Disclaimer, warnings, ect. in chapter 1.

This had to be a joke. Some sick, twisted joke. There was no way in hell that this could be real.

Yet, it was.

According to the police, the man standing before me was my cousin. I didn't know I had a cousin. They said that they found him from when they took a sample of my DNA. Well, isn't that special? They said that he was willing to give me a home. I wanted to tell him to take his home and shove it. The police seemed to know that since they gave me an ultimatum, go with my cousin or spend my time in Juvenile Hall.

Well, when you put it that way.

That was how I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of a rented car on my way to the airport. It was a very long trip since neither of us had anything to say to one another.

My cousin, Cloud, kept stealing glances at me every now and then as though to make sure I was still there. I didn't know what the cops had told him about me, but I had the feeling it was anything but good.

A few times Cloud opened his mouth as though he was going to say something, only to close it, apparently unable to figure out what he wanted to ask. After about the fifth time he did that, I decided to ask the question that had been nagging at me.

"Where are we going?"

Cloud seemed to relax a little, happy that I had found a topic, "Destiny Islands."

Now, I know that I never sat through a Geography class but I knew perfectly well where the Destiny Islands were. They were a small cluster of islands that were about as far from Midgar as you could get and still be within the same country. They were small, very small. We're talking there's no need for cars on this island because you can walk everywhere, small. Midgar was a city. Maybe not a huge city, but it wasn't a small one either. To go from a city like Midgar (dark, dank, cold, colorless), to a place like Destiny Islands (warm, tropical, laid back) was going to be one hell of a change.

Apparently Cloud was alright with asking questions since I had asked the first, "The police chief said that the place where you guys were hiding was completely empty. Does that mean all you have is the clothes you're wearing?"

I shot him a dry look, not even bothering the answer the stupid question. No, I just like wearing dirty, torn, tight clothing. It's all the rage these days.

"Well if that's the case," Cloud continued, clearing having caught my drift, "then we're going to have to get you some clothes. You're about Sora's size though, so you can borrow some of his stuff until then."

Whoa, back up. Sora? This was the first time I had ever heard mention of another person. Was he another cousin, or was he like some friend that Cloud knew who just so happened to be small for his age?

Cloud seemed to have caught his own mistake though, "I haven't told you about Sora, have I? He's my little brother. The police say that they think you're about 16, and if you are that makes you and Sora the same age."

I tilted my head a little and leaned against the passenger door. A cousin who was the same age as me? How many more family members did I have that I was unaware of? I mean, I had known about my mom and dad, but if I had other relatives, why didn't they send me to them?

Cloud was watching me as much as he could without causing us to crash, "I'm going to assume that this is all news to you," I nodded a little, I wanted him to continue, I wanted to know how much more I had been so unaware of, "That's not really all that surprising. Your parents weren't really on good terms with the rest of the family."

I let out a laugh that sounded bitter and empty, even to my own ears, "That I will believe."

Cloud cringed, whether at the laugh or my words was really hard to say. We rode in silence for the rest of the drive and the flight.

I know I mentioned that the Destiny Islands are small, but did I mention that they're picturesque? Palm trees, perfect weather, crystal blue waters. It was sickeningly perfect. I was standing in front of a house that looked more or less like every other house on the block. The only things that the place lacked were pretty flowers in the front. Guess my aunt doesn't like to garden.

I followed Cloud up the walkway to the front door. Looking around I guessed that school had let out recently since there were quite a few kids close to my age moving around with backpacks on. I walked into the house and the first thought that ran through my head was, Someone is cooking and I will love them forever if they let me have some of whatever it is.

Cloud looked down at the pile of shoes in the doorway and called, "Sora, I'm home. Kairi and Riku here too?"

Kairi and Riku? Who on earth were they?

"Yeah," a voice called from a room just ahead and to the left.

Cloud went and leaned in the doorway of said room, "Hey, can I borrow some of your clothes?"

There was a pause, then a rather confused, "What? Why?"

Oh, so Sora was left out of the loop too? This should be a fun conversation.

"Not now Sora, can I?" Cloud said, sounding tired.

"Sure… I guess…" the voice replied, apparently wary of what Cloud intended to do with his clothes.

"Thanks," Cloud said before glancing back at me and motioning for me to follow him.

I sighed quietly and followed the other blonde well aware of the looks I got from the three who were in the kitchen. The sound of chairs being pushed back followed me and I shot a glance at the three as I made my way up the stairs.

Two guys and a girl. The girl was a redhead and one of the boys had silver hair (is there some new trend that I'm unaware of?). The other boy was a brunette and I knew he was my cousin since my own eyes were staring back at me. Must be a trait that runs in the family.

I could just hear the other boy asking something and Sora replying something from my place at the top of the stairs. I looked around and saw that there were four doors, more than likely three bedrooms and a bathroom. Cloud walked into the third room and I followed him.

Sora, it would seem, liked the color blue. His walls were painted a dark blue while his blankets were white and blue stripes. He had a desk, bookcase, and dresser. On the top of the desk was a CD player with a rack of CD's next to it. I wandered over to the CD's while Cloud searched for something for me to wear.

I made a face at the happy pop music, but gave him points for having some of the older bands mixed in there as well. At least he wasn't a completely lost cause. Pictures were on top of the dresser, many of them featuring Riku and Kairi at varying ages. It looked like the three had grown up together. There was also one picture of Sora and Cloud, apparently a fairly recent one, both boys smiling and looking like they were ready to take on the world.

I moved away form the pictures to take a glance at the bookcase. Many of the more popular series sat on its selves and I had to wonder if they were really as good as everyone claimed they were. I had never read them myself (how could I of?) but there was enough hype about them that I knew a little bit.

I was about to turn back to Cloud and see what was taking him so long when a lone picture on top of the bookcase caught my eye. There was a man and a woman in it. The woman was holding a baby in her arms, the man had his arm around the woman and there was a little blonde boy standing between them, looking up at the baby with curiosity written across his face.

That boy was Cloud. That meant the baby was Sora.

Who on earth kept pictures of their parents in their room? Don't you see them enough during the day? Come to think of it, I hadn't run into any parents, had I? I frowned at this realization.

"Hey, Cloud?"

"Hm?" the older blonde asked, turning with clothes in his hands.

"Where are your guys' parents?"

There was a horrible silence that followed and it gave me all the answers I needed, "Sorry," I said quietly.

"It's fine," Cloud said with a fake smile, "why don't you go and take a shower?"

I gave a nod as he steered me toward the bathroom and pointed out where everything was. After the blonde left, I stripped out of my clothes in a painfully slow manner. Tight clothes are a bitch to get out of. Once I had triumphed over them, I turned on the water and waited for it to get hot.

I don't care how much others may bitch and whine, showers are the greatest things invented since food. For the first time in a very long time I felt clean and refreshed. That was a most wonderful feeling. I toweled off my hair and looked at my reflection. It had been quiet some time since I had seen myself. My hair had gotten a little longer so that the spikes I used to keep it in bent over a little. I had forgotten how pale I actually was, over time the dirt and grime had given me the appearance of having a tan. I sighed at my reflection and turned to look at the clothes that Cloud had given to me.

A pair of jeans, faded black jeans actually, and a plain white t-shirt. Nothing fancy, but it was clean clothes, and it felt good to be in something that actually fit. I shook my head and sent my hair up into its natural spike. I sighed again and hung up the towel before stepping back out into the house.

Did this house always smell like food? I mean, there are only two people living here, right? How much could they eat? I made my way down the stairs to hear someone moving about the kitchen where Sora and his friends had been earlier. There was a voice that said something quietly and another voice answered, equally quiet.

I paused just outside the kitchen, I was unsure. Should I just walk in? Should I announce my presence? Should I ask if it's ok for me to come in? I must have been over thinking it since I was giving myself a headache. I had finally worked up the courage to just walk in and go with the flow when Sora spoke again.

"Juvenile Hall?"

Those two words shot down any courage I had gathered and left me standing next to the doorway of the kitchen.

"Yeah, and I think he honestly considered going."

I carefully didn't scoff at that. So what if I had given it some thought?

"Why would anyone choose to go?"

"Well, you've heard the stories about our aunt and uncle, Sora."

"Yeah, but they can't be that bad."

"No," I agreed, walking in, "they're so much worse."

Cloud sent me a glance from where he was preparing what I hoped was dinner, "Enjoy your shower?"

I shrugged, focusing solely on Sora. The boy had that deer caught in headlights look. It seemed Cloud had sent Riku and Kairi home since they were nowhere in sight.

"Roxas, right?" Sora asked with a smile.

"What of it?" I asked back, crossing my arms and leaning on the counter.

I expected his smile to falter and for him to stop talking. He did neither.

"So, you're from Midgar? What's the city like?"

"Shitty," I said bluntly, hoping it would make him shut up.

Once again, he did no such thing, "Cloud says you're 16?"

What did I have to do to make this kid leave me alone? I decided to ignore him, without answers maybe he'd stop asking questions.

Cloud gave a quiet sigh that told me he knew the next few days were going to hell, "You hungry Roxas?"

My eyes slid to him and he shoved a plate at me, not bothering to let me respond. I took the plate and shot him a halfhearted glare. I couldn't be too angry, he had given me food after all. I set the plate on the counter next to me and took a bite of the sandwich. It was surprisingly good.

I could feel Sora watching me as Cloud moved around the kitchen. Yes, it was going to be a very hellish next few days.

"Is there a reason you don't talk?"

"Is there a reason you don't shut up?"

Sora shot me a slightly hurt look that I ignored. The kid was annoying, always asking questions and prodding where he didn't belong. Since the house had three bedrooms and one was Cloud's, one was Sora's, and the other was an office for the business Cloud ran (Strife Delivery Service), I ended up having to bunk with Sora. Although, that couch was looking more and more appealing.

"I'm just trying to be nice," Sora muttered to himself.

"Don't bother," I replied.

Sora, as it turned out, had a day bed; meaning under his bed was another bed. So I was lying just below Sora on the spare bed. I really must say, the feeling of a bed and blanket were rather foreign to me. I was not comfortable and I really was tired of listening to Sora.

"But I want to know!" Sora whined, leaning over the edge of his bed, "I don't know anything about you and we're going to be living together."

"You'll get over it," I said bluntly.

"Roxas," Sora said exasperated, "stop trying to be such a tough guy."

I sat up to glare at him, "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You, you're all 'grr-I'm-the-cold-hearted-tough-guy-stay-away-from-me'," Sora said with a grin.

My eyes narrowed at him, "Well sorry if I can't be like you Mr. Sunshine-and-rainbows."

Sora frowned, "I'm not all sunshine and rainbows."

"Could have fooled me," I said, flopping back down onto the bed.

"I have problems too," Sora said.

"Yeah, I know, you're lacking in parents, but you have a home and a brother to take care of you," I spat back at him.

Sora faltered, "Look, I know I haven't lived your life and from what Cloud said it wasn't easy, but you're being given a second chance. Enjoy it."

I looked up at him again, refusing to admit that he was right. I was being given a home and a second chance.

"Fine," I said to him, "just stop asking stupid questions."

I ignored his smile as I turned my back to him to try and get some sleep.

I woke up to Sora tripping over me and landing face first on the floor. I frowned and sat up, looking at him. Sora sat up rubbing his nose and looked at me.

"What on earth are you doing on the floor?"

I blinked up at him and realized that I was indeed lying on the floor. I looked at the bed I had been on where the pillow and blanket still sat.

"I… have no idea," I honestly answered.

Sora made a noise that was close to a groan as he got to his feet and went to his dresser.

I glanced at the clock on the desk and groaned, "Why are you awake?"

"School," he said in a duh tone.

I blinked blankly at him and he stared, "You do go to school, don't you?"

"Oh yes," I said with sarcasm dripping from my tone, "I signed myself up for school and had all those documents and such that are needed to get in."

Sora frowned, "So you haven't been going to school at all?"

"Not since Junior High."

Sora just stared, "Are you serious?"

"Very," I said, lying back down with every intention of going back to sleep.

"You should come with me then," Sora said as he changed, "You can meet the kids around the island that way."

"Hell no," I said into my arm where my head was resting.

"Aw, common. School's not that bad."

"The hell it's not."

Sora sighed, "I thought you were going to take your second chance?"

I opened my eyes to see that he wasn't looking at me so I didn't bother to give him my glare that causes death and destruction. I mulled over what he said for a moment while he moved around the room (doing what I wasn't sure). After a few minutes he came to a stop in front of me. After staring at his shoes for another minute without him moving, I looked up.

"Yes?"

"Are you coming or not?" Sora asked.

I sighed, loudly, in a rather annoyed and overly dramatic fashion (hey, this is school we're talking about here. I'm allowed to bitch and whine), "Fine… I guess…"

Sora smiled brightly, "Great! Now let's find you some clothes!"

He nearly bounced off to his dresser and I tiredly wondered if he had ADHD or something similar. There was a knock on the door before Cloud walked in. He glanced from Sora (who was making quite a mess of his clothes and throwing them about the room in a festive manner) to me. He raised an eyebrow at me and I shrugged in reply.

"What on earth are you doing Sora?" Cloud asked.

"Searching for something suitable for Roxas to wear," Sora replied.

Suitable? He was putting thought into what he was choosing for me? What did he have to go off of? I've known the kid for less then twelve hours for crying out loud!

"Wear? For what?" Cloud asked.

"I'm dragging him to school. He can meet other people our age that way. Plus, he'll have to go there and he'll be more familiar with it," Sora answered, pausing on a shirt before tossing it to me.

It was a black, zip up t-shirt and an over shirt that was white with black stitching and a red collar. A second later, two toned pants were thrown at me. Black on top with white on the bottom, done it such a manner that I felt like I should be in a western. I opened my mouth to say as much when he shoved a checkered armband into my mouth and dropped one white and one black clothed ring on top of the pile. I glared at him and pulled the white and black armband out of my mouth as he bounced out of the room, Cloud shaking his head and following.

I changed into the clothes and found that they looked oddly good. I personally wouldn't have thought of putting them together, but they did work nicely. Accessories were a nice touch as well. I walked down the stairs to where I could smell food and was suddenly grateful for Cloud having come and got me. I grabbed a piece of toast off the plate that Cloud held out to me and went to take a bite.

I paused, a piece of toast a few inches from my mouth. For the first time since we were all separated, I thought about my friends. Guilt overwhelmed me and I started to mentally panic. The cops had said that they had been taken in, but by whom? Where? How would I get a hold of them? Would I ever be able to see them again?

That single thought made the whole world disappear. What if I never saw them again?

"Roxas?"

No, no, no, no! If we were all split up, who would calm Olette down when she woke up in the middle of the night screaming? Who would watch after Pence and make sure he gets over his eating disorder? Who was going to make sure that Hayner never cut himself again? Who was going to take care of Naminé? She was so fragile, so shy, so quiet. Who would watch after them?

"Roxas? You ok?"

No, I was anything but ok! My friends, who was going to take care of them? Sure Hayner was the leader of our group, but who do you think looked after all of them? I was the one who always led the cops away from the rest. I was the one who always silently observed everyone and made sure they never did anything stupid.

I was the one who had stopped Hayner from bleeding to death that day.

I was the one who Olette clung to in those early hours of the morning.

I was the one who Naminé always shared her art with.

I was the one who Pence trusted to keep him from going too far.

Who was going to take care of them?

"Roxas!"

I snapped my head around to look at both Cloud and Sora who were staring at me with such worried expressions. I felt a blush rising to my cheeks and quickly looked at the ground, taking a bite of my toast.

"Roxas? What's wrong?"

"Cloud?" I said, avoiding Sora's question.

"Yeah?"

"Did… did the police say where the others who were with me went?"

"No," Cloud said quietly and I left the chair, heading for the front door.

"Roxas!"

I ignored Sora for about the hundredth time since I had arrived the day before and walked out of the house, nearly slamming into the two people who were about to step onto the porch. There was a pause where we all just stared at one another, too shocked by the other's sudden presence to really comprehend what was going on. Sora appeared in the doorway, breaking through the confused, awkward air that had settled around us.

"Riku, Kairi, you're early," Sora said, causing all of us to look at him.

Riku and Kairi didn't stay looking at him for long though as their attention soon turned back to me. Have I ever mentioned that I hate being the center of attention? Well I do, and whenever I find myself the center of attention I panic. So, being the brilliant person that I am, I decided to shove past them and continue my original escape.

Sora made a frustrated noise and grabbed my wrist, "Will you stop running away! Geeze…"

I turned and shot him a glare, only to find him glaring back. I had to give the kid some credit, for being all sunshine and rainbows he had a pretty decent glare.

"Let. Me. Go," I said through my teeth.

"We're going to school," he said, nearly through his own teeth.

"I changed my mind."

"You'll get lost."

"It's a small town, I'll figure it out."

"Uh, guys?"

We both spun to look at Kairi, "What?"

Kairi blinked at us and I doubted that she'd ever had Sora snap at her before, "What's going on?"

Sora winced a little, apparently sorry for having snapped, "This is my cousin, Roxas."

"Oh," Kairi said, clearly having not expected that, "Well, welcome to Destiny Islands Roxas."

"Whatever," I said, pulling my arm away from Sora.

He watched me for a moment, then seemed to decide that I wasn't going to bolt and walked back to the house to get his school bag. I crossed my arms and stared out at the horizon angrily.

If the others weren't here, whom would I go to when I needed to cry myself to sleep?