Hey! New update! ^_^ I meant to update last week but I had a problem with the beginning of this chapter and had to rewrite it. And this chapter was going to be longer but I decided to just publish this part now and put the rest of the introductions in the next chapter.

And this chapter is dedicated to Sorasque for guessing who the King, Queen, and Advisor are! And now there is no more guessing as they will be introduced in this chapter! And thanks to all who reviewed, faved, and alerted! Now I'm just going to write a few responses to a few of the reviews:

Hallucinating Skys: Your reviews made me smile :) Sorry Sephiroth isn't the king... at least not the one that rules over this country lol. And I do love Zack as a dad. He is so awesome. And you'll see what happens to Roxas when he becomes a page in a few more chapters.

NormaJean Beausoleil: I think I replied to your review in a message but I'm not sure so... Roxas and Xemnas aren't in the chapter but AXEL IS! XD Zexion and Demyx will probably make an appearance but not until later chapters. And you read my mind about Terra and Aqua O_o Though Terra isn't a courtier.

SorRokuAku-Rox: HERE IS MORE! XD

Harmonic Sniper: What Xemnas has planned for Roxas won't come to light for another few chapters at least. But it's evil. And Axel is in this chapter! XD

Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the Kingdom Hearts characters or Final Fantasy characters that will be seen in this story. I only own the plot.

WARNING! This story will be VERY dark. It will contain yaoi, both willing and unwilling. (Meaning there will be some rape and molestation in it but also the good, consensual kind) If you can't handle it then go read something else. I don't want people flaming me because they didn't read the warnings.

Chapter 4

"Only 3 years left," he whispered, burying his face into his pillow. "I don't want to go away! I want to stay here! No! No! NO!"

"NO!" Ventus shot up from his sleep, screaming as tears ran down his face. "I want to stay! I want to stay!"

"Ventus?" There was a soft knock on the door before it opened and a tall woman with long dark brown hair walked into the room. At the sight of Ventus crying she rushed over to the bed and immediately took him into her arms. "Ventus, honey, what's wrong?" For a few minutes, he said nothing. He just buried his head into her shoulder and let it all out.

"He... he was so sad. He kept saying 'only 3 years left' and 'I don't want to go, I want to stay!'"

"The boy in your dreams? The one that looks like you?" He nodded and looked up into his mother's worried face. "Did he say anything else? Like why he only has 3 years left?"

"No," he said, wiping his eyes as his tears began to subside. "Why do I have these dreams, mother? You always ask about them and then tell me to keep them a secret from father. Why? Why do I feel his pain like it's my own?" The queen hesitated for a moment, looking torn, and then there was a knock on the door.

"We'll talk about this another time, when you're old enough. Just promise me you won't tell your father," she whispered, making sure he nodded before she stood up and turned to the door. "Come in." The door opened to reveal a young maid, who bowed low and stepped into the room.

"The King requests that your majesties make your way to the great hall. Lord Shinra and his party should be arriving soon."

"Thank you. We will be along shortly," she said, dismissing the maid. The mother and son watched as she left before they turned to each other again. "Let's get going. Your father will be upset with us if the guests arrive before we do."

"You mean he'd be upset at you," Ventus said, chuckling. Tifa smiled and shook her head, knowing that what her son said was true. In the king's eyes, Ventus could do no wrong. He was perfect in every way and if something involving him went wrong then it must be someone else's fault.

"Oh, hush. Now let's get going."

-L-

"Leon." A shiver went down the brunette's spine as he heard his name called. Turning around, he held back a grimace when he saw who was there.

"You called, Xemnas?" he said calmly, wishing that the man were more than a foot away from him. Something about this man always managed to unsettle him, no matter how man years he had known him.

"As advisor and closest friend to the king, he confides in you about everything, does he not?" Xemnas asked, seeming annoyed at something. Leon stiffened and watched him warily.

"Cloud does confide in me often but I do not share these things with anyone unless given permission or if it is absolutely necessary," he replied, seriously. Xemnas resisted the urge to roll his eyes and decided it was just best to get the point.

"I just want to know what I have done to incur his anger. The other day we were speaking about the impending visit of the nobles from Jenova and everything was fine but then today he suddenly told me to stay clear of the great hall and that he didn't want me there to greet them anymore. He seemed angry with me for some reason. I think I should at least know why!" Leon relaxed with a sigh, shaking his head.

"It's nothing important. Just do as he says and don't ask questions. It has nothing to do with anything you did, just let it go for now," he said, not wanting to say the real reason. The reason being that prince Ventus didn't like him and so influenced his father in such a way that it affected the way he treated Xemnas. The man looked skeptical for a moment but decided to let it slide for now.

"Fine. I'll listen to him without asking questions but if it happens again, I will want know why," he said before turning on his heel and quickly walking away.

"Well someone doesn't look happy." Leon jumped at the voice behind him and turned to see his nephew standing there, a big smile on his face.

"Sora!" He quickly pulled him in for a hug and then took a step back, looking him over. The 9-year-old was wearing his new uniform, excited about starting his first day as a servant to prince Ventus. His mother, Leon's sister, was the head maid who took care of the queen and he had been talking non-stop about how he planned on being just like her. "I see you're all ready to go!"

"Yes, I am! I'll be taking care of Ven just like mom takes care of Tifa!" Leon laughed and ruffled the boy's hair.

"Yes, but remember, when you're working you should address them properly. They are your friends but they are your bosses as well." Sora nodded, trying his best to look serious but failed because of the smile that kept breaking through. Leon laughed again. "Ok then. On your way, I'm sure you have plenty to do."

"Yeah! I'll see you later, Uncle Leon!" He waved enthusiastically and ran off to start his job. Leon smiled at the sight and then turned and started making his way towards the great hall.

-A-

"Axel, stand up straight!" The 12-year-old redhead rolled his eyes and did as he was told, not wanting his brother to scold him again.

"I still don't see why I had to come, Reno," he said, following his brother as they were led down a large hallway. Reno looked back at him with a glare before turning back around to see his friend laughing.

"I see what you meant now, Reno," the man said, shaking his head at Axel. They stopped walking in front of a pair of large ornate doors that Axel assumed led into the great hall.

"Sorry, Rufus, I tried to warn you. He would rather be back home, getting into trouble with Prince Riku and his other friends," he said, angrily. Rufus just chuckled and walked over to the younger redhead, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry to have pulled you away from your friends for this, Axel, but I was hoping you could just put on a smile here and try to make friends with Prince Ventus while we make friends with his parents. Do you think you could do that for us?" Axel stopped and seemed to think about it for a moment. "This is important. The King loves his son very much, so if he isn't happy, then the King isn't happy."

"Fine," he said, sighing like the decision pained him. "I guess I can keep the kid happy for you guys."

"Thank you, Axel." Rufus smiled and let his arm drop, turning back around and led the way into the great hall.

-V-

Ventus frowned and fidgeted nervously as he stood beside his parents and Leon, ready to greet Lord Shinra and his party.

"I thought Aqua was supposed to be here," he whispered to his mother as the doors to the great hall opened. She smiled down at him and shook her head.

"No, you can spend time with your friend later," she whispered back. "Right now you're supposed to try to make friends with Lord Flynn's little brother. He is about your friend Terra's age, I think." Ventus smiled at the mention of his older friend. He had seen him on his way here, all dressed in his new uniform. He was getting ready to train to be in the royal guard. One day, he would probably be to him what Leon is to his father.

"Ok," he said, turning his attention to the 3 people approaching them. He stared at the bright red hair of the Flynn brothers before turning his full attention to the younger of the 2, who was also staring right back. Ventus was surprised to see how tall he was. It made him look older than 12. If he had to guess, he would have said that the redhead was 14.

"Lord Shinra! Welcome to Midgar. It has been a long time since your last visit," the king said, walking forward to meet them. "Lord Flynn! It's nice to see you again." The 2 lords bowed to the king before he turned his attention to Axel, who stood behind them. "And this must be your younger brother that I've heard so much about."

"Yes, your majesty," Reno said, motioning to his brother to come greet the king. He nervously moved forward and bowed. "My younger brother, Axel."

"It is nice to finally meet you," Cloud said, smiling down at the boy. Then he turned to his wife and son as they moved forward. "This is my wife, Tifa, and my son, Ventus. And also my advisor, Leon." They all bowed in greeting and Cloud smiled as he watched the 2 boys look each other over. "I hope the 2 of you can become good friends." Axel looked away from the smiling prince and nodded.

"I hope so too," he said, earning a smile from the king and queen.

"Ventus, why don't you show Axel around the castle?" Tifa suggested, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe you could introduce him to a few of your friends."

"Yes, mother." He turned to the rest of the party and bowed before motioning to Axel to follow him. He smiled as he led the way out of the hall before turning on the redhead in excitement. "So what would you like to do, Axel?"

"Well what would you like to do, your highness?" Axel asked, politely. Ventus pouted and shook his head.

"Call me Ventus! Or Ven! My friends call me Ven. And don't be all polite to me just because I'm a prince. You're my guest so what would you like to do?" He crossed his arms and stood there, waiting. Axel couldn't help but think it was cute and let out a little chuckle.

"Ok, ok, Ventus. I won't be so stuffy and polite then." He hesitated and seemed to think for a moment. "Well I'm not too sure what there is to do around here so... how about you introduce me to some friends of yours and we go have some fun?" Axel marveled at how the prince's face lit up at the mention of his friends before his hand was grabbed in a death grip and he was yanked down the hallway.

"Ok, let's go!" Axel didn't understand how such a little boy could be so strong. He was pulled past a number of chuckling servants before he was allowed a moment to get himself balanced again. "Sora!" Then he was dragged off a little further towards a young servant boy with spiky brown hair and eyes just as bright blue as the prince's.

"Hey Ven! I was just looking for you! I'm so excited! I'm starting work today! I'll be just like mom! Who's that?" The bubbly brunette skidded to a halt as his big blue eyes landed on the redhead.

"Sora, this is Axel. Axel, this is Sora." They both bowed in greeting and Ven chuckled. "Axel is from Jenova."

"REALLY? That's so cool!" Sora yelled, startling a maid that was passing by. "What's it like there? Is it like it is here? Is it true that your king has long silver hair all the way down to the floor? And do his sons all have the same silver hair? And—"

"Whoa whoa whoa! Slow down, Sora! One question at a time! You're going to scare him off." Ven laughed at the shocked look on Axel's face. Sora blushed and looked down at the floor.

"Sorry, I'm just really curious. I've never been out of Midgar before," he mumbled, shifting from on foot to the other as he spoke. Axel smiled and gave in to his urge to ruffle the young boys spiky hair, earning a startled squeak from the boy.

"It's ok, I'll try to answer them the best as I can. Now let's see," he paused, trying to remember what Sora had been asking. "I guess it is a bit similar to this place. Maybe a little colder since it's up north. And yes, King Sephiroth has long silver hair. It's not down to the floor but it is fairly long. And yes, the princes have silver hair too. All 4 of them." He watched as Sora's eyes lit up at the information and he just knew that more questions were coming.

Hmm... I wasn't completely happy with how this chapter came out but... oh well. I'll try to make the next one better. There was just so much I wanted to put in these next 2 chapters. It's hard to put it all in. Eh... well review please! I like to hear some opinions! Good, bad, in the middle? :)