Journey On

Summary: "You aren't the only one who is searching, Riku!" She said that to him as he walked by, startling him because no one was supposed to know his real name, at least, not there. Riku finds a new ally inside the Organization, but what happens when he begins to feel different. RikuxOCxAxel

Hey...sorry you guys for not keeping up with my stories, but I try to start a chapter on one that's already up, and bam! I get a new idea for a new fic. Plus, on a few I have writers block. I am trying though.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or 1000 Words from FFX-2. The only things I own are the plot and my characters I add in.

Chapter 2: Falling

She always hated the feeling she got when using the portals. Her stomach felt like it was in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Her body ended up feeling like jello and she didn't like the nausea that sometimes followed. Sometimes, she was fine, sometimes she just fell over and lay for hours. Now was one of the times she fell over.

As she lay there, she was dimly sentient of the fact that lightning was flashing and thunder was rolling over head. She was also slightly conscience of rain hitting her back and face; however, she just continued to lay on whatever world she landed in's surface. 'I think...I'm gonna be sick. And that is precisely what she was. She was grateful that she had her hair up and in its funky braids and black headband. (AN: think Rikku's hair from FFX-2, only blood-red.) She managed to get to her hands and knees before the bile rose up and out of her throat and mouth. She couldn't have cared less that two people were watching her, concerned. She finally managed to stand up on her not-so-solid-feeling legs, wiping her mouth on her sleeve.

"You ok? Never seen that kind of reaction to the portal." Axel stood, for once looking serious instead of joking around. Sirux simply shot a glare at him before proclaiming she never liked the portals and that said portals should die and burn in hell. Riku just silently waited to tell her the news. He watched as she slowly took in the fact that Sari was the only one unaccounted for and turned to him.

"Where is Sari?" She kept a blank face, but he saw panic filled her exotic eyes.

"She wasn't here when we got here. I think she was accidentally transported elsewhere." He watched as her calm facade crumbled and started when she took off running. He and Axel exchanged looks before taking off after the panicking female. After catching up with her, he realized that the area looked familiar. 'Traverse Town...Haven't been here in awhile.' He grabbed Sirux's wrist and spun her around to face him. "Sirux, calm down!" He was mildly surprised when she wrenched her hand out of his grip and started screaming at him.

"NO! I won't calm down! My friend is out here...there...wherever all by her self! Who knows what could happen to her!" Riku calmly stood there as she vented, waiting for her to finish. As she turned and walked away, he followed her down the stairs and into the center of the second district. He heard Axel behind him, but ignored the pyro. As Sirux started hollering Sari's name, Riku once again turned her around, silencing her for a minute.

"It's ok...we will find her." Anger welled up inside of Sirux.

"NO IT'S NOT! We have to find her now!" She turned and tried walking away, only to have Riku once more turn her around.

"Sirux...Sirux listen! We can't search now. It is dark and storming out! We will search for her as soon as the storm is past." Something snapped inside her. Riku saw her eyes blaze silver for a second. He was taken aback when Sirux started screaming at him.

"Goddamn it! Stop calling me Sirux! I hate that godforsaken name! My name isn't Sirux! It's Rayne! R-A-Y-N-E! Got it! Good! Now fuck off!" She turned and watched as a group of shadow heartless appeared in front of her. She drew the wolfblade and smashed through them, heading towards the Gizmo Shop. Riku just stood and watched her walk away. He turned his head to face Axel, who had placed his hand on Riku's shoulder as he walked by. Both of them heard sobbing and watched as Rayne wobbled and fainted to the ground. The two men rushed over to see her lying there, tears coursing down her face, her eyes were clamped shut.

"What do we do?" Riku motioned to the hotel behind him.

"There's a hotel...Let's just get her inside." Axel nodded and stooped down to pick up the limp woman. The two walked to the hotel and walked inside, just before the rain started to pour down harder. Riku strode over to the counter and he chatted with the man standing behind it for a moment before turning to Axel. "How much munny do we have?" Axel pulled out his wallet and counted 2000 munny.

"I have 2000."

"So that makes 3000 total...Sir, how far do you think that would last us here?" The man sighed.

"Well, if you only get a single room, not counting food, it should last you two days." Riku sighed too.

"We'll take a single room, please." The man nodded and handed them the key to the green room and the boys walked into their temporary new home. Axel carefully placed Rayne on the bed after carefully removing her cloak and hanging it up to dry. Riku sat down by the small fireplace and leaned his head against the wall. Axel just sat down at the table in the center of the room. (AN: I hope the layout is correct. It has been awhile since I have played the first Kingdom Hearts game.)

"She'll be fine in the morning. Don't worry bout it." Riku opened one of his eyes to glare at the red-headed man.

"I'm not worrying about it." Axel scoffed.

"Please, you know you do. Especially after this morning..."

"Nothing happened this morning. It was all an act to get you to go away." The two men jumped as Rayne sat up, holding her head in her hands. Axel looked to see Riku nodding, confirming what the lady said.

"Awww...you're so mean!" Rayne tried to stand up. Keyword: tried. She felt her legs tremble and she fell back onto the bed, earning a worried look from both of the guys. "Whoa, take it easy there! We're not going anywhere." Axel stood and started to take off his coat, proving his point.

"I could care less about where you're going. I have to go and find Sari before some..." She pitched forward after attempting to stand up again. Seeing her fall, Axel reached out and caught her before she could hit the floor.

"You're not going anywhere except back in bed." Axel picked her up like she was nothing but a rag doll and set her on the bed. "Now, sleep!" He turned and walked back to his chair, plopping down with a contented sigh.

Riku watched their exchange in silence before closing his eyes and drifting into sleep.

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"NOOOO!" Rayne woke with a start, sending Axel out of his chair and Riku on his feet.

"What? What happened?" Axel sat, dazed, on the floor. He noticed Rayne shivering and got up. "Cold? Here." He tossed a fireball into the fireplace and watched as a small fire got going. However, Rayne continued to quake.

"I-I'm fine. Just a dream." She slowly got to her feet and walked over to her jacket. "I'm going out...to look for Sari." She quickly put on the black uniform and walked out the door. Little did she know, Riku and Axel followed.

Rayne had been walking around the three districts for a good hour and a half and was starting to break. Due to the earlier trip and unexpected incident, it had taken all her strength just to stand and walk. Slowly, she was gaining her strength back. She knew that they didn't have enough munny to stay at the hotel and feed themselves and that just made her feel worse. Just as she rounded a corner, someone crashed into her. She looked up to see a girl no older than her with black hair and a ninja outfit on. The girl blushed and started apologizing profusely.

"I am so sorry! Really, I am. Please don't be mad..." Rayne smiled widely and took the proffered hand, climbing to her feet.

"It's no problem..."

"Yuffie."

"Nice name."

"Thanks..."

"Rayne." Yuffie held out her hand and Rayne shook it.

"Um...There is a quick favor I gotta ask ya."

"O...Kay?" Yuffie grinned and pointed behind her. Rayne looked over Yuffie's shoulder and only saw a crowd going by.

"See...there is this really tight-ass guy in my crew and so, to lighten him up, I played a little joke on him, but he got all mean and is chasing after me, so I was wondering if you mind hiding me?" Rayne laughed.

"There is one of those guys in my group too. Sure I'll help you." Looking up, Rayne saw a sign advertising a karaoke contest with a prize of 10,000 munny. "Hey, Yuff? I got a favor for you too."

"What is it?" Rayne pointed to the sign.

"Be my partner for the karaoke contest and we can hide in there!" Yuffie smiled brightly.

"That just might work!"

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"I can't believe she is doing this." Axel and Riku had watched as Rayne and another girl walked into a karaoke bar and followed them in.

"I can't either. Though, I would like to know why." They both were sitting at a table in the middle of the audience. Riku glanced up in time to see Leon walk into the bar and he was curious.

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"Which song are we gonna sing?"

"How about...1000 words?" Yuffie pondered the song for a second before nodding. Rayne told the guy which song and he nodded, handing them a number ticket.

"What spot are we in?"

"Five. That gives us thirty minutes...come on." Rayne dragged Yuffie into the costume room and the two changed into more 'appropriate' dress ware. Yuffie wore a black shirt and a jean mini-skirt and black boots that came up to her ankles. She had on silver hoop earrings and a small black bracelet. Rayne had on a white mini-skirt and a matching white corset that had black laces. Her boots were white leather and had a few chains dangling off them. The skirt was low rise, revealing some of her flat stomach. She wore some hoop earrings as well.

The man called them to the backstage area and they awaited their turn. As soon as the lights dimmed, they silently stepped on stage. The background music slowly started up and Rayne stepped up to the first microphone and began singing softly.

I know that your hiding things
Using gentle words to shelter me
Your words were like a dream
But dreams could never fool me
Not that easily

Yuffie stepped forward and began the next verse.

I acted so distant then
Didn't say goodbye before you left
But I was listening
You fight your battles far from me
Far too easily

Rayne held up her arm, like she was wiping away tears.

"Save your tears cause I'll come back"
I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door
But still I swore
To hide the pain, when I turn back the pages
Shouting might have been the answer
What if I cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart
But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart

Then the two blended their voices for the chorus

Though a thousand words
Have never been spoken
They'll fly to you
Crossing over the time
And distance holding you, suspended on silver wings
And a thousand words
One thousand confessions
Will cradle you
Making all of the pain you feel seem far away
They'll hold you forever

Both hugged themselves on the last line. As Rayne started the next verse, she pointed to her temple.

The dream isn't over yet
Though I often say I can't forget
I still re-live that day
You've been there with me all the way
I still hear you say

"Wait for me, I'll write you letters"
I could see how you stand with your eyes to the floor
But still I swore
To hide the doubt when I turn back the pages
Anger might have been the answer
What if I'd hung my head and said that I couldn't wait
But now I'm strong enough to know it's not too late

Cause a thousand words
Call out through the ages
They'll fly to you
Even though I can't see
I know they're reaching you, suspended on silver wings
Oh a thousand words
One thousand embraces
Will cradle you
Making all of your weary days seem far away
They'll hold you forever

Oh a thousand words (a thousand words)
Have never been spoken (oh yeah)
They'll fly to you
They'll carry you home, (carry you home) and back into my arms
Suspended on silver wings (on silver wings)
And a thousand words (ohh)
Call out through the ages (call through the ages)
They'll cradle you (oh yeah)
Make all of the lonely years to lonely days (lonely days)
They'll hold you forever

Oh, a thousand words

Rayne let her voice slowly fade and was soon drowned out by the cheering of the crowd. She looked up as she heard a familiar whistle and gasped as she realized that Axel and Riku were there. 'Never thought they would follow me...' Yuffie smiled as she saw Leon in the back of the room, jaw to the floor. The two quickly rushed off stage and as they went to change, the owner stopped them.

"I would like to congratulate you on winning. As awards, you can keep the clothes and here is the prize munny. 10,000 munny each." Rayne smiled wider and bowed lightly.

"Thank you sir. That is very generous of you!"

"Not a problem. Do you think you could come sing tomorrow too?"

"I suppose...Yuffie?" Yuffie nodded. The owner clapped his hands together.

"Splendid. The show starts at 7:30." The two girls nodded and headed to go pick up their other clothes.

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Rayne poured the munny she won onto the table in the room, causing Axel and Riku to lean in for a better look.

"Holy...how did you get that much munny!" Rayne shrugged.

"Singing. I saw you there..." Riku and Axel looked at each other and back at the girl sheepishly. Suddenly, they were dragged into a large hug. "Thanks." Rayne let them go and walked over to the bed.

"Oh, no! I am not sleeping on the floor again!" Axel stood up, heading towards the bed.

"Me neither!" Rayne stood up as the two guys walked over to fight for the bed.

"Well, I am most certainly not sleeping on the floor!" All of them paused.

"Well..."

"We could just share..." The two guys looked at each other and to Rayne. She merely shrugged.

"Just don't try anything and I'm fine with it. So the girl forced the guys out of the room as she changed into her pjs. Thinking as she pulled on her shorts, she realized that she still didn't find Sari. She took her hair out of its braids and went to open the door. Opening the door, Riku and Axel stared at Rayne. She had on short, black shorts and a tight fitting blue cami. When she turned to head in, she felt someone slide a finger down her shoulder blade, making her shiver.

"What is with the tattoos?" She turned her head to see Axel and Riku both looking at the small black angel wings on her back, Riku with his finger pressed against her skin. There was one on each side, right where normal wings would be and each tattoo was no bigger than a small fist. They were black with crimson outlines and were jagged and sharp looking. Smiling, she continued inside and plopped down on the bed.

"They are marks we get when we are officially inducted into school back home. Every child's is different. It is supposed to be a reflection of their soul."

"And yours?" She looked up as Axel, who seemed curious instead of joking.

"A fallen angel. Mischievous and deadly, but still good." She crawled under the sheets and got ready to go to sleep. However, as she turned over, she caught sight of the two guys removing their shirts and froze, eyes roaming over their chiseled muscles that rippled as they moved. Heat rose to her face as realization dawned on her as to what she was doing. 'I can't believe I was just checking them out! God, they'll never let me live it down if they caught me.' She averted her sight to the crackling fire and sighed contently as she fell back onto the pillow.

The two boys turned and faced the bed. Axel crawled in on the left of Rayne, facing the fire, while Riku climbed in on Rayne's right, facing the balcony doors. After the two boys situated themselves so that they were facing the opposite of Rayne and had at least a foot between her and them, the group slowly drifted to sleep.

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Dream

Follow the trails as your world seems to crumble

Fresh as the dew your power ignites

Alive in you it lives

Don't let it die.

Softly it whispers

So sincere and so true

It calls to you like the howling of the wind

Traipsing across leafing trails

Let it lead you

And bring you home

Going so swiftly with care

Lighting your way

Follow the trails as your powers fail

And tears tend to lead you more

As friends seem to fall and no one is around

Lend your heart with care.

A mysterious feminine voice sung hauntingly through the mist that swirled around the red-headed girl. It sounded like the sighing of the wind mixed with the rustle of leaves and the swish of a stream. Rayne stepped forward cautiously, testing for any sudden drops or rocks. As she continued forward, she felt the mist dissipate and was shocked to find a relatively large falcon sitting on a large boulder. She was even more stunned at the fact that the song seemed to be coming from the bird. The bird was a snowy white with stripes of grey-blue decorating its wings and tail. Its hooked beak was a golden yellow, like a sunflower and its feet were of the same hue, with ebony talons gripping the rock's surface.

"Um..." the girl froze as the bird's majestic, golden eyes stared into her midnight blue eyes.

"Come my child...don't be frightened." Rayne carefully walked over to the bird and waited for further instructions. "Sit!" She sat and the bird chuckled. "Ah...silly humans, always afraid of that of which they don't know. Typical."

"I'm not afraid!" The bird cocked its head to the side.

"You aren't? Then why is it that you so readily obey? Why is it that you would have stood as far as you could from me?" Rayne stood up, fists curled at her sides.

"I wasn't scared, just surprised. In my world, most birds don't talk."

"Oh, but they sing? How is singing different from talking, other than how you say the words?"

"They sing...just...without words." The bird nodded. "Oh my god! I am arguing with an animal! I must be outta my mind!" Suddenly, the bird unfurled its wings and seemed to grow larger as a fierce cry erupted from its beak.

"Animal! Is it so crazy to talk to another creature? Just because we do not speak your language, doesn't mean we don't speak at all." Immediately, Rayne regretted her outburst.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean any offense." The bird folded its wings and settled back onto the boulder.

"Humph! You humans are so easy to ruffle. Don't say something unless you mean it. And if you mean it, then don't apologize and try to take it back when someone doesn't like it. That's my opinion." Rayne arched an eyebrow.

"Ok...so...why am I here...or better yet, why are you here?" The bird laughed at Rayne again.

"Just offering a little advice. Now I'm done and you may go." The bird once again opened its wings and took to the air.

"Wait...what was the song you were singing?" The bird didn't answer as it continued to fly higher.

Rayne looked around her and decided to keep moving forward when another song reached her ears.

Whispers across the plain

Thunder upon the dirt

As the rain pelts down

You are always free

Wild like the wind

Rushing through the grass

Your burden has died

Down at last

A moon so round

It shines like the sun

Calls to you

And makes no sound

Let the wounds be your power

Let the pain drive you on

To know another tomorrow

Is to know no bounds

Cry to the critters and they shall come

Face like a rivers, solid as a stone

Warmth greets you like a flame in the night

A spirit so wild, that none shall rule.

She came to a halt in front of a massive tiger with flaming orange fur and the blackest of stripes. Ivory fangs glinted in the light of an unseen sun. Massive paws housed deadly, pearlescent claws. The cat had its mouth open in mid-song, so Rayne sat down and enjoyed the song the cat was crooning out. When the song ended, the cat stood and stretched languidly, pink tongue curling out in mid-yawn.

"So...do all animals really have a voice and a language?" The tiger turned its massive head to scrutinize the girl with smart, amber eyes.

"Yes, we do" it rumbled in a masculine voice.

"Well then...do you have names as well? Other than the pet names we so often give you." The tiger snorted.

"You couldn't possibly care that much." Rayne narrowed her eyes.

"And why couldn't I?"

"No human ever has."

"Well...I do!" The tiger growled and turned to walk away.

"Risdelion is my name. You may call me Ris if you wish." The tiger disappeared into the bushes.

"I wonder what that falcon's name was."

"Shirtani, I think." Rayne jumped when the tiger answered. "Now, you must go." Rayne felt like she was tossed off a cliff and woke with a start.

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Rayne's eyes snapped open and she found herself curled against Axel's chest. Blushing madly, she tried to back away, only to find his arms were encircling her waist along with Riku's. She turned her head and saw Riku was pressed against her back in the 'spooning' position. She sighed and lay back down, waiting for morning to come. 'I guess I'm stuck here till they wake up.' A sudden tapping startled her out of her thinking, causing her to slam her head into Axel's chin.

"Huh? Wazzits goin on?" Rayne wriggled out of the guys' arms and stalked over to the window on the balcony doors, earning curious looks from Axel and Riku, who were now awake and sitting up. She found herself staring into the eyes of a huge bird, much like the one in her odd dream. Searing yellow eyes burned into her deep blue ones and she yelped, falling on her butt as the bird took flight.

"Wait!" She jumped up and threw open the door, running out in the pelting rain. Axel and Riku promptly stood and followed after, watching as she jumped off the balcony and ran into the alleyway.

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'Where did that bird go?' Rayne thought as she ran along the streets, slipping on the wet stone. She shivered as a blast of cold air hit her, raising goose bumps on her scantily clad skin. 'Damn! I just had to wear this to bed, didn't I?' She started running faster, as if something pulled her forwards, towards the gismo shop.

Rayne halted abruptly as she opened the doors. Air conditioning caused her skin to tingle, raising gooseflesh and hairs. 'Why me!' She took a cautious step inside and was glad to find it well lit as she walked towards what she thought was the back. As she walked, she became puzzled by the odd markings and paintings of the shop. She opened the door and stepped out, onto a small platform with a ladder at the end. She climbed the ladder, not knowing what compelled her. She was shocked when she saw the large bird, sitting regally on the edge of the roof. It swiveled its head to stare directly into Rayne's eyes, yellow meeting blue.

"I see you have finally arrived. Welcome Sirux, or should I say...Rayne." The bird dipped its head as if bowing lightly. Rayne, feeling odd and out of place, bowed her head too before speaking up.

"Um...why exactly am I here?" The bird blinked thoughtfully and chuckled airily.

"You seek your friend, do you not?" Rayne nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but clamped it shut when the bird continued. "You can not find her, though you wield what some would call the ultimate power. Why is that?" Rayne shivered, not just because of the cold, but because the bird had said something that sounded so familiar and yet so far forgotten.

"You say I have 'an ultimate power', but all I have is me, my whip, and my keyblade. I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem so mighty." The bird regarded her with what could be called slight disappointment.

"You are the wielder of the wolfblade. You hold the power of nature in the palm of your hand as well as the power of shape shifting. That is a great power!" the bird said, putting much emphasis on 'is'. Rayne sat down quietly.

"But it is worthless if you can't use it." The bird laughed heartily, earning a glare from the girl.

"That's it? Is that all that was wrong? My child, all you have to do is practice!" Rayne's eyes widened as she recognized the bird's voice.

"You...you're the bird from my dream aren't you?"

"The one and only!" The bird bowed exaggeratingly low.

"So, all I have to do is practice, huh?" Rayne was startled from her musing when a familiar voice called out to her.

"So, you've taken to talking to yourself now? Axel, I think we'll have to lock her in a padded room!" She whipped around to see Riku and Axel watching her carefully.

"But there was a..." She turned to see that the bird had disappeared, leaving her to look insane. "Never mind." She stood up and regretted it almost immediately as the cold air brushed her skin, causing her to shiver.

"Cold?" She nodded and was surprised when Riku handed her his jacket. "Here, you need it more than I do." She watched as his gaze slipped below her throat and looked down. She realized exactly what provoked him into saying and doing what he did. Her chest was sticking out prominently against her shirt, considering she had no bra on. Slipping on the jacket, she crossed her arms over her perky chest and walked to the ladder. 'So the infamous cold Riku is human after all.' She hopped down the ladder and walked back to the Hotel after exiting the Gismo shop.

Upon entering the green room, Rayne sighed as the warm air wrapped around her cold body. 'This is nice. I could get used to living here.' Her stomach rumbled, as if to disagree. 'Now for some food...' She snuffled around the table for any signs of food, receiving a lopsided grin from Axel. He walked up and placed a warm hand on her shoulder, and became worried about the iciness of her skin.

"Hungry?" She turned, nodding her head vigorously. "Riku, you hungry?"

"A little. I don't think anything is open this early though" he said, nodding to the clock that showed it was only 4 in the morning. The other two sighed in defeat.

"Looks like your gonna have to wait, Mr. Tummy" Rayne said, rubbing her tummy.

"It has a name?" Riku arched an eyebrow.

"Well I have a name for..." Axel yelped and rubbed his side after Riku elbowed him to shut up. "My socks, as I was gonna say before I was so rudely interrupted..." He sent a glare towards Riku while Rayne burst out laughing.

"Someone had their mind in the gutter!" Riku sent an icy glare towards the red-headed girl while Axel started to laugh too.

"It's only cause he knows he likes me and my sexiness." Rayne only laughed harder as Riku pouted.

"Yeah, because you are just so smexy that no one can resist you." At that point, Rayne had fallen onto the bed, laughing and holding her sides. Axel laughed for a little bit longer, and then watched Rayne in her laughing fit.

"You really think so?" She nodded and laughed all the harder.

"Yeah...that's why he always goes where ever you go!" He leaned over the bed and watched her face carefully.

"No, about no one resisting me..." she stopped laughing for a moment and looked up, still smiling.

"Pssshh...If that were true, you would have every girl, Larxene and me included, hanging off your arms. Trust me, you aren't irresistible." She watched as he smiled and walked away.

"Good. I was starting to think you liked me. It's bad enough with Riku." A shoe somehow sprouted wings and flew into the back of Axel's head, sending Rayne into another bout of laughter. Rayne sat up, wiping the tears from her eyes and smiled widely. Getting an idea, she walked over to the jacket rack and took Riku's jacket off, exchanging it with her own cloak.

"I'm going to go practice, care to join me?" She opened the door and headed into the hallway, leaving the two guys to follow after her. As she walked outside, she drew the wolfblade and several heartless appeared. Rayne slashed them down with three swipes and continued to the large courtyard. A large body popped up surrounded by shadow heartless. Rayne smirked and was about to cast firaga when an airy voice whispered in her mind.

"Say hurricane blast."

"What? Why?"

"Just say it..." Rayne shrugged and held up her keyblade.

"Hurricane blast!" For a second, nothing happened. Just as she was about to repeat herself, a large gust of wind wrapped around the enemies and tossed them into the air. As they hit the ground, the shadows disappeared and the large body staggered. Rayne ran forward and leapt onto the heartless's head and swung her keyblade. With a whoosh, the large body disappeared and left Rayne standing confusedly. "What the frick!"

"What kinda move was that?" Axel and Riku had come outside to spar when they saw Rayne fighting already. The move she just finished was not the kind of magic that they knew of. Rayne sat down and shook her head.

"I have no idea. I heard a voice tell me to say hurricane blast so I did." Riku and Axel exchanged nervous glances.

"I'm not just some voice! I'm your keyblade!" Rayne yelped and skittered away from her keyblade, startling Riku and Axel.

"You...can talk?" The keyblade glowed a brilliant blue and, as it flashed blindingly, Rayne and the other two covered their eyes. The trio uncovered their eyes and were surprised to see a large white wolf with glowing blue eyes. The wolf's paws and ankles were covered with a light blue flame. Around the wolf's neck was the charm from the end of Rayne's wolfblade. It was on a thick silver chain. The wolf stepped forwards, bowing to Rayne as it did.

"Greetings Rayne." Rayne's jaw hit the floor and she reached out to pet the wolf to see if it was real. When her hand touched the soft fur of the wolf's head, she closed and opened her mouth, trying to find the words to say.

"Who are you?" The wolf grinned and nuzzled the stunned girl's hand.

"I am your guide, so to speak. I am the spirit that resides in the wolfblade and I help the wielder to learn and master their powers and reach their fullest potential." Rayne withdrew her hand to her side and looked the wolf over.

"Do you have a name?"

"Each wielder before you has chosen a different name, one that matches their personality the best. You decide my name and form." Rayne looked baffled for a moment.

"What do you mean 'form'? Isn't this your form?" The wolf sighed.

"I only hold this form until I am named. It would scare most people if I was just some amorphous cloud." Rayne thought about that and nodded.

"Well, what name would you like?" The wolf looked shocked for a moment. No one had ever asked what name the wolf would like.

"Something feminine. I'm tired of getting male names." Rayne nodded.

"Would you like the name Avalir?"

"I think it is a lovely name." The wolf nodded happily and was soon engulfed by the same blue light. This time, when it cleared Avalir stood, still in the same form she was before only she had blue vine tattoos across her back and around her legs.

"Well then...what should we do next, Avalir?" The wolf jumped onto a bench and sat down.

"Training...Spread your feet shoulder's width apart. Yes, now bend your knees slightly...less than that!" Axel and Riku snickered as Rayne was ordered around by an animal. Suddenly, the wolf's blue eyes snapped to them. "What are you laughing at? You get training too! Move it! Move it!" Riku and Axel swiftly joined Rayne in the courtyard.

As the sun started to rise over the roofs, Rayne and company stood panting. Avalir had made sure that the trio would be well versed in battle. Even if Riku's form was good, it still had several flaws and the wolf was more than happy to point them out. Axel slumped to the ground, dropping his chakrams too.

"Can we call it quits yet? I'm beat!" The wolf's eyes flashed as she turned her head to the fire wielder. Seeing how tired everyone was, the wolf nodded and was soon engulfed by the familiar blue light. The wolfblade now sat in Rayne's hands, where she dismissed it shortly after.

"Let's go eat..." Rayne started walking away and Axel was forced to stand up again so he and Riku could follow.

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"I would like a stack of blueberry pancakes with whip cream on top and some bacon and sausage and eggs and a cup of coffee with cream and sugar...Oh, and a side of hash browns!" Axel and Riku gawked at the tiny girl across from them as she ordered enough food for two people. As Rayne looked up she raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing" Riku mumbled as he shook his head and turned to order. "One Southwestern omelet for me." Axel glanced at the menu and stuck his tongue out in concentration.

"I think I'll have...two eggs sunny-side up with bacon and sausage." The lady scribbled down the orders and headed to the kitchen, leaving the trio to themselves. Rayne calmly stared out the window, not aware of the glances she received from a certain silver-haired man. Axel, however, did notice and nudged Riku out of the booth. "We'll be right back..." The red-head dragged Riku around a corner and fixed him with a curious look.

"What was that for!"

"Just wondering...why were you continuously glancing at Rayne?"

"I wasn't!"

"Yeah you were...I'm not blind nor am I stupid. I know you had your little 'fling' with her, but most of the time, one night stands stay one night stands." Riku glared at Axel and shrugged the red-head's hands off his shoulders.

"We didn't have a fling. Nothing happened...didn't we already establish that?" Axel shrugged and started to head back to the table.

"Did we?" Riku growled under his breath and followed. Rayne looked up from her stack of food, whipped cream on the corners of her mouth.

"Hi! You're back. Hurry up. I want to search for Sari." Axel happily dug into his eggs and bacon and Riku slowly munched his omelet.

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Sari wandered down an alley, wary of every little noise. As she walked, the street got darker and darker, till she could hardly see. A green light appeared in front of her and Maleficent walked out of the rolling mist.

"Greetings my child..." The witch waved her hand like she was bowing.

"Who are you?" Sari backed away slowly.

"I am Maleficent. You seemed lost and I would like to help you." Sari paused in her exit and turned towards the greenish woman.

"You want to help me? Well then, could you tell me where my friend Rayne is?" Maleficent nodded and a swirl of green mist appeared like a mirror, revealing the image of Rayne. Rayne stood outside of a hotel with a red-haired man and was about to head in. A blade of sorts hung by her side. The lowering sun signified the fact it was late in the afternoon. The girl's lips were moving and she had a slight frown, but no sounds were heard.

"I am dreadfully sorry to say this, but your friend has done nothing but dawdle since you were lost. I figured you would be in need of assistance and rushed to help you." Sari's face took on a frown almost identical to Rayne's and she crossed her arms.

"Rayne wouldn't do that. She cares about me!" Maleficent shook her head and waved her right arm over the mirror. Suddenly, sounds could be heard.

"I'm glad she isn't here yet! I wouldn't be ready to face her."

"What do you mean?" At that point, Maleficent dismissed the mirror and gazed at the horrified girl next to her.

"She...lied to me. She...That betraying WITCH!" Sari's fists curled until her knuckles went white.

"I'm so sorry to have to tell you the truth. Come, you may stay with me." Maleficent opened a green portal and the two stepped inside. Had Sari looked back, she would have seen a malicious grin spread across the green woman's lips.

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"What I mean is that I need a bath and I can NOT go onstage looking like this! I only wish we could have found Sari so she could join Yuffie and me in the song." Rayne paused in the doorway of the green room and bent over, picking up a small note from the ground.

"What's that?" Axel looked over the girl's shoulder at the small rectangle of white.

"Oh no!"

"What?" Rayne set down the note and turned to face him.

"Yuffie left for a new world with her crew and can't come! What do I do! Tonight was supposed to be a duet!" Axel shrugged and went to sit down at the table.

"I'm sure you'll think of something." Rayne humphed and walked to the dresser, snatching some clean clothes and jogged off to the bathroom down the hall. As she stepped into the bland tan room, she shut and locked the door and placed her clean clothes on the counter. She stripped off her cloak and placed it opposite of the clean clothes. Her camisole, shorts and underwear went on the floor. When she turned the water on hot, steam began to fill the room and she sighed heavily as the water hit her flesh.

She reached up and grabbed the green bottle of shampoo and read the front. 'Berry Tea and Orange Flower? Smells good enough...' She squeezed a generous blob onto her palm and began to scrub it into her hair, making giant suds. She lathered the whitish-tan soap into her washcloth and scrubbed the rest of her body. She rinsed all the suds off of her body and turned off the water, stepping onto the rug and grabbing her towel shortly afterwards. Changing into her jeans and yellow shirt quickly, she opened the door and calmly walked down the hall to the room.

As she opened the door, Axel looked up from the map he was examining and gaped. Rayne raised an eyebrow and stuffed her dirty laundry in the basket the room so handily had in the far left corner. Axel continued to stare at her, making her nervous.

"Okay...what is it? Do I have a tail or something?" Axel closed his mouth and shook his head. "Well, then what is it?" The red-haired adolescent stood up and grasped a strand of the girl's hair that flowed to her waist.

"You have really long hair..." Rayne glared up at Axel with a look of 'no duh'.

"Yeah...so?"

"I've never seen you with your hair down. It looks nice." The boy let go of her hair and turned to walk out the door. "So, are we leaving?"

"What about Riku?" Axel shrugged and continued to walk ahead.

"He said he'd come later. I think he is searching for some potions or whatever." Rayne nodded and jogged to catch up to the fire wielder. The two of them quickly got to the bar where Rayne and Yuffie sang last night and barged in on the early drinkers. The room had several full tables and many others were filling up fast. The familiar face of the bar owner stuck out in the sea of strangers and Rayne waved to the portly man as she headed towards the entrance to backstage. Axel followed after the girl, not ready to take a seat.

"I see you made it, right on time too! Say...where's the other girl?" Rayne bowed politely and faced the man with a serious face.

"I'm really sorry, but Yuffie had something come up and couldn't make it." The man nodded in understanding and smiled widely.

"That's a'right! It only poses a slight problem, what with me advertising a duet, but tats ok. You can pick whatever song you want ta sing, jus' let Alec know...He's the one by the controls." The raven-haired man walked away and Rayne turned nervously to the audience.

"Ohh...I can't go up there now!"

"Why not? The guy said it was ok..." Rayne shook her head.

"I don't like singing in front of crowds..." Axel shot her a curious look.

"But you sang last time without any trouble."

"Yeah, but Yuffie was with me! I have horrible stage fright when I sing by myself." Axel looked down and smiled lightly, not knowing what to do. Rayne's blue eyes darkened till you could barely see the silver flecks in them. Suddenly an idea hit the girl and she grinned, her eyes lightening to normal. Catching her train of thoughts, Axel shook his hands in front of him and shook his head no.

"No way...I am not singing! I hate being onstage." Rayne saddened and looked like she was about to cry.

"Please?" She stuck her lower lip out and gave the boy a perfected puppy-dog pout. Axel sighed and let his arms fall limply to his sides.

"Fine...what song do you want to sing?..." The girl smiled brilliantly and dragged the red-head to the man known as Alec. Rayne tapped the brunette on the shoulder and was greeted with a warm smile that ran all the way into the man's amber eyes.

"How may I help you?...Hey, didn't you sing here with that black-haired girl last night?" Rayne's smile widened as she nodded.

"Yes, that was me. I'm here for an encore, but I don't know what song to pick...See, He's going to be singing with me." Rayne pointed over her shoulder at Axel, who was leaning against the wall.

"Well, I know what you sound like, but I can't base a duet off one person's voice. Could he sing for a second?" Axel glared at the man and opened his mouth to refuse when Rayne stepped in.

"Sure...Axel." The girl faced the man in question with a look that begged him to not argue. He sighed and thought of a quick song he could easily sound ok at.

"Sometimes you hold so tight it slips right through your hands, will I ever understand..." (AN: I don't own 'I Can't Hate You Anymore' by Nick Lachey.) Alec nodded and turned back to the computer and pulled up a song and pressed play. As Rayne and Axel listened, they started to memorize the tune of it. As it ended, Alec turned back towards them.

"I will have the lyrics on the screen if you wish..." Rayne shook her head.

"I think we've got it. Play it once more and we should be all set." Alec nodded and restarted the song. When it finished, Rayne nodded and headed to the stage stairs, only to be stopped by Alec.

"You can change before you go on, if you like. Women on the left, men on right." Axel shrugged and turned down the right hall while Rayne went down the left.

Rayne stepped into the area directly behind the stage, shyly tugging at the bottom of her black shirt. The straps were slightly wider than spaghetti straps and created a square neckline. An unattached white sleeve was on her right arm and it flared out at the bottom and had a dark pink ribbon threaded at the top of it to hold it on her arm. On her head was a black newsboy hat with the same colored pink ribbon weaving around the bottom edge of it. Slightly baggy jeans were held up by a stringy white leather belt that had red and tan beads on a few of the strings. A white cloth was wound around her left wrist and held in place by another pink ribbon. She wore the same black leather boots she came in with. (AN: I have a pic of my character...e-mail me for it! icewolfqueen01 the spaces)

"You look fine...Don't worry." Rayne jumped as Axel's voice rumbled behind her. She turned and was surprised to see him in something besides his cloak. A brown t-shirt fit loosely against him and the jeans were baggy, so he wore a black studded belt with them, making him very emo-ish looking. He too wore the same boots he walked in with. Around his neck hung a silver chain with a flame on it. Rayne knew she had seen it somewhere before, but she couldn't remember.

"I'm just nervous about the song..." Axel smiled.

"Don't be. You'll be fine." The bar owner's voice rung out, silencing the crowd. "You ready?" Rayne nodded and the two stepped out from behind the curtains. Loud cheering went up as Rayne took her microphone and began singing.

"Is love so fragile and the heart so hollow
Shatter with words impossible to follow
You're saying I'm fragile
I try not to be, I search only
For something I can't see
I have my own life
And I am stronger than you know
But I carry this feeling
When you walk into my house
You won't be walking out of the door

But I carry this feeling
When you walk into my house
You won't be walking out of the door

Rayne looked over to Axel, who looked over at her, and the two stepped closer together.

Lovers forever, face to face
My city or mountain
Stay with me, stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me, my lace

Axel gently raised Rayne's chin with his right index and middle fingers and smiled as he sang.

You in the moonlight
With your sleepy eyes
Could you ever love a man like me?
And you were right, when I walked into your house
I knew I'd never want to leave
Sometimes I'm a strong man
Sometimes cold and scared
And sometimes I cry
But that time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
somehow I would get by.

The two stood facing each other, Axel smiling and holding Rayne's chin and Rayne smiling back up at him.

Lovers forever, face to face
My city or mountain

Stay with me, stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me, my lace

Take from me...my lace"

Rayne closed her eyes as she finished the last little part of the song and the crowd roared. Axel continued to look down at the girl and waited for her to open her eyes. As she raised her eyelids, her blue eyes changed to a more cerulean silver color. The two turned and bowed to the audience, missing the sight of a slightly upset Riku.

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Hmmm...I wonder why Riku is upset...;p I already know, but you don't! Anywho, Review, or I won't update!