Fractured Twilight {KH Fanfic/Boy Of Choice}

Chapter XXXII

Roxas was compelled to create multiple portals to find Vanitas, as Ember's first handful of guesses were left dry. She forced him to check the cliff in Hollow Bastion, the rooftop they used to sit on at their old place, the bar, and even back to the Land of Departure checking out some common spots there. Roxas was growing frustrated but continued following Ember's orders as he exhausted his energy.

Ember's last idea left them stranded at the cliffs at Hollow Bastion with only the howling wind occupying the emptiness surrounding them. She kicked a stone off the ledge out of anger and pondered another place to search. She knew Vanitas as the overall anti-social type as he would separate himself from the group. He was irritable, and often allowed his disgruntled emotions to get the better of him. He was likely somewhere isolated, or... He was after Xehanort again.

Ember extended an arm and pointed a finger to Ventus, who immediately had a look of despair on his face. "You know Vanitas better than anyone! Where else would he be?"

Ventus coughed and adjusted the collar of his shirt, his eyes turning to Roxas in a pleading manner. "I mean I know one more spot to check but it's dangerous-"

"Okay! Where is it?!"

Roxas let out a breath as if he was holding it. "Em, I'm sure Vanitas will return on his own. Whatever battle he's dealing with he'll share when he's ready."

"But Ven already knows and won't tell me!" Ember protested. "He was acting all weird since we visited Barren Light and I think it's my fault he's upset. I need to make this better."

Ventus frantically waved his hands. "I-I can tell you that it's not what you think-"

"Roxas pleeeeease?!" Ember ignored her friends continued objections and instead faced Roxas, taking his hand gently into hers with a smile. Her pleading eyes widened and glistened hopefully, causing Roxas's face to flush.

"F-fine! Okay okay. Ven where is this place?"

Ventus furrowed his brows. "... Vanitas would take himself to the Keyblade Graveyard to get away from the castle sometimes."

"I can get us there. But I don't like it."

With a hesitant hand Roxas summoned the gateway between worlds, almost not wanting to follow Ember and Ventus inside. Ember rushed through to the other side, greeted by a blinding light and hot atmosphere. She felt as if she was in a desert, sand and dirt crunching beneath her feet and sun beating down on her forehead. She was in an empty space surrounded by cliffs, all tan and brown with a dusty mist covering the air. One thing stood out from the colors blending in was a black figure almost in the middle of the opened area.

"Oop there he is! You little shit!" Ember yelled and ran straight to him.

Vanitas was caught off guard, gasping before glaring at the trio of newcomers. "Emberlynn!"

Ember stopped only a few steps away from him, the identical individuals following closely behind. As she skidded to a halt dust swirled around her feet and dirtied her boots. Vanitas's eyes leered at her with displeasure.

"I'm going to kill Roxas first for bringing you here, and then Ventus for telling you where to go." Vanitas growled.

"Vanitas! Tell me what's the matter!" Ember demanded.

"What's the matter is you're following me!" Vanitas snapped.

"Vanitas... She's just worried." Ventus said. "And so am I. She doesn't know why you're acting like this and it's not my place to tell her."

"I need to know." Ember frowned. "Whatever I did to upset you I want to apologize for."

Vanitas was taken back, his usual scowl replaced by surprise. "W-What...?"