Sorry this one took so long. Hope you enjoy it either way. If there's any grammar mistakes please let me know ^^
Disclaimer:(Look in first chapter)
A Book of Moments
"Ah man! This is a nightmare!"
"Be quiet you're making my ear drums bleed."
"Ah! I can't help it Axel!"
I paced up to his side as my fingers gripped the straps of my bag, tension on the verge of explosion as we walked through a forest pasture of mid-light.
"I mean as soon as we get here heartless come and go rabid on us! Why is it so hard to be a Keyblade wielder? I didn't ask for this! I'm on my PERIOD for Christ sakes! And-!" My words came to a halt, taking notice of Axel's being.
His forehead was bare, assorted with twitching muscles and eyes that appeared dead to the soul, walking in an assertive stride all the while being mute. He must have saw that I was looking at him because after a few seconds of silent words he stared at me, ceasing our steps all together with a dead-eyed stare, a hunter ready for the slaughter.
Yikes! I shuttered, his peeved uneven expression causing my nerves to startle as I flinched away. My hands formed a shield as he moved closer, about to tear out my soul with his eyes like daggers as he roared. "Deonna…SHUT THE HECK UP!"
My throat was in a knotted rope as I backed up, bumping into a hard tree behind me as classic bewilderment smeared onto my face, staring madly at him like he was a predator.
Crap I over did it now!
Cowering over, I motioned my hands back and forth to try and calm him down, though he appeared to have gone rogue with his flared nostrils and electric eye balls that shocked me all the way down to my tailbone. The sentiments of sadness and guilt came rushing in like water as I gazed at his distressed demeanor and psyche, his tightened fist showing how much anger he was subduing. My hands felt a little clammy as I came to realize my error, leaving my hands in front of me as I straightened my posture.
Geeez nice going Deonna…well I don't blame him, I would be mad at me to….
Though his expression was still tensed, it was the slip I caused that still had to be corrected, which was hard since his eyes were stuck to my movements. "Ok Axel I'm sorry. Really I wasn't thinking about what I was saying and that you had to put up with that. Please forgive me." As soon as those words left my lips, I saw that my actions were in comparison to listening to a baby screaming in your ear for three minutes, which actually doesn't seem to be much but felt like forever. Definitely not a laughing matter.
My eyes observed his intake of my apology, his face seemingly to loosen at my remorseful chant, his eyebrows setting in its natural state.
Taking regard of this, I folded my hands together with an upside down grin and brood eyebrows. "Axel really please I'm sorry I was just-"
To my surprise, Axel cut me off as he shook his head. "No it's ok. Stop apologizing I'm the one who should be asking for mercy…I mean you…" he paused, looking away as he scratched his head. "I can understand you're really stressed and feeling pretty bad, so I shouldn't have yelled, I shoulda tried lightening up the situation…" he said as he gazed back at me in his own guilt.
I smiled shyly, scratching the area where I bumped it against the tree earlier. "Ah, I think I deserved it. Complaining so much like a baby…yea no one wants to hear that right?"
"You're right no one wants to hear it," Axel said as he crossed his arms. "But it's good to get stuff off your chest and have someone to listen to if they're willing, even if it has to be me…"
I gave an insecure grin, watching him close his eyes in thought.
"Point is I should have tried to make you feel better instead of making things worse…" He opened his eyes, looking wasted to the bone as he shifted one leg to the other.
I nodded, observing his tired posture. "Yeah okay Axel…heh but no one's perfect so um…" I mumbled, my sentence drifting off like a mute note.
Axel cocked his head to the side with drowsy eyes. "So, Deonna, wanna take a break while were at it?"
"Huh?"
He then pointed his finger towards the tree behind me. I turned around to inspect his find; a brown smooth tree with long skinny limbs as branches with green leaves, which interestingly, was surrounded by colorful red and orange leaves like a blanket.
"Here?"
"Yeah why not?"
I looked back at him, pressing my lips in thought as Axel gazed on for an answer.
But we just started back on the road again from Jane's place. Will we be just wasting time if we kept on making resting stops along the way?
My breath gave out a sigh as my eyes drifted down, feeling the strength in my body waste away with every minute that passed. "You sure about that? Maybe we should just keep going, I mean we just came from Jane's place a while ago?"
Axel shifted slightly, heaving out a sigh. "Hmm…heh," Axel chuckled, making me look up in curiousness to his answer. "Deonna, with all that complaining you did I would expect to see a beam from you about the idea…" Axel said with a grin, causing embarrassment to summon forth within me. "But it's alright to take a break again. I mean you can't really accomplish anything if you don't have the energy right? Besides I'm pooped…"
He then walked over by the tree and sat in the leaves, leaning his back on the giant plant like it was a recliner. His green eyes drifted to me, smiling mixed with fatigue as he patted the forest floor on his right side, signaling me to sit with him.
"Come on and stop standing there like a zombie…"
I chuckled. Yea I probably look like one, since I especially do feel like I am…
As I started to sit at his side I darted a glance at the road we were walking on, having the need to continue walking but also wanting to succumb to the needs of my body.
My weary muscles tingled as they became suppressed from standing and walking, my whopped body feeling the least bit relaxed from the hard ground and tree which I rested on. But you got to use what you got and be happy about it.
I sighed in relief as the voice of Axel seemed to smooth my stress. "See does that feel better?"
My eyes were closed as water mustered in its corners, an uncomfortable sensation that compressed my sight as I wiped the tears that have spilled. "Yeah you were right, we both needed this…"
"Mmhmm…"
My eyes opened, blurred from the tears that made my vision smudge.
Axel appeared at the corner of my face with big green eyes, hardly keeping themselves open even for my view.
"What?"
He shrugged. "Your eyes look glossy…"
I smiled slightly, gazing down at my legs that were partly covered with leaves.
"Thanks for noticing, I guess…" I snickered, wondering how I was going to lay for some well rested sleep.
Axel chuckled, followed with a yawn as he stretched his arms and legs out. "kay well, I'mma sleepin now…night…" he said, sitting back with his head down as his eyes closed shut.
"Mmm ok…" Without thinking my head pressed upon Axel's arm as my body turned for some comfort from him, something I didn't realize I was doing until I felt Axel's body stiffen.
"Uh…uhm…he-" Axel stammered.
"…hmm?"
A cough in Axel's throat could be heard, his body temperature warm and steady rising.
His breathing felt a little wispy, the arm I was resting on moving up and over my shoulder as if to reassure my resting position on him, making me feel that we have gotten this close to each other to even act out on such an arrangement.
A comforted moan came from within me, smiling as I hugged his torso like a teddy bear, his chest like a pillow to me.
Axel snorted. "Oh I get it so I'm your bed now? Heh whatever that's fine, don't mind me then, just squeeze me to death why don'tcha…"
"Shhh!"
Poured sand lied on a gloomy beach, dark clouds billowing the sky as if to evoke an emotion from within. The waves crashed against each other like running bulls, tumbling over each other in fury. Yes, this scene was familiar to my eyes, something that I've experienced with an elder fellow, one who had control over darkness and as it seems, even dreams. He appeared before me, his grey fancy vest showing silver intricate designs of swirls in certain areas, complimenting his black dress pants and shoes as if to leave off an impression on me, as if this was a business ordeal he needed to partake in. A smirk spread across his pale face, taking a step forward in the sand that left a dent as the other followed. A growl came forth as I watched his every step, digging my bare feet in the sand to stand my ground. He then stopped a few inches from me, speaking in a deliberate deep voice.
"Ah, I seen you have gotten stronger my dear, that's good, really good, just what I wanted to see from you love…"
I grunted at the word 'love' that came from his grotesque being, wondering what he meant by his words.
"…What does that suppose to mean?"
He chuckled as he relaxed one hand on his hip, his green-bluish eyes searching through me like a telescope. "One day you will see what I mean, something you should take into account for the time you are still here, alive, destroying heartless that only search for meaningless hearts…you see…" he wandered, stepping up to me while I took a step back, creating a pattern.
His arms came up mid-air as he spoke, walking to me. "You might think you got it, but really, you don't have it figured out yet, yes?"
I continually stepped back, not sure how to answer. Frustration was clouding up my insides, wondering why I had to be here now listening to a maniac. Why is it hard so control this dream? The obvious answer is because of him.
I growled, mixed emotions of confusion and anger wanting to burst, though I held it tightly with strength. "Got what figured out?"
The motions of his feet stopped, causing me to halt as I observed his nonchalant expression. "Heh, my poor rose…you're so lost…what you need is some inspiration from one who is a Dream giver."
'Dream giver?'
"The light that is inside is strong indeed, but can you use it wisely? Well, this one thinks not." He stretched out his hand with a soft glow in his eye, enticing me with the deceptive nature within. "Here, I can show you what you are capable of my dear and you will never be lost. Just taste and you will drink it all…"
It felt like my head was about to explode as I listened to the dark keeper himself, asking me to take up his offer like this. Like he would be so sure I would say yes. The muscles in my face twitched as a menacing irked grin came upon my face, eyeing him disparagingly. I shook my head, chuckling to myself with my hands on my hips.
"Ok, ok…I get it, you must be on something to come to the conclusion I would ever ask you for guidance. Kingdom hearts is my guide sir! And that's enough for me!"
A vicious grin came upon his lips, his hand falling down slowly to his side. 'Ah, ok then girly, just so you know that was your choice, a ten second choice you made without giving much thought of …hmm, perhaps I should give you more time…"
With those last words the atmosphere became thicker while my vision became blurry, having me stumble back while grasping my neck for air. "Ac-Ack!" I choked hoarsely, stepping back and rubbing my eyes, trying to regain focus on the person before me. It was like sucking air through a straw filled with frosting, and viewing the scenery like it was a dark abstract painting. Little bits of my environment began to disappear as darkness filled my eyes. Yellow and red dots appeared, the silhouettes of small and big creatures watching me, an entertainer in the spotlight. Then, among there midst was the man right before me, standing over me while I suffered form the lack of oxygen and movement at his feet. Light showed from underneath his face, showing the horrific features of his black eye balls and white pale visage, speaking in a sinister sound as he bent low to my level. "In front of Attrox, never say Kingdom Hearts in my presence…"
A trance was what I was in; mesmerized by the features of the attack he left on my mind.
"Atrrox…" I whispered, feeling its meaning is something to be feared and not take lightly, though I didn't know what it meant, it sounded something deathly and evil. My eyes searched the blue tinted sky above, exploring the tree limbs and green colored leaves that left shadows on the ground below. Birds flew overhead in a game of hide-and-seek, the gentleness of the wind helping them push along. Observation of the scenery helped me come out of my spell as I sat up from slouching back. I rubbed my eyes.
"A-Axel…?" I mumbled, looking to my left only to see an empty space where a 'Nobody' should be.
What? Where he go…?
I laid my head back against the tree, huffing as I stared up into the sky. "Axel where'd you go?"
With that I got up after a few moments of thinking and started down the path Axel and me was walking down before, hoping he went that way and not any other way. All the while I was trying to focus on my environment, gazing at the trees and animals that passed by either by flight or ground, trying not to dilly-dally about what I dreamt of. A scent went up my nose, my other senses on halt as I sniffed the air for its source that reminded me of ocean water. My mouth was parched, which had me thinking of the juicy fruit in my backpack that I got from the jungle world. But I ignored my hunger and thirst to search for a body of water as I walked down the path I made for myself. My grin got bigger and wider as my ears caught on the sounds of ocean waves coming forth through the trees that shone brightly from the sun in the blue sky. My footsteps, at last walked out of the forest of luscious green into an area that was covered in sand and a blue sea of water to compliment its presence. The sky was so blue, having only a few puffy clouds in its midst like stickers.
"Wow…" I gasped with a smile, walking out into the sand as I placed my backpack on the ground, admiring the scene as nostalgia decided to peek in. The hand of the wind brushed my cheek, reminding me of home on Destiny islands and how everything looked so similar in appearance. My eyes hurt from the emotion I felt. I bowed my head, staring at the million beads of sand that lined the seashore, wondering if I should take off my shoes, as if I had nothing else to do that day.
"Hey, how's it going you?"
Huh?
My body jumped from surprise, spinning frantically to my left to locate the source of the voice. It was Axel, leaning against the base of a tree a few steps away, looking well relaxed with his arms crossed as he stared at me for a response.
"Heh heh, sorry if I scared you."
"Ah no it's alright…" I said, feeling red-faced as I peered down shyly, remembering the motive I had for coming out here in the first place.
"Hey wait, I was looking for you y'know. Why you leave me there alone while I was sleep?" I said irritably, looking back up with my arms crossed
Axel gave me a wayward grin, cute even. "Well I didn't want to wake you up," he said, sighing as he rubbed the back of his neck " you looked so peaceful and all that I didn't want to mess with you. Looked like you was having a nice sleep…"
"Ah I see…" I said gazing away, knowing that my rest was not all that peaceful.
"So, how's it going? How is your monthly thing? Did you sleep good at all?" Axel probed, encouraging eye contact and communication between us.
I looked back at him, nodding as my shoulders rose and fell. "Yea I'm okay, Seems like that tea did help me out some, for the time being until it wares off anyway. I actually feel pretty good I guess…"
Axel smiled. "Yeah? That's good…"
"And you?"
"Mmm…I'm fine. Don't have to worry about me. Got it memorized?"
I snorted, rolling my eyes with a smirk as I walked up to him, leaving prints in the sand with every step. "And why are you out here?"
His eyes appeared small as he gazed at me then at the ocean, signals of thoughts going through his mind. He huffed a sigh, placing his hands on his hips as he leaned off the tree. "Well, I decided to listen and look at the waves. Even the birds." He shook his head, a grin appearing then fading away. "It just so happens that this place brings up memories of my past, those good ones. That and I couldn't sleep…" He then looked at me, shrugging.
"Heh ah ha…ok then."
I turned back to the sandy beach, wondering what we should do. The air was very warm, just like the other worlds we have already visited and this beach reminded me so much of home that only made me want to forget about my worries and jump in the water like a child. Let my feet feel that sand between my toes and splay my body out in it like it was fresh snow. My mind got lost in the idea with a pleasant smile, indulging myself in the fantasy of relaxation and fun that I very well wanted to do. Then it hit me.
My hands found themselves behind my back as I spun myself to face Axel once more, this time with a giddy grin.
"Hey Axel! Wanna go get in the water!" I asked as if I was a four-year-old child with a smile that beamed of thrill.
Axel stared at me with his arms crossed; a bothered expression he gave as if I told him pigs could fly. "That's funny Deonna, I almost took you serious there for a sec."
"Heh well that's the thing. I am serious…" I said, gesturing my arms out at my sides.
I could clearly see that Axel was not up to it, definitely not in agreement with my wishes as he featured that scorned expression of his. My brows furrowed. "Hmph, whatever…"
My body turned back around, taking my shirt off for my torso to be penetrated by the warm air and to feel freer, only wearing a black sports bra on top. As I stretched my arms up I could hear Axel in a midst of confusion by the sound of his voice, which bore humor to my mood.
"Deonna what the heck you think you're doing!"
"Hmm?"
I looked back at him, taking in his overwhelmed being with my entertained eyes, observing his staggered panic form like he has never seen quite a specimen as myself. My hands covered my mouth as giggles came forth, taking notice of his agitated red face and his tapered eyebrows with startled eyes to match.
I placed my hand on my hip, hoping he would snap out of his daze as I spoke. "Axel…really? Come on now quit acting like you've never seen a girl with a sports bra on before…"
"I…uh…Deonna…" he sputtered, his edgy expression starting to soften on me. He scratched his head as he muffled a cough, straitening his body back to position with his hands at his sides.
"Oh Axel, you're making me blush…" I said in a teasing manner, holding my cheeks bashfully,
Axel's eyes widened yet again, his mind trying to take over his nervous facade as if there was nothing wrong with him. Try as he might, he could not fool me.
He groaned as he touched his neck, trying to appear austere as he spoke. "That's not true, you just caught me by surprise that's all…" he said, finally responding to my question, his cheeks auburn as he turned his head to the side with folded arms, trying to seem indifferent.
My arms crossed with a smirk. "Rrriiight…"
With that I stepped up to him, grasping his arm with a tug. "Well come on let's go walk on the beach!"
Axel shook a bit when I grabbed him, taken back by my enthusiastic attitude as he stared back at me keyed up.
"De-Deonna we can't be playing around now. We got things to do and far more-"
"I know that Axel…" I said, cutting him off, "but I need to feel joy and lessening up right now. You get it it's a need?"
Axel opened his mouth but closed it quickly, his green eyes peering down in thought with a huff. "Huh…have it your way…"
A smile came stitched to my face, hugging Axel gleefully as he tried to pry me off of him. Yeah, Axel has issues.
"Hey, how long we going to be walking here?" Axel asked, strolling on my left side with his hands in his pockets.
My eyes stayed focused ahead, my teeth gnawing on the kiwi I just bitten into, it's pleasant juices filling my taste buds. "Hmm…for a while I guess. Heh, you're complaining already and we just started like one minute ago…"
"Pfft complaining? You're one to talk."
"Hmph…" I reacted with an impish smirk, harboring another bite from the fruit as I glanced at the rushing waters that sang its own music to my ears, the same way a bird would sing to its chicks.
There was silence between us as we walked along the shoreline, something I seemed to revel in as I listened to my oceanic environment. The cawing of seagulls flying overhead, the smell of salt sea water that gave me nostalgic memories, the sand underneath my feet that absorbed the heat from the sun, as well as other things I treasured that reminded me of home.
As I daydreamed, the interruption of a voice came into play on my radio. "So, Deonna, I just wonder why," Axel began, making me turn to focus in on his question, "…or have you ever wondered why Kingdom Hearts said you had to be the one to find Sora and defeat that Improbus?"
"Ah…hmmm," I mused, my brows furrowing as my eyes mirrored down at the wet mushy sand, the cold water rushing at my feet on the right. "Ah…I don't…even know…"
Actually, I never did ask Kingdom Hearts why it did have to be me or ever thought about it. I just accepted it no questions asked.
But what if I can't find Sora in time or even beat Attrox? Just like I said I before, why me? I can't even get him to go away in my dreams. And boy, do those dreams seem real. It's creepy and scary…like a nightmare…
Anxiousness started to seep in, taking another bite of the fruit to help absorb my anxiety. I sighed, looking up at Axel with gloomy eyes. "Axel, do you think I'm even good enough to actually win this? I mean look at me, I'm my own damsel in distress…"
His lips turned upward, a small grin with words to follow as he looked upon me. "Well, all I can really say is…well…" He then appeared unsure as he turned away, looking straight ahead as he chewed over it. There was a long pause.
"Axel?" I tugged his arm, wondering did he have an answer or not. He gazed back at me with a wary grin with his final answer.
"Probably there is something Kingdom Hearts see in you that you can't really see in yourself at this time…"
"…Really? You think so?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right…yep I know so…"
The apprehensiveness felt as if to settle within me. Though it was still there, Axel's words helped to calm my mind like a melody would. He always give me a boost when I'm in the lumps, something I've taken notice of recently.
I beamed him a smile as I pressed my head against his arm like a pup then removing it as I stretched my arms up with glee. "Ahhh…" I sighed in a carefree tone, my eyes closed as the wind made me feel like a bird in the sky, daydreaming again. "You give good advice Axel. Have I ever told you that?"
Axel chuckled. "Heh heh heh, no you haven't, but hey I try. So thanks…"
"Yeah, old people always know more than us youngsters…"
No words came from him, except for the pushing action that came from his hand onto my body. Just a little playful push nothing to be bothered by, except for the fact that the kiwi in my hand slipped out onto the ground. My eyes opened as I squeaked, my foot steps stopping as I darted at my now dirty kiwi that was partially filling my appetite with its cool delicious flavor, the last one I had. My insides burned as I slowly turned to glare at Axel who was standing there beside me, observing me with a bashful grin as he rubbed his head. He took it upon himself to try to lighten the heated atmosphere that was leaking from me with a joke, but apparently it did just the opposite. "Oh look at that it's not just a kiwi anymore, it's a sandy kiwi. Heh, get it?"
My teeth grinded, snarling at his retarded joke as I took a step forward closer to him as he took a step back with his hands up midway like a shield. "Axel…" I groaned in a sinister voice.
"Uhm Deonna, calm down I can always find another on-"
"AXEL THAT WAS THE LAST ONE I HAD AND YOU MADE ME DROP IT YOU IDIOT!"
This was the first time I had seen Axel shriek as he leaped out of my anger zone, speeding down the coast while I chased after him in fury.
After a few minutes of a game of chase, the match soon ended with me pinning him to the ground. With his tired psyche, it was easy for me wrestle him to the ground without him putting up much of a fight.
My teeth was bare as I chuckled, breathing heavily as sweat seeped on my forehead, watching Axel catch is breath with his eyes closed, his chest rising up and down as sweat was evident on his face and collarbone.
"Hah! Looks like you're getting old Axel…" I snickered, waiting to see what he would say next.
His breathing started to slow, licking his lips as he answered. "Y-Yeah, we'll see about that…"
Then out of the blink of an eye he was on top pinning me to the ground like it was his turn to overshadow me. I gave him a 'What-the-heck' look as he sat there with a smug look on his face as he chuckled. "See? This old man saw his chance and went after it…have any other objections?"
I stuck my tongue out at him, letting a small grin paint itself on my lips. "Whatever…"
"Yeah that's what all girls come up with when they have nothing else to say," Axel taunted as his breath billowed on my exposed skin.
My lips remained silent as I observed our physical position and Axel's gentle mien; his jawbone, reddened warm looking lips, eyebrows and green emerald eyes. All of it gave me a funny sensation inside, something only Axel could do to me like it was an unknown power he didn't know he had. The sound of the ocean, the cawing of the birds went mute to my senses, leaving only the heat of the sun to intensify my anticipated mood. Before I knew it my eyes were focused on his and they could not turn away as long as he was doing the same. My throat felt clogged, his cheeks a dash shade of pink with a miniature light smile. "Axel…" I whispered, wondering were my eyes playing tricks on me, as it seemed his lips were a peck away.
Before the situation advanced any further, a sickening feeling crept up into my chest, ending the moment that could have been as a voice perked my ears.
"Whoa! What a site this is!" said a male voice coming from the distance. Both of our eyes widened in dismay, Axel launching off of me in alert to spot the convict while I sat up, turning my body to see where the source came from. My heart was pounding into bricks as I detected the man that was stirring en route to us through the sand, a man that had that look about him that made you want to run to the nearest exit in a prison, a guy that could replace your most recent nightmare with a real one.
His smile was keen, wide and impish, strolling towards us with a carefree stride like he had it down. "Awww, I'm sorry to have ruined you guys moment, not that it wasn't cute, but you know how it is when there's a troll lurking in the area. Here he is!" the man said, stopping within twelve feet of us.
I was up on my feet, studying his wicked form with deliberate eyes as I instinctively set into my defensive masquerade. Tanned brown skin was painted on his skin with a nest of messy long black hair on top. He was tall and wearing a black cloak like some sort of eradicator, different from Axel's and mine. He knew what I was thinking as he stared back at me, staring through my soul with eyes of gold that held dents of corruption. He smiled at this, whipping his nose as began to speak.
"Oh yeah! I totally forgot to introduce myself!" he said in an energetic voice as he put his hands behind his back gallantly. "I'm Menace. A 'Menace' to you and to all I dare to pest."
My eye twitched at his announcement. Why does that sound so stupid? Oh wait, 'cause it is.
The smell of flames blew in the air with much intensity, the source coming from the fire lord himself as he took a step at my side, snarling at the man. "Yeah, you're being a menace all right. Why are you here?"
"Hah! To live up to my name man!"
Square black creatures with red eyes and large sharp-toothed shaped mouths rose out of the sand while creating a hissing sound, sand sliding off its small bodies like water. My eyes widened as horrific laughter filled the air, watching the small creatures skip towards me in little jitters of hiccup sounds.
What is this? I thought in surprise, bringing out my katana-like weapon, slicing and swatting at the unnumbered heartless that proved unaffected as they jumped at me, trying to bite or gnaw on my limbs.
"Gnah!" I squawked, frustration swallowing my contour while the small heartless army started to overtake me with their abnormal ability of organized formation.
Ah! What's wrong with me? This can't be too hard for me to do?
For some reason the energy I had just minutes before this fight was evaporating steadily fast, and I didn't have time to think why that was as the heartless began to form a shape around me, parts of my body suffering from pinches and bites.
"Deonna watch out!"
Moving fast on my heels, my feet turned around out of reflex to Axel's calling only to see a horde of flames coming my way. Holding in my shout I jumped to the side in a somersault out of the ring of heartless that seemed to have perished in the flames.
My eyes strained, wincing at the site of heat and bouncing flames that engulfed the heartless, knowing that twinge in my chest was not gone just yet as an invincible being lingered in the fiery midst.
"Hah! Burn baby!" Axel shouted, a small victory smile on his face as the blazing inferno came to its end, smoke filling the air in grey clouds that escalated into the gentle blue sky.
A shockwave of panic spread throughout my body, gasping as I stood up on my stinging legs into a hurried run towards Axel who could not see what showed clearly in my appalled eyes, racing before the silhouetted form could make any moves of its own.
"Axel! Get out the way!"
His fingers tightened on his chakrams at the sound of my distraught voice, staring back at me with an expression that eclipsed mine. A mixture of confusion and worry shone brightly on his face, unaware of what was right before him at that moment. In the smoke the beast heaved like a balloon, blowing out a gush of wind in Axel's direction like a gigantic sneeze on a fragile flower, though this fiery flower stood its ground with endurance, and time was wearing thin.
"Ack!"
"Crap!" My body halted, realizing my steps were not quick enough to influence the foreseen damage that has already been done.
"DEONNA! GET BACK!" Axel shouted, shielding himself with his weapons from the windy tornado that swept away sand in unusual dances. My fist tightened, knowing that Axel was not going to last long, and I was not going to let that happen. My eyebrows were stuck in a 'V', quickly replacing the keychain on my keyblade with the heart one.
Legs apart and ready for a beating, I brought my changed heavy weapon up with sweaty hands, aiming it at the ferocious heartless that could gobble up an elephant. Smart or not I got to think of something!
With that uncanny motive, out came frosts of ice from my blade that stuck to the heartless in crystal frosty shards. Repeatedly this action occurred until the heartless closed its wide mouth, ending its windy masquerade on Axel to focus its attention on me; its big round bloody eyes raising a calling fear, a dreamt fantasy from another world.
I gulped, taking a step back as the monster turned its body in my direction, just afterwards as a small block of the heartless jumped off like a zit, evaporating into thin air. My eyebrows contorted from the strange sight that left me in a trance of thought.
What…? How that…wait!
As the heartless made its way through the sand, my eyes took careful notice of the small heartless that hopped off the big heartless from where I aimed it with the ice. The monster opened its mouth for a gulp of my being as I leapt to the side, not before striking it with my keyblade. I landed on my feet in a crouch, panting as I refused to take my eyes of the heartless, where still a few more blackheads were popping off as it made the large heartless appear smaller as it slowly turned my way. An epiphany manifested on my face, grinning from the knowledge of the heartless weakness.
"Yes! Yes! It's the ice!" The only problem was that there was only three spells left I had to use, but somehow I had to make up for it.
"Come on let's finish this!" Axel shouted from behind, making me jolt as I stood up. My head spun to see was there any form of injuries that was pounded on him from the attack, not realizing the expression on his face that meant panic as he grabbed my hand, running out of the zone of the power trained heartless that came our way.
"Whoa!" I yelped, almost tripping over my bare feet across the sand as Axel pulled me at a better distance to stand our ground. He let go of my hand as he looked at the heartless with a determined gaze like he was ready to nuke that beast, taking out a few cast of ice to use.
"Ok I got a few of these spells here," he said, holding them in his hand as he looked back at me, "You ready?" I nodded, taking in the sight of blood out of the corner of his lip, trying to ignore it as I spoke.
"Yeah, but not that much." He stared back ahead, cocking his head to the side in a fighting motion. "Well then just use what you got…"
"Right."
Soon enough the heartless was back on its track, not as big as before as it made its way in our direction like a bull, mouth open wide and all. We both shot our cast at the heartless that made more of the heartless smaller as its remains were getting iced off. Trying to ram us, we jumped out of its the way, but not before I could hit it with my keyblade in the process. In a matter of minutes, the heartless was small enough to attack with only our weapons as it blasted out into cubes as before, ending the attack in total victory as the last heartless diminished into a cloud of darkness.
My breathing was hard and heavy, catching my breath while I observed my surroundings for any more enemies that I missed; my eyes caught onto nothing that seemed peculiar or black enough to be heartless, just the purple-blue sky and messy sand on the beach that lacked nothing but Axel and me. Relief swelled my face, grinning wide as my drained body fell onto the sand on my back, my arms and legs sprawled out for comfort with my eyes closed.
"Yes…we did it…"
"Yeah…" Axel replied, who was also lying on the sand by my side in the same silly position.
We both stayed that way for a while, resting our bodies in the same place where we fought a few minutes ago. Axel then sat up, resting his arms on his knees, his eyes gazing into space as it appeared while I wondered what was going through his mind.
"Axel, you okay?"
He continued to goggle at the scenery for a moment before catching onto my concerned question for him, looking at me with irregular eyes in a low voice.
"Hmm? Oh yea. Despite what just happened earlier, falling on my butt a couple of times and getting bitten by little cubes. I have to say I'm fine…"
I sat up slightly, leaning back on my arms. "Hpmh…just say you feel awful then going through the whole nine yards…" I said, replying in a disgruntled tone.
He sighed, shaking his head as he turned back at the sight of the ocean, resting his head on his knees. "Huh…sorry…I'm just a bit uptight right now…."
Before I could say anything at his troublesome comment, he got up on his feet, walking towards the water up ahead then sitting back down on the ground in a lonesome manner. My mind was jumbled at his complex behavior, trying to workout the puzzle of Axel in my head.
What? Why is he acting like that…? Stressed maybe? Yeah, probably tired from the lack of sleep and fighting…don't know for sure though…maybe I should…
As my brain worked up, an unusual sound could be heard in my ears, a gross voice from an immoral individual.
'Hello? Can you hear me?'
My eyes widened in fright as my heart skipped a beat, sitting up completely while looking back and forth for the sound of the voce that was echoing through my head like a microphone.
"What? Wha-?"
Horrific laughter filled my head, entertained at my frame of mind as my hands came over my ears, drooping down at the ground with my eyes closed shut. 'Ok, I'll give you a hint. A pest is prowling about…'
Men-Menace…
Realizing it was him who was communicating with me through my mind, my memories recollected the fight Axel and me endured without seeing Menace at all except at the beginning of the brawl. I groaned at the headache that started to develop, grinding my teeth.
What the heck are you doing in my head? GET OUT NOW!
'Why? How are your dreams? Are they good dreams?'
I refused to answer him, knowing good and darn oh well they have been distorted by Attrox.
'Heh, I guess the proper term is nightmares, right? My master sure are awfully good at those…'
Master? Who you mean? I blurted, opening my eyes with a fume.
He chuckled, wincing as lighting passed through my head.
'Deonna, you know who I mean. Unless you would rather hear his name?'
I remained silent, at last looking up to see Axel's back to me, not aware of what I was going through at this moment of pain and distraught.
'Heh, well then, since I'm such a nice person I'll tell you that what you search for is not here in this world. So hurry up, for this fun race will end soon…bye hero. Oh and call me.'
"What?"
No reply. I rubbed my neck, searching around me for whatever looked bizarre, still a bit frantic at the discussion I just had with Menace. My eyes landed on Axel once again, hoping he wouldn't be bitter if I showed up in his presence like we just had a fight between ourselves. My mind was stuck with a picture of Menace on the wall and with no outlet it'll be there for awhile. A talk with Axel would be a good distraction for my tried brain. With my nerves full of insecurity, I stepped towards Axel, unhurried and slow as my eyes glued to his form, wondering would he turn around with an irked look of any sort. My legs folded, sitting in the arid sand at his side who only glanced at me with small eyes, giving me a tiny greeting.
"Hey…"
"Hey Axel…"
He turned back around, speaking tiredly as he continued on watching the motioned waters.
"I know I left you back there…sorry about that. I just had to clear my head a bit. Man we keep getting into stupid little mishaps."
He scratched his chin then rubbed his neck with a huff, shaking his head like he'd had enough for one day. "I can't wait 'till this is all over…"
My mouth made corners. "Yeah me to…maybe we can go on vaycay after this."
His face turned to mine, smirking. "Heh, yeah that'll be nice. And all the Sea-salt ice cream will be there with me…" he said with a slight chuckle. Before he looked away my eyes pinpointed a stream of red blood at the corner of his lip, straitening my position as I sat on my legs, turning fully to him.
"Axel you got something on your face."
"Huh? What?"
He turned back to look at me with a questioning look, wanting me to repeat what I said as he started to rub his face in the wrong areas.
"See here…"
My hands motioned forward, gently grabbing his face for a better look as his eyes widened, a blush forming upon his cheeks while his whole body jammed in this rare setting.
"Hmm…" I moaned, narrowing my eyes as my finger rubbed away the blood that was present on his soft skin. "See, you had some blood oozing out. Yuk!" I said in a silly joking manner.
It was like he was caught in a net, mystified at our close distance with a gawking gaze, showcasing shyness behind a goofy grin as his eyes veered away.
"Uhh…heh…eh ok…" he said, gripping my wrists, pulling them down from off his face as he turned away.
My eyes blinked, realizing that the contact was broken as I shifted my body in view of the water ahead, folding my clammy fingers on my lap that fiddled from the intense impulses from my inner being, my mind beginning to wonder of the moment we had earlier that seemed lost.
The only sound that was present was the ruffling of waves that occupied our ears, the sight of the shadowy blue horizon on the east and the marvelous cherry and navy sky above that was bombarded with huge white clouds that were set in reflection of the sun. Neither of us spoke, which only managed our resting period to set in a mood of awkward silence, until Axel mustered up the initiative to say at least a word of concern.
"Potion?" Axel asked, calling me to turn at him abruptly as his fingers held a bottle of medicine for me to take.
"Uh, yeah thanks…"
With that I started to search for cuts or bruises that was present on my body, even pulling up my pants to view my legs just so I knew for sure. As my hands grazed my skin while rubbing the potion in like lotion, Axel finally spoke once again, ending the continued quietness.
"So, how are you feeling thus far anyhow?"
"Oh uh, I'm okay. Little hungry and thirsty though."
"Yeah? Me to. Seems like we left all the goodies in your bag."
"Huh, oh yeah, right…" I brought my head up, handing Axel the rest of the potion.
"Uh, you didn't use it up…" Axel said in mild realization, shaking the small bottle as he peered into it with squinted eyes. "You could have used it up since this was the last one…"
"Huh? The last one?" I asked, flabbergasted while my eyebrows made spirals. "Axel you could have kept it if it was your last one. I would have been ok," I said even though I had no more potions for myself.
He observed my expression diligently, shaking his head with a sigh as he pressed his hand on his bent knee. "Geez Deonna. Didn't I tell you not to worry about me? Don't become a worrywart now…"
He stood up, issuing me to stand with him with his outstretched hand. "Come on let's go get some chow."
"Mmhmm," I agreed, grasping his hand for support.
"Well, that was better than nothing…" I said in meek satisfaction, patting my stomach like I just ate a roast of meat.
"You're just rationalizing," Axel criticized, chewing on a peach where you could see the seed in sight as he sat on my right, legs crossed. "But I do agree…"
My shoulders rose and fell, licking my lips in a smack as I rubbed my hands together, about to grab a water bottle from my bag that was on my left.
"Hey Deonna, you see that?" Axel asked, making me look at him part way as I gulped water down my throat.
Axel shook slightly, grinning at the hasty sight.
I removed the bottle from my mouth to catch a breath, heaving in and out while my mind wandered about Axel's pursuit gaze.
"What?"
"Nothing. Well it's you. You're just funny," he said with a toothy smile.
"Whatever creep."
"Anyhoo," Axel said, turning his head at the ocean with a pointed finger. "You see that all the way out there?"
Putting the bottle down, I scooted forward on my legs while my arms held the weight, narrowing my eyes for a better look at the far away object that appeared to be a large boat. "Uhh…yeah I see something…a ship right?"
"Yep. A pirate ship."
My eyes widened, gaping as I sat back on my legs in awe. "Pirates?"
"Yeah. Pirates fascinate you?"
"Well, I've never seen pirates before, so they are interesting to me."
We both watched the pirate ship in a peaceful silence, the kind of silence you hear after a hard days work or even fighting enemies. The clouds were now turning into soft tints of orange and purple from the descended sun on the other side of the island. Darkness was emerging.
I rubbed my eyes while hearing chuckling from Axel's shaken body, leaning back on his hands with his face still facing forward as he began to speak in a jovial voice.
"I remember when I was younger, me and my friend used to dress up as pirates and look for chests all over the place, like we would actually find something of great value…" He turned to look at me, a tired grin unending. "It's so easy to imagine things like that when you're young, pretending like you live in a fairytale and you can beat up that dragon…"
"Ah, to save a princess right?" I said in a perky voice, giggling at his surprised expression as he averted his eyes to the ground, leaving my question unanswered.
He rubbed his neck, veering his attention to the sky and environment around him in a hasty jolted manner.
"Hmm look at that it's getting dark we should probably get a move on soon."
"Well actually Axel…maybe Sora isn't here."
His head spun, his attention back on me with wider dubious eyes. "What? Why you think that?"
My heart jumped, feeling skepticism roam about me, twiddling my fingers while my head drooped, not sure of myself why I thought that way even though its influence originates with that Menace.
"Well, uhm maybe its because…because…"
I looked back up, his visage in complete confusion at my outlook. I groaned, pouting like a child while throwing my arms up in the air.
"Ah geez I don't know!"
"Hmph. Well we can just stay till tomorrow."
"Ugh, but I doubt Sora would be out here at night. You can't see anything in that forest,"
I said, directing our visions to the darkened trees and bushes behind us.
Axel looked at me then at the ground in a thoughtful gaze, pursing his lips as he brought his head up in the direction of the dim lively waters. It took a moment before he said anything else, finally staring back at me with a sigh.
"Mmm, I-I guess you're right…" he paused, scratching his chin, "so you mean, you wanna go somewhere else and look? Or would you rather stay here until morning and search then? Who knows, he could be here and we just don't know it."
"Uh, well…" My head cocked to the side, gawking at a few stars that shone in the atmosphere. "If it makes you comfortable we can go about that alternative, I don't mind…"
"Heh, well it's better safe than sorry…I just wanna make sure that's all…"
"Yeah I know…"
I sunk my head into the palm of my lap, sighing a tired moan as my eyes became mesmerized by the horizon and ocean waves, the moon starting to contrast against the shadowy sky. Axel's face came into view out of the corner of my eye, making me look at him indifferently.
"What?"
" You're starting to act moody now. Maybe you should go to sleep."
"Heh, sleep? I don't want to sleep yet…hey how about…" I paused, my face lighting up as my position straightened more upright. "Can I play with your hair?"
Axel's face scrunched up, shaking his head firmly with a small back lean of his body.
"No."
"Please Axel?"
"No."
"But Axel I'm moody."
"N-…" Axel began, but closed his lips and eyes slowly, his eyebrows hardening as he groaned into a pout.
"Geez you got me again…"
I giggled, moving my weight onto my knees with a wide grin, teasing him.
"What? It's my girl charm."
Axel snorted, turning his body in view of his side with his arms folded, his legs crossed while his torso slumped forward.
"Yeah? It's more like manipulation than charm-OW!" he yelped, rubbing the ear I pulled on his head out of his constant grumbling. He tried to turn his head around to see me but I moved it back in place to mess with his frilly hair. He groaned, brooding in his misery.
"Hmph, whatever happened to just saying shut up?"
"Shut up."
I spent at least ten minutes on Axel's hair, transforming it into a number of made-up hairstyles that I thought would look good on him, all the while playing a game Axel made up that I could not understand. Dusk at last turned to night, and Axel and me didn't realize it while we were in our little world.
"Oh this game sucks Axel!" I whined as my hand motioned forward and back, brushing his hair into a ponytail.
"Ha ha ha! See? It's for superior minds like mine to grasp, not girly minds like yours."
"Hey! Don't make me pull your ear again!"
"Pfft! I've become immune to that already."
"Fine! Let's test that theory!"
Before I could grab his ear his hand got in the way, covering it like an outer shell as well as doing it with his other ear.
He laughed while I grinned dully, about to finish with his last hairdo.
"Well, I'm done…"
Axel grouched, stretching his arms up in the air with a loud yawn.
"Ahh! Finally!"
He sniffed his nose, rubbing his face with repeated moans of tiredness as I waited for him to turn around on his own accord so I can see the result fully. My patience wore thin.
"Axel can you turn around?"
"Huh? Oh yeah…"
When he turned around my hands slapped my cheeks, gaping in dramatic wonder at his appearance. My face felt stuck in a gleaming smile, theatrical gestures I gave him.
Axel appeared freaked out. "Deonna, why you staring at me like that?"
"Aww Axel you look adorable!"
Everything about his face turned huge, even the redness of his cheeks.
"What?"
My hand covered my mouth, giggling at his response.
"You look more friendlier and huggable!"
"EH?" Axel gasped, shielding his body with his arm. "No! No more hugging from you!"
"Hah!" I crossed my arms. "What's with you with not hugging and lack of affection?"
"I show affection, just not the touchy kind…" he grumbled, peering down. "Besides, there's only so much a 'Nobody' can do anyhow…I guess".
"Uh…hmmm…" I moaned, my arms relaxing to their sides with an undeveloped answer, not sure what to say about his guess about 'Nobodies' and emotion.
Does Axel mean that he…can't feel love…?
My mind wandered for that answer, remembering what happened earlier today when we had a moment to ourselves.
Does he remember that moment at all?
Without realizing it Axel got up and walked behind me, making me wake up from my thoughts, asking what he was doing.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to get some wood. You didn't hear me before?"
My head shook.
"Heh, well I'll be right back…"
"Wait need me to help?"
"No. I got this. You just relax all right?"
With that he stepped into the bushes, not arriving back until about six minutes later with small pieces of wood under both his arms and some heavy sticks in both hands. I helped him build a small bonfire that flared dancing flowers of heat in its midst, smoke drifting into the pitch black sky where the moon rested overhead and stars observing us from comfortable seats. We ate what was in the bag again, but saved some of the food, or snacks for tomorrow.
"So," Axel began, who was lying on his back with one leg up, hands behind his head as he gazed up at the white circles in the sky. "How long you plan to stay up?"
I sighed, rubbing my neck. "Eh…I don't know. I just don't want to sleep yet."
"Heh, geez girl you not sleepy yet?"
My head looked downright, observing an 'are-you-serious' expression on his face, featured with a small grin.
"Uhh, no…well a little tired but that's all…" I said, feeling bashful as my hands rubbed my ankles, knowing that wasn't all to it.
"Hmm…well I guess I'll be the first to sleep," Axel said as he got up, patting himself from the sand while walking towards the bushes behind me, which he had cut which his Chakrams so they could be more low and easier to walk through. He waved, not looking back.
"Night D."
My eyes followed him while my heartbeat increased within the slightest motion of his body, my arm reaching out for him in alarm before he could make another step forward.
"Axel wait! I-"
"Huh? What?" he asked, turning back around, the flames bouncing off of his lean bright figure in a menacing shady outlook.
"Oh uhm…" I looked down bashfully, twisting my body in his direction without looking at him.
"Could you uhm…maybe if you wanted…could you stay with me-I mean stay up with me longer…?"
I gulped, biting my lip at the unusual plea I beseeched upon him, cocking my head to the side as my eyes veered up at his face, which was quite perturbed at the moment.
"Uhh…er-" he stuttered, placing one hand on his hip and rubbing the back of his neck with the other, appearing rather unsure and tentative.
"Heh…why? Y-You afraid of the dark or something? There's a fire right here and I'm just going to be behind those bushes."
My head bowed, sighing at his answer. "Oh Axel I just don't want to be alone, not yet…"
And not dream of anything…
My lips pursed, swerving my head towards the warm fire that gently tingled my skin like little prancing fingers, continuing in a low voice. "But you know if your too tired just go to sleep. I can stand a little loneliness and darkness to myself…"
As I moved my legs under my chin up to my chest, Axel heaved a heavy sigh, replying in a tired voice.
"Geez…you don't have to sound so dramatic and emotional even."
Without moving my head, my eyes stared out of its corners at Axel who came at my left side, sitting next to me with his legs crossed and drooped head in palm.
"Just five minutes missy and I'm outta here and onto dreamland."
My head turned out of wonder, the feeling of my eyelids trying to settle shut from my own fatigue that tried to come in. But not yet.
Axel…how are your dreams lately…
"So you're not really tired yet? Hmm what's up with that?" Axel asked, looking at me with droopy eyes while I brought my head up.
"Uh well it's not that I'm not tired…just that," I paused, peering back at the flames, "I just don't want to sleep yet."
"And why is that?"
My shoulder shrugged, not wanting to tell him the story of my dreams.
"Eh, nothing important. I guess I turned into a night owl, hehe…"
"Hmm…is that so…let's see can you say that to my face?"
I put my head on my knees, turning it slowly in mild anxiety, staring worryingly at his questioning face that held raised eyebrows that demanded my attention.
"Uh, heh, uhm well…me night owl…"
His face muscles loosened into a small smile, his eyelids relaxed as if he had encountered awareness within the situation while chuckles escaped from his lips.
"Heh, heh…just tell me. I know that's not all to it owl."
Heh, great… he saw through it like a target. Well I guess it can't be helped. I just don't want to worry him with any else of my problems…
I sighed, pounding my forehead on my knees in low groans. "Ok then…its that I-" I began but stopped as I began to feel a sneaky sensation on my back, slithering up and down like a snake.
"Woah what is that!" I shrieked, piercing my chest forward and shoulder blades back in desperation, turning to see the culprit that stared back at me sheepishly.
"Geez Deonna it was just me…heh" he said, his hand still gestured up as if to be frozen in mid-air.
"Oh…" My face flustered, looking away.
"Ok don't get the wrong idea. I thought I would try to console is all…"
I peeped a smile, peering back at him with a nod, feeling my heart skip a beat that produced joyful sensations through my body, so much that it hurt.
Ah…he does care…
"Ahem back to what I was saying…I've just been having stupid dreams lately." My head turned back at the fire while Axel's hand proceeded to motion up and down my back, prickling my spine.
"uhuh…"
"Yeah, creepy ones. So I'll rather stay up than go to sleep now…"
"Oh, I see how it is."
"Yep," I said, looking back at Axel, "how are your dreams like? I hope there any better than mine."
"Ah, eh…" His eyes veered upward. "Well to tell you the truth…they've been pretty dumb to…"
"Oh really? What they be about?"
He smirked, looking straight into my eyes. "I scratch your back you scratch mine. Tell me what yours are about."
"Oh uh, I rather not."
"Hmph fine."
The motion of his hand ceased as he stood back up over me, gesturing his hand for me to stand with him.
"Come on. Let's go to sleep. If you have a bad dream I'll be there for you to lean on me…"
My eyes widened, gaping up at him while my skin sensed agitation of comforted feeling. I cleared my throat, reaching for his hand, hoping those words would ring out true.
Bet you didn't know which world they went to *wink wink* Then if not I advise you go watch a boy in green tights flying around like a bird XD And guys...please review T-T