Author's note : Yep, lack of reviews. Even I am getting a bit frustrated.. But still.. I am in University now and am quite busy, though I will continue to attempt to upload.
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 16. Falling Down]
[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.]
XVI . i
Marluxia stared at the report he got a moment ago. He bought it from an executive of Shinra, and it was unbelievable.. ..Well, he thought that guy was an idiot, the one who exchanged this information for a couple of assassination requests. It was a mental! Sephiroth Safer, his senior who graduated a couple of years ago at Twilight University, and was working at Teem SeeD now, was an ex-SOLDIER. And from the record, it was clearly noted that Roxas was one of the Turk recruits. In fact, both of them had unbelievable records. Roxas, who knocked out three Turks in a battle alone as a child, and Sephiroth, who was the mysterious, faceless hero of Wutaian War.
Marluxia knew that this information was probably from one of the Turks' internal reports, from the way of presented information. ..Sentences like 'He has a damn hot body', 'This guy knows how to mix!' or something like that was definetely not found in their official reports. But what surprised Marluxia the most, was a particular history of Roxas.
"..An ex-assassin of Hollow Bastion's black streets. One of the best. Not many are aware of the fact that Roxas is the assassin himself, but he is known as the one who accepts the deals and payments as a child. He stopped working at age of twelve, reasons unknown. The furtherst illegal activities I could trace back was when he was seven, which is most likely his first kill. Surprisingly, his parents are the legendary prosecutors, Aqua and Ventus Safer, his adopted elder brother the General Sephiroth, and his twin elder brother, the best friend of the Son of Terra, Riku, Sora. Among all of them, it seems only Sephiroth is aware of his activities, but it is not surprising, for Sephiroth himself is deeply involved in such activities- not in a sense that he is a prosecutor, but as the leader of Jenova. Among the gangs, it is rumoured that Jenova is one of the clients of Roxas.
However, his official history is as clean as one can have. Perfect A+s or extra credits every year, with, perhaps a bit shy attitude, but still not without friends. His home life was quiet, and everyone in his normal life is oblivious of his dark activities.
It is noted that Roxas Safer had a long-term theraphy sessions in psychological disorder, but exactly what, is unknown to us. The analysts suspect that the theraphy sessions were just an excuse for some other activities, due to the frequency of the sessions. Not a single disorder, which was not detected at all in any observations made by us, would require 3-4 sessions a week to cure..
Further investigation requires an approval from the Turk Leader. The request overruled, case number 402-S.."
Marluxia slowly started to flap the pages of the book he was holding. The case numbers meant a reason.. And when Marluxia found the reason, he froze at the spot.
'CASE NO. 402: The request involves any information of any member/s of the allied groups of Shinra/Turks. The allied organisations are, 'Organisation XIII' and 'Jenova'. Or, it is also possible that it involves any who unofficially works for Shinra/Turks.'
'Under CASE NO. 402 - Special: The request is overruled as it involves either/both Organisation XIII's No.I/No. XIII and/or Jenova's Sephiroth. They are, the leader of Organisation XIII, the executor of the traitors in Organisation XIII, and Jenova's leader. Both Organisation XIII and Jenova are allied together as well as with Shinra- especially the Turks. If it involves one of the three, it is highly likely that it involves all four.'
Marluxia slowly traced the names. Organisation XIII. No.I and . Jenova. Sephiroth. Turks. Teem SeeD. Shinra. SOLDIERS. It was frustrating- he felt that he should know something, but he couldn't get it. However, in his minds- the spider-web-like diagram was formed, with those words and the thin thread connecting them.
XVI . ii
Axel couldn't believe his eyes now. Who was he looking at? Who is that, and how does Demyx know him?
Nineth Prison was the best bar in Twilight Town, but Axel and his friends avoided there because of the Turks. However, today, Axel wanted to stay alone, and decided to go to the bar.
However, the scene he witnessed was not what he expected. What he saw, was Demyx, who was supposed to be still at Hollow Bastion, and another blond with hot leathery cloth on a bike. Axel couldn't see his face because the blond was facing to the Nineth Prison, exact opposite of the direction he was standing- but he was soon close enough to hear their conversation. They weren't exactly quiet either. Axel noted that the blond was wearing a sunglass as well, which made the man very hard to recognise.
"So- Dem, ain't you going back? Ya'know, I can give yeh a ride- Not so hard."
"..Nah, no thanks. You drive like a maniac. But really.. Your chocobo is quite dangerous, Roxas. What you've shown me was shocking.. You said that you've trained him?"
"..Well, yeah.. I like riding, but I like flying more.. So I trained him in flying. He's good.. And he can fight. It's just that not many people are skilled enough to ride him. Really, Dem- I am used to ride Letalies. How can I just ride a bike like others when I am used to him? He is mind-breakingly fast and good.. While this thing is just bored."
"Still, Rox, that was one hell of the insanity, driving like that.. Huh.. Are you going back?"
A short laugh. Axel stared at the lithe shilluette of the man. Was that really Roxas? It was a bewilderment, to think that shy Roxas would wear such sexy, tight leather cloth. However, as he jumped down from his bike, Axel could clearly see Roxas's face with a smirk.
"Why will I? You know, Riku is in love- he loves Sora, and Sora is blissfully oblivious of all the affections he is showing.. Sora just thinks Riku is doing all that as a friend. My absence itself is a torture to Riku. Maybe it is because we are twins, but Sora prefers sleeping with me. He is still scared of dark.. So he can't sleep alone. When I was there, he used to cling to me.. But without me, he would be clinging to Riku. He won't be able to sleep at all."
"..You don't care if he gets a laid?"
"Huh? What, Sora? Well, what he does is his choice, and Riku isn't that bad in that sense. I know Riku tried to stop all those ideas and dated a few girls- but none of them worked. So- he ended up stuck to my twin bro. I know Riku liked him at least for 7 years.. Give him some credit. I don't know about Sora- he is too innocent- so I am still not sure if he likes anyone. But I know Riku wouldn't do anything Sora doesn't want..
Besides.. I am tired of them, really.. Ha.. I hate both of them. It's just sick enough to act around them.. I'd rather avoid them when I can. I think I'll go to an inn and sleep for tonight.. Well, Vexen said he has a laboratory here, right? I think he wouldn't mind me there. After all, I am not a bad lab partner."
Axel flinched. Vexen? How did Roxas know Vexen! And wasn't he still in the prison? However, Demyx only shook his head and answered.
"..I'd have never guessed that Sephiroth was related to Organisation XIII. Even now, it's hard to believe.. ..And to think Vexen had clones.. The one who was caught.. It was merely a clone of his.. It's tad insane, Rox. And to think his new laboratory is here in this town.. Still, it was good to see him again, though it was really an accident."
"That's half true.. I think he didn't expect you to come. But in case of me, I didn't expect to see both of you together.. I mean, I'd have never guessed that you are a Nobody. You are too cheerful for that."
"Heh.. Who would have thought. There are quite a lot of us, though not all of us are in the Organisation XIII.. You included, Rox."
"Oh? But Xemnas knew about me, you know. I had a couple of mental analysis sessions with him. Then he saw me with Sephiroth.. Good thing, actually. Sephiroth had an alliance formed with the Organisation XIII, and that's the main reason he couldn't take me in. I am a member of Jenova, after all.. And I am half sure that Namine, Terra's wife and Riku's mother, is a Nobody as well.. ..But I don't know how she became one, or what is her ability.. I know mine, though.."
Roxas chuckled, looking delighted. Even Demyx only shook his head and smirked coldly, laughing.
"Oh, well- you know, my friends will be shocked. You are a Nobody for god's sake! They are all idiots, never noticing how I miss Organisation XIII. Well, anyway- so Jenova is waiting for No. XIII?"
"Yeah, No. XIII only. With the treaty between Organisation XIII and Jenova, Jenova requires approval of either No. XIII or No. I to help them or do anything. Sephiroth is working in Teem SeeD because of that- to get their internal information as well as any clue to find them. The moment any member of the Organisation XIII is found.. Then Sephiroth will just ensure their safety, for now. When No. I or No. XIII entres back into the picture.. Then it will be our turn. Jenova is allied to Organisation for a reason.. They want their 'real mother' back. Tortured and experimented.. The members of Jenova are, save myself, all the experimented species of Hojo.. The ones who escaped. ..Well, if he had known what I am, he would have experimented on me as well.. Thanks god Sephiroth is powerful enough to get me out of their hands. They wanted me as a Turk, you know? I was one of the best recruit candidates.. Of course, that request was overruled with Sephiroth's help."
Roxas shrugged, looking very carefree. Axel did not know what to think of it anymore.. What was this? Demyx, wishing to return to Organisation XIII. Roxas, related to Organisation XIII, Xemnas. Axel never realised that Demyx did not made his own choice three years ago.. Until today. And what about Roxas? He already knew too much, though Demyx didn't know that Axel, Zexion and Marluxia were the traitors.. And if Roxas was a Nobody, then what was his power? Axel had fire. Demyx, there, had water. What was Roxas's, then? Axel had no idea.. He really had nothing. However, regardless of his turmoils, Demyx shrugged back and nodded to Roxas, who chuckled.
"Say hi to him then, Rox. You're coming tomorrow, right?"
"Yep, I will be there. Say hello to your friends, Dem. But.." Roxas frowned, looking a bit worried. "You know, just be careful a bit.. ..Marluxia.. I don't trust him a single bit. I still remember how No. I used to say that Marluxia is trying to betray him. Honestly No. XIII must have been the only one who knew his real goal, and how to achieve it. The Kingdom Heart.. To regain the emotion was a part of it.. Really, the others had no idea how to gain access to the Kingdom Heart. No one knew why No. XIII was hidden. I only know because I am second in Jenova, really.. Xemnas always knew Marluxia would betray him at a point, but I don't think he expected Marluxia to go as far as destroying the entire organisation.. Even I thought, knowing his way of thinking, expected him to take over organisation.. Not something like that."
Demyx was quiet for a while. How much did Axel overlooked? Why didn't he remember that Demyx was actually very logical and emotionless under his mask? ..Demyx seperated him almost completely from the mask and emotionless real face. Unlike Axel and Zexion, Demyx was like that. Even Marluxia.. Their looks were deceiving.. Axel knew it, yet he didn't care much until now. It made him shudder to realise his mistake. Meanwhile, Demyx started to speak to Roxas who was still frowning.
"..I agree that Marluxia must be the traitor. But.. Even No. XIII wouldn't act without knowing No. I's situation, would he?"
"..I doubt that he will. After all, he knew where Marluxia was for at least a year, and he is still not actively doing anything. I don't know.. I kinda understand him.. ..No. I was his mentor, and even if we, the Nobodies, have no emotion.. We do feel a certain degree of attatchments. Xemnas was someone who taught him everything about himself, what a Nobody is, the methods to control his power, the reasons behind his emotionless situation.. It's no wonder that No. XIII feels quite lost without No. I. But he won't remain silent forever.. Even now, he is slowly, but steadily moving."
"...Well.. Anyway.. I hate to admit it, but I see your logic there.. And I agree that it is impossible for both Zexion and Axel to be completely clueless about Marluxia's betrayal. At least one of them would have helped him, if not both. Then there is Saix.."
"Saix wouldn't betray Xemnas. They were lovers, after all. Besides, Saix also knew about Xemnas's true goal.. So Saix is clear. From what No. XIII told me once.. I wouldn't be surprised if Saix came to the university just to keep an eye on Marluxia. Vexen said that No. XIII visited him, so.. I think No. XIII will visit Saix fairly soon as well. An obvious decision, because he wouldn't be sure about Axel and Zexion.."
"..I guess... Huh.. But..."
Roxas shook his head, looking a bit troubled. However, when Demyx started to ponder and stopped talking, Roxas spoke in a quite harsh, cold voice.
"..I don't think it is time for that, Demyx. I have work. Say fast if you want to say something."
"..Huh! Oh, sorry.. I was thinking.. Can No. XIII fight against Marluxia and Axel? Those two are stronger than the most of us. And even.. Even Zexion.."
"Vexen is already helping him, and you are also there. Both of you can hold Zexion and Axel for a while. It doesn't have to be long.. No. XIII can certainly take care of Marluxia fast enough, then he can take care of the others one by one. Besides, he has enough sense to get help from Saix, who is already so near. In that case, No. V is with Saix anyway- so there will be four of you taking down Axel and Zexion.. And him against Marluxia. Only problem is.. If the fight becomes to big to hide, then Teem SeeD will interrupt, and my brother will be forced to join fight, as well as myself. With Sephiroth and Jenova, there will be AVALANCHE, then it will be like a rolling snow ball.. Shinra, SOLDIER, Turks and all.. It will be a mess. Let's just hope that it won't get too serious.. And I definetely don't want Ventus, Aqua and Terra- maybe even Namine as well- to be involved."
Demyx looked puzzled, while Axel gasped as the realisation downed to him. He thought Roxas looked familiar, but now.. He remembered how Ventus looked like when he was around Roxas's age. He remembered how Sora and Roxas didn't look same, but too similar as non-tidentical twin. And now, if Roxas was a Nobody.. Who's Nobody was Roxas? His question was answered, making him shudder in fear as Roxas's eyes shined with power.
"..Oh, yes- I definetely don't want those lying bastards to be involved- Namine's power is manipulation of memories. When I was torn away from Ventus, they had Namine to erase my memory and raised me up as their child.. Making me disregard my power, blinding me from the truth.. They will be taken cared of later.. Not now. And they are dangerous.. Keyblade Masters.. Even they do not have their Keyblades anymore, they are too dangerous..
I want my revenge, and Xemnas doesn't like their existence. Sephiroth wanted power to reclaim his mother. Turks wanted to keep such strong power under control.. Or at least have a bargain, so they can get help from us or not cause any unnecessary fightings. If it really comes down to that.. It will be troublesome. No. XIII's main missions are, unlike everyone's believe, not execution of the traitors. His main missions were to kill the heartless and collect the hearts. That's the main reason why there is no heartless ambushes in these days.. But, if the conflicts last too long.. Then No. XIII will abandon his missions and start concentrating on this. The darkness will overflow and start invading this worlds again.. It won't be so pretty.."
Roxas smirked, looking cruel than ever. However, it surprised Axel more when Roxas scrowled, walking into the bar while muttering with an annoyed voice.
"It doesn't help that I can use the keyblade, you know.. I don't know. I can use them, and I don't know how. I know for a fact that those three choose their heirs.. And yet, I can use a keyblade.. An enigma, just like how No. XIII can. Even he doesn't know how. And we, both, can use a keyblade.. Blasted thing. I won't be surprised if this has to do something with being Ventus's Nobody.. But then, whose Nobody is No. XIII?"
As Roxas went out of Axel's sight, he could see Demyx shaking his head. When Roxas was surely out of earshot, Demyx crossed his arms and muttered in a low voice.
"..Ironic. He really doesn't remember anything.. Seperate personality, huh? I never knew we were capable of doing that.. But now I think of it, any Nobody should be able to do it. He only has amazing control over his emotions and memories.. And after all, that's not even real Roxas.. That's just a fake one he created in order to keep everyone thinking that he is fine and good.. ..But really- to think he has three identities within himself.. Jenova's Huiginn, normal Roxas, and Safer who is related to some Turk business.. I wonder.. What will happen when Axel comes face to face with Roxas at the battle field? He will be so shocked.. But who am I to tell him about this? After all, I can't even tell them that I want to go back to Organisation XIII.. I can't explain to them how I know about this."
XVI . iii
Sora and Riku only could stare at Roxas. What was he thinking, really? He just went off, leaving a note, then he didn't even come back. And when he returned, he was acting as if nothing had happened. But what shocked Sora and what made Riku snarl the most, was the fact that Roxas didn't even bother to tell them anything. It wasn't like they haven't tried. Roxas merely raised his eye brow and ignored their questions.
It took whole day for Riku to convince Sora to follow Roxas. But Riku didn't regret it as they saw Roxas going into a toilet, only to come out with completely different cloth on him. Then Roxas just started walking to the darker side of the streets.
They followed Roxas around ten minutes, and Roxas finally stopped in front of a closed bar. Riku noted that it was one of the most popular bars in the town- Nineth Prison. Roxas knocked the locked door, ignoring the 'closed' sign hanging- and Riku and Sora heard a faint reply from the bar, followed by the door opening and a sleepy red-head coming outside.
"Who the fucking hell-.. Oh, It's you. Sorry.. *Yawn*.. Is this already time? ..Yeah, it is. Shit.. I was sleeping whole day.."
"Hard to not to notice that with that messy hair and cloth, Reno. Where's your dignity?"
"...Hey, I am on vacation, okay? Turks work when we work, we rest when we rest. I couldn't careless even if AVALANCHE storms in and demands something from this bar now. Anyway.. Come on- let me pick up something to eat, and then let's get to work. Ya' mind, Safer?"
"No, I don't. Then let's go grap something together. I haven't ate as well.. Though I didn't expect you to be sleeping. Are you planning to close tonight?"
"Yeah.. Pretty much. I won't be here tonight, ya'know- with all the works I have.. Shit.. My vacation is not like a vacation now, with all those emergency stuff.."
The red-head grimaced, looking quite tired, and went in. Within minutes, the Turk returned in his Turk uniform, looking better and more alert. Cracking his neck, the Turk held his electronic rod and winked to Roxas.
"Man.. I got tired of paper works.. Yo, Safer, what do you wanna eat?"
"..Anything has balanced nutrients?"
"Why did I even ask, yo..? ..Shit.. Sometimes you are so boring.. For a person who can cook so well, you don't care at all about taste of food."
A shrug. Roxas only tiled his head and answered. "Should I? I merely started cooking because only Sephiroth can cook, and other three are clueless. They can't cook at all.. And Sephiroth is quite busy, you know.. So I had to feed them if I didn't want them to die. Their senses are, being what they are, very sensitive. They aren't being picky- they just can't endure strong tastes. So I had to adjust. Just telling you, Sephiroth is very good as well. Unlike me, it's for himself as well.. He has to be good. Let's get what you want- I just want a quick meal."
"...Figures."
Reno muttered and shook his head, looking somewhat familiar with the situation. However, Riku and Sora wasn't. Roxas they knew were always quite picky about food. The Roxas they were witnessing now, only shrugged again and piped up.
"What are you expecting from me? I grew up so close to Sephiroth, who doesn't care much even he can feel emotions, because he was forced to be like that.. I hate the people who made him like that."
"..Yo, Safer, even I don't like them, and I am a Shinra employee. Those scientists are crazy.. You don't know just how surprised I was when I learnt that your elder brother and the other three Jenova's members are the specimens who managed to escape from those insane maniacs. It's a miracle that they have survived for all those years. I mean.. They don't threat others like humans, ya'know? They cut, then ask if it hurts. They give some strange stuff making your senses strange.. They don't feed purposely just to know how long their subjects can endure.. They threw a 4 years old child to a behemoth to just check out how strong their subject was.. I never liked them. No one in Turk does, ever-since we found out what Hojo did to Vincent Valentine, our best gunner in the history."
"..And they say I am over protective. Honestly.. That's not my story to tell.. If I wasn't one of the recruit candidates.. I would have never known. Funny Sephiroth was the one who had Vald overrule the request to recruit me when I refused to join Turk.. I owe him one, you know."
"...Perhaps. You wouldn't have been recruited anyway, ya'know- You were already working with us."
Riku and Sora flinched at the news, but did not stop following the two who started walking. Sounding quite amused, Roxas answered to Reno.
"Well, not directly. I'd have got into a real trouble when I was found out back then.. Sephiroth was quick, and thanks to that I am still unknown to most of the people. I needed that.. Or else.. You know, Ventus and Aqua are not really kind. Even Terra isn't.. Those three would have killed me if they knew what I was doing, and I am talking in literal sense. Even Namine.. She took away my memories.."
"..Yo.. I don't know much about your kind, but I really wonder about your supposed-twin's face when he learns that you are Ventus's, not his. But I do wonder sometimes.. You are not alive, are you?"
"..When you become a Nobody, you are not alive, nor dead. It's just a piece of your soul, your heart. I am.. A piece of soul, a mind, shattered and torn away from him. It happens when a heartless devours you.. When you become a heartless, if a part of you is strong enough to resist against being tainted.. Then that part is torned and becomes a Nobody. Did you know it is actually possible to reverse the heartless back to human? But then.. The torned part is not recovered. That's what I am. A piece of Ventus.. And I loath my existence from the depth of my heart, as well as hating the fact that I am his, of all people.."
It was a shock to Riku and Sora. Why would Roxas hate Ventus? Why would Ventus kill Roxas? But Roxas merely shook his head and continued to Reno, who was unfazed.
"..It was a nightmare when I told him Xemnas was my psychology professor. I do understand a bit, really. Xemnas is also a Nobody, and he is from the person Ventus hated so much.. I know why he doesn't like Xemnas. But still, to threaten me to stop learning that subject? ...And Sora doesn't know anything about him.. Well, he doesn't need to know. He doesn't need to know what kind of thing I am, how Sephiroth suffered, and even about Ventus and Aqua's little secrets. He should have a proper childhood, not like me, who killed at the first month of the existence because I couldn't control my powers.. Unlike Sephiroth, who was experimented from the womb of his mother.. ..Maybe you can say I am a bit protective over him."
"..Does Ventus think that all Nobodies are evil, Safer?"
"All who he met are evil. What do you expect him to think? Well, it's not like I had a choice and became a Nobody, you know. And yet he still took away my memories and made me ignorant of all stuff... What could I do? I never was normal. Normal humans can't slash through a wall with a sword. Normal humans can't manipulate an element. Normal humans can't open a portal.. It drove me mad. No one could see what I saw. No one could feel what I felt. How could I remain sane with such alienated feelings?"
Roxas chuckled darkly, looking sorrowful. The conversation stopped. However, Riku and Sora realised that it was only because they reached their destination. Roxas waited Reno to buy some fried stuff, then bought a toast. Chewing whatever they bought, they started to walk down to street, seemingly used to such interactions. However, when they entred a darker, deserted street, their conversation continued again.
"...You said you killed in the first month of the existence. So.. When?"
"Supposed to be 3, I think.. According to my fake age, anyway. And I didn't do it intentionally.. I just wanted to know what I could do with my element, then that baby sitter came in. When she saw me doing things.. I think she was scared or something.. She tried to kill me. Then when I felt hurt, when I was in pain.. I threw the shield I formed with my power."
"...Your shield? That's.. That's crazy..! That thing can slash a wall or two with ease!"
"..I didn't know at the time. It was first time I created it, too.. ..I was shocked when that small shield, which was so small at the time, went through her chest. She didn't move. The blood, and the warmth.. I think I was scared at the time. I had no idea what I've done. I think I just didn't want to die.. A reflex. ...What about you?"
"..You know, I am actually no better..? ...Around seven, I think.. I was a slum rat at the Midgar, ya'know? That's not a pretty place. Nothing special like you said, no baby sitter or anything. I was hungry, thirsty.. Kiinda crazed with needs. When I got back to my senses, I had already killed that bully who tried to take away the money I pickpocketed."
"..Makes sense. Understandable situation.. But still- seven is better than three."
Reno only smiled mildly, taking another bite of his food. Roxas already finished his long ago. But Reno's smile vanished soon as he muttered darkly.
"...You know, you hide too many stuff, Safer. Does your- Roxas's twin even know about you?"
"Hm? Why do you ask? I didn't know you care."
"I don't. But I know it's not right. ..Roxas doesn't know that he is not a human. He doesn't know that he is not Sora's twin. He is a perfectly fake personality, deceiving everyone. And you, Safer. You know the truth. You know a lot of facts. But you leave Roxas ignorant.. Why? I have been.. Wondering."
"...If you put it that way.. ..It is better for Roxas to not to know anything. Even I am not real 'Roxas Safer'- you know that. I know some stuff.. And I don't know some stuff. But I know enough to know that I exist for my real self. Roxas is just the same.. He is the mask, hiding us. I am a mask, too.. Hiding the secrets. I used to think I was a real one, you know? I didn't know that I was a mask. But then, after a month or so.. I realised that even I have gaps in memories. Some facts which didn't perfectly fit. But.. It was okay, because I knew it was to protect us. Not a bad thing, you know.. After all, if I don't know some stuff.. Than I can't slip other stuff, right? I can't make a mistake and speak up stuff."
"You don't feel worried about what your other selves are doing, Safer? Even you kill people. You are not worried?"
Riku and Sora stared at Safer, shocked. However, Safer only laughed, then shook his head.
"Worried? Worried? Worried about what? Do you feel sad when you kill a monster? A chocobo? A dog or something? No! I am not a human, Reno! Why should I worry about killing humans, when I am not one? Why should I worry for being hated or something by humans, when I am not one? Do you seriously think they can catch me or restrain me? No, they can't! I am not one of the best Nobodies for nothing, Reno- you should know that!"
"Hey, that's rude, ya-" Reno stopped speaking in the mid-sentence, realising unfamiliar insane glint in Roxas Safer's eyes. Staring at his eyes, Reno narrowed his eyes and hissed. "Who are you..? I don't think we've ever met before.. You are not Safer."
"Oh, no, I am not, Reno. And I am not Roxas either- that's obvious, right?"
The voice was full of mirth, but Roxas's face was emotionless, deprived of any hint of emotion. With crazed glint within his eyes, Roxas smirked cynically and spoke emotionlessly.
"Let me introduce myself formally- I am Huiginn of Jenova, and the XIII.. The one Sephiroth likes so much.. Oh, of course- I am not real Roxas Safer either. He had been inactive for a very, very long time.. Oh, and he is such a child.. he is still angry over stuff which can't be changed.. Ouch!"
Roxas winced, as if someone just shouted at him. After a few blinks, he finally shook his head and muttered.
"..See? He is awake, but still not doing anything. He just shouted at me.. Even it's mental thing, it still hurts.. It hurts my head, not my ears, but still.. Same thing. ...Damn, right- yeah-.. Reno, he wants me to finish the business quickly. Where have you got those information?"
"I have it at the safe house. But.. You know Rufus.. Right?"
"..I met him before. Why?"
"...Then Hein-.. No, I don't wanna speak that idiot's name.. That crazy guy laughing Gyahahaha?"
"...I know him, too. What's the matter? That is an idiot, I know."
Roxas tilted his head, narrowing his eyes with suspiscion. Slowly, Reno shook his head in defeat and answered.
"That idiot leaked internal information of the Turks.. Rufus Shinra, son of the President, happened to see him sneaking out some files, and told us to check them out. It concerns you."
"...What kind of things? And to where?"
"It says that you were a recruit candidate. They also contains your past record, about some illegal activities.. Well, according to humans, anyway.. But.. ..We haven't located the files yet.. But we suspect.. That idiot had exchanged those information with some assassination requests.. ...Rings a bell, Roxas?"
"...THAT CRAZY IDIOT! I'll tell Genesis to kill him! To an assassin! Are you telling me Marluxia knows that I was supposed to be a Turk! Those are overruled files, right?"
"...Yo, yo- chill! Yes, those files were overruled files, so he would know that you are related to Sephiroth's business- but he wouldn't know how deep-"
"You don't even know what kinds of reports are there, do you?"
Roxas roared, looking furious. As Reno flinched and stepped back, Roxas snarled, his teeth bare.
"There are reports about the people who I have killed, there are reports what kind of business I am working in, there are reports about my 'properties' I've acquired through the Turks! You don't understand anything! Of course he will know how deeply I must be related to all those works- Or else, why would I manage funds for the Jenova! My financial statements are all there! Now I will have to deal with him plain and blunt- What's the use of alliance when you can't do anything properly! It didn't matter you all refused- I should have burnt those documents years ago!"
"Hey, pal- It's not my fault!"
"You are a Turk, Odin helps me, and you are a Wutaian! What do you expect me to say? Damn it! Just send me those information files to usual place, now I need to take care of this mess! The reports of the people I killed under the Turks' requests and Jenova's needs! Do you even know whose names are there! I am the one who killed three of the dead Shinra directors in last five years! I am the one who killed a few executives of Shinra who sold internal information away! You just don't know how deeply I was involved in things- Don't you understand just why Shinra couldn't threaten me! The moment I confess my work related to Shinra, Shinra will collapse! Teem SeeD will love to get everything out of my mouth! Not your fault? Ha... What an irresponsible thing to say, Turk.. ..I need to go.. I need to make this a game for Marluxia, so he won't act out rashly.. I will have to act like a fool in front of him now, just to make sure that he doesn't realise how lethal I can be.. I will have to be blunt.. Damn it. And Roxas doesn't know anything.. About time I have to force him do something like this!"
Roxas stormed away, but the moment he was out of public, he was smiling and acting like a youth who was enjoying his time. As Roxas went away, Riku and Sora heard the Turk sighing.
"..That guy is scary. He knew that I was only pretending to be ignorant.. He knew. That eyes, that knowing smirk, subtle body language.. ..Odin helps me. I will have to report to boss to prepare proper appologies and renewal terms.. And they won't be happy about this. After all.. It is our fault. We can't even blame it on the others."
XVI . iv
It was horrible, Roxas decided. Marluxia smiled at him, but he could never like that cold glint in his eyes. So it was then when Roxas finally decided that he would need to do anything to get close to him, or at least make Marluxia believe that he had an advantage over Roxas. But what kind of weakness would make Marluxia feel that he does have a secure position?
..Roxas knew, but he somewhat felt uneasy about the idea. Yes, it will surely make Marluxia feel superior. But then.. Unconsciously, Roxas glanced at Axel. Why was he feeling like this? He shouldn't be able to feel attatched to any of them. Why? It wasn't like he was in relation with Axel.. Snarling internally at his thoughts, Roxas bit his lips, trying to look nervous. Axel, Zexion and Demyx all had some classes, and it was only Roxas and Marluxia whose classes were over for the day. Sighing, Roxas stood up and walked to the deserted area in the university campus. Marluxia followed him, most probably wanting to find something out.. Funny thing Marluxia always underestimated his opponents. Without noting his presence, Roxas quietly sighed and muttered.
"...What should I do? I shouldn't feel like this.. I can't do this. Sephiroth said.. He said I need to watch out.. Especially Marluxia. But.. I like him.. Or do I? ..I know I want to get close to him, but what is this feelings..? It.. It feels good, but.. It's not right... No.. I don't have anything against bisexual things, but I never thought I would be attracted to a male.."
Roxas didn't need to look back to see the sinister smile which would be forming on Marluxia's face. He already saw it before, as No. XIII. Marluxia knew his chance when he saw it, Roxas knew it. That was why, even Roxas let out a shocked gasp, he wasn't actually surprised when Marluxia suddenly sneaked up to him and almost banged him hard against the wall of the building. It was almost the perfect spot to do something not right- no camera, no recording devices, dark, deserted- and hardly visible from anywhere. Roxas had no chance to react when Marluxia started to kiss him viciously- and he only gasped in shock, his eyes wide. Even after Marluxia let him go, Roxas only stared up at him, his breath short and hasty.
"What-.. Ma- Marluxia..? When..? Since when.. Ah-"
"..Did you like it?"
Dark, seductive voice. Roxas shivered as Marluxia pressed his body against him. Trapped, Roxas knew he was in a very vulnerable position.. However, only reactions he showed were gasps, a strangled moan and a furious blush. Soon, Marluxia nipped his earlobe and smirked, whispering quietly with his poisonous voice.
"..You know.. It's not hard.. Just feel it.. Do what you want to do.. What you really want.."
"Ng, No.. Marluxia, I-.. ah!"
"Just feel it, Roxas.. It feels good, isn't it?"
Soft voices, enough to poison and corrupt others.. But little did he know, Roxas was also good in the art of the poisonous words. Slowly, Marluxia kissed Roxas again, feeling the younger one opening his mouth in submission.. Ironically, both of them never noticed Axel, who was bunking his last class for the day, sitting upon a high tree branch.. And no one noticed Roxas's satisfied smirk which vanished too soon while Marluxia continued to molest him.