Hello everyone. It wasn't that long was it?
Michaelgoodarrow: it's good to have you on board. And yeah it's a shame they both stopped updating their stories. But there really isn't much to be done other than wait for another person interested in writing about Roxas to fill the shoes.
But thank you for liking
Mlat: I appreciate your kind words a lot. Thank you! And I'm glad I could be of entertainment to you. I hope this will be acceptable to you
Hakuorofan7: Thank you :D I'm glad I was able to entertain you
Unto thine stowy
Play: Undertale OST – Fallen Down (slowed + reverb)
*Knock knock*
A brunette woman, busy with her evening routine, walked to the door. As she opened it, she was taken aback by the sight of a familiar yet unexpected figure
"Magneto?!" she exclaimed, her surprise evident
"Mystique," said Magneto, his voice calm and authoritative. "I see you've been busy."
Mystique's features shifted, her true form emerging as she scrutinized her visitor. "What are you doing here, Magneto?" she demanded, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and suspicion
"I know I've tasked you with recruiting allies sympathetic to our cause," Magneto began, stepping inside uninvited. "But today, I've decided to give you a head start."
Mystique's eyes narrowed. "Why come to me personally? You wouldn't bother if it was just any mutant with potential."
Magneto's lips curved into a slight, knowing smile. "This one is a special case. He requires... special attention."
Mystique's intrigue deepened. "What do you mean?"
"This one," Magneto said, stepping aside to reveal a figure standing in the shadows, "has been off the grid. The only evidence of his existence is his presence."
Roxas then stepped forward. His movements were cautious, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and wariness
"Come in," Magneto said gently
The young man hesitated for a moment before stepping through the doorway, his gaze fixed on Mystique.
"It's alright. You can reveal yourself," Magneto encouraged
Then he lowered his hood "My name is Roxas."
Mystique studied him, noting the guarded yet honest look in his eyes. "Where do you come from, Roxas?"
"…" said Roxas After a moment, he shook his head, a gesture that spoke volumes.
Mystique glanced at Magneto, who nodded slightly. She understood – if Magneto couldn't get much from Roxas, the boy likely suffered from amnesia
"This boy will be the first member of... the Brotherhood," Magneto declared. "And you will accommodate him for the time being. Give him a new identity."
Mystique's eyes flicked back to Roxas. She could see the potential within him, a blank slate waiting to be shaped
"Now, Roxas," Magneto said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, "when I'm not around, you listen to her. Understand?"
Roxas nodded, his expression serious. "Of course."
Magneto turned and stepped back into the night, disappearing as swiftly as he had come. Mystique grimaced watching him leave as she then closed the door and turned to Roxas, who was looking around the room with a mix of curiosity and apprehension
"Alright, Roxas, listen here. You won't be staying in my house. So I'll provide you with something else," said Mystique, her tone firm
"But what will it be?" Roxas asked curiously
"An apartment close enough to the school," Mystique replied, shifting into her normal lady form. She picked up the phone and dialed a number. A few moments passed, and Roxas could vaguely hear a voice on the other end. Mystique held up a finger, signaling him to be quiet
"Hi, this is Shannon Stockholm. I'd like to make a reservation," Mystique said into the phone. "Yes… yes… okay, we'll be there in about 20 minutes… okay, thank you." She hung up and turned to Roxas
"…" Roxas looked at her, curiosity evident in his eyes
"Come with me," Mystique said, leading Roxas into the garage. She got into her car and gestured for Roxas to do the same. Once he was inside, she started driving out of the garage and onto the road
"…Where are we going, Mystique?" Roxas asked, his curiosity growing making her annoyed
"To the place you'll be staying for the time being," Mystique replied. "And only call me Mystique when I'm in my real form. Got it?" she added with annoyance
Roxas nodded
In less than 20 minutes with a silent drive, they arrived at a small apartment complex near the school. Mystique parked the car and led him inside
"Hello. Are you Ms. Stockholm?" the clerk asked as they approached the desk
"Yes, I am," Mystique confirmed. The clerk grabbed some keys and Mystique pulled out her card for the clerk to scan to pay
"You're in room 13," said the clerk, handing over the keys
Roxas slightly twitched at hearing the number. Even though he knew it was a coincidence, it still felt odd
"I'll see you tomorrow. Come at five, and DON'T wear that to school unless I say so." Mystique said, dropping the keys into Roxas's hands. He watched as she got back into her car and drove off
Roxas stood for a moment, taking in his new surroundings. He headed to room 13, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The apartment was modest but functional, a far cry from anything luxurious
He closed the door and pulled out the bed from the couch, noticing the instructions for it. Removing his cloak and tossing it onto a chair, he revealed his normal clothes underneath
As he lay down, he began to wonder where Xion and Aqua could be. They had all been thrust into a portal to this unknown world together. He didn't even know if they were close enough to reach. It felt like he had failed them.
Where could they be?"
He hoped they were alright and also worried about Axel back at the Organization. Fear gnawed at him, knowing Organization XIII would come for him. He dreaded the thought of them finding him in this new world
To Xion
Xion lay in her new bed at the X-Mansion, her mind racing despite the calm surroundings. The mansion's size was overwhelming, reminiscent of the Mystery Mansion back in Twilight Town, yet this place felt different. Here, the air was filled with warmth and welcome, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that cloaked the Mystery Mansion
She turned over, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting back to recent events. Roxas's fierce battle with Riku played over and over in her mind, followed by her desperate attempt to help him and save Aqua. She lifted her hands, examining them as if searching for answers. Did she really have the power to get herself here? Or was there some other force at play?
"Roxas… please be okay," she whispered into the quiet room, her voice barely audible. The fear of the unknown gnawed at her, the uncertainty of Roxas and Aqua's fates weighing heavily on her heart. She hugged her pillow tightly, seeking some semblance of comfort in its softness
The memory of one of the other members, with intentions to destroy Roxas, haunted her. The thought of Roxas being in danger filled her with a sense of urgency and dread. She clung to the hope that he was somewhere close, even if miles separated them in this new world
As her eyes began to droop with exhaustion, Xion imagined Roxas's arms around her, a comforting embrace that brought her a fleeting sense of peace. The room around her faded, and she drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts filled with hope and a silent plea for Roxas's safety
To Roxas the next morning
"Alright Roxas. It's a pain in the ass to work all night to create a convincing story for you" said Principle Stockholm "Bur thankfully it's almost done.. so let's finish up with what is your last name ?"
"I… don't have one" said Roxas catching her slightly off guard
"….You're telling me you don't have a last name?" Principal Stockholm asked, her curiosity piqued. "Strange, but not unheard of."
"But Myst—" began Roxas, but Principal Stockholm shot him an angry look, silencing him. It was now clear he wasn't supposed to call her by her mutant name
"Well, Roxas, since even the higher-ups couldn't get much information from you, yet they said you have a lot of potential," Principal Stockholm continued, subtly referring to Magneto.
She wondered silently, "How did Magneto even find this kid?"
"You know what? I'll list your last name as James. Roxas James," she said decisively, as she continued creating records for Roxas to attend the school "this will be enough to be passable"
"I've never actually attended a high school before," Roxas admitted, recalling his time in Twilight Town, where he had seen something resembling a high school but had never experienced it firsthand
"I'll just put you down as previously homeschooled," Principal Stockholm said, typing away at the computer. After a few moments, she finished and stood up. "Now, listen here. Don't talk about your powers unless it's with other mutants. And NEVER speak openly about them. Understand?"
"But how will I know if someone is a mutant?" Roxas asked, stunning Principal Stockholm with his question. She facepalmed in annoyance
"OK, let me put it simply. If someone has powers, they are a mutant. If they don't, they are not a mutant. Got it?" She said sternly
Roxas nodded in response. "Good. Now remember those simple rules," she said, pressing a button to print out a paper. "This will be your schedule once school starts. I trust you won't have too much trouble with it."
Roxas nodded again as she handed him the paper.
"Well, Mr. James, you have one hour before school starts. Get settled," Principal Stockholm instructed. "And unless I permit you, never speak of this."
"Okay," Roxas agreed
"Good. Now go," Principal Stockholm said, dismissing him.
Before he left the office, Mystique handed him a backpack filled with school supplies, her annoyance evident. As Roxas exited, he couldn't help but think of Pence, Hayner, and Olette, the three friends from Twilight Town
Whenever he was nearby, he would overhear their conversations about school, each expressing a mixture of opinions. This made him wonder if high school would be difficult or if he was just projecting
Mystique had enrolled him in a high school under a new identity, and as he walked down the hall, Roxas pulled out the paper she had given him, detailing his schedule. His first class was history
The irony wasn't lost on him; he knew nothing of this world's history. But perhaps learning some could provide context to where he had landed and what this "New York" place was all about
He glanced at his fabricated backstory: he was supposedly from Washington State, from the city of Seattle. His new birthday was August 19th. He was an orphan, sent over by his adoptive parents as a transfer student, 16 years old
it sounded complicated, but at the same time, it wasn't. The new identity felt like something that could have been his own, or at least something close to it
Roxas thought back to the vague memories he had of Sora and Ventus. They, too, felt like parts of him, fragments of a greater whole. Shaking off the feeling of disorientation, he looked back at his class schedule. The designated rooms didn't seem too hard to navigate, thankfully
He realized he had some time before his classes started. The school was still relatively empty, giving him a chance to wander the halls and get a feel for his new environment. The lockers lined up neatly, the sound of distant chatter echoing faintly. It was a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Twilight Town. Here, everything felt more structured, more rigid
He then felt his stomach grumble slightly. And even though he would enjoy more sea salt ice cream. He didn't thin kit would really be enough to satisfy him. So he walked into school cafeteria
He walked in to see that there are some people that came just as early as he did. So he then gets into the line
"what would you like sweetie?" said the lunch lady as Roxas looked into what's available
"Um.. a gut bomb meal?" said Roxas as he was given a plate of a burger with fries and some nuggets. Whatever it was it certainly didn't look explosive to him
Roxas then takes a soda can and takes a seat at a table and began to eat. He had to admit. It was pretty good. And a whole different taste compared to sea salt ice cream. the experience was . It felt like sea salt ice cream was all he ever ate
"Hey" said a girl catching his attention "Mind if I sit here?" Roxas shook his head and she sat down next to him
"…I'm Diane" said the girl introducing herself to him
"I am Roxas" said Roxas to her
"Where you from? I don't think I ever seen you before" said Diana
"Washington" said Roxas
"Wow. That's kinda far" said Diane "Well, I'm glad you ended up here. It's always nice to meet new people."
as the two of them began to finish their food up as they heard the bell ring
"Aw.. oh well. Will I see you again?" said Diane
Roxas shrugged
"Can't wait" said Diane confidently as she left to go to one her classes
Roxas didn't know what withal was about. But now he looked to his schedule before getting up to go
Elsewhere
A man on his motorcycle drove to a small gas station in Northern New York, not far from the Canadian border. As he got off, he plugged the gas pump in and entered the station
"…" The man noticed a newspaper headline about a propane explosion at Bayville High School. "...Charles…"
"Would you like to buy that, sir?" asked the shopkeeper
"That's why I'm holding it, bub," the man replied. "And get me a big bottle of whiskey, will ya?"
The shopkeeper obliged getting the biggest bottle he had and placing it on the register
*slash*, the top of the bottle was cut clean off and emptied, catching the shopkeeper off guard
"Ah... good stuff," the man said, dropping a twenty on the register. "Keep the change." He left the station and drove off. "...He can't seem to stay away from trouble, even if his life depended on it," he muttered, heading further south into New York
"God damn. That's some drinker" said the shopkeeper impressed at how the man was able to drink so fast
To Xion
Play: Ghost Giant OST – Welcome to Sancourt
Xion woke up in her new room. It felt so nice to have something rather nice to sleep in compared to the eerie castle with no name
It felt nice to relax. However. She heard a knock on her door as she went to answer it
"-Oh hey Xion, just seeing if you were awake" said Jean
"Yes.. why?" said Xion curiosity
"Cmon foods waiting" said Jean
As they walked through the hall and for the stairs. Jean couldn't help but wonder. She can't read Xion's mind. Why is that?
Not to mention where they found her
"..Xion. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what were you doing in the middle of the road?" Jean asked curiously, her eyebrows knitting together with concern
Xion paused, Axel's stern warning echoing in her mind
"Never tell anyone who we are or what we do. It always causes the worst kind of complications. Got it memorized?
"Xion?" Jean repeated, a hint of worry in her voice
"I… I just can't… I'm sorry," Xion said, shaking her head, her gaze dropping to the floor
"But—" Jean began, her concern deepening
"No, Jean. She isn't comfortable sharing right now," Professor X interjected gently. "I'm sorry if you feel pressured, Xion. You can tell us when you feel ready. Now, let's have some breakfast, shall we? There are other people for you to meet as well."
Two figures appeared in the hallway, one a young man with a commanding presence and the other a woman exuding grace and strength
"Scott Summers, Ororo Munroe. This is Xion. She is a new member of the Institute," Professor Xavier introduced
"Hello, I'm Scott," said the man, extending his hand. Xion hesitated briefly before shaking it, feeling the firm yet friendly grip
"And I'm Ororo," the woman said with a warm smile as they all entered the kitchen and took their seats
Xion sat down next to Jean, her curiosity piqued as Jean used her telekinesis to pull a couple of chafing dishes over from the buffet setup
Xion watched in fascination, her eyes wide. She had never seen anything like it
"Do you like that? That's my gift," Jean said with a smile, opening one of the chafing dishes to reveal freshly made pancakes. The aroma wafted through the air, making Xion's stomach growl
"Go ahead, Xion, help yourself," Professor X said warmly
Xion hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking a few pancakes, placing them on her plate. She took a bite and was immediately taken aback by how good they tasted. The soft, fluffy texture and the perfect hint of sweetness were unlike anything she had ever experienced. She couldn't help but reach for more, her initial shyness melting away with each delicious bite
Scott and Ororo watched with smiles, exchanging a glance that spoke of their approval
"These are amazing," Xion said softly, her eyes lighting up with genuine pleasure
"We're glad you like them," Ororo said. "Welcome to the Institute, Xion. We're happy to have you here."
As they continued their meal, Xion couldn't help but notice how joyful everyone seemed. She wondered if this was what it meant to have a heart, as the joy reminded her of eating sea salt ice cream with Roxas and Axel
She then briefly imagined holding Roxas's hand more intimately
"Xion?" Jean said, noticing Xion staring into her pancakes
"!" Xion was caught slightly off guard
"You alright?" Jean asked
"Yeah. Sorry if I made you worry," Xion replied, continuing her meal
"C'mon Jean, we don't want to be late," Scott said, finishing his food and leaving with Jean, making Xion curious about where they were going
"Wait where are you going?" Xion asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of longing
"To school, Xion," Jean Grey replied, her tone gentle
"Can I come?" Xion asked eagerly, her eyes bright with hope
"I'm sorry, but you can't come today," said Jean, her voice softening further
"But why not?" Xion pressed, a note of disappointment creeping in
"The professor hasn't finished your papers. Once he's done, you'll be joining us," Jean explained patiently
"Really?" Xion asked, her expression brightening
Jean nodded reassuringly. "Yes, really. But how long will that take?"
"Knowing the professor, probably tomorrow," said Jean with a smile. "But I look forward to seeing you there. Just hold on a little bit longer, okay?"
Xion nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and patience. She watched as Jean and Scott got into the car, the engine purring to life. They waved to her as they drove off, leaving Xion standing in the driveway. She watched the car until it disappeared from sight, the promise of joining them at school tomorrow giving her something to look forward to
To Jean n Scott
"Something the matter?" Scott asked as he continued driving
"No, nothing's wrong," Jean replied, though her tone suggested otherwise. "Xion just wanted to come to school, but I had to tell her she can't."
"But she is joining us, isn't she?" Scott asked, glancing over as he made a turn
"Yes, but the paperwork isn't finished yet," Jean explained. "The professor is working on it. It should be done by tomorrow."
"Then what's the problem?" Scott asked, curious
"She just seemed a bit sad that she can't come today," Jean admitted, a hint of concern in her voice
"Maybe she's just someone who gets really attached," Scott said after a moment. "It'll be fine, Jean. Plus, we can make it up to her after school by taking her out to eat."
Jean smiled at the idea. "That sounds perfect. She'd love that."
Back to Xion
Xion wandered the halls of the X-Mansion, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. She found herself drawn to the soft hum of activity in the greenhouse, where she saw Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, tending to a collection of vibrant plants
"Ororo?" Xion called out, her voice tinged with curiosity
Ororo looked up, her serene smile radiating warmth. "Yes, Xion?"
"What are you doing?" Xion asked, stepping closer to the older woman.
"Tending to the plants," Ororo replied, her hands gently cradling a flower pot
"Can I see?" Xion asked, her eyes wide with interest
"Of course you can," Ororo said, her smile widening. She led Xion into the greenhouse, where a myriad of plants thrived under her care
Xion marveled at the lush greenery, the air thick with the scent of earth and blooming flowers. She watched in awe as Ororo raised her hands, summoning a small cloud that hovered above the plants. With a graceful motion, the cloud released a gentle rain, watering each plant in turn
"Whoa," Xion breathed, captivated by Ororo's abilities. In her time with Organization XIII, she had never seen anyone manipulate the weather so effortlessly
As Ororo finished her task, she picked up a well-worn book from a nearby table, flipping through its pages. "What are you reading?" Xion asked, curiosity piqued
"This is my plant book," Ororo explained. "It helps me keep track of all the different species and their needs."
"Where did you get that?" Xion asked, tilting her head
"The library," Ororo replied. "I see no one has shown you where it is yet. You must be bored without something to read. Come, I'll show you."
Ororo led Xion down a series of corridors until they arrived at the mansion's library. Xion's eyes widened as she took in the vast collection of books, each one promising a new adventure or a wealth of knowledge
"What kind of books do you like to read, Ororo?" Xion asked, her voice filled with wonder
"I enjoy simple things," Ororo said thoughtfully. "But I also love reading about faraway places. It allows me to dream of visiting them one day." She pulled a book about the Netherlands from a shelf and handed it to Xion, who took it with reverence
"Hello Ororo, Xion," came a familiar voice. Professor Xavier rolled into the room, his expression calm but purposeful. "I'm afraid I need to take Ororo with me."
"Has he landed in New York?" Ororo asked, her demeanor shifting to one of readiness
Professor X nodded. "Yes, a new person is arriving soon. We'll be going to pick him up. Xion, we'll get you when we come back, alright?"
Xion nodded, clutching the book to her chest as she watched the two leave. Left alone in the library, she began to look around for a few more
And one was a book on marine life which so many fascinating sea creatures, she then picked one last book
A love story of a long distance relationship
But when she read the descriptions. She felt her face turn slightly red when she thought of Roxas for a moment as she shook her head
She decided she'll read it last of the three as she then took them to walk back to her room
Later
As Xion read a book on marine life, she became absorbed in the vivid descriptions and vibrant illustrations of ocean creatures. The tranquility of her room was interrupted when the door gently creaked open, and Storm entered, catching her slightly off guard
"Come, Xion. He's here," said Storm, her voice soft yet commanding. Xion quickly placed a bookmark in her book and stood up, following Storm out of the room and down the hallway towards the main entrance. As they approached, Xion shyly positioned herself behind Storm, peeking out at the new arrival
The new person stood across from them, a boy cloaked in shadows, his posture tentative. Professor X, sensing the boy's hesitation, gently encouraged him. "Go ahead, introduce yourself," he said, his voice kind and reassuring
The boy stepped forward, his cloak parting to reveal his face. "Um… Guten Tag. My name is Kurt," he said, his voice tinged with a thick accent. He fully expected Xion to be frightened by his appearance, but to his surprise, she wasn't. Instead, Xion looked at him with fascination. She noticed his blue skin, the unusual texture, and the three fingers on each hand
"See? It's alright, Kurt. You are amongst friends," Professor X reassured him, his tone warm and fatherly
Kurt glanced at Professor X, then back at Xion. "May I ask, vat is your name?" he inquired, his accent rich and unfamiliar to her ears
"My name is Xion," she replied softly, stepping out from behind Storm and extending her hand. Kurt's face lit up with a genuine smile as he took her hand in his, his grip gentle and warm
"I hope we can be friends," said Kurt, his eyes earnest and hopeful
Xion smiled back, feeling a connection forming between them. "May I ask where you are from?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice
"Germany," Kurt replied, watching as Xion's eyes widened in fascination
"What's it like there?" Xion asked as she wondered if all people from Germany looked like him but she thought it would be rude to ask
Kurt's smile grew as he began to share. "It's beautiful. Lots of forests and mountains. I used to live in a small village. It was very different from here."
Xion nodded, picturing the serene landscapes Kurt described. "It sounds amazing"
Kurt's eyes sparkled with excitement at the new friend in Xion
To Roxas
As Roxas walked towards his final class of the day, he passed by Scott Summers
"?" Scott noticed him from afar, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. He couldn't help but think of Xion when he saw Roxas, who then disappeared into the crowd
"Scott? Is something wrong?" asked Scott's friend
"No, Paul, just a feeling of déjà vu," Scott replied as they continued on their way to their final class
Roxas walked into his last class of the day, English with Mrs. Perkins
The classroom was filled with the murmur of students, all chatting about their day. Roxas looked then looks around a takes a seat
"Sup" said on guy with a beanie "How is you man?"
"I am fine" said Roxas "..I guess"
"Heh. Sweet dude" said the guy next to him
Mrs. Perkins, stood at the front, writing today's lesson on the board: an introduction to Shakespeare's "Macbeth"
As Mrs. Perkins discussed the themes and characters of the play, Roxas found himself intrigued but also slightly overwhelmed
Considering how most of his classes required doing to do this. He started to think he can see why Olette, Pence, and Hayner had mixed opinions on school in general
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Students began to pack their things and head out
"Mr. James, can I see you for a second?" Mrs. Perkins called out
"?" Roxas looked up, curious
"I just want to let you know you are needed in Mrs. Stockholm's office," Mrs. Perkins said.
Roxas nodded and left the classroom. He walked to Mrs. Stockholm's office and entered, noticing another boy sitting in one of the chairs. The boy gave off a bad stench, making Roxas wrinkle his nose.
"Mr. James, how nice of you to join us," Mrs. Stockholm said, gesturing for Roxas to take a seat next to the unfamiliar boy
"Sup. Name's Todd, yo," said the boy, picking his ear and holding out his hand. His ragged appearance and nonchalant demeanor made Roxas hesitate, something he wouldn't usually do when offered a handshake
Roxas's hesitation wasn't lost on Todd. "Heh. Whatever. I get that a lot—oo~" Todd's eyes suddenly tracked a large fly buzzing nearby. Without warning, he shot his tongue out, capturing the insect and swallowing it in one swift motion. Roxas recoiled slightly, caught off guard by the display
"Disgusting," thought Ms. Stockholm, watching Todd eat the bug with barely concealed disdain
"Roxas James," said Ms. Stockholm, addressing Todd. "This is Todd Tolansky. He's a new member of the Brotherhood."
"Roxas, huh? You from Florida or somethin'?" Todd asked, his tone curious but casual. Roxas felt unsure of how to respond
"Actually, he's from Seattle," Ms. Stockholm interjected smoothly. "But that's not important."
Her eyes narrowed, and a calculating grin spread across her face. "I have a job for both of you, and I mean real business. You are to locate and infiltrate the Xavier Institute. Engage anyone there if necessary."
"But Magneto sai—" began Roxas
"Ah, ah," Principal Stockholm interrupted sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Do not mention his name unless he is present. We cannot allow anyone to know, no matter what."
"Oh… okay," Roxas mumbled, receiving her stern gaze
Principal Stockholm sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You two go to the Xavier Institute and find out everything you can."
"Look, lady, at this point, ya sounding kinda coo-coo—" Todd began, but was cut off
"Silence, Toad!" Principal Stockholm snapped, briefly transforming into a dinosaur-like beast. The sight startled Todd, while Roxas was more fascinated than frightened by the transformation. "Now. I asked the both of you to go. Now get on it."
"You got it, boss lady!" Todd said nervously as he and Roxas stood from their chairs and left the office
"Tch. Teenage boys. Always unpredictable," muttered Principal Stockholm in annoyance as she looked out the window, her thoughts elsewhere
As they walked down the corridor, Todd glanced at Roxas. "Yo, Rocky. Is that all you're going to wear?" he asked, strapping on his armor. Roxas was slipping into his Organization XIII cloak. "No pads? Or new techy stuff?"
"My name is Roxas," he replied flatly
"I know. It's a nickname. Got it?" Todd said, rolling his eyes
"A nickname…" Roxas repeated, the word sounding vaguely familiar to him
"Dear God, I think I was paired with the homeschool kid," Todd muttered under his breath. "Whatever. Just follow me. I know the place. Like follow my lead k?"
Todd leaped into the air, performing a somersault onto a nearby wall with practiced ease. "Try to catch up, heh."
Roxas watched for a moment, then jumped onto the wall right next to him. This caught him slightly off guard that Roxas seemingly reached that height with somewhat ease
"Huh. Not bad. But I got the style," Todd said, a hint of a grin forming. "Now let's go before Principal Ravenholm blows another gasket."
"Okay," Roxas replied, and they both jumped off the wall, heading towards the Xavier Institute
To Xion
Scott and Jean drove back into the Xmansion where Xion seemingly seemed excited to see then back as she waved to them
Once they parked Xion ran over to them
"Whoah Xion? What's the excitement for?" said Jean
"She seems so innocent. What is going through her head?" thought Scott as Jean playfully elbows himself
"There's a new person for you to meet. The professor wanted me to tell you" said Xion happily
"Oh?" said Jean as Xion nodded as she took her hand to lead her into the X Mansion
"Hey wait for me!" Said Scott As they went back into the xmansion as Xion leads them to see the professor
"Hey professor. What's going on?" said Jean as she noticed Kurt hiding behind him
Xion gives him a smile and gestures for him to come out. To which Kurt shyly did so
"Uh.. hallo my name is Kurt" said Kurt and while Jean and Scott were slightly caught off guard by his appearance. They weren't scared
"Scott Summers" said Scott
"Jean Grey" saod Jean Grey "So what powers do you have"
"…this" said Kurt as he teleported right behind them
"Whoah" said both Scott and Jean impressed by his ability
Later that night
As they made their way through the city, Todd led them through alleyways and side streets, his agility and parkour skills evident with every leap and bound. Roxas followed closely, his movements precise and efficient
"So, what's your deal, Rocky?" Todd asked as they paused on a rooftop, catching their breath. "Why you wearing that cloak?"
"….." Roxas said simply, looking out over the city
Todd shrugged. "Well, whatever works for ya. Just make sure you don't slow me down."
Roxas nodded. "I won't."
They continued their journey, each step bringing them closer to the Xavier Institute. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the city. As they reached the outskirts, Todd pointed towards a large mansion in the distance
"There it is," said Todd, his voice a low whisper. "I hear the owner is a rich dude, so no doubt some guards are sniffing around."
Roxas remained silent, his gaze fixed on the imposing Xavier mansion from their hidden vantage point
"Alright, yo, here's the plan," Todd continued, his tone shifting to a conspiratorial whisper. "I go in through the left. You go right. Got it?"
Roxas nodded silently. He had only met Todd recently but was already intrigued by the way Todd seemed to leap like a toad at every opportunity.
"Heh, cake," Todd muttered as they approached the gate
With fluid grace, they both vaulted over the fence and split up. Roxas moved cautiously towards the right side of the mansion. As he did, a sudden downpour began, the rain catching him by surprise. It wasn't cloudy a moment ago
"How strange…" thought Roxas holding out his hand to feel the downpour
Unbeknownst to them, the motorcycle man was also heading towards the institute. He parked his bike, sniffed the air, and growled lowly, sensing trouble. The gates opened automatically for him, and he strode through the rain, his leather jacket glistening wet. From a distance, he spotted Roxas and growled again, adjusting his hat.
Roxas watched as Todd jumped (more like thrown) through a window into the mansion, followed by the sounds of commotion within. The peace of the night was shattered
Play: SA2 OST - Rhythm and Balance
"Hey!" a voice called out, rough and edged with threat. "Going somewhere, bub?"
Roxas turned to see the man with the hat, his claws extending with a metallic snikt that echoed in the rain. Roxas's eyes widened slightly in surprise. The people of this world have fascinating powers, he thought
Roxas remembered Magneto's strict instructions: avoid speaking with anyone involved with Professor Xavier. But this guy looked like he meant business. Summoning both his keyblades, Roxas prepared for a fight
"How fun," the man snarled, a savage grin spreading across his face. With claws gleaming, he charged at Roxas "Don't know who you are, but you picked the wrong place to start trouble."
Roxas recalled Magneto telling him about a man with claws. That was Wolverine right?
Roxas then lunges at Wolverine beginning to slash at him as Wolverine reacted with his usual speed, bringing his claws up to parry the first strike. Sparks flew as metal met metal, and the force of the impact pushed both combatants back. Roxas pressed on, his attacks swift and precise, each movement a testament to his training and skill. He moved with an almost ethereal grace, his keyblades weaving intricate patterns in the air.
Wolverine countered with raw power and brute strength. His strikes were heavy and deliberate, each one aimed to incapacitate. He slashed at Roxas, aiming for vital points, but the agile warrior evaded with fluid motions, dancing around Wolverine's ferocity. Roxas flipped backward, avoiding a deadly swipe, and launched himself at Wolverine, attempting to land a decisive blow.
The clash of their weapons echoed through the stormy night. Wolverine's claws slashed through the air, narrowly missing Roxas's midsection, while Roxas's keyblades struck with calculated precision. They fought with an intensity that matched the raging storm around them, neither willing to back down
To Xion
"You can't catch flies on a windshield!" a familiar voice echoed down the hallway. Xion recognized it as Nightcrawler's
"Fight me like a man, blue boy!" shouted another voice that Xion didn't recognize. That being from Todd
"Huh?" Xion muttered, the commotion pulling her attention away from the book she was reading. She closed her book, marking her place with a finger, and listened more intently. The sound of crashing furniture and hurried footsteps filled the air, accompanied by the heated exchange between Todd and Nightcrawler.
Curiosity piqued, Xion stood up and opened her door. The corridor was in chaos—pictures had been knocked off the walls, desks were overturned, and plants lay scattered across the floor. But there was no sign of Nightcrawler or Todd
"..." Xion summoned her Keyblade cautiously. She could hear frantic running and hushed, urgent voices further down the hall.
"Xion, we have to get back to the Danger Room now! Todd and Kurt are there!" Scott's voice rang out as he and Jean appeared, both looking tense and hurried
"!" Xion nodded and quickly followed Scott and Jean. As they rushed through the mansion, Xion's mind raced. Why were Todd and Kurt in the Danger Room, and what had caused such a commotion
The trio arrived at the Danger Room entrance, and Scott quickly keyed in the access code. The heavy doors slid open, revealing the expansive training area inside
Nightcrawler and Todd frantically dodged and darted around the Danger Room, the automated defenses firing relentlessly. Kurt's agility allowed him to narrowly evade a series of lasers, but Todd was struggling to keep up
Suddenly, Jean Grey soared into the air, her eyes glowing with telekinetic power. She extended her hand, lifting Kurt effortlessly into the air and away from harm
"Tolansky! Over here!" shouted Scott Summers, his visor glowing red as he unleashed optic blasts to destroy the approaching defenses. Todd, seeing his chance, leaped over to Scott, landing just in time to avoid another set of projectiles
Xion, wielding her Keyblade, conjured a series of fireballs, launching them with precision to clear a path for Todd. The fireballs exploded on impact, reducing the defenses to smoldering wreckage
"Security code override! Priority X, voice print Professor X!" boomed the voice of Professor Charles Xavier over the intercom. The main console of the Danger Room beeped in acknowledgment
"Confirmed," said a robotic voice as the defenses began to power down. "Defense shutdown in 5 seconds."
Xion, still in combat mode, noticed a scissorblade turret targeting her. She slashed it with her Keyblade, just as the countdown ended and the remaining defenses retracted into the wall
"Oh, I get it. It is ze training room!" exclaimed Nightcrawler, teleporting next to a turret, curiosity overcoming caution
"Nightcrawler, no!" yelled Scott, but it was too late. Kurt pulled a plug from the turret, causing it to malfunction and fire wildly
The errant shots blasted Scott and Todd, sending them crashing into the wall. Xion dashed forward, her Keyblade glowing, and slashed the malfunctioning turret, finally deactivating it and bringing relief to the room
"Forget this, man! I am out of here!" said Todd, getting to his feet and leaping out of the Danger Room, heading for the exit of the X-Mansion
"Tolansky, wait!" Scott called after him, but Todd didn't look back. Scott turned to the intercom, his voice heavy with regret. "...I'm sorry, Professor. I couldn't stop him."
"It's alright, Cyclops," replied Professor X through the microphone. "He wasn't ready to be one of us."
Xion, helping Scott to his feet alongside Jean, looked puzzled. "…Who was that?"
"His name is Todd," Scott said with a sigh. "Don't worry about him."
As the four began to leave the Danger Room, the adrenaline slowly faded, Xion couldn't help but wonder if something like this is a frequent occurrence. But to her it's better than walking on constant eggshells around the Organization
"I gotta say, Xion, those were some pretty impressive skills you displayed. Shooting fireballs out of your sword?" said Jean, her voice a mixture of awe and admiration
Xion's eyes widened slightly. "You really think so?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice
Jean nodded. "Absolutely. It was incredible."
Nightcrawler, who had been hanging back, stepped forward, his expression a mix of guilt and concern. "I'm sorry, guys… I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand," he said, his tail twitching nervously
Scott placed a reassuring hand on Nightcrawler's shoulder. "It's alright, Kurt. I wasn't much better when I started. Believe me, it's actually a relief to have more people here," he said with a warm smile, which helped Nightcrawler regain his confidence and smile back
"Hey, Xion, you have to tell me how you did that!" Nightcrawler said, his eyes wide with curiosity
Xion shrugged, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I don't know… just instincts, I guess," she replied as they walked down the main hallway of the X-Mansion
Back to Roxas
Wolverine's claws sliced through the air, aiming for Roxas's midsection. Roxas parried with one Keyblade, the clash of metal echoing through the storm. He spun, bringing his other Keyblade around in a swift counterattack. Wolverine blocked with his claws, sparks flying as metal met metal
Roxas didn't reply, his face a mask of concentration. He darted in, feinting to the left before striking from the right. Wolverine grunted as the Keyblade grazed his side, but he retaliated with a vicious backhand, knocking Roxas to the ground
Roxas rolled with the impact, springing back to his feet just in time to dodge another slash from Wolverine. The two circled each other, their breaths coming in harsh bursts, steam rising from their bodies in the cold rain
With a burst of speed, Roxas closed the distance, unleashing a flurry of strikes. Wolverine met him blow for blow, their movements a deadly dance. The rain intensified, drenching them both, but it did nothing to cool the fire of their battle
Wolverine's claws nicked Roxas's arm, drawing blood. Roxas hissed in pain but pressed on, using the pain to fuel his resolve. He leapt into the air, his Keyblades glowing with energy, and brought them down in a powerful overhead strike
With a roar, Wolverine shook off the daze and charged, tackling Roxas to the ground. They grappled in the mud, each struggling for dominance. Wolverine's claws hovered dangerously close to Roxas's throat, but Roxas twisted, bringing a knee up into Wolverine's gut and forcing him off
Both of them scrambled to their feet, panting heavily.
As their battle raged on, Wolverine's keen senses detected a shift in Roxas's movements. It was subtle, a slight hesitation before an attack, but enough for Logan to exploit. With a feral roar, Wolverine lunged forward, his claws aimed straight for Roxas's chest
Roxas barely managed to deflect the attack, the force of the blow sending him skidding backward. He regained his footing and retaliated with a powerful strike, the energy of his keyblades glowing brightly. Wolverine crossed his claws in front of him, blocking the attack, but the impact sent a shockwave through his bod
Both warriors paused for a moment, breathing heavily, rainwater mixing with sweat and blood. Roxas noticed that he still wasn't backing down. He tried thinking of a point he could attack
Before raising his keyblades hoping to catch him off guard as Wolverine had a smirk enter his face
"argh!" Said Roxas as Wolverine unexpectedly kicked him in the chest as Wolverine ran over as they both clashes blades
But then Todd crashed through the window, shards of glass scattering around him as he landed with a thud. He took in the scene quickly, seeing Roxas locked in combat with a ferocious opponent. His eyes widened in alarm as he recognized the dire situation
"Rocky, let's go now!" Todd shouted, urgency dripping from his voice.
"But wha—" Roxas began, confusion evident in his tone before
"No time! Move now!" Todd interrupted, his panic palpable. Without another word, he leaped away, his amphibian agility carrying him swiftly toward the exit
Roxas hesitated for a split second, then made his keyblades vanish in a flash of light. He turned and sprinted after Todd, the abrupt retreat enraging their adversary
"Get back here, bub!" the man growled, his claws extending as he prepared to give chase
"Logan, no. Let them go," came a calm yet firm voice. Professor X watched from the shadows, his expression one of deep contemplation as he saw Roxas and Todd disappear from sight
Logan retracted his claws, his breathing heavy with frustration as he turned to face Professor X. "Charles, they were threats. Why'd you stop me?"
Professor X remained calm, his gaze steady as he responded, "There's more at play than we realize, Logan. They were young and impressionable. We want to make it clear they have a chance to join us, to see that there's a better path."
Logan scoffed, shaking his head. "Tch. Well, Charles, sometimes your optimism is misplaced. You think everyone's gonna come around just because you give 'em a choice?"
Professor X's expression softened, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "It's not about everyone coming around, Logan. It's about giving them the opportunity to choose. Some will make the right decision, and that's worth the risk."
Logan sighs and retracts his claws as he puts his hat back on
From afar, Roxas an Todd reach the gates and Todd leaped over with ease
Roxas took one last look at the X-Mansion, a pang of unease gripping him. He felt like he was running from something close to him, something he couldn't quite understand
"C'mon, Rocky! What's the holdup?" said Todd "Roxas!"
"!" said Roxas snapping back to reality. With a quick nod, Roxas leaped over the fence
"Man, the boss lady is gonna be pissed" said Todd as Roxas began to catch up to him
Roxas remained silent, his mind racing as they dashed into the night as they made their way back to the school
Logan walked into the mansion with Professor X just as the rain stopped, droplets still clinging to the edges of the windows
"It's good to have you back, Logan. I apologize for the rather rough welcoming," said Professor X, his voice warm and reassuring
"It's okay, Professor. I'm not bothered at all," replied Logan. "I came because I sensed trouble and I'm here to help." His words brought a smile to Professor X's face
As they made their way through the entrance hall, Logan suddenly tensed. "You!" he growled, claws extending from his knuckles when he noticed a familiar cloak
"!" Xion gasped, startled and stepping back, leaving everyone stunned as Logan was going to March right to her
"Logan, no! She's a friend!" Professor X interjected, as Xion quickly sought refuge behind Storm
"Then why is her cloak the same as the person I fought outside?" Logan demanded, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. Xion's eyes widened in shock
Could it be that Logan had fought Roxas? Or was it another member of Organization XIII? Xion's mind raced with possibilities. She stepped forward, desperation evident in her voice
"What else did you see about him?" she asked urgently
"He had two swords. Summoned them out of thin air. And a cloak like yours," Logan replied, his tone gruff but curious. "Do you know him?"
Xion stood frozen for a moment, processing his words. Then, without another thought, she bolted down the hallway toward the door
"Xion, wait!" Jean Grey called after her, concern etched on her face
"Xion!" echoed Scott as they both ran after her
Xion burst through the entrance of the X-Mansion and frantically scanned the surroundings. The night sky was clear, stars scattered across the vast expanse, but there was no sign of Roxas. Her heart sank when she couldn't see him. There was no way it wasn't anyone other than him
"…." Xion's shoulders slumped in defeat, her head lowering in sadness
Jean and Scott caught up to her, breathless and worried. "Xion, what's wrong?" Jean asked gently, sensing the depth of her despair. When Xion didn't respond, Jean reached out and pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Whatever it is, Xion, it's going to be okay. We're here for you, and we don't want you to be alone."
Xion felt a warmth and kindness she hadn't known since her time with Organization XIII, where only Roxas and Axel truly cared about her. Jean's words and embrace began to soothe her, offering a glimmer of hope. Slowly, Xion returned the embrace, drawing comfort from Jean's support. She clung to the hope that she would find Roxas, that he was somewhere close, and that she wasn't alone in this new world
To Roxas
"I can't believe this!" Principal Stockholm shouted in frustration at Todd. "You were in the Xavier Institute, and you ran away?"
"Hey, I freaked, so sue me," Todd replied defensively, crossing his arms as Roxas was wrapping a bandage around his arm where Wolverine got him
"And you! You didn't even go in to help him!" Principal Stockholm turned her ire towards Roxas
"I thought this was only meant to spy?" Roxas said, his voice calm but confused
"And no doubt the good professor wiped your minds, and you can't remember anything?" Principal Stockholm accused, her tone dripping with sarcasm
"Wiping minds?" Roxas repeated, his confusion deepening as Todd shook his head at Stockholm. She now looked way too annoyed to deal with them any longer
"GET OUT!" Principal Stockholm yelled, throwing open the door. Todd leaped out with his characteristic agility, while Roxas simply walked out
"Crazy ass woman" muttered Todd before turning to Roxas "Later, Rocky. Gotta get some shut-eye, ya know?" as he began to leap away from the school land disappeared into the night
Roxas watched him go, thinking, Todd is very strange, even for a mutant. He was also relieved to be rid of Todd's unpleasant smell
Once outside, Roxas took off his cloak and quickly stashed it in his backpack. He left the school grounds and made his way to the apartment Mystique had temporarily provided. It wasn't much, but it was livable. He dropped his bag on a chair and glanced around the small space
"…" Roxas sighed as he picked up the remote and turned on the television, scrolling through various channels. He hoped to find something that would catch his interest and help him unwind after the day's events
As he flipped through the channels, he reflected on the day's chaos. The mission had gone sideways, and now he was left to piece together what little he knew. Roxas settled on a show and sank into the worn-out couch
Though what also occupied his mind. Is how lively everyone he met was compared to his time with Organization XIII
And now. He missed being around Axel and Xion. Maybe they would want to join him for this "TV time"
*Kzzt*
"Well Seymore I made it. Despite your directions"
To Xion
"Xion, may I speak with you for a moment?" asked Professor X
"Of course, Professor," Xion replied, her curiosity piqued as she followed him into one of the mansion's private rooms
"Go ahead, take a seat," Professor X said, gesturing to a soft, upholstered chair. Xion sat down, the cushion yielding beneath her weight
"I just want to ask you about your past. Is there anything you can tell me?" Professor X asked, his tone inviting but not pressing
Xion looked down, her fingers nervously twisting together. Axel's warning echoed in her mind, cautioning her not to reveal too much
"I... I don't really know what to say," she admitted, shaking her head slightly
Professor X observed her hesitation and offered a reassuring smile
"I understand there are things you may not want to talk about, and that's perfectly okay," he said. "But perhaps I could ask you something simpler. What is your last name?"
Xion's eyes widened slightly. "I... I don't have one. All I ever had besides my name, Xion, was a number," she said, realizing she had let slip more than intended
Professor X's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "A number? What was it?" he inquired gently
"Fourteen," Xion whispered, her voice barely audible. She refrained from elaborating further, but the single word spoke volumes to Professor X. His mind raced with the implications – could someone have been conducting experiments on her, treating her as less than human?
The professor's expression softened, and he decided to change the subject to something less distressing. "How would you like a last name, then?" he asked
Xion blinked in surprise. "You really mean it?" she asked, hope flickering in her eyes
"Keira. How does that sound?" Professor X suggested with a warm smile
Xion considered it for a moment, the name resonating with her. "Yes... I love it," she said, a small smile spreading across her face. "Xion Keira."
In the back of her mind, she felt a surge of happiness. She wanted to tell Roxas and Axel about this new name, a symbol of her new beginning. Even though they weren't around, she hoped to see them again soon
"Thank you, Professor," Xion said, her gratitude overflowing as she instinctively got up leaned in to give him a hug
"I'm glad you like it, Ms. Keira," Professor X replied, returning the embrace for a moment before letting go. "You may go enjoy your day, Xion. I'm sorry for taking up your time."
"It's okay, Professor," Xion said, smiling warmly before leaving the room
As she walked away, Professor X's smile lingered, but it was soon replaced by a look of concern. The fact that she had a number assigned to her hinted at a troubling past, possibly involving others who had suffered similarly. He knew she held back details, but he trusted that in time she would open up
For now, he decided to focus on helping her integrate into her new life. He began preparing some paperwork to enroll her in the mansion's high school alongside Scott, Jean, and Kurt. The process of giving her a new identity was a step towards healing and a brighter future
He then noticed that cerrbro needed to be checked as he began to rolls his way to it
A female robotic voice echoed through the room, its tone precise and mechanical. "Discovery. Mutant signatures detected. Identity: Unknown."
On the screen before them, a blurry image of a girl with dark blue hair flickered into view
Professor X leaned forward in his wheelchair, studying the image intently. "How interesting," he mused, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern. "This is the third mutant that Cerebro couldn't get a reading on... or could it be the same one from yesterday?"
Storm, standing nearby, turned her gaze towards the professor. "Professor?" she asked, a hint of urgency in her voice.
"Get the Blackbird ready, Ororo," Professor X instructed, his eyes never leaving the screen. "We are heading out. Just the two of us this time."
"But who are we seeing?" Storm inquired, her brow furrowing with concern
"I'm afraid once again I don't know," Professor X admitted, his expression thoughtful. "Though I have the feeling Xion may know who this is."
Storm considered this for a moment before responding, "Should we bring her along, then?"
"No," Professor X decided firmly. "It's been a long night. Everyone else needs their rest."
Storm nodded in agreement, understanding the professor's concern for the team's well-being. She swiftly moved to prepare the Blackbird, the advanced jet that had seen them through countless missions
Minutes later, Professor X and Storm were on board, the sleek jet cutting through the night sky with silent efficiency. The hum of the engines was a familiar sound and take flight
Meanwhile
Play: Repulsive – Judah's lullaby
Aqua approached the chair where she had last left Ventus. He was still there, asleep, looking peaceful yet so vulnerable
"I know it's a lonely place, but you'll be safe here. Terra and I will be back to wake you up before you know it…" She leaned down and gave Ventus a gentle kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Ventus."
As she turned to leave, tears streamed down her face. Suddenly, a voice stopped her in her tracks
"I don't care."
Aqua spun around to see Ventus standing, awake. "Ventus?" she said, but something felt terribly wrong. Ventus looked like he was about to burst into tears, and then her vision glitched
"You were supposed to come back. But you never did," Ventus said as the room turned eerily dark and unsettling
"Ventus, please. Let me explain—" said Aqua
"No… I won't have it any way," Ventus interrupted darkly, a disturbed smile spreading across his face as the room grew darker, obscuring his features. Aqua felt a chill of fear.
"Ventus, please li—" Aqua tried to say.
"I've had enough of your foolishness. You failed to find Terra. And you left me. YOU HEAR ME?" Ventus shouted, his voice menacing. In a blinding light, he transformed, now wearing a dark cloak and holding both his keyblades. He lunged at her with a speed that left her no time to react
"No... NO!" Aqua screamed, jolting awake. She was breathing heavily, clutching herself as she realized it had been a nightmare. She silently cried for a moment as it felt like he was so close.. and yet she couldn't reach him. Until she managed to calm and collect herself
She looked around and found herself in an empty park
The last thing she remembered was a girl trying to help her escape from a mysterious place, and a boy named Roxas defending them from cloaked figures. Roxas had felt so much like Ventus. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was Ventus. But was Ventus secretly angry at her?
Not knowing where to go, Aqua sat on a swing, her mind racing. She wondered if the girl's magic had sent her here and if the girl here too. Most importantly, she wondered if Ventus was here
"…" Aqua lowered her head in sadness
Unexpectedly, a blackbird landed near her, and a hatch opened to reveal Professor X and Storm
"Hello, young lady, have a minute?" Professor X asked kindly
"…Who are you?" Aqua asked, feeling nervous but also sensing a comforting aura around him
"My name is Professor Charles Xavier, and we have come to help," Professor X said, extending his hand to her
Aqua wasn't sure about him. But he felt so sincere as she shyly reached back at him
To Roxas
Roxas found himself in a disorienting mirror maze, the glass walls reflecting endless versions of himself
"…" he murmured, following the path, but he felt something ominous watching him
He passed by one mirror and suddenly saw himself in different clothes. It felt like that wasn't really him. "!" Roxas exclaimed, recognizing Ventus.
A loud thump made him turn around to see another mirror right in front of him, showing Sora. He stepped back as the ground began to shake
"I… need… that back…" a monstrous shadowy creature growled. Roxas ran, but with each mirror he passed, his reflection shifted between Ventus and Sora
"Get... back... here…" the voice demanded as shadowy hands sprouted from the ground, reaching for him. Roxas tried to run, but felt a massive weight slowing him down. The shaodw hands had grabbed onto himm
"NO! NO!" yelled Roxas as the hands began cloud his vision as the shadowy creature stood above him with a scary smile
Dreamscape over
"!" Roxas jolted awake, breathing heavily. He checked himself and realized he was okay, slowly calming down
It was just a nightmare, but the images of Sora and Ventus lingered in his mind
He looked out the window; it was still night
Sighing, he decided against going back to sleep. Instead, he left his room, climbed onto the roof, and stood under the night sky, letting the cool air and the vast expanse of stars soothe his racing thoughts
Roxas stood on the edge of a rooftop, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky. Stars glittered like scattered diamonds, their distant light casting a faint glow over the city afar. The cool breeze ruffled his hair as he stood there, lost in thought, feeling the weight of his solitude more acutely than ever
As he stared at the stars, a flicker of something unfamiliar touched his mind. Images, hazy and disjointed, began to form. He saw a serene smile, bright blue eyes full of warmth and compassion. The vision of Aqua, though unfamiliar, felt deeply personal. He could see her standing in a sunlit place, her expression one of kindness and encouragement
The memories were fleeting, like whispers on the wind, leaving Roxas feeling both bewildered and strangely comforted. He didn't understand why these visions came to him, why the sight of Aqua's smile brought a sense of longing that he couldn't quite place. But as the memories faded. He felt disappointed they didn't last longer
"Aqua…. Why do you feel so important to me?" Roxas whispered into the night, the question hanging in the air
As he pondered, a thought surfaced, tentative yet persistent. Did he miss her? This person he had never met before, yet started to feel connected to? The idea seemed absurd, and yet it resonated deeply within him. There was a sense of loss, a yearning for something he couldn't quite grasp
Roxas sighed, his breath visible in the cool night air. He couldn't shake the feeling that these visions were more than mere figments of his imagination. Perhaps they were a clue, a piece of a puzzle he had yet to solve
If he could find her. Maybe she would be able to give him answers. Maybe not all. But at least some of them
"Roxas…"
"!?" Roxas turned around to see the hologram of Magneto, who let out an amused chuckle
"I've noticed your encounter with Wolverine wasn't too warm, now was it?" Magneto said
Roxas looked down, remaining silent
"Now now, do not fret," Magneto continued. "I am telling you this as a heads-up. You will face powerful mutants like him in the long term.
"But... why do they choose to fight when you mean well to them?" Roxas asked
"Because trust is something to be earned. Not everyone wants what I want. It's natural that conflict arises," Magneto explained
"What if I can't do it?" Roxas said quietly
"Oh, you can. I'll see to it that Toad and Mystique won't be your only allies," Magneto assured him
"...okay," Roxas replied, a hint of determination in his voice
"I don't expect immediate perfection. It always takes time," Magneto said as his hologram faded, leaving Roxas alone with his thoughts
To be continued
Trivia
1: my first real exposure to Xmen Evolution was a fic called "Weapon Tsukuyomi" by StraightRooster
While I probably have seen bits and pieces before. I never really actively looked into it until I read that fic where I did get interested to watch the show
I certainly don't regret it
2. I'm starting to wonder if I wrote Xion to be too much of an airhead. But hey. Considering how her story went I think she deserves the world
3. My plan for this is it would largely be a re-imagining of the show. I have a clear idea on how I want the first few chapters to be. If you seen the show you'll be able to recognize what I pull from
4. I've largely been listening to RED's album "Innocence & Instinct" writing the vast majority of the chapters
5. I personally believe it's completely wasted potential that Roxas and Ventus aren't really connected beyond their identical appearances. They had several chances to at least hint at it. Especially in KH3 and they didn't :(
but who knows. Maybe plans change as Roxas and Xion weren't originally intended to appear in the first place
6. I cannot guarantee the next chapter will come as fast as this. But I hope it will satisfy you guys in the meantime… all five of you as of posting this
So uh. Until then review if you want more, whether theres a part you liked, didnt like, whatever