Title: The Lost One

Pairing: SoraxRiku (that's it for now)

Warnings: Violence, flashbacks

Chapter 2

Images flickered in and out of focus, taking on an almost dream-like sequence. Blurred people hovered over him as he tried to breath. Hot. It was so hot. And he couldn't move.

"...get an antidote..."

"...no time..."

Sora felt tears slipping down his face. What did he ever do to deserve this pain? He felt strong arms wrapping around his body and weakly tried to pull away. He was told to hush and hold still. Mercifully, he passed into darkness again

A man watched as a boy ran into the night, praying that he would be safe

A glowing object nestled in someone's hands.

Two people engaged in a sword fight.

A blond man who had his back turned looked up into the sky.

A large man leaned over the dead monster, ignoring the stench. He examined the wound in its chest.

"Riku," came the muttered remark, through clenched teeth. Another man flicked his eyes over to the first.

"You're sure?" The first nodded.

"His sword leaves distinctive marks. I can recognize them anywhere." He stood and gestured over the large corpse. It disappeared, leaving no trace that it had ever been there.

"I think they found him. Why else would they be here?" The first nodded. "What are we going to do?" He instantly regretted his words when a fierce glare was set his way.

"We're going to let this play out. Besides, this just makes it more interesting."

Sora came to in a dark room. He was settled on a soft bed. The pain and fire from before was gone. He sat still for several moments. He had no idea where he was. Panic started to set in. What could he remember? He remembered the fight with the monster thing, remembered those strangers saving him. Then, a small pain in his arm. He wrapped his arms around himself, whimpering. They must have 

drugged him. Just then, there was a noise at the door. With a squeak, Sora flung the covers over his head. There were footsteps, then a hesitant voice came.

"Um...so you're awake then?" Sora froze underneath the covers. He knew that voice.

"YOU!" He moved his head to glare at the teacher who had been visiting his school. "Why am I here? What have you done? Why was I drugged?" The scarred brunet tried to say something, but Sora kept on going. "Where is here? Are you going to kill me? Rape me?" The words began to take on a hysterical rush. "Blackmail me? Oh please, don't hurt my family or friends!" Finally the man interrupted.

"NO!" Sora flinched at the sudden increase in volume. "I'm sorry. You're here because you were poisoned. We needed an antidote that we didn't have at the time." Sora nodded, not really understanding. "As for where you are, you are at Seville Mansion..."

"Oh, not too far from my home," Sora commented mildly. He was already working on an escape plan. The man sighed. "You're not a prisoner. You're free to go whenever you want." Sora regarded the older brunet suspiciously.

"Really?" Sora moved to stand up. But his legs were so wobbly. He fell back. The man came forward to help him, but Sora shook his head. He had his pride. After several more embarrsing tries to stand, the man finally said,

"Why don't you rest some more. You have my word that nothing will happen to you." Sora glared at him.

"Your word, huh? Well seeming as I don't even know your name, I can't really trust you." To his surprise the man gave a short bark of laughter. He went back out towards the door.

"My name is Leon." And then he left. Sora wiggled in the bed, muttering darkly. Exhaustion suddenly crept up on him and he fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

Out in the hall Leon paused for a moment, glancing over his shoulder.

"You're back." A blond man stepped forward.

"Just now." He glanced towards the door. "Is it really..." Leon nodded.

"Yes, Cloud. Its him" Cloud nodded, still staring at the door. "He has no memory of his past life." Again, Cloud nodded.

"It's to be expected. Are you going to tell him?" Leon shrugged.

"Perhaps. But I can't make him believe that. He'll have to do that on his own." Cloud didn't say anything for awhile.

"Well, I have to give my report. They are on the move again." Cloud started to walk down the hall, but stopped. Then, the words came softly, nearly inaudible.

"I missed you." Leon smiled gently.

"I missed you as well."

"As commander of this army, I order you to hand it over." A tall man towered over a smaller teen. Again, Sora couldn't see his face, but he sensed the determination in the kid's stance.

"No way. I was entrusted with its protection." The man had a desperately, angry look on his face.

"I understand your devotion, truly, I do. But you are not prepared to protect it. Are you forgetting who is after you?!" The heavily armed soldier stared at the boy, trying to make him understand. The boy wavered slightly.

"I do, and yes, I know how much danger I am in. I have a place to hide it, but no one can know where it is. It's safer that way. Now please, let me pass." The boy marched over to two soldiers who prevented him from leaving. The man sighed, knowing he was getting nowhere.

"Let him pass." He said, weakly. The two soldiers gave him incredulous looks, but obeyed, moving out of the way. He watched the disappearing figure of the teen. "I just hope your right," he whispered.

Sora opened his eyes, feeling frustrated. These dreams were new. He didn't know what to make of them. He stretched and stood, all dizziness gone. The teen stood, looking down. He flushed when he realized he was naked. Someone had stripped off his clothes without his permission. Wrapping the blanket around himself, feeling ashamed anger. A pile of clothes with note on top had been placed on a chair.

Sora,

These are some of my old things. There probably too big, but there clean. Please feel free to do whatever you want. I'll be around, so come find me. I'll try to answer any questions you have.

Leon

Sora stared at the note, trying to think when he had said what his name was. He came up blank. He had never said his name. Uneasy, the brunet pulled on the clothes. Too big was an understatement. The sleeves of the t-shirt hung of his elbows. The sweatpants, even with the drawstring tied as tight as it could go, still hung off his hips. He glanced at the mirror, finger-brushing his messy hair. It was hopeless. Cautiously, Sora opened the door, glancing around the hall. It was empty. He crept down the hall, stopping when he reached the stairs. He stepped on the first step, stopping when it creaked. Taking a deep breath, Sora moved down the flight of stairs, taking them two at a time. Just as he was about to open the door a voice came from behind him.

"Why are creeping around like that?" Sora gave a small scream, turning around. The person jumped too. He had vivid red hair that spiked up in different directions, his face was pale with poison green eyes. He had on a black tank top with jeans, a chain running from one pocket to another. His feet were bare. The stranger clutched a hand over his heart.

"Geez! Way to give a guy a heart attack!" Sora stared at him, feeling his hope of escape crashing down. "As I said, why are you creeping around like that?" The brunet shrugged, feeling ridiculous.

"I have to get out. People are going to worry about me." The redhead nodded.

"Well that's understandable. You seem like a pretty popular guy." He smiled at Sora's confused look. "I saw you at your school." Sora nodded, not feeling the slightest bit reassured. "Well, if you want to go, I can't stop you. But please, just listen to Leon first." Sora wavered, feeling torn. These people had rescued him. He should at least listen to what they had to say. Biting his lip, he nodded. The older teen in front of him grinned. "Cool. Oh, by the way, my name is Axel. Got it memorized?"

Axel led Sora through the large house to a library. Leon was there, with several other people. They were pouring over a map and several books. A few looked up and stared, but looked away just as quickly. Leon gave him a smile, gesturing to an overstuffed couch.

"Please, have seat." Sora did that, eyes scanning the room. The walls had several old paintings. Sora's eyes landed on one. He tilted his head, eyes narrowing in concentration. Then, he gasped, feeling shock.

"That's not possible." Leon looked up, eyebrows knitting in confusion.

"What's not?" Sora stood, pointing at the painting.

"That's an original Montasque, the painter. I studied him in art class. But it's of you." His brain could barely process the information. "But, you would have to be...be..."

"At least seven hundred years old," came the oddly calm reply. Sora stared at him. "I'm one thousand and seventy four years old to be exact." Sora gaped, his mouth dropping. Either this guy was a complete lunatic, or he was telling the truth. Sora sank down into the chair again. Leon sighed, turning the assembled group. "Would you please leave us? We have much to discuss." After everyone left, Leon sat on the chair opposite to Sora. "What I am about to tell you may sound crazy, but try to keep an open mind."

Across town, another gathering was taking place. A armed man placed a picture on a table. The others craned their necks to see it. The boy in it had messy brown hair and sparkling blue eyes.

"His name is Sora. He's sixteen years old, and is student at Destiny Island High School. He's relatively popular, gets good grades and is an all around good kid." He glanced at the head of the table to the man who sat there. "But you already knew that."

"I did." There was murmuring among the people. "Has he been confirmed as the one were looking for?"

"Yes." Another voice was heard.

"And what is it you intend to do with this boy, Lord Sephiroth?" The man leaned forward, jade eyes glowing maliciously.

"Interrogate him. And when he gives us what we want," Sephiroth banged his fist on the table, startling everyone, "I'll kill him"

Woo. This is getting good. Bad guy has been introduced. Reviews are appreciated.