Author's note : Ng, I don't like my chapter titles, but I can't think of anything better.. ..Well, let it be, until I can think of anything good..
Diclaimer- None of the characters or most of concepts are mine, they belong to Square Enix. Honestly, if they belonged to me.. ..It would have turned MA+ rated.
Warning - Yaoi, M rated for more than a few reasons (later chapters), abusive languages, crimes, etc. Yaoi pairings (AkuRoku, SephCloud, ZexionXDemyx, etc, more side pairing though not in this one. Side stories may be included after the main story gets over)
No. XIII - Organisation XIII
[Chapter 4. Squall]
[In the middle of darkness and light, the shadows of both lay.
The shadows, the midst of the extremes-
They lurk in the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times,
And they reign with the mystery and power,
The shadows call themselves-
Organisation XIII.]
IV . i
Roxas wandered around the campus, aimless. He had nothing to do, for he just came to Twilight University too early. Maybe he could just ride his bike for an hour or two, just for some leasure. Or what else could he do? Going to library and grab a book or two? That sounds appealing, but just riding his motorcycle sounded better. Roxas was just about to ride his bike when someone called his name aloud.
"Hey, Roxas!"
"Huh? Who-... Axel?"
"What are you doing here at this time? Our class starts at least an hour later- isn't it?"
"I didn't have anything elseo to do, Axel. So I just came here.. But what about you? Why are you here so early?"
"...Ah. Well.."
Axel grunted a bit, thinking back of his morning. Zexion had hit him with the edge of his beloved heavy book to wake him up.. It was rather unpleasant memory to be awakened in such a way. And what's more, Zexion threatened him and almost kicked him out from the house.. Damn. It was rough. Well.. But Axel knew he kinda earned it.. Zexion was annoyed because Axel somehow caused Demyx and Zexion's fight by a mistake. Well.. You wouldn't want to see Zexion angry much, it is true that a calmer or quieter one is more scary when angry. Shaking his head, Axel answered while facing the black, slim and lithe motorcycle.
"Not that I wanted to come, I just happened to make Zexion angry and was kicked out of the room. I couldn't think of anywhere else to go, so I just came here. By the way.. Do you like that kind of stuff? You were looking at that, right? ...Hmm, that fancy one, it would catch attention.. It's either brand new of an old student or one of your grade."
"...In fact, it's mine, Axel."
"...Yours?"
"Yes. He's good looking, right? He runs fast too. It's a set with my elder brother's friends.. And he also has one. But I don't really see his friends often.. I see my brother a lot, but not them. Well, why am I talking about him? I was talking about my motorcycle.. Ah, by the way, it's called Huginn, one of the two ravens of Odin- You know, another one is Muninn, and that's my brother's favourite, Kadaj's. And my elder brother's is named Odin- he said it's after his acquaintance's, who has a motorcycle named Fenrir."
Roxas smiled at his thoughts. Yes, he knew who it was, though he never met his elder brother's acquaintance named Cloud Strife. Feeling a bit more lighter, Roxas touched his motorcycle and turned to Axel.
"Don't you think he is cool? Huginn.. He's my best friend."
"Well.. I am mostly surprised that it's yours. I mean, it's quite big and, um.."
"You are not sure if I can handle it well? Don't worry, it's not an offence. A lot of people said that. And if you call this one big... I doubt that you would believe your eyes when you see my older brother's!"
Roxas chuckled aloud, making Axel confused. Wait, this guy's elder brother has even bigger one? How the hell does he control it! Axel doubted that even he himself could control Roxas's, it looked quite heavy. He could bet anything that it will take a hell lot of strength to just to get hold of that 'Huginn'. However, it seemed that Roxas thought differently.. Roxas actually chuckled again at Axel's doubtful expression.
"Hey, I know what you think! I wouldn't be able to ride Huginn- that's what you think, right? But he is a good bird, you know- 'thoughts' of Odin, that's how they call it. 'Mind' is Muninn's work, but anything related to 'thoughts' are belonged to Huginn. He responds directly to me as if it can read what I think. Huginn is a good boy..."
"...A good boy, huh? Well, why don't we go to cafeteria, grap a sit and chat? We still got an hour before our classes."
"I guess.. Well, let me chain him again, then. I don't like any thieves touching him."
Axel nodded, and cringed a bit when he saw a thick, heavy metalic chain hanging in the small space for storage in the motorcycle. Hell, really- what was up with this 'Huginn'? Sure, it looked good and all- but why so much security or importance? Axel could hear a faint murmur from Roxas, who was carefully chaining the motorcycle.
"...-and no one dared to get close to Odin, Huginn or Muninn.. They all knew who they were belonged to back in Hollow Bastion-... ...-and oh yes, of course, who would have thought of crossing the line with 'One Winged Angel'...? Someone who no one dared to mess with, my dear brother-.. How frustrating, I never had to do this there. No one even dared to get close to the place my elder brother lived with his friends-.."
...And that was some cryptic words coming out from such an innocent looking person. Axel stared at Roxas for a while. Come to think of it, Roxas spoke quite a lot about his elder brother, though he never spoke in details. It was odd. He didn't even mention his brother's name, for the matter- and he wouldn't say his surname as well. It was.. Odd.
Axel almost felt like he was dealing with someone who was trained to keep his secrets, just like back to the Organisation XIII time- But hell no, there was no way this young innocent kid involved in such works. He was just being a paranoid, that's what Axel felt. Well.. No one could blame him for being a paranoid after all the stuff he had gone through... The Organisation XIII was pretty nasty to deal with. After all, police didn't know who were their helpers and were forced to let them go anyway, partly because they knew that organisation XIII members were not all volunteers, partly because they had no mean to track them down. Well.. Axel shook his thoughts off. He didn't have to worry anymore, Organisation XIII was gone- Forever. Axel looked at the giant motorcycle for a while, and spoke to Roxas.
"...Huginn, a raven? It does look like a bird.. But I'd rather say that it looks more like a feline. "
"I left his wings."
"...What?"
"..Ah, yeah.. You had no chance to see or hear... Sorry, I am too used to Hollow Bastion, it seems. You know, Hollow Bastion is quite dangerous at nights- Especially after sunset. And most of the motorcycles are, well.. Belong to gangs or something like that, not many calm and good people actually-.. You know.. So, at Hollow Bastion, when you order a custom motorcycle- you are also ordering for some kinds of guard gears. My elder brother said that it's just waste of time and power to drag those guard gears to Twillight Town."
"...Well, this town is peaceful, unlike Hollow Bastion.. You call those guard gears as 'wings'?"
"Well, that's how it looks like when they are assembled. It was designed as such. By the way.. You sound as if you are already aware of those gears. You knew it?"
"Haven't I tell you? ...Oh, I guess I didn't. Me, Zexion, Marluxia and Demyx- we are all from Hollow Bastion. Of course I know about those.. It's just that I never thought of them for a while. I lived in this town for three years."
"Hmm.."
Roxas stood up, smiling. It was overwhelming.. Axel suddenly realised lithe form and almost gracious way Roxas moved. However, the trance broke when Roxas muttered in a low voice, probably thinking that Axel couldn't hear. Sadly, Axel's time in the Organisation XIII gave enough training to catch the words.
"..It's strange. Three years ago, and he doesn't know about my elder brother? ...Odin, Huginn, and Muninn.. ...Or maybe he just doesn't know proper names. Possible.. ..After all, brother's place was a place where no one dared to go near.. ..Three years ago. That makes it before the incident.. Organisation XIII's fall. ...It does explain a bit. Elder brother didn't want a fight with them.. He merely took a silent agreement with them, and brother wasn't doing anything related to those black street stuff too.. ...All of them knew that they are not supposed to mess with him, but.. ..Yeah.. Before the Fall, no one actually knew about us, except.. Someone my brother had an agreement with. I don't know who he was, but.. A member of the Organisation XIII. They wanted to make sure that we don't do anything in their territory.. Not that we wanted to do anything with them."
..Roxas knew about the Organisation XIII. Axel stared at the boy who was rubbing Huginn- The boy was sighing and still muttering.
"...That reminds me. He wasn't that happy about what happened to that Organisation.. Something about 'Avalanche'.. Well, none of my concern.. I am not in his gang, I just like him as my brother.. Whatever he does or wants, that's not something for me to interfere."
'Avalanche'? Axel froze. That was a name of an organisation consists of nine individuals.. And Axel knew them. He even fought against them for a few times.. If, if his brother was related to them- no-...
Axel walked to cafeteria with Roxas, his mind still plagued by the thoughts. Now he could remember a monsterous motorcycle the leader of Avalanche had... Fenrir. But Fenrir and Odin.. They were enemies. It was ironic, unless they were enemies as well.. ...Oh, well, what was he worrying about? As they grabbed a sit, Roxas suddenly broke out of his silence and apologised.
"Axel, I am really sorry-"
"...Huh? About what?"
"..I have serious brother complex.. Not with my twin, but with my elder brother. It's strange, but I have it. Major reason why I don't talk about him or refer him by his name or use my surname is... I know he is famous, and because he graduated from this university.. I am sure a lot of people in this university know about my elder brother. I don't like others talking badly about him, and I tend to snap a lot. I.. ..Well, and I sometimes just start thinking random stuff about him for no particular reason.. I mean, I know he might not be very friendly, but he is good and nice. It's just that he doesn't know how to interact with other people.. And after all, who else would try to understand him if his own brother doesn't try?"
"I see your point. So you are a overly protective younger brother? He is older than you, right?"
"Yes. He is six years older than me. He is quite cold and unfriendly, but has a good insight and observation skills. I like him a lot.. He doesn't mind listening to my problems or help me to solve some troubles, and he is a type of person who won't use those kinds of stuff against anyone.. I like him a lot."
Roxas smiled happily, his eyes indicating that he was half dreaming. Huh, it seemed Roxas indeed has a serious case of brother complex. But anyway.. After Roxas broke out from his dream world, he apologised again and they could have a normal discussion. Favourite books, colours, movies and all.. Well, it was definitely fun. Maybe.. Too fun. Axel had lost track of time completely, until-.. Until Marluxia, Zexion and Demyx walked into cafeteria and questioned them.
"Axel? What are you doing here? Is your class canceled or something?"
"...Huh? Why? And why are you guys so early today?"
"...Early? ...You call 10 30 early?"
"...What!"
Roxas and Axel jumped, shocked. They never realised that cafeteria was quite full now. They never realised that they talked almost over two hours.. And Axel dragged Roxas to their class, shocked.
"We are late by 30 minutes! Damn! And it's Professor Leonhart's!"
"Huh? Huh? Huh? A, Axel!"
Zexion, Demyx and Marluxia stared at each other, shaking their heads. It seems Axel had indeed forgotten about the class, not intentionally missing one. If that was because he was talking with that freshman.. Demyx grinned, his eyes shining brightly with joy.
"Hey, do you think Axel actually likes Roxas?"
"..Maybe."
"I never thought his types were someone who is fragile or weak.. Or cute, perhaps. Roxas was quite cute."
"I agree, Marluxia! He is so cute! Did you see when he smiled yesterday? He looked charming! And he is so innocent and nice- and so- patient!"
"Well, we have to go to our own classes now, Demyx. Let's go."
"..I guess.. See ya, Zexion, Marluxia!"
"See you."
IV . ii
"I am really sorry, professor! I am really, really sorry!"
"...Axel? I thought you had decided to miss the first class of the term. Okay, take a seat, both of you, I'll talk with both of you after the class."
Roxas sighed as professor sighed at Axel once and resumed his words. From aside, he also saw Riku glaring at Axel and Sora mouthing to him, with a look similar to 'I-thought-you-left-early'. Well, he did leave early in the morning.. Except that he forgot about his lesson and went on talking with Axel..
The lesson was about some Economical Study. It was one of the subjects of choice the freshmen were supposed to take in their first years as the liberal arts, or some seniors who choose to try out other subjects as minor while doing their major courses, like Axel.
The lesson finished fast enough. It wasn't surprising, because they missed 45 minutes of the lesson, by spending 30 minutes in the cafeteria, and 15 minutes rushing to the room... Well. But it seemed.. When the class was dismissed, Riku had completely forgotten about professor Leonhart. He literally assaulted Axel for making Roxas late to his class.
"I told you not to mess with my friend! See what you have done, he was never late to class or done anything like this before! And Roxas, I told you to not to get close with him!"
"..Um.. Roxas..? ...What happened? You are never late to class, and you left house earlier than us.."
And Roxas didn't want to deal with his naive twin brother now. However, before Axel or Roxas say something, Professor Leonhart stepped in.
"I would rather speak with them before you two, and please calm down, Mr. Riku Drim. And Mr. Axel.. Care to explain the reason for me?"
"Well.. Actually, I-"
"Axel."
"-was going-.. Huh? What, Roxas?"
Axel turned to Roxas, who just tugged Axel's sleeves. However, Roxas merely stared at him for a while, turned his head to Professor Leonhard and spoke.
"I am really sorry, Professor. It was actually me who made Axel to come late... I got lost in the campus, it is just second time I ever came to the campus- I couldn't think of anyone else, because I thought my other acquiantances would be still on the way to campus, so I called Axel to find me. I couldn't figure where myself was, so it took sometime for Axel to find out where I was with my vague description.."
"...Understandable, Mr. Roxas. It happens when you are new to this campus."
Professor Leonhart nodded, without realising Axel staring at Roxas with a bit of shock. However, he did notice Riku, who snorted and muttered quietly.
"..Got lost? That's the lamest excuse I heard from him.. Roxas, he got lost somewhere..? ..As if he isn't a human radar who practically go anywhere as he desire without a map or any information about the area."
How strange. Leonhart glanced at Riku, who was literally glaring at Roxas. Riku Drim wasn't a type of person who cared or stepped in other's business... And he literally refused to have a lot of interactions with the others for some reason. Then, why is he stepping in too much for his standard? And there was a clear similarity with Roxas and another freshman who stood beside Riku now. Curious, Leonhart questioned.
"Are you acquiantance with Mr. Roxas, Mr. Drim?"
"Yes, Professor Leonhart. Roxas is also from Hollow Bastion, and his family is close with my family- so I almost grew up with them."
"Them?"
"Ah, I mean Roxas and Sora, Professor. They are twin. Sora?"
"...Uh? Ah.. Nice to meet you, Professor.."
Unfortunately, Sora was concentrating too much on his twin brother when Riku called his name. So, Riku was forced to elbow Sora, who spoke rather uncomfortably while glancing at Roxas. However, while Sora greeted Leonhart, Saix stormed in, and Leonhart saw him entering the class, greeted him with a rather cold tone.
"Hm? Who-.. Heh, long time no see. Paying your old school a visit?"
"It's nothing to do you with you, Leonhart. It's something to do with him."
Saix's chilly voice caused Axel shudder. Yes, he remembered Saix. How could he not? However, Saix did not come to Axel- instead, he caught Roxas's arm who was frozen and tried to drag him out. Of course, Leonhart didn't let Saix.
"What do you want to do with him, Saix?"
"..."
Saix glared at Leonhart who caught Roxas's another arm, then glared at Roxas. After a while, Saix muttered in a low voice, which almost sounded like a threatenting, to Roxas, who jumped up and started to apologise.
"Surprising. Back in Hollow Bastion.. You weren't like this, Roxas. Of all people, do you have to get stuck in his class when you got mine right after his?"
"I, I am sorry, Professor Saix- I didn't mean to-"
"Wait- What? Professor? Saix, you? Here? When?" Leonhart broke in, shocked by the news. He never knew that Saix was a Professor in the Twilight University. However, Saix gave him another glare with a clear murder intention and spoke.
"Do I have to make a 'report' to you, Leonhart? And you, Roxas Safer- I thought you got quite a bit of your elder brother unlike your twin- Why the hell are you standing there like a statue!"
Roxas was silent, his eyes terrified. However, the moment Saix mentioned of his elder brother- his face turned icy cold, his eyes as chill as Saix's. His voice was even darker than that of Saix.
"...I'd rather not hear that, Professor Saix. I expected that you knew about my problem since Professor Xemnas used to counsel me, and you were his assistance- but me, being similar to Sephiroth, when I lost my temper- that has nothing to do with you."
Everyone in the room except Saix stared at Roxas in shock. However, Saix, who remained as cold as usual, answered to Roxas in curt manner.
"That tone and attitude also reminds me of Sephiroth in his highschool- he was one of the students who caused the most troubles at his time."
"...Sephiroth Safer, who graduated two years ago?" Leonhart gasped when he finally swallowed the name, and Axel narrowed his eyes. Yes, both of them knew that name too well. No wonder Roxas didn't have his last name written on the lists- the name Safer was enough to give anyone a heart attack. "He, is their brother?"
"Professor Leonhart, he has nothing to do with them!" Riku snapped at the remark. It was one of the last tings Riku wanted, Sora getting involved in anything related to Sephiroth.
Apperently, Roxas thought differently, and Riku did realise that he forgot that Roxas was standing right in front of his eyes. Any where, any time near Roxas- it was not a place to talk about Sephiroth at all. Riku cursed inwardly for forgetting it as Roxas threw a murderous glare at him, which reminded him Sephiroth again. Now, Roxas was angry- and Riku knew from the experience that not many people would want to go near angry Roxas.
"You never fail to annoy me, Riku. Did he ever done anything to you? He may has different ideas, but he is still my brother and is very caring. One more word about him from your mouth and I'll kill you. I don't even think he knows your name, and what's your problem?"
Silence. Riku blinked his eyes, shocked and confused to see Roxas as agitated as this. Was it because of him only? And it wasn't for sure, because Roxas turned his head and glared at Sora now.
"And what is the problem with you, Sora? He is 'OUR' brother, for God's sake! Do you have to just stand there doing nothing?"
"Bu-but-"
"I don't want to listen to you!"
Everyone stayed froze as Roxas almost stormed out from the class and Saix followed him. After a while, Axel, Riku, Sora and Leonhart stared at each other, trying to figure that just happened, with same question on their mind, 'what was that?'.
Finally, Axel raised an eyebrow and asked Sora, who should know best as Roxas's twin.
"...What was that about? Roxas did mention that he has brother complex with his elder brother.."
Hesitant, Sora opened and closed his mouth for a few times, then answered. "He... Our elder brother's name is Sephiroth Safer, and he is 6 years older than us.. He is not living with us ever-since he returned to Hollow Bastion. I, I think he really didn't do anything bad to me-"
Riku cut Sora in, annoyed. "It's not doing anything bad, it's ignoring you completely! He is the one who doesn't even acknowledge his brothers' existences- and when he does acknowledge one- Sora- Didn't you see Roxas beaten up almost monthly? I can't understand Roxas! How can he be so sturbbon about him?"
"But Riku, Roxas does have a point that Sephiroth is my brother as well, not only his-" Sora tried to defend, somehow looking desperate. However, Riku glared at Sora and cut in again.
"As if Sephiroth would ever care about your ideas, Sora! You tried hard, and I can't see why he continues to ignore you!"
Leonhart and Axel stared at Sora and Riku. Now, they were almost having a quarrel.. However, Leonhart was aware that he was a Professor, and he also had a question which was bothering him now. Crossing his arms across his chest, Leonhart murmured.
"Sephiroth Safer, that insane guy.. Well, he was good in his studies, but he himself looked like a criminal more than a prosecutor. I wonder what have become of him?"
Thankfully, Sora catched Leonhart's words and answered quietly.
"He is working in Hollow Bastion- Well, Roxas told me he is."
"..."
However, Leonhart raised an eye brow at the answer he got. It was impossible. Sighing, Leonhart stared at Sora who seemed to be oblivious about Sephiroth's state at all and spoke as he shook his head.
"No, he isn't. I got a call. My friend said that, all of sudden, Sephiroth Safer resigned after a year of his work without any reason. That leaves him unemployed for a full year-"
"What..? But Roxas told me he was doing fine last month-"
Sora gluped. What did Roxas exactly say? Now he thought of it.. Sora murmured in disbelief.
"Roxas... He never said that he was doing fine in his career- he said he lives fine with his friends.."
Riku stared at Sora now. Friends? Sephiroth had friends? That was ridiculous! Riku, in shock, inquired.
"Friends? Who?"
"Huh? I, I think their names were.. Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo.."
"...What?"
"...I heard those names before.."
Riku froze. Now this was uncalled for, and even Leonhart was thinking hard to remember those names. Axel didn't know what was this reaction about and sure, Sora was clueless, but Leonhart soon wore aghasted expression and Riku covered his face with his both hands.
"...No way, of all people... Those three? If Sephiroth is living with them, that means that the leader of that infamous group was... ...And hell, that group consists of five people, not four! I should have thought of this, the last member who rarely shows up and never takes his helmet off when he does- who always seems to calm their leader! It should have been Roxas! He must be the rider of the accursed motorcycle, Huginn!"
"...Wait, wait! ..Aren't you guys living in the same place? Huginn?" Axel interrupt. "That's the name of Roxas's motorcycle he told me in the morning- He said he used that to come to the university! How could you not know about this, then?"
"..That's crazy, his motorcycle doesn't have anything like wings something like tha-.. Wait.. Those can be disembled.. Shit! Roxas, of all people! And almost every day I saw Roxas riding that motorcycle, without ever noticing that motorcycle was the Huginn of all others? I should have thought strange- I should have! Why would Sephiroth favour Roxas without any reason!"
Riku cursed under the breath, leaving Sora clueless as ever. Axel didn't know anything, but could guess that Roxas's elder brother and his gang weren't that good people- while Leonhart simply kept his expression to himself, his eyes distance as he was thinking something hard. However, Riku soon shook his head and grunted.
"..But.. ..Those four.. ..I don't think I have heard anything really bad about them either.. Some fights, a bit of troubles with other gangs in Hollow Bastion.. But I never heard that they are related to real bad stuff.. It's like, if the previous shady organisation ruled over other back street gangs.. That gang doesn't, they just stand above all.. They don't do anything unless any other gang challenges them.. ..Well, who doesn't know what a terrifying gang the Organisation XIII was three years ago, if they ever lived in Hollow Bastion at the time.. It is much better, but.. ..I still can't believe it.. Roxas.. I knew he was always in trouble and he just never showed it to anyone, especially that almost monthly or weekly beatings he got from someone.. But..."
"Riku, what do you mean by that? I knew Roxas got hurt a lot especially when he went to visit Sephiroth, but weekly?"
"...Roxas used to sneak out from your house almost every night, Sora. I wouldn't have known if it wasn't that motorcycle.. I don't know when he started doing that, but I am pretty sure that it was before 3 years ago.. That's the time I caught him first.. And now I think of it, he must have been used to it by that time. Or else Sephiroth wouldn't have stood on the coach, waiting for Roxas to come back to home and open the window for him to enter... Or via versa. Those two.. I knew they were more than just as close as they showed in normal times because I saw that. They generally didn't talk much in the public, remember? Sometimes Sephiroth would snap at Roxas, and Roxas would just smile and moves away and all- but when they thought no one watched them, on those nights- they used to laugh and discuss stuff or just chat, almost every night. I don't know what the hell was all those about, I was living across and I could just see them from the window, you know- but they were too close."
Riku shook his head in disgust. For some reason or the other- it was clear that Riku didn't enjoyed watching Sephiroth and Roxas. After a quick glance at Sora, Riku sighed and spoke in distress.
"...Too close in the sense.. Well, they usually skipped each night. One day for Roxas, next day Sephiroth- something like that. But it changed after sometime.. They started to go out together.. And.. Something was off. Sephiroth didn't treat Roxas as a brother.. It was more like.. A companion? It wasn't just brotherly relationship, there was something more.. I mean.. Brothers, alright, but.. Do you generally kneel down to a brother? Is that normal?"
"..No, definitely not, Mr. Riku.."
Professor Leonhart answered almost instinctively, with shocked voice. However, at that, Riku bit his lips and asked again.
"...What about bowing down? Patting on head? ...It would be more appropriate fo a puppet or a pet. But Roxas, he didn't complain at all. It was always strange when I saw them.. Roxas would never refuse whatever Sephiroth ask, he was so obedient... Yet, Sephiroth would stop asking something in the middle, talking about some treaty or promise.. He treated Roxas as if he was a.. a 'symbol' of something. Something which must have kept save to keep balance-"
"How the hell do you know all this?" Axel interupt. This time, Riku merely stared at Axel for a while, then shook his head, explaining.
"...I followed Roxas. I didn't want him to get close to Sephiroth, and it was before he got his motorcycle.. Sephiroth and he walked together to an empty plot near the street, and they talked about.. About stuff. I still don't understand what they were talking about. One minute they were talking about studies, something about psychology classes in school and professor Xemnas- and his assistance director Saix.. Then it would suddenly change into some topics about Sephiroth's friends.. And other people I didn't care to pay attention.. I remember Sephiroth complaining about numbers, though.. I don't know what he meant by those, but he was complaining like, 'No. VII is being a jerk and No. I is having a hard time doing stuff without explaination', and.. 'The treaty is meant to be a secret between their leader and me'- Those stuff.. Roxas didn't care at all, he sounded as if he didn't know anything about them, but he didn't ask anything to Sephiroth either.. But who would be called by 'numbers'- not 'names'?"
Axel froze. Of course, how could he not know? Organisation XIII was one of the such people. However, he couldn't be less surprised when Professor Leonhart muttered in disgust.
"...Organisation XIII, of course. No other organisation would dare to copy their way of identification, Mr. Riku Drim. Hollow Bastion's infamous ruler of the night.. It is very well-known around the area, especially because- three years ago, when the organisation was ambushed by the police force, only three of them were caught."
"...Three?"
"Yes, three. That well-known, widely feared organisation.. Yet only three of high positioned members were caught. At the scene, there were more than ten of them.. Three were caught, others escaped, and last three who were stopping police force from chasing their members massacred half the police force and got out. Because of that... Hollow Bastion is still not safe. No one witnessed or reported about a member of the Organisation XIII after that day.. It's almost like they had turned into ghosts. But everyone knows that they haven't.. They just hid themselves too well-"
"How do you- Professor Leonhart..?"
Leonhart blinked a few times, staring at Sora. Oh, yes... They do not know. Soon, Leonhart smiled weakly and murmured.
"..I was once one of the prosecutors in Hollow Bastion. That's how I got a call from there, asking about Sephiroth. But anyway, three years ago.. After the Organisation XIII fall, I resigned, because.. I got to know that one of the Organisation XIII members had a bargain with higher officers. I don't know who it was or how many of them were involved, but I am sure that one of the criminals who managed to run was actually a traitor for them. He informed higher officers about their meeting place and time. They never could find out who the hell it was.. And when I found out about that, well.. I had a lot of quarrels, and I finally resigned. I couldn't even think of doing such.. Without confirmation... How could they do that? It could have been a trap, and if it was, it would have killed all the officers and members who participated in the ambush."
"...Figures.."
Axel murmured, his eyes fixed on Leonhart who frowned. How could he forget? How could he? Axel couldn't believe himself. It's 'prosecutor Squall'... Him. Of all people, it was Squall Leonhart. One of the prosecutors who had been annoying them enough for Marluxia to consider having his own mission without Saix's or Xemnas's permission... ..Only thing was that he never met Leonhart face-to-face at the time.. However, Leonhart sighed and shook his head, looking troubled.
"..Mr. Riku Drim, and Mr. Sora Safer.. Do you have any idea how deeply... Mr. Roxas Safer, and of course, Mr. Sephiroth Safer, are involved in the case?"
"..Um.. I don't know, Professor... I never knew.. Nothing at all.."
"Sora, it's okay. ..As far as I know, I am sure Sephiroth knew at least one of them, No. I. It seemed that they had kept their acquiantance unknown to any other members. For Roxas, he never asked anything or said anything to Sephiroth, he merely listened and comforted his elder brother.. I witnessed nothing more, except that Sephiroth was teaching him how to fight. ...I have to admit I spied them quite a lot, but from what Sephiroth taught him and the way he learnt, I am sure that it was nothing more than self-defence."
"...I see. It is understandable for Sephiroth to act in such a way.. Though it is quite surprising that it is Sephiroth. Still, I think I do have to make a call to my old friends about Sephiroth.. They should have noticed it, if he was in the office for a full year and no one realised what he was doing for all those years, maybe even before 5 years ago- then it is a serious trouble."
"..."
Though Sora or Riku didn't realise it, Axel could see small signs that Leonhart was troubled. Well, it seemed his infamour senior Sephiroth did have some impact on Leonhart.. However, Axel raised an eye brow when Leonhart gave out a long sigh and spoke in a worried voice.
"Sephiroth Safer, he was the most brilliant student I ever taught. I never saw anyone who even could be compared with his.. Ideas and knowledge. Despite the fact that he was so distant from anyone... He was a genius. No one could doubt him and his work. If he is related in anything which he doesn't want to show.. It would be impossible to reveal it, unless someone... Betrays him... And I doubt that anyone will. I saw intensity of Mr. Roxas Safer's- brother complex, as he said-"
"About that point, professor.. It's not only that."
Other's turned their heads toward Sora, who timidly spoke. Sora jumped a bit, but he still continued- now unsure.
"...Roxas.. I know it is not right for me to say without his permission, but... His problem isn't a brother complex. Roxas just says that it is, but he himself once told me that it was nothing like that. He told me, one day, after he woke up from a nightmare.. When I asked him what it was about, out of no reason he told me that he hates working with Sephiroth."
"...Working, he said?"
"..Yes. He said... Just because he is Sephiroth's brother it doesn't mean that he have to be the messenger between... Between professor Xemnas and Sephiroth.. I thought it was something about psychology, because professor Xemnas taught both Sephiroth and Roxas when they were in school.. But now I think of it... ...Roxas had a regular counseling sessions with professor Xemnas, reasons said that Roxas has a serious temper problem and brother complex.."
"That's not unusual, isn't it? How often did Mr. Roxas Safer had those counselings, Mr. Sora Safer?"
"...Thrice in a week."
Now that was unusual. It seemed even Riku was unaware of the frequency of those meetings. Axel could swear Leonhart faltered, though.. He himself was aghasted by the information. Of all people, Xemnas, No. I! However, Sora just continued his words.
"And... I don't know, Roxas.. His mood changes a lot, and I think it's not just because he is.. An Eccentric, as he puts himself. ..Once I heard some friends talking about the Organisation XIII, that time I had no idea what they were talking about.. But Roxas.. He just ran into them and literally shoved one of them... And he started to apologise, saying that he was late for an appointment... ...And.. Odin, Huginn, and Muninn.. I read about them in mythology, so for last three years I just thought some people suddenly got interested in mythology-"
("I can't believe it.. He was this NAIVE!" Riku muttered in disbelief)
"-but Roxas always didn't like it when the others talked about them, he would either interupt the discussion or something anyhow.. I.. I remember once.. Roxas had a bunch of files meant to be distributed to classmates when he suddenly appeared out of no where, and he dumped those files to those people who were talking and he literally.. Threatened them to distribute instead of him.. I never noticed...
...And Sephiroth-... Ah."
Sudden realisation hit Sora hard. How could he not noticed it before? Roxas.. His small chest, full of 'stuff'- Sora lost his colour as he started to remember those pieces of paper, and how casually Roxas tore them off or burnt them after sometime- or a small jack-knife or a small bag full of powders.. Sora swallowed, and rushed out of the room after a quick apology.
"I.. ...Sorry, professor! Sorry, Riku- I- I need to excuse myself-"
"..Huh? Hey, Sora! Where are you going?"
"..."
"..."
It was unexpected. But sure, it was clear to both Leonhart and Axel that Sora knew something. Only thing was, what could that be? After sighing a bit, Axel shook his head and took his leave- or, at least he tried to, before Leonhart muttered in rather cold, stern voice from behind.
"..And No. VIII, I hope you won't do anything to them. They don't know anything about you."
"...How- When-"
"Three years ago, I was the only one who was determined enough to resign and track down the informant of that night. By the major you took, it was easy to know that you didn't want to go back to your past, and others.. Your friends were all orphans in the record.. Easy enough to guess that none of you volunteered to be related to those kinds of things. Marluxia was the informant, right? He must be No. XI - Graceful Assassin."
"...Believe me, he won't be happy when he gets to know that you know who we are. He was the one who persuaded me to at least keep quiet about what he did, and he was ready to kill any who stepped in the middle.. ...And others-"
"I guess that Demyx has no idea about Marluxia's work?"
"..."
'Damn it.' Axel glared shortly at Leonhart. This guy.. He was hitting on his nerve. But still, Axel managed to smirk and answer casually, bringing his past self back.
"Wah-wah, don't be ridiculous, professor- how can I be related to such bad people? But it is unnerving to hear that you were the prosecutor No. XI once almost begged No. VII and No. I to give permission to kill- Watch your back, Prosecutor Squall. I never cared what others did and just completed missions assigned to me, but given the nature of his work- No. XI was different."
"...I see.. ..Do you mind to tell me who Zexion and Demyx are?"
"I don't want to, though I think you already have a good idea. Three were caught, three made their escape at the last moment- we four ended up together, which wasn't planned, and other two, I have no clue. Good enough?" And the last one, that one wasn't even there. Axel added to himself, troubled, and trying to check whether Squall was aware of No. XIII's existence.
"..I just want to tell you that the reason I didn't arrest Saix wasn't because I didn't know that he was No VII, but because I didn't have enough evidences."
"..."
Axel was startled at Leonhart's comment. This guy doesn't know about No. XIII.. But, what did he say? Then, Saix's cover was already blown off long ago? How? But Leonhart just sighed again and shook his head.
"...It's hard to say anything about this matter. Saix and I are acquiantance for a long time, but we never were in good terms.. And how he got to know Xamnas.. You would be surprised to know that the Organisation XIII actually was formed almost 30 years ago.."
"...30 years ago?"
"..I believe that none of the other members are aware of the fact beside No. I, II, and III.. Maybe Saix, too, but still.. ..When I was young, I was involved in a particularly nasty incident which forced me to witness work of the Organisation XIII. What people would say about staying at the wrong place at wrong time... ..Well, it was 12 years ago when I witnessed them discarding other members.. Or, I would say 'him'- No. II and III wasn't thrilled about it.. ..I never knew it was the very same organisation I was chasing until that day- that night- when I saw Xemnas, No. I, II, and III- killing my fellow officers and rushing out right in front of my eyes."
"..."
Leonhart's face was more or less emotionless, but his voice told otherwise. Axel crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall and murmured. 'Shit..'
"..I find it funny about something.. ..You haven't pointed it out.."
"...?"
"...As far as I know.. The Organisation XIII should have thirteen members, right? But according to the police authorities' announcements, you guys claimed that the Organisation XIII consisted of twelve members-"
"What? What do you mean by that? Thirteen? But, according to the sources, despite it's name, there never was the thirteenth member-"
"-Or you all thought, maybe. I feel strange about this now.. About 2 month before the Organisation's fall, Xemnas brought a new member in. No. XIII. None of us saw that member's face- No one knew anything about No. XIII, nothing at all.. Not even Saix. Xemnas made sure that No. XIII would never speak or show face or whatever- interact with any of us, Xemnas made it clear that we had no right to."
Axel could see Leonhart's shock as he took the information. It is strange enough, if none of the police authorities were not even aware of their last member- then it was a sure blow for No. XIII, no matter that person was aware of this happening or not. As Leonhart stare at him with clear determination, Axel continued to explain.
"And what the reasons might be?"
"..All members have their roles. And this last member.. He was the keeper."
"...Keeper?"
"Xemnas called him 'Eraser', the watcher who would keep an eye on all the members and hunt anyone who betrays. For that reason, he justified that no one should get close to No. XIII... And whoever that person was, it was scary to see. No matter what's going on, No. XIII never spoke or made any sound. He would only nod or shake his head- I am not even sure whether it was he or she, though.. Xemnas hinted that No. XIII was the youngest among us. And, most importantly.. No. XIII should have been the next leader of us in case anything happened to Xemnas."
"...Then.. Was No. XIII there on that night three years ago?"
"..No, that's what I find strange. Before the meeting, Xemnas got a phone call, and he told us that No. XIII have a problem and won't be present in the meeting. It was unexpected even for Xemnas, and no one else knew how to contact No. XIII beside him. So, when the organisation was gone, Marluxia actually expected No. XIII to appear any moment and try to kill him-"
"And No. XIII... Never appeared?"
"...Yes. Not even once. He knew our faces. He should have heard about the Organisation XIII after that night. But that person.. Never appeared."
They both stared at each other for a while, thinking. However, Axel soon frowned and spoke.
"Well, just remember I told you this because whoever it is, this guy is also a threat to us. I don't want to go back to those nightmares now, and I don't want to get killed too. You got that, right? I think that day, somehow- Xemnas lost connection with No. XIII. That means he has no idea what exactly happened, and for three years I had nightmares because of that person. I haven't seen his face or talked with him, but he had that eerie aura which always made me feel sick near him, and I saw his works. He is no more than a killing machine.. The cuts on the corpses, the weapon used to damage them, and how they were disposed perfectly without a single clue.. It was scary, even for myself- a member of that accursed Organisation XIII. No. XIII is the worst opponent I can imagine against myself.. I can't even picture his movements. I never witnessed him in action, but usually the traces and evidences are enough to guess.. Not No. XIII. Xemnas wasn't joking when he said that No. XIII is capable ot killing the most of the members in a fair duel."
"...What are you suggesting to me, Mr. Axel?"
"I don't care what you think, Prosecutor Squall. But I want you to be at least aware of No. XIII... I somehow doubt that he gave up chasing us. I know both of us don't want the Organisation XIII to recover it's former beauty- Do you?"
"...No."
"Good, then. I am leaving, my next class starts in 10 minutes."
Leonhart watched Axel leaving the class room with out a noise. When he was out of sight, Leonhart sighed, took his phone out and called his friend in Hollow Bastion.
[Hello? This is the Prosecutor Office of Hollow Bastion -]
"Zell. It's me."
[Leon? Call more often, dude! I thought you were dead or something!]
"...This is not time for that. Listen, I think we got something wrong three years ago- you do remember the Organisation XIII, don't you?"
[How can't I? I nearly lost my arm to that bitch! She is still causing a hell in the prison as well!]
"...We have a problem here, Zell. I met one of the informants who contacted our high officials at the time."
[...What? Wait, wait- Leon, What the hell are you talking about-]
"Just listen! He asked me about something, and I had no idea what he was talking about- he asked us about their 'thirteenth member'! Someone we weren't even aware of the existence! And appearantly this No. XIII was their keeper- someone who keeps an eye on all the members and kill all the traitors! Those who helped us are getting restless because of No. XIII, because no one knows who he is or how does he look or not even gender or age! Even their members are not aware of No. XIII's identity- this is a big problem!"
Leon spoke for a long time with Zell. After Zell agreed to look for the others' help and inform about this new information, Leon hesitated a bit and asked.
"..And.. This is rather unofficial.. Zell, you called me before about Sephiroth..."
[Ah, yeah! He was cool, you know- a bit too antisocial, but a best partner while working and- he just quit! I still don't understand-]
"Do you know a motorcycle named 'Odin'?"
[...Of course, that motorcycle belongs to a gang named Jenova. We don't know what is their aim, but this gang doesn't do anything except fighting when other criminals cause troubles in their territory.. Oh, yeah, and they are constantly having a bit of fun with the Avalanche, they are keep on fighting against one another. Actually, I suspect that this corrupted government is sponsering that gang called Jenova. You know, Avalanche is a thorn in their ass-]
"Zell.. I am now teaching Sephiroth's two brothers here."
[..Sephiroth has brothers?]
"..And one of them has a motorcycle called 'Huginn', and he said Sephiroth's motorcycle's name is 'Odin'. I doubt that it's a common name. I overheard him talking with someone else."
[...Damn. It's worse than having Seifer as my partner... You are sure that it's Sephiroth's?]
"...Sephiroth's."
[...Shit.]