The Chasers: Darkness' Fold

[Reno]

Terra swallowed the cum greedily - only to have the other comment slyly. He growled, figuring it was time for the next lesson - snapping his teeth in a decades old scar, drawing blood once more.


Roxas smiled. "I love you too Axel."

~~~

"Yeah," The one beside the duel-hair colored boy answered in return smiling softly. "I remember translating about him in some of the ancient texts Mickey let me borrow. He was a Venetian traveler of the universe - a lot like us. So-" The teenager said hus voice growing excited. "It's like he's a little Chaser himself!!"

He laughed playfully, shaking his head, his bouncy hair following him. His eyes were a deep orange, yet such a beautiful shade one could just image looking at a sunset. His hair, normally dark black, had been highlighted with a coppery red.

Name// Tensai Tellus
Age// 16
Chaser// 10
Stance// Translator

The strange fox-lion creature looked up, giving a yip when he saw the lights exploding. He jumped on his hind legs excitedly bouncing around in a circle before he landed back on his feet.

Name// Moxley Tellus
Age// 11
Chaser// 17
Stance// Healer || Scout Assistant

Tensai laughed softly, looking up at the sky, his eyes brightening as they stared at the fireworks. A lot had changed over the past eleven years - and not just his stance either. Though that had been rather cool. He had worked his butt off to learn how to read and write - and it paid off big time. Because he found he had a knack for it. Just, in the wrong languages.

"What... are you reading son?" The leader of the Chasers asked, looking over the book.
"Oh, you know just a story." Tensai asked. "It says here that the Pharoh of this desert land had ordered all his servents to build these tall monuments in his honor. There called pyramids."
Terra's brows furrowed and he fell to the boys bedside, looking at the book with the strange symbols in aghastment. "You... can read that?!"
"Yeah it's real easy!"
Terra's jaw dropped. "I think... we just found your new stance Ten."

The funny thing? He could easily read ancient writing without a problem. Yet first-grade english book could still baffle him most of the time. He understood brail perfectly, yet the loops of a 'B' and the crosses of an 'E' still caused him more embaressing problems then he would like to admit. Heh, that was the biggest reason he declined to be a leader.

"Dad what sort of leader can't even write their own name or read Clifford?!"
"Um... you can do it in another language?"
"Oh yeah cause everyone's suddenly going to speak petrogylphs."

His dad had had some mixed feelings about him being a translator instead of the leader. On one hand he was extremly proud - on the other he was unhappy. Mostly cause he wouldn't be a leader like hisself or his other dad. But even he had to admit... he didn't have any skills for it. Not like Luci and Gun.
And even though his 'skill' at first seemed useless he could translate all sorts of spellbooks, ancient history books, ruins - they were learning all sorts of things about travelers, keybladers, leaders, worlds, and lots and lots of stuff of the past - before the darkness split the worlds. Lots... about Atterians. They weren't all bad like the legeneds told - and that seemed to calm his father a lot.

Tensai felt like... it was his way of doing what his first two fathers had always dreamed of. Seeing all the worlds. Because if you stood in the past, the present could learn of it. And it was like... he could read his way into other worlds - especally those... that no longer existed.

Ah... his first parents. He still visited them as often as possible. Yet... much time had passed. And if he didn't have a picture of them he was certain... he could of had no memory of their faces at all. And the pictures were so still and lifeless to him - he couldn;t imagine them smiling or laughing or being angry at all... just... nothing.

Yet, even after all these years he still remember their voices.

The eleven year old sat, tears streaking down his face as he nursed the cup of hot chocolate. It was late at night. Past midnight - a time no children his age should still be up at. But... But his dads had... had just...
"Tensai? What are you still doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep." He answered his uncle emotionlessly.
"Strange.... me neither. ...They told you finally, didn't they?" Roxas asked softly, sitting down across from the other.
The boy nodded, tears dripping down his face. "How did this happen? I got abanadonned by my real parents... and the people who saved my life don't even get to see me grow. How is that fair?"
"It's not." Roxas murmured softly, reaching out and brushing away tears falling from the boy's eyes. "Death never seems fair."
"Why'd they do it?" Tensai whispered. "Rant and Rave I mean."
"I'm... not sure." Roxas answered back uncomfortably.
"Not sure or you just don't wanna tell me?"
"A little bit of both I guess."
They sat there in a long, long silence.
Tensai looked up suddenly. "Hey Uncle Roxas can I ask you a favor? Daddy Ven told me... you're the one who knows the most about Sora and Riku's lifes, even better then Gram Gram... and I... feel like I can't remember that at all... could you... tell me about them?"
Roxas blinked, a little taken aback - then he remembered the echoes of life he had seen - and suddenly it made sense why Sora and Riku had shared that with him moments before their death.

Hours later the Chasers found the two, Roxas with his third cup of coffee, Tensai with his fifth of hot chocolate, laughing over a story of Sora's and Riku's Deep Jungle experience on their honeymoon. Between them was spread a map of connection one - usually held in Terra's archives, read pen circling the dozens of worlds the two had visited. Countless stories were shared that night.

They had grown up a lot since then. He and Roxel both. It was Roxel's dad who taught them magic.

"This is what Donald told Sora when he was learning. Bwefore you can practice magic, you need to know where the origins of it are within your body. Once you know where they are within you, you can concentrate from that area and form it into a destructive force." Roxas said, looking down at the two boys. He placed his hand on his chest. "Light and Darkness both come from your heart. So all magic begins there - then they break down into the arts of the light magicks and the dark magicks."
"Fire for example comes from your stomach." Roxel grinned. "Water and Ice come from you're blood. Air from your lungs. Earth from your feet. Gravity from the legs. Lightning from the fingertips. Cure comes from the palms. These are the main arts you need to concentrate on - pure energy attacks can wait until after you've learned the basics." He smiled. "Now, since fire is the easiest to learn, we'll start with that. Oh Ax~eeeel."
Roxel cheered.

"You know, we really should be doing our job." Tensai teased, not tearing his eyes away from the sky.


"Hmph," The silverette snorted smirking. "Well if you want one I hear Midgar's doing a special on sex changes. Hey I know some guys, I bet I could pull some strings - get you in for free!"

Name// Kadaj
Age// Unknown
Chaser// 18
Stance// Neogotiator of Gen 2


He grinned at the woman teasingly, before walked after Gunnar, completely uninterested in the lights shooting above. Glowing lights only reminded him of home. And he was nor really a home-sick type of guy.

Hell, he didn't even know if he classified as a 'guy'. When Mr. Ven had asked him for his age to place into the computer, he had no answer. He hadn't grown like a human - not to his knowledge at least, though a memory wipe is easy for someone like Hojo - and he had no idea of his birthday or if he was even aging. He didn't feel any odler then he had when he had seen Gunnar as a four-year old. Life was a little too complicated to think about most of the time.

So he only thought of simple things that pertained to the then and now. Finding his Mother mostly. Gunnar at very odd occasions. Food when he was hungry. Sleep when he was tired. See, simple things.


"Ah don't worry about it Bonnie." Lucina said, patting the boy on the head comfortingly. He felt like a little brother to her really.

Name// Lucina Almasy
Age// 22
Chaser// 7
Stance// Leader of Gen 2 || Pilot of Balder

She smirked. "And I'm sure they're fine. And not doing their job, naturally." Her sharp eyes looked across the fields. She knew Demyx had been real proud of this world when they finally joined the peace treaty - had even dragged him and Saix over for the very first of the celebrations. It was said he and Edmy and Ajay had played for hours and hours, making up songs of how the new, peaceful world would be.

Life had really started to change. She was already into her twenties - the times of awkward teenagerhood, aching legs that signaled growing pains, clumsy questions to her mother about bloddied bedsheets, the idle learnings of how to get on a bra, and much more was over. Well she still had a visit from mother nature once a month, but that she could deal with.

"Alright now lets get back to work." She snappeed. "I want to find it before those cranky oldies do." The oldies were, of course, Generation 1.


"Ow!" The brunette complained as he was smacked over the head. He stuck his tongue out. "Stop being such a big fucking baby about it. Take it like the fucking man-bitch you are."

Name// Terra Tellus
Age// 51
Chaser// 1
Stance// Leader

He ran a hand idly through his lightening brown hair. Or should he say graying? He had gotten kinda depressed when he discovered he was getting gray hair - but at least he wasn't like Axel who had run around the ship with his lightening hair, crying waterfalls of tears and screeching about himself going bald.

He picked up a smaller rock, chucking it at the blonde.

"Will you two pick up your asses and work already?!" A sharp voice commanded, her blue eyes bright, even thought her hair no longer held it's old luster. At the hairline it was slowly losing all color.

Name// Aqua Umi
Age// 49
Chaser// 3
Stance// Scouter

"Who died and made you leader?" Terra grumbled.

"I'll work on throwing you and Ven off the cliffside though, okay?" The older woman teased.


"Tch, yeah yeah." A bad-tempered blonde grumbled, sticking his shovel in the dirt, putting his foot to add extra weight, before pushing more of it out. "Lazy asses." He sighed, running his arm across his forehead before slipping off his coat, and draping it over his wife's shoulder before going back to work.
The scar that used to be so dark on his face it almost looked fresh had healed a lot over the years. Though still there and apparent on his skin, time had slowly started to heal it. His own hair was thinning.

Name// Seifer Almasy
Age// 46
Chaser// 5
Stance// Pilot of Freyr

The third digger of the group just rolled his eyes, digging up more dirt - accidently' nearly hitting Fuujin. He smirked triumphantly, yawning. "Trust me, Axel's not THAT old. He's still a little devil in bed."

Name// Roxas Xipil
Age// 48
Chaser// 11
Stance// Cook

A green fox rolled her eyes from her placement near a tree, nibbling on a nearby leaf to calm her stomach.

Name// Invidia
Age// 21
Chaser// 15
Stance// Healer's Assistant

Though she wasn't as old as her mate, her species did not have the lifespan of a moomba. Cats had a tendency to live longer than dogs anyways. She herself was showing signs of age. She slept more and ate less and patches of her hair was coming loose. And worst of all she was nearing complete deafness. She could hardly hear the booms of the fireworks above and could barly hear the whistle of Tensai or Roxas calling her. The gem on her stone, which used to burn with a bright fire of youth, was shimmered to the small ember of a candle.

The day it completely went out would be the day she would die.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel blinked as he looked down at Moxley and laughed, seeing him bounce all over. Moxley had been adopted by Roxel too when Xio got too old. He didn't want to tire the poor lion that had been so loyal to him when he was growing up... and decided he should take it easy with is redheaded father.

As for Roxel growing up... well... he was a handful.
Like his blonde father, he found out he had a voice... for singing. Thanks to Ven's heavy metal blaring, he got into that kind of music. He started dying his hair and straightening it since he thought spiky hair was overrated. SERIOUSLY!
He got some small tattoos. The checkered band around his one wrist, a musical note on his shoulder and some flames around his ankle. He didn't get the needle fear from Roxas thank goodness seeing that his ears were well pierced up like Riku's were when he was still alive.

As for casual clothes, he had his rocker looking style. the more accessories he had on, the better.

As for his friendship with Tensai... well, it blossomed pretty well. They would have their arguments like most boys but made up fairly easy. They grew up together... and since he had an attention span like Axel, he wasn't all to swift... but there was no joking around when Tensai got into trouble. Like when they were younger, Roxel continued to 'protect' the black haired boy.

The only time he didn't see Tensai... was when he had his Awakening.
Roxel had disappeared and for a few hours the other Chaser's didn't believe the kids that Roxel had just disappeared.... until Ven looked it up and saw that Roxel's tracking was no where to be found.
The older Chaser's all knew what that must of meant.
They found him back in The Gardens and the boy went on about all the Heartless he had to fight and it was pretty scary. Ven had claimed Roxel's new keyblade for the vault as Roxas gave him Bond of Flame.

He blinked as he looked at Tensai then down at his watch. His eyes widened as he pulled on Tensai's sleeve. "AH! COME ON! WE'RE GOING TO MISS THE CONCERT!" He suddenly dragged the boy with him down the street, pushing through people as Moxley ran behind them to catch up.


Namine scrunched up her face as Kadaj started to talk. "EEEW! No thanks! I think I'll pass." He stuck her tongue out as she continued to fallow to two.

After a talk with her parents that Christmas eleven years ago, she had felt better. Tidus wasn't angry that she wasn't a pro Blitzball player and Kairi was just happy she was ok. They said they both supported her with anything she decided to do... just as she was proud of herself while doing so.
So, she kept her chin high and when she had doubts, she'd talked to Roxas or Gunnar or her parents for an extra boost.

Talking to Gunnar anymore... was kind of hard... with that creep always around.
She, Lucina, Ven and Terra were still weary on Kadaj being in the group... There was just something about him. No matter where Gunnar was, Kadaj was at his side.
She shook her head and looked up as she walked, watching the fireworks continue to go off.


Gunnar only chuckled and looked at his side as Kadaj came after. When their eyes met, the mako reacted.

As for the Mako, Gunnar came down with Geostigma when they revisited Midgar again. He grew faint and his eyes kept reacting. Oddly enough, the silverette showed up once more, as if he recognized the boy. To Terra's and ven's shock, the silverette's appearance hadn't changed.
Terra gave him a good what-to-do about staying way from Gunnar seeing that it was his fault he had Mako in him in the first place... but with Aerith gone, they didn't know how to heal the boy... and of course Olette and Seifer were more concerned about Gunnar's health than the danger the silverette might cause further.

In the end, Kadaj had brought them to an odd play in Midgar. A pool of some sort. He told him Gunnar would have to get drenched in that water for the Geostigma to clear.
It worked.
So and so happened, and Kadaj was made into a Chaser.

As for the closeness, Gunnar hadn't noticed too much. He was usually too busy keeping up with his sister's commands.


The tall girl frowned as her ears turned a bit more. "Hmph..." Viera's weren't known to be the most friendly race in the universe... and even if she was a mix breed, she spent more time with her mother, Fran, than her father... though she picked up her British accent from her father.
How she became a Chaser was quite easy. Both her mother and her father knew that a mix breed of Viera and Hume would be outcasted by both races... and they didn't want such a harsh life for their only child. She could of always become a sky pirate like them... but missions would get hard. You can't TEACH someone to be a pirate...

She was a pirate through and through though.

She grinned and nodded, her long hair blowing in the wind. They started to move through the crowd as well. She could hear people talking to others about her ears but her stern face usually made them only look for a moment, scared that she would come over and deck them.


The youngest blinked as he was patted on the head and smiled softly, his purple eyes becoming soft as he looked up at her. He was a fairly small boy... his growing spurt not in affect yet. He too followed quickly after the two girls.

Samael's story was an odd one.
When they went to Radiant Garden to pick up Roxel, they encountered the strangest thing.
When they were walking around looking for the blonde-redhead, they found a small boy circled with cats. They meowed and brushed up against him as he seemed like he was busy with something.
The Chaser's walked over to see what was going on, the minute they did so, the cats ran away, revealing the boy trying to protect an injured bird.

The bird was placed in a safe spot so no cats could eat him. Fuu had inquired where his parents were but the boy just shook his head.
"Do you know where they went?"
The blonde shook his head.
Terra rolled his eyes. "We'll where did they go shopping?"
The blonde shook his head.
"Where do you live?"
The blonde... shook his head.
"Do you understand what we're saying?"
Another shake.

He finally took a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it out to Terra. Odd symbols were written on it with a bronze ink. Terra quickly gave it to Tensai... who had to look at it for awhile before coming up with 'Samael', meaning Angel of Death. They had no idea why this boy was carrying something like this... but had guessed it was his name.

For the two years he had been a Chaser, he hadn't peeped a word... so they were guessing he was mute. He did know how to repair things though when they broke, and the eerie mysteries about him soon faded, seeing that he was very much full of life, even if his name meant different.

He stayed close to Lucina as he looked around, not sure what they were looking for really.

Bonnie suddenly stopped, her ears perking and moving as she looked out at the crowd. "There." Her finger pointed over everyone, towards a man that was headed into a purple lighted alley.


"MAN-BITCH!?" The blonde growled and growled as he had more rocks chucked at him.
This old age thing... man... he had NO idea he'd even reach this age! He started shoveling again and throwing the dirt into Terra's hole.
Unlike everyone else, his air grew better now than it did before. He got that ponytail finally!

Fuu didn't have to worry about her hair. It was always going to be silver.
She did, however, cut it back to the short length it was when her and Aqua first met. she just didn't have the time to manage it. She looked at Aqua and chuckled, before looking back at the watch. "You're getting close." The radar was starting to beep quicker as it felt the power of a keyblade.
"Maybe we'll find it before them."

This was the Gen 2's first big mission on their own. There was a powerful keyblader on this world and word had it was that he was planning something big. It was their job to stop him.

Olette kept the jacket close and laughed as she saw Roxas... and the yucky face Fuu was making at the comment.

Axel just grinned at Roxas before he continued digging. He blinked and looked up as he heard heavy paws. He watched Xio walk over to Vi, licking her head gently. He smiled but frowned. He was really going to be heart broken when Xio finally goes... and Vi too.
He wondered if Aerith was still around if she would know how to prolong their life... just a little longer.

Aerith had passed away about six years ago.
To everyone's shock, the people she knew at Radiant Garden were more happy than sad. They explained that they were happy that she got to live such a long life. She... wasn't as young as everyone thought her to be. Cloud had stated that as long as she died a natural death, and not in the hands of Sephiroth, he was happy.
She was buried on Midgar, next to Zack's grave and her grave was always blooming with flowers.

[Reno]

Post of the later date and time:

Moxley panicked as his master and friend suddenly took off into the crowd and he gave a bark, running after. The enatest thing about moombacles is they could yip like moombas, and purr and bark like carbuncles. He had such a variety of vocals that the two males had problems understanding what each noise meant. It was fun for him though. He was pretty protective of both of them. He had the courage and strength of his father, and the cuddly nature and sweet temperment of his mother. He was a fire user and a spellcaster of white magic. He was mostly carbuncle-like in body shape and he had the gem of a carbucle in his forehead, yet his fur was fiery red; and his tail was lengthy and bushy at the ends, his fur at the neck bristly and spiky ike a Moomba's, though green shaded in color. A perfect motley of the two species. He was very proud of his appearance.

Tensai laughed as he was tugged along. "That is NOT doing our job!" He teased, used to his best friends short attention span. His self on the other hand had a very bright sense of adventure to him. Yet, unlike his highly decorated friend, Tensai had shied away from needles of all kinds - he wasn't terrified of them, nor of pain, but he didn't really want to scar his skin anymore then he knew it would already become being a Chaser. He had considered tattos, but he wanted to wait... because he knew anything he chose now would no longer interest him when he was an adult.

"I want something that means something." He had told Roxel when the other had tried convincing him into getting one himself back at the tattoo parlor. "So I'm going to wait."

Earrings terrified him though - and this fear actually came from Aqua, back when he was about eight. She had been out on a mission scouting out a keyblade - the world had been rather small but had lots of heartless. When she had come back...

"Fuck!" The woman snapped loudly as she stepped from the portal, uncommon tears in her eyes as both hands cupped against the left side of her head. Crimson liquid was slowly dying the coller of her shirt red.
Fuujin was at her side in an instant, the other Chasers quickly following. Tensai peeked from around the corner, eyes wide with terror.
"What happened?" His father Terra commanded.
"Fucking Heartless is what fucking happened!" Aqua said harshly, her voice thick with pain.
"Aqua babe... let us see." Fuujin coaxed.
The woman hesitated, then slowly let her hand drop, gasps and curses erupting at the sight. Tensai squeaked in disgust and horror, terrified of what he was seeing but unable to look away. He wasn't sure what could cause the damage but he guessed a heartless' claw. From the hairline, through the ear, down and under the jaw the cut was deep and jagged - and the earring that had been there had been ripped right out. It was strangely the first thing he noticed under all the blood. He placed both hands against his mouth, trying to hide his whimpers and cries.
Ven seemed to of heard him however as his dad turned and snapped. "Olette Get Ten out of here!"
The last thing he heard between his sobs as he was being carried away was his dads and Fuujin slowly cajoling the hurt woman into sitting down so they could tend to the wound.

The scar was still there and it had damaged her ear so it was somewhat disfigured. The ear canal had been broken into so hearing from that ear was a little harder for the bluette, but for the most part she was okay, and had reassured him of that time and time again - yet he still couldn't stare at the ear without shuddering with the memory. He even remembered the woman teasing Fuujin about it, as if she didn't have a care in the world.. "Who's the disfigured one now?"

He didn't know the full story of what had happened, or how Aqua had gotten hurt exactly - and he personally never wanted to. He was aware though that out of all the Chasers, Aqua's record of getting hurt was right next to his daddy Terra's. Which equaled to be not much at all. So it was an understandably scary experience for him. What baffled him though was dispite the injury his dads still let her down onto the world by herself if she thought she could handle it - slight handicap or not. He had cried about that at first as well, afraid his 'aunt' would get even more hurt, but well he had just been a little kid at the time. Nothing he could do about it. He understood later that it wasn't about her being hurt, it was about her pride.

Some of the other kids - who by now had all gotten their ears pierced - thought he was being a chicken. He knew some of them, Lucina sometimes especally, didn't have a very high opinion of him. They thought he was a dreamer, an air-head and a baby. He was too senstive and clumsy. Not to mention a schizo (So he thought he saw an angel who he thought might of been one of his dads ONE time, what was the big deal? Did they have to bring it up so much?) He envied his dad Sora - how had he wormed his way into so many peoples hearts so easily? What was he doing wrong?

If it hadn't been for Roxel he was certain he wouldn't have any friends at all. It had terrified him when the boy had had his Awakening - he didn't want to lose him. The minute his dad's thought he and the other kids were fibbing he turned and locked himself in his room and refused to come out until they apologized. Yet Roxel, though a little frightened, had been kind of excited about becoming a keyblader. And even moreso when he was entrusted with the family keyblade. He didn't stop talking about it for weeks.

And not long after, maybe only a month after Samael had joined, he had his own. He had turned up back on Destiny - a strange keyblade in his hands. It was a beautiful keyblade. The handle was a golden circle, the roman numerals etched in from one to tweleve like that of a clock. The blade shot out and at the end was a wheel - a miniature version to the mechanics within the bell tower back in London, or in Uncle Roxas' tower in Twilight Town. At the end of the chain was an hourglass, the sands of time shifting within. It was called Faber Horologia. A mixture of both Greek and Latin, it literally meant The Clockmaker.
Though he was very skilled with time magic - the origin of which in the body, according to Uncle Roxas, was also the greatest perceiever of inner time: the bones - he doubted that was the significance of his blade. No it had more to do with his own personal skills of reading ancient languages and what the godly voice of his Awakening had told him.
You are the one who will uncover the past, enlighten the present and foretell the future.

He however wasn't very thrilled at becoming a chosen one. He of course didn't tell anyone that - not his parents, not his best friend, not even his ghosts.


Kadaj just smirked at her response, shrugging. "Try and do a person a favor..." Over the time he had spent with everyone, he had slowly gained nearly everyone's trust. Minus the eladers, who were wise not to, Lucina, who was looking out for her dear brother, and Namine, who could probably feel something wrong with him.

He was, afterall, a mysterious guy with an unknown past and unknown motives. What's not to distrust? He himself... didn;t know of his own 'motives' - whether they were evil or good. His sense of right and wrong was, well for lack of better terms, screwed the fuck up. Having no 'childhood' he was never taught of the ways of the good and punishable of the bad. So it made some of his methods and some of his ideas askew - which always made some of the members a little uneasy. And worse yet, he didn't really care about what they thought of him, so it made it much easy to 'be himself'.

Heh, it was quite enjoyable getting a rise out of the four who disliked him. One of his favorite past times really. Lucina he always pissed off by getting 'touchy' with her baby brother - it never failed to blow her top. Namine he usually grossed out or scared to death. Terra and Ven... well ehd din;t mess with them so much, a comment here or there that was usually sarcastic and biting but he wasn't stupid enough to piss of the chasers. He sensed something dark about both of them. Yet some nice jabs here or there never killed anyone.

Kadaj if nothing else was a people-watcher. Though he didn't really pick up the arts of mortality, he did understand them and examined the habits and behavoirs of another with rapt attention - and to a point began to mimic them. He was an anthorpologist in all sense of the term.

He found it curious the way Lucina did up her hair and tied in those pretty ribbons - despite the fact that she could be thrown into a fight and an enemy could easily grasp the objects and choke her to death. He found it odd the way Roxel suddenly broke out into song, no warning whatsoever. He watched Namine when she did her make-up. Or Samael when he tried to communicate things he needed and had no words. He tilted his head whenever Tensai spoke to something unseen while reading his books.

And Gunnar - oh Gunnar had quickly become his favorite subject, maybe because they were alike in the fact that they both had mako. He found it fascinated to watch the other comb his hair, walk up the stairs, hold a cup, pilot the ship, eat a meal, swim in the ocean, look at the stars, give a speech, get furious, sympathize, understand, misunderstand, cry, laugh, smile...

The man... was a very, very interesting specimen. And Kadaj... did not want to look away for a second - he didn't want to miss a thing.


Lucina smiled, walking into the crowd, sparing the small bohy a glance every now and then. She was pretty protective of him since he was so small still, and unable to speak if he ever got into trouble. She, like a good leader, didn't want anything bad to happen to her teammates. So she always made sure that the boy was well looked after when he needed to be, especally on dangerous missions like these.

She could still remember stumbling upon the boy, and once Tensai had uncovered his name a second question finally arose.
"So... What are we going to do with him?" Seifer asked.
"Oh, let's take him with us!" Olette said excitedly.
"What? Do we LOOK like a fucking orphanage?" Ven spat out harshly.
"We'll we can't just leave him, especally if he's got no home or parents!"
"Then let's drop him off into fucking foster care and be on our merry way." Aqua said.
Terra's eyes blazed. "No." He snapped. "If he's going to go anywhere it's back with his fucking parents."
"And if we can't find them?"
"Then I guess we got no fucking choice but to take him in!"

No one rose up another arguement after Terra gave the final word - and Aqua, Xio, and all the other scouters had absoluetely no luck finding anyoen quite like the boy. So Samael found a home on the kid's ship - to be close to Tensai since he was the only one who could understand his language if he ever decided to write again.

Lucina found it quite adorable really - for all of Uncle Terra's hard edges and cruel words, he had a real big soft spot for kids, especally those without parents.

As for Bonnie well... she was being given a life of hope from her parents. A life where she wouldn't be shunned or hated - but welcomed and loved. Luci thought it was very noble - if not a little heartbreaking.

She supposed Viera, like Atterians, learned to grow up a lot faster then normal children.

The leader glanced up at the woman's call, and smirked. "Good eye." She praised, before fingering the communicator at her ear. They were sleeker and newer then the first generations models. "He'sin sight, headed for coral distract. Get your asses out here. We're going to intercept him."


"Hey!!" The brunette cried, digging back out the dirt and throwing it back at the blonde - but a sharp snap from Aqua made them both get back to work.

Terra sighed, glancing towards the sky one blue eye much brighter than the other. Over the years many things had developed. His right eye, for example, was once again beginning to lose it's sight. He didn't know if that was because the spring's healing power was wearing off, or if he was just getting, ugh, old.

Another thing was of course Tensai. He had found his calling in life - and Terra couldn't be happier for his son. Sure he had been a bit disappointed that he wouldn't be a leader like himself - but he couldn't deny Lucina had the fierce protectiveness, quick wit, snappish command, take-no-shit attitude and overbearing presence of a leader. And that Gunnar had the emphsizing nature, intelligent suggestions, loyal standing, soft words and the brillant heart of a second-in-command. Of course, when comparing him to Ven ANYONE had a heart.

He had a feeling his son was going to go beyond that even though. The boy reminded him of... the Ven he knew before the blonde had died. The one who could reach out to even the most cold-hearted of people and find a friend within. He also knew the boy was taking a lot of shit from the others on his team - not only because he was the second youngest, but because he was a little...eccentric. That eccentricity though, he recognized from Sora - and back then the quality had been, for the most part, respected.
He knew in time his son would figure it out, and he wouldn't interfere. The boy was stronger then he looked, and despite the others teasings all he did was smile and turn the other cheek, easily forgiving light offense, yet holding silent grudges to some of the sharper ones.

"Rock-head stop spacing out."

"I'm the leader I can do whatever I want." The brunette said back with a smirk.

Seifer meanwhile was grimancing at the other blonde's statement, glancing at the cook. "Too much information chickenwuss."

"You're just jealous." The other said back as he went back to digging, catching sight of the two pets in the corner of his eye. He was worried about them as much as Axel - and dreaded the day they finally passed. It was going to be a hard blow to their family.

"Jealous?" Seifer spluttered. "Pfft, I have the most beautiful wife in the world, you just have an ugly old guy."

Before Roxas could snap up a comeback and bring back old rivalries, Aqua stepped in. "Your both wrong. I have the most beautiful wife in the world. Now get your asses back to work!"

Invidia purred softly when the elder creature came to her side, nuzzling him softly. Though they could no longer have a litter together she didn't mind. She had raised many a pup over the years, and she was too tired to handle anymore.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel laughed as he continued to run. "They have it all under control! This is a C-O-N-C-E-R-T! Who knows how long it'll be till we see any other one!" he called over the chatter of the people, a large smile on his face.

Roxel seemed to be more fanatic when Tensai left. Even if he knew where Tensai was... he wasn't there to protect him.
"BUT WHAT IF HE MISSES A HEARTLESS!?"
"He'll be fine."
"NO HE WONT! NO HE WONT!" The boy ended up crying nonstop until they picked him up in Destiny.

Roxel had strayed away from the others... only because they picked on Tensai so much for no reason! How mean!
He adored the younger and actually grew tired yelling back at the other's to leave him along after awhile, his attention on the whole thing dwindling.

They raced through the crowd and towards the stage that was lit up nicely, signs of peace all over. They pushed through to get to the front, some people mumbling under their breath on how rude they were.
He stopped at the stage and looked up, his multicolor eyes wide with excitement. He loved music so much... and one day... he knew he'd be up there!

Even if he had talked about his Awakening for weeks... he really didn't want to be a full time Chaser. He wanted to be a singer... in a band or something. Unfortunately, he couldn't exactly have a band if he had no other players. He tried to convince people of picking up some instruments... but that didn't go so well.
"Does it look like I have the time for that?" Lucina frowned.
"What? I don't have the time for that kind of shit." Gunnar had simply put.
"Sorry, maybe if you wanted a member of a sport team." Namine had pouted.
Kadaj had just laughed.
"I honestly don't think I could... sorry..." Tensai had sighed.
Samael just blinked and shook his head.
"That sounds brilliant... but you need to get your finger out and stop acting gormless." Bonnie had scoffed.

It was kind of hard... understanding Bonnie's slang.

The blonde-redhead blinked and suddenly started jumping. "EDMY! EDMY OVER HERE!" He waved as he saw a familiar man walk onto the stage. The sound of the crowd made him not even take notice to his leader's call.
What job?


Namine stuck her tongue out and crossed her arms as she took long stride to try and keep up with the two.
They called her the 'Olette' of Gen two, though she had more doubts than the happy go lucky, orange lover. She was, however, the one to announce that they have celebrations over small things. Seifer only slapped his forehead as he found out.
"Not another one..."
"I'll help!" Olette giggled as she bounced.

As for Kadaj, she didn't know how Gunnar could stand someone watching him all the time. She would freak out just when he popped his head in when she was getting on her make-up.

Actually... quite everyone noticed how close Kadaj stayed to Gunnar.... except for Gunnar himself. When not on missions, he would usually build more muscle or go out, training his mako powers more. Little everyday things were automatic for him anymore...
Unfortunately, his mind was more focused on what needed to be done... than what was going on now.

He did get the sense of Kadaj and Lucina though. Everytime Gunnar and Lucina were in the same room, the silverette would find a way to make the leader stomp off.

Like the one time when Gunnar had dropped a cup. His mako eyes reacted and his hand shot out quickly, grabbing the cup. Almost at the same time, another set of hands wrapped around his to grab the cup. The dark brunette looked up, seeing another pair of mako eyes looking down at him... and then a wink.
He could hear Lucina grunt and walk out of the kitchen.

Another instance was when they were again in the kitchen and Gunnar was making a simple sandwich. Lucina walked in to get something to drink and the man felt arms around his waist. Another grunt and storming out.

The brunette stopped as he heard something in his ear, her voice coming in very clear even over the crowd. Another one of Ven's upgrades. he couldn't fix anything... but he sure in hell could make things. He pressed the communicator in his ear and nodded. "Tiger Team copy. Moving now." He looked at Kadaj and then Namine. "Coral." He stated before turning to a purple glow a ways down.
"One of my favorite colors!" A giggled admitted and all three started to rush towards the alley.


Bonnie looked down and pointed to her ears.
"Hearing, love." She reminded. Viera could hear something from 10 miles away... but since she was a mixed breed, she was lucky that she couldn't hear THAT well... or this festival would of given her a headache for weeks. While they walked, she moved to ears to hear if anyone was talking about a keyblade or a plan of some sort.

The man she had spotted had said something about a keyblade... and how it's power better not fail him.
That was enough proof to claim him as the man.

Samael looked up as Lucina made the call, his curious eyes still finding it all fascinating.
He too remembered that day. The Chasers had dragged him everywhere in Radiant Garden AND Delshad to find something... but when they pointed people out, he had just shaken his head... not sure what they were asking.

Tensai had spent a lot of time with him, trying to get him to write something.
"Come on... write something... anything." Tensai had pushed a large pad and paper in front of the boy.
Samael didn't seem to understand since he just looked at Tensai blankly.
So Tensai had to write some things onto the paper... as hard as it was for him.
The young boy smiled and picked up the pen... but instead of writing something in that odd language, he drew a large bird... with no head.
".........Ok, let's forget about that for now."

He did find out that the boy liked playing card games... and understood them fairly well. Wherever he came from, card games must of been a big pastime.

He blinked when they started moving again, quickly crossing the street and through the people out towards the purple lighted alley.


Ven spat his tongue out and laughed, kicking some more dirt but frowned as they were snapped back into working. Lately, Aqua had been all work and no play. Someone was having some PMS problems.
He jumped down into the hole and started to dig down there. Sure that was rushing things... but fuck! He wanted to beat the kids again. He really wanted to keep that 1,000 munny!

Like Terra, he didn't worry about his son too much as in personality wise. He reminded him... a lot of Sora. He was curious though on how Tensai had such odd... powers. It must of traced back to his real parents. Terra was damn proud of how smart and well educated his son had turned out... and if Terra was happy, Ven was too.

Olette blushed and giggled as she heard her husband's comment... but blinked as Aqua corrected him. She only laughed and looked at Fuu. "Yes, Fuu sure is perdy!"
"Shut up." A red eye rolled as she continued to watch the radar.

Axel sighed and dropped his shovel, wiping his head. He looked out at the town and pouted. The kids were having all the fun... and he could hear the sounds of music. "Man... I wanted to see the concert too."

[Reno]

Tensai couldn't help but roll his eyes a little, laughing at the other's enthusiasm. He knew it was Roxel's dream was to make it big as some hit singer somewhere in the universe and have his name on all the magazines and in all the universal newspapers and his face all over the TV.
'Maybe even a movie!'

He personally would love to help the other realize his dream - but like Ven had predicted long ago, he couldn't read sheet music. He swore to god the notes bounced around on the pages before him. And besides that his figners were clumsy and he was a little shy.
'I can be your professional dancer?!' 'Course, he sucked at that too. If he could though... he wanted to help his best friend realize his dream. He wanted to help him make it big - he just... wasn't sure how. What he was really scared of... was failing his ebst friend. Maybe thats why he was reluctant to try.

He loved music though, and loved listening to Uncle Roxas sing while he cooked, or his daddy Ven rock out while typing on his computers, or his daddy Terra humming rare little lullabys under his breath. And especally he loved his 'private' concerts sitting at the foot of Roxel's bed as the boy sang and danced across the room, passion flaring in his eyes.

Tensai laughed as he was dragged into the crowds, shooting out apolgizes as he bumped into people, following the other to the front of the crowd. Moxley was right behind, slipping through people's legs, yelping loudly when someone stepped on his tail. He snarled losing sight of his masters, quickly trying to pick his way through the people and pick up their scent.

The black-haired boy grinned excitedly as a familar man stepped out onto the stage and like Roxel began to wave his hands, calling excitedly. "EDMMMMMMY!!!" He hardly noticed as an exhuasted Moombacles brushed at his ankles, and definitely didn;t hear the nagging voice of his leader - of course roxelw as the one with the communicator.

The blonde's head tilted at the sudden cries, and by some miracle heard them. He turned his head, grinning brightedly at the sight of the two Chasers, waving back. He recognized then easily of course - Roxel especally. The first time the boy had ever heard him play he was practically trampling all over him, demanding lessons. He laughed, hoping to get a chance to talk to the boys after as he went for the mike.

"You should jump on stage and rock out with them." Tensai whispered into his best friend's ear.


Kadaj tilted his head at the purple glow, rolling his eyes. It was just a color - they're were thousands of others. nothing really special about them. He chased after the other's thinking curiously. Why was it that humans reacted certain ways to certain sights - as if they had been blind all along?

The team weaved through the festivities of the event easily, hearing the laughter of kids, the chatter off the teenagers, the worried noises of parents - and the sounds of a concert starting to get ready to explode. thank god he was getting farther away from that. Mako ears - though nothing like a Viera's - were extremely delicate due to their advanced nature. He hated loud things - unless it was the explosions of a fight erupting.


Lucina just shrugged at Bonnie's correction, hearing his brother's confirmation on the other end. And not Roxel's. She sighed irritably, already knowing he had either A - lost it or B- was ignoring her. She swore, he was as bad as Axel - why couldn;t he of been more responsible like uncle Roxas?

She hurried for the ally, making sure Samael was close as they took off for the alley.


Terra just smiled softly, going back to work without comment. The sooner they were done here the sooner they could go and visit the festival and - hopefully - pig out on popcorn and hotdogs. Uh, if that was the food of choice around here. Oh, maybe even a... celebration muffin?!

Sefer rolled his eyes, mumbling softly under his breath, "You wish?"

"What was that!?"

"Nothing, nothing!" The blonde said, digging faster. Jeez, what was WITH her lately? Ever since they had gotten on this world she had been a nagging controlling son-of-a-bitch. Which was really odd - shouldn't she be calmer when she resided on a world full of her element?

Roxas ignored the going-ons on either side of him, laughing softly at Axel's proclmation. He pat the other on the back. "So did I. But you know I'm sure Roxel will tell us allll about it when he gets back." He had no doubt that their son was in that crowd - Tensai too - probably even in the front row. The teenager couldn't resist even the simplest chords of music - asking him to not watch a concert was like telling him not to sing.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel jumped happily as the blonde noticed him. Ah, this concert was gonna rock! Even if it wasn't the cool guitars and drums that he was use to, the oddly shaped and sounding instruments that the bands played with was just as neat. It was nice and different.

Roxel blinked as he heard the whisper of the other as the musicians on stage started to tune their cords, not even noting Ajay coming on stage. He blushed and bit his lip. Rock out with them? His eyes turned to the other and smiled "You really think I can do it?"

Before they could say much more... Edmy was on the mic, welcoming everyone that had come. Roxel pulled Tensai closer as he watched in awe. Man... he wished HE was doing that.


Gunnar rushed though the crowd as easily as possible before he reached the alley glowing of purple. He stopped and looked around, the green in his eyes circling as he tried to focus.
He reached up to his ear piece again. "We're here... what does he look like?"
He listened closely to the description as he slowly walked against the crowd coming out of the alley.

When he spotted someone of the description, he reached under his long coat and pulled out a large weapon that looked like it belonged in a car than on a handle. A large barrel was at the end, showing that it was actually a gun... and a large one at that.
The people around who saw it cried and started running away and out of the alley as the three continued. His sharp eyes could see his sister and her team on the other side, also clearing that side so only the man in question stood.

Namine stood on the other side of Gunnar and her hand came up, a light blue majick soaring up and she pointed a finger up at it. When it came back down, it grew in size and when it hit her finger, it turned into a swirling Blitzball. She let it drop into her palm and pointed at the man with her other hand. "Stop, in the name of the Chasers!"


With long legs, Bonnie was the first to get to the edge of the alley. "ALL YOU BUGGERS GET OUT OF HERE!" She too took out more plain gun from her kimono and pointed it at the man. Her ears fell flat on her head as she heard the cries and heard Lucina come up to her side with the boy.

Samael stopped behind Lucina as she stopped and looked at the emptying alley. His purple eyes focused on the man, seeing a darkness brewing at his feet.


The concert continued and Roxel swayed to the music happily with Tensai by his side. When they really got into the chorus, Roxel bit his lip and suddenly jumped up, grabbing the edge of the stage and pulling himself up. When he was on stage, he scrambled around, finding a mic and plugging it in. He suddenly rushed next to Edmy and looked out over the crowd.

♪ "Ay, peace
Oh peace
We don’t want no war, NO MORE!
No, no let me hear you say
Peace! Peace!
Say peace! Say peace!" ♪

The crowd came back and he smiled at all the smiles on him. His blue and green eyes looked down at Tensai and held out his hand, pulling him up. He pulled the mic between them and smiled.

"SAY PEA----"

A large thump came down in front of him and their eyes widened.
A Neoshadow.

The crowd stopped as more thumps could be heard and the music stopped. Roxel's mic dropped on the ground as Bond of Flame appeared in his hand. He quickly grabbed the mic in panic. "EVERYONE RUN!"
Suddenly screams filled the air as people started to flee, the Neoshadows quickly chasing after them.


Axel nodded and smiled, kissing Roxas on the cheek. "We need to buy him a camera so he can take pictures next time!"

"EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP! I think I found something!"
The blonde called up and everyone stopped.
Ven got on his knees and dug a little, a shining coming through the dirt. Who the hell buries a keyblade...?
He reached his hand in and pulled out an odd looking thing.

He held it up and frowned, seeing the chain that fell in front of his face. A heartless symbol. It had been awhile since he saw one of those. It was black and yellow with blue, sharp spikes. It didn't seem... like a native keyblade.
This was getting odder by the minute.

But that was when they all heard it... the cries from the city.

[Reno]

Tensai grinned at the other's uncertainity, nodding in reassurance. "Yeah you can do anything." He looked up, seeing the blonde step forth, waving to the crowd.

"Welcome!!" Edmy called, his voice echoing. "To Lincintia's 10th annual Dentente Festival Concert!! Ten years of peace - nothing more beautiful then that!" Cheers erupted instantly. "Now I know none of you came to stand around and hear long and boring speeches - so we're just going to get right into it! Here we are the Varuna Soliders!" He glanced back, sharing a fond smile with Ajay, and nodding to the others'. They quickly threw themseleves into the first song.


Lucina quickly gave Gunnar the details on the man as Bonnie - not unsurprisingly - got to the alley first. her large harsh voice cut through the alley - and no one dared not to listen especally when she held up the gun. Moments later the other end of the alley was also cleared, revealing 'Team Tiger'. She stepped up next to the Viera, slipping her hands at her hips and pulling out her two silver revolvers. They both cocked with a harsh click as she set her sights onto her prey, his eyes narrowing. She grimanced at Namine's call, unable to stop the thought of Sailor Moon coming to her mind.


Kadaj stepped up next to the others, slowly pulling out his double-bladed sword, holding it almost languidedly at his side. The metalwork was fine and beautiful - and held at the one angle the second identical blade could almost be nonexistent. Two thing white trails of cloth were tied on either side of the golden guard. The grip was like any normal kantana, bound tightly with leather. He smirked, glowing green eyes peering at the man from between the strands of silver hair.

The man looked from between the two groups, eyes narrowed and suddenly chuckled. He was a scarly character, with long strands of greasy and seperated brown hair flowing to his chin. His eyes were a disturbing shade of hazel - only shades away from yellow. He wore all black - as if he was trying to turn into a heatless himself. "Oh dear, a bunch of children had cornered me, whatever shall I do?" He stretched out his hand, a dark glow appearing as the keyblade sparked to life in his hand. It looked like the blade of a demon. Black and red Dragon wings curled around the handle, and falling from the keychain was a symbol of a star within a circle. The blade itself was all hard edges and harsh corners, and looked like two wings of a gargoyle folded over one another. At the tips, the prongs shot upwards in a circular way - much like Oathkeeper's did. He curved the blade downward though, slamming it into the ground - and was a little surprised when a hole of darkness slowly opened up and strange, evil creatures slowly started to climb from it - and from all parts of the world.

The blonde woman cursed. "Get him!!" She ordered.


Tensai smiled as he was brought close, swaying with the other, humming the tne, trying to memorize it. But then suddenly Roxel stepped away, and the teenager broke into a grin, seeing what the other was up too. "YEAH!!"

Edmy spared the boy a glance, grinning in approval. Somehow, he wasn't surprised. Demyx had told him a lot oabout his friend - that 'Axel' fellow'. Why should his son be any different?

Moxley's senstive ears twitched, watching the boy as he sung out on the stage. The mutt tilted his head, barking, though his voice was drowned by the noise - but then suddenly his master's legs were ggone and the creature stumbled, looking up as Tensai was pulled up by the motley boy.

Tensai blushed in surprise as he was pulled next to the other, but he grinned, taking a breath as they sang out the chorus he already had memorized. "Say Pea--"

Yet he never finished his sentence as large forms of blackness fell in front of him and his friend. moments later many more joined them. He felt Faber call to him and he didn't fight it, merely let the clock-like blade appear in his hand.

He heard his friend calling for people to run. The sound of a mic's drone filled his ears as Edmy dropped his mic as well.

The man turned, grabbing onto Ajay's hand. "I think it;s time we a-ran babe!" He gave her a confident smile, even if it was far from what he felt as they both dashed from the stage, their bandmates following.

Tensai sliced, cutting through a neoshadow effortlessly. He looked up in terror, seeing more were chasing after the good citizens of this world. He raised a hand, and snapped his fingers together, "Stop!!"

The wave of powerful magic flew across the land in a blue wave stopping the majority of the neoshadows in their tracks. Moxley's barking could be heard as he jumped on the stage, spitting out blasts of fire at the heartless that dotted the stage.


Roxas grinned - but a sharp noise from Ven drew everyones attention away. Everyone drew close as he started to pull out the keyblade.

Terra's eyes furrowed at the sight of it - not likeing the chaint hat was on the end of it - but he nor anyone else had time to comtemplate it, or even speak a word. Because screams suddenly erupted from further down. The brunette cursed, jumping from the hole and perching on the hill, looking down.

Far from here, he could just barely see the crowds of people - all of them nearly trampling one another as they ran from the stage. He could see the glow of magic, and sparks of light - fire. That wasn't a good sign. It looked like the kids failed to find the man before he made a move. "Ven get rid of the fucking keyblade." He spoke sharply. He glanced over his shoulder at the others who were also scrambling at the hole and waiting for orders. He looked sharply back towards the fetivities, his eyes narrowing.

He rasied his hand to his own, twisting the communicator qucikly to Lucina's frequency. "Status." He ordered, hearing the sounds of battle on the other side. It was a few moments before a breathless, clipped voice answered back.
"Coral and we're managing. Heartless. My team and Team Tiger are after him right now. I don't know where Team Flame is."
"Roger."

He decided against calling Roxel. He knew where the boy was. "Xio and Vi will stay here. Olette, Aqua go offer support to the kids in Coral. The rest of you worms get to the stage. QUCIKLY." The orders were followed shiftly, the two woman, with a quick goodbye to their respective lovers, rapidly heading off towards the district of Coral - the rest of them all spread out and raced towards the concert area.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel's eyes widened, seeing most of the Heartless stop. He always forgot his friend had that power.
"Alright! How about some fire!" Bond slashed down, a shot of fire coming through the wood of the stage, catching quickly. The fire engulfed a few Heartless as they burned at the amps.

Backstage, the bands were hiding in small places.
Ajay was huddled next to Edmy, holding onto him tightly. She never... thought this would happen again.

Roxel jumped off the stage and started chasing after the other Neoshadows. A circle of fire circled around him as he slashed down at the black creatures.
He looked back at his friend and frowned. "Shit! Weren't we suppose to find that keyblader!?"


Gunnar growled as he saw the Darkness make a hole and Heartless started to appear. He suddenly dashed towards the man, Kadaj on his ankles and quickly followed by Namine.
Heartless jumped at them and with a quick, powerful flick of his wrist, the gun jolted and a large blade snapped out.

A new generation of gunblades.

The blade stabbed through as Heartless as he was jumped on and a shot from the gun sent the heartless flying and burst into nothing.

"AH! HE'S GETTING AWAY!" He heard a call from behind, his cat-like eyes seeing the man jumping up to the roofs. The brunette growled again. "GET ME UP THERE!"
The redhead nodded and suddenly threw her ball against the side of the house hard, making it bounce back and forth between the alley. As the ball got higher, Gunnar jumped onto it, springing off and catching it again when it got higher.

His feet slid slightly as he got to the roof top.
Namine reached into her item bag and pulled out a small gadget. He aimed it at a water pipe that ran from one house to another and shot. A rope shot out and wrapped around the pipe, pulling her over the hole of the Darkness. She swung and used her weight to make her swing 180 above the pipe and let go, landing gracefully.

Her hazel eyes looked out, seeing Gunnar was rushing towards the man already, his sword and gun firing at the Heartless in his way. She caught her ball that was still bouncing and rushed off after him, doing her best not to slip on the roofs as she jumped from one to another.

Bonnie frowned as she watched the man jump up to the roof in an inhuman way. She looked at Lucina and nodded. "Go after him, love. I'll take care em pillocks."
She grabbed onto Samael and pulled him close.


Ven frowned but nodded, gripping onto the handle, making it disappear and reappear in the chamber. He ran up to Terra side and watched the other's leave to another direction.

"Be careful!" Olette called out as her rod was drawn and she rushed off towards the Coral.
Fuu gave a light blow of a kiss off to Aqua before she joined Terra's and Ven's side.
When they were all ready, they all rushed towards the stage.

Chakrams were thrown carefully, hitting the Heartless that were attacking people. Majick was also used scarcely. They needed to get to that stage!

[Reno]

Tensai jumped from the stage, Moxley at his heels as he hurried after his friend. As the other called back though his eyebrows furrowed and he rolled his eyes. "No DUH Roxel! I tried to tell you that!!!"

He turned his head seeing the line of frozen heartless that his friends magic fire wasn't reaching and took a deep breath, blowing outwards. a small tornado flew upwards, taking a small crowd of heartless with it, throwing them into the air before they all slammed into the ground - disappearing on sight.

But more and more were reappearing and his spell was wearing off. Pretty soon... they were going to be surronded. Moxley gave some sharp yips, shooting out little blasts of fire at anything that came too close. He ducked under the glow of fire, slowly pressing his back against Roxel's - his eyes widening at the way the heartless were multiplying around them. The two continued to slice out, but their movements were becoming desperate. Their were too many!!


"Tch!" Kadaj scoffed, a grin spreading across his lips as he felt adrenlin flow. He sliced expertly at the heartless, watching then disappear into streams of dark energy before his eyes. Had they not been in close corners, he would of used a spell.

Lucina scoffed shooting at the heartless viciously and quickly - but she paused to answer Terra's question - shooting onehandedly. One they were done she heard the cry from Namine she looked around confusedly - before spotting the man charging off across the roof. Her eyes furrowed - how?! She hadn't even seen him jump...

She glanced over at Bonnies words - hearing gunnar and Namine already chasing off. She smiled at the viera. "Thanks." She said hurried, before looking forward seeing Kadaj looking back at her curiously. She scoffed, rushing forward. "Well?! lets get up there!" She raised her hand, locking her teeth around one of her guns.

Kadaj grinned, also running towards her and then suddenly he jumped, slamming his blade into the edge of the wall - at the same instant the woman reached him and jumped, holding out her arm. Their hands clasped and Kadaj using his and her mometum to swing up and around his blade, throwing her up. He placed his foot where the blade and wall met, giving himself an extra boost to jump - dislodging his blade as he did. Lucina flew up, landing onto the edge of the roof easily. Kadaj landed next to her, landed on the toes of his feet. They shared one small glance before both of them took off along the roof - effortlessly catching up to their teammates.

The man jumped across the roofs as if he were possesed, dragging the blade across the ground - a long dark trail of darkness being created after him. It looked like a river you're see on a map - only purple and black. More heartless appeared. And then suddenly their were wyverns.

"Tch." Kadaj scoffed again, hearing the rapid gunshots from Lucina - but these creatures were slickers and slighter in the air, easily dodging the bullets. He waved a hand, a green glow following it and he slid his hand and thub across the two blade until it glowed green. He sliced furiously, and the green magic shot out and sliced through the sky, slicing through the creatures easily, giving everyone else a clear shot.

More bangs rang out at they jumoped to the next, much more slanted roof. The man turned, holding the blade in front of him defensively, the bullets reflectiing from it. One however, from Gunnar, nicked his shoulder. He snarled, and with a roar of fury, slicing downwards. The shells of the roof suddenly turned into a thick, disgusting smelling substance that was slick like oil, slamming into the roof and throwing them off the roof to a new alley below.

The man laughed, turning and continued hsi mad dash - and then three homes later, jumping into the alleyway below, turning and raced back towards Lava Reef - the area of the festival.


Invidia sat up as the members suddenly split from them. She had heard Terra's orders, but her ears flipped back, feeling apprehensive. She stood, barking as she walked to the edge of the hill - looking down. Her sight was not much better - but she lfited her head, smelling delicately at the air - easily catching the sent of flames and the powerdry smell of time magic. Roxel... and Tensai.


Aqua ran alongside Olette, her keyblade apeparing in her hand. "How did he get so strong?!" According to Ven's research the blader hadn't had his keyblade for more than a week! It was impossible to thing he was this strong already...


Terra cursed, his mallet appearing in his hands easily. He and the others weaved their way around frantic, screaming people - saving lifes as they went. Could they NEVER have a normal worldy experience? EVER? Maybe he LIKED digging in dirt.

He smashed at another neoshadow, and then suddenly the crowd broke away - and beyond looked like nothing more then a sea of darkness. It made his stomach turn. He barely caught hints of the flame-red hair of Roxel and the bright orange eyes of Tensai - both standing back to back - the only thing saving them from being overrun was the circle of fire that surronded them.

He snarled, sliding to a stop, only to slam his mallet down, land rising in the shape of a V and safely passing the children. Hearts rose to the sky. It was an unreal amount. And in moments, more were poppoing up in their dead sisters and brother's wake. "Fuck."

Before he could lift his weapon from the ground, a blonde blur rushed past, jumping atop the back of the mallet and used it as a lift, jumping into the air before gliding forward. "Hey!!"

Roxas easily caught sight of the glow of fire. There were so... many heartless. It was quickly reminding him of the army Sora had faced at Hollow Bastion. Unbelievable.

He suddenly fell beside the two frantic boys, safely away from the wheel of fire, slicing at a row of nearby heartless. "Uncle!" He heard Tensai gasp.

He didn't have time to look back He slammed his dark keyblade into the ground without any hesitation. A dark purple heart suddenly was created around the four. "Oblivion!!"

[Rikugurl]

Roxel pouted as he heard the cry from his friend. When did he say that!? "Liar, liar....pants on FIRE!" He shouted as more fire circled some Heartless, making them burn up into nothing.
The more he got rid of though, the more was made.
Didn't uncle Ven say that this guy shouldn't been so strong!?

He stopped when he felt Tensai back to back with him. He swallowed as he looked around, pretty much everything was up in flames that could be. He closed his eyes and pressed out his majick, making a ring of fire around them that his dad had taught him. He opened his eyes and gave the Heartless a stern look, getting that 'protecting' boost to him. The one had not holding onto Bond reached back and held onto Tensai's hand.

"Don't worry Ten-chan..."


Boots hit more roof tiles as Gunnar landed on another housetop. He continued to growl as he slashed out and shot heartless, as if he was a football player just wanting to make a tackle.
Namine had thrown her getas off because there was NO way she could run on a rooftop with those. It wasn't much easier doing that barefooted either.

She was still far away from Gunnar but easily took down some wyverns easily as they started to appear. She threw her Blitzball hard, knocking them down and catching the ball when it came back to her. She blinked though as she looked down, something flying in the air catching her eye. Chakrams.
Oh great... She could already hear the lecture they were going to hear for this one.

The roar made her look up, seeing Gunnar stand fearless.
"GUN! WATCH OUUUUUUUUU!"
She suddenly fell on her butt and slid down the roof into the alley below.
Gunnar soon followed.
He winced as he fell, his gunblade falling from his hands. He quickly got up and grabbed the handle, flicking it quickly to make it go back to a gun-only mode before rushing out.

Namine panted but got herself together and raced after the brunette.


Bonnie and Samael were quickly circled by the large number of heartless. The boy hid behind her as she looked around in a circle, her gun pointing at all the Heartless.
"Alright you gits, I've about done here with you!"
Her amber eyes sharpened as she suddenly slammed her foot down, a large wave of energy rushing out from under. The blast got ride of most of the creatures and she sighed.

"Bob's your uncle!" She snickered ands shook her head. "Ain't that right, Sam?" She looked behind her... to see nothing. "Sam?" She looked around franticly. "SAMMY!?" Lucina would have her head--- a sudden cry came from above from something large.
A wyvern.
And in it's large feet was a small boy, his face full of fear as he flailed.

Her ears flattened onto her head.
"Oh bloody hell."

She sighed and quickly raced after the flying fiend. She ran her hand over her gun, making it shine and morph into a whip. Quickly she pulled it back and swung it around like a lasso and flung it up. It wrapped around the heartless's tail. She was pulled up and quickly found footing on top of a house. She ran along with the thing and suddenly jumped up, her body flexing to do a 360. As her legs came up, her clawed high heels slammed into the wyvern jaw, making it cry.

She spun and kicked the creature in the face, making it fall back. Pulling in the whip hard, it threw the large beast into the rooftop and it exploded on impact.
The whip was released as she fell to the city streets hard. She helf out her arms and a young boy fell right into them. "Aren't you jammy?"
She put the boy down and sighed. "Hope you're worth all the trouble."


Ven followed Terra quickly, seeing the people flee around them.
"FUU, AXEL! GET THE PEOPLE TO SAFETY!" He called back, seeing the two quickly slow down. He growled as he continued after Terra. Unlike his mate, he didn't have a weapon he was skilled at... so he would have to use his wind.

He slid to a stop when he reached the scene and watched in horror. His son and Roxel were surrounded. The attack Terra sent out was pretty powerful... but Roxas's was even more. The glow of the purple heart was sent out into the sky before he rushed in to the kids.
He got up to them and frowned. "Are you two ok?"
Roxel looked up slightly and nodded. "Y-yea."
"Then step back and put out the flames."

Roxel swallowed and nodded, backing away and letting the guarding flames down.

Ven looked out at the other Heartless and frowned before crossing his hands in front of his face.
A symbol of wind blew from under him before he pushed his hands out. A heavy wind blasted out, invisible swords slicing through the remaining heartless.... but even then... they started to reform.
"Shit... something must be adding that guy's power!"


Fuu and Axel chucked their chaks out and tried their best to get people into houses before their weapons returned.
"HEY! GET IN!"
"BUT THIS ISN'T MY HOUSE!"
"WOULD YOU RATHER DIE!?"
Axel shoved a woman into a vacant home as he caught his chak just in time.
Damnit... there was too many!


Olette frowned as her rod spun, hitting Heartless as they jumped on her. "I can't believe Ven was finally wrong on his report!" she called as she saw the purple lights coming up.

[Reno]

Lucina had just reached the rooftop with the others - but Kadaj disturbingly slid to a stop - watching the three fall to the alley below.

"Yuck." The girl grumbled as she was covered in the slime - we'll there went these clothes. She stood, following after the other two cursing as they raced from the alleyway - seeing some crowds on the other side. "Do you see him?!" She called to her brother up ahead as the three of them took out heartless that popped up along the way. Damn it she wasn't going to have their first real mission end in failure!!

And... where had Kadaj gone?


Aqua laughed, slicing through some of the heartless, effortly destroying the ones father away with some quick water spells. "We'll tease him about it later!" Her eyes caught sight of Three kids standing at the edge of the alleyway, taking care of some nearby Heartless. "There they are!"


The silverette who had been left behind took no offense. He studied the rooftop, jumping across it. He leant down, sticking his gloved fingers into the bubbling darkness, his mako green eyes gleaming. The keybladers would not be happy if they found these. They were open wounds to the world's heart. And unlike any keyblader fights before this the abrasions were not healing, causing more and more heartless to be freed from their prison.

"Where are you going?" Soft strands of yellow energy spread into the darkness of the slime - and then traveled straight into the heart of this planet. The yellow strands wrapped around it, and inside his mind he could see a black and white blueprint of the entire planet - various places mapped out perfectly - and the people were like little golden glows. Except the heartless, where were purple - and that number was growing.

Finally he saw it. A yellow glow edged in red. That was his target. Rather then going through the streets and risking being spotted, he had started to cut through the walls of homes to stay unseen.

Kadaj looked up, understanding instantly. He jumped from the roof, sliding down a coral structure and took a flying leap onto the crystaline trees that reminded him much of the Ancient's Forest. What he wouldn't do for his bike right now. He looked around, seeing Gunnar and the others close by, but everyne else he was sure was spread out.

He raced across the trees, grabbing his communicator from his pocket, turning to all the frequencies quickly and spoke strongly. "He's heading for the center of the world, Siren's Bridge."


Tensai's wide eyes looked over as his father came over, speechless. At the others order he quickly backed away, looking at the ground angry at himself. They couldn't even handle some heartless...

Roxas stepped back as well, breathing hard through his teeth; Terra came over, placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, watching Ven take care of what was left. His eyes narrowed in fury as more just continued to pop up - and everywhere the heartless dug there claws into was causing cuts of darkness into the world - cuts that went straight to the heart. This... wasn't good.

Suddenly though an idea sparked him. He grinned. "Tensai! Roxas!"
The boy jumped a little in fright. "Y-Yeah?" Roxas merely inclined his head.
"Stop the world's heart!"
Ten looked up at his dad like he was crazed - which he was pretty sure wasn't far from the truth. "Huh?"
"Did Ven's brains damage finally get to you?" Roxas teased.
"Come here." The man said gripping the other's arm, dragging him over to one of the abrasions, Roxas following with a confused shrug of his shoulders. He murmured some words to the two quietly and quickly; Roxas and Tensai, with sudden grins, understood.
Oblivion and Faber Horologia were stuck into the dark cut and the two shut their eyes, concentrating the majority of their magical energy into their next attack. "Stop!!" the two cried, the magic flowing down much like Kadaj's spell had. It wrapped around the heart and the world's door of darkness, suddenly shutting them down. Little sparks of blue magic burst from the multitude of breaks of pains the world now had - stopping some of the heartless still near them.

For Tensai it was a weird experience. It was like he could see the beating ehart of the world - and like his father Sora must have been able to, he could almost... hear it crying out in pain. The moment the spell was call, and moment was broken and he pulled out his keyblade, stumbling into his dad's arms.
"It will probably last for a few minutes." Roxas murmured, sounding rather tiredly. Oblivion and a spell to a heart would have been effortless oh say... twenty years ago. He rubbed his forehead of the sweat that had colelcted there, grimancing.
"Good." Terra said, ruffling his son's hair. The boygrinned, already started to lighten up. He was still young and full of vitality after all.

Suddenly he heard the crackle and raised his hand up. "You bastard you're the one who stole the communicator from our ship!"
"Is this really the time my dear, dear leader?"
The brunette scoffed, getting glances from the other Chasers. "Kadaj said he's headed for Siren's Bridge." Damn it all they had just BEEN there. The next hilltop over from where they had been digging was where the bridge was - laying across the Timeless River - not to be confused with the town; though on Sora's second visit to Lincintia when they had to ressurecte Demyx, he sure hadn't seen it that way. Had jumped right in, talking about some black-and-white world he had visited and nearly drowned in the process. He spared the team a glance, noticing most of the heartless in this area were eased in movement, "Alright lets get out asses moving."

Invidia's ears twitched, earing something snapped nearby. She heard her mate, thought old, still getting up to courageously fight. She barked her teeth latching around his mane and dragging him into the shadows of the tree, forcing him to stay down. The two pets watching a strange man that smelled of nothign but darkness walk by - the weapon in his hands easily recognized. A keyblade.
The man didn't even spare a glance their way, just hurried down the hill towards the bridge and sloshing river far below.

[Rikugurl]

Mako eyes danced around, looking at every dark spot he could as bullets raged out from his gun.
"NO! NO SIGN OF HIM!" He called back, seeing a blitzball go flying by him.
When Namine had first stated that her weapon was a sports ball, everyone rolled their eyes... but oddly enough... her throws were mean and it actually hurt... a lot.

He stopped at the end of the alley and frowned, Namine stopping next to him and panted. Lucina wasn't far behind as Gunnar looked around. For once... he noticed Kadaj was missing. "We're is he?" He asked before he heard something the his communicator.
His mako eyes widened, feeling something odd running through his veins.
"Siren's Bridge...." He whispered and blinked, hearing someone coming towards them.

"KIDS!" A perky woman came over and stopped, looking at her two children and Namine. "Oh my god, are you three ok?"

Gunnar nodded but looked out, seeing the sky darken. This was bad... what the hell was that guy doing. "Yea... but no time for chats... we need to get moving!"
He quickly rushed off as Namine sighed. "I hope he knows I have BARE FEET!"
"Here, take my shoes." Olette pulled hers off and handed them to the girl.
"But..."
"This is your fight remember? I need to go help make sure the people are ok!" She smiled as she waved and headed off, quickly finding Fuu and Axel who were shoving people into homes.

Namine looked back at Lucina and smiled, quickly putting on the shoes. "Le's go!" She quickly ran after Gunnar, her ball held tightly under her arm. She was gonna sleep well tonight! Already she could feel her calves burn.


Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't have a communicator and people were running pass them in all different directions. She placed the boy down and moved her ears, trying to pick up anything.
The word 'Siren's Bridge' was picked up quite a few times.
"Of all the pillock, over the top, shit. Come on then Sammy!" She pulled the boy into a piggy ride as her long legs got them speeding down the road towards the bridge.


Ven watched his brother and son working of the heart and frowned. Last time he played with a world's heart... it had unlocked it, making the world disappear. Hopefully... this wouldn't happen. He looked back at Roxel, seeing a glooming look on his face... which really wasn't him at all.

"Come on!" Ven motioned as he started heading back to where they were.

Roxel sighed as she watched Terra pat on Tensai's head and shook his own. For once in his life, he felt jealous...
He frowned and closed his eyes, running after his uncle.
Wind cut up the in coming heartless as fire raged through. "Don't use your fire here!" Ven called back sternly and Roxel frowned even more.

Blue eyes caught another blonde as they rushed by. "SEIFER! SIREN'S BRIDGE!" He called before turning a corner. As he turned, he caught a second glimpse of rabbit ears turning another corner.


Xio whimpered as he was pulled down, his amber eyes looking out to see the man rush by. He stood once again and growled, feeling nothing but darkness.
His large paws pressed against the earth... and a sudden boost sent him out, wither Vi liked it or not. This was obviously the man his master was looking for... and if he could stop him for only a bit... he had to do it.

The lion sped out, large paws hitting the ground heavy as his shaggy fur flopped around. He took a large leap and skidded, his jaws latching around the man's leg and bit down hard, drawing blood and stopping the man in his tracks. Fire raced down to his fangs, burning the flesh it bit into.

[Reno]

Lucina's eyes narrowed, surprisingly in worry as her eyes danced around, looking for the silverette. Sure she didn't LIKE the perverted psychopath, but that didn't mean she wanted him to die some horrible death that wasn't by her hands. She jumped thought as the sultry voice entered her head - and blinked in confusion. How did he get a communicator? She didn;t give him one...

She looked over as Olette and Aqua joined them, nodding a confirmation that theyw ere indeed fine.

Gunnar was already off like a rocket - hey wait a second SHE was the leader here!!

Aqua hurried over, stopping next to Olette. she looked the three kids over and riased a questionable eyebrow. What in the world were they covered in? It smelt like... oil.

She glanced at the brunette girl next to her as she gave up her shoes, then glanced back towards were Siren;s Bridge was, feeling more agitated forever. But for the life of her she couldn;t name why. She glanced over as Namine and Lucina soon took off after Gunnar. "Good luck kids." She was about to hurry after when a shadow skipping over her made her look up.

She barely caught sight of the silver hair before the man was distorted by the trees. She ehsitated just one more second - before the cries of the city drew her in and she hurried through the ally to help her lover and the others.


Tensai, feeling a bit frazzled at all the quick movement - were all missions like this?! - quickly took after his dads. Man how did they stand this?! How did ANYONE stand this?

...Was this really the lfie of not only a Chaser but a keyblader?

"Whaaaaat?!" Seifer cried, cursing violently as he sliced through another heartless before spinning and dashing after the others.

Roxas watched the others run off, still catching his breath. "Getting too old for this..." He mumbled softly, letting Oblivion disappear and he took off after them. But because of that he was able to see the look that was on his son's face - and that depressed look only got worse when Ven snapped at him.

Instinictively he wanted to snap back at his brother to leave his son the fuck alone or else - but now was not the time to argue. He knew though that - like Axel - yelling at his son never issued positive results. (He and Axel really cheated their way through parenting, didn't they?)

He came astride his son, giving him a smile. "Hey you're doing fine." He reassured. However there was no more time for talk - because suddenly a horrible, animalistic cry from up ahead made the blonde's heart plummet. No...

Moxley, who was running not far behind his master, looked up in alarm, his ears twitching. He barked in alarm and without warning shot upwards past everyone up the hill. He knew what that cry meant...


The man, not suspecting the Moomba, cried out in rage and pain as the teeth clamped around his leg, and the fire that scorched it made his eyes water. He looked down. "Worthless rat!!" He raised the keyblade high, then sliced it down hard the sharp points digging into Xio's side and through the old Moomba off of him. He stumbled backwards, eyes blazing before turning and heading for the bridge once more.

Invidia, still in her hiding place shook with terror as she watched her mate go down. She stepped forward, waiting for the Moomba to get up and face the man again - but he did not.

The carbuncle quickly rushed towards Xio's side, whimpering as she touched noses with the moomba.

[Rikugurl]

Olette sighed as she watched but shrugged at Aqua as she raced after some people and stopped them, getting them into the houses like Axel and Fuu were already doing. Oddly enough, the older people of this world had already found cover... like this happened before.
Well it must of if Demyx's Somebody lived here.

Gunnar continued to easily cut through the heartless, watching the shadows of the wyverns. They too easily crashed behind and next to him as Namine took them out.

When he turned, he saw something familiar. "BONNIE!"
High heels slid to a stop as a rabbit eared woman looked back, her amber eyes meeting the mako as Gunnar rushed up. It seemed Samael was still in one piece as she put him down.
"We're going to Siren' Bridge! Hurry!" He said as he ran pass her. She frowned but quickly caught up with him. "Figured as much. This isn't bog standard, is it?"

Gunnar blinked as he looked at her.
Bog standard?
He just shook his head but blinked again as he heard an awful cry. That... wasn't human... was it?

The blonde boy looked around in panic as he was put down... and left as Bonnie and Gunnar left. He looked back, seeing Namine and Lucina rushing towards him and he rushed towards the leader, wrapping his arms around her waist, pouting.
His purple eyes shinned though as he heard something in the air. He looked at the hill and frowned.


Roxel continued to slice through some heartless as they came at him. When his father rushed up, he just frowned, his eyes darkening and not saying anything at all.
But he didn't have to when he heard something.
His eyes widened at the sound... almost knowing what it was.
He started to run again, his legs pushing faster and started to burn.

Ven frowned at the sound, knowing they were getting close. He and Seifer quickly slashed through the heartless in front. The gunblade and the wind scythe.
Something bad... had happened.

In the mess of chaos, Axel continued to shove people into homes as he chucked his chak rams out to get rid of the attacking Heartless. The caught both of them and panted, seeing Aqua and Olette coming to aid. He smiled softly but blinked, feeling a slight fear phantom over his heart. He frowned but blinked, hearing a soft echo... of a horrid cry.

Unlike everyone else... he knew who it was.
He shot out pass the women, not caring about their calls as he rushed to Siren's Bridge. He jumped onto the rooftop and quickly jumped from roof to roof, his arms going all over as he slashed the spikes of his chakrams into the heartless.

He jumped down when he got to the edge of the town and rushed up the hill, not even noticing Seifer's and Ven's exit. When he got to the top, his jaw dropped but rushed to the scene.

Xio was on the ground, laying on his side. A quick pool of blood engulfed him as his whole side bulged. He was panting hard as Axel came up to him.
"No.... no, no, no!" Axel dropped to his knees, his chakrams falling to the ground. He gripped onto his red hair, shaking his head. "No, Xio.... please... come on...." He leaned down, pulling the moomba closer. Tears started to run down his tattoos as he put his hand over the huge gash, as if it was really going to stop it... but blood only covered his hand.

[Reno]

Kadaj looked up, his own eyes narrowed as he ehard the cry, his mako ears easily picking it up. It sounded similar to the cry of a dying chocobo. He shook his head, continuing on his way towards the hill, jumping from branch to brnahc effortlessly.

Lucina heard the faint cry as well, her body tensing. However she was distracted by the mute boy as he held out his arms for her. She came to a stop beside him, letting him hold onto her. she could see the terror and confusion in his eyes. "It's okay Sam." she reassured, looking up towards the hill.


Invidia looked up as someone came onto the hill, snarling some until she realized it was Axel. Her ears dropped mournfully watching her mate's master grieve.

She whined softly, licking at the edges of the cut where Axel's hand could not reach - but the blood did not stop coming. She knew her mate was dying.


Terra grit his teeth at the noise, feeling sick. He had a feeling he knew what awaited them up on the hill. But no matter how much he wanted to suddenly turn around and tell Tensai and Roxel to stay he knew it would be no use.

Tensai tensed at the noise, his heart beating with sudden pain. Something... something terrible was up ahead. He knew it.

Suddenly they broke free - reaching the top of the hill. Seifer suddenly paused, a bit baffled to see Axel there... but the sight of what was in his arms was what really made him freeze.

Moxley suddenly shot past between the twos legs, rushing right next to the little gathering around the Moomba. He barked at Xio, again and again, a child desperately trying to revive it's father.

The rest of the group quickly reached the hilltop, and Terra spared the sad sight a glance, feeling guilt twist in his ehart. If he hadn't of told Xio to stay here... or had left on the ship... this never would of happened.

Tensai paused just beyond the hilltop, afraid of what he was going to see. The black-haired boy uncertainly stepped between his two fathers, looking over.

Roxas breathed hard as he rushed over the hill, his head hammering in protest. But he didn't care. He, unlike the others, did not pause. He rushed over the hill and straight to Axel's side. Only then did he slow down, uncertainly looking down at the bloodied moomba. "Oh... Xio..." The blonde choked up slowly falling to his knees beside his lover. He reached out, brushing the backs of his figners along the moomba's shaggy mane, tears finding their way down his cheeks.