Shadows and Flames (Axel)

[Zexion]

Twilight Town was one of the many worlds that didn't seem to belong. The people didn't seem to fit in with any other place and most of all the buildings seemed to look like something out of a cartoon. One of the many attractions this city had to offer was the struggle tournament. And today seemed to be the date for this years tournament, So while most of the city people gathered in the square to watch kids bat at each other with rubber weapons. So while this was going on a Dark portal opened up near the old mansion, it was the perfect place to appear for no one really came here nor did anyone hang around here this close to night fall.

From the depths of the darkness a hood figure stepped out, tendrils of darkness snapped around his body, it was almost like they were trying to keep him inside the darkness. The figure whore a long black cloak, his face eclipsed from the world by the hood. Once he was completly out of the portal, it began to shrink vanish like it was never even there. The figure turned to look at the manison, it hadn't seen people so many years no one from the town lived out here. Large Iron gates, a forest infront of it and from what he could tell the inside looked rather bleak anyway.

He had no idea why he had decided to come here, it sort of reminded him of a world he had once been to however that one had been called Traverse Town. This one how was called Twilight Town, he had checked out the town before hand. Sending in dusks to gather what they could and every now and again peaking in from a portal. Zexion never rushed in head first, so of course he had to make sure the town was safe to enter. And today with the tournament and the location and stories about this mansion, he had found today was the perfect time and place to visit.

He turned away from the mansion and made his way into the forest, it was deserted and dark the perfect breading ground for heartless. However none of them dared showed their faces in front of Zexion, they feared who ever had the power and right now Zexion had the most power in this town. He was rather deep in his own thoughts that he didn't notice just how far he had walked into the woods, he also didn't notice a certain scent drifting on the wind.

[Axel]

The Clock Strikes Life

"TAKE THAT!"

He quickly lunged for the unprepared enemy, Axel's body was quick a fluid of motions that were so fast the human eye had trouble keeping up. He started by taking a step back, bend backwards to dodge the swipe aimed for his neck. Then he righted himself up and lunged for his enemy, quickly side-stepping a counterattack and slipping to the ground sweeping his leg out taking his enemy to the floor. Followed from the sweep he used his momentum to rise him into the air, and spinning down in a forward flip, Axel brandished his blade. However his enemy was rather sneaky, quickly rolling to the side just barely missing being caught. Axel trotted back as the attacker started throwing thrusts left right and centre.

"Heh...you’re not an easy one to beat I'll give you that! However have you ever fought against this sword style?"

As he uttered those words, Axel began working his weapon as if he was using his usual chakrams. The blade span quickly, his fingers whipping around the hilt, keeping its spin up. His enemy looked shocked at the sudden skill Axel had been hiding, but that wasn't the end of it. For that moment they both stood eyeing each other up and down, coloured orbs bouncing around them. It was strange like a sea of rainbow stars, awaiting the two unknown deities that could take them for their own power. The sound of screaming fans seemed to drown to a little more than a quiet rumble for the pair, so much so that they waited for that piercing scream to signal another bout of attacks. It came and instantly they were off the mark, weapons clashing, orbs flying, points scoring.

"Your not so bad yourself Axel, but know this, I WILL reclaim my title!"

Setzer was going all out, ignoring the odd counterattack style that Axel was now employing. People wondered why he was using a Struggle Wand rather than his usual sword. To be honest the dark truth was that after seeing how well Roxas wielded one, he made it his goal to best the boy with his own tool. Alas the child was nowhere to be seen this year, something that pissed Setzer off very much. Yet this Axel fellow said he would be a better replacement, and well the man was right. Setzer had never been pushed so hard in his life to win, which only made him want to win even more. Grinning he attacked Axel, landing some hits and quickly grabbing the orbs. Currently the score was 60 to Axel and 40 to him, but for the past 2 minutes he had been slowly getting his orbs back.

Then he noticed it the blatant opening that would strike Axel hard and hopefully win the match in his favour. Setzer quickly span and attacked Axel on his side, orbs appearing from nowhere like a fountain.

"With that I WI...."

It was only then that Setzer noticed where his Struggle wand had landed...in thin air. Axel was standing next to him, his struggle sword planted firmly upon Setzer's heart. In those final moments of the fight, Axel's unique spinning of his sword managed to parry his wand meaning Setzer's momentum kept him going forward. Axel just calmly stepped in with his sword and hit him right where the money was. The bell rang and the final score came up with 80-20 to Axel.

"Sorry friend, but don't you know that the longer blade in a sword battle wins?"

With that Axel patted Setzer's shoulder and walked from the ring, into the crowd of adoring fans and excited people. Girls screamed with Setzer's loss, so did some of the boys, but they soon were able to readjust to Axel being the new hopeful champion. Hell it was a crushing defeat for Setzer, the first round out without a chance. They swarmed around him, people patting his sweaty back and begging for an autograph. Axel just laughed and pushed them all gently aside telling them to wait till the champion is crowned before asking for his autograph.

With that win under his belt Axel couldn't help but go for a walk through Twilight Town. Sure it brought up some painful memories, especially the clock tower, but he was able to set them aside for now. It was the first time that Axel could actually enjoy what the town had to offer, rather than sit upon the tower and eat ice-cream. It felt good, the setting sunlight upon his sweat covered body, the cool refreshing breeze blowing around all the buildings, snaking its way to him. Axel kept his pace, and walked towards the usual store he always went to first.

"Sea-Salt Ice-Cream...Go...”
"Got it Memorized? HA Axel my lad you have been coming here all the time, it’s the only thing you buy! Of course I'll remember the order!"

The salesman smiled a big toothy grin, chuckled and congratulating Axel on his win. The Nobody couldn't help but laugh at his own 'thing' being used against him like so. With a grin Axel took his treat, waved the old fellow off and began walking. It was only now, now that he was 'free' from his friendship with Roxas did he realise how many people called him 'friend' here in Twilight Town. It was strangely comforting that fact, that it was possible to enjoy this Fractured World without the spike headed dolt. As he sucked upon the cold sweet, a sudden flash of darkness caught Axel's attention; a Dusk had briefly appeared from nowhere then disappeared again. Following it, a Corridor of Darkness had opened near the Old Mansion. He wondered which of his 'brethren' he would encounter, though to his mind the only ones that would take any interest in Twilight Town would be either Xemnas, Larxene or Marluxia. With an smile on his face, Axel quickened his step, soon breaking into a jog that developed into an excited run as he snuck into the forest.

The light breaking through the trees was something to marvel on the way back, though it was quite beautiful. The tall grass, green and fresh trickled Axel's legs as he ran through it. It was a nice feeling though the Nobody realised that he would have to watch out for any thorns. Wearing bright white 3/4 shorts with red flame patterns on them may have fit a Struggle Tourney but not the woods. As Axel leapt and bounded through the deep green and brown expanse, his eyes picked up on the many shadows that seemed to move with each of his steps. The Heartless still seemed to plague even this world, for all its misshapen form and splendour. Yet they weren't leaping up at him, signalling that there was a stronger force nearby. Axel still hadn't gained all of his powers back from his 'death' so whoever was currently the 'reigning' king in the shadow's eyes must have still been pretty weak.

The answer soon came into view, a small boy with grey/blue hair seemed to be ambling the woods aimlessly, it was almost too much for Axel not to laugh out loud. Sure he was still weak, but surely his powers were stronger then the dweeb? Snickering to himself as he got closer to Zexion, he called out.

"YO! Zexion, what are you doing around here then? Doing some extra credit work for Vexen?"

[Zexion]

Zexion had never been the strongest member in the organization, he had been able to best a few members when the time came. When he had awoken and found he was missing a few memories, mostly ones that included spells he had taught himself well to say the least he was not happy. However he had spent countless weeks going from city to city trying to pick up spells again, why he had even learnt some white magic which was rather odd since he never held an interest in it before. But due to the fact he was alone all the time he needed to know how to heal when the time came. The thought made him smirk a little, he had changed since the organization. Not so much personality but more so with the way he lived.

A gloved hand reached up to unzip his cloak, he felt rather stupid doing this for it meant he had to bend down to get the zipper all the way to the bottom. And standing alone in the woods bending over just made you look stupid no matter who you where. Underneath his cloak he wore tight leather pants with a black singlet. Zexion hadn't come to buy any normal clothes yet so he mostly depended on his under clothing if he needed to blend in with people of different worlds. It seemed to work, apparently dressing in black was more popular then he knew it was.As he walked through the woods lost in his own thoughts, he never noticed how the heartless stayed down around the ground almost like they feared him. It had happen a few times before when he was with lower members, however if there was a stronger member around they always listened to them more then him. The heartless were just strange like that.

Not paying attention to the scents or the sound of approaching foots steps was not something Zexion did often. But today he was just to distracted by the workings of his own mind. More importantly what he had done to that young girl and corrupted her with darkness, forced darkness into her little frail frame the creature who had appeared was still human and very much loyal to Zexion. It pleased him to know that he had at least found someone he could count on to take on some of his dirty work for him. It was then that a voice snapped him from his thoughts, at first Zexion planned to ignore the person and carry on like he never heard them. But then they mentioned Vexen and that was when he actually started to pay more attention.

He knew that voice and now that he was focused again, he could smell the scent of burnt wood mixed with darkness. Why had he not being paying attention, he cursed at himself for being such a fool. This was the person who caused his down fall and Zexion had let his guard down with him around, such a fool he was. He turned on his heels to face the Red head, his face void of all emotion. "Hello Number Eight" his voice was cold, but it wasn't because Axel was with him. No you see Zexion had always been the member to show the least emotion, he had pushed the memories of emotions so far down into the depths of his empty shell. Bright blue eyes inspected his companion, he was dressed to suit the town. "I only ever came here once with Number Thirteen and decided to see the town again....And no I have not seen Number Four since the castle". Oh yes Zexion remembered Castle Oblivion very much.

He could tell you the date and time Axel tricked the Replica into killing him, and now Axel stood before him so casual as if they where friends or something. "And you Number Eight sea salt ice cream and the clock tower or perhaps You came to look at the place where Number Four faded away". Well Vexen had not really faded away in the real twilight town only a memory of it in castle Oblivion, Zexion was hinting that he still could re-call the events that conspired in side of those white walls. He crossed his arms over his chest as he began to walk towards Axel, talking loudly in the forest might attract people and that was not what he wanted to needed right now.

[Axel]

Axel took a deep breath, lifting his head to the sky as he noticed Zexion's leather pants. He wanted to laugh, but the only thing stopping him was the fact that the clothes suited the kid. And that was the reason for it, because he was a kid. Sure he may have the mind of a genius, capable of rivalling Vexen, but he had no 'street smarts', no idea of how the world runs other than through equations and the like. It seemed pointless for the boy to even come up with an excuse as to his reason being here due to it probably linking to some sort of experiment. Zexion never, in Axel's memories, lived in the moment, always hiding behind that book of his as if it was his mother. Axel always wondered where the boy had gotten such a book, one that seemed to contain all of his knowledge, and had granted him his powers. If Axel was to take it for himself, would he become a brainiac? Would his mind suddenly have a thirst for knowledge that cancelled out anything else in his mind? Would he stop living in the moment?

The memory of curiosity started to cause trouble in Axel's mind. While caution would be required, Axel couldn't help but wonder what was so special about the book. Closing his eyes, he allowed fate to decide for him, depending on where the breeze would blow. Towards Zexion would indicate that he shouldn't try and pry, that all he would be doing was walking into trouble. A breeze away would be to do it, but to take caution and maybe start off with some silly questions. In the end however Axel found that when he waited for his answer, the breeze died. Surrounding the two Nobodies he could see forage rustling due to the wind, but when it came to hitting Axel, it seemed that he wasn't going to be getting a sign anytime soon. It seemed that the 'Number Eight' would have to tread through the dark in order to work out what he should do. Exhaling Axel leapt over a couple of logs towards Zexion, much like a dog would if it spotted a rabbit.

"Why so uptight man? And I'm not talking about those pants your wearing either"

Axel couldn't help but make a joke about the leggings. They were staring at him right in the face. Luckily being stuck in an eternally young body meant that the tight leggings didn't show any signs of 'manhood' for the Nobody.

"The reason I’m around town is because of the Struggle Tourney, felt like I could maybe win the competition or something. That and I needed to come back, see how I felt now that Roxas is no more."

Axel sighed as he brushed his hands through his hair, as if he was shedding some old skin from his past like snake. That his hair contained all of him and by doing so he would eventually get Roxas out of his system. His eyes seemed to look past the Nobody, towards the direction of the mansion, where it all fell apart. He got a sudden flash of memories, a mixture of long forgotten emotions and images. It irritated Axel more than anything,

[Zexion]

Axel reminded him of some sort of dog. Did he forget that with the power of darkness he could move around with out looking like a fool. For the moment he could see no threat in any of his actions, well unless he was going to dog pile on him until he died. Zexion gave a soft chuckle at his own thoughts, that thought was much to funny to him to not fake a laugh. Axel had that strange effect on people, he made memories of emotions burn up inside you until they burst forth. Sometimes anger which he was sure most members experienced because of him. Axel had brought up rather a few in the young cloaked schemer. As his bright blue eyes watched the other come leaping towards him one thing flashed through his head, traitor. Yes Axel had been the one who took everything from me. And what for, what did Axel ever have to gain by killing him.

"We can not all be as lose as you, and my pants are just fine thank you most members wear the same thing". His cold voice some what smug with his answer.

Zexion brought his right hand to rest on his chin, the index finger slightly raised to touch his bottom lip. It was known that when Zexion stood like this he was thinking about something, weather it be a scheme or something helpful however was not so easy to tell. He had made a promise to Larxene that if he ever saw Number eight he would indeed get him back for his death. And with the current situation he might just find a chance to. The forest was the perfect place to unleash illusions, it was some what like a clean slate to play with. Much easier when there was very little around to have to change.

Returning to his neutral stance, Zexion gave Axel a look of disgust. "Really a struggle tournament that is what you spend your time doing". He had never seen the big deal about struggle, it was a children's game. The fact Axel was playing it made him have to second guess the others intelligence. He smirked softly at the comment made about Roxas. "Number Thirteens scent has already been detected," that would surly grasp his interest his one and only friend as you might say it was alive and some where.

He took a step towards the other. "Do tell me Axel, how did the organization strive after my Death" he was not known to beat around the bush, and right now he was going to confront Axel about his betrayal.

[Axel]

Axel chuckled when Zexion seemed to acknowledge him playing Struggle. He knew that the nobody would think Axel was an idiot for playing it, but that's because the kid was all brains and no "heart". Sure none of them had a heart; however Struggle is fun, because of its name, a battle between two opponents. It’s only seen as a kid’s game due to kids playing it, if you had adults thrown into the mix, then the game would probably change for the worse. Adults that don't appreciate the good things like that spend too much time acting 'real' or reading books. The game not only challenged the mind strategically, but also physically, so in Axel's mind, Struggle so far seems to be one hell of a sport. But his concentration was broken down quite quickly, the moment he heard what Zexion said.

The shock was too much for him to hide, his smug grin dropped, eyes widening, and body slack as he turned to look at Zexion. Suddenly everything around him became...disgusting. The grass beneath his feet, the sound of the town's bell tower ringing. The moment Axel knew Roxas was alive, was the moment Axel suddenly felt like his old hideout was poisoned. The boy that led him to his betrayal of his original 'friends'. The boy that had made him think that it was possible to have a heart, the boy that Axel couldn't help but care for no matter how much he hated him. Clenching his teeth, Axel forced down his memory of rage, and the one of relief. Instead he directed the rest of his energy to answering Zexion's question.

"Well, I betrayed more people than you if you’re wondering, and I tried to make Sora loose his heart so that Roxas would come back...but that didn't work."

Axel didn't feel like 'sugar coating' his words with his usual set of jokes and gusto. Instead, Axel's mind was partially focused on trying to see if he could sense Roxas at all, and keeping an eye on the Nobody. Zexion only did things for a reason, never the one known to do something because he felt like it. An attempt to send Axel into a flying rage or something? Get him to become distracted so that he ends up being an easy target? Fat chance of that succeeding if that was what the boy was planning. Since he spent god knows how long in the World of Darkness, Axel had learnt how to quickly react to keeping his 'memories' in check. Taking one step back, Axel kept his relaxed pose, but made sure that if any attack was swung his way, he would be able to dodge out of it quickly.

[Zexion]

Axel's face let Zexion know just what he was thinking. His lips tugged into a smirk as he watched the facial features change, he could only imagine what he was thinking or remembering to feel at the moment. He had expected Axel to jump for joy when he was told Roxas was alive, however this one of shock and horror well Zexion would need to study this some more. Yes even other members were subjected to his experiments, for one craved knowledge they would always be looking for the next thing to learn or understand and today Axel had become that subject. A soft chuckle fell from his lips, it was hollow and taunting and held no emotion.

"That does not surprise me, my how that blonde had you wrapped around his finger. But who else had you bent to their will for Roxas would never have asked you to kill those in the castle". Bright blue eyes slanted a little to give his face a more serious look, for he would get his answers. "Perhaps it worked for I have met Sora and Roxas's scent has been picked up so both are here and very much alive". His voice so cold and void of emotion yet it had been like this from the moment Zexion was born.

Zexion started to walk again, slow and carefully. He had started to walk in a circle around the other, to study him again. Zexion hadn't seen axel in a while he needed to judge him again to file the information away for later. A scheme creeped into his mind, the smirked tugged back onto his lips. You couldn't tell he had done anything, but in fact the scheme had already started. His illusion was working it's magic on the area around them. "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY" it was Roxas's voice, just as they remembered it.

[Axel]

Axel's eyes held utter contempt for the small child that thought he was better than him. Sure you could say that Roxas "owned" Axel for that short amount of time, but Zexion had no idea what it was like. Xemnas had said it himself, being around Roxas, and Sora, those with pure 'hearts' effected Axel's non-existent one. As if they had the power themselves to give him another, and that is what drove him to the extent that he had gone towards. But Axel's eyes held something, something he wouldn't voice out. Did Zexion not know the full story of Axel's betrayal of the organization? The little man thought he had it all figured out, thinking that Axel did what he did on the orders of Roxas. He so wanted to correct the little bugger, but Axel had learnt to keep things to himself. He knew there would be a time and a place for his cards to be laid out on the table, but now wasn't one of those times. Axel relaxed his position even more, allowing the rage from before to slowly subside within him, and be replaced by an absolute Zen like state.

Like this his mind seemed to open up. A connection from his pure darkness to everything else that contained it suddenly mapped up. He sensed more then he used to, capable of noticing the entire forest from one point. Anything that walked in or out would have alerted him, before it could unleash an attack. It was something Axel had developed in the World of Darkness. A sort of affinity for everything that either casts a shadow or contains it within them. You could say that he had become one with his inner darkness, and all the dark matter that surrounded him.

Then he heard it, the voice that nearly caused him to lose his focus that nearly caused him to call back. For a split second Axel believed Zexion's lies, for a second Axel couldn't help but want to believe that the Roxas coming towards them was real. However Axel knew it wasn't true. The energy, the darkness coming from this Roxas stank of Zexion's work. Did the idiot nobody think that Axel wouldn't be able to tell the difference between an illusion and something real? Honestly you would think the kid would have learnt from the last time Axel killed him. However Axel's used this to his advantage, his face still looked shocked, so for the benefit of screwing Zexion over, Axel decided to play along with his tricks. He quickly turned around, his face showing a mixture of surprise, happiness and hate. All these memories boiled up within Axel as he looked upon the illusion, deciding to use it as a way to vent before he met the real Roxas.

"Y...YOU!"

Axel stormed up to the Illusion, his feet falling heavily upon the grass, trampling any flowers that were in his way. His flames ran down his back and started to lightly burn wherever his feet landed. It was a show of power, as well as a sign that Axel was very pissed.

"What are you doing back here?"

[Zexion]

Zexion sneered at the other behind his back. Did he think him to be that blind, he knew very well the other members wouldn't fall for his illusions. However he let Axel play his own little game, the burning grass scent the smell of buring plants to assult his nose. It was the one thing that annoyed him more then the others voice, his power over fire always left that smell. His feet came to a hault as bright blue eyes focused on the others head, that brain he so longed to pick and come to understand more and more.

His lips tugged into a smirk as the other finished his last sentence, now standing in fornt of the fake Roxas. "Don't play me for a fool Number Eight, Do you forget just who I am". His voice was laced with fake disgust in the other, for one with out emotions he could not really find something disgusting. The fake Roxas burst and turned into another Zexion, and with that the whole forest began to change. The trees turned into while walls the grass into a white floor. From where Axel stood another Axel stepped out dressed in the black cloak with the Riku replica at his side, silent words were spoken between the illusions. Suddenly the Riku picked up Zexion, the panic clear on his face as more silenced words were spoken and as the fake Zexion began to be absorbed everything froze.

"It seems like only yesterday that you turned on me, and said oh what did you say". The illusion began to to play out again the fake axel spoke but this time his voice was loud and clear "Sorry, you just knew to much" once the last word fell from his lips the illusion froze again. "Oh that was it, now what could I have known that you and another member didn't want to get out". Zexion was no fool he had a rough idea it involved Saix, that beast was always trying to move up in the ranks. He took a few more steps towards Axel, a smirk tugged onto his lips as he drew closer. Zexion had no plans on letting Axel leave with out answering his questions, and one way or another Axel would talk.

[Axel]

Threatening Reality

Axel smiled as he watched the fake Roxas burst into a splendid array of different people. Hell he was greatly amused when the bloody thing transformed into him. Axel admired his 'fake' self for a moment. Studying every single detail, taking it all in. It was true that Zexion was a master illusionist; even Axel was surprised at the quality. However when his eyes fell upon hi reflections, that was when he noticed the major flaws. There was nothing behind those eyes, sure they were nobodies, but Axel wasn't a normal nobody. Roxas and Sora did something to him, stirred the memories of his emotions even further. Anyone who knew him well could tell that this clone had no inkling of the troubled mind whatsoever. It was a pirate copy, it got the job done but missed out the usual brilliance. Looking further, Axel also noticed how the body posture was all wrong, even with the fake Roxas; it too was also a poor forced rendition. For a moment Axel wondered if he would have been better at manipulating illusions, rather than Zexion, who could only create shells not homes.

"Take you for an idiot? You couldn't have thought that I...”

He began to try and bluff his way out of that, but Axel knew when he had been caught.

"Yea your right, I took you for the moron that you really are"

His body changed slightly, moving to a posture that looked as if he was admiring a work of art. He wasn't even look at Zexion when he said that final line, more so looking at the illusions. If someone could take a picture, then draw a pair of glasses in Axel's hands, it wouldn't even look out of place. Axel's smug grin grew, however it quickly developed. He started to turn his head towards Zexion, the grin growing wider and wider, dominating the lower half of his face. As his eyes fell upon the nobody, sparks start to cascade from his body, showering the surrounding area, causing some of the plantation to catch alight. Axel wasn't saying let’s fight, but seeing as Zexion had the mind to show off his powers, Axel felt like giving the nobody a warning. To remind him of the flames that had devoured him so before hand.

"Why don't you tell me little one?"

As Axel spoke, an flush of hot air seemed to spill out. The look upon the Nobodies face was quite frightening. Anyone could tell that Axel was starting to get excited too quickly, like something was spurring him on. What was worse was that he wasn't even aware of the mood change, happily thinking that this was normal. Hell even his voice seemed to change for a second. It was something that a passerby would look twice at just to be sure that they had heard him correctly. A strange sort of grit seemed to have caught his throat at the end of the sentence, which was further intensified with the nobody’s body starting to glow ever so slightly. Whether Axel was Axel or someone else, not even he could tell, and it seemed Zexion's next actions would determine what would happen next.

[Zexion]

Zexion had been looking at the way Axel's hair moved, for some strange reason it was pulling at something deep down with in him. Those red spikes were pulling at the memories of Ienzo, ever since waking up in these worlds Ienzo's memories had started to rise with in him forcing him to remember things he had so long ago suppressed. So why was Axel bringing up something of the young silver haired scientist boy, how could Axel make him remember something. Eyes closed as the images flashed through his head. Ienzo walking through the streets hidden behind a much larger auburn haired man. Zexion knew those streets they were Radiant Garden, The memories kept playing out in his mind. Ienzo walked along a pathway back to wards the castle as he turned a corner, Red spikes of hair caught his attention.

His eyes snapped open as Axel spoke, Ienzo had proved useful for once well what he had seen was useful. A young red head and blue haired youth talking, he knew those eyes and hair anywhere they belong to Axel and Saix well what they use to be. "You think so little of me Axel, yet you forgot how smart I really am perhaps your memory is a little foggy". His words came out in that same calm yet cold voice that was his own, bright blue eyes never left the other. He kept the information he had learned from the depths of Ienzo's mind a secret for now, from what he gathered Lea as Axel use to be called had never met Ienzo for Ienzo was to shy to talk to any of the children of the town. And with the way most of the members guarded the secret of who they use to be, it always came as a shock when another learned of them.

When Axel turned to face him with that grin, Zexion couldn't help but role his eyes at the lower member. He was always so smug and proud of himself, for an empty shell Axel was one of the most emotional members you could say in Zexion's eyes. The way he smiled, his smugness, how proud he could be of himself and the ego on him was always annoying but all these things came from emotions or derived from them in someway. As the sparks flicked across the ground, burning some of the plants and grass Zexion again rolled his eyes at the other. "Try not to burn the forest down, I don't want half the town running down here to see what happen". He was not in the mood to explain how a fire started out here with them as the only people around and the only ones who could be blamed it would not turn out well for them.

As a spark came at his feet Zexion lifted his foot and stepped on it, the fire sizzled out under his boot and left only the faintest scent of burnt grass. Axel was acting weird, well weirder then most of the time. The closes thing Zexion could pin it to was battle crazy, had all that struggle knocked him into a state of pure battle lust. "You best calm yourself Lea........Oh forgive me I do mean Number Eight" the smirk was hidden behind the gloved finger that rest over his lips. Zexion was never one to jump into battle he was more for mental torture and having others do his dirty work, So for now he would wait and watch how Axel reacted before he rose a hand.

[Axel]

A Burning Afterthought

Whether you could call it Axel, was something people would argue for eons to come. It wore his skin, it was the source of all his senses, it reclined within his mind, controlling his thoughts and speech. All it could think of, was how best to continue this chat. The young boy before him seemed to hold some strange powers, ones which played tricks with his mind, and tried to cause Axel harm. This wouldn't do at all, far from it; it needed Axel to steer well clear from anything related to their heart. The closer the fool stuck to the notorious notion, the harder it was to take over him. In truth, this "other being" if it could be called that, wanted nothing more, than Axel to live by the flame. To destroy, to consume, to move freely, without any bonds of friendship or respect to cage it behind bars. It always wondered why, when Axel had no heart, tried so desperately to obtain one. Why his cohorts also seemed to share this same doomed goal, it couldn't comprehend. Taking a deep lungful of air, he stretched his body, enjoying this new heightened sensation of the muscles twisting and working. He scratched the back of his head, as he ignored the monotonus speech. Going on about his level of intelligence, or something, it didn't care. Rather, this sudden awakening was something far more interesting. Where had it come from? This sensation, this birth? Before it had no conscious, instead laid within Axel's flames. There it was simple, there it was pure, yet now, now everything was mixed in with words and expressions, pacts and dealings, in truth, it preferred its old life.

Perhaps if it manages to envelop Axle, maybe everything will return to the norm, and no more would it have to deal with 'the real world'. It felt the flame being snuffed out as Zexion's feet crushed it. His head snapped towards the boy, eyes dark and brooding. The air was still shimmering around him, even though the sparks had died down. Axel was always one to show off, something which tired the being greatly. Flames weren't meant to be pretty or intimidating, instead flames were a sign of the coming destruction, the inevitability of death. Dark thoughts from a being with no heart, but a guy can dream eh? When it heard the boy speak Axel's past name, it nearly lost control. Axel clawed at the back of his mind, wanting to rage and shout, to scream and pout, asking as to how Zexion knew that name. It instead took the name which Axel held dearly to so, and decided that when Axel got a bit hot under the collar, Lea was a bit more appropriate. A long grin seemed to rip from his lips, one that seemed to show a sign of victory, even without a battle. Lea stepped back resting against a tree, and slouching his posture. Pulling a twig from a nearby branch he placed it in his teeth. The sight would make one think that Axel was trying to act cool, however Lea somehow managed to pull it off. The look in his eyes was ever so hungry, Lea rubbed his hand through his hair, it suddenly going soft, the spikes dropping down. They also seemed to darken in colour, becoming more blood red than anything else. His eyes were still that same vibrant green, but, with this sudden change of appearance, it would be hard to hold that gaze.

"Lea...seems you got that name memorized pretty well huh? Being calm is my best trait is it not Zexion? If it wasn't I dare say that I would never have been able to betray so many of our friends"

He spat the last word out, still grinning, looking at Zexion as if he was a wolf about to eat his fill.

"But I guess you already know that Saix was my partner in crime, not much a surprise there since we both were the closest of friends when we lived..."

Lea stood up and walked closer to Zexion, not really caring if it was the real one or not. The message reached him all the same.

"..But what else are you looking for little pup? You have been staring at me with those eyes this whole time, and so far all the answers I've given you already know.."

Lea clicked his fingers, and darkness surrounded his body, taking the shape of his organization cloak. It wasn't fully zipped up, and hung off Lea's frame rather than cling tightly to his body.

"So...we gonna stand around and wasting time or what?"

[Zexion]

The scent changed, Axel's scent was slowly changing something new was mixing in with it. It was something new, almost as if there was another person inside of Axel's soul adding to him and making him different. Zexion could only ponder if that was possible, he had never had this happen to have someones scent change on him. Sure he assumed that his own scent was not that of Ienzo's, as all other members would have a different scent from their somebodies. So what was going on with Axel, was it something to do with Roxas had all those days with Roxas changed him or was it something else. For now all he could do is guess and ponder, while he watched and waited for a sign anything really to tell him what was going on with the other Nobody.

When his head snapped and his eyes darkened, Zexion could only smirk at his reaction. It seemed that Axel was very protective of his element, something he had never tested before but now that he had gotten some sort of reaction he would remember this. However it seemed that it was only a brief reaction for Axel started to relax against the tree, Zexion could only roll his eyes at the other. He forgot how relaxed Axel tended to be no matter the situation, sometimes it would play on his nerves other times such as this one Zexion simply saw it as nothing much then boredom. He was just about to brush the other off and start heading to the town when he caught it, just out of the corner of his eye. His appearance changed, it was only his hair but Zexion saw it and he wouldn't admit it ever but it caused him to remember panic and he could feel it to.

"I would say your best trait was being annoying, but it seems betrayal comes so easy to Nobodies with out a heart the only loyalty we have is our word and with no emotions behind it well it just doesn't hold well".

Zexion remained calm as the other circled him, his sudden change was interesting on some level and yet odd and confusing. The others information had come as both helpful and a shock, he had never liked Saix and now he knew why. Saix had been the one to order their deaths, Saix had done this to him it was his fault and Axel was the lackey who carried it out.

"So Saix was the mind and the power and you were just his lap dog, doing what he asked while begging for scraps of approval then". He spat out Saix's name like it was kind of toxic substance, nothing more then corruption in the Organization Zexion worked for.

"I am not an animal Axel therefore I am no pup do well to remember that, but what do you want Axel your never one to hang around unless you want something". He didn't fault-er when the others cloak appeared around him, Zexion more so preferred it when the others wore their cloaks it suited them more then anything else ever could.

"I never waste time, so what is it you want Number Eight? is there something you wish to gain here? or is there something your afraid to lose?" the smirk the cloaked schemer was known for spread across his lips. Zexion had found a new interest in Axel and his strange new ways.

[Axel]

His cold emerald eyes watched the boy carefully, darting from his mouth, to his eyes, to his body language. It was interesting to see how one covered what they were feeling, employing a mixture of tricks so subtle that the eye shouldn't be able to tell. The boy had noticed something it seemed, including the blatant change in Axel. It was if something from long ago bubbled up in the child, something that Lea knew all too well. He could have been wrong but, the way the boy started talking back, his voice becoming snider with each opening of his mouth. It all linked back to that when Axel and Lea swapped driving seats, this boy for a split second, had no idea what was going on. And for that small moment in time, he panicked, unable to use any of his worthless knowledge to counter back. Hell if Lea was right then, maybe he should be a psyche rather than a psychopathic embodiment of flame. Lea shrugged his shoulder to himself, still getting used to the fact that he was in a body. Lea turned his back to Zexion part of the way through his little speech. He was getting bored of the kid, trying to assert himself as some sort of calculating evil genius. To Lea, he was nothing more than a child wanting to play with grownups. Lea felt a grin grow as he let his mind linger on the word play. Sifting through Axel’s memories, only a short time ago he had participated in a Struggle Tournament. Turning back, Lea still tried to look like he had been listening the entire time. How would he go about it? Getting Zexion to play a little game.

"Yes, yes I am a scoundrel, Saix's little lap dog. But what was a Nobody to do? After causing both of our deaths through betrayal, even with a heart, one must make up for their mistakes somehow."

It was strange, Lea spoke in his usual voice, but it’s sounded a bit more refined. Even so that refined voice, still was surrounded by an air of hunger, of despair, of delight.

"Honestly, you are the youngest of our creed, yet due to being one of the original members you act like we respect that. For that reason you are a little pup, and so far nothing you have said has changed that fact..."

He stood to the side, waving Zexion off like a fly. Lea acting like he was higher than the boy would make him feel bored, however he knew that the change within him will keep him glued to Lea. He chuckled at the thought of only sticking around if something was worthwhile.

"I'm like that aren't I? 'Come to the show, stay for the food'. Now losing something? As you can see.."

He chimed and chuckled to himself as he watched Zexion from the corner of his eye.

"That has already been taken care of."

He started walking away from Zexion and called back over his shoulder.

"You should come to the Struggle Tournament, that's being held little pup...."

Lea clicked his fingers, and a white robe hung off one of the digits. It was small, something only a small child could wear. It had a pocket that was full of ice cream sticks.

"...It might be rewarding"

Lea growled the last bit, knowing full well that Zexion would recognise the coat. Only one child would wear such a thing, one child walking around holding someone in a similar coat's hand. Axel had found it, after whatever accident happened to the original Organisation members. But then, Axel back then was known as Lea...

[Zexion]

Zexion had never seen Axel like this, most of the time he would just brush off any comments made and walk off to do his own think. Or do something else just because it knew it would annoy him, what had changed was it that something mentally changed about the other man. Or maybe just maybe something changed with in him, emotionally? Was that even possible. With the way these twisted worlds were, it was easy to fall victim to the effect of another world’s illness or power. Zexion gave a quick blink to clear his head; this was not the time to start thinking too far into matters like that. He would have plenty of time later to study the other worlds and what could affect them, now it was time to focus on Axel and just what was happening with him. As his attention focus back on the other, his hands came to rest at his side again as bright blue eyes focused on the others face once again.

"How interesting Axel, never thought you one to care for anyone but Roxas " his emotionless voice was never changing, he always knew how to hold himself it was one of the traits he carried from Ienzo.

"Age means nothing in the life of a nobody, and respect is something that should be mutual between all members Axel....it prevents chaos from within our own ranks". Yes even know Zexion could not help it, respect and manners were important and they had an important place in everything. His facial expression did not change; all Axel did was capture his interest more. Yes the sudden change in him had brought out the scientist in him; if only Vexen was here then they could come to understand this change fully. Perhaps even get the chance to open Axel up and have a look inside, Zexion rather liked that idea he made a mental note to remember it for later.

As Axel explained to him that everything had already been taken care of it, he couldn't help but wonder just what Axel had wanted from this encounter. Then he mention the struggle tournament "I would never be seen at such a barbaric think Axel, you know that" but it seemed today luck was not on his side. For when that small white robe appeared, Zexion was shocked his eyes widen in surprised as he looked at it. Still as pure white as it ever was, ice cream sticks in the pocket it was exactly as he remember it. Zexion couldn't help himself now, his feet started to move on their own. "very well Number Eight, I shall play your game" how did Axel even have that, was all Zexion could think as he followed the other man.