Summary: In a world destroyed by the Heartless, Sora enlists in the military to fight the every growing enemy. Between the mental and physical battles, Sora struggles to survive. As secrets are unearthed, Sora realizes he's in serious trouble. RikuXSora AxelXRoxas M for later chapters.

Author's Note: Thanks for making it to chapter two! Hope you like it!

Chapter Two

Axel stared down at the blond male in front of him. The new kid was waiting for him when he got back to the Organization's hideout.

"What's your name?" Axel asked, getting no sign of any response from him.

"His name is Roxas. I will need you to take him under your wing, Axel. Teach him about the Organization. I will also need you to train him in combat," said a deep voice that came from a man dressed in a matching black coat.

The red head nodded and walked Roxas to his assigned bedroom. After opening the large white door, Axel led the quiet male into the small room.

"This is where you will sleep. There's not much here, but you won't be in this room much anyway. Are you feeling okay?"

"I don't feel," Roxas said slowly. Axel frowned and knew what he said was true. It would be a long time before he ever felt anything. Highly skilled Nobodies did have the ability to have emotions, but it was so complicated even Axel hadn't completely experienced every one of them.

"It's okay, Roxas. We all go through the same thing at the beginning. You'll probably end up feeling something soon enough. Now, I'm going to show you the rest of the castle," Axel stated as he led the blond back into the hallway.

xXxXx

Sora opened his eyes and felt a rush of pain hit him. He began to gag on the many tubes that had been inserted down his throat. Medics quickly filled the room to remove the large tubes. Sora gasped for air, but soon found it difficult to inhale. His left side flared immediately and panic shot through him.

"It's okay. Relax. Slowly inhale then exhale," a female medic stated. Sora focused on her large pink bow and brown hair to get his mind off the pain.

"You're doing great. Now, can you tell me your name and assigned squad?"

Sora found the balance so he didn't have to inhale as deep.

"Sora. Captain Riku's squad."

"Great! I'm Nurse Aerith. We'll be back after the doctor takes a look at you," she said as she waved before leaving the small room.

I'm alive?

A tall man with bright brown hair entered. A large scar fell across his smiling face.

"Hello, Sora. I'm Dr. Leonhart. Just call me Leon. How are you feeling?" he asked as he took a seat beside Sora's bed.

"I don't understand Dr. I should be dead."

The doctor laughed as he flipped through papers on his clipboard.

"One of your squad managed to seal your cut with fire before you completely bled out. When they got you here, you actually died on us, but then came back. Quite a miracle, Soldier."

"They?" Sora asked. Last he saw his team was getting destroyed one by one.

"I'll let your captain fill you in on those details. How is your pain level?"

Sora nodded as he touched his bandaged side.

"It hurts, but I'll be okay," he said softly.

The doctor performed a series of exams to make sure Sora was on the right path to healing. When he finished, he said goodbye and left the room. Sora had just noticed the yelling that had been going on for a while.

"I LOST MY FUCKING SQUAD BACK THERE! I TOLD YOU WE WERE NOT READY FOR THE HEARTLESS YET. OH, BUT THAT'S OKAY BECAUSE WE DIDN'T REALLY FIGHT MANY HEARTLESS. WE HAD TO FIGHT FUCKING NOBODIES INSTEAD!"

Sora could hear a phone being slammed against the hook. A few seconds later, the captain walked into the room.

"Glad to see you awake, Sora. How are you holding up?"

"I'll be okay, Sir," he stated as he saluted the officer.

Riku stopped him with a chuckle. "Please, don't worry about that here."

Sora nodded as he dropped his right hand from his forehead. He looked down at his lap not sure if he should ask the question or not. Riku could see the expression and knew what he was thinking.

"Isa and Dilan didn't make it. We had to leave their bodies behind. Unfortunately, the Nobodies pursued us very close to the gate."

Sora grabbed the sheets and grit his teeth. "We couldn't even bring them back?"

Riku shook his head. "We couldn't even finish our mission. We never did find the Darkside spotted near the base."

The soldier nodded. He was at a loss for words and fought the tears back at the thoughts of bodies rotting away in the forest.

"So...what happened?" Sora dared.

"Well, I sealed your wound with fire so you wouldn't continue to bleed. Olette led the way as I picked up the rear. She managed to maintain Wisdom Form the entire way here. It only took us a few hours to make it back. Luckily, she only has some scratches and bruises. I'm sure she'll come by later to visit you. Get some rest, Sora. We need you on your feet as soon as possible."

Captain Riku left Sora alone in the room. He knew he would lose members of his squad throughout his time in the military, but still wasn't prepared when it happened in front of his eyes. Doubt began to fill his mind.

How am I going to be able to handle this? Why Nobodies? Where did they come from? The chakram wasn't something I had ever seen in the books. Is it some kind of new enemy? What if they come back for me? Will I be ready?

Aerith walked in and saw Sora's distraught face. She hooked a drug into his IV that would ease his mind. Sora fell asleep almost instantly.

He awoke when the door opened a few hours later. His eyelids felt like lead weights as he tried to open them. Sora could tell it was some time at night, but had no idea the exact time.

"Sora?" came a familiar voice.

"What are you doing here?" Sora asked as bitterness swept through his tone. Kairi sat down on the chair next to his bed.

Bags formed under Sora's blue eyes. The first mission replayed through his dreams on repeat.

"I heard how you were in the hospital after making it back from the mission so I wanted to come see you."

The irritable Sora grit his teeth. Kairi moved to grab his hand, but was met with a shove.

"You have no right coming here."

"Sora, we all heard how Nobodies took out half your team and almost killed you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." she said in a concerned voice.

Sora turned to her with a furrowed brow.

"Why? So you can get all the pity and sympathy from your friends? Get out."

Kairi opened her mouth to say something as Sora summoned his Keyblade and pointed it at his ex-girlfriend.

"I am in pain from the chunk taken out of my side. I am tired from the lack of sleep I am getting. And I am still pissed at you cheating on me. I watched my team die right in front of me while you and everyone else were laughing safe and sound. Get. Out."

Kairi stood and went to the door. She turned one last time.

"Are you sure I'm the one that wants the pity? Man up, Sora. At least Seifer knows how to please a woman right."

Sora threw his Keyblade just to the right of her. She let out a surprised yell before running out of the building. Sora groaned and slammed the side of his fist into the wall.

"Any closer and you might have killed her," Riku said, examining the Oblivion Keyblade.

"I know my Blade."

Sora couldn't even face his captain. Kairi's visit only made him angry and throwing the blade only made his side hurt worse.

Riku sighed and sat next to Sora. He decided it best to let Sora have his quiet. Riku could see the tears fall down Sora's face.

"Wanna talk?" he asked, hoping he was not being invasive. Sora didn't want to trouble his captain, but couldn't hold himself back.

"We were together for years. We knew we wouldn't be on the same squad, so we promised to still be together no matter what. She cheated on me then had the nerve to come in here and wake me up as if everything were okay. And then Isa...Dilan..."

"Sora, it'll be okay. I've learned that you can't trust many people here. If you do, they'll only stab you in the back to make sure they can live a better life. I'm sorry I couldn't protect Isa and Dilan. I've lost count of how many people I've lost out there. The only thing I can tell you is to learn from their mistakes and don't let their deaths be in vain. I wish I could tell you they'll be the last you lose, but chances are they won't. If you're really lucky, you'll save at least one from dying."

Sora looked at the captain and knew he was talking about him.

"I'm sorry, Captain. I haven't thanked you and Olette for saving me," he said softly.

"That's what leaders are supposed to do."

"Captain, how are you at such a high rank already? You're barely older than myself."

Riku sighed. "I've been surviving my whole life, Sora. Even before I joined the military. It's in my blood. I was able to activate Master Form during my training. On the exam, I could use Final Form. That was enough for them to promote me even higher than Isa. After taking down a large Heartless, I got another promotion to Captain. You're part of the third squad I've had. While that may seem crazy, I do not plan on having a fourth squad for a very long time. I think you and Olette are well beyond average."

The captain stood up and patted Sora on the shoulder.

"Get some sleep and don't let that girl bother you like that anymore. If she comes back, let me know and I'll escort her out so they don't drag you away to a cell for murder," he said with a chuckle as he left the room.

Sora stared at the ceiling. Heat had covered his face while watching the officer leave. The captain's muscles had showed through the tight uniform. He knew Riku had done a lot to get them where they were. It wasn't long before he soon found his thoughts wander a bit lower than he liked and instantly shut them off.

"He's my captain," Sora reassured himself as he went to sleep.

Olette had stopped by in the morning to check up on Sora. The captain had a conversation with her too since she was hysterical when arriving back at the base.

"You know, when we first met Captain Riku, I was concerned from all the rumors floating around. Training was ridiculous, but he wanted to make sure we were ready for anything. I have a feeling that we actually got the good pick of the draw, Sora."

Sora laughed and agreed. He looked out the window for a brief moment as Kairi passed by.

"Olette, I think I have a visitor. Would you mind if we continue this later?"

The girl bounced on her feet with a bright smile.

"Of course not! See you later!" she said with a wave. Kairi walked in as Olette walked out.

"I see you have a new girlfriend now," Kairi said, spite in her voice.

Sora lifted a brow in amusement.

"Apparently you didn't take my warning last night," he said as he summoned his Keyblade again.

"You won't do it. You don't even have enough energy to get out of that bed."

"Why are you here, Kairi?" he asked as he began to feel impatient.

Kairi gave a smirk and showed off her new accolades.

"You know, I thought about how you always thought you were better than me. I just wanted to show you that I've been promoted as has Seifer. My squad thought it was a good idea to put your big ego to rest."

Sora laughed. "Good for you, Kairi! I'm glad that you've had nothing better to do than to tell your squad lies about me. You've proved your point Corporal Kairi," he said as he slowly stood from the bed. With a fast transformation into Wisdom Form, he flew behind Kairi with a smirk. His eyes turned gold as he felt power rise through his body.

"However, I need to tell you something, Corporal. I had all morning to think about my brief death. My last thought wasn't of you. You never even crossed my mind out there. I don't think punishment here will be worse than what I've already had to witness and endure out there. Keep this in mind every time you want to stir something up. Go run back to your new boyfriend and leave me alone. You have no idea what I am capable of now," he muttered as he gestured toward the door.

"Monster," she said as she walked out the door.

"Whore!" he yelled as she flew back around and got into his face.

"Is that how you always address a Corporal, Cadet?" Kairi said.

"Corporal, stand down. Harass my soldier again and I'll see to it you are never promoted again," Riku said when Kairi ran into him.

Kairi scoffed and walked out of the building. Sora was still standing when his captain walked in the room.

"Sora," Riku said softly to the dazed Sora. When Sora blinked, his eyes turned back to blue.

"I...I don't know what happened," he replied as he sat down on the bed.

Riku narrowed his eyes as he went up to the soldier.

"May I?" he asked, pointing to Sora's large bandage. Sora nodded as the captain peeled the bandage away slowly. His hands were calloused, yet his touch was gentle. A light blush covered Sora's face. When the bandage was completely removed, Riku's eyes widened.

"It's...gone..." he whispered in awe.

Sora looked down to see only a large scar where his wound had been. The pain still lingered, but it didn't even come close to what he felt the day before. Riku was staring at him with a suspicious look.

"I don't know?" he said with a shrug. Riku could tell he wasn't lying. He threw the bandages away and started to leave.

"Be careful," he said quietly.

xXxXx

Within days, Roxas had already improved. He had somehow managed to summon Keyblades into his hands during the training session.

"What the hell?" Axel said as he put down his chakrams to investigate.

Roxas stared at his hands, not knowing it was impossible for Nobodies to wield the weapons.

"How did you do that? You even have two?" Axel asked examining the two blades. He noticed the black one was identical to the soldier he had killed. The other Keyblade was the exact opposite. Two silver wings surrounded the grip that had two hearts. The tooth of the blade looked like a blue and yellow snowflake.

"Oathkeeper," Roxas stated.

"What?"

Roxas held up the silver Blade. "This is Oathkeeper." He looked down at the contrasting Blade. "Oblivion."

Axel decided it best to take Roxas to their leader, though he did not like to be disturbed. He led the blond to the large, empty room.

"Master Xemnas, look," Axel said as he held up Roxas' arms.

Xemnas was about to yell at the red head when the Keyblades caught his eyes. A malice grin formed across his face under the large hood.

"Two Keyblades? That is very interesting," Xemnas said as he circled the blond. Roxas stood still as his leader walked around him, examining the Keyblades. Axel could tell the leader was not suspecting this.

"Axel, continue training him combat. He will need to know how to use them properly. If anything odd happens, report back here at once."

The red head nodded and took the younger Nobody out of the room. He felt something that wasn't quite right. Axel felt something big was going to happen soon. He looked down at the clueless blond.

"How did you do that?"

"I'm not sure. They just appeared in my hands," he said, not looking up at his mentor.

A Nobody that can wield a Keyblade...What is Xemnas planning?

xXxXx

After many arguments, Sora walked out of the medic's building. His strength had come back out of nowhere. His side still stung, but he was learning to ignore it. He felt the need to train.

Hours passed before Riku found Sora. When he had gone to Sora's room in the hospital, he was told Sora walked out without being officially discharged. Riku spent the rest of the time trying to find where his soldier could be. After eating lunch, he decided to check one of the many buildings where trainees went to practice using their Keyblades.

He opened the door and saw the brunet attacking a metal post. Sora had changed into his Forms as he moved. As he got a little closer, he could see the muscles on Sora's arms. They had gotten much bigger and defined since he first laid eyes on him.

"I think that post is dead, Sora," he said as he approached the younger male.

Sora turned around, sweat covering his face. He went into his normal form and lowered Oblivion.

"Train with me, Captain. I have to get better. I need more practice. Fighting this post is stupid. It doesn't move and it doesn't attack back."

Riku lifted an eyebrow as he observed the determination in Sora's face.

That look...It's rather...tempting...

"Sora, you need time to rest. When I think you are ready, I will practice with you."

"I am ready! I need all the practice I can get in. I need to get stronger, Captain Riku."

The captain didn't respond and started to walk away. Sora pointed his Blade at the Captain, feeling the anger flow through him again.

The captain thinks you're weak, Sora. I bet he's planning on transferring you.

Sora charged towards the captain only to be swiftly thrown against the wall. Riku held his arm against Sora's chest, leg separating Sora's. Sora gasped from the rough impact against the concrete wall. Riku's face rested right in front of Sora's. He watched as the gold that appeared in his eyes disappeared again.

"You need to control yourself, Sora."

You're one to talk...The look on his face is just asking for it...

Riku shook the voice inside his head away and removed his leg.

"I would prefer if you did not rush me with your Blade again unless I command it. I am not above beating my students into the ground to prove I'm right," he growled and released the cadet. Sora fell to the ground while Riku left the building.

Riku kept his fists clenched as he started towards his own sleeping quarters. The captain slammed the door to his room shut as he walked into a cold shower.

It's been a while hasn't it, Riku? How are you just going to deny your desire to rip the uniform off and take Sora? You know it was the same face you gave to me all those times.

"Shut up!" he yelled, throwing his fist into the wall. Xehanort's voice laughed in his head until Riku turned the shower off. He continued to ignore his urges and finally decided it was best to take a nap. He threw on a pair of pants and went straight to the bed.

"Riku, don't you want me?" Sora teased as he slowly took off his own clothes. Riku couldn't hold it in anymore. He threw Sora down on the bed and let his breath hit the male's neck. Riku could feel Sora shiver beneath him, only exciting him more. The captain brushed his hands against Sora's skin, feeling each muscle. He nibbled on the soft skin causing Sora to give off a small moan.

"Captain, please..." Sora whispered as he moved Riku's hand to his waist.

"Captain," Sora said, knocking on the door.

Riku instantly sat up, feeling the heat on his face. He threw a blanket over his waist and commanded Sora to come in.

Jesus, you have bad timing, Riku thought to himself, trying to calm his emotions.

"I uh...just wanted to apologize for earlier. I don't know why I feel so angry now."

Riku let out a sign and rubbed his temple.

"It's okay, Sora. That's normal for a lot of people after their first time out in the field."

It's not normal for people, however, to just magically gain the ability to change their eye color...

Sora nodded and saluted before taking his leave. Riku let out a sigh of relief. The urge had gone away finally.

xXxXx

A week passed before Riku's squad was able to train again. They met up in the training yard like before, just two short.

"We're all that's left of our team," Riku started. Olette and Sora looked down at their feet. He always hated having this conversation.

"I need to get you guys ready by three days. They're sending us out to investigate the Nobodies."

Olette gave Riku a panicked look. "There's only three of us! Five of us couldn't even survive them! Are they planning on giving us people to go with us?"

Riku shook his head. "They're not replacing Dilan and Isa. New recruits are getting harder to find as well. However, they are sending a few other squads with us. We're all going to separate at the gate and meet back in a couple days. With just two of you, I can focus on you better."

The captain assumed Master Form and summoned two training Keyblades. Olette and Sora looked at him in awe. It was rare to see someone able to control Master Form.

"Let's begin," Riku said and rushed at the two cadets. Olette quickly assumed Wisdom Form while Sora went Valor. They continued training until the end of the day. Sora had noticed Olette had improved considerably. Her movements were almost flawless.

"Dead," Riku muttered as he tapped the training Keyblade on Sora's head.

Riku went into his normal form and made the Keyblades disappear.

"Dismissed."

Olette looked at Sora and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"It's okay, Sora. Tomorrow we'll get him."

xXxXx

Axel read the paper given to him by another member of the Organization. He turned to Roxas with a groan.

"I guess we'll be heading out soon. Are you excited?"

Roxas shrugged.

"I don't know what to expect."

Axel rolled his eyes. The blond still hadn't completely woke up yet.

"Just remember everything I taught you. If anything gets in our way, destroy it. With your Keyblades, that shouldn't be a problem."

Roxas nodded. At least Axel would be going with him. He felt...happy...when he was around the annoying red-head. Roxas was ready to prove to Axel that he could handle himself. He had spent the last week following Axel around just to have something to do.

Axel handed a familiar blue ice cream into Roxas' hand.

"I always eat one of these before a mission. I feel like it brings me good luck."

Roxas tasted it and enjoyed the salty and sweet mixture. He smiled at Axel, who smirked.

"Thought you'd like it," he stated with a chuckle as he ate his too.

He smiled. He actually smiled, Axel thought to himself, feeling a new emotion flow in his body.

End Note: Thank you for reading! As always, I'd love to read what you thought on the story. See you next chapter!