Phantom: Okay, I am so sorry this took forever to write. We kept having computer issues, especially when the internet went out for three days. Three very dark, horrible days. But I finally sat down last night and typed for about two hours. Finally! Anyways, I'm so sorry for the delay. I refuse to let this story die.


Chapter 9: The First Move Made

(Zexion's POV)

It had been quiet, like the calm before a major storm. Everyone was wired, waiting for that first move. Even Axel had stopped causing trouble at school. I could tell that if it kept up like this, we were going to end up at each others' throats. Though maybe that's what Ansem wants. No, wait, he wants us to suffer by his hands, not kill each other off.

It didn't help that nobody would talk about the situation when we were home. And I wasn't to fight unless absolutely necessary. But I remembered absolutely everything I was taught. Though physically I was weak with a sword, so to speak. I was pretty good with a rapier, but other than that I was bound to loose my head in the upcoming fight. I mean that literately. I did however find some of the most interesting books in the library.

Spell books.

And they were very interesting. I ended up loosing a few hours of sleep since I couldn't put them down. And with each page I read, I learned new spells and the like. Including poisons. I had tried out a few low power spells, and they worked quite successfully. I do need to practice to build up my stamina, however. I can only cast a handful of higher power spells right now as well as a ton of low power ones. I don't think Xemnas-san knew about my new little hobby. I'm not sure if he would approve.

Though the spells might explain how Axel manages to light things on fire constantly.

Or not. He may just be a pyro who's very fond of causing trouble.

I'll go with the second option. It seems believable. Axel isn't known for being able to remember things, let alone read books.

So we were at school. And of course, Roxas and Axel were in another class, like usual. And I was in the changing room for gym.

Ah, the joys of gym. Today we were going to be playing dodge ball. And I say whoever came up with that game was a sadistic bastard. Honestly, only sadistic people want to play dodge ball. How many sane people have you met who actually want to get hit with a red rubber ball going at mach five? I know I don't.

Basically, all I'm saying is…

I HATE DODGE BALL.

Of course, I hate gym in general, since I always end up being wounded somehow. So it all makes sense as to why I'm taking so long changing clothes. In fact, I don't actually mind failing gym, if it meant I don't have to participate in it anymore. Either way, I had just finished changing when a very cold and calloused hand brushed across the back of my neck.

Out of reflex, I turned my head to see who or what was touching me.

And standing behind me with a cold fire burning in his eyes was none other than Riku Crescent.

Someone I had been specifically told to avoid, as he could hurt me or I could get him hurt.

And his eyes were beginning to turn red.

My eyes widened as I turned to face him completely. "R-Riku? What are you doing? Class is going to start in a few minutes…." I stuttered, my back hitting the lockers when Riku took a few steps closer. His eyes turned fully red, cat-like pupils included. I paled a bit.

Then my mouth was covered by one of his hands faster than I could see it, since I was too busy staring at his face. His other hand wrapped around my throat, squeezing. I started struggling when I couldn't breathe. Soon, I started thrashing, clawing at his wrists. He wouldn't budge, even when I drew blood. Spots were clouding my vision and I whacked my hand against the locker, my nails scratching against the metal.

And then I was out.

(Riku's POV)

I can't believe I was doing this to Zexion. I could tell he was a fledgling when he first transferred to the school, and it was obvious he didn't know how to fight back very well. Why would Ansem try to hurt him in the first place? And why was he so moody when he couldn't kill him the first time he attacked?

Then against he was working with that human scientist now. That disgusting Hojo man. I can't believe a human like him exists. Even Seph hates him.

But still, I really wish he hadn't ordered me to bring him back. A kidnapping so to say. But Hojo wants him brought back, and Ansem agreed with him. I don't like him and he hasn't done anything to me, so if he asked for Zexion specifically, I can only dread what he'll do to him. The boy is still a fledgling, who isn't older than when he was turned. No decades or centuries under his belt. It makes me feel sick to my stomach.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I whispered, lifting his limp body over my shoulder before flitting out of the school and back to that hell.


(Xemnas' POV)

The young ones should be getting back from school right about now. It was getting worrying, how no attacks were being made. Ansem wasn't known for being patient, especially since all of his fledglings are excellent swordsmen, except for the girls. And I had had a dreadful feeling all day. Like something horrible had happened.

I can hear Axel now. They must be home. Axel always gets noisier when he gets home, complaining about school and the homework he has to do. I don't know why he complains. He chose to go to school again, so it's his own fault.

Walking out to the main foyer, I was surprised to see only Axel and Roxas. Speaking loud enough to be heard I asked, "Where is Zexion? He hasn't gotten a detention, has he?"

Axel went quiet, staring at me. Roxas spoke up. "We thought he went on ahead of us. Since our last class is on the other side of the school. If he got a detention, he would have texted us or something to let us know."

That dreadful felling turned into dawning horror. Something had gone wrong. I felt along the link we shared, only to meet blackness. I couldn't reach Zexion. I could sense that he was alive, most likely unconscious. But I couldn't tell where he was. Something was blocking me. And the only person who could block me was…

"Ansem."


(Third Person)

Laughter. Maniacal, twisted laughter.

"Nice to see you back, my angel."


Phantom: Okay, the chapter may be short, but it's still important. The main character has been kidnapped! Dun dun dun...

Review Time!

What About Today- I'm glad Zexion makes you giggle and that you like Demyx so much. And I'll hope you remember whatever that thought was. And aha! I'm in your inbox. XD

thegreatwhitewolf- I know, I had a hard time choosing what he'd go after. But I'm glad with what I chose. And no one shall know what our favorite little Zexy is planning until the story starts to end. Maybe.

Reno-is-a-Turk- I keep looking at the Cirque de Freak series everytime I go to the bookstore, but I can't make up my mind whether or not to buy it.

DeNiSaY60- Yeah, no rush. I took me so long to finally get over my writer's block.... Evil accursed thing it is....

xXxanti-socialxXx- I posted, just not soon. So sorry.

PencilsLovePaper- Wow, thank you, I'm surprised to get comments like this, considering some of the characters seem OOC. But I should remedy that. And this story will continue, even if I have to kill myself. And should that happen, I'll continue the story from the other side.