AN: The second installation of my fairy tale collection. This time it's Snow White and the 3 dwarves.
Warning: the magic mirror on the wall has adopted an attitude.
Cast:
Snow White-Roxas
Prince-Axel
Evil Queen-Xemnas
Grumpy-Leon
Sneezy-Saix
Dock-Cloud
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Roxas was asleep late one night while his stepfather Xemnas paced the hallways outside. Xemnas was for lack of a better term, the Evil Queen.
Now to anyone wondering why Xemnas is an Evil Queen instead of an Evil King when he is in fact male there is an explanation. Xemnas was in an unfortunate relationship with Vexen for a while, the two eventually got married. Seeing as Vexen was originally the Prince Vexen became King and Xemnas ended up being his Queen. Now the story of what happened between Vexen and Xemnas is fairly long and unrelated so we'll get back to the story at hand.
Xemnas stopped for a moment in front of a mirror he had placed on the wall.
"Mirror, mirror on the wall," Xemnas started, "Who is the fairest of them all?"
"Not you if that's what you were thinking," the mirror replied haughtily, "The fairest of them all is very close to you however. Young Roxas you see is the fairest of them all. How do you like them apples?"
"Young Roxas, eh?" Xemnas muttered to himself, "But with ickle Roxy-kins out of the picture I'll have a shot at it for sure..."
"Oh don't even dare murder him," the mirror said, "I have to say people will be notified and it will make you look bad."
"Why should I care anyway?" Xemnas snapped, "I am evil."
"Whatever you say honey," the mirror replied, "Don't get all up at me for assuming you weren't a murderer."
Xemnas glared at the mirror before realizing it couldn't see him, and he could only see himself in the reflection.
He sighed, thinking, 'I really have to stop talking to mirrors.'
Looking at the clock, he finally realized how late it was and decided to go to sleep and deal with Roxas in the morning. After all, it wasn't like he actually had decided how to kill Roxas yet, these things take time, plotting... Of course he'd have something by morning, but he still needed the night.
Xemnas went to sleep, dreaming of blood and a crying Roxas.
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The next morning Roxas awoke early, just as the sun rose. He crept slowly from his bed, changing into the new days clothes silently. As he left his room, making no noise he was surprised to hear Xemnas's voice faintly. Xemnas and him had a rather off relationship, Roxas knew his dad, Vexen, was somewhat evil but Xemnas put a whole new spin on it. When Vexen had died, Roxas had been annoyed but stayed with Xemnas anyway, as it was in his fathers' wishes for him to do so.
What frightened Roxas more than having Xemnas as a stepfather was the muttering he heard coming from his room. He looked in to Xemnas's room to see that he was apparently still asleep. In a dream he heard something along the likes of "Kill Roxas." Slowly, Roxas closed the door. Having a somewhat evil man for a father made Roxas know that the dream Xemnas was having was more than just the mutterings of a mad man. It meant that Xemnas was plotting against Roxas.
Roxas quickly returned to his room, grabbing a bag from beside his bed. He shoved a few sets of clean clothes in, making sure to pack extra underwear. Shoving all he could into the main pocket of the bag (including a comb, deodorant and a pack of breath mints) he went to the kitchen. There he made a few sandwiches and grabbed a few cans of ice tea before shoving them in the smaller pouch on the side of the bag. As satisfied as he could be with the contents of his bag Roxas made for the door.
However, before he left Roxas left a note on the table, saying he'd be gone and wasn't sure if he'd be back.
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By the time Xemnas awoke, Roxas was long gone. After searching the house for the small boy, brandishing a long sword (an idea the dream had brought to him) he went and sat, frustrated, in the kitchen. After sighing loudly, Xemnas noticed a piece of paper left on the table, scrawled in Roxas's messy writing. Xemnas plucked the note off the table and read it.
'Xemnas,
I've left. I don't care if you looked for me. I'm not sure when I'm coming back, if at all. If I did it would probably only be to get my remaining possessions. Don't expect me to write.
Roxas'
Xemnas slammed his fist down on the table. Hard. The glass he had been drinking from jumped from its place on the table, landing on the floor with a loud smash, breaking into hundreds of pieces.
"How DARE he leave!" Xemnas roared, "Just when I was finally going to deal with that pathetic runt he leaves! How can I kill him if I can't even find him!"
Angered, Xemnas used the side of his arms to sweep the shattered glass off the table. Although it merited him several deep cuts on his arm Xemnas didn't even notice, continuing on his monologue.
"Why would he even leave?" Xemnas fumed, pacing the kitchen angrily, "It's not like he should know about any of my evil plots... It's not like he should've been afraid..."
Finally realizing the broken glass shards littering the floor Xemnas grabbed a broom, sweeping them into a pile and shoving them in the trash.
"Well he had nothing to be afraid of yet," Xemnas smirked, "But he couldn't possibly know about my plans... could he?"
Xemnas internally cursed as he remembered his common habit of muttering in his sleep. Frustrated and annoyed he nearly sprinted to his room, slamming the door closed as soon as he was in. He arrived at the closet, quickly yanking the door open to face the magic mirror.
"Mirror mirror on the wall," Xemnas announced, waking the mirror from his slumber, "What happened to Roxas?"
"Oh you now care about little Roxas do you?" the mirror mocked, "Or are you just trying to weasel your way into finding out things about him to go kill him? Or try to at least he's quite strong for someone so pretty, you know."
"Don't you dare tell me what to d-" Xemnas started before interrupting himself, "Wait, did you just call him pretty?"
"What's your point?" the mirror asked impatiently, obviously used to being able to sleep in.
"Well he's just a guy, normally people don't call guys pretty," Xemnas trailed off, "Whatever though! You have to help me! Or else!"
"Or else what, hun?" the mirror asked, "You don't look that evil to me. In fact, I can check if you'd like, but I'm pretty sure you're not even the evilest of them all."
"Or else," Xemnas grinned manically, picking up a mace, "I'll shatter you into a thousand pieces!"
"Let's not be too hasty there," the mirror said quickly, "I can tell you what happened to Roxas but don't expect it to help."
"Go on then," Xemnas prompted.
"Time with flow for ever more," the mirror started, "His step father evil light mornings glow, Roxas headed toward the door-"
"Can you just tell me?" Xemnas said impatiently, "I don't need your poetry."
"Sure, ruin the drama behind the poem," the mirror said indignantly, "Either way, Roxas heard you muttering about killing him like a mad man in your sleep and fled, packing a bit before he went of course."
"He actually packed before he left?" Xemnas mused, "Weird kid."
"He's not technically a kid you know," the mirror pointed out, "He's 19."
"He's shorter than me, therefore I can call him a kid if I want to," Xemnas replied.
"Whatever you say," the mirror said, in mock respect.
"Now mirror on the wall, on my command you will show me all!" Xemnas demanded.
The mirror snorted, "Did you come up with that line all by yourself?"
"No- I mean, it's not important!" Xemnas declared, "Now you idiotic mirror, show me where Roxas is."
"Fine, take the fun out of the actual chase of the one you're trying to find," the mirror sighed, "Right now he's just walking though, so it's no help to where he is."
Xemnas sighed, taking a seat on the bed. He'd have to wait until Roxas actually got anywhere so he could actually find him when he went after him on his murderous quest.
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Roxas crept along, the woods around him seeming almost endless. He was following a narrow trail that he had never travelled along before, but at least he knew it would be hard for Xemnas to find him that way. Either way it was getting late and Roxas's legs were getting sore. Roxas decided to walk a bit more, and if he had to sleep in the woods. However, once he was further along, Roxas saw a light ahead. Using up the last of his energy he ran toward the exit to the woods.
He stood there stunned for a moment. In front of him was an extremely large house. He stood with his mouth wide open for a minute before deciding to knock at the door.
"Yes?" a voice from inside asked patiently.
"I've been travelling all day," Roxas replied, "I was hoping you could let me in so I could rest for the night out of the cold night air, my name is Roxas."
The door creaked open and Roxas saw a blonde man a bit older than himself in the doorway.
"Come in," Cloud said, "We have a few extra beds upstairs. Let me show you the way."
"Very well," Roxas replied sleepily, the entire day of walking had caught up with him now.
Cloud led Roxas up the spiral staircase into a large room with 3 beds. Cloud gestured toward one of them and Roxas nodded, dropping his bag beside it.
"I bet you'll want to know why I'm travelling with no where to stay," Roxas suggested.
"There will be plenty of time to talk in the morning," Cloud said, "For now, get some rest. My room is the one next to this on the left. Be warned though, it's not only you and I in the house."
"Who else is here?" Roxas asked in a hushed whisper, looking for some dark stranger lurking in the shadows.
"Some of the other dwarves," Cloud explained.
Roxas shot Cloud a quizzical look but Cloud shook his head.
"We'll talk in the morning," Cloud said again, "Until then."
Without another word, Cloud closed the door. Roxas assumed Cloud was going to his room as he heard faint footsteps.
Not particularly tired, Roxas grabbed the last of the food he had packed and silently munched on the sandwich, making sure not to get crumbs on the bed. After eating, Roxas stripped down to his boxers, silently praying that Cloud or the other "dwarves" really weren't part of some psychotic, perverted cult. He snuggled under the sheets, and fell asleep quickly and comfortably.
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"Wake up sleepyhead," Cloud said gently the next morning, gently shaking Roxas's shoulder.
"What time is it?" Roxas mumbled sleepily into his bed.
"9 am on the dot!" Cloud exclaimed, "Perfect time to come down and have some breakfast. Then we can talk."
"I don't have anything else to eat," Roxas mumbled sheepishly, finally turning over.
"Well of course you don't, we'll be providing the food," Cloud explained as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Thanks but I couldn't accept that," Roxas said, not quite sure why he was refusing food when he was quite hungry, but deciding that a nice place to rest was all he should ask of these people.
"Of course you can," Cloud urged, "We can talk as we eat. Besides, we're dwarves which means we're helpful by nature didn't you know that?"
"Fine," Roxas sighed, figuring there was no point in arguing, "But to answer your question I didn't know dwarves were helpful by nature."
"Ah well," Cloud replied, "Be down soon though, the food should be almost ready."
Cloud walked toward the door before sprinting downstairs, calling out to "Leon" to turn off the element.
Roxas stretched and put on a fresh set of clothes, at least he had remembered to pack something clean. After combing through his hair a few times, only to realize it wouldn't stay any nicer he sighed and walked down the stairs. Roxas wasn't quite sure where the kitchen was and stood awkwardly at the base of the stairs for a minute.
"I was getting worried about you," Cloud said, stepping out of the kitchen wearing a large chef's hat and an apron.
"Didn't know where the kitchen was," Roxas mumbled, walking past Cloud into another spacious room with an extended table.
"Roxas this is Leon," Cloud pointed toward a rather depressed looking man in the corner.
"Nice to meet you Leon," Roxas said politely, holding out a hand as he walked over to Leon.
"Put that thing back down I don't know where it's been!" Leon snapped.
"Leon can be a bit grumpy sometimes," Cloud explained before gesturing to a man with a red nose, "That's Saix."
Roxas was about to extend his hand to shake when Saix sneezed, causing Roxas to quickly mutter a, "Nice to meet you Saix," instead.
"You to-" Saix started, holding his nose for a minute before, "ACHOOO!"
"I think he's allergic to everything," Cloud explained, placing a pancake on a plate and setting it in front of Roxas.
Roxas nodded, adding generous amounts of syrup onto his pancake as Cloud poured him a glass of milk. Soon the pan cake was devoured and Roxas was licking the remaining syrup from his lips.
"You're a good cook," Roxas told Cloud, who beamed at the compliment.
"Thank you," Cloud smiled again, "Now although you know who we are, you should know we were once some of the seven dwarves. Long story short, some things were said and some feelings were hurt. The 4 other dwarves moved out, which is why we have so much extra space."
Roxas nodded and gestured for Cloud to continue.
"We're also miners, but that's not particularly interesting," Cloud said, pouring himself more milk before looking back at Roxas, "But you are something else. Where do you come from? Why are you here? How did you stumble across our cottage?"
"Well," Roxas said, drawing in breath, "It all started when I woke up yesterday morning. You see my step father is this Evil Queen," seeing the look on Cloud's face he added, "Don't ask. But anyways, he was muttering in his sleep about killing me. Well see, my dad was an Evil King kind of guy, and so I knew that was bad. Basically I packed a few things quickly and headed out. I wasn't sure where I was going, just away from that murderous lunatic. I was following a path through the forest and found your house."
Cloud nodded, "Fair enough. We'll be happy to keep you here for a while if you like. Without the other 4 dwarves we have more than enough space and food to go around."
Turning to Leon and Saix, Cloud added, "You guys don't mind do you?"
"Whatever," Leon muttered, "As long as he stays out of my way."
Saix shook his head, sneezing into a Kleenex he pulled from his pocket.
"That would be nice," Roxas considered, "But I couldn't possibly impose on you guys that much. I don't want to be any trouble."
"No trouble at all," Cloud said, "Be our guest. If you don't want to stay, that's fine. But if you do, you're welcome to."
"Thanks," Roxas smiled, "That would be great."
"No problem," Cloud said, checking the clock, "We ought to be off to the mines for now."
Roxas followed Cloud toward the door, but Cloud stopped him.
"The mines are dangerous and are no place for someone like you who doesn't know the dangers," Cloud said solemnly, "Stay here and don't open the door for anyone."
Roxas nodded and watched as Cloud, Leon and Saix walked toward the mine, Cloud singing on the way.
Roxas settled into a seat in the living room, content at just looking around. It was evident that the house used to be home to a lot more people. There were photographs with parts cut out and taped over. The furniture was extremely long, and 7 coasters sat neatly along the oblong coffee table. He looked out the window, watching the Clouds go by and slowly went to sleep.
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"Mirror mirror on the wall," Xemnas started again, "Show me where Roxas is!"
The mirror watched Xemnas for a moment before speaking, "Roxas has settled himself at another's home, after a day was lost he stopped his roam-"
"Stop with the poetry!" Xemnas shouted.
"Sorry I'm trying to get better at the poetry," the mirror said, "Some people appreciate it."
"Just get to it," Xemnas replied impatiently, "Show me where Roxas is!"
The mirror flickered, and instead of Xemnas's reflection he could see Roxas asleep on the couch.
"Where is he?" Xemnas demanded.
"He's resting at the house that used to belong to the seven dwarves," the mirror replied, "There was an... event and some of the dwarves moved out. They don't like to talk about it."
"Very well," Xemnas contemplated, "I shall go to this house and get my revenge!"
Xemnas stormed out of his room into the kitchen. Stamping into his room, he picked a vile from the shelf he kept his potions on. Xemnas let some of the potion drip slowly onto the apple, giving it a falsely alluring appearance. After tucking the apple into his clock, Xemnas walked outside.
Stretching quickly he morphed into a large griffin, flying toward the house of the dwarves.
--------
There was a faint knock at the door which woke Roxas from his slumber. Stepping cautiously to the door, he remembered Cloud's warning.
"Who's there?" Roxas asked, after all, Cloud hadn't told him not to talk to anyone who came to the door.
"Just an elderly lady hoping to sell an apple," a weak voice from outside said.
Roxas felt a pang of sympathy for the old woman, grabbing some change out of his pocket and opening the door.
"Here," Roxas said, handing her the money.
The old lady pressed the apple into his hand but Roxas shook his head.
"I couldn't eat your only food," Roxas protested.
"I can't just take this money from you," the lady stated, "Please take it."
Roxas nodded and took the apple, closing the door as he did so. The old lady walked away slowly, using her cane as a means of support.
Once inside, Roxas went to the sink and washed the apple. He'd have to eat the apple, or else Cloud would know he'd disobeyed him. Roxas walked toward the living room, taking a large bite of the apple. As soon as he swallowed, a dizzying haze overtook him. The apple slipped from his hand as he fell to the floor, unconscious.
--------
Xemnas looked in the window outside cackling. His disguise as an old woman had obviously fooled Roxas. Xemnas head singing coming toward the cottage and ran.
Cloud unlocked the door, smiling as he walked inside, followed by Leon and Saix.
"Roxas!" Cloud called out, "We're back!"
When Roxas didn't respond, Cloud ran frantically into the house. Luckily for him, he didn't have to look long. Roxas was passed out just into the living room. Cloud tried to wake him but Leon stopped his attempts.
"What is it?" Cloud asked urgently.
Leon grabbed the apple sniffing the air around it, "Sleeping potion."
"Someone gave Roxas a sleeping potion?" Cloud asked, confused, "But why?"
"It looks similar to a well used poison," Leon said, his expertise in potions outdoing his annoyance with the young blonde, "It was probably that Evil Queen he was talking about earlier."
"What can we do?" Cloud urged.
"I don't know," Leon admitted, before going back to his usual snarky manner, "Just put the idiot somewhere, leaving him lying on the floor won't help."
Cloud nodded, gesturing for Saix and Leon to grab Roxas's legs. They carried him over to the couch and set him down gently. They went to work preparing a place outside for Roxas to rest. It was almost like a coffin with a clear top. For obvious reasons, it would remain unlocked. If his evil step father came after him he'd just think he was dead. They placed Roxas inside, placing flowers around his head.
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Every morning the dwarves would visit Roxas, placing fresh flowers around him and tossing the old, wilted ones on the ground. Although Roxas wasn't dead, he was in an almost coma like state. Not even Leon could figure out how to wake him up.
-------
One day the handsome Prince Axel came riding into the clearing by the dwarves house. Noticing the stunning, white box in the middle of a patch of wilted flowers. Curiosity got the best of him as it always did and Axel dismounted his horse, leaving it to graze. Quietly he approached the coffin to stare straight into the boys of a blonde boy.
Axel sat transfixed looking Roxas. He was truly the most beautiful being Axel had ever laid his eyes on. He opened the lid of the coffin and noticed a pulse. The boy was definitely alive, but perhaps asleep? The flowers were giving off a light lavender scent that made Axel feel ecstatic. Feeling a sudden rush of adrenaline, he leaned in, giving the boy a light peck on the lips.
Slowly, Roxas's eyes fluttered open.
"I didn't mean to do that I swear," Axel started nervously. He didn't need him to think he was a pervert, "I'm Axel."
"I'm-" Roxas started.
"Roxas!" Cloud called out, rushing into the clearing, "You're awake!"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Roxas asked, vaguely confused at the whole situation.
"Your step father gave you some sleeping potion on an apple," Cloud explained, "Even Leon didn't know how to wake you up. You've been sleeping here the past 2 weeks."
"That would explain why I'm so hungry," Roxas muttered.
Cloud looked at Axel for a moment, "How did you wake him up?"
"Er..." Axel started, blushing slightly, "I kissed him."
"Of course!" Leon said, slapping his head, "That's what reverses the affects of a sleeping potion, the kiss of a handsome prince..."
"A prince?" Roxas asked, looking at Axel.
"Yeah," Axel sighed, "Prince Axel at your service."
"Roxas," Roxas said, extending his hand for the prince to shake but quickly pulling him into a hug instead.
At first, Axel awkwardly patted Roxas on the back, before getting more absorbed in the hug.
Roxas pulled away after a moment, asking, "Why did you kiss me anyways?"
"You just looked amazing," Axel admitted, "I figured it wouldn't do any harm."
"You thought I looked amazing?" Roxas inquired curiously, looking slightly bashful.
"Of course I did," Axel said, kissing Roxas's hand, "You are amazing."
"Thanks," Roxas mumbled, blushing even more.
"The pleasure is all mine," Axel replied, "Now if I may ask, will you come with me?"
"You should know the Evil Queen will probably be after me," Roxas replied slowly.
"They won't be when I'm done," Axel said, putting his hand on his sword, "I will cut them down, just for you."
"Really?" Roxas asked, looking into Axel's eyes.
"Really," Axel said, smiling dopily at Roxas.
Roxas turned to Cloud, Saix and Leon, "You guys have been good to me and I thank you for that. I think I should go now though."
Cloud nodded, giving a vague wave as Roxas followed Axel onto his horse. Roxas waved before clinging onto Axel, nearly falling off as Axel started moving his horse. The two rode off towards Xemnas's house. Roxas pointed Axel toward Xemnas's room. Axel drew his sword and walked inside, only to find Xemnas's body lying in a pool of blood.
"What happened to him?" Roxas wondered out loud.
"His narcissism was his own demise," the mirror started, "Xemnas never was that wise. When he asked me once more who was fairest in the land. I showed him a picture of you, zoomed in on one delicate hand. Xemnas glowered and brandished a knife. The blood flowed from his form bright and red. He had killed himself and lost his life. The queen is dead!"
"Wow..." Roxas said, examining the now lifeless body of his stepfather, "I can't believe he committed suicide."
"Well he's just a nut case," the mirror replied, "and thank you for finally letting me finish my poem."
"No problem," Roxas said, standing up and brushing himself off, "I guess that's done."
"It seems to be," Axel said quietly, "Are you okay with that?"
"He was a horrible step father," Roxas replied, walking out of the house with Axel following.
They silently mounted Axel's horse.
"Where to now?" Axel asked quietly.
"Back to the dwarves," Roxas replied, "I forgot my bag there."
"After that then?" Axel asked.
"Wherever," Roxas said quietly, gazing up at Axel, "As long as I'm with you."
The sun set as Roxas and Axel sat stationary on the hill, Axel's stallion chewing on the grass below, as Roxas and Axel kissed.
'It was better than the last time,' Axel thought, 'After all, this time Roxas is kissing back.'
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AN: Awww, kinda cute, as always, a bit different than the original. There happens to be a lot of Xemnas talking to the mirror in this one. I used a bit of the text from Happily Ever After for the mirror, but just the part about the evil queen being dead. You have no idea how crazy it sounds unless you've seen that movie. Either way, I'm not a huge Snow White fan so this is how it turned out. Not too bad, but really long. Thanks for reading, care to review? Part 3 (Sleeping Beauty) will be up in the not too distant future.