The Chasers: Darkness' Fold

[Rikugurl]

Samael swallowed as he looked back at Lucina.
"Come on! We can't stop now!" Namine called as she turned the corner to go up the hill finally, seeing the adults already up there... but oddly enough... they had all stopped.

She panted as she trudged up the hill after Bonnie and Gunnar, only to see the rabbit ears fall down to the girl's head.
That wasn't a good sign.
"Ah, what happ.....end..." She pushed between the two, looking out to see the scene. Her eyes widened as she gasped, seeing all the blood. "Xio..." She whispered faintly.

Gunnar frowned at the sight. Guilt ran through him too. If they... if they were just a bit faster... this wouldn't of happened. If they were successful in doing their mission RIGHT... this wouldn't of happened. It felt like... this was all his fault.
He wasn't quick enough... not even with his mako enhancement...

Bonnie ears continued to lie flat as she saw the moomba laying there. She had really liked the lion when she was younger, watching him play with the green fox and watching some of the litters. After awhile, she didn't pay too much attention. She sighed and crossed her arms, looking down as her face slowly became sad.


When Ven came up, he stopped, seeing what had happened. There was blood around Xio's mouth... so... he was guessing the moomba had tried to stop the man. He blinked as his son shoved in between him and Terra and glanced at him, seeing the horrified look on his face. He wanted to tell Tensai that it would be ok, that the lion would be alright after they fix him up... but with how old the moomba was... and how the Darkness swarmed around the edges of his gash... he though the would be lying.

Roxel rushed up and his eyes widened, quickly seeing what was happening. He froze from shock, hsi keyblade hitting the ground and suddenly disappearing. His eyes quickly started to water and tears fell down his face.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
He cried as he gripped his hair, shaking his head.


Axel choked as he continued to hold the deep cut, feeling how labored Xio's breathing was. "It----It's ok Xio.... You'll be alright." More tears ran down his face, hearing Moxley start to bark.
The moomba's tail flicked a few times as he panted, his tongue hanging from the side of his mouth. His vision was starting to get burred so he slowly closed his eyes.

His panting slowly started to slow down... but not in promising way as a weezing sound came from his mouth.
Axel slowly pulled his hand away, a river of blood coming from the gash as he wrapped his arms around the large lion's neck and pulled him up, the body motionless as it moved.
He buried his face into the mane, his bloody fingers gripping onto the fur. "Xio.... please don't go..."


Ven looked away from the scene, looking out at the bridge.
"We.... we have to get going..."

[Reno]

Kadaj paused on a nearby tree, before suddenly jumping from it, landing beside the rest of his team. He looked at the scene silently, his face emotionless. It was just an animal... and his life would - well no he supposed it would. This wasn't Midgar. What happened to other huamns lifes if they did not becoming recycled in the lifestream? That was a curious thing to ask later.

Lucina followed after Namine's instruction, taking Samael's hand and rushing up the hill with him, but her brows furrowed in confusion as the others in front of her stopped - and Kadaj made a reappaerence. "What are you-" she started to snap, but her voice fell short as she came upon the scene. Her face became horror-stricken as she saw the Moomba, and she herself felt guilt worming its way through her. No... this this was all wrong...


Tensai blinked away the tears, shuddering at his best friend;s horrible cry. He wished he was younger - because if he was he could of cuddled to his dad like he used to when he was younger and scared of the 'monsters' under his bed. But no he was fifteen, not five.

Moxley whimpered, patting his paw against one of his dads before jumping away, as if expecting his father to suddenly get up and chase him like he used to when he was a pup. His ears fell flat when that did not indeed happen. He walked over tentatively yipping softly - but got no response.

Invidia pulled away when Axel did, sitting there quietly as she listened to the other's signs of life faded before pulling her head back and letting out a long wailing cry. Her mate was gone.

Roxas shivered at the noise, shutting his eyes. Why did it have to end like this? He looked at his lover, seeing how torn he was, and slid his hand along the other's back comfortingly. Xio had been apart of their family ever since they had gained their hearts back and found their love... and now, that constant part of their family... was gone.


Terra grimanced softly at Ven's words and he nodded. "Right." He rasied his eyes, fury beginning to boil up inside him as he caught sight of the man who had finally made it to the bridge. The fight was not over. "Come on." He ordered sharply, hand tightening around his mallet as he rushed down the hill. They had to finish this now - before anyone else was lost.

Seifer snapped out of it looking up. He and Ven quickly hurried after. The mission still had to be finished.

Tensai looked up seeing his parents suddenly become all bussiness again and couldn't help but think his parents were a little cruel hearted. Then he hated himself for thinking that because he knew that was far from the truth and it was a really awful thought. They were just doing what they needed to to help people.

He looked towards his best friend, walking over to him and kneeling down hugging him. "Rox..."

Lucina looked up, hearing Terra's order and she shut her eyes. "Come on after him! We're not done!" She told the others. She let go to Samael. "Stay here." She told him, unsure if he understood before she was done the hill, after the man. Revenge blazed in her eyes.

Kadaj didn;t even pause to think or protest. He just ran.

[Rikugurl]

Gunnar frowned as he heard someone jump down by his side, the energy in him shifting, knowing exactly who it was. He looked down at Namine who seemed to be shaking in sadness. He took a deep sigh, shifting as he held onto his gunblade tightly.

Bonnie shook her head, looking over at the other Chasers to see that they didn't look any happier.

Samael had gasped silently as Lucina stopped and he saw what was happening. His purple eyes looked up at Lucina, seeing the expression on her face and mimicked it oddly. Like he didn't know how to react to a scene like this.


Ven looked at Terra then nodded, making sure Seifer was on the run as well. As they rushed after their leader, he pressed onto his communicator.
"Aqua! What's the report down there!?"

Roxel shivered as Tensai hugged him. Anger still boiled in his blood but... he didn't have the heart to push his best friend away. Like Terra a long time ago, he gripped onto Tensai's shirt, pushing back and forth, unable to determine if he should push him away... or bring him closer as he sobbed.


Gunnar, Bonnie, Namine and Samael looked at Lucina as she gave the order and everyone nodded. The youngest blinked as Lucina turned to him and said something. He nodded slightly and blinked as she ran off with the others.
Why couldn't he come too?

His purple eyes looked out, seeing Roxel and Tensai. He wanted to go over, to see what was going on... but Lucina said to stay RIGHT here... so he didn't budge.

Namine gave a glance at Roxas before rushing pass, sighing as the guilt ran over her.


Axel felt the hand on his back... but it wasn't doing anything for him. Xio wasn't just a pet... he was a friend... someone that protected him. The levels of loyalty. He choked more, tears continuing to stream down his face. The howl from Vi didn't help any either.
Animals knew best... when something wasn't going to make it.

But that wasn't true! Xio had howled when he drowned! Aqua brought him back to life and....
He slowly put his hand down back where the gash was and pressed it down hard. His hand went a flame, pouring fire into the lion.

Yellow eyes brightened slightly as they opened, the moomba looking out at his mate and pup. His one paw moved for a moment, but not again. A faint yip came from him before he closed his eyes again, his breathing weakening more.

Axel's eyes grew sadder as he heard the final yip... and he knew... it was the end of his friend.
He slowly laid Xio back onto the ground as he stood, grabbing his chakrams. His grip on them tightened as his narrow eyes filled with anger. He looked out to where the others were headed... and suddenly rushed off after them.

[Reno]

Aqua rasied her hand at the communicator when she heard the blonde's voice. "Axel just ran off like a bat outta hell. But the people are safe. Heartless are crawling everywhere."


Tensai looked down at his friend sadly, unsure of what he could do to make him feel better. He placed his chin on top of the other's head, just shutting his eyes. He couldn't... he couldn't fight. Not with Roxel like this. Not with Xio... like THAT.


Roxas, like Axel, knew Xio had easily become more then a pet. He was family. The minute he broguth the pup home, the Moomba had quickly wormed his way into both their hearts - and had survived with them through Nobodia, and had fought loyally whenever a heartless was around and had always been there to lay at the foot of their bed...

He watched the red-head storm off, knowing the other was going to kill anything in sight. He leant over, placing a soft kiss to the animal's muzzle. "I'm so, so sorry Xio." He whispered painfully. "I wish... I wish it didn't have to happen like this."

He stood slowly, feeling both of his keyblades snap into his hands, thrumming with power. He breathed out slowly, before walking around the animals and charging after his lover, his eyes ablaze.


The man, who had disregarded all that was happening, stood at the edge of the bridge, looking around frantically for the key to the world. If he could find that he could get off this miserable planet once and for all - and have it done in with at the same time. Kill two birds with one stone so to speak.

He looked up however as he heard the sounds of the grounds being pounded down into, seeing the groups chasing for him. He scoffed, seeing how angry some of them looked. For killing that worthless beast? How pathetic.

He stabbed the tip of his keyblade into the ground and raced down the river's edge a line of darkness apeparing in his wake. Heartless climbed from it madly - the time spell had broken. "Die." He hissed.

[Rikugurl]

Ven sighed as he looked back at the scene while running after Terra. "Yea... well... Xio just died... Stay safe, alright." He informed her quietly as he pulled his hand away, seeing the man at the bridge. He growled as his under his feet started to glow, the wind picking up. The invisible sword slashed down at the incoming heartless.

He blinked though as he saw a ray of fire shoot down and across the line of Darkness, killing the Heartless before they even appeared. He looked back, seeing a man raging down. Oh great... a pissed off Axel was never good...


Gunnar blinked at the fire as well... but it had only helped so much. "WHAT A FUCKING PUSSY!" He growled out, His gunblade raising as he shot down some Heartless and slashed through the rest he had missed. His body started to glow as his eyes sharpened into the cat eyes. The mako started to crawl up his arm as he pointing out towards the man running away.

Small green crystals started to fly around the man, shining brightly before they all turned into sharp weapons. They rained down on him, missing him by inches. Double swords, pikes, axes... all of them shot down.
A large, heavy sword slammed into the wood right in front of the evil keyblader, stopping him in his tracks.
More gun shots ran out, heading for the man as the young brunette rushed over the wooden boards.

Namine sighed as she saw more heartless. She reared her ball back and shot out, watching it bounce between the black creatures as they disappeared from impact.

Bonnie too sighed as she rushed after them. Her whip quickly morphed back into the gun, ringing out bullets much like Gunnar.


Roxel continued to sob as he felt Tensai bring him even closer. He slowly leaned in, wrapping his arms around his friend and clenching on. "I...I don't want to do this anymore!"

[Reno]

Aqua opened and closed her mouth. "Roger." She murmured back, her hand falling numbly at her side. Xio....? God no wonder Axel ran off. "Jesus..." She whispered before turning and looking at the raging heartless. That... must be why she had felt so uneasy. She rushed forward, slashing at the dark creatures.


Terra grunted, sending out a quick sand spell that wrapped around the heartless apeparing in front of him, crushing them into nothingness.

Seifer slashed anything that came near and neither Ven nor Terra could touch.

Lucina sighed like the other, shooting down the heartless.

Kadaj looked as Gunnar took off, raising a curious eyebrow. He shrugged, slashing towards some heartless. Let him have his fun.

The man's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of the weapons, dodgding them and swiping his keyblade wildly and inexperiencedly at them, watching the weapons bounce away, but the sword made him skid to a stop. He cursed before ducking around the sword, hiding behind it. His slim figure protected from the bullets. But not for long.

Roxas suddenly ducked forward, slashing at the heartless before jumping onto the railing off the bridge, rushing along it. He hopped down on the other side of the sword. The man squealed as Roxas pointed Oblivion at him. "You end here." The infuriated man stated.

The keyblader looked up and instead of begging for mercy like many had before, he suddenly grinned. "Am I?" Roxas drew his blade back striking forward - but it was too late. He suddenly slammed his blade into the ground, wood splintering...

And then suddenly the light of a keyhole surronded him, Roxas and Gunnar light shimmering upwards. And then it faded to darkness, engulfing them all. darkness shot from the keyhole like a firework gone wrong - polluting the ground it touched as the heartless raged from it.


Tensai frowned bowing his ehad. "Roxel..." He murmured softly, brushing his hands through the other's hair. "I...I don't either." He finally admitted - but the sound of yells drew his eyes upward and he gasped, seeing all the darkness.

[Rikugurl]

Gunnar watched Roxas run down the bar, happy to know that he could glide if he stumbled. He wasn't all too thrilled that the creep was using one of his 10 weapons as a shield. He continued to rush, spending all his bullets.
"Fuck" He heard the barrel click. He was out of ammo. Good thing there was a SWORD attached to it.

He really didn't have to worry all too much though... because he wasn't going to be using either.
He slit so a stop as the man suddenly slammed his keyblade into the bridge... and the moment he did, the world started to shake.
His eyes widened as he saw the Darkness bellow out, his mako eyes glowing as it hit all around.

He quickly turned and started to run away, back to the army of heartless. His feet moved as quick as they could... but suddenly... there was nothing at his feet.
He suddenly fell, down towards the Darkness below.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

Bonnie looked up, seeing the Darkness spill out like someone hit an oil mine.
"SHIT!" Her brown ears lowered as she grabbed onto Lucina's arm, seeing that she was the closest, and rushed off away from the bridge, dodging the Darkness as it fell around them.

"EEEEEEEE!" Namine called as Dark balls fell around her and something painful ran down her back. He turned around and slammed her ball into a heartless who had cut her back and quickly ran off, following the other girls in her team.

Ven's eyes widened in horror as he saw the Darkness spill out, quickly engulfing the world.
He looked back out the town, hearing the cries of the people.
This was it... they failed.... big time.
It had been a long time since they had lost a world from disappearing... and go figure... a world that just got over a civil war that had lasted decades.

He started to run away... he needed to get Tensai. The Darkness was going to engulf everyone.
Traverse Town was going to get a lot more people...
He reached up to his communicator.
"AQUA! GET FUU AND OLETTE! GET BACK ON THE SHIP! THE WORLD'S BEEN UNLOCKED! DO YOU READ ME!? THE WORLD HAS BEEN UNLOCKED! OVER AND OUT!"

Axel watched as the blackness spewed out, growling as everyone ran away. He gripped onto his chakrams as he rushed TO the Darkness. "ROXAS!"


Olette stopped, panting as she gripped onto her staff. She looked up, seeing the sky fill with Darkness. She gasped, hearing something loud coming from Aqua's ear. This... wasn't good.

Fuu had stopped too, looking up at the explosion. She frowned, knowing exactly what was going to happen... and with the call from her lover, it confirmed it.
The world was going to lose its heart.
She couldn't help but notice... an odd pink tinge to the outline of the darkness... instead of it's usual purple.


Roxel nuzzled the other's neck, the jealousy washing away as he heard his friend's secret. He slowly pulled away, looking up at Tensai, his different color eyes gleaming. "Ten-cha---" He stopped, his eyes widening as his focus went behind the black haired boy. "TEN-CHAN!" He cried as he suddenly gripped onto him harder and pulled him onto of himself.
A ball of Darkness slammed into where Tensai had been and slowly burned the world away.

He moved, climbing from under his friend and helping him up. He looked up, seeing the huge ray of Darkness that was coming down on them. He looked over, seeing Xio's body, Moxley and Vi.
"MOXELY! VI!" He cried as he pulled Tensai with him, rushing towards them but cried as another Dark ball hit in front of them, making them almost fall in.

He backed away, gripping onto Tensai protectively. His eyes widened in horror as he looked over, seeing something horrible.
Samael was surrounded by Darkness.

The balls had slammed down around him, slowly eating away at the land that was left under his feet.
"SAMMY! JUMP! JUMP!" Roxel called out.

Purple eyes looked over, seeing the two boys. He frowned and shook his head.
He was told to stay right HERE.

[Reno]

"WAAAAAAH!!!" Roxas screamed as the ground gave way below him. And he was suddenly falling. Falling... into darkness. "FUCK!" He cried and swung Oathkeeper. "LIGHT!" Like turning on a switch, light exploded in the area, and the master could see. And what he saw was a brunette haired boy, falling with him - and what he thought might be a... wall? He swung his body, flowing into a glide and he reached out, his hand grabbing onto a wrist. Then he slammed Oathkeeper forward desperately - praying his assumption was right.

It was. The blade slammed into dirt. He held onto Gunnar, grunting at his weight. "Lay off the chocolate kid!" He snapped.

Maniacal laughter drew his eyes downward, seeing the man that had caused all this continuing to fall. He had the widest grin on his face - and below him grew nothing but yellow lights and the darkness of the worlds heart. The man fell into it - and the smile fell away. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!" Roxas watched silently as darkness engulfed him. He was gone.

Roxas grunted, feeling something disgusting slipping down his hand and arm, slowly burning into the skin. He looked up, seeing the glow of Oathkeeper was slowly starting to fade, darkness seeping along it like ants swarming a sugar cube. He wouldn;t be able to hold on much longer...
"Hold on Gunnar - we're gonna be okay!"


"Gun!!!" Lucina cried, about to rush for her brother, but a hand grabbed her wrist and with a cry she was yanked back and away. "Bonnie!" She cried, befuddled. But she had no time to argue. The world was rotting away.


Kadaj felt something in him snap - just like the world had. He grit his teeth, and rushed away from his team, after Axel and the bridge. No, it would not end this way!


"GUNNAR!!!" Seifer cried loudly, seeing his son disappear. His heart stilled and he attempted to rush forward - when a hand grabbed the back of his collar and snapped him back. "Ack!"

"Sorry Sei!" Terra said, before slicing at thin air, and effortlessly threw Seifer in. The portal disappeared and Terra hurried off.


Seifer grunted as he tripped and smacked into metal. He grutned his eyes opening - hearing the safe hum of the computers surronding him. "No..." He whispered in horror. "No. NOOOO!!" He smacked his fists into the floor. "FUCK YOU TERRA!" He slammed his forehead into the ground, shaking with fury and fear.
Roxas... please... save my son.


Aqua winced as the voice came into her ear, screaming bloody murder. Her eyes went wide though, and she felt her heart shudder. She looked towards the darkness that was slamming into trees and hitting the roofs of houses - engulfing them completely. This world was dying.

They could do nothing for the people now - but pray that they made it safely to Traverse. The world would only transport... what belonged however. They - as Chasers - did not. If they were caught in the midst, they would die.

She knew she was too far to aid the others - the only thing she could do now was get out with her friends... and pray.

"Come on!" She called to Olette and Fuujin as she hurried over, slicing through the air as another portal appeared. They spared one last glance to Lincintia... and then they stepped through - never to see it again.


Tensai screamed in terror, feeling roxel pull him close - saving his life. He shook all over, feeling lsot and terrified. the world... how? How could ANYONE do this?!

The next few minutes was nothing but a whirl of confusuion - the sepreation from Vi and Moxley - the refusal of Samael to jump. He felt tears rushing down his face. He called to Sammy, he called to his pets - but he didn't realize it. Their figures blurred in his terror.

Invidia looked around frantically seeing the darkness raining down around them - until their was nothing but a island of land - and a large gap between her and her charges. And more darkness was falling for them - the boys had no where left to run.

The silverette hummed as he spread the brush along the carbuncles green fur. "Vi," He murmured softly, his eyes distance. The pet looked up, ears twitched. "If anything ever happens to us... You'll be their to take care of Tensai for us, right?" A happy bark met his ears, making him smile.


Her home was gone - spikes of darkness shoved through it, and her masters were terrified as they stared downd eath itself. "Vi..." Sora ordered suddenly. The carbuncle at his feet glanced up. "Hurry go to Kairi's. Protect Tensai." She whined, afraid to leave. "Now! Please Invidia..."

Invidia barked suddenly, the gem on her head glowing and sudenly a red light shot out, slamming around their island. The darkness falling for them bounced off that light, siltering harmless down the sides. The carbuncle turned, barking at her son. Moxley whimpered crouching some. She gave a sharper bark, patting him hard with her paw.

Moxley whimpered before he backed away his butt wigglign as he looked for his goal - and then suddenly he rushed forward and gave a mighty jump.

The moombacle landed on the other island - barking up at his master and friend. Tensai cried in relief, hugging him around his neck - but then he looked out. "Vi!" The carbucle did not move. He reliazed with terror that she could not make the jump.

Invidia turned away, the light gem even weaker then before. she could not call a second spell again. She slowly laid down astride her mate and looked up - watching as a stream of darkness fell upon her island.

Moxley barked and Tensai screamed - and just like that Xio and Invidia... were gone.


A stream of darkness smacking in front of them made Bonnie be thrown into a halt, Lucina nearly stumbling into her. Namine smacked into her seconds later and she grunted. The three looked around desperately, seeing they were now on an island as well.


Terra, stuck on his own island now cursed violently as he saw Invidia go down. He turned, seeing the girls - but they were too far too reach. Unless...
He lifted his mallet and stuck down onto his island - the land broke apart into four pieces. His hand glowed gold as he pointed for the other island and three off the pieces suddenly flew forward - making a pathway for him. He jumped onto the steps, easily reaching the next island.

Lucina caught sight suddenly of the boy that Roxel was still trying to call too. In seconds he would be engulfed. "SAMAEL!" She screamed. Her eyes met purple. "JUMP TO ROX AND TEN NOW!"

She never got to see if he did it or not as a fourth member suddenly shoved onto thei little island. She looked back her eyes wide. "U-Uncle..."

Terra just gave them all a commanding look, slashing another portal. "GO NOW." The three didn't need to be told again - in seconds the three women rushed through.

The brunette panted hard - catching a glimpse of blonde hair - rushing for their son. He turned away, putting his trust in the other as he looked towards the bridge. He smashed this island too - and now with eight pieces lined them up for the bridge and raced for it without any hesitation.

The wolf within him stirred. She is here.
I know. He could not mistake the taste of Rave's power in the air - it was just like Rant's. And her threat was still bright and clear in his mind.


"ROXAS!!!"

Roxas grunted and he looked up, seeing at the edge of the whole a blaze of red. "AXEL!" Then suddenly, right beside him a shimmer of silver appeared, baffling him. Riku...?

"GUNNAR!" The man yelled looking down, his eyes glowing bright green. Kadaj!

[Rikugurl]

Gunnar closed his eyes as he fell... but something gripped onto his wrist, making him open his eyes and felt a violent jerk. His eyes widened as he looked up, seeing Roxas staying up by the keyblade in the last of the dirt. "IT'S CALLED MUSCLES!"
He looked down, watching the man get engulfed into the Darkness... like instead of becoming one... it just... at him all.... AND his keyblade. There was a haunting feeling about all this...

He looked up again, seeing the Darkness start to engulf Roxas. He growled, feeling useless dangling like this but he blinked when heard calling from above. He looked up further, seeing red and silver hair. Axel and... Kadaj?

"HOLD ON!" The redhead called as his chakrams swirled in his hands. He suddenly sent them out, making them hit the Darkness and curl around so they slammed into the wall further down that was starting to crumble. They could be used as steps.

Gunnar got the idea and looked up at Roxas. "Let's go!" He felt the pressure around his wrist open and he dropped down onto a chak. It wobbled but it gave him enough time to do a power jump up to the exit. He jumped, the force releasing the chak but it ignited and re appeared into Axel's hand. The blonde was able to pull himself up but the pressure around him made the earth crumble.

The minute Gunnar was at the exit, Roxas had lost the grip of the keyblade... and headed back down.
"ROXAS!" Mako eyes widened and her growled, suddenly diving back into the hole.
He soared down after the blonde, feeling the Darkness slowly start to wrap around him. He suddenly slammed his gunblade into the remaining wall and gripped onto Roxas's shirt. The added weight made them spin all away around the sword's handle and when they came around, astrong arm flung the keyblade master up to the exit.

Chakrams were sent out again, catching the blonde's sleeve and making him stuck to a nearby tree. Axel rushed over, pulling his lover down and pressing his lips on the other's. "Roxas..."

Boots hit the top of the sword and another power jump pushed more soil away, making his gunblade fall into the Darkness. This jump wasn't as powerful as his last... for he put most his power into the last one. He reached the exit but his eyes widened as he was cut short, his body weight suddenly tugging him down.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He hands reached out, trying to find something to hold onto... but it was no luck.

He was going to fall...and no one was there to save him except...

A strong hold wrapped around his wrist again and he jerked again, looking down at the Darkness. He looked up in shock, his mako eyes meeting another pair.

"Be careful where you step."
"MOMMY! DADDY!" The brunette boy walked back, crying as he was cornered. His shoe suddenly slipped and he was pulled back, falling off the balcony towards harsh, raw mako.
A hand wrapped around his ankle, and suddenly pulled him up to safety.

A soft smile ran over the brunette's face as he looked up at Kadaj.


Ven continued to rush towards his son and nephew. He looked back, seeing Axel and Kadaj run off the opposite direction. He suddenly looked up, seeing the clouds turn black, his eyes narrowing.
What no one had known... was that way above from the ground, snow was slowly starting to fall down.
"Rave.... this was all your idea..."

Hehehehehehe.....

The haunting giggle sounded in his head...
His blue eyes grew dark... and a tinge of yellow but he looked back, seeing the world slowly decaying... and the girls were being saved. He used his Wind to jump from island to island until he reached the one that the three boys and moombackle were on.
He looked out, seeing the island that the pets were on.... was gone. He shook his head before a slash of wind opened a new portal and he pushed the boy's in quickly, only looking back for a moment to watch Terra head the other way.

What was he doing...?


Roxel shook as he held onto Tensai, looking from the pet's island to Samael's. "COME ON! HURRY!" He cried... not even knowing to who anymore. Tears started to pour down his face, seeing neither of them move.

Bonnie gasped and suddenly skidded to a stop, her claw high heels digging into the remaining dirt hard... and thankfully too seeing that she was bumped not once, but twice. She looked back, seeing that her, Lucina and Namine were all huddled in on the small island all together.

The bleach blonde boy blinked as he heard a familiar voice and looked over, seeing Lucina and the other girls. He blinked a few times as he looked back at Tensai and Roxel. He nodded and suddenly went to the edge of the small island before dashing out and jumping. The jump was abnormally high and he reached the island with the other boy's with no problem. He was greeted with comforting arms as he was pulled in by Tensai and Roxel.

Bonnie's ears twitched as she heard rocks being smashed and looked in another direction, just as a bulky man huddled onto their island. The moment he made the portal, it was impossible not to just jump in.
When the three did, Namine fell onto the cold floor and whimpered. Bonnie just sighed, seeing Fuu, Olette, Aqua, and Seifer already there. Not a moment later, Tensai, Roxel, Moxley and Samael had joined them.

Samael looked around, seeing Lucina and smiled happily, rushing to her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

[Reno]

Seifer looked up, hearing the sound of a portal opening and looked up - seeing Aqua, Fuujin and his wife. He got to his feet, hurrying over to embrace her. "Olette." He whispered, relieved to see her. "Luc... a-and Gun..." He stuttered, trying to explain why they weren't here but unable to get the words out.

Aqua watched the couple, before glancing at her own wife, her eyes sad. "How am I going to explain this to Demyx...?"


Roxas grit his teeth, hearing rock sizzling, knowing it wasn't going to last much longer. His mind raced, trying to think of a way out - but it wasn't like he could suddenly be his brother and fly out. He could make it if it was just himself but... but Gunnar...
He heard Axel's call - praying the red-head thought of soemthing.

He saw the glint of metal then heard the chakrams smack into the dirt not too far away. He heard the boy's call and he looked down, before slowly letting him go, watching him fall to the chak. Minutes later it came undone. He sighed, struggling to pull himself up and onto his blade - but as he did, the earth crumbled. Roxas let out a cry, as the blade tilted, and the oily darkness made his grip slacken.

The next thing he knew was the feeling of his stomach in his throat as he fell - too breathless to even cry out. His mind went blank - unable to even consider trying to get out of his predictament as his eyes met terrified green. Axel.

Then suddenly he was snatched from the air and yanked hard around and thrown into the air. The blonde found his voice. "WAAAH!" He heard cloth rip and grunted as his back hit a tree. He blinked, stunned and dazed - before he was suddenly pulled down, hot lips desperately kissing his own. He shook under the delicate figners, still a little dizzy over the fact he had nearly just died and reached up hugging his husband tightly. "Axel..."

Kadaj meanwhile was watching the quick procession silently, unable to describe the feeling twisting in his gut. He almost wished his brother was here - maybe he would understand.

His heart hammered in his ears when he saw Roxas being thrown to safety - and Gunnar jumped moments later... but he knew it wasn't far enough.

He didn't think he just acted as his body fell flat onto the ground, torso hanging over as his hand quickly shot out gripping around the wrist of the other - their eyes meeting. He blinked a bit, surprised at the smile that was directed at him, tentatively returning it - even if it made his heart feel weird doing so. "You really can't expect me to keep saving you." He braced his legs, effortlessly pulling the other up and onto the safety of solid ground - that wouldn't be so solid pretty soon.


On the island Tensai looked away and towards Samael - just in time to hear Lucina's cry. the boy instantly followed her instruction - and when he jumped he and his friend grabbed onto him, bringing him close, relieved beyond measure.

He straighted out as his dad made the portal, shoving in his friends first, Moxley following. "D-Dad Vi-" His father didn't respond - but he felt a hand against his chest, pushing him back.

His orange eyes darted out towards the area were his first pet had been - and just before the darkness of the portal overtook him in its comforting embrace he caught sight of something that made his eyes water. Bright feathery wings, brown hair, tender blue eyes and a bright smile, hands laying atop a moomba and a carbuncle. ...Dad?

Then suddenly he was stumbling into Roxel as he fell onto the ship.


Lucina yelped as she and the others ran into the portal, all of them nearly tripped over each other. Namine fell and Lucina wheeled out her arms, carefully stepping over her and breathing hard - not a moment later she heard another portal opening and her eyes darted back.
She sighed softly, hugging Samael back and smiling, ruffling his hair. That idiot really would have stayed there wouldn't he of? "We're gonna have to work on your rebelious side."


Terra grit his teeth - making another jump and landed on the boards of the bridge. The noise automatically drew Gunnar and Kadaj's attention and he quickly made his way over to them - glad to see they were both alright. "Come on you two. Off we go." He sliced with the mallet, creating another portal.

The silverette blinked then sighed, pulling Gunnar up and without a word the two rushed through. Terra sighed, then glanced towards were the red-head and blonde were and rolled his eyes. "If you wanna make out while the worlds dying I can jsut leave you here!!!"

[Rikugurl]

Olette blinked as she was suddenly taken by her husband. "Seifer!" She wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes, just happy that he was ok. She pulled back and blinked. Luci? Gun? Her eyes widened. "MY BABIES!" She cried in horror as she looked around, not seeing any of them. She started to panic before she saw a portal open, the three girls falling in.

She rushed to Lucina like Samael had, holding onto her tightly. She sniffed and looked around. "Where--- where's your brother!?"

Fuu sighed as she watched and looked back at Aqua. She only shook her head in sadness. "I suppose... the truth..." Was all she could say. "At least... everyone of the world will be ok..."

Bonnie sighed as she walked over, patting Namine on the shoulder. "You alright, love?"
The hazel eyed girl nodded as she looked up, panting still.

Samael just looking around, seeing all the expressions on everyone's face.
He blinked, looking back to see Roxel and Tensai holding onto each other tightly, sitting on the floor. Trauma was in in their eyes as Moxley sat close.
He looked in another direction as someone else came through the portal.

Ven.

The blonde looked around back, almost catching the glance too.
"Take good care of them..." He turned and walked into the portal before the islands were destroyed all around.
His black boots sounded on the metal as he saw everyone.
"Everyone!"
He got eyes from them all as he continued to walk towards the center of the room.
"Terra, Kadaj, Gunnar, Axel and Roxas will be coming shortly. Is everyone ok? Anyone with any wounds?"


A small laugh came from the man as he got the response and was easily pulled up. He panted softly next to Kadaj but didn't get to say anything more as he heard something heavy hit the bridge. Terra. He frowned as he was helped up and nodded at his leader, watching the portal open and quickly got in.

He walked in with Kadaj in tow and looked around.
He met wide eyes as his mother rushed to him and wrapped her arms around him, pushing him back a bit. "You're ok!"


Axel blinked, looking back at Terra and frowned. He pulled away and clasped Roxas's hand with his own. He would of done something comical like flail shouting 'don't leave us'.... if maybe he didn't lose his best friend...
He hurried into the portal, only glancing back before more of the earth was claimed.

[Reno]

Seifer looked up as well, his hammering heart slowing some as he caught sight of his blonde daughter walking through the portal.

Lucina blinked as she pulled away from Samael only to be pulled into a new pair of arms. She looked up, smiling. "H-Hey mom." At the question she only looked away, shaking her head.She released seconds later, her mom looking like she was ready to fuss over her, when arms circled over her.
"Hey Princess." Seifer said in relief, kissing his daughter atop her head.
"Hey dad." Lucina said, unable to think of saying anything else.

Meanwhile Tensai found that his knees were shaking badly. He felt arms curl around him and they slowly sat down. He sniffled, hearing his dad asking questions but not really caring. He turned, burying his face into Roxel's neck, trying to hold back the tears that refused to stop falling.

Moxley looked up at the two, whimpering before crawling into their laps, rubbing against them.


Kadaj sighed as they made it back onto the ship, looking up in surprise as the frantic mother embraced her son. He tilted his head, his expression unreadable.
Seconds later Seifer came over, hugging the both of them. In the corner of his eye he could see Lucina, smiling happily. His eyes darted away, sighing.


Terra sighed, letting the two walk through. He looked out at the world - hearing screams of terror echoing from the town. they had no idea what was going on. He felt anger drum through his soul and he looked up towards the sky, pointing up at the dark clouds edged with pink. "The next time we meet Rave, I fucking promise you. You're DEAD!" He snarled, ebfore turning and walking in the portal, and it snapped closed behind him.
As Terra left the world was suddenly completely encased in the darkness, and the lights of the people taken spread across the universe.
Edmy was holding on Ajay under the stage were they had taken refuge, the darkness curling around them. He looked at her, smiling bravely. "Love you babe..." He brushed his lips against hers as the darkness claimed them.

Roxas sighed as he was pulled into the portal, his heart shuddering in relief when he saw everyone. His fingers clasped with Axel's tughtened reassuringly before slowly letting go. He glanced at the redhead before weaving through the people on the deck. "Roxel!"

Terra walked through, his ehad hung low as the portal closed behind him.

[Rikugurl]

Bonnie looked out, seeing everyone quickly making sure their loved ones were ok. She frowned, her ears lowering. Of course... the 'orphans' of the Chasers were brushed aside.
She looked back down at Namine and then over at Samael and shook her head. She knew Namine would be ok, so she slowly left her side to go to the boy's.

"Oi, Sammy. All right?" her British accent met his ears and made him look up. He nodded, a smile on his face. She frowned... not understanding how he could be in a good mood at a time like this. He HAD to know bad things were happening...
Then again... no one really knew his right age. 14 fit the look. But to what kind of race...
Her mother looked young, and she was 100 and something years old. The only thing the boy seemed to understand was his name, the variations of his name and... that Lucina was the leader and Terra was the ultimate leader.

Namine sniffed as she slowly stood,her legs wobbling as she slowly walked to the other girls and Samael. Her Blitzball disappeared as she looked at Lucina in shame. "I can't believe our failure ended up... destroying a world..." She choked and shook her head.

"Oi..." The mix breed frowned and crossed her arms. "Shut your gob. We did what we could. It was those bloody gits who were pissing in the wind. Maybe if they were doing their jobs, we could of caught the bastard." She voiced harshly as she looked over, seeing them being comforted by Roxas and Ven.


Ven sighed as he noticed no one was really hurt. Only minor scraps and bruises. He slowly walked to the two boys holding each other, seeing Roxas already making sure Roxel was ok.
He lent down, looking at Tensai and reached out, brushing his tears away. "Ten...?"


Axel sighed as he looked down, seeing Roxas go to comfort Roxel. He sat down on the nearest chair and frowned. "Xio..."



After everyone was situated, both Freyr and Balder were coursed off to Traverse Town. At least it was only 5 Connections away instead of 20. Luckily, both ships were faster than Silgurd.

Terra scolded the Gen 2 pretty badly and gave analysis on what probably happened.
Rave had probably possessed the keyblader, making him more powerful than they had deemed.

This also meant... that she was back.

Namine helped everyone with the cuts and bruises with the items that they could spare and everyone headed back to their own quarters for the night.


Blue eyes watched the stars go by as he sat on his bed. He could hear the water in the shower going as he sighed.
Last time they lost a world like that... he promised it would never happen again.
Maybe... he should stop... making promises...


A brush ran down silver hair before being placed on the night stand. An eye patch came down next to it as a red eye moved, looking down at the woman lying next to her. He lowered herself down onto the bed and wrapped her arms around her wife. At least... they were safe again... for now.


Another set of arms wrapped around a larger figure. Brown hair shifted under the man's chin as a soft sigh pressed onto his neck.
Things seemed like they were getting even more dangerous after the kids started to go on missions...


Sniffling came from the bed close by as a blanket was wrapped over her. She clung onto the pillow as she closed her eyes, trying to forget what happened.
"Oi... the visions aren't going to go away."
She opened her eyes, hazel eyes looking out to see a woman cleaning her gun.

"How can you say that? You're not helping any, Bonnie!"
Ears twitched as the stern looking face moved to look at her, her long nailed hands stopped moving the cloth on her gun.
"You don't forget; you learn. That's what my mum taught me."


A boy slept peacefully, a soft smile on his face as he cuddled an old cactaur doll that had already been used to death. He didn't seemed to be bothered by the sad and gloomy atmosphere, much like Kadaj.
He also didn't mind the movement in the room as his leader got ready for bed.


Pictures were shifted, going behind one another and some hitting the bed below. A blanket was pulled over blonde and redhead as he sat up in bed. In the pictures were Xio and Vi... and all of them, having a good time and playing around.
"Do... do you think their bodies will be at Traverse Town, Ten-chan...? Because... I'd really like to bury them..."


A shirt came up over a head and brown hair fluttered down. The shirt was tossed in the laundry shoot before the man rubbed his face. A sigh admitted as his mako eyes looked over, seeing the silverette on his own bed. He slowly walked over, his bare feet padding on the cold floor.
Slowly he sat down near the other, sighing again.

Eyes moved, looking through the brown hair that hung in his face. "You... never did tell me why you saved me all those years ago..."

[Reno]

Lucina frowned at the whole mess, shaking her head. but when she heard bonnie her eyes narrowed and she looked at the Viera sharply. "Stop it Bonnie. They've been punished enough. AND-" She stepped in before the other woman could protest, "If they haven't it's my job to make sure they are."

She glanced towards the two younger members, seeing how torn up they were about the whole mess. She sighed. A team was only as strong as it's leader right? So... she had failed them all. big time.


Tensai sniffled, but looked up as he felt the hands on his cheeks. "Dad..." He gasped, before letting go of his friend, wringing his arms around the elder's neck. "Dad... I saw him..."
Roxas sighed, but as Ten drew away he embraced his heartbroken son close. Tonight would not be an easy night for their family.


The next few minutes however might possibly have ended up being worse then the mourning that would take place later that night. Terra was snapping orders to Seifer, telling him to turn the ship around and head for Traverse Town - they had to aid the former citizens of Linciatia after all.
The next second he was commanding Gen 2 to line up and they did without a word like good little soliders, Terra walking down the line. He was the big, scary general. Some of the older Chasers drew up protest, afraid of how hard the brunette was going to be with them, but were silenced by a quick 'Shut up!'
So Roxas scrambled next to Axel, offering the hurt red-head silent support, while watching his son get chewed out. Aqua and Fuujin stood by Olette, the three women watching as the brunette told them all off. Seifer listened from the lounge.

"What happened?" Terra demanded, his eyes ablaze, making most of the members flinch - except for Kadaj and Samael. Several of the kids tried to speak up at once, but ther mouths snapped shut as the leader roared, "I'LL TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED!" Bonnie's ears had gone flat on her head.
Tensai shivered, his eyes wide. He should be sued to this by now - after all this was his DAD. But this was the thing he hated most about him - when his dad punished him like an insobordinate, and not like a son.

"What just happened is this. You kids were ordered to capture the keyblade and you did not complete that mission. People were lost to heartless hands, Xio and Invidia are dead, and now a world is gone." He grit his teeth, then his eyes locked onto two kids quietly. "Team Flame, where the fuck were you?"
Tensai could see Roxel visibly shaking next to him - scared out of his wits. the boy sighed. "At the concert... dad."
The man rounded on them, his eyes unsympathtic. "Why?"
"Because we wanted to see it."
"Because you wanted to see it." Terra repeated, and the boys both cowered, looking at the ground. "You two..." He growled. "When you are on a mission that is ALL that you should be concentrating on. There is no fucking around. You will lsiten to orders as they are given. Do you understand me?!"
"Y-Yes!" Both boys said. Moxley whimpered at their feet.

The man straightened and then walked in front of Kadaj. "Give me the communicator." The silverette wordlessly did as he was told. "This should have never left this ship you little thief."
"If I hadn't of had it I wouldn't of been able to tell anyone were that man was going." Kadaj emotionlessly said back in his defense.
"Which is WHY you should be by your teammates unless specifically ordered NOT to split from them." His eyes raked over the rest of the Gen 2. "And under NO circumstances should you allow ANYONE to be left behind. Am I making sense to any of you?"
He got a rounding of nods and quiet 'yes's.

He straightened and backed away, throwing the communicator to Ven. "Now all I see is a buncha of fucking kids who are letting their personal feelings get in the way of the job." He took a deep, angry breath. "Their is a lack of communication and teamwork - orders are going ignored and people are ending up in places they should not be. And even fucking worse... I'm seeing teams being split up by... by personal PREFERENCE and not by strengths and weaknesses!" He scowled this time at Lucina and Gunnar. "That should NEVER happen."
He looked across at all of them once more. "The worlds are not toilets so leave your shit on the ship! The minute you are on that world, whether you're with someone you like or someone you hate that is NOT the goddamned piority. Work with them - fucking learn to! Because your the only people you've got between coming home safe and being buried six feet under. If at ANY time you have to make a choice between saving the person you hate and the person you love you will find a fucking way to save them both! AM I UNDERSTOOD?!"
"YES SIR!" Everyone cried - except Sammy of course.

"Good. Now I want to see some fucking improvement in ALL areas. Something like this I NEVER want to see happen again." He scoffed. "If you can't figure out your shit and settle it now then your all fucking screwed. Because do you know who was down on that world with us today?" Many of them shook their heads. "Rave. Now I've told you all this enough but does ANYONE remember her threat ten years ago?"
"How you've caused me much chafe, hide your children for they will not be safe. My anger will return years from now. That is not a warning but a vow. I will return when Chasers come to bloom
when you'll all meet your final doom..." Tensai receited perfectly and quietly, his voice echoing in the silent gloom. In his eyes was a quiet fury and hate - something that had boiled in the boys ehart since he was eleven and fully understood what Rave and Rant had done to him.
Terra nodded and he looked across at them all. "She was there - laughing in all our fucking faces. And you all just had a taste of what she came do - and you were all powerless. If your teamwork doesn't improve you are ALL GOING TO FUCKING DIE!"

The youngers flinched. "All she did was control some dickless man swinging around a fucking keyblade and call up some heartless and look at what happened. THIS is why all missions should be taken seriously - no matter how easy they seem! You don't know what's in store for you the minute you land and if you guys can't even share a ship peacefully - how dare any of you think you can save a WORLD." He looked them over one last time. Namine and Tensai were crying. Roxel was still shaken up and Moxley was laying on his stomach, tail tucked between his legs. Gunnar, Bonnie and Lucina all had looks of shame on their faces. Kadaj wouldn't meet his eyes and Samael was cowering at Luci's side.
He shook his head. "Get off my ship right now. Clean yourseleves up and go to bed. I don't want to see any of your fucking faces until morning."


Terra sighed, leaning his head against the tiles of the wall, hot water pounding at his back. He swallowed, grimancing at the feeling it sent down his sore throat. Too much fucking yelling. Not just during the fight or to the kids...

To Seifer.
"Damn it Terra!" Seifer snapped as they walked for the pilot lounge - just having receieved orders to change their course to Traverse. "Why the fuck did you zap me out of there?! My son could of died!"
"Because if I hadn't you surely would of done something incredibly stupid!!" Terra snapped. "You're the kinda idiot that does first and thinks later! And I wasn't going to explain to olette why the hell you were dead too!"
"It's MY son and MY life you can't-"
"Honestly Seifer what the fuck COULD you of done?!" He growled.
He was met with silence. He won that arguement.

To Roxas.
The blonde keyblade master watched The kids troop out of their silently, all their heads hung low. They didn't notice Lucina pausing at the threshold. The blonde growled, getting to his feet and walking straight up to the brunette, not afraid at all. "Damn it Terra don't you think you're being to hard on them?!"
The brunette glared down at the little one. "No."
"NO?!" The blonde erupted. "Damn it Terra they're JUST children and my son and yours and-"
"Ven and Sora and YOU were younger than they are when you started acting responsibly Roxas." Terra snapped, effectively silencing him. "I'm doing what I HAVE too to protect them Roxas! We BOTH know what Rave is capable of and if they can't even do what they're told they'll NEVER survive the fight."
Roxas shook, hands clenched into angry fists. "Well why do they have to take OUR burden huh?! She's OUR fight not theirs!"
"Because Rave doesn't fucking give a shit if its them or us she'll killing as long as she's hurting us - and even if we hide them far, far away she'd find them. The only option they have is what we can empower them with - the knowledge of how to fight. And until this is over none of them are safe. But hell if they aren't going to us that knowledge well they're all going to die ANYWAYS. If I have to scream until they figure their shit out I will because I don't fucking know about you but I am NOT losing anyone else ESPECIALLY NOT MY OWN FUCKING SON!"
The words echoed in the ship, sounding furious yet desperate - a desperation only father's and mother's truly understood. And Roxas seemed to feel and udnerstand it too. Roxel and Axel were all he had left... and he wanted to do anything to protect them...
But Terra was right. If the kids didn't work it out and start trusting each other and following their orders... they really would all die.
"U-Uncle Terra?"

Ah and to Lucina. But to her he did no so much as yell as... share wisdom.
"U-Uncle Terra...?" Everyone glanced around, seeing the hesitant blonde stepping back into view.
"I thought I told you to leave." He said sternly.
"I-I know but..." She breathed in, her eyes becoming braver as she stepped forward raising her eyes to meet his fearlessly. "If you're going to blame anyone blame me! I'm the leader their mistakes are mine. It's my fault we failed. It's my fault Team Flame wasn't where they were supposed to be. It's my fault Kadaj took the communicator. It's my fault the world is gone. And I'm so, so sorry... I know it doesn't fix anything but I-I just... if I was stronger."
"Stop." He snapped, and she did. "Tell me Luci, who will I blame if you die?"
"I-I...." She stumbled off, unable to answer.
"You're a leader Lucina, not a miracle worker. You can't take the whole universe on by yourself - and no their mistakes aren't yours. There will be times when your teammates freewill WILL go against you. Sometimes that's a good thing - other times it turns into a disaster."
He reached down, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let me tell you something. Luci your going to make mistakes - give the wrong orders and say the wrong things. The point is you learn and you do everything you can, give every order you can to make sure everyone else comes back alive - even if it jeapordizes the mission."
"And sometimes..." He started hesitantly, glancing back at the forlorn Axel, before looking back at her. "Sometimes even when you give the right orders - the ones that you think will keep everyone safe and protected... bad things can happen. Things you couldn't predict and never wanted to happen. And all you can do... is say 'I'm sorry' and hope that person will forgive you. Got it?"
Lucina nodded.
"Good. Now Luc, when you get back there you need to put all your grudges and all your prejudices aside and be what you need to be to keep the safe. You need to make sure that they'll listen to your orders without a single doubt in their mind - that they trust you and YOU trust them with your lives. If they need a lesson tell them what you have to - even if it hurts."
"But... uncle Terra, what if... what if I really aren't cut out to be leader?"
Terra smirked. "Lucina, you just came back against my orders and stood your ground against me and protect your team - THAT is the type of bravery and loyalty only leaders know. Trust me kid, you got what it takes. Never doubt that. ...Now go tend to your team."
The girl looked up, her eyes shining and she grinned. "Thank you Uncle Terra!" She spun on her heel, quickly leaving the ship for her own.
The man chuckled, throwing a glance to the brunette in orange. "Your daughter is something else Olette."

Terra sighed, turning off the knobs of the water. He stepped from the shower in all his naked glory, towel drying his hair and body off before wrapping it around his waist.
He opened the door - and saw Ven staring depressedly out the window. Time for another speech, no?
He walked behind the other, circling his arms around him and stared out the window with him, seeing the stars and all those lucky planets that were still alive. "Ven... we can't win them all. I know it hurts to hear that but... sometimes things just get out of control." He sighed softly, his eyes dulling with sadness. "I wish we could of saved it too." He really was one messed up Atterian wasn't he?
Tch. Beyond words.
Shut up.


Aqua looked at the other woman, smiling slightly as she came to her side. Things were going to get a lot more dangerous from here on out - she could feel it. The two snuggled close for awhile. She looked at her wife, then towards the ceiling a little guiltily. "Somehow... I think I knew what was going to happen the minute we landed on that world. Or maybe the world knew and it was desperately asking for me to save it... and I didn't." She sighed, her eyes sad. "Does that make me a horrible person?" she whispered.


"God we're too old for these scares." The scarred man murmured, running his hands through her hair. "Maybe we wouldn't been better off sending our kids through the horrors of college." Seifer joked.


Footsteps echoed on the metal stars as Roxas descended to the fourth level - and caught sight of him almost instantly. "I knew you'd be here." He walked over to the boiler, remembering the long nights of cuddling next to it, Invidia and Xio loyally nearby. That wouldn't happened again.
He sat down next to the red-head reaching up and brushing away the tears darkening tattoos. "Babe..." He whispered.


Lucina sighed as she threw on a long shirt, glancing back at Samael and smiling at the sight of him peacefully sleeping the night away. She doubted he even completely understood what had happened today...
"Night Sam." She whispered softly as she shut off the lights, Terra's words echoing in her head. She had a lot of work to do...


Tensai was sitting beside the other, looking at the pictures as they passed. He sighed, looking away finally and towards the window. "I dunno Rox..." He shuddered inwardly at the thought. Even if he wanted to bury them too... the idea of seeing vi's dead body... disturbed him.
"She was there - laughing in all our fucking faces."
His eyes sharpened some. It was her fault - again. Would she never be satisfied until she took everything away from him?
He'd kill her - even if it took the rest of his life he swore to his heart five years ago that she would die by his hands. He was going to do ANYTHING it took to make that happen, Chasers or no Chasers.


Kadaj sighed, holding up a materia he had brought from his world up towards the ceiling, watching the mako magic flow softly within. It wasn't that he didn't care - he just didn't mind. Sure, from the way Terra reacted he knew that had happened had been a bad thing. A very, VERY bad thing.
Bit as long as you aren't dead, he didn't see why someone had to lose sleep over it.

His mako eyes darted over to the brunette's face as his bed dipped, the other heavier than he himself was - he was much much leaner afterall. His eyebrow raised at the curious question and he tilted his head, trying to remember all those years ago and just why he had in fact spared the other that cruel fate.

Instead of answering however, he asked a different question, onw he hoped that would provide some insight for him. "Why wouldn't I of?"

[Rikugurl]

Ven looked back as the handle was turned. Slowly he looked out the window again, only sighing softly. He too felt bad for Tensai... but Terra was right. They were on a mission. Not a vacation.
He smiled as he felt the arms around him, hearing Terra's voice.
The blonde leaned back onto his mate, looking back through blonde hair.
"Shut up alright~~" He teased. "I had to hear your mouth all fucking night." He leaned up, kissing Terra under the chin.
"I know... can't win them all."

He sighed as he wrapped an arm back around Terra's neck. "So... have any ideas on what we're going to do when we get to Traverse?"
Before Terra could answer, he answered his own question. "I suppose we can figure that out when we get there..."
He softly trailed off before frowning.... listening to the silence before something hit him. "Tensai... said... he saw him..."



Fuu blinked as she looked at her lover, frowning as she heard her. "Aqua... it's not your fault... it's no one's fault. No one had any idea it was going to turn out the way it had." She sighed as she pulled the blue haired woman close. "All we can do is make it right. We're going to Traverse Town... and hopefully everyone will be safe. That's what really matters."

She nuzzled a soft cheek and ran a hand down the other's waist. "We can find homes for them... and when Kingdom Hearts becomes full again, Axel and Roxas can open the door like they did all those years ago and give back the hearts. Maybe Linciatia's will come out too... Akbar and Atteris came back... maybe there's still hope for this world too.


Olette smiled and shook her head, humming as she nuzzled him more. "I think college would of been even more scary than this. Besides... I think they like being Chasers. Out of all the kids, they're the ones with the most Chaser spirits. They're both focused and take orders well... great fighters and they look out for others. I think with a few more tweaks will set them nicely."

She looked up at him, running her hand through his thinning hair. "You know... I'm really proud of them."


Red hair floated softly from the breeze of the fire. Green eyes stared at the flames, not that they were memorized... but deep in thought.
Visions... and memories.
Xio... had been Axel's first Christmas gift. The Christmas that happened because Roxas had gained his own life. He could even remember the note that was dangling from the pup's ribbon that was wrapped around his neck.

For Axel:
The minute I saw him, I felt that same little spark for him that I did the day we first met.
And I knew, he would be perfect.

Love,
Roxas ♥

Long legs pulled closer as his arms wrapped around them. He buried most of his face in his arms, his eyes still watching the fire dance. Tears darkened his tattoos as he remembered that day like it was yesterday.
And also that time when he and Xio fought Aqua for the first time.
And the look on his face when he brought home his first litter.
And the night that Axel proposed to Roxas, the blankets on his back.
And the way he slept with Roxel every night before he went to bed.
The loyalty and good nature he had for his son, even when Roxel was misbehaving.
And that look of compassion and love he had for Vi....

His shoulders shook as he cried, his mouth opened as he choked. He blinked though, sniffling as he heard footsteps coming down. He swallowed, his eyes red from all the tears. His eyes closed as he felt a familiar hand brush the streaks away, only to make way for new tears. He sniffled again, trying not to have his nose leak.


Namine was too frustrated to even LOOK at Bonnie, so she turned off her lamp, turned away and made herself sleep.
Bonnie didn't take it personal. Unfortunately like her mother, she had a cold exterior and a warm one way deep inside.
Her father had told her about all the attempts it took to even make Fran look at him.
He had also told her that he was shocked that he was even able to have a child.

Her parents love was more professional than it was emotional.
Guess it had to be... seeing that they were high end pirates.

When soft breathing was heard, Bonnie knew her roommate was sleeping. The gun she had finished polishing was place in its hold as she stood. Even now, her indoor high heels clicked as she pressed a button, the door opening and letting her out into the hallway.

The sound of whirling computers met her long, brown ears as she walked down the hallway, her night gown shifting as she stopped in front of Lucina's and Samael's room. The lights were off, but she knocked softly anyway. "Love...? You awake?"


Roxel blinked as he saw his friend look away. He sighed and placed the pictures to the side, making a neat pile of the ones he wanted to save. He wrapped his arm around Tensai's waist and laid his head on his shoulder.
"Ten-chan... did you really mean it back there...? You know... the whole.... didn't want to be a Chaser thing?"


Mako eyes looked down, hearing the question back. His eyes studied the floor as he thought. He chuckled softly and shook his head. "I don't know... I guess it's hard to believe good people live on Midgar. So much corruption... especially back then." He looked up, seeing a sword up on the wall. "That sword was so scary when I was little... it's not so scary now."

He slowly looked back at the silverette who was looking at the sword now as well. His eyes narrowed as he frowned. Suddenly he reached out, fast from the mako energy.
He knew Kadaj would pick it up, and react just as fast. He felt the hand around his wrist to stop Gunnar from whatever he was going to do. With the hand on his wrist, the brunette pulled his arm back, making Kadaj come with it.

Mako eyes stared into the others before they lidded slightly, pulling the silverette into a hesitant kiss.