Woot! We breached 150 reviews! Totally cool, dudes! I salute you. Seriously, that's pretty awesome. I don't have too much else to say for this chapter. My school's getting into final season, so that probably means I'll be looking to procrastinate more. Of course I do have essays to write. We'll see what side wins out. Oh, and just to mention, all these spirits don't really have fixed ages (they've kinda got long life spans), but you can imagine Roxas somewhere around 13 and Sora about 16. Axel's like…18 or 19 (he did manage to blend into high school after all). Leon and Cloud are young adults. Riku's about 17. So, yeah, fyi, just throwing it out there, not that it'll matter too much for this story.

Anyway, enough of my rambles. Thanks very much to my reviewers: A-chan, Aindel S. Druida, Twilight-Oblivion, Kujari, Ivy J., ramen-is-my-goddess, CloudedMirror, 73n5Hl, andhearts, Sexy-Tacos-Emo-Waffles, Chaotic Darkness, xXCakeIsTheOnlyTruthXx, Tangerine342, FlurryDivider, Randomasdf, Purple Sox, XfallenXshadowX. Thanks again! Any all reviews are loved and cherished! ^^

O


Chapter 10


They hadn't stopped running until they reached Demyx's swamp. Breaks had been few and far between, initiated only when someone demanded rest. Riku at least, was happy to see that he wasn't the only one who had been run ragged from the pace. In fact, the only ones that hadn't called out for a pause in their run had been Leon and Cloud. But they were freakishly enduring.

Even Axel had once or twice given in to his exhaustion, although Riku half-suspected that Axel had once called for a rest on Roxas's behalf. The princes were understandably still a little unsteady on their feet. After being locked up for so long they had to get back into shape. But they managed to do so surprisingly quickly, faster than Riku could have managed anyway.

Riku wasn't really even sure if they were still being followed, or if Larxene or Saix had followed them outside the palace at all. He hadn't found a good time to question Leon or Cloud about it. Whenever they stopped he fell asleep as soon as he laid down and while they were moving he was too occupied with watching out for Heartless. The black creatures had seemingly grown in numbers since they had last been through the area. They were probably attracted to the elemental light that was coming from the princes. Their presence had definitely made an impact on the world as a whole though; every morning, the sun would attempt to rise in the sky now, the sky for a few moments turning rosy orange with dawn. The first time it had happened, only a few hours after they had made their escape, it had been quite a shock. Riku found that he was actually able to see in front of him for a few moments before the world was thrown back into darkness. But the fact that dawn had come had raised everyone's spirits, even Riku's despite its fleeting nature. At the very least, he would be able to finally keep track of the time better.

But the hint of dawn only seemed to encourage the Heartless swarming toward them. Maybe they sensed that Sora and Riku were the cause of the hint of light and were out to hunt the princes down. The black creatures were larger in size now too, and Riku found he more and more frequently had to see someone in their group get injured; sometimes getting even seriously hurt. Even he could tell that they were beginning to run out of stamina, that the "Cure" spells were coming out more strained. Even he had been scratched badly a few times, even with Xehanort's Heartless whispering spells of "Dark Shield" into his ear, and even after the healing spells he found that he could still feel some of the aches.

Sora and Roxas, despite the fact that they had been asleep for so long, were fighting admirably well. They still weren't allowed to attack the main body of the enemies with Leon, Cloud, and Axel, but they defended the group with well-trained skills. Roxas especially was rather vicious with his Keyblade, showing no mercy to those Heartless which attacked either him or his brother. Riku figured that it was the kid's way of coping with things, and he noticed that Axel allowed the younger prince to vent as much as he wanted.

In any case, it had been a tough journey to Demyx's swamp with little food or rest, everything mixing together into a blurry, anxious rush.

Riku had never been so happy to see any sight before as he was when Demyx's treehouse peeked into their view through clusters of massive swamp trees after about an hour of picking their way through the marshlands. He had never imagined that one place could seem so comforting.

Demyx, who had been as tense as everyone else in their party, finally broke into a grin, the water god apparently fully recovering his mood at the sight of his house. "Yay! We made it! This place is completely defendable, no one's getting in here without me knowing. And best of all, none of us died on the trip here!"

For the first time in days, Axel actually cracked a smile, running a hand through his red spikes. "Way to set your standards low, Dem."

"It's the best way to not be disappointed!" The water god chirped, his attention turning down to Sora. Not surprisingly, the two bubbly characters had quickly found each other out and they had fast become friends. "I can't wait to show you everything we've talked about, Your Highness. You're totally going to love my water fountains, before all of this happened I had just managed to get some of them to float up against gravity and carry different colors!"

"They sound so fun, I can't wait to see them." Riku rolled his eyes. He half-wished there was a threat of constant danger looming over them again; he could already tell that the relaxed situation was going to lead to annoying, and much too happy, conversations. He supposed that it was better though, seeing Sora somewhat chipper again. The condition of the countryside had been a heavy blow to the prince, and to Roxas as well. The towns they passed hit especially hard, their broken husks sending Sora into a quick and wallowing depression. But it looked as if Sora was slowly accepting it and moving forward. That was good.

"Hold it. Quiet." Leon's cold voice cut through any spark of happiness, the lion spirit's face tense as he looked ahead. Like everyone else, Riku tensed. Damn. He shouldn't have wished for danger again so lightly. Once he knew he had everyone's attention, Leon continued. "There's someone in your house."

Demyx's gaze snapped up to his treehouse, his blue eyes widening. "What?! No way! I can't sense a thing!"

Cloud sniffed the air then nodded. "Leon's right. Someone is there."

"What do we do?" Sora asked in a whisper, his hand falling protectively on Roxas's shoulder.

"They might not know that we're here yet," Axel murmured, motioning for everyone to follow him to stay out of sight behind a tree. "So we might have the element of surprise. Cloud, Dem, go see who it is. Sound an alarm if it's someone unfriendly and we can get the princes out of here."

Both blonds nodded before slipping off into toward the house. As they left, Riku turned to Axel, making sure to keep his voice to a whisper. "Why send Demyx?"

"Dem knows these woods better than anyone. If he can't stay hidden in them than it's impossible. Besides, it's his house. He's got the right to know who's inside it without his permission."

Riku couldn't argue with that, so he remained hunkered down next to the redhead behind the tree. Leon and Axel had maneuvered the princes to stand between them, and as the tense seconds rolled by, Riku felt a soft hand touch his arm. Turning his head slightly, he saw Sora lean in closer to him. The shorter teen frowned lightly. "I had thought we had made such good time…"

"We don't know if they're from the palace or not." Riku murmured back. "But even if they are, it's not as if we could have tried any harder." That was true at least, he hadn't just said it to make Sora feel better. If they had taken any fewer breaks, or had tried to run faster, then someone would have suffered from the stress. And Riku was fairly sure that he would have been one of them.

Sora nodded slowly then clenched his fist nervously. Riku had noticed it was a nervous habit of both princes' actually, perhaps part of them was wishing for the comforting feel of their sword in their hand when they felt anxious.

Just as Riku was beginning to fall into the lull of inaction, Demyx suddenly popped out from around the tree trunk. Axel jumped and let out a sharp shout of alarm which caused Leon to whip around with his gunblade raised. Before the lion could fire off a shot, Demyx threw his hands into the air, waving them quickly. "Whoa, whoa! Don't shoot!"

Axel snapped out a hand to grab Demyx's ear, pulling the yelping water god close. "What the hell, Dem?! We could have seriously hurt you!"

"Sorry, sorry! I forgot that you guys would be so tense! Please let my ear go!"

With a snort, Axel dropped his hand. "What do you mean, 'you forgot that we'd be so tense?' What's up with your house?"

"Oh, yeah, it's great! Luxord's visiting!"

"What?"

Riku perked up as Axel's expression darkened. He had wanted to talk to Luxord again. The man had been strange and annoying at the time, but now that he knew more, Riku wanted a second look at him. Just to see what he had missed the first time around. Smirking at Axel's expression, clearly the redhead had something against the other man, Riku sauntered out from behind the tree and toward the tree house, Demyx bouncing along happily behind him. Nearing the house, he saw that Luxord's gypsy wagon had indeed been pulled up along the large tree, the view of it blocked from the massive trunk's width. The man himself was sitting on the step up to the wagon's interior, one leg propped jauntily on the other, arms draped over them and fingers laced together. When he saw Riku walking toward him, he returned the younger's smirk. "Ah, young Riku, fancy meeting you here. How have things been?"

"Not great."

"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. But you seem healthy enough to me, at least missing no limbs." His light blue eyes suddenly sparked with some emotion and he stood up to bow respectfully. "Your Majesties, so good to see you alive and well."

Riku turned to see Sora and Roxas coming up tentatively behind him, Leon walking close to them as Axel shuffled along further behind. Smiling, Sora walked up to stand beside Riku. "Thank you. I hear we've been gone for a while. I hope things haven't been too hard on you."

"Not at all Your Majesty, I thrive in uncertain times. Although I admit to being relieved to see the two of you survived. Plus the idea of ending this infernal unending night is rather appealing."

Having approached Luxord, Leon looked around then sniffed the air. His eyes suddenly narrowed and his sword clanked as he gripped its hilt threateningly, moving in front of Sora to block him from Luxord's view. "What have you done with Cloud?"

Luxord raised a pale blond eyebrow, looking at Leon critically before he motioned to the door of his wagon with a wave of his hand. "He's socializing with my guest at the moment. No need to be so quick for your weapon, I've spelled my mobile house with a quick 'Vanish,' so his scent's been masked from the outside. It's also why Demyx wasn't able to sense it when you lot first arrived." He stood up, opening the way to the door. "But your Cloud's perfectly fine. Go ahead and see for yourself if you'd like, I'm sure that the princes would also be very much interested at who's inside."

With a soft growling huff, Leon walked up to the door, hand still on his sword as he pulled the door open though. Instead of an enemy though, the open door revealed Cloud sitting next to Aerith. The woman blinked as Cloud turned to the open door. "Oh, Squall, is that you?"

Leon stood surprised for a moment then dipped into a bow, "Your Highness." Straightening up, he hesitated for a second more, clearly thrown off by her presence, before shuffling to the side to reveal the two princes to their mother.

At the sight of Sora and Roxas, Aerith gasped, her skirt rushing up around her as she stood up. "Sora? Roxas?!" Riku saw a flash of brown as Sora rushed forward, Roxas only half a step behind him as they ran to Aerith. She caught them with a teary laugh, wrapping her arms around both of them as they clung to her. "My babies, I'm so happy you're alright! And look how you've grown!"

Even though Riku couldn't see Sora and Roxas's faces, he knew they were happy. The two teens were glowing against their mother, lighting up the interior of the wagon with a light as bright as the noonday. Finally pulling away from the embrace just long enough to talk, Sora spoke up. "Are you alright, Mom?"

Roxas joined his brother's concerns. "Where have you been living? Has anyone come to hurt you?"

"I am fine." Aerith smiled gently, kissing the top of both of their heads, "Cloud has been taking good care of me. And no one has hurt me. Luxord came to my glen a few days ago and brought be here."

Outside of the wagon and happy family reunion, Luxord shrugged casually when he saw Riku's inquisitive gaze. "The cards told me to escort Her Majesty here, so who was I to argue? Now of course it all makes sense, but I've learned long ago to simply obey the fates and ask no questions."

"Are you sure the fates told you to stay here with the queen?" Axel grumbled, his arms crossed as he approached Luxord and Riku. "Couldn't you have just dropped her off?"

"Now, Now, Axel, you're not still sore about that bet we made all those years back, are you?"

Axel frowned, "Look, Luxord. I've got nothing against you, but those damn cards are a nuisance. I don't want to see them out with the royal family here."

Luxord held his hands up. "I'll be good and not tempt fate for a few hours unless compelled. Besides, I will be leaving soon enough. I'm a wanderer by nature, so you needn't be worried about me sticking around past my welcome."

"Aw, but you're so fun to have around, Luxord!" It was Demyx who had spoken up as he bustled out of his house holding a tray full of cups and a kettle. "Tea?"

"Thank you, Demyx. You're quite enjoyable company as well." As Luxord took a cup of tea, he sent a smirk in Axel's direction.

Axel only rolled his eyes at the other's antics then looked over to Leon. "So, what are we going to do now?"

The lion spirit frowned thoughtfully, crossing his arms as he watched the royal family catching up with each other from the corner of his steel-grey eyes. "I can't really say. I think for the moment, as much as I don't like it, we will have to lie low until tensions settle down. And this seems like an adequate place to stay, it has good defense and we have both water and food from the fish in the marshes." A low rumble rose in the back of his throat, "I don't like it here, but we have to stay."

Riku tilted his head to the side. Leon almost looked like the lion he was, ready to pace about the small area of land. Riku could imagine that as a lion spirit, and having lived in the palace so long, Leon probably wasn't used to the great overhanging trees, wet atmosphere, and so much water. He was better suited for the open fields they had just been running through, where he could see everything around them. Perhaps sensing the other animal spirit's discomfort, Cloud got out of the wagon a moment later and padded over to the lion. Leon let out a sigh, lowering his head a little as he lightly sniffed the other's neck. As strange as it looked, it seemed to quickly calm Leon down.

Riku nearly jumped when a hand slapped his back and he twisted around to see Axel grinning back at him with his usual cocky smirk. "So it sounds like we're staying here for a bit. I think it's time to claim our rooms. There are only so many rooms in the tree house you know. Three bedrooms in fact. Three small rooms."

Riku stared at Axel for a second then quickly walked toward the tree house. If he was going to have to sleep with an uncertain number of people, he was going to make sure that he was at least in the largest room.

As it turned out, Riku found himself in the largest room, but stuck with Axel and Demyx. He supposed that it really wasn't too surprising; Sora, Roxas, and the queen were sharing a room, and no one really wanted to share a room with Leon and Cloud. Even Demyx knew that there was something intimate between them. Besides, the lion and wolf got stuck up on the highest floor in the smallest room, which neither of them was really happy about, but at least they got a room together.

Things in Demyx's marsh within a week's span turned into what Riku supposed some would have considered an idyllic life after Luxord's cards told him it was time to move on. With Aerith's added presence, it seemed as if some kind of family had actually been constructed. The queen really was a kind person, and when he finally stumbled down the stairs in the morning, he would find her and Demyx near the stove and sink, making either breakfast or lunch, depending on when he came down. Other then that, she seemed content to have pleasant conversations with any of them. She had also started a small flower garden at the side of the tree house which Demyx was ecstatic about. He said it brought a spark of life to his swamp. It added a bit of color anyway.

Cloud and Leon were constantly training, or patrolling the boundaries of the marshes, in order to keep themselves busy. Cloud still forced Riku to train with them, the wolf switching out his sword for a practice stick before he tracked Riku down. Despite all of the sore muscles, bruises, and shallow cuts that came from the rough training, Riku was proud to say that he was slowly improving. He was finally able to block Cloud's initial attack, having learned that it was better just to try and sense the rush rather than actually try to find it with his eyes. Looking for the blond man took too much time. Riku had even managed to land one hit on the other's arm; an incredibly relieving moment for him.

In actuality, Riku found himself enjoying the training now that his body was somewhat more conditioned. It kept him occupied at least, the rest of the days filled with a sort of forced lazy vacation. He hadn't told anyone yet, but when he had nothing to do, Xehanort's Heartless would come to the front of his consciousness. It was like having an annoying, silver-tongued friend who just wouldn't go away. Most of the time the dark parasite would simply talk of random things, harmless despite his harsh view of the others in the group, but there were other times when he whispered questions that always gave Riku a headache. Why hadn't Riku been given a weapon yet? Why was he still stuck in this depressing, dark world? He had freed the princes, hadn't there been some sort of bargain that he would have been able to go home? Clearly the others were liars; too scared of him to give him a weapon, too paranoid to let him go home.

Sometimes just to shut Xehanort's Heartless up, Riku would go to Cloud and demand a sparring match.

After one such match, he found himself returning to the treehouse with Cloud only to find Axel apparently sulking by the edge of the water as the princes sparred amongst themselves not too far away. Snorting, Riku dropped down next to the redhead as Cloud continued on into the house, taking the opportunity to dip into the water to wash his sweaty arms and neck. He had learned a few days ago that this water was the same which ran through the homemade pipes in the treehouse, so he was a little less wary about using it to clean now. "What's the matter with you?"

Axel sighed, his acid green eyes drifting over to Sora and Roxas. "Nothing concerning you, just thinking."

"This is about Roxas, isn't it?"

Axel turned to look down at him. His expression wasn't hostile, but it was guarded. Riku considered it an improvement from when he had first came to this world though. The fact that they could actually have a decent conversation now was also very telling. Riku was happy to note that as time passed, Axel was slowly warming back up to him. "Yeah. I've tried to give the kid time to get over Reno's death, but I don't think I can wait much longer. He's going to need a Guardian, and the position is mine, but with everything that had happened, I can't find the right time to bring it up."

"Don't be such a coward. Just talk to him."

"Don't try and give me advice. You just got your position as Guardian dropped in your lap."

Rolling his eyes, Riku shook his silver hair out of his eyes as he leaned down to wash his face. "And I feel so lucky to be in charge of some happy-go-lucky kid's well being."

Axel frowned down at him. "Hey, you've got the second most important position in this world except for the Crown Prince himself. Don't slight it. Besides, Prince Sora is a really good kid, he practically adores you. You're lucky he's not some pampered, spoiled brat who hates you just as much as you hate him."

Hate was probably too strong a word to describe his feelings toward Sora, but Riku didn't bother to correct Axel. It was more that he had been avoiding the older prince all together, keeping him just within visual range for most of the day. Sora made him uncomfortable; both because of the unwanted responsibility he represented and the still-present protective fire which burned in his chest whenever he was out of sight. Riku didn't want to feel that tied down to one person. Looking over at Axel though, it was clear that the redhead badly wanted to be Roxas's Guardian. Riku let out a breath then shook the excess water from his hands and stood up. "If you're really that nervous, then I guess I'll have to help you out. Anything to stop your stupid moping." Raising his voice, he called out, "Sora, come over here for a second!"

The two princes stopped their sparring as Sora looked over at Riku and Axel with a surprised expression. Then he broke into a smile and after a quick word to Roxas, who had looked less pleased at Riku's order, ran over to them. "Yes, Riku?"

Riku sat back down beside the bank of the marsh, patting the ground beside him. "Hang out with me for a few minutes. Axel," He motioned to Axel with a wave of his hand. "Get moving while the kid's alone."

Axel scowled but nonetheless stood up, brushing his pants off nervously. As he walked away, Sora tilted his head to the side. "What's going on?"

Smirking, Riku looked down at him after Sora had gracefully sat down next to him. "Axel's going to go offer to be Roxas's Guardian."

"Really?" Sora's face lit up with a bright smile, glancing excitedly at Roxas as Axel approached his younger brother before turning back to Riku. "Thank you. You don't know what it means to know that Roxas will have someone to look after him again. He's been really lonely ever since we've woken up."

"And Axel was worried about Roxas saying no."

Sora shook his head quickly. "He won't say no. He might not seem like it, but Roxas needs someone to be there for him. He's had time to mourn for Reno, to accept what happened." Sora frowned a little, glancing up at Riku, his blue eyes serious. "I know that sounds cruel to say, but we're not safe right now. Not really anyway. I don't want Roxas to be without the protection of a Guardian any longer. Even Roxas probably knows that he's had his time. A prince can't afford to be without his personal guard." His voice drifted off for a moment before he switched to a more positive tone. "Besides, I think he likes Axel, even from back before the palace was overthrown."

"Really?"

Sora nodded. "Reno…he talked about Axel a lot, and Roxas would always listen when the topic came up." He turned his head to glance over at his brother again only to let out a small noise. "Oh! I think Axel's asking him right now!"

Riku turned to see Axel kneeling in front of a surprised Roxas, the redhead's lips moving with a quick desperation, his words not reaching where they sat. To Riku it looked like Axel was proposing to marry Roxas instead of to be his guard. Whatever Axel said though, Roxas's blue eyes widened before he suddenly blushed and swung his hand out toward Axel's face. Next to Riku, Sora gasped at the attack before Axel caught the clenched fist, using the young prince's momentum to pull him down into a kiss on the lips. As soon as their lips touched, a bright light flooded the area. Blocking his eyes from the glare with an arm, Riku looked down at Sora only to see that the other teen was gone. He felt momentary panic until he realized that Sora was running toward the receding glow. With a sigh, he got up to follow the teen, still keeping his arm up to shade his eyes from the light. It hurt to look at directly, even his body was prickling from how bright it was.

By the time he made it to them, the explosion of light had faded away and Sora was holding onto his brother's arm as Roxas scowled at Axel, a red blush staining his cheeks. "I said no!"

Axel smirked, all too happy with himself. "You didn't mean it."

"I did mean it! I don't need a Guardian."

"Yes you do." It was Sora who had spoken up, the older prince tightening his hold on the seething Roxas. "And Axel has right to the position by blood. You're not really mad." He turned to Axel with an apologetic smile. "He's not really mad."

"Don't tell me how I feel, Sora! I am mad! He forced the fealty kiss from me, I didn't actually accept it!"

Axel tilted his head to the side, his smirk softening to something more soothing. "Hey, if you hadn't wanted it, there wouldn't have been any light to seal the deal. I'm your Guardian now, because you accepted my oath, here." He poked Roxas's chest over his heart.

Riku didn't think it was possible, but Roxas's blush deepened. The young teen paused in his tirade, his chest heaving from strung out emotions before he suddenly fell back against Sora, his angry frown turning sad. "It shouldn't have been that easy…" he murmured, burying his face into Sora's shirt. "I shouldn't have accepted him so quickly."

Axel let out a breath as Sora pet Roxas's blond spikes tenderly. "It's okay, Roxas. Reno would have wanted it this way, for both you and Axel to be happy, and for you to be safe."

"Besides," Axel chuckled dryly, "I had to become your Guardian, if for nothing else than for my brother. He would have kicked my ass already if he had seen how long I've waited to swear fealty to you." His smile weakened and he reached out to touch Roxas's arm gently. "Sorry for jumping it on you like that though."

Roxas shook his head, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand before he pulled away from Sora. He was clearly trying to gather his thoughts and at the same time appear somewhat dignified. "No, it's alright. I…shouldn't have tried to hit you. And…I wasn't, I'm not…mad that you did it. I'm not happy about the manner which you did it, but I don't mind, having a Guardian again. Not as much as I thought I would." He sighed then closed his eyes. "I'm tired, I'm going to take a nap." He took a few steps away from them then looked back over his shoulder. "Is my new Guardian too lazy to make sure that I get safely to my room?"

Axel raised his head then smiled and shook his head, following after the small blond. "Not quite that lazy, no."

As they walked into the treehouse, Sora let out a small sigh then murmured. "I'm happy for Roxas. I think this will make him happy too."

Frowning, Riku crossed his arms. "What was up with the kiss?"

"Oh. That's standard noble practice, for sealing oaths. For Guardians anyway. For other noble matters, a kiss on the cheek or hand is fine." He glanced up at Riku from the corner of his eyes, adding shyly. "You kissed me, back when you became my Guardian."

Riku's attention snapped down to the shorter teen. "What?"

"We were just kids, so it didn't really matter. And it was just for the ceremony, but you still did."

Riku didn't know how to react to this information. Once again, he had no memory of it himself. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't even imagine what the event would have looked like. It was so irritating.

Poor little dark one. So confused. But you can't do anything about lost memories. Unless you can convince the spirit who erased them to return them to you, there's really nothing you can do about it.

Xehanort's Heartless. He didn't need this right now; he already had a headache.

I should be offended. But I won't be, because no one else here seems to care that you can't remember anything, they're too busy with their own problems to care about you anymore. Not even your little prince has filled you in on any of the details.

He hadn't bothered to ask Sora about it.

Nonetheless, they haven't done much for you yet. After everything you've sacrificed, you'd think they could act a little grateful. They should have more than enough power now to send you home after all, they've rested up long enough-

"Riku!"

A hand on his cheek startled Riku from his internal debate with Xehanort's Heartless and he blinked his eyes to see Sora looking up at him with furrowed eyebrows and worried blue eyes.

"I knew I should have checked sooner," Sora murmured, apparently more to himself then to Riku, "Xehanort's Heartless has gained his power back. Can I help you with him?"

Riku nodded, somewhat surprised Sora had even bothered to ask as the prince began to emit a familiar bright glow. He could feel the chill of darkness thaw from his body, leaving him only what was his own dark energy as Xehanort's Heartless shrunk back into the shadows of his mind.

After a second, Sora lowered his hand from Riku's cheek, still frowning thoughtfully. "You're going to have to come to me more often. I could sense that he'd had strength for a long time. If you aren't careful he might start taking control of your body."

"He won't. I won't let him."

"Someday, you're not going to be left with a choice if we don't keep him balanced out by light energy." Sora argued back. Then, he stopped and bit his lip. Hesitating before he continued. "I don't want to see anything bad happen to you. It seems as if I already have to try and get to know you all over again, I don't want to lose you completely! When anyone has too much of one energy in them, even if it is their own, it can be dangerous. But you've got another mind in your head, Riku. What if he controls you or something?"

Riku looked away from the other's concerned gaze. "Like I said, he won't take control. I'd never let that happen. Besides, that's what you're here for, right? To make sure his darkness doesn't overwhelm me or whatever."

"Y-Yeah…"

With a frown, Riku reached up and ruffled Sora's spikes. If there was anything worse than a hyper Sora, it was a depressed Sora. "Hey, don't worry about it. Nothing bad has happened yet, and I still feel as in control as ever."

"Okay." Sora paused then reached up to touch Riku's hand with his own fingertips. "Thanks, Riku. For being so strong."

It was Riku's turn to pause. Then he caught himself and forced a smirk onto his lips. "It's nothing. Now let's get back inside and see what's for dinner. I'm starving."

By the time they got back into the house, all the candles and oil lamps were lighting the main room and dinner was indeed ready. The small dining table was too small, so like always, their large group overflowed onto the couches and chairs spread around. No one complained though. Riku noticed that Roxas was allowing Axel to sit next to him, the blond's hair mussed from his sleep as Axel chatted animatedly with Demyx beside him. Axel himself seemed to be in a great mood, the happy glow in the redhead's face not even leaving by the time Riku decided it was time for bed. He had decided it would be nice to turn in early; after all, now that Sora had pushed Xehanort's Heartless into silence for a while, it would be nice to get a little time alone to relax. He still wasn't used to the "happy family" feeling that everyone else seemed to emit.

Lying on the small bed that was squished into the room with two others, he sighed and covered his eyes with his arms. What he wouldn't give to be back home in his silk sheets. They felt like such a distant memory at this point. It had been weeks at least, since he had last been home. He could only wonder how much time had passed in his own world.

He fell asleep before either Axel or Demyx came back into the room but slept for only a few hours before something woke him up. Riku rubbed his eyes and propped himself up onto his elbows. He could just see Demyx and Axel's forms in the darkness of the bedroom, the steady rise and fall of their chests indicating that they were fast asleep. What had woken him up then?

You're sensing something on the edge of this swamp. I can feel it as well. Someone is looking for you.

Okay. There was something on the edge of the swamp. Riku rolled back in bed. He would deal with it later, now it was time for sleep. And yet…he couldn't get back to sleep. Xehanort's Heartless wasn't even keeping him awake, it was his own mind. Some part of him desperately wanted to know what that other presence was. And why were they looking for him? Letting out a soft growl, Riku finally gave in and slid out of bed. Having gone to bed in his only change of clothes, he slipped his shoes on then made his way downstairs as quietly as he could. Everyone else was probably asleep right now, and he was not in the mood to explain himself if one of the other's were to wake up and question what he was doing. So he slipped through the house like a shadow, thankful for the white noise of Demyx's innumerous fountains to cover any noises he did make as he crept outside.

Once he was out of the house, he took a breath of the cool, fresh air. Now, which way to go?

The south.

At least one of them knew the right direction. He had only taken a few steps before a voice hit his ear from right behind him. "Jenovan."

Riku spun around, his shocked expression turning sour when he saw that it was only Leon. Putting his hand to his chest to calm his pounding heart, he let out a low curse. "Damn it, Leon. You didn't have to sneak up on me like that."

"Where are you going?"

"I couldn't sleep. I'm taking a walk." The lie came easily to his lips, after all, it was more half-truth than lie. He couldn't sleep and he was going for a walk, Leon didn't know that it was to check on a presence. And Riku didn't want to tell him.

Leon eyed him a moment then shrugged. "Whatever. Just don't stray too far. A handful of Heartless have been testing this swamp's boundaries."

"I can handle myself."

Leon frowned but didn't say anything more. He probably thought that Riku really couldn't handle himself. Eyes narrowing at the thought, Riku turned away from the lion spirit and continued on to the south. Why didn't anyone here think he was capable of taking care of himself? First Sora then Leon, in the same day even.

If you had a weapon, they would respect you. And I could teach you more spells to work with. Of course you wouldn't need to learn them if they just let you go home.

It was like listening to a record repeat itself. Worse than how irritating it was, Riku could actually feel the other's words beginning to drive his own thoughts. If he didn't watch out, he was going to start obsessing over these things.

He was so deeply immersed in his own mind that he reached the edge of the swamp before he knew it. Beyond the swampland was the usual open, scraggly field, looking for all the world completely empty. Frowning, Riku took a step out from under the swamp tree's overhanging branches. As soon as he did, there was a massive rush of wind in front of him, picking up dead leaves and pieces of grass and whipping them about madly. Riku covered his face as the grass and leaves scratched his legs and arms.

When the wind finally died down and he had lowered his arms, a figure was standing about twenty feet in front of him. A black cloak shrouded the figure's identity completely, but Riku guessed by the size that it was a male. The voice confirmed it. "Riku Jenovan. I've come with a proposition for you."

Riku raised an eyebrow. Clearly this man worked for that Superior guy, the cloak was a dead giveaway. If he didn't play this right, things could become very bad for the others very fast. How had he even managed to find them? Internally wary, Riku adopted a casual air and crossed his arms. "I'm listening."

"My Master recognizes that you have great potential. He is willing to assume that you became part of this plot against your willpower and hopes, in honor of your father's legacy, to welcome you back in the palace with open arms."

"Really? He's going to take me in just like that?" Riku shifted a bit. "For some reason I doubt it's going to be that easy."

The hooded figure let out a low laugh. "Smart boy. In return for his leniency, my Master would only need a little bit of information; what you know about the gang of miscreants that stole his captives, for instance."

So they didn't know exactly where Demyx was hiding them in his swamp. Riku could imagine why, the canopy was so thick that it was impossible to see down into, and there was no way to sneak inside without Demyx knowing. Unless they had a Vanish spell like Luxord had. But Riku guessed that if they had been able to use a Vanish spell to sneak inside, then this guy wouldn't be trying to bribe him now. Right now, Riku had the upper hand. He had the information.

Smirking, Riku tilted his head to the side. "I don't know. I've got a pretty good life here. I don't really feel as if I require your Master's welcoming."

"There must be something you desire which these fools aren't providing you with."

Riku waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing that you'd be able to give me. All I want is a way out of this freak-show world, and I don't think that's going to happen no matter whose side I'm on."

"My Master could easily arrange your return back to the human world, if that is what you want."

Riku frowned, his gaze hardening as it rose to the figure's darkened face. "I've heard that promise before."

The cloaked figure chuckled as a soft breeze blew between them. "I'll make you another promise then. We'll get you back to your world, and only once you're back will we ask you for any information. You won't have to tell us a single thing before then and if the time comes that you change your mind and decide that you'd rather remain here with your little band of friends, we can forget the whole thing. What is your answer to that?"

Riku's eyes narrowed, his mind turning. He really had planned on saying no to this guy. But that…that was a very good offer. If this guy was telling the truth, it was a sort of win-win. He would be getting a definite ticket home, and he could just forget the entire thing ever happened. Just tell them what they want to know and go back to his regular life. That sounded nice. Or, if he decided he wanted to see this thing through, he could brush them off. He balanced the options in his head. Say no, or agree. He had been forced into this whole mess after all, he didn't really owe anyone anything…

With a frown, he looked down at his shoes after another moment of thought. "Let's say…that my answer…is a tentative yes to that plan."

"Excellent. Someone will contact you at a later time then." The figure turned to walk away only to twist half-way around as if struck by one last thought. Lifting his head, he turned his cloaked face back to Riku. "Ah yes, I was instructed to leave this behind for you. A token of the Superior's goodwill."

There was a rush of air and suddenly, something dropped out of the sky in front of Riku's feet. Something large and weighty. Startled, Riku jumped back a few steps then approached the item, leaning down over it. It was a sword.

The cloaked figure spoke up again as Riku warily reached out for it. "That is Soul Eater. It is a magic weapon, and so can be called into your hand with only a thought to summon it and only a thought sends it away to a place for safe-keeping."

The sword looked almost like a scimitar formed into a bat-wing shape. It looked rather ominous, but as he wrapped his fingers around the hilt, he felt a powerful energy run up his arm. And it didn't feel dangerous. It was as if the sword fit perfectly into his hand, its weight nearly nonexistent. A practice swing proved its smooth balance and arc. It was a good sword.

Riku looked up to ask the figure what he needed to do for it but the man was already gone, disappearing back into the darkness.


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