A/N: THIS BE THE LAST CHAPTER!!! (and acutally, it's pretty long…) I spent forever making this chapter, so I hope you like it! (Well, actually, some people might end up hating me at the end… -sweatdrop-)

Enjoy.

Chapter Seventeen: Back to the End

'Upstairs' – In Ansem's Study

He looked deep into the large crystal ball. To the unpowered-eye, the ball may have appeared to have meaningless clouds of mist swirling inside it. But Xemnas was no ordinary being, and he could reveal the crystal's secrets; could look into the pearly smog and see objects others couldn't.

The Angel's Eye, as the sphere was named, belonged to another Archangel named Ansem – and his power was reserved exclusively for Knowing. He was one of the most trustworthy Angels because he wasn't corrupted by his power and utilized it only to serve the Lord. And now he was helping Xemnas.

Footsteps echoed in Ansem's study before the man actually appeared. He was about the same height as the Angel of Judgment, but had a less muscular build. His eyes were the same sunset-amber and his hair was blond, the tresses brushing against his shoulders as he moved across the room placidly. He tilted his head to the side, scrutinizing the silver-haired Angel's expression.

"Have you found what you were looking for yet?" he asked, not seeming to care whether he was answered or not.

Xemnas was silent for only a moment before his eyes widened in utter shock. The haze within the crystal cleared, revealing an image of a blonde-haired male. As the mist swirled, he caught glimpses of a smile, white wings, red hair, emerald eyes and lips joined together… Xemnas narrowed his eyes and stepped back.

"…Yes," he answered slowly, not daring to recall the sins revealed within the Angel's Eye too long. "I found him – and much more."

Ansem nodded and retreated back out of his study. Xemnas glared at the crystal, but tried to remain as calm as possible. He'd find a way for that damn Angel to pay for what he did. The consequences would be quite severe, indeed.

The Angel of Judgment unfurled his silvery wings and disappeared from the room.

Roxas' pov

The sun's rays from between the blinds of the window were the first things I remember that day. I opened my eyes slowly, feeling another kind of warmth right next to me. I looked over and smiled – Axel was still asleep with his arms around me. In the silence, I heard the soft breaths leave and enter him, his chest rising and falling in steady tempo. His lashes fluttered as his eyes moved under his closed lids.

He must still be dreaming, I mused, gazing at him with renewed interest. I wonder what it's about? I smiled softly. It was a simple but guilty pleasure, watching him so peacefully. It was only during slumber that I could observe him being content. I wondered if it was that way for all Humans. Was sleep the only time they could allow themselves to be free? Even though I was an Angel of Memory, that was the only remnant of Humans I kept – memories. Dreams were another matter altogether – it was a territory Angels couldn't tread upon for some odd reason.

Humans just cross all boundaries… I wouldn't know much about dreams anyway.

Axel stirred all of a sudden, yawning. His eyes opened and immediately found me. The sleepy smile he gave me made my insides melt. "Morning, Sunshine."

I frowned in confusion. "Are we supposed to say good morning to the sun? I didn't realize…" I glanced toward the window.

Axel chortled, reaching out to turn my face back to him. "Sunshine is you, silly. Got it memorized?" He twirled a lock of my hair around one of his fingers lazily. "I figured it'd suit you with your blond hair and all – it shines a lot in the sunlight too, you know."

"Oh." Nicknames – I'd have to learn them and remind myself not to take words so literally around Axel. I chuckled at my mistake. "Sorry. Good morning."

At first, he didn't reply, but then he hooked a finger under my chin, catching my lips flawlessly with his. I spent only a second being surprised before reacting by returning the gesture. Axel soon broke away and brushed my bangs back softly as he smiled.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," he whispered.

I chuckled deep inside my throat. "Yes, you're not exactly the 'restraining-type', are you?" I whispered back.

"I know what I want," he raised a cocky brow.

I rolled my eyes. "You're stupid."

"You're cute."

"Why are we whispering?"

Axel didn't hesitate in his answer. "Cuz it's fun, duh."

I scoffed – Humans had the oddest interests. Unless it was just Axel. I didn't have to contemplate long to opt for the latter. I felt arms snake around me.

"How'd you sleep?" Axel asked me, using a normal tone of voice.

"Good. I just woke up and I saw you were still asleep." I tilted my head curiously and asked, "What'd you dream about?"

"Hmm…" Axel's brows knit together in thought. His quirked into frown. "Funny – I can't remember. What about you?" He stared at me with sincere interest.

"Huh?"

"What, you can't remember either?" Axel shrugged. "That's okay. Dreams seem to be a weird thing, huh?"

"Um, no, it's not that. It's just…" I looked away, not wanting to meet his eyes for some odd reason. I picked at the tight knit work of the blanket to occupy myself. "I…can't dream."

"Eh? Seriously?" He looked at me incredulously. "Is it because of the you-being-an-Angel thing?" When I nodded, he shook his head in amazement. "This supernatural business is slowly crumbling my sanity away, I hope you know."

"It's equally hard for me to adjust to your human customs," I laughed and stopped fiddling with the blanket. "You're not going to school again today?"

Axel blinked in surprise. "And leave you alone? No way in hell!" He kissed my cheek, which quickly heated up after his action. "Actually, there's no school today, but either way I'd much rather be with you."

I looked at him in amazement. "Heh, I think you're becoming more expressive with your words," I noted, noticing how Axel's face coloured a bit after my statement. "So tell me, what's on the agenda today?" But just as I finished my question, there was a knock on the door, interrupting any answer Axel might've given.

He sighed and sat up, gently getting me off him. "Who the hell would come now of all times?" he demanded, seemingly to himself. Then as if to answer him, a voice I recognized to me Demyx rang out,

"Dammit Axel, open the door, dude! I know you can't be asleep in the afternoon!"

"Huh?!" Axel bolted up and ran to the door. I decided to get up after him. The door was already open by the time I got there, revealing Axel's blonde-haired friend. He had a backpack swung over one of his shoulders and the uniform shirt he had on was incredibly wrinkled and unkempt. In his other hand he held some weird case, like it held some instrument inside.

"'Bout time you answered," he snipped, dropping his bag on the ground.

Axel rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "What're you doing here, baka?" he demanded, smiling lightly when he saw me step up behind him.

Oceanic eyes locked onto me. "Ah, you still here?" Demyx asked me lightly, all but ignoring his friend's inquiry. He extended his free hand to me. "Roxas, wasn't it? Put 'er there."

"Eh?"

Axel tapped his foot patiently. "He means shake hands with him," he elaborated, giving his friend a raised brow look.

"Oh, shake hands!" I exclaimed, half-chastising myself. I quickly reached out my hand to grasp Demyx's. He moved my hand up and down fervently, gripping it tightly. It hurt slightly when he let go and I flexed my fingers to get the crushed feeling out. "Nice to meet you again…?"

"Likewise," he answered tersely, too occupied with the expectant glare Axel gave him to notice my greeting came out as a question. "What? Why you giving me that look? Where's Reno, anyhow?"

"First of all, my brother is staying at Cloud's house for awhile. Secondly," he emphasized his next point, "you haven't answered my question yet. Why. Are. You. Here?"

"School's done," Demyx explained with a shrug of his shoulders. "So I thought I'd drop by and tell you that the guys and I are gonna play out in the park." He gestured to the case in his hand. Turning to Axel, he added, "And you know we can't do it without our lead singer!"

"Nani?" I looked over at Axel in shock. "You're telling me you sing?"

"Um…it's just a stupid band that my friends and I put together…" Rubbing the back of his neck, he admitted, "Actually, it can't even be called a band – it's more of a bunch of teenage boys making noise, plus we don't even have a name…"

"Hey, don't lump my sitar skills with mere 'noise'! And who needs a stupid name, anyway?!" Demyx cried. He glanced at me and said, "And Axel isn't giving himself all that much cred, either. He had the best vocals out of all of us."

"…That's not exactly a compliment considering we're a group of guys who just passed puberty…"

"Well, I want to hear you guys play," I said. I looked up at Axel and asked, "Can't we go? It sounds fun."

Axel's eyes widened a bit but we sighed and averted his gaze. "Um…yeah, fine. We'll go. But I'm not making any promises here."

It was another cloudy day, but it didn't look like it was going to rain anytime soon. The park was fuller than it was yesterday, probably because it was the afternoon. Another difference was that one of the gazebos was occupied by stereo-systems, cords, and two lounging guys. Demyx waved at them energetically.

"Hey Xiggy! Hey Zexy-chan! I got Axel here!" We went over to the two guys and Demyx scrutinized the place. "Is everything ready?"

"Just waiting for you dumbbells," retorted a guy with long grey hair with a white streak down the middle. His face had a few noticeable scars on it and on his right eyes was an eye patch. He looked menacing, but his tone was actually sarcastic and playful and his posture was relaxed. "Zexion here is just about ready to blow his top, though."

"Please do not utilize such exaggerations in front of me," snapped the second guy. One of his bright-blue eyes was hidden behind slate-coloured bangs. Unlike the previous male, he seemed more uptight, if his crossed arms and piercing glare indicated anything. "Demyx, Axel – late as usual."

"Aww, don't be that way, Zexy-chan!" Demyx wailed, wrapping his arms around the male's shoulders. For a Human, Demyx was awfully affectionate. And this 'Zexy-chan' seemed to feel the same way as he pushed the blonde off of him.

The grey-haired man gave me a once-over with his unmarred amber eye. "Well well, who's this little kitten?" he asked through a smirk.

"Oh, Axel found him!" Demyx announced, attempting to embrace the slate-haired boy again.

"What do you mean by that?" the man asked, but then waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, who cares? Not my business, but I'll find out later. Yo, Demyx, I believe intros are in order?"

"Mm-kay." The blonde hopped off of his friend and took a seat on one of the gazebo benches. "Okay Roxas, this man here with the eye-patch is Xigbar. He's the dude that gets permission for us to play around in public. He's also our bass."

Xigbar raised up two fingers. "Yo."

Demyx went over to the apathetic boy next to him and immediately wrapped his arms around his middle. "And this little hothead is Zexion. He's our drums. And don't let his face fool you by the way – he's really harmless."

Axel chuckled and said, "Oh yeah, that look he's giving you is as 'harmless' as a great-white shark."

Sure enough, Zexion was giving Demyx a rather menacing glare. "You have three seconds to get off of me…" he warned, his body rigid and voice taut.

Demyx, albeit reluctantly, abided. "You're not fun."

"I could care less about this 'fun' concept," Zexion retorted, turning to set up the sound systems. Xigbar and Demyx followed suit, attaching cords to their instruments and setting other things up.

Axel smirked next to me and commented softly for my ears, "He actually gets really into the music later on. You sure you still want to stay, though? It's your last chance to run for the hills."

"No, I want to hear you sing," I insisted, giving him a sweet smile to soften him up. It seemed to work, since he flushed and went over to his friends resignedly. I stood off to the side, just watching them as they prepared. People interested enough with the situation decided to stop and speculate. I went over to Axel as he placed a microphone on a stand. "So, what are you guys going to play?"

Axel shrugged. "Probably just a bunch of crap," he joked. "But seriously, just some mainstream J-rock and some songs that Xigbar and Demyx heard on American radio. Needless to say, I only understand a little bit of the lyrics – I mean, I've looked up the meanings on Google."

"What's 'Google'?" I asked.

"Hey, Ax, we're ready when you are!" Xigbar called, smiling cheekily. "Why don't you stop flirting with Kitten and get over here?"

Axel rolled his eyes and said, "Tell you later. But how about this? I'll sing something especially for you." He smiled and gave me a seductive look. And even though I was an Angel, I easily succumbed to it.

"Um, s-sure…"

He chuckled and nodded to his friends, and apparently that was the signal to start. Zexion started with a few pulsating beats before Xigbar and Demyx followed suit with harsh strums on their instruments. I stepped back a considerable distance as more people, mainly teenagers paused before the scene. The songs seemed to be something they knew as they began bobbing their heads. But I paid little attention to this when I heard Axel's voice suddenly echo in the open January air,

"From the window the cherry tree never changes
it flutters flutters flutters flutters and dances in the wind…"

I blinked in surprise. Even though I didn't have much a basis of comparison, as I listened to Axel's voice, I thought it was one of the best things I had ever heard. It was a bit strange, but I quickly found myself smiling and tapping my foot along with the beats Zexion was making with his drums. Axel gripped his microphone and began swaying his hips as he sang,

"My conscience will today soften again
who are you I don't remember anything
you hold my hand with much strength
tears have flown in this hand you're grabbing…"

The lyrics sounded a bit sad to me, but I still found myself enjoying the song. I wondered how Humans could like songs that had such sadness and longing embedded in them. Wouldn't they rather be happy? The teenagers around me began to lightly dance and some of them even softly sang the song, but their voices were swallowed up by the band's music. Demyx's eyes were closed, and his feet were anything but idle as he aimlessly danced in his own little orbit. I was surprised to see that even Zexion was enjoying himself, and I remembered what Axel told me before about him.

"Your eyes that don't stop crying told me something
for some reason your perfume makes me nostalgic
in this room alone I certainly lose life
a flower that cannot find anybody…"

I smiled. About four songs later, Axel paused and searched for me in the grown crowd. I was there next to the steps of the gazebo, and when we locked eyes, he mouthed something. Any ordinary Human might not have caught it, but Angels were fluent in all languages, even silent ones.

"For you." Axel smiled and regripped his microphone. He turned to Demyx and said something to him, but I couldn't see since his face wasn't toward me completely. The blonde nodded and passed whatever the message was to Zexion and Xigbar. The pair showed their confirmation and went back to their playing stances.

Demyx fiddled with his sitar for a moment and then nodded to Axel. He began to strum a calming intro, and the crowd immediately quieted down at the sound of a new song.

"When I see your smile
Tears roll down my face I can't replace
And now that I'm strong I have figured out
How this world turns cold and it breaks through my soul
And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one…"

The song was in English, and while everyone else was swaying to the music without knowing what was being said, I understood each word perfectly. And each beat, each strum of strings…each note that left Axel's lips had my heart pounding.

"I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven…"

It soon hit me what the song was about, even though I hadn't heard all of it yet. He was singing about an Angel. Only I knew it wasn't me who was the heavenly being – Axel was talking about himself; he was the Angel. My Guardian Angel.

"It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.
Seasons are changing
And waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you I'll be the one…"

Strange, considering there was no such thing as a specific Angel watching over a specific Human. True, we all just sort of did our part to help them roll their lives along, but there was no special bond. But Axel and I…we were different. Even though he was a Human – a being with limited existence – he still wanted to be with me; to protect me. An odd glow went down my body then, starting at the tip of my head…

Axel's bright, bottle-green eyes found mine amongst the crowd. "I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven," he sang, an affectionate smile spreading across his face.

…and traversed south to my toes. I never felt so alive. I never felt so…loved; so needed. I, an Angel who only speculated and experienced second-hand emotions, was now feeling what was undoubtedly love.

Axel's eyes never left mine as he sang, and other people were beginning to notice that his attention was exclusively attracted to something – or rather, someone. Some heads turned only to see me, but I pretended I didn't notice. I just smiled happily as the song reached a climax, Axel's grin matching my own.

"Cuz you're my, you're my, my, my true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away
Cuz I'm here for you
Please don't walk away and
Please tell me you'll stay woah, stay woah!"

Please tell me you'll stay… I paused at hearing that. Wait…the song…is this what Axel wanted to tell me? He said the song was for me, but I wondered if this was the message he wanted to give. He wanted me to stay here with him, here in the Human World. My smile faltered some, but Axel took notice, frowning. He tilted his head a bit and continued singing, the lyrics sounding like they were supposed to console me,

"I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven…"

The song got lower, and Demyx, Zexion and Xigbar played softer until the notes eventually faded away. A hint of concern reached Axel's eyes as he let go of the microphone and stared at me. Suddenly, amongst the cheering crowd and cold January air, Axel and I seemed more disconnected and far away than I thought a Human and Angel could be. But why? Just a few words, and I let them faze me so much?

"Please tell me you'll stay…"

Axel's pov

I watched Roxas' confused expression when I handed him my "surprise".

"…What is it?" he asked slowly, looking from me to the bar.

I chuckled. "It's ice cream. I-C-E, C-R-E-A-M. Got it memorized?" I tapped his temple teasingly. I held up my own light-blue bar. "Got one for myself, too. Go ahead and try it, I swear it won't kill you."

Roxas scrutinized the ice cream for a good few seconds before actually bringing up to his mouth. His lips parted and he gave the bar an experiment suck. His eyes widened in surprise as he quickly took it out of his mouth. "Wow, that's salty! But…it's good, too," he commented in amazement.

I grinned, shrugging my shoulders. "I figured you like it. Me and Reno used to get these things all the time when we were kids," I told him, sitting back on the park bench. "The flavor's called Sea-Salt."

Roxas tilted his head and held up his bar, obviously still fascinated with it. It was funny to see him act like such a little kid who was quick to observe everything in amazement. He brought the ice cream back up and licked the top. "It's addicting," he said, starting to suck on it again.

"Can Angels get addicted to something?" I asked, starting to consume my ice cream.

"I wouldn't think so. I sure haven't." He shrugged and continued licking off bits of treat. We finished playing about ten minutes ago, having done nearly ten songs. But it was about time to call it quits, so everyone left. Demyx suggested we all get ice cream, but Xigbar and Zexion (being the prudes they are) declined. He left soon after, but not before trying to convince me to come to school tomorrow. It didn't take long before he gave up and we were back to square one.

"Want to head back?" I asked. "You can eat your ice cream along the way. It's just that Reno called Demyx and said he'd be over soon to pick up some more stuff."

"Why didn't he call you instead? He's…not still mad, is he?" Roxas asked worriedly, his expression pretty guilty.

I quickly shook my head. "No, he's not. Reno actually gets over things really fast, unlike me. As for why he didn't call me, well, I believe I've mentioned to you before we don't have a phone or cars or anything. Our T.V. is just basic cable," I chuckled. I looked up at the cloudy sky, even darker clouds arising in the distance. "Besides, it looks like it might rain soon."

Roxas followed my eyes. "Oh, okay then." He got up, popsicle still attached between his lips. I pretended not to notice the flick of his pink tongue, or the audible sucks he gave. He may an innocent Angel, but I was a Human who had way less-than-innocent thoughts…

By the time we actually made it to the apartment, the musty scent of rain was obvious and thunder rumbled form time to time in the distance. "Geez, I hope Reno gets here before the storm," I murmured, staring off into the distance. Roxas was already done with his ice cream and was now giving mine a pointed look. I laughed. "Here, you want mine? I barely touched it."

He flushed, looking away. "Ah, n-no, it's okay. You don't have to," he said sheepishly.

"Hey, I can assure you you'll get no disease from me by sharing this," I teased, ruffling his hair.

Roxas pouted, but accepted when I reached out my ice cream fro him to take. It didn't take long for him to get back into it, as he began nibbling it quietly. We both stood out there in the porch for a little bit, just listening to the small roar of cars as they passed by and spotting the quick flashes of lightening obscured by the dark clouds.

Roxas was nearly done with his ice cream when he gently tugged on my sleeve to get my attention. I looked down and he asked, "Um, do you want the rest of it?"

I smiled at how childish his question sounded. "Nah, it's okay, you go ahead."

"You sure? It is really good…"

I raised a suggestive brow. "Well, how about we share it, then?" I asked, my tone sultry.

Roxas, as oblivious as ever, smiled. "Um, okay. I guess we can split up the last piece. Ah! It's melting pretty quick…!" His tongue quickly lapped up the falling drops, making me chuckle.

"Let me taste," I said, leaning closer to him. His eyes widened then, face growing a bright shade of red when he realized how close we were now.

"O-oh, I'm sorry," he apologized. He bit off half the last piece of the blue bar and held up the rest to me, all innocent intentions. "Here you go."

I couldn't stop my smirk as I caressed his cheek with my hand. My voice was low and husky when I said, "No, this is what I mean…" I brought our faces closer and nearer until our lips brushed, finally pressing together in a kiss. There was a small 'plop', which I knew to be the remains of the popsicle dropped.

His lips were cold from the ice cream but still so soft and perfect. I quickly wanted our simple kiss to be so much more. I gently pushed him against the front door, his back flat against the wood. At the same time, I opened my mouth and swiped my hot tongue over his plush lips.

"Huh?" His mouth opened, giving me an opportunity to slip my tongue inside him. I wrapped my arms loosely around his waist, pushing his hips toward mine. Roxas' breath audibly hitched at my intrusions but he didn't seem to object. I explored inside his mouth leisurely, my wet muscle slowly bringing the piece of Sea-Salt into my mouth before putting it back in his. The juice of the bar slowly trickled down our chins in time with our saliva. Roxas made a loud groan, finally responding with confident passion.

"I-It's cold…" he rasped at one point when the melting ice cream was in my mouth.

"Mm-hm," I grunted tersely, the Sea-Salt nothing but liquid now. Roxas gripped my hair, his hips gallivanting towards mine. I was surprised to feel a familiar hardness rub against my clothes. "It's hot, too…" he added, squirming slightly. "A-Axel…it feels…mmm…hot down there. I-I…" His mouth opened a bit wider, and his tongue soon began to glide across mine. The sensations I got when I felt his silky wet muscle against mine was so indescribable. My stomach began to feel like there was a ball of fire inside it, and my heart was beating so fast I was getting dizzy…

"Roxas…"

"Hhh…I…I l-love you….Axel," he whispered between kisses. His fingers threaded through my hair and kissed me with renewed passion. Through our actions it I got snippets of everything we could condense into this kiss – love, longing, fulfillment… Our kissing gradually became less fervent; there was more restraint on our tongues as our breathing became one.

I opened my eyes after I pecked him one last time on the lips. I hoped Roxas would open his eyes, so I could stare and get consumed in those ethereal-blue orbs. My hands went up to cup his face. Slowly, his eyes revealed themselves, his plump pink lips parted ever-so slightly. He whispered something, but it border lined inaudible.

"What'd you say?"

He blinked, looking up at me as he stroked my hair. "I said…I said that-"

"ROXAS!"

Both the blonde and I straightened up at the sound of a familiar voice. We looked up towards the sky and saw a figure fly quickly towards us. "Jazminx?"

She waved her tan arms frantically in the sky. "Open your door! Quickly! Open it! Open it!" she demanded fervently. I didn't need to be told twice with that tone. I fished my key from my pocket and inserted it in the lock, opening the door just in time to have Jazminx zoom past us and into the apartment.

"What in the name of-?"

"Get inside!" the Angel instructed urgently.

Roxas gave me a worried look and ran inside with me close behind. As I locked the door, I saw Roxas run over to his friend, who was breathing heavily as she stood in the middle of the living room. "My gosh, Jazminx-san, what happened?" the blonde asked, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "You do realize you were visible and audible just now, right?"

"Yes, I know, but I didn't have time to disguise myself," she rasped, bringing a hand up to her chest to clam her breathing. "But I flew pretty fast – I doubt anyone saw me. Humans are too oblivious to everything… I'll have my friend Xisla look into that later…"

"Well, what's going on?" I asked, wondering if I should get water or anything. She seemed like she had arrived from a pretty big hurry.

"Had to tell you that…." She inhaled deeply, looking like she was trying to calm herself. She brushed her bangs back and gripped Roxas' shoulder, squeezing it visibly. Looking at him, she finished, "It's Xemnas. He knows where now – like specifically. Here knows you're here, with Axel!"

Both mine and Roxas' eyes widened in shock, but I think he was more horrified than I was. Quietly, he said, "He really knows…? B-but how-?"

"He used Ansem's Angel's Eye," she explained, the statement having more meaning to the both of them than to me. "I just overheard form my friend Xisla, one of Ansem's understudies." Her grip on his shoulder lessened. "Naminé doesn't know. I didn't want to tell her."

Roxas grimaced, but nodded his head. "So what now…?" He looked over at me, blue eyes shadowed with what was undeniably helplessness. "I mean, we can't run. Not from Xemnas. He'd just use the Angel's Eye again…"

"There has to be a way," Jazminx tried, straightening up as her strength returned. Looking down, she suggested, "You could hide out. I'll take you to my brother and-"

BOOM!

Everyone jumped when we heard the loud bang outside. It was like something had crashed into the concrete of the porch. It was startling and Jazminx immediately cursed. "Fuck. We're too late."

Roxas' eyes widened, and slowly he shook his head. "Oh no… This…can't…" Our eyes locked again, but before more was said, we felt a different presence in the room. Someone…was here. Someone…menacing… Roxas gasped as I slowly turned around. At first, I didn't see anything, but then gradually, the presence materialized.

He was slightly taller than me, with a way more muscular build. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulders as he leered at me with hard amber eyes. That was when I realized that the door hadn't opened at all, nor was the window in a million pieces. Had the guy teleported or something?

"Xemnas," Jazminx growled, and for all the strength in her voice, there was still undeniable fear in her eyes.

Roxas shouted, "Get away from him!"

"Huh?" I turned back to the Angel behind me, but before my eyes could even lock onto him, a harsh pain ripped across my cheek. My breath was lost, and the next thing I registered was me on the ground with Roxas over me, eyes wide and glassy.

"Axel! Are you okay-?" Roxas was snatched away from me before I could even reply. I groaned, clutching my face as I tried to figure out what was happening. I staggered to my feet, pain shooting up in my head, making me dizzy.

"R-Roxas…" I saw Xemnas' back, large silver wings filling up the whole living room. I didn't have long to gape when I realized his black-gloved hand was latched tight around Roxas' throat. The blonde groaned and gasped, clawing at the hand around his neck desperately.

"You imprudent fledgling…" the Angel growled, voice low and deep. Jazminx ran towards the pair, lifting her leg up to kick Xemnas' arm down. The Angel staggered at the impact, his arm – and more importantly, his hand – falling to his side. Roxas fell to the floor, face flushed from the lack of breath, He coughed, clutching his throat softly. Xemnas glared at Jazminx. "To commit such an act… How dare you. Still, for helping this traitor…you shall be severely punished as well."

"You wouldn't dare lay a hand on me," Jazminx declared confidently. Her lips quirked into a smile as she got into a fighting stance. She looked over at me and gestured with her head for me to get near Roxas. Despite the pain still throbbing my skin, I rushed over to him. Xemnas noticed, but before he could react, Jazminx stepped between us. "You wouldn't dare lay a hand on me because if you do, you'll be breaking the peace treaty Demons and Angel have been trying to build for centuries. And I'm sure you're well aware of my…lineage."

Xemnas faltered, but not for long. "I never agreed to the treaty from the start!" As he got ready to lunge at her, the door burst open all of sudden. Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to the lanky blue-eyed boy standing in the doorway, with a look of utter shock written across his face.

"What the hell…?" Reno began, eyes searching the room for some sort of explanation. Then he found me on the floor with Roxas in my arms. "What's going on?!"

Xemnas huffed. "Another Human interfering…"

"Leave him alone! You're supposed to be dealing with me!" Jazminx cried, trying to get the Angel's attention back.

"Oh, I think not. My business is with Roxas, the Angel of Memory," Xemnas declared, looking over at me. I pretended not to be fazed with the daunting look his glowing amber eyes gave.

I held Roxas tighter. "Angel of…Memory?" I repeated softly. So that's what Roxas was…

"But it matters no more – I've had enough of all these interruptions."Xemnas spread his wings further and with speed I couldn't register, he snatched Roxas away from me. Jazminx gasped as I looked up at Xemnas in horror.

"Let him go," I demanded with a low voice. "He hasn't done anything!"

"He broke several very important Rules, actually," Xemnas corrected, holding the still-dazed Roxas in his arms bridal-style. Tugging on the blonde spikes, he explained, "Treason of Heaven. Using Powers that overstep boundaries. But let's not forget…" His eyes glanced up at me, "Having relations with a Human."

"Ah!" Roxas exclaimed in pain when Xemnas tugged harder. His eyes opened, finding mine. That's when I saw the streaks of white running down his face.

Reno started then, running up to the Angels. "Hey, he said let him go!" he shouted, fists raised. Both Jazminx and I cried out for him to stop and stay back. But it was too late, Xemnas' back-handed my brother, sending him flying in the opposite direction. "Naghh!"

"Reno!" I called. My God, was that how easily I was tossed? Did we…really have a chance against this guy?!

Xemnas smirked. "So much trouble…and all for this trinket?" His hand went up to caress Roxas' tear-stained face. The blonde cringed at the contact.

"Shut up!" Jazminx shouted, but before she could even step closer, Xemnas wrapped his wings around himself. In less than a blink, he was gone. Just like that, everything was over. I gaped at the open space. No…no way… He was…gone. He was really… He couldn't be…

Roxas was gone.

Xelruna: Wow, I can't believe it… this is like the first story I've ever finished in my whole life! I mean, I've started a hundred of stories, but never finished them! But now, I can proudly say I accomplished something1!! –cheers-

Well, actually, I can't celebrate yet. I left this on a rather sad note, yes? Roxas is taken away, and axel is heartbroken! This can't be the way this fic ends!!

Well, it isn't X3 there's actually going to be a SEQUEL!!! It'll come out on FEBRUARY 2010!!! It'll be under the name of this chapter, by the way. It'll be called "Back to the End".

Until then, this has been Xelruna Aku and Lauren Castro! Credits for the songs are as follows:

"304, Goushitsu Hakushi no Sakura" by Dir en grey. English translations found at: www(dot)songmeanings(dot)net(slash)songs(slash)view(slash)120684(slash)

"Your Guardian Angel" by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: www(dot)plyrics(dot)com(slash)lyrics(slash)redjumpsuitapparatus(slash)yourguardianangel(dot)html

I own neither song. XP

Thank you for everyone who has/had supported the story! In all actuality, i never would've had the will to post if it wasn't for you guys! X33 many, many, many thanks! I hope you'll stick around for the sequel!!!