Gasp! An update!

Disclaimer is forever the same…

Please enjoy (chapter 10) and happy reading!

Let's just sit back and watch them squirm.

Sometime during the night, I ended up throwing the blankets off of myself. I don't remember doing this, but with Axel wrapped around me, I felt like I had been thrown into a furnace.

The clock told me it was time to wake up now anyway.

Axel was sleeping away beside me, clinging tightly. From the returning memories, I gathered that fighting with an unconscious Axel was a morning ritual. If I squirmed to get away, his grip would tighten. If I tried to pry one of his hands away, he would curl around me closer. As I struggled, I began to wonder if he was really asleep or not.

"Stop moving," came his garbled voice behind me. His nose then nuzzled the back of my neck which made me try to wriggle away from the tickling sensation. I could practically feel his smirk.

"We need to get up. I want to shower." This man was absolutely impossible.

The arms around my middle pulled me back closer to the chest behind me. Lips skirted over my neck and my will to get out of bed was quickly dissolving. As his teeth nipped at me, an involuntary gasp passed by my lips. "S-stop, we'll be in trouble if we're late."

"Then I say," he mumbled, "that we take a shower together."

I shook my head in disbelief. How far was he really going to take this? I wrestled my way out of his hold and got out of bed. The room was silent aside from the quiet buzz of the neon novelties that were plugged in. I never bothered to ask about turning them off. It didn't seem like something that needed to be done.

I gathered my clothing for the day and made my way into the bathroom. Just as I was shrugging out of my shirt did Axel come in behind me, clothes in hand. He started to mimic what I was doing and my breath caught in my throat when I realized that he hadn't been kidding about showering together. "What are you-?"

"I'm taking a shower, if you can't tell." He looked at my gaping face and sighed. "It's not an uncommon practice among Soulmates, you know. It's a good way to keep Physical Bonds strong. And since we need to reconnect, I suggest you get over your embarrassment." He faced me and reached his hand out, flicking the tip of my nose. "I suppose maybe this will trigger the memory of my amazing naked body, no? And whether you remember it or not, you'll be seeing it regardless."

I couldn't even respond to that. Hell, my brain officially shut down and was being filled with images. Vivid images at that. Memorable images of that body that was now without any pants. My ears began to ring and my eyes were unfocused as I sunk into my own mind, lost in the memories. My goodness, what have I done with this man in the past?

Axel's chuckling knocked me back into what was actually happening. When I turned my eyes to him, my cheeks instantly reddened when I got an eyeful of his naked self. Holding onto the counter top, I prayed that I didn't keel over and faint. This was…well, a whole new experience for me. Completely embarrassed, it took all of my will power to disrobe myself completely. By this time, Axel had already moved under the spray of the shower.

With wavering courage, I chanced a look at myself in the mirror. Despite the uncomfortable situation, I was pleased to see just how much healthier I looked. Sure I was having more dreams and memories than I was back in Twilight Town, but I was sleeping better beside Axel than I had in a long time. I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, being near Axel was what kept me healthy and strong. It was something to consider.

Biting my lip, I brushed my thumb over the XIII on my hip. Struck with a sudden thought, I willed my tummy to calm down and accept what I was about to do. The door was looking pretty good right now. Given the situation, my flight instincts were creeping upon me and taking over, shoving the fight out of me. Still, Axel's words of how this will be good for our Bond kept me from running out the door. And the flash of images behind my eyes served as a reminder that apparently I'd played around with naked Axel before.

"Ax," I started and, embarrassingly, walked over to the shower. The glass door had been left ajar only slightly and the amount of steam that wafted from the shower made the air stifling. The glass was completely covered with condensation already.

"Hm? What, Roxie?" His head popped out and when he saw me, a grin flashed across his face. I took a step back as his eyes roamed appreciatively over my body and I couldn't help as my eyes flicked to the door once more. He must have noticed. "You are not going anywhere," he said in a deep voice. Before I could move away, Axel reached out and grabbed my arm, dragging me under the spray of the shower head.

Immediately I jumped back against the glass in an attempt to escape the falling water. At the same time, a sharp scream tore from my lips, my eyes bulging. Water continued to hit my feet and I jumped, flailing as I struggled to get out of the shower. I was lucky I didn't slip and knock my head into the floor in my haste to get out. It seemed instantaneous the way my skin burned and I half expected to see icky blisters bubbling up. My back slammed into the wall across from the shower, adrenaline pumping through my body, causing my breath to come out in short pants.

"Babe! What is it?"

Axel was in front of me and when he noticed how red the skin on my chest and arms had turned, guilt streamed across his face and poured into me. "H-Hot," I muttered, still feeling the sting of the water. The temperature was absolutely unbearable!

"Shit," Axel cursed. He turned back to the shower where he adjusted the knobs. I stood shaking, in mild shock, and couldn't care less how exposed I was at the moment. My skin hurt all over. My forearm was an angry shade of red and I was certain the rest of me looked the same. "You okay?" Axel asked when he turned back to me. I choked up when I looked into his sorry eyes.

"Yeah," I gasped. "I wasn't expecting that."

My Fighter bit his lip, still looking apologetic. "I wasn't thinking. I pulled you in the shower before turning the temp down."

"Why did you have it so hot?"

As Axel adjusted the knobs in the shower, he spoke, "Because I'm the hot one, baby. It takes a bit more heat to warm me up compared to you." Axel then reached his hand out to me. I couldn't help but hesitate. The room still felt like a sauna and my skin was now sensitive as though I'd just been whipped. Stepped up to the shower, I stretched my hand out, letting the water run over my fingers. I sighed; it was much cooler and appropriate for me.

"Won't you be cold?" I asked, looking up at Axel. He stuck his tongue out and pulled me up to him, flush against his chest with the water pouring down over my head. My ears twitched and I pressed them forward to avoid getting water in them. Axel said, "I'm just fine. I'm already heated up. You'll keep me warm if I need it, yes?"

I didn't nod or shake my head in response. After the initial shock of the hot water, I suddenly become hyper aware of my nakedness. Axel, who kissed my neck softly before turning to the various bottles that sat neatly on a small built-in shelf, was obviously all too comfortable. By the look of the smirk that refused to leave his face, he was more than happy as well. I did my best to remind myself that this was my Soulmate, someone to trust with my life and someone who I shouldn't need to be so self-conscious around.

My anxiety, which was fluctuating at the moment, must have been some signal to Axel that I was having troubling thoughts in my head. The feeling of cool, relieving calm spread from my center outwards and I felt my tense shoulders relax. A hand came down on the top of my head before moving in circles, fingers gently massaging my scalp. I sighed, content. "How do you do that?" I asked.

"Hm?" Axel's fingers never faltered as I felt suds forming in my hair. He was careful to avoid my ears and rubbed generously in a spot behind my human ear which, embarrassingly, nearly made me purr with pleasure. It was still a shock how he knew of all my weak points. "How do I do what?"

I looked up over my shoulder, glancing at his face to find him looking quite serene, relaxed. His eyes locked with mine and they almost seemed as though they were pleading, asking something of me. But what? "How do you keep me so calm when I'm stressing?"

"It's my job. To protect you, even from yourself. If you sit and dwell on pointless thoughts that'll cause you distress, well, we just can't have that." Hands on my arms spun me around so I was facing him. He pressed on my chest while weaving an arm around my back. I leaned back into the spray of water and he carefully rinsed my hair. "You're beautiful, Roxie. Don't be so self conscious."

Startled, I tensed in his arms. Would I ever get used to how he just seemed to know everything?

"We shouldn't take much longer," I said as Axel worked on washing his own hair. "Won't Saïx get mad if we're late?" Axel made what sounded like a scoff and trailed a finger down my neck through the soap that I had just lathered over my body.

"There's nothing to worry about today. It's Training Day, meaning we have some extra time this morning before things get started."

I caught a few words of what he said, too distracted by simply watching him as he stood beneath the water, arms stretched up and tangled in his hair which he was rinsing. His lean body stretched with his arms, his stomach being pulled in and making him skinnier than normal. Still, the muscle tone was exaggerated and my eyes were stuck, glued, unwilling to look away. I caught my lip between my teeth and stepped forward, placing my hands on his chest. The soap residue left on my palms smeared over his skin and I used this as an opportunity to touch him. "What do we do on Training Day?"

A look of absolute victory stole Axel's features and I scowled at him but didn't remove my hands. I enjoyed the feel of his soft skin, the muscles that moved beneath my fingertips as he brought his arms down to rest on my naked waist. I swallowed hard and felt that flight instinct creep upon me, only to be shoved down by this need to move closer. "We fight. We train with each other," he said. His voice was lower. I refused to look up to his face and focused my stare intently on his shoulder. Still, my hands continued to wander over his body. I tried to convince myself that I was only washing him, as he had washed my hair. I knew better, knew that I was exploring what I knew was mine. "We'll be doing some Spell Battles."

I should have questioned him on what exactly a Spell Battle was, but the question that came from my mouth wasn't quite that. "Where's your tattoo?" I was well aware of the thumb on my hip that was tracing over the XIII tattoo there. I had wanted to ask Axel this question the night before, but for some reason the words had been stuck in my throat. With a loud chuckle, Axel brushed his heavy, wet hair back from his neck and brought two fingers to his right ear where he pulled the lobe forward. I had to move around him, all too aware of how our bodies brushed together, and I looked up to find a small VIII tattooed behind his ear.

At first, I could only stare at the marking. It was small, far smaller than my own tattoo. Then I reached up, my fingertips just barely ghosting over the black ink. His skin seemed to be even hotter, almost unbearable to touch. My movements were hesitant. Surging in my chest was a ball of warmth that grew hotter by the second. It was like my ears were ringing, the sound of the water becoming lost to the beating of my own heart. I wasn't in control. My body was acting on its own accord. I moved onto the tips of my toes, my legs wobbling a bit. Axel's hands moved to my hips, holding me steady. I didn't have to look, but I knew his eyes were closed as he let out a shaky breath.

The air became thick with something other than steam. Energy buzzed around the two of us as I reached my neck forward and ran my tongue deftly over that VIII. Then the air was forced from my lungs as I was shoved up against the wall of the shower. The tiles were so cold, my back began to tingle. The rush of events left me unfeeling, unaware of how our bodies were pushed together, no inch of skin left untouched. Axel's hands moved from my hips, sinking down, down, down, until he grasped my thighs and hefted me up.

I should've been startled by the sudden movement, but I was excited instead. Axel pressed his body as close as he could against mine, pushed his hips harder and further forward. There were no thoughts of being self-conscious. I was too far gone, lost to this wild lust that swam through my veins. I should have been confused about these feelings. I enjoyed them. I should have been putting up a fight, should have been embarrassed. Instead I clung to him, dug my nails into his back and begged him silently to do something.

"You okay?" Axel breathed. He kissed my cheek softly. I nodded and answered with a groan. "Uh-huh." I was becoming uncomfortable in certain places. What should have been relatively new to me was all too familiar. I tried to move myself, move against my Fighter, but it was harder than I hoped it to be. "Can you do something? Please?" I finally opened my eyes, hoping they were shiny and wet. I pouted my lips slightly, somehow knowing this would drive him to give me what I want.

And of course it worked. Axel swooped down, catching my lips and hurriedly slipped his tongue in my mouth. I didn't fight, didn't want to fight. This feeling of being dominated felt like some guilty pleasure. I submitted and let his tongue twine with my own. I sighed mentally when one of his hands inched up my thigh, carefully caressing and making tingles zoom under my skin. Unwilling to let him get away from me, I reached my own hands up and twined them in Axel's heavy, wet hair. The strands were silky smooth and easily glided between my fingers.

Somehow he managed to press into me even further. His hand was moving so slow and a whimper sounded from my lips. Axel broke the kiss and chuckled. He licked my mouth. "I wasn't expecting this. You're really excited." I wish I could have frowned at him but he was right; I was excited. I felt so good; he was making me feel so good. If only he would move his hand faster, get that that place-

-Oh!

A shaky breath blew past my lips and my eyes were closed once again. Just his touch made my whole body go almost fully limp and my head fell forward. I rested my forehead on Axel's shoulder, panting harshly. The air was too thick. It was harder to breath. The energy buzzed, I was certain there was crackling in the air. As Axel stroked me, my body pulsed. I was becoming overwhelmed by Axel's emotions, his love and lust and care and affection. This couldn't last long. I couldn't last long.

I didn't want to be selfish. He was aroused, I could feel it. Physically, pressed against me. I could feel it through the Bond as well; I could feel consuming passion and his unbearable need. I didn't think, I simply acted. My left hand clung to Axel's shoulder while my right hand moved lower, down over his chest and stomach. He stopped kissing me, his eyes questioning my own. I found my moment to take temporary control and slid my hand down, grasping him the same way he held me. Sparks lit up behind his emerald eyes and he opened his mouth but was unable to make any sound. His hand stopped momentarily as I started. This wasn't something I was an expert on, by no means, but I was fully willing to try and do something to make Axel feel even better than the way he made me feel.

He seemed to have regained his senses. Axel growled loudly in the back of his throat and crushed his mouth back onto mine. Eagerly I kissed him back. I couldn't establish a steady rhythm and I clenched my eyes shut in frustration. The kiss was broken with the urge to breathe and Axel's forehead rested against my shoulder. "Just take your time," he said. "Start a slow pace and get used to that first." He demonstrated his words on me and I groaned, moving my hips up into his hand. That was far too slow. He laughed. "Are you close, baby? I know I am. You're so sexy all red faced and panting just for me." His words made my face heat up more and I hid myself in his neck. His skin smelt good, and it wasn't from the body wash. The scent was fire. It was the burning scent, charcoal-like and spicy. I licked his neck, kissed the skin and shivered with delight. The connection between us was hot, my blood screamed like liquid fire.

As our paces increased, our breathing and panting became heavier. The surges of emotions were indescribable and I felt close to the point of fainting from pleasure. "A-Axel…!" I was being consumed by the feelings, devoured by his affection. That insistent push and pull of our essences spilling out for each other. As he pushed harder against me, my vision turned white for a moment as I felt my release come. Gasping, I rode the waves of pleasure. Tingles zapped my skin and left goosebumps down my arms and legs. I moved my hand as best as I could and shuddered violently as I felt something hot and sticky spilling over it, felt Axel falling forward to lean heavily against me.

We sank down the wall as Axel's legs decided to give out. We sat on the floor in-between each other's legs, winding down from such an incredible high. I was still being pulled and Axel took a deep breath before he seemed to stop breathing altogether. I chanced a look up at his face to see his eyes closed, his lips parted slightly. He looked like he was concentrating on something. Then I felt that tug, and I felt something within me being pulled, as though sucked through a straw. "Do it," he said without opening his eyes.

Something was pushing at me and it hit me that this was the same thing that was pushing at me as it had before after my first training session. The part of Axel was pushing at my body, begging for me to take it into my own. The force seemed heavier this time, like there was more to take in.

I closed my eyes, seeing the force as that golden blanket surrounding my body. As I pictured the light being sucking into my middle, I could also see a white light at the point where the golden light was being taken in. "Ah!" The hyper-awareness that this sensation brought was breathtaking. I looked up at Axel who was lazily smiling down at me. He was obviously tired after what just happened. He leaned down, kissing me softly and running his fingers through my hair.

"My Roxie," he whispered against my lips. "I love you so much."

My mind went blank as the image of a blonde boy sitting on the edge of a familiar structure came into my head. Behind him was a beautiful sunset and sticking out of his mouth was a blue popsicle. He took the popsicle from his mouth, turned his head and smiled so sweetly, so innocently.

Somehow, I could see what Axel was thinking of.

And that boy was me.

Zexion couldn't do much but frown at his breakfast danish. He loved having his customary sweet in the morning before he proceeded with his daily tasks, but this morning, he couldn't bring himself to even try to enjoy his food.

He had a vague idea of what it was like to have a Soulmate. He understood that his Soulmate was out there somewhere, and could even possibly be living in the same castle. He had done his research alongside Vexen, taken clear and detailed notes, and talked to some of the others who were together with their other half. Though he couldn't possibly fathom the concept of such a deep, irresistible longing, he had seen such feelings expressed between the pairs.

Zexion was well aware that physical affection was one of the most basic ways to establish a solid connection. He was entitled to subtle shows of such intimacy and he could never say he ever felt particularly envious. He didn't grow up feeling much affection of any kind, so it was hard for him to long for something he knew nothing of.

And, frankly, one particular pair seemed to exercise their right as Soulmates far too much for his tastes. Timeless, of course, was well known to be a rather…excited pair. He scowled in the Soulmate's direction from across the round table, thinking their excessive show of PDA was going too far. They had all night to be intimate; the breakfast table was hardly the place to be sneaking inappropriate touches which were poorly concealed. He was well beyond tired of the sound of their lips smacking together and, not for the first time, he wished that Xigbar would just keep his mouth shut and to himself. Luxord, the foolish drunk, was enjoying himself too much. The man's tea sat untouched and was sure to be losing its hot temperature with each brushing of their tongues.

Disgusting, Zexion thought. But this wasn't the first time he had suffered such a show. It was Training Day, after all, and for the Sacrifice and Fighter to perform at their height, they needed to have a strong connection and unquestionable trust between each other. Zexion hated this day the most. It was terrible trying to work with someone you weren't bound to. The spells were never powerful and altogether it felt awkward. The Nobodies in the castle didn't exactly trust each other, only themselves and their partners. Zexion didn't have a True Partner to trust.

He subtly glanced to the side, looking at Demyx who had a slight blush coating his cheeks. He was obviously trying to keep himself distracted with his cereal and working to ignore the aroused pair across the table. Zexion did nothing to suppress his sigh. He ignored Demyx who looked up at him quickly before biting his lip and turning back to his breakfast.

Of all the Nobodies to be paired with. Zexion, curse his luck, was simply bearing with this rather unfortunate circumstance. He was well informed on all Nobodies, their background history (or what could be gathered), their specialties and abilities. He knew each of their strengths and weaknesses.

Demyx, with the ability to control water, came from Alantica. Zexion could remember when Demyx was first introduced as a new member. The poor kid could barely stand on his own two legs. He had wobbled in place, staring down at himself and hiking his cloak up just so he could examine his feet. The look on his face was absolute wonder and he had even daring to pick one foot up which resulted in him losing his balance and falling on his backside.

Zexion, at the time, rolled his eyes as Xigbar and Axel laughed their asses off. The boy named Demyx had been young, almost the same age as himself. Zexion had been thirteen at the time. Now, at the age of nineteen, Zexion still regarded Demyx as a child. The boy was far too idealistic and in his own world to work efficiently. How Demyx hadn't been eliminated so far was beyond him, but he guessed it was only a matter of time. After going on that mission with his new partner the day before, he was sure Demyx's time was close to running out. He seemed to find the missions more as leisure time to spot a few odd things in the Worlds and mindlessly strum that infernal instrument he considered a weapon.

Zexion was fearful, however. The question as to why Xemnas paired everyone the way he did was a mystery that no one had definitely figured out. To pair Soulmates together…it was certainly questionable. The problem, Zexion mused, was the fact that these pairs could not be easily separated. To try and change partners would spur uproar and there would be protest. Defiance. The Superior hated defiance. So why would he chose to do something so risky?

And if he didn't plan on changing partners again, then that meant Zexion was stuck with Demyx.

How unfortunate.

Zexion sat back in his chair, posture straight and closed his eyes. The energy in the room was high. No surprise, seeing what day it was. Everyone was excited to get some formidable fighting in. Sadly this meant the sexual tension was as thick as possible and it was making him sick. Once this whole ordeal was over, he could happily retreat to his library and relax without the annoying presence of everyone else. Not even Lexaeus was tolerable to be around. The Fighters, when preparing to fight, had the tendency to emit powerful and unique pheromones to keep their Sacrifices close by their sides and to heat up their connections. Even those without Soulmates released pheromones, being it was a natural reaction to Spell Battles. These pheromones didn't mix well with other Fighters and being around each other wasn't the most tolerable thing.

A portal opened and out stepped Axel and Roxas. Zexion didn't bother to open his eyes. He had felt their approaching presence. The energy flow surrounding the pair was different. It was charged and stronger. There was no question as to what went on between the pair.

"And he still has his ears!" Marluxia called from his place at the table. Zexion's own slate colored ears twitched at those words. He finally opened his blue eyes. Roxas was blushing furiously while Axel looked as triumphant as ever, his arm wrapped possessively around his Sacrifice. With his free hand, the redhead flipped Marluxia the bird and steered his little Soulmate towards the kitchen portal.

Curious, Zexion glanced sideways. Demyx looked mortified.

"In a Spell Battle," Axel spoke as we walked towards the Training Area, "the Fighter is the one who attacks while the Sacrifice takes damage."

I pursed my lips. The velvety sky hung above us as we walked down the ramp on the outside walkway. "It won't hurt too much, will it?" I didn't want to be considered a coward or a wimp, but the idea of being hurt wasn't something anyone would look forward to.

Axel seemed to find my words amusing. "I'll do my best to deflect the spells. I can't promise you that you won't get hit, but I'll do everything I can to protect you." He squeezed my shoulder in a reassuring way and I gulped down my nerves.

"What do I have to do?" My legs felt weak beneath me. I didn't like the idea of fighting the other Organization members. I didn't like the idea of fighting at all, but what made it worse was that I was going to have to battle and I had no idea what I was supposed to do. It felt like I was being shoved in front of a bunch of Heartless blindfolded. My heart was drumming loudly in my chest.

We reached the doorway and headed inside, moving through the hallways. "All you have to do," Axel spoke, "is stand beside me and look pretty." He turned his eyes to me and winked. I frowned. Obviously he wasn't being serious. He knew that I was super nervous and his jokes were not helping. He rolled his eyes at my lack of response and said, "Normally the Sacrifice gives the orders. You tell me whether you want me to attack or defend. You can tell me what kinds of attacks to use."

A jolt of panic froze me from the inside. I didn't know any attacks! I didn't know what we could or couldn't do in this fight! If I was supposed to tell Axel what to do, then we were both screwed.

"Calm down, love. You won't have to do anything today. Besides look pretty of course. No, I'll decide what I'll do as far as attacking. You'll just take the damage that's inflicted." I still wasn't feeling great about that part. "Again, I'll do everything I can to keep you from getting hurt. I think everything really depends on who we're fighting."

I decided then to do my best not to fret over anything. Axel said I didn't have to do anything. And at one time or another, I had been involved in Spell Battles. Maybe involving myself in this battle would trigger the memories I need to remember what to do.

We weren't the first pair at the Training Hall. Marluxia was there chatting with Larxene who looked as cheery as ever with her usual scowl. When we walked in, her sharp eyes flew to me, piercing me right through the chest. I lowered my own eyes and did my best to ignore the sting of her gaze. Vexen, Zexion, Lexaeus, and Xaldin were in a group, talking quietly. Then, from my peripheral vision I could see Demyx slowly approaching us, looking just as nervous as I felt.

"Buck up, Dem. You'll be fine," Axel said when Demyx finally reached us. The blonde pouted, his tail wrapped around his side.

"You know I hate Training Day," Demyx remarked. He looked first at Axel, then to me. Our eyes met and I attempted an encouraging smile but he didn't seem to notice my effort. Something seemed off with Demyx, but I couldn't pinpoint just what it was. I sighed quietly and decided that, for the time being, I would just melt into the background and try to control my nerves. So I curled into Axel's side, resting against him heavily, and just listened.

"We all hate Training Day. But it's better than being sent on a mission where we could possibly be killed, right?" Axel didn't sound convinced by his own words. "I mean, we're not allowed to kill each other." He laughed in a weird way. I didn't find his words funny and apparently neither did Demyx. "You both need to lighten up and shake off those nerves. We're not even here for long. A few battles, bing bang, then we're done and we have the rest of the day off!" When he put it that way, Training didn't seem to be as bad as I was making it out to be.

Demyx huffed, finally showing some of his true self. "You know very well that it's awkward fighting with someone who is not your Partner. I don't even know what it feels like to have my own Partner, and I can still tell it's not right! And I hate doing single battles because everyone just picks on me." I wanted to do something for the guy, he just sounded so pathetic. Axel's hand found its way to the back of my neck and his touch easily distracted me. I purred quietly as he rubbed small circles into my neck.

When Axel spoke, it wasn't in response to Demyx's words. "Let's get up to the balcony. He's coming." I noticed the others in the room already sweeping from the floor we were on. I could feel the powerful energy that I was beginning to associate with Xemnas becoming stronger. Demyx disappeared in a flash of Darkness and bubbles. I couldn't even respond before being wrapped in a swirl of Darkness and flames as Axel transported us to the balcony. This form of teleporting was far different than using a Dark Portal. It was more like being carried away by a strong gust of wind and I grew nervous as, for an instant, there was no ground beneath my feet and I was blinded by the Darkness. The flames were intense and when I stumbled into our new destination, there was a slight sheen of sweat on my forehead.

The balcony was small, yet large enough to fit everyone mildly comfortably. There were no seats; the area was just an open floor that overlooked the training field down below. I looked over the edge and saw Xemnas and Saïx arrive down on the floor below. Xemnas, looking oddly excited, raised his arms towards us and held that position for a brief moment. Then he spoke, his voice as deep and purposeful as ever, "Depthless, Breathless, why don't you be the opening act?"

It was so damn frustrating. Everything was frustrating. He had no choice but to live blindly and reflect on how he had been so blind only a year previously.

Frustrating it all was.

Now he was the only capable Keyblade Master who had a duty to protect the Worlds from Darkness. He had to help so many people and on top of that, he was the errand boy for some washed up, guilty researcher who couldn't stand to live with himself or trust himself to do anything. Or so he said. Riku didn't believe him.

It was all so tiring. He just wanted to go home. The Islands, a place he'd dreamt of leaving for so long, was the only place he wanted to be at the moment. He was still waiting to wake up. Wake up and find that everything had been a dream, a figment of a childish imagination that had run wild.

He was stuck, though, behind a wall of pride and a blindfold. There was too much to do, too much pain to ever think that this was all make-believe. He understood what was going on, what had happened, and what needed to happen. But how could it all happen? He didn't know. He was only one person and he was, by far, no hero. He couldn't do it alone.

But his Partner was broken, splintered and no longer whole. It was his fault. It didn't matter what Naminé had said. It was his fault and he was never going to forgive himself for what happened. He had tried to fix the problem once and he failed. He couldn't trust himself to fail again, not with something so fragile. And the threats against him were far too great. So what was he to do?

All he could remember was walking out into the Crystal Fissure the afternoon before. He'd been doing his best to ignore Leon and Cloud, to ignore their perfect synchronization. That should have been him and Sora, but because he had to screw up, it wasn't him and Sora and it might never be him and Sora.

Then he was there. The missing piece. The one that would make his Soulmate whole once more. It was confusing at first, since the feeling had made him believe that Sora had somehow ended up where they were. But no. That wasn't possible. It took a moment for it to click. He saw the tips of the blonde hair, the person he knew they needed. The person he needed. To suddenly feel such amazing lust and possessiveness over someone who was not his Soulmate was too much.

Frustrating. So. Fucking. Frustrating.

Stuck in a heart shaped box of Darkness. There was nothing for him to do. He had begged DiZ to let him do something. He was waved off every time, like he was some incompetent child. The answer was always the same.

"Naminé will take care of it."

Naminé was supposed to be in the mansion to take care of Sora, because he sure as hell couldn't do it. He knew it wasn't true, but it was easier to believe that Sora would be afraid, was afraid, of what he had turned into. The freak behind the fabric. The fabric to shield his lying eyes. The fabric that would protect the person he loved most.

No matter how many Heartless he slashed and hacked apart every day, he couldn't release his anger. He stewed silently every night in his room. He was composed and even a bit docile when he appeared before the others. Naminé had known better than to believe his façade. Surely Sora could feel his anger; with their Bond, though it was weakening, the brunet couldn't be fooled.

Riku was blocking out Donald's yelling as they entered the mansion. His senses were on alert, though, as they opened the front door after a long day of work. His tired arms became tense when he sensed DiZ waiting for them just beyond the door. Standing before the model of the Twilight Town Clock Tower, DiZ stood, obviously waiting for them.

"We have a problem," he said. His accented voice did not waver.

Riku didn't look at the man, instead searching the rest of the building. Something was missing…

"It appears our young Keyblade Master has grown far too restless."

Donald screeched out a "What!" while Goofy asked, confused, "Whuddya mean?"

DiZ only sighed. Riku turned and ran back out the front doors of the mansion, following the energy that, curse him, he hadn't noticed was missing during his internal rant. "It seems Sora has run away from the mansion," DiZ finished, watching Riku disappear beyond the open gates.

Marluxia was smirking at me from across the training floor. I frowned back. There was nothing I could do. I wasn't cocky enough to return his smirk. I wasn't in the mood to sarcastically smile. I was trying not to wet myself in fear. Because I was, for lack of a better word, absolutely terrified.

Axel stood beside me, heated up. I could feel his excitement. "Vexen's element is ice, so this will be easy. Marluxia has flowers, so that makes this even easier." He had said this to me when we first arrived down to the training floor. I hadn't responded. I was afraid that if I opened my mouth, my breakfast would be saying hello to everyone in the room. Not pleasant. Axel wasn't even trying to calm my nerves. There was no way he couldn't have noticed how badly I was shaking and the way my stomach was twisting. He was too lost in his own urge to battle to even bother.

Despite sweating bullets and shaking like a leaf in a wind storm, I couldn't help but notice just how good Axel smelled. I took this as an official sign that I was losing my mind. But the smell of wildfire was everywhere and I couldn't help but inch closer to the tall figure who had taken a few steps ahead of me. He turned and looked back over his shoulder, winking at me while he flashed a grin. I could feel the worry wrinkles in my forehead. He quickly kissed them away. "We'll be fine."

Vexen, who did not looked too pleased, was doing his best to ignore Marluxia who had leaned over his shoulder and was now whispering something in his ear. Even from where I was standing I could see a red tint coloring his cheeks. His platinum blonde tail whipped around and hit Marluxia in the side. He pinned his ears back angrily.

The older man managed to choke out, "I declare a Spell Battle!"

I felt how hyped up Axel was getting. I could feel my own excitement creeping up my throat, ready to burst out of me. It had to be a natural reaction. The adrenaline that was being produced was driving me to focus on what was going on. There was no backing out of this.

I knew that Axel was supposed to accept the challenge. Instead he said, "I request permission to battle in Automatic Mode." He never took his eyes off of Vexen who suddenly looked offended. I was confused.

From the balcony, I could hear Xemnas' voice. "Permission denied." His words were as smooth as silk and there was nothing that hinted he was angry with what Axel had requested. "He'll have to face this someday, Number VIII. Better to do it in a controlled environment."

There was no change in Axel's demeanor. He had expected such an answer. I looked up to see his eyes narrow into slits. He glared at Vexen, muttering venomously through clenched teeth, "I accept."

Then the energy on the floor was released. I was swept up in a hurricane, wind whipping around my entire body as Axel and Vexen shouted at the same time, "Battle systems engage!" When the energy started to buzz, I could feel the pressure of the air increase and it was as though my whole body had become heavier. After the Fighters shouted the last line, everything became stifling and it seemed the pressure surrounding us doubled. I thought I saw, for a brief moment, what looked like a barrier building up around the training floor before it disappeared.

No adrenaline could shake the nerves I was suddenly feeling. The entire situation was finally dawning on me, understanding of what was going to happen building within me just as the barrier had built itself up. Terrified, I could feel my knees go weak and my hands refused to stop shaking. I reached forward to grasp Axel's arm, hoping to find some comfort. Before I could make contact though, I snapped my hand back to me, feeling a burn coat my gloved hands before the pain hit.

Looking up at Axel, I could see the green in his eyes smoldering like actual flames. I squinted, feeling as though I were standing next to an open flame that was burning my eyes. Moisture seeped from my pores and I was forced to step away for fear of being burned up. "Axel, please," I said, hoping he would be able to calm himself. His whirlwind of emotions was making my head spin. I felt sick.

"Open skies and drip frost down upon us. Freeze this field!" I blinked rapidly, trying to understand that Vexen was suddenly shouting. His words confused me until I noticed the temperature around us suddenly begin to drop. It was such a subtle change, hard to distinguish with Axel standing so close. Then small flakes of white fell from midair as though suddenly appearing out of thing air. I watched in wonder as snow fell to coat the floor. At first, I noticed it was melting into small puddles of water before it quickly froze as the temp continued to drop.

Axel reached behind him, holding his hand out. I felt a tug from him through the Bond, asking me to take his hand. I raised one hand cautiously, well aware that any contact with him might burn me. "I'm fine now. You won't get hurt," he said without looking back at me. I gulped and took his hand, suddenly relaxed. My muscles became less tense yet the surge of power that flowed from his body into mine caused me to shiver. He smelled so good. I stepped closer, pressed myself to his back and was relived as my body began to warm. I felt his energy level rise before he spoke, "Fire will always win against Ice. Set the room ablaze. Dry the air of all moisture!"

"Brat," Vexen said, frowning. Behind him, Marluxia rolled his eyes. "How about you just attack him, old man. Trying to gain the advantage with your element won't do any good." The pink haired Nobody looked completely bored with the situation. He was obviously used to these battles and could stand the energy fluctuations better than me. My stomach was churning. He suddenly looked over to me. My face must have shown just what I was feeling. He smirked and winked. "Can't handle it just yet, eh Shorty? Come on Vexen, show the kid what he's in for."

With a growl, Vexen threw his hand out, ears pinned back, and pointed at me and Axel. "Shred! Show no mercy!"

Axel was quick on the defense. "Deflect!" I couldn't believe my eyes as wisps of energy crashed into an invisible barrier that suddenly constructed itself in front of the two of us. Panicked, I gasped, "What was that?" Axel ignored me. "Bounce from this mirror and return from where you came! Tear apart!"

Energy surged from our side of the room and raced towards Vexen and Marluxia. "Ice! Protect! Send the attack back at twice the speed!"

Before Axel could open his mouth, I felt claws dig into my flesh and tear down my arms and legs. With a small cry I stumbled back away from Axel, my eyes clenched shut in pain as my skin began to sting. I then felt a heavy weight around both of my wrists and the soft chime of chains. I could feel the smooth texture of leather that bit into my skin. I opened my eyes, not seeing the bloodbath and shredded clothing I expected. There were no physical wounds on my body. Instead, I was left with the phantom sting of energy that had left no marks, and two leather belts were shackled to my wrists, long chains falling from each belt. My eyes followed the chains, following each metal piece until both chains connected to a leather belt that was secured around Axel's neck.

His eyes were searching my face when I finally looked up at him. "I wasn't fast enough. Are you alright?" His eyes looked beyond sorry and I knew he could feel the pain I was in, though not as I could feel it. The belt around his neck looked uncomfortable.

"What are these chains?" I asked.

He grasped the chains that swung before his torso. "Restriction. Attacks that hit are able to bind the Sacrifice. It restricts the power flow between us, and essentially makes it so my attacks cannot be at full power."

"We can't-"

"Restriction cannot be reversed so easily," he said. He suddenly looked determined. "Roxie, you've gotta believe in me. Trust me and I'll be able to attack with enough power to restrain them. Our Bond is something those two don't have and because of that, we have the advantage. We're more powerful than them."

I knew we could win. I knew Axel was a fierce battler. He wasn't someone who would so easily give in. When Axel fought, he gave it his everything. I had no reason not to trust him. Hyped up, I spoke, "Give 'em hell, Ax." He grinned, nodded his head once then winked. I grabbed his hand. I hadn't been able to figure out how to willingly transfer emotions but I urged my feelings of trust and excitement to flow into him.

"Well Vexen, what will you do? It seems they're getting serious now." Marluxia was looking at his partner, as though daring him to make a wrong move. Vexen clenched his jaw and I swear I could see the ideas and strategies racing through his head. His eyes seemed to be focused but not on any particular object. He must have been thinking. "Ice like glass, beautiful as petals! Strike and freeze! Slice!"

"Heh, looks like he's going to start using big words here soon!" Axel said. He seemed less serious at this moment and cockier. "Rise, wall of fire! Melt the ice, evaporate its power!" My whole body flared with heat and for once, I knew what it was like to be Axel. To have such a high body temperature seemed like it would be an uncomfortable thing. For me, at least. He had to have been used to it.

A flash of swirling orange and yellows burst up from the ground to shield both Axel and I. At the very center of the wall was a flickering spot of blue that surrounded the tiniest portion of white flame. I took it to be the power center of the wall, the hottest spot. Surrounding Vexen and Marluxia was a flurry of what appeared to be crystals. The light of the fire wall reflected off the crystals. I could see, as the wave of clear objected moved for us that many of the crystals began to melt. Ice, of course, I thought. The first wave of ice, which I noticed resembled small cherry blossom petals, had no time to melt as they crashed into the fire wall. Instead they evaporated instantly. But Vexen wasn't relenting and I could even see Marluxia approach his Fighter, being bold enough to move to his side where they just fell short of coming in contact with one another. Vexen conjured a second wave of ice petals that crashed into the fire wall. Axel gritted his teeth. These petals didn't evaporate right away. Most of them melted into wet puddles that started to flood the floor. The white flame at the center of the wall disappeared.

"The Restriction is cutting our power. I can't keep this wall up forever, it's too energy consuming." I was at a loss as to what I could do to help. "Can't you attack them?" I asked.

Axel left out a slow breath, as though tightening his focus. "It's worth a try." He raised his free arm while his hand that was holding mine squeezed my palm. "Attack the source in a fiery wave!" The wall moved by his command, cresting from the center out and crashing along to floor. My wrists felt heavier by the second as the wave surged forward. It seemed to have been gaining speed as it raced towards Vexen who seemed to have been recovering from his previous attack.

"Well, you better do something," Marluxia said as his wide blue eyes watched the approaching waves. "Now would be really good!" He seemed to have thrown his pride away and grasped Vexen's arm. "We need some connection between us to make a powerful barrier to stop that!"

"And what do you propose we do?" Vexen shouted back. He sounded frustrated enough. He growled loud enough to be heard over the crackling flames of the wave. "Shield and protect! Resist the attack!" A barrier shot up around them just as the wave hit. It wasn't as strong of a barrier Axel had built before and it easily began to cave to the power of the flames that crashed into it.

"Dammit! Kiss me already and defend us properly!" Marluxia looked worried enough. Axel had said that they were both weak to fire and I could only image the pain that a wave of fire would bring Marluxia who had to take the damage.

"Defense, full power!"

"I said kiss me! We need something to raise our power!"

Vexen pursed his lips. "We'll be just fine! I refuse to allow you anywhere near my mouth!" The blonde's tail whipped out and slapped Marluxia's hand that was grasping his arm. The fire wall was starting to break their barrier down. Beside me, I could see Axel starting to look drained after putting so much into the ongoing attack. I could feel him draining my own energy to help him.

Marluxia was getting impatient and urgent. "If you don't do something, that thing will easily kill us!" Vexen wouldn't relent. Panic was written over Marluxia's face and he finally reached up, grabbing Vexen by the neck and pulling the man's head towards him. Just as I was sure they would kiss, a wild pulse of energy, invisible to the eye, exploded from them both. Time seemed to slow as a second pulse of energy, stronger than the first, burst through the room. Immediately the barrier protecting them fell but as it shattered, the flames were blown out in an instant, never able to touch our opponents.

Both Marluxia and Vexen were wide-eyed and staring at each other. Frozen, Marluxia was stuck with one hand on Vexen's neck, looser than it hand been before. It looked almost like a gentle caress. His other hand was locked around Vexen's arm, while one of the blonde's hands was pushing against Marluxia's chest. Terror was written on both of their faces. Their eyes appeared glazed over. The weight of the chains dug into my skin and the pulses of energy were making my ears ring. I fell to my knees, unable to stand anymore and my tail flopped uselessly against the cold floor. Axel fell beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, unable to take his eyes off the pair across from us. I knew everyone in the balcony was watching as well.

Then right before my eyes, the frozen pair was outlined by a soft lavender glow. Vexen seemed to have been breathing hard. His lips moved; I couldn't make out what he said. Marluxia's eyes widened even more before he began to violently shake his head back and forth, his eyes snapping shut. He moved, pushed away from Vexen and was gone in a flash of shadows and glowing petals. Vexen stood alone, almost as though he were unwilling to move. The energy pulses stopped when Marluxia left and the lavender glow disappeared. Vexen then looked up towards the balcony to our right. I looked as well, saw Xemnas watching him. Saïx's stare was cold and knowing. Xemnas smirked before inclining his head. When I looked back, Vexen was gone, nothing but a few flurries in his wake.

He knew his stunt was dangerous. He knew he was going to get in trouble. But he couldn't spend one more minute in that mansion! It was stifling and the only place he could stand to be was the White Room which wasn't even great. He couldn't bear staring at Naminé's pictures everyday. They were like haunting memories made tangible. He couldn't forget something he had to look at every day.

It was simple sneaking out since Naminé had left. Without the girl to watch his every move, he was able to simply walk out the front door. DiZ had been down in the lab working on something or other, so he hadn't been worried about the scary man coming after him.

It had taken Sora a while to muster up the courage to walk out the door. It was such an easy thing. But that door led to an entirely different place. The World they were in wasn't a place he had visited, yet it was familiar all the same. Once he crossed that threshold, there was no turning back.

He was worried that he might get out the door and run straight into Riku, Donald and Goofy. He had to reason with himself that it was early still and they wouldn't be back until later in the afternoon or even early evening. Sneaking out would be easy, he'd done it plenty of times on the Islands. He would always sneak away with Riku and sometimes Kairi would join them as they ran down to the beach to watch the stars.

But this was entirely different than making his way down creaky stairs in his house. This was unfamiliar territory and the World out there was far different from the Islands. But dang it, he was the Keyblade Master! He could protect himself if he needed to!

He settled with himself that he would only step out for some fresh air. A short walk to loosen his restless legs and he would feel better. Who could blame him for wanting to get out now that he had new clothes sent to him from Yen Sid. They fit much better and looked way too cool. The new clothes made him want to get out and run around. He had too much energy to spend his time sitting inside.

So he did it. He had walked out that door without a second thought and didn't look back. He marched through the gates, down the path and wandered through the woods for a while before he found a hole in a giant wall that surrounded the trees. Curiously he popped his head through the hole and couldn't believe his eyes when he found an entire town. "Twilight Town," he had uttered to himself then jumped, startled when he realized that the name of the town passed by his own lips. He had never been here before, at least he thought. As he started to wander around, his feet careful on the stone ground, he wasn't so sure that he hadn't been to this place before.

His feet carried him through the streets where he had to expertly dodge an oncoming tram. He had wondered up a street where people were walking about, bags swinging from wrists and shop doors constantly opening and closing. No one stopped him, no one seemed to notice him. He was simply a visitor checking out the sites.

His body seemed to know where it wanted to go though, as though this were a normal path he took every morning. He walked through a back alley and past an open archway that looked like it led to a tunnel or some underground walkway. He stopped and looked down the path the alley opened up to. On his left were some stairs leading down to someplace. On his right was a chain link fence, the door open. Sora moved beyond the fence and pushed the blanket that covered an open doorway aside. He stood in the middle of the path, looking into the small secret hideout. Three kids looked back at him, a guy and a girl sitting on a worn out couch while another guy looked back at him over his shoulder, hand poised and ready to throw a dart.

Sora felt his face heat up yet he didn't want to move. He felt at home in this small place, for the first time in what felt like years. He couldn't find his voice.

The boy from the couch furrowed his brows. "Uh, can we help you?"

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