The Chasers: The Key to Memories Past

[Reno]

Sora's eyes got bigger and bigger as he looked down at his lover in the customary position, the hand gently wrapped around his left and slipping on a familiar yet cold weight as he had not worn it in so very long. The aquamarine gem on the top of the ring shimmered lightly in the dying light, appearing more beautiful than ever before to the young man.

But the piece of jewelry... was nothing compared to the man handing it to him, his smile so tender and full of love, his eyes gentle and shining so stunningly with light, and his heart beating fast and strong, making Sora's mimic it until they were like one.

This time, it was Sora's large blue eyes that filled with tears, as he smiled down at the other. "There is no one else in the entire universe I would ever want to marry more than you, Riku Mizushima." The brunette slowly lowered his knees to the carpet, intertwining his fingers with the others lovingly as his other arm wrapped around the man's neck bringing him down until their foreheads were touching, there eyes staring deep into one another's. He spoke softly, lips brushing his fiance's with every word. "I love you... I've always loved you and I always will, Riku."

[Rikugurl]

Riku's eyes brightened as he heard Sora's words, his face and body seeming to relax as if the weight of the whole world was lifted off his shoulders. "Sora..." He whispered softly as the brunette slowly got on his own knees and brought the silverette in.
If anyone was watching the scene, it would of looked rather awkward seeing a man sitting outside and another inside.

When their lips met, tears slowly ran down the pale cheeks, mocking those of the cheeks nearby as their lips brushed. "I'm so sorry, Sora..." He spoke softly after the brunette was done and gently pulled the brunette into a passionate, slow kiss.

You are my circle, Sora.


The scene faded and a small smile ran over a young pair of lips. A green and blue eye slowly moved in unison to look at the pillar next to him, seeing a teen with black hair smiling brightly. However, the scene wasn't over as the screen brightened up once more.


It was late afternoon on the tropical island and the sun was slowly heading it way to its part of the world where it slept. The sound of hammers could be heard over the crystal clear waters as a bridge was being build and some structures coming out from it. On one of the boards was a sketch of a small community that would be made on top of a few bridges.

There was a sudden splash nearby though and the hammering stopped. "Hey! Riku! We're not done yet!" A blonde cried down as he laughed, seeing the silverette bob up and shake his head from the water and then started to do a back stroke. "But it's too hot..." He called back only for the blonde to roll his eyes. "It's always hot! It's a tropical island!"

"Hey guys!"
A new voice made both of the men look back at the beginning of the bridge, seeing a familiar brunette.
A smile ran over the silverette as he quickly swam over to the bridge and pulled himself up a bit as the brunette walked over. Sora was wearing a yellow shirt with some brown pants, a matching tie with crowns all over it.

"Don't you look cute?" Riku smiled as Sora bent over to get closer to him. Before Sora could reply, a strong hand reached up and PULLED Sora in, both of them splashing into the water. Sora yelped and flailed but the silverette pulled him under the surface.
The blonde on top of the structure blinked then rolled his eyes. "Guess I'll be finishing this myself..."

[Reno]

The screen started to fade away.
"RIKU!" Came an echoing cry and great splash, laughter filling the room of echoes brightly.


As the noise slowly filtered out of the room, Roxas crossed his arms and shook his head, chuckling. "I can't believe it took him that long to figure it out." Seriously, Riku was dumber than Axel sometimes!

Aqua tilted her head, quirking an eyebrow curiously. She had never heard about this event... all the letters they had gotten from Sora during that time had been nothing but light-hearted and worrisome for them, always asking how they were doing and telling them to visit anytime.
....Of course he didn't tell Ven. The blonde had been so ripped up after killing Riku and watching Sora's soul wither, had he also learned they had split up for awhile would of killed him. She bet all her munny that he hadn't of told Roxas anything either, the blonde just managed to discover it on his own.

Tensai laughed softly, before glancing over at Roxel as if he knew the other was looking at him. He smiled brightly at his best friend. Despite all the trials his fathers had gone through... their relationship turned out stronger then ever.

The guilt he had been feeling slowly lifted from his heart. He and Roxel... they were strong too, been friend forever; they were going to be just fine.

Another scene showed on the screen, the area very blue to behold


"Hey, Sebastian what is that?" A brunette asked as he... kicked his way through water! The young fifteen-year-old Sora was quite a sight to behold considering he was naked except for, of course, there was nothing to see because where the brunette's... privates and legs 'were' had been replaced instead by a rubbery blue dolphin tail. The young teen seemed to have no trouble at all swimming through the water with the large appendage.

He twisted around a small red crab, swimming on his back around the other as he spied on his work. It was a long piece of light-colored seaweed that had been written on using squid ink. The musical notes on the page were familiar to many.

"I'm getting ready for the concert, little mon!" The crab said, tapping his conductor wand on the rock.
"Concert? What concert?" The brunette asked, doing a flip in the water.
"We hold it every year for da king! All his daughters and da royal fish get together ta sing for him! And I personally compose everyding!" The crab puffed out his chest, smiling proudly.
"Really? Wow! I wanna help!" The brunette smiled brilliantly as he swum closer, looking over the small crabs shoulder.
"No, no no!" The crab chastised, hitting the brunette on the head with his wand several times. "We got enough performers mon."

"Oh Sebastien!" Came a musical voice, as another person joined the scene. It was a beautiful mermaid with long red head. She had a happy smile on her face. "I think it's a wonderful idea! We can use all the voices we can get. I bet you have a great voice Sora."
"But Ariel-" The crab started to say, but the two merpeople were already ignoring him.
"Really? You think so?!" Sora said happily as he swum over to her looking bashful as he smiled shyly.
"Of course!"
"Hey, can Donald and Goofy help too?"
"The more the merrier!" She giggled as she grabbed the music sheet, snatching it off the water, disregarding the fact the little crap was still sitting on it.
"Hey- N-ahh!!" The crab cried as he flipped through the water.
"Here, this is our more famous song!" The red-head said, handign it over. "It's easy to learn to!"
The brunette smiled and looked down, but his eyebrows pinched together in confusion. "But uh... I can't read this. And I don't think Donald or Goofy can either."
"Oh! You don't know how to read musical notes? Did you not sing on land?"
"Uh well... We do but never with instruction."
"No problem I can teach you!"
"Really? Thanks!"

The scene changed some, a blonde laying out on Akbarian grass that was somewhat blue in tint, chin in his hands as he looked down at the lake at the picture showing.
"Now this note means you go higher and this line here means you elongate the syllables." Ariel's voice came through as her hands pointed to the music sheet. Donald, half octopus, and Goofy, a sea turtle, were crowded close as well. "So it comes out like ♪Under the Seeeeeeea♪."
"♪Under the Seeeeeeeeeea♪" The trio repeated but their voices were a mixture of keys.
"Donald a little higher and Goofy hold your notes longer. Sora, just try and match their speed. Now let's try it from the beginning."
"Alright," The music sheets moved until the top was showing once more as the three started to sing the first lyrics.

Roxas hummed along his head swaying back and forth and he joined them.
"♪The sea-weed is always greeNer,
in some-bo-dy else's lake!
You dream about going Up there,
But that is a. Big. Mistake!♪"
"There you go you guys are getting it! Sora very nice!"
Sora and Roxas' voice became perfectly in sync as they continued to sing.
"♪Under the sea.... Under the sea!
Darling~ it's bet-ter,
Down where it's wet-ter,
Take it from meeeeeeeeee!♪"

"Wow! That was great!!" Ariel said, clapping. Sora started to laugh happily and Goofy and Donald chattered excitedly to each other.
Roxas chuckled softly, laying his head in the grass and smiling.

"Alright, time for the next lines!"
The scene slowly faded away.

"Ugh, I don't get it!" Tensai groaned as he threw a music book onto the ground, slamming his head onto his keyboard. The many key notes that sounded much better separately all sang together, creating one big noise. He lifted his head and grumbled, rubbing his forehead.
"Come on don't give up Ten!" Ven encouraged as he rubbed his son's back, picking up the book, and frowned at the notes.
"I should just go and tell Roxel I quit!" Tensai whined, picking up his head.
"Sounds fucking good to me." Terra said from the other side of the room, flipping through a book. "You sound terrible."
"That is not fucking helping bitch!" Ven growled. "Ten just can't read them."
"Neither can you." Terra pointed out, setting his book down and crossing over to the other side of the library. "Besides, you're instruction fucking sucks Ven. The shit that you think is music sounds like this!" He reached over his son and pushed his fingers down along several keys all at once, creating a screeching noise.
"Hey, fuck off!"
"What did you say to me bitch?!"
Tensai looked up at his fathers as they argued and sighed, rubbing his head. This wasn't helping either.

Luckily the argument was cut short when the door on the far side was opened. Roxas was on the other side, holding onto a tray that had some food and drinks on it.
Terra looked over his shoulder, and scoffed. "About fucking time."
"Shut up Terra." The other said walking to the desk and setting the tray down.
Tensai was quick to wiggle out of his seat where he had set his keyboard down on and hurried over, snatching up the glass of punch. "Save meeee." The boy hissed, looking back at his parents with wide eyes.
"Practice not going well, I take it?" His uncle said softly.
"Tch, fucking disaster." Ven joined in as he walked over, waving the music book in the air. "None of us can read this shit. And the jackass over there doesn't have any books on how to." Terra growled in response.
the identical blonde quirked and eyebrow, seeing the pages fluttering, and rolled his eyes. "You can't be serious." He reached out, snatching the booklet from his twin's hands and opened it. "It's really easy."
"You fucking know how?" Terra grumbled.
"Of course I do! I learned a long time ago and I taught MY son years ago too." The other said proudly.
Tensai pouted, looking away. "It doesn't matter anyways, I'm dyslexic against music notes too."
Roxas smiled. "Don't worry, a lot of it is about placement. Here I'll show you..."

The scene faded away, but the blonde's voice was soft as he taught a lesson to his nephew that Roxel recognized rather well from when he was a kid He had never needed such... specialized instruction though.
"Now when it's above this line and it's the bigger blob it's a C-sharp..."
"C-sharp. Got it."
"And these darker lines up here means you need to hold the note longer than the others."
"Oh! That's easy!"

The pictures faded in again. Many days must of passed as everyone was in different clothes. This time Tensai was at his keyboard, looking intensely at the notes, murmuring softly to himself. "A, B, G, C-sharp, D flat..." He ran his finger along the line above the D-flat, "And hold it... F, E, double G..."
"Right. You got it." Roxas said with a smile. "See you don't need to see them at all."
He looked down at his piano, his eyebrows furrowing. "But what key is which...?"
The blonde blinked. Now that was something he didn't know. "Uhhh..." He glanced back at Terra and Ven who was watching.
"Well we do have this." Ven said, stealing the book Terra was holding around, the picture on it that of a keyboards key, the keys individually marked. "We could write them on tap and put them on the keys while your still practicing?"
"He can't read fucking English genius." Terra rolled his eyes. "And he can't write his own letters."
"I know that!" Ven snapped frowning.
"Well... do you guys know any languages Ten does?" Roxas asked.
The other blonde sat there for a few moments then cursed. "Fuck!"
Terra however looked contemplative, then he smirked. "Actually, yes." He stood up, walked to one of his bookcases, pulling down a familiar dictionary that he had been using many memories ago.
"The fuck is that?"
"The ancient Atterian language, bitch." The brunette smirked at his mate. "Because I'm actually fucking cultured."

The screen went black, but what took it's place was soft music that a keyboard was making and a soft humming of Roxas' voice, the keys of the instrument and the voice harmonizing.
"Ah, now that's fucking music!" Terra said.
"It sounded great Tensai!" His other fathered chimed in.
The black-haired boy's voice was shy even as he kept playing, matching his uncles crescendos and decrescendos as the song got more intense. "You think Roxel'll like it?"
"He's going to love it." His kinder father reassured. "Trust me."

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled as he watched the memories... all having to do with music. Music was such a huge part of their lives... especially with Roxas and Roxel around. He never really understood where Roxas's love for music came from... then again, he had no idea where his love for dancing came from.
REALLY!? DANCING!?

The little moomba jumped out of Axel's arms and climbed around his neck and then atop his red hair, sitting down and yipping as he saw Roxas, Terra, Ven and Tensai on the screen. He didn't know two of those people... but there was no other moombas around!

Sammy on the other hand just tilted his head, not really understanding much of what was going on. The notes themselves on the page looked like a heap of a mess as well. You could actually READ them?
It was the first time he understood that music had a language of its own. However... he still couldn't speak it.

Namine on the other hand giggled and shook her head, remembering all the time that Tensai had come to her, complaining that he couldn't do anything right. Unfortunately, she couldn't help him much, not knowing how to read music either. She had to explain that she was more of a sports girl thanks to her competitive dad. She kind of got over her head as well when she showed him a language of her own. Blueprints of gaming strategy for Blitzball.

That only made him more confused.

Fuu had a frown on her face. Tensai had looked very confident in that memory... but more and more he would come to her now saying that there was no way he could do it... no matter how much Roxas said it was easy and that Ten was learning rather well.
Before much else could be thought, another light made the gem light up and the screen started to show the inside of the Pilot Lounge in the Gen 1 ship.


A redhead was leaning over, taking a sip of hot tea, the steam tickling his nose before he leaned back in the large chair that Seifer usually sat. It seemed like some of the Chasers were on a mission.
Roxas was close by, sipping on his own drink as he read the Connection 1 newspaper.

There was the sound of footsteps and Axel looked up, the camera turning to focus on a teen coming into sight.
He had his usual rocker clothes on and his hair was a mess, some glitter still in it from the night before. "Ugh..." He growled as he seemed to be scratching his palms like a wild man. "Daddy! What does it mean when your palms are itchy!? They've been itching like hell lately."

Axel's eyes widened as his son stood close, still itching his palms... but an evil grin came across his face. "Oh god, Roxel! I didn't need that kind of information!"
Roxel stopped itching and blinked, a confused look on his face as he looked down at Axel. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Waaaaaaaaay to much information~"
A familiar little moomba yipped and the same one in the crowd did as well.
Roxel's multicolor eyes glanced over at Roxas than back at Axel, a bit nervous. "Is....is it something bad?"

Axel placed the cup down and rose his eyebrow before grinning devilishly. "Don't tell me you have no idea what itchy palms mean."
The look of panic continued to heighten on Roxel's face as he looked around nervously, obviously trying not to itch his palms. "N-n-no...I don't.... PLEASE TELL ME!" He cried as he leaned in more, almost desperate to know.
Axel shook his head and started to tsk. "It means you're masturbating too much."

....

"WHAT!? NO WAY!" Roxel stepped back, his face flushed as he shook his head. "That's not true! R-right dad?" Roxel looked over at Roxas who was still reading the paper. Blue eyes glanced up and nodded. "Oh yea, it's true."
Roxel's mouth gaped, opening and closing as he was in pure shock.
Axel pouted and suddenly reached out, grabbing Roxel's cheeks. "AWE, ROXY! OUR LITTLE BOY IS GROWING UP!"
"DADDY! KNOCK IT OFF!" Roxel pulled away and swallowed hard. "I don't masturbate!"

Axel rose another eyebrow, defiantly not convinced.
Roxel swallowed again and looked around. "O-ok...well...I do... but not a lot! I MEAN!" He covered his face with his hand, hearing his dad trying to hold in a laugh. "Just don't tell Ten-chan!"
Axel leaned in once more. "Don't tell Ten-chan what?"
There was silence before Roxel tilted his head. "That I maste--- UGH! NEVER MIND!" He threw up his arms and rushed out of the room.

[Reno]

As the next memory faded, there was a lot of amusement in the room except for poor Roxel who was trying to hide his face.

Roxas chuckled softly at the memory that had occurred only months ago. Ah, nothing better than teasing his own son!

Tensai couldn't help but giggle, glancing towards his blushing friend. What really shocked him though was that his overly serious uncle of all people had gone along with the joke! Sometimes Xel's parents could be so cruel.

Lucina just slapped herself in the forehead, shaking her head with a sigh. How did ANY of them become chasers again?

Before much teasing or laughter could go around, another memory popped up on screen, this one older than the last.


On a large bed two men dozed, a happy fire sparking in the fireplace - of which there was one in EVERY room. A large Moomba (much to Jax's unhappiness), was sleeping soundly at the foot of the bed, but his ears twitched and his head lifted as he heard something that the humans could not. Pretty soon it was found out what it was. Roxel stuck his head in the door, his eyes big and wide and full of tears.

Xio whined softly, jumping from the bed and watching the young boy as he ran in the room, over to Axel's side of the bed, grabbing his arms and shaking him. Axel just continued to snore. "Daddy.... daddy! Wake up! Wake up!!" The boy whined and started to slap him in the face.
"Mgphnfa..." The red-head groaned, turning on his other side. He should of known it was hopeless.
However his actions woke up another person on the bed. The blonde stirred and sat up, yawning. "Roxel...?"

The little boy cowered a bit, his eyes wide and tried to hide on the other side of the bed. Xio, unfortunately, gave him away as he whined and pounced of the bed, going to his side and licking his face.

Roxas followed the movement, blearily blinking the sleep from his eyes before he got out of bed and traveled the short distance over there, seeing his distraught and scared son. "Hey... what's wrong?" He asked softly to the toddler as he crouched down.

The multi-colored haired boy didn't answer at first, seeming to thing about his options, but his legs squirmed and he started to cry softly. "I made a mess."
The blonde frowned a bit. "What kind of a mess?"
"A bed mess. I went wee-wee."
The other blinked slowly, looking down at his son's pants which were indeed wet then he sighed and smiled a little. "Oh is that all? Okay." He stood up and held out his hand for the other to take. "Come on, daddy'll clean it up."
The boy sniffled and took his hand, being led out of the room. "You're not mad?"
"Of course I'm not mad. It was an accident."
"But you gotted so mad at me when I broked the cup early." A scene in sepia tones appeared, no sound to the pictures but little Roxel could be seen running around the coffee table again and again, Xio watching him closely from the fireplace. Roxas, in the kitchen, looked back and seemed to yell a warning before going back to the dishes he was cleaning. The boy didn't listen continued to run around the table. After a little while though, Roxel suddenly tripped over one of his untied shoelaces and he seemed to yell loudly as he fell hitting a half-full tall glass on the table with his arm and knocking it off. It and the boy went crashing into the carpet, the glass spilled everywhere and a piece on the rim snapping off from the impact.
The boy, seemingly okay, sat up slowly, Xio hurrying over and licking him tenderly. However a shadow fell over him and the boy looked back, cowering a bit at Roxas' angry face. The blonde placed his hands on his hips, shouting soundlessly at the small boy for a few minutes before pointing to the stairs. Tears welling in his eyes, roxel was quick to jump to his feet and run up the stairs into his room, Xio right on his heels. Roxas frowned at the stairs before sighing, running a hand through his hair, before he lent down and picking up the glasses piece carefully and carrying them to the trash can.

"That's because you were acting badly, running around the house like that, and could of hurt yourself. I was trying to teach you not to do that."
"Oh... I'm sorry daddy."
"I know you are." Roxas said softly as he started to strip the bed. "Let me throw these in the wash then we can clean you up and find you some news clothes, okay?"
"Okay."


The memory faded, showing how much more of the 'father' role Roxas had played in Roxel's life. He was definitely the one dishing out all the punishment. Before anyone could tease Roxel again - this time for wetting the bed - a new memory showed.


Crying was echoing throughout a little house, two men sleeping soundly on a bed groaning.
"Mmm... Sora... it's your turn..." Riku grumbled tiredly, turning on his other side and pulling the covers up and over his head.
"Mmm, k..." The brunette whispered before he slowly untangled himself from the covers, his eyes half-closed as he walked out of the room. Invidia stirred, quick to jump down and follow after her master. The brunette yawned as he rubbed his eyes, walking into a small room where a baby with black hair was squirming and crying.
"Hey, Hey Tenny~" Sora cooed as he lifted the boy from his crib, rocking him gently as he carried him from the room. "Don't cry. Come on I'll get you something to eat."
The camera focused on a round-faced clock in the boy's room that had birds on each hour, making thirty minutes pass in a instant before pulling away. Sora, still tired, came back in the room, laying the sleeping toddler back in his bed and tugging the covers over him, giving him a little kiss. "Night night Tensai. Love you."
He lent further down before picking up Invidia and walking back to his bed room letting her down before collpasing beside his husband and falling back to sleep. The camera pulled away, showing all of Destiny.

The sun rose and fell a few times, signifying a passing of days, before the moon stopped high in the sky. The camera moved back in, crying echoing once more.
"Riiiiku...." Whined Sora as he shifted on the bed.
"I know, I know." The silverette mumbled before he too was out of his bed and stumbled to Tensai's room. His nose twitched and he grimaced, leaning over the crib. "Someone needs a change, huh Ten?" He lifted the boy out of the crib and carried him over to the baby table. Again the camera focused on the clock and again time passed.
When it pulled away again, they saw Riku giving Tensai a stuffed animal, the dozing baby automatically snuggling up to it. He chuckled softly, before kissing his forehead. "I love you. Night Tensai." He pulled away and went back to his room in which he collapsed on his bed, next to Sora who was hugging his drool-soaked pillow while Vi got comfortable between them and they dozed off.

Once more, suns and moons passed over the sky, indicating nearly a full week passing, before the moon paused, low in the sky this time, before the camera panned back into the lovers' house, full of loud screaming.
"Mmmmpgh..." Riku groaned as he turned in the bed and rather than informing his lover to get up, a leg shifted under the covers and he kicked Sora hard in the ass.
The brunette's eyes snapped open and he cried out as he was SHOVED out of bed, sprawling out on the floor. "....Oooow!" The brunette whined, rubbing his butt while Invidia jumped off the bed and left the room.
"Mmm... you okay...?" Riku asked tiredly.
"Yeah. Thanks for that!" The brunette grumbled, wide awake now.
"Sorry..." The silverette mumbled. "Your turn..."
Sora rolled his eyes but smiled, getting up and going to Ten's room. "Tenny!" The brunette chirped, lifting his son out of his crib. "♪Hush little one, it'll be alright. Cause you're my sun, and you're my light.♪" He sung softly as he walked out of the room.

The clock moved passing one hour... and then another before pulling away and showing a tired Riku walking down the stairs, crying still echoing in the house.
"What's wrong?" The silverette mumbled, running a hand through his hair as he stepped into the kitchen, watching a weary Sora rocking Tensai and pacing the small area, Invidia walking after him, her ears low.
"I dunno he won't stop crying." The brunette said over the sounds of his sons screams.
Riku frowned but walked over, taking the boy from his husband, rocking him, giving the other a rest. "Did you try and feed him?"
"Yeah. And he doesn't need a change or anything"
"Maybe it's his teeth again."
"I already tried." Sora sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The yogurt didn't help. I tried singing too. I dunno what to do."
The silverette nodded. "Let me try. Go to bed okay?"
"You sure?"
"Yeah I got him."
"Mmm'k." Sora lent over and gave the other a kiss on the cheek before walking up his stairs. Invidia simply sat down, looking at Riku imploringly. The silverette frowned and looking down at the young child and started to bounce him. "Come on Ten..."

The camera focused on the clock, an hour and a half passing, before it pulled away again. Still crying. Sora stumbled down the stairs, his eyes full of exhaustion as he looked into the living room, where Riku was trying to get the young boy to play with some blocks, but the boy was stubbornly ignoring them. Invidia was licking his hand but it was doing little to soothe him.
The silverette looked back, bags under his eyes. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Nope." He walked over.
"I called my mom. I called your parents. I tried everything they said. Nothings working."
Sora sighed and sat down nodding. "Alright... Well... let's just keep trying."

Two more hours passed.
Tensai was STILL crying.
"Come on Ten, play with Mr. Kitty!" Sora said, shaking the stuffed cat at the boy. The boy continued to cry.
Riku frowned, snatching away the animal and grabbing its forepaws, making it dance. "Look Ten! Look it's dancing!"
The boy didn's even seen to pause for breath as his wails continued. The parents groaned, their heads hanging. Invidia whined as she laid behind the toddler, nuzzling his arm but he ignored her too.

Riku sighed looking up. "God... the sun's rising."
Sora looked up with wide eyes then groaned. "Ah man... I gotta go to work too." He ran a hand through his hair frowning. "Well! no use missing a perfectly nice sunrise!"
Riku blinked tiredly at the other, watching his husband getting up and lifting Tensai. "Come on Riku, where going for a walk!"
The man sighed, wearily getting to his feet. "Why not?" The family of four walked to the door, the silverette opening it as the other three trooped out first before he followed, shutting it soundly behind him.

Twenty more minutes quickly passed on the clock, before the family was stumbling back into the house. But this time, there was nothing but silence. Riku gently took the sleeping Tensai from Sora, heading up the stairs, Invidia quick on his heels and went towards his room while Sora snatching up the phone from the cradle, dialing a number slowly. He had to do it a few times before he got it right while he slumped against the fridge.
"Mmm... hey Marcie... It's Sora. Hey, I can't come in today. ...Huh? Oh no I'm fine. It's just Tenny, he kept us up all night and I'm in no way ready to take on thirty-five kids." The brunette yawned hugely, before mumbled softly. "Could you try and get them Mrs. Rasuri? The really liked her cause she gives them yummy snacks. ...Thanks Marcie." The brunette sighed, hanging up the phone before he stumbled up the stairs and into his room, smiling at the sight before him. Riku was laying on his back, Tensai cradled onto his chest while Invidia laid out on his stomach, all three of them asleep. He yawned again, carefully climbing onto the mattress, running his fingers through his son's hair and giving a tender pet to vi before his arm wrapped around his lover's waist, and he snuggled up against them, eyes slipping closed.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel, at this time, was banging his head against the force field as the last memory of him played. First his itchy palm secret wasn't much of a secret anymore... and THEN they just had to SHOW his little pajamas wet where he... peed himself! ALL IN FRONT OF TENSAI! AND GUNNAR! AND HIS LEADER AND EVERYONE!

He was never going to live this down after the trials... he was going to be an even bigger laughing stock of Gen 2... he won't even want to show his face ever again!

He slowly looked over at Tensai's pillar, seeing him giggle before looking away, feeling completely humiliated. He couldn't blame his daddy Axel for these memories, his trial was already over. He would keep a grudge on his dad Roxas though... AND HIMSELF for showing these horrible.... embarrassing moments.
He grit his teeth and made fists but he blinked as he heard the sound of a baby cry and looked up. Oh god, not me again...

But it was Tensai.
Not being teased about masturbating or wetting his bed though... just normal baby stuff. At least Ten-chan's dads were nice enough to let Ten keep his dignity...
He paused and thought about that for a moment. Well... he had to admit, he wouldn't want to be raised by Terra and Ven. Sure Ven was a nice guy and helpful...and Terra was REALLY smart and seemed to know the answer to everything...but together... they were scary!

Everyone watched the scene, Olette smiling as she watched the two take care of the boy. At least poor Sora and Riku didn't have to juggle two babies at the same time. Lucina hated taking baths and Gunnar hated sleeping. It got rough sometimes... but it was always worth it in the end.

As the scene faded, Tensai and Roxas's pillar started to shine, the light becoming so bright that once again, everyone had to hide their eyes away. With two pillars now, it was near impossible to even see what was going on.
A warmth filled the room that everyone felt this time...and once again, everyone felt the chill.

The lights soon faded and everyone opened their eyes slowly, looking over at the glowing keyhole outline, seeing that the shine was becoming greater and... stronger.
Was that... Riku's and Sora's light?
Gunnar bit his lip as he felt the cold run through him again, as if something was swirling around the room. These trials were going to be longer than he thought... now knowing that they would need Terra and Ven's light as well. Hopefully theirs would be together as well and---

Everyone's thoughts stopped though as the gem started to burn again. Their breaths caught as a scratchy screen appeared once more and a memory started to play.


The world was still in a stormy grey, the mud still thick as the soldiers marched in line as more metals were burned and shaped into weapons. A beaten trail led to the nearest forest was empty except for a man wearing layers of rags, a young boy by one of his sides, a horse on his other. His one hand was occupied by one of the boys and the other was full of the reins.

On a hill overlooking the path stood a familiar man with deep purple hair and behind him, a familiar looking woman atop her own horse. Their armor wasn't mistaken this time now that the fog and rain had cleared. Their armor was definitely related to the armor that could be seen on the modern Dragoon. They were inspired by a dragon... and hauntingly enough... they had eight small wings on their backs.

The woman looked down at the man whose eyes were on the forest, a glare still in her eyes before she pulled the reins and her horse grunted before galloping off through the mud.

The camera quickly zoomed back to the man, boy and horse who were now at the beginning of the forest trail. The look on the boys face was fear, his eyes large as he looked around everywhere, flinching as squawks were heard above and unseen creatures ran pass them through the bushes. The horse itself stopped a few times, fear in its eyes but the man pulled both along, the look on his face fearless but... beaten down.

They continued to travel down a ways until the path came to a slight clearing of trees. He walked to the middle of it and stopped, the boy looking up at him and they shared a glanced before the man looked down the rest of the path, the fog becoming thick. They waited there for awhile, the horse tapping its hoof, bored of waiting and no live grass to eat.

The boy too was getting board and was about to complain when he felt his father's hand tighten around his and he looked out towards the fogged path, his breath catching at the sight.
The sounds of beads clanging against each other could be heard as a figure stepped out of the fog. A multilayer robe shifted as the figure walked towards them, its hips moving in a rhythmic step.

The boy came closer to his father, his breathing starting to quicken as the figure came closer. He buried his face into the man's arm, his whole body shaking.
The figure stopped about eight feet away from the man, his boy and horse. Bleach blonde hair shifted slightly in the little bit of breeze that ran through the clearing yet... the figures face could not be seen. It was wearing a mask...that mocked the bird on his shoulder. It was black and was in the shape of a crows beak. The holes made for its eyes... didn't seem to do much for its eyes could not be seen.

The crow on its shoulder looked down at the boy before the figure started to move closer and the man backed away from the horse a bit, pulling his son back closely.
The figure slowly continued to walk towards them but seemed more interested in the horse as it moved around it. Pale fingers reached out and long nails ran down the rough body of the animal, feeling each of the curves and inspecting it.

The man swallowed as he watched the figure carefully before closing his eyes, sweat running down his face. As the figure came closer, still inspecting the horse, the man coughed. "This is my best horse.... and the last horse I'll bring you."
The figure stopped and slowly stood straight, the crow on its shoulder flapping its wings a bit.
The man seemed to shake but stood his ground. "T-this isn't right. Th-these sacrifices are pointless! Our people are still dying... but you keep insisting that if we give the dragon blood...she and the others will spare us!"

The figure remained silent before the reins of the horse was ripped out of his hands. The man pulled back but gasped as claws reached for his son and yanked him away.
"Veles!"
"FATH---"
His face taken by the claws, his cheeks pushed in and his lips puckered as the mask grew closer, still no eyes could be seen in the black sockets.
"Then how about the child? I have yet to receive my human sacrifice this season."

"NO! That's enough!"
A call could be heard and all three looked over to see a woman atop her horse. Her dragon armor shined as her cold eyes glared down at the figure, now known to be a man from his voice.
"Let them go, Kuku..."
The figure seemed to stand still before pushing the boy away with enough force to sent him on his rear. His father quickly rushed to the boy and helped him up, walking back as fast as he could as the other man turned and pulled the reins of the horse.

As the figure left with the sacrifice animal and his crow, an evil laugh echoed back to the man, boy and woman.

[Reno]

Roxas ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head as he watched the old memories of his young boy. Raising him had been a hell of an adventure and it sometimes really sucked because Axel was too damn nice. He always had to be the bad guy!

However at the next memory he chuckled, seeing his brother and brother-in-law go through their own problems. At least Roxel had been born a toddler, they got to skip a lot of the baby stuff.

Tensai couldn't help but giggle at his poor best friend - though he supposed he shouldn't talk. He had his share of accidents when he was a kid. And he was certainly no virgin to masturbating.

Hey he's a healthy teen too!

However, when the next memory played he blushed a little, watching Sora and Riku take care of him while he cried his lungs out. It made him smile though by the end, finding it heart-warming like his brunette dad had. A little family with a lot of heart...

Lucina grimaced as she watched Roxas take care of Roxel and Sora and Riku handle Tensai. Ugh... kids were a lot of trouble weren't they? She glanced at her mom, seeing her happy expression. Oh no... She hoped her mom didn't want any grandkids anytime soon!

What no one really expected at the end of the memory was suddenly the whole room lit up as Tensai and Roxas pillars disappeared in light. Everyone squinted and shut there eyes.

"Whoa!" Tensai cried shielding his own eyes, hearing a grunt close by to him. As soon as the light lessened he glanced to his side... seeing his Uncle not too far away though there was a big space between them... where Sammy had once been. Around them both was nothing but a field of light. "Uncle Roxas?"

The elder glanced over and then around. What was going on-

Before they could discuss anything the field around them started to change until it was as if they were placed right inside a TV screen, seeing a cave all around them. Not to far away, close enough they could almost touch them, were Riku and Sora. The silverette was looking up at the brunette, tears in his eyes.
"I'm not accepted by Light.... I don't want to lose you...." The silverette mumbled, his voice so clear they almost felt like they really were right by him.
The brunette suddenly wrapped him in his arms. "Riku... you'd never lose me..." The brunette's arms tightened slightly. "I'd never leave you... I love you."

The picture shattered and showed another. This time the two were farther off, down a long hall but standing together holding each others hands and audience was all around watching them.
"I do..." Sora whispered softly, smiling as his eyes looked up at the other lovingly.
"Sora and Riku, you may kiss!" Said an ecstatic mouse in a pretty dress.
The silverette smiled, a tear running down his face he was so happy, before he took the brunette's shoulders in his hands and brought him into a kiss - the watching friends and family cheering.

This next picture melted away, showing the two away, sitting together in a small wooden house dressed in kimonos, Riku kissing the brunette's neck as he whispered. "I love you."
The words made Sora smiled, and he whispered back "I love you too."

The next six scenes were quicker and faster, making Roxas and Tensai jump at times from the unexpectedness of it all as everything seemed so real and so much more was experienced.
"Whoohoo!" Screamed an ecstatic brunette in pirate clothes as he held onto the ropes of a large sail, the storm fierce and the rain pelting.
"Sora be careful!" Riku laughed as he held onto the wheel with one hand, his large pirate hat in the other, watching his husband climb up the mast.
"I'm always careful!"

"Riku there's someone I really want you to meet!" The darkly dressed brunette said as he and the other stomped through the snow, looking from under his black Christmas hat up to the silverette, grinned with vicious vampire fangs.
The two came over the hill and paused, and Riku's eyes went wide, seeing a jolly man in red walking to a fro in his small land, speaking to some little people in green clothing. "Is that...?"
"Yep!"
The man's jaw fell open and he let go of Sora's hand only to take off down the hill with such speed his own black Christmas cap fell right off. "SANTA!"

"Hold on Ri!" Sora called, holding onto the edges of a carpet, arms wrapped securely around his waist.
"Why what are we gonna do -AHHH!" The silverette in beige silk clothing cried as the magic carpet they were fliping on suddenly did a few flips through the air!
The two men couldn't contain their whoops of joy and excitement.

Their happy yells continued, this time as they were seen swinging through trees as they held onto vines and slid down long winding tree branches of an enormous forest.
"Can't catch me!" Riku called with a laugh as he grabbed the next vine.
"We'll see about that!" The brunette called as he jumped onto a tree branch onto the go flying on another vine. "Whoo!!"

Suddenly water was everywhere as two men, one with a dolphin tail another with the tail of a shark, swam quickly upwards.
"Watch this!" Sora called as he picked up on his speed until suddenly he was jumped right out of the ocean doing a few twirls in midair like a spinning top before he landed with a splash back into the water. "Haha, beat that!"
"Easily!" The silverette laughed before it was his turn to swim upwards and once he jumped from the water he did a backwards flip, effortlessly landing back into the sea. "Now that's double points!"
"No way, mine was cooler!"
"You wish!"

The water fell away and became a beautiful night sky, a town full of lights spread out under a full moon and in the air were two glowing figures as they glided through the air, bodies twisting and winding around the buildings. The two lowered themseleves to a river, hands reaching out to touch the water before they flew under a bridge and twisted around, flying back towards a large clock tower.
The brunette smiled as his partner flew beside him, and he wrapped his arms around his waist, not worried about a thing as he kissed the man.
Riku embraced the small boy, kissing him back as they were illuminated by the moon.

The scene was ripped in half and suddenly the duo was on the beach of Destiny, Sora sighing contently as he laid back against a hard, muscled chest, Riku's chin resting in his hair. Both of them had content smiles on their faces as they watched a small, three year old boy tottering around in the sand, holding Invidia's tail as she led him around. Around them all were many trees laden with paopu fruit, the many stars looked ripe and delicious as they hung from the branches.
Sora sighed softly, smiling contently as Riku's left hand intertwined with his own, their twin engagement and wedding rings shining in the sun. "This moment is so perfect."
"Wouldn't sell it for the universe." Riku agreed with a soft smile.
"I'm so glad I'm spending it here with you guys."
"Yeah... me too."

Sudden whiteness overtook the vision until only the blank field was left, leaving Tensai and Roxas breathless half because the memories themseleves were so emotionally driven... but also because seeing them like that... almost felt as if they had drained them. As if something had stolen their energy to show them such an elaborate trick.

Tensai panted softly, slowly sitting down as cold air brushed along the back of his neck, making him shiver and hold onto himself. What had just happened?

Roxas grunted softly, struggling to stay on his feet, his back arching a little as he felt something akin to cold fingers running down his spine, his bones trembling at the icy contact. What was going on?

"Are you sure this is all you want? There is so much more to be learned about them. Isn't there more you wish to know before they disappear into death forever?"

"Is that not what the men who gave everything so you could live deserve?" Came the persuading hiss near Roxas' shoulder.

"Do you not owe that the men who saved you from the seas jaws?" Came the sly whisper in Tensai's ear.

The two's eyes widened, both of them at once feeling the call of their keyblades as the poisonous words spread into their ears. Orange and blue eyes met, before they both scowled.
"No!" Was the simultaneous call.
Roxas looked around even though no third person was in sight, glaring. "How dare you treat their memories as things to play with!"
"This was a blessing in itself... more than I deserved." Tensai whispered softly. "I wouldn't dare ask for more."
Roxas glanced at his nephew, nodding. "Having them in our hearts... remembering how much we love them-"
Tensai smiled, finishing the sentence. "That's enough for us."

The voice seemed to hiss as it inched back, the two keybladers slowly starting to glow white and then the field was gone and the Room of Echoes was before them once more.

Roxas looked around, confused as no time seemed to have passed at all even though he was sure at least ten minutes had in that white room. He glanced at his pale nephew and frowning. That was what happened! Who ever that man in the field had been must of drawn out Tensai's energy and power to stop the world outside and try to coerce them into his whims.

And that was why he was feeling exhausted as well. That... being must of dug through his heart too... drawing out the memories that had been echoed to him after Sora and Riku's death while the mastership was changing into his hands. That moment so long ago that had kept away the starving darkness and the inferno of light... and saved his life. The blonde sighed, leaning back against his barrier as he caught his breath.

Tensai, meanwhile, hung his weary head some, breathing softly. What had that been? That... man or whoever it was in that field... was he what the phoenix had warned them from? There was no doubt in his mind that whoever it had been was pure evil but... why did he want their memories?

His thoughts were cut off shortly though when he saw two lights twisting in the air, one for each dad, before they flew into the keyhole and made it brighter. Tensai smiled knowing that their lights were not just family.

Riku's light was home. Not the physical place however, but the people around him he made friends with or loved that helped him feel he was at home. That was why despite all his wishes to travel, he was deeply homesick because the people he wanted to travel with had not been there with him. That was why he always made an effort to see Carina. That was why, more than once, he needed Sora to tell him he would never leave or lose him, that he'd always be there. That was why, despite all the argument he made, he truly didn't mind when Invidia became their pet or he their son because all of them helped him feel he was at home. They were the constants of Riku's life and the things he cherished most.

Sora's light was comradeship. His brunette dad had no problem traveling from Destiny and visiting other worlds, because every world he went to, he made a new comrade. That was why when he was living all alone, the house had been so cold and full of sorrow. That was why he cradled the bonds his heart made so closely and carefully, because each one to him was precious and special. And that was, in his final moments, all of them had been given a final farewell. Riku, himself, Vi, Bryna, Sirocco, Carina, Donald, Goofy, his brothers, brother-in-laws, nephew, the Chasers and thousands more on so many worlds... all of them were Sora's light and they were all people he would never never replace or let go of.

No wonder Riku and Sora fell in love; their lights were complimentary and almost identical. It made Tensai happy... but curious as well. What would his be?

Many other Chasers noticed the lights hitting the keyhole as well, looking over. Even though they weren't physically here... it appeared Riku, Sora, Ven and Terra were all part of the trial as well. Which actually made some sense - once they searched through enough of his memories and Terra's light... then his soul should be free.

With two more down and seven more to go, everyone was eager to keep going - but when they watched the gem burn they were quick to change their attitudes.

The scene was disturbing and sad, leaving a bad taste on everyone's tongues and a cold chill in their bones. For thoses on the pillar, they started shifting to get the blood flowing or rubbed their arms to encouraged circulation. Outside of the ring, lovers held one another, friends got closer, pets were cuddled. Even Kadaj, whose body was naturally cold, lent a little more against the brunette holding him close.

Aqua crossed her arms and frowned, murmuring the herself. "I see... so it is Dragoon's past." That was what she had feared.
"But why are we seeing it?" Seifer asked, running a hand through Olette's hair comfortingly.
"Well, this is where all the dragons and people of Dragoon allowed within these walls left there memories of the past right? It could be theirs... and simply because we have accessed the trial some of them are slipping in." The blue haired woman theorized.
"They were not random, they were connected." Kadaj spoke in softly. "What timeline are we gazing at?"
Aqua frowned, before slowly shaking her head. "A few centuries, maybe many. I'm not sure." Sacrificing had been so common even 300 years ago. Now it was obsolete but...

And that armor, despite the many years that had passed, had changed little over time as well. The only thing that indicated a longer time ago... was the homage to the Divine Dragon of which she knew had been locked away since...

"The Great War..." She whispered softly, realization dawning on her face. Before any inquires could be further made however, a light jumped from her pedestal and hit the gem and her eyes slowly started to darken as she recognized herself, much younger, walking through an empty house.

Why... did the memories after the burning ones... always have to be so cruel?


The look on the young girl's face was full of horror and sadness, walking through a home that was hardly familiar anymore except in structure. Everything else had been stripped clean - food, clothing, beds, chairs - all of it was stolen. Even all the doors had been ripped off. The barn in the backyard was an even worse sight as it had collapsed, the tools and farm animals within all gone and the wood pile left behind a shame to look at.

"Mom.... Sai...?" Whispered the girl as she walked upstairs wandering past the empty rooms were little to nothing was left except scraps and litter. Windows all over had been broken by juvenile or angry citizens. "What happened?" She whispered softly as she stepped inside her old room, leaning down to pick up a strip of cloth left behind.

She stood there for a long time in silence... when suddenly a cracking from downstairs made her eyes widen and she looked back. She turned and rushed from the room, pausing on the railing and seeing from her angle into a kitchen. It was some man with dark hair, gripping onto one of the cabinet doors and literally trying to rip it off!

"HEY!" She barked angrily, Tsunami snapping into her hands.

The man looked back and his eyes widened. "Oh shit!" He jumped to his feet and tried to make a run for the front door. Aqua was quick to react, vaulted over the railing and landing on the floor below and quickly intercepted him. She grabbed the man by his arm and threw him into the wall. Her arm came up and pinned the man against the wall by his neck while her keyblade was slammed into the wall right beside his head.

Furious blue eyes glared into the terrified stranger's, scowling. "You're going to tell just what the FUCK is going on here!"
"I-I don't know-"
"Don't give me that shit!" She snapped. "What happened to all our things - what happened to the people who lived here?!"
"I-I-I...." He yelped as her arm pushed on his wide pipe and he gagged some. "Alright, alright! I'll tell you!!" She let up some but didn't let him go. "There... there was an attack... by these dark creatures about a month ago... and when it was over a lot of people were suddenly g-gone..."
"...Gone?" Aqua whispered.
"Y-Yeah well... there were no bodies or anything left but we couldn't find them so we thought they died and well there was no use wasting all their stuff right?" Aqua gave him a deadly look and the man's voice got high and squeaky. "All the houses are like this I swear!"
"I don't fucking care about that! Where is my mom and my brother?! Where are Sai and Adrielle Umi?!"
The man shook for a few moments but then he blinked, his eyes widened. "You're... you... Aqua? The woman... who was... traveling to the other regions and stopping the attacks?"
"That wasn't what I asked." She growled.
The man opened and closed his mouth a few times before he said quietly. "Come with me..."

The scene faded away, only to return again in a gray world, rain drizzling from above as Aqua and the man walked along the beach towards the temple - but instead of going in there he left her off to the right.
"We... We didn't know what to do. There were precisely 97 people missing after that horrible attack." The man was saying softly. "Your brother, the Beserker Sai... many of us owe him our lives. He did his best to protect every one in town... but when he went back for your mom and you... he didn't return. And she did not either." Grass crucnched underfoot and suddenly both figures paused as land spread before them, and Aqua's eyes widened in horror.

"We hoped building the shrine by the temple would make Regole bless those we lost and prevent another attack. Then we heard about a guardian in the form of a young girl with blue hair going to each other region and destroying the darkness that plagued them. We thought it was Regole in some humanized form, protecting everyone..." The man looked at the frozen woman. "I never guessed it was you. If we had known... we wouldn't of built your tombstone as well."

The woman was silent, the tears falling but masked by the rain that was falling from above. The man placed his hand on her shoulder, frowning. "I am so sorry Aqua." He turned and left her there to grieve.

The woman swallowed hard, before she slowly started to step into the many rows of tombs, walking down each line and spying the many names upon each grave. Above her, the rain started to pellet down, fiercer than ever before, making her hair limp around her and the world dark.

Suddenly she hesitated, taking in a sharp breath of air as shefound what she was looking for.

Three tombstones in a row each with a name and their family crest craved into it.
Aqua Umi
Adrielle Umi
Sai Umi

The woman's legs shook before she fell to her knees in the mud. "No..." She shook her head, trying to deny the sight. "This can't be..." Her face twisted in pain and suddenly she doubled up over herself, her fists pounding into the ground with such ferocity that water splashed up around her.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed. She curled up in the mud and started to weep and plead to the empty air around her. "Mom... brother... I'm so sorry... please... come back."

But not even Regole... could answer this prayer.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel shook, his hands slowly wrapping around himself and rubbing his arms. It was hard going from a place that had a fireplace in every room (even the bathroom!) to a place that had none at all. At least life on the ship wasn't bad either since he could control the air temperature.. and seeing that his roommate was from a tropical island, Tensai was use to the heat as well.

Here now with this sudden cold... becoming colder and colder each time someone found their light. He was wondering if by the time they found the last light that everyone would be frozen solid.

Gunnar looked down slightly as he felt Kadaj lean into him. A frown ran over his face before he looked back at the burning gem, his eyes narrowing. It was obvious that he had pissed off this 'guardian of memories' since these memories didn't show until he broke through one of the forces... but he couldn't just stand there and...watch Kadaj cry... and not know that it was ok.

The memory itself seemed to be more realistic than the others as if it was sucking in the whole room and the cold climate was affecting them all. It was still frightening. The fact that no one knew where these memories were coming from or from who. Aqua would know but at the end of the disturbing piece, her own face seemed to be in thought.

The discussion was cut short as another memory started to show and like before after the mysterious memory, another bad one played. Even if it was sad, it was expected...though it didn't take away any of the dramatic tones.

The original Chasers shared more than just having one set goal or all being keybladers.
No... they were all... separated from the ones they loved.
The Darkness taking Ventus away.
Death leaving Terra alone.
The Darkness taking Aqua's loved ones.

When the memory faded, the room was quiet once more and the cold seemed to lessen around them.

A red eye shifted, some silver hair moving as the woman looked over to the blue haired woman that was seen in the memory just moments ago... only much older. "Aqua..."
The leader noted that she was ok, though she still looked a bit out of place...and still thinking.

Everyone stirred as a noise could be heard, everyone looking in the direction of Namine and Bonnie.
Namine had gotten up and turned, walking to the doorway that was blocked by the wings.
"Oi? What are you doing?" Bonnie frowned as she turned, watching Namine go closer and closer to the wings before stopping.
Everyone watched curiously before the woman spoke up.

"Um....excuse me Miss Divine Dragon Lady....ma'am. What's with the spooky memories? They don't belong to anyone where.... whose are they?"
There was silence.
No answer.
Namine pouted before crossing her arms. They could hear the dragon growl...but she couldn't hear them? Or was she just ignoring them?

Namine hung her head and turned, walking back and sitting back down next to Bonnie.
"That was a hunky-dory idea." The half breed chastised as she shook her head.

"Look." Gunnar frowned as he looked around the room. "Who cares whose memories those are? That's not what we're here for. We need to find the lights to save Terra's soul. End of story... so let's just focus on that, alright?"

[Reno]

Aqua sighed softly at the end of her own memory, but she tried to push that horrible time aside. It had happened so long ago... and at least she had Sai once more. she still... couldn't help but feel guilty when it came to her mother though. Even though they hardly agreed about anything at all she was STILL her mother...

They had ended on such bad terms and she hadn't even gotten the chance to apologize...

At the sound of her name she tilted her head up, looking to her left, and smiled faintly at Fuujin, reassuring her that she was fine.

There was another pause over everyone and Namine took the chance to try and figure out what was going on. They watched her in silence, listening to the Divine Dragon growl softly back... but refused to answer.

Roxas shut his eyes and sighed at Gunnar's words, nodding slowly as he pushed off from his barrier. "One mission at a time. We;re almost done so let's just finish this." As he spoke, the light under his feet started to shine and then the gem glowed a pure white.

As the memory started though, the room started to get cold once again despite the action the scene was portraying.


"Wait!" A blonde ran onto the screen, reaching out and catching a slighter, smaller woman by the wrist. "You can't just leave Xion!"
The girl grit her teeth pulling away.
"X- ...eh?" The blonde's eyes widened as suddenly the woman lifted up a keyblade to point towards him offensively. What was strange about it however was... it was the Kingdom Key!

But that wasn't possible! There could not be two!

Before any moves could be made, a chakram came flying into the picture for the girl. She jumped away and Axel came onto screen, running after her.

"Stop!" Roxas called, watching Axel and the mysterious fourteenth member fight. Chakrams burning with flame flew through the air, the small woman dodging them as she went after the red-head, the Keyblade swinging.

"STOP IT!" Roxas yelled but neither seemed to hear him. He grit his teeth, running towards them - of which both were too preoccupied to notice.

Axel grit his teeth and threw another Chakram. Xion ducked under it and continued to run for him - the other chakram flew, trying to catch her guard - until another stepped in it's path, green eyes widening in horror. "ROXAS!"
Xion's eyes too went wide even as she swung for the blonde.

The Kingdom Key was in Roxas' hand in an instant and he spun, cracking the Chakram hard so it went flying randomly in another direction before slicing upwards, clanging his blade with Xion's so hard the metal of her blade literally snapped off and the top half went flying.

Xion stared blankly taking a few steps back and stared at her blade, mouth agape.

"I SAID STOP!" The blonde yelled at both of them, giving them each a glare before narrowing his look on the red-head. "What are you doing Axel?!"
The red-head frowned. "She's a traitor Roxas, she was trying to hurt you!"
"Stop being so over-protective of me!" The blonde growled, before looking backwards. "And yo- ... where'd she go?!" But where Xion had stood... was now vacant. "Ugh, now look what you did Axel!"
"What I did?! I was just trying to save your ass!"
"She's one of us, why would she want to hurt me?!"

The red-head frowned but glared. "Why don't you go ask our superior?"
The blonde frowned, turning towards the other. "...What are you talking about?"
"I heard him talking to your little 'friend' there telling her to get rid of you!" Axel said, nodding as if he was certain of everything, "He told her to take away your keyblade and then," The red-head drew a line across his throat. "Finish you!"

Roxas stared at him with wide eyes. "That's... got to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"
"Wha-?!"
The blonde shook his head. "Jesus Axel I knew you were jealous of her but this is getting out of hand. For the LAST time I don't like her!"
"No Roxas it's not about that I really mean-"
"Cut it out Ax, it's not funny." The blonde said crossing his arms. "Xemnas said so himself when I joined that I was needed so we can all get back our hearts so why would he ever want to get rid of me? And You know as well as I do that the Keyblade is mine and mine alone; no one can just take it from me!" Roxas shook his head.

"Damn it Roxas... think about it! Xion, member 14, The Ruthless Thief!" The Axel growled, placed his finger on his temple. "Got it memorized? She was already wielding your keyblade, next she'll take you down."
Roxas shook his head, turning around and walking to where the broken piece of the keyblade was and kicked it. "It's a cheap imitation Axel. Trust me... she might be able to make one, but it's not the real thing."
"How are you so sure?!"
The blonde paused, before looking back at him. "You'd understand if you had one. The keyblade just has a certain power about it that can't be stolen. And even if she IS trying to hurt me, I can take care of myself. So stop worrying alright? You're already getting gray hair!" A portal burst up behind him. "Let's go home." The blonde stepped through.

"Hey wait-" The red-head reached out for the already missing blonde then blinked. "Gray hair...?" He tugged on some of his hair, looking at is closely, then up towards the portal and ran into it."Hey wait Roxas! WHERE'S THE GRAY HAIR?!"

[Rikugurl]

Roxel frowned as he looked over at Gunnar. He was such a buzz kill. How did he even manage to have sex with being so narrow minded? He head tilted as he just envisioned it.

Mako eyes looked through wet silver hair down at the brunette, their movement unison and some moans echoing throughout the room.
"Gunnar... I love you..." A soft breath and then---
"Excuse me but we're having sex right now, no time for that sentimental crap. Stay on course!"

Roxel giggled but blinked as he watched the next memory, seeing how young his dads once were. The other thing that struck him was...her. And why was it getting cold again?

Narrow green eyes narrowed more as the old redhead watched the screen. Jax could feel some anger boiling in his master's blood and started to growl and yip every time the screen showed the girl with blueish black hair.
Why couldn't he remember her? Or his grey hairs? That was because Roxas was so wrong about that! He had white hairs now....in which he plucked or dyed but NO ONE needed to know that.

Before questions could be asked, the gem lit up once more and an old world was in front of their eyes once more.


A gentle breeze pushed through spiky brown and swirly blonde hair as two little boys laid in a field full of long green grass. In the background, rows upon rows of windmills could be seen.

Blue spiraled eyes looked up at the clouds through brown hair, the baby fat in his cheeks making his eyes seem so much bigger.
"Hey Soran?"
The boy blinked and glanced over to his right, seeing his twin brother laying there with his eyes closes, sighing softly. "Yea, Ven?"
"What do you think we'll turn into when we sleep forever?"
The brunette slowly sat up and rubbed his little head before frowning. "What do you mean?"

Another pair of spiral blue eyes opened and the blonde boy sat up as well. "Remember when Mr. Worm turned into a rock?"
Soran tilted his head then giggled. "Oh right!" His cheery face slowly turning to a cute one of thought. "I guess...I'd want to be you!"
The blonde boy's eyes widened. "What!? But you're not going to go to sleep forever before me!" The boy seemed to flail, making his older brother giggled. "Ok, ok! Fine....OH! Maybe a lion!"

The blonde pouted and looked away slightly. "But lions are kinda scary..."
Soran smiled and suddenly hugged his brother. "That's ok! I'll be a nice lion!" Soran slowly pulled away and grinned. "What about you? What do you want to be?"
Ven could only smile softly. "I want to be a hot air balloon..."

The scene faded before another could be seen.

The ocean crashed into the shore softly as the sound of a crackling fire could be heard in the back.
Large feet walked over to the shore and hands slowly wrapped around a bird that was washed up on a rock. The wet bird was lifted, showing an older Ventus. The look on his face was rather sad before he turned and slowly walked over to the camp where a muscular teen threw down some more firewood.

"Hey Terra? What do you think this bird is going to turn into?" He asked as he paused close to the fire.
The brunette stopped and looked back, raising an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"The bird." Ven held out the bird slightly. "What do you think it will turn into?"
"It won't turn into anything."
Ven blinked but frowned. "Yea it will!"
"How told you that bullshit?"
"It's not.....bullpoop! My brother and I... we believe that when something sleeps forever, it turns into something else. We saw it happen!"

Terra slowly stood and gave the boy a dull look. "Really? What did you see?"
Ven swallowed and looked away. "A worm. It turned into a rock." His blue eyes widened though as he suddenly heard....laughing!? The blonde growled as he looked back over to his friend. "Hey! What's so funny!?"
"You guys were fucking idiots. The worm just dried up. When something dies, it's dead forever. It just rots and is eaten or becomes one with the dirt."

The look on Ven's face seemed to become crushed and he looked away again, silent.
Suddenly the bird was snatched from his hands. "Hey!"
"Sorry, Ven. I lied. This bird is going to turn into something."
Hope came back to Ven's face as he smiled. "Really!? What?"
"Dinner."

The scene faded once more before a sudden light started to shine from the screen, so bright that it seemed like the scene itself had found its light. What they weren't expecting was an adult man suddenly flying through the white nothingness on his back. As he passed the screen, a hymn started to echo threw the Room of Echoes, making the viewers shiver.

It was the same hymn they heard when Ventus's soul went to join Terra.

However, the light was broken with the sound of wings flapping and panting could be heard as the scene showed a dark bedroom. The same blonde man sat up in bed, sweat running down his body as his blue eyes scanned the room. Slowly he looked down, seeing a very naked Terra sprawled out next to him.
His eyes lidded, looking up at the blonde. "W-what is it, Ven?" He asked sleepily as he reached up and started to rub Ven's bare back.

A hand reached up and rubbed his shoulder, where he had forgotten that there was fresh stitching trying to heal. "I changed my mind."
Terra's eyes widened a bit as he sat up, almost in panic. "You're NOT gong to fucking blood bond with me!?"
"NO! Not that..." Ven shook his head, hearing Terra sigh in relief. "Than what did you change your mind about?"

There was silence between them before Ven closed his eyes. "I don't want to turn into a hot air balloon."
The look on Terra's face besides his lover....was priceless. "W-what?"
"When I die... I don't want to turn into a hot air balloon." He slowly looked over at Terra and smiled. "I want to be a worm."
The look on Terra's face only grew more priceless. "Why a shitty worm?"

Ven could only smile happily as he looked at his lover. "Because when I die as a worm and become a rock... maybe I can give another person hope... that they can turn into something else too... even after death."
Terra rose his eyebrow only to grin. "Guess I'll have to be a bird then...so I can still eat the worm for dinner!" He laughed as he suddenly pounced onto Ven.
"TERRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

[Reno]

Roxas frowned as the cold wrapped around him, making his arms cross once more, watching the next memory pass before his eyes. Though quite a few of his memories had been jumbled of lost thanks to Namine's tampering, he had recalled many over the years. That didn't mean... he had shared them all.

Lucky for him, no one was given a chance to ask him anything as more memories showed.

Some of them were older memories, but many of them were surprised at the content of them and even many of them laughed. It was surprising that despite all the things he had gone through, Ven still had some pieces of innocence in his heart.

As the memory faded another one showed with two people standing outside of a small building, looking up.


The sign on the building read Xerxes' Body Art. The blonde stood there rigidly, swallowed hard. "You know I just had a great idea!" He turned on his heels. "I think Axel would be just as happy if I painted his nails again!" He started to walk away rapidly.

"Oh no you don't!" Arms wrapped around Roxas' waist, dragging him back towards the door.
"Damn it Riku let me go!" The blonde flailed against the other's much stronger grip.
"Stop being such a chicken, it's really not that bad." The other said, holding onto his wrists like he was about to arrest the blonde.
"I'm not a chicken!" Roxas growled back.
"Oh yeah? Prove it."
"Fine I will!" The blonde huffed and, much to Riku's amusement, stomped to the doorway, slamming it open.

He hesitated just a few feet inside the parlor however when he heard the whirring of needle. "Oh fuck no-!" He spun around, only to run into Riku.
"Come on." The other sighed, grabbing his shoulders and pushing him up to the front desk were a lady was watching them with a raised eyebrow. She had a tattoo of a snake going up the left side of her face. "Um... how may I help you, Mayor Roxas?" Her eyes darted around the room nervously, as if she thought they might be about to get shut down on or something.

"Uh well um... I just uh... came by..." Roxas stuttered softly. "Because I was thinking of getting a tattoo..."
"Oh!" She chirped, relaxing instantly. "For Axel I'm guessing?" A nod. "Oh that's so sweet! No problem. So what were you thinking of getting?"
"Uh well... it was um... going to look like this..." Roxas mumbled as he pulled out a piece of folded paper and handed it over.
The woman opened it than whistled appreciatively. "Oh it's nice! Yeah Xerxes can do this, no problem. Where would you like it?"
"Uh.... my uh..." The blonde reached up and held his left shoulder. "My left shoulder blade..." When she nodded again he swallowed hard. "Will it... will it hurt?"
"For a little while, than you'll just go numb. Don't worry, it's really not bad." She glanced at Riku then. "And are you here to get one to?"
"Oh no," The man grinned maliciously as he indicated the pale leader beside him, "I'm just here to make sure he doesn't run away."
"I should never of asked for your help..." The blonde grumbled.

The scene faded away only to reveal another. This time Roxas was laying on a table, shirtless, his back exposed as a man knelled over him. The whirring of the needle was loud in the small room, the blonde looking towards the wall. Though he didn't seem to be in any pain, every now and again some tears would well in his eyes and trickle down his cheeks.
Riku was sitting in a corner, the other's shirt and jacket laying in his lap as he leaning back, watching the procedure. "How you doing over there?"
"Mmm..." The blonde just grumbled back.
"I've almost got the outlining done, then we can start the coloring." The other said from above, making Roxas pale with horror.
"He better fucking like this..." The blonde mumbled before hiding his face in his hands.
The scene faded out.

The new one that was revealed showing Roxas laying down on the couch, watching Axel's butt wiggle in his face.
"Axel I get it, you have a nice ass. That does not mean I want to 'tap it'."
The red-head pouted and turned around, "But Roooooxy! We haven't had sex in..." The red-head started to count on his fingers. "Eight days! See that's a sign!"
Roxas rolled his eyes. "You and your damn numerology. And I said no, I'm sore damn it."
"How can you be sore? All you do is walk from here to Town x Hall and eat ice cream!"
"Because I had a needle burning my skin all yesterday THAT'S how."
The pyro blinked. "But why would you-" His mouth gaped open. "Wait a second... don't tell me you got the tattoo?!"
"Well I sure hope so because whatever the hell is on my back is hurting like a bitch."
The red-head started to shake his head. "I want to see!"
"You know you have to wait until your birthday." The blond grumbled.
"But that's so far awaaaay!" Whined the other. "Please? Just a peek?"
"NO!" A couch pillow smacked the red-head right in the face.

The scene shifted.
"Ooooh Roxas~" Came a sly, persuasive voice. "Look what I got!"
A blue sea-salt ice cream waved in front of the blonde's face. Like a hungry dog watching a bone, the blonde lowered the newspaper he was reading, following the ice cream with his eyes and licking his lips. "I'll give it to you, and five more if you... show me your tattoo!"
The blonde grew a dull look on his face and looked back at his paper. "Nice try. I can just get my own from the freezer if I want one."
Foiled, the taller pouted. "....Well can we at least have sex?!"
"No. You'll just use it as an excuse to look."
"But it's been thirteen days! Look another sign!"
Roxas rolled up his newspaper before bopping the other on the nose. "Bad Axel. I said no."

The scene faded away, only to reveal the two's bedroom on a dark night, only the lights of candles keeping the darkness at bay. Axel was eagerly sitting on the bed, long legs awkwardly crossed as he waited. "Come on Rooooxas!"
"Hold on!" Came a call from within the bathroom. "....Alright, you ready?"
"YEAH!!" The other cried excitedly.

The doorknob turned and then slowly Roxas walked out of the bathroom, once again shirtless and looking nervous. The top half of his chest, however, was wrapped up in an elastic badnage, much to Axel's displeasure.
"Heeey I thought you were going to let me see?!" He pouted.
Roxas paused then blinked and smiled a bit. "Well whats a gift if you can't unwrap it?" The red-head's mouth opened in a small round 'o' then he grinned widely, bouncing on the bed. "Come on roxas, get over here!"
The blonde chuckled at the other's impatience but it took little time to cross over to the bed and slowly he sat down on the bed, turning his body so his back was facing the other. He rose his arms up in the air and looked over his shoulder, anxiety in his eyes. "Well... go ahead."
The camera focused on Roxas' face as the red-head made a noise of glee, grabby hands quickly but carefully undoing the metal clasp that kept the bandage together before tossing it and started to unwrap the bandage from around the other. The could see Axel's face over the blonde's shoulder and the viewers could see the man's expression turn into one of wonder... and then awe. When the picture was fully revealed the gauze fell from the red-heads shaking hands as he just sat there, staring.

There was a long stretch of silence and then, nervous, the blonde swallowed and looked over his shoulder, worried he had made the other upset somehow. "Axel...?"
His voice seemed to snap Axel out of his speechless trance. "Oh... Rox..." The man breathed, and lifted his hand. The camera finally moved and focused on the tattoo blossomed on the other's shoulder blade while long fingers lovingly traced it. It was that of a beautiful phoenix - the symbol of rebirth by fire, a symbol in which Axel beyond any other fit - that's wings were spread. each feather was lovingly detailed, the tail long and spreading out far like a peacock tail almost. Under the tail on the very edges of the shoulder blade, were words written in kanji - 'Flurry of Dancing Flames'. In the jumping candlelight, the phoenix almost seemed alive, its colors and body seeming to shift with the fire.

Axel swallowed hard, tears slowly filling his eyes and tricking down his purple tattoos.
"Axel?!" The blonde cried in worry. Had he done something wrong?!
"It's beautiful..." The red-head reassured, "It's so beautiful..." He lent forward, soft lips loving kissing the scarred skin.

[Rikugurl]

Ven's memory was a bit odd to some of the viewers. They had never even known that Ven had this odd... belief of reincarnation. Some even had to wonder if he had even told Tensai about his idea of life after death.
Then again, they probably would of heard Ten say something about how he hoped his dad turned into that worm or something.

The memories seem to start picking up as that one ended and another one beginning. This was a memory.. that intrigued Roxel. He watched in wonderment as the tattoo was being created and how... bright and fresh it had been when it was first made. He swallowed and looked away slightly, rubbing one of his arms.

As the memory faded away, Axel smiled lovingly over at his husband's pillar. He'd never forget that night. The amazing dedication, the beautiful art...and the awesome sex.

However, the gem quickly started to glow again, quicker than ever before. Everyone quickly looked back, seeing that it was a memory of Roxas and Roxel.


The little boy was drawing on the floor, a larger moomba behind him watching as if he was really interested... and little growls were in the background of course. He wore a little tank top and some shorts, some sweat rolling down his face. Even Xio's fur was a bit wet from sweating. Some clanging could be heard in the other room and a voice everyone knew came calling out. "We're going to have to call the repair man! I can't get this AC to work!"
A blue and green eye looked up, suddenly becoming wider as he looked up at Roxas who was turned away at the desk in front of him.

The man had his shirt off, the phoenix tattoo showing completely. The boy tilted his head as he slowly got up and somewhat lost his balance... but Xio nudged him to catch it.
"Alright, Ax! You know where the phone is!" Roxas called back and sighed before picking up the pen...and then froze. Blue eyes shifted and slowly looked over to see his son staring right at him. "Hey Roxel...what is it?"

"Daddy... why is your back painteded?"
Roxas rose an eyebrow before seeming to understand. "Oh, it's called a tattoo."
The boy smiled and bounced a bit. "Can I get something painteded too?" Roxas only chuckled and turned to face Roxel. "You already have a tattoo." He reached out and ran his hand down the two purple marks on the boy's cheek. "These... thanks to your dad.... oddly enough...."

"Those are boring! I wantem the colors like dad gots!" The boy pouted and crossed his chubby arms.
Roxas frowned a bit before suddenly seeming to get an idea. "You know what? I can paint you something... but it will come off at bath time... ok?"
The boy continued to pout but slowly smile as he thought about it. "Ok!"
"Alright... So, what do you want me to paint on you?"
The boy looked down and thought, tapping his foot before smiling brightly and looking back up at Roxas. "I wanna wion!"

The scene faded only for it to come back slowly, the lean redhead smiling as he waved the repair man away before closing the door. He turned... and almost tripped on the boy behind him. "WHOA! Hey Roxel! What did I tell you about standing behind me like that? You could hurt from me tripping over you, got it memorized?"
"Yea yea, daddy but LOOK!" He boy smiled happily before turning around, now not having a shirt and showed off a very.........kiddy looking tiger that had stick legs.

Axel blinked and covered his mouth, trying hard not to laugh. "W-wow! That's awesome. How did your art?"
"Dad did!"
Axel closed his eyes, his shoulders moving even more as he made odd noises behind his hand. Roxel blinked and looked back, staring up at his father. "Daddy, are you ok?"
Axel pulled his hand away and sucked his lips in, some tears in his eyes. "Yep!" He squeeked but Roxel wasn't buying it. "Daddy... I know what's wrong..."

Axel wiped some of the water away before taking a deep breath. "There's nothing wrong, Roxel! I swear, it's awesome!"
Roxel crossed his arms and frowned. "Don't wie daddy. I know you're sad because you don't have your back painteded either. It's ok though, this will only last til bath time... then you don't have to be saded any more."
Axel just blinked but a soft smile ran over his lips and he messed Roxel's hair a bit. "Thanks Roxel... you really made me feel better..."

The scene faded once more and the gem lost a bit of light, that of Roxas as the new scene just showed Roxel at the kitchen table of the Gen 2 ship. It was late, the clock being a tell tale sign reading 2am.
The teen sighed as he wrote down some notes on his music sheet, his own shirt gone revealing some random tattoos of stars and music notes. There was a black and white checkered tattoo around one of his wrists, moving as his hands did with the pencil. He was still in his boxers as his head was messed.

It was obvious that he had just gotten out of bed.
"Hey kiddo..."
"AAAAAAAAH!!" Roxel jumped out of his chair and looked back, seeing Axel at the doorway. "Daddy!? What the hell are you doing here?"
Axel pouted as he walked into the room, his hands both occupied with cups of coffee. He placed one down next to Roxel's music sheet and smiled. "I had a feeling you were up... so I came over."
"O-oh....ok." Roxel sighed as he caught his breath and looked down at the coffee. "I had music stuck in my head again and just needed to write it."

The teen was slowly going to sit back down---
"HOLD IT!" Roxel's eyes widened as he froze and looked up at his redheaded father. "What?"
The exotic green eyes narrowed as he leaned in, looking down at Roxel's.......boxers?
"What is that?"
"W-what's what?"
"That!" Axel grinned as he pointed to a tattoo on a bony pelvis bone that seemed to be half hidden behind the elastic of Roxel's boxers.

Blue and green eyes widened as Roxel pulled away and pulled his boxers up. "N-n-nothing!"
"That's a naughty place to put a tattoo~~"
"DADDY! You have one there too... of Dad's number...."
"HEY! How did you know that!?"
Roxel looked away dully. "Unfortunately... I've seen you naked before."
Axel was about to say something when he stopped himself. "Oh...sorry about pouncing around the house naked... but it was hot and---"
"It's ok, daddy..."

There was some awkward silence before Axel crossed his arms and gave Roxel a stern look. "Show it to me."
"What!?"
"Show me your pelvic tattoo."
"Daddy... come on...."
The narrow eyes became more narrow as he started to tap his foot. "Now mister."
"Or what? You'll spank me?" Roxel asked dully as he crossed his arms too. "I'm nineteen, I'm not scared of that look anymore."
Axel pulled his arms down, his face becoming dead serious and something that would make anyone back down. "You are never too old to get a spanking, mister."

Roxel sighed before reaching down and hesitating at the elastic. "Promise me you won't tell anyone..."
Axel rose his eyebrow but nodded. "I won't."
"You SWEAR!?"
"YES!"
"Alright..."


Inside the Room of Echoes, Roxel's eyes widened as he watched his own memory. "NO! WAIT! DON'T SHOW THIS!" He cried, pounding on the force field. "STOOOOOOOP!!"


The elastic was pulled down to reveal a bright orange star with a little scroll running across it that read:
Tensai

[Reno]

Roxas too was smiling by the end of the scene, looking towards his husband now that his heart was shuddering with desire to be near to. He too still remembered that night, held it close to his heart. The tattoo itself had been such a trial.... but in the end, there were still mornings he woke up and caught Axel spying on him, green eyes silently gazing at the faded tattoo that at one time had been bright with color.

Axel had once asked him, hopefully, if he would to ever recolor it. He had thought about it for about three seconds before paling and and screaming his answer. Their was NO way he was going through the outlining - and worse the YELLOW inking - ever again.

When the memories moved on Roxas felt surprised. That... wasn't his light?

His eyebrows furrowed some in confusion but set it aside, watching a memory from long ago. He rolled his eyes as Axel laughed about his handiwork - Roxel was like three he didn't care!

Tensai meanwhile chuckled some at the first memory, finding it rather cute. Maybe that was why his friend was body art happy. Seriously, he had so many tattoos!

As the more mature memory played though he blinked, watching it quietly, wondering how it would turn out, seeing the talk of a tattoo... on Roxel's pelvic. Wait- what?! When did he get that?!

...AND WHY DIDN'T HE TELL HIM?!

When he saw the look on Axel's face towards the end he shrunk back a bit - wow he could be SCARY! - and the son's defeat... but then he jumped in shock as Roxel went wild in his cage, banging his fists hard into the field. He looked towards his friend with wide eyes. "Xel!" He called... but some intakes of air made his eyes dart away and back towards the screen.

Roxas, for one, didn't react too badly to the sight of the tattoo - he had known about it. What? He wasn't included in the 'don't tell anyone' promise! He and Axel were TECHNICALLY one person! In fact, the sight of it made him smile. Roxel was attached to Tensai more than he let on.

The others Chasers in the room had mixed reactions about the tattoo. Some of them - like Seifer and Luci - just scoffed and rolled their eyes, Kadaj just beheld the 'art' with confusion, and Aqua just smiled and glanced at Fuujin, rolling her eyes.

But it was Tensai that Roxel didn't want to see it most likely. And it was him who was now. The teen's reaction was... strange at first. He stood on his pillar and walked to the very edge, fingers bracing himself as he lent forward. His eyebrows screwed down in concentration, mouth moving soundlessly as he attempted to read a language he was forbidden to. The screen slowly faded to black and yet still Ten looked at the empty spot left behind, still trying to make out the word.

"...Tensai..." He murmured finally, coming to know other conclusion. "Right?" He asked softly, looked around. After Roxas and Aqua both gave him a nod to confirm his correctness he turned and looked straight at Roxel. The boy looked humiliated, his head low and blushing so bad even the tips of his ears were red.

"Why... me?" He asked very softly, his own cheeks turning pink. There was no accusation or anger or meanness of any kind in his tone. Just... curiosity, and a slight bit of... flattery?

[Rikugurl]

Roxel buried his face in his palms, a sigh pushing through. Namine blinked as she saw the tattoo and grinned, not being able to stop giggling as Bonnie just put her palm in her face. "Oi, not the Nancy boys..."

Gunnar scoffed with the rest of his family, minus his mom who thought EVERYTHING was cute. Now the idiot was in love.

Fuu on the other hand smiled faintly and got a glimpse of her wife, shrugging to her helplessly. These trails were becoming more and more interesting as time passed. She was sure no one would come out of this place single.

Roxel sighed more as his hands fell and he slumped. This wasn't how he wanted Tensai to see it... and from the time period of the memory and the shape it was in, it was obvious that it was Roxel's newest tattoo.

However, when he felt eyes on him...and then the question, he swallowed and cleared his thought a bit. He still hesitated before letting out a huge sigh.
"You know...when I disappear sometimes... and you think I'm with some girl or something? I'm... really not. I'm sorry... for....spying on you. I was usually in your changing closet but...I just wanted to... know what you were really thinking because you're such a nice guy that I know... you're keeping things in that should really come out."

He looked away slightly and started again. "More and more... I hear you say that you really don't want to be in a band with me... and even though it hurts...I understand Ten-chan. Liking everything I do would make our friendship boring... and I'm sorry if... I seemed like I didn't care about your feelings. I got this tattoo... because that day you would tell me that you wanted to quit the music... I was going to show it to you and tell you that... it meant that no matter what you do in life, no matter who you become or what occupation... you'll always be.... a star in my eyes...and I will always be your biggest fan."

[Reno]

Everyone was silent as the two best friends talked, but Roxas couldn't help but put a hand over his forehead as Roxel's first statement. Yeah, just go ahead and tell your best friend you've literally been STALKING him. Real smooth. Looks like Roxel got ALL of Axel's tact too!

Tensai however, despite Roxas' thoughts, wasn't freaked out by the admittance at all. This WAS the same boy who asked him if he was PREGNANT when he asked if they could talk. Roxel always had a few strange ideas in that crazy head of his... but a great heart. He never did anything maliciously - all the things he did might be wacky at times but with good intentions.

"You'll always be.... a star in my eyes...and I will always be your biggest fan."

The orange eyes widened some and the blush on the poor boy's face grew worse, but even still he smiled. "Oh Xel..." He murmured softly, touched by the other's sentiment. "Thank you... that means so much to me." He said with a brilliant smile, his words spoken from the heart.

He looked down slowly, and sighed softly however. "So you knew then though...?" He frowned unhappily, more so at himself than anything. He should of been stronger! He looked up at his friend. "I'm sorry Roxel. I was going to tell you, really! But I was... I don't know... scared to." The boy looked a bit humiliated at himself. "I know it's silly and stupid and maybe a little selfish and unthinking too but... I know you hate being a Chaser... and I don't. I was afraid that if I quit music... then you'd quit the Chasers, and then I'd never see you again!"

The black-haired boy shifted nervously on his pedestal, "I don't think I could bear that... And I know I should just be happy your in my heart and people would say I should be glad your doing something that makes you happy but... I don't know I guess this makes me selfish but that's not enough." His eyes met his friends duel-colored ones. "I don't want you to leave me."

Aqua rose an eyebrow slowly glancing at Fuujin as the realization dawned on her. So that's what he had been so scared of. That's why he continued to struggle to read things he could not and why he did a job he hated to the bottom of his heart. He was sacrificing his own wants... to keep Roxel close to him.