Princely Garbs 19

He was floating in that darkness again, just like the last time. Something told Riku he was asleep, but he couldn’t make himself wake up, his eyes staring up looking for that light that had came to him last time. It seemed like time had passed for a long time with him just floating there, something he felt a little too calm about. But just like last time, he heard a voice calling out to him. He couldn’t place the voice but he had hopes that it was Sora’s soft voice calling him.

"Good of you to finally wake up, young prince."

Riku’s eyes popped open at the clear voice, the look of shock quickly turning to a look of anger as he glared at Vexen. He started to get up, but found himself stopped by the straps that were placed securely around his arms and legs.

"Yes, we took precautions to make sure you didn’t escape. Glare all you want, I am not letting you go." Riku struggled against the confines only finding out that they were completely secured in places. There was no way he could slip himself free, not that this tall blond would even allow that to happen. "Now then," Vexen said as he moved over sitting on a stool beside Riku in his lab. "After that little stunt earlier, I think you might even have the same powers as the keyblader."

As he was talking, he took his time attaching small devices to Riku that looked like they would feed whatever he gave out to the machine they were hooked too. Riku flinched each time one was put on him, though his glare didn’t leave him even as Vexen placed the last one on him finishing up his dirty work. "Now, try forming your hand into a fist."

Riku didn’t reply his eyes glaring up at the man before he turned his head away, deciding he’d rather just pretend he wasn’t there. What more could he really do to hurt him anyway? He’d already turned his aunt into a monster…how much worse could it be? But something deep inside him told him it could get worse…much much worse. "If you keep not cooperating, I won’t be able to guarantee that the same thing that happened to your aunt won’t happen to your little cousin and your friend."


Friend?


Riku looked at him sharply just in time to see him push a button. On the big computer behind him, two screens popped up, two figures being clearly seen in them. One figure was his little cousin Kairi, the very girl he’d been trying to calm down since he’d been brought to this place…and the other figure….

"Sora! Kairi!" His eyes went wide as he tried to fight out of the chair, panting and giving up when it became obvious it was futile to try to escape. They had him secured; they weren’t about to let him go that easily. What did they want with him!

"Do as you were told," Vexen said calmly, his eyes staring at the screen beside him, as some long lines went across it. Clenching his jaw tight to keep himself from saying something, Riku glared at Vexen as he tightened up his fist, the little lines on the screen starting to fluctuate. "Good, the readings are working perfectly," Vexen said content with where things were going. "Now do the other hand." Riku closed his eyes for a second then finally did the other hand, the same reactions happening on the screen. "Excellent. Things seem to be proceeding perfectly. Now then," Vexen said turning his head away from Riku as he reached over to a button," to begin the procedure."


Procedure?


As Vexen pushed the button, the room that Kairi was in grew hazy as smoke started to fill it, the young girl coughing as she tried not to breath it. "Liar!" Riku yelled out eyes wide as he stared at the screen and struggled against the bonds. "Let her go! You said you wouldn’t hurt her! Stop!"

"Show me the true power of the keyblade and I will."

"I don’t know what you’re talking about!"

"Riku…" Kairi coughed choking on the dark mist as she fell over unable to make herself move any further.

"Kairi!" He was becoming desperate as he struggled, feeling the tears forming in his eyes as he watched his cousin becoming something else, something not human. "Kairi!"

"Show me the power!"

"I don’t have a keyblade!"

"You do!" Vexen stood up as he pointed up at the big screen, at the transforming girl. "And if you want to stop your cousin from being consumed by darkness, you’ll use the power!"

"Kairi! Kairi, no!"

"Use the power!"

Riku freaked out seeing the body that used to be Kairi becoming less and less human as he panted tiredly, his hands clenching tight. "KAIRI!" His body started to glow, the keyblade trying to form in his open palm as he stared at the screen willing himself to get loose, needing to save her.

"That’s right. Let the power flow, feed it your anger."

"How are things going?" Xenmas said as he came into the room.

"Superior." Vexen bowed his head slightly before he turned towards Riku. "Everything is going perfectly."

"Yes, I see." Xemnas stopped beside Vexen, taking in the image of the screen before he looked at Riku and the keyblade he was holding carelessly in his hand.

"Should I begin injecting him with the darkness?" Vexen asked, already picking up a needle. Riku didn’t even look at them; too busy staring at the changed Kairi to care…his family…was he losing them one by one? Wait…Sora...there was still Sora…if he could save him then….

"Indeed."

"As you wish," Vexen said staring down at Riku’s red eyes before he pushed the next button, the smoke starting to fill up Sora’s chamber.

"SORA! NO!" His hand tightened on the keyblade as his struggles began anew. He was so busy staring at Sora, willing all of this to stop that he didn’t even notice when the needle penetrated his skin and the darkness started to flow inside of him. "Sora!" Vexen sat back, watching his handiwork being created as he stared at Riku, seeing the darkness filling his eyes taking over and covering the bright sea green color. It didn’t take long for the darkness to crawl down the pale arms starting to invade and take over the prince’s body.

"Perfect," Xemnas said from beside him.

"We will have complete control over him…" He turned his eyes to the screen watching as Sora collapsed choking on the smoke starting to change forms. "His heart is completely open…the darkness will have no problem getting in. His spirit is broken, he won’t resist us now." Riku stared at the screen, tears falling freely from his eyes before he closed them, feeling his thoughts starting to escape him.

"Good…then we can…." He wasn’t even hearing them anymore, his eyes opening as he stared at the figure transforming in front of him before the last of his thoughts vanished from his mind.


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"…Cloud."

"Hm?" Cloud looked over at Leon, curiosity shining in his eyes apparently wondering what the other male wanted with him.

"Who is Auron?" Leon asked frowning as he glanced away, something inside of him stirring up just at the thought of the one eyed male. He honestly didn’t like the male. After all, this guy did just pop up out of no where in the middle of chaos and proclaim he was from Kingdom Hearts. If that was the case, then why hadn’t Cloud ever mentioned him before? Or maybe he had thought he was dead.

That part became obviously true as a look of sadness passed through Cloud’s eyes for a moment before being covered up by his emotionless expression. "Auron, he’s…" He shifted slightly in the bed, an action that through Leon’s attention despite himself. He felt his cheeks redden slightly trying not to stare as the sheets slid off a milky white let slightly. It definitely didn’t help him any knowing that Cloud was half-naked underneath those sheets. Cloud obviously didn’t even notice, too busy trying to explain that Auron guy to know he was teasing Leon in such a way.

Wait…teasing…me? Why would I feel teased by that!

"He was in first command at Kingdom Hearts before I was," Cloud said continuing to explain how he knew Auron. Thankfully, Leon was able to focus more on his words than his body or else…. "But he disappeared several months before Kingdom Hearts was invaded by the darkness. During that time, I was the second command. But because Auron went missing, I was made first command." He frowned staring down at the bed. "But I’m not where near as strong as he was…is."

"I think you’re very strong," Leon said, the words slipping free from his lips before he could stop them.

Cloud stared at him, eyes wide before he smiled slightly glancing away. "Thanks.…" Leon nodded his head, though he found his eyes trailing down Cloud’s body past the covered chest from the shirt Leon had gave him from off his own back and only down to the creamy leg that was still sticking out from the sheets.

It wasn’t just the leg that drew his attention; the softness of Cloud’s lips seemed to stand out to him. He missed the look of confusion Cloud gave him or how the blonde’s eyes followed the same path his eyes did to the same little leg hanging out from other the sheets. Blushing, he quickly moved the sheets covering the leg and apparently bringing Leon out of his trance.

Leon looked at him; actually looking a little bit embarrassed as he rubbed behind his head. Had he really just been staring at Cloud and thinking he looked good? Shaking his head, he decided to tell Cloud what he thought about Auron. Something wasn’t right for the other man to disappear for so long and suddenly show up again like it never happened. He must have caused something. "I don’t trust Auron."

"…." Cloud frowned, turning his eyes towards Leon. "Why not?"

"I find it odd," Leon said ignoring the dark look appearing in Cloud’s eyes, "that this guy…who was probably the strongest person in Kingdom Hearts would suddenly just up and disappear." He leaned back in the chair he was sitting in somewhere by the door, his arms folding over his chest as he looked at the floor in deep thought about this. "It’s even possible he betrayed-"

"He wouldn’t do that!" Cloud yelled out. This was the first time Leon had even heard Cloud yell in anger before. To say the least, it shocked him.

"How would you know?" Leon said, narrowing his own eyes, his mind being bothered more by the fact that Cloud was defending this mysterious man and looking at him like he was the bad guy.

"I’ve known him since we were kids. He’s the one that taught me to fight and defend myself." Cloud had his hands clenched up in the sheets, though the look in his eyes didn’t change a bit. "And he’s always looked out for me."

"Yeah, but then he deserted you when you needed him the most." Leon folded his arms turning his face away. "I don’t think he went missing. I think he was the one that led the attack on Kingdom Hearts."

"Don’t badmouth him!"

Leon blinked staring at him, surprised for the second time that Cloud had actually yelled out at him. He’d been so loud this time, that there was no doubt that the others in the small ship had heard him. Hmm…was this Auron guy really that important to Cloud that he couldn’t see the real issue going on?


Would he give up on Sora and Riku just to follow this man?


"…Fine." Leon said starting to get up, not even giving Cloud a second glance as he started for the door.

"Leon!" Cloud called out, the sound of movement behind him giving Leon enough thought to know that Cloud had gotten out of the bed after him. He didn’t bother to turn to look at him though, even if had it been a few moments back he probably would have found himself staring at the naked Cloud. Right now though, his mind was too clouded by anger and by the fact that this Auron guy who hadn’t been seen in over ten years was still trusted more than the very man who’d worked beside Cloud for all those times.

"I’ll send the murderer in with your clothes once they dry," Leon said, those being the only words he said.

He felt the heated glare on his back and heard the movement behind him before he felt the soft material hit him in the back of the head and frowned, looking down at his feet to find his shirt on the floor.

"Get out." The words were grounded from his lips with such force; Leon didn’t need to be told twice as he grabbed up the shirt and left room slamming the door shut behind him. With all that had went on, he missed the way Cloud was glaring at the floor or the hurt look on his face, something that normally would not have been seen.


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King Mickey busily drew the guards out placing the distraction as he drew the enemy guards away from the front gate.

"This is it," Roxas whispered gathering everyone’s attention. "Let’s go." Sora nodded and followed along with the others, sticking close to his twin brother as he went. But he couldn’t help glancing back, his eyes sparkling in wonder as he watched Mickey move.

"So cool."

"Looks like we made it in with no problem," Axel whispered glancing around at the empty hallway. "Guess everyone went outside after the king."

"Now we just need to find the prince and get out of here," Roxas said something about the place giving him a bad feeling. It felt off…something was really off. Sadly, he couldn’t place his finger on it yet. It was definitely too quiet, that’s for sure.

"Let’s split up, everyone," Mickey said, resting the keyblade over his shoulder as he stopped beside Sora.

"Wah!" Sora jumped slightly surprised to see Mickey there with them so soon. "How…t-that was fast."

Roxas had to admit, he agreed with his brother on that. Close to twenty guards had ran out…how had this one guy defeated so many so quickly?

"Really?" Mickey said blinking his eyes in confusion. "I hadn’t noticed!"

"Less talking more moving," Roxas said walking down the hallway, knowing the others would follow. "Since we have cells on two sides of the castle, I’ll lead the way for this side." He stopped in the center of the hallway as it branched out in two different directions. "Axel, take the other side. Let’s meet back here fifteen minutes." He frowned glancing down the hallway in the direction he was planning to take. "I’m having a bad feeling…so be careful."

"I’ll go with you then," Sora said smiling at Roxas. It was obvious he wanted to learn more about the possibly older boy, but then again…Roxas wanted to learn more about him too. He didn’t want to go based off the lies the Organization had fed him, no he wanted to learn it on his own.

"Alright."

"And of course I’ll go to protect you," Merlin said drawing Sora’s attention to him. He sure had a habit of popping up unexpected. He would have made a good member for the Organization.

"We’ll check out the other side with Axel," Mickey said, smiling and ruffling Sora’s head with the young prince gave him a pout." It shouldn’t take long." He frowned slightly looking in the other direction. "Though I wish I had thought to bring Pluto along. He would have been a big help here."

Sora blinked at that. "Pluto?"

"Nothing," Mickey said smiling as he started to walk off. "Let’s go."

"Oh…right." Sora smiled as he looked at Roxas, his eyes shining with determination. "To find Riku!"

Roxas couldn’t help the small smile lifting to his face as he gave a nod of his own. "Let’s hurry."


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Leon found himself sitting beside Cid, his eyes were closed as if he were asleep and his arms crossed though it was obvious he was still awake if a bit peeved, his eyebrows twitching every so often. How could Cloud trust a guy like Auron? Even worse, now Leon’s shirt smelled like Cloud! And for some reason…he found himself missing the blond’s presence. And honestly, he probably wouldn’t have cared to put the shirt back on but….

It’s darker….

He looked down at the dark bruise of the injury that'd been inflicted on him;the wound Cloud had told him about had been bandaged before he got there. When he took the bandage off planning to change them out, he found that the wound wasn’t exactly healing…instead it…the skin there was darkening. Normally he would have thought it was infected and gotten hold of Aerith but…something about it was bothering him. It reminded him an awful lot of the wound the king had on him before he…

No…I don’t have time to think about that. I need to get everyone to Hollow Bastion first.

"Still sulking, huh?"

Leon opened his eyes glaring over at Cid, though in a sense happy for the distraction…if not to where it led to. "What gave it away?"

"Maybe the constant grunting you keep giving every five seconds," Cid said glancing out the corner of his eyes at him, as he easily flew the airship like he’d been doing it all his life.

Shrugging, Leon sniffed turning his head away from him and closing his eyes again. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Sure, kid, sure." Rolling his eyes, Cid easily reached up at the small pack of cigs being held up by his goggles and pulled one out slipping it between his lips. "You ready to tell me what’s got you so peeved that you had to slam my door?"

"Cloud…" Leon frowned and lowered his voice, not wanting any eavesdroppers listening. That was one good thing about Cid though, no matter the problem, he was always willing to listen and help. For an old man, he sure did no how to help a person calm down.

Not sure if he can help this time.

"He got made when I suggested that Auron might have been the one to destroy his home." By now, it was only naturally that Cid knew everything that was happening. After all, people wanted to know why weird dark creatures were invading their homes.

"…Suggested?"

Leon scowled. "I…more or less told him that Auron was a murderer."

"…You have no tact." Cid glanced over at him then, eyeing him. "And you definitely need to learn how to communicate."

"What do you mean?" Leon asked, frowning and eyeing him in return, not liking the way he was being looked at. It was like Cid was saying this was all his fault. And it wasn’t!

"I mean," Cid said, putting the ship on auto-pilot as he leaned back in his chair reaching for his lighter, "if you really like the kid that much, then flat out tell him that."

Leon knew his face must have lit up then. He almost choked before he weakly said, "I-I don’t-"

"Don’t lie to yourself." The pilot of Highwind leaned back in the chair as he closed his eyes taking in the first breath of his cig since this trip. How long had he held out? He was usually a chain smoker. "You’re still young. Ya better take this chance while ya still can." He blew out a puff of smoke as he looked over at Leon watching for his response. "Ya don’t wanna grow up old and alone like me. Trust me." A look seemed to pass on his face; one that just seemed to say he regretted it…regretted a time he’d missed back then.

"Cid…." Leon frowned at the look, a little worried about him.

"Now get back in there and apologize for whatever dumb thing you said."

Leon blinked and he started to get up before he sat back down quickly, shaking his head. "I can’t." He sighed as he hunched over holding his head in his hands. "I’m…actually afraid." He frowned never having to want to admit that fact. He was Leon, the first command of Radiant Garden. He wasn’t afraid of anything, not afraid of monsters, or war or even the fangirls that chased after him…but this…was different. "I…I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I don’t like it. I feel…weak around him, but I want to protect him."

Cid didn’t say anything as he took another puff of his cig letting the words surround them before he looked up at the ceiling wistfully. "Yep…I’d say you’ve got a bad case of love there."

Leon’s head shot up quickly with a glare as he stared at Cid. "I don’t want this!"

"Are you sure about that?" Cid said staring at him, daring him to say otherwise. The fear must have been obvious on his face because then Cid’s features softened as he reached out ruffling Leon’s hair. "Take your time then. You don’t have to make a move until you’re ready." Leon just nodded, staring down at the ground, taking comfort in Cid’s words, the only other person that was like a father to him. He wasn’t ready to face this…even as Cloud’s image popped up in his head. And even if he did admit his feelings to Cloud…would he really accept them? If he…changed into a monster like Ansem did…would he still….


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"All the cells are empty," Sora said frowning as he followed the Roxas, Merlin right behind him guarding the two princes just like he said he would. "I guess Riku’s not on this side then."

"No way," Roxas mumbled under his breath frowning. "This was a waste of time then." Merlin suddenly froze up, the other two noticing and staring up at him in curiosity.

"If something happens," Merlin said glancing around with his eyes even though he didn’t move. "Stay close to me." The two brothers exchanged looks with each other before they nodded.

"But, what do you mean?" Sora said wanting to know what had Merlin spooked all of a sudden.

"I think he means be careful…and watch out for us," the figure said from beside them. Three of them turned quickly.

"Hey, it’s that guy!" Sora yelled out before he frowned. "Wait…who are you?"

"Zexion," Roxas said frowning as he glared at the sixth Organization member. "He can find you just by your scent."

"Gross," Sora said wiggling his nose before he glared at Zexion. "What have you done with Riku!"

"Probably not something you’d like," Zexion said, not looking like he cared as he stared at them leaning up against the side of the door.

A sudden jolt of fear ran through Sora’s body. Something happened…something happened to Riku. "W-what do you mean by that? Did you hurt Riku?" He pulled out his keyblade, glaring at Zexion. He felt Roxas beside him pulling out his keyblades as well.

"Who knows? I haven’t touched him myself…but he does make a good…well." Zexion looked up at him as he brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Why don’t you go take a look for yourself." He’s in Vexen’s little playroom." His eyes turned to Roxas suddenly as they narrowed shining with anger. "Traitor." The word seemed to echo around the room even as his vanished like he’d never been there. Any other time Sora would have been staring in awe but right now…

"Riku…where’s Riku!" Sora asked, looking at Roxas desperately.

"He’s in Vexen’s room," Roxas said frowning as he glanced away. "That’s the room where the nobodies and the heartless are created."

"Riku no!" Sora reached out grabbing Roxas’s arm desperately. "Roxas, please, you have to take me to him! I need to see him! Please!"

Roxas looked at him, looked at the tears shining in Sora’s eyes and the fear and slowly nodded his head. "Alright…this way." He didn’t take long leading the way down the familiar path leading to Vexen’s room. He was used to this by now. As much as he finding himself hating this place, this had been his home for sixteen years. So it only took about two minutes to find Vexen’s room in Castle Oblivion as he stopped outside the door, hesitating before he sighed and rushed inside.

"This is it but…"

"No one’s here," Sora said frowning as he came in behind him. "Where’s Riku?"

"He’s here," Vexen said as he stepped out of one of the rooms. "We’ve been waiting for you. We’ve finally gotten all the pieces in place now."

"Pieces?" Sora frowned as he stared at him. "What piece-" Sora’s mouth widened as he stared watching the black figure stepping out from behind Vexen. "R…Riku?" The dark figure looked up at him looking more like he was part of a shadow than human, though his eyes shined a bright yellow. "Riku? Riku!" He started to run towards him, but Roxas quickly reached out an arm blocking his path, eyes staring towards the figured.

"It’s too late," Roxas said softly, feeling a deep sadness he never knew he could feel.

"W-what are you talking about?!" Sora yelled out. "It’s Riku! Let go!" He struggled to push past the arm but Roxas was standing firm, Merlin coming over and holding Sora’s shoulders to keep him still, apparently also sensing that something was wrong.

"This is…my masterpiece," Vexen said as he looked at Riku. "Perfect heartless…no…perfect Nobody from heard to toe." He reached out resting a hand on Riku’s shoulder.

"Don’t touch him!" Sora yelled out, the keyblade appearing in his hand even as he was being held back by the both of them.

"Sora!" Merlin yelled out, doing his best to help keep him secured.

"Stay back!" Roxas yelled out suddenly as he saw Vexen taking a step towards them. "We’re not your pawns."

"But you were a pawn from the beginning," Vexen said not sounding like he cared as he inclined his head. "Or did you just now notice that you were being watched all this time?"

Roxas hesitated staring at him. "What are you talking about?"

"I’m sure you know."

"What?" Vexen shook his head moving closer as he pointed to the door. Roxas’s eyes followed the finger noticing that Axel was standing there staring at him.

"A-Axel…?" Shaking his head, Axel looked away from him, frowning and not meeting his eyes. Why…why wasn’t he looking at him. "Axel…tell me it’s not true…tell me you didn’t help them?!"

"I had to do it," Axel said still looking away from him. "I had to keep them updated…if I didn’t they would-"

"I trusted you, Axel," Roxas said feeling his eyes clouding over with wetness. "I trusted you!" Sora took that moment pulling roughly from Roxas as he started towards Vexen, yelling out as he held his keyblade up ready to strike. "Sora! No!"

He started to bring the keyblade down, but when Riku stepped in front of Vexen, Sora froze up, the keyblade stopping mere inches from his face. "R-Riku…Riku…why…" A keyblade appeared in Riku’s hand, Sora staring at it not realizing what was going on as Riku raised the weapon to attack.

"Sora!" Grunting, Merlin quickly held up a hand, a fireball shooting out to quickly hit into Riku’s weapon as he rushed up to Sora. "Are you ok, prince?"

"Y-yeah," Sora said, his eyes looking distant. "But…Riku-"

"Our forces have been cut," Merlin said as he grabbed Sora’s wrist, as he wondered where Mickey and the others were. "We have to go!"

"W-what! But I can’t leave him like this!"

"I’m sorry, Sora." Sora stared up at him in confusion unable to react when he saw the dust floating over him causing his eyes to get heavy as he passed out. "We need to go, Roxas," Merlin said as he picked Sora up over his shoulder.

"Roxas nodded slowly turning and following Sora, though he paused by the door as he glared back at Axel noticing the other still didn’t meet his eyes. "Don’t follow us. And don’t come near me or I’ll kill you." He turned following Merlin out of the room, missing the hurt look that passed through Axel’s eyes."

It didn’t take them long before they met up with Mickey finding them in the center of the hallway heading towards them.

"You guys ok?" Mickey asked taking in the fallen Sora.

"We’re all safe," Merlin assured him before looking over at Roxas. "Though we have some bad news."

"We’ll take about it after we get out of here," Mickey said quickly looking at Roxas. "There are a lot of survivors by the front gate. Do you think you could open a portal long enough to let them all through?"

"Huh?" Roxas looked up, obviously thinking of other things before he slowly nodded his head. "Oh uh…y-yeah…I’ll try."

"Hyuk, then let’s go then!" Goofy said as he grabbed Roxas’s hand leading him down the hallway. The others didn’t take long to follow that example following the two males to safety.


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Vexen smiled standing there staring off at the door the two had escaped in. This turned out even better than expected. It he’s lucky, he can have two more toys to play with. Everything was going just as planned. He lifted a hand slightly, Riku looking at him before he moved silently, rushing past the quiet Axel as he headed out the door after the escapees.

"How is it progressing?" Xemnas said popping up on him.

"Very well," Vexen said giving a nod of his head. "Having research on both keybladers proved useful to my project. The prince is a faithful dog to me now." He looked over at Xemnas. "Not only that, but he’s harness the power of the keyblade even in his darkened state. That is very useful to us."

"So then…."

"He is immune to the light," Vexen said staring towards Axel. "And he shouldn’t need to be retrained…unlock some members. I have plans of adding in two more such toys for us to use…when the time finally comes."

"Then the world will soon know the meaning of the word Darkness."

Vexen looked up at the screen, watching the figures running down the hallway looking for escape. "Exactly. They will either join us or die."

"Perfect."

TBC…