Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, neither do I own its various characters. Ownership right goes to SquareSoft and Disney. Neither do I own the Final Fantasy characters. Ownership right goes to SquareEnix and Co.

Summary: Sora/Riku Their breaths mixed as Riku breathed out slightly. Mouth inches, centimeters, millimeters away from the pure, absolutely kissable lips of the little angel, Riku stopped. To torture himself. To torture Sora.

ANGEL DUST

By: Yukisora

CHAPTER 00

Way Too Sinful

Riku wondered if humans were the most carefree, brutal, and disgustingly greedy monsters ever to walk the earth, or if they were just plain stupid. But then, really, he shouldn't be one to talk. As a devil in training, in the minds of most I'm-so-good-even-though-I-effing-kill-my-own-kind mortals, devils, you could say, are the epitome of evil.

Yet, really, what have they done? So what if they make human lives miserable at times? What's eating a few souls or ten, if there's another million and one other souls around? Do you see devils killing fellow devils? No.

Those stiffs up in heaven never did understand how to live life. And, geez, they're gifted with immortality too. Pfft.

At this time of night, the streets of Los Angeles are littered with people who are, as shall we say, not quite clean. The scent of murky souls permeated the air, causing the silver haired immortal to wrinkle his nose slightly. It's not that they stink, precisely, more like...how shall we put this...they cause a certain wish to purge one's systems.

The people in the club, Cameos, were already alive and partying by the time the devil in training arrived in his grandeur of midnight blue and silver. He wove through the crowd in an effortless grace that attracted not just a little attention. But then, attention was never something Riku lacked.

Long streams of silky strands the color of diamonds swung behind him, teasing the perfect and pale skin on the nape of his neck. Laughing emerald irises, with a hint of mischievous intent just beneath the sea-like surface, were framed by a set of long, pale blond lashes. His mouth was currently set in a smirk, a curve of two lips that promised sins, sins, and ever more sins.

Yes, even back in Hell, the Trainee Riku had more than his share of admiration, attention, and down right adoration.

Now, sitting in a corner of the noisy club, he leaned back and waited.

Despite his casual appearance, what with the crossed legs and slung arms, Riku was, in fact, here on a mission. A single brow, almost feminine in its thin, perfect strokes, rose as a waitress appeared by his elbow. "Mr. Riku, it's good to see you again."

"Rosalia." Smooth, suave with just a hint of danger. His deep voice, almost baritone in quality, carried through the music without a need for him to raise his voice.

"The usual, sir?" Rosalia took a deep breath when he nodded absently to her. To her, Riku might as well have been a gift sent by God. That one night—that one completely, absolutely amazing night—would wake her at all hours, juices stirred and ready.

Riku cocked his head, emerald green eyes finally catching onto the sight of the person he'd been searching for in the past ten minutes or so. Rosalia, seeing that his attention had wandered, left him alone.

It's too damn bad that he had the whole One-Time-Only policy.

To Riku, Rosalia was not only a passing thought, he'd already forgotten their night together. Keeping his eyes trained on the figure almost halfway across the room, looking completely ridiculous in a setting that ran closer to Hell, he smirked when he saw the mortals starting to line up.

Oh, he's a cute one alright.

Sora, the man upstair's favorite little pet, was finally up to his last examination too. That gorgeous little Angel Trainee was sitting across the room, looking oh so molest-able in his white, satin shirt with golden cuffs. Even in the dim lights, Riku saw him blush up to his hair roots when one of the men around him leaned in close. And, ohhh, Riku nearly laughed with glee when he saw that he was indeed performing the little act. The little act of good.

Smirking, checking once more to make sure that his dampeners were, indeed, in place, Riku rose and crossed the room over to where a group of people was, with Sora. The previously murky scent of souls cleared once he reached within a five feet radius of the group. Grabbing one of the guys out of the way, Riku walked over to where Sora sat.

"You Angel?"

Sora's mind blanked. That was the name he'd given himself when the Masters sent him down from the Heavens. This was his last examination. That last test before attaining his status as an Angel, a servant of God. He'd been given the task of preventing as much trouble as possible from the servants of Hell. As angelic beings cannot cross over to Hell, just as demons can't pass to Heaven, the last examination of all Trainees have always been settled on Earth, the common ground of the two realms.

For the past week or so, Sora didn't sense any of the demonic energy that was so infamous in the Heavens. Rumor had it that if you allowed one of the Devil Lords to catch hold of you, even for a moment, you'll become stripped of your essence and become a slave to Sephiroth, the lord supreme that reigned Hell since the beginning of time.

But now, standing before him, was a mortal so outrageously sinful in appearance, he might as well be Sephiroth himself. Sora cleared his throat, feeling the beginnings of another blush staining his cheeks. "Hello. Yes, I'm Angel."

Riku smirked. Moving the guys with a bland stare, he sat down beside Sora, noting that the Angel was watching him warily. Once more, he made sure that his demonic ki was blocked. Cocking his head a bit to the left caused a curtain of silver hair to ripple. Leaning in close, enjoying that little gasp and blush from Sora, Riku brushed his sultry lips over Sora's sensitive ear. "You've got the goods, Angel?"

Sora shivered. This was what the Masters were warning him about! The mortals who were straying closer and closer to Hell by the day! If Hell wasn't into this guy with those gorgeous emerald eyes and hair the color of the clouds, Sora'll eat his own wing feathers.

Thank God Almighty he'd gotten to him before Hell did.

"Yes," Sora smiled brightly at Riku and held out a tiny bag of white powder. "Here you go, Angel's Dust."

"Angel Dust, babe," Riku said, taking the bag from Sora smoothly, as he rose again. "Not Angel's."

Sora blinked. "Oh. Right."

Smirking, Riku bent over. Green eyes locked onto sky blue ones, as he drew his face closer over to the boy. Caressing Sora's cheeks lightly, Riku raised Sora's face up towards him. Their breaths mixed as Riku breathed out slightly. Mouth inches, centimeters, millimeters away from the pure, absolutely kissable lips of the little angel, Riku stopped.

To torture himself. To torture Sora.

"I'll see you again soon, babe." A whisper, just enough for a quick sample, and he rose again. Riku smirked and for the heck of it, allowed a miniscule of his ki to slip out. He saw the stunned baby blue eyes widened even more in shock, before disappearing into the crowd.

---

Sora wished he could die. Again.

He'd watched that mortal—no, that Devil leave the Gods cursed club because his stupid, idiotic brain had frozen when his lips had touched that disgusting, evil, vile demon's lips. God, he'd even enjoyed it.

For a second. Just a second.

More than just a little stunned, it took him a few seconds to realize that he'd left. With his Angel's Dust. He'd dashed after him, ran out of the club, only to find himself alone in the nighttime streets with the hundreds of other mortals. God, please tell him that he did not just let a Devil take his Angel's Dust.

Why is it that Sora could never do anything right?

It's that kiss, Sora fumed as he kicked from the ground. Snow white feathers billowed onto the ground as he floated up into the rooftop. Without need of his wings, he landed onto the roof of the building. That kiss turned my brain to mush.

And isn't that just humiliating, even if he is just admitting it to himself. It was his first kiss, darn it! And he didn't want to share his first, precious kiss, with a devil of all creatures! A devil, whose mouth could have touched anything. Oh God. Sora's face paled pure white. That's absolutely and totally true.

The wind spirits came at his call and swirled around Sora, bringing in the news. They're sorry, but they hadn't found anyone that matched the description Sora mentioned. Disappointed, the Angel Trainee flopped unceremoniously onto the ground.

He came to earth to keep Hell from causing too much trouble. Judging from the ki reads when his year of examination ends, Sora either passes or fails. And now, thanks to his own stupidity, he gave his own dust over to a devil.

Who knows what he'll do with it?

Sora suddenly frowned. What will he do with it? The dust, no matter to whom he gave it to, will only bring good. An angel's dust is designed to turn all negative energies into positive energy. Depending on the ratings of the original negative energy, it'll remain either permanent or temporary.

Why would a devil want something like that?

Maybe he wasn't a devil, and I just imagined the ki? Sora frowned. Rising again, he jumped off the roof. I mean, it was like a nano-second. I can't even be sure.

Riding the air currents as a bird might, Sora landed onto the next building and proceeded to jump again. Right. From a human, the sound Sora made would have been considered a snort. Just who am I kidding? Reaching his destination, the clock tower of a church, Sora stopped. Landing onto the point of the cross, he closed his eyes. And let his dampeners loose.

Holy magic erupted out of him in waves, sending his mortal-bought clothing into shreds. Replaced in their stead was a simple white garment of elaborate lavender designs. They twined around Sora's arms and shoulders, reaching towards the center until a cross was formed over his heart. He could feel now, as he couldn't before, where the greatest concentration of demonic energy was.

Blue eyes flashing with anticipation, Sora jumped off the building. Wings, creamy white wings, slashed from his back to prevent his fall. Feathers floated down from the sky, blessing the individuals they touch below him. Above, Sora flew. This little maneuver had cost him.

If it had really been a devil that had taken Sora's dust, then he now knows exactly where Sora was.

---

Riku only smiled when the blast of magic floated over the entire area. So. Sora had actually noticed his slip. Excellent. A Devil Trainee to the core, he'd always been thrilled from a challenge. Making trouble, in his opinion, was the best profession anyone could ever have. What could be better fun than wrecking havoc throughout the realms?

Devils, demons, trainees—anyone who's ki ran along Hell—have never been allowed into Heaven. Try to get past those imposing sets of golden gates and you're guaranteed to fry hotter than the hottest flames in Hell. But still.

He's a Devil Trainee. Trouble and the impossible was his middle name.

Holding up the bag of Angelic essence, Riku grinned. Sora, a Trainee and all, is God's favorite. And all because he has a clean, pure heart—the cleanest, and purest heart in Heaven. Lucky Riku. With this little bomb of positive energy, Riku's own negative energy is bound to be able to change.

Grinning, pleased with the results of his plan, Riku dropped his own dampeners. He released his leathery black wings, raising them so that they lifted him to the air. Sora's energy, Riku was pleased to find, was a perfect match to his own. A whole year or not, his examination was in the bag.

Sora flew through the window just in time to see the devil swallow the Angel's Dust whole. He swore his heart stopped, even though he didn't need the heart, exactly. He thought he saw the entire realm tilt before his eyes. And then, the building exploded.

Energy, the dark energies that belonged to Riku and the light energy that belonged to Sora, warred inside Riku's body, each demanding control. Riku's dark ki, so selfish and greedy in their own right, refused to give up dominance in Riku's body. Again, again, and once more, Riku pushed his own energies back, demanding that they yield, temporarily only, to the powers of Heaven.

And so, the light spread.

The clothing was the first to go, changing the previous dark outfit into a flowing garment of pure white. White satin sleeves flowed over skin of creamy white, as pure white pants of silk billowed. Black leather wings turned into feathery white, tickling the sensitive skin on Riku's back. Transformation complete, Riku closed his wings and settled back onto the ground.

He frowned when he realize he'd lost his fangs. Angels didn't have fangs? How in Hell do they eat?

Sora gaped.

"Wh-what...I don't...you..." Blue eyes stared up at the figure all in white. Silver hair, white shirt, white pants, white shoes. White wings. And white skin too. Dear Lord, this devil looks more holy than Sora!

Hearing Sora's voice, Riku turned. "Hello, Trainee Sora." He grinned. "My name is Riku. And I think I'm going to Heaven."

---

Sora, Angel Trainee Sora, had known that he was clumsy. He knew that, despite all of his years, he was still almost as naïve as the new souls bought to Heaven. He'd made numerous mistakes back in Heaven, all of them with the greatest of intentions in mind, and had caused not just a little bit of trouble as a result. Yet, he'd always had people stand by him. His Masters, his fellow Trainees, God.

This time, however, even he knew his mistake was too large. So this time, he had to fix it. By himself.

"Wait! Just wait one little minute." He tried in vain to catch onto the arm. That arm covered in Holy robe, heading deeper and deeper through the portal and closer towards Heaven. His home. Holy robe or no, Sora, currently, was the only one who knew that this was no creature of Heaven. "Oh, God, please wait just one second!"

And Sora could only groan, when he sped faster, throwing behind him a look that would make mortals willingly give up their souls. Damned devil. Noting their interval since entering the portal, Sora knew that they were nearing the end. Oh God.

With an extra spurt of speed, the two white winged creatures sped through the remnants of the portal, and entered into the beautiful Gateway that led to the realm of Heaven. Caught up, Sora snatched the hand of Riku, his companion, and glared.

"You are no Angel."

It was, to Riku's mind, such an obvious statement that laughter rolled out before he could stop it. "Yea, I'd agree with you." He grinned and pointed to his head. "No halo. Yet."

This was completely ridiculous. Gripping his arm tighter, intent on physically dragging the devil in disguise back to Hell if he had to, Sora threw the devil over his shoulders and proceeded back towards the portal. No way, not even on the command of God and Sephiroth themselves, would Sora ever allow a creature with the soul of Hell lurk into the pure grounds of Heaven. Nuh uh, not while he still got his wings and his gowns.

More than ready to throw both of them back towards the Earth, Sora gripped Riku's body tight and got ready to plunge. Only to find himself eating a mouthful of white feathers. "Bleh!" Dignity, Sora realized, was hard to come by when you're forced to spit out another angel's feathers. "Gaah...!"

Riku, who had spread his wing right into Sora's face, smirked. "C'mon, Angel. Stop getting so harped up over this. Just a little bit of fun."

Riku swung around and flew towards the golden Gate. Those gigantic, imposing gates that had, always, scared the living shit out of him. Only one little demonic cell even try to touch this pure, impeachable gate and get ready to fry. He swallowed and hoped to Hell that his negative energy would listen and stay down. For now. Hoping against all hope that he wouldn't be turned into a pile of black ashes, he raised a hand to touch the Gates. The fingers that touched the Gate didn't burn. Rather, they made it sing. And glow.

And then opened.

And, for the first time in his life, Riku saw how the little goodies lived. Oh, it was the high life all right. He smirked as he walked through the gates. If you like the whole flowers in the pantry, little yellow brick road to Happily Ever After, and the completely blue sky and green grass routine. Oh, and the little castle sitting on the Hill.

Yea. The high life.

Riku ogled, when he saw a little white butterfly, pretty as you please, flutter over to suckle on a white daisy. Wouldn't it be fun, he wondered as he watched the butterfly fly off, to muss up all this quaint surroundings and give Heaven a little dose of Hell? He'd imagine that it's been a while since these stiffs had a bit of trouble.

"Arrrgh," Sora snapped, baby blue eyes gleaming as he stepped through the threshold into Heaven. "Thanks a bunch."

Riku stopped staring at all the trees, and flowers, and oozing goodness, and turned his attention over to Sora, who was currently scowling at him. He didn't realize angels scowled, Trainee or not. "What's the matter, Angel? Didn't you ever watch Wizard of Oz? There's no place like home."

Curse it, Sora thought darkly, as he glared at the cocky devil. The jerk. Oh, he's so smug with himself, causing me all that trouble. And actually bringing me back to Heaven.

That Riku, Sora decided, is an all-time jerk with a capital J. He pouted, as he realized all the explanations he'll have to evade now. All the questions he'll have to "answer." And everyone'll probably be worried too because Trainee Sora had failed. Failed.

What in God's name would Master Cloud say?

Sora pouted. He'd eat feathers again before he'd admit all the trouble Riku had caused. That stupid devil'll probably thrive in it. Deepening his pout, Sora growled to himself when he felt the beginning threats of tears. That'll just top everything. Tears.

I didn't want to come back yet, Sora sniffed, swiping at his eyes. Darn it, the tears kept leaking out. Stupid devils. Stupid devils. Always ruining someone's life.

"Hey," Riku walked over to Sora. Was that friggin' tears in his eyes? "the Hell?"

"Go away. This is Heaven. I don't like you. Go back to Hell." Frantically, he swiped at his tears and frustrated himself even more when he found that he couldn't stop them. "Harrumph."

Hell. Riku rolled his eyes. He'd just stepped into Heaven, and the kid's already bawling away. "Angel, babe, I didn't even do anything yet." He stepped closer over to Sora, and slung an arm over him. "There, gorgeous," he smirked. There is more than one way to have fun. "Quit those tears, hm?" He leaned even closer, and gently touched him, lips to eyes. Hands slowly, gently, caressed up a slightly shivering form.

"What—Sora!"

Wow, can they time it more perfectly? Riku released him, flashing slightly amused eyes over to the mortified face of Sora, and grinned. He wondered if angels ever perform The Act, or if they just remain purely...pure. "The blush really suits you, Angel." He shifted, and changed his attention over to their audience. Two angels, both brunettes, were staring at them incredulously.

"Kairi!" Beyond mortification, Sora jumped out of Riku's arms. When had they even arrived? "Selphie! W-what are you doing here?"

"Us?" the Trainee dubbed as Kairi jumped from her place and landed besides Sora. "Us? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be down in Earth, preventing trouble. Not here, sucking faces with a newbie."

Riku grinned. "Ooh, I like that. You sure you're an Angel Trainee?"

Selphie laughed. "Kairi, when she's mad, shocked, worried, and scared boneless—and I'm betting she's all three right now—is way worst than the Supreme Lord Icky and Snooty down rotting in his Hellion Throne." Riku, hearing the way Sephiroth was described, had no choice but to laugh.

"Shut it, newbie. You too, Selph," Kairi frowned at Riku. Damn, he's a cute one. It's no wonder Sora was contemplating on jumping him. Innocent, never had an evil thought Sora. Oh God. "Who are you, anyway?"

"The newbie, remember?" Riku grinned. He'd imagined many scenarios about the different ways he could have fun in Heaven—all of them consisting of trouble. And now, faced with two fellow Trainees, Riku realized that he'd only have more fun than he'd originally anticipated. All those Trainees, Master, and Guardians just waiting, waiting for the troubles he'll cause. And they have such unique ways of speaking too.

"Master Sora and I met on Earth and he—"

Riku choked. Color streamed into his face, as dizziness suddenly wrecked through his entire system. The air, the intense purity of it, swung through him in sudden waves, causing the ki inside his body seeming to be ready to explode.

"Oh, God," Kairi cried as the new guy dropped onto the ground, going even paler than love doves. "Idiot," she cursed, as she knelt beside him. "You're not used to the atmosphere of Heaven yet, you moron. Stop breathing so friggin' hard."

Through the haze and the pain, Riku's mind registered the voice. The hell? "Do all Angels swear this much?"

Selphie giggled. "Again, the mad, worry, and this time, I'd say scared—"

"Dear Lord, Selphie." Kairi scowled at her friend, as she rose again. "And I'm still a Trainee, so I'll swear all I want." She raised a brow as Sora helped Riku to his feet, almost as pale as the spanking new trainee.

"I'll take him," Sora muttered. "He needs seeing to. I'll—"

"Need to go see Master Cloud," Selphie interrupted. The playful attitude vanished as she turned clear green eyes onto her longtime friend. "You returned to Heaven, Sora. We'll bring...what's your name?" she asked, turning to Riku.

"I'm..." Pale again, Riku dropped his head back onto the ground. Panic began to rise to his throat a little, as he started to catch onto the gist of things. Hell. The Hell did he get himself into? "Call me Sakis."

"Sakis?" Kairi repeated, narrowing her eyes. "As in with the characters of flamed earth?"

Regaining his breath, Riku stood. Fuck. "Yea." He smiled over at Selphie. "Anyway, thanks for the offer, but I'm fine. Don't I need to go register at the Academy or something?"

"Or something." Sora glared. No way is he stepping into the Academy. He shuddered to think of the impropriety. The trouble. Not to mention the fact that this makes Riku their...their fellow Angel Trainee.

"Go, Sora." Selphie rolled her eyes. "I promise to take good care of your newest beaut. I'll take him to Master Leon, since you'll be with Master Cloud." She grabbed hold of Riku's arm, giggling when she felt the muscles beneath the silk.

And what, exactly, was Sora supposed to say to that? "No, no, I found him. He's my responsibility. I'll take care—"

"Sora," Kairi sighed. "Go see Master Cloud. Now." She grabbed onto his arm, and started dragging him towards the plains. "Your little Sakis will be fine. Actually," she slanted a look at the amused Riku. "He seems to be totally at home."

"You don't understand," Sora cried, yanking himself from Kairi's grips. "he's just a—" Darn, no. He can't say that. He'll really cause a lot of trouble. "Newbie. Yea. And he came with me, so he's my responsibility!"

Sighing, breathing out a breath, Kairi paralyzed him. Waving the after effects of her spell from the air, she grabbed onto the immobile Sora and started dragging him back towards their Master.

A smile bloomed into Riku's face. Due to his new façade, the Devil Trainee tried in vain to keep it innocent, and followed Selphie. He allowed his wings to bloom, watching the white purity of it catch light in the sun—and wish he could paint them black again. "I'll see you later, Master Sora, Senior Kairi. Thank you for your warm welcome!" Smirking at the furious gaze that Sora threw him, Riku waved.

Suckers.

---

Cloud, a Master in the Academy to teach Angels, stared down at his best student with baffled exasperation. Sora, whom he had trained for the last millennia, should have been more than ready to tackle the humans and the problems of Earth. So why was he back in Heaven within a stretch of a few days?

"I'm sorry," Sora sighed, feeling the tears swell in his eyes again. He swiped at them. "I guess I'm not ready after all."

"But, Sora." Tired, Cloud sat onto the plush golden seat. "Why?"

Thinking fast, Sora's mind worked frantically around half-truths. "Well...no one was with me. And, besides, I kept on messing up and...I'm sorry."

Angels don't lie. Trainees were prohibited to lie once they've attained their wings and gowns. But Cloud knew that many of the Trainees could tell the famed half-truth. You can't be a Master as long as Cloud have and not know that. But Sora, his innocent little Sora, had never been one to utter any such thing.

"Alright Sora," Cloud sighed. "Tell me about this Sakis."

"Sa—oh. Him." Remembering the devil, he'd turned loose into Heaven, Sora's face paled. "Oh God. Him."

Cloud blinked. The sudden paling of Sora's cheeks worried him. "Sora?"

Jolted, having momentarily forgotten that he was still with Cloud, Sora jumped to his feet. "Er, Master Cloud, I'm sorry for having failed you."

"Sora, it's—"

"I'd continue my lessons for the decreed decade, of course, and try for my examination again."

"I expected no less—"

"I've brought the new Angel Trainee to Heaven, Master Cloud. Though I am not a full-fledged Angel, I'm only missing my final examination. He is my responsibility, and I've left him alone in Heaven—with Selphie. I must resume my responsibility, Master Cloud."

"Am I allowed to talk—?"

"I shall continue to work hard, Master Cloud. I will definitely pass my examination next semester." Sora looked up into his mentor with wide blue eyes. "Is our session...?"

"Complete." Cloud sighed. "Go on, Sora, finish your duty."

Not even deigning to reply, Sora dashed out of the room, pulling with him the rest of the air. Cloud chuckled, and waited as the winds spirits slowly floated back inside.

---

To say Leon was surprised that he found two Trainees knocking at his door on his off day was an understatement. He'd been just out the door, ready to investigate the angelic presence that screamed 'Sora!', when he ran smack into the two white clad youngsters.

"What?"

A gruff voice was almost blunt in the tone that had spoken. Add a scar and unkempt brown hair and a scowl that could freeze friggin' Cerberus's blood—if that oversized puppy had blood—Leon didn't appear to be an angel. At all. In fact, at that moment, Riku wondered if maybe another devil's got through Heaven before him.

"Master Leon!" Selphie cried, bounding over to her teacher. Her green eyes sparkled when she saw the irritation in her Academy teacher's eyes. "I brought to you the newbie!"

Leon looked over her and frowned at Riku. Riku, in turn, shuffled his feet and tried to look innocent. "Send him over to Cloud. Welcoming is his department."

"Master Leon, you'll break his heart!" But Selphie merely grinned and hugged Riku. "Besides, Master Cloud is busy. Sora just came back—with him, actually," she added, pointing to the devil in disguise.

If angels swore, Riku would say that Leon would let loose a whole string of curses right about then. The fire that leapt into his eyes could have melted ice, could have roused a volcano, and could have turned Riku into a mass of quivering cells. If he went for that kind of routine. "What in the Lord's name is Sora doing back in Heaven!"

Selphie giggled. No matter what his teachers say, everyone loves Sora and that's that. If even the ever-impassive Master Leon's ready to spit flames of Hell out at the thought of Sora failing, who's going to dispute her theory now? "Sorry, Master, I didn't ask."

"I wouldn't be surprised if the idiot came back because he was lonely." Frustrated, he raised a gloved hand and messed his chocolate brown hair more. Still frowning, he looked over to where an amused Riku stood. "What's your name, kid?"

"Please call me Sakis." Riku bowed, letting his silver bangs to cover his eyes. So far, all of the angels he met are...cruder, than he'd imagined. With the exception of Sora. Maybe he's a bad egg.

"Hm." Leon blew out a breath. "Follow me."

Without even turning to see if Riku followed, he flew straight for the castle sitting on top of the Hill. Seeing that his ticket inside the Academy was disappearing from view, Riku flapped his wings and quickly followed.

It was a new experience to fly in winds that gentled against him, rather than fly with winds that fought for dominance. Back in Hell, if you so much as tried to fly without some power behind you, prepare to fall flat on your face. If you're lucky. If you're unlucky, you'll find yourself eating the hottest flames in Hell. Most of the time, you're unlucky.

Contracts. Everything in Hell is about contracts, trickery, and deception. Breathing, surprised at how submissive the wind spirits in Heaven was, Riku gentled his control over them and quickly caught up to Leon.

Leon 'hmmed' to himself, watching the new trainee flying behind him. For a newly inducted Trainee, he's awfully comfortable with his wings. He'd expected stumbling, worry, and slight anxiety over the threat of falling. But none of that had shown in his aura. There was no adjustment period, leading Leon to the conclusion that this is no ordinary trainee. And if the kid's name was really Sakis, Leon'd eat his feathers. Hell, he'd eat a Trainee's feathers.

The castle door opened automatically, welcoming the Angel Master and Trainees into the academy willingly. They both followed Leon, Riku with curiosity and Selphie humming with happiness. The castle wall was, surprise, surprise, white edged with gold. Hanging on the walls were beautiful paintings expressing various spirits of love. In fact, they dotted everywhere. The floor was a white, utterly clean, marble that reflected Riku's reflections right back. And, damn, there were a billion and one corridors in this Academy! Is this a school or a fucking maze?

"Here," Leon said, pointing through an archway. "Step through that."

Riku stared. The archway had a whole series of runes above it, glimmering in pretty little stones that seemed to be molded in the white marble. He'll be damned if he knew what the Hell it says. And he'll willingly become a first semester Devil Trainee again before he walk through something that obviously Holy before finding out what it does. Exactly.

"Don't argue, Trainee. Walk through."

"But, sir—"

"Walk, Trainee."

Damn. What a situation. Either walk and risk the unknown, or don't and risk suspicion. Damn, damn, damn. The Hell should he do? He looked over to Leon, who was currently scowling at him, to Selphie, who looked slightly amused. "But sir, what exactly am I doing here?"

"Trainee, I gave you a command." Leon frowned at the new soul, not yet officially accepted into Heaven. "Suspicion and indecision is not permitted."

"Master Leon, some slack, some slack!" Selphie giggled. "Sakis is a new addition to Heaven and the Academy. How should he know? Besides, we're all, technically speaking, allowed some leeway. The only one we have to listen to is God."

"Selphie, if you don't wish to die a painful death..."

"Awww...now you're breaking my heart." Selphie pouted. "All I'm doing is helping Sakis. And it's true, isn't it?" She laughed when Leon didn't say anything. "And this," she turned to Riku. "Is the Initiate, which'll register you automatically into the Academy."

Riku stared up at the arch again. "Oh." Riku glanced at Leon, who was frowning at him. Suspicion is definitely starting to form in that angel's mind. No way in Hell is he going to be kicked out of Heaven before he's had his fun.

So Riku, Senior Devil Trainee of Hell, took the last steps necessary, and walked the arch.

End Chapter

Author's Corner

Wh00t! Thanks a bunch for reading, everyone! This is the prologue to my newest fanfiction, Angel Dust, and is, most likely, going to be the shortest chapter. Worry not guys, later chapters will be longer, promise!

Additionally, this is my very first attempt at a boy/boy pairing. As I myself am a female, I'm not sure if I could pull this off very smoothly. Any and all suggestions/criticisms will be taken seriously and contemplated!

Next Chapter

Chapter 01: The Hell is a Paopu?

Sora: Oh God. He actually made it. The evil jerk stupid...stupid kiss thief actually succeeded in his mission to make my life living Hell. He's now in the Academy...with me...and the rest of the Angel Trainee population. And, God, everyone loves him. And...w-what the—? Riku? What are you doing! That's forbidden!

End

Thank you so much for reading everyone! Please remember to read and review!

Lots of greets,

Yukisora

Edited by: Wake-Robin

Last Checked: September 1, 2005