A.N.: Wow, eighteen reviews!! I never thought I'd get THAT MANY reviews for the first chapter! You guys are awesome! So I'd like to thank: Purpoise-chan, White Simplicity, kh is my life, xxKingdom Hearts-Fanxx, Emerald31, MistyRose14, nightmareofyou, franchi, chibi minamoto, x The Random Vampire x, ben67321, roxas-kh, Sayshello3, Darc Oblivion, hikari-chan210, otoru-onii, Doggone2dog, and Demon Dragon Angel!! (I know a good deal of you changed your pennames, so sorry for using your old ones)You guys have made my while!!
Well, enough of you gave me your opinions from the last chapter to decide how this story will go from here on out. And it will STILL be five chapters overall, so I hope you love of what's more to come.
It's time for me to shut my mouth and get to work. So, without much delay, let's premiere the second installment!!
Bold: Emphasized words.
Italics: Slightly emphasized words, quotes, flashbacks…and anything else I can think of.
"What Happens After Next?"
By
Malcolm Yuy
Chapter 2: The Things I Get Myself Into
"WHAT?!"
What in the hell did I just agree to?!
"SORA!!" I yelled as I angrily stopped back from our room and into the kitchen. My blue eyes glared as I looked around, trying to look for their guilty target. Only…
..to find him missing as the entrance to the dorm swiveled. I bared my teeth as Axel joined my side.
"What was all that about back there..? Did I miss something?" my porcupine-headed friend scratched his head in confusion as I sighed in annoyance.
"Nothing you don't need to know." The redhead raised his emerald eyes in response as he raced to block me from the doorway.
"Hey hey hey! How does this NOT involve me exactly..? Didn't you just say that you don't want to be single anymore..? That's major news!" exclaimed Axel. I just rolled my eyes as I looked at him.
"Well I'm glad you're excited Captain Ecstatic," I said sarcastically. I huffed as I looked towards the entrance. I just heard my companion's voice from behind.
"You know it would be pointless, going out there to go look for him," he stated.
"I know that. But when he does get back, and he'll HAVE to eventually…let's just say he won't be so 'happy-go-lucky' anymore," I quoted in my hissy fit. Axel just chuckled at my comment, amusement glowing in his green orbs.
"Good luck with that. Meanwhile, I think I'm going to call Larxene and see if she has anything planned. Maybe I'll get to catch a matinee with her, if you know what I mean," Axel grinned mischievously. I just elbowed him in the chest, cutting off some circulation to his lungs.
"Just go away you perv," I said. The fiery redhead just wigged a finger in my direction.
"Pyro perv," he simply sentenced. I just rolled my eyes.
"Whatever." Axel just walked off to the other adjoining room within the dorm. I just shook my dirty-blond head as I looked down upon the white tiled floor of the mini-kitchen.
What am I going to do now…?
"Have you seen my pins-and-needles excuse for a cousin..?" I asked as I now stood in a small grey room, with two beds on each side, with adjoining desks to the right of them in a corner, computer notebooks abound. In the center of the room lied a little dresser drawer with a TV and two different game consoles on top.
"You mean Sora..? Yeah, a few minutes ago. Why ask?" Aquamarines watched me behind shaggy silver bangs. I scratched the back of my head as I observed my cousin's best friend.
I've known Riku as long as I can remember…and let's just say, with his physique, he can charm the female student body like there's no tomorrow. It's sort of sickening, really…
Maybe it's because I'm single that I sort of envy this guy. And being envy is NOT good…at least not in my book.
I sighed as I looked to the side. "Because he may have gotten me into something I didn't want to get into," I answered before I rested my eyes for a second. As I opened them, I noticed Riku crossing his muscular arms as he examined me. He arched an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Like what exactly..?" I scratched my head as I thought back to earlier…
"So, have you thought about it..?"
"Thought about what?"
"Yeah, and I've decided...I no longer want to be single."
"Great. 'Cause I signed you up for Music Vision's Next
"Like signing me up for Next, that's what. This is so infuriating…" Riku couldn't help but laugh as he took in my response.
"Well I didn't think Sora would do something like that…by the way, aren't you celibate?" I simply gave him an icy glare.
"Did he tell you that too..?" If Sora did, I swear, when I find that kid…I'm going to wring his neck in. I don't care if he's two months older than me; I'll mutilate him.
Riku just gave me a smirk. "Maybe. What does it matter anyway? It's true, right..?" he questioned. I was about to bare my teeth at him, but I exhaled a breath of air as I suddenly began to calm down.
Maybe I'm taking this way too seriously…
Oh, who am I kidding? That punk relative of mine is going down.
"It used to be true, but it isn't anymore. Right as I told him that I no longer wanted to be single, he goes and does something like this…without my approval," I added. Riku just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, at least he's trying to help…"
"Yeah, before I even indicated that I wanted a girlfriend…idiot," I mumbled the last part to myself. Riku heard me as he lightly chuckled at my latter word.
"I'm sorry for your trouble man. What are you going to do if you find him?" my silver-haired acquaintance inquired.
"Probably beat the living crap out of him…then get him to sign me off of that show," I replied. Riku just shook his head.
"Well I would help, but I have other things to do…" he trailed off as I nodded my head.
"Okay then, I'll talk to you later. Thanks Riku."
"No prob." I got up from my seat on the bed across from my cousin's platinum-headed companion, before making my way towards the bedroom door. Before I managed to step outside though, I heard Riku's voice reach my ears. "Oh, and Roxas..?" I turned my head to glance into his sea-green eyes.
"Yeah..?"
"If I recall correctly, I think Sora went to visit your cult…" I blinked my blue orbs for a moment.
"My cult? It's a fraternity Riku, NOT a cult. And why would Sora visit my fraternity?" I glared at him. He just smirked at me in response.
"Hell if I know…anyways, I'll catch you later. As I said earlier, I got stuff to do." he said. I gave him a small smile as I waved at him, before leaving the dorm altogether.
"Alright, later."
"Later."
I still can't believe Riku called my fraternity a cult. But, he does have point there…I can see why he related it to a cult.
And in a few moments, that relation will become clear.
I sighed as I looked up at an old, white house. On the front were three Greek letters, etched in black: ΟΡΓ. In other words, if someone wanted to know the name of my fraternity…it's known as Omicron Rho Gamma.
Omicron Rho Gamma was only a recently founded fraternity that was founded when I began attending this university. And so far…
Membership has been exclusive. As of right now, counting myself, we only have thirteen members.
I placed my hands in my pants pockets as I dragged myself up the steps of the small porch, passing the noir-colored railing, before knocking upon the white portals of the building. An eye-level panel slid to the side as green eyes observed me through the darkness.
"What's the password?" a masculine voice asked. I smirked as I gazed into this guy's irises. I knew who this buffoon was.
"Key of Destiny," I answered. The slot closed, before I heard the knob twist open as the door opened to reveal a white male wearing a black, zipped-up robe with a hood covering his face. He also wore matching black boots and leather gloves to match. A smirk appeared on the guy's face as I could feel him regard me from under his hood.
"So, what's going on Number Thirteen..?" he asked with a mysterious edge in his voice. I just rolled my eyes at him before I spoke.
"Nothing Demyx. I was hoping to speak with Xemnas," I simply replied. The guy now identified as "Demyx" pulled back his hood to reveal a spiked mullet, and irritated, healthy, leave-colored orbs.
"Oh come on man! I'm Number Nine! Show me some respect! And you know never to call the Superior by his name…slacker," Demyx stated as he placed his hands on his hips. I just rolled my eyes at him again.
"Whatever, Melodious Nocturne. Is the Superior here?" I questioned. The other blond nodded as he jutted his thumb towards a room in the back.
"Yeah. You should know where he is." Demyx offered me a glimpse of a smile. I returned one in kind.
"Thanks. I'll talk to you later man."
"Later Roxas." I then trudged up towards the left, approaching a coat rack, which right now held thirteen hooks, which each member's name inscribed above their assorted outfit. I took my "uniform" and boots and changed into my outfit. As I slid my gloves to fit upon my hands, an interesting thought occurred to me…
Maybe Riku was right when he said my fraternity was a cult. I mean, we wear dark outfits, and we have all these codes and nicknames for each other…and we don't exactly do things that normal fraternities do…
Damn you Riku. I am in a cult.
I managed a sigh before I walked towards the Meeting Room. Man, was I glad it was air-conditioned in here, or I would be burning up. I had my hands grip my hood as I approached the entrance to the Superior's office. "Here we go…" I then lifted my hood as I had it cover my face, with only my bangs poking out. I then turned the knob as I entered the enclosed area.
Our meeting room was like our frat house; white, with white chairs enclosed in a huge, spaced circle, though our leader's sat a little distanced from the rest. I saw silver hair, tan skin, and golden ovals glimmer at me as I made my way towards him. A small smile graced his mouth as I kneeled before him.
"Ah, Key of Destiny, how nice of you to come visit. Is there anything I can do for you today?" My bangs masked my face as I looked through them to observe Xemnas from my position.
Xemnas Mesna was the founder and leader of Omicron Rho Gamma. His major was in business and bio-engineering. He would be graduating this year. Though he may seem cold and intimidating on the outside, once people get to know him, he's a cool guy, though you don't want to get on the receiving end when he does get angry. Anyway…
I coughed before I formulated an answer. "There is something I'd like to ask Superior," I plainly said. Xemnas just dimly nodded his head.
"Yes? What is it Thirteen?" he inquired. My blue eyes turned to view the white floor below me.
"Well, I was wondering…if you've seen my cousin around. Riku…" Xemnas grunted. I groaned. "The one they call Riku told me that he might be here, or might've been here. Is this true Superior?" I just hated how I had to be so…subservient some times. I felt like I was a character in a role-playing game.
Xemnas continued to regard me through his brusque appearance. He then cleared his voice as he prepared to reply. "Yes Key of Destiny, what you ask is true. The one we call 'Sora' was here previously. He spoke with the Graceful Assassin and the Melodious Nocturne. I think it had something to do with your troubles, yes?" I silently bared my teeth as my elder chuckled.
That Sora…was he ever going to get it now.
"So he did tell them about what I said earlier..?"
"If you talked to him in regards about no longer being by yourself, then yes, he did discourse about that," Xemnas responded. I nodded. I was about to speak when he added, "But even though I can feel your rage, I am glad you have decided to no longer be alone. Humans are social creatures by nature, Key of Destiny, and I would find it saddening if you ended up being in the minority." I stood up to observe Xemnas, giving him an upside-down frown, revealing my pearly whites.
"Thank you, Superior…I have one last question, and then, I will leave. Do you happen to know where my relative may have gone?" I questioned. Xemnas scratched his chin as he thought about it.
"I think he said he was heading to the Food Court. Good luck finding him Key of Destiny," Xemnas stated. I smirked.
"Thanks." I then turned my back to my leader as I began making my way out of the Meeting Room. Before I could leave though, Xemnas caught my attention again.
"Oh, and Roxas…" I turned my head to glance at him over my shoulder. "Next time you do see Sora, could you ask him to join? We're always in need of new blood after all," he requested. I softly chuckled at the notion.
"I'll see what I can do. Goodbye Superior," I said.
"Goodbye, Key of Destiny…"
Man, was I glad to get out of the frat house. It's hard to see in that robe. That, and I found it unsettling when I heard Xemnas cackle as I left the Meeting Room. I swear sometimes, that guy is c-r-a-z-y…
Now, where is Sora..? I sure don't see him anywhere…
Is this some big joke? It's like everyone's sending me on some big goose chase…and I'm the fool trying to catch the goose…
Or in this case, my cousin…anyways, this is beginning to get really redundant.
Now, if only I could find him…my eyes wavered around the food court as I searched for a certain idiotic moron with light, brown, spiky hair. Unfortunately for me though, I didn't spot anyone that resembled that dork. But I did see someone I know…he caught my glance, smiling as he began to advance towards me.
"Hey Roxas, what's up..?" Dark-colored orbs looked at me in happiness as I managed a small expression in return.
"Nothing much Pence, just looking for my spike-ball of a cousin. Have you seen him anywhere?" I questioned. The black-haired sophomore shook his head as he held his lunch tray.
"No, sorry. Why? Did he break your skateboard again?" I grimaced as I recounted that memory.
But, before I remember how that happened, I want to back up for a moment to point out who Pence is.
Pence has been one of my best friends since I was little, along with…well, you should know who I'm thinking about. I don't feel like saying his name. Despite not having the best of upbringings, the night-headed young man was optimistic and hopeful as any normal human could be.
However, there was one time when we didn't see eye-to-eye.
And that was when I broke up with Olette. Now, since…what's-his-face was also best friends with Pence, he was caught in-between us. And at first, he couldn't even digest the fact that our so-called "friend" had betrayed me, as well as my now ex-girlfriend.
It took him only one photo to find out how wronged I was. He apologized for not believing me, and our friendship resumed. And it's never been any smoother.
Now, to recount the comment he said, Sora did break my skateboard one time at the nearby skatepark, and all-the-while when he was trying to perform a fifty-fifty grind on a set of rails. I was so pissed when I saw him fall off, my board falling off before breaking in two.
Though, I had to admit at the time, the board was pretty old. And it was funny seeing the brunet on his bum.
But back to the present…I shook my head as I observed my companion.
"No, he didn't do that…though maybe it would've been better if he did," I implied. Pence just had to chuckle.
"Well then, let's sit down, and you can tell me all about it…" I nodded as we then moved, finding a small table to sit at. We sat across from each other as he began eating, while I placed my elbows on the table. As he munched on a piece of lettuce from his salad, his noir eyes found my sky blues. "So, what did Sora do..?" I narrowed my orbs as I looked to the side.
"Signed me up for MusicVision's Next, that's what," I answered.
"Next? Isn't that that show where either a guy or girl dates five people, and if they don't like them, they kick them to the curb for the next person..?" I nodded my head. I then pointed a finger upwards to add-on to what my dark-haired friend stated.
"And, not only that, but they make a bill of munny for every minute they last. And whoever makes it to the end of the date can either go on a second, or, as the show puts it, 'take the munny and run,'" I replied. Pence nodded his head.
"I see. I can see why you'd be so pissed right now. If any of my friends did that to me, I'd be looking for some vengeance in a heartbeat." I slightly laughed at his choice of words.
"I'm glad you agree then. So, what's going on in your life?" Pence just gave a slight nudge of his shoulders.
"Oh you know, the usual…studying, taking pictures…studying. Man, I hate college sometimes," he answered. I inclined my head.
"I know. Me too…but you're going to need college for the most part if you want to have a good life," I mentioned. Pence then became the one on my side.
"True that." He then began eating more of his food. We then stayed quiet for a few moments, until Pence finished his meal. He then took a sip of his soda as his irises glanced around the room. "Well, I don't see Sora anywhere…have you tried anywhere else?" he questioned. I closed my eyes as I emitted a tired sigh.
"Yeah…Riku's dorm, my frat house, and now here…do you know of any place he might be?" I asked in return. Pence gave a thoughtful look, before returning to meet my stare.
"Well, the only place I could think of is the SAC…"
"Then I'll try there then. I have nowhere else I could go," I commented. My night-haired friend nodded his head.
"Well then, good luck."
"Thanks. Everyone's been saying that." We then both broke out into a laugh.
"Yeah, and you're going to need it, knowing Sora…" a smile broke onto my features.
"I know."
Memo to self: next time I see Sora, kill him…
I mentally sighed as I found myself at the Student Activity Center, or SAC, sitting at a couch in the rest area of the building. I rested my eyes as I scratched my head.
Why did I think I could possibly find him out here..? Man, am I stupid…I opened my orbs as I looked at the light-colored walls that were situated across from me.
Finding my cousin is turning out to be more of a chore than I would've guessed…and when I find him, I'm going to beat the living-
"Hey Roxas…"
What was I going to say now..? Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter. I've finally found the source of my recent problem…and now I'm going to take care of it.
"You!" I bared my teeth in anger. I finally envisioned the person I wanted to tear apart since this whole ordeal started…
Sora.
And now, he was running away. I got up from my seat as I broke into a run after him. I emerged out of the SAC, and accelerated as I saw that spike-head run towards the Food Court. As soon as I caught up to him…
I tackled him like there was no tomorrow. We both collided with a humpf as we hit the ground. I then began shaking him.
"Why in the hell did you sign me up for that TV show huh..? To get a few laughs? You know how much I'm going to kill you now!!" I angrily exclaimed. My cousin just yelled his head off as people in the surrounding area were looking at us. "Answer me!" I shouted.
"I thought it would help your situation! I'm sorry!!" I then pushed my relative away as I got up. Sora sighed as he followed my example and dusted himself off. "Gosh, I didn't think you'd be this angry about it." I just placed my hands on my hips.
"Yeah, well I didn't know you'd do this either. And why would you do something like this when I didn't even decide whether I'd be dating again at the time..?" Sora just faintly nodded his head.
"Because I thought it might help. Look at it this way Roxas; it's just a blind date. And maybe if you're lucky, you won't even have to meet the girl. I just thought that signing you up would help you out of your doldrums," the brunet responded. I blinked my eyes as I took all of this in.
Maybe he did have a point. I mean, Next is just a televised blind date. And since there's a one-in-five chance I'll go out to meet the girl, I might not get a chance if another guy catches her eye first. Heck, maybe I'll be the last guy to go out. It might not be so bad...
"Roxas..?" I snapped out of my reverie as my orbs blinked to eye my cousin.
"Well, maybe you're right. I'm sorry man. I may have overreacted a little," I said. Sora offered me one of the grins we shared.
"That's all right. And I'm sorry I did what I did. But results won't come in until Sunday afternoon, and even then, the show won't come here 'till next week." I raised my eyebrows in interest.
"And how did you let them know about me..?"
"By masquerading as you through your e-mail address…I even sent them a pic of you; again, I apologize," Sora said in a heartfelt voice. I managed a smile as I wrapped a friendly arm around his shoulders.
"Don't worry about it. Maybe it won't be so bad…" I trailed off as we began walking off towards the dorm. Sora slightly chuckled at my statement.
"Yeah, maybe…"
And so, Friday and Saturday went by…and before I knew it, Sunday afternoon had come. I went into my e-mail program as I waited for my inbox to receive my mail. Both Axel and Sora crowded around me as I clicked on my inbox folder.
"Sora, would you get your spiky head out of the way? It's crowding my view," Axel remarked. I could only hear voices behind me as I eagerly scanned my messages. If I did turn to look behind me, I think I would've seen my relative roll his ovals at my emerald-eyed friend.
"Just shut up Axel…your view is perfectly fine. You just want to hog all of the viewing space," he said. The redhead smirked.
"Exactly, exactly…" he then trailed off as he decided to speak to me now. "So Rox, anything yet..?" I shook my head.
"No, not-wait," I said. I then found an e-mail with a heading that took my attention: Your Next Results…I then read the entry in itself.
And the results were…
Did Roxas get in..? And if he did, what other guys will he have to deal with? And what about Sora and Kairi's anniversary..? All this and more will be answered in the next chapter of What Happens After Next?!
Well my reviewers, the Second Chapter has come to a close. I hope you enjoyed this one as much as the first one, and the decision that came out from everyone's/my response from the poll in the first chapter. I thank you all for your opinions.
I'm off to work on my Sokai now…and school will start for me on Wednesday…man I'm going to be busy. Anywho, please review, and as always, have a good week! Take care, and 'till next time, au revoir.- Malcolm Yuy