Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts.

Pairings: Axel/Roxas in later chapters

Author's Note: So I've been absent for a while in the wake of my computer dying. But I'm back now and trying to get back into the swing of things. After losing chapters of the library I got a bit disheartened, but hope that someone out there enjoys this story... it is only a short introduction, but I have a few plans set in place. Let's see how this goes .

30 Seconds To Mars – This Is War:

"A warning to the people, the good and the evil... This. Is. War."

The blare of the cannons was deafening. Axel reacted instinctively, hurling himself over the edge of a nearby trench as fire and gunpowder exploded behind him. Face down in a freezing mix of churned up snow and blood, he felt the wave of liquid fire roar overhead.

Wrenching his face out of the slush and gore he spluttered. Shit. Wiping his face did little to clear away the blood and his hands were soaked in the same putrid mess, frozen and numb.

His side throbbed, as blood soaked steadily through his uniform. Shit. Shit. Snatching up his rifle, he threw his head back.

"DEMYX!"

His ears rang as another blast erupted to his left. He shielded his face as earth and blood rained down on him.

"ROXAS! DE-!" He coughed violently, barely noticing the blood on his lips, and dragged himself to his feet. Half blind, he stumbled towards the trench wall. His foot caught on the leg of a dead solder, and he noted the dark red uniform. Enemy trench. Fuck.

With a practiced movement, Axel drew back the bolt on his rifle and checked the bullet was primed. He was alone for now, but that wouldn't last.

No-man's-land loomed above him. An endless labyrinth of barbed wire, screeching bullets, explosions, and broken bodies. He breathed hard and dug his fingers into the frozen earth of the trench wall. Dimly, he heard the regimented, advancing footsteps of The Kingdom's soldiers. Everything in him screamed to stay there, pressed against the wall. But his friends were out there, dead or dying. And what did it matter? He was dead here anyway.

With a grimace he hauled himself over the top, legs scrambling to find purchase on the wall as adrenaline pumped through his veins.

A barren warzone unfurled before him. Frantically, he searched the ground for bodies he recognised, and charged forwards in a stooped crouch, rifle clutched tightly to his chest.

"AXEL! BEHIND YOU!" He heard the voice just in time, throwing himself to the ground as a bayonet's blade whistled through the air where his head had been just moments before. Rolling onto his back, he shot his attacker square between the eyes, and watched him fall sideways. Axel groaned as his side split open, and clutched at his wound. Out of nowhere, Xigbar came barrelling through the smoke, firing left and right like a trigger happy madman.

"Axel my man! Nice of you to make it!"

Axel cast him a quick salute. "How the Hell are we doing, Xigz? Please tell me we're annihilating the fuckers and will be home in time for lunch."

Xigbar lined up his gun and casually shot out the kneecap of a charging Kingdom soldier. "No such luck, Firecracker. They've brought in re-enforcements."

"Shit."

"Yep."

"What about the others? You seen them?"

"Nope. I – SHIT!" Xigbar shoved them both sideways as a stray grenade rolled out of the mist towards them.

The heat was incredible, all consuming and deadly. Stunned, Axel stared at the limp body covering his own.

"No... Xigz... Xigbar!" His face was charred and red. Shaking his shoulders, Axel felt hysteria bubbling within him. "Xigbar, come on man, wake up! WAKE UP!" His heart leapt as his friend let out a low groan.

"Fuchhhh."

Axel almost laughed. "That's it! Come on you crazy fucker, let's get out of here." Strapping his rifle to his back he heaved Xigbar's arm over his shoulder. Pain shot through his side. No. He took a step forwards and nausea swelled as a strange cold fingers laced across his side. Not now. He shifted Xigbar's weight and forced himself onwards. Dimly, he thought he heard his name.

His legs shook with every step, and he knew that the med trench was on the other side of Hell. Knees buckling, he collapsed into the dark snow, one thought lingering as the sounds around him faded to a dull hum. 'Roxas.'