Before we get started, I wanted to give a special thanks to digichao, kingdomheartslover13 and HoneybeeX for reviewing my first chapter. Thank you all, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well as those to come.
Chapter 2
Stepping through the darkness, I was surprised to find myself in front of some sort of run down church. I'd imagine that it was probably once a magnificent display of gothic architecture, but over the years decayed to the sorry state it was currently in. Not only that, but the building was also surrounded by mounds of garbage and piles of other debris. It was a little sad seeing something this beautiful tossed aside and forgotten over the ages. I hesitated for a moment, debating on whether to enter or not.
Well, Saix did tell me I needed to explore.
Sucking up my uncertainty, I hopped up the steps and pushed open the heavy, wooden door. "Hello?" I called nervously, peeking my head inside. No one seemed to be around, so I creapt in. The building was just as elegant on the inside as it had been on the outside, though it was also just as decrepit. Someone obviously lived here, however. What looked to be a quickly thrown together bed lay in the corner of the room. There was also a kerosene lamp and a large, metal chest sitting close by. Light shone through a gaping hole in the ceiling, illuminating a small garden at the front of the room. I knelt down and admired the small, but beautiful white and yellow flowers, inhaling their sweet aroma.
Alright, time to get back to work.
I sighed and pushed myself to my feet, brushing some dust from my coat. Just then, a familiar chill ran down my spine. I froze and summoned my keyblade, closing my eyes and focusing purely on the soft sound of claws scraping across the ground. There were seven. I didn't need to look to know that there were four shadows and three neoshadows hunting me; quietly inching their way closer. As soon as they came within striking distance, I whipped around and cast a fire spell sending one of the shadows flying. The other six lunged at me, claws poised for battle. With a single fluid motion I sliced clean through the rest, not even breaking a sweat.
Well, that was fun. *sarcasm* I stretched and scratched the back of my head; a habit I probably picked up from Axel.
"That was pretty good." I jumped at least a foot in the air at the sound of the unknown voice and whipped around to see an older male casually strolling up behind me. He was clad in what looked to be black leather, and wearing a dark turtle neck. There was only one sleeve, so I guessed he had something to hide underneath. His golden hair spiked out in a sort of organized chaos, much like mine, but his sky blue eyes were much lighter, and they even had a tinge of green to them. All in all he was a rather attractive man; and I'm not saying that just because he looks like me. However, even with all these little details, his most prominent feature was the enormous sword he was weilding. The fact that he was carrying a weapon put me on edge, and I tensed myself for battle.
"It's been a while since I've seen anyone fight like that," the older male's voice was monotone as he leaned his blade against one of the pieus. I guess that means he's not going to fight me. I sighed quietly in relief and relaxed my tense muscles. "So what're you doin here?"
"Oh, uh..." I stuttered nervously, "I'm sorry. I was just curious as to what was in here, then I ran into those things. I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I'll just go now." I darted toward the door and pushed it open, finding it easier than it had been the first time.
"Hey," the man called just as I was about to leave, "Be careful. There's far worse things out there than just heartless."
That last word caught my attention and stopped me in my tracks. I turned back to the older blonde and gave him a quizzical look, "You...know about the heartless?"
"Yeah," he replied; his voice still not wavering from that continuous monotone, "I've been takin out all the ones I find in the area. I guess I must've missed a few."
"Oh," I nodded in surprise. If he's got everything, I guess there's really no reason for me to be here. "Hey, you mind if I ask...do you live here?" I was genuinely curious. I wanted to know why he chose here of all places, but I didn't want to seem rude.
"This iswhere I come to sleep, and all my stuff is here, so yeah...I guess." There was kind of an awkward silence as the older blonde began rummaging through his things. He pulled out a waterbottle and tossed it to me. "So what's your name?"
"Uh, Roxas," I answered shakily as I caught it with an incredible lack of grace.
"Cloud."
"It was nice to meet you, Cloud," I smiled politely, then turned to leave, "but I really have to go. Thanks for the water." He gave a lethargic wave and I trotted out the door.
Since there weren't any heartless, I casually wandered the streets, taking in the sights; or lack of. I couldn't help but notice how many children there were, sleeping in alleyways and conning peolpe out of money and food. They must be orphans, I thought, stopping to take a swig out of the water Cloud gave me. Just as I was about to take a drink, a couple of kids came along and knocked it out of my hands.
"I'm so sorry," the little boy ran up to me, followed closely by a younger girl; both probably around eight or nine. "We were playing tag, and we didn't see you."
"It's okay," I chuckled, wiping the water from my coat, "I don't blame you, I should've been watching where I was going."
"Here," it caught me by surprise when both of them took me by the hands and led me down the street, "let us make it up to you. I know where you can buy some more water." I wanted to protest, but they really looked like they wanted to apologize. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt their feelings by declining their hospitality, so I followed them. Not a block away, there was a small stand with a couple of kids selling water and other supplies. Then it hit me. I think I've just been the victim of a scam.
"Here you go, sir," the little girl smiled sweetly and handed me a cup of water.
"Thanks," I replied, returning the smile, then took a swig. Even though I knew I'd just been conned, I wanted to help these kids out. It must be hard living on the streets with no family to take care of you. "There you go."
A huge smile spread across her face as I handed her ten thousand munny. "Oh thank you, sir! Thank you!" she exclaimed and glomped me, then ran off to show the other kids.
I sighed heavily, then grinned to myself. That was all the munny I had earned in the past three months, and I just gave it away. Oh well. That was my good deed for the day. After wandering for another hour or so, I had had enough and opened a portal. Saix wasn't going to be too happy when he found out I hadn't collected any hearts, but I really didn't care. All I wanted to do was relax for a bit with Axel and Xion then go to bed. I was exhausted!
"Hey guys," I chirped as I strolled along the top of the clock tower. We kind of made it a ritual to meet at the here in Twilight Town for sea-salt icecream after every mission. This was what I looked forward to everyday; talking and laughing with my best friend and my boyfriend.
"Hi Roxas," Xion smiled as I took a seat between her and Axel, "How was the mission?"
"It was alright," I shrugged, "I met a guy named Cloud, and he looks just like me, only older and more emo."
"I didn't think anyone could get more emo than you," Axel chuckled and mussed my hair. I growled and gave him a swift punch in the arm.
"Really?" Xion grinned, "Cause I always thought Zexion was the emo king."
"Good point," Axel nodded, then turned back and captured me in a vice-like headlock, "But Roxie's still a close second." I snorted and elbowed the cocky bastard in the stomach, forcing him to release his grip.
"But other than that, it was pretty uneventful. What about you guys?"
"Same old, same old," the redhead shrugged and handed me some ice cream.
"Yeah, nothing exciting happened with me either," Xion sighed.
We hung out for a while longer and chatted before heading back to the castle.
"So Rox, what d'ya wanna do now?" Axel grinned seductively, wrapping his arms around my waist, and nipping playfully at my neck and earlobe.
"Not tonight, Ax," I sighed, taking off my coat, "I really feel like shit." The redhead pouted and took a seat on the edge of my bed. The sight made me laugh. I plopped onto his lap and kissed his jawline around his ear, then wrapped my arms around his neck. "You're such a baby. Now get outta here, I need to get some sleep."
"Alright," he chuckled and ruffled my hair, "See you tomorrow then." I smiled and gave him a quick kiss before he went back to his room.
I curled up under the covers and closed my eyes, trying hard not to think of how horrible I felt. Shit, I hope I didn't get sick. That's the last thing I need right now, what with Saix all over my case and everything. I didn't dwell on the thought for long. I figured I'd go to work anyway, no matter how crappy I felt, and I'd do the best I can so Saix would get off my back.
(Axel POV)
"Hey Dem. Hey Zex," I yawned as I strolled into the mission room, "Guys?" They didn't bother to greet me; too busy making out to even acknowledge my existence.
"Axel!"
I jumped nearly a foot in the air at the sound of the angered growl. "Geex Sai, you tryin' to give me a heart attack?" I gasped, clutching my chest.
The other simply snorted at my attempt at humor. "You know I don't enjoy your type of 'comedy', Axel. Now where is Roxas?"
"I dunno. I haven't seen 'em this morning. Why?"
"Not that it's vital for you to know, but number XIII didn't meet his quota yesterday," Saix muttered, glancing at his clipboard, "So today, you'll be accompanying him to Halloween Town for heart collection. Make sure he meets the required amount or you'll both be in trouble."
"Yes sir!" I grinned and saluted the older male.
He raised a suspicious eyebrow, then turned to the lovebirds on the sofa. "Demyx! Zexion!" The two jumped, startled apart from their little make out session, "Get to work!"
"Yes Saix," the slated haired male nodded and hurried off, yanking Demyx along behind him. I chuckled at the sight of Zexion actually looking scared, and headed off to retrieve the little blonde.
I wonder what's up with Roxas. He doesn't normally sleep in this late. Then again, he did look pretty wiped yesterday.
"Hey Rox?" I called, rapping on the door to his room. There was no answer. I cracked the door and peeked inside, "Roxas?" The soft sound of snoring permeated the room, and the lump on the bed shifted slightly. Huh, I guess he is still asleep. I sauntered over and plopped onto the edge of the bed. "Roxas. Rooxaas," he whined as I gently shook his shoulder. He was so adorable when he slept, I hated to wake him. It took a few more shakes, but he finally opened his eyes and sat up.
"Hey Axel," he yawned, rubbing his eyes, "W-what time is it?"
"Time for you to get up," I smirked and ruffled his hair, "We gotta to go to work. Saix gave us an assignment together."
"That's awesome," he yawned again and smiled weakly, "Now get outta my room so I can shower."
"Why do I gotta leave?" I retaliated, "There's a door to your bathroom, ain't there?"
He grinned and punched me playfully in the shoulder. "I just don't want to risk some crazy pedo redhead walkin in on me, now leave. The longer you stay the more we risk getting an angry visit from Saix."
"Alright," I sighed, raising my arms defensively and backing toward the door. The last thing I saw before closing the door was a smirk and a dismissive head shake.
(Roxas POV)
As soon as the door clicked shut, I groaned and buried my face in my hands. I know I said this earlier, but I really feel like shit. The room spun slightly, and everything had a sort of white backdrop to it, as if everything was glowing. Alright, you gotta get up, I ordered myself; the voice in my head sounding strangely like Saix. I sighed and flipped my feet over the edge of the bed. Suddenly, my vision flashed white and my sense of balance was completely thrown off kilter.
"Woah," I gasped, cradling my head with one hand and supporting myself on the bed frame with the other, "Got up WAY too fast there." It took a moment for me to regain my composure. Once my vision returned to, somewhat normal, I slowly got to my feet and headed into the bathroom.
I stripped out of my shirt and took a quick glance in the mirror as I waited for the water to heat up. My eyes were bloodshot and I was a little pale. I wonder why Axel didn't say anything, I thought to myself as I tentatively touched my face. Damn, I look horrible. My gaze dropped from my face and stopped at an odd, bruise-like mark on the upper left part of my chest where I'd imagine my heart would be. It was pretty large, about the size of a grapefruit, and I wondered how I hadn't noticed it earlier.
"Hm...I guess I must've gotten this yesterday," I muttered to myself, "But I don't remember ever getting injured." My thoughts were interrupted as a sudden dizziness swept over me, and the room started to spin once again. I clung to the counter for support. Okay, now I'm positive something's wrong with me. An overwhelming nausea also set in, and I quickly clasped my hand over my mouth to keep myself from puking on the floor. That probably wasn't such a good idea on my part. As soon as my hand left the counter, the other slipped and the room went black.
"Roxas! Roxas, wake up!"
I groaned and gradually forced my eyelids open. My head stung and throbbed, and my vision was blurry. As the world slowly came into focus, I found myself gazing up at a panic stricken Axel, my head cradled in his arms. "A-Axel?" I groaned, "What happened?"
"Hell if I know," he gasped, clearly relieved, "I heard a loud bang and found you bloodied and unconcious on the floor with a huge gash in your head." I gingerly moved my hand to the part of my head that hurt the worst and found it was oozing some sort of liquid. I took my hand away to examine it and found the liquid was blood. It was all over the floor and the part of the counter where I'd hit my head. The cut wasn't deep, but it was bleeding profusely. I probably didn't even need stitches, just a large bandage.
"I guess I must've slipped and hit my head on the counter," I lied, putting pressure on my wound. I didn't want to alarm the redhead any more than he already had been by telling him I was sick. I'd already made up my mind when I told myself I'd go on the mission today, no matter what, so I wasn't going to have Axel drag me to the infirmary over something that was probably just a bad cold, or a stomach bug.
Axel placed a supporting hand on my back as I propped myself up into a sitting position, then helped to lift me to my feet. After much persuasion, I finally convinced him the injury was nothing and that I was still well enough to go on the mission, but only after he patched me up. I sat perfectly still and waited patiently as he cleaned and bandaged the wound.
"You're sure you don't want to stay here and get checked out?" Axel prodded once again.
"I told you I can't do that," I sighed in annoyance, "I'm already in enough trouble with Saix as it is. Besides, I already told you I'm fine, now let's go." Axel gave me one last look of concern before opening up a pathway through the darkness.
(Axel POV)
As much as I wanted the little guy to stay home, I figured it would be easiest to just let him go. Besides, I'd be there to keep an eye on him and make sure nothing goes wrong.
Hi! Thanks again to the people that reviewed my last chapter. There weren't that many but the ones I got made me smile.
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