Fractured Twilight {KH Fanfic/Boy Of Choice}

Chapter XXXI

The others were in protest to Ember's ideas.

They all huddled up inside one of the guest rooms (Sora's specifically) to deter any possible eavesdropping and spoke in harsh whispers. Yet when Ember revealed her plan Sora raised his voice with surprise and Riku was compelled to slap a hand across his mouth to shut him up. Sora's struggled were futile as he attempted to rip Riku's hand from himself, but Riku only tightened his grip. The others who stayed silent instead shot Ember either a displeased look or a glare.

"This isn't because you want to go back home." Riku scolded. "This is because Larxene, who has tried to kill you several times has given you this information."

"And now you want to just walk straight into a trap?!" Vanitas's voice was harsh, his body shaking with vexation.

Axel held up his arms as if taming wild animals, taking a step forward as him and Roxas were the only two for the idea. He stood slightly in front of her now, towering over her shorter stature as he was shielding her from the others. "But if we all go then she'll be safe!"

"Wherever she goes... We go too." Roxas spoke the words he told her just minutes earlier and stood on her other side.

Unsure as to why Axel and Roxas were so adamant about going, Ember was grateful regardless. They knew the risks and were aware it was an overall Heartless world. Yet, they still agreed to join her for a visit.

Vanitas was glaring at his own hand as his body continued to quiver. Ember almost couldn't tell if it was anger or fear as his facial expressions were softer than his usual angry self. Ventus, who stood beside him, placed a hand on his shoulder as to calm him down. The boys exchanged glances, Ventus with his gentle smile and Vanitas with his narrow eyes. Ember picked up they were silently communicating with one another but didn't understand what they wanted to convey.

Sora managed to pry off Riku's hand and dart towards Ember before he was reprimanded again. Sora stood in front of her, eyes gleaming and determination in his face. He extended an arm outwards as if protecting her, and gazed to Riku.

"If Emi wants to go then we should go." Sora grinned. "It's her hometown after all. And the more of us who go, the more safe she'll be!"

Riku groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, while Vanitas and Ventus were continuing to communicate on eye contact alone. There was much more than what meets the eye in this situation, but Ember stood her ground.

"You don't have to go." She blatantly stated.

Ventus began shoving Vanitas towards the entrance. The King of Darkness didn't verbally protest, but instead glared to his other half. Ventus made a quick apology, "Sorry! We'll be right back!" And the two slipped into the hall. The argument settled as confusion swept over the group instead, leading Riku to break the silence.

"If those two agree to go then I'll go. Deal?" Riku nodded his affirmation, but his grumpy tone still wasn't happy about the ordeal.

"What's their issue?" Ember couldn't help but ask. Their relationship had changed somehow, she could tell. They were acting like twins with their telepathic communication and Vanitas's unusual kindness towards Ventus.

"It was really weird with you uh... Not here." Roxas said over her shoulder, his voice low.

The door opened again and the duo entered once more. Vanitas looked almost defeated, his eyes sullen as he hung his head. Ventus seemed as if he did something, his face with guilt written all over. Ember dismissed the private conversation and assumed they would tell her when they're ready and instead was eager to receive an answer.

"We'll go!" Ventus's tone was suddenly chipper and a bright smile appeared. "If something happens we'll protect you! Right Vanitas?"

Roughly nudging him, Vanitas was forced to straighten out by Ventus's touch. He couldn't look anyone in the eye as his gaze was looking to the side, but he spoke to the group regardless. "Yeah we'll go."