Chapter 4 the Lost Brothers
"Once upon a time, Radiant Garden was a great world ruled by a great ruler, Ansem, who dedicated everything he had to his people so they could live their lives in prosperity and happiness. It had been that way all along, and for a while it seemed like it would stay that way… Until…a certain group of people arrived. They came from every direction around the world, and settled in and put Radiant Garden as the center of their illegal acts. From then on, one criminal led to another…and another…and another. They invaded this world to the point where the troubles and crime couldn't be reversed.
"The good old ruler endeavored to bring back peace again, with his good apprentices. They managed to prevent the world from falling apart, but one fateful day, his presence was suddenly absence. The citizens could only assume that he was dead, then the throne fell into the hands of his number one apprentice by legal document."
"No sooner than that, Radiant Garden was once again flowing with criminals. The world then ran down with corruption. People were no longer happy. Some of them tried protesting but found themselves dead for standing up against the new laws. They were unable to change things. Many citizens who could afford to pick up and leave did so. While some had to remain, they were much less brave than the ones that tried to stand against the awful changes."
"The world's name was done for, and it changed into Hollow Bastian. And that's where we are today…" Axel drawled at the last word, spreading his hands.
Roxas nodded and asked, "What's the name of this apprentice, the bad ruler?
"Ah!" Axel mocked exclaim, "Good. You managed to catch onto the main idea. The apprentice is the big cheese. He's our enemy. His name is Xemnas."
"Xemnas," Roxas echoed. "So the organization's goal is to bring him down?"
"Bingo," Axel snapped his fingers.
"Can't the Organization just locate this guy?"
"You're fast, you get to the point," Axel complimented.
"It's easy to figure out that much. From what I've seen anyways…I assume that the Organization would do anything, per se, conducting immoral act, just to defeat Xemnas. The Organization would have done that already if they knew this Xemnas's whereabouts. If that's not the case, then maybe this Xemnas is very strong, and possesses a powerful barrier for himself?"
The sound of clapping filled the night air, followed by Axel's amused tone, "Impressive, Roxas. You got it all right!"
Roxas looked away. He was far from being proud. He had always been fast with complications. Many times it saved him from trouble, but many other times he wished he wouldn't have anything to do with it.
"So the Organization believes that the small fries we search randomly on our patrol will lead us to the big cheese?"
"You're half correct on this one," Axel grinned, "Big cheese, aka, Xemnas is ruining the world. Small fries meanwhile are destroying people's lives. We need to save both."
"That's almost kind of you guys." That somewhat compliment was attached with a mocking tone. Roxas considered himself who didn't want anything to do with anyone, let alone any other worlds. Back home he'd had a few close friends and only his brother. They were the only ones he cared about. He had been pretty much contented with the way things had been going. He wasn't like Sora who was always buddy buddy with everyone, and obsessed with helping people out of their miseries. Lending a hand to strangers just was not Roxas's element.
While Roxas wallowed in his own thoughts, Axel spotted something lurking in the corner. He nudged the younger boy. "Speak of the devil, here are some small fries now."
That night, Roxas didn't find himself free from the sight of blood and death.
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When morning came, Sora bolted right up. The most fearful event in his life had left him with lingering awareness. But once he realized he was in Kairi's place, he let himself fall back down on the cushions with a sigh.
Clearing his mind, he pushed himself up, and met the small lights that filtered through the small windows. Getting up, he paced to the door, feeling that there should have been things to do. In front of his room, he found some articles he needed for a day. On them, a small note written, 'Morning, Sora. I gotta go to school, I'll bring my help along after school. Once you get ready, come out and find a woman in pink, kay? See you! Kairi :)'
The boy broke into a smile, organizing his hopes into place. Maybe help wasn't so far out of reach afterall.
After he was done, he did as told.
The door he opened led to the front of the café where few customers were sitting about, having their morning drinks, and socializing. Sora found himself behind the counter and there he met a young woman in pink.
"Er…miss?" Sora called, unsure.
The young woman turned, noticing Sora, she smiled. Said woman was several inches taller than Sora. She had kind emerald green eyes and brown, braided hair. The soft scent of flowers lingered about her. She looked mysteriously beautiful. When she spoke her voice was soft and sweet. "You must be Sora. I'm Aerith. Kairi requested me to look after you while she's gone at school."
"Um, okay." The boy returned the smile, already taken a like in her. After all, she was Kairi's friend, he trusted the source. "I'm Sora, but you know that. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise. I'll fix you some brunch, just sit and relax, okay?"
"Brunch?" Sora asked as he swept his eyes over the room, spotting a clock that read 11.45. "I slept in!"
A warm hand landed on Sora's shoulder, and Aerith said, "Don't worry about it. Kairi briefed me on what had happened, you must be exhausted. Take it easy, okay?"
That said, Aerith prepared some food for Sora. While the boy had his meal behind the counter, he observed people. They all looked normal. So he believed this must have been the world that mixed with light and darkness.
Once he was done, Aerith suggested he go out for a walk for some air, but warned him not to wonder too far off since it was safe only in vicinity. Sora decided against it when more customers filled the café and addressed to the young woman, "I think you could use my help."
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"What are you doing?"
Roxas narrowed his eyes as he tossed a brief glance over his shoulder, confirming that the redhead was indeed there. Roxas only had three hours of sleep, not to mention the bad dreams that had pestered him out of sleep at least five times. After all, the sights of blood were never pretty to his eyes. His mind was far from functioning properly.
"It's only almost twelve, your body won't hold up for long without rest. Where the heck do you think you're going anyway?" Axel spoke through a yawn, standing in front of his room in his pajamas.
Roxas' hand fisted against the maindoor of their quarters, desperate to get out. It would have been so much easier if it weren't for the pass code, but it didn't mean that it could stop him. "It's daylight, I'm free to do whatever I want, go wherever I want to go. I didn't go against the timetable, so you can't stop me."
"You're gonna go look for your brother, aren't you?" Axel knew he was right. "Hold on a minute-, will you? Let me get ready…you don't have to will me away with that glare, you'll need me anyways."
"Who says I need you?" Roxas grounded out.
"Okay, fine." Axel crossed his arms over his chest. "See if you can get pass that door by the time I gear myself up. If you still couldn't…then I'm your last ticket out of here, for today, that is." With that, Axel disappeared into his room.
To Axel's surprise, Roxas didn't really need him on the pass code's part. When Axel was all geared, he found Roxas opening the door. The younger boy was startled to see Axel by the time he managed to crack the code, then his blue eyes narrowed into boredom. He wasn't afraid of being found he could deal with that… He just hadn't anticipated the guy to tag along.
Roxas growled, "I'll be back by 9.30PM" He jabbed a finger at his skull. "The damn chip, remember? I can't friggin' escape anyway!"
"Keep it down, kid. You'll wake the others up. I assure you that they're not as lenient as I," Axel warned which effectively quieted Roxas. "Look, kid. Without me, you're as good as a lost boy. You need someone to guide you."
Roxas eyed Axel suspiciously. Why was Axel helping him? Was Axel just being kind? No, kind wasn't the word that Roxas had in mind for this organization. Did Axel have a secret purpose for doing this? He thought this over as his feet crossed the threshold and paced purposefully. Footsteps behind him echoed.
Once they saw the light of the outside world, Roxas said without looking at his pursuer. "I won't owe you for anything."
"Sure, good to go?"
Roxas had one more riddle in that, but he'd save if for later, now he ought to find his broher.
Much to Roxas's chagrin, he had needed Axel to lead the way out of the stronghold. While Roxas told himself he could make it on his own on trial and error if only time was on his side. Yet, Axel's lack of taunt kept Roxas's cool and they headed off.
"So…are there any particularly kind of place you'd think he'd be?" Axel posted airily.
Lifting his eyes skyward, Roxas stated, "Sora always ends up in places with people who needs help." Roxas closed his eyes, recalling when Sora had called it a gift, but Roxas labeled it as more of a curse.
"Whoa, that's basically everywhere."
"Figures…" Roxas said as he thought, 'Crap.'
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"Sorry, Kai. I'm not available today."
"What? Why? Won't you even listen first?"
Riku stared at his cell phone in frustration, wanting to hang it up. Helping his friends was what he couldn't resist doing, but at the time, his mind was constantly occupied with Sora. He didn't want anything else, not when Sora hadn't yet been found.
"I have a very important task to do, but yeah, I'll listen," Riku managed, he could listen while he was looking.
"Okay, there's this boy-"
RRR…
It was from Yuffie, that meant it involved Sora.
"Ah, Kai, sorry. There's another line I've got to answer." Without waiting for response, Riku switched the line. "Yuffie? Did you guys find him?"
"Hey, Riku. No, I'm calling on behalf of Squall to notify you that…You do have an adulterated substance in your blood. You were drugged, Riku, just like your friend. It's Phencyclidine. The drug has been known to alter mood states in an unpredictable fashion."
"Oh…right," Riku thought sourly.
"The chemicals in your blood are very thin, nothing lethal, but we'd better be on the safe side. How are you feeling so far?"
"I'm…fine," Riku managed through troubled mind.
"Squall told me what happened; it's not really a surprise for such thing to happen when you attend to Black Market. It was already a miracle that you haven't done anything catastrophic."
A breathe caught in Riku's throat. He buried his forehead in his hands. Now the answer was there. Both Sora and he were drugged, they were plummeted into spirals of depression. Sora was immoderately frightened while Riku himself was excessively angry and then he'd… lost control.
"After school, you'll come, right? Before we go to look for your friend, we'll run some blood tests again. Well, see you after school then."
The conversation ended, leaving Riku alone with his thoughts.
There was a riddle…who was responsible for this? Sora must have been drugged at some point when he'd been brought to the Black Market. But Riku had kept his mind alert and vigilant all the time; he had refused all kinds of treats.
Who could it be? And what for?
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Sora had been helping Aerith with the customers all afternoon. He learned that Paopu Café was owned by Kairi and Selphie, their opening hours ranged randomly, depending on their free time and helping hands.
Sora also learned that Aerith aced knowledge about other worlds, but only in theories, nothing practical to help him out of the situation. Therefore, his anticipation came to an end when Kairi returned, only with Selphie.
"I'm sorry, Sora. My friend who I believed could help you didn't show up at school today. He seemed to be busy with something. But I'll try again tomorrow."
Sora's expression mirrored her long face for a brief moment before he masked it with a bright smile. "Don't worry about it." Then he lifted his chin. "I'll go look for my brother."
"Sora, it's dangerous out there. Please trust me, I know for sure that my friend can help you, if you could wait a little, this place is safe." Kairi affirmed, Selphie nodding along with her.
"Well, er…if it is okay with you-"
"For you to extend your stay? Of course, it's okay!"
"I really appreciate that, but I still have to look for Roxas a bit." Sora's eyes turned toward the window, "I still got time before sundown, right?"
"I'm coming with you." Kairi said.
Sora gaped at her and quickly waved, "No no no, I can't bother you that much!"
"You're not. Besides, you'll get lost." Kairi opted to warn instead of asking around.
"After your unfortunate event yesterday, you should lay low for a while, Kairi," Aerith inserted, "I'll go with Sora."
"Ah! No, I don't want to trouble you either, Aerith," Sora raised.
"What trouble?" Aerith asked in a sweet voice, implying that she didn't want an answer and headed off, "Come on."
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"Dammit!" Roxas slammed his fist against one of the chunks of fallen walls.
Their entire day was spent searching but all they earned were fruitless efforts. Hollow Bastian was much bigger than Destiny Island. So far, Roxas had only been looking in the par of outskirts, according to Axel. Now Roxas understood that Axel wouldn't be assisting his search. Axel only made sure that he wouldn't get lost, or more like keeping him quarantine. What was he hoping for from the redhead anyway?
"Mellow out a bit, kid. Don't go stressing yourself," Axel whistled casually. "Cool it off and you'll be able to think."
Glowering at the redhead, Roxas hissed. "What is there to think about! I just need to look-!" Roxas halted, when a very significant something crossed his mind. "Wait…" he jerked his head to Axel. "That guy…Diz, mentioned about my brother in a safe place. He knew it, right? He knew where Sora is!"
Axel shrugged. "Well, he did. But take my advice kid, you don't wanna mess with him. His nerves easily come down to nothing, and your head is in his hand."
Roxas winced. The pain that was injected to him back there was embedded in his very heart. He could almost taste the pain by the mention of it. "But…still I have to know."
By the time night was approaching, Roxas was forced to leave their last search area, which was the ruins of the castle gate.
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"Sora, we shouldn't go farther than this," Aerith warned as she stopped. The boy looked back at her. "Beyond that were the ruins of castle gate, most perils occur out there. Please keep that in mind, this Bailey is as far as you should go." She looked out to the wide gap, noting the sun was sinking from the horizon.
Sora followed her gaze. From there, he could see how much more of the outskirt that he hadn't searched, yet was warned not to. Far, right in front of him was an odd shaped castle. "Who lives there?"
"No one. Long ago, the great peril between the former and current ruler of this world broken out in there, now it was left the ruins"
That led Sora into the history of the world.
When he was sent back to the café, Sora had been considering leaving Kairi's place to go look for Roxas without the limitations of boundary and time. Somehow, he trusted Kairi, and whatever help Kairi had been meaning to bring, he'd trust that too.
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Somewhere beyond the Bailey…
"The product from Destiny Island isn't in that kid's hands anymore. No. IV reported that he fled from the boy's and hadn't returned within a day. Your plan on corrupting their bonds must have worked."
A silver haired man cloaked in black turned to regard his follower. His amber eyes narrowed at the statement and complimented, "Excellent."
"Then, I can end this charade?"
"Indeed, go ahead with retrieving the boy and the disposal of the Organization." The silver-haired man, Xemnas ordered.
"How I've waited to hear that." The blue-haired man with a significant scar of an X on his face smiled benevolently. Yet, he questioned, "Our target is only Diz?"
"Don't bother the small fries. Once Xehanort is over with, the Organization will become bodies without a head."
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As Axel and Roxas neared the organization's base, they knew something was wrong. There were unspoken words between them as they looked over far ahead, catching sight of black smoke rising up high above of where their place must have been.
"Shit!" Cursed Axel as he dragged Roxas to go faster and they rushed to the scene.
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Okay, I guess you can tell who the antagonists will be?