A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

Roxas frowned as he picked up yet another sword, testing it's weight and sighing. It wasn't the same. Oathkeeper was part of a pair - it couldn't be paired by just any sword. It had to be Oblivion.

Setting down the weaponry, ignoring the marketer's eager look, he stepped away from the table, looking about aimlessly. And what was he going to get Axel?! Even though he was with the red-head he had no idea what he might want to keep that he wouldn't claim as silly or useless. He hesitated, seeing some necklaces and ring but bit his lip trying not to imagine the red-head goading him endlessly about some overly-sentimental gift.

Ugh! This was more difficult then it should be! He stomped off down the bazaar, agitated and the pain in his throbbing hand - now wrapped - doing little to ease his bad temper. Maybe he should just get him something special to eat.

Nodding as if that was truly a good idea he started to make his way out of the bazaar when he froze, seeing something that made his eyes gleam. Wait... that was perfect!


Deep blue eyes looked over the beautiful body spread out in his lap, wondering things silently. How long would Ventus be his? Until the day he died or perhaps just until tomorrow? Their future was uncertain and unwritten and even beyond the shadow spirit, he knew better than to think things couldn't change in but an instant. And what of himself? A fool pretended the future did not exist, a wise man feared it.

His fingers, wet from the stream, ran gently through blonde locks and around his ear in a simple, loving caress, the cold droplets making the body shiver against his. He lent forward, his eyes suddenly more passionate as he brushed a simple kiss against pale lips, looking deep into sapphire eyes, "Ventus... " He whispered, "I love you."


"Aahhhhh Axel! You're trying to kill me!" Soran cried, stooping over and holding his gurgling stomach. How was he supposed to be expected to waste all that energy?! His mentor snapped at him to stop whining and Soran straightened, pouting just a little before his eyes narrowed in determination.

He looked about him before locking onto the nearest lantern. "Alright." He rose his hands, extending on his index and middle finger, the tips glowing. When he got the call to begin he did, shooting off an experimental fire dagger. The shot of flame flew and snuck into the little space, catching the wick inside aflame and started to glow happily.
He grinned. He did it! Axel snapped at him to hurry up and the brunette jumped before he twisted, shooting dagger after dagger across the field at the various lanterns, counting them off.

[Rikugurl]

A young woman was sitting patiently in her beautiful festival clothes as she watched people walk by her booth. It was the last day of the Fire Festival and many things were on sale all around. It wasn't common for people to buy the sort if thing she was selling though, as weapons and more decorative items, along with toys, were more popular. She blinked though as a shadow came over her stand and she looked at the blonde who was looking at her broaches.

"Oh, hello." He sweet voice rang out as some of her curly black hair fall onto her pale face. Her eyes were almost the same color as his and her lips were plump and natural. Maybe her items weren't selling because everyone was too busy gawking at her!
"My papa makes these all year with special rocks you can only find in the depths of volcanoes. They are very rare and beautiful. If you have any questions, please allow me to answer them." She gave him a smile, seeing that he had an eye on one in particular. "That design," She started as she turned to eyes to the broach, "is a very famous one for Fire benders. Dragons of course showed us the way of firebending so it is an honor to wear them on sleeves and chests."


Big blue eyes looked into the deep in an innocent wonder, thinking about what was running through Terra's mind. The eyes closed though when a hand came up and he could feel the cold droplets over his pale skin, making the flesh twitch. He was brought into one of the softest kiss he had ever had, feeling the emotion behind it and how strong it was. His own wet and cold fingers ran up the strong torso before him before curving over the tanned shoulders and around Terra's neck.

His eyes opened slowly, looking into Terra's and couldn't help the soft intake of air as he heard the words on his lips. He could feel his cheeks heat up and the flight of butterflies in his stomach, his head even feeling a bit dizzy but he put it all behind him as he replied. "I love you too... Terra."


"FIVE!" Axel cried out in aggravation as Soran stalled with the first lantern. He watched carefully as shot after shot landed perfectly and he timed everything in his head. Suddenly, Soran was looking back at him and he was about to snap again when he realized.... all the lanterns were lit and glowing softly. All were intact and in the same place he had put them.
"W-wow...." He whispered as he stood by shook his head. "Good job..." As he walked down towards the boy, he heard the Avatar ask how long it took and the redhead grinned. "Oh, 42 seconds..." He laughed when he heard a huge sigh and the beginning of a complaint but stopped when a lanky arm wrapped around his shoulder. "Did I say 42 seconds? I meant 21~"

[Reno]

"An honor, huh?" Roxas murmured softly, picking up the pendant with care. the single eye of the dragon had a little glittering red gem in it that shined handsomely under the sun and it;s long snake-like body was twisted elegantly around the flame-symbol that detonated the Fire Nation. He ran his finger over the fine craftsmanship of the onyx trinket, and then smiled. "I would like this one please. And do you happen to have any chains for it?"

Precisely ten minutes later, Roxas was walking out of the bazaar proudly, stringing a simple silver chain though the loop at the tip of one of the dragon's wings, clasping it together before carefully placing it in his pocket.

He couldn't wait to see Axel again!


Joy zinged through Terra's nerves like a static shock, and the brunette answered the other's adoring statement with his lips, pressing theirs together firmly and passionately. His hands held the back of the other's head to pull him deeper and lingered there for awhile, but soon they slowly crept down the other's body, over delicate shoulder blades and and rigid spine, over the gentle dip of his tail bone and down and around the soft curves of his ass. There he paused again before, with a tug, he brought their hips together.
They pulled away with a gasp, Ventus seeming a bit overcome, but Terra only smiled tenderly, his gaze encouraging as he spoke, "Tonight you will be mine."


"R-Really?!" Sora's eyes glowed with happiness as he grinned up at Axel. "Well I shouldn't be surprised, I have a wonderful teacher~" He chuckled at the other's slight embarrassment and cheered, "Yes, now it's suppertime!"
There was a happy bark from the stands - Invidia couldn't agree more!

[Rikugurl]

An arm reached up and Maipe landed on it carefully, the redhead chuckling when the dragon hawk started to pick at his hair. "Alright, alright~" He laughed, holding up a piece of meat for the bird of prey to eat.
Dinner was already sprawled out over the small camping area and Axel along with Soran were happily eating away at the food. Maipe had sent for the others, letting them know they were finished. As they waited, the two decided to catch up and get to know each other a little better.

"It's still very peculiar how everyone is interested in the same gender. I thought it was a bit strange that the princess wasn't interested in me but now everyone seems to be going that way." Axe chuckled in between bites. "And you really shocked me today, Avatar. I didn't think you had it in you to express yourself to Riku. I guess it's kind of reassuring that even such a powerful being as yourself... has a place in their heart for love too." A gentle smiled was shared between the two but ended when they heard the sound of someone coming over. Green eyes picked up and his face lit up when he realized it was Roxas. "Have fun?" He asked as the blonde walked over, handing him his meal.

Their chat expanded to what their training was like and as Roxas was about to eat, Axel reached out and grabbed the blonde's wrist. "Your hand..." He said in concern, touching it softly. "Are you alright?"

[Reno]

Bowl already empty, Invidia laid on the ground contently, tipping it over with a paw to lick at the remnants, not too interested in the upbeat conversation the two people were having. "Heh, well... What can I say? I adore him." Soran was saying, a blush gracing his cheeks as he thought of the silverette he had kissed just this morning. He looked over too though when he heard someone approaching, finding it to be the warrior. "'Ello Rox!" He called enthusiastically.

Surprisingly, Roxas seemed to be in a good mood and when he spotted Axel, he practically bounced to his side, thanking the other with a kiss when he was given his plate. "It was alright." He said, "Terra trained us on our reflexes and teamwork. Ven and I happened to do pretty splendidly if I do say so myself!"

As he picked up his chopsticks though, he was surprised when Axel's hand caught his and he blinked, then blushed a bit in shame. "Well..." He grinned then, "I have excellent reflexes, but a horrible memory." When the two looked at him imploringly, Roxas told them to story about how he had forgotten about Oblivion and stupidly decked a rock that had been flying for him during practice.

"Ven told me to try and find another sword to replace it but I couldn't find one that balanced Oathkeeper."

[Rikugurl]

Axel frowned, hearing about how the blonde injured himself. "That must of hurt..." Gently, he let the wrist go and started to eat again. "Even if you did find a sword that matched the weight, it still wouldn't do you any good. Those swords are more than just weapons, they're a part of who you are." Axel said wisely, nodding some. "You won't be able to truly find a match because nothing can ever amount to the missing piece. They belong together.... like us~" Axel grinned, leaning in and nipping at Roxas's ear, making him blush.

They continued their meal, Maipe pecking at Axel or Roxas to get another bite. However, then the two boys reached the midway of their meal, they all paused and glanced around.
"Where's Terra and Ventus? I would of thought the way that guy eats, he could smell food from a mile away." He looked down at the hawk who was stealing another piece of meat but bounced away quickly when he was caught. "You did call for them right?" The redhead inquired and the bird looked at little shy, his head tilting some as if it was a touchy matter.

Green eyes blinked when Roxas filled them in that when he left to find a sword, the other two said they were going to get washed up at the stream. Instantly, Soran started to become worried, spewing out babble that they might of gotten attacked and hurt and---
"Soran! I think they're fine. They probably just wanted some alone time... like the kind of alone time Roxas and I had back at my house...."
Thankfully, that underlying statement went RIGHT over the bald head of the Avatar.

[Reno]

Or in the forest, Roxas silently added, his cheeks darkening in a light blush glad Soran seemed to have no clue what they meant. Or, as he sometimes thought, perhaps he played more innocent then he truly was to spare them the mortification. Who knew.

He really had to wonder when, conveniently, as they reached the end of their meals Sora took a short leave from them with Invidia, saying he was off to go and get some dessert. Any other time, Roxas might of been right at his side, his sweet tooth begging for something with an overload of sugar but instead, he appreciated the alone time he managed to grab with the red-head.

His stomach twisting nervously, he nibbled on his bottom lip before setting his plate down determinedly, looking up at Axel almost shyly. "Axel?" The red-head looked at him curiously. Roxas looked at him, his cheeks turning pink before he smiled. "I have a gift for you~"

Green emeralds blinked at him curiously and then widened a fraction when the blonde lent in and kissed him. It didn't take much coaxing before the other was kissing back, removing his plate from his hands in exchange for bringing Roxas closer. The red-head was so caught up as their tongues danced lightly together, he didn't hear the soft jungle of the chain - or if he did, assumed it was Roxas' necklace. A gentle, strange weight thumped against his chest as Roxas's hands wrapped around the back of his neck, the click of the clasp inaudible - but he certainly felt the cold feel of metal dropping onto his neck made him pull away in surprise and reach for the strange piece of metal.
The blonde seemed uncertain now; he had given very few gifts in his life. "I hope you like it."

[Rikugurl]

For probably the first time in Axel's life, he had eaten most of his dinner. It was probably because he was distracted with their conversation and of course the little bit that Maipe helped. He watched as Soran left with the prissy dog and thought nothing of it... except he knew Soran wasn't going to find anything 'sweet' here, making him chuckle wickedly to himself but paused when he heard his name called. "Hmm?" He blinked, glancing over at the blonde warrior before his eyes widened at the sudden kiss. "M-mmmmm~" The exotic narrow eyes closed when the kiss became a bit deeper and he blindly placed his bowl down, not caring if the hawk pulled it away with his beak before finishing the rest.

His arms wrapped around the smaller, bringing him close to share his unusual heat. Their wet muscles passed over each others in a passionate dance, their head tilting to be able to taste more of the other's mouth. "Nnnnnngh~~" Lips parted for seconds, catching their breath before they collided again. It didn't progress much further for Axel suddenly felt a cold weight on his collarbone and pulled away. As Roxas slowly parted, bony fingers reached down and held the pendent up so his green eyes could see just exactly what it was.

He stared down at the charm, silent as he studied it. Finger pads ran over the fine rock that made the dragons eye and the backing behind the iron and onyx. He was silent for quite some time, probably making Roxas more nervous than he already was but what really must of made his heart twist was the sudden drops of tears that started to slide down the dark tattoos on the Sun Warrior's face.


As Soran was headed back to camp, he accidentally ran into some familiar faces. Familiar as in Terra and Ventus.
"Oh.... h-hey Soran..." The air master spoke softly, a heavy blush on his face. "So-sorry we're late... I uh.... hurt my leg when we were training.... I think I sprained something but.... Terra.... can fix it by tomorrow." He blushed more when the Avatar came over, looking at his ankles. "Ah! The swelling went down a lot.... cause I soaked it and... that's why we're late! We had to walk slow and rest... a bit." He chuckled nervously, not exactly good at making up lies...

[Reno]

"Ah! A-Axel!" Roxas called seeing the other's tears. He... He hadn't meant to make him sad! Wow, he had to have a special sort of talent to make someone cry from a gift. He reached out, placing his hands over Axel's where he held the pendant lowering them some "I-I'm sorry," He stuttered uncertainly, reaching out and wiping away some of the tears. "I just wanted to make you feel special."


Beside him, Terra was grinning, having to struggle not to laugh at the ridiculous sounding string of lies. Luckily, Soran bought it, his innocent nature unable to piece together the real reason for Ven's limp. "Oh well okay. come on your guys' food is probably getting cold!"

As they started to walk back he glanced back in worry as he saw the blonde limping, "You know you really probably shouldn't be on it if it hurts. Terra maybe you should carry him."
"Oh no that's not necessaRRRRY!" Ven cried when he was suddenly swept up in strong arms, Terra grinning happily.
"Well I don't mind," He said, giving the other a kiss and making him blush as they continued back to camp.
And Soran, somewhat ahead of them, just smiled slyly. They might think he was pleasantly fooled, but who was the one who just got Terra to sweep Ven right off his feet?

[Rikugurl]

There was a sounded gulp as Axel felt the fingers whip away his tears. He hadn't even realized he was crying. All he could feel was the painful knot in his chest. One of pure happiness and insecurity. No one had ever given him something... for him to have. Something that was selfless and caring. He never understood 'it's the thought that counts' but now... now he knew what it all felt like... and he had no idea how to handle it. Being secluded for nearly nineteen years wasn't easy and being socially awkward around someone your heart cared for was harder yet. How could he ever explain this to...

"R-Roxas..." His voice cracked some, making him sniff back some loose nasal drip. "Just... having.... you with me....make me feel special." More tears started to form in his eyes before he grabbed the warrior and hugged him close, his shoulders shaking as his eyes closed and the built up tears were released. "Thank you...." He whispered through his wet lips. "I....I love it.... and I love you Roxas...."


Ventus flailed a bit when he was pulled up, his blush completely taking up his face now. He glanced up at the tanner brunette and smiled, wrapping his arms around his neck. It was a shame. He really wanted to train with everyone but... this was much nicer!
Their chipper walk back to the camp ended when they arrived, seeing the scene between the two warriors. Was Axel....crying?
Ventus's face became saddened as he and the two brunettes shared a glance.

[Reno]

"Oh Axel..." Feeling touched, Roxas arms reached up to return the embrace, holding the other in a tight grip. A special talent indeed... "I love you too." He ran his fingers soothingly through Axel's hair not noticing they were no longer alone, an audience watching their intimate situation.

"Maybe we should come back later?" Terra murmured softly.
"I think that would be wise." Soran said in return and quietly the four slipped away and back down the alley.
"I wonder what that was all about?" The tall brunette murmured aloud, seeming quite confused.
"Well I'm not sure," Soran said with a peculiar frown, "All I know is is Roxas seemed quite excited about something and I knew he wanted to talk to Axel alone... I can't imagine what he might of said!"

[Rikugurl]

"Hehehehe, maybe they go engaged!" Ventus joked as he leaned into Terra's body, starting to feel a little sleepy. He wasn't hungry at all... just comfortable and content.


In the morning, they all found out why Axel and Roxas had made faint noises in the night under their blanket. Well... not that much detail but they could see the beautiful pendant that the firebender wore around his neck. It was everything that he stood for. His love and honor of a dragon and his patriotism for the Fire Nation. He wore it proudly and let no cloth obstruct anyone from seeing it. They ate their leftovers, which was a very honorable meal for the day they set out to confront the Shadow Spirit, Vanitas.
Sarcasm all the way...

Ventus's ankle miraculously healed well over the night and he was able to walk quite fine, getting some morning exercise out of the way before meditating while the rest of the group started to think of a game plan.
"So, that cave is our first spot to check, huh?" Axel asked as Roxas started to explain where it was. "Well, that might be the reason why Master Xehanort was so close with the Spirit if it lived so close by. Interestingly enough, this would be the second... well technically third Spirit to live by royalty. Is it because of the power they possess?"

[Reno]

"Well maybe..." Sora said with a curious frown. "Or maybe just to watch over them? The chief of the water tribe is the most influential person; they can change laws with just a word. Maybe Yue and La watch them to make sure they do nothing to disrespect the moon, the ocean and the art of waterbending? But that doesn't really explain why Vanitas is there?"
"Well, the same reason." Terra responded. "The ruler isn't only usually the most influential, but also the most powerful. There, the spirit who banished him there probably hoped to keep him imprisoned there. Of course that is assuming he is actually there."
There were some nods - but there was still the trouble of their battle plan...

"Well," Roxas finally spoke, "There wasn't much room down there."
"We're going to need some way to see. Axel can lead the way down I suppose, but what if it comes down to a fight down there?" Terra pointed out as well. "I can't imagine there are any lights down there."
Axel spoke up then, telling then that if Xehanort visited down there, no doubt there would be a lantern. It was normal for a lantern to be mounted on the wall of explored caves. Ven and Roxas knew this to be true, having found one in every cave they had explored inside of. They usually were not far from the entrance.

"Well...." Soran started, "I'm hoping it WON'T come down to the fight. I want to try and talk to him first, maybe I can calm him down."
"Calm down a spirit?" Roxas rose a skeptical eyebrow.
The Avatar nodded. "Yes. It's my duty. It's not like... not like I can kill him - even if he is mortalized."

[Rikugurl]

"Aaaaaaaand, because we are monks as well." They heard a voice behind them and looked back to see Ventus walking over with his staff. "Soran and I grew up being taught that violence is never the answer. Violence is from anger and Elder Monk said: 'Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.'" He gave a proud nod but Axel just rolled his eyes and stood, slowly getting on his armor. "Well Soran better be damn good at making speeches..."
"Oh! He's the best! All the monks said that he would be a wonderful traveler as his faith was strong and his message even stronger. He is the best speaker I have ever heard!" Ventus guaranteed, making the Avatar blush as he too started to get ready.

"Alright then... so he can sway mortals but what about Spirits?" Axel inclined, tightening some strings around his waist and clamping some iron down to hold his breastplate in place.
"Spirits are deeply moved too, you know?" Ventus frowned, crossing his arms over his staff before his blue eyes looked around the area. "Hey, where is Maipe?" He questioned but Axel was quick to answer it. "I sent him back to the Northern Water Tribe to make sure Aqua and Riku got their safely."


Some pebbles fell down the rocky slop, some eyes watching as they fell, and fell, and fell until they reached their doom in the jagged rocks and strong currents below. "That's it there." The air master pointed, his tattooed arrow easily showing the way to the cave that was further down.
"Well... let's look at it this way. We can die before we can even get to the cave."
"Ah, that won't be necessary!" Ventus chuckled as he flicked his wrist, Soran doing the same and both their gliders formed. "We can glide down there and you can take our waists."
"Well, I won't wait up for you guys then~" Axel grinned, making everyone give him a curious look... and yelped as a blast of fire shot from his feet and he was flying down towards the cave.

Ventus chuckled, hearing Roxas say something about showing off. "Alright, let's go!"

OOC: I'm not going to be on today (9/10/2010) because I got no sleep last night. Again. So when I get home, I will be taking some sleep aid and hopefully get a good night sleep. Hope you're doing well and getting far in BBS. I played some in the middle of the night since I couldn't sleep, started Terra's story and hate his voice and the controls! D: I wish I did Ven first...

[Reno]

"Hmph, the least he could of done was take me with him!" Roxas grumbled angrily, crossing his arms in irritation. Behind his head, Ven and Sora shared a playful grin before they backed away.
"Ah, sorry Rox. Don't worry we can join in on the fun." Sora chirped before he and Ven shot forward at once.
"Wha-?! WAH!" The poor warrior cried in surprise as he was grabbed by either arm and thrown over the edge!!

"H-HEY!" He called in panic, as he scrambled for purchase in thin air, but he had nothing to worry about as the two air benders came flying right after him and spinning around him again and again like a tornado. A circle of wind curled around him keeping him hovering in between the gliders and it was easy enough to right himself. But as they started to turn around to go circling down to the cove, the two did something daring as the wind pressured Roxas down to the glider underneath his feet and, with some call of shock, two feet were placed on top of the wooden staff of Ven's glider. The wind around him seemed to change - no longer being bended but simply the natural flow. He wheeled his arms a bit but found it easy to keep his balance.
"You're air surfing!" Soran chirped now flying close beside him, keeping a close eye so that he wouldn't fall. Ven called up from underneath, asking Roxas if he liked it.

Like it...? It was... exhilarating!
"Haha! I love it!" He answered cheerfully, "And you guys can do this whenever you want? You're so lucky!"
Sora glanced at Roxas in surprise, before finally smiling. When they first met, he couldn't imagine Roxas complimenting a bender's art for the life of him. It seemed all that rage and hate was gone now.

They zigzagged down to the cliff before jumping off and landing next to Axel the ride, in Roxas' opinion, much too short. Just as Sora and Ven were getting ready to fly back up and retrieve Terra, they found he was coming down to meet them on his own.
"Honestly, you guys are too much, showing off like that." Terra was saying as he walked down the cliff, earth protruding from underneath his feet as he calmly created his own staircase down.

When Axel spoke up however he froze, hearing the red-head speak about how he wouldn't understand because you had to be cool to show off and he was definitely any but. Blue eyes narrowed challenging, the twenty feet in between him and the cliff seeming immense. For a moment they thought he was going to turn back but instead, Terra swooshed out his arms and about mid-way distance and height wise a thin, long piece of smooth rock jutted out. It almost reminded one of a spear with it's arrowhead buried into the rock of the mountain.

Ven who happened to know Terra didn't prefer heights, especially not ones that also included a watery grave was shocked when the brunette leaped forward. His staff was gripped about to fly and save him - but Terra shocked them all a second time when he grabbed his man-made 'bar' his momentum swinging him one full turn and a half around it. At the half, Terra let go and pulled himself up into a neat flip, carrying him the rest of the way and his feet hit the stone ground of the cliff without fail. He straightened up and brushed himself off, saying a sarcastic, "Tah-dah."

What he didn't expect was applause to greet him.

But soon enough all the fun and games had to end as they turned to face the dark cave. It made some of them shiver. Terra and Axel shared a glance before they descended first - determined to protect the Avatar, as well as their blonde lovers. Behind them Ven walked, his eyes narrowed in determination to be a good guardian - and sandwiched between him and Roxas, who took up the rear, was Sora looking apprehensive but unafraid.