Story 2 ~ The Prince's Destiny of Naught
Sora hated his destiny.
No, he didn't smile because he was happy. He wasn't an airheaded, spoiled prince like everyone thought he was; he thought deeply about many things. He didn't want to become the next king; he wanted to live his own life. He knew that once he got the golden crown on top his head, a large, magnificent prison in a shape as his own home – the castle – would take away his freedom until the end of his life. That's why, Sora acted as his wishes now, doing everything he liked and acted as spoiled as possible. Although he always counted to the day his freedom was taken; so actually he was in an endless anxiety. A goofy and cheerful smile covering the overhelming desperation and sadness; even the grudge toward the God. Even Sora himself couldn't distinguish whether his expression was happy or sad since the very same happy smile was always on his face. Never cry, never frown, never angry. That was the king's important task, and Sora was taught about that from his very young age. Falsity.
The only one who could make him relax and not fake anything was Roxas, his younger twin brother and his only sibling. He really loved Roxas; his younger brother was the only reason why he could stand this fake world. Just with his brother, Sora could find something that world couldn't offer; sincerity.
Unlike him, Roxas always showed his true feelings, his true emotion. Even he was taught to hide his true emotion too like Sora, but Roxas kept revealing his true emotions. And his smile… Roxas' smile was something that Sora could die to see. It was something so different with his own smile. So sincere, pure, innocent… it really brightened Sora's stormy day. Was it weird if he was willing to do everything just to make Roxas smiling?
That's why Sora always did everything that made Roxas smiling. He visited his brother everyday, talking to him, bringing something from the town for him, or even just hiding from Kairi. Roxas' honest behavior was a relieve for Sora who only knew fakes for all of his life. Even he himself was fake.
He knew Roxas was suffering. He knew, from the way Roxas always stared at the outside of his room from the large window in his secluded room, that Roxas really wanted to go out. He also knew that even by giving up his prince status, if it gave him the freedom, Roxas would do it without thinking any further. And of course he knew, that he could talk to his father about giving Roxas his freedom, that Roxas wouldn't do something his father most scared to – rebellion. No, he absolutely knew that Roxas' wish was just live normally with freedom. But… Sora was very egoistic. No, he wouldn't give up Roxas. He wouldn't let his most important person went away, even it meant this important person was suffering. No, Sora would give Roxas everything the blond boy wanted except one; he being far away from Sora. Really, Roxas was the only reason that kept his sanity. So, while Roxas couldn't go out from his room, Sora would bring the world instead from his stories. He never thought it made Roxas more suffering and curious.
That's why, Sora's goofy smile was vanished for the first time in his 16 years of life when the maid told him Roxas was gone. Without any letter or anything that explaining where he went or did. Nothing.
Roxas' missing was a breakdown for Sora's life.
Well, he hated his destiny. That's why he abandoned it; with pleasure.
"Roxas is missing! What should we do?"
"Calm down, dear. We can get the soldiers to find him as soon as−"
"Are you crazy? No one knows him! And we have to keep that fact! I don't want something terrible happened to this kingdom because of a rebellion! What if Roxas is going out to plan a rebellion so he can become the king instead?"
"Father, I heard Roxas is missing. Is that true?"
"Ah, Sora. Come here, son! And right, he is missing! This is really not good since no one knows about him and we can't search him easily…."
"Well, Father. Then let me give you a suggestion. How about…."
"It's good for you that His Majesty agreed about you searching His Second Highness and cancelled the ball."
Sora grimaced as he wore a blue hoody on top a thin black shirt. His trousers were the same color with his hoody – the clothes were very simple and plain so he could hide his identity. Finished giving final touch to his spiky brunette hair, Sora turned his body from a large mirror to a man standing behind him, leaning on the door side casually with hands crossed in front of his chest. He was a tall man – Sora's top head only reached his mid-chest – with spiky blonde hair – oh how it reminded Sora of Roxas! – and a pair of electric blue eyes with light green around the pupil. It's beautiful, but kinda scary as well. He was smiling amusedly. He wore a Soldie r– the Twilight Kingdom's elite guardians – uniform, a navy blue clothes and baggy trousers with brown boots. A dull green scarf was around his neck.
"I hate ball," Sora stated softly, afraid his words were heard by some curious passerbies. He walked to the side of the mirror, where a large and cozy bed was placed. Its bedsheet was plain white, covered by a thick light blue blanket. Sora would absolutely miss for his comfortable bed…. "And I hate the people who attending it. So full of falsity." And me too; whenever I have to be in front of that people, I also have to be fake…. I hate it so much!
"Not surprise for me," the man answered calmly. He stepped in the large room. Even the room was spacious and elegant, it was plain and didn't have Sora's taste. Well, he was rare in this room; too busy with preparation for the future task and his adventure inside the city. Even Sora had a free time in the castle, usually he spent the time in Roxas' room. He only used his room when he slept on the night time. "Zack and I can see clearly the sour smile on your face each time your father orders you to attend a ball or a party. Especially when His Majesty told you to bring Lady Kairi as well."
"For the Almighty Ones, I know very well she just wants to be the queen," Sora snorted disgustedly. He took a small leather pouch from his bed and hung it on his shoulder. "She is another reason why I don't want to be the king. Why Father choose someone like her to marry me in the future? I don't even like her!"
"She is the best lady in this capital," the blond man answered for the King's behalf. "She is the prettiest noble lady, her attitude and skill as a lady is extraordinary, and her parents are your parents' close friend, so it is obvious she will be your wife in the future." Sora groaned.
"Cloud, just be silence," he ordered with annoyed tone as he walked toward the much taller man. Cloud bowed politely even his lips was curved amusedly.
"As you wish, Your Highness," he said with exaggerating honour. Sora hit his shoulder playfully, then gestured Cloud to follow him out from his room to the cozy corridor. The corridor's floor was covered by expensive red carpet, and the ivory wall – with golden carvings line on the middle – was full of paintings that had the same price with Sora's bedroom and its contents. Well, Sora still couldn't understand why his father was willing to throw his money on paintings that were uglier than Sora's paintings – and Ansem the Wise said his paintings were a 'great cause of war', if that indicated anything. That's on Sora's mind, though. Don't take it seriously.
"Where is Zack?" he asked as he looked around him, searching for something. Or someone.
"Right here, Your Highness!"
Sora nearly summoned his Keyblade and chucked it to anyone behind him that had some guts to scare him. Fortunately he could manage his reflex on last second and turned his body around instead. There was a tall man – taller than Cloud, much to Sora dismay – grinning widely at the prince. He has this spiky jet black hair and the same electric blue eyes with green ring around the pupil like Cloud. Right, as Soldiers they got some Mako injection to give them some extra strength. Or that's what the (mad) scientist of the kingdom told Sora.
"Zack! You surprised me!" Sora exclaimed as he punched the raven haired man's chest lightly. Zack laughed heartily at him. He seemed friendly and cheerful while he wore the 2nd class Soldier uniform – a sleeveless dark purple turtleneck and baggy trousers with black leather boots.
"My apologize, Your Highness," he apologized politely – even Sora could say he wasn't too willingly apologize – as he crossed his right hand over his chest. "This humble servant of yours just got several news for Your Highness."
"Cut that formal tone, won't you?" Sora said, pissed off but also amused. Zack really didn't fit in playing formality, especially with that permanent mischievous smile on the handsome face. But his smile isn't fake like mine…. "And what do you have for me then?"
"It's about Lady Kairi," Zack answered, and both of him and Cloud was hiding their amused smile when Sora grimaced. "She is very mad and sad about His Second Highness' missing and your intention to go searching him. She even went to His Majesty and asked to follow you as well."
"And?" Sora's eyes bulged. Oh for God's sake, he didn't dare to even just imagine how it would be like if Kairi followed him and his guardians in his searching for Roxas…. Oh God, no, just no!
"Refusal was all she's got, though," Zack answered with a big grin. He held back the urge to ruffle his prince's head when the prince's expression went relieved and happy. "She is a female, so she can't go, and she must increase her skill as a lady as she awaits for both of Your Highnesses' return."
"It's a good news, then," Sora sighed with so much relief. "What's the others?"
"His Majesty asks you to be fast," the Soldier continued. "Because he is afraid that His Second Highness is really planning on betrayal…. And he said, that if His Second Highness isn't willing to come back or has suspicious motives, you have to… uh, have the fastest way to fix it."
Sora gulped his bad feeling in his throat, hoping it would vanished, but instead the bad feeling was swirling angrily in his stomach now. "…and that way is…?"
"Killing His Second Majesty by your own hands."
It was an absolute chaos inside the caravan right before the bazaar started, which meant that their play was started in next 45 minutes. Roxas looked at his surroundings with full attention so he forgot the existence of a gorgeous violin in his hands. The violin was shiny jet black with a few silver engravings patched on its body. Obviously Zexion very cared for the expensive-look violin. When Roxas borrowed it Zexion even still be able to lecture him about using the violin (very) carefully until Roxas remembered every words into his heart. Roxas felt that the slate haired man was giving him his violin just because Xemnas told him to. But the prince didn't find him surprised; the gorgeous musical instrument must be very important for the writer.
"Marluxia! Get another costume; it looks like Larxene has got fatten, this costume is no longer fit on her!"
"WHAT? I don't get fat! Just a bit… 'growing'!"
"Whatever, Larxene. Naminé, have you memorized all of your dialogues? You are going to be our main star tonight; no place for mistakes!"
"Calm down, Saïx," Naminé smiled assuringly, looked so beautiful in her simple dress, just a white one piece that went to her knee and an indigo blue bolero was entwined around her shoulder, with a pair of simple white cloth shoes. She is really pretty in light colors, Roxas thought with amazement. According to Demyx, Naminé would play as a poor girl, but Axel forbade him to tell Roxas further more. Even Naminé was supposed to be a poor girl, she was still appeared beautiful…. "I've practiced with Riku since a few days ago; I've got it memorized completely."
"I believe in you," Saïx nodded stiffly. He turned his eyes toward the man behind him. "Luxord, where is Xigbar?"
"Changing costume," Luxord answered curtly, already in his own costume, so mature and elegant. Based on his rather extravagant costume, Luxord was a fairly wealthy tradesman. He wore a silky, long-sleeved black shirt with white trousers, completed by long vest with red wine color that decorated with gold broidery on the chest part, also a pair of leather black shoes. He was very dashing in his costume. Roxas held an amused smile while he imagined the women went crazy when they saw him on the stage later. The blond man looked at Roxas. "Saïx is always like that before play. He is even more nervous than us, the actors."
"It make sense," Roxas nodded. "Isn't he the Mr. Perfectionist I?"
Luxord laughed right when a grumbling Xigbar entered the gathering tent. "Why do I always get the bad side?" he asked with pissed off tone, his hands pulled the costume on his body with disgusts. His long-sleeved shirt was a bit rumpled and had white-turning-into-brown color with a little stitching on his right elbow. His black trousers were dull and his black leather boots were muddy. On his waist there were two brown belts twinning there, a long sword was slipped there. In entirety – without foregetting the eyepatch on his right eye and a big scar on his left cheek, and his long hair – Xigbar was seemed nothing but a bad guy. "And why does this guy always get roles of gentleman, rich trader, king, or something along with that?"
"Appearance takes role, Xigbar," Xaldin mocked calmly while he was sitting on a wooden chair across from Roxas. "Your scars practically screaming to people that you are a wanted person, you know."
"Shut up," Xigbar retorted dejectedly. He pointed at his comrade accusingly. "How about you? You have no place to talk since you are always on the bad side too!"
"Hmm," Xaldin shrugged. "I think it's cool to be the badass. I know I don't fit with noblemen or gentlemen aura like Luxord, Riku, Marluxia… I know myself."
"Huh," Xigbar snorted, still pissed off because he didn't have the chance to be a prince just for once. Well, what kind of prince that has an eyepatch covering his right eye and a big scar on his face?
"Yo, Roxas," Roxas turned to the light greeting, finding a porcupine-like redhead standing before him, grinning widely. He also seemed handsome, even he didn't wear some costume instead just a casual black clothes since he didn't play this time. Roxas was a bit nervous to find himself thinking that Axel was already handsome with his casual attire…. "How is it? Confused with the right-before-the-play situation?"
"No," Roxas shook his head a little, erased his thought before. "It's interesting to watch people getting ready…." He looked to his side, where Xion was groomed by Aerith. It seemed Aerith was a make up stylist as well. He turned his eyes back to Axel. "This time you don't play, do you?"
"Just as a background music," Axel shrugged.
"I want to see you play too…," Roxas muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"N-no!"
"Axel!" was accompanied by a tremendous glomp toward the red haired por− er, man, making him almost fall on Roxas. The unique blond haired man grinned inhumanly wide. "Are you ready?"
"Demyx!" Axel grumbled as he got himself away from Demyx and kicked his ass playfully. "When I'm not ready?"
"Maybe since Roxas' arrival…," Demyx teased as he hid behind Roxas. Not that had any use since Demyx was much taller and bigger than the small blond teenager. "You're so caring to him~!"
"Shut up!" Axel immediately ran around Roxas, trying to catch the other hyper teenager who was running to the silently standing Lexaeus on the centre of the tent. "I haven't take revenge on you from before! Get your ass back here!"
"Axel, Demyx!" Saïx, who was carrying a big pile of clothes before he fell on his ass ungracefully since Demyx crashed on him, followed by Axel, roared angrily but not as intimidating as usual since now he was on the ground with Demyx sprawled over him, and Axel on top of them. Saïx was suffocated but could still set his dangerous expression. "I'll kill both of you!"
"Whoa, run!" Axel exclaimed, quickly getting up and running away from the tent, followed by Demyx with incredible speed. Saïx got up, grumbling, and collected the spreaded clothes around him quickly.
"God, they're always like that…."
"Here," Roxas gave the rest of the clothes. Saïx was surprised to see him, but he nodded eventually as a gratitude expression and accepted the clothes. Both of them stood up as Saïx gazed at Roxas from top to bottom, and bottom to top. Roxas was definitely nervous right now.
"You name… is Roxas, right?" the blunette asked. Roxas nodded hesitantly. Saïx stared at him. "Why do you suddenly want to join us?"
"Eh…," Roxas tried to find the answer that wouldn't make him like a complete idiot. "I, I want to see other places."
"Don't you have parents or relatives?" Saïx asked again, with more curiousity.
"Eh, no," Roxas lied. "I… I'm alone here, so… I'm fed up to be alone, so I want to go, make new friends, see the world…. But Axel said it's dangerous to wander alone…."
"Yes, that's right," Saïx nodded a little. "Such at young age… how old are you?"
"…I'm 16 years old right from this day," Roxas answered with sad tone. Saïx raised an eyebrow.
"…I see," he said softly. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Roxas lifted his head, smiling widely. Saïx was a bit taken aback to see such sincere and innocent smile. "This… is the first birthday congratulation from a friend."
"Huh?" Saïx was confused. It's news for him that Roxas and him were friends, but that was different story. The first time a friend congratulated him? Even he who was cold and scary would definitely got congratulations from his comrades. "The first?"
"Yes." A sincere congratulations from someone aside my brother…. Even my parents didn't care my birthday.
"That's not good, Roxas!" from Saïx' back, Xion responded with worried tone. She, prettier after the grooming process, approached Roxas. "I will say it to Axel and Demyx, they will celebrate it for you with pleasure!"
"Eh?" Roxas was surprised. "D, don't! I don't want to be a nuisance!"
"It's okay, Roxas. Besides, there's nothing wrong with celebrating the new member's arrival, right?"
That soft voice startled Roxas. Roxas couldn't say anything when a girl in the white dress approached him. With a bit natural make up, Naminé was prettier than before….
"Naminé, we haven't decided him as our new member yet," Saïx reminded. Both of the lithe girls looked at him with innocent expression. Combo attack.
"I know, Saïx!" Naminé smiled sweetly. "But it's not something bad if he is really accepted tomorrow, and we can celebrate it as his birthday party and welcoming party at once!"
"Naminé…."
"Saïx, I'm sure Xemnas will agree too!" Xion added. "Isn't the most liked – and waited – event for this caravan's members is togetherness, especially celebrating something delightful?"
Saïx was silenced up. His yellow – is it golden? Roxas thought with shudder – eyes gazing at the two actresses, judging for a while, then he turned his body and walked away. "…we'll see tomorrow."
"Wah! He is agree!" Xion punched the air in front of her cheerfully. Roxas was a bit confused. It was Saïx' agreeing reaction, so how if he didn't agree?
"So, new kid, popular already? Being defended by two girls at once…," a deep voice was heard within a heavy tap on Roxas' shoulder. "Bless handsome, prince-like face, huh?" Roxas was a bit paled and stiffened hearing the mocking, but fortunately no one realized it.
"It's rare for you to praise others, Xaldin," Marluxia said from across the tent while his hands took care with his own costume, and also took part in the conversation. "You were ignoring Riku for three months when he first joined us!"
"Huh, he does have a pretty boy face like Riku," Xaldin snorted as Roxas blushed. Uh, what's with people kept giving comment about his face…? And… cute, pretty… weren't that adjectives for female only? "But at least he doesn't have annoying aura like Riku."
"Xaldin, Riku is as kind as Xigbar," Naminé said calmly without forgot to bring Xaldin's best friend so the black haired man couldn't protest. The said man, who was sitting on the corner trying to memorize his dialogue, perked up when his name was said. "Try spent some time with him, and you will understand."
"Impossible, Naminé," Xaldin shrugged, pulled his hand from Roxas' shoulder and waved it lightly in front of his face as if a fly buzzed there. "I won't fall to that pretty face. You girls might be fall to that, but I won't."
"I didn't talk about Riku's face, Xaldin," Naminé said with gentle smile, earning a speechless Xaldin. "I was talking about you can be his friend too if you try."
"15 more minutes!" Zexion entered the tent with loud voice, announcing . "Stop all unrelated talking! Now focus to our play, and please gather in the back stage tent right now!" He turned to Lexaeus and Xaldin. "Xaldin, Lexaeus, I need your support for finishing the stage!"
"Aye, aye," Xaldin walked past Zexion to the outside of the tent, followed by Lexaeus who was still silent as ever. Roxas looked at the burly man curiously until he disappeared behind the pale brown thick fabric of the tent. So quiet…. Zexion looked at where Roxas, Naminé, and Xion stood.
"Naminé, Xion, please go to the back stage tent and gather with the others, Saïx will give further explanation there," he stated. He looked at Roxas with his uncovered eye. "Roxas, you are with Vexen and me to the audience seats." He walked out from the tent.
"Okay," Roxas nodded, excited to see a play for the first time in his short-life. Xion took his hand and dragged him out of the tent excitedly, but Roxas was staggered. "A-ah, wait, Xion! I have to wear my hood first―" But Roxas didn't finish his own sentence as his jaw dropped when he saw the scene before him.
Roxas was sure it was already night, but it didn't dark at all. Sure, the sky was jet black, but the large amount of various size and colorful lamps were spread around him. He could see the entire plaza – the tent was on the center of the place, after all – and for someone who never went out before, the view was amazing enough for the young blond. Kiosks with colorful goods to be sold were displayed, intriguing every passerby who passed it. Sweet aroma filled up Roxas' lungs, coming from a stand that having many chocolates with various shapes on top of it. Chatters, laughters, and shouts to invite people to see (and buy) their items were heard everywhere. Roxas' eyes glinted to see all of this; merry and interesting. Finally, he could feel the real event by his own body and feelings! Sora couldn't brag him about bazaar anymore, Roxas thought, somewhat proud of himself.
"Is this also your first bazaar?" Xion asked, waking Roxas from his dreamland. She seemed knowing when the blond was frozen on his place when he saw the scene before them. Roxas nodded, his eyes were still glued to the sparkling lamps on each kiosks. Xion smiled a little. Just like a little boy with his first experience in the outside world…. Xion never knew how right her thought was.
"I feel sympathy this is your first bazaar and whatnot," a deep grumbled startled both the blond boy and the raven haired girl. "But can you move? The play won't play for itself, ya know?"
"S-sorry!" Roxas quickly stepped away from the tent's entrance, giving space for the eyepatched man to walk. Xigbar smirked when he saw the stuttering boy. He ruffled Roxas' hair non-too-gently.
"Don't be so scared, kid," Xigbar teased. "I may have scar on my face, but a golden heart lives here as well." He pointed at his left chest.
"Xigbar, Xion! Hurry!" Zexion, who apparently was standing not so far from there, growled impatiently. "Let Roxas alone!"
"Oops, Mr. Perfectionist II had his way already," Xigbar shrugged. "Better we hurry, Poppet."
"Don't call me that," Xion retorted. She turned to Roxas and gave him a gentle smile. "Talk to you later, Roxas. Now please watch us, will you?"
"Yes," Roxas nodded, then both of the actor and the actress jogged to the back stage. Zexion sighed, tired.
"Always like this when a play is about to start," he grumbled. "It is giving my heart a heavy work out, you know. It is amazing me that my heart still work normally at this rate."
"But I see you're having fun as well," Roxas smiled toward the slate haired man. "I think you won't regret your job here."
Zexion was wide-eyed. He didn't expect Roxas to say that. Wouldn't regret? Who wouldn't regret with this… this kind of job? But, Roxas didn't know his true job. Oh, well. If script writer was his true job, then no, he wouldn't regret it at all. But, the blond boy never knew what the truth lied behind this teathre….
"Zexion?" Roxas called hesitantly. The older man's expression changed when Roxas said 'won't regret'. Did he say something wrong? "Something wrong?"
"Uhh, no," Zexion quickly regained his usual posture. He smiled a little to the slightly shorter boy. His deep blue eyes said different from his smile, though. But, being an unsocial boy throughout his life, Roxas didn't notice it. "Let's go to the audience place, shouldn't we? The play will be started anytime soon."
"Okay!" Roxas nodded enthustiacally, entirely forgetting what happened before. I can see Naminé playing! Furthermore, I'll also hear Axel's playing for the first time! It will be very interesting, I'm sure of it!
Oh, our little prince didn't know that it would become much, much more interesting than his assumption….
"I heard there is a not so small ruckus happened related with the ball's cancellation."
Sora turned from eyeing the crowdy road in front of him. He still wasn't used to the clothes he wearing now. The clothes were far more… rough, and making him itchy. So different from his usual silky and elegant garments. Oh well, clothes just a starter, Sora thought to himself, trying to forget the itchy feelings through his body and the possibility of fleas biting and sucking his blood greedily in there – insert shudder here. If he wanted to follow his brother, then he had to disguise himself as a mere civilian, and that also meant that he had to wear, eat, sleep, and everything on daily basis all the same with mere civilians. A bit unnerving for the older prince, but Sora told himself that a prince must be strong.
"Why?" he asked, as a stinky, fat guy bumped him a bit roughly. He glared at the man, but the latter just smirked, giving a perfect view of his yellow teeth and alcohol aroma to Sora. Okay, maybe Sora could forgive this guy since he was drunk and couldn't think clearly what he had done… but, hey! Why did he drink so much on first place? Sora cancelled his forgiveness.
"His Majesty came up with idea that Your Highness is sick so couldn't attending the ball, and it was meaningless to hold a birthday party without the main character," Cloud stiffled his laugh seeing his prince glaring at the drunken man (who was walking straight toward a pile of stinky trashes as he waving toward the trashes, happily claiming it at his 'old buddies'). "So almost all the royalties in the world are going panicky and trying to pay Your Highness a call, but His Majesty forbids all of them since Your Highness is 'too sick to welcome the guests'."
"It's hard huh, Mr. Popular?" Zack teased. Sora snorted.
"Hush," he shushed his tallest guardian. "I'm popular just because I'm the throne prince. And Cloud, right now we are all the same. Just call me Sora; you too, Zack. Besides, it would be weird to people if you kept calling me 'Your Highness'."
"Understood, Your Highness," Cloud crossed his right hand over his chest, full of formality. But he quickly straigthened his hand when he saw the glare – which was not so scary, but it was the prince's, at least. "I-I mean, okay, Sora."
"Good," Sora nodded. He turned to the road once again, walking happily with his two guardians beside him. "Now, what to do~?"
"Aren't we going to search His− I mean, Roxas?" Cloud cleared his throat.
"Ah, you're right!" Sora punched into his other palm. Zack and Cloud sighed, somewhat tired to their prince's short attention span. Sora, knowing what his guardians' thought, blushed a bit. "Sorry, I'm always carried away when I'm in the town… this place gives me excitement!"
"I just feel a bit sorry for your little brother," Zack snickered. Sora blushed harder. Oh, c'mon! He WAS worried about his brother, okay! Just… just the shops around them distracted him for a while! Didn't mean he forgot completely about his brother! "So… where will we search for him, then?"
"Hmm… if I were Roxas…," Sora thought for a moment. "I remember! Tonight, a small bazaar is held on the Destiny Hall, right this time the bazaar will be started!"
"So… you think he will be there?" Cloud asked. Sora nodded firmly.
"Roxas was always curious about events that held in this city," the brunette prince explained. "And he loves the crowd. I'm sure he would definitely go there!"
"That's our destination, then," Zack nodded. "We better get hurry; don't know he is still there or not. At least we can catch him fast if he isn't."
"Right," Sora grinned widely. "Let's go!" With that, he flew quickly among the human on that crowdy small street, strangely excited. Cloud shook his head with a sigh.
"What a spoiled prince…," he mumbled. "I know he suggested himself to search his brother just because he wants to go out from the castle. Somehow, I feel pity to Roxas."
"Well, maybe he is a bit egosentrism," Zack shrugged, but a little smile was on his lips. "But I know, he really loves his brother. Believe me, he is willing to do anything for his only brother."
"Maybe," Cloud's lips curved a bit. Zack smirked to his partner.
"And, look at the bright side!" he elbowed the spiky blond playfully. "We also can get out from that boring castle!"
"You're right, but…," Cloud was paled a bit as his eyes glancing nervously at their surroundings. "…how about we join Sora quickly? I have a bad feeling if we stayed long here, something bad would be happened…."
Zack followed Cloud's eyes, and suddenly he got the same feelings. Right, since God knew when, all people around them had turned into female beings. And, Zack might eerily added, their eyes were – almost literally – stripped Cloud and him from their clothes.
"…uh, it's nice to be popular, but…," Zack's face was drained from any color but white. "…this is beyond scary!"
"Zack…," Cloud turned to his partner with increasing anxiety. Zack laughed nervously.
"RUN!"
"Finally you are here."
Roxas grimaced – although no one would see it since his face was covered by his hood almost entirely – hearing that cold comment. The blond man said it without sarcastic or angry tone, but it was enough to somehow make Roxas guilty.
"Sorry, they are being childish again hindered us to get here early," Zexion answered as he slipped beside Vexen, who was sitting on a long settle in front of the stage. There were a few other settles there, and all of the settles had already full by people. People who didn't get seat also stood behind and beside the settles, filling up the front stage. Fortunately the center of the plaza was quite spacious so the crowd didn't block up the street toward other kiosks. From this Roxas could see how popular Kingdom Hearts was.
"At least everything are settled up on the end," Vexen shrugged. "Now I would like to see our hard labour's fruit for this month."
"Right," Zexion smiled a little, then turned to his other side where a young blond sat. "Now, Roxas. Please watch this carefully, since you may also do this in the future."
"Alright," Roxas nodded, fixing his gaze at the still covered by thick red curtain stage. Vexen leaned a bit toward his slate haired comrade.
"Why does Xemnas let him join us so easily?" he whispered so Roxas wouldn't hear him. "Does he have something extraordinary? And I don't mean his piano or violin ability."
"Who knows?" Zexion shrugged, replying with same whispering voice. "Maybe Xemnas saw or felt something about this kid…. Besides, we are indeed in lack of members."
"But… how if it turns out that he has no use? And if he finds our secret accidentally?"
"It's easy," Zexion whispered flatly. "I'll order Axel to erase his existence from this world. Axel is the best in killing people without any trace, after all." He smirked dangerously. "Or any residual, in that case."
The crowds were going noisy and excited. Applaud and excited cheers were heard. The red curtain was raised slowly, revealing whatever would be behind it. Zexion snorted.
"That's easy matter," he said, making himself comfortable on his seat. "Right now, let's entertain ourselves, shall we?"
AUTHOR NOTES (read it. Maybe you find something interesting~)
Sorry for the long, long update! XO
At least the second chappie is here~ *proud of self*
Thank you for everyone who read this story! Sorry for the crappy English though, I've edited the first chapter so it is decent enough to read and added a few minor details…. Riiight, my eyes bleed when I reread the first chapter. It's a big question for me that you stand to read that…. Thank you very much! ^^ I appreciate it soooo much! XD
Also, based from you guys' opinions, I've decided that this story will have yaoi (and straight as well) pairings! Buuuttt, no, I won't give the delicious AkuRoku right awaaayy~~ XD Be patient! ^^
So, sadly I tell the Roxine pairing's supporter to back out right now… well yes, I'll make it a bit Roxine, but in the end it will AkuRoku, so… you understand. Thanks for reading though! ^^
Aand… I want to tell you to prepare your best review! Yes, I'll read your review, choose the most intriguing to me, and I'll give you a piece of gift in shape of fanart! XD And, if you give me fanarts, I'll give you oneshot fanfics! XD XD Yeees, I'm generous like that, so prepare your best reviews/fanarts/even fanfics! I'll really appreaciate it!
Okay, I'll stop my rambling.
Replies for the reviews:
IHeartGirlyGuys : Thank you~! I really proud of it! ^^ Right, congrats for being the first reviewer ever for me! Wait for my thank you little gift, okay! XD And yes, I'll give you the AkuRoku (and Zemyx~) but not right away, but please keep reading! Once again, thank you so much! ^^
Ventus : Okay! (wow, I can see your excitement with the overused caps lock! 8p) Thanks for reading! Yes, it will be yaoi! XD
: …wow! You know, your review made me couldn't sleep for a night, seriously. I really, really thank you to take my story seriously! I'll give you a little gift as my gratification, just wait for it! XD Thanks! I'm in searching for Beta now…. Still haven't got one. Oh, you're right! I've edited it so now Naminé has the right name…. *embarassed* And… yes, sorry, I forgot to say that the straight pairings also be there, don't worry! It won't be all yaois – it would be weird, anyways. So… really, thank you very much! XD
MrMissMrsRandom : Thanks! I've tried to edit the errors, but.. uh well, maybe there's still a few mistakes that I don't now those are mistakes…. -_-;; Thank you! Your high anticipation really affects me! XD Oh yeesss, AkuRoku will be there~ Just wait and see~ Oh, and Riku will have BIG, BIG role! No, his role not just as an actor, no…. *devious grin* Thanks for reading! Keep reading! XD
QuartzRose : Thank yooouuu~~ XD Hehehe, I'll try to perfect my English more! ^^ Okay, AkuRoku will do! XD Please keep reading! Thanks for reading and the review! XD
Khuronji : Okay! All reviewers want it AkuRoku though, so what am I to refuse all of your wish? X3 Thanks for reading and the review! Keep reading! XD
Serya-chan : Okaaaayy! ^^ Thanks! XD Keep reading to see the delicious AkuRoku!
Dance of Flame : Thank youuuuuu~ ^^ Please be my beta? XD The problem is…. I don't know which are the mistakes I made…. -_- ; So, please show it to me? XD Thanks for your concern! I'll give you something to show my gratitude~ Just wait! And keep reading! XD
Zeni S. Master : Thank you! Yes, I'll do it just like you say, with a bit – scratch that, a LOT of dramas~ Well, if we get what we want right away, it won't be interesting, right? XD So yes, I'll make AkuRoku, but not that simple~ There will be so much to go through for Roxas and Axel so they can get together~ XD Thanks for reading and review! Keep reading please! XD