o.O ...

eheh...hey there (waves tentatively as she steps out from the shadows) s'been a while huh? I mean, yeah, I've submitted the random oneshot but...an ACTUAL update?! I KNOW! it's been FOREVER!! (falls over) But seriously, I was in a dejected slump, practically brainwashed through sporradic eating and sleeping habits along with constant, and I do mean CONSTANT, rping with Ems. PLEASEDON'TKILLMEOMGWTFBBQ! (flails and runs away again).

Disclaimer: Ramen does not own Kingdom Hearts or the characters. All she owns is the plot and story idea.

(comes back out of hiding again, slowly) erm...yeeeaaaah...anyhoodles, I've decided to put my own interpretations and add a LOT of fiction into this story. I'll still keep as much of reality with magic(k), wiccan and witches as I can, but that's boring...I'm gonna add some FLARE to it. So if something doesn't seem to quite fit and/or doesn't fly with you knowledgable ones out there, I'm sorry...but it's what my imagination created, not reality. So BACK OFF! EEP! (runs off at the senseless shouting).

...yeah, enjoy...or something...DON'T HURT MEEEEEE! (flails)

My second day in the new house alone could be summarized in a single word.

Boring.

I spent the morning wandering from room to room, becoming unnerved by every shadow, jumping at every little noise, and just plain making an ass out of myself. I felt like such a little scardey cat the way I was skittish at the sight of my own shadow on the wall. After a good two hours of wandering aimlessly and managing to scare the shit out of myself, I finally went down to the first floor and sat on the couch, glaring at the blank screen of the television. I wasn't a TV kind of person anyways. I briefly thought about taking a walk, but I really didn't know my way around the neighborhood and I didn't fancy being lost.

I reminded myself that there was always the option of going over and visiting with Demyx and Aku…Axel. Damn it, even in my head I called him Akuseru. What was with that urge anyways? Not that I much cared. I realized that my brain was simply doing what my body had done all morning. Wandering.

I didn't help that I barely got any sleep last night. It wasn't that I had bad dreams or anything; in fact, it wasn't anything tangible that had kept me from sleep. It was just…I kept replaying that moment I had with Aku…damn it, Axel, yesterday. I didn't even know the guy, and I'd let him…I blushed as I reached up to rub my neck. And why did that spot still burn? Particularly whenever I thought about Akuseru?

…fuck it, I'm not correcting myself anymore…

Standing, I wandered (I do nothing but wander…) over to the staircase. I stood in the foyer, just staring up towards the second floor. Now that I thought about it, I haven't really taken the time to really explore the second floor. I mean, I was up there briefly on the first day, and I went up there a couple times when I helped mom get some of the furniture into the study. As far as I knew, the entire second story was empty. We didn't exactly have enough furniture to fill the place, and a majority of it was in either our bedrooms or the first floor.

Suddenly curious, more out of sheer boredom than anything else, I headed towards the stairs. I stopped myself when I got to the base of the left staircase. Confused, I scratched my head and looked over to the right side. I hadn't used that staircase at all in the five days I'd lived here. It never occurred to me why, I just found it odd that, even when I was closer to the right side, I took the extra time and effort to get over here. That really didn't seem like me at all. I was a lazy little bitch who'd rather take the dangerous shortcut than take an extra five minutes.

"Hmm…" after giving it another moment of thought, I just shrugged it off and climbed the stairs quickly, no longer caught in the sensation of how warm and soft the carpet was. It was only as I got to the second floor that I realized I'd referred to myself as a bitch. "Damn it…" oh well, not like anyone was around to have heard me. I DID say it in my head after all.

I knew the study at the end of the hall, but what about the rest of the doors that lined the entire hallway down to the opposite end, that ended with a large window? I hadn't wandered down that way yet. Humming thoughtfully to myself, I tried the first door I came to. Empty, dusty room.

The next two doors were the same. I was beginning to think that this was all just a big waste of time. But then again, that's what I was trying to do…kill time. So I continued onwards, trying door after door and finding the same thing in each. Nothing. When I got to the last door, I was genuinely surprised to find it locked. I frowned at the knob. There wasn't any keyhole that I could see, so…how was it locked?

I pushed against it with my shoulder, but it didn't budge. I even kicked it a couple times, though Melissa would kill me if she came home to find one of the doors a pile of rubble. Seriously, these doors weren't new! They were older than the house, it seemed, so why was this thing so damn hard to open? Was it jammed? I dropped to my knees and peered under the bottom of the door. But I saw nothing but black. Did that mean that there wasn't a window in there? Or maybe something was in front of the door? That would explain why it wouldn't move. But why would a room be barricaded in this house…and from the inside? How would the person in there get out? Maybe there was a window.

Suddenly spurred on to figure out the mystery that was behind this door, I jumped to my feet and entered the room next to the locked one. I opened the window in the back and leaned out, trying to see if I could get in through the window in the next room. Now more confused than ever, I reached a hand out, patting the blank outside wall of the house where a window should be for the next room. No window? Then why in Freya's name was it blocked from the inside?

"Whoever locked themselves in there obviously never got out." I said to myself as I climbed back inside, shutting the window. Dust flew up into my face and I coughed irritably, still caught up on that damned room. "If they never got out…does that mean that they're still in there?"

Sick.

I spent a good hour trying to open the door. I threw myself against it, threw other inanimate objects at it, kicked it, screamed at it, even head butted it.

…which probably wasn't the smartest thing to do…

I was still trying to recover from the smooth bashing I'd taken all for the sake of opening a door to a room that was more than likely empty when I heard what I thought was laughter. Freaked, I squealed and ran down the stairs.

…I'd really appreciate it if there were no jokes on my masculinity at this point…

When the 'laughing' continued, rising and falling, almost making a song…oh wait, that wasn't laughing, someone was knocking on the door.

…I'd also really appreciate it if there were no jokes on my intelligence at this point…

Running over to pull open the giant oak doors, I blinked dumbly as I saw Demyx standing there with a bright smile. Standing behind the blond and off to the side was…

"Akuseru?"

He lifted his head as I said the name, an unreadable look on his face. Demyx just laughed and slapped him on the arm.

"Haha, you were right." Demyx turned to me and held out a hand, just like yesterday. "C'mon, kido, we're goin' into town."

"We are?" I echoed, moving forward to take Demyx's hand. I noted that Akuseru's face fell, his jade eyes darkening when I did. Why would he care? And why in the hell couldn't I just call him by his real name?!

"Yeah," Demyx replied happily as I slipped on some sandals before closing the door behind me. "Well…me and Axel were gonna go and we thought, hey, you're here all by yourself, might as well take you with us!"

…better than going off on a locked door that shouldn't be locked…

--

"When you choose which type of magick you wanna pursue, Roxy, just let me know, I'd be more than happy to help you get started." Demyx went on and on as we wandered up and down the small strip mall that lay somewhere on the outskirts. Hanging in limbo between out neighborhood and town. I hadn't noticed it on the drive out here, then again, I'd been driving…It wouldn't convince my mom to let me continue driving without a license if I totaled her car because I wasn't paying attention to the road, now would it?

Akuseru kept pace with us, staring around blankly, almost as if he were in a trance of some sort. Carefully avoiding looking over at me and Demyx. Was he mad about something? What was the deal?

"CANDLES!" Demyx screamed, grabbing my arm and dragging me over to a small stand outside a couple of the bigger shops. I was sort of glad there were so few people here; otherwise that outburst would've been embarrassing. "Okay, first thing you got to know, candle making. Everybody has to know about candle making, no matter what their preference."

"Quit dogging the poor kid...Myde."

Demyx glared at the redhead over his shoulder. "Shut it, Akuseru."

"Myde."

"Aku." Demyx sang with a cheeky smile.

"…fuck you."

I blinked, looking between the two of them like I was at a Wimbledon tournament or something. Back and forth, back and forth, and they were just glaring at each other… "Do you two usually fight like that?" I asked blankly.

"No," Demyx said lightly, turning back to the candles. "It's not technically 'fighting', just disagreeing. We never actually fight. If we did, the clashing energy might just knock over a building."

"You only think you're that strong." Akuseru countered, crossing his arms.

Demyx stuck his tongue out at the redhead before turning back to me. "I am that strong, don't listen to him."

Akuseru rolled his eyes and turned away. "Whatever, I'm hungry…let's get some pizza."

Whirling around, Demyx frowned and stared at the floor. "Is it really that time again…? What happened to the days?"

"You slept through them all…either that or mooning about for your precious Zexion."

I opened my mouth to say something, but the banter just continued as if I weren't there.

"Shut up! You're just jealous that I was happy at least once in my life, while you're just a bitter old soul who's never known love."

Now it felt awkward. I shifted my feet, staring down at my bare toes. Hey, you don't wear socks with sandals…it's just…just….GAY.

"Didn't you say something about being hungry Aku—sorry, Axel?" Ugh, great, it was one thing to refer to him as Akuseru in my head, but to do it aloud, when he CLEARLY didn't like it…I slapped my hand to my face. "Sorry,"

It was quiet for a while as I stared at my palm. Finally, someone cleared their throat and I glanced up, seeing Demyx practically beaming and Aku…Axel, just plain staring at me with a faraway look.

"It's cool." He said finally. "But yeah, let's go eat."

Demyx sighed dramatically. "Oh fine, you heifer, let's go eat junk food."

"Pizza is junk food?" I asked as we started walking towards the other end of the strip mall. Both of them froze at my question, turning to face me and staring as if I'd sprouted a second head. I glanced quickly to each of my shoulders…just in case…what? You would too, I know you would… "What?"

"….have you ever HAD pizza before?" Akuseru asked, peering at me curiously, like I was a bug under the microscope or something.

"…." I blinked at them before feeling my face start to heat up. Crap, I was blushing. "Um…o-of course I have…"

"WHOA!" Demyx shouted, coming over to grab my shoulders, staring at me intently. "Are you serious? You've never had pizza before?"

"…no." I admitted quietly, looking at my toes again.

"Ever?"

"…no."

"In your life?!"

I glared at the blond irritably.

"I think he's made it clear he's never had pizza before…ever…in his life, Dem. Let's drop it." Akuseru got us moving again, Demyx holding tightly to my arm the entire walk.

"Dude! Have you been living under a rock or somehin'?"

"No, I'm a vegan." I answered primly, feeling affronted.

"O-oh! Oh! Why didn't you just say so then?"

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "How do you live with him?" I asked the redhead walking slightly ahead of us. I wanted to hear him speak for some reason. His silence unnerved me more than Demyx's…friendlier than usual attitude.

"I don't." Akuseru said curtly, glancing back. "You saw our house. We live on separate ends, as far from each other as possible. As far apart as North and South, East and West, fire and water."

"Pfft," Demyx waved a hand. "Don't be an ass, Axel, you love me, you know you do." He crossed his eyes at me, making me laugh. Hey, it was funny. You can't say anyone has done that to you and you didn't laugh…seriously.

We entered a small…pizza place. Hey, I never ate pizza, how the hell should I know what they called it? There were a few tables here and there, really tall ones with stools, and a long counter along the back. One side for ordering pizza and…wow, sandwiches too? And there was an extensive salad bar as well. The other side of the counter was labeled in bright letters "The Drinking Station" with an array of sodas, juices and…liquor? Wow, they served everything here.

I was led up to the counter, my two 'escorts' making me feel even shorter. Damn it, I'm NOT short…just vertically challenged…yeah…

"What can I get you, gentlemen?" the bored female clerk asked as she picked her nails, leaning against the counter.

"A large pizza with everything on it, a club sandwich and…oh, yeah," Demyx smacked my back, making me sway forward and cough at the impact. "And a medium vegetarian for our little vegan here." He smirked at me and I just glared at him.

The girl popped her gum and stared at us for a moment before ringing up our orders on the register. "Your total comes to fifteen dollars and forty cents."

Demyx pulled out his wallet and paid the girl, getting his change and leading us over to the drinking station…place…thing…shut up.

"You're paying this time, cheap skate, I bought your food."

Akuseru snorted and pulled out his wallet, ordering two pitchers of soda and paying without a single word to either me or Demyx. Wow, gee, and he seemed like such a talkative guy yesterday…when he molested me on his couch…damn it, there went that strange, tingling burn on that same spot. I reached up to cover the spot on the side of my neck, hoping neither of them noticed as we walked over to one of the tables.

It was irritating and kind of embarrassing that I had to jump up just to get onto the damn stool, my feet hanging a good five or more inches off the floor. My sandals fell off and I just let them, ignoring the chill on my bare feet. Demyx poured us all a soda while Akuseru went to wait for our orders, leaving the two of us at the table. I stared after him, wondering what was going through that crazy red-haired head of his.

"Yo, Roxy,"

I was jerked out of my thoughts by the call, blinking over at the other blond who was waving a half full soda cup under my nose. Woden, I could smell the carbonation. And my nose did not like it. I pushed the cup away. "What?"

Demyx frowned before setting the cup in front of me. "That's yours."

Oh…I picked up the cup and took a sip, the bubbles getting up my nose and burning. I coughed harshly, trying to get the burning tickle to go away, Demyx patting my back.

"Whoa, jeez, the way you're acting you'd think you'd never had soda before either…"

I glared at him again, still coughing. "Oh…really…now….?" I panted out, finally sitting straight with a final hack. "How do people drink this regularly?" I smacked my lips, peering into the cup and growling irritably when some bubbles got in my eye. "That hurt…and the sugar is coating my mouth…ugh…"

Demyx actually laughed at me as Akuseru came back, somehow managing to balance two large metal trays on one hand and a large sandwich in a plastic basket in the other. "Do you two mind clearing the way? This shit is hot."

We quickly pulled our cups and moved the pitchers out of the way so he could set down the food, sitting in his chair with a sigh.

The pizza smelled actually pretty good, and even the steam rising from it looked appetizing. Okay, you're going to think this strange and sort of weird…but I've never seen a real pizza before. I'd seen pictures and ads on the TV, but never a fresh, steamy, delicious smelling pizza.

Demyx took a slice of the large one, alternating hands and shaking them off, 'ow, ow, ow'ing over the heat I was sure was searing his fingers. I laughed at the sight, picking off one of the mushrooms on the smaller pizza, blowing on it before popping it in my mouth. Mmm…not bad. "So…have you guys always known each other?" it wouldn't hurt to get to know my neighbors.

They paused and stared at each other for a moment. "Ah…" Demyx said, "Not exactly. See…well…I grew up with a Wiccan family, like you, sort of. So I was in it from the start…as for Axel…" he trailed off, turning to the redhead.

Akuseru stared down at the sandwich in front of him before sighing heavily. "I wasn't much into it until I was fourteen…ish. My third foster home was into it…of course, not the kind you're used to. They were into hexes and curses…so that's what I got into…" he shrugged, taking a careful bite of the sandwich, either not wanting or not bothering to continue.

I turned to Demyx, confused. "Hexes and curses?"

Demyx took a deep breath, setting his half eaten pizza slice back on the tray. "Look, Roxy, there are a couple of things you gotta understand about our world. It's much bigger than you think. What your mother does…that Zen stuff? That's only the tip of the iceberg, a way of living. Some people, like us," he paused to indicated himself and Akuseru, who was silent again. "Practice magick daily, live with it instead of by it, you follow me?"

I nodded, though I didn't really get it. What did that even mean? Living with it, instead of by it?

"Good. See, there really aren't different types of magick. It's all about energy. It's how you choose to use that energy that determines what that magick becomes. If you use it for good, for healing, like I do, then its Healing magick, more commonly and incorrectly called 'white magick'. And then there are people, like Axel, who use it for scrying, prophesizing." He paused for a moment, fiddling with his napkin. "And then there are people who use it…for selfish, vengeful reasons. Hexes and curses. That's also incorrectly labeled by the movies as 'black magick'. There is no true definition. It's just energy. Neither good nor bad. Just a neutral, but powerful force that is used however the caster chooses."

My head was spinning from all the information, and yet strangely, I understood every word. Even if it wasn't in the comprehending sense. I knew what he was talking about somehow and nodded along, even though some part of me was screaming for a break, for time to process it all.

"Axel was into the darker stuff for a while…but he got out of it, right buddy?" Demyx nudged the redhead gently, getting a grunt in response. "We met around that time. Fourteen or fifteenish, and hung around, went to sabbat feasts together and stuff. When we both turned seventeen, we ended up joining a coven for our year and a day of study…er…" he started laughing, face going pink. "Though it wasn't exactly the coven we were looking for."

That actually got a chuckle out of the redhead. "Yeah…that's putting it mildly…"

I titled my head, absently taking a bite of pizza I didn't even realize I'd picked up, intrigued by their story.

Demyx cleared his throat and went on. "Okay…um…we ended up joining a Dianic coven." He and Akuseru started laughing again. "Y-yeah…see, that's a feminist type coven, full of women. And we just happened to get caught up in one that had forsaken men and worshiped only Diana…you know, Freya? The Mother Goddess."

I swallowed to ask, "What does that mean? Is that bad?"

They laughed again. "No," Akuseru answered, and I felt my heart skip a beat when he grinned over at me, a fiery light sparking behind those green eyes. "It's not a bad thing…exactly…see, they'd forsaken men, but were kind enough to let two dumb teenagers into their coven. Basically they were hardcore feminists, and living with that many women, being part of their rituals and daily lives in general…well, let's just say you get sick of it fast. It got to a point where we just tolerated it."

Demyx nodded vigorously. "Yeah, sort of made us realize it was better off being gay."

I felt my face heat up again, choking on the bite of pizza I'd just started to chew. "Whoa…I mean…wow…"

"Yeah…our lives have been strange." Demyx picked the story back up. "But we survived. We moved out when we got the money of course, coming to this neighborhood and settling in as housemates to cover the rent…and the rest is history little man."

I had a lot to think about, and I spent the rest of that little meal in silence, listening to their banter and their stories, laughing a great deal and generally having a good time. I'd never had real friends before…and if this was what it was like having them, then I'd say I was definitely missing out in the past. These two were funny, intelligent people and I felt myself growing closer and closer to them every moment spent in their company. The best part? Whenever I opened my mouth to make a comment, they genuinely seemed interested to hear what I had to say.

By the end of the afternoon, we'd finished the pizzas…I'd even braved a slice with everything on it…I didn't even mind the soda.

--

I waved a final goodbye to my friends, shutting the door finally and leaning my back against it, sighing. "Wow…that was surprisingly more fun than I'd ever thought I'd have."

My voice echoed in the empty house, reminding me I was alone. I sighed again, this time a bit heavier and pushed away from the door, making my way slowly up the stairs (the left side of course…I don't care anymore) to my room. I stood in the doorway for a moment, unsure why, just looking over my things. The posters on the glaring white walls, the clean, brand new sea of black carpet covered only by my bed, dresser and single shelf, leaning low against the far wall. Even the dark drapes over the balcony doors.

I was just standing there, leaning against the doorframe and staring when I heard it. It was low, soft, barely audible, but it was there. A rumbling. No…more like a…growl. Like an animal or something. There it was again!

Straightening, I leaned forward into the room slightly, trying to hear it better. The sound was growing louder, deeper…more feral with every second. Was it…coming from my room? I stumbled back into the small sitting room that separated my room from Melissa's, freezing up when I heard it just as clearly out here. What…the…hell?!

Freaked, I ran back down the stairs, the growling fading away as I got closer and closer to the first floor. I skidded to a stop in the large foyer, staring back up to the railing on the third floor, expecting someone to just lean over it and peer down at me at any second…only no one did. And as hard as I listened, no matter how I tried to hold my breath and calm my pounding heart to hear, the sound didn't come again.

I screamed when the shrill ring of the phone cut through the nearly deafening silence.

Now that girly shriek echoed around the halls as I rolled my eyes, sighing at myself. Jeez, I was high strung…I knew I shouldn't have had all that sugar…

I ran into the kitchen to answer the phone, pausing as I remembered the growling from before. I lifted the receiver to my ear slowly, expecting a creepy voice or just that sound again… "Hello?" I said hesitantly, gripping the cord tight.

"Roxy! My baby!" I fell against the counter, letting out my held breath.

"Hey mom."

"Hello my dearest one," Melissa called back cheerily. "I just called to check up on you and to say that I'm sorry, but I'm going to be stuck here for a few more days…just until the weather clears up." She giggled. "Oh sweetie, the interview went so well! Everybody loved the book and all the stories I told them about you, my little muse of life and love!"

I groaned and covered my face. "Moooom…"

"Oh, don't be like that, Roxas, I didn't say anything embarrassing." She sighed happily before continuing, her voice almost like a song just when she was speaking. "So, how've you been? You been eating regularly?"

"Yes, mom," I knew she only asked that because when I was younger and she and dad left me alone, I wouldn't eat. Hell, I'd hardly sleep, afraid that if I did they would get into trouble or something and I wouldn't be there to help them…stupid childish fear, I know, but it was real to me.

Melissa sighed again and I could just picture her shaking her head. "Darling one, don't be like that. I'm only concerned about my baby."

"I know," I mumbled, feeling guilty now. "I, um, met the neighbors."

"Oh really?" she sounded interested again, the serious tone gone. "That's nice. What are they like?"

"They aren't too much older than me." Only four years, "And we went out to hang at the strip mall today and talked…it was pretty fun."

"Well that's wonderful, sweeting, I'm so glad you're making friends. I've been so worried. A boy like you at your age with no friends, that's not healthy."

I nodded along, jumping up to sit on the counter, swinging my legs slowly and cradling the phone between my ear and my shoulder. "So what's new with you? Aside from the interview and weather being shitty."

"Watch your language," she sang, the words not even a reprimand. "But nothing much, sadly. It's so dreadfully boring here in the big city…" she sighed wistfully to herself, I'm sure, before letting out a soft exclamation as something occurred to her. "Oh, that's right. I was hoping I'd be home before they came, but honey, I just want to let you know that the painters are coming on Tuesday, so don't lock the door and hide under your bed."

"Mom!"

She laughed at me. "I'm only kidding, Roxas, relax. But yes, they're going to come over and repaint most of the first floor. I'm all for blue, but the house just has WAY too much of it. I'm thinking a softer beige or maybe a soothing green…"

I hummed to myself, kicking my feet harder, heels slamming into the cupboards. "Yeah, okay, painters coming tomorrow, gotcha, anything else I should be expecting?"

"Hmm…nope. None that I can think of!" Which wasn't saying much…I love Melissa but she's a bit absentminded, if you couldn't already tell. "I'll call again tomorrow afternoon to give you an update on the flight situation. I'm sure the fog will clear up by then."

"Okay, well, I'll see you then."

"I love you, Roxas."

I smiled to myself. "Yeah, love you too, mom."

She blew me a kiss over the phone and I returned it, both of us laughing as we hung up. Once I did, I jumped back to the floor and rooted around in the fridge, finding some melon that I cut up and put in a bowl along with some grapes, wandering back out into the foyer.

I was chewing a grape, passing by the stairs when I swore I faintly heard that growling sound again. I tensed and walking faster, all the way into the living room and sat on the couch, turning the TV on and up as loud as my ears could stand, sinking down into the cushions and hugging the bowl to my chest.

This house is weird…

Ooooo, lotsa stuffs happened in this chappie. First off all, you gets a backround of Axel and Demyx. I know I probably f-cked up the timeline with that, but whatever, I'll go back and revise it later...or not. It's been FOREVER since I wrote for this story, okay? I went back to try and recap as much as I could, but my mind phails! (runs off crying)

...

(peeks back into the room) ahem...right, okay, next, we learn that Melissa isn't coming home for a few more days, leaving poor Roxy all alone in a huge house that's starting to make strange noises at him...and WHAT is the deal with that DOOR, huh? ...I honestly don't know. It wasn't in my original plan for this story, but since I pretty much gave up on this story and just came back to it, that plan doesn't even count anymore. pfft.

And...why on EARTH did I mention those painters? Hmm...now THAT has a purpose to it. And I'm SOOOO happy that I got through most of the backstory and building of the characters. Now it's time for some ACTION! WEEEEEEEE!!

...what? I AM NOT INSANE, STOP THINKING THAT! (shifty eyes)

Okay, that's all for now...and yes, I AM skittish...(looks around nervously) it's been so LONG since I've updated a story...I don't even know if you people like it anymore...(pokes two fingers together) and The Stray is pretty much on a permanent hiatus...I'm hoping that when school starts up again I'll find inspiration...but if I do, I'll go and revise the entire story that I have so far before I add anything new, just a heads up. (realizes people will hate her for pretty much cancelling teh fluffy and runs)

That's all folks!

--Ramen