Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Desperate Reflections ❯ Chapter 11: Realizations ( Chapter 15 )

Chapter 11: Enlightened

 

He and Leon never did reconcile, or even get along too well, but they managed to not argue over the next few weeks. The cold bastard still got on Axel's nerves and riled him all too quickly, but Aeris was a quick deterrent any time they even thought about getting started. Yuffie was cheerful and excited about the new strangers, often asking the two of them to spar with her or constantly bugging Vincent about touching his wings.

 

Vincent never would allow her, even after three weeks.

 

Relations between Axel and Vincent were strained as well. The firestarter still couldn't understand why his friend spent all his time hiding in his room without even attempting to restore Cid's memories. Vincent was slipping further and further into a depression and no matter what Axel said, he would not come out of it, leaving Axel feeling as if he would tear his hair out simply to relieve the frustration.

 

And as for Cid... he was as cold as ever to them.

 

Yuffie had told Axel that it was unusual behavior for Cid and that he was usually willing to help out anyone. But she had also tried to explain it off by saying he was suffering from withdrawals. Axel wasn't really inclined to believe her, not when he was certain he caught flashes of something in the older blond's eyes. Being around Axel made Cid uneasy, as if he feared what memories Axel had to offer him.

 

With nothing else to do but bide his time until the blond changed his mind, Axel made it his mission to shadow Cid and see if he could remind the man about Vincent. He figured he had a debt to pay. And the sooner he could convince Cid to help them, the sooner he could find his way to Roxas. There was a driving, desperate desire inside of him to do so, as if time was running out for him and Roxas. He didn't understand it and wasn't even going to attempt to try. It only served to push him forward all the more.

 

His first attempt was a complete and utter failure. While Vincent remained cooped up in Leon's house, Axel was content to wander around Radiant Garden. He quickly learned all the paths and was often found visiting Aeris or Merlin, sometimes even Yuffie when he was in a mood to spar. And despite Cid's obvious displayed dislike of him, Axel found himself wandering over to his shop and his gummi ship hangar on occasion. That was where Cid was most often; working on fixing several of the ships.

 

Once, in a moment of spontaneity, Axel had been watching Cid fix some part on a gummi ship, a model called the Highwind. Cid had been tolerating his presence as he mumbled something to himself under his breath, cursing every now and then when his tool slipped or the broken part remained busted. Out of the blue, with little warning, Axel had spoken to him.

 

“Do you ever feel like you're forgetting something?” he asked, his voice carrying easily over the silent stillness. It seemed Cid preferred to work in silence which was a strange contrast to the man's loud and blustery demeanor.

 

There was a clank and a muttered curse before Cid's head popped out from beneath the massive machine. “What the hell are ya talkin' about?” he demanded, a definite frown on his face.

 

Axel tilted his head to the side before gesturing vaguely with one hand. “Do you ever get the feeling that you've forgotten something important? Like when you lose your keys or something. It nags and nags on you.” He paused, sighing dramatically. “I get that feeling a lot, especially since Gaia's Grotto stole so many memories from me. I can't help but wonder what I don't remember. People that could be important to me or something.”

 

Sky blue eyes stared at him for a moment, blinking only once before Cid snorted and shook his head. “Psychological babble,” he grunted, sliding back under the gummi ship. “Don't ask me dumb shit like that, kid. I don't even like you.”

 

“Aw, c'mon, Cid. You know you love me,” Axel countered, unable to help the slight smirk that spread across his face.

 

The blond snorted again, the sound echoing through the hangar. “In yer dreams, kid. Now go bother Yuffie or sumthin'. That damn ninja's been dyin' to fight ya.” There was a clank and a rattle as Cid started back up on his repairs. “Quit buggin' the hell out of me.”

 

Axel frowned. He was certain something had flashed in Cid's eyes when he had spoken to him but the blond was obviously denying it. Still, at this moment, he could do nothing but concede defeat and try again. He didn't even bother telling the other man goodbye as he left the hangar, deciding to check on Vincent again.

 

The winged man was predictably sullen, giving Axel nothing more than muttered one-word answers before Axel gave up and left him alone. Vincent didn't even bother to acknowledge his departure, merely stared out the window with the same lost and forlorn expression he had kept since their first conversation after arriving in Radiant Garden. It was ten times worse than anything Axel had witnessed when they were on Gaia's Grotto and he was damned if he knew how to help.

 

A week later, Axel attempted to get through to Cid once more. He had foregone his usual personality of being a jerk by abiding Vincent's wishes in not straight out telling the blond, but Cid was being particularly stubborn. Every flash of memory that Axel caught was quickly tampered down by the other man. Almost as if he didn't want to remember, or maybe it was something else keeping him from retaining hold of the memories.

 

Leon had been an unknown instigator of the second attempt. He decided that Axel needed to start earning his keep, and so he sent him to Cid for help lugging around some parts and accessories that the other man had ordered. Some of it was supplies for the town. Either way, it was manual labor, back-breaking work that was little pleasure for Axel, especially since Cid seemed to stand on the sidelines and smirk as he gave directions.

 

The bastard.

 

With a grunt, Axel set down one of the larger boxes and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He had been working for three hours already, and couldn't help but shoot a glare at the stack of containers that seemed to never shorten. A hand clapped down on his back, nearly causing him to tumble to the ground. With a frown, Axel leaned on the crate in front of him before looking over his shoulder.

 

A smile broke out on his face as he saw the glass of iced tea being handed his direction. “Here,” Cid muttered, frowning as if it were the most difficult thing in the world for him to do.

 

“Thanks, boss,” Axel drawled with fake cheer as he accepted the drink. He downed half of it in two gulps, surprised by how much effort it took to simply move a bunch of boxes around.

 

Cid snorted. “Don't thank me,” he muttered. “Thank Aeris. She's the one who insisted I let ya rest,” he added, jerking a thumb in the direction of the door.

 

Axel's eyes followed his movements, finding that the auburn haired woman was indeed standing in the doorway, smiling brightly. He saluted her with a glass as she waved at him and disappeared back outside, letting the door slam shut behind her.

 

“Good woman,” he commented with a sigh. “She should make someone a good wife one day.” He turned back towards Cid, finding that the man had already stepped away, picking up a clipboard.

 

Then it occurred to him.

 

Axel climbed up onto the stack of crates, setting himself up for a well-deserved break. “Ne, Cid?”

 

“What?” Cid grunted. How very charming. Not for the first time, Axel wondered what it was his seemingly cultured friend saw in the man.

 

He propped his chin on one of his hands, balancing the elbow on his knee. “Why aren't you married?”

 

Cid snorted, not even bothering to look at him as he tapped his pen on his clipboard and rifled through a crate. Axel could only assume he was checking to make sure all of his stock arrived. “Don't want to.”

 

A red brow rose. “That's it?” he prompted. “You don't even have a girlfriend?”

 

“Don't want one.”

 

A mischievous smirk tugged at Axel's mouth. “You don't want a girl... or you just don't want to date?”

 

Predictably, an irritated glare was sent his way. “It's none of your business.”

 

“Aw, come on,” Axel pushed, waving his hand towards the other man. “I hear it's all the rage these days.” He paused with a dramatic air. “Or maybe you're just waiting for your one true love.” Emerald eyes glinted impishly.

 

“Don't you have work to do?”

 

The firestarter frowned playfully, crowing at the slight hint of edginess to Cid's voice. Clearly, this was a topic he was not comfortable with. “It's true, isn't it?” he continued, sliding down from the boxes. “You're waiting for someone,” he finished as he moved to stand beside the blond.

 

Until he was met face to face with the pointy end of a pencil. Not really threatening but Cid's meaning was clear. “Leon sent you here to earn your keep, not badger me with questions, kid,” Cid growled, something indiscernible shining behind blue eyes. “So get to work before I have to kick ya or sumthin'.”

 

Axel backed off with a grin. “Fine, fine,” he acquiesced, turning on his heels. He waved a hand through the air dismissively. “Not that an old man like you could hurt me or anything,” he added on a quieter mumble as he returned to his stacks of boxes.

 

Downing the last of the iced tea, Axel set the empty glass on the floor and moved to pick up another crate. He hefted the heavy box into his arms, grunting with the weight. It was probably books or something similar, knowing his luck. As he set it down on top of the other stack, on the other side of the room, he looked over his shoulder at Cid.

 

A brief smile fluttered across his lips.

 

The other man was staring at his clipboard as if it would hold all the answers. He hadn't even moved since Axel had last spoken to him, his mind locked in some sort of mental conflict. Perhaps those memories were surfacing after all.

 

They spent the rest of the afternoon in silence.

 

- - - - - -

 

A third opportunity came when he was trailing along at a safe distance behind Cid. Aeris had sent the both of them to the market and although the blond had grumbled loudly, he allowed Axel to accompany him. That woman was a remarkable peacemaker and Axel was quick to notice that she had every one of the men around her wrapped around one little thumb. Unfortunately, he had been caught within her snare as well.

 

The blond was chomping noisily on his toothpick, as if it were the only thing keeping him from making unnecessary and most likely shameful comments. He steadily ignored Axel, despite the firestarter's attempts to drum up conversation and seemed inclined to do so the entire trip to the market and back. Irked by this, Axel was searching for some way to make Cid take notice of him when his eyes caught something of interest.

 

It was a building, nothing particularly spectacular considering they were in a town, but unlike most of the others, this one was boarded up and the sign that should have been hanging from the post, was propped up beneath one boarded window. There were very few establishments in Radiant Garden that were untended and this one immediately sparked Axel's interest. He drew to a halt, moving closer to the building to try and peer in through one of the slats covering a front window.

 

“Oy, Cid!” he called out, smirking when he heard the man's muttered curses beneath his breath. “What's this place?”

 

He heard Cid's steps pause in their movement, boots clomping noisily against the cobblestones. “Gun shop,” the man answered gruffly as Axel tried to peer through the dim, seeing very little in the small gaps. “If I `member correctly.”

 

Axel immediately perked, instantly recalling one of the few instances Vincent had been particularly gregarious. He had spoken of his old life in Radiant Garden, how he had been the owner of the only specialized weapon shop in the city. It was obvious which weapon had been his area of expertise.

 

“Been closed up since we got back from Traverse Town,” the older man added with no prompting whatsoever.

 

The firestarter frowned, turning away from the building and regarding Cid curiously. “Why?” he asked.

 

The other male furrowed his brow, switching the toothpick from one corner of his mouth to the other as he considered the question. After a moment, he shrugged. “Didn't no one come back to claim it.”

 

Sensing he was onto something that might or might not open up the way for Cid to remember his lover, Axel pressed forward. “Well, whose shop is it?”

 

Cid tilted his head to the side, sky blue gaze raking over the shop and the emblem etched into the front of the door, barely visible beyond the two boards that crisscrossed the front.

 

“Heh,” Cid commented, biting down hard on the wooden stick in his mouth as he propped his hands on his hips. “I can't remember.” He paused, reconsidering his statement as he wracked his brain once more.

 

Axel watched this silently as Cid seemed troubled, trying to lock onto a memory that was firmly eluding his grasp. It was just as frustrating to the firestarter as it was to Cid and when the blond finally gave up, turning on his heels and stalking away with a muttered, “hurry up, brat”, Axel sighed. Yet, another failure to add to his rapidly growing list.

 

Casting one last look at the abandoned store, Axel turned and followed after Cid, heading further into the market. He quickly caught up to the man just as they entered the crowded portion, people bustling everywhere around them. Judging by the slightly stormy and confused expression on Cid's face, it was better if he stayed silent. Though he'd rather have fun poking and wheedling at the irascible man, if he upset him too much, Cid might decide not to let them borrow a gummi ship.

 

And above all, Axel still had plans to get to Roxas.

 

The past few weeks had left him with nothing but time to think. About Roxas, about his old life... hell, about everything. While he wasn't prone to bouts of contemplative melancholy like Vincent, not since his emotions were finally starting to even out, he had a lot he needed to sort out. And lying awake on his bed, sleepless for reasons he had yet to understand, there was little else to do but contemplate.

 

And relive the memories that were finally starting to resurface. They came in bits and pieces, slices of his old life and memories that he had thought he had lost forever. Vincent had been right. The longer they were gone from Gaia's Grotto, the more the things they had lost returned. He relished in them, even the ones that were not the least bit comforting.

 

Reno's death weighed all too heavily on his conscience. He knew that rationally he shouldn't consider the other man's death his fault, but it didn't stop him from believing it. Especially since his dreams were haunted by memories of blood staining his face... and the last vestiges of hope that had echoed on Reno's face. It was for that reason he planned on finding Rude, no matter what. As soon as he located Roxas. That was his first priority.

 

Suddenly, having been lost in his own thoughts and paying very little attention to what Cid was doing, he tumbled into Cid's back, nearly knocking the man down. A glare was tossed over the blond's shoulder as Axel quickly stepped back, holding his hands up.

 

“Sorry,” he muttered. But Cid wasn't even looking at him any longer. Instead, he was staring quite resolutely at a display in a shop window, completely ignoring the other people that were bumping his shoulders.

 

Curious, Axel moved beside him. It was an antiques and art shop, or so he assumed, guessing from the types of items he could see within. Objects of stylized metal, precious gold and silver and embossed with jewels of all colors sparkled prettily within. Adorned mirrors and delicate jewelry lay on pillowed stands and figurines precisely painted were placed in evocative poses, meant to inspire passing strangers to part with their munny.

 

Still, the firestarter saw nothing of note, until he caught sight of one figurine in particular posed near the back. It wasn't anything special truthfully, unless one wanted to count the gleaming garnet stones that had been used for its eyes. They shone a dark red, almost crimson, instantly reminding Axel of Vincent.

 

His gaze flickered to Cid, who seemed transfixed. But before he could even question anything, Cid licked his lips and spoke. “Scarlet... ain't a normal color fer eyes,” he commented. “But I remember there was a family that lived here and they had `em naturally.”

 

“Was?” Axel prompted, sensing they were drawing close to something.

 

The blond nodded, eyes lingering on the figurine before he turned away from the window with a barely concealed sigh. His hands disappeared in his pockets. “Grew up next to them,” he began slowly, his tone faintly reminiscent. “The husband, he was the one with them blood-red eyes but the mom had crystalline blue eyes, like their youngest son. Oddest family if I e'er saw one.” He paused considering his words. “I think they had another kid but I'm drawin' a blank on the face.”

 

“You said was,” Axel pointed out again as he wiped a thin stream of sweat from his brow. Some days it was quite balmy in Radiant Garden. It was a pleasant change from the lukewarm, tepid weather of constant rain on Gaia's Grotto. Axel wasn't about to shoot the proverbial gift horse in the mouth.

 

“Yeah,” Cid confirmed, his lips twisting in something that might have been a frown, Axel couldn't be sure. “No one really knows what happened. The boys showed up at the neighbor's house covered in blood and when someone went over to their house, it was empty. Their parents were gone.”

 

Axel's eyes widened with shock. Vincent hadn't ever been forthcoming with information regarding his family. He hadn't even wanted to speak about Cid. “What happened to the boys?”

 

The blond shrugged. “I don't really remember. I think it was only a year later that the oldest was enough to live on his own.” He tilted his head back, looking up at the sky. “Strange tho', I can't seem to remember him clearly.”

 

“Yeah... strange,” Axel echoed.

 

As Cid fell into contemplative thought, no more was spoken between them that day. Axel eventually left Cid alone at his gummi hangar and headed back to Leon's house.

 

The house was oddly quiet which meant Yuffie must have gone somewhere else, and Axel could never quite be sure what Leon did from day to day. He knew there were times that the man wandered around with a lost expression on his face, and occasionally, he would visit the abandoned castle, as if hoping something would show up there. And if he wasn't helping Cid with plans for the town, then he was off training in the bailey.

 

As he passed by the kitchen, Aeris called out to him. “Axel? Did you get the turnips?”

 

He nearly smacked himself in the head for that. “Ah, sorry, Aeris,” he answered, leaning in the doorframe. He raked a hand through his hair. “Cid might remember though. He said he was coming in later.”

 

She smiled, turning back towards whatever she was mixing in the large bowl in front of her. “That's okay. I decided not to make that soup after all. What happened?”

 

He frowned. “You know that gun shop?”

 

“The boarded up one in town?”

 

“Yeah. We got distracted looking at it.”

 

She laughed. “That sounds like Cid all right. Normally I would send Leon to go shopping for me but he's busy right now. I hoped that sending you along would help Cid remember.”

 

Axel tilted his head to the side, a grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. “What's Mr. Fur up to right now?”

 

She turned to shake her spoon at him, attempting to sound reprimanding. “Don't call him that, Axel,” she scolded. “It makes him frown even more than he does now.”

 

He ignored her scolding, his eyes instead following the waving motion of her spoon. “Are you making chocolate chip cookies?” he asked, pushing himself off the door frame and stepping into the room. He knew he sounded hopeful but he couldn't help it. After nearly a month of living there, he had grown addicted to her cookies.

 

Aeris nodded, returning to her mixing with one hand as she reached on the counter to grab a bag of the small chocolates. “They're your favorite aren't they?” she questioned as she ripped open the package and started pouring them into the dough, stirring the entire time with other hand.

 

“Second only to Ceran's blueberry muffins,” he answered, crossing the floor to appear at her side.

 

“Ceran can bake?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

 

He nodded. “Believe it or not, yeah.” He slid nimbly to the other side of her and dipped a finger into the batter when he thought she wasn't looking. He had no sooner popped the digit into his mouth then her hand came up and slapped his lightly.

 

She shook her head. “Don't go sticking your fingers into my cookies.”

 

Axel attempted a pout, which didn't quite work so well considering the mischievous expression on his face. “That hurt,” he groused, putting on an act.

 

“It didn't even,” she countered, rolling her eyes. She shoved the plastic bag at his chest, still one-quarter full. “Now take these and go see if you can drag Ceran down from the roof.”

 

He groaned as he took the bag, pleased to find so many of the little chocolate chips inside. “He's up there again?” he asked rhetorically already heading for the door.

 

Aeris hummed her answer. “Since earlier. Apparently, he doesn't take to questions very well.”

 

He nodded as he slipped out the door. “Never has. Thanks, Aeris.” She didn't respond and Axel headed upstairs, immediately seeking out his depressed companion. Why the other man found comfort in high places, especially when it was getting to be unbearably hot during the day, Axel would never understand.

 

Minutes later, he was pulling himself back out into the hot sun and climbing onto the roof. He quickly spotted Vincent, perched on the highest peak and staring out over the city with his usual melancholy expression on his face. Axel sighed.

 

“You're going to melt if you keep this up,” he called out, spider-walking across the roof to plop himself down next to the winged man. He grunted as he flopped before reaching into his pocket and withdrawing the plastic bag of chocolate. It crinkled in his hold.

 

Vincent's gaze flickered to him for all of a moment, briefly registering his presence before returning to the skyline.

 

Emerald eyes rolled as Axel popped a few bits of chocolate into his mouth before offering some to his companion. “Want some?” A negative shake of the head. “Suit yourself.” He shrugged and chewed thoughtfully, sitting for a moment of silence and enjoying the view that Leon's roof offered.

 

“Is there a reason you came up here?” Vincent questioned, shifting slightly on the roof. His wings stretched and popped before settling back into place. At least on the roof, no one could see him and accuse him of being a monster.

 

“Maybe,” Axel mumbled around the mouthful of chocolate. “Talked to Cid today.” He paused, waiting for a reaction. Predictably, there was none. “You two were neighbors?”

 

“Yes.” He didn't elaborate, causing Axel to grit his teeth in irritation.

 

The firestarter sighed and stretched out his legs, noisily crinkling his bag of sweets as he dipped his fingers into it once more. “So... you wanna tell me what happened to your parents?”

 

“Not particularly.” He wasn't even sweating, the bastard, despite the stifling heat that was pressing down on them. It was much hotter on the roof, with nothing to block the sun's intense rays.

 

Axel swiped sweat from his forehead. “Didn't think so. Aeris wants you to come down.”

 

“...”

 

“She's making cookies.”

 

“...”

 

Rolling his eyes, the former Nobody reached out and punched Vincent in the shoulder, just to get a damn reaction even if it wasn't particularly painful. “I'm talking to you man.” The winged male instantly glowered at him, swiping a clawed hand over his shoulder as if he had somehow been dirtied by the action.

 

“And I was ignoring you.”

 

Axel snorted. “You're not doing any good for yourself brooding and sulking alone, Vincent. It's not going to make him remember any faster.” He paused, considering his words as he idly munched on more of the chocolate pieces. “Come out to the market with me tomorrow. I want to show you something.”

 

“Axel--”

 

“I'm not taking no for an answer,” the firestarter cut in. He flashed the exasperated man one of his typical smug smirks. “Don't make me drag you out.” He was prepared to aggravate the man until he agreed and Axel was quite good at it. He was going to make Vincent leave the damn house if it killed him. The man had to see there were other things out there.

 

A moment of silence passed before Vincent sighed. “What is it?” he asked, with evident reluctance. He reached over then, his hand finding its way to Axel's bag of chocolate chips and dipping inside, withdrawing a good bit of what was remaining.

 

“It's a surprise.” Axel grinned.

 

Vincent rolled his eyes, a small spark of his old self starting to peek through. “I can't wait,” he replied dryly, popping the chocolate into his mouth.

 

- - - - - -

 

Despite the heat of the mid-afternoon day, Vincent's dark cloak was a necessary accessory, having been borrowed from the absent Cloud Strife's room. Effectively obscuring his large wings along with the added and borrowed pair of black gloves, it was perhaps the only way he could venture into the public without worry that he would be attacked for being a Heartless once more. Not that Vincent seemed to mind the concealing clothes. Axel was quick to grumble when he noticed his companion not even sweating when he, himself, felt like he was panting for breath in the thick and humid air.

 

Nevertheless, Axel was determined to stick it out, if only to make sure Vincent spent as much time out of the house as possible. They had been in Radiant Garden for the better part of a month and Vincent had done nothing but skulk about the house, hiding in the shadows during the day and perching on the roof at night. Even if Axel's attempts were proving to be failures, he simply refused to admit defeat. Vincent had done far too much for him.

 

He was pressed inside to go searching for Roxas, an unexplained urgency causing a treble of anxiousness to constantly trill through his body. But he would not leave until he had repaid his debt. He feared that with every day that passed, Vincent would slip further and further into his melancholy until nothing could drag him out. He didn't want to think that their risk to escape had been for naught.

 

And a part of him was beginning to grow angry at well. Irritated with Vincent for being a stubborn dumbass, and pissed at Cid for being a clueless loser. How he could forget his lover was beyond Axel's comprehension. And though it was obvious that Cid was struggling with something, he refused to question it or even voice his concerns. It was both infuriating and frustrating. If it hadn't been for Vincent explaining the risks involved in simply coming out and telling Cid, he might have already gone up to the man and slapped some sense into him.

 

As it were, however, Axel had to simply settle for being as subtle as possible. Unfortunately, subtlety hadn't always been one of his specialties. Thus, the much needed break and attempt to pull Vincent from his depressed shell.

 

With little else to do in a town still struggling to rebuild, they had taken to exploring the market. Axel pointed out a few things of interest, mostly things he had noticed the last time he had been there with Cid. Vincent's responses usually consisted of one word or silence, but at least he wasn't cooped up in Leon's house and at the present moment, that was all that mattered to Axel.

 

Despite the sweat rolling down his back, matting his bright red spikes and causing them to dangle limply, Axel was glad for the sun. It was a constant reminder that they were no longer on Gaia's Grotto. Not to mention that the press and bustle of people around them held so much expression. They hurried and looked harried, or walked hand in hand with their loved ones, or bartered loudly for an item they particularly wanted.

 

“I still find it hard to believe that you grew up here,” Axel commented, gaze sweeping over a quartet of kids playing tag in a small square, decorated by a small fountain. They ran in and out of the water, a nice game considering the oppressive heat.

 

Beside him, Vincent continued staring at the ground, his dark hair obscuring a good portion of his face. “Radiant Garden was a bit different when I was a child,” he answered quietly. “Ansem was a good king.”

 

Emerald eyes rolled. “Until he wrecked everything,” Axel thought it necessary to point out as he gracefully avoided a woman who was dragging away one of her children and scolding him in loud tones. The boy didn't appear too contrite however.

 

“Perhaps,” the winged man responded, but didn't elaborate any further.

 

Axel hummed thoughtfully and fought back the heaving sigh that threatened to spill from his lips. It was tiresome trying to speak to his companion. With a slight nudge to Vincent's side, he shifted their course, turning to the right towards another section of the market. At a glance, he instantly recognized a slightly familiar street.

 

Apparently, Vincent did as well. Because the moment they approached the boarded up building, he paused in his steps and shot Axel an accusatory look. “You led me here on purpose,” the gunman intoned, a dangerous note to his voice.

 

Axel shrugged, unable to help the smirk that crossed his expression. “Maybe, maybe not,” he replied vaguely. Truthfully, it had been unintentional, but Vincent didn't need to know that. Let him think that Axel had some other motive. It kept him on his toes.

 

With a sigh, Vincent shook his head and returned his gaze to the structure that had once housed his own business. It hadn't fallen into disrepair, just simply looked abandoned. Axel watched his friend's reaction avidly, hoping that by the sight of it, some measure of hope would spark itself in Vincent's mind.

 

“What's that symbol mean?” he asked, pointing towards the etched design that was outlined in a sparkling silver paint hidden just behind the boards the closed off the main door. He could see a half moon with a cross jutting out from the bottom curve and dangling from the center of the moon was a small star. Somehow, though he didn't understand its meaning, he thought it appropriate.

 

Vincent's gloved hand fell to the holster at his waist, fingers skimming the grip of his gun. He had refused to leave it behind, despite the fact that hostilities in Radiant Garden were pretty much zero. “It is the name of the shop,” he explained, his tone faintly reminiscent. “The moon and cross mean “Cerberus” while the star roughly translates to `lament' or as I preferred `dirge'.”

 

He stepped forward, tilting his head to the side as one hand lightly placed itself on a boarded up window, rising to his toes to peer through the slats. “It was called Dirge of Cerberus.”

 

“Was?” Axel raised a brow as he moved to lean against the side of the shop, not minding the slightest the cloud of dust the action raised. He gestured towards Vincent with one of his arms before crossing them both over his chest. “You don't want to pick up where you left off?”

 

Vincent frowned slightly, the expression obscured by his hair. He didn't look at Axel, instead keeping his crimson gaze trained on the building. “There is little point in that right now,” he responded.

 

The firestarter scoffed. “You're beginning to sound like emo-boy Squeon,” he commented sharply and was relieved to notice when Vincent immediately bristled. At least there was something of the man he had known on Gaia's Grotto beneath the melancholy.

 

“Don't call him that,” the winged man countered. “And I believe we've had this discussion before, Axel. Drop it.”

 

Axel immediately scowled. “What are you going to do then?” he pressed. “Spend the rest of your days moping in Leon's house until he finally kicks you out?”

 

“Don't be ridiculous,” Vincent snapped, beginning to lose patience with the younger man. “I wouldn't be so--”

 

Emerald eyes widened in a delayed reaction as a small group of kids came barreling out of the alley to the right of Vincent's former shop. Without looking where they were going, and laughing over whatever game they were playing, they barreled into Vincent, catching him by surprise and cutting off his words. Axel hadn't even the time to shout a warning, instead watching with shock as the winged man tumbled to the ground, two of the kids landing on top of him.

 

Vincent hit the cobbles with a barely restrained grunt, striking his back harshly. His wings immediately protested, sending sharp stabs of pain radiating throughout his entire body. In the scuffle, his cloak slipped free from one shoulder, revealing the black webbing of his right wing.

 

“Oh, gosh mister, we're sorry,” one of the kids muttered as he scrambled to his feet and off of Vincent.

 

Crimson eyes narrowed. “You need to watch where you are going,” he admonished with a death glare.

 

The kids instantly flushed with embarrassment, shifting from foot to foot as Axel chuckled lightly, pushing himself off of the building with ease. “Give them a break, Vincent. They're just kids,” he commented as he strolled towards his companion and offered a hand to Vincent.

 

The other man shot him an annoyed stare but took the proffered limb and allowed Axel to haul him to his feet. Almost immediately, emerald eyes were drawn to the wing poking all too obviously out from beneath the black cloak. His brow raised slightly, and it was enough to alert Vincent to the peeking appendage. He hurried to cover it but it was far too late.

 

“Wow!” One of the kids exclaimed, a red-haired boy with unnaturally bright eyes that reminded Axel all too eerily of Reno. “Is that real?” he asked.

 

Instantly, the other children were drawn by his amazed tone and swiveled their heads to catch sight of what their buddy was excited over. Axel stepped back, amusement tugging at the corner of his lips as the kids crowded around the bewildered older man.

 

“Stop,” Vincent protested, edging away from their curious stares as he began to get flustered. “It is real,” he answered, hoping that would satisfy their wonder. Clearly, he had never dealt with children before in his life.

 

Axel snickered, folding his arms over his chest. One of the children got a bit too exuberant and tugged on Vincent's cloak, revealing the other wing which seemed to move of its own accord. It broke free of the clinging dark fabric, twitching faintly in the bright sun. Vincent gasped and took a step back, frantically trying to gain control. He looked towards Axel for help but the firestarter simply shrugged and snickered under his breath.

 

“Cool!” A little girl breathed, her eyes wide with awe. She reached out a slightly grubby hand. “Can I touch it?”

 

Without thinking, the winged man reached out and grabbed her arm, preventing her from grasping one of the more delicate portions of the appendage. “No, you cannot,” he said firmly.

 

Crash!

 

“Heartless!”

 

Axel's head snapped up at the screamed word in the same moment that Vincent did, both of their gazes immediately locking onto the source of the screech. The kids instantly scattered, everyone except for the girl's whose arm Vincent hadn't thought to release yet.

 

A woman had dropped her recently bought items to the ground and was now pointing at Vincent with a shaking finger, horror etched into her features. She was frantically trying to gather someone's attention. “It's got a kid!” She screeched.

 

It was like the first time they had arrived all over again.

 

Vincent abruptly released his hold on the girl's arm, the child looking very confused as he stepped quickly away. His deft fingers grasped onto the cloak, tucking his wings beneath it with hurried, almost frantic movements. Axel frowned as he put himself between the woman and his companion.

 

“He is not a Heartless,” the firestarter snapped, slicing his arm through the air. “He's human just like you and me.”

 

She narrowed her eyes, not in the slightest bit convinced. “Humans don't have wings!” she spat.

 

Axel sighed, scraping a hand over his forehead, only to belatedly realize that Vincent was already slipping away. The man had slid into the shadows of the alley to the left of his shop and was disappearing around the corner. The firestarter shook his head and tossed the woman a scowl, wanting to curse her thoroughly. He refrained from doing so however and turned to hurry after his companion, leaving her and the child standing there, a crowd already beginning to form.

 

Dammit, just when he was beginning to get Vincent to open up a little, something inauspicious had to ruin everything.

 

He was forced to chase the rapidly walking man through several of the dark and enclosed alleyways, half wondering where Vincent thought they were going. Axel was no expert in Radiant Garden but he did know that the direction they were heading was nowhere near Leon's home where the winged man typically sought his refuge. Nor was there anger in Vincent's steady steps; his shoulders weren't set with tension but something more like... resignation.

 

Suddenly, Axel's eyes widened in understanding.

 

He put on a burst of speed and managed to catch hold of Vincent's arm just as they stepped out of the alley. He was half-surprised to find they were standing on the outskirts of the town as he drew his escaping friend to a halt. The path in front of them Axel vaguely recognized as leading to Crystal Canyon, which he dimly remembered being in as a Nobody.

 

Blinking, Axel returned his attention to Vincent and reluctantly released the man's arm. “Where do you think you're going?” he asked, glancing around them just in case he had missed something else of importance.

 

Unsurprisingly, there was nothing but the gaping opening to their south. Just beyond, he could faintly see the ruins of Hollow Bastion's spires rising up from the crater they now occupied. It was somewhat eerie, the combination of metal and stone, making it vaguely resemble a house of torture. Unintentionally, Axel shivered, wondering if it was the fault of the designer, or some strange magic.

 

Vincent's voice dragged him out of his eerie ponderings. “It is time for me to leave,” the winged man intoned, a strange note to his voice that Axel wasn't quite sure how to interpret.

 

The younger man's brow furrowed. “What?” he asked. Where did the other man think he was going? If he wasn't able to get off Radiant Garden to go to Destiny Islands, how the hell did Vincent expect to get anywhere?

 

Crimson eyes looked past him, just over his head to the beginnings of the town and the multi-colored rooftops. “My fate is clear,” he explained briefly before resignation fluttered across his features. He sighed. “A monster does not belong among humans.”

 

Axel snorted. “You're not a monster. That's just stupid, Vincent,” he retorted, waving a hand through the air. Trust the other man to make a big deal out of nothing. “So what? A bunch of ignorant know-nothings made one comment. Are you going to let what they say keep you from the very reason you returned?”

 

Vincent's gaze flickered to him for a moment, as if slowly coming to a decision before a clawed hand dipped into his pocket. He shook his head. “It does not matter since I have been forgotten,” Vincent replied, stepping closer to the younger man as he pulled a familiar string of metal tags from his pocket. They jingled faintly in his grasp.

 

The briefest of smiles crossed Vincent's face, gone so fast Axel barely registered it before the military tags were thrust in his direction. Warily, the firestarter accepted them with much reluctance, finally realizing exactly what it was Vincent planned to do. The damn coward.

 

“You're just going to give up?” he demanded, beginning to grow angry despite himself. “You haven't even tried anything! Just buried yourself in your room and moped about your bad luck.”

 

“It was enough!” Vincent hissed, crimson eyes flashing with a mixture of both desperation and despair. He abruptly turned away from Axel, resolutely staring at the path towards Crystal Canyon. “It was enough to live for sixteen years, to cling to nightmares and haunting touches. It was enough to live when all I wanted to do was die and this is what it brought me.” At his side, claws clenched into fists and beneath the cloak, his wings twitched more violently than Axel had ever seen before.

 

Trembling shoulders were painfully obvious under the dark fabric as Vincent shook his head. “I'm going.”

 

He took a step forward, his intentions obvious, but Axel wasn't about to let him go without a fight. “Coward!” he snarled, gripping onto Vincent's shirt and roughly jerking him backwards. “You fucking liar! What about everything you said to me, huh?”

 

With his usual grace, Vincent quickly caught his balance from Axel's clumsy yank and whirled around. Before Axel could even register what was going on, the winged man shoved him with both hands. His greater strength easily dislodged Axel's grip and sent him tumbling backwards, landing on his ass and skidding a few feet away. The firestarter coughed as the force of the blow was enough to push the air from his lungs.

 

Incredulous emerald eyes rose to find Vincent giving him a look that was dead enough to make him shiver on the inside. “Give up, Axel. It's over,” Vincent stated coldly, his tone lifeless. “Not everyone gets a happy ending.”

 

With that said, Vincent turned on his heels and stalked away, an overdramatic swish of black cloak accentuating his exit.

 

Axel watched his exit for all of a moment, anger seething beneath the surface. In an instant, his mind flashbacked without his permission, reminding him of someone else he had failed. Because of him, Reno would never get the chance to see Rude again. There were no third chances. And if not for a hell prettily disguised as a heaven, there might not have even been a second.

 

His gaze flickered to the military tags lying loosely in his palm and his fingers clenched around them. He angrily clambered to his feet, determination raging a bright inferno inside of him. Fuck Vincent and his fucking happy endings. Axel was through listening to him and he shouldn't have done it in the first place.

 

He had taken the chance for the both of them to get out of that hellhole and he would be damned if he let Vincent keep suffering. His hesitancy in taking risks had led to Reno's demise and he wasn't about to let it happen again. Casting one final glance at Vincent's departing form, Axel's jaw set with determination as he whirled on his heels and strode back towards the town. Luck was on his side for once.

 

The hangar for the gummi ships was located on the edge of the town itself. It would only take a few minutes for him to get there. And this time, he would not hold back. He let his anger and irritation stew within him, knowing that it would only drive him forward. His fingers clenched all too tightly to the tags, enough that they were digging into his skin but he didn't care.

 

He was tired of pussyfooting around. And perhaps it was a bit of selfishness as well. Because a part of him feared on the inside. Feared that if he couldn't get Cid to remember Vincent than perhaps there was no chance for him and Roxas. He didn't want to face that bitter truth so he put every effort into proving that Vincent and Cid's relationship was strong enough, if only to give him hope for his own.

 

It was Cid's sheer luck that he had no customers when Axel stormed into the hangar, furious green gaze sweeping the wide open space and instantly spying the blond man on the other end. With a clipboard in one hand and a well-chewed pen in the other, Cid appeared to be doing inventory. Not that Axel cared. With his target locked, Axel made his presence known.

 

“Cid!” he bellowed, stalking into the hangar and letting the doors slam shut loudly behind him. Both were enough to cause Cid to whirl towards him in surprise, blue eyes instantly darkening in anger and irritation. But it was nothing compared to the frustration that seethed within Axel.

 

“What the fuck ya think yer doin', kid?” Cid demanded, chomping noisily on his toothpick. “Comin' in here bellowin' and shit.”

 

Axel didn't even blink. “How can you forget him?” he snarled, not even bothering with politeness or even really explanations. He was far past that point. “He fought through hell, clinging to your memory and the best you can do is forget?” His hand flipped out and he flung the military tags at Cid's head, daring the man to catch them.

 

Metal glinted as they soared through the air, only to be deftly plucked by Cid's hand. They clinked lightly in his hold as his brow furrowed in confusion, only to be replaced by complete and utter shock. Recognition flooded his expression as his clipboard clattered to the floor, clearly forgotten.

 

“How did you get these?” Cid shook the items at the red haired man. “I gave them to... to...” Axel remained impassive as sky blue eyes widened, gaze flickering to the tags in his hand, his name glaring bright in the silver metal.

 

“Vincent,” the firestarter stated flatly. “You gave them to Vincent.”

 

The blond jerked his head upwards at the name. “Vince...” he repeated before shaking his head negatively. “But... I thought he was dead,” he commented, voice still registering his complete and utter shock.

 

“Do you honestly think he would let himself die and not come back to you?” Axel questioned coldly, drawing closer to Cid. “To him, sixteen years passed and he never forgot how much he loved you. It was the only thing that kept him going.”

 

“How was I supposed to know?” Cid argued, voice rising unnecessarily loud as his hands clenching into fists at his side. “He fuckin' disappears one day, the Heartless come and all hell breaks loose! I was fighting to stay alive just as much as him. Hell, all of us have forgotten things.” He gritted his teeth as he shot a glare towards the other male.

 

Unperturbed by Cid's rising irritation, Axel was far angrier. “That's not my problem,” he spat, slicing a hand through the air. “It doesn't matter what I think! All that matters is what Vincent believes and what he thinks!”

 

Normally tanned, Cid immediately paled. “Where is he?”

 

Axel sighed and raked a disturbed hand through his hair. “I don't--”

 

“Dammit, kid!” Cid growled, interrupting him. “Where is he?”

 

“I don't know!” Axel yelled out of sheer frustration, feeling as if he wanted to tear his hair out. “Something happened in the market. This kid and this woman, it doesn't really matter but Vincent blew everything out of proportion and took off. Last I saw he was heading towards Crystal Canyon.”

 

The blond's jaw set as blue eyes suddenly gleamed dangerously. “Stupid bastard,” he muttered harshly under his breath, storming past Axel. “Close to eleven years and ain't nothing changed.”

 

Narrowing his eyes, Axel whirled around to follow after the man. “Where're you going?” he demanded, hurrying to catch up to Cid.

 

“Where do you think, genius?” Cid snorted as his boots clomped loudly on the cobbled stone. “Knowing Vincent, he's probably convinced he doesn't belong here anymore. I gotta go drag his stubborn ass out of the Bastion.”

 

Confusion flooded the firestarter's face. “Why would he go there?”

 

“Why else?” Cid demanded, shooting him an annoyed glare as if it were Axel's fault that Vincent decided to run away. “You lived with him for how long and you still don't know how he thinks? Che, some friend you are.” His quick steps were leading them rather rapidly in the same direction that Vincent had followed earlier. They had already passed beyond the last line of buildings and houses and were now on the path that led directly to Crystal Canyon and the Bastion beyond.

 

“He's a close-mouthed bastard,” Axel snapped back indignantly as they practically ran through the corridors formed of blue stone and quartz, glinting in the dimming sun as it neared the horizon. “I'm lucky I know his name.”

 

Cid snorted, perfectly ready to retort, when his eyes caught something just ahead of them. The words died on his lips as he drew to a halt, Axel stepping up beside him. His keen gaze had also noticed the darkly cloaked figure standing on the edge of the canyon, staring wistfully down into the abandoned castle. A moment of silence filled the air, accentuated by a brief wisp of wind that stirred, carrying with it snatches of noise from the town behind them and lingering traces of some flower.

 

Axel's eyes slid to Cid, noticing that the man's shoulders were shaking as his jaw tightened. Suddenly, Cid began to stalk forward. “What the hell do you think you're doing?” he growled, loudly enough for Vincent to hear him clearly. Axel hung back, preferring to watch the proceedings from a distance.

 

Vincent whirled around, his mouth falling open in shock as his eyes widened impossibly large. “C--Cid?”

 

“Damn right,” the other man continued, not lessening his pace in the slightest. “You selfish bastard.”

 

The winged male stuttered, completely baffled at this change of events. “Why did you...? How did you...?” His words trailed off as his eyes helplessly flickered to Axel before hardening in sudden realization. “You...”

 

Axel shrugged, unable to help the self-satisfied smirk that painted itself onto his expression. “I don't give up.”

 

Vincent glared at him, but was unable to keep the irritation as the man he had been so desperately wanting to touch came to rest just in front of him. “Ain't nothing changed, Vince,” Cid commented, his voice just loud enough for Axel to pick up from his fair distance away. “Ya still act like a coward and run away when you get scared, just like when we were kids, always involving everyone else in your problems.”

 

The winged man flinched. “I didn't ask Axel to--”

 

Cid waved him off. “You never ask, do you? Even when it's obvious you need it.” He took another step forwards, closing the distance between them. “You stupid bastard, why didn't you just say something?”

 

His gaze fell to the ground, filled with misery as behind him, wings twitched as if to announce their presence. “Look at me,” Vincent muttered, a voice filled with unmistakable self-loathing. “This is my fault. If I had listened to you and Zack, I wouldn't--”

 

“Shut up!” Cid snapped. “Just... none of it, Vince. You honestly think that I don't love you enough to accept whatever it is you are?”

 

“You forgot me! What else was I supposed to believe?” the other man, demanded as his hands clenched into fists at his sides. They were clamped so tightly that Axel wondered if Vincent was cutting himself with his claws. However, he detected no blood dripping to the ground.

 

Cid huffed in annoyance. “I didn't forget ya... I just couldn't remember. There's a fuckin' difference, Valentine.” Abruptly, his hand shot out and before Vincent could even register what was happening, he was jerked forward. Fingers clamped tightly onto his shoulders, squeezing tightly enough to make him wince. “You didn't even give me a chance before you started running away.”

 

“I'm sorry,” Vincent sighed, finding it safer to keep his gaze centered on the ground.

 

Sky blue eyes rolled. “Don't tell me you're fuckin' sorry. Tell me you ain't going anywhere.” He released one of Vincent's shoulders and gently grasped the other man's chin, forcing the man he loved to look at him. “Almost eleven years... do you really want to make me be alone any longer?”

 

“I shouldn't have in the first place,” Vincent whispered, voice barely loud enough for Axel to hear as he stepped closer and slid his arms around Cid's waist. He laid his head on the blond's shoulder as Cid's arms slid around him, settling just beneath the base of his wings.

 

The gummi ship builder snorted in agreement. “No, you shouldn't have. And now you get me sayin' all this pansy, mushy shit. I hope yer satisfied.”

 

Axel watched as Vincent's claws tightened when they gripped the back of Cid's shirt and a self-satisfied smirk took over his expression. Mission complete. Smug, he started clapping, thoroughly pleased with himself.

 

“See?” he pointed out, striding towards them. “If you had listened to me in the first place, none of this drama would have happened.”

 

Vincent raised his head, glaring potently at his friend as Cid laughed robustly. “Kid's got a point,” he pointed out, chuckling even harder when his lover turned that crimson glower onto him as well.

 

Cid snorted. “I had good reason,” he thought it important to point out.

 

“And now you don't,” Axel inserted easily. “So how about it, hmm?” he questioned, striding up to the both of them and throwing his arms companionably over their shoulders. It was times like this he loved his greater height, well taller than both of them. “Lend me a ship, Cid?”

 

The blond sighed as he reluctantly released his hold on Vincent and ducked out from beneath Axel's arm. His gaze slid towards his newly reunited lover and Axel was quick to notice Vincent's slight nod.

 

Cid raked a hand through his hair. “All right, Kid. Let's go see what I have in stock for you,” he suggested, one hand sliding into his pocket to withdraw another toothpick and pop it back into his mouth.

 

A wide grin broke out on Axel's face as an uncharacteristic urge to whoop with glee and dance a Demyx jig filled his heart. He refrained from doing so, however, and settled for sticking out his hand, offering Cid a manly, mature shake. Cid eyed him warily for a moment before taking it as Vincent smirked on the side.

 

“Great!” the firestarter exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Now that we're all bosom buddies, let's get me a ship.”

 

Blue eyes rolled as Cid scowled and reached back to take Vincent's hand, ignoring the other man's protests. “Come on then, brat,” he muttered, already heading back towards the town with hurried movements, pulling Vincent along behind him. “No time then the present. Let's see what I got.”

 

“Cid...” Vincent began, a protest on his lips. “I need a cloak or something.”

 

The blond waved him off. “No, ya don't. If anyone's got anything to say they can come to me,” he responded, jerking the thumb of his free hand to his chest. “This town owes me and Leon a lot, they won't do anythin' to ya.” He looked over his shoulder, a strange glance that Axel couldn't quite interpret. “Maybe from now on you'll learn to just ask for help.”

 

“Doubtful,” the firestarter mumbled under his breath. He ignored the furious glare that Vincent sent his way.

 

The threesome were at the hangar in no time, Cid pushing open the small side door and ushering them inside with eager movements. Axel understood perfectly. He was certain that Cid and Vincent wanted time to get... reacquainted.

 

Once inside, Cid started mumbling to himself as they passed by a few gummi ships, noting the current condition of those he had. Most looked to be in a state of mid-repair, as if Cid had started on one, then gotten bored and moved on to another. Obviously, they weren't flyable. Suddenly, just as they passed one that looked as if it had been blown up by a field of meteors, Cid paused and cocked his head to the side.

 

“Huh,” he commented, chewing noisily on his toothpick as he propped both hands on his hips. He was steadfastly gazing at the only gummi ship they had encountered so far that was fixed. It was actually gleaming, as if it had been recently cleaned and polished. That, or hardly ever used.

 

“What is it?” Vincent questioned.

 

The blond gestured towards the gummi ship. “That's the Excalibur,” he answered with a slight, confused frown, his eyebrows drawn together in contemplation. “Sora's ship,” he added, clarifying.

 

“There you are, Cid!” A young male voice announced as if on cue. The sound of two pairs of feet clomping noisily across the ground accompanied his voice, causing Axel, Vincent, and Cid to whirl around in shock. “The ship's makin' weird noises and...” Sora trailed off, his face registering complete surprise when he caught sight of the three of them.

 

Emerald eyes widened as a sharp stab of something pierced Axel right through the chest. He saw Sora but he didn't see him, instead he looked through him. Not brown hair, but blond, blue eyes but a shade darker, a shade more resonant. And instead of an open, smiling facade, he saw a stubborn set to a jaw, a familiar glower that he had always teased him for.

 

He couldn't explain, the surge of emotion that practically clamped down on him from the inside, making him feel as if he were staggering backwards. His breath caught in his throat and his heart, his true and real heart now that he had one, beat a faster rhythm.

 

The name fell from his lips, almost like a whispered, granted prayer.

 

“Roxas.”

 

- - - - - -