Chapter 5 - Wise Advise

Once we've all calmed down and ate together like "civilized human beings" as Hayner says, I decided to ask for Hayner's advice on my little- no huge, mission problem. Without the details of course. It's classified information. All Hayner knows is that I have to do something to someone I use to know. Yeah. It's that complicated.

Hayner takes a few sips of his coffee before answering. "Well I can't really help with that...vivid description. But I suggest you talk with Roxas." My eyes immediately widen in realization and happiness.

"Roxas...That's a great idea!" I jump out of my seat and hug Hayner before sprinting to the East wing of the house, throwing my gratitude over my shoulder. Roxas...how could I have forgot about him?

Roxas is Sora's twin brother. Since I first met him I've always went to him for advice since he's so smart, more wise then an elderly man I bet. I haven't seen him often though. Unlike his brother, Roxas is blind. It was apparently caused by a traumatic experience he witnessed that happened to his parents right in front of him. Being twins, Sora also felt the effects of the loss of his brother's sight. He's partially deaf in both ears, it gets worse each day. To cope with that, Sora has become a fluent reader of lips, rhythms, and sign language.

When I reach Roxas' door I make sure to knock and wait patiently for the welcoming 'come in' that I always receive and go in. Nothing has really changed about the room since the last time I was here. The walls still have an elegant black and white design with matching black channdilier. The blonde is laying on his silk black sheets. I approach slowly, carefully pulling back the curtain that hangs around the bed to sit on it.

"Hello Taichi."

I smile. It never ceases to amaze me how keen Roxas' senses are. I move closer to him and take his hand in mine. "Hey." He rubs his thumb over my knuckles.

"I've missed you."

"I've missed you to Roxy." I lay down beside him and pull the blonde closer to me, holding onto him tightly. "I really really missed you." If Yamato wasn't in my life I know that I would commit it to Roxas.

"Alright 'Chi. Tell me what's really wrong." Another reason why I love Roxy. He knows when something is off about me even if I don't show it.

I sigh before going into full detail about my situation. Halfway through my story Roxas ends up sitting against his headboard with my head resting in his lap. The feeling of his hands running through my hair soothes me more then ever. I'm finally relaxed, something I haven't been able to do in months.

"Well 'Chi I think the first thing you need to do is make sure you understand the full situation. To do that you need to ask Sephiroth why this mission is so important."

Before I can reply to that, Roxas continues.

"Yamato means a lot to you right? I can tell that you don't approve of this mission. Knowing the reason for it will make you understand. After you do you will make the final decision if it's worth the price of a life."

"What if it is worth it...what if I need to do the mission...?" I don't want this...

"Then fight." What? I give him a questioning look. "Fight against the Edenbrook family and their soldiers. Protect everything you love and cherish with your life just like you did before with Hikari. Take on armies if you have to but never stop defending what you hold dear."

I knew this. I knew all of this before I got too comfortable in being sheltered and provided for. It was what I thought on a day to day basis because I knew I had to protect and provide for my sister. I was headstrong and determined. Now I'm just...

"You're weak."

My eyes widen at hearing that statement come from Roxas' mouth.

"You have become very weak Taichi. From the moment I met you I knew you were strong but over the span of four years you've become so weak it disgusts me. At age 13 you had more power, determination, and confidence then you have now at 17. If anything, this mission will be good for you. Go see Yamato, protect him but do not hide. Hiding is weakness. Stand up to all threats against you and terminate them. Do you understand me?"

Roxas' expression is hard, determined to make me understand what he's saying. I don't think I've ever seen Roxas like this but he's right. He's completely and totally right. I need to do this. I nod with determination set in my eyes. "I understand."