Chapter 7: Leaving It Behind

Axel was going to leave. I just knew it. I knew how the game went: First was Xion, next was Roxas, and last was Axel. I'd be left alone without my friends and family, surrounded by people who disliked me. It felt so familiar because I had been in that state when I was in fourth and fifth grade but now it felt so sharp and painful because my heart had been in too much pain already. There were some words I had heard once: "A heart can be broken but it still beats just the same." Right now, those words felt so true. Broken hearts still beat even if they were broken.

I found solace in talking to Axel some more but he still looked so melancholy and distraught that I couldn't help but hurt for him. I wished that I could have changed Roxas's and Xion's fates but if I did Sora would never wake up. Sora…the mere thought of him made my blood boil. I liked Sora when I played the game but now I felt enmity for him. He got to live while Xion and Roxas faded into obscurity and he didn't have a care in the world. I wanted to slap across the face because of what he had caused but that didn't mean I hated Donald and Goofy; I had loved them since I was a child. They provided laughter in my childhood so I couldn't hate them. Mickey was another I couldn't hate because I have cherished him since I was a baby. Despite my dark past, I was a Disney girl through and through.

To my own surprise, I sat with Xemnas but we didn't speak or anything which made it quite awkward. I knew some times Xemnas would be naturally quiet but this was too much for me. The Xemnas I knew loved to make long-winded speeches and make irritating gestures but not now. Now, he just sat there quietly, thinking about something. Maybe he only made long-winded speeches and gestures when he was around his organization or in front of his enemies. Why wasn't he talking to me?

"Hey, Xemnas," I finally said, getting his attention, "I'm sorry." I apologized for the most dumbest things.

"For what?" he asked, gazing at some paperwork that strewed his desk.

Tears burned in my eyes as I continued, "I'm sorry for not stopping Roxas from leaving the organization." I didn't mention Xion because I knew that no one would remember her except me since I wasn't originally in the game.

"Don't apologize," he said, patting my shoulder gingerly. "Even though he is gone, we still have a better prospect—Sora. He wields the Keyblade like how Roxas does and he will claim hearts for our almighty Kingdom Hearts. What's that face for?" He pointed to my expression that was full of anger, hate, and pain.

"Sora," I hissed through clenched teeth. "That jerk doesn't deserve to walk around while Roxas doesn't. At least Roxas made his life count. All Sora does is walk around like he is Jesus or something." The rage in my words surprised even me because I never spoke so venomously against someone.

Xemnas didn't speak but he did look amused and that only added fuel to my fire.

"What are you smirking at?" I demanded angrily, wanting so badly to punch him.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but seeing get so mad is funny. You're a dangerous little one, aren't you?" Now, he was teasing me but I didn't care.

"Yeah, whatever," I grumbled, drawing my knees up so I could rest my chin on them.

Xemnas chuckled quietly as he continued to write his paperwork but I was still curious about what Xion meant when she said I still had someone who cherished me. Who cherished me? I wanted to know but right now I was too preoccupied in saving my remaining friend.

Axel and I sat together on the clock tower, watching the sunset, but we didn't say anything. We were moping in our loss but we still ate ice cream while we sat together like always. The sun didn't look so bright but maybe it was because Roxas wasn't there with us. I rested my head on Axel's shoulder and closed my eyes. I felt Axel rub my shoulder gently as we just sat there gloomily together. I was glad to have a faithful friend like Axel because he was one of the best ones.

"I miss Roxas…" I whispered tearfully, "yep, yep, yep…" A few tears dripped from my eyes and landed on my knees.

I felt Axel stiffen a bit and dread gathered in my chest again. "What's wrong, Axel?" I asked, turning to look at him in the eyes.

He took both of my hands in his, sighed deeply, and said, "Shelby, I'm leaving the organization. There's nothing left there for me anymore." Each word felt like a stab to the heart.

"What about me?" I said in a strained tone. "Axel, you're the only one I have left. Please don't leave me. Xemnas would kill you if he found out." I grabbed his sleeve in both my hands and closed my eyes tightly.

Axel's gentle green eyes were full of pity for me and he said tenderly, "You're a tough girl, Shelby. That's what I like about you. Our lives were intertwined but never destined." With that, he pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to my lips and then he disappeared in a portal, leaving me alone.

The feel of the kiss was still on my lips but I knew we weren't meant to be in that way. Our relationship was never meant to go further than our friendship but since this would be the last time I would see Axel I didn't care. His care and friendship helped me open up a bit and the little butterfly poked its head out of its cocoon. Tears rolled down my face as I realized I would never see him again. I would value his friendship no matter what.

Since I learned to harness my darkness, I managed to summon a portal and go back to the castle. I didn't want to see anyone because I was so mentally and emotionally exhausted. I buried my face in my pillow and sobbed quietly and pitifully, wishing that I had my friend Axel back.

A/N: No, Axel and Shelby aren't getting together but they value each other's friendship a lot! Please read and review!