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Freak Show
A Luxel Kingdom Hearts Fanfiction.

Chapter one: The beginning


This is how it is: there was a poor man, handsome, good at cards, polite, British. He lived alone in a small apartment owned by a large man with black dreadlocks and mutton chops. The poor man, mentioned before, had just received his last warning. His rent was one month late.

The man’s name was Luxord and he was to be evicted if he kept putting it off. Stressed, worried, and more than anything else, regretting the munny he wasted that card game last week Luxord started packing. Attempting to pay off the 20,000 munny that he owed was simply impossible.

“You are a month late, I’ll be back in two days to collect the munny, if not then you have to leave,” Those were the landlord, Xaldin’s, exact words. His indigo eyes trembled yet his emotionless expression was perfectly straight. The perfect poker face.

Luxord agreed, yet he had no intentions to actually pay the man. He was going to pack his few possessions that night and wait until the last day when he would run, like he always does. He would find another apartment in another town. He would weasel his way into their trust with his polite manor and fake British humor, and then he would cheat them and run.

Luxord rarely left his house, other than at night, so the workings and events of the modern world was lost to him. Because of this, Luxord was surprised to hear about the side show circus that was in town. “Free” is what caught the Brit’s attention. “Free” was good. “Free” was a pass time. “Free” was, well, free.

The free pulled him to the circus like a moth to a flame. It was dangerous and reckless and not something you should do when you are getting evicted within the week. Get too close and…

Chapter Two: Side Show Catastrophe

Monsieur Xigbar’s Side Show Spectacular was the title of the show the whole thing was set on a train. The shows were displayed from freight cars. The sides were open and each show could be observed then left at the audience’s convenience.

At the front was an eye patched man going by the name of ‘Monsieur Xigbar’ who was obviously not French. His accent was thick and very fake and the show goers thought it was amazing. Luxord, being British, had traveled to France many times. This ‘Monsieur Xigbar’ was not French. He fit the part of ring master well, though. Large, scarred, dark, mysterious, like a carnie should look.

Luxord didn’t comment on Monsieur Xigbar’s accent. He acknowledged his presence. Luxord nodded and walked in. Xigbar smiled crookedly.

Once past a large red curtain, Luxord was instantly sobered by the crowd, and the shows. The first one that caught his eye was a bright flame shooting out of a young man’s mouth. The man’s green eyes were burning brighter than the fire itself.

A crowd of people cheered, the man bowed and turned around. Their costumes weren’t what anyone would expect from a circus. They were casual, for a circus, they all wore black slacks a white dress shirt with gray vests and red ties. The thing that made each person different was their hair. There was blue, red, blonde, and black. The fire breather’s hair was appropriately cherry red.

The fire breather was sweating like crazy and he undid the rest of his shirt, which only half was buttoned to begin with, the sleeves were rolled up as far as they would go. Luxord found it hard to avert his gaze. The fire eater bowed and closed his curtain, forcing him to. For another lingering second, though, Luxord stared at the red curtain.

The next act was a man with pink hair and a woman with blonde. The woman was strapped to a bull’s-eye and did not look happy about it. Actually, it would have been more appropriate for the woman to be holding the knifes. The man was then blindfolded and he began picking up the razor sharp knifes.

This Luxord tried to avoid watching. He knew that these people were either acting or trained but it still made him nervous. Luxord walked on and flinched slightly as the crowd gasped in delight and pleasure.

The other acts were just as amazing, yet somehow believable. Coming from the underworld these acts were just the right kind of trickery that had this gambler enticed to want more. There was a young girl who could draw anything in two minutes. She timed herself. The thing about the pictures was that they were fully detailed and amazing. They put Monet to shame.

The last act was a young man with blonde hair playing a peculiar instrument. The instrument had an exotic sound to it, it was very foreign. Luxord didn’t really care for it, but he didn’t mind listening to it. The boy had a sunny, yet vague, disposition.

After the boy had played for a little while his show ended and the audience, including Luxord, applauded. The boy jumped off the car and walked through the crowd, giving autographs and handshakes.

Luxord stood in the back, his eyes wandering to the other acts momentarily. The fire breather was back on stage doing tricks with his fire. A young man with deep slate hair was doing strange magic tricks, reading from a large, and black book. The woman who was strapped to the bull’s-eye was the boy’s assistant was there now demonstrating how she could be sawed in half by a young boy.

Another act was the Siamese twins, Sora and Roxas. Although, they walked around awkwardly as if they weren’t actually connected at the hip. They did look like twins, though, matching blue eyes.

The blonde boy walked up to Luxord and swatted him on the back, “Hey there! Like the show?” His voice was high, it fit his body well. “I’m Demyx, by the way.”

Luxord coughed slightly, “Yeah.” He said, “It’s quite entertaining. I’m Luxord” They shook hands awkwardly.


For a short while the two blondes talked. Then Demyx offered Luxord a strange green drink. He called it ‘Absent’. Luxord was hesitant to drink it; the liquid was a light transparent green. It had an herby taste under the alcohol, and one sip, literally, made Luxord start to feel drunk. The interesting thing about the green elixir was it made people hallucinate. Luxord reached out his hand to catch the small green fairy that was taunting him. Demyx was laughing the whole time.

Half way through Luxord’s drunken rave, the fire breather walked up. His stride was proud and his shirt was gone, regardless of the rapidly decreasing temperature. “Oh, Demyx what did you do to him?” He asked.

“I only gave him a little absent!” Demyx said innocently holding up the half empty bottle. “It’s no big deal, Axel. It’s not like I gave him too much.”

Axel snatched away the bottle and sighed, “That's Absinthe. And who is he?” He asked hotly while reading the label.

Luxord twirled around, “Who’re yoooou?” He asked in a drunken slur.

Axel sighed again, “Demyx...?" Axel's eyebrow was cocked. Demyx was in trouble.

Luxord stared at Axel very confused, “But I thou’ that ‘e was Demyx?” He spat pointing a thumb at the blonde “There two o’ ya?”

Axel groaned and slapped a palm onto his forehead, “The show’s closing in fifteen minutes and this guy is in no shape to get home. I’ll go talk to Xigbar and see if he can stay here. Do not give him anymore of our drinks, okay?” Axel made a point to poke Demyx in the chest to make sure he was listening. Demyx nodded with a scared, wide grin across his face. It was not a good idea to get Axel angry. Axel trudged away dragging his heels and mumbling about a waste of alcohol.

While Axel spoke with the ‘ring master’ Monsieur Xigbar, who’s accent had retired for the day, Demyx tried to explain to Luxord that the other man’s name was Axel, not Demyx.

“Bu’ ‘e said tha’ ‘is name was Demyx. No’ Axeoh!” Luxord drawled rolling his bloodshot eyes.

Demyx let out an exasperated sigh. Luxord wouldn’t remember this in the morning anyway. Axel returned with a disgruntled Xigbar, who was wanting, more than anything, to close up the show and get on the road. Axel motioned to the drunken man.


“Ahh, don’ tell me, you’re Demyx tooo?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.

Xigbar barked a laugh, “Tell ya what, Axel, he’ll stay in your car tonight,” Axel glared.

“How do you sleep at night?” He asked in all seriousness.

Walking away, the pony tailed man called, “Quite well, actually,” He laughed again before disappearing into the night.

He turned to Luxord who was attempting to use Demyx as a stepping stool to get to no where in particular, “You’re coming with me, bozo,” He said and grabbed his arm.

Luxord stumbled along smiling, “Where’re we goin’?” He asked.

Axel just sighed and replied with, “You’re drunk.”

Luxord returned that with, “You’re hot!” Literally was how Luxord was speaking, yet Axel, being Axel, thought of it badly and blushed momentarily, more out of surprise and anger than anything else.

Axel picked up his pace, “We’re going to dunk your head in cold water when we get there,” Axel’s determination to somehow sober up the Brit grew.

“Bu’ Oi don’ loike da cold! I like it HOT!” That’s when Axel began to question how much Absinthe Demyx had given him, and his sexuality.



Chapter three: In the company of wolves

Luxord woke up quite confused in a moving train car next to a temperamental redhead. Luxord’s head ached and he shot upward, causing it to peak in pain. He then shrieked, “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?” He screamed.

Axel opened one jade eye and cocked an eyebrow, then sat up lazily, “Would you please not shout so early in the morning? Others are trying to sleep ya’know?” The redhead sat up and placed a palm on his forehead. Of course, his shirt was no where to be seen.

Luxord’s eyes widened, “W-W-What!?” He mumbled under his breath. Then he noticed the shirt’s absence. Carnies were unpredictable; lord knows what they could have done to the drunk, handsome, sleeping man. “W-We didn’t…Do anything?” He asked thoroughly embarrassed. “Right?”

Axel stared at the man, and then began howling in laughter, “What a riot! No! Idiot! We did not do anything. Gad,”

Luxord stared uncomfortably at his feet, unsure of what to say or do. Then he realized that the car was moving. “W-Wait! Why in the world am I here? And why are we moving!?”

Axel decided to keep his anger in check and lowered his voice. He would have yelled at the Brit. He would have thrown him out of the moving car. Instead he used sarcasm. “We’re not moving. The train is.” His voice was perfectly calm, which was pretty unbelievable because the man before him had woken him up three hours earlier than usual.

“Wait, you left with me on the train!?” Luxord was piecing everything together.

Axel shrugged, “Who knows what Xigbar decides while where sleeping.”

Luxord sighed, he understood now. The stranger before him was the fire breather from the side show circus ‘monsieur’ Xigbar’s. “That guy is just about as real as his accent…” Luxord grumbled. Yes, any normal person would freak out and demand that he get back home. Luxord had two dollars in quarters and three shirts at his house when he had two days to stay. Hell, Luxord didn’t care if these people killed him, anything to escape Xaldin on collection day.

Axel laughed again, “He totally is! Did you know that his eye is covered because it’s ‘light sensitive’ I laughed when I found out,” Axel leaned back smiling. “Remember that,” His respect for Luxord went up a little because of that comment. But not much, because he woke him up so early.

Luxord watched the world wiz by out of the cracks in the wood, “So, where is this train heading anyway?” He asked careful not to let Axel say ‘the train is going…’

Axel leaned foreword again, “Wait. Don’t you want to go home?” Axel asked hopefully. Luxord may be higher than Demyx in his book of respect, but the only person he would stand to be ‘friends’ with was Roxas, who had been constantly spending time with his ‘twin’ now, ever since they found him in three towns back.

Luxord shrugged, “Eh, not much to go home to.”

Axel’s interest was peaked, “Really now? Good, because next time we go back there is…” He looked at his wrist, which bore no watch, “I dunno a couple years…six, maybe.”

Luxord jumped up, “Six!?” He sunk back to the ground, “Guess if you guys don’t want me around you’re gonna have to drop me off on the side of the road…” Luxord stared back outside.

Axel’s eyebrows were raised, as much as the pyro wanted to toss the Brit out of his car, he wasn’t one to kill…consciously. “Nah,” Axel closed his eyes, “I think we can deal with you.”

Luxord and Axel shared a smile, Luxord’s first for days. “I’m Axel, commit that to memory.”

Luxord nodded, “Luxord.”

For a strange, short moment Axel’s watery eyes seemed strangely red. Luxord didn’t notice because he was back to staring through the cracks. Axel did. Is it really that close to morning? He thought to himself. The light outside was hard to read, the clouds covered the sky and they were dark. It could be eight in the morning or six at night, it was impossible to tell. Damn summer rains…

Axel whipped his eye before alerting the Brit, “Listen, Lux, I gotta talk to Xigbar real quick. Don’t, like, touch anything. Kay? You can meet the others, but I don’t think you’ll want to,” Axel stood and stretched. Not right now, at least. On his arms and lower chest were burn marks. Luxord assumed they were from when he first started as a fire breather.

Luxord nodded and Axel rattled open the door. As much as Luxord wanted to meet the others, his head still throbbed and his stomach rolled, he needed a big glass of water and three ibuprofen pills. Maybe four.

Axel snuck around the train cars, walking over sleeping performers. Roxas sat up after Axel had just closed the shaky train car door. Sora noticed his friend sit up from his heap of blankets across the room.

“What is….I…t?” Sora asked yawning and sitting up also.

Roxas shook his head and laid down again staring at the door. “Nothing. What time is it?” Roxas kept his eyes on the door.

Sora reached around on the ground in search for his watch. Not finding in with his eyes closed he sat up and forced them open. He picked the gold painted pocket watch from near his feet and stared at the face. It took him a little bit to decipher the roman numerals. “Like five thirty. It’s too early.”

Roxas stood and stretched, “I guess that we should get up early then,” Roxas nudged his friend with his toe. “Get up lazy head.” Sora rolled over and grunted. His hand raised out of the blanket. Five minutes. “Fine then. I’ll be back later.”

Roxas put on a large, green sweater that went just above his knees. He walked through three train cars before he reached his destination; Axel’s car. Sitting on the ground, was not a bare-chested red head, but platinum blonde man with seven silver earrings running down his right ear and a light goatee. His ice blue eyes trailed up to Roxas.

Roxas felt shabby in his ratty jeans and over sized sweater compared to the man who was, indeed obviously hung-over, but strikingly handsome. Roxas shook his head to clear his mind, “W-Who are you?” he blurted out.

Luxord winced at the fifteen-year -old's high pitched voice. “I’m Luxord,” he whispered through narrowed eyes. He would have asked who the boy was, but he didn’t feel that he had the right to, since he wasn’t exactly invited to travel with them.

Roxas’ surprise waned and was replaced with annoyance. Is that an accent or just a stupid name? Roxas thought, his eyebrows and lips lowering into a very displeased face. “Luxord?” Roxas asked mimicking the accent.

Luxord just laughed, “Sure, something like that,” Luxord attempted his best to put on that nice British politeness. “Axel’s not in right now. He said he’d be back later.”

Roxas knew that Axel was out. Roxas just wanted to see who shared a room with his best friend that night. Without another word he turned on his heel and left the room.

The magician boy was awake now and reading his black book from his bed. “Who’s the blonde?” He asked not looking away from the book.

Roxas shrugged, “Good morning to you too, Zexion. He’s Lux-something,” Roxas knew Luxord’s name. It was implanted in his memory, along with a picture of his best friend indulging in sinful activities. That's what he got for hanging around Marluxia and Larxene. Roxas’ eyes grew wet in the moment. He realized that his anger was growing and calmed again.

“What time is it?” Zexion asked, his eyes leaving the book to stare into the blonde’s. They narrowed; he was growing suspicious of the blonde’s behavior.

Roxas rolled his eyes,”Five thirty or something.” It was morning. They were in trouble with Luxord on the train.

Zexion returned to his book and Roxas returned to his companion, who was dead asleep again, “Soora!” He whined. “It’s almost morning!” He called into Sora’s ear. “You’ve got twenty minutes until sunrise!”

Sora slowly propped himself up on an elbow and rubbed his tired eyes, “Fine, fine,” He yawned and checked the watch, “You guys sure do know how to run a tight shift!” Sora sat up straight and popped his neck, stretched his arms while yawning again.

Roxas was pulling on his black boots, “Well yeah, we have to.” He tied them lazily, leaving them mostly unlaced, "Geeze, you sleep like a dead man!" He joked.

Sora messed with his hair and shrugged. Stretching out his toes before standing, he groped for Roxas’ hands. Roxas rolled his eyes and pulled his ‘twin’ up. Sora stretched his back and sighed, he then walked to the back of the car to get his chores for the day, not bothering to get dressed.

Sora half-heartedly waved to Zexion as he passed and stumbled sleepily into Axel’s cart. Zexion noticed a twinge of redness at the edge of Sora’s cerulean eyes. Morning watery eyes could mean trouble for someone who doesn’t know. “Summer mornings come so quick…”he sigh to himself and turned the page.

Luxord smiled at Sora as he passed, Sora thought nothing of it. Luxord noticed something strange in the corner of Sora’s eyes. Sora’s eyes finally caught a full glace of Luxord. “Whoa, oh, good morning!” He said sleepily. “I honestly didn’t notice you there!” He held out a hand, “I’m Sora!”

Luxord smiled again and shook Sora’s hand, “I’m Luxord, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Sora smiled and continued to the back of the train.

Roxas stormed into Xigbar’s car and slammed the loud door closed. Xigbar flinched but did not open his uncovered eye, “What is it this time, Roxas?” He asked.

Roxas ignored Xigbar’s mocking tone, “Who the hell is the man in Axel’s car!?” He demanded.

Xigbar finally opened his eye, “He’s still on the train? I didn’t know that!” He laughed, “I guess he’s going to have to stay with us for a while. Remind me to call up Xemnas later. Patch up the legal issues and stuff,” Xigbar ran a hand through his hair. He avoided looking at the blonde. He was always so envious of the youthful. “Why do you care?” Eye-contact was necessary to have the effect of intimidation that Xigbar wanted.

Roxas noticed that Xigbar was now staring. “What time is it?” Xigbar asked, serious for the first time to Roxas.

Roxas’ eyes grew, “Five thirty,” he touched his watery eyes; he brought down his hand and looked, blood red. “Probably later.”

Xigbar’s expression grew grave. “We have to get him out.” Xigbar stood,” That or let Sora have him…”

Roxas tensed up, his eyes grew wide, “H-He hasn’t had one…yet?” He asked.

Axel rattled open the door behind Roxas, making him jump. “We can’t let Sora have him. We’ll have to take him to the last Freight car. Number 10.” He said.

Xigbar looked at Axel quizzically, “Where’s your shirt m’boy?” He asked dropping the subject. Xigbar rubbed his chin, which needed to be shaved. He didn’t have many options. Luxord wouldn’t be safe in the 10th Freight car, nor would he in any other. Oh, Xemnas is going to kick my a**…

Axel ignored Xigbar’s question. “We are not letting another innocent person die because you need to recruit people for your stupid show. I swear that this man will not die by the hands of our kind. That is final.” With his jade eyes trembling and blood pooling in the corners of them, he turned on his heel and stormed out.


Chapter Four: The Hunt

Axel stormed back into his car, startling Luxord. “Everything alright, mate?” He asked, showing not-so-honest ‘concern’.

Axel flopped on the ground, whipping his eyes, “Nothing. Xigbar’s just being a total b*****d. As usual.” He tried not to look at Luxord. He didn’t know what to do. Luxord wouldn’t be safe in the 10th car, Axel knew this. He stood again, “I’ve got something to show ya’. Come with me.”

Luxord stood, confused, and followed Axel out to Zexion’s car. He was facing the other way holding a red neckerchief to his face. Luxord was beyond confusion and just accepted it. Axel was beyond worried. How long did he have? How bad were his own eyes?

Next was Roxas and Sora’s car, both gone. Axel was having a lot of trouble hiding his eyes, which had red almost seeping from his jade orbs of sight. Luxord was catching on, unfortunately. "What's wrong with your eyes, mate?"

Axel didn't stop he kept pulling the Brit through the cars. The man with pink hair waited at the entrance of Xigbar's car, "Axel, what in the world do you think you are doing?" His eyes were dry, not a trace of blood.

Axel glared at the man, "Let us through, Marluxia."

Marluxia sighed, sarcastically," Oh, silly, silly, Axel. I have orders from the top not to let you through." As he spoke he pointed up.

Suddenly the blonde woman slinked by and linked arms with Marluxia. Her eyes were the slightest bit tinged with red. "Hey, Marly. So I did hear right," Her eyes narrowed at Luxord, "Fresh meat." Her grin was devilish.

Axel glared, "Luxord, I want you to go to the very front of the car and ignore everyone on your way." He didn't turn around, his eyes had red dripping onto his bare chest. His emotions were running wild.

Luxord was going to question why he had to leave, but he was getting a horrible vibe from the pink haired man, his clear deep blue eyes seemed malicious, and his blonde cohort seemed teeming to hurt him. Without a word he quickly turned and returned to Roxas' empty car.

Marluxia sighed, "Axel, you should really learn to keep your emotions in check, you were almost found out just now. Your little pet is really cute, ya'know. " He caressed Axel's cheek with a pale finger, "Obedient, are you sure we can't have...a little fun with him?"

Axel slapped Marluxia's hand away, "Stay away from that man, Marluxia." He said through clenched teeth. He was right, Axel needed to keep his anger under control or it will be by his hand that Luxord had died. How did Marluxia do it? Always so calm and collected, not even a twinge of red in his eyes even though it was well into six o'clock in the morning.

Larxene cackled, "What, is he your boyfriend or something?" She sneered, ivory skin clinging to Marluxia's black satin shirt. Long nails boring into the man's arm. He took no notice, all he was focusing on was Axel's nervousness.

Axel glared at Larxene, "No. He is an innocent man who--"

"I didn't know you swung that way, Axel. I always thought of you as a ladies man, personally." This was coming from quite possibly the gay-est man within a 50 mile radius. He sounded hungry. "If I knew that, I would have made a move on you long ago..." His hand cupped Axel's face.

Axel gripped Marluxia's hand and ripped it from his face. "I am not gay." He said plainly then turned on his heel and left. maybe Luxord hasn't run into Sora yet...

Meanwhile Luxord was fighting his way through the cars. They all were earily quiet. He kept his eye on his next goal, the door to the next car. He couldn't help but wonder what he was going to do once he reached the farthest car. He yanked open one of the doors with unbelievable ease, when he realized a mess of brown hair on the other side.

"G-Good God! What's wrong with your eyes!?" He cried at the sight of the young boy's dripping eyes. His white shirt had blood red stains running down his front.

Sora did not answer. He whipped his face and stared at Luxord. Sora's eyes had no white, only red and blue.

"Luxord! Run!" He heard a familiar voice scream from the other side of the car. Whirling around he discovered that the voice belonged to Axel. His eyes were much worse than Sora's.

Unsure of what to do, Luxord pushed past the walking-dead boy. Axel followed short after, he locked the door behind him, the deadbolt made a deafening thunk. "Lock the other..." Axel puffed. Luxord backed into the door and searched for the deadbolt blindly, never taking his eyes away from Axel.

After a second thunk and thirty seconds of think silence Luxord finally asked, "What the bloody hell is going on!?" His back was still pressed to the wooden door.

Axel slid to the floor cradling his face in his hands, "I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry..." Was all that was audible.

"What is going on!?" Luxord demanded.

"Well, for one, we're definetly not human..." Between Axel's fingers, blood dripped. "And for another, Sora hasn't killed a human yet..."

Luxord flinched, but remained quiet.

"Xigbar blood's his performers. He makes us these...these things. To become more in check with who we are, to ease this ever growing pain we must....we must consume a human heart..."

Luxord fell to the ground and covered his mouth.

"I-If we don't then our eyes start to bleed at an alarming rate, well, they bleed anyway, but before we get the heart the pain is immense... Sora joined the show a few months ago..." Axel sobbed, "I can't live like this anymore. I don't want to watch all these people die because of his show... I don't want to be a monster anymore..."

Luxord didn't understand a thing, but he got that Axel was not happy with the state he was living in. "Then leave! We'll both go!"

Axel removed his hands, which had coagulated blood all over it. "I can't. Xigbar will kill me. He'll kill both of us...That's what he did to Riku..."

"What!?" Luxord cried.

"Luxord, if I could leave I would have done it long ago."

Suddenly a loud scratching and pounding sounded at the door behind Axel. He didn't move, his body rocked along with the pounding. Then screaming. Loud, shrill, screaming. Luxord stood again and pressed his back as far back to the door as possible. "I'm not going to let him hurt you, Luxord," He said his once plastered back red hair hanging in his face. "I'm not going to let him through...."

The wood splintered through revealing a bloody ivory hand. The nails were mangled and had large splinters sticking into the flesh. A drop of blood landed on Axel's forehead and for a moment everything was still.

Chapter five: Death

Sora burst through the damaged wood, splintering Axel with shards of the door. Axel jumped up and tackled Sora to the ground before he could reach Luxord. You couldn't tell because of the blood, but Axel was crying. He knew what he was going to have to do. He didn't like it one bit.

He dragged Sora back to the door, digging his nails into the bare flesh of Sora's legs. Sora squirmed on the ground and scratched at the floor, damaging his fingers further. Luxord did not scream, only his blue eyes followed the boy.

Sora twisted around so he was on his back and sat up, clawing at Axel's hands. Axel cried out in pain and let go, Sora took the opportunity to jump at Luxord. Axel grabbed Sora's bloody legs dragging him back. "Stay away from him Sora! Whatever Xigbar told you was a lie!" He screamed. His face was almost entirely red and thick with blood.

Sora screamed and covered his ears. He didn't want to hear it. Axel grabbed a large splinter of wood and brought it up. Sora's eyes widened as Axel brought it down and into his leg. Sora screamed clutching his thigh. Axel's chest heaved. He was doing it again. He was killing again.

Luxord stood wide eyed staring at the bloody mess before him, never speaking, never moving, hardly believing that it was real.

Axel didn't dare pull the wood out. Too painful. He missed his mark, though, no way that this stab would would be fatal quick enough. He felt for another weapon. Something sharp, something sharp, letter opener. Something sharp.

Sora sobbed and screamed in pain, he didn't notice Axel raise the letter opener, he wouldn't miss this time. The letter opener pierced Sora's chest. The boy thrashed and cried out in pain, all humanity lost. He screamed one last time before shuddering and falling. All traces of life gone, his eyes bloody and empty.

Luxord finally slid to the ground and covered his mouth with his hands. Tears, clear, salty tears sprout from his eyes.

Axel's breath had left him, his eyes no longer dripping.

Luxord reached up, blindly searching for the handle. Grasping it firmly, Luxord pulled himself to his feet. Axel sobbed. Luxord walked past the red haired man and the gore; Axel didn't look up. He cautiously opened the mangled door and ran to the back of the train, escaping the hell of the car.

"You monster..."

"I know..." Axel moaned.

"How could you!?" Roxas hissed, staring through the open door. "What is your problem! You're such a hypocrite! You always say how you hate killing the innocent! Sora did nothing wrong!" Roxas broke away the rest of the door and fell to his knees next to his lost twin. Red tears covered his ivory face.

Axel sobbed and stood, "I can't say I'm sorry enough for you to ever hear me." He mumbled. Clean tears washed his face. He followed Luxord to the other car. Stumbling really, he looked drunk. His head hurt, his body hurt, his heart was heavy. Why? Why? Sora! Sora! "Luxord!" He called out almost incoherently.

Roxas draped himself over his 'twin'. Inaudible words were moaned into the lifeless body, out of another lifeless body. One thing out of the mess of thoughts that stuck out in Roxas' mind was, "Xigbar is going to be pissed"

Luxord was not prepared to suddenly be taken away from his life, as overdue as it was, it was still better than what he was currently dealing with. The man that he thought to be the only sane one, the one with his head on his shoulders just killed a boy, more than likely halfway through school. Axel's explanation to Luxord about the monsters was lost to him. The boy was all that mattered.

"I honestly didn't notice you there! I'm Sora!"

Axel crashed after Luxord. His hands bloody, his face bloody his body bloody. Luxord did not scream, not one emotion lingered on his face. Years of cards allowed this expression, stoic, empty, nothing.

Axel had to explain what happened. He finally had some kind of excuse to turn against Xigbar and his twisted circus. "Luxord, I-he-" Everything was a blur, "He was going to--"

"It wouldn't have mattered to me." Luxord interrupted, plainly. "I don't want your explanations why you murdered that boy. I don't care. You say that, Xigbar, he's creating monsters? You're right. He is." At this he attempted to open the door behind him. Locked, of course.

Axel stepped closer, "Listen, half the people here aren't by choice."

Luxord let anger penetrate his expression, "And Sora wasn't one of them?!" He heard himself shout. " I don't care if you want out of this. You couldn't have just let me die, could you!?"

The redhead was more than surprised to hear Luxord say this. Life, so happy and endless, careless and full, those who throw it away... "I have nothing, and I don't care to have more, and you." His ice blue eyes scowled, "You murdered for that." He scoffed, "I want you to stay the ******** away from me."

Hope was something long gone. The ship was sinking.

Chapter six: Roxas

Roxas would never forgive Axel for the murder of Sora. He didn't follow the redhead, though. He went the other direction. To the second car, to Xigbar's car. Again, Xigbar was less than pleased to see the blonde walk into his car. Marluxia and Larxene hastily let him past when they say his front was covered in blood. Although, this time, he skipped the jokes and formalities. He sat quiet and waited for Roxas to explain.

"Sora is dead."

Xigbar's eye widened. "What...what did you say?" he asked, his voice hoarse. Who could have killed him, he hadn't had the heart yet!

"Axel killed Sora. He's dead." Roxas replied bluntly. His face, his sweater and parts of his jeans were all bloody. Xigbar's question was answered, it wasn't Roxas' blood.

"A-Axel?"

Roxas nodded gravely. "He thought he was protecting Luxord. H-He just blindly killed him." Roxas' expressionless face had tears overflow his eyes. Red and painful.

Xigbar thought a moment, "Wake Lexaeus and Saix. They'll take care of him. And that British guy, the drunk one."

Roxas smiled. Justice.

Roxas was always nervous around Lexaeus, he wasn't part of the show, necessarily. He was a security guard, necessary around Demyx, who was always trying to get the audience drunk. Lexaeus was huge, brick red hair, stoic, and absolutely silent. He would usually grunt a reply, for usually he was only asked yes or no questions.

The man was already awake, no worry about the blood, the man was so emotionless his eyes had been dry since he got his heart. He waited patiently for Roxas' request. He was used to only being useful when there was trouble. Roxas was usually the messenger. 'Xigbar says to do this' 'Xigbar's orders!' and Lexaeus would carry out those orders flawlessly. Without a qualm or quarrel.

"Xigbar's orders. You need to end Axel and a visitor" Roxas said plainly, ignoring the excitement that was boiling through his veins.

Lexaeus raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Always seen and not herd. His silent questions almost never answered. He stood and gave Roxas a look that dismissed the blonde. He didn't ask why Roxas was covered in blood, or who's blood it was. He didn't question why he needed to end Axel or this 'visitor'. Obviously it wasn't supposed to be known, they wouldn't have come to him if it was otherwise.

Lexaeus reached into a briefcase bringing out a large hammer. The time had finally come to end stubborn firebender. He had been looking forward to getting rid of Axel since they day he joined the act, causing Lexaeus to be a body guard, not the strong man.

The corners of his lips curled up into a disgusting smirk. He was going to have fun tonight.

Axel still pursued the blonde who kept walking to the back of the train, "Luxord! Listen! You can't trust them!" He said in a pathetic attempt to give him some more respect in Luxord's book.

Luxord kept his eyes averted, "Shut up, you t**t!" He yelled back.

Axel ran ahead of him and blocked the door. Luxord crossed his arms over his chest and glared.

"Out of the way Ax--"

"I'm not moving." He interrupted. He shook his head, "Not until you listen to me."

Luxord rolled his eyes, "Fine," He made eye contact, "You have my undivided attention." He grumbled.

Axel sighed and relaxed a bit, "I believe that, with your help, we can convince the others to overthrow Xigbar and Marluxia. I can't do it alone, and if I just wait until the afternoon, then you'll be okay again!"

Luxord took a fob watch out of his pocket, "That's another four hours, mate. How the hell do you think you're going to keep me alive that long?" He returned the watch to his pocket.

"I'll find a way! If I can talk to Zexion and Demyx or even Roxas I could get them to help!" Axel pleaded, "Please, please help me, Luxord."

Luxord weighed his options. He could either A. Get killed by someone on killing spree because they are 'monsters' because he gave up. or B. Get killed by someone on a killing spree because he was being defiant.

Rebellion won. If he was going down, he might as well go down fighting. "What's done is done. I'll put your little...sin behind me and join your little super hero pact." He said, still glaring.

"What do you mean, 'you wont'!?" Roxas sputtered at Saix's door.

The man stared at Roxas blankly, " Because, idiot, I need direct orders from Xemnas before I do anything that rash. I am no going to jail because of Xigbar's silly orders." He returned to the paper he was writing.

Roxas glared, spun around, and stormed away. At least he had Lexaeus, the mute has the power to take down those two easily. But would that be even? Sora's life was worth so much more than two dirty souls. An honest, fun loving boy in trade for a murderer and an intruder? That was hardly fair.

He had to do something worse than just murder...

Chapter Seven: Stowaway

Namine stopped Roxas as he scurried back into his empty room. He wanted to push past her, but it was thanks to her he got into the show three years ago. She was like a sister to him.

"Roxas, what's going on? I-I saw Lexy with his hammer and there was so much blood..." She asked, standing in front of his door.

Roxas glared, "I can't explain right now. I need to get to my room." To get my keys

Namine stood firm. "No. I'm not moving until you explain why Lexaeus is 'getting rid' of someone and why there's so much blood all over the 8th car."

Blood... but no body...? "What do you mean 'blood'?" He asked. Where is Sora's body! She would have seen Sora's body! "Just' blood'!?"

She nodded, "It's....not your blood, is it?" She asked nodding at his clothes. She clutched a fist over her chest as tiny crimson tears sprouted.

Roxas shook his head. "Come into my room. I'll explain." He grabbed her arm gently and led her into his car. It felt empty and cold without Sora in it. His bed wasn't made and his watch still sat opened on the floor. "Namine, Axel killed Sora earlier this morning." She almost protested, but kept her mouth shut and wept, the flow of red steady. "Lexaeus is going to get rid of him and a stow away."

She couldn't help but interject, "Stow...away?" She breathed.

Roxas nodded. "Some British dude." he answered hotly.

She placed a hand over her mouth, but her shoulders fell, like something was a relief. She stared at Roxas, who was avoiding eye contact. "Roxas... Axel is your best friend. He was there for you the minute you joined the show!"

Roxas stared at her for a moment before forcing himself to look away. "Sora was there for me too! Every minute!" He mumbled.

Namine grabbed Roxas' hand. "Roxy, Axel fought for you to be with this show. Without him you would still be in Twilight Town!" He pulled his hand away, "He was willing to have you join his act! Just for you to be with the show! He was the one who convinced Xigbar to let you join! Not me!"

"I don't care anymore!" Roxas growled. "And I'm....I'm going to make him pay for what he did to Sora. He deserves so much..." He began sobbing.

Namine was crying too, her once white dress was very much stained. She stood, giving up. "Find me once you've made up with Axel. I'm...I'm going back to my car." She hurriedly ran off, back to the sanctuary of her bedroom.

The Auburn haired girl lifted her head to see her best friend crying. "Oh god! Nami! What happened?!" She said running over to the white-blonde girl who had rattled closed her door and sunk to the ground.

Namine shook her head and trembled from sobbing. "Oh Kairi!" She said allowing her friend to hug her tight. "It's horrible! I-I thought they found out!"

Kairi looked to the door to the back of the train. "Nobody can find me... Not unless they climb through the back!" The glass window was covered with one of Namine's exquisite drawings. One of a happier place, with green grass and blue skies. Not dead pavement and cloudy, industrial nights.

"Every day I'm here it just seems to get harder and harder... Apparently..." She took a deep breath, "Apparently Sora is dead..." Kairi gasped and teared up, "A-And Axel....Axel killed him so Lex is going to get rid of him..."

The two girls cried until they had nothing left. Kairi knew the show goer's names. She came into close calls with almost every one of them. With help from Namine, she had successfully hidden herself in the 11th car for almost three months. Namine fell asleep first, still early in the morning. Kairi covered her friend with a large wool blanket and watched the door.

Meanwhile, a blonde and a redhead waded through the mess of Axel's former car and stepped into Zexion's. "Oh Axel, you have created quite the mess..." He mumbled turning to face the duo. His visible blue eye scheming, a scowl spread across his face. "You just missed Lexaeus, he took Sora back to Xigbar's car. I was going to suggest cremation, like we did with Riku, but then I found out there's a bounty on your head." The short man stood, "I'd say you need to control yourself, but I fear it's far too late for that now."

Axel sighed, "Yeah, I know. Zexion, I- we need your help." He said looking to the disgruntled Luxord for a split second.

"Up until now, I would have said you were absolutely insane." His eyes trailed to the door behind him, his voice lowered into a whisper, "We will bring Xigbar and all the rest of those monsters to their knees."

Axel smiled, "I was hoping you'd agree. We need you to convince Demyx to join also."

Zexion stared at the redhead, confused, "Why me?"

Axel smirked. The two other men now regretted joining this 'anti-Xigbar' pact. "If you can't convince him with words, use your body!" He said happily.

Zexion and Luxord's jaws both dropped. What the hell was Axel thinking!? Zexion shook his head and Luxord stared at the mad redhead in disbelief.

Luxord glared and poked Axel's arm, releasing the man from some twisted plot forming in his mind, "Uh, mate," He cleared his throat,"I can't help but wonder what young Skipper meant by 'bounty'." Axel's eyes widened, he hadn't picked up on that before.

Zexion rubbed his forehead, "Alright, I'll talk to Demyx while you guys hide out with.... Namine, she's against him too. Go to the 11th car. Just be careful. Lexaeus' room is past that."

The duo nodded and crept through Zexion's room. The slate-haired boy just sighed and slipped into two cars down, Demyx's car. He was not looking forward to this 'talk'. Demyx could be pretty stubborn.

The musician was sitting on his unmade bed tuning his great blue instrument. His eyes lightened when Zexion stumbled into the car. "Zexy! I wasn't expecting you. What's up?" He set aside the instrument to give his full attention to the magician.

Zexion locked the door behind him, Demyx didn't weather to be excited or scared. "Axel's done some stuff and now, more than ever, needs out of the show." Zexion explained in a hushed tone.

Demyx cocked an eyebrow, "But what about what happened to Rik--"

He stepped forward,"That's why he's taking more than half the show with him." Zexion continued. So far all he's got is some British guy and me. Demyx, we need you to help us take down Xigbar." As he spoke he kept getting closer to Demyx, so he could speak quieter, so he could close the space between the two. God damn you, Axel.

Demyx thought a moment, "Well, I'll help. Just, how much will I actually have to do. I'm not so good with the whole 'against' scene. I'm a bit of a 'go with the flow' kinda guy."

Zexion rolled his eyes, "I know that. I don't know what Axel's thinking, but we need as many people in this we can get." he mentally sighed, Demyx was in, he didn't have to 'use his body' after all. He stepped back; Demyx looked almost disappointed.

Zexion turned and started walking for the door but was stopped, "Wait." Demyx said grabbing onto Zexion's wrist.

A little annoyed Zexion turned, "What?" He shot back, clearly not amused.

Demyx fidgeted a little and blushed, "Well, uh, don't you want a..." His blushed deepened and he looked at the ground. "A kiss for good luck?" He asked, finding courage in the floorboards.

The blunette also turned a shade pink. Now was not the time to be admitting any feelings. They were in the middle of some horror story, and here was Demyx trying to be romantic. Zexion stood, frozen in shock. Demyx quickly leaned forward and brushed his lips against Zexion before recoiling like a child.

Zexion moved a hand to his lips. So THIS is why Axel wanted ME to convince Demyx... he thought to himself, his eyes were wide and he was still registering what was going on. He shook his head. "I-I have to go now!" He sputtered, blushing furiously. He quickly unlocked Demyx's door and slipped back into the car before.

Chapter eight: Forgive me.

Roxas searched through his few possessions, he knew he was going to need them someday. He had hid them somewhere he would never forget, and now they're gone. "Dammit dammit dammit..." He kept mumbling to himself emptying a chest of clothing. "Where the hell are my keys!?" He cried gripping his blonde hair.

He heard a knock at his door. Nobody ever knocked unless they were going into Xigbar's car. "What?!" He shot.

On the other side Axel and Luxord waited. "It's Axel!" He called, not wanting to startle Roxas.

Luxord was truly confused why Axel is going to see Roxas. He was pretty sure that Roxas was going to kill both of them.

Roxas tensed up. Fresh tears sprouted in his eyes. Still red, still morning. He frantically searched through his things until a soft jingle sounded. Found them.

"Roxas! You there?" The familiar voice continued calling.

A flood of memories rushed over Roxas. Back when he first joined the circus. Back when he suck on the train.

"Know this guy?" Xigbar spat, his accent not yet through with for the day. He held a small boy by the neck of his sweater. His hear was spiky and blonde, his eyes were large and deep. Afraid.

"Pardon?" The blue hair man inquired momentarily looking up from the paper work.

The blonde did not squirm or protest. His shoulders trembled but he did not cry.

Xigbar grinned "I found this shortie in the last car with Namine. I figured you would know what to do with him."

"You kidnapped him!?" The man stood, knocking over a pile of papers." This is going to create such a huge lawsuit! Xemnas is--"

The eagle-eyed man cut off the other, "Not kidnapped. The kid is a stowaway. If he joins then nobody has to know!" He leered.

The boy finally spoke, "A-Are you going to kill me?" He squeaked, his premature voice almost cracking.

Xigbar laughed, "If we can't find a use for you. I see Nami was helping you out. Maybe you can model for her." He laughed again.

Saix rubbed his temples. "We will be pulling into the next town and waiting for Xemnas so he can work this out. Do. You. Understand?"

"Completely." You could hear the grin in his voice.

"Why doesn't he help me?" An unfamiliar voice chimed in. Three heads turned to see a redhead leaning in the doorway. Cool eyes trailing over the mess of the car, and mess of the kid.

Xigbar sputtered some inaudible words about how Axel had startled him. Saix grumbled and started cleaning up. Roxas shook with fear.

"Yeah, he can be my assistant." Axel stared longingly at the ceiling, "I've always wanted an assistant..."

Xigbar dropped the child at Axel's feet. "Fine. Not my problem."

"Roxas! Please open up!" Axel begged.

Luxord shook his head in disbelief, he could not believe that this man was walking to his doom. He had honestly agreed to follow this idiot. Fate was not on his side. How he longed for his overdue rent.

Slowly the door slid opened to reveal a tear-filled teenager with a large ring of keys in his hand. He was quite disheveled, even without the blood he would be filthy. He had dark bags under his eyes, which were quite bloodshot under all of the crimson.

"What do you want...?" He swallowed hard, not making eye contact, "Come to kill me too?"

"So, you're from Twilight Town?" The redhead asked, leaning back against the wall.

The blonde smiled, "Yeah."

"Me too. But that was a while ago. How old are ya?"

"15."

Axel's eyes grew wide, "********. Really? Geeze. I hadn't decided to run away with the circus until I was at least 20."

Roxas laughed. A genuine happy sort of laugh. His first for a while. " Do you think... Namine's going to get in trouble for hiding me?" He whispered timidly.

Axel thought a moment, "I can't say. But she's a tough girl. She's been here before I joined. She...seems to have some kind of authority around the big guys, like a lot of us are missing." He smiled, "Hell, thanks to her we've got half our shows."

Axel got down on one knee, kneeling, then two. He put his hands down in front of him. Oh my god, is he begging!? That ruddy idiot is BEGGING! Luxord and Roxas stared in disbelief.

Axel was trembling. He too, couldn't believe what he was doing. "Roxas, I am your best friend, we went through everything together until this point. I made a mistake, there were other ways to subdue Sora. Now, I am apologizing. For anything and everything that I have done that could have hurt you." He stared at the ground trembling. He sounded like a sap.

Roxas whipped his arm on his shoulder. "You really mean it, huh?"

"I sursly think that we-as in you" The drunk man pointed at the blonde" And meh," He pointed to himself, "Are gonna be like the bestest show in this whole ******** curkus!" He slurred.

Roxas draped his drunk friend over his shoulders, "Yeah, yeah." He mumbled rolling his eyes.

Axel planted his drunk feet on the ground, causing his friend to stop. "Seriously." He repeated, clearer, serious. "We're going to be ********' 'mazing!" His eyes stared straight into Roxas' and it freaked him out a bit.

Roxas blinked and crimson tears dripped down his cheeks, "I'm going to murder Xigbar."

Axel smiled and stood again. Roxas fell into Axel's arms, sobbing, "It's his fault, isn't it!? It's all Xigbar's goddamn fault!" He cried. Axel patted Roxas' back. He got it now.