Up, Up, and Away

[Reno]

Roxcas laughed, snugglign against Axel momentatily. He was a cuddle-lover at heart. Horrible as that was. Sometimes when he was in the cuddle mood and Axel wasn;t around... well poor Xio got to be cuddled and he never liked thta very much. felines hated to be held.

And he was just sadistic enough not to let go.

Speaking of said fire-lion, the other was yipping to get there attention. Roxas understood. He glanced towards Axel, seeing that the other was resigning himself... for food!

He rolled his eyes. Figured. He stepped away, carefully getting into the boat, feeling it sway a bit before he sat down.


Sora looked at him, then grinned, bursting into laughter. "Ahh, can i come?!" he joked.


Aqua smirked. Sweet payback. "His name is Roxas, Venny." she repeated, just to grate on the other's nerves. "And like i said, Sora's nobody - all ferocity, and no mercy. He's the side that Sora could have been if the mastwer had decided to destroy the worlds rather then save them." She chuckled faintly. "and then there's Riku, Sora's weakness."

The camera panned not long after to the faraway island, the screech coming in and out of focus before finally getting a shot of the silver-haired male. "Former member of the darkness who, apparently, can still utilize those powers he's not one to underestimate." Aqua straightened then nodded. "IIf we plan our attack correctly, we should attempt to take out roxas and riku as quickly as possible, or even seperate them. once riku;s down Sora will lose control and become sloppy and Axel will be easy pickings from there. Not a hard fight - i don;t see how ANY of them could save anything."

Terra's eyes narrowed as he looked from one to the next. Aqua was right to warn them from Roxas and Riku... but soemthign about Sora and Axel struck a chord. They weren't going to be all fluff and bunnies. Sora had saved the universe - too many tiems to count. And Axel was a sneaky, tricky bastard who was a traitor to the organization for monthes without anyone ever realizing it. They were all dangerous.

[Rikugurl]

Axel sighed as he walked over to the boat. Think happy thoughts... He swallowed as he stepped in, the boat wobbling. "EEEEEEEEEEE" He shivered as he quickly sat down. His eyes were wide... but he made it. Reaching back, he untied the boat and took the ores. Slowly he started to paddle. This was how you do it right?

Xio sat at the front of the boat, not more brave about water. He let the wind blow through his mane and smelt the ocean air. Now... this was much better.


Riku grinned softly. "You know I wouldn't mind... but we have company." He nodded over to the three coming towards them now. "Let me take another shower and I'll make dinner for all of us." He kissed Sora's cheek before heading back to the house.

Everything was done and over with... for now... but Riku couldn't shake off the Darkness that came out of no where... and what was that ripple?


Ven growled. "Hey, what the fuck! You fucking call me that one more time you bitc--" His mouth was covered quite quickly by the leader and he slightly calmed down. Frickin always on PMS... he should be the one talking...

He sat back in his chair more. Everyones information was around the main viewing. Blue eyes scanned each one as he sat in silence. He, like Terra didn't think than any of the should be over looked. Each had a different power to them... and it was powerful.

"Well..." He finally broke the silence, which wasn't new for Ven. "I think our best bet it to take out Xio first since he is the weakest and only emotion is attached to him. Then we should kidnap Axel. That way, Roxas' emotions will get the best of him which will set off Sora. Then we should take Riku, making Sora even more emotional." He nodded, thinking it through.

[Reno]

Roxas grinned, leaning back cotnentedly, watching Axel row. "See? It;s not so bad now is it." As logn as Axel felt like he had some control of what was going on he would be fine. Xio would be alright too. the little animal, was, afterall, the first to get in the boat.


Sora grinned, but shook his head, watching the other. He didn;t want Riku to cook... so maybe he would give it a shot anyways.

and burn the house dfown in the process.

The smile fell. Okay he'll make the drinks! smile time again! yeah paopu drinks!

He waited on the beahc until The boat got to the dock. "Yuo guys made it!" he joked.


Terra was quiet, listening to his subordinates talk about what they 'should' do, taking both plan into consideration as he surveyed the footage. His eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"No." He said simply to both plans. "Sora would constantly get in our way if we even tried to concentrate our attacks on Rikus and Axel would become a problem if we went for Roxas. Neither will work. Axel is cunning he would not be easily captured and Riku is the type to not be held. Taking out the weakest first - an animal's plan but not ours." He straightened. "There are five of them and three of us. thats two for two and one for one. the strongest teams are Riku and Sora and Axel and Roxas.

They need to be split and we will in a sneak attack. Sora is a main problem in this plan - he can fight with anyone and compensate when he is alone - he is the one that we must seperate from the others, it is his friends that give him strength and will be easiest without it. Riku and Roxas therefore can be a different team. they have the least compatabilty with each other, they fight constantly and won;t work as a team. That leaves Xio with Axel - double the fire power." He glanced towards Aqua - her name suddenly taking a whole new meaning. "they're yours." Axel and Xio wouldn;t stand a chance against the woman;s magical prowess - especally since her speacilty was the element they haetd the most. Water.

He looked at Ven - the boy was strong but a bit foolhardy. Making him fight two already foolhardy teens could be a disaster. "Ven you will fight Sora." Sora would be a challenge all himself - besides Ven always liked the one-on-one matchups. "and i will hadnle Riku and Roxas."

That was that, the leader's plan was on the table. He had spoken.

[Rikugurl]

"No... but I still don't like it." He pouted as he rowed more. At least the ocean was back to its old self. It was a beautiful color, a color that he had never seen before... except... somewhere...
Riku! It was the color of Riku's eyes. HAHA, he was smart.

Xio too enjoyed seeing the little wish swimming in the water. There were sea shells and other pretty things below that he could see easily.

Once they got to the dock, Xio jumped off, making the boat wobble horribly. That made Axel cling to the blonde... which made the blonde have to care the freakishly long man off the boat.


The sunset put the mood for the dinner which was some nice smoked fish and greens. It was amazingly good but Sora already knew how wonderful Riku's cooking was.
Riku was dressed in casual clothes now, just a loose t-shirt and jeans, his hair a mess from all the showering and not bothering to comb it out again.

Axel and Roxas were given more clothes to wear. It did drop a few degrees in the house when the sun was going down. Outside was still a nice hot. Axel wore one of Riku's old shirts that he didn't need anymore, just a simple black button down. Roxas wore some of Sora's old clothes that fit perfectly.

With yummy food and ridiculously yummy drinks to go along with it, the dinner with the two was actually quite nice. It was like a double date that went smooth. Axel smiled at how quaint and small the wooden house was. He thought it was a bit too snug but it was perfect for the two... seeing that they could live closer than him and Roxas... who still had more fights than Axel wanted.

Axel and Roxas needed their space at times.
Riku and Sora, not so much.

After dinner, Riku washed the dishes as Roxas and Sora caught up. Axel kept Xio entertained in the living room. Their bed was up for offer but Axel decided against it... not knowing what exactly might be on that bed. Riku picked that up and stated that he had washed everything the day before. The night before was in question and Riku bluntly stated that they never reached the bed the night before.

Still, Riku found another alternative. They could sleep outside. Not in a rude way of course. There were a few nights where him and Sora slept outside. It was nice in the summer. It was warm all throughout the night and they could look up at the clear night sky, at all the starts. Axel liked that idea and Sora happily showed them to the secluded part of the island in the back where few people went. He didn't want them to be woken up by some kids in the morning.


Axel sighed as he laid in the sand, looking up at the stars and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Xio slept on a low trunk, his tail waving in the warm breeze. Now this was paradise.

[Reno]

A home cooked meal - not burned or soggy, not tasteless or sweet, not too spicy, not to sour. The dinner was well hell perfect. Why the fuck didn;t he marry Riku?!

Oh yeah, cause he had an instatiable appeitte for pyro redheads that did... stuff to him. But, still they needed to let the silver-haired male cook more often.

When Sora and Roxas were 'catching up' they were really were. they were sharing everything, from happy memroeis with their lovers, to the little fights, to embaressing moments - many of their talks were overheard by both significant others and they got quite a tongue lashing for sharing it with, as Axel proclaimed it to be, 'The World'. Must be a small one.

And Riku had looked almost vandalized when he had frankly stated 'Sora and I never made it to the bed last ngith - it;s safe trust me' and moments later Roxas had burst into laughter. Said silver-haired male had sora a glare that said 'what have you been telling him?!' Sora could onyl grin sheepishly, apologectically shrugging, and blush.

Thats when, sensing an impending arguement rolling over the waves, roxas and Axel easily took the otpion of the stars versus the bed.

Besides roxas knew from experience that make-up sex was the best and it was not to be inturrepted.


The blonde was farther away from Axel - not by too much, but enough to stretch out his arms and legs freely without hitting the other. He was moving his arms and legs rythmetically, making a 'sand angel'. He smiled. "We can make a sand castle tommorrow." he offered.

Hell what was stopping the from doing it now?!

[Rikugurl]

Riku had enough action... for a day and night. Nothing was going to be 'made' up. When the two left the house, Riku quickly looked around the house, making sure it was completely safe. He still had a bad itch about things... but it would wait till tomorrow.

He yawned as he pulled of his shirt and jeans, now only in some nice satin, black boxers that his mother had given him for Christmas. The bed looked like a castle to him and quickly got under the blankets.
"Hey Sora." He called softly from the room, not too sure what the other was doing. "You know... those two aren't so bad after all..."


"Yea, if some stupid water doesn't destroy it. Water is evil~~~" Axel said in a sleepy manner. He too had had enough excitement for one day... should of just stayed in the Pride Lands.

He almost fell asleep instantly the moment he closed his eyes.

The night continued quietly... until...
another ripple.
It happened too deep in the night for anyone to take notice unless there were late owls.

These... ripples in the worlds and space were to trigger events. The first was to bring the three to Destiny Island so that all of them would be together. The second was to show the different powers and styles of them all. These ripples were all made in the computers in the lab where the group of three resigned. Ven had wired everything into the worlds that connected, being able to manipulate things for their research.

This third ripple was to bring out memories of those that were once lost. These memories would seem like dreams and be recorded for more data on each profile. It's good to know your opponent from the inside out.

Axel stirred in his sleep, turning to cup his lover in the sand. He soon went into deep sleep.

There was a circular room with very high chairs. The symbol of the Nobodies was high and strong. Twelve figures in black suits sat upon these chairs.
"Everyone" One spoke. "I want to introduce to you our newest member."
At that sudden, a figure appeared at the bottom on the floor.
"Organization Memeber Number XIII"

The figure was smaller than the rest, obviously the youngest... on both cases.
One of the figures on the chair looked down at the other, cocking his head a bit. There was... something about this new member...
"Who would like to teach our newest member a few pointers?"
"I will" The one said with the cocked head.
"Very well number VIII..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun was setting over Twilight Town. It was a beautiful clear evening and a good day of work taking down Heartless. The red sun was peering down the buildings and at the highest point, two in black jackets where watching.

A redheaded started sitting down, admiring the view.
"Do you know why the sun is red as it sinks below the horizon? It's because among the countless colors compressing light..."
He turned his head to look at the blonde.
"red travels the greatest distance."
The blonde's eyes grew happy, looking out at the sunrise.
"You're just trying to show off Axel!"

A single treat was then handed over to the blonde. A blue rectangle ontop a stick. The blonde looked at the redhead with a questioned look.
"Haha, go on and try it. It's really good Roxas."
The blonde took it, pushing the cold ice into his mouth. His eyes instantly glew as he pulled it out. "Wow! This is the best thing I've ever tasted!" He turned at looked at Axel, that... priceless smile on his face.

Axel stared at it. Something... something... he knew... that face... that smile... these... feelings...
They were two... without hearts... but that smile...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A man in a black jacket stood on the stairs overlooking the streets. He needed some air and sighed as some of it pushed through his long, blue hair. Eyes opened though as he heard footsteps coming down the stairs and off past him. He turned to see the redhead.
"Axel?"
"Hmm?"
"Where are you going?"
"Twilight Town. I promised Roxas I'd go meet him there after the day was done." The thin man winked and continued down the stairs and off into a portal.
The man with blue hair blinked, a questionable look on his face.
"Why is Axel so happy...?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No one would miss me."
"........I would."

Thin fingers gripped onto the blonde in the tropical night. His face buried deep into the back of Roxas's nape and nuzzled it. "Roxas.... God...I love you."


Another blonde was sleeping far away in a place unknown. His head was rested against unnecessarily large abs. Unfortunately, the base wasn't very big. The computer room took up most of the space. There were two extra rooms and a bathroom with a closet sized kitchen... that was it. Since Aqua was the only girl, she of course would have her own room.

Terra wasn't so lucky. He had to sleep in the same room as Ven... in the same bed. Of course, the good thing about Ven when he was sleeping was that he stopped talking. A sleeping Ven was more or less an angel.

A soft snore came from the potty mouth boy. He turned into the heat, the side of his face now plastered onto Terra's abs. Some drool started to trickle down but that was his only offense.

[Reno]

"Oh my," Sora teased from the kitchen, stirring his hot chocolate, sipping at it. He sighed in contentment - chocolate relaxed him, he didn;t know why. But when he felt a little stressed or uptight, it was one of Riku;s secret weapons when he wanted him to loosen up and let go. And other times it was just to make sure he had a good night's sleep - no bad dreams. Even he needed support sometimes. "Has Riku become, socialable?!" He teassed loudly, grinning.

It wasn;t long before the washed the cup, setting it in the drainer, shedding clothes as he went. by the end of it, he had stripped to his boxers, the cool air, making him shiver. He threw the clothers in the blue hamper, snuggling up under the bed, already being happily welcomed into the silver-haired male's arms. He grinned kissing the other softly, letting him taste the chocolate. "G'night Riku." He snuggled down, eyes shutting.

He eventually was lulled to sleep b the soft even breathing of the body next to him.


Roxas, watching Axel fall into slumber, felt his own eyes get heavy. he scotted closer to the other, pressing there bodies flush together, and slowly fell to sleep as well.

The ripple went over them as well.

Riku was lucky it apepared he had no memories he had forgotten. He still had all his.


However... Sora and Roxas? plenty. Castle Oblivion took away too much for Sora to count and Roxas had lost almost all of his in the transaction to the Fake Twilight Town.

Roxas shifted uncomfortably.


Roxas snorted, lowering his head.
"What;s wrong XIII?"
"Noththing Xaldin."
He sent a warming glare Axel's way.
'Ya know what i want' He mouthed but Roxas stubbornly refused with a soft glare. He was tickled in the side again.
He couldn;t stop some of the giggles.
"Weirdos." Larxene mumbled.
"No." Roxas hissed under his breath. "It;s my piece of cake!" he kicked Axel in the shin.
"OW!"
And that was a battle he won.

~~~

"And IIIIIIIIIII will always LOOOOOOVE yoUUUUUUU"
"Shut UP Demyx." Roxas snapped.
Demyx pouting, stopping his strumming. "okay, i'll sing a song you'll LOVE!" His smile turned wicked. "Axel and Roxas sitting in a tree K-I-S-S"
"RARG!" Roxas cried, tackling the other, trying to hide his blush.
No wonder he hadn;t Demyx's singing.

~~~
He had eleven cards – those were good odds right? Ha, ha odds get it?

But back to the point at hand. Roxas had eleven cards – an ace, a two, a ten, a king, a nine, a seven, a three, a six, a queen, an eight and the joker. Axel had a hand to match – minus said joker.

This was going to be a piece of cake.

Axel stretched his arm across the table, Roxas’ face staying emotionless – of course he had no heart so that was expected (made them all real good at BS for that matter) and snatched the card right in the middle. Axel turned it over grin in place –

One that fell seconds later as he stared in horror at the joker spitting its tongue at him. Roxas chuckled and commenced to wipe the floor with him, taking EVERY card but the joker.

“Rargh!” Axel threw the card on top of the pile, Roxas grinning in triumph. “How do you always know?!”

“Because,” Roxas said simply. “You never moved the card from the spot you put it in when you took it from me. It’s like a battle: always keep your eye on the enemy.”

“I hate you.” Axel seethed.

Roxas leant over the table, kissing him lightly on the lips. “Love you too.”

~~~

Roxas looked up sadly, towards the heart shaped moon. He wanted his heart. He wanted it because... "I think i love him." He looked down at the flower he had just massacred - sure it was a stupid ritual... but it filled him with a sense of fake joy when he got 'he loves me' at the end. "Please... i just want my heart."

Roxas shifted in Axel's grip, a fond smile spreading over his features even as a single tear slipped down his face. How could he forget... so much? "Love you too."


Sora twitched, shifting restlessly on the bed, groaning low in his throat.

"Riku!" Sora grinned excitedly, running towards him. "It;s you! you;re here!"
"Why are you so happy to see me?" Riku asked.
"Huh?" his smile fell, confused. "Riku?"
"Don;t you get it... neither me nor Namine want to see you again! we;re sick of you!"

~~~
Sora ran across the bridge, unable to believe he was here, in Destiny Islands. And across that bridge, "Riku!"
Riku smiled to him, just like the old one always did. "Hey Sora what are you doing?"
"Riku i can;t believe it;s you!"
"Jeez it;s been what, a few hours? don;t act like it;s a year." Riku laughed.
"but how did you get away from Vexen?"
The Riku before him blinked. what are you talking about?"
And then Sora understood. "Oh... you're the riku from my memories... aren;t you?"
"Huh? did you hit your head?" Riku chuckled. "You're acting odd today."
He was filled with a sense of depression... and desperation.

~~~

"AHH!" Sora cried as the dark energy hit him, smacking into the ground soundlessly. He groaned.
"This ends now." Riku, the Riku he thought he knew, hissed as he stood.
"Stop..." Namine whispered.
the blade was rasied.
Sora's eyes went wide. "Riku?"
"STOP!"
Those coean eyes went wide... then he collasped to the floor. Sora felt his heart skip a beat. "Riku!" he struggled to his hands and knes, crawling to riku;s side. The eyes were open but the body was limp. Tears filled his eyes, slipping down his cheeks. "You killed him!" He cried to Namine.

~~~

"I'm sorry Sora..." Namine whispered, bowing her head. "I have to make you forget everything so that i canpiece it back together. People will forget you."
Sora stared at the pod silently, his hand over his heart. "Even Riku?"
There was a pause, then, "Sometimes... love goes of the boundries of any magic."
Sora smiled faintly. "thank you Namine." He stepped inside.

[Rikugurl]

Riku had noticed this throughout his life, living around and with Sora. Every time the kid popped some chocolate in his mouth, he was always soothed. Sora never got the horrible and confusing nightmares that Riku did... but the silver hair man felt sorrow when anyone had to go through any nightmare.

A few years ago, Sora had woken up shaking and sweating. Apparently something bad happened to Riku in his dream. Even if it was in the late hours of the night, Riku got out of bed and made Sora a cup of hot chocolate. He returned to the room and got back in next to his lover, handing over the warm drink. A loving arm wrapped around the brunettes waist as sweet, comforting kisses met his neck as the warm liquid soothed the thoughts out of him.

Riku might not look like the most caring person in the world, unlike Sora... but if someone was in danger or need, he would protect them with everything he had.
This protection, of course, doubled when it came to Sora.

However, as the ripple ran through, Riku too had gone through Castle Oblivion... only upside down. Not all his memories were held.

"I like Kairi more!"
"No! I like Kairi more!"
"No me!"
"No! ME!"
"ME!"
"I DO!"
A little boy, about 8 years old with semi long silver hair glared out at a 6 year old brunette. "Be quiet! I like Kairi the most!" He suddenly stomped over and pushed the younger down onto the sand.

The brunette blinked as he hit the ground and started to cry. The older blinked, his bright ocean eyes looking down at the crying boy. His face reddened before he knelt down, touching the boy's shoulder.
"Hey.... I'm sorry Sora... I didn't mean to hurt you."
Sora sniffled but looked up at his friend.
"Come on, let's not fight again!" The older smiled, helping his friend up. "Let's go see if my mommy can make us some juice!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a bad tropical storm going on outside in the near evening. The small family of two sat in the family room, eating some warm food when there was a knock on the door.
A woman with short, silver hair looked up with a question. Who would that be in this kind of weather? She stood to open the door, seeing another woman soaking wet.
"Mrs. Holani! What are you doing out here!? It's dangerous!"
"Ms. Mizushima... have you seen Sora?" Was the respond.

The boy at the table looked up, hearing his friend's name. Sora was missing? In this weather? He immediately jumped up and rushed to the door beside him mother.
"Sora? No, I haven't seen him today."
"Oh my God... my baby! I was hoping that he was spending the night here and didn't tell me!"

"I'll go find him!" The boy butted in and dashed off into the storm before either of the women could protest.
"RIKU!!"

There was no way Sora would go missing when he knew a storm like this was going to come. Something must be wrong! He quickly looked at their favorite spot, seeing that no one was out there. There was only one more place! He dashed down the beach, watching for the tide. Rain and wind pulled at him but he quickly came to an entrance in a rock. The secret cave.

He crawled in, moving down into the darkness, his body drenched. "SORA!"
"I'm in here!"
"Sora!" The boy got to the base. Small holes in the top made some water pour into some puddles and allowed some light to show around the room. "Sora, what are you doing in here??"
"I was drawing and lost time and now there's a storm! I'm too scared to go out there!"

The ocean eyed boy blinked but smiled. "Come on." He held out his hand and the younger took it. He turned around and got Sora onto his back for a piggy ride. He moved out of the cave and quickly raced back to his house, holding onto Sora's legs tightly so he wouldn't fall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Long grass in an ever lasting field swayed in the night. Only two dirt paths crossed once, a fork that was full of feelings. Two figures stood at this fork, one bundled up in red, his face covered in cloth and the other, a boy in a Nobodies Jacket.
"Riku... where are you going?" A deep voice came from the man.

Ocean eyes looked down both paths. One... a feeling of light... and the other... "Sora...."
He took a deep breath and started heading down the path where he could feel... the presence of Sora. "I'm going down the road to dawn."

The man only looked down the path further. "You mean.... the twilit road to nightfall."
The boy stopped, only to look back at the figure once, before continuing his journey.


And of course, there was Xio.

In a world not yet tied with the connected worlds, there was a dome in the middle of snowy mountains. It was the coldest area on the world, never ever seeing the color of green.
However, underneath this dome, below the earth. Oddly enough, a warm and soothing, peaceful climate was made, housing old looking creatures who lived in small, quite huts.

There was some encouraging words spoken behind closed doors and then the sounds of yips. A litter had been born! A proud mother licked and cleaned her new born litter; little fire lions.

Not too long after, some other creatures came and disrupted the peaceful place, robbing people of precious things and taking some of the unique animals. They were brought to another world and the stolen merchandise went up for sale. One of the poor little cubs of the proud Moomba whimpered as he looked around the box at his brothers and sisters. They were getting bought left and right!

Suddenly, he felt warm hand pick him up. He was hoping that it was Laguna, the Moomba Hero, but only bright blue eyes looked down at him with a warm smile. "You're perfect."


The night continued with memories that had been lost. Every memory that was recounted for was stored into data. Unfortunately, they didn't have the cameras to see the reactions, but they did bug the island...

In the very early morning, the young blonde was in his office chair, typing a mile a minute on numerous keyboards. All the memories that had occurred, these could all be used in phase one. They needed to split the 5 into the groups that Terra assigned... and of course, their best weapon was Ven. He looked exactly like one of them.

Pulling up a file, Ven put an ear piece on his ear. Another file popped up. It was a sound recording of Roxas's voice.
"Love you too."
Vin pushed a button for the speaker.
"Love you too." He let go of the button and typed some more, making another program appear. He placed both sound files together for analysis. A 100% match. His eyes widened. Their voices... were even the same??

[Reno]

The next morning, there was a clatter in the kitchen and Sora cursed. He had had the last of the hot chocolate last night. He groaned, leaning against the wall, frowning deeply.

He had to organize his thoughts... Those dreams... they weren;t dreams were they? Those were memories...

Why was it he was suddenly remembering them all now?

And and... god it was going to be so ucomfortable when Axel came by now. He... the fights they had had... and the sight of him killing Vexen were fixated in his mind.

"Damn it." he cursed, beginning hips frantic search anew. He needed some damn chocolate! "Maybe they aren;t real." He frowned. After all, that whole... whole... sequence of dreams... had been about Namine and how she had played with his memories. "Yeah!" he said suddenly. "Maybe it;s symbolism on how memories get played with maybe none of it ever happened!!" he nodded firmly.

He didn;t believe a word of it.

Sora sighed, sitting at the table, burying his ehad in his hands. The 'dream' had made sense though. That answered why he was asleep for a year - why he had no recollection of anything before - the last memory he had had before he woke up in the pod was standing up and seeing a dark figure in the night...

and then nothing.

And now he had then - all of them. And he felt terrible. for The nobodies that he had fought and Namine and Replica Riku. It had all been so messed up...


Roxas opened his eyes just as the sun was rising. He grunted sitting up, dislodging himself from Axel's grip. he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, looking outwards - his mind was racing.

What had last night been about?


"We could use this to our advantage." Terra stated from behind Ven, looking at the computer. Ven was basically Roxas icnarnate - or mayeb Roxas was Ven...

Which, if he mulled it over, did not make a lick of sense but he did know, if there plan went correctly, Sora would not fight someone who he believed was his brother - if they seperated them far enough it would work perfectly.

[Rikugurl]

Riku eventually got up, not feeling Sora's warmth anymore. He rubbed his face and leaned on the end of the bed, hearing Sora in the kitchen. He stood, grabbing a long, white button down and only buttoning a few buttons.
He slowly walked out of their room and saw Sora at the table.
He looked.... lost.

"Sora...? You ok?" He asked as he walked over, leaning down and kissing the other on the cheek. He pulled a chair close and sat down next to him, rubbing his upper shoulders.


Ven's eyes grew dark as he heard Terra's voice behind him. "Yea..." However... now instead of getting rid of Roxas... Roxas seemed to hold the key... on why they looked exactly alike.
"Aqua! Do you have that shit ready yet!?"


The morning gulls and the sound of waves hitting the shore was relaxing. None of Axel's dreams were bad... luckily he remembered all the bad things in his life. The warm breeze kept him asleep, not noticing that Roxas had pulled away.

Another ripple occurred.
Riku blinked, noticing it. What the...?

As Roxas looked at the sunrise over the ocean, a sudden white cloth was put over his nose and mouth, forcing him to breath in toxins that would make him pass out. Ven held it tight until his twin's body went numb.

Taking his arms, the blonde pulled the other blonde down the beach. Thankfully, they were on the other side of the island so no one could see. Going behind very lush bushes, Ven put Roxas's body against the mountain wall. Before he left, he couldn't help but look at Roxas. Who... are you?

Shaking his head, he left the bushes and walked back to where Axel and the moomba were sleeping. He was in the same clothes that Roxas had been wearing... making it impossible to tell them a part. He pulled the collar of his shirt up and started to whisper into a tiny device. "Phase 1; Task 1 complete."

[Reno]

Sora smiled softly at Riku;s caressing touches. he leaned back a bit, looking towards Riku. He smiled. "I'm fine..." His voice didn;t sound too sure of it though.

How was he supposed to explain to the other what he had dreamt though? Well okay weirder things had happened to him - he was sucked into a computer once for god's sake!

"I just... had a... bad dream." Sora just, trying to choose his words carefully.


"Yeah yeah! Shut up bait!" Aqua snapped, throwing a brush at Vens head, nailing him. Honestly could one GET anymore annoying?!


Roxas was at peace as he watched the sun rise, setting the sky on fire. He smiled fondly unable to stop the metaphor from reminding him of the redhead beside him. He stood, walking down the beach, wiggling his toes in the slightly warm sand -

And then the ripple broke him from his throats and he tensed. He was sent into a worldwide panic though when he was suddenly enfulged in the arms of some stranger. He struggled, trying to yell, only to get a mouthful of cloth. He breathed in quickly, trying to calm himself even as his nails dug into the arms embraced around him.

And then... everything just... fell.... away.

His form slumped and he fell into the darkness.

Farther away, Aqua and Terra smiled in triumph. Now it was up to Ven to do what needed to be done.

"It's your decison." Terra had informed Ven. "If you see the opportunity to get Sora alone and get rid of him, I suggest you take the chance - it will make mine and Aqua's jobs muche asier. no one will suspect you did it."

[Rikugurl]

The ripple was only a second long, but it was indeed noticeable. Riku frowned as he looked around. That ripple... he saw it before the Heartless attacked. This wasn't good...
But at that moment, he heard Sora talk about his dreams.

Looking at him, he frowned more. "I had weird dreams too..."


Ven sighed as he walked over to the pyro, the sand beneath his feet nice and warm. He was hoping that his acting was as good as his computer skills.
He got on his knees and started to shake the redhead. "Axel? Axel, wake up."

Axel moaned in his sleep but after a few more pushes, he yawned and opened his eyes, looking up at... Roxas. He say up and stretched, a stupid smile on his face. "I had really good dreams."

Ven tilted his head and... smile. "Oh yea? What about?" It was going to be extremely hard... no to swear in every sentence.

"Weeeeeeeeell," Axel started explaining about all the dreams he had while Ven sat next to him quietly.
"Heh... I remember that. Those were good times." Ven stated sweetly as he smiled.

Axel looked over at him, smiling too. "You know... I don't think I say I love you enough." "Haha, shup up Axel, you say it plenty!" The pyro smiled and nodded. "Alright, if you say so~~~" Axel moved in closer to Ven, nuzzling his neck slightly.

Shit...

His fingers reached up and took the boy's jaw, pushing their lips together. Ven's eyes widened as he got the kiss, not exactly sure what to do. He... had to fight the urge not to punch this guy in the face. But... unfortunately, that was nothing compared to what was next... Axel pulled away softly before leaning in again, kissing Ven even deeper.

Ven's blue eyes widened more as he felt his mouth invaded. His body went into shock. For one, this was wrong and two... well.... it was his first kiss. The worse part was... he had to play along... His cheeks started to flush as his eyes lowered. Axel had put his hand on the back of Ven's head, pushing the kiss deeper.

Damnit.... they're watching too! He couldn't... He finally started to respond to the kiss, battling the other's tongue. The blush on his cheeks started to brighten as a soft moan escaped.
Soon Axel pulled away and laughed. "Haha, what's wrong! You forgot how to kiss?"

Ven sat there, as red as a tomato. "Huh?" He blinked, snapping out of it and looking at the other. "No... ha... my mind is on something else."

Axel blinked. That wasn't like Roxas. "Like what?"
"I dunno... I've been feeling.... kind of sick since this morning. I went to talk to Sora early. I kinda... wanna go home. I have a bad feeling that maybe Heartless might of attacked Delshad and Radiant if they attacked here, you know? I just have this feeling in my gut. Sora said it was ok to go... that he understood."

Axel looked concerned but nodded. "Yea... I had a feeling about that too. We should go home and just make sure everything is ok! I mean... we are the leaders and everything right? I'm sure Sora and Riku will be ok here. And maybe we can come back to stay for a few more days?"

'Roxas' smiled and nodded, still with blush on his face. "Yea! That sounds good." He stood and looked out at the sunset.

"So, you going to summon the Gummi Ship?" Axel asked as he stood too.
"No... I found out a better way. I noticed it while fighting yesterday." He reached out his hand and an odd portal opened. It looked like a computer tear if anything.

"WHOA! What the hell!?" Axel blinked as he saw it. "How did you do that." Ven looked at the other and shrugged. "Really don't know. All I did was think of Delshad and pop, a portal."
"..... That's weird." "Weird but convenient."
Axel nodded and whistled. "Xio! Come on! We're going home!"

The moomba perked his head and yipped. Home! He got off the trunk and ran down the beach to his master. He blinked when he saw the weird portal... and then... at Roxas. Wait... that wasn't Roxas! Well.... he looked like Roxas... but he didn't smell like Roxas! The moomba lowered his head and growled at the blonde.
"Hey Xio, what got into you?" Ven ask as he leaned over, petting the moomba's head.

Xio blinked but growled more, only to be taken by the gruff and pulled away. "Come on Xio, when we get home I'll feed you so you won't eat Roxas." Axel laughed as he walked into the portal. The minute he did, it closed.

A forearm wiped the wet lips as he looked at the empty space. The portal was Aqua's. He didn't know where it led but it led right where Aqua thought it best fit to get rid of the two. "Phase 1; Task 2 complete." One more task to go...

[Reno]

He looked towards Riku, concerned, but he felt that ripple too... it ghad made his heart clench. what was going on exactly?

then a second feeling joined that one, a feeling of... loss - the string conencted his ehart to the others pulling sharply. He stood. "Something's wrong."


Aqua smirked, watching the tear appear in the sky, theeating disordered red head and his little fire lion falling through. She held her weapon as it gleamed in the sunlight - It was a beauiful day for death. She spun the spear on her hand idly, the blue ribbong tied near the tip flowing with it.

Water roared around them angrily. they were on a secluded inlet that was belayed into this world. The way back was a veyr narrow path of rough, slippery rock that usually got sucked under by the crashing waves. The path itself was a mile long before one could reach the main island.

Axel would never brave it.

The circular inlet itself was a phenonmenon. It was made of gthe same slippery stone the path was, and at the edges large towers of land burst upwards like rows of a beast's teeth swallowing it's visiters. No vegetation grew here, no signs of live inhabited it. It was nothing but a large, barren mass surronding by the tallest waves of waters imaginable. They crashed continiously against the 'teeth' water spilling through the gaps to fill the island like a bowl, filled it up enough to lick at their ankles. The beats was getting a taste of them before it decided to eat it's meal.

Aqua was not going to let the prey get away. "Welcome." she said to Axel, smirking as the other sent her a disoriented look. "Did you enjoy the trip?"


Sora looked out the window, towards the rising sun, panic rising through him. He always knew when people close to him were in danger - a downside to being the keyblade master he thought. In a way, Repliku had been right. He invaded people's heart, creating strong ties with people that connected to his own - and then those ties never let go.

And right now he had to find Roxas.

Sora nearly went to yank over the door, then paused, realizing he was still half naked. He blushed, before rushing into his and Riku's shared room, pulling on some clothes hurriedly - a blue short sleeved shirt disrupted his bouncy hair; trademark baggy pants belted hurriedly on slim hips; white socks and bright shoes finallizing the look. THis charm, one he never took off, was pulled from behind the blue material. Moments later he was jumping over the dining room table and was out the door.

[Rikugurl]

When Axel came through, he was ready to see Delshad, a nice, bright place with full of harmony... or maybe some people in panic if the Heartless showed up. Leon said that he'd watch Delshad closely when the two were away... and he trusted that man greatly.

But that was something he didn't step into.
His green eyes went wide as he saw that he was in the scariest damn place he ever did see. And... all that water.
Water splashed against his bare ankles, soaking his feet.

Xio too wasn't expecting the sight... or the water. He yipped in fear as he heard the horrible crashing of waves on the rocks and ran behind Axel for cover.

Axel looked around, panicked. "ROXAS!?" What happened to his lover!? That was when he saw the woman with blue hair.
The sound of her voice... it wasn't good.
"Who are you? And where am I? And what did you do with Roxas!?"


Riku blinked as Sora was about to bust through the door half naked... but then dashed to the room. He stood, a bit discombobulated himself. "Sora? What's going on?"
In return, he only saw the brunette sweeping over the table and out the door.

Riku could only open and close his mouth, nothing coming out. "...OK." He frowned but headed into the bedroom, getting dressed quickly.


Through the little groove, the blonde appeared... and just when Sora was coming out of the house.
His blue eyes looked, seeing Sora.

So... we finally meet in person...

"Sora!" Ven waved to he other, walking over casually.

[Reno]

"My name is Aqua." She obliged him, "Curiosu twit aren;t you?" Her head tilted to the side. "roxas eh...?" The pointed tip of the spear touched the surface of the water before her, causing it to ripple gently.

Streams of water began to waft up, twisting upwards like a large, muted waterfall. Then the bottom began to split in two, breaking apart easily. Ont he top have, more split apart, water splashing back to the ground noisly. The shape was human-like turning human like, watery arms lengthing and splitting at the ends, turning into fingers. The tips waved up like familar swirly hair.

"Roxas, correct?" Aqua smirked as the roxas-water clone took full shape, most of it;s features unseen. Then, as if it didn;t really matter, she silced through the clone's head and all the water fell apart, the water rippling. "He's nonexistent at this point."


Sora didn;t know how to answer Riku's question so he didn't. He didn;t know WHAT was wrong he just felt it deep in his heart. The instincts of the keyblade were coming back to him the permenation of darkness barely scented but most definetly there.

He jumped from the tree house onto the ground below, grunting as it sent shockwaves up his spine. The enxt thing he knew, he heard a familar voice. His head shot up. "Roxas!" he said - pausing unsuredly. Something was... off about him.

He hurried forward. "Hey.... are you okay? I thought i sensed something." His eyes narrowed suspiciously. Soemthing was missing here...