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Traverse Town Flying Dragons	By : trishd83 Category: Kingdom Hearts > Slash/Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2766 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the characters mentioned from Kingdom Hearts in this story and receive no profit from this fan fic.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
AN: So here is chapter nine. I struggled with this one a bit. But thanks to a wonderful author and friend I was able to get it done. Thank you Keeper_of_Fatestones for listening to scenes I wasn't sure of and giving me your honest opinion not only for this chapter but for all of them. This acknowledgment is way over due. Love you! ^_^

Disclaimer: same as always I own none of the characters yada, yada, yada.

Chapter Nine: The Hospital

Zexy blanched. Leon grabbed him before his legs could give out. He latched on to Leon like a life line and waited for the doctor to go on.

"Mr. Grapegio, uh, Demyx, sustained multiple internal injuries resulting in major blood loss. There are injuries to his spleen, right kidney, left lung, he has two broken and three fractured ribs. His jaw is dislocated but not broken it looks like the blood in his mouth was from biting his tongue and the inside of his cheek split open. He needs stitches for both. His nose is broken and he has a serious concussion but no other head injury. The damage done to his legs is also extensive. It seems his attacker wanted to keep him from walking again. We've only done a preliminary examination however; the orthopedic specialist will be here within the hour and join us in surgery. I have to get back in there I just wanted to let you know what the preliminary assessment was and to tell you surgery will be at least 4 to 5 hours. We have a lot of work to do. I will be back out once he is in recovery to update you." The doctor turned to leave.

"Doctor wait." Zexy finally spoke.

"Yes Mr. Slater?"

"You said there was serious damage to his legs and that his attacker did not want him to walk again. Is that what you think will be the result of his injuries? Has he lost the use of his legs?"

"I am not an orthopedic specialist so I cannot say if the damage is repairable. I can tell you what damage we were able to assess. He has shattered knee caps and his legs were kicked in such a way that the tendons and muscles surrounding his joints and knee caps are torn, some completely through where we will have to search up and down his leg to find the ends to re-attach them. Whether he walks again or not will be up to the specialists to determine. I wish I could give you more information but I really am not qualified. I'm sorry." The doctor said in earnest.

"I see. Thank you for the information doctor, um, one more thing?" Zexy looked at him, fear in his eyes. The doctor waited for the question, concern easily read in his expression. "You said that the news wasn't good, and certainly nothing has been, but I have not heard the words life threatening from you. Does he have any life threatening injuries? Is my Demy's life in danger doctor?"

Everyone held their breath waiting for his response. It was a question they were all thinking but were afraid to ask. Axel had listened quietly to what the doctor said getting more and more angry with each word. It didn't matter if Ventus did this because Demy was his friend or Roxas' and Sora's. Demy was one of Axel's best friends and he was seeing red. His control being tested beyond any level it had been in the past. He could feel his muscles vibrate with tension as he fought to remain still and look calm.

Riku listened as the doctor listed each of Demy's injuries, all of which Ventus was responsible for whether he threw the punches and kicks or not, Riku was sure they were by his orders. His body was coiled like a spring just waiting for someone to say the wrong thing to give him a reason to attack. He hoped Jager was the one stupid enough to do that. It may be Ventus' order that landed Sora and Demyx in the hospital but it was Jager's life choices that started it all. Riku had no idea why he made the choices and didn't give a flying fuck. The fact remained that he made them and because of those bad choices the man he loved and one of his closest friends were fighting for their lives. He wanted to hurt this man; Sora's father or not, he wanted to hurt him. From the looks of Axel he seemed to be thinking the same thing and was struggling more than Riku to keep it together. That wasn't good, one of them had to stay level headed because…well he couldn't think of why but there was a reason and since he already had his minor explosion it was time to allow Axel his. Riku's attention was redirected when the doctor began answering Zexion's question.

"It's just too soon to tell. If discussing each individual injury, no. Any of the injuries on their own are not life threatening but in combination…your partner has so many injuries that we just have to wait and see how the surgery goes and what else we find once we are inside repairing the damage. If it's possible I will send a nurse out to update you on our progress."

"That would be wonderful if you can thank you so much." Zexy said; a weak smile was all he managed.

Zexy was holding it together by a thread; though it was hard to tell if he was trembling in fear or anger. It seemed as though his demeanor was changing with each passing minute. Like his mind was switching to survival mode.

Riku put his hand on Axel's very tense shoulder, "Hey why don't you take a break. I'll hold down the fort for a while. You look like you can use some chill time."

"And here I thought I was doing a good job looking calm." Axel smiled weakly.

"Yeah, calm like a viper waiting for their prey to get just an inch closer so you can strike and squeeze the life out of them." Riku looked in his friend's eyes, "I got this, really, go and get some air."

God he really needed to get out of there before he kicked the shit out of the twin's dad. He would not leave unless he knew Roxas would be okay. Axel looked over at his Roxy and the devastation in his expression almost brought him to his knees. I'm gonna fucking kill Jager then use his intestines to hang the others. He smiled at the thought.

"Axel, are you okay?" Roxas asked confused.

"He quickly vanished the smile, "Yeah, fine. Hey Love, do you think you'll be okay for a little while? I need to get out and run an errand."

Roxas looked a little hurt but seemed to understand because he closed the distance between them, gave him a tender kiss and a tight hug. "I'll be okay, go do what you need to do. My parents, Riku, and Zexy are here. I'm surrounded by people I love. I'll be fine, just hurry back okay?"

"Promise," He kissed him with deep passion, hugged him once more, slapped Riku on the back. "Thank you," turned to Roxas, "both of you, I won't be too long." He turned to Zexy and kissed his cheek then hugged him. "He's gonna be okay Zex. We're all gonna be okay." Zexy smiled a little and nodded. "Be back Leon, help Slick take care of Zex?"

"Of course, I brought him here remember?" He gave him a "well duh" look.

ooOoo

Axel took the hall in long strides eating up the length quickly. He needed to get out of there and fast. Not knowing where to go he got in his car and just drove. His brain was buzzing with all of the thoughts whirling around inside. How was he going to protect Roxas from Ventus without landing himself in jail? Yes he had pull and money but he didn't own the police or the crooked politicians that could fix it so he never saw this side of bars again. No that little advantage was all on Riku's wonderful asshole of a father. Riku was safe from jail because his father would not risk blemishing his pristine rep but Axel wanted a piece of Ventus and Terra. He was not going to let Slick have all of the fun. There was no doubt in his mind that Terra was in on Demy's beating. It was trade mark Terra. There had to be some way to get to them and as Riku said, although Axel would get great pleasure from squeezing the life out of the fuckers, death was not an option. No that would let them off too easy. They were going to have to suffer just like Sora and Demy suffered and probably will be suffering for a long time. He wished he could take that from them. Make it better. The idea of Sora possibly having brain damage or not waking up at all and Demy never being able to walk again ripped at Axel's heart. Demy, his close friend since preschool was laying in an operating room get put back together like fucking Humpty Dumpty. Sore his future brother-in-law was fighting for his life in intensive care and there wasn't a fucking thing he could do to help them. Being helpless did not sit well with the fiery redhead, ever. He was a fix it man. Always had been, always will be, but this he couldn't fix and his gut churned with frustration and fear for them.

He eventually found himself in front of a tattoo shop. That's when an idea came to him. He couldn't physically help them, not yet anyway, so he would support them in another way. In a way that he would always remind him of what happened to them and how precious life was. He got out of the car, walked into the shop and told them what he wanted. Forty five minutes later he walked out, his skin throbbed. He was pleased with the results. It was time to get back to the hospital.

Yuffie sat at her desk catching up on paper work to keep her mind busy. When Axel called her to tell her he would not be in to teach his classes and why she was shocked silent. She was quiet for so long that Axel thought she'd passed out. The news of Demy had sent a jolt of emotional pain through her. She really liked Dems a lot, hell who wouldn't? There wasn't a thing about the guy to dislike. The idea that someone was cold enough to do that to him sent a shiver down her spine. Then he told her about Sora, it's true she hardly knew him, but in the few times she'd met him he seemed to be very sweet and he was adorable too. "How could anyone hurt either of them?" she asked an empty room. She shook her head and started opening the mail. There was nothing interesting enough to keep her attention from drifting back to Demy and Sora. She looked at the phone every few minutes willing it to ring with some news. Blowing out a puff of frustrated breath she reached for the phone just as it rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hi Yufe, how'd the classes go?"

"Hey Axel, they went fine. How are Demy and Sora?

"It's still in a wait and see status. I feel so useless Yufe. I need to do something to make this right, but I don't know what that is and it's making me crazy. That asshole Ventus is behind this so I might as well have my hands tied and be strung up by my balls. I step out of line at all and his uncle will have the TTPD all over my ass."

"How do you know it's Ven? Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt for a minute that he's capable of something this vicious and cruel. I was just wondering if it's your gut or if you have proof that he's involved."

Axel took a slow calming breath to control his anger. He could not let it get the best of him, he would not. "I have proof, but it's not my story to tell. You'll just have to trust me on this."

Yuffie continued to open the mail as they talked. She opened an invitation to a very interesting tournament and as she read the details she vaguely heard Axel say something about Riku decking Roxas' and Sora's dad when she interrupted him. "Axel?" he kept talking, "Axel." he continued to talk. "AXEL!" she finally raised her voice.

"What? Geez you didn't have to yell." He huffed.

"Riiiight. Anyway, I think I might have a way you can get to Ventus and crew if you so choose." She smiled as she continued to read the invitation.

"Really? What? What is it? Tell me." Axel's heart pounded in his chest and his adrenaline kicked up. As Yuffie read the invitation to him he grinned and by the time she was finished he was full out smiling. This could work. This could be what we were looking for to get to that bastard.

"So what do you think? Would this work?" she asked excitedly.

"Yuffie darling if I was there I would kiss you! Yes I think it has definite possibilities. I think this could be how to get to him without getting into trouble ourselves. What is the cutoff for registration?"

"The deadline is in three weeks the tournament isn't until the end of August so just over three months."

"A little long to wait but I can be patient, the outcome is worth it. Thanks darling I have to go, I need to get back inside. Hopefully this idea will make Riku, Roxas and Zexy feel a little stronger. I'll call you when I hear anything new about Demy and Sora." He hung up the phone, got out of his car and started walking to the hospital entrance when he spotted none other than Xemnas. What the fuck is he doing here? Axel changed direction and followed him to see what he was up to. He couldn't help but smile when he noticed the ugly bruise on his jaw, the way he was holding his gut like he was trying to keep things from falling out, and he was limping pretty nicely too. Fucker got off easy as far as I'm concerned. Axel said to himself as he watched him enter through the side door. He kept back far enough that he wasn't noticed walking in the door about 30 seconds after him. He saw the flash of silver duck around the corner just as he opened the door and jogged down the hall after him. Peeking around the corner he spotted his prey at the information desk but was too far to hear what he was asking. He quickly darted to the other side of the hall to a second hallway that lead to a spot nearer to the desk. He reached the corner in time to hear Xemnas say Sora Stryker. His blood hit the boil marker instantly. The bastard was here to see if they'd done a good enough job! Son-of-a-fucking-bitch these guys had balls coming to check on Sora like this. Then he heard him ask after Demy and it took every reserve he had not to jump him right then and rip his fucking head off. So there it was; the proof to back up their speculation. These guys were responsible for Demyx too. It was tempting to follow Xemnas back out and kick the crap out of him again but it wasn't smart. No he would refrain because now he had a plan, a way to get to all of them and murder was not a requirement. The fact that Ventus would be affected the most was just icing on the cake. He backed up and took the back way to the waiting room to rejoin his friends and soon to be lover.

ooOoo

Riku stood against the wall, one foot planted on the wall the other the floor. He watched Roxas and Zexy hold each other whispering between one another for support. Leon stood a few feet from him fidgeting with his empty cup trying to keep from pacing.

Maybe if he eased up on the caffeine a little he could sit still. Riku thought to himself his own hands folded over his chest. Axel had been gone for over two hours and he was beginning to wonder where he'd gotten to for this long.

Jager and Charlotte sat on the opposite couch from their son. Jager was clearly trying to comfort his wife but if Riku was guessing right, the cut off conversation from earlier was getting between them. His wife didn't appear to want his comfort; glaring at him every time he tried to touch her. Good, the bastard may have a temporary reprieve but Riku didn't think it would be for long.

There was still the question of should he and Axel tell Roxas and Sora when he wakes or allow their loser dad to do that? The friend and lover in him knew what he wanted to do but the logical thinker in him said he should leave it to Jager. That it was a family matter best discussed between them in private. He didn't trust their dad to tell them the truth though; at least not the whole of it. That didn't sit well with him. He looked at the clock. Where the hell was Axel? He asked himself just as he came around the corner, smiling. Quite a change from when he left. Maybe I should have left the building to cool off earlier? Seems to have done wonders for Red. As he got closer Riku noticed something else. He pushed off the wall about to get a closer look when Roxas spotted him and launched himself off the couch into his arms, wrapping his legs around his slim waist. He buried his face in Axel's neck and began to sob. Axel immediately began to soothe him with low murmurs that only Roxas could hear. The little blonde's sobbing subsided to whimpers. Axel continued to hold him as he walked toward Riku.

"What did you do Red? They look great but why did you do it?" Riku asked as the redhead came closer and he got a good view of his friends face.

Roxas lifted his head to see what Riku was talking about. His eyes opened wide as saucers, "Axel what are those?" He lightly touched the tender spots making Axel flinch slightly.

"To answer both of you, they're tats. I needed to do something to show my support for Sora and Dems. Since I can't help with their rehab or avenge them right now I got these, one for each." he explained, smiling with satisfaction.

"Did it hurt?" Roxas asked softly, gingerly touching them, fascinated by the stark black against Axel's pale skin.

"A little but nothing to whine about."

"Why upside down tear drops?" Riku asked.

"As you know I don't cry. But my feelings about what happened to our friends… He thought for a moment. No our family is deep sadness as well as anger. These show that although the tears were not shed the feelings are genuine."

Roxas looked up at his man and if he hadn't already loved him he would have fallen in love with him right then. As it was, he had just fallen deeper in love with him, if that was even possible. "I love you Axel." He cupped Axel's jaw with his hand and kissed him deeply as he dislodged his legs from around his hips and placed his feet on the ground. He continued to kiss him until they were both breathless then broke the kiss and hugged him tight.

Axel wrapped his arms around Roxas resting his chin on the blonds head and looked at Riku. "So how were things while I was gone?" He asked his trusted friend.

"Uneventful," he motioned with his chin toward Sora's parents. "That's pretty interesting to watch though." Riku said with a little grin.

"Yeah I kinda picked up on that on the way in; he's hanging by a thread it would seem." Axel's grin matched Riku's. "My time away was very eventful we have things to discuss my friend."

Roxy pulled back a little so he could see the taller man's face. "What kinds of things?"

When Roxy looked up at him with red rimmed sad eyes his heart nearly shattered. All that held it together was the idea that he could possibly make this right. Or at least make the bastards responsible for Demy's and Sora's conditions pay for what they'd done. "Well…I think I found a way to get to these guys without landing our, well my ass in jail."

"Really, how?" Roxy perked up a bit.

"Zexy you should hear this too." Axel suggested to his blue haired friend who was back to sitting in the corner of the couch with his knees tucked under his chin and hands wrapped tightly around his legs.

Zexy looked up at him and nodded unfolding himself, he got up and walked over to the small group. "Okay I'm listening, what's the plan." He said, very alert as if he wasn't just in the twilight zone thirty seconds ago. Then again with Zexy he seemed to always hear everything.

Axel cleared his throat. "I called Yuffie to give her an update and she just happened to be going through her mail. She ran across a very interesting invitation to an unsanctioned tournament hosted by none other than Ventus and his flunkies. You know what that means right?" he asked with a very wicked grin.

Riku looked at him and he slowly began to smile as the dawning settled in his mind. "It means it will be a no rules tourney, a street fight basically. Anything goes; no cops, no chance of being charged with a crime because no one would admit to being there. And if we took the tournament it would crush Ventus and his world champ status in the underground circuit. The one thing he holds dear and is proud of, the center of his existence. God damn Red, its perfect!"

"Can anyone compete?" Zexy asked.

"Yep as long as you have the backing of a registered black belt you can compete." Axel answered.

"Good," was all Zexy replied as he nodded his head once.

Riku narrowed his eyes at the small man. "Good? Why good? What are planning Zex?"

"I am going to compete." he held up his hands before Axel and Riku could begin the arguments both were getting ready to spew. "There is no discussing this. They broke my Demy for no other reason than he knew you," he looked at Axel, "Or you," he looked at Roxas. "I do not blame either of you for this, so don't even try to feel guilty for caring about Demy. I mean who wouldn't care and love my man? I want a piece of who did this to him. I need to do this for me. Do you understand what I am saying?"

They both nodded their understanding then Axel started to laugh softly.

Zexy looked at the laughing redhead a little confused. "What's funny?"

Riku was smiling too now having a pretty good idea what Axel was thinking.

"I think that is more words then I've heard you say at one time since I've known you. You must be furious."

"Ha ha, smart ass, however I will admit that I am way beyond a healthy anger level; I'm done crying. Crying will not help Demy, and it will not make me feel better. Action will make me feel better and that will make me stronger for Demy when he needs me to be strong for him. So I will not argue this point. If you feel I am not at the level necessary to compete then get me there." He looked at Axel with a raised brow as if to challenge his ability to do so.

Axel opened his mouth to answer Zex when Roxas cut him off. "Me too."

He looked at Roxas, shaking his head no, "Not a chance Roxy. You just started! I'll admit you're a natural talent but you would have only three months to train! That's not nearly enough time. These tournaments don't have referees to stop the match and save your ass. There is no tap out escape. If you can't get yourself out of trouble you will get hurt; or worse dead." Axel voice was low and even but the fear and anger were loud and clear in his speech.

"Axy, I agree with everything…"

"Axy?" Riku lifted his brow and grinned.

Axel and Roxas both turned and glared at him then went back to their conversation.

"As I was saying, I agree with everything Zexy said. That's exactly how I feel. Crying won't change Sora's condition. It won't make him better, it will only make me weak and right now I need to be strong for my brother. Don't you get it? I blame myself for not being able to protect him…"

"But that wasn't your fault." Axel interrupted.

"I feel like it was and nothing anybody says to me will change that. I need to make this right. I need to show Sora that I can still protect him; that he can still depend on me to be there for him." Roxas stated vehemently, his chin out a little in a defiant gesture letting Axel know there would be no negotiating this.

"Roxy." Axel tried to plead his case anyway but was cut off instantly.

"No Axel! If you won't train me then I'll find someone who will but I will compete in that tournament. I want Xemnas, he's the one that hurt Sora. Isn't that what you said you guys saw?" he looked at Riku. "You said you saw him kick," he choked up a little at the thought of Sora getting kicked in the head but regained his composure, "him in the head right."

"Yes but," Riku began.

"So it's him I want." He looked between the two of them, "So, will you train me to go against Xemnas?"

Zexy Looked between them too, "And me to compete against any of them? Until Demy wakes we don't know who attacked him so I want to be able to take on any of them."

Riku blew out a breath, looked at the determination in their faces then looked at Axel. He could swear his spikes looked like flames he was so angry. Riku shrugged his shoulders, "I don't think we have a choice Red. They are both very good. You said it yourself that Zexy is your best student and Roxy is a natural. If we train 6-8 hours a day it's possible they'll be ready."

All three were looking at him waiting for his response. He took several calming breaths to refocus and regain his control. "Fuck." he ran his hands through his spikes in frustration and looked at them again. They quietly waited for his response. "Fuck!" He pulled Roxy into his arms, "Fine, it's not like I have a choice anyway."

Roxas reached up locking his fingers behind Axel's neck and pulled him down into a kiss. "Thank you." then looked at Riku, "Thank you Riku."

Riku nodded his acknowledgement. Then Zexy walked over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you Riku I know this means going against your family."

"Please, Zex they haven't been my family since I was about 12 hours old. This is nothing I haven't done before so don't worry about that. Besides I am not technically blood kin to Ven. My Dad is his um, uncle-in-law I guess you could say. His Mom is my Aunt's Husband's sister Loretta. So since I have no blood ties to my uncle I have no blood ties to his sister's kid."

Zex and Roxy looked at him as if he were speaking a foreign language. "Okay, yeah that was as clear as mud. I'll just take your word for it." Zexy said then turned to Axel. "Why upside down tears?"

"Because I don't cry but I am very upset over what has been done to Demy and Sora."

"That's a beautiful way to express your love for our men, thank you for that."

"Aw Zex you know how much I love Demy."

"Yes I do, and I love you because of that my friend."

"Okay I am really feeling left out of this love fest here guys." Leon said from behind Zexy.

Zexy turned around and wrapped his arms tight around him. "You kept me whole, stayed strong when I couldn't be, I'll never forget that Leon."

"See that's what I'm talkin' about. Now I'm feeling the love." He smiled as he hugged Zex back.

Leon was always good at lightening up a situation. And he succeeded here as they all laughed at his silliness.

Sora's doctor took that moment to walk into the room silencing them.

ooOoo

Charlotte jumped up, "Doctor how is my son? Is he going to be okay? When can I see him? Has he woken up yet?"

She bombarded him with questions and he waited patiently for her to finish the stream before he spoke. Once he was sure she was done he began answering them one at a time. "He is out of recovery and settled in his ICU room. As I said before we have to wait and see how he does over the next 36 to 72 hours to get a better idea of what damage the blow to his head did. You may see him two at a time. He has not woken as of yet though. He is in room 134 right this way. As they walked toward the room the doctor reminded them only two at a time for now. By the time they reached the room it was agreed that Charlotte and Jager would go first. The doctor said he would let Demy's doctor know that Zexy was outside Sora's room. Apparently he was going to assist in Demy's surgery once he left them.

As they waited outside Sora's room Riku and Axel discussed what sort of training program they would use to get Roxas and Zexion to the level they needed to compete and not get killed. Deciding between Axel's private training center and Yuffie's dojo they could get at least 6 hours a day in. Both being trainers they also quickly came up with what method they would use and even most of the workouts by the time Sora's parents came out of the room.

Charlotte gathered Roxas in her arms, "Oh Roxas he looks so pale, so weak. Our beautiful, happy, bouncy Sora just looks so…" she grabbed Roxas tighter and began sobbing. "He has to be okay Roxy, he just has to be. Fate wouldn't be that cruel."

He held her tight trying to comfort his Mom when he was barely hanging on himself. So when he felt Axel's hands rest on his shoulders it was like getting a bolt of strength that started at the contact points and spread throughout his body giving him renewed strength. It seemed as though his Mom felt it too because she loosened her hold.

"You go in and sit with your brother now dear. He needs his twin's bond to help him through this." She kissed him on the cheek and stepped back.

Roxas turned and looked through the glass before walking in, steeling himself for what he might see. Holding his hand on the door handle he stood frozen; desperate to get in there but also terrified to see him.

Axel laid his hand over the smaller one and pushed the handle down then slid the door open coaxing Roxas through. He turned and closed the door then gripped Roxy's hand in his own and gently pulled him forward. The only noise was the sounds of all of the machines hooked up to Sora. As they approached the bed Roxas began to tremble. He could see the form of the back brace the doctors put him in. From his mouth came the tube that forced his lungs to work while they healed. The doctor explained that one of his cracked ribs punctured his lung so he would be on a respirator for a few days while the lung healed a little. As the monitors beeped and the respirator whooshed in their eerie melody Roxas moved closer to his brother, he reached out and took his hand. It was warm but limp. There was no sense that Sora had any idea he was holding it. No communication of any kind, the twin sense that was always present in the background was gone. "I can't feel him Axel, I can't feel his mind." Roxas whispered, his tears fell anew.

From behind him Axel put his arms around his waist and kissed his cheek. "It's probably the affects of the anesthesia Love. Have you ever been under? It's nothing but black. Give it a few hours and I'm sure you'll feel him again with that freaky twin thing."

Roxas could feel Axel grin against his cheek and it made him smile for a brief moment. "My Mom's right, look at how pale he is?" He reached his hand up and pushed a strand of hair out of Sora's eye. It was that one stubborn spot that drove him crazy. He constantly complained about it. He smiled at the memories that flashed through his mind, leaned over and kissed his forehead. "Listen brother, we already know you were slightly brain damaged, but that was the perfect amount. You don't need help being strange; you're strange enough as it is. So you fight this, you got that little bro? Yeah you heard me I'm playing the older brother card. I am 5 minutes and 37 seconds older than you therefore you have to listen to me," He stopped to regain his diminishing composure, took a deep breath and continued. "I love you Sora, and I need you. I need my other half. Please fight your way back to us. The doctors said its important you wake up within two days so I'll give you one day to rest then I'm gonna wake your ass up by any means necessary."

Axel watched the monitors as Roxas talked to Sora. He had always been fascinated by electronic equipment, like how it worked. He needed to know how a bunch of wires, plastic, and metal created a mechanical brain. Probably due to the family business but whatever, he loved the stuff. While he studied the piece tracking Sora's brain activity he noticed a spike in the readings when Roxas said he loved him and needed him. Then another spike when he threatened to take his waking into his own hands.

"Holy shit, Axel his fingers moved! He didn't squeeze my fingers but his moved in my hand! What do you think that means? Do you think he's waking up?"

"I don't know maybe we should call the nurse. Do you want me to get her?" Axel asked cautiously. He knew that often the nerves can twitch in situations like this. He had seen it when his cousin Reno was in a bike wreck that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Of course that was a neck injury. Sora's doctor mention his back not his neck so maybe…

"I already buzzed for her to come in. Please let this be a good sign", he fidgeted waiting for the nurse but the wait was worth it because she'd brought the doctor with her.

"I was on my way to check on Sora here when the nurse said you called for her, is there something wrong?" The doctor asked as he checked Sora's eyes for dilation reaction and listened to his heart and lungs.

"Well I was holding his hand and talking to him and when I um, well when I threatened him that I would wake him up myself if he didn't by tomorrow," he blushed, "and at that moment his fingers moved in my hand. He didn't squeeze but they definitely moved." Roxy explained.

"Hm, okay well let's check his reflex response then." He pulled out his reflex hammer and tested Sora's arms first then feet. He then pulled out a pin and proceeded to poke at his fingers, toe, arms and legs in various spots.

Axel watched the monitor each time the doctor poked somewhere and noticed when he poked at his fingers and arms there were changes but in his legs there was none. He said nothing.

The doctor looked at Roxas and smiled. "Well there is definitely some response in his upper extremities. That's more than we were getting before so the anti-inflammatory medicine must be helping. It's still too early to tell but it is an improvement and we will take all of those we can get. I'll check back in on him in an hour or so, I planned on staying at the hospital tonight anyway. Keep doing whatever it is you're doing, you obviously have an effect on him."

After the doctor left the room the nurse checked a few things then left as well. Axel turned Roxas in his arms and hugged him properly. "He's going to be okay Love, I can feel it. I don't think it will be easy but he'll be okay. I think maybe I should let Riku come in for awhile. I want to go see what's going on with Demy anyway, do you mind?"

"No of course not, I want to know what's happening too and besides I think Sora would love to hear that sexy voice of Riku's."

Axel Grinned, "Hey, should I be jealous?"

"Nope, you're the one that owns my heart." he pushed up to his toes and kissed him.

Axel's heart fluttered at the declaration and he couldn't stop the grin that spread from cheek to cheek. He cleared his throat, "Okay then, um I'll just go get him." He kissed him good-bye and as he reached the door he stopped, hand on the handle he turned. "I feel the exact same way about you Roxy." He opened the door and slipped out.

ooOoo

Roxas stared at the door, Holy shit! He did just say that didn't he? You're not screwing with me because I'm an emotional wreck are you? Stupid brain, you are rarely helpful you know that? He shook his head and turned his attention back to his brother. His heart fluttered in his chest at what Axel had just said. How is it possible to feel like you've known someone your entire life after just a few days? He didn't understand, but at this point he really didn't care because what he did know was that Axel felt right. Being with him, kissing him, hugging him, depending on him, loving him, it all felt right.

The door open and Sora's monitor readings all changed. His heart rate went up, his blood pressure raised slightly, brain activity went crazy. Riku came closer, "Any changes? What did the doctor say when he came in? Is he okay, he's not worse is he?" He walked to the other side of the bed and took Sora's other hand in his.

The moment their hands touch Sora's fingers twitched almost enough to grab Riku's and his own hands. Roxas smiled and looked at the silver haired guy across the bed from him. His eyes were wide in surprise and you could almost see his heart pounding through his chest as his adrenaline kicked in on the wave of hope that surged through him.

He looked at Sora's smiling brother and his heart immediately began to race. Surely this was a good sign if he was already responding to stimulation so soon after surgery. "Rox, did I just feel his fingers move? I did, didn't I? His fingers moved when I touched him." A smile lighted his face when the brunette smiled wider.

"Yep that's what you felt. The doctor said he is responding to stimuli and that it's a good sign. He said he is far from out of the woods but it's an improvement and any improvement is welcome. Look at the monitors," he nodded his head in the direction of the equipment. "Do you see the third one there?" Riku nodded. "That's the one the tracks his brain activity and all of those lines increased when you walked in. He senses you, he feels you and he's reacting to you. Talk to him and let's see if you can get them to move even more." Roxas suggested.

Riku grabbed the chair and slid it to the bed, never leaving go of Sora's hand which meant he had to stretch and hook it with his foot first but there was no way he was leaving go and breaking their connection. Truth was Riku could feel the spark as soon as they touched. That spark told him his love was still there. "You fight your way back to us Love. I know you have the fight in you." he grinned, "You love life too much to give up. Besides," Riku picked up Sora's hand, turned it over and kissed his palm, "We have unfinished business you and I. That phone call just wasn't enough for me," he chuckled. Sora's monitors gave away his reaction by registering small changes in his heart rate and blood pressure. The brain activity was all over the place again.

Roxas' eyes met Riku's with confusion. "Phone call?"

Grinning like a Cheshire cat he responded, "That's for your brother to tell when he wakes up."

Sora's hand moved again almost grabbing the men's fingers. "That's it Sora fight your way out of there. Come on little brother fight, come back to us." His fingers twitched again.

Riku looked at Roxas they grinned across the bed to each other, Riku spoke. "He's going to be okay Rox, I can feel it. He's going to come out of this unchanged."

"I know he will. I am starting to feel him again. It's weak but it's there, he's fighting his way back. I'm going to go see about Demy so you can have some time alone with him. See ya in a little bit Sora." His fingers twitched again. Roxas smiled, let go of his hand and left the room.

"Okay you listen to me you sexy brunette," Riku pulled the chair closer and used his free hand to cup Sora's cheek then run his fingers through his soft spikes. "I did not lower all of my defenses and trust in love again to have you ripped from my life. You got that? I don't understand how I can feel so deeply for you in only a few days but I do," he chuckled, "I guess love at first sight is real and not just fantasy." Sora's eyes moved under his lids. Riku continued talking. "So yeah, there you have it, somehow in the short time you've known me you made me fall in love with you. I want a chance to explore that love, to feel you in my arms, to laugh with you some more. I want to make you blush everyday for the rest of our lives because I love it when you blush. I want to have hours of conversation about absolutely nothing and more hours of our dreams, passions, and goals. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life getting to know you Sora Stryker." He felt tears burn his eyes and blinked them away. He knew Sora would be okay so tears were wasted energy. He stood a little to kiss his cheek because the tubing prevented him from kissing his soft lips. Two things happened, first, Sora squeezed his hand not tight but definitely squeezed; second, he moaned. Riku stood straight, his heart raced and it took a few seconds for him to react to what happened. Finally pulling out of the shock he called the nurse.

The nurse came in quickly, "Can I help you?" she came over and checked all of the monitors as Riku spoke.

"He squeezed my hand and moaned." Riku answered working very hard to stay calm.

"Did he? Okay well let's check his vitals and see what's going on." She began her work with quick efficiency and spoke while she did it. "Well Sora you have quite a few people who love you standing outside that door. Did you know that once you wake up we are allowed to let you see more people at a time? Yep those are the rules. So you could have a room full of people doting over you. Though I suppose if I had such a gorgeous, sexy boy friend I might want to keep the multiple visitors option on the down low," she chuckled. "Oh yeah and once you wake up, I can ask the doctor if we can take the tube out of your throat."

Sora moaned again.

The nurse smiled and looked at Riku. "You keep talking to him and he'll be back in no time. I'm going to call the doctor to come and take a look at him again, I'll be right back." she slipped out the door.

Sora squeezed again using a little more strength. "That's it, you just keep working at waking up. I'll be right here waiting for you. I'll wait for you forever my sexy, silly, shy, amazing, loving Sora. I opened my heart to you and know I will never be able to close it against the force of your love. So you wouldn't leave me hanging here with an open heart right?"

Another moan escaped him though it was trapped in the ventilation tube Riku heard it and it was louder than the others. Just when he was getting concerned that Sora may be in unbearable pain the nurse returned with the doctor.

"Doctor Orsen if he's waking he can feel all of the pain correct?" Riku asked as he moved out of the nurse's way.

"We have him on a morphine drip so he is medicated for pain. However we do not have it on a high dose because we want him to wake up. I have given the order to increase his pain regiment once he is fully awake. Which, by the monitors are readings and his responses to my stimulation tests I am quite confident will be within the next few hours; this boy is quite a fighter." The doctor chuckled as he adjusted a monitor. "In the mean time keep doing what you're doing, in fact have each of his loved ones come in and talk to him."

"That's great news Doc. I'll go get someone now." Riku went out in the hallway and found only Sora's parents. Apparently the others were still checking on Demy's progress.

Mrs. Stryker jumped up. "How is he, I saw the doctor go inside, is everything okay?"

Riku smiled, "Why don't you come in and take a look for yourself?" Jager stood up to join her and Riku shot him daggers making him sit back down immediately.

He cleared his throat. "I'll just wait here for a few more minutes."

Charlotte didn't seem to notice the exchange as she bee lined for her son's room and disappeared inside. Riku slipped in behind her.

"Dr., how is he, is he showing improvement?"

"Yes Mrs. Stryker he is. The improvements are subtle but this soon after surgery are quite significant." He answered with a smile.

"Oh that's wonderful news, thank you so much for everything doctor!"

"I believe your son's strength of will had a lot to do with his fast progress not just the surgery and his care since then. Frankly his progress to this point is much more than we expected. I can't be certain of his full recovery but I am optimistic that a full recovery is probable." He looked at Riku, "If anything changes I'll be back."

"Okay see ya Doc."

Charlotte looked up from Sora, "He's going to be okay isn't he?" She asked Riku.

"Yes I believe so. He's an amazing person, if anyone could get through this it's this beautiful guy laying here."

"You really love my son don't you?" She looked straight at him directly into his eyes.

"Yes I do, very much." Riku said without hesitation.

"How long have you known him?"

"A couple of days." Riku answered with a shrug.

Charlotte looked at him then nodded but said nothing more. She took Sora's hand in hers and brought it to her cheek pressing in to her warm skin, Sora moaned.

Riku switched his attention to Sora's face again. His eye lids fluttered, Riku's heart stopped then kicked back up slamming against his ribs. "Sora? Sora come on love do it, show me those beautiful blue eyes of yours." He leaned in and kissed one eye then the other and when he stood up those eyes were open and looking at him. Riku's eyes welled up, "Hey you, welcome back." He hit the call button for the nurse's station. Sora looked at him and smiled slowly. He tried to talk around the breathing tube and gagged then moaned.

"Easy honey, easy." Riku tried to calm him to keep him from hurting himself. "You punctured a lung love, the tube needs to stay there for another day I think. I'll ask the doctor as soon as he gets here okay?" Sora nodded then tears began to run from the corners of his eyes. "Are you in pain?" Riku's heart constricted, he could see the pain on the brunettes face. Sora squeezed his eyes shut, blinked his tears away and nodded. Suddenly panic shown in his eyes and he started struggling to speak. He gagged and coughed as he tried to form words. Riku gently held him in place then finally figured out what was upsetting him. "Roxas is okay honey, Axel and I got there before they could hurt him." The brunette relaxed and squeezed his eyes shut as the tears of relief fell from their corners.

"Oh my God Sora, you're awake! Oh sweetheart I knew you would wake up, I just knew it!" Charlotte kissed his temple, forehead, cheek, hand and anything else she could reach. "Hold on honey the nurse will be right here, Riku called her as soon as you woke."

Riku gently squeezed Sora's hand to get his attention. "I'm going to see what's keeping her, okay?" Sora nodded. "I'll be right back."

He walked out of the room and went to the nurse's station to find his boyfriend's missing nurse. He spotted her walking out of a room down the hall and jogged to catch up to her. "Anna, Anna!"

Jager waited until Riku was out of sight then went into Sora's room. He walked up to his son's bed side and nearly collapsed when he saw his eyes open. "Sora, you're awake! Oh thank God you're back with us." he began weeping; crying did not describe it properly. His relief was so profound that he couldn't stop the emotions he hadn't realized he'd been holding in. The need to hold his son was hard to deny but he did not want to risk hurting him so he took his hand instead, bringing to his lips to kiss. "I was so worried we would lose you. I should have not bothered. I know what a tough, stubborn man you are." Jager smiled down at his son who just squeezed his hand weakly in understanding. "Are you in pain?"

"Riku went to get the nurse he is taking care of it." Charlotte's answer was clipped and cruel. Sora looked between the two of them noticing the tension even in the state he was in but they ignored the silent inquiry and changed the subject.

"Oh is that where he went in such a hurry? He really has it bad for you I think." he said smiling down at Sora once more.

Sora tried to smile around the tube but between that and his jaw it wasn't easy the smile did reach his eyes however and a blush spread over his pale face making both of his parents smile.

Charlotte policed her attitude for Sora's sake and spoke in her normal tone to Jager for the rest of the conversation. "Could my little boy be falling in love?"

Sora blushed more but the happy moment was broken when he moaned in pain; as if on cue Riku walked back in the room with the nurse on his heels.

"Well look at you, I knew you were a fighter. Here is some more pain medication for you. I have a call into the doctor to see about removing that tube okay?" She bustled around him checking his vitals and monitors. "That medication should be helping already, is it?"

Sora nodded slightly with half lidded eyes that he kept popping open fighting the sleep. Riku took his hand. "It's okay for you to sleep. Your body needs rest to heal, so you sleep and I will watch over you. You're going to be okay Love, I promise, and I will never let anyone hurt you again." With that Sora relaxed and let the sleep take him. Riku sat in the chair holding his hand until he was sure he was completely out. "Mrs. Stryker I need to find out what's going on with Demy I just didn't want Sora to know about him right now. If he wakes tell him I went to get something to eat, would you do that for me?"

"Yes of course Dear, go, I'm anxious to find out as well he is such a nice boy, well man now I suppose. I have known him a long time. Please see what's keeping the rest I know Sora wants to see his brother."

"Yeah I was thinking that too. I'll be back as soon as I can." he turned and kissed his man and left. He found himself jogging through the halls again as he searched for his friends. They were in the waiting area with the doctor heading toward them. "Great perfect timing." he whispered as he hurried to the group.

ooOoo

Zexy was holding Leon's hand as he asked, "So how is he doctor? When can I see him?"

"He is out of surgery and in recovery right now. It will be at least an hour until he is moved to ICU. We didn't run in to any surprises during surgery and although his injuries were extensive and some quite serious the team is pretty confident that we found everything. He is not out of the woods yet. Your partner lost a lot of blood putting him into shock. We are replacing his fluids and monitoring his progress. You got him here fast so we were able to treat him for the shock quickly which will greatly reduce the risk of any permanent damage. He is on a respirator due to the repaired lung and he will be in a lot of pain when he wakes. We have him on a low dose of morphine, if he is given too much it may affect his ability to wake and we want him to wake up so we can evaluate his condition. Once he wakes his dose will be increased to make him more comfortable. Now as far as his legs go, the orthopedic surgeon will be out in a few minutes to discuss how the surgery went and what Mr. Grapegio's prognosis is as far as walking and recovery and so forth."

Zexy stood quietly processing all that was said, "So in all of that information I heard he's not out of the woods but you also sound positive. He's in ICU so does that mean his life is in danger?"

"He is in ICU is to be closely monitored for several days. Demyx has been through major surgery and suffered severe injuries. We need to be prepared for anything and ICU allows for that. His biggest threat at the moment is the possibility of blood clots but that would be true for anyone fresh out of surgery. Now if there are no more questions I need to get back to recovery to check on him. The orthopedic surgeon should be right out." He gently squeezed Zexy's shoulder before he left.

Zexy turned to his friends, "So it sounded good so far right?" They all nodded or said yes. "We still need to hear about his legs but if he's going to live, his being in a wheel chair or not won't matter. All that matters is that I have my Demy back in my arms."

"Yeah I know what you mean." Riku said.

Roxas didn't realize Riku had come in, "Riku! How's Sora, is he okay, is there something wrong?"

He smiled at his Love's twin, "Relax Roxy I came to check on Demy. You were taking so long I was getting worried."

Roxy's worried look changed to a slow growing smile. "You're smiling, Riku you're smiling. It's good news. What, what happened?" he ran to him holding Riku's upper arms, "Tell me, quit that grin already and speak man!"

"I believe he will as soon as you stop battering questions and orders at him Love." Axel smiled and Roxas glared at him but then smiled back.

"He's awake," was all he said.

Roxas froze. He was gripping the other man's arms so tight his nails started to bite into his flesh. "He's awake! Oh my God! I have to go see him, I've got to go!" He hugged Riku tight then turned to Zexy, "I'm sorry I'll be right back I have to go see Sora." He hugged Zexy "I'll be back as soon as I can okay."

"It's okay Roxy go. He's your brother we can tell you what the doctor says and I have others here for support if I need it." He kissed his cheek, "Give that to Sora for me."

"Okay I will. Axel, are you coming?" He yelled already half way down the corridor.

"I'll be back in a bit okay Zex?"

"Yes, of course, go we'll be here."

He followed after Roxas getting to Sora's door as Roxy opened it. Roxas turned, waited for him to catch up and they walked in together.

ooOoo

Charlotte turned as her son walked in and her face lit with a smile. "He woke up Roxy!"

"Yeah Riku told me. I thought he was going to soon because he was moving his hand earlier when I was in here with him." His Mom hugged him tight and he hugged her back. It was then he noticed his Dad standing on the other side of the room. He looked out of place, like he didn't belong there which was crazy because he was their Dad and he should be there. Somehow something was different about him Roxas couldn't put it to words but there was a change. "Hi Dad."

"Hey son, this is wonderful isn't it?" he asked and even that seemed uncomfortable like he felt he had no right saying the words.

"So it looks like he's sleeping again." Roxas said to break the tension that seemed to be making it hard to breathe.

"Yes he was in a lot of pain when he woke so once the doctor examined him he gave him more morphine and it knocked him out. He said he will wake up frequently because with his head injury they can't give him a too high a dose of drugs, they want him to wake every few hours to check his progress."

"So how was he when he was awake besides the pain?"

"He was alert. After a few minutes of being up he must have remembered everything because he looked panicked and was trying to talk around the tube. Riku figured out he wanted to find you and reassured him that you were okay." His Mom rubbed his arm and smiled.

"I should have been here when he woke; I shouldn't have left the room."

"No one knew when he would wake up you'll have plenty of time to be by his side when he's recovering. So stop finding new reasons to beat yourself up." Axel said from behind him.

As Roxas was looking back at Axel he felt his brother take his hand. He whipped his head around and locked on to Sora's eyes. They were a little glazed over from the pain medication but aware enough that he knew what he was doing. There was no need for them to speak because their relationship was beyond mere words. Sora's eyes filled with tears that matched Roxas' and they both nodded their heads once.

He leaned in and laid his head next to his brother's as they held each other's hands and wept. They cried because their emotions were so deep they had no choice, the relief and joy that they both felt that the other had survived, the sadness that they both failed one another, the anger that they didn't see the threat for what it was. They cried for the deep love that one brother can feel for the other and because the special bond that a twin has for his twin was back again. They could feel each other's presence in their minds again and of everything that is what both brothers were most thankful for.

Axel wiped his eyes, damn dusty hospital rooms! He watched the twins reseal their bond. There was no other way to describe what they were doing and it was beautiful to witness. He had never known the love of a sibling and never really missed it because you can't miss what you do not know right? Well not until today anyway. Seeing the profound love between these two brothers made his heart ache and as he watched the exchange he was more determined than ever to make Ventus pay for what he had done. "No one hurts me or mine. When we are done with him and his flunkies they will never forget that." It was a pact he made with himself that he would not break.

Roxas kissed his twin's cheek and whispered "sleep now, everything will be okay." And with that Sora closed his tear soaked eyes and fell back to sleep. He straightened and turned into Axel's arm's holding him tight and again no words were necessary because really what was there to say at a moment like this when one knows what the other is feeling.

Charlotte came over and hugged Roxas from behind so he turned from Axel and hugged his mother and again Jager stood as if on the outside looking in on something that he didn't belong to. It seemed as though he had already decided that this family would reject him once the truth came out. As far as Axel was concerned that was getting off easy. Axel's head jerked to the left as the alarms on Sora's monitors went off and Sora's body started to convulse. Suddenly the room was filled with medical staff and they were being forced to leave.

"What's wrong? What's happening?" Charlotte asked frantically

"Your son is having a seizure please wait outside so we can take care of him." A nurse instructed.

So there they all stood and watched through the glass of Sora's room as people scrambled all around him to stop whatever his body was doing to itself. And that fast the hope that had filled the room was being stomped on and beat to the ground as they watched helpless and prayed that he would be okay.

ooOoo

"Mr. Slater?"

Zexy stood on shaky legs and Riku and Leon where right there at his sides. "Yes? I am Zexion Slater" The man put out his hand and Zexy accepted it.

"I'm Dr. Nicks, Demyx's orthopedic surgeon." He offered.

"Hi nice to meet you, so what is the prognosis for my Demy Dr. Nicks? Will he walk again?"

"Why don't we have a seat Mr. Slater and I will explain."

AN: So there it is, chapter nine. Sorry it took a little longer then I wanted but life just keeps getting in the way. I hope you liked it!

Thank you to all who read, and/or review. It makes my day! ^_^
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Traverse Town Flying Dragons