Welcome everyone and happy spooky day! Here to drop.
A FILLER CHAPTER TO BRING YOU ALL DISAPPOINTMENT
And I hope this can be something to be rather mundane ish for the time being. And holy balls
Shadow Generations has been out a week. And believe me like the sucker that I am. I pre-ordered it and I completed it in 3 days.
Well. The Shadow campaign. As truly we are in the Fearless year of Shadow
While Venom 3 and Joker 2 are out by now. I sadly havent seen either of them yet. But I hear J2 is disappointing while V3 is dumb fun. So Ill try to watch both when I am able
While its unlikely. I hope one day Kingdom Hearts does something similar with everyone's favorite sad nobody Roxas
Year of Roxas. That'd be very nice in my opinion
Mlat – Thank you for your support and suggestions. They prove useful
FanFicHazza - thank you for reviews, I'm glad to have you aboard
Play: Neotic – I Need A New Beginning
The next morning, Aqua awoke to the soft light filtering through the curtains of her room at the X-Mansion. She lay there for a moment, taking a deep breath as a wave of anticipation settled over her
Today was her first day of school—something new, yet strangely exciting. She couldn't help but wonder if it would be anything like her Keyblade training. Maybe it would involve discipline, focus, and tests of strength, she mused, trying to draw parallels between the two experiences
As she got dressed in one of the new outfits she had picked out at the mall, Aqua felt a mix of nervousness and eagerness building up. The thought of seeing how this world handled teaching intrigued her. After smoothing her shirt and taking one last look in the mirror, she opened her door to step out into the hallway
To her surprise, she nearly collided with Xion, who had just been about to open her own door. Xion let out a small yelp, startled by Aqua's sudden appearance
"Oh! I didn't mean to scare you," Aqua apologized with a light laugh
"It's okay, I wasn't paying attention either," Xion replied with a smile, her initial surprise fading
The two girls began walking down the mansion's long, elegant hallways towards the kitchen for breakfast. As they walked, Aqua turned to Xion, curiosity clear in her eyes.
"So, what's school like here?" Aqua asked, her mind still running through different possibilities of what to expect. "Is it anything like Keyblade training? Are there battle drills? Strategy sessions?"
Xion giggled softly, the sound light and cheerful. "No, no sword training," she said with an amused smile, shaking her head. "It's more about learning regular subjects—math, science, history, stuff like that. You're not going to be tested on fighting or anything."
Aqua blinked in surprise, her eyebrows raised. "No sword training?" She sounded almost disappointed, though it quickly turned into intrigue. "That's… different. I suppose I was expecting something more intense."
Xion smiled at her friend's reaction. "It's not all bad. You learn about a lot of interesting things, and the classes are fun once you get used to them. Plus..." She hesitated slightly, then continued, "Roxas is there too."
At the mention of Roxas, Aqua's eyes lit up, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "He is there?" she repeated, her heart skipping a beat but refraining from saying Ventus. The thought of seeing him again, after everything, made her feel a bit more at ease. "That's good to know."
Xion nodded, noticing how Aqua seemed a bit more eager now. "Yeah, it'll be nice. We'll have each other there."
As Aqua and Xion reached the kitchen, they were greeted by the sight of Ororo already there, sipping her morning tea by the window. The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through, casting a warm glow over the room. Ororo turned her head and smiled warmly when she saw the two girls entering
"Well, look who's up early," Ororo said, pleasantly surprised. "You two are the first ones awake. I wasn't expecting anyone this soon."
Aqua smiled back, feeling more at ease with Ororo's calm and welcoming demeanor. "I guess we're both a bit eager for the day," she said, exchanging a glance with Xion, who nodded
"Help yourselves," Ororo gestured towards the kitchen counter, which was already set with a spread of breakfast options: pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, sausages, and a pitcher of orange juice
The girls sat down at the large dining table, filling their plates. As they began eating, more of the mansion's residents started trickling in. Kitty came in next, groggily reaching for a glass of juice, followed by Scott and Jean, who were having a quiet conversation about the day's classes, and then Kurt poofed in
Then, in true Wolverine fashion, Logan sauntered in, his eyes half-closed as he made a beeline for the food. Without a word, he extended his claws and neatly skewered a stack of pancakes and a couple of sausages, pulling them towards him
Aqua watched with wide eyes, unsure how to react, while Xion tried to stifle a giggle. Logan, seeming unfazed by the attention, grunted and left the kitchen just as quickly as he came, balancing the food on his claws like it was the most normal thing in the world
Aqua turned to Professor Xavier, who had just wheeled into the room with a knowing smile on his face. "Is… is that normal?" she asked, a bit bewildered
Professor Xavier chuckled softly. "Nothing to worry about. Logan tends to do that on occasion. He's not much of a morning person, as you might have guessed."
Xion let out a soft laugh, and Aqua shook her head in amused disbelief. "Good to know," Aqua said, feeling the strange tension that Logan brought with him fade away
The usual hustle and bustle of the X-Mansion filled the air, with the younger mutants grabbing their bags, finishing up breakfast, and heading towards the front door. Aqua, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, quickly grabbed her own things, glancing over at Xion, who gave her an encouraging smile
A little later, Scott's car was packed with its usual crew: Scott at the wheel, Jean in the passenger seat, and Aqua, Xion, Kitty, and Kurt crammed into the back. The car felt snug, but it was a familiar scene for most of them. Scott turned around before starting the engine, giving everyone a quick look
"Everyone got their things?" he asked
"Yes!" came the chorus of replies, everyone confirming they had what they needed
With that, Scott started the car, and they drove off, leaving the mansion behind as they made their way into the city. Aqua, sitting by the window, watched in fascination as the cityscape passed by
the tall buildings, bustling streets, and flashes of everyday life intrigued her—so different from the worlds she had explored during her keyblade journeys. She pressed her forehead lightly against the window, taking it all in
A Little later
Play: Ghost Giant OST – Main Theme
As the group arrived at the school, students began dispersing to their respective classes. Aqua glanced at her schedule, realizing her first class was history with Scott. While the others headed off in different directions, Scott walked beside Aqua, sensing the nervous energy that lingered around her
"First day jitters?" Scott asked, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll do fine. History class is pretty straightforward. And hey, if I can survive it, so can you."
Aqua nodded, offering a soft smile in return. "Thanks. I've had my share of training, but… this feels different somehow."
As they walked down the hallway, Jean caught up with them, curious about Aqua's past. "So, Aqua, what were you doing before joining us here? I imagine your life must've been pretty exciting."
Aqua hesitated, her mind quickly filtering through her memories of fighting alongside Terra and Ven. She knew she couldn't reveal too much about the worlds beyond. "I've been… traveling. Helping people where I can. It's been an adventure, but it's good to have a place to settle for a bit."
Jean smiled, clearly intrigued, but didn't press further. "Sounds like you've had quite the journey."
As they continued, Scott reassured her, "Everything will be fine. Just treat this like any other challenge you've faced."
Before Aqua could respond, something—or rather someone—caught her eye down the hall.
It was Roxas, walking in a similar direction, seemingly heading to his own class. Aqua's heart lifted at the sight of him, and without thinking, she picked up her pace, moving ahead of Scott and Jean. Her excitement bubbled up as she reached Roxas, wrapping him in an affectionate embrace
"Ventus!" she exclaimed softly, her emotions slipping out. She couldn't help but use the name she associated him with, despite knowing it wasn't quite right
Roxas, caught off guard by the sudden embrace, blinked in surprise before realizing who it was. "Aqua?" He smiled warmly, gently returning the embrace. "I'm glad to see you safe."
Their faces were just inches apart, and for a moment, Aqua's heart skipped a beat. The familiarity and comfort of seeing Roxas again washed over her, but before she could say anything more, Roxas shifted nervously, glancing at Scott, who stood watching nearby.
"I'm almost late for class," Roxas said, his voice apologetic. "I'm sorry. But… I promise I'll see you later, okay?"
Aqua nodded, her excitement not dimming despite the brief encounter. "I'll hold you to that."
With a final shared glance, Roxas hurried off down the hall, disappearing around a corner as Aqua watched him go
Scott, having observed the interaction, raised an eyebrow. "You know Roxas?"
Aqua, remembering the importance of keeping the natural order of worlds intact, gave a vague but truthful response. "We've known each other since we were small. You could say… we've been through a lot together."
Scott didn't press for more details but nodded. "Well, at least you've got a familiar face around. That always helps."
As they continued walking to their history class, Aqua's thoughts still lingered on Roxas
Meanwhile to Roxas
As Roxas entered his biology class, Aqua still on his mind, he scanned the room, looking for an empty seat. To his surprise, he spotted Xion in the corner of the classroom, waving him over with a warm smile. As Roxas takes his empty seat
Rogue, who had just walked in as well, noticed Roxas and quickly made her way toward him, catching Xion's glance as she passed
Both girls arrived at the empty seats beside Roxas at the same time. Without a word, they subtly maneuvered to sit on either side of him—Xion to his right, and Rogue to his left. Neither said much to each other, but there was an unspoken tension in the air as they exchanged quick glances, almost narrowing their eyes at each other
Roxas, completely unaware of the subtle rivalry forming beside him, simply smiled at both of them. "Hey" he greeted them casually as he sat down, placing his backpack at his feet.
"Hey, Roxas," Xion said, her voice soft, but there was a hint of protectiveness in her tone as she smiled at him
"Hey," said Rogue, brushing her hair back as she leaned a little closer. "You ready for biology?"
Roxas chuckled lightly. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."
As the teacher began the class, Xion and Rogue kept stealing glances at each other, each subtly trying to gain Roxas' attention in their own way
Oblivious to the tension building between the two, Roxas simply focused on the lesson, completely unaware of the dynamic developing on either side of him. All the while, Aqua's earlier embrace still lingered in the back of his mind
Later
As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, students began packing up their things. Xion quickly gathered her courage, turning to Roxas with a hopeful look. "Roxas, do you think we could maybe talk for a bit? There's something I wanted to ask you about."
Before Roxas could respond, Rogue leaned in with a slight passive aggressive smile. "Sorry, but Roxas and I have Shakespeare lines to rehearse for English class," she interjected, a little too smoothly. "It's gonna take a while, and we gotta get it just right."
Xion's heart sank slightly as she felt a surge of jealousy, her fingers curling around the strap of her bag. She bit her lip, trying not to let her emotions show. "Oh, I see," she said, forcing a smile. "Well... maybe we can talk later?"
Roxas, picking up on her tone, gave her a reassuring look. "Yeah, definitely. We'll catch up after practice, I promise," he said, trying to be fair. He really didn't want to hurt Xion's feelings
With a nod, Xion forced herself to turn away and head toward the door. As she walked, her mind raced, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She couldn't shake the thought of Rogue taking Roxas' attention so easily. Something inside her stirred—an unfamiliar competitive urge she hadn't felt before
Why did this Rogue girl seem to be so close to him? As if she knew him more than herself
Xion took a deep breath, pushing back the sting of jealousy. Maybe she needed to find a way to stand out more—to show Roxas that she could be just as important, if not more, than Rogue.
She knew one thing for sure: she wasn't going to just let Rogue have all of his attention
If she had to, Xion was willing to find her own way to outshine Rogue, whether it was through battle, charm, or even just showing Roxas how much she really cared about him
To Roxas
As Roxas and Rogue made their way through the hall, they spotted Lance, Todd, and Fred up ahead. Both Rogue and Roxas instinctively tensed, the memory of the previous day still fresh in their minds. Fred, noticing their reactions and receiving a stern glare from Lance, sighed and awkwardly scratched the back of his head
"Uh, hey... look, I'm sorry 'bout what happened yesterday," Fred muttered, clearly uncomfortable. He didn't meet their eyes, shifting from foot to foot. "I wasn't thinking straight."
Rogue crossed her arms, still not entirely trusting Fred. "You better not pull somethin' like that again," she said clearly still having disdain
Roxas glanced at Fred briefly, not saying much but still feeling the tension. His mind flashed back to how Fred had tried to hurt Xion, and the lingering frustration made it hard to look at Fred without feeling irritated
"Yeah, we good," Lance said, more of a command than a question as he nudged Fred forward. "Now come on, let's eat."
As the group headed towards the lunch Todd couldn't help but crack a joke, trying to lighten the mood. "So... think there'll be another food fight?" he asked with a smirk, referring to the food fight from earlier
Lance chuckled. "As much as that'd be fun, I don't think it'll happen today. But hey, who knows?"
They all grabbed their food and found a table in the lunchroom. Roxas, sitting with his tray, let his mind wander for a moment
What if Axel were here at this school with him? He could almost hear Axel's teasing voice, making fun of him for trying to blend in with the students or asking what crazy shenanigans they could stir up next. The thought made him smile faintly, though he quickly pushed it aside
Rogue, noticing the distant look on Roxas' face, leaned over. "You okay? Got somethin' on your mind?"
Roxas blinked and shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts. "Nah, just thinking about our lines," he said, not wanting to get into his thoughts about Axel. "I'm trying to remember them."
Rogue smiled warmly, pulling out her own passage to glance at it. "You're probably doin' a good job already," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "But don't stress too much. You got this."
Roxas gave her a small smile in return, feeling a bit more reassured. Even with everything going on, it was nice to know someone believed in him, especially with something as mundane as Shakespeare practice
Still, he couldn't shake the thought of Axel having a potential presence here. But that's only if the Organization is here as well
But they can't be here right?...
Just Him, Aqua, and Xion…. So far.. no sign of anyone else…
To Xion
Xion as she sat quietly with Aqua . She was still feeling the sting of jealousy after seeing Rogue with Roxas, but she tried not to let it show too much. Kitty and Kurt immediately picked up on her mood, though, exchanging concerned look
Kitty nudged Xion gently. "Hey, Xion, you okay? You seem a little down."
"Yeah," Kurt chimed in with a kind smile. "What's up? ?"
Xion looked up, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her tray. She opened her mouth to answer, but Jean, sitting across from her, leaned forward and spoke first. "If you're worried about Roxas, you shouldn't be," Jean said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "If he truly didn't care, would he have gone out of his way to save you from that flying table the other day?"
Xion's eyes widened a bit, and she blinked, processing Jean's words. A small smile began to creep back onto her face as she thought about Roxas stepping in to protect her. "I guess you're right," she said softly, feeling a bit of relief wash over her. Jean's comment had helped her regain some confidence
Wanting to change the subject and lighten the mood further, Aqua turned to Kurt with a curious look. "Hey, Kurt, can you tell me more about Germany? I've never really heard much about it." She smiled genuinely, her interest piqued making Xion perk up
Kurt grinned, happy to share something close to his heart. "Ah, Deutschland! It's beautiful, plenty of mountains and nice people. Lots of ze pork food though. It's peaceful there—well, most of the time." He winked at Xion and Aqua
Kurt's face lit up as he started to recount stories of his home, talking about the bustling Christmas markets, the history of Neuschwanstein Castle, and the delicious smells of bratwurst and fresh pretzels in the streets
h Xion and Aqua listened intently, their imaginations painting pictures of Germany's scenery
"I'd love to see the mountains someday," Xion said, her smile now fully restored. "It sounds like a really magical place."
"It is," Kurt agreed. "And I bet you and Aqua would love the forests too. There's a lot of space to roam and... maybe even a place to practice your powers if you find the right spot"
Aqua chuckled softly, finding herself more and more fascinated by Kurt's tales. "It sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy. Maybe we'll have to visit sometime."
Later
After lunch, Scott and Roxas found themselves heading toward their next class together. The hallways were bustling with students, but Scott saw an opportunity to finally talk to Roxas more privately
As they walked, Scott turned his attention to Roxas. "Hey, Roxas, is it?" Scott began, his tone casual but with a sense of curiosity. "I was wondering… you've got some pretty impressive powers. Mind telling me a bit more about them? Are they something you've had all your life?"
Roxas, his hands tucked into his pockets, glanced over at Scott. He hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yeah," he said simply. "I've known about my abilities for as long as I can remember. They've just… always been there."
Scott nodded, intrigued. "That's interesting. You've got a lot of potential, you know. Ever thought about joining the Institute? I think you could do really well there, with some training and guidance. We've got a great team, and someone with your skills could be a real asset."
Roxas paused, feeling a slight pang of unease. Magneto's warning about staying away from the X-Men echoed in his mind, and despite Scott's good intentions, Roxas wasn't sure what to say. He kept his face neutral and shrugged. "I'll think about it," he said, trying to keep things vague
Scott, sensing Roxas's hesitation but not pressing too hard, nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. It's a big decision," he admitted. "But just so you know, the Institute is a safe place. A place where you can learn more about your powers and be part of a team. We could really use someone like you."
Roxas could feel Scott's sincerity, but the conflict within him grew. His heart wanted to trust, but his head warned him to stay cautious. "Maybe we can talk about it after school?" Scott suggested, glancing over at Roxas
Roxas shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. "Maybe," he replied again, his voice noncommittal. "I'll think about it."
Before Scott could say more, they both realized they were running late for class. The bell was about to ring, and the hallway had started to empty
"Guess we better get going," Scott said with a light chuckle, picking up the pace. Roxas nodded, following him, but his mind was swirling with conflicting thoughts. As much as he wanted to consider the offer, Magneto's words still weighed heavily on him
As soon as the final bell rang, Roxas quickly grabbed his things and made a beeline for the door, eager to avoid any further conversations about the Institute. He knew Scott would likely try to catch up with him, and he wasn't ready to make any decisions just yet. He weaved through the hallways, trying to disappear into the crowd of students, but just as he thought he had slipped away, he bumped into someone
Before he could react, he felt arms wrap around him in a tight, affectionate embrace. He blinked in surprise, looking down to see Aqua hugging him once more. She smiled up at him, her eyes warm and happy to see him again.
"Roxas!" Aqua greeted with a soft laugh. "I was looking for you all day."
Roxas, while it was a bit inconvenient in the moment, couldn't deny that the embrace felt… nice. There was a certain comfort in it that eased his tension for a moment. He awkwardly returned the hug for a brief second before pulling away slightly.
Aqua tilted her head, still smiling. "Are you coming with us back to the Institute?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
Roxas hesitated, glancing over Aqua's shoulder. In the distance, he saw Lance and Rogue walking by, and for a moment, he felt the weight of Magneto's warning again. "I, uh… I can't right now," he replied, gently freeing himself from her arms. "I've got some other stuff to take care of."
Aqua's smile faltered slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her face. She opened her mouth to ask more, but Roxas's attention was already drifting toward Lance and Rogue. Rogue caught his eye, and as she noticed Aqua, there was a brief moment of tension between the two girls. Both of them seemed to size each other up, though neither said a word
Roxas, sensing the shift in atmosphere, quickly apologized. "I'm really sorry, Aqua," he said, taking a step back. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"
Aqua nodded, but there was a hint of dejection in her expression as she watched Roxas step away from her. Scott, who had caught up just in time to witness the scene, gave Aqua a reassuring pat on the shoulder, though even he seemed surprised that like Xion, Aqua seemed to know who he is
Roxas walked off with Lance and Rogue, feeling the weight of Aqua's gaze on his back. As the trio disappeared into the crowd, Aqua stood there with Scott, watching them leave. Despite the dejection she felt, Aqua couldn't help but wonder what was really going on with Roxas—and whether she'd be able to reach him in the way she wanted to
To Roxas
As Roxas, Lance, and Rogue made their way through the parking lot, Rogue couldn't help but glance back in the direction Aqua had been standing. There was something about the way she hugged Roxas, something familiar and affectionate that made Rogue feel a twinge of jealousy
"So… who's the girl?" Rogue asked, trying to sound casual as she caught up to Roxas
Roxas, unsure how to even begin explaining, shifted uncomfortably. His memories of Aqua were fragmented and unclear, but flashes of them together—holding each other tightly, protecting one another—surfaced in his mind, though they were distant and hard to piece together. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to find the words
"Uh… it's complicated," he finally said, giving a vague answer. "We… go way back, I guess."
Rogue raised an eyebrow at the response, not entirely satisfied with the lack of clarity. The way Roxas had hesitated told her there was more to it, but she didn't push. Still, that flicker of jealousy nagged at her. She crossed her arms and shifted the conversation
"Right, well," she said, her tone a little sharper than she intended, "when can we practice our lines for that Shakespeare thing? You did say you were gonna help me out."
Roxas nodded, glad for the change of topic. "Yeah, we can meet up tomorrow. That work for you?"
"Yeah, that'll do," Rogue replied, though the lingering thought of Aqua stuck with her as they reached the jeep
As Lance and Roxas climbed into the vehicle, Todd, sitting in the back, couldn't resist a mischievous grin. He leaned forward between the seats, looking like he was plotting something
"Yo, guys," Todd said, tapping him on the shoulder. "I got this wicked idea for tonight. We should hit the park after dark and maybe mess with some suckers. You know, have a little fun."
Lance gave Todd a sideways glance, smirking. "You seriously wanna mess with the cops, Toad? Thought you learned your lesson last time."
Todd chuckled, unfazed. "Nah, man, this'll be different. We just make a little noise, throw 'em off, and then disappear into the night. It'll be a blast!"
Roxas sighed, leaning back in his seat. He wasn't really in the mood for Todd's shenanigans, especially after the long day he'd had. The idea of getting into more trouble wasn't appealing, but he knew Lance and Todd would probably drag him into it regardless. "You guys go do that," Roxas said, sounding slightly annoyed. "I'll just watch."
Todd grinned wider. "Aw, c'mon, man, it'll be fun! You'll love it."
Roxas just shook his head as Lance started the engine, the jeep rumbling to life as they drove off. The thoughts of Aqua and Rogue still lingered in his mind, but for now, he focused on getting through the rest of the day without whatever Todd wants to do
LATER
Play: Neotic – 11 PM
Meanwhile, back at the X-Mansion, Xion sat quietly on her bed, reading a book about aquatic creatures. Her mind, however, kept drifting to Roxas. "What is he up to?" she wondered. She knew Roxas could handle himself, but there was a part of her that couldn't help but feel a little concerned
A soft knock at her door pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked up and saw Aqua standing in the doorway
"Can I come in?" Aqua asked gently
Xion nodded, closing her book and setting it aside. "Of course."
Aqua stepped into the room and sat down beside Xion. For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them before Aqua spoke quietly, her tone careful. "I couldn't help but notice you've been thinking about Roxas lately."
Xion glanced down, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Yeah… I guess I have." She paused, then added, "It's hard not to, you know? I just keep thinking… maybe we should tell the others about everything. About what's really going on with us."
Aqua shook her head gently, her gaze thoughtful. "I understand how you feel, Xion. But it might be better to keep things quiet for now." She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering. "The less they know, the safer it is—for all of us. They've accepted us into the Institute, and I think we should keep the details minimal, at least for now."
Xion considered Aqua's words for a moment, then nodded. "You're probably right... But it feels strange keeping so much from them, especially since they've been nothing but kind to us."
Aqua offered a soft smile. "I know. It's not easy. But when I traveled through different worlds, I learned to keep certain things to myself. Sometimes, not everyone needs to know the full story."
Xion's curiosity piqued at that. "What kind of worlds did you see?"
Aqua's eyes brightened slightly as she thought back to her journey. "So many different ones. Some were full of light, others… not so much. I met people—heroes, even—who were fighting their own battles. I learned from them, but I always made sure to have more minimal involvement when I could"
Xion tilted her head, intrigued. "Did you ever feel… lost?"
Aqua's expression softened. "More times than I can count. But I always held onto hope, and that's what kept me moving forward." She paused, glancing at Xion. "Just like you. You're stronger than you think, Xion. And Roxas is, too. We'll find a way to figure things out, but for now… let's take things one step at a time."
Xion smiled, feeling reassured. "Thanks, Aqua. I needed that."
Aqua gave a small nod, her tone kind. "Anytime."
As Xion lay back on her bed, the book on aquatic creatures still resting beside her, her mind began to drift. She imagined herself swimming through the deep blue ocean, surrounded by vibrant sea life—schools of fish weaving through coral, the gentle push of the current as it carried her forward
But what she yearned for most in this dream was not just the beauty of the ocean; it was Roxas, swimming beside her. She pictured the two of them exploring the depths together, their fingers brushing as they glided through the water. The thought of being close to him, of sharing this peaceful moment, sent a warm feeling through her
What would he think of all this? she wondered. Would he be in awe like she was? Or would he just laugh and make some comment to tease her?
She smiled softly at the thought, but her yearning to be near him, to feel his presence, only grew stronger. She could feel her heart ache just a little, wishing that these moments of fantasy could be real
Over to Aqua's room, she sat by the window, the soft glow of moonlight casting a silvery light over her. Her mind was also on Roxas. She couldn't help but replay the moment she had seen him at school earlier that day. The way she had embraced him, the warmth she felt when she was close to him… but then, the hesitation, the awkwardness when he pulled away to leave with Rogue and Lance
"Should I have approached him differently?" she wondered, biting her lip as uncertainty gnawed at her. Maybe she had been too forward. What if she had made him uncomfortable? She wished she could turn back time, approach him with more care, more patience. Maybe tomorrow, she could try again, but this time, she'd be more gentle. More careful
But despite her hope, a small part of her couldn't help but worry.
"Is he mad at me?" she thought, anxiety creeping into her mind. " What if he doesn't want to see me tomorrow?"
The idea of Roxas avoiding her or being upset hurt more than she wanted to admit. She rested her head on her pillow, sighing softly as she stared at the ceiling. She just hoped that when tomorrow came, everything would be okay between them.
As sleep began to pull her under, Aqua closed her eyes, silently wishing for things to go smoothly, for Roxas to still want to see her, to be close to her. She drifted off with a mix of hope and uncertainty swirling in her mind, the thought of Roxas lingering in her heart as she fell asleep.
The next day
Play: Jack Stauber – Small World
Rogue sat on the bench, her foot tapping the ground as she waited. The early morning air was crisp, the kind of refreshing chill that signaled the start of a new day. She tried to focus on the lines she and Roxas would need to practice for their recitation, but her mind kept drifting to him. Every time she thought about spending time with him, especially with such romantic material, her heart raced a little faster
Her eyes snapped up when she heard the familiar sound of Lance's jeep pulling into the school's lot. She grinned when she saw Roxas hop out, but that smile quickly faded into a grimace as Todd followed, hopping out with an exaggerated swagger. He clicked his tongue at her, shooting her a cocky grin. Before Rogue could snap at him, Lance gave Todd a good swat, grumbling something about "knowing when to shut up."
Rogue shook her head, her focus quickly shifting back to Roxas as he approached. She stood up, giving him a slight smile. "C'mon, we gotta practice our lines," she reminded him, her Southern accent softening her words. "The recite's due today, ya know."
Roxas, though looking slightly tired, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I remember," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Let's get it done. I can skip breakfast for this."
Lance, leaning against the jeep with a smirk, waved them off. "I'll save you guys a burger later. Don't say I never did anything for you."
Rogue rolled her eyes at Lance's teasing, but she was already walking alongside Roxas toward the courtyard. They found a quiet spot under one of the trees, where the morning sun filtered through the leaves, casting gentle shadows across the ground
Roxas took out the small script they had been given, glancing over the lines again. It was a romantic passage from Romeo and Juliet, and though it was just practice, the lines had an undeniable weight between the two of them
They sat on a stone bench, their shoulders nearly brushing as they began reciting the lines. Roxas went first, his voice steady but soft, as if he was still getting used to the poetic nature of the words. He recited Romeo's part with surprising earnestness, his eyes flickering between the script and Rogue's face
Rogue, in turn, found it harder to focus than she'd expected. She was usually good at this kind of thing, but something about reciting such emotional lines with Roxas made her chest tighten a little. As she spoke Juliet's words, her voice wavered slightly, but she quickly steadied herself, locking eyes with him
As the passage continued, the intensity of their lines seemed to blur with the moment itself. Rogue found herself caught between the words on the page and the feeling of being so close to Roxas. Their faces were inches apart by the time they finished, and there was a brief, lingering silence before Roxas glanced away, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips
"That was... not bad," Roxas said, rubbing the back of his neck, his usual calm demeanor returning. "I think we'll be fine for class."
Rogue nodded, though her mind was still spinning. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and smiled back at him. "Yeah, we'll nail it." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, stealing one more glance at him. Even with all the practice, something about these lines felt personal in a way she hadn't anticipated
She just hoped that Roxas was feeling it too
As the last of their lines fell into a comfortable silence, Rogue found herself gazing at Roxas a bit longer than intended. Before she could stop herself, the words slipped out
"Ya know, Roxas... you can be rather charming."
The moment the words left her mouth, her eyes widened in shock. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized what she had just said out loud. She hadn't meant to blurt that out, but there it was, hanging in the air between them
Roxas, oblivious to the weight of her statement, tilted his head slightly. "Are you alright?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.
Rogue let out a nervous chuckle, her hand still hovering near her face. She felt the warmth of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks but decided to be honest with him. "I, uh... I guess, well..." She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I wish I could be close to someone."
Roxas's brow furrowed as he looked at her with curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Rogue took a deep breath. She hadn't told many people about how her powers worked, but Roxas seemed different. She wanted him to understand. "My powers... they rely on touch," she explained slowly. "If I touch someone—skin to skin—I end up absorbin' their memories, their powers... and they go unconscious."
Roxas listened intently, his expression softening with understanding.. though it does make him think
Could she potentially help him remember some things?
Rogue continued, her voice quieter now. "It's hard, you know? I wanna be able to hold someone's hand, or... just something small like that, without needing my gloves. Sometimes I wish I didn't have these powers at all."
Roxas nodded thoughtfully. "But... how would we have beaten Fred if you weren't there to help?" he asked, his voice calm but insistent. "That red-haired girl would've been in a way messier situation if it wasn't for you."
Rogue blinked, surprised by his words. Roxas continued, looking her in the eyes. "Your powers don't change how I see you, Rogue. I'm just happy to know you, and no matter what your powers are, that's not gonna change."
He smiled at her, and Rogue's heart fluttered slightly. She hadn't expected him to say something like that, but it was... comforting. She smiled back, grateful for the reassurance.
Then, almost instinctively, Roxas began to recite a line from the Shakespeare passage they had just practiced.
"I take thee at thy word. Call me love, and I'll be new baptized" he said with His voice soft, but the meaning carried between them. Rogue, still caught in the moment, echoed the next line without thinking
"What man art thought that, thus bescreened in night, so stumblest on my counsel?"said Rogue as their voices blending as they unknowingly leaned closer to one another.
For a brief, heart-stopping moment, they were just inches apart, their eyes locked, the world around them fading away
It wasn't until the school bell rang loudly, jarring them out of their trance, that they realized how close they had gotten
Rogue blinked, pulling back slightly as Roxas straightened up, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "Guess we better get to class, huh?" he said
"Yeah... we'll, uh, see each other later for English," Rogue replied, still a bit flustered.
As they walked toward the building, Rogue couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Maybe things were starting to fall into place after all.
A Little later
In his next class, Roxas noticed a girl taking the seat beside him, her face lighting up as she recognized him. It was Kitty
"Hey, you're Roxas, right?" she asked, her tone cheerful yet curious. "Xion talks about you a lot."
Roxas tensed, He met her gaze briefly, then nodded, replying in a quiet, guarded voice, "Yeah.."
Undeterred by his hesitation, Kitty pressed on, hoping to get him talking. "She like, really cares a lot. You know?" Kitty's tone was casual, but there was a hopeful undercurrent as if she was testing the waters to see if he'd respond with something personal.
Her words were genuine, but Roxas still felt uneasy. He didn't like feeling cornered by anyone affiliated with the Institute, not when he was unsure about where he stood.
"That's nice to hear…" he replied flatly, keeping his eyes on his desk. His one-sided answers weren't meant to be rude, but he didn't want to reveal anything, especially not to someone he barely knew
Kitty hesitated, realizing his guarded tone but still trying to connect. "You know, Xion's made a lot of friends here. She's fitting in well—maybe better than she expected. It must be nice having each other around."
Roxas only nodded again, his responses not giving her much to work with
Just before class began, Kitty gave him a small, understanding smile, trying not to push further. Yet, she couldn't shake the thought that Roxas's guardedness might not only be due to him being new. She sensed a kind of loneliness in his responses, a feeling she had seen before in others who felt out of place
As class started, Kitty leaned back in her chair, a little disappointed but understanding. Roxas's walls were clearly up, and though she hoped he might eventually let them down, it seemed he'd need someone he trusted—perhaps Xion herself
Roxas focused on the lesson, though Kitty's subtle questions lingered in his mind. For now, he kept his distance, but a part of him wondered what Xion might think if she saw him here, surrounded by people trying to reach out
Later to the next class
Aqua enters the classroom, still adjusting to the busyness of high school life. It was more intense than she'd expected, and she felt slightly out of place
When she glanced across the room and spotted Roxas, which she regained a smile and she took a seat beside him.
"Hey, Roxas," she whispered, smiling softly
Roxas while a little surprised at first, returned her smile, feeling a little lighter with her next to him.
Rogue, Lance the other hand as she entered the classroom. Catching the sight of Aqua, instantly recognizing her from before. She felt a prick of jealousy at how Aqua looked at Roxas, the two sharing a familiarity Rogue couldn't help but feel excluded from as she then takes a seat on Roxas's other side
Trying to brush it off, she forced herself to look away, but when Aqua glanced in her direction, Rogue's grimace hadn't fully faded. She quickly turned her attention back to her book, masking her expression as best as she could
The silent tension between the two girls hung thick in the air, to which for Roxas, was oblivious to it all, focused on the upcoming English passage
As one by one. All the students who were tasked with performing a shakespear lines were called up to recite
Aqua had a fascination watching the acting between the multiple duos reciting poems and passages she has never heard of
In her own mind. It even sounded fun. It was like dancing. But with words
Eventuslly. It was Roxas and Rogue's turn to perform their Shakespeare scene. Which made Aqua slightly lose her smile. But at the same time. She was interested in seeing how Roxas would portray the script
Whatever it may be
As they began to recite, a natural flow took over their dialogue, both of them caught up in the lines and emotions they were meant to portray between t
Rogue's gaze softened as she delivered her lines, and Roxas responded with a sincerity that could almost seem real. The chemistry of their act drew the room's attention, and for a moment, even Roxas felt lost in the script's tenderness
From her seat, Aqua watched them, a bit of jealousy stirring within her as she observed the act
She silently wished she could be the one, holding his attention, saying those heartfelt lines to him rather than Rogue.
And watching him perform. She can't help but still wish it was her rather than Rogue. Though while she sadly wasn't around be partnered up with anybody. No doubt the teacher would have her do it eventually
Once Roxas and Rogue finished. Aqua and some students clapped while others didn't care. As they returned to their seats as the teacher then announces to the class that the session is over and everyone should get ready to leave
Roxas and Rogue exchanged a small smile, pleased with how the scene went. They began gathering their things, and as they stepped into the hallway
"I think we did great Roxas…. You know.. we should try it again sometime" said Rogue as She walks ahead without thinking under the impression Roxas was close behind
But before Roxas could follow her, Aqua quickly caught up to him, reaching out and taking his hand. He paused, slightly surprised, and turned to her
"Please don't leave," Aqua murmured, her blue eyes earnest as she searched his face
"Is everything okay?" Roxas asked softly, glancing down at their joined hands, a strange warmth spreading through him.
Aqua pulled him closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Ventus… I know you have a lot on your mind, and so does Xion. We can see it." She hesitated, looking into his eyes with a mix of concern and affection. "But we're here. We can help… and, well, I just…" Aqua trailed off, her thoughts rushing back to memories of another time, another closeness they'd shared
Roxas was about to respond when Magneto's words flashed through his mind, a reminder of the boundaries he was supposed to keep. He felt torn, his instinct telling him to pull back—but then, just as he opened his mouth to decline, a vision struck him: a faint memory, of Aqua and himself in another place, hands intertwined, a feeling of closeness far more familiar than he remembered
His decision wavered. "I… maybe we can soon," he said quietly
Aqua's face lit up, and without a second thought, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace catching Roxas off guard as she held onto him tightly
And for a brief moment, their faces were so close it felt like they might kiss. But before either of them could move, the bell rang again, signaling the start of the next class. They separated, a faint blush dusting their cheeks as they exchanged shy smiles
"See you later," Aqua whispered before slipping off to her own class
Roxas turned back, realizing he'd left Rogue waiting in the hall. He caught up with her, feeling a strange mix of guilt and uncertainty. She had a slight agitated look, noticing his slightly flushed face but choosing not to ask
They met up with Lance and Todd outside the next class. Though Roxas fell in step with his friends, Aqua's words and the moment they shared lingered in his mind, stirring emotions he wasn't ready to face just yet
Rogue felt a simmering annoyance as she watched Aqua walk away with a certain familiarity that stung. She was able to deduce Aqua and Roxas had a past—one she couldn't compete with—but it didn't stop her from feeling like Aqua was always getting in the way, stealing Roxas's attention when she finally felt like she had his focus
"So Roxas, what class do you have next" said Rogue hoping he shares a class with her again
"Well… I have Algebra with Lance and Todd" saod Roxas
"..fuck.." muttered Todd realizing he is screwed
"God Damn it" muttered Lance facepalming "Did you have to remind us?" As Roxas shrugs at him
"Oh… well I'm sure you'll manage. You seem pretty smart to me though" said Rogue supportively
"you think so?" said Roxas curiously as Rogue nods "...thanks… but I don't know much about this..math"
Rogue managed a faint smile, half-wishing she could be with him for the class. But she felt slightly happy she didn't have math either
As she watched the three of them go off to their math class leaving her to have her last class of the day
Little later
Play: Sonic Lost World OST – Sugar Lane
Eventually. The trio reached the class, with Lance on one side and Todd on the other of Roxas in the back of the room
Though he was unsure to what to think about this math. Eventually the teache rstarted to get right into teaching
And to Roxas. It already felt complicated
While he was able to understand part of it. A lot of what the teacher says is basically a word salad of other words Roxas doesn't know
Roxas actually found himself to be. Bored of this. Compared to the rest of his classes. So he glanced at Todd to see how he is doing
Todd looked completely checked out, half-slouched over his desk with a glazed-over expression. It didn't take long for Lance to get bored, too, and soon he leaned toward Roxas and Todd with a mischievous glint in his eye
"Watch this," Lance whispered with a smirk, balling up a small piece of paper and loading it into a straw
He took careful aim and fired, sending the spitball flying across the room until it smacked the back of an unsuspecting student's head. The kid immediately whipped around, glaring at the room as he tried to figure out who was responsible
Lance and Todd stifled their laughter, doing their best to keep a straight face, and even Roxas despite not approving. Couldn't help but crack a small smile, entertained by the childish act
The three of them quickly looked in different directions, feigning innocence. Lance glanced casually out the window, Todd tapped his pencil on his notebook, and Roxas focused on the chalkboard, resisting the urge to laugh. The kid finally turned back, giving up with an annoyed sigh
"Nice one" Todd muttered to Lance, grinning
Roxas found himself oddly amused by the mischief. It was refreshing, in a strange way, to let loose a little. Even if he couldn't quite figure out his place among these new friends—even if math class was VERY unappealing
Todd smirked as he shot another spitball at the same student, watching as he twitched in barely-contained annoyance. The student's pencil scratched angrily over his notes, but he continued writing, his patience starting to wear thin
Not to be outdone, Lance fired off his own spitball, landing another direct hit. The student flinched again, his shoulders stiffening, while Lance and Todd shared a quiet chuckle, their amusement barely restrained
Lance noticed Roxas's hidden smirk and leaned over, whispering, "C'mon, Roxas, your turn. Give it a shot. It'll be fun"
Roxas shook his head, his quiet smile fading as he replied, "I'd rather not."
Lance shrugged and gave Todd a look, and the two continued their game. Spitball after spitball landed on the poor student's back, each one hitting like a small, irritating jab. Finally, the student had enough. With a huff of frustration, he spun around in his seat, glaring daggers at the trio
"Would you guys knock it off already?" he hissed, trying to keep his voice down but unable to hide his irritation
At that moment, the teacher looked up, her gaze narrowing as she noticed the disturbance. Her eyes fell on Roxas, Lance, and Todd, and she didn't look pleased
"Tolansky, Alvers, and James" she said sternly, "I'm sure whatever you're doing is more interesting than the lesson, so perhaps detention will help you focus on your studies."
Todd shrugged, looking entirely unbothered, while Lance smirked as if detention were a badge of honor. Roxas, however, wasn't entirely sure what to think
He really hadn't done anything, but being grouped with Lance and Todd still felt... oddly normal, in a way. He guessed that detention was just part of the territory
As the three of them made their way to the principal's office, Lance clapped him on the back with a grin. "Its not worries Roxas. This shit won't hurt one bit"
Todd laughed, nodding. "Yeah, don't worry; it's not so bad. You'll get used to it."
Roxas couldn't help but wonder what he'd just gotten himself into
Principal Stockholm eventually noticed the trio standing outside her office, their casual posture and smug expressions hinting at mischief. She raised an eyebrow, her arms folded as she gave them a questioning look
"What the hell are you three doing here?" she asked, her voice sharp. "I didn't call any of you in."
"Spitballs," Roxas replied simply, earning a chuckle from Lance and Todd. And for the fact Roxas plainly stated this to a PRINCIPLE of all people with no hesitation and nonchalantly
She narrowed her gaze at Roxas, her expression slightly softer but still surprised. "You don't strike me as the type to pull something like that." Then, her gaze shifted to Lance and Todd, and her brows knitted with annoyance. "Though I can't say I'm shocked about the two of you." Both of them just shrugged, clearly unbothered by her remark
With a sigh, Stockholm turned back to Roxas. "Look Roxas James, living with detention is always seen as a bad thing. And while you're lucky that you three are the Brotherhood. I'd like to ask if you try not to be sent here"
Roxas tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What exactly do we do in detention?"
She waved a hand dismissively. "Pretend to be productive or something. I've got work to do," she said, grabbing a stack of papers and beginning to organize them on her desk.
As she focused on her paperwork, Lance leaned back in his chair, muttering, "Be right back," before strolling out of the office. A minute later, he returned, holding two sodas. With a grin, he tossed one to Roxas.
Todd raised an eyebrow. "Hey, what about me?"
Lance shrugged with a smirk. "Get one yourself, man."
Todd rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath as he slouched in his seat. Lance turned to Roxas, cracking open his soda with a sly grin. "Just relax, man. Detention's way better than math class."
Roxas while still fascinated at the notion of this being a punishment for mischievous behavior. He began to relax as well as the three effects them just sat down waiting for the time to pass
Later
The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Students poured into the hallways, chattering as they packed up and got ready to head home. Lance stood, stretching with a lazy grin. "See you guys at the jeep," he said to Todd and Roxas before heading out,
"Ay wait up man" said Todd quickly trailing after him
As Roxas started to follow, Principal Stockholm's voice cut through the bustling noise of the hall. "Roxas, a word."
He turned back, curious as she scribbled something on a slip of paper before handing it to him. "Sicne you're here already, I need you to find someone for me—Victor Creed," she said, her voice clipped
Roxas blinked, before he curiously asked "Why don't you go find him?"
Stockholm gave an exasperated sigh. "Because this 'Victor Creed' smells worse than both Todd and Fred combined, and he's got the manners of a wild animal. Trust me; you'll understand when you see him."
Roxas's expression fell into a flat, deadpan stare, trying to imagine someone with worse hygiene than Todd, Stockholm gave a smirk at his reaction before waving him off
"Oh, and don't tell anyone about this," she added pointedly. "Last thing I need is word getting around that I have you tracking down certain... individuals."
With that, she nodded toward the door, dismissing him, as he finally made his way to the front courtyard, he noticed Rogue waiting for him by the fountain.
She looked up as he approached, and her eyes lit up with a mix of curiosity and surprise. "Where've you been?" she asked, crossing her arms
"Detention," Roxas replied casually
Rogue blinked in surprise, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You? Detention? You don't exactly strike me as the bad boy type."
Roxas tilted his head, "Is that a bad thing?" he asked curiously
Rogue shrugged, trying to act nonchalant but glad he was asking. "Not really, but… I'd prefer if you didn't end up there, y'know? There are better places to spend your time," she said, staying close to him as they walked through the courtyard together.
Rogue couldn't help but feel a bit smug, enjoying the rare moment with Roxas to herself. There was no sign of Aqua or Xion nearby to steal his attention, and for once, she had his focus. She hesitated for a moment, feeling a question on the tip of her tongue. "I… I wanted to ask you something," she began, glancing over at him
"What's that?" Roxas asked, pausing to look at her.
But she suddenly hesitated, brushing off the question with a quick smile. "Never mind. It's not that important… I'll catch you later, though."
"..alright, I'll see you later then" said Roxas as he climbs into the jeep and they drive off
Rogue wonders if she should've asked him earlier or not. But now. Maybe she'll get a chance later
Meanwhile
Back at the X-Mansion, Aqua and Xion were sparring in the Danger Room, their Keyblades clashing in a flurry of light and swift movements. Aqua had the upper hand, her mastery of magic lending her an edge as she skillfully evaded Xion's strikes and countered with precision
Professor X observed them closely from the control room, noting their speed and agility as well as their shared use of magic and weaponry. Watching their movements, he couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their powers and the similarities between the two
Xion had mentioned a name and a number once, revealing just a bit of her mysterious past, and he couldn't shake the feeling there was more to learn. As Aqua moved gracefully in a fluid combination of strikes and spells, he noted to himself to ask her later, when they had time, if she too had a number — and what it might mean
Aqua finally managed to disarm Xion with a swift maneuver, ending the match. She offered Xion a warm smile, extending a hand to help her up
"Your form's improved a lot," Aqua said, helping Xion to her feet. "You almost had me a few times there."
Xion gave a slight smile, nodding. "Thanks, Aqua. It's only because I have you to practice with."
The two left the Danger Room, stepping aside as Jean and Scott entered for their training session. Just as they exited, Professor X approached, his wheelchair gliding smoothly down the hall
"Aqua, if you wouldn't mind, may I have a moment to speak with you in my office?" he asked
Aqua glanced at Xion, who gave her an encouraging smile before heading off down the hall. "Of course," Aqua replied, following Professor X to his office. She took a seat, folding her hands in her lap as she waited for him to begin
Professor X gave her a gentle look as he started. "I wanted to check in and see how you've been adjusting here since you joined us. You seem to have settled in well, though I understand this environment might be quite different from where you're from."
Aqua nodded, and she began choosing her words carefully. "It is... different from my home," she said vaguely, trying to avoid specifics. "But everyone here has been welcoming, and I'm grateful for that."
Professor X acknowledged her answer, his gaze thoughtful. "I do hope you don't mind my curiosity, but I've noticed that you and Xion seem to share a unique set of abilities, something unlike what we typically see among the students here." He paused. "Might I ask if you know why that is?"
Aqua thought for a moment, her mind returning to her friends, Terra and Ventus. "I don't know for sure," she admitted. "But... some of my friends back home had similar abilities." She realized too late that she might have hinted at others with similar powers, but Professor X simply nodded
"Interesting," he replied, picking up on the subtle hint but choosing not to press further. "If I may, one more question." He studied her carefully. "Xion mentioned that she has a number Do you have one as well?"
This caught Aqua slightly off guard as she didn't know about this, so she shook her head. "No, I don't. We… didn't really use numbers."
Professor X's expression turned thoughtful, piecing things together. "I see," he murmured, growing more convinced that Aqua and Xion had a shared history, though he sensed Aqua might not carry the same hidden burden as Xion
"Thank you for your honesty, Aqua," he said, sensing her guardedness but respecting her privacy. "If you ever feel there's something you'd like to discuss, I want you to know that I am here, and you can take all the time you need to feel comfortable."
Aqua smiled, touched by his understanding. "Thank you, Professor. I appreciate that."
He gave her a gentle nod. "Of course. I won't keep you any longer."
Aqua stood, excusing herself politely before leaving the office. Professor X watched her go, his concern for Xion now extending slightly toward Aqua as well, though he decided to give both girls the time they needed
Meanwhile to Roxas
Roxas found himself following the directions Principal Stockholm had scrawled on the note, winding through streets until he arrived at the gritty entrance of a bar. As he stepped inside, the low hum of conversation halted, and heads turned briefly to give him a once-over before returning to their drinks
The bartender, an older man with a grizzled face, looked him up and down skeptically. "Kid, you're a bit young for this place. Better head home."
Roxas held up a hand. "I'm not here to drink," he replied, his tone calm. "I'm just looking for someone."
The bartender raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Someone, huh? Got a name?"
Roxas hesitated, then said, "Victor Creed."
The bartender's eyes narrowed at the mention of the name. He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Not the best choice of company, kid. But if you're really looking, I think I saw him heading up toward the old factory on 5th Street. Might want to reconsider, though."
Roxas gave a polite nod of thanks and turned to leave. But as he walked toward the door, he flicked his wrist, expertly pocketing a small bottle of tequila from the bar's display. Once he was a safe distance away, he took the bottle out, studying it curiously
He wondered what it was about tequila that made people act the way they did after drinking it. "Guess I'll find out later," he muttered, tucking it away with a shrug.
In his mind, he saw the bottle as a potential peace offering. After all, he figured, a gift could go a long way to reduce the chance of hostility from a complete stranger, especially one with a reputation as rough as Victor Creed
As Roxas made his way to the more shady area. Some people gave him stares and some flat out ignored him
Eventually he spots the old factory and sees the apartments where this Victor Creed supposedly lives
And upon entering. The clerk was smoking a cigarette without it a care in the world
"…can I help you?.." said the clerk with disinterest
"…I'm looking for Creed" said Roxas
"Um… dude.. the fucking rat is on the 6th floor at room 5. You'll find him there"
"thanks" Shadow Roxas with a nod
"Go nuts kid. Don't die alone" said the clerk as he starts to read a magazine while dismissively waving his hand catching Roxas slightly off guard
But now Roxas then went into the elevator and pressed the 6th floor button. And when it opened, he made his way to the room. Once finding it he stood outside the door, a tense silence filling the air after his initial knock
From within, he heard a deep, low growl—a sound that made it clear he wasn't exactly welcome. Steeling himself, he knocked once more, hearing the unmistakable click of a lock, though the door didn't open. It was as if he were being dared to step inside
Cautiously, he pushed the door open, peering inside the dimly lit apartment. His eyes quickly locked onto a massive figure with unmistakable wild hair and animalistic features—Sabertooth.
Before Roxas could say a word, Sabertooth grabbed a chair and hurled it directly at him with incredible force. Instinctively, Roxas summoned his Oblivion Keyblade, slicing cleanly through the chair in midair, the pieces clattering to the ground around him
Sabertooth sneered, crossing his arms. "You a suspicious little punk. Why the hell are you here?"
Roxas held up the small bottle of tequila he'd taken from the bar, tossing it over to Sabertooth. Sabertooth caught it, a flicker of amusement crossing his face—until he noticed the letter tied around the neck of the bottle. Raising an eyebrow, he tore it off and opened the note, his expression shifting as he recognized Mystique's handwriting.
"So," he chuckled darkly, reading through the letter. "That bitch sends a kid to do her errands, huh? Guess the old hag's got her hands full." His amusement faded as his gaze sharpened, a dangerous glint appearing in his eyes. "But she wouldn't send just anyone to find me," he growled, his claws extending as he leaned forward, muscles tensing for a fight.
Roxas instinctively summoned both hOathkeeper and Oblivion gripping them firmly as he locked eyes with the feral mutant
Sabertooth then lunged with a savage speed, tackling Roxas straight into the wall. Roxas twisted in his grip, shoving Sabertooth off and rolling to his feet
"I'm not here to fight!" Roxas shouted, keeping his stance defensive
Sabertooth's response was a fierce, toothy grin. "Don't care, kid. I just want the fight!" He charged again, slashing at Roxas, his claws coming dangerously close. Roxas managed to dodge, countering with a quick strike that caught Sabertooth off guard, but it only seemed to spur him on
They clashed repeatedly, each of Roxas's defenses met with Sabertooth's unrelenting attacks. The apartment quickly descended into chaos, furniture broken and debris scattered as they both exchanged blows in the cramped space. Sabertooth swung a wild clawed hand, catching Roxas's sleeve and nearly knocking him off balance.
Just then, a loud, furious banging on the wall cut through their scuffle, followed by an irritated voice from the neighboring apartment.
"YOU ASSHOLES! Enough with the racket in there! Some of us are trying to get some peace!"
Both fighters froze. Sabertooth gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed, and finally muttered under his breath as he facepalmed, "Oh for fucks sake… forgot about the neighbor." He pushed himself up and brushed off the dust from his clothes, shooting a final glare at Roxas. "Alright, kid. Scram before I get in the mood again."
Roxas didn't need to be told twice. He slipped out the door, leaving Sabertooth to his tequila to make his way our of the apartment builidng
Back out on the street, Roxas took a breath, adjusting to the fresh air, when suddenly a car came barreling down the road, horn blaring. The driver yelled out the window, "Get off the road, kid!"
Roxas calmly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the speeding vehicle, before continuing his walk back, his mind already turning over the encounter with Sabertooth and Mystique's mysterious request
Roxas wandered through the bustling city, his gaze drifting upward to the towering skyscrapers and neon signs that lit up the streets. The sheer size and constant energy of this place made Twilight Town feel quiet and quaint by comparison
As he took in the sights, he wondered what Axel would think of a world like this. Axel would probably make some sarcastic comment or tease him for getting lost in thought. The thought made Roxas chuckle faintly as he continued along the bustling streets
Passing by a bar, Wolverine, sitting inside nursing a beer, caught a familiar scent in the air. He could tell it was Roxas, but mixed with it was something much less welcome—Sabertooth's scent
His eyes narrowed as he turned to the window, catching a fleeting glimpse of Roxas before he disappeared into the crowd. Wolverine growled, his grip on the glass tightening before he sighed and returned to his drink, so far he didn't seem to be causing trouble. So for now he'll let it slide
Play: Shadow Generations OST – Collection Room
Roxas eventually made his way back to the apartment he was staying in. The experience with Sabertooth was fresh in his mind, and he finally understood what Principal Stockholm meant about Sabertooth being "extremely rude." Roxas dropped onto the couch, letting out a long sigh
Todd and Lance, lounging nearby, took in his disheveled appearance and exchanged curious glances. "Yo dude. Where've you been?" Todd asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yeah, you look like you just went a few rounds," Lance added with a smirk
Roxas shook his head, too tired to get into details. "Trust me, you don't want to know," he muttered, grabbing the remote and flipping on the TV
"the inner machinations of my mind are an enigma"
Lance shrugged, chuckling as he slouched back in his seat, while Todd raised an eyebrow but let it go. As Roxas zoned out, he could still feel the lingering tension from his run-in with Sabertooth, but something about being here, in the company of these friends. Made him relax
To Aqua's dream
Aqua found herself on a vast, quiet beach that stretched endlessly into the distance, its sands a cool shade of blue under the fading sunlight. The ocean was calm, each wave whispering as it touched the shore, as though it carried secrets from far-off places. The sky above was painted in hues of pink, purple, and gold, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. She felt both comforted and unsettled, a strange mix of warmth and emptiness
Ahead, standing close to the shoreline, was Roxas. He was motionless, his back turned to her, looking out toward the horizon. His silhouette, partially framed by the light of the setting sun, looked solitary and distant. His head was slightly bowed, a quiet sadness etched into his posture. Aqua's heart ached at the sight, a longing stirring within her.
"Roxas…" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. The moment she said his name, he seemed to shift slightly, as though he heard her, but he didn't turn. She felt an urgency she couldn't explain, a desperate need to reach him, to close the distance between them. She began walking toward him, her feet sinking softly into the sand with each step
"Please… don't go," she called, louder this time, her voice filled with an ache that resonated through her entire being. But with each step she took, Roxas seemed to drift further away, like he was caught in an unseen current pulling him toward the horizon
The beach around her grew colder, and the sky began to dim, the colors fading into shades of gray. Her heart raced, and she quickened her pace, but it felt like the sand beneath her feet was slowing her down, each step heavier than the last. She reached out her hand, fingers stretching, her breath catching in her throat
"Roxas, wait!" she pleaded, her voice breaking as she felt the distance between them widen. He looked so alone, so unreachable, and her chest tightened with the fear of losing him. Every part of her screamed to close the gap, to hold him close and make him stay, but it was like he was slipping further and further away
Finally, just as her fingertips grazed where he should have been, Roxas began to fade, his form turning to mist against the now-darkened sky. Aqua fell to her knees in the sand, feeling the sting of tears as they blurred her vision.
"Please… don't leave me here. I… I need you."
But her words faded into the emptiness, swallowed by the vast, silent shore. She was alone, the ocean and the sky stretching endlessly around her. The emptiness was suffocating, pressing into her chest until she felt as though she might break
In the distance, the ocean waves continued their quiet, haunting melody, carrying her words away as she sat there, feeling hollow and lost
Dream end
And then, as if the loneliness itself had pulled her from the dream, she opened her eyes in her room, the memory of the beach and Roxas's fading silhouette lingering painfully in her heart. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her pillow, as if trying to hold onto a piece of him, even if it was only a dream. Her cheeks were damp, and her breathing was unsteady.
Gazing into the darkness, she whispered to the silence, "I wish… I could hold you. And never let go."
To be Continued
So in the next chapter. Will be the introduction of Spyke. And the way I see it. I think Aqua and Xion would once again take center stage
And as of now. Yes I'm aware a lot people don't have much of presence compared to the previous chapter
But I thought this filler would be a nice way to jump between Roxas, Rogue, Aqua, and Xiong's lives in skewl
Trivia
1: For spooky day. I have dressed as a Hotdog
2: I cut out 2 portions of this filler as I don't think they fit too well. And here's what they were
I was going to have Rogue accompany the trio back to their apartment. But really the only reason why she'd stick around there is because of Roxas. And he would go to find Sabertooth
The other was there was supposed to be a session where Todd gets himself and Roxas into trouble with some New York Thugs in a different sense. But the way it went in my own opinion felt like a Family Guy cutaway joke with a removed punchline
3: I've binged the 90s Batman show lately. And it's so fun to watch
4: Well. 5 chapters in and 35 favs. If anything. This makes my day a lot. Thank you
5: I have listened to Jack Stauber for this nonstop. Because why not?
So like it? Hate it? Got anything to say or suggest?
Plz leave a review. It helps me a lot, with motivation-so Until then everyone :)