweet I guess. I don't know what exactly to tell her anyway. Roxas is the master of deception apparently so this is more his department than mine. I've always been more for just telling the truth honestly.

" Whatever it was that you two were doing whether you were actually helping his friend or not you shouldn't have done it. Roxas was horribly injured and in a coma. He should still be in the hospital recovering and you're lucky I don't make him go back." She said sternly. " Your father will be home in the morning. You get to explain everything to him since he's been out of service all this time."

" Dad'll be home that early?" The eagerness in my voice made her crack a small smile.

" Yes, but don't think that means you're not in trouble still."

I'll take whatever punishment she gives. Especially because I know she won't be too thrilled when she learns what's really going on. After dinner I helped do dishes before returning to my room to find Roxas sleeping soundly on my bed. I sighed slightly knowing that I now had to sleep on the floor. Oh well, he deserved to sleep in a nice bed.

" Sleep well Roxas." I pulled the blanket over him before going to fetch a sleeping bag and curling up on the floor. I was pretty exhausted too after all. That program, virtual or not, took a lot out of me earlier. Besides, the sooner I went to sleep the sooner my dad would be home and then maybe we can finally piece together what exactly is going on with Organization XIII.

I didn't have a clue what time it was when I woke up. All I knew was that I didn't want to be awake. I was about to give into that when I became confused as to why I was on the ground. Remembering Roxas I glanced up, fully expecting to see him still there sleeping, only to find the bed empty. I shot up, worried probably, hopefully, for no reason. What if he left? Went to go fight Xemnas without me and Cloud?

My rising panic was dispelled after only a few moments when I heard my mom and Roxas laughing down stairs. I made my way down hastily, pausing at the door to watch for a moment. My mom was laughing as she cooked several thick pieces of bacon on a skillet as Roxas sat behind the raised bar to her right. The rich smell of bacon wafted through the air making my stomach growl loudly, alerting Roxas to my presence by the door.

" Morning Sora. How did the floor feel?"

I glared at him half-heartedly, plopping down on the stool to his right. " Wonderful." I said dryly, " How was my bed?"

" Great, thanks for asking." I punched him in the shoulder at his smug look which only made him laugh.

Turning towards my still grinning mother I asked, " So when is dad getting home?" Even without looking I know Roxas was interested as well.

" Any moment now." She said happily, her excitement showing. It must have been pretty lonely around here with my dad on a trip, brother at college, and me with Roxas. Guilt bit at me, making me swallow thickly. Now wasn't the time for that.

True to her word it was only about twenty minutes later that my dad came in the door, luggage in hand. We were all excited to see him, Roxas included, but I could tell he was nervous as well. We gathered around the table to eat breakfast together when the doorbell rang. Beside me I saw Roxas stiffen, blue eyes glaring coldly at the door. " I'll get it." I said, ignoring the fact that he followed me to the door. My heart began to speed up in nervousness. Why had he reacted like that? Did he know something I didn't or was he just being paranoid? He had every reason to be but me not knowing which was nerve racking!

Slowly I turned the knob, opening the door to find Riku and Kairi. I couldn't suppress my sigh of relief at the sight of them. " Sora!" Kairi shouted, launching herself at me in a hug. " We missed you!"

" You were gone for quite awhile. What happened?" Riku asked, much more subdued than my red headed friend. I quickly glanced back at my mom who only shook her head, my dad looking confused.

" Uh it's a long story…" I said sheepishly, scratching the back of my head. Roxas remained silent behind me. Whatever he was doing however must have been making Riku mad because the silverette was glaring at him. Then again it could be because they knew how upset I was after our fight. That plus the two of them had never really gotten along to begin with.

" What did you do?" Riku accused, still glaring pointedly at the blonde behind me. I turned so I could see both of them glaring coldly at each other. As good as a fighter I knew Riku to be I think Roxas had him out matched now knowing what I did and I definitely didn't want them to fight.

" It wasn't his fault-" A loud buzz sounded, making me pause. Roxas grabbed his phone quickly, eyes darting over the text. I don't know if the others noticed but he paled considerably at whatever it said.

" Get inside."

" Don't order us-" Riku started with a growl only to be cut off as Roxas grabbed both him and Kairi and yanked them inside.

" Just shut up and get inside!"

" Roxas what in the world are you doing?!" My dad questioned loudly. He took a particular distaste to violence and I know he'd kick them both out of the house if they started fighting. My mom, however, looked extremely concerned and laid a hand on my dad's arm to quiet him.

" Honey what is it?" She asked, worried gaze falling on the ex-number.

He shook his head, instead locking the door and leading everyone further inside. " It was just Cloud letting me know there's been some stuff going on nearby and telling me to stay inside."

" Really? What kind of things have occurred?" My dad looked at him curiously but I could see the calculating gleam in his eyes. He knew something. We really needed to talk but that was impossible with Riku and Kairi here!

" Just some shady figure hanging around." Oh no. He meant….He was here. Xemnas was here. He'd come to finish this. What were we going to do? I didn't have a weapon and Roxas couldn't exactly just keep his on him. They were two extremely eye catching swords! If he was here everyone would be in danger. What if he went after them? Killed them? Roxas must have noticed I was starting to freak out because he smiled, " Nothing to worry about, I'm sure. Just better safe than sorry."

" Yeah…"

" Is there something else going on here?" Leave it to my dad to be so perceptive. I guess he wasn't a world renowned scientist for nothing.

" Does this have something to do with the other night, Roxas? If so you need to tell us what's going on."

" Mom!" Mom you need to stop talking now.

" What happened the other night?" Great now Kairi was interested and there was no way she was ever going to drop it.

" Nothing." Even I could hear my voice was strained.

" Stop lying, Sora, you're bad at it." No one asked you Riku!

" We deserve to know what happened." Mom seriously be quiet you're making things worse.

I turned a hopeless look to Roxas, finding him and my dad watching each other closely. It was like they were talking telepathically or something the way they were focused, which was creepy. " Yes, I believe an explanation is in order, Roxas." He finally said, standing and walking into the living room. Everyone followed after him, glancing back at the two of us.

" What are we going to do?" This was in no way a good thing. And we didn't have time for this with Xemnas in the area!

" He won't just attack. That isn't his style. He'll wait for us to come to him rather than try to kill you all. For now, we will tell them the truth. Like it or not all of them are involved now simply because they're associated with us." The weary look in his eyes pulled at me. What he was about to tell them would be difficult to understand and accept. What if they threw him out? Were disgusted or afraid of what he was or what he had done? I know he fears that rejection, I had seen that first hand yesterday. The memory still lay heavily on my mind.

" Whatever happens, I'm with you until the end." I was rewarded with a grateful smile. No matter what I'd make sure that he knew I'd still be his friend. Even if Xemnas killed me and my family. It wouldn't be his fault anyway. He tried his best to protect us.

" Thanks Sora."

" Boys? Come in here."

" Here goes." I took a deep breath and led the way. We sat beside each other on one of the couches in my den, Riku and Kairi sitting on the floor in front of us and between where my parents sat opposite us on another couch. " Where do you want us to start?"

" The beginning."

So I told them everything I could. About finding Roxas and staying with him in the hospital after he slipped into a coma. I didn't mention anything about Axel or Vexen or the Organization, leaving all of those details to Roxas. It was his secret to share, not mine.

" He woke up kinda suddenly. Bolted up like he was having a nightmare or something." I concluded. Leaving it open for Roxas to jump in.

" That's unusual. And you're up and moving around? I find it hard to believe they dispatched you the same day you awoke from a coma." My dad commented, looking suspiciously at the blonde.

" I wasn't discharged. I left, bringing Sora with me. It wasn't safe there anymore."

" Wasn't safe? You were in a hospital." Riku commented, looking miffed when Roxas didn't really respond.

" I was-" He started before the doorbell cut him off. Like before he stiffened.

" I will answer it this time." My dad stated, beginning to move to his feet.

" No!" Roxas shouted, standing quickly. " Uh, don't bother, I-I've got it." He glanced at me and I stood to follow him. " Just wait here." I followed after him as he had done to me. " Sora wait by the stairs." He commanded quietly. I nodded and did as I was told. If need be I knew it was up to me to get Oathkeeper and Oblivion for him. I heard shuffling and turned to see everyone moving into the hall. Why couldn't they just listen and stay like he had said? Granted I wouldn't have either if I was them but that's beside the point.

Roxas opened the door to reveal a tall, dark skinned man in a crisp black suit. His hair was neat and long and a dark silver color. His eyes are what really stood out though; a rich amber color that almost glowed. " What do you want?" Roxas didn't hold back any hostility. This has to be Xemnas then.

" Roxas that is no way to speak to someone of his status." My dad scolded, stepping forward. " It is a surprise to see you so far from your mansion. What has brought you here?"

" I have simply come to welcome you home. I am a large fan of your work, after all." His voice was deeper than I'd thought it would be. He sounded like one of those people that did voiceovers for commercials.

" Why don't you drop the formalities and tell us why you're really here?" Roxas stood between him and the rest of us, stance looking somewhat defensive.

Golden eyes looked down at him emotionlessly. Was he really not bothered at all to look at the one that had taken down his entire organization? " Surly you wouldn't want that would you? After all you've done for them?" I could see my friend's shoulders tense as he slid one foot slightly backwards.

" You're not welcomed here, Ansem, and I believe it best if you leave now." Cloud's voice intruded from behind Xemnas. He was in uniform, hand on his weapon, and glaring coldly at the man.

" So it would seem." He stated with a disinterested look in his direction. Turning back to Roxas he said, " I will be seeing you soon, XIII." With that he turned and walked back towards the car waiting for him. We stood in silence as he began to pull away. Once they were out of sight I rushed over to Roxas, Cloud coming in and closing the door. The blonde collapsed to his knees, hands trembling and breathing ragged.

" Roxas!" My mom shouted, rushing over. " Are you alright? What happened?"

" I-It's nothing." He said shakily as he slowly climbed back to his feet. Cloud stood close beside him, blue eyes concerned and alert. Having that man so close to all of us must have really worried him. He seemed so confident and prepared to fight only a few moments ago but now that he was gone it was easy to see. He had been afraid. Terrified that what Xemnas has shown him in that room was about to unfold right before his eyes. Except this time, it wouldn't be virtual. It would be real.

" What is going on here? That was no way to treat someone who has done the things that man has." My dad scolded, looking angry.

" You know nothing of what he's done!" Roxas shouted, turning to glare at him. That hit a nerve and I know it did. " You'd be dead right now if I…! If I hadn't…" The spark of anger that had flared at the comment died quickly, leaving Roxas silent and unwilling to meet anyone's eyes.

" Why did he call you XIII?" Riku asked, breaking through the tense silence following Roxas' outburst.

With a deep breath he turned his gaze back on them, expression guarded. " I am number XIII from Organization XIII. Xemnas-Ansem-was our leader." Looking away from the shocked faces he turned to my dad. " He wanted your research and was going to get it by whatever means necessary. That's when he found out about me and Sora being friends. I was to get the information from you. And if I…if I failed he'd…"

I moved so that I was standing on his opposite side, trying to convey to him that Cloud and I were there for him. He had that vulnerable look again and I was afraid of what they would say. I don't know how much he can take when he's like this. " If he failed Xemnas was going to torture us for the information and then kill us along with Cloud." I finished, knowing it was hard for Roxas. He'd had to explain once and that was probably hard enough to do. I glanced over to Riku and Kairi as they stood, wide eyed, staring in shock. " And now we've gotten the two of you mixed up in this. I'm so sorry."

" Oh Roxas…" My mom whispered, enveloping him in a tight hug. " You didn't have to carry that weight alone sweetheart." I smiled at my mom, happy that she didn't seem to be angry or disgusted.

" You're….an assassin…? " Kairi asked hesitantly. She and Roxas didn't know each other too much really but they got along unlike him and Riku. He was to them kinda like I was to Hayner, Pence, and Olette; acquainted but didn't really know each other well.

" He did what he did to keep me and my family safe." I wouldn't let them think of him as some heartless killer because that's not what he is. " It's not like he choose this." They didn't know, hadn't seen the toll all of this was taking on him. They didn't know what Xemnas did to him.

" Is that why you were so injured?" My mom pulled back from him to look him in the face.

The blonde nodded hesitantly. " Organization XIII is dead now. Axel and I made sure they wouldn't hurt anyone else. Xemnas is the only one left."

" My squad has launched a thorough investigation into Ansem that is being kept confidential from everyone else. If there's a trace linking him that's all the information we'll need to bring him in."

" I keep telling you that won't be enough." Roxas shook his head, dislodging himself from my mom's hold. " Why won't you understand that he won't be-can't be stopped like that? He's too strong and too cunning."

" We have our ways Roxas. He isn't getting away with this." Cloud argued back, not budging on the matter. I saw Roxas clench his jaw in frustration but he remained silence. Fighting with Cloud—either of them actually now that I thought about it-was like arguing with a brick wall. It's a good thing they didn't disagree that often about matters.

" Roxas, I believe you and I have many things to discuss." My dad cut in, expression as guarded as Roxas'. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

" Dad-"

" You as well, Sora. Come, we'll go to my study." He turned without another word and walked away down a hallway. I turned and glanced at Roxas in worry but my look was not returned. The blonde was watching Cloud with frustration in his gaze as the elder moved to follow as well.

" I'm coming as well."

" No. You are not concerned with this."

" My brother is and that makes it my concern."

My dad turned, leveling Cloud with a cold look that was returned in full. Neither averted their gaze. This was turning into a battle of wills recently. No one wanted to give on what they wanted and it was just complicating everything. I sighed. " He's got a point, Dad." I spoke, ignoring the two and grabbing Roxas by the arm, dragging him with me. I should probably talk to Riku and Kairi, I'm sure they're freaking out, but right now this is my chance to finally get some answers. I'll just have to talk to them later.

My dad must have caved because it was only a few moments later that both he and Cloud walked into the study, my dad closing the door. " It was you that took my journal wasn't it, Roxas?" He asked with his back still turned.

" Yes."

" It seems I was ahead of you then. I had just taken out several pages and burned them the night before. Any sooner and he would have had the information he sought."

Roxas scowled at that. I'm not sure if Xemnas having the information he wanted would have been a good thing or not. What if he decided he didn't need Roxas anymore after that and just killed him? Then again that goes back to why he didn't kill him when he was in that coma. He had every opportunity, had the motive, yet he didn't and Roxas said before that he wouldn't kill him. Why? I don't know if I'll find that answer here but I'm hoping I will.

My dad moved around us and settled into the chair opposite his large oak desk. Papers and books were stacked neatly on the corners. Cloud stood leaning against the wall behind us and beside the door with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Patiently waiting for the discussion to start I suppose. Roxas stood in front of my dad beside me. Too bad there aren't any more chairs in here.

" I have not been entirely truthful with anyone about the true nature of my research. It is not simply into the legends of old. It is concerning something from the legends-the nature of the heart and its connection with a mythical place known as Kingdom Hearts."