A/N-I'll keep it short and sweet: read and enjoy! :D

Demyx moaned and his head shifted to the side. Roxas glanced down at him. He was sitting in a stiff wooden chair next to the sleeping man's head. Roxas was busy carving out some sort of lucky charm out of a piece of wood he found on the beach. A pile of shavings lay around his feet. Roxas lifted his rear from the chair and turned it to the right so it faced the bed. Then he plunked back down and continued on his work.

It had been two days since Hollow Bastion was repelled from Destiny Islands. Since then, Roxas had been watching over Demyx and Ienzo. Demyx remained in a state of comatose while Ienzo fared much better. He liked to roam the beaches and let the water lap against his feet. Sora took a shining to the kid and they usually ran around the beach building various sand art or eating shave ice. It was nice to see Ienzo enjoying himself, yet Roxas could tell he was holding back.

"Zexion," Roxas murmured. "He's worried about his brother." He sighed and closed his eyes, halting his progress in his carving. Roxas glanced to the beach where he saw Ienzo picking at a shave ice with Riku. Next to Sora, Riku was one of the few people Ienzo hung out with. The kid rarely spoke to any of the locals and he avoided Kairi, for some odd reason and would only give short replies to Selphie whenever she checked on his condition. Whenever Ienzo wasn't with Sora or Riku, he was sitting with Roxas next to Demyx, waiting for the man to wake.

Roxas opened his eyes and started carving again. His knife slipped and he sliced his thumb. Roxas cursed under his breath and looked around for something to stop the bleeding. He snagged a piece of gauze from a table behind him and pressed it around his thumb. Roxas turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Riku was leading Ienzo over to check up on Demyx.

"Knick yourself?" Riku asked, noticing the bloody bandage on Roxas's thumb.

"Yeah," Roxas replied blandly. Ienzo walked over to Roxas. He ran his fingers down the blonde's arm until he found the gauzed finger. Ienzo wrapped his hands around the appendage.

"Cure," he muttered. There was a soft green glow and Roxas felt the skin on his thumb warm up. It was like holding his hand against an electric blanket. Ienzo pulled his hands away and Roxas checked his finger. After wiping the blood away, Roxas saw his finger was completely healed.

"Thanks," Roxas stated. He ruffled Ienzo's hair, his lips pulling into a light smile. Ienzo smiled back at Roxas.

"Sure. Someone has to take care of you two," he replied. Riku bit on his tongue to keep from laughing but it still came out as a muffled snort.

"I'll leave you two be," Riku commented before heading off to find something Militia related to do. Ienzo turned to Roxas and sat on the ground next to his chair.

"You really should be more careful," Ienzo muttered.

"I'll be fine, Ienzo. It was just a cut," Roxas reassured him.

"You and Demyx push too hard. One day it's going to get yourselves killed."

"Well, until that day happens you shouldn't worry so much. It's bad for your health."

"Sure, peg this conversation on me." Roxas chuckled and Ienzo followed suit. Ienzo stood and sat on the end of Demyx's bed, tucking his legs underneath him. "How's he doing?"

"He moved just a little bit ago. Maybe he'll actually get up today."

"I hope so. He's been so…dim…as of late." Roxas started carving again and leaned back in his chair.

"Can you tell me how you see, exactly? I know it's not exactly a tactful question but I've never met someone who was blind before." Ienzo nodded and sat back on his hips, wrapping his arms around his knees.

"Well, it's kind of hard to describe. I can't see the worlds themselves, per say. Let me start over. With being blind, my other senses are hyper aware to what's going on around me. I can hear so much more and smell even the faintest of odors. Surfaces people consider to be smooth have tiny textures imbedded within them. It's all rather fascinating. When it comes to moving around, I base my movements on the movements of others. I listen for their footsteps and try to match them. I listen to my surroundings so I don't run into them. Take a tree, for example. I can hear the rustle of the leaves when I walk nearby.

"When it comes to seeing light and darkness, it's based off of a person's heart or the world's heart. As you probably know, hearts are made up of light and darkness. I can see the light and darkness they emit so when I look at a person, they look like a mixture of light and shadows. Since no two people are the same, I can identify people by the signature they emit. Worlds are kind of like people. They have a heart of sorts that has a unique light and darkness signature. It echoes throughout the world and I can get a faint picture of what the world actually looks like," Ienzo explained.

"So how can you know a person's name before you've met them?" Roxas asked, looking up from his work. Ienzo shrugged.

"It's sort of just comes to mind. The information is basic that I receive: name, where they were born, how old they are, the ratio of light and darkness in their hearts. How do I explain it…um, have you ever listened to music?" Ienzo looked over at Roxas.

"Sort of. I never really had time for it," the blonde admitted.

"Oh, well have you ever listened to a playlist of songs and shuffled the order?"

"A few times. Hayner like to play music all the time." Roxas started picking at his carving again.

"Have you ever predicted a song before it played? Like, while the first song is playing you get the strongest urge that this one song in your head is going to play next and then it does?" Roxas thought about it for a moment.

"Mm, I might have once but I honestly don't remember."

"Well, it's sort of like that. You get that spooky feeling of 'how the heck did I just guess the next song when I had no idea to what it was' and I just kind of go with it."

"So you know where I came from then."

"Twilight Town. Zexion showed me a picture once. Despite its name, it held a lot of darkness. Only a few bright patches were keeping the darkness at bay."

"That's how it felt living there. Growing up during the war was Hell. I suppose you don't know much about the start of the war?"

"Not really. Zexion tried to explain a few times but I told him to leave it be since it was a sensitive subject for him. He's a lot like Riku. His heart has a lot of darkness in it, but it's not a bad thing. Darkness can also show a person's strength and will to fight." Roxas set his carving down on his lap and looked over at Ienzo. The kid's eyes were drooping. Ienzo wasn't getting much sleep since he was too worried about his brother.

Roxas set his knife and carving down and brushed off his pants. Then he stood and stretched. "Come on. Let's get some rest. Demyx doesn't look like he's going to wake up so we might as well be awake for when he does." Ienzo groaned. He slipped off of the bed and followed Roxas. They made their way down to the beach and Roxas sat down on a large hammock. Ienzo crawled up next to him before Roxas lay down and closed his eyes.

The blonde let out a long, drawn out exhale. Ienzo lay next to Roxas and curled up against his side. Roxas smiled lightly and wrapped his arm under the boy's shoulders.

"Hey, Roxas?" Ienzo muttered.

"Hmm?"

"Do you miss your home?"

"Every day."

"Do you think you'll ever see your friends again?"

"They're dead, Ienzo. They're not coming back." Roxas could tell Ienzo was hurt by the reply. "You're worried about Zexion." Ienzo nodded and pressed his face into Roxas's chest. He started sobbing quietly. Roxas rolled onto his side and wrapped his arms around the small boy. "Shh, it's okay. Your brother is going to be fine. He's strong. He'll make it through this." Roxas rubbed Ienzo's back with his knuckles. The boy was soothed enough to the point he fell asleep. Roxas gently kissed the boy on the top of the head. "Rest easy," he whispered.

Then he relaxed his body and drifted off to sleep himself.

XxXxX

Roxas woke up on a stained glass floor. 'Oh no, not again.' He groaned in his head. He stood and looked at the floor below him. It was different than before. It was a mixture of pale yellow and dark purple, which almost looked black, glass. In the center of the mural was a large crystal heart made up from seven pieces.

"Kingdom Hearts," Roxas guessed.

A scattered dream that's like a far off memory.

"A scattered dream? What dream?" he pressed the voice.

A far off memory that's like a scattered dream. Roxas frowned.

"Now you're just messing with my head."

Line the pieces up, Roxas. You are the one who will bind them together.

"Then start making sense!" he barked. The glass shattered and Roxas fell downwards with the shards. He floated as he neared a second stained glass window and he gently touched his feet upon it. What he saw only made his head hurt even more.

The stained glass was of him and Axel. They each took up half of the circle and in the middle of them was a large while door with small stained glass windows near the top. Both he and Axel appeared to be sleeping.

You have been connected. Roxas walked along the surface of the glass floor. Nothing was making sense. You will be the ones to open the door.

"What door?" Roxas snapped.

You must choose the ones who must close it.

"Then why are we opening the door if we're just going to close it again?"

Choose!

"I don't know!"

XxXxX

Roxas's eyes flew open. His breathing was labored and his palms were sweaty. Ienzo was still curled up next to him, nesting in the spoon of Roxas's chest. He looked up at Roxas with eyes that were searching.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly. Roxas took a deep breath and nodded. Ienzo clutched the hem of the blonde's shirt. "That's good. I was scared because you wouldn't wake up." Roxas took noticed that it was dark outside. The large pale moon beamed brightly in the sky along with millions of twinkling stars.

"Sorry, I overslept," Roxas lied. Ienzo grunted softly.

"Sora stopped by about an hour ago. He said Demyx was waking up." Roxas sat up stiffly and yawned. He stretched his sore body and slipped off the hammock. He helped Ienzo get his feet back on the ground and he held out his hand.

"Then we'd better go see if he's okay." Ienzo nodded and wrapped his small fingers around Roxas's. Then they headed over to the medical area. "Did you get any sleep?" Roxas asked, peering down at the boy.

"I woke up around the time the sun had finished setting. You didn't wake up until well after that."

"What time is it?"

"A couple hours before midnight. If I were to guess, I'd say you were sleeping a good four hours longer than me." Roxas mentally kicked himself.

"Sorry." Ienzo shook his head.

"You need your rest too. I'm just glad you finally woke up. I hope Demyx has done the same." They arrived at the tent with the lack of walls and noticed Demyx was sitting up in bed eating a plate of cold food. He smiled at their approach.

"Hey! You guys made it!" Demyx greeted. Roxas pulled up his chair and sat down while Ienzo found another chair to sit on next to the younger blonde.

"How are you feeling?" Roxas asked. Demyx shrugged.

"Not bad. I suppose I could feel worse." Roxas nodded.

"Do you mind if we talk to you about what happened?" Demyx's chewing slowed. He swallowed roughly.

"About that…"

"I understand why you don't want to talk. All I'm asking for is some clarity." Demyx stopped eating and sighed. He set the plate on his lap and cursed under his breath.

"Alright, but it's a long story and I'd prefer to get it all out in one sitting if you don't mind."

"I'm alright with that."

"Good. Ienzo, do you want to stay and listen?" Demyx asked.

"Yes. I'll try to refrain from asking too many questions," the boy answered. Demyx chuckled.

"Well aren't you the proper little tyke! Alright, now where to begin…" Demyx tapped his fork against his lips. Roxas leaned back in his chair while Ienzo drew his legs up onto his. Demyx took a deep breath before beginning.

"This story takes place before the war begins. You might actually say it was the trust start to the war but we'll get to that later. Have either of you heard of a world called Atlantis?" The younger pair shook their heads. "I didn't think so. Atlantis was my home, where I was born, and where I was raised for the first years of my life. Back then I was known as Edym Myæde." His name sounded like eh-day-hymn my-ayh-day. Roxas thought it sounded complicated yet pretty in a sense. Demyx lifted his necklace from his chest. "This is an Atlantian crystal. It connects us to our world and the spirits of those who came before us." Demyx dropped his necklace and sat back on his palms.

"A year before Xemnas destroyed Radiant Garden, he came to our world asking for something he called Kingdom Hearts. We had no idea what he was talking about. We had never even heard of this Kingdom Hearts but he claimed we had it. So, he sent his soldiers after us. In order to save our people, our world did what it thought was best: destroy itself. It created a giant wave to flood out home city, but the spirits of the past chose our queen to be a sacrifice to save what it could of the city. Giant stone golem's were animated and created a shield around the inner part of the city, leaving most of the population to drown. I was amongst the few who survived. Our city was washed beneath the waves, leaving the outer part of our world a barren wasteland of water.

"People thought Atlantis had been destroyed for good. Of course, this only mattered to the worlds in the outer reaches. It was a hub world, like Disney Town or Hollow Bastion used to be. People were inspired by it. A lot of worlds looked up to us. Once they thought Atlantis was destroyed, many of the worlds were devastated but since it was a natural death, no one linked it to Xemnas. Thus, the death of thousands of people went unpunished.

"Fast forwards a year to when I was seven, the year Radiant Garden was destroyed. Xemnas came back to Atlantis in the form of Master Xehanort, his head of magic. He had managed to worm his way into our city with the king's elite Knights. Back then, he had about thirty of them. This time, they were after the heart of our world. It was what saved us before and they wanted it. Of course, we refused. The Knights attacked our people and tortured them, trying to sway the king to give up the heart of Atlantis. That was when I first summoned Sin.

"Taking a step back, have either of you heard of summoners?" Demyx asked.

"Not until a few days ago," Roxas admitted.

"I had heard of them and I knew of minor summonings but I never met one in person," Ienzo added. Demyx nodded thoughtfully.

"Alright, I'll explain then so Roxas can understand. Summoning comes in two different forms: minor and true. Minor summonings anyone can do. All you need is a summoning stone. Then when you call upon the stone in a time of need, it summons whatever the stone is connected with to aid you. True summonings are a bit different. People have to become summoners and use rituals to summon more powerful creatures known as Aeons. You have to create a bond with the Aeon in order to summon it so not everyone is cut out to be a summoner. Many worlds have given up on the art long ago. The strongest of the summoners go on a pilgrimage but I'll come back to that in a second."

"So you created a bond with Sin so you could summon it?" Roxas presumed.

"In a way…I didn't really have a choice. Sin picked me. When Xehanort attacked our city, we prayed for the world to save us again. But it refused. We were distraught by the fact we thought Atlantis had abandoned us. I was grabbed by a Knight and knocked around. My parents couldn't do anything because it risked getting me killed. I prayed so hard for something to save us. That's when I first talked to Sin.

"He asked me why I wanted to save Atlantis. I told him it was my home. He told me even if I saved it, I would be cast out. I honestly had no idea what he meant or who Sin was at the time. So I begged him to help. He told me if it had been anyone else, he would have refused. He said it was because he was not something that could be controlled. I didn't understand but I agreed.

"I fell into a trance. My movements we're my own. It was as if the spirits of the past were guiding me. The Knights tried to kill me since they caught on quickly that I was doing something out of the ordinary, but I couldn't feel pain. I summoned Sin and he destroyed the Knights. He nearly destroyed the city too but I passed out before he had the chance. My parents rushed me to a healer since I was bleeding to death. They thought I would be praised as a hero, but I was treated as a villain.

"I shouldn't have been able to summon Sin. Apparently, it can't be done let alone by a child. Sin is known as the destroyer of worlds and for good reason. Roxas, do you know what destroyed Radiant Garden and Twilight Town?"

"Some sort of bomb, we assumed," Roxas replied.

"Correct, in a way. After Xehanort witnessed my spectacle, he wanted to be able to summon Sin. He managed to find a scale knocked from Sin's body and used it as a base. Then he uses human sacrifices as a medium, like a summoning stone, to briefly summon Sin. His rage is poured on a world and it is destroyed. Remember when I told you powerful summoners go on a pilgrimage? Well, it's to destroy Sin. It was almost done before by someone named Lord Braska but he too perished before Sin could be destroyed.

"And so, after I woke, I was shunned. People thought I would be the one to destroy the worlds even though, at the time, I had no idea what I had even done. They were scared of me. My parents finally took me away. We traveled around looking for a new home but the outer reaches were scared of us. I dyed my hair and hid where I came from. I changed my name and tried to immerse myself in music to distract me from reality. We eventually moved to Hollow Bastion, one of the few places that didn't want to throw us out on arrival. If anything, Xemnas was glad to have us there. My parents were soon swayed by his vile charm and supported him. I pretended not to care.

"Eventually, the King came looking for new recruits for Knights. After all, I had killed all of his previous ones. At first I assumed it was because he knew I was an elemental fighter. I agreed, went to the training camp, and got in as a Knight. They paired me with Axel since they told me he was also not from Hollow Bastion and they thought we would connect. We eventually became friends. Axel was a lot colder back then, always brooding. It was through him I was told about Kingdom Hearts and what it truly was. He told me how it was made and how Xemnas figured out it was in the hearts of those from Radiant Garden.

"I could never tell Axel where I came from or that I was a summoner because in part, I was responsible for the destruction of Radiant Garden. And now Twilight Town. I know it wasn't me who destroyed the worlds, but I was the one who had summoned Sin in the first place. I'm sorry, Roxas. I truly am." Demyx sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees, resting his chin on top of his bony joints.

"Hey," Roxas called. Demyx glanced over at him. "You weren't the one to summon him. Xehanort was. You used Sin to save not only Atlantis but Destiny Islands. To me, you just did what you could so help the worlds. You did nothing to destroy them." Demyx's eyes widened and tears spilled over the sides.

"Do you mean that?" he whispered. Roxas nodded. He put a hand on Demyx's shoulder.

"You saved so many lives, Demyx. Don't put yourself down. I won't allow it. And if it makes you feel any better, when this is all over I'll help you destroy Sin." Demyx was taken aback.

"W-wait, what?! You want to…to help me destroy Sin?" Roxas nodded with a grunt. "But I don't even know if I want to go on a pilgrimage!"

"Well, I'll be here for you when you do."

"I'll come too," Ienzo spoke up. The blonde pair turned to look at him and Roxas dropped his arm from Demyx's shoulder.

"Maybe when you're a bit older," Roxas decided.

"Alright then. I train to become one of the best magic users you've ever seen! That way, I can protect everyone!" Demyx's jaw trembled. He slid out from his bed and crushed the pair in a giant hug. He couldn't get his throat to form words as more tears slid down his face.

"Maybe we should get more help than just the two of us," Roxas pondered.

"Who else should we bring with us?" Ienzo asked.

"Zexion could come along."

"Only to babysit me." The trio chuckled, although Demyx's was more of a choked sob.

"Okay, we'll ask Axel. He'd probably be up for an adventure."

"What about anyone from your home?" Roxas thought about it.

"Xion would probably be against it but Naminé might actually be interested. She's always wanted to travel."

"We're going to kick Sin's ass!"

"Whoa! Language, Ienzo!" The kid chuckled.

"I'm ten, Roxas. I think I'm old enough to say what I want."

"Okay, but keep it minimal. I don't want Zexion chasing after me with thunder spells because I let his brother's language turn into trash." Demyx released the pair from their hug and wiped his face with the palms of his hands. He sat back on the bed and wiped his nose.

"Don't worry; I'll keep him in line. After all, you're not the best influence, Roxas," the Knight stated. Roxas stuck out his tongue and Ienzo burst into a fit of giggles.

"Why don't we let Demyx get some rest? He's still recovering and we can pester him some more in the morning," Roxas suggested.

"Okay. Can we stay here though?" Ienzo asked, his eyes pleading.

"Sure." Roxas went over to the bed adjacent to Demyx's and lay down. Demyx picked up his plate of food and started eating again. Ienzo went over to Roxas and hopped onto the bed, curling up next to him. "You really like sleeping next to me," Roxas observed.

"Zexion used to sleep with me when he was still able to visit and I wasn't imprisoned in the castle. It's kind of a comfort for the both of us."

"Why not sleep with Demyx?"

"He's a bed hog." Roxas snorted and Demyx stuck out his tongue at the pair.

"Sora or Riku?"

"Sora snores. Riku's nice but he's not someone you can cuddle with."

"So Roxas is your giant teddy bear," Demyx observed, shoving a pile of coconut chicken in his mouth.

"Sure. Have you seen his light? It's so comforting and warm! It's like sleeping in a world of never ending sunshine."

"If that was the case, I'd never get to sleep," the Knight admitted.

"You're just jealous…" Roxas found Ienzo's and Demyx's voices fading as he drifted off to sleep. He soon found himself back in the dark realm with stained glass floors.

"Wow, he must have been tired," Demyx commented, taking another bite of chicken.

"He needs his rest. His heart's troubled," Ienzo replied.

"How so?"

"It's hard to explain." Demyx grunted and finished off his food. He set the plate to the side and curled up under the covers.

"Well, you keep him company. He could use some brighter company."

"Has he always been so distant?"

"As far as I've known him. He's better than he was two years ago, I'll give him that. He's changed a bit too. Instead of a soldier mentality he acts more like a big brother. It must be due to his new family. I see it reflect on you when you're around with him."

"He does remind me of Zexion in some ways. Hey Dem? Do you think I'll see my brother again?" Demyx yawned and snuggled his face deeper into his pillow.

"I wouldn't doubt it." Ienzo smiled and copied Demyx with snuggling into the sheets.

"Thanks."

"No problem," Demyx yawned and he was soon drifting into a peaceful sleep, snoring gently. Ienzo closed his eyes and listened to the blondes' breathing. It soothed him and he followed the pair into unconsciousness.

XxXxX

Roxas woke the next morning alone. He sat up stiffly and yawned. Then he made his way down to the beach. He found Ienzo and Sora picking up shells on the shore line while Demyx strummed his sitar. He turned when Riku approached him with a plate filled with food.

"Morning," the silver haired man greeted.

"Hey," Roxas greeted. He accepted the plate and started eating. He was starving.

"Your friend Demyx seems to be doing well."

"Yeah. I'm glad he's back on his feet."

"And how are you doing?" Roxas felt the question was a bit odd.

"I'm fine." Riku nodded but didn't press. He wondered off down the beach while Roxas went to sit next to Demyx.

"Morning sleepy head," the musician greeted. Roxas grunted a reply and continued eating. "Penny for your thoughts?" Roxas swallowed and sighed.

"I'm just over thinking."

"About what?"

"You know how you said Xemnas was after Kingdom Hearts?"

"Yeah?"

"What if I told you it was real?" Demyx paused in playing and turned to Roxas.

"O-kay…where are you going with this?" Roxas sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Axel's a Shard." Demyx's face said it all: pure shock and confusion.

"Say what?!"

"Keep it down!" Roxas barked. Demyx looked around and lowered his voice.

"Seriously?! I thought he was pulling my leg when he told me that whole story about Shards and mumbo jumbo. So it's real?"

"Yeah. Surprised me too."

"Oh, well that changes things. I guess Xemnas wasn't crazy after all. So where are you getting with all of this?"

"Does Xemnas know you can summon Sin?" Demyx grew quiet. "Dem, I need to know."

"At first I didn't think he did, but I overheard him one day and he's known since the day he's met me. He knows everything."

"So then how easy would it be for him to know Axel is a Shard when he has Saïx and Isa on his side?" Demyx's face paled.

"Shit, you don't think…? Fuck, Roxas, I never even thought about that." Demyx's gave turned to the ground, his eyes searching for an answer. "So this is what's been bothering you." Roxas nodded, setting his plate aside. "But if Xemnas has known for this long, why hasn't he done anything?"

"That's what I've been trying to figure out."

"Do you think it's because Xemnas doesn't know who the other Shards are and he's waiting to figure that out first? I mean, he already had Axel under his wing so he doesn't have to worry about finding him."

"What I'm worried about is does Axel know that Xemnas knows?"

"If I were to guess, I would say Axel thinks he's kept his secret hidden. He must be waiting to take Axel's Shard last."

"I think it's the opposite. As soon as Axel finds out the other Shards are being taken, he'll flee. Xemnas is just waiting for the right opportunity to strike."

"But why?" Demyx mused. "What does he gain by waiting?" Roxas sighed and ran both of his hands through his hair. "You want to warn him, don't you?"

"He deserves to know!"

"And how do you plan on getting there?" Roxas scowled. "Ah, so that's also been on your mind. How about you give me some time to think and I'll try to figure out a way to get you there."

"How long do you need?"

"A few hours. Relax Roxas. Xemnas is patient. If he hasn't struck for the past how many years, I doubt he'll do it in the next ten minutes. Take a deep breath and just try not to think about it too much. Come find me in a few hours." Roxas picked up his plate and left Demyx to thoughtfully strum his sitar. "Damn you, Xemnas," he muttered under his breath. "Just what are you up to?"