In the Shadows (Vanitas's Story)

Change II

"Looks like I'm in charge, boys," I said, smirking at Braig and Isa. They were both giving me death stares, but I couldn't help but brag. Xehanort had been disappointed in them, so, just like he had done to me, he gave them their punishment.

Which was to take orders from me until Xehanort returned.

He had said he needed to have a meeting with some people and that it was very urgent. Probably with some of the other thirteen vessels.

"First order of business is....," I said, tapping my chin. Well, I know they both want to kill Akio, and I don't really know what I feel, so I better take some precautions. "You cannot lay a finger on her."

"You're joking," Braig said, no expression on his face.

"Would I joke about someone's life?" I asked innocently.

"It wouldn't be the first time," Isa muttered.

"Second order of business," I said, skipping over that statement. "You may take the day off. I have something to attend to that needs my uttermost attention."

"Which is?" Isa asked.

"Watching over the girl. There's something special about her that may be beneficial to us as a whole," I replied.

"Yeah, right," Braig snorted. "You just want to watch over your girlfriend because she has a 'male acquaintance.'"

"Third order of business is for you to shut your yaps," I said, pointing at Braig. "Failure to do so will result in more punishment."

"My lips are sealed," Braig answered, bowing. He disappeared, and I looked at Isa. He sighed, rolled his eyes, and bowed as well before leaving. I smirked before opening my own dark portal.

***************

I watched from the shadows as Akio climbed up the same wall in Twilight Town. Just like when she was younger. Riku followed behind her, and I felt another wave hit me as they entered her room through an open window.

It was dark outside, making the light from her room seem brighter than the stars. I opened a portal, appearing inside her room. No one could see me, though. Not through the darkness.

Akio was covered in some weird, green goo. Her hair was slick and her skin was shiny, but I still think she looks beautiful.

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

Riku was siting on her couch, drinking a can of soda and facing the TV, but he was sneaking glances at Akio. She was cutting up some fabric, seeming to be making clothing out of it. She had pretty good sewing skills for someone who was asleep for most of her life.

She then headed into what I assumed was a bathroom. The sound of running water confirmed my guess.

This must be the place she's been living. Makes sense she would return back here. About thirty minutes passed, which I was glaring daggers into Riku's head, silently saying some not-so-nice words if he even thought of getting close to Akio, when the bathroom door opened. I turned, my jaw dropping.

She stood before us, wearing only a towel. She had cut her long hair so only strands in the front just reached her shoulders. Her olive skin was damp, droplets of water on her long eyelashes. She seemed unfazed at Riku gawking at her, but it's not like it was easy to look away.

Akio grabbed her clothes, turning to see Riku choking on his soda. She raised an eyebrow, causing his face to become red.

"Uh, you okay?" she asked. Riku looked away, fiddling with his soda can.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm good, I'm good," he answered, stammering. Akio rolled her eyes before the realization dawned her. Her face became pink as she dashed back into the bathroom, slamming the door.

Boy, oh, boy, would I love to see that again.

She came back out after a moment, wearing some overall shorts, a black push-up bra, and finger-less gloves that seemed to be made out of the leftover material. She walked over to her closet, pulling on some socks and avoiding eye contact with Riku.

"Uh, sorry...about that," she mumbled, blushing again.

"Yeah.....," Riku muttered, looking down. There was an awkward silence before he looked up again. "I noticed you cut your hair. I like it." Akio smiled brightly, as if nothing bad even happened.

"Thanks!" she exclaimed, grabbing a pillow and blanket from her bed. She tossed them on the couch Riku was sitting on before collapsing on her own bed.

"Hey, do you mind if I take a shower, too?" he asked.

"Knock yourself out," Akio replied. Riku got up, heading into the bathroom as Akio drifted off. I walked over to her, watching as her body rose with each breath. I felt my hand reach forward and started stroking her head. Her hair was still wet, but I didn't mind as I ran my fingers through it. Accidentally touching her neck, I froze as she moved a little, reaching up and grabbing my hand.

She intertwined our fingers, causing me to stiffen up. She pulled me down, forcing me to kneel next to the bed on my knees. She sighed, blowing air in my face. Something about this moment reminded me of when I was first holding her little body in my arms, back in Castle Oblivion.

Back in the past.

I heard water shut off and pulled away, disappearing. The door opened a second later as Riku emerged without a shirt on.

What the hell?

Akio jolted up, a tired look on her face. She blinked numerous times before eyes focused on Riku, becoming wide. Bitterly, I watched as she continued to stare at him. He noticed her, smiling. Akio returned the smile, waving back sleepily. She laid back down and closed her eyes while Riku wrapped himself in the blanket and fell asleep on the couch. Soon enough, he started snoring, and I heard Akio giggle.

I'm jealous, aren't I?

***********

I opened my eyes, forgetting where I was for a second. Oh, right. Watching over the girl. Sunlight was streaming in the window next to me, and I rubbed my eyes. I looked over at Akio, who was still sleeping.

Must be nice to be so relaxed.

She suddenly opened her eyes. She sat up, shielding her eyes from the bright light coming from outside. Turning, her eyes passed by me before looking over at Riku, who was still sound asleep. She got up, walking into the bathroom.

Rubbing my eyes, I wondered what the heck I was still doing here. I should be getting back to Isa and Braig so I can boss them around. I'm sure they're doing just fine on their own though.

I am just following orders, though. What's the worst that can happen?