Hey there sorry if I haven't updated in a while, but I've been busy with uni and stuff... plus I've been writing a draft for an original story that is loosely based on this one... so... yeah...

Anyway here's the new chapter, I hope you enjoy it though I warn you that I haven't reviewed it all that much... let me know what you think please?

There is no coming to consciosness without pain [Carl Jung]

«It's cold» the blond let out a shaky sigh as spasm racked his too thin body, «are they doing this on purpose?» he was referring to the psychological torture.

«Whatever do you mean Ventus?» came the snarky reply.

The blond frowned «why are you always so bitchy? Were you like this even before you were brought here?»

The raven-haired took a deep breath through his clenched teeth «for the last fucking time, stop acting as if you don't know me! It's pissing me off,» he hissed.

«But I-» came the feeble response.

«Shut up!» the brown eyed boy grabbed his hair in frustration «Just shut up, for fucks sake,» he growled as the blond stilled in shock.

Before he could suppress it Vanitas let out a whimper making the blonde's face contort in to confused frown «Shit, this is all my fault.» said the brunet.

«Vani-»

«-I'm sorry!» the boy screamed making Ventus jump in surprise, «I'm sorry, okay?» Vanitas's voice cracked, «fuck, this is pathetic.»

The brown-eyed boy buried his face in his arms as he hugged his knees closer to his body.

Suddenly the boy jumped as he felt a warmish hand gently touch his shoulder, «I'm sorry,» he heard the blond whisper.

«What?» asked the other boy harshly.

«I'm sorry,» he repeated calmly «it's not that I don't want to remember, I think it's the shock, you know? I mean, I only remember a few "snapshots" of my life. I know I'm supposed to know you, and strangely enough sometimes I know I do.» he let's out a laugh «it's really hard to explain. All I know is that I'm trying to cope with this situation the best I can, and perhaps this the only way my body knows how.»

Minutes ticked by and the blond thought that the raven wasn't going to answer but then Vanitas huffed in annoyance, «this is fucking bullshit,»

The blond couldn't help but let out small chuckle.

«Don't laugh, this isn't funny,» the other snapped somewhat weakly.

«Right, right,» the blond said with a cough though a small smile was still plastered on his face.

Silently the blond shifted so that he was sitting close to other male.

«What are you doing?» demanded the raven.

«Isn't it obvious?» said Ventus as he rolled his eyes.

Vanitas lifted an eyebrow «I don't swing that way,»

The blond spluttered making the other teenager laugh.

«I'm just cold you moron!»

«Yeah, okay… pillow-biter.»

«Fuck you, fruit cake.»

«Ha, you wish…»

«Moron,»

«Idiot,»

«You guys are out of your mind,» came a voice from a within the darkness.

The two boys stopped bickering both surprised by the unexpected interruption «Wow you're still alive? And here I thought you were long dead.» said Vanitas with a forced smirk firmly in place.

«There's no way I'm dying before you asshole.» the voice snapped back.

«Hah, we'll see about that.»

«Why is it that we always end up fighting?» Ven interjected with a sigh, «aren't we supposed to gang up against the same enemy? Ever heard of the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?»

«I don't know, I'm actually tempted to side with Xehanort on this one,» said Vanitas with a chuckle.

Ventus glared vehemently «You're an idiot for even joking about that.»

«Who said I was joking?»

Ven elbowed the raven in the ribs «Hey why don't you sit next to us? We can keep each other warm through our body heat.» he directed his attention towards the voice but received no answer.

The blond sighed as he propped his chin on his bent knees; he heard footsteps approaching their quarters.

«Looks like their back, I was hoping they were going to forget us here.» said the voice neutrally, «I wonder whose turn it is.»

The blond started to shake as he buried his head in his legs «So cold,» he choked on his own breath.

I snap my eyes open and a release a sharp gasp as my body registers the high temperature.

It was so cold, what happened?

I start hyperventilating and shaking uncontrollably.

What's happening? Where am I?

2559 July 15th

I feel something shaking me, a voice calling me name it seems so far away.

Vanitas?

«Gale…»

No, not Vanitas… I know this voice is this person being cooked as well? And people say that you die alone.

«Gale…!» the voice is desperate, strained; have they been crying? I bet their tears have all evaporated, with this heat and all.

«Gale… please…»

But who is this person? It's… female… mother? No her voice is too soft, too kind.

«Gale!» woman's voice called me as a hand feebly shook my shoulder, «Gale, please look at me!» the woman pleaded.

Aerith.

I groan as rationality joins my consciousness.

«Aerith?» I whisper with a cough.

«Gale, oh thank the Lord.» she sighs.

«What happened?» I ask as I pull myself in a sitting position.

Aerith eyes widen in shock «You don't remember? You ran in here and before I knew it you fell unconscious!»

I grab my temples at the growing headache, I let out a small laugh «So much for the rescue plan,» I mumble as my memories slowly return.

Aerith's eyes soften, if that were even possible «Sweety you shouldn't have done that!» she reprimands me softly.

«There's so time for that,» I interrupt rudely «We have to get moving,» as I stand up quickly, too quickly in fact as a wave a dizziness nearly has me topple over to the floor again.

«Gale!»

«I'm fine! Let's go!» I answer quickly.

«I-I can't!» she answers, «I'm stuck! I- you have to get out of here without me!»

My eyes widen as I only now notice that her legs are crushed under weight of the church's rubbles.

«Fuck!» How did I not notice this before? I try pushing off some of the rubbles but some were simply too heavy.

«Gale,» Aerith said with a gasp of pain «you have to get out of here or we'll both die,»

«No!» I shout desperately «I'm not leaving without you!»

«Please-»

«I'm not!» I start shaking, «what matters is that you get out of here safely, this is the only life you have, don't waste it.»

Aerith frowns at me in confusion «What are you talking about?»

Memories start rushing through my mind, nearly overriding my consciousness, I shake my head and push the thoughts away as I always do and I keep digging «doesn't matter,»

-o-

«Uncle Terra!»

My eyes widen at the man in front of me, what was he doing here?

He smiles at me as he wets his clothing by throwing a bucket of water over his body; next he grabs his jacket and drenches it in more water.

«Don't worry, Roxas. I'll be back before you know it!»

Then, without so much of another word, he covers his head with his jacket and sprits towards the burning church and to the rescue of my idiot brother and aunt.

A warm comforting hand settled on my shoulder as I involuntarily start to shake, I glance at Aqua who is giving me a tender smile.

«You know he'll bring him back.»

I nod before wiping away my tears.

«Yeah,» I hear myself whimper before looking towards the burning edifice, during any other moment I would've been cheering in joy at such a sight, but-

I look at the people around me who were crying in distress as they in vain tried to save what remained of their holy building. I hate them, it's just a building, why so much distress for something so useless? So lifeless?

But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

I see Aqua sprint towards the crowd so that she could help out.

After all we were both very much afraid of losing something dear to us.

«If Gale doesn't get out of there alive, I'll kill him.» I sob pathetically.

-o-o-

Boringly I lean against the wooden fence behind me, placing my elbows on it's dirty surface. With a annoyed huff I observe as men – ants – squabbled about as they tried in vain to put out the fire. I was kind of hoping it was a bit more entertaining than this. I sigh before spotting a small group that was steadily attracting more and more attention by the panicking citizens.

Somewhat interested in this seemly superior intelligence compared to the rest of the herd, I calmly walk towards them, my hands tucked in pockets of my worn trousers.

I sit on a near by rock placing my elbows on my knees as I listen to their plan, «Remember men! God is always looking over us! And he will praise us for our good deeds-» I groan as my head falls between my legs.

Nope no plan here, just a fucking inspirational speech.

«Okay now let's go save those men!» yelled the leader as his idiotic men cheered apishly before running towards the enflamed building. The bulky man nodded, a moronic grin making his way on his features, obviously glad of his good deed of the day, suddenly his attention snaps towards me.

«And what are you two doing?» the moron asked as he sent me a "withering" glare – uuuh scary I think I'm going to piss my pants! -Wait, two? I sharply turn to my left where I feel something brush against my skin before jumping slightly.

The annoying brunet saluted with a small "yo", well so much for getting rid of him.

«For fucks sake-» I mumble.

«get ya ass in gear and save those men!» interrupted the ape.

Suddenly the brat turns his attention to the brute and grins, I think most would have passed it as a "playful grin" but I know better – I think I ruined this kid.

I smirk sadistically.

Awesome.

The brat might be a pain in the fucking ass, but sure knew how to be entertaining.

«Yeah we heard you the first time big guy,» Sora leans backwards before folding his arms behind his head «Thanks, but no thanks. I don't exactly take orders.»

I chuckle as the apes' eyes almost pop out of his skull.

«Are you fucking with me?»

Sore grimaces in disgust «I think no one would ever have the courage to do that

The man held his head high, completely missing the implication «Damn straight they wouldn't, now get moving. And that goes for you too kid.»

My smirk drops in an instant making Sora whistle in amusement «Now you've done it.»

«And who are you exactly to give orders to me

Again the man held his head high proudly «I am sergeant-»

«Yeah okay, so? Why the fuck should I risk my ass for some guys that were moronic enough to enter a burning building to retrieve some "sacred" documents» I quoted sacred with my fingers making Sora snicker beside me.

«Haven't you heard me before? Because those men are your brothers and they are risking their lives to recover something that is important to all of us! Because this is the will of God! Because of honor-!»

I chuckle interrupting him in mid-speech «Oh yes, I've heard your little speech alright; and I have some questions for you teach.»

The man bristles at the interruption «We don't have time for your games brat, people might be dying right about now!»

«First:» I continue lifting my index finger «you saying that we are all brothers and sisters is technically correct but are you are aware that biologically all animals are our brothers and sisters? Even the simplest of bacteria is in fact a sibling of ours. Shouldn't they have the same courtesy those men of yours have then?»

The mans face reddens in anger «this is preposterous! Are you implying we have the same importance of an insect?»

I grin «Well maybe, I was actually referring to fact that phylogeneticly we are connected. In any case moving on,» my middle finger joins my index «with the phrase "Because this is the will of God"» I say the phrase imitating his gruff voice «Are you implying that you are connected to said God, and if so how exactly does this connection work? Cable or wireless?»

«W-what?» the ape gives me a confused frown.

Ah right, no technology.

«I have no idea what you are talking about but-»

«I'm not finished, and you haven't answered my question anyway. So I'll imply that you have no connection what so ever and you just said that to "motivate" your soldiers in doing thy bidding. Anyway-» I chuckle «honor? Really? What kind of motivation is that supposed to be? How is honor going to be of any help to me if I fucking die? Oh sure you religious folks have it easy in this case. You think that by doing the "right"» I quote with my fingers «thing; for honor you have a special little place reserved up there with the good guys. But how does that do any good to us atheist who do not believe in an afterlife? You really think we would give up our life for honor? Give me a fucking break.»

«Hey Vany, that's not fair you're only justifying yourself here!» Sora protests.

«Apart from the fact I don't see why I should justify your sorry ass. How did I not

«Well I do believe in god.»

I frown for being interrupted «Yeah, okay, let's ignore the fact that the god you believe in is kind of fucked up, not that everyone else's isn't, you don't exactly believe in an after life.»

«Well, kind of.»

«Ah well screw you then.» I shrug apathetically.

«Hey!»

«How dare you!» The monkey-man growled. «How dare you make up a God!» and strangely enough his anger was directed at Sora… did he just ignore my speech? What the fuck, that's a first. Fucking brat stealing my spotlight.

Sora's eyes twinkle with mischief «I'm sorry. Did I offend you?»

«Damn straight you little shit, our real God will make you pay for this.»

«Excuse me? How is your God any better than mine?»

«You insolent brat! Our God is real

«Yeah? On what basis?»

«Basis?» the man frowns.

Sora nods «Yeah. Basis, you know, proof.»

As the man splutters the brat tilts his head to the side smiling «No comeback? Well, it is true that they say that faith is blind.»

I snort «Try abandoning a blind guy in the woods on his own; he won't last long.»

Sora chuckles «Vanitas that's not very nice.»

«Sue me.»

«Oh, I'm pretty sure there are plenty of guys who would want to do that. I would never take way the honor of doing that.»

I roll my eyes.

«You insolent brats! How dare you! We have documents that prove that he's real!»

Sora shakes his head, «Those documents are written by the hands of men, what you truly have faith in isn't a God but in the men that wrote down those documents. But in any case, my God gives me the strength to live, he donned with will to walk on to see life in a constant positive light. He has given me a reason to walk on and not turn back. I believe is very much the same as yours, he too gives you the will to live right? So there's a real difference between wouldn't you agree?»

The man clenched he his eyes shut «I can find one.» he mumbles.

I roll my eyes as Sora raises and inquisitive eyebrow «and what's that?»

Suddenly the ape snaps his eyes open and snarls «He is real

The brat sighs, «can't say I haven't tried…»

«Indeed,» I laugh as I direct my attention towards the crowed behind insultingly unintelligent man. I admire the inquisitive faces that were staring our direction after the apes outburst.

Suddenly my gaze falls on the face of young blond boy, his face stricken with tears and worry, he seems familiar so I stare at him intently making his stare drop in turn. My mouth drops open in wonder as my eyes widen. No way-

I stand abruptly, faintly I hear Sora calling my name but I paid him no attention. Instead I walked towards the fidgeting boy.

Once I was right by his side I kneel turning the boys is attention towards me. He narrows his eyes at our close proximity, but says nothing due to the shock.

I know this kid I'm certain of it, but something feels wrong, it felt inexplicably wrong. I sneer in contempt, I felt insulted by the boys mere existence, as if he had just spat on something… important to me.

«What do you want?» the insult demands, his mere voice making my scowl deepen.

Automatically my hand snaps up and grabs his face, and brought it close to my own.

The insult gasps in pain and struggles in vain.

«You shouldn't be.» he snarl, making his eyes widen in shock.

I feel something sharp against my throat «Release him,» a voice growls deeply.

Although a cut to my jugular wouldn't have been in the least deadly I decide to release him anyway; I harshly throw him to the ground and get to my feet.

«Try that again and I'll have you arrested,» the woman snarls angrily.

I stare neutrally at the blue haired woman before releasing my anger upon her; I strike her straight between the eyes cutting my throat in the process.

«Vanitas!» Sora groans.

And the fun began.