Once We're Gone

Disclaimers: I own this plot and certain characters.

Authors Note:

Well…this is an interesting case! I have actually updated haha!

If you guys are looking for an interesting explanation, I was attacked by a stray moose in the area and I have been in a coma ever since. I have finally awoken last week and now I am writing again!

…but if you really want the not so interesting truth, I honestly have been so caught up in personal affairs I have totally not even realized how much time has gone by.

On a more personal note, my mother passed away during my time off from this story and that has been extremely hard for me to deal with. You could say a bit of my inspiration has died with her. I loved her a lot and I know I will see her again someday, but it's still a tough thing in my life. So, not to use her death as an excuse, though hopefully you guys understand why exactly updating has been a bit difficult.

I apologize to all of you each chapter so I know the sincerity of it might be diminishing, but do know that I appreciate all of you guys and without all of my readers, this story would be nothing! If I could give each and every one of you a medal for patience, know that I would!

I've decided I'm not going to make any updating promises, because knowing me; I will fail to keep them. I know it seems disappointing, but at least I won't let this drop to a permanent hiatus status! If I happen to be up late, (which is rare) and I have nothing to do and I'm feeling inspired, THAT will be when I will add another chapter!

If any of you are still reading this, I thank you very much for your support!

So if you have still waited nearly four years later for some updates, I applaud your efforts and again apologize for the dreadful writing that is shown in this story. I chuckle at the fact I was merely fifteen when starting this. Hopefully, I will get to revamp the whole thing but for now I'm pretty sure ya'll just want some closure!

QUICK SUMMARY: What happens to nobodies once they've become whole again? And what effect does that have on the beings that they are merged with? SK RN

Chapter 11: When Every Wrong Makes a Right

"Hey! Watch where you're tossing that thing!"

Roxas rubbed the bump on his head in pain. It had been a couple days since he and Naminé made up, and the two quickly headed back to Blitzball practicing. The big game was coming up the next day and the Blue team really needed all the extra practice they could get.

Naminé let out a small, apologetic grin. "Sorry Roxas," she stated.

He rolled his eyes and tossed the ball back. "Let's just make sure that it doesn't happen tomorrow, okay?" Roxas warned her.

"Deal," Naminé answered with a grin.

"Can we get back to practicing guys?" Dutixs posed his question with some annoyance in his voice. This next game would be a big one, especially considering it was against their biggest rivals.

"Don't get so worked up 'bout it brudda," Kawkax said putting his hand on one of Dutixs' shoulders.

"Kind of hard not to," Dutixs responded. He sighed and shook his head. "Zacx' team has won the past three years in a row…how are we going to beat that?"

"With us!" Roxas cheerfully stated as he pulled Naminé into a close hold. The two newcomers to the game beamed brightly, prompting Dutixs to give off a small laugh.

"Heh, perhaps…" he started off warily. The dusty haired man cleared his throat, asserting his serious tone once more. "It's going to take more than just luck to beat them," Dutixs continued picking up the blitzball, "c'mon; let's go a couple more rounds before we practice our underwater techniques!"

"Well then, we're ready when you are!" Naminé chimed.

Of course, just as she said that, Dutixs hurled the ball at Naminé who promptly ducked at the last minute.

"Dutixs!"

"Hey, you said 'ready when you are'!"

After practice, just as the sun began to set over the hills, Roxas and Naminé walked hand in hand down the dimly lit path that took them through the city center. Kairi's counterpart snuggled in closely to her newly appointed boyfriend. A contented sigh escaped her lips as Roxas breathed in the scent of her hair.

"You smell nice, Nam," he murmured affectionately.

The comment made the girl blush. "You're sweet," she stated squeezing his arm. "I look and smell terrible after that workout!"

"Not at all," the blue eyed man said sincerely.

"Hmm, you definitely are a charmer, Roxas…"

"I try,"

Naminé gave him an Eskimo kiss. "You succeed," she whispered.

Roxas knew that what he was experiencing inside of him went past all feelings or emotions. They were just moments…precious, precious moments wrapped up neatly in the shape of a heart that was embedded beneath his chest. Roxas didn't know if there was truly such a word, or an explanation for what was going on, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. Ever since he and Naminé made up, the blonde was in a state of constant bliss. A state, he hoped, he'd never have to relinquish for any reason.

"Naminé," Roxas breathed with admiration.

"Yes Roxas?"

"I-" the Keyblade Wielder stopped in his tracks as a faint reddish color stained his cheeks. "I-I'd like to take you out on a date," he managed to get out.

Naminé beamed at the boy's sincerity. "Roxas," she started off, "that isn't necessary…"

Roxas shook his head. "No, I want to!" the boy insisted with a cheeky smile. He squeezed her tiny hands. "Think of it as a makeup present," he suggested with a twinkle in his blue eyes.

The girl in white smiled back at him. "Roxas, we have a game tomorrow…" she answered trying to be responsible.

"I promise I'll get you home by a decent hour!" Roxas exclaimed as if he was talking to her father or something of the sort.

Naminé giggled contently. "Oh you," she said playfully tapping his shoulder, "alright you win. But what could we even do right now? Sunset's almost over."

"Leave that to me," Roxas replied with a wink. He then eagerly took her hand and whisked the two away down an area Naminé wasn't familiar with.

"Whoa, Roxas!" the pretty blonde shouted as they weaved in and out of the crowd of people on the streets.

"Oh c'mon Naminé, you said we need to hurry!"

"Yes, but I didn't mean so literally!"

The two laughed as they continued to dart away under Roxas' lead. He brought Naminé up the giant hill that overlooked most of the city beneath them. Heaving, Naminé had to halt for a moment.

"Wait a minute," she pleaded with heavy breaths, "after today's work out I need a second to catch up with my lungs!"

Roxas, also panting, agreed. "Sorry Nam," he said with a grin, "guess I got carried away," the blonde added rubbing her shoulder.

Perking up an eyebrow, Naminé gave Roxas a quizzical look. "So where exactly are you even taking me on this 'date' Roxas?" she wondered, noticing they were leaving most of the populated area.

"You'll see," Roxas murmured bending down. Still giving off a puzzled expression, Naminé questioned her boyfriend once more.

"What are you doing?"

"Here, get on!"

"Huh?"

Roxas turned and gave off a flashy smile. "You said you were tired, so hop on my back!" he said motioning for Naminé to climb on him.

Naminé paused for a moment before unleashing a hearty chuckle. "You, you want to give me a piggy back ride?" she asked between giggles.

"Of course!" Roxas stated. "It's my duty to make sure the fair maiden doesn't swoon during our journey upwards," he remarked in a polite fashion.

"You silly goose," Naminé murmured kissing his cheek. She situated herself on his backside, hanging on to his neck tightly. "High, ho silver!" she shouted in a teasing fashion.

"As you wish," the blue eyed nobody replied taking off. The take off startled Naminé, but Roxas made sure to clutch the girl as firmly as he could. He enjoyed the feeling of Naminé clinging on to him like she was doing. Her head was nested in his neck, not daring to look up for fear of falling off. "You alright back there?" Roxas joked. Naminé kicked him slightly. Another laugh came out of the boy's mouth. "Almost there," he promised as he brought the two of them to the tip of the hill. Up there, a small shack was emitting a faint light that flickered and buzzed every few seconds. Roxas let the frightened Naminé down holding her close. "That wasn't so bad now, was it?"

Another soft kick from Naminé answered that for him. She took a few steps. "Where are we?" the blonde questioned as she noticed they were the only people at this particular location.

Roxas snaked his arm around her waist and walked her forward. "I wanted you to see something," he said softly, "but first," he brought Naminé over to the little shack as Roxas pulled out some munny and approached the counter.

"Two sea salt ice creams please!"

Naminé's beautiful cerulean eyes lit up as Roxas was handed two delicious looking treats. He handed her one of them with a smile. "Wait until you try this…you'll never want to eat anything else again," he chimed happily.

The girl gladly took the ice cream and analyzed it before taking a small bite. The second she did, Naminé found herself taking another bite, and then another. "Mmm!" the blonde exclaimed. "Roxas," she began, "this…this is heavenly!"

"Hah, I'm glad you like it," Roxas murmured as he took her free hand and guided her a little further up the hill. Up on top, there was a bench that overlooked the entire city and sea below time. Naminé marveled at the sight.

"Roxas," she breathed, "it's beautiful…"

Her eyes twinkled as Roxas gently caressed her cheek. "A beautiful view for a beautiful girl," he whispered with the utmost care. Naminé affectionately gazed at the boy for a few moments, until she was distracted by the ice cream melting on her hand.

"Yuck!" she laughed flicking the drops from her hand.

"Here, we should probably sit down and finish these before they disappear," Roxas chuckled leading the two of them to the little bench. As they ate their ice cream, Naminé leaned in close to her boyfriend and rested her head on his shoulders. The blonde man returned the sentimental gesture and placed his arm around the petite girl next to him.

The two of them were silent as they looked out into the horizon, taking note of the stars slowly entering the sky. Roxas slightly nudged Naminé as she started to close her eyes. "Don't fall asleep on me just yet, Nam," he teased.

"Oh…" she yawned accordingly, "I'm sorry Roxas…guess I was a lot more tired than I thought."

"It's okay," he nudged her once more. Roxas nuzzled his nose into her blonde locks. "Are you…happy Naminé?" the Nobody wondered.

Naminé looked up at him with a shiny grin. "Of course I am Roxas," she whispered curling up even closer to him. She grasped his hand where ice cream had been minutes before. "This is all I've ever wanted," she confessed closing her eyes again.

"And what would that be?"

"Being here with you like this," Naminé murmured, "feeling like this."

A warmth permeated Roxas' inner core and he knew that it had to be the closest thing to a heart that he possessed. It was humming and stirring emotions inside a man who should have been rendered emotionless.

"Hmm, it's funny…that's all I ever wanted too,"

The girl beamed at the comment and leaned in to lightly peck Roxas' lips. The two grinned at each other like silly children but they didn't care one bit. If being happy meant seeming like a child, then they both had no desire to grow up whatsoever.

THE NEXT DAY

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats! The game will begin shortly!"

The arena was jam-packed with eager lovers of blitzball waiting to tune in to what was sure to be an exciting match. Naminé's breathing increased erratically as she changed in the locker room. Lexsiphe had gone in with her to give her some last minute pep talk.

"So basically all you have to do is remember to just control your breathing and you should be fine!" the brown haired girl chimed. Naminé wasn't listening though as she peered out from the curtain to look at the massive audience.

"There are so many people here," she muttered with a gulp.

Lexsiphe kindly touched Naminé on the shoulder. "Don't be nervous," she said with a smile. The blonde returned the touch.

"Thanks for being so supportive, Lexsiphe," she murmured. Naminé also became aware that the girl had spoken with Roxas prior to their making up and knew that she was more indebted to Lexsiphe than ever.

"Oh Naminé," the green eyed girl returned, "honestly it's no problem!"

Naminé showed off her pearly whites, which were even more accentuated since she was dressed in a dark blue wet suit. The blonde had pulled her hair up into a high ponytail so that when she went under water it wouldn't be all in her face.

"Hey, you all set?"

The two girls looked to see Dutixs peeking his head in the locker room wearing the same wetsuit as Naminé. With an encouraging nod from Lexsiphe, the blonde took a deep breath. "Yeah, ready to go…" Naminé answered the team captain. Dutixs grinned and motioned for her to follow him out into the main area of the arena.

"Good luck!" Lexsiphe shouted as she went off ahead to take her seat.

Following the blonde, Naminé walked out to hear thousands of cheers from the spectators in the arena. Her mouth dropped at the sheer amount of excitement that was going on. Blitzball certainly was far more popular than she had originally guessed. Dutixs led her to where the rest of the blue team was waiting.

"Wow Nam," Roxas breathed looking at how the tight wetsuit accentuated Naminé's tiny frame. "You look great," he murmured causing the girl to blush.

Dutixs rolled his eyes. "Alright you two, save the mushy stuff for afterwards," he stated with a wave of his hand.

Kawkax laughed. "Aw, don't be sour brudda just 'cuz you don't have a girl," he snickered prompting the rest of his teammates to laugh along with him.

Turning a light shade of red, the team captain cleared his throat. "Anyways," he started off sending an annoyed glance Kawkax's way, "the green team has kicked our asses for the past three years but I know that we have been working far too hard to have to face disappointment again. Just do your best and remember to have fun…that's what this game is all about!" Dutixs exclaimed. He placed his hand in the middle of the group and the others followed suit. "Blue team on three!" he shouted.

"One…two…three!"

"BLUE TEAM!"

"Players, take your positions," the announcer said over the loudspeakers.

Dutixs turned towards Roxas and Naminé. "Since you guys are our extras, if any of us are fouled or injured you'll take over for us," he explained to the two new players.

"Ah, you mean I may not get the pleasure of pulverizing that spiky headed freak?"

All three turned their heads and glared at the laughing form of Zacx. He was dressed up in deep green suit with his arms folded and his other teammates snickering behind him. Roxas unleashed a small growl. "Like you even could anyways," he snapped at the ebony haired man.

Zacx merely chuckled at the comment. "Oh please, you've been playing blitzball for what? All about a week or two? I've been doing this professionally for over seven years kid," he answered condescendingly. Naminé pursed her lips and furrowed her brow.

"I'll bet you he could easily take you regardless of his lack of experience," she stated with a touch of anger in her tone.

The blue eyed man smirked at Naminé's comment. "Hey Nam," he began affectionately, "you look extra bangable in that suit…tell me Rox, how is the little slut in bed? I'm sure she's a spitfire."

"Take that back!" Roxas screamed attempting to tear the man's head off. Dutixs and Kawkax had to hold him back from doing something drastic.

"Whoa, simmer down there buddy!" Zacx stated with a wicked grin. "We wouldn't want you to get disqualified before the game has even started, now do we?

Naminé calmly placed her hand over Roxas' own. He knew it was her way of saying to not worry about this loser. The blonde scoffed as he was released from the grip of his teammates. "You're right Zacx," he began, "I'd much rather embarrass you in front of thousands of fans."

Zacx snorted. "Yeah, we'll see about that," he muttered turning around, his lackeys following his every step.

"Players, last call, take your positions!"

The rest of the blue team made their way over the arena entrance and Naminé and Roxas took their places on the sides. They watched with much anticipation the players take their places inside the water filled orb. Zacx and Dutixs were directly facing each other in the middle. The former glared as the ebony haired man sent him a menacing look. After nodding at both players, there referee signified they were about to begin.

"Alright folks, you've asked for it and now you are about to see one heck of a match today!" the announcer shouted from the speakers.

The crowd cheered once more as the countdown started, leaving them eager to see how the game would play out.

"Three…two…one BEGIN!"

The ball was tossed and almost immediately Zacx lunged forward for it and swam away from Dutixs grip. Swiftly dodging Kawkax, Zacx hurled the ball into the goal for an instantaneous point.

"And there you have it folks! The green team is the first to score!"

"Oh no!" Naminé gasped at the outcome of the play.

Roxas smiled to himself watching Naminé's acute interest in the game. Her eyes were wide and doe like. He tapped her lightly. "Don't worry Nam, there's still plenty of time left," he said kindly. Naminé let out a tiny grin at Roxas' comment. She knew he was right.

Unfortunately, the time that was left was spent as a fierce back and forth fight between the two teams. Every time the blue team scored the green followed almost immediately behind them. It was four to four when there was a minute left in the first round.

Zacx knew he had to improve the standings somehow. With his next play, he darted towards the goal as a member of the blue team tugged on his leg. Zacx shoved off the player giving him a swift kick in the gut.

"That's a foul!" Naminé heard Lexsiphe yell from the audience behind her. The referee made no such indication of a foul and continued to let Zacx move while the injured player darted towards the exit.

"One down," Zacx thought as he steadied himself directly in front of the blue team's goalie, "and soon to be two!"

With that, he lunged forward as put all of his force in the throw causing the blitzball to be unavoidably shoved into the goalie's stomach.

"And another goal by the green team!"

"What? That was totally another foul!" Roxas shouted as the announcer started counting down. He was starting to think the match was almost fixed.

"Three, two…one AND THAT'S THE FIRST HALF!"

Naminé and Roxas groaned in disgust as the water started to drain. They went over to check on their two teammates along with Dutixs and Kawkax. "I dun think they're gonna be able to play mon," Kawkax stated to the team leader. Dutixs grimaced.

"Nam, Rox…I think we're gonna need you after all," he started to the couple. Naminé's eyes lit up at the statement.

"Really? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh…" she could hardly breathe.

"Roxas, go to defense and Naminé you be the goalie, think you can handle it?"

"You betcha," Roxas answered, thumbs up. He pressed his fingers against Naminé's spine. "You ready?" he whispered in an awfully sweet way.

The girl returned a happy glance at her boyfriend. "You betcha," she repeated back. She noticed Dutixs looking distressed. "Don't worry about it Dutixs, we're still neck and neck!" Naminé said encouragingly.

Dutixs sighed. "Yeah, I suppose you're right…nothing we can do about it but try our best," he replied.

"Alright then, hands in!" Kawkax exclaimed putting his hand out in the middle.

"BLUE TEAM!" they all shouted at once.

"We're about to start the second half, players take your positions!"

The blue team made their way towards the entrance, relishing in each breath they took before having to hold it in the water arena. Once more, Dutixs and Zacx stood opposite of each other as the ball was hoisted above them. This time, however, Dutixs was the first to get the ball and he quickly threw it to Kawkax. As Kawkax approached the goal, he tossed it back to Dutixs surprising the goalie and allowing for Dutixs to make the score even.

"BLUE TEAM SCORES!"

A throbbing vein appeared on Zacx's forehead as he glared at his teammates. He seized the ball once it was tossed from the goalie and made his way over to the other side of the arena. Roxas furiously swan in front of the man trying to block his view. But Zacx was a much better swimmer than him and was able to pass Roxas with no trouble at all. He smiled as he found himself in front of Naminé, who was preparing herself for the oncoming move.

Zacx eyed Naminé wickedly as he lifted up the ball. No words were needed to be said at that moment, even if they could speak under water. His eyes seemed to say it all, "you won't be able to stop this."

"Oh yes I can," Naminé thought back, preparing herself for anything.

The man motioned forward and chucked the ball towards the upper left corner. Naminé immediately swam up and threw herself in front of the ball.

The crowd all cheered enthusiastically when Naminé blocked the goal. They cheered even more when she threw the blitzball directly at Zacx's face in an attempt to return it. His nose started to bleed and he glared viciously at the girl. "Foul!" he tried to scream under the water. The referee just looked at Zacx and shrugged. He motioned that the move was fair since Naminé was quite a good distance away and would've had no control over the force of the hit and where it ended up.

Roxas immediately seized the opportunity to steal the ball away from Zacx and started to swim over towards the goal. He threw the blitzball over to Dutixs, who was open, with one swift move. Dutixs caught it and immediately hurled the ball at the green team's goalie. Unlike before though, the goalie missed the shot causing the buzzer to go off.

"BLUE TEAM SCORES!"

Each of the team members eagerly through their hands up in the air as the timer slowly dwindle to five seconds, and then four…then three…two…one…

"BLUE TEAM WINS! BLUE TEAM WINS!"

Naminé and Roxas joined the rest of their teammates in the middle for a group hug. The two were hoisted onto the shoulders of Dutixs and Kawkax prompting them to beam. They quickly scrambled to the exit, knowing full well that their lungs were in dire need of oxygen. As the let themselves out of the arena, they were met by a cheering Lexsiphe and a huge group of other fans.

"You did it! You guys actually did it!" she screamed embracing them.

"Thanks to Roxas and Naminé!" Kawkax winked.

"Yeah," Dutixs added with a nudge, "that was a nice throw Nam,"

"Zacx's face thought so too!" she responded with a laugh.

Speaking of the devil himself, a ballistic Zacx made his way over to the cheering crowd. "You stupid bitch!" he shouted in Naminé's face while holding his injured nose. "Do you have any idea how expensive my face is? You'll be hearing from my-"

He couldn't continue his tirade as Roxas swiftly knocked him to the ground with an impressive swing. The stars over his eyes indicated that Zacx was clearly conked out.

"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?" Roxas added to the unconscious blitzball player. Kawkax gave him a high five as Naminé clung to her boyfriend.

"Roxas, you were great!" she stated affectionately.

The blonde man gently caressed her face. Even completely soaked Naminé still looks absolutely breathtaking. "Not as great as you," he murmured sweetly leaning in for a kiss. Naminé gladly returned the actions amidst the hoots and hollers of their friends around them.

"Get a room!" Dutixs teased.

Roxas and Naminé pulled apart and blushed. "Nah, we don't need that to be happy," Roxas responded gently. The comment made Naminé look up at her boyfriend in admiration. He truly was unlike any other boy she ever met.

And as they walked off to celebrate their victory, hand in hand, she knew that she wouldn't want to change him for all the riches in the world.

Oh Sweet Jesus, you have no idea how hard it was to start re-writing this thing. I hope that though it wasn't the biggest of updates, I've reassured you guys that I don't intend to leave you hanging forever. Although I will say that I have severely strayed from my original outline so finishing this is more of a chore than anything else.

Patience though, my friends. As long as there are some of you who actually enjoy this terrible story…I will try to be a good little writer and keep you close!

"WAIT SONCHAN! IF THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL DAYS LATER…THEN WHAT HAPPENED TO KAIRI AND SORA?"

…and that my friends, shall be answered in what I think will be pretty amusing chapters to come :]

Next Chapter: How do Sora and Kairi manage to find this Appuo fruit? Find out in the 12th segment of "Once We're Gone"!

Thanks to my reviewers, every single one of you!