Two Across: This Night

Roxas slept soundly that night, the first night in the dorms. The moonlight streamed through the blinds, giving Roxas prison stripes. His iPod lay on the bed, beside his slightly rising chest. "Good Morning" had been set on repeat, and knowing a certain part so well, Roxas sang it in his sleep.

"On this day we become legendary, everything we dreamed of…" Roxas quietly whispered, the words bringing a smile to his lips. He remembered when he first heard the words, and why they meant so much to him. After his talk with Sora on the night of the "split", Roxas and Namine had a quick secret meeting. There was no moon that night, as Roxas strolled on the beach. He could feel night's breath blowing, bringing with it a soft salty smell that made Roxas inhale deeply. After being in the dark for so long, its encompassing stagnant air ate at him, but now, being in the open, out of the stone chair; Roxas was given the chance to live his life. It made his soul soar with a new sense of beginning. The white button up shirt that he had found ruffled in the wind with his hair as a strong breeze blew from the sea.

As he looked ahead, further down the beach to see his goal sitting in a tree, looking out on at the ocean. She was wearing the same white sundress as always, her blonde hair tied back. One of her sandals hung loosely from her left foot, the other was in the sand below. She had her sketch book in her lap, though it was closed, a pencil sitting on it. She was his spotlight in the dark night, her bright figure sticking out in the moonless night. Roxas quickly jogged through the cool sand to reach her. They hadn't seen each other since before the final battle. Namine heard his slightly labored breath and the swishing of his feet going through the sand before he even made it to her tree. She looked down into his cerulean eyes, which were partly obscured by his blond spikes. Roxas noticed that Namine was looking at him, and smiled up to her, his eyes reflecting his happiness, even in the dark. She smiled back down at him, happy to see him not confined in Sora's mind. They continued to smile at each other until they heard a sickening, familiar sound. Shadows began to rise from the beach, an army of them, not just 6 or 7. In a sea of black bodies and yellow eyes, Roxas noticed something different with the heartless. They looked more rugged. Jagged teeth lined their mouths, their bodies slightly disfigured, and their eyes full of killing intent. This wasn't the batch that Sora usually went against.

Namine jumped down, and Roxas caught her on instinct and threw her towards the crowd. Namine kicked two in the head, and threw one towards Roxas, who sliced it up, using Oathkeeper and Oblivion. Roxas tensed up, and then shot into the crowd, slicing up the unusual shadows as they clawed at him. As he swung, he could feel them ripping at his clothes, these heartless were serious. Namine couldn't stand to watch, and did something that no one expected. She summoned a white and silver lined flute. It appeared as most Nobody weapons do, jagged swirls appearing then clearing as the weapon appears. The flute was long, but as Roxas looked at it, he didn't think it would help much. He kept fighting, eradicating Shadows as they approached Namine, their bloodlust sickening him.

"Umm…Roxas, you might want to back up a bit, and let me handle this." Namine suggested, her voice gaining determination, as she put her soft lips to the flute. As she blew, a powerful note washed over the area, its pitch and sound changing as her fingers deftly moved over the holes. All the disfigured Shadows suddenly stopped attacking Roxas, and horrible shrieks of agony could be heard. They held on to their gruesome heads with their claws, trying to block the sound, the pain, but it was no use. Roxas took advantage of this opportunity and quickly retaliated, gripping the cool metal of the keyblades and swinging through them, like steel katanas slicing through the night air. He charged past Namine, aiming to protect her, parrying claw blows and slices like they were in slow motion. Spinning the key blades over his head, Roxas brought them both down, Oblivion and Oathkeeper, to the ground with a mighty yell, which accompanied a field of ice spikes from the ground. As Roxas returned to the ready position, aiming to strike out again, he flinched back as Namine's hand flew out in front of him, blocking his path.

"Rise Goliath!" Namine commanded, and continued to play her flute. A giant whirlpool of darkness spread out in front of Namine. A powerful roar erupted from the hole, its untamed beast looking for release. A strong claw surfaced from the whirlpool, the white fur on it contrasting with the darkness. A giant white lion pulled itself up from the whirlpool, its taunt leg muscles bulging with the effort. The lion had fierce yellow eyes that made the remaining Shadows back away. Its tail and mane were made of chains, and as Goliath shook its head, the chains struck against each other, creating a foreboding sound.

Roxas looked dumbstruck at the beast Namine had under her control. A white lion and it looked strong. She acted like she had done this before, which made Roxas wonder what the witch had been up to. Gauging the enemy, Roxas looked around and noticed a big fact: the heartless were afraid. Namine swung her hand out, and the flute expanded into a white staff. The only part that wasn't white, besides the orb that topped it was the bottom, which had a grey tone right at the tip. Namine seemed not to notice this as he hopped upon Goliath, grabbing one of the chains that made up his mane, and ordered the beast to begin its attack. Not wanting to be left out, Roxas sprung back into action, taking out more heartless as Goliath swept through the group clawing, biting and chewing through all that stood in his way. Through the work of the trio, the Shadows retreated, leaving the beach quiet and serine again.

The first lesson that the blond lovers learned is that summoning Goliath took a toll on Namine. After sending him back into the depths, she fell to her knees, exhausted. As Roxas caught her, holding her tenderly in his arms, he noticed her chest rising and falling quickly, the girl trying to catch her breath. She looked slightly paler than usual, and had a cold sweat. Her hair was a mess in her face, obscuring her pained expression. He held her comfortably in his arm, letting her catch her breath, staring out at the moon. Her head lay in his lap for a while before he could hear her stir.

"Mmm…Roxas? Is that you?" Namine asked groggily. Looking down at her with caring eyes, he replied softly.

"Yea, it's me Namine. Are you ok?"

"Yea, I'm fine…So what happened?" Namine asked, curious and uncomfortable in her current position. She sat up and leaned against Roxas as he answered.

"Well, after the fight, that beast of yours disappeared and you…fainted," Roxas answered, sounding a little hurt. "What the hell was that, and why didn't you tell me you had it??"

"That was Goliath. I didn't tell you because I didn't think I needed to…I know we're…you know…but does that mean I have to tell you everything?"

"Sorry, I just don't trust that thing…It reminds me of someone evil…not you of course! I'm not saying you're evil…"

"Relax Roxas, I know. He said…it contained a piece of Maleficent. He sai-"

"WHO said this?? Why would you trust someone like that?? Do you at least know who it was?!"

"I don't know Roxas…just drop it, please?"

"What a start. This was supposed to be a change for the better, but I'm not strong enough to change. I can't even handle a battle…"

Roxas had heard enough. He pulled Namine closer to him, wrapping his arms around her. His blond spikes drooped over his face, a total mess from the fight. He buried his face in her neck and just held her.

"You're not weak…You never were…" Roxas muttered into her neck. They sat there, Namine taking comfort in Roxas, and Roxas just relaxing, knowing he wasn't alone in this world. At one point during their quiet embrace, Namine leaned against Roxas, and whispered a few words.

"Good morning. On this day we become legendary, everything you dreamed of…"

"Wow, who knew that the quiet artist was into rap?" Roxas muttered with a smirk.

"Sh-Shut up Roxas. I don't like rap. Those words, I just think they apply to us, you know??"

Roxas thought about it, turning his head towards the sky, its stars reflected in his azure eyes.

"I guess I get it. We're finally becoming something, Sombodies. We can't let this chance pass us by…Everything we dreamed of, we will be the ones to make it happen. And it's all thanks to the King." Roxas realized. As he held Namine in a warm embrace, a feeling washed over him. Dawn was coming; Kairi and Sora would be awaking soon, so that meant that they had to leave.

"Namine…next time we see each other…I want to tell you something, but for now, I guess I'll seeya later." Roxas whispered into her ear as he let go of her and pulled her to her feet. They held hands for a minute, but soon couldn't feel each other as they faded into the Twilight. A time between dawn and night, a place where dreams lived.

It was this same twilight that woke Roxas up that day, their second day in Crown, the start of their new lives. A dull light escaped through the closed blinds, decorating the male blond in prison stripes. He lay on top of the soft covers, ear buds still stuck at both sides of his head. A soft violin piece could be heard, made by Deymx in one of his times of seriousness. The sitar wasn't the only instrument he could play. Roxas opened his eyes slightly, peeking at the twilight-lit room. His closet door was slid open, a few uniforms and Org. coats seen. He looked towards his left, at the door, which was slightly opened, but no light was on in the hallway. It was then that he noticed that the song he was currently listening to was much different than the song he had on repeat before; In fact, it was Namine's favorite piece. His mouth formed a smirk at the thought; she had been in his room while he slept.

Slowly rising, Roxas pulled his knees in and draped an arm over them, using the other to rub his sleep-filled eyes. He ran a hand through his bed-head spikes, reminding him that he needed a haircut. The sound of soft footsteps was heard outside his door as another one closed. A long blond-haired girl wearing a pearly white sleeping gown. She looked through the crack in his door to see Roxas standing, taking the ear buds out and turning off his low battery iPod and smiled. The soft silence of the morning was barely broken when she whispered to Roxas.

"Good morning. Do you want the shower first?"

"Mmm thanks Namine, but it's all yours. I'll go make some coffee. Want some?"

"How thoughtful of you. Thanks Roxas." She answered with a soft smile. They both walked into the main hallway, then split, as the azure eyed male walked into their small kitchen and found the necessary supplies for 3 cups of coffee. He could already hear the sighing of a shower turning on as he started the coffee machine. Roxas brought out 3 cups and spoons, then waited at the table as it finished. Xiruk was going to be the last up, and the last in the shower at this rate. He just had the kitchen light on, its dim glow preserving the peace of the morning. Humming to himself, he later made his cup of morning goodness as the cute sight of Namine wrapped in only a body towel graced his vision.

Smirking to himself yet again, Roxas grabbed some boxers and pants, a towel, and some shampoo, and made his way to the bathroom. A quick shower and hair wash later, he turned off the showerhead and could hear the grumbling of a certain 3rd Nobody. Xiruk was outside the bathroom, slouched over and in a horrible mood.

"Not a morning person, huh?"

"Not at all, Blondie, so could you finish up soon? You take more time than Namine."

"Yea yea, just let me brush and I'll be out of your way, Sunshine."

Roxas later exited the bathroom with his pants on, barefoot, and a towel hanging over his head. God, can hair learn to dry quicker? I'd use firaga if I didn't fear going bald. The living quarters ended up having everything but a hairdryer; even Namine still had her towel over her head. As he walked back into the kitchen and warmed his coffee, he couldn't help but notice Namine blushing while she drank; He was shirtless, after all. She however, was already dressed and was on a second cup of coffee. They sat in silence, truly not ready for the noisy day to begin. It was dawn, the sun shining through the nearest window, over the ocean. The sky was a clear blue, and no clouds scarred its appearance. Roxas could feel Namine's want to sketch the beautiful scene, but she decided against it and decided to talk.

"Please tell me I'm not the only one who's nervous?"

"No, you're not. I feel the same way. Bet Sunshine over there does too."

"Did you sleep at all last night?"

"Yea, in fact, I dreamed about that time, on the island…Thanks for changing the song on my iPod by the way."

"…How did you know?"

"It's your favorite piece, and you always listen to it when you want to sleep. Figured you'd do the same for me."

Namine just smiled and looked into his azure eyes, promises lighting them up in these early hours. Xiruk soundlessly walked out of the bathroom at that moment and grabbed his cup of coffee. He nodded thanks to Roxas, who took that as the sign to go finished getting dressed. The ceremony would start in an hour, and they still had some things to check out before heading down, including key registration. While he was in his room, Roxas summoned the Kingdom Key he now had to use. Throwing away Oathkeeper, the only keyblade that Sora and he shared meant that he was stuck with a standard Kingdom Key. It felt heavy and clunky, unlike the light Oathkeeper, and not as smooth as the dark Oblivion. But Roxas knew that this was for the better. Until he could reclaim his keyblade, he was stuck right at the beginning, where he belonged. He would no longer rely on Sora's strength.

30 minutes later, the sharply dressed trio found themselves at Key Registration. This was a process used to make sure that the blade that a keybearer was using was the correct one, and not stolen. Also, if a key was lost, it would be easier to find. Surprisingly, the lines moved quickly with most people being cleared in about 2 minutes. Namine registered her flute weapon, a form of keyblade, called Chain Lion. Xiruk's registered weapon took the name Fallen Oath. It was similar to Riku's Way to Dawn, but I was all black. A problem arose when Roxas tried to register his though.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot register with a Kingdom Key. You need to have some sort of keychain."

"You have got to be kidding me. No one told us this!"

"Didn't you have Oathkeeper? We have word that Sora lent it to you to use."

"Oh yea…that. Well, I kinda gave it back."

Sora, who was in the next line tried to summon Oathkeeper. It came, confirming that Roxas gave it back.

"But w-"

"I won't rely on you anymore Sora."

"Hey Roxas, use this." A familiar voice said from behind. As Roxas turned around, he caught a keychain.

"I'd like to register the Frost Knight" Ven said.

"Alright Ven, you have clearance. Last year here, huh?"

"Yea but I'll be back," Ven replied. Turning to Roxas, he said "Use that keychain to register. It's the Never Was, a nobody's weapon made for you."

"How do you know that?" Roxas asked, examining the keychain.

"Oh, I have my ways, now attach it, and register." Ven said over his shoulder. He seemed so serious, so tense. As Ven walked away, Roxas clipped on the keychain and summoned his new blade. It was black and silver, Org. colors, long, and the head was shaped like an upside-down Org. insignia, 3 sharp teeth jutting out the side. Roxas registered with it, and walked through.

Immediately after finding each other in the chaos, Roxas, Namine, and Xiruk were pulled to the side. It was Xemnas, the Superior of Organization XIII, wearing an ominous smirk. As they walked towards the rest of the Org, they noticed that everyone had their coats on, so Roxas and Xiruk took theirs out. Xiruk zipped it up half way, so his shirt was seen. Roxas didn't zip his up at all, and Namine felt left out. It was like her only friends were invited to a club she wasn't. She looks at the boys, both looking serious and somewhat taller in their cloaks.

"Ah yes, Namine. I noticed that you're the only member of Organization XIII without a cloak of your own, until now," Xemnas smirked, throwing the left out blonde a cloak. It fit her perfectly, she noticed as she slid in it. It was comfortable and warm. It was form-fitting, and clashed with her hair in a good way. She tied it back to keep it out the way. But then she realized something.

"I thought I was still a tool to you, Xemnas…"

"I should still be mad because of your treachery, but for now, I forgive you, and offer you induction into the organization, as number XIV."

"Whoa, whoa, hold up a second. She's new, yet she's number XIV? Why not just give me XIV; she can have my number." Xiruk suggested, slightly irked.

"How about this, you stay as number XV, and she gets XIV, per my orders," the Superior suggested with a stern look on his face. "Now for you Roxas, we have an issue to discuss, and a certain something to regain."

"Issue? Wait, I'm still XIII, right?"

"Yes, young Roxas, you are. I'm talking about an item that he took, Lauxen. Does that name ring a bell?" Xemnas asked.

"Lauxen…you mean him, the Original Nobody." Roxas glared at Xemnas. For that man to know of Lauxen posed a problem. That means he knows that Roxas once had a very powerful weapon. "How do you know of Lauxen, Superior?"

"I…ugh… was once a pupil of him. He shaped me into the Nobody you see before you. Before I met him, I was just one with raw talent, my aim, my resolve was unclear, but he changed that." Xemnas said, walking towards Roxas. "Now, what did that man take from you?"

Roxas just glared at Xemnas. He decided that to talk about that would be to give Xemnas hold over him again, a hold he rejected by leaving. Xemnas rolled his eyes at the silent nobody, gave up, and slammed his right hand on Roxas head, surprising the boy and pushing him down.

"What I want you to do is this: gather every thought, feeling, and memory about that blade. How it feels, how it looks, its power, how it was taken, and most importantly, its NAME!" Xemnas ordered, obviously pissed. "Do not think I am doing this for you. I know that blade's power, and I'd rather have it under my control, than in the hands of that fool. I would have down this at an earlier time, but your escape and our former demise put a hold on this."

Keeping his hand on the blonde's head, Xemnas closed his eyes and felt the boy move. Roxas had stuck out his right hand, closed his eyes, and concentrated. The whole room was drowned in silence; Roxas didn't even feel like he was there. Then, he felt a power, a feeling come from the Superior's hand into him. It was as if heat just spread from the top of his dome, coursing through every vein; it was the power of nothingness supporting him. After a while, a light erupted from Roxas outstretched hand. It was feeble, but moving. It moved around in an oval orbit, the length of it about the length of a keyblade.

As time passed, the light grew from a feeble glow to a radiant star. It had expanded, and was now orbiting faster till the light itself was keyblade sized. All the memories that Roxas had were focused into this. His "birth", his time with the Organization, everything that had to do with that blade. His eyes were closed in a deep concentration, his teeth gritted, and his face mostly obscured. Xemnas still had his hand upon the spiky blonde's head, but was now showing signs of strain, a struggle. After a while, it took shape. The Organization XIII symbol adorned the hilt, the blade made of silver with an interesting shaped head; it was if the precious metal had been bent at angle to form a hemisphere, spiky teeth jutting out. The guard was black and ribbed at some points; his black and white checker design decorated the handle.

"Finally, our task is almost complete; this is it. Now boy! Tell us the name of that blade, the one given to you at birth!"

"It's name..." Roxas muttered, memories, feelings, power all bringing forth two words. "Two…Acro-"

"Not so fast, fool." A dark voice snarled from the image of the blade.

"Three Down?" Larxene piped in.

Both the Superior and Roxas's eyes snapped open at the ridiculous comment. The light that was almost the Two Across dimmed, and then shattered, the sound of glass breaking resonating throughout the room. Roxas could hear the sound seep through his skin, its meaning bringing a cold, cruel feeling to his blood. Xemnas reacted quickly to the situation.

"Larxene! You insolent minx! Leave my sight immediately!" Xemnas roared, fury lacing the usually calm and commanding voice. The shocking blonde shrank at the tone of her Superior's voice, not fully understanding what she did. It wasn't like she was paying attention to the proceedings. Axel acted quickly, escorting his friend into the Grand Hall silently, but not before flashing a smile at Roxas that said two words, "I'm sorry". Our blonde hero fell to the floor, himself broken in some ways and totally exhausted. But he knew what happened; he let himself get hopeful that this was his chance, but on the inside, knew that the fabled day would come when he was strong enough to handle the blade, and the secrets it held. Every part of him wanted to scream in agony, frustration, defeat! He had let himself be fooled like that! It was a shame that all he could do was slam his fists on the floor. When he was done letting out the anger, he noticed that Xemnas, their leader, was slouched against the wall, drained by the failed mission. His yellow eyes were closed, a grimace marring his visage. After he caught his breath and steadied himself, Xemnas ordered,

"Everyone, the King is about to speak. Hoods up, and head into the Grand Hall. Do not speak to Larxene until I say so. Xiruk, Namine, help young Roxas up, don't just stand there like idiots."

Saix ran to Xemnas, helping him up, and acting as the Superior's crutch and threw his hood on. One by one, the other members followed, while Xiruk and Namine helped Roxas up. Namine ran a hand over his cheek, then gathered his hood and pulled it up. As they walked into the hall, 13 out of 15 members with their hoods up, 3 being used as crutches, the Organization looked less regal, but still the members who were walking on their own seemed as if they were gliding, their hooded faces and black cloaks showing a unified group, and a strong one. Most of the students were already sitting, and Axel and Larxene could be seen sitting on the far side of the Hall. Axel nodded to his comrades while Larxene leaned her head on his shoulder, the usually energetic and mischievous vixen looking crestfallen.

Roxas and Xemnas sat in their respective places, heavy breathing being heard from under their hoods. The rest of the organization filled the rest of the seats, Saix and Xigbar ending up by Xemnas, and Xiruk and Namine on the other side of Roxas. Namine then made a bold move by placing the exhausted teen's head on her shoulder, her hand stroking his head, her feelings expressed by her actions, and giving comfort to Roxas. Xiruk paid attention to the speech that King Mickey was now doing, knowing the rest of his group wasn't. It was barely 11 am, but the day had a horrible start, and promised a lack luster finish.

"Roxas… your chance will come again, and when it does, we'll be by your side." Namine whispered. The now recovering teen just nodded in reply, and swallowed audibly. Namine saw Sora looking concerned from two rows ahead, but she just shook her head "no", and he turned around, with a worried look on his face. The speech lasted 2 hours, and by 1 pm, everyone was tired. On a slightly brighter note, the time had given Xemnas and Roxas the time to recover and look normal.

"…Everyone, you may now return to your dorms until 4 pm, when you will be directed to find your classes for tomorrow. Everything begins; your futures start, may take their turns for better or worse, and may even be decided. But I know one thing: your first step forward will begin at 7 am tomorrow. Please enjoy the rest of your day and may the keys you hold unlock a bright future."

King Mickey stepped from the stage, followed by the teachers. A sudden wave of chatter, scraping chairs and moans from lazy students erupted from the hall. The group of nobodies all stood up and exited quietly, an aura of new found strength emitting from their black cloaks. Those who had listened to the King were excited by his words, even if they didn't admit it openly. Everyone wanted to be normal; it was that unifying feeling that founded this school in the first place. As the students, Sombodies and Nobodies alike, walked to the dorms a sort of calm spread. Most Sombodies had nothing against the Nobodies, and vice versa. Xemnas gave the nod, and the Organization removed their hoods, and started conversing, even with Larxene. She then apologized to Roxas, and he forgave her with a chuckle. He knew it wasn't her fault, and a certain sneaky bastard had a way of influencing people. Roxas, Xiruk, and Namine all crashed once they got to their dorm. Ties were flung off, sighs of relief uttered, and cries for coffee were yelled. Roxas instead grabbed Arizonas claiming that it was too hot for coffee. As Roxas laid down on the couch, summoning his Ipod, he searched through the songs. Finding a good one, he called Namine over, and she sat next to him.

"Wanna listen?"

"Sure, what's playing?"

"Listen and find out."

After a couple lines, Namine slapped her blonde boy- I mean buddy on the arm.

"I know it seemed awfully comfortable, but don't get carried away Roxas."

"This night, I'll be over you. Nandodemo nandodemo tashikameruno. Ai no kioku to konnanimo konnanimo tsunoru omoi wo. Watashi no kimochi te ni toru yoni wakatteruhazu. Modorenaikoto zembu wakatteirunoni. Anata ni totte watashi wa donnahuuni irebaiino. Watashi ni totte anata wa torikaeno kanaimono. This night, I'll be over you. Nandodemo nandodemo kurikaesuno. Ai no kotoba to konnanimo konnanimo itai omoi wo" Roxas sung, in perfect pitch, with the ending of This Night by Chemistry. After snickering and calming down, he put his hand over hers and asked, slightly hurt "Won't you be there for me, at least for this night?"

A/N: hey everyone, Artist here. Sorry it took me forever to get this out, been busy (and lazy) so yeaa...But hey! it's here, and I already have plans for ch. 4. By the way, the "Arizonas" are Arizona iced tea, the best out there xD. Well, thanks for reading, and please comment xD. Now you dont have to sign in to comment, after a friend wanted to comment, but couldn't because he didn't have an account. Later all