Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or its characters

Chapter: 19 "240 Days Left"

Author's notes: Thank you SO much for all the reviews everyone! I literally was rolling around in bed because I was just so happy at all the positive comments I got from the last chapter! I am so humbled by all of this, thank you thank you! :) I got 16 reviews that last chapter and that's the most I've had in chapter since like chapter 5 or something! I'm glad people are appreciating the relationship progression between Axel and Roxas! How cool is that we're almost at 20 chapters? That's the most I've ever done! :) Thank you all again! This chapter was very difficult to write, I hope I did okay :( Goddammit Sabrina, you're making me love XigDem, or at least in the way I portray their relationship. I feel so bad for Zexion… I'm so sorry baby! I imagine Vanitas to be such a "I-need-to-have-my-arm-around-you-at-all-times-to- show-everyone-you're-mine" kind of guy so enjoy.

Xigbar's wife's name is Evangeline by the way. It's pronounced like this, "A-Van-Jel-Lean" and her nickname will henceforth be Eva which is pronounced like "A-Va".

I UPLOADED THIS CHAPTER AT AROUND 1:00 EST AND TOOK IT DOWN AT AROUND 5:00 BECAUSE IT WAS ABSOLUTELY SHIT AND MADE ME UPSET. I HAVE HENCEFORTH ADDED MORE BUT IT'S STILL PROBABLY SHIT. I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS BRIEF MESSAGE /CRIES

Demyx hummed softly to himself as he closed his eyes and gently plucked the non-existent guitar strings in his lap. He had always been an avid lover of music and even now, his fingers melodically strummed a rhythmic song that went unheard by everyone else's ears. It was currently early in the morning and while most people were still sleeping soundly, he sat there by himself without a single care in the world. If only for just one moment, Demyx wanted to forget where he was and that he even existed. He just wanted to sit there and listen to the soft melody his fingers were producing. Demyx's father, Zell, had left his side earlier that morning to go over some basic combat training exercises with some pretty brunette with rather large breasts. The blond had watched his SeeD father leave with a calm expression before he lifted his hand in a form of a goodbye. He honestly didn't know how long he had been sitting by himself; like always, Demyx often lost sight of time when he was playing music. In his distracted state, he failed to notice Xigbar entering his presence.

The war veteran looked down at him seriously before crouching down lowly and placing his elbows on his knees. Despite his age, he was balanced to perfection. Studying the blond before him briefly, Xigbar frowned and reached out to thread his fingers through Demyx's soft blond locks. The younger man's eyes immediately snapped open at that but once he registered who exactly it was that was touching him, relaxed quickly. When Demyx's oceanic blues locked with his own set of amber irises, Xigbar nodded curtly. "Hey kiddo." He greeted simply as he ruffled the blond hair gently and brushed his thumb against the boy's forehead.

In response to Xigbar's actions, Demy pinked a little before nodding back in his own form of a greeting. When the older man didn't pull his hand away after a whole minute, Demyx frowned. He studied the face in front of him intently, his eyes practically boring into Xigbar's own single one since the other was hidden behind the dark eye-patch. The musician saw tension within Xigbar's jaw and he certainly looked like he had aged a good deal even though they had seen each other not more than three weeks ago. Xigbar's eyebrows were turned downwards, almost as if he was displeased by something, and he had heavy bags under his eyes. Was he not getting any sleep? "Are you okay –"

"She had hair just like yours, you know. Maybe even a shade lighter." Xigbar suddenly said as he ran his fingers through Demyx's hair once again. The blond only blinked in reply as his brow crinkled confusingly. "It was longer of course; she usually had it down to about her waist." The raven haired man trailed his hand lower to settle on Demyx's cheek. Placing the back of his fingers against the younger boy's soft skin, Xigbar hummed lowly. "She had blue eyes too."

'What the hell is he talking about?' Demyx questioned mentally. A part of him wanted to pull away, to dislodge himself from Xigbar's touch, but the other part of him wanted to stay perfectly still. He was confused, that much was obvious. Xigbar was drawing comparisons between him and some unknown woman but why? As his oceanic blues traced along the lines on Xigbar's face, Demyx saw a flicker of sadness in those clenched jawlines before his throat turned so dry that no amount of water could possibly ever wet it again. A realization hit him almost instantly – "Oh Goddess Xigbar, I'm so sorry."

Finally pulling away Demyx, Xigbar hung his head low. His hair, which he usually kept tied back in a simple ponytail, was left undone and fell over his face. The long locks of raven hair perfectly shielded him from Demyx's eyes as they casted a shadow over his eyes. "Her name was Evangeline." He stated simply as he sat down on the ground and curled his hands into fists.

"And your daughter? Did she…?"

Shaking his head, Xigbar barked out a soft yet somewhat deranged laugh. "Paine's alive. She only managed a few cuts and bruises." His eye turned grim as he reached up to cover his face with his gloved hands. "It was my wife who wasn't so lucky." Before Demyx could ask how it all happened, Xigbar continue on. "It just happened so fast; I barely even had enough time to react fully. My first instinct was to grab my daughter and once I did that, I looked back for my wife and Eva was lying face down on the ground." Xigbar's voice shook with anguish but the man's body was completely still, like he was numb or something. "I felt for a pulse but once I turned her over, I knew there was no point." The blond felt absolutely crushed as he felt the full weight of Xigbar's sadness and grief coming through their still minuscule but ever so prevalent bond. Vaguely, he could see images of a slender blond woman laying amongst the broken debris and he practically wondered if he was somehow relieving Xigbar's memories from that day. Demyx was almost too scared to ask but Xigbar answered him anyway. "She was pierced right through the heart."

Demyx honestly felt like he could cry. He felt sad, incredibly sad for that matter. His soul mate's wife was dead. The woman that Xigbar fell in love with of his own accord – one who he chose to love even whilst knowing that they were not fated to be – was dead. How could Etro be so cruel? Why did she do this? Why did she let this happen? Xigbar didn't deserve this, no one did. He felt so very sad for his soul mate, so very, very sad. 'I'm so sorry, Xigbar.' Demyx thought. The musician's eyes softened painfully as he reached out to wrap his arms around the older man's neck. At this moment in time, Demyx didn't care what he was doing, so long as it was helping Xigbar. He couldn't stand to see his fated lover in so much pain – it just hurt too much. The dark haired man felt numb in his arms and it practically tore a small sob from Demyx's throat. 'I'm so sorry.' He mentally said again, over and over again.

Xigbar didn't cry. He was grief-stricken at the loss of his beloved Evangeline but he couldn't cry. He didn't even know if it was possible for him to cry anymore; he had shed many tears in the following days since her death and he honestly didn't know if he could cry anymore. The sharpshooter barely registered the feeling of Demyx's arms hugging him close and while a part of him screamed that this was an act of betrayal on his part, he couldn't move away. Xigbar loved Evangeline, he loved her with everything he had, even from the moment he first laid eyes on her during the Zanarkand War. Things seemed simpler then, at least, back then, when she had been alive. A familiar scent entered his nose and Xigbar practically shook with sadness. Demyx smelled like the ocean. Just like Evangeline. The kid must have loved the ocean too. It was all beginning to be too much –

Eva's blue eyes.

Demyx's blue eyes.

Eva's blonde hair.

Demyx's blond hair.

Evangeline… Evangeline… Evangeline…!

"…I'll do it." Xigbar found himself saying despite himself. Looking up a little to meet those familiar oceanic orbs, the raven haired man furrowed his brows slightly. "I'll try it." He said this time. "I'll try being your soul mate." The very second those words left Xigbar's left, Demyx pulled back in alarm. He hadn't expected this. What the hell was Xigbar even thinking? Was he not sadden by the loss of his wife anymore? Crinkling his own brow in confusion, the blond studied the older man's amber iris briefly before a small sigh fell from his lips. There was no mistaking it – Xigbar was lonely. Did he have it him to satisfy Xigbar's needs though? Demyx wasn't so sure. When he made another move to pull away out of respect for Evangeline, the sharpshooter grabbed him quickly, ultimately causing Demyx's eyes to widen in surprise. He didn't want this; he didn't want to pity the older man but the loneliness and sadness in Xigbar's eyes was hard to ignore. In all honesty, Demyx didn't have it in him to push away Xigbar's anguish. If anything, he wanted to share this pain with Xigbar, or at least, take some of it away. While it was true that he and Xigbar were nothing more than soul mates, there was no emotional feeling behind it. Being soul mates was simply just a label; it certainly didn't mean anything, at least not really. And so, because of that, the blond allowed Xigbar to pull him into his lap and thread his fingers through his hair again. He would allow himself to satisfy the older man's needs just this once and as Demyx closed his eyes and inclined his head slightly, he tried to block out the soft whispers Xigbar would utter. "Eva." He would say repeatedly. "Eva. Eva, I love you."

And the only thing running through Demyx's mind was that he really, really pitied himself. 'I'm not Eva.' He would respond back but with an inaudible voice. Because of course, he could only lie so much. In his distracted state, Demyx had failed to notice a pair of blue eyes that glared at him coldly from across the room. Just what the hell had he gotten himself into?

"Master Eraqus, welcome back." General Cetra greeted as he quickly stood to his full height and extended his hand out in a respectful manner. Behind him, the other leaders stood up as well to welcome the newly returned Keyblade Master. Leon, Cloud, Zack, and Sephiroth had all assembled in the conference earlier that morning as they waited for Eraqus to arrive. Taking Eraqus' hand, General Cetra gave it a good and firm shake as he nodded. "It is refreshing to see you here." Turning his attention to the dark haired youth beside the great master, Sephiroth nodded. "Is this one of your apprentices?"

The ponytailed man hummed proudly and lifted a hand to gesture at the man beside him. "Yes, this is Terra." Terra was a rather tall individual with broad shoulders and spiky raven-brown hair. His eyes were an intense shade of blue that were at the moment, closing briefly as he bowed his head respectfully to the current overseers of Radiant Garden. Moving over to shake Cloud's hand and then to Leon's and Zack's, Master Eraqus smiled charmingly at his former war veterans. "It is good to see you all as well. I am glad to see that not one of you has changed; you are just as I remembered." He then chuckled a little as he crossed his arms good-naturally, his long sleeves cuffing a little as he did so. "Except you Squall, your hair was shorter back then."

Disguising an amused snort as a soft cough, Cloud raised a fist to cover his mouth. He could practically feel the pair of glaring cobalt blues burning through his armored shoulder but it only served to fuel his amusement. It was true, back then, Leon's hair was quite different. It wasn't as long and shaggy as it was today; it was strange how much Leon had changed since those days as a SeeD in the Zanarkand War. Ignoring his husband, the lion put on a curt smile. "You speak as if you yourself haven't changed in these many years, Master Eraqus." Sharing a nod with Terra, Leon continued. "I heard you had four apprentices? Where are the others?"

Clearing his throat so he could speak on behalf of his friends, Terra spoke for the first time today. "Aqua, Ventus, and Vanitas should be in the main compound." He explained. "Ven wanted to see how everyone was doing so Aqua and Vanitas volunteered to go with him." Looking up into Leon's face, the youth felt exhilarated. He had heard stories from Master Eraqus about the scarred-face SeeD who singlehandedly made Radiant Garden history. After all, it had been Leon who convinced the rest of the SeeD Mercenary group to join the war on behalf of Radiant Garden. Looking over at Cloud, Zack, and Sephiroth, he felt even more excited. They were SOLDIER, some of the most elite fighters in the whole world. While he himself was proficient with the Keyblade, he still had so much to learn. These people before him must have been the best of the best. Realizing that he had been ogling however, Terra cleared his throat and stood up straight, correcting himself. "It's an honor to meet you Brigadier-General, sir. I feel very fortunate to meet each and every one of you." He said respectfully regarding the other leaders in the room.

His smile was serene and proud as Eraqus reached up to place a hand on Terra's head. Although his adopted son was now even taller than him, he still ruffled those dark locks. "Such a respectful boy." Master Eraqus said affectionately before crossing his arms again. "Terra, I have some matters to discuss with the General. Will you wait with your friends? I will be with you all shortly, then, we can begin our training with the other Keybladers."

"Yes sir." Terra replied back with a nod. Turning back to Cloud, Leon, Zack, and Sephiroth, he bowed at them once again before taking his leave. He barely managed to make it out the door when a high-pitch whistle caught his attention. Looking up, he saw a good-natured grin and couldn't help but grin a little himself. "Ven? I thought you were going to the compound with Aqua and Vanitas." Moving over to his best friend, he cuffed the boy on the shoulder and ruffled at his hair before looking around, finally spotting Aqua and Vanitas who were both located by the entrance to the compound. "You guys waited?"

"Of course." Aqua replied back easily as she smiled charmingly at her boyfriend. Once their eyes locked, he quickly left Ventus' side and capture her hand in his, caressing her thumb with his. "Did you really think we wouldn't?" She asked back a little slyly. Beside them, Vanitas rolled his eyes – he wasn't one for public displays of affections. Despite that though, when Ven floated over to his side, he couldn't help but wrap his arm loosely around the boy's shoulder. Yeah, it didn't count for him and Ven.

"Let's get going already." Vanitas cut in impatiently as he nudged his head towards the door. His movements caused his raven spikes to bounce slightly and they only drew Ventus' fond gaze. Ven's blue eyes looked at them briefly before they swept over to look at Aqua and Terra. The four of them had been a foursome for quite some time now – a couple of years after the war anyway. He himself had only been three years old when he was picked up by Master Eraqus and his adopted son Terra. Together, the three of them searched for more survivors and along came Aqua. After some more years, they found Vanitas who was both older than him and the same age as Terra and Aqua at 21 years old. They were best friends and had never been apart. Without another backwards glance, Vanitas and Ventus stepped forward and upon sensing their presence, the iron doors pulled apart, allowing them entrance into the compound.

Six teens sat together, this being the first time they had all been together as a group since before the attack. Sora was lying down on his back with his arms folded behind his head with his feet thrown over Riku's lap (to the annoyance of his best friend of course). The silver haired boy on the other hand was sitting down with his legs slightly spread in a v-formation with his arms crossed in his attempts to resist throwing Sora's legs away from. Beside Sora sat Naminé who was busy sketching the comical scene of Riku's annoyed face and Sora's playful grin. Her sketch pencil worked furiously, scratching at the surface quickly yet effectively. Xion and Kairi were leaning against each other with their legs tucked underneath as they laughed at something Roxas was telling them. All in all, they were happy to finally be able to spend some time together.

"I'm not kidding!" Roxas said again as he laughed once more. His eyes practically danced with mirth and amusement as he snorted a little. "Hayner and Seifer used to fight and bitch so much in chemistry that Mr. Glacies used this weird sticky resin to bind their hands together! They had to walk around holding hands almost all day long!" Hearing that, Kairi burst out laughing and she practically had to prop herself up on Xion to stay sitting up. Her soul mate was adorable, he really was. While it was true that they hadn't known each other very long, the auburn haired girl didn't mind the older boy's company. In fact, Kairi could only see herself falling for him soon. Seifer was sweet and did his best to make her happy. They were both in the preliminary stages of getting to know one another but Kairi was happy with who Etro divined her to be with, even if he was a quote on quote "douchebag" to everyone else. Pointing at Kairi, Roxas grinned. "Next time Seifer does something embarrassing, just whip out that story and put him in his place!"

"You're horrible!" Kairi cried back as she batted his hand away with a giggle. Folding her hands in front of her, she raised an amused brow. "Though, I will keep that in mind." The teen said, her voice suddenly sly and mischievous. "You guys should really give him a chance, you know. He may act all tough but he really is the sweetest thing."

Picking his head up a little, Sora and Roxas locked eyes briefly before turning back to her and replying back swiftly. "Hell no!" They had known the scarred-face boy for years and of those years, he had been nothing more than a bully. An overly obnoxious bully at that. "Just because you and him are dating doesn't mean we have to be all buddy-buddy." Sora pointed out as he dodged the forehead flick she tried to inflict on him teasingly. "Are you guys even dating? Or are you just using him for the fun presents?" Grinning at her cheekily, he raised his eyes up and down challengingly and once she lunged for him out of pure amusement, he attempted to move to the side only to have Riku clamp an arm around him and hold him down. "Traitor!" Sora shouted, closing his eyes and twisting his body around to avoid Kairi's nearing fingers. He was not about to get tickled, hell to the no!

Kairi giggled at Sora and planted a friendly kiss on his cheek before giving Riku the okay to release him by tapping on his arm. She really was just trying to tease the older brunet. Moving back to her spot in the circle, Kairi brought her knees up to her chest and cupped her face and as wistful expression made its way onto her face. "Axel sure as hell doesn't like it though." Glancing sideways at Roxas, she waited for his reaction at the mentioning of her brother. To be honest, she had expected the boy's nostrils to flare or him getting up in anger but he did no such thing. If anything, he seemed interested. Had something happened between them? Granted, she knew that they had had lunch weeks ago but did something else happen between them? Before she could elaborate more on her brother's exact thoughts on Seifer, approaching footsteps behind her made her glance over her shoulder. "Speak of the devil." She said under breath. "Hi Axel, care to join us?" Kairi asked sweetly once he made his way over to her.

Scoffing under his breath, Axel placed a hand on his hip and leaned his weight on one foot. "What the hell, bitch?" He asked back and while his words seemed like poison, Kairi knew her brother didn't mean anything by it. "I haven't seen your stupid ass in two days, two days! Where the hell have you been? Don't tell me you were with the little shithead again." Ignoring the glare his younger sister sent his way, his green eyes raked along the people she was with and with a two finger salute, he said his hellos to Xion and Naminé. To Sora, Riku, and Roxas however, he nodded simply. Raising a thin brow, Axel leaned his face downwards to Kairi's level. "Well?"

"Don't make me spit in your face, you ass." Kairi immediately retorted though her words were far from being filled with malice. Axel knew that too for he smirked at her and nodded upwards in a challenging way. "I'm not a child anymore Axel, damn." Getting up to her feet, she placed her hands on her hips and raised a brow too. "So, did you need something?"

"Dear old Dad called yesterday, thought you might have wanted to talk." Seeing her face fall slightly, he caved and rested a rather large palm on her hand. Threading his fingers through her hair, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. "I told him you'd be around to talk later tonight so he said he'd call then." Upon seeing her smile, Axel smirked at her once again before nodding his head over at Roxas. "Hey kid." He greeted easily.

"'Sup, Axel." Roxas replied back with a nod of his own. "What are you doing today?"

"Probably nothing – I think Demyx needed to talk to me about something but other than that, I'm free. Why? You want to do something?" As the two soul mates lapsed into conversation, the surrounding people around them all tilted their heads confusingly as they shared a perplexing look. When did Axel and Roxas become so friendly with each other? Didn't they hate each other or something? The last thing any of them remembered was when Roxas and Axel had butted heads at the party. Kairi and Sora were the most interested of all – just what had happened between their two siblings? Looking around at each other, they all simultaneously began conversing inaudibly with the exception of Riku unfortunately before they stopped to re-listen to the conversation.

"Yeah, Riku, Sora, and I are supposed to be training with these apprentices today. You know Master Eraqus? The guy who helped developed the Keyblade with Master Xehanort and the rest of the people at Shinra? Yeah apparently he and his apprentices are here to help train us. Kairi, Naminé, and Xion are coming to watch us – do you want to go too?"

Axel shrugged. "Sure, why not."

"Speaking about that," Sora began as he looked over at his younger brother. "When did Alpha say we had to be in the training room? Sometime around 10:00?" Roxas nodded in reply, causing the brunet to glance at his phone's clock. "Oh shit, it's already 9:50. We better get going so Alpha doesn't flip shit." Standing to his feet, he leaned back a little and stretched out his arms only to have it collide with something with something soft.

"Ow!"

Blinking at the strange cry, Sora whirled around only to be struck across the face by someone. Taking a step back, the brunet uttered a sharp cry as he staggered backwards and held his aching cheek. As if sensing his best friend's distress, Riku jumped to his feet and reached out to clench his fingers over the unknown striker's shirt and likewise, the other boy did the same. Although Riku couldn't see him, he was not one to sit still when his best friend had just gotten hurt. Getting to his feet, Roxas and Axel stood beside Riku, all of them standing protectively in front of Sora and the girls who were looking increasingly furious but were quickly checking on Sora. "You got some sort of death-wish, you little shit!? The hell's your problem!?" Riku roared as he tightened his hold.

"What the hell is your problem!?" The other boy immediately bit back, his amber eyes burning with fury. "Don't interfere! You think I'm just going to sit around here and do nothing when that fucker hurt Ven!?" Roxas glared at the dark haired boy fiercely before turning to look down at this person 'Ven' who was currently crouching low towards the ground and holding his cheek.

"Touch Sora and you'll be the one to pay!"

"Get out of my way!"

The two boys threw insults left and right, their voices rising and rising until the blond could no longer take it. Rubbing at his cheek but not yet standing, Ventus raked his fingertips against the swelled skin. "Vanitas, stop! It was just an accident, I'm fine!" Roxas frowned at the bowed head of blond hair before looking up to the person Riku was verbally fighting. His blue eyes traced along his features; spiky raven black hair and golden eyes. Roxas frowned, who was this asshole? He studied some more before his heart suddenly stopped in his chest.

Wait.

What the fuck?

This boy's face! But how could it be!? Needing answers, Roxas surged forward and shoved Riku away so he could get an even closer look at Vanitas' face. There was no mistaking but seriously what the hell was going on here!? Shoving Vanitas away slightly, Roxas glared. "Tell me why you look like him!" He demanded, his voice unfeeling and uncharacteristically cold. "Why the hell do you look like my brother!?" His voice was so different that even Axel frowned a little at Roxas' tone of voice. Hearing that, Riku and Vanitas both stilled – wait, what did Roxas say? Pulling himself from out of the circle Naminé, Kairi, and Xion had created around him, Sora pushed his way forward and just stared, his eyes growing wide.

Vanitas and Sora had the very same face!

If it weren't for their hair and eye color, they could have been brothers!

Roxas and Sora then froze.

Brothers? What!? There was no other explanation for it but was it true? It had to be! Everyone had been so focused by the sudden hit that Vanitas had inflicted on Sora's face that neither of them took the time and attention to really study the dark haired boy before them. It was almost as if they were so blinded by rage and anger that they couldn't see the most obvious thing – the fact that Sora and Vanitas looked as though they were related. That had to be it! Both brothers took a step back, not at all liking the appearance of this Vanitas character. It was all just so bizarre and strange; didn't Sora's real family die in the war?

"Vanitas?" Ventus called as he slowly stood to his feet. Holding his cheek in his right hand, he looked at his boyfriend briefly before turning around to look at the boy Vanitas had just struck. His eyes locked with another pair of blue eyes before his own blue orbs widened in disbelief. "You…! Your face…! Me?" Ventus was beyond confused but unlike Vanitas, he wasn't one to engage in fights so easily. He had no idea what was going on but Ven knew it'd be unproductive just to fight the entire time. Still concerning himself with Vanitas however, Roxas barely registered that he was spoken to and it wasn't until he felt Axel's large hand on his shoulder did he turn towards Ventus.

Holy shit! What in the fuck was going on here!? First Vanitas and Sora have the same face, and now he and this Ventus person had the same fucking everything? Same face, same hair, same eyes, fuck! Even the same build! "Is this a fucking joke?" Roxas suddenly hissed. "What the hell is going on?" This was too weird! "Who are you guys and what the hell are you two doing in this city?"

"Who the hell are you two?" Vanitas asked back, pushing Ventus behind him only to have the blond resist and shove him back. "Why the hell does that skinny little fuck look like me and why hell do you look like Ventus?"

"My name's Sora Strife-Leonhart!" Sora stated, clenching his fists and standing up to his full height which was only slightly taller than Roxas. "I'm the eldest son of Cloud Strife and Squall Leonhart, Radiant Garden's heroes!" Turning his face to the side, he gestured towards Roxas. "And this is my younger brother, Roxas Strife-Leonhart! We're both their adopted sons!" Sora then faced Vanitas with a passive yet annoyed expression. "Now, who are you?" He was angry, pfft, of course he was. No one punches him across the face and just leaves, that wasn't the way Sora was brought up. There was no way in hell he'd let some asshole do whatever the hell he wanted, it just wasn't right.

"My name is Vanitas Nox." Vanitas introduced stiffly as he too clenched his fists and glared. "I was the former apprentice of Master Xehanort before he passed away five years ago. I am currently under the apprenticeship of Master Eraqus alongside my boyfriend, Ventus Caelum, the boy you hit out of fucking nowhere. We're here to train with people who apparently can wield the Keyblade."

The silver haired teen looked up at that and his lips curled downwards disdainfully. "You say you two can wield the Keyblade?" Vanitas and Ventus nodded at that and as if sensing that they had done so, Riku held up his right hand. "Well," he began as he extended his fingers out so his palm was facing towards them. A dark and purple haze formed at his right palm and a flash soon followed, ultimately causing Vanitas and Ven to shield their eyes. Riku's Way to the Dawn manifested in his hand and with a stern voice, Riku inclined his head slightly. "So can I." That was the thing with Keyblades – Masters Xehanort and Eraqus had engineered them so they directly resonated with an individual's heart. Whether it be by Crystal or Chaos, the Keyblade was in a sense, a direction reflection of the wielder's character. It would come when called on and disappear when not; it truly was a special weapon.

Vanitas only glared, he hated people like this. Ven on the other hand was thoroughly intrigued. "So you're one of the people we're training with?" He asked.

"It's not just him." Roxas said, speaking directly to his look-a-like for the first time since he had discovered their shockingly similar appearances. Sora held out his right hand just like Riku had done as Roxas crossed his arms over his waist. Almost instantly, each of Roxas and Sora's respect Keyblades appeared in their hands. Sora's Kingdom Key was held tightly in between his two hands once he brought his hand down while Roxas' fingers were clenched over the hilts of his Oathkeeper and Oblivion Keyblades. "We too can wield the Keyblade."

So both Vanitas and Sora could wield the Keyblade?

And same with Roxas and Ventus?

Two pairs of sky blue eyes locked as another set of amber orbs focused on that of sky blue. Almost instantly, all doubt they had earlier was gone from their minds. There was no more sense in lying to themselves – they didn't need any more proof because it was standing right in front of them. Roxas and Ventus both had the same face and build – standing exactly at the same height. Vanitas and Sora both had similar facial features but Vanitas' was more matured and pronounced. And that could only mean one thing: Vanitas and Sora were brothers while Roxas and Ventus were identical twins. As they all glared at each other, at least Sora, Roxas, and Vanitas anyway, a sense of uneasiness wafted about the air. They didn't all get off on the wrong foot but was it really their fault? Sora and Roxas had grown up together and felt as though they were brothers – now they've come face to face with their actual brothers? They didn't want anyone else getting in the way, not now, not ever.

While he himself was slightly perturbed at the thought of having a brother, Ven knew it'd be unproductive to just fight about it instead of trying to understand it. Shaking his head, he placed a hand on Vanitas' shoulder and looked at him sharply as Riku, Sora, and Roxas de-summoned their Keyblades. "Van, enough. It was just an accident." He repeated. Looking over at Sora, the blond inclined his head apologetically. "I'm sorry about him, he's a little possessive." Ignoring the annoyed glare Vanitas sent his way, Ven reached up to cross his arms behind his head. "Look, we're not getting anything done just standing around here. Let's start over." Taking in a deep breath and closing his eyes briefly, Ven extended his arm out good-naturally. "My name is Vanitas Caelum; I'm 18 years old and a student of Master Eraqus'." When Roxas grasped his hand slowly, Ven shook it firmly. "I agree with you that this is pretty weird but it's comforting to know that I wasn't alone after the Zanarkand War." Unlike Roxas, Ven didn't oppose the idea of having a brother – if anything, it was kind of cool. His smile however was sad. "I'm sorry I don't remember you though."

"I don't remember you either." Roxas replied back as he withdrew his hand. He felt weird, that much was evident. Although he was withdrawn earlier, he knew that his brother (?) had made a point. There was no point in fighting about something they had no control over. "I'm Roxas Strife-Leonhart. I'm 18 as well." Shifting awkwardly, he felt Axel's hand on his shoulder tighten in an almost comforting way. It was nice of him to do so in all honesty. "It's nice to know I wasn't alone either." He finished somewhat lamely after a few minutes.

Sora watched their exchange before he turned to face his older brother. His and Vanitas' eyes locked briefly before Sora extended his hand calmly. "I'm sorry for hitting your friend, it was an accident. My name's Sora." Vanitas studied him briefly before nodding slowly and accepting Sora's handshake. Their hands and fingers clasped together awkwardly; it was strange. Vanitas, Ventus, Sora, and Roxas had gone throughout life without the knowledge of having any existing biological family members and it turns out that they were all somewhat connected? It was bizarre – Sora and Roxas were adopted brothers but Sora and Vanitas and Ventus and Roxas were actually brothers. Not to mention the strange coincidence that Vanitas and Ven were together, it was just so surreal.

"Ven! Van!" A female voice suddenly shouted as the two boys turned around in response. A blue haired woman came jogging towards them with another boy not far behind her. Making her way over to them, she fixed them with a stern expression. "Don't just go running off like that! There's hundreds of people here – what if Terra and I couldn't find you two? Did you forget that we're needed today?" While Ven looked apologetic, Vanitas simply crossed his arms and rolled his eyes; Aqua really was too mothering sometimes. "Now what was so important that you two have to come rushing over here?" She turned around and once her eyes focused on that of the Vanitas and Ventus look-a-likes before her, she froze.

Terra finally made his way over to them and upon seeing his girlfriend sporting a shocked expression, he looked in the direction of what she was staring at. Almost instantly, his eyes grew wide and he voiced both of their questions so she didn't have to – "What the hell?" After explaining things to Terra, everyone fell silent once more. It was hard to ignore the sense of awkwardness that seemed to waft about in the air, it was honestly uncomfortable. There they were, not even 5 feet away from one another. Vanitas and Sora and then Roxas and Ventus; siblings that had no knowledge of the other's existence. There was so much they wanted to know about each but neither of them dared to ask – it was just so weird.

In the end, it was Sora who broke the silence. "Vanitas." He called, immediately drawing the older man's gaze. "Do you remember our parents?" The brunet felt weird speaking to Vanitas about the subject of 'parents' but still, he pressed on. "Do you remember their faces? Anything?"

"I don't remember anything either." Vanitas answered, crossing his arms. "I might've repressed their faces long ago, I don't know. My earliest memory is being picked up by Master Xehanort when I was young. He found me in the Middle-Sector in one of the run-down residential areas." When Sora flinched slightly, Vanitas looked away. A part of him felt uneasy at the thought of upsetting Sora – was this that 'big brother instinct' or something? "My memories are scarce; I don't even remember you, Sora. I was born a little bit after the Zanarkand War ended and don't remember too much at all."

Sora nodded in understanding. "I was boring three years after the war. My two fathers found Roxas and me in the ruins during one of their routine patrols. Before they found us, we didn't have a home, we didn't have much food or water; I don't even know how we stayed alive that long on our own."

Not knowing what else to say, Vanitas looked away solemnly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you." Despite Vanitas' earlier aggression, Sora could see that his biological brother was a very quiet individual. He was guarded and he was reserved – he only revealed so much at one time. Ventus on the other hand was the complete opposite. He had spoken to them in the friendliest of ways – welcoming the idea of them being siblings easily. He didn't oppose the idea of Roxas being his brother and he certainly didn't oppose the idea of Sora being Vanitas' brother. In that instance, Roxas and Sora knew that they were still brothers themselves; they just gained new ones along the way. It had always been them and only them so of course they were nervous and unresponsive to the idea of actually having biological siblings.

A new bond was forged, but what would Alpha and Beta have to say about this? Would they be as willing to really acknowledge that they were not their actual children? With Ven and Van's presence here in the city, it really would mean that they once had a life without them.

After the awkward introductions were made, all new and old Keyblade apprentices assembled together in the training room. Before them stood Master Eraqus who was looking at them all with hard eyes. While he himself had been shocked at the uncanny resemblances between Vanitas and Sora as well as Roxas and Ventus, he welcomed the new boys still. The art and valor of the Keyblade was a sacred art and it was amazing that even more wielders had stepped forward. As a Keyblade Master, Eraqus was quite pleased. Up on the viewing area, Axel, Xion, Kairi, and Naminé all stood together, peering over the railings as they watched eagerly.

"Aqua, summon your Keyblade." Master Eraqus ordered. Nodding, Aqua held out her right hand and with a flash of light, a Keyblade manifested in her hand. Nicknamed 'Brightcrest', it was of medium length and its blue-tinted steel glimmered under the light. Extending his hand towards her, Master Eraqus regarded Sora, Riku, and Roxas with calm eyes. "Are you aware of the notion of the embodiment of Crystals and Chaos within a person's heart?" At the boys' nod, the old man continued. "Within each and every person lies great power and strength – only those most fortunate enough will be able to commit these kinds of feats. You are all Keyblade wielders and as such, a very special sort of powers lines within."

Without the consent to do so, Aqua slashed forward with her Keyblade as her body began to exhibit a pink-ish hue. She glowed brightly and closed her eyes as she harnessed the power of her Crystal. It resonated within in, empowering her with each and every second. Watching in apprehension, Roxas and Sora shared a brief look as they crowded around Riku who was not able to see. A few seconds passed and her eyes snapped open and she whirled around and slashed once more, sending a shards of ice pelting towards them. The boys barely had enough time to react when she held out her left palm, manipulating them with her energy.

'What the hell?' Roxas thought as his eyes grew wide. The ice shards that she had managed to summon out of Etro knows where stopped at her command and were practically levitating in front of him! "How did you do that?" Was this what Xion meant that day when she said people could act on their Crystal? It just didn't seem humanly possible!

"My name is Aqua, the "Spellweaver". My prowess lies in a magic-oriented fighting style. I was second only to Master Xehanort when he was alive and now that he passed, I am the strongest of Keyblade magic-users. My affinity is Water but I am able to call any elements to my will. Observe." Waving another hand, she manipulated the frozen water and then caused it to melt almost instantly. The boys jumped at the cold wetness as their feet before looking at her amazingly. Were they capable of this kind of power too!? Aqua stood up straight and inclined her head upwards in her standard resting position before nodding slowly. "Train with me and you will conjure up spells deemed only for the Goddess herself."

Terra stepped forward as he too summoned his Keyblade. "My name is Terra, the "Rockbreaker". My prowess lies in heavy-hitting and strength oriented attacks. I am the strongest of the four of us in terms of strength but I am certainly not the best of us. I am proficient in the use of heavy physical strikes as well as a variety of magical attacks. My affinity is Earth." Displaying his own set of powers, Terra slammed the sharpened edges of his Earthshaker into the ground, effectively cracking it and breaking the iron floors. "Train with me and you will be strong."

Like Terra and Aqua did before him, Ven's Keyblade also manifested in his hand. What astounded Roxas and Sora more was the fact that he held it from the back and wielded it differently, almost as if he could backhand it. "I am Ventus, the "Cyclone". My prowess is in my agility, evasion, and quick movements. I am the fastest of the Keyblade wielders, able to disappear with a blink of an eye. My affinity is the Wind and the Light. Train with me and you'll move never be touched."

"And I am Vanitas, the "Unversed." The dark haired man introduced. "My prowess is evident in my use of the Chaos." Roxas, Sora, and Riku immediately stiffened at that. From what they knew, Chaos was only found in bad people. Did this mean that Vanitas was an enemy? That wouldn't make any sense though – why would Master Eraqus take on an apprentice of the Chaos? Vanitas was not surprised at their shocked expressions and so he continued onwards. "I show mastery over dark magic and I also specialize in agility. I harness the power of the Chaos and in it, shape it to my will. Train with me and you'll learn to control the Chaos within you so that it does not consume you."

Each of the apprentices had something to offer: Aqua had magic, Terra had strength, Ven had speed, and Vanitas had Chaos. Pausing to look at one another, Riku, Sora, and Roxas simultaneously had the same thought going through their minds – What did they have to offer? Neither of them knew. All their lives, they had only trained in the art of swordsmanship but Aqua, Terra, Ventus and Vanitas, they explored the full extent of their powers. They weren't just special because they wielded the Keyblade, it was so much more than that. And in that instant, the three friends knew they wanted to learn more. "We're ready." They said in unison.

Master Eraqus nodded proudly at them as he unfolded his arms. As he made a move to summon his own Keyblade, he suddenly stopped. He sensed something, something strangely familiar. Looking around, he furrowed his brows in his attempts to locate the strange phenomena. The feeling was hard to explain – it was something strong yet quiet at the same time, almost like it hadn't been discovered yet. There was potential, but where? His search led him to look upwards at the viewing area and upon studying the people on the balcony, he nodded slowly. "Wait." He told his students. "They too have the power." Following their Master's gaze, Aqua, Ventus, Sora, Roxas, Vanitas, Riku, and Terra looked up at where Xion, Naminé, Kairi, and Axel were all standing at. Upon hearing Eraqus' words, Axel and the girls looked at one another perplexingly. What on Gran Pulse was he saying? "And the legacy continues." Master Eraqus stated. "You all have the power to wield the Keyblade, I can sense it resonating in your Crystals." Nodding his head, Master Eraqus spoke in a serious tone. "Now then, will you come forward and realize your true potential?"

Author's Notes: Okay, I apologize for having posted this and then taking it down. I just was not satisfied with what I had originally had up here. It still kind of upsets me how bad this chapter was written. I'm not proud of it but I don't know how else I can really perfect it. I got some story progression in the last bit that I added though – now we see the potential for magic-using. It's at 8.3k right now, I added another 2000 words or so but hopefully it made this chapter less sucky.

I'm really sorry, I just couldn't something worthwhile this time :( Maybe I need a break or something, I'm not sure. Anyway, hopefully this chapter wasn't too horrible. Please read and review and let me know what you guys think. I have a Tumblr again also so feel free to follow me there for fun posts and gif photosets: Valhallasgoddess . tumblr . com

Please read and review! I'll see you next time!