So, from what I've seen so far, most people seem to want a TAV trio spin-off first and then a Nami one.

I'll work on that on the side, so probably nothing will be posted for a little bit. And maybe it'll be a single story that switches between the two groups. Not sure yet.

Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy © to Disney and Square Enix!

Kraig and TJ © to YamiChaos27!

Iunia and Nico and other OCs © to me!

Joy © to Njoy!

Akira © to Lucywind!

Chapter 16: Broken

Wow.

Xion was a good singer.

Roxas sat in the back of the auditorium, taking photos of the auditions for the paper. He'd heard Xion practicing in her room, but this was the first time he'd really seen her perform.

She was great.

Looking down at his phone, he sighed. Time to go.

With only two photographers, he and Akira had to move fast. Picking up his bag, he slipped out of the room before heading outside. Behind the school stood a large soccer field. Right now the cheer team was currently practicing. He and Akira were tasked with taking photos of every club in school for the paper, and for the yearbook to use next semester. They'd split up the duties. Roxas offered to take the ones that required the furthest distance to travel or were outside.

Gerrard stood on the sidelines as Yunalesca instructed the girls on the team.

She'd taken his place as the team captain within the first week of school.

Jerk.

Slipping onto the bleachers, Roxas began taking photos of the team as they practiced.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Yunalesca strode over, eyebrow raised. "Oh, I see! You're trying to take some sneaky photos! So you're stupid and a pervert!"

"Pervert?"

"Lay off Yuna!" Gerrard snapped. "He's on the school paper."

"I'm supposed to be taking pictures of the clubs and teams for the paper and yearbook."

The girl rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Doubt it. You and that freak of a little mouse don't belong h-"

"Yunalesca, that's enough!" Miss Jackie, the coach approached from the back of the field. "Roxas isn't doing any harm, and for that comment as well as the baseless accusation you made against Roxas, you have lunch detention tomorrow."

"Seriously coach!?"

"You heard me!" She turned to Roxas, giving him a wink and a thumbs up. "Can't wait to see how those pictures turn out in the paper next week."

Roxas smiled.

He really liked their teachers. They always seemed to have his and Xion's back.

Picking up his bag, he got off the bleachers. "I'll go. I got some good pictures already, and something around here stinks anyway." He eyed Yunalesca as he walked off, some of the other student snickering as he did so.

Going inside, he found the library, completely blocking out that annoying experience, at least a little.

He'd have to ask Axel what that word meant later.

Going inside the library, he saw six people sitting around a table, papers and dice in front of them.

"Roxas!" Hayner waved. "What's up!"

Roxas smiled as Iunia, Nico, Joy, and Caden looked over. He'd heard they'd added another member, but Caden wasn't the kid he expected.

The younger boy's eyes lit up as he saw Roxas. "Hi!"

"Hi there. Don't mind me, just taking photos."

"Alright." Iunia turned back to the table. "So, we only have about 10 minutes left, so we can finish up rolling character stats.

Roxas took a few photos before going back to the club room. Jade, April, and Maryann were in the room. "I'm back."

"Get any good photos?"

"I got a lot." He put down the camera. It was different from his one at home, but the school insisted on these newer digital ones. Roxas preferred his camera that spit out the photos automatically.

Jade picked up the camera. "Hey, since we're doing a local news column, can you go and talk Mr. von Drake about the next movie they're releasing. It will be your first interview. We sent him a message, and he'll be willing to talk to you tomorrow. I'll give the Interview 101 course to you tomorrow during lunch. And you can get us lots of photos of the movie theater."

"Ok."

April grabbed her backpack. "Well, it's time to go. See you guys later."

"I guess I'll head home too." Roxas smiled before walking outside. He waited at the end of the hallway for Xion to come. She showed up about a minute later, holding her audition packet. "Hi."

"Hi."

"I heard your singing. It was really pretty."

Xion's face turned a slight shade of red. "Really? You think so?"

"Yeah," he smiled, "you're really good. When do you find out the results?"

The girl kept her eyes trained on her packet as they walked. "It's supposed to come out in the school paper on Friday. Ms. Jessie said we couldn't ask you guys what the results are, as you're not supposed to tell us early."

Oh.

Well…

"I'll keep it a secret then." He smiled.

"Roxas!" Caden came running down the hall, grinning. "Hey! Are you doing anything after school tomorrow? Wanna spar?"

The boy smiled down at his younger friend. "I have to go interview someone for the paper, but I'll be free after."

"Can I come?"

"Maybe… but you can come when I take photos. And then we'll spar."

"Awesome!" Caden laughed, running off. "See ya!"

Xion giggled. "He really likes you."

"He really wants to learn to fight like me." Roxas smiled. It was kind of fun to have someone who really wanted to be like him.

The two teens walked outside, Xion in mostly relative silence as Roxas talked a little about classes that day.

"Hey, go on without me." Xion stepped away. "Fuu is going to give me some tutoring in math and biology this evening. So, I'll be home later."

"Ok. Have fun."

Roxas watched her go before he headed home.

When he reached the mansion, Axel was sitting at the dining table, writing something down in a notebook. Isa stood at the stove, stirring some kind of pot.

Smelled good.

"Hey."

"Hey! How was school?"

"It was fun." He sat down at the table and pulled out his homework. "What are you working on?"

Axel glanced up. "Mr. von Drake wants us to come up with new ideas for the next few movies. So, I'm writing down my ideas and the basic plot line of them. That's all."

"Cool! I'm interviewing Mr. von Drake tomorrow for the school paper."

"Really?"

"Yeah, we're doing a local news column about the new movie that came out."

"Neat."

They sat there for a while, just silently working while Isa cooked. He didn't ask about Xion, so he probably knew where she was.

Maybe he could ask Axel about that word now.

"Axel, what does 'pervert' mean?"

Pfffff!

Axel, who had been mid-sip of his soda, nearly spit the drink out.

"Ha!" Isa doubled over, laughing harder than Roxas had ever heard him laugh before. "You made him do an actual spittake! Bravo."

Wiping his mouth, Axel coughed. "I just… that was not what I expected you to say. At all. Where did you hear that word?"

"Yunalesca accused me of being one while I was taking photos of the cheer team for the paper, and then she got in trouble, so I assume it means a bad thing."

"That girl."

Isa's grin faded at Yunalesca's name. "You were just taking photos. That girl has it out for you two."

"I know. But what does it mean?"

Axel drummed his fingers on the table. "Well, basically it means someone who does something inappropriate, especially on purpose because they like or want to do it."

Inappropriate? He knew that phrase. The Organization tossed it around when he first arrived and he was told not to go in certain places where the girls could go. They told him he couldn't go there because it was not respectful to do so.

And so he didn't.

There were other things that fell under that word too, and they all seemed like disrespectful things anyway.

"Why would anyone do that on purpose?"

"Some people are creeps."

"Yunalesca was just trying to get me in trouble then. I really can't stand her."

Isa huffed. "If I hear one more thing about her, I might ask he principal to set up a meeting with her parents. I have a few choice words to say."

"We all do."

Axel sighed. "Well, on a different note. I- Kosho!" Axel jumped up as the dog took off.

"What was he doing?"

"Sticking his head in the trash can again. He knocked it over yesterday."

The dog came back in and sat beside Isa, leaning against his leg. Isa petted him. "He just smells the food."

Axel shook his head. "We need a new trash can. Anyways… Roxas, I was thinking, is it ok if I use our story for one of my ideas?"

"For the movies?"

"Yeah. I'd change the names and appearances, but I think we should tell our story somehow."

Did he want to have it told?

Maybe it would help people understand him better, even if they didn't know the story was about him and Xion.

"Are you going to ask Xion?"

"Of course. I'd want permission from both of you." He smiled sadly. "It's a hard story to tell, but it feels, at least to me, like an important story to tell."

Roxas couldn't help but smile a little.

Maybe it was important.

"Thanks for letting me come, Roxas!" Caden followed along after school let out.

Roxas smiled. "Don't mention it. You'll have hang out during the interview, but you can help with the photos."

"Ok!"

The two boys walked to the theater. Caden watched as Roxas sat at a table with Mr. von Drake, asking questions and writing down answers.

Roxas spoke slowly, a little nervous about his first interview, but he'd practiced with Jade before. Hopefully he did a good job.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure, my boy." The duck stood up, smiling. "Oh, and tell your guardian that I'm looking forward to his new movie proposal."

Roxas blinked. "I will."

As the duck walked away, Caden jogged over. "Picture time?"

"Yep."

Roxas headed to the theater; the boy hot on his heels. Caden didn't say much, but just followed him around.

After fifteen minutes, Roxas turned around. "Ready?"

"You done!?"

"Yep."

"Let's go!"

Heading to the sandlot, the two picked up struggle bats. But rather than spar, Roxas let Caden hit him, taking the time to correct the boy on some of his form and on some of his moves.

After twenty minutes, Caden sat down to rest. "Roxas, you're the coolest!"

"Thanks."

"Who taught you to fight like that?"

The older boy sat down. "No one… I just kinda knew."

"You've practiced a lot, I can tell."

"Yeah…"

The younger boy stared at Roxas for a moment. "Do you not like that? Was it bad practice?"

"I just… it wasn't a happy time for me. In fact, looking back, it was worse than I thought at the time."

"But it's over, right?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Did," Caden's voice shook a little as he tried to find the words, "someone hurt you?"

"Me and my friends."

"Are they still around?"

"No, they're gone."

And in his mind, he included Sïax. Isa was nothing like him.

"Is that why Xion doesn't like fighting? I heard her say that once."

"Yeah."

"Why do you like it then?"

That… was a good question.

Why did he like it so much?

"I guess." He looked down at his hands. "It's something I know how to do, so it's familiar, and comforting. And it lets me… oh, what did Jiminy call it…? Something like, it is familiar, and I don't have to think as much, I just let my muscles do the work when I'm practicing, so I can use that time to think."

"Why did you choose to teach me?"

Roxas looked at the younger boy. "Well, I guess I figured I could do some good with it by teaching someone else. And, I've never had anyone ask… I'd never really talked to kids younger than me, let alone had one that said he wanted to be like me."

"Lots of kids think you're cool! My neighbors have some little kids that saw you at the tournament. They think you're like a superhero."

"A superhero?"

"Yeah! You're amazing!"

Roxas smiled, his eyes feeling wet for some reason.

"Thanks, Caden."

"You're welcome!"

"Great job, Roxas!" April looked up from the paper he'd dropped on her desk. "This is a great article."

The boy didn't look back.

"You ok?"

"Yeah." He sighed. "Just a lot on my mind."

Maryann looked over from her seat. "Wanna talk about it?"

"I guess… I've got a kid, or apparently kids, who think I'm a superhero or something and want to be like me. What do you do with that? I'm…"

Jade kicked her feet up on her desk. "You're what? A bad person or something? Because if you are, you could've fooled us."

"Broken."

"Broken?" Ellen looked up from the computer as she worked on the newspaper for Friday.

Akira rolled over. "Does it have something to do with your past? I've heard Xion reference things a few times. It sounds like you two had it really rough."

"You can tell us." Jade offered. "We may be the press, but that doesn't mean we publish everything, and anyways, we really know nothing about you. All we know is that you're the new kid who showed up out of nowhere, you don't have parents but you have a guardian that's way too young to be your parent, and you are socially unaware."

Roxas looked around. He'd made many friends since he'd come here, but only Hayner, Pence, and Olette had an idea of his past.

"I unknowingly worked for some bad people, and they were not good to me." He didn't say Xion's name, but he could see in their eyes that they understood she was in this as well. "I was replaceable, and at first they said I was important, but in the end, they had two options and didn't care if I lived or died. And… I don't even know how much it mattered. I'm not like normal people. I wasn't supposed to exist. But here I am, and I don't really know what to do with myself. How does something that's not supposed to exist start to?"

"Xion feels the same way." Akira sighed. "At least, I think so. She always acts like that."

Maryann walked over to Roxas. "You said you were broken… but broken things can be fixed. And sometimes they're better than before. You're here now, aren't you? You're doing new things."

"And you're talking about it." Ellen added. "Hiding your feelings inside isn't the best idea. Admitting it to people, maybe not to everyone, but to people who can help is a good thing. And it makes sense now."

"I'm guessing those bad people didn't let you really socialize with others." Jade sat up as Roxas nodded. "So that explains the social thing. And you said you weren't supposed to exist… what does that even mean?"

Oh boy…

That was a thing even Hayner and the others didn't know.

"I… I wasn't born like normal people. I don't have parents, never have."

"Wait… What!?"

"Were you like a lab experiment?"

The boy shook his head. "No. It's more complicated than that. Basically, one day I just… was."

"Wow."

"Then no wonder those kids want to be like you." Akira smiled gently. "You've endured so much, and you're still here. Standing tall. You're living your life."

"And whether you know it or not, you're working toward healing."

"Yeah, you're trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and just letting life happen."

Maryann put a hand on his shoulder. "Sounds to me like you're someone we could all look up to, as an example on how to not let your past stop you. And hey, now that we all know, if you have problems, let us know. Ok?"

Roxas felt his chest warm a little at the support around him. "Ok."

"Ok!" Jade stood up. "Enough touchy-feely stuff, we have a newspaper to have ready by Friday!" She grinned at Roxas. "And you've gotta keep your head since the drama cast list will come here first."

"And you can't tell Xion anything."

"Ok."

"Come here, Roxas." Ellen motioned. "I'll show you how to type up your article in the correct format for the newspaper."

"Roxas! Where are you going!?"

Xion called after him, but the boy didn't listen. He had to get there first. Dashing into the school, he ran to the newspaper stand, grabbed the first copy and ran back out to meet Xion.

The girl followed behind, slowly. "What was that?"

"I've been waiting for you to see!" He held out the newspaper. Slowly, her eyes widened. "It's on the second page."

Trembling, the girl took the newspaper and stepped off the path. She didn't open it.

Following her, Roxas put a hand on hers. "Open it."

"I'm scared."

"Don't be."

Slowly, she opened the paper and saw the big letters 'Drama Club Cast List'. "I…" Her eyes moved down the page.

They widened.

"I-"

Her whole body began to tremble as tears fell from her eyes.

"Xion?"

"Why am I crying? I-I'm not sad…"

"Yo!" Hayner, Pence, and Olette came walking up the path. "Xion, you ok?"

"Why are you crying?"

"Did those jerks mess with you again!?"

"If they did, I swear-"

"I'm not sad." The girl blurted out. "I'm not sure what's happening. I'm h-happy… but why am I crying!?"

Olette giggled. "Oh, that happens."

"What's up?"

A bright smile, amide the puffy eyes, red nose, and tears, shone out as she held the paper out. "I got the lead!"

"You did!?"

"That's awesome!"

Olette ran over, pulling her into a hug. "That's so great!"

As the girl pulled away, Roxas pulled his best friend into a hug. "I knew you could do it. And you'll do great."

He didn't see her face get a little redder.

"Th-thanks, everyone." Xion wiped her eyes, but her body still trembled with excitement. "Oh, and Roxas, your first article is in here too!"

"Oh it's fine. Your thing is more important."

"No it's not!" Xion huffed.

Hayner nodded. "You both did something new and awesome. They're both important."

"Show us!" Pence hopped over.

Xion looked across the third page. "Here!" They all crammed in to read the article.

Now the boy averted his eyes, his stomach churning.

"This is so good!"

"I can't believe this was your first article ever! It's great!"

"You really think so?"

"Of course!"

"Excuse me." They all looked up to see Vice Principal Lucius standing in the door. "Classes start in five minutes."

"SHOOT!"

They ran inside.

"No running in the hallways!" The man smiled, looking down at his own copy of the paper as Principal Maddie walked over. "You see it yet?"

She nodded. "I did. I'm happy they're settling in. They deserve it. And they should be proud."

"I'm sure they are."

That night, the mansion rang with the sounds of laughter and joy.

The newspaper sat in the middle of the dining table as the four talked and laughed.

Both kids beaming.