Okay...i've already got everything else wrote and i can't believe i ended it so quickly but damn was i tired the other night. i just hope you all like it...and if not well....your flames will be used to heat my hot chocolate!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot and the cities of Nocturne and Hallow's City.

Masquerade of Light

Part 2

While my eyes flutter open I wonder just how many times I'll wake up into a bright light. Once my eyes adjust I notice a figure walking into the room.

"Sora is that really you? I couldn't believe it when I saw it in the paper. I bet you don't even remember me. I wasn't one of the more brutal nobodies." says the older man.

"Anyway I'm glad you're okay. You've made Axel a hero."

After he said paper, everything else lost meaning.

"Is the paper only for this place?"

"Yeah so don't worry his ego isn't-you don't want anyone to find you." It was more ea statement than a question but I nod anyway. "I can understand that." he comments.

Silence settles in for a moment. This must be one of Axel's friends, not that I would know any of them. But the word 'remember' signifies I knew them already.

I wish I could recall how I met them but something in the back of my mind tells me that I don't.

"Oh…Duh I'm Demyx. Axel sent me to bring you some clothes."

The neat pile sits on the chair next to my bed.

I look up and get a good look at him; blonde hair styled into a half-mullet half-mowhawk, with clear blue eyes full of glee and coldness all at the same time. A black and blue striped long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, and boots cover his body.

"Thanks." I mutter to him.

"No problem, I gotta hit the road but Axel will be here in a few hours. Something came up." Demyx smiles before turning and leaving.

I stifle a groan as I pull myself to my feet. Grabbing the clothes I stumble into the adjoining bathroom.

Staring into the mirror I run my fingers through my naturally spiked hair. A heavy sigh escapes between my lips while I stare down at myself; light blue jeans, black tennis shoes, and a pure onyx tee.

The bathroom door swings open to reveal an extremely infuriated Dr. Vexen.

"Damn press it out front wanting an interview with you. You're ride is here as well, parked around the back, so follow quickly."

I follow the icy man to the elevator and then to the emergency exit. The sky appears dark and angry above me, ready to drop down its load of freezing rain.

"The black sports car, go."

The door to the exit slams shut behind me. I inhale deeply and stride over to the slick vehicle. The dark tinted windows prevent me from seeing inside, but none-the-less I fumble with the door handle.

The click of the lock popping sounds and I open the light weight door. I slip in and shut it carefully. The safety catch snaps again and I turn to my driver.

Naturally I scream, "Who are you?"

The red-head next to me only grins. I expected Axel but I got a look-alike instead.

Violet eyes gleam like the moon on a still lake. Waist long, crimson hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. Two curved blood red lines are tattooed on his face; one diagonal under each eye.

He dresses in a short-sleeved, unbuttoned, white collared shirt with black slacks.

"Yo kid, my name's Reno. I'm Axel's older brother. So relax and enjoy the ride."

With the flick of his wrist, Reno has the car in motion, cruising down the road.

I grip my jeans and turn to Reno, "Not to be ungrateful…but why are you picking me up and not Axel?"

Reno feigns a hurt look before chuckling at my reddening face.

"Axel had some business to handle with his so-called girlfriend. You'll probably meet her so watch out, she's a real prize." the red-head says sarcastically.

But then his features pull into a stern stare at the road.

"Her voice is like sweet venom and she lures men in. She's no that pretty either. Has short blonde hair that is slicked back, like a man's, with two strands sticking out like antenna. But her green eyes…like poisonous gas. Stay away from her." he warns.

The car comes to a silent halt, preventing me from forming my next questions. I had no idea that Axel had a girlfriend.

Even at the thought I cringe inwardly, wishing that it wasn't true.

In my eyes, Axel needs someone just as open as he, not a vile woman that Reno described to me.

Obediently I follow Reno to the door on which he knocks.

A shrill yell echoes into my ears, "Axel would you get the damned door!"

I wish I had the nerve like I did when I was little. That way I could confront Axel on why he would be with this demanding woman.

The door opens and Axel's grave face is replaced by a small grin.

I'm told to sit and Axel sits down next to me while Reno stands by the door, watching his little brother.

I gulp shakily as a blonde female saunters down the stairs to stand on the other side of the glass coffee table in front of Axel and I.

Dressed in a strapless black dress that goes to the top of her knee, she appears unattractive to me.

She glares at me, "Axel who is this? You know that you're not allowed to have company when I'm gone, and I'm leaving to go with Marluxia to dinner."

"Larxene, relax it's just Reno and Sora." Axel says calmly.

Reno scoffs, "If you and Axel are dating why go to dinner with Marluxia?"

Her glare snaps to him, "Marluxia is currently engaged to Vexen. I'm only a friend. Now if you all don't mind I must be going."

Larxene smiles sickly sweet before leaning down to give me a hug.

"Stay away from Axel, he's my puppet to play with." she whispers into my ear where only I can hear her. She stands straight, "Nice to see you again Sora."

The car pulls away and immediately Reno walks over to the couch.

"Axel, come on man, she's using you! When I moved here to find you, all you could talk about was either Roxas or Sora. Well he's here now!" he pleads.

The younger red-head turns to me, "Sora do you like Larxene…I mean from all the past aside?"

I want to say yes, just to make him happy. But the way she hissed at me…scared me. Deep down I know that she hasn't changed one bit. I just can't tell Axel yet…I don't want him to hate me.

"Well…I-"

My mouth snaps shut as my stomach growls. Axel's good mood floats back in as he laughs.

"Okay, we'll go get something to eat. You wanna stay and eat Reno?"

The troubled man only shakes his head before leaving.

I follow him into the kitchen where he pulls out a box.

"You take a seat, I'll make it."

He smiles wide as he turns back to the box. I can't help but obey him. My eyes follow Axel as he dances around the stove, gathering items from various cabinets.

A few minutes later, Axel saunter over to me with a spoon in hand.

"Try it."

He holds the spoon out toward me. I part my lips and taste the concoction. He pulls the tablespoon away and the sauce dribbles down my chin.

Axel's sweet laughter fills my ears. With his thumb he wipes at the line of sauce, ending on my bottom lip.

Emerald orbs lock onto my blue ones.

"It's very good Axel."

"His grin grows, "Good, so let's eat."