Author's note :

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 15. Calmness]

[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.]

XV . i

To say that Axel was frustrated, would be an understatement.

Now, Axel wanted nothing more than following Demyx and find out what-the-hell that lazy-and-naive-musician was thinking, returning to Hollow Bastion just to see a cute black chocobo. Grimacing, he shook his head and glanced at Sora and Riku at Cafeteria. Would they know where the chocobo farm was? Crossing his arms, Axel could see Zexion wearing thoughtful expression on his face. Of course, Zexion was more anxious than him now. After all, he was still hoping to be together, while Zexion and Demyx were officially together. It was definetely good thing that Marluxia was on a special internship for three days and left this morning, or else he wouldn't have let this kind of thing slip. He was lucky that Axel and Zexion didn't want Mary to know about this.

Axel shook his head, distressed. He really wished that Demyx wouldn't slip anything important. Well, he hoped, at least. It was at that particular time Zexion pulled him up and almost dragged him towards the table where Sora and Riku was sitting. And before they react to the sudden advance, Zexion asked to Sora in a very quiet voice.. But it doesn't work anyway, Axel thought wryly, Everyone in this god damn university knows that we hate Riku, and via versa. The moment they approached Riku and Sora, entire Cafeteria went quiet.

"You are Sora, right? Roxas's twin brother. Well, sorry to disturb you, but.. Do you know where's the chocobo farm near Hollow Bastion?"

"...Huh? Chocobo farm? Well, there are quite a few of them near the city, but.. Why?"

Axel's eyes widened with realisation. Wait.. Sora doesn't know? On the contrary, Zexion actually flinched, looking somewhat crestfallen. It was obvious that Sora didn't know anything about the black chocobo Roxas almost sang about. How could that be? After all, they were twins! But Sora's confused face made situation too clear for them- Sora knew nothing about Roxas's pet.

However, Axel and Zexion snapped out of their shock when Riku crossed his arms and questioned them with narrowed eyes.

"Are you asking him where Roxas is now? I thought he was with one of you."

"...Riku? You know where Roxas went? He just called us up, telling us that he would go somewhere- you know where he is?"

Riku narrowed his eyes further, looking at Zexion and Axel suspiciously. However, he shook his head and spoke to Sora.

"I kinda guessed. You know, he did disappear a lot in the past, too- I followed him once. And believe me, it wasn't pleasant experience.. That damned black chocobo is vicious! I never knew that there could be that vicious one! I mean.. I didn't tell you because of that chocobo, honestly.."

Vicious? Axel and Zexion shared another glance. It was.. Confusing. However, as Sora looked at Riku with disbelief, Riku huffed and spoke up, clearly showing that he didn't want to talk in presence of them, but was telling it now because Sora wanted to know now.

"Well, we both know that Roxas loves doing many things, right? For one, he loves drawing, so he went to lessons- then he learnt how to play violin, and all other stuff.. Well, how should I say...? Okay.. A few years ago, I saw him taking a bus, away from Hollow Bastion. I thought it was strange, but at the time disregarded it and just thought that it was someone looking similar. But then, I saw him taking bus to same place a couple of times more- than I got worried, because- Well, because of who he is. You know both your parents' weren't exactly enemy-less, being prosecutors.."

"..I got that. So you followed him?"

"Yes."

Another thing to share a look. Zexion and Axel actually winced together, being reminded of Ventus Safer, one of the legendary prosecutors their complete being met before they became Nobodies. Now, to think of it, Roxas was almost an exact replica of him. After sighing once, Riku continued, looking disturbed.

"Well, it took almost an hour.. And Roxas went to some very big chocobo farm, where normally.. You know, racing chocobo farm? Where they keep best of the bests? He went there, and I got more worried... Chocobo Races are often related to some gangs, you know.. So I went in after him and asked the owner why Roxas was there, telling him that his parents would be worried. And.. Well.. The owner told me that years ago, when Roxas was around 8 or something, he found a chocobo egg. I don't know how, but according to what Roxas had told to the owner, the parents of the egg must had been killed or captured, so the nest was abandoned. So Roxas actually asked the owner if he would keep the egg in his farm..

You know Black Chocobo is quite rare, right? And they are better than almost all chocobos except the legendary Gold Chocobo.. Well.. It was an egg at the time, and the owner liked what Roxas did- Roxas didn't just took the egg from the nest, you see.. He was worried because of the state of the nest, went to chocobo farm and asked about it, then when he was sure that the egg was abandoned, he took the egg to somewhere safer. So the owner thought Roxas should be the owner of the egg, and gave him a place in his farm for free. And since then, Roxas was visiting that chocobo farm regularly, taking care of that black chocobo. Appearantly that chocobo is the fastest in the farm now. Anyway.. I wanted to scream at Roxas, you know.. Doing something like that for years, disappearing and nevermind that particular industry is related to so many gangs and all! So I asked the owner and went to the free stable given to Roxas's black chocobo, and-... And, when I entered.. The bird actually threw a wooden stick to me, and, well.. I was unconscious for an hour or two, thanks to that bird."

Sora gaped at Riku at the statement. And for Axel and Zexion, it was quite enlightening fact. It seems those two juniors weren't aware of it (Well, it wasn't well-known-fact after all), but chocobos were quite sensitive to others' emotions. If that chocobo attacked him, that meant Roxas didn't like him- enough to wish to attack him. That was a difference between humans and chocobos- humans would restrain or hide their thoughts, but chocobos would react directly. Riku's presence must have made Roxas really annoyed, angry, or anything negetive enough to make Roxas wish that he wasn't there.

It might have been due to a shock or something, but Axel and Zexion both rejected the idea. Black chocobo would be too smart to act like that. While Sora was still in shock, Axel stepped front and asked.

"How is that you know where Roxas went while he is Roxas's twin brother? No offence, but it's quite strange."

"Obviously, he is too secretive for his own goods, and some of them, well.. He said he will tell his family by himself when he wants to tell, but appearantly, he didn't tell yet. And as far as I know, Roxas doesn't tell anyone about his secrets. If someone finds out, he doesn't mind, but he never tells anyone beforehand. Very annoying, if you ask me. You have to ask very specific questions to get an answer from him, too- he hides his secrets very easily, and- though he doesn't lie in general, he has a habbit of speaking in riddles or purposely missing some pieces of information. Like.. Sora? You remember how Roxas answered to our last music teacher when we were in school?"

"...When she asked what kind of musical instruments he plays, he answered that he can play strings, then when she asked specific one, he answered guitar. But everyone knew he was one of the best in violin.."

"And you and I know that he loves playing flute the most. He didn't lie because she didn't ask him to tell all instruments, but honestly.. He really played with her that day. Well, anyway, is this enough to answer your question, Axel?"

Axel scrowled at Riku's words. He was not polite at all! However, before Axel tried to do something, Zexion grapped his arm and spoke in a curt voice.

"Well, Riku, if I may? Roxas went that particular chocobo farm with Demyx, without giving us any warning. Well, to be more proper- it sounded like, Demyx, being Demyx, was over-excited when Roxas finally agreed to show his black chocobo- well, we asked after spotting the picture in his phone- and kinda dragged Roxas to that particular chocobo farm. I'm sure that even you, despite of our conflicts, are aware of just how much hyperactive Demyx can be. We are worried. Can you check on them? Demyx must have forgotten to charge his phone again, and Roxas's phone is just the same, I think."

"..No, I doubt that's the case. If Roxas is not answering, that means he is with Sephiroth. He always keeps his phone off there, because Sephiroth is working in general, though I don't know what now. I thought it was because he was a prosecutor- well- It seemed he wasn't for a year, but he is now, right? I won't be surprised even if Roxas is with him now- After all, he went to Hollow Bastion. Well, he would call you guys when he is done with whatever he was do-..ing.. Huh.. Speaking of devil."

*brrrrr... brrrrr...*

Axel winced. Yes, speaking of devil. Noting the sheer number of eyes fixed on him, Axel sighed and took his phone out. Yes, it was from Roxas. After a slight nod to Zexion, Axel received the call. What the hell Demyx was thinking anyway, meeting a prosecutor- and of all of them, Sephiroth! Hence, instead of taking the phone close to his face, Axel only increased the volume and left it on the table- where Sora and Riku was sitting.

"Hello? Roxas? What happened to your phone?"

[I've seen the number of your calls, Axel. Sorry if I made you worry. I keep my phone off while I'm riding my bike- it's too noisy to make a call anyway- and it can cause an accident, too, you know.. Um, I am at the chocobo farm now, and Demyx is quite busy-] There were sudden noises and gasp (evidently Roxas's), followed by Demyx's enthusiastic shout. [Awww! Roxas! He is so cute! And did you really raise him all by yourself? That really must have costed a fortune! Too bad he is not letting anyone else to ride him!] Laughter. Demyx must be enjoying himself. With a loud 'wark', they all could hear Roxas's shout. [Demyx! You gave me a stroke! And anyway, that's obvious.. I mean, I raised him all by myself.. He doesn't trust humans much, even worse than wild ones. At least, wild chocobos are generally skittish.. Not attacking straight. I mean, if I am not with him, he doesn't let anyone else get close. So.. In case of him, he is listed on the racing chocobo list, but he rarely race. I gave permission to let him participate in races, you know? But because he almost loaths all humans.. I had to put up a warning, that only a rider who he let's ride him can participate races with him. He is quite notorious, actually.. Around twenty people broke their legs and one almost died when that bastard tried to kick him. Of all things to do, just because he won't let them ride him!]

...It seemed the black chocobo did have quite a history. Riku actually went white as he heard what Roxas was saying. Shaking his head, Axel listened to Roxas closely.

[And they call themselves professional, whipping, kicking and starving chocobos just because they won't let them ride! Well, I certainly won't let them treat my chocobo like that-] There was a wark, sounding as if that chocobo was actually agreeing to Roxas. [And I made them pay dearly, too. How dare they treat my little friend like that.. ...Anyway, because no one can ride him, I am riding him every year at the Grand Final Races.]

[Well, I certainly am surprised that this cute guy is actually 5-years-long-champion of the world's best and biggest racing competition! And he is sooo- smart! Oh, looook... He actually looks happy to get compliments...]

Another loud wark, and a lot of muffled giggles which is definetely from Demyx. However, now Axel, Zexion, Riku, and even Sora stared at the phone with disbelief. Of course, they all knew about the race Demyx talked about! And they all knew about the black chocobo champion- How could they not? It was always hot topic among the race fans, that the both rider and the chocobo's identity was unknown. In the announcement and official records, it was only said the Rider and the Black Chocobo. No name, address, contacts, nothing. But here they were, listening to conversation over the phone, about the particular champion whose fans were all over the world.

They all snapped out of the daze as Roxas answered in a happy voice.

[Yep! He understands! Don't you, dear Letalis?] Wark. [Hm, you know- do you want a snack? Yes or no?] Wark, wark. [Not hungry, huh? Alright, then. It's good to know that you like Demyx- well, he is hard to resist, after all.. And you are such a charming one.. I should have expected it, I guess.. You like being praised.] Qwark! [Oh, shush, I know I rarely praise you, and you don't like it. Still, you know when I am glad or proud of you- I just don't speak it loud.] Kweeek! Thump! Wark, wark, wark! And Demyx's loud laughter. [Aw! Lemmeoff, Leass..! (Let me go, Letalis!)]

[Hahahaha.. Roxas..! It seems he is so happy! You really didn't praise him much, do you?]

Muffled voice, followed by happy warks. [Nuu... I gsss..(No, I guess..)] Continuous warks. It took solid ten minutes for Demyx to notice the phone, which, all listeners could guess that it had fallen when Roxas was raided by overly joyous black chocobo.

[..Huh? Hey, Roxas.. Were you on the phone?]

[...Nmmm.. Ummmmm! (...Oh... I was! Letalis, get off me!)]

[..Well, it's still on, and.. ..Axel? Are you still listening?]

"...As a matter of fact, yes, and Demyx.. You dare just go away like that again! Got it memorised! You dare!"

[...Oops. But really, I couldn't resist it when Roxas sliped about the message asking for his presence here!]

"...What..?"

Axel couldn't help but ask back while looking at equally surprised Zexion. So it wasn't Demyx who dragged Roxas there? After a few muffled voice of Roxas and a bit of noises, they could hear Roxas's panting voice, explaining.

[Oh.. Well, sorry about that, Letalis was quite ecstatic and started to act like a mother chocobo with an egg.. Anyway, I got a text from the owner of this farm regarding Letalis, that's why I had to come here. I got it while I was with Demyx, and so I started to ponder about the means to get here as soon as possible. That's how Demyx got to know about it and wanted to come with me. You see, Letalis hates humans- especially professional riders. So, it really takes a hell lot of work for any of them to ride him, and even then a single mistake will break that thin ice like relationship. That's the problem.. One stupid rider thought he got close enough with Letalis to force Letalis to carry him by a bit of.. Punishment. This farm's owner was outside, taking care of other chocobos- so this idiot tried to whip Letalis.. Of course, Letalis were beyond angry, caught him, flew, and dropped him from, what, around 50 metres? He didn't die, but honestly.. ..Well, so I had to calm Letalis because he was furious about another betrayal done by another human, and after that, I went to Sephiroth to do some legal work to take care of the incident. Don't worry- it's all taken care of, and it's not the first time it happened after all..

Alright, enough of the reasons why I am here. How are you, Axel? Frankly speaking, when I came here- I wasn't thinking straight. Last time, it took me two days to get here without making anyone else get suspicious, and Letalis... He refused to eat anything from anyone, attacked anything getting near him, as well as being very vicious.. If I didn't get here at the time, Letalis would have killed another arrogant trainer who heard about this problem and came here without any permission. It happens so many times, again and again.. Trainers, riders, and whatever they are. I don't know why this kind of things are keep on happening to me, and Letalis. Why can't they catch the pun intended, I'd never be able to guess, Axel.]

"...Pun?"

Axel asked back carefully as Roxas muttered in a very tired voice. Axel could see a realisation down to Zexion's face, but he couldn't understand what Roxas meant by- what was that? And when Demyx spoke in a quiet voice over the phone, the deadly silence covered the area.

[...Axel? Letalis means, well, you see- it means 'deadly' or 'fatal' in Latin. And.. I think the name fits. I mean.. You see, Letalis really hates everyone except Roxas. The moment he saw me entering with Roxas, I had to duck.. To dodge a flying spade. He is affectionate, but also very closed. It took Roxas's constant presence for two days for him to let me stay as close as.. Same room. But I think that's obvious for Letalis.. People harmed him a lot. Um, and we will be back by tomorrow, after Roxas finishes legal procedures.]

XV . ii

To say that Marluxia was beyond furious, was an understatement.

How the hell did it happen? When he heard the news from his old source at the Midgar, he actually cut off one of his favourite pot's flower bud into half by mistake. He never thought it was possible, with sheer number of the Soldiers guarding the cells and other all security measurements.. He wasn't even sure that he could get in safely, but to get out? That was simply outrageous, Vexen never possessed that much power! Well, except his insane inventions, but still.. Marluxia steeled his eyes, examining all information he collected for the past month. There was nothing, simply nothing at all. No sign of sudden activities or nervousness found from Vexen, except his usual half-crazed over-theorising and over-analysing self-talking habbit.

It was frustrating, to find nothing and nothing at all after hours of research. Everything in the information indicated that Vexen had never left the cell at all, and yet his uniform and belongings mysteriously vanished with him, as if someone called Vexen had never existed. But even if a Nobody dies (if you can call it that way, or simply return to the non-existence),

Growling viciously, Marluxia threw the useless, worthless reports. They had nothing! Viciously holding his scythe and slicing them to blow some steam off, Marluxia screeched.

"This can't be happening- How can this be! Vexen, that imbecile had outsmarted me! Never! I had been doing everything in my power to keep those three within the prison, and he just vanished!"

There was no anger in his voice, only frustration and disbelief. His confidence and pride had been damaged, and yet he had no mean to fix them. It was fucking annoying, but how can he fix this? Marluxia snarled and glared at the now unrecognisable torned pile of papers, and silently cursed under the breath.

"Oh, well- if this doesn't work, then I will take another way! Vexen.. It is your mistake to leave that place! This is time to hunt you down and find out exactly how you left that place!"

XV . iii

Sephiroth sneered, looking down at the documents. They had nothing about No. XIII, and they really hadn't got a clue. The moment the Team SeeD members asked questions and sought the answers, all the shady organisations refused to respond. Well, one of them did show a bit of interest, but he was found murdered brutally only after an hour or so. It was impossible to know whether it was a coincidence or not, but it definetely made all prosecutors be more subtle in their search. Of course, Sephiroth knew that it was actually the Turks who did it in behalf of the Organisation XIII, but he had no reason to tell that, did he?

After checking out all the misleading clues and pointing out only a few real clues which are left out purposely in order to make those misleading clues sound real, Sephiroth moved the files away and took another file out. It was the file he got from Roxas- that crazy black chocobo of his caused another trouble. But Sephiroth didn't blame Roxas much- for Roxas's chocobo had valid reasons to hate humans. After being toyed with Hozo's experiments, what wouldn't? At least it got someone to rescue him, namely, Roxas, who just set free some of Hozo's specimens while helping him in behalf of Organisation XIII.

Quickly organising his thoughts and thinking of possible arguements, Sephiroth took the file and left to the court. Faster, the better. After this case is over, he will have to start interrogations again.. Which, mind you, were solely for fun. Those higher-ups knew that Sephiroth was the leader of Jenova, and as soon as they saw him in the interrogation room as none other than a prosecutor, they all glupped for their stupidy of accepting the offer from the Teem SeeD and shut their mouth. Always good. Sneering at those who were oblivious, Sephiroth sighed and started to drive his car.

This was just the calmness before the storm.. Sephiroth knew. No matter what was going on now, it will not reach Twilight Town.. At least, not yet. They will be oblivious to the new legal practices and laws for a good week, even Marluxia will. Sephiroth only cackled in delight, waiting for the time to come.