[AUTHER NOTE]

This story is inspired, passed on, and or alteration of the movie by the same name. It is made up of three short chapters and an epilogue. It will be all posted within the month, before October ends.

FullSummary: Nobody knew him. Until his best friend was taken away from him. Nothing to lose. Nothing to compromise. Now his battle begins. AU. The man from nowhere.

Rating: Mature. R.

Warnings: Swearing and smoking, drugs, slight abuse, death and over all violence.

Pairings: This story doesn't really focus on couples, just the friendship Roxas, Xion and Axel share. But you will see Cloud-Tifa, Squall(Leon)-Rinoa, Zack-Aerith; all parents. And Irvine-Selphie as partners on the force.

Disclaimer: The Man from Nowhere; directed and written by Lee Jeong-beom. © Square Enix for Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. And Disney for the bit they own in it.

[Story]

…8∞8…

"Two please"

Redhead and owner of the small shop vendor turned to the counter. Two large sets of blue stared back at him. Without a word he pulled out two sea salt ice creams and held them out. Two children reached out for them only to have them pulled out of their reach.

"Money thieves"

Pouting the two dug into their pockets before dropping their change onto the counter. Satisfied he allowed them to take their treats. Happily the two pilled off the rappers and dug in. Owner turned back to his work, which was currently was sweeping away the dirt that had gathered on his floor.

"Hey mister" he paused glancing back at the two, both smiled. "Thanks for the ice cream"

He merely nodded. Two stated happily chatting to him about their day, like they always did. They were ten, finishing up their fourth year. They came by everyday on their way home after getting off the train. His vendor was right outside the train station along their way. Two saved their allowance so they could come everyday just to get their treats. He knew their names and favorite things, even though he could careless about it. They were best friends and twerps.

"Xion and I are having our birthday party at my house. You should come, you've right next store"

"No thanks" he informed the blonde as he set his broom aside in the corner and turned back to his counter were the two stood leaning, chewing on their popsicle sticks.

"Come on mister. Please?" the little raven haired girl, Xion pleaded. He merely stared blankly at the two. Both pouted for a moment before smiling.

"Well our birthdays aren't for another two months. So we'll just asked until then"

"Roxas and me are going to be eleven. How old are you?"

"Old"

"Yeah but not old, old" they stated.

One would think they were twins with they way they did that, reading each other's mind. But they weren't. They were born on the same day however, but not twins. They weren't even related. Their mothers were childhood friends from what they'd told him. Best friends just like they were.

"It's past four" he informed backing both of them turn back to the clock tower that loomed over them. Both gasped.

"Bye Mister"

"See you tomorrow"

Both waved as they ran off.

Roxas and Xion ran home in a race. Both were met by worried mothers. Two raven haired woman stood outside the bar they'd rushed to. Roxas's mother, Tifa, owned and ran the bar. She had long dark brown hair in a low ponytail and her bangs wept to one side of her face, her golden brown eyes on them as she stood wearing nothing more then a simple white beater and black jeans. Beside her stood Xion's mother, Rinoa; she had raven dark hair that was about the same as Tifa's other then her bangs fell in her face and was flowing freely around her shoulders. She has a chocolate brown gaze and stood in a blue summer dress that nearly touched the ground. Tifa hand her hands on her hips and Rinoa's were crossed over her chest.

"You were at that ice cream shop again weren't you" Rinoa stated worriedly.

"How many times do we have to tell you two? Stay away from that shop when your alone" Tifa scolded pulling her son inside, followed by Rinoa and Xion.

"We weren't alone. We were together getting ice cream" both chimed.

"We know that but that man…" Tifa sighed.

"We don't think you should be going to that shop without an adult"

"Mom we walk home everyday just fine" Xion pointed out.

"What's wrong with that shop?" Roxas added.

"Mister isn't going to hurt us" they stated together.

"He barely talks to us"

"Or anything else" Xion added after her friend.

Both women sighed. The kids didn't get it. But they didn't feel comfortable with that man. Something about him set them both on edge and they didn't like the thought of their babies alone with him. And they knew the two spoke to the man a lot. They spoke of him enough as it was. At first they hadn't given it much thought. But day after day they two would come home talking about the owner of the ice cream shop. Then they finally saw the man. Redhead with wild untamed spikes, insane toxic green eyes, tattoos on his face, piercing, skinny and tall, 6'2" at least if not more. Then they'd learned he lived in the apartment complex not a block away. No they didn't like it.

"We invited him to our birthday party so you can get to know him"

"You did what?" the two mothers gasped.

"He hasn't said yes yet" Xion stated sadly.

"But he will" Roxas said.

"Then you guys can get to know him and see he's really nice" both smiled.

"No" their smiles faded at their mother's words. "That man is not coming to your party"

"But-"

"No buts"

Neither child said another words. They went to do their homework leaving both women to sigh. They glanced at each other worriedly. The two kids didn't get it at all.

Upstairs the two kids finished their homework quickly. It was nothing more then a few math problems; once finished the two snuck downstairs again. They heard their mothers talking to their fathers about what happened.

"They weren't there again?" it was Roxas's father, Cloud.

"They invited him to their birthday" they heard a deep sigh followed by Xion's father, Squall.

"Their just children don't be too hard on them. I'll talk to the owner of the vendor tomorrow"

"I feel horrible for the kids. They don't realize how dangerous he could be"

"Or he could be just fine"

That voice was Roxas's uncle, Zack. They liked him. He was fun and didn't yell at them at all. He and Cloud ran a delivery service together. They smiled at the fact he was defending their friend. But they didn't stick around to hear more. They snuck to the door and slipped out without even being noticed. Unaware of the children's leave the conversation went on.

"Zack have you seen the man?"

"Yeah, I've seen him. For the record I didn't look far from the same as a teenager. I got tattoos. Sure I only had my ears pierced but that doesn't make the guy anything less for a few more holes. And the hair could be natural. Why else would anyone want that hair color?"

"It couldn't be" Rinoa mused softly.

"Either way, he hasn't done anything yet. And he didn't call the cops when Roxas and Xion first showed up at his shop"

The other four adults couldn't comment that statement. It had some truth to it. But that didn't mean they were going to let their kids hang out with the man. A man at least ten years older then them if not more, at that.

"I'm still not going to allow it" Squall stated. "But I do see your point"

"Don't condemn the guy. He's odd. Not evil" Zack pointed out. "Sora goes there all the time and they guy doesn't even talk to him apparently. Just hands over what the customer wants after getting paid. And jumping Roxas and Xion like this will only make them want to hang out with him more"

"He does have a point" Cloud agreed. "They see him at a friend after all"

"I still don't like it" Tifa stated firmly; leaving that at that.

888

Down the street thetwo tenyear olds ran hand in hand to the small park next to the old and worn apartment complex. They played until a blonde came out with a guitar case on his shoulder. Seeing the two children the musician smiled holding the door.

"Demyx!" they greeted running over to the collage student.

"Hey'o kiddos. You looking for Red again?" both nodded with smiles. "Go on in. You know where to find him" musician stated holding the door for them. Seeing as no one was going to buzz them in otherwise.

He did this often for them. They'd show up at least once a week to see the redhead up on the second floor in room eight. Demyx had first met the two in the park outside the complex. They'd thrown in a few pennies into his case when he was playing out there. He was insulted until he looked up at the two kids. Both smiled at him brightly before telling him he was awesome and to play more. Spot in his heart had been there ever since. Didn't hurt the fact he had a little brother about their age. And Roxas reminded him of him a lot.

"Thanks Demyx" the chimed as they ran through the door and up the stairs they left the musician behind to find their friend.

Inside room eight the redhead was fixing himself dinner; beef curry and rice, something simple after a long day. Knock on his door made him pause at the stove. He didn't need to answer it to know who it was. It was always the same. Sighing he wiped his hands, turned down the burner and went to the door. He barely opened the door, only a crack was needed to see the two out in the hall waiting for him.

"Hello mister"

"Go home"

"But we just got here"

"Do your parents know where you are?"

"Probably not"

"You're not coming in"

"If you don't let us in the pervert next door will get us"

Redhead glared at the two. They were right. Guy next to him wasn't the cleanest or nicest bastard in the world. Despite knowing he was going to regret it, he opened his door. Two shot inside before he could change his mind. Both sniffed the air.

"Oh are you making dinner?" Xion asked.

"It smells great" Roxas agreed.

"Haven't eaten yet?"

"Nope" both answered with smiles. Sighing he checked the food.

The two sat themselves at his small two seat table. They somehow managed to squeeze onto the same seat together. Even though they hadn't asked, he knew they wanted some food too. So he made up two small plates along with his own and placed them on the table. Fetching them all some water he joined them. They happily dug in.

"Mom said we couldn't invite you to our party" Xion informed sadly.

"Mother said we couldn't go to your shop alone anymore" Roxas added just as unhappily.

"But we're going to anyway"

"Yeah, because your our friend"

Man paused in his meal glancing up at them. Shaking his head he turned back to his food. These two were going to be the death of him he was sure. He'd known that the first moment he laid eyes on them; moment the two stole from his shop about a year ago.

It was back in the summer before their fourth year of school. The vendor outside the station had been his for about two years at that point. Never had he had much trouble. It was kind of a dumb so not many people gave it much thought. And he didn't have extra money or time to fix it. One afternoon however he found himself being face to face with these two. They'd come into his shop and asked for two ice creams. He'd given them to them without really thinking about it. It wasn't until after that fact he realized he should have gotten money first. Two kids ran off without paying. Next day they came in again with a boy older then them. Roxas's big brother to come to find out. Kid was thirteen and apologized for the two while paying for the ice cream they'd stolen the day before. Older boy left but the other two didn't. Well they did for a second before going back again asking for ice cream again. That time and every time afterward, he always had them pay before giving them their treats.

Somewhere along the way they found out where he lived. They showed up at first just outside at the park. Then the kid above him started letting them in. Leading to know; this was the first meal they'd gotten from him. But not the first time they'd gotten food from him. Usually it was just snacks and tea before running home. Not today though.

"Mister?"

"Hmm?"

"Why don't our parents like you?"

"I'm different"

"But we're not supposed to judge people by appearances. Right?" he nodded after thinking about it for a moment.

"You're not a child molester are you?"

"Or a serial killer?"

He didn't say a word just stared blankly at them. They didn't seem to notice. Xion went on followed by Roxas. Two always followed each other in someway it seemed.

"Our parents were saying they think you are. Or something bad"

"Like a gangster or something"

"What do you think?" redhead asked the two. Both looked around the tiny apartment for a moment before shrugging.

"You kind of live like a prisoner" they stated.

Inwardly he smirked at that. Kids had guts saying something like that to his face. Then again they had guts coming back to him every time hearing stuff like that about him from their parents. Gutsy or stupid; he wasn't sure. Another knock on their door made them pause. Kids were here so who was knocking know?

He left the two at the small table and answered it. Like before with the kids he'd only opened it a crack, glancing out. He was met with a man few inches shorter, with brown hair and stormy blue eyes, eyes that Xion also shared. He was a man with a toned build and strong face. Scar ran over his nose and he was obviously a cop by the way he held himself. Redhead knew who it was. Wasn't the first time they'd met.

"Is my daughter here?"

"No"

"Then why aren't you opening the door?"

Redhead glanced back at the table. Two had ducked under it, unseen do to the table clothe. They'd even wisely taken their plates with them. Stepping aside he opened the door showing the man the space he called home. All of it; table he ate at and chair he listen to the radio in, small kitchen he cook in and the bed off the side he slept in. Only thing you could see was the small bathroom off the kitchen. And all that held was a toilet, small shower and sink.

Seeing no one, the brunette frowned, turning back to the apartment's owner. Green eyes stared back unaffected. Squall hated to do it but he apologized for interrupting his dinner before leaving. Closing the door the two children peeked out from under the table.

"Thanks"

"Finish and go"

"Alright" they agreed getting back in the chair and finishing up their meals quickly.

It was dark by the time they were done. Knowing better then let them walk home alone, he took them. He was met by very unhappy parents. Xion's father most of all. He shrugged at the man. Luckily the kids saved him.

"We were at the park looking for the music man, Demyx" Xion informed.

"But he wasn't there. Mister was going out and said he'd take us home"

"I don't care what you two were doing. You do not sneak out like that" Tifa scolded. She turned to the redhead who was turning to leave. "You" he paused turning back to the woman. "I don't care what you were doing. Stay away from our kids"

"Mom" Roxas protested.

Redhead nodded to them leaving. He didn't pause even when the woman shouted out for him again. Nor did he care about the two sad gazes the children were sending his way. Woman had every right to be worried about her child. What kind of man hung around children? Not usually good ones. But then again it wasn't him that was finding them. It was them finding him. So she'd should be teaching her kid better rather then lecturing him about it.

At the bar Roxas sent to his room and Xion was sent home. Both were grounded and lost their allowances. Meaning they wouldn't be able to get ice cream or see the redhead for a week. Roxas was in near tears. He couldn't understand why his parents didn't like his friend. His older brother came into their room and climbed up to the top bunk of their bunk bed.

"Van?"

"What?" the older shot, impatiently.

"Why don't Mom and Dad like Mister?"

"Because they think he's a pedo"

"… but he never touches us. And he's nice"

"Their parents, it's there jobs to be bossy and overprotective. They worry and can be stupid. Just get over it and stop seeing the guy"

"But-"

"Yeah, yeah; he's your friend. You're such a loser" older muttered. "Consider yourself on probation"

"He won't hurt me or Xion" Roxas defended.

"Yeah well let's hope not, because if he does he's a dead man"

Roxas fell silent at his brother's bluntness. Vanitas was a bit mean and crude; most of the time Roxas didn't think he even like him or wanted him as a little brother. But Roxas knew he loved him. Because whenever he was picked on or hurt, Vanitas would help him. Like when they'd first gone to the ice cream shop. He and Xion known it was wrong and they didn't have money. But they'd wanted ice cream so bad. After they'd done it they'd felt guilty and asked Vanitas what they should do. He'd taken them back the next day and fixed it. They'd gone back ever since and done it right.

Next day after school vendor owner found his regulars at his counter again. Both weren't smiling this time. In fact they looked rather grim for what he was used to seeing them like. He hadn't seen them his depressed since the second time they'd met and they'd apologized for stealing from him.

"We're got grounded and lost our allowance. So we won't be able to be coming for a week" they informed downheartedly.

"So…"

"Yeah…" Xion finished.

They stood looking down at the ground, their hands tightly intertwined. They turned to leave when the redhead called out to them.

"Do me a favor then" he stated throwing something their way. "That expires this week. It rid of it for me"

Roxas blinked down at the box he'd caught. It was a box of ice cream. Not just any ice cream, but their favorite. Sea salt! Both smiled bold looking back to the man. Redhead wasn't even looking at them at this point. He was sweeping again. He did that at least once a day, it seemed.

"Are you sure?"

"We can have this?" man snorted.

"Just trash to me; if you want it, go ahead"

"Thank you Mister" they shot running off with smiles on their faces.

Man glanced at them as they went. Shaking his head he went back to work, lips slightly turning upward. Not a smile but closer, defiantly not a frown.

Two ran back to Roxas's house and took one ice cream with them up to the room after taking care of the rest. They didn't even think about being questioned about it until a third person joined them. Luckily it wasn't an adult but Roxas's big brother. They didn't need to lie to him.

"Where you get that?" Vanitas asked as he got home to find his brother and Xion happily munching on ice cream.

"Mister gave them to us"

"You didn't steal again did you?"

"Nope. He said it was going to expire soon and gave us a whole box. We hide it down stairs in the back of the freezer"

"A whole box huh?"

"We went to tell him we couldn't come around for a while" Roxas explained.

"Then he threw it at us saying to get rid of it"

"But really he was telling us we could have it"

"He funny like that, now wanting to seem nice when he really is" Xion informed.

"How do you know he wasn't just throwing trash at you?" Vanitas pointed out.

"Because we looked at the expirations date, we're not stupid"

"He said it expired this week. But it didn't for another month" Roxas finished, both were smiling. Vanitas could only stare at them for a moment. That was smart for them to do. And honestly he wouldn't have given them that credit.

"So he gave you a free box of perfectly good ice cream?" both nodded. "Why?"

"Because he's our friend" they beamed.

Older teen rolled his eyes at them before leaving them to happily bunch in bliss. Once down stairs his mother called to him. He turned to her and his eyes fell on the box of ice cream in her hand.

"Vanitas, do you know where this came from?" she questioned.

"I bought it" he lied, smoothly.

"You did?"

"Figured it'd keep the brats quiet seeing as they wont be getting any" he stated with a shrug before walking away.

Tifa turned back to the box for a moment before returning it the freezer. She didn't even think twice about it. Nor did she question it farther. Vanitas didn't know what the redhead got out of the two kids following around or calling him his friend. But the teen knew he wasn't going to hurt them. Or he didn't think so. He figured he would have done it by now. And as long as his brother was happy and he was the only one messing with him, he didn't care.

888

Squall hated his job at times. Being a cop at times really made him wonder why he'd chosen such a life. But then again if no one did it then crime wouldn't be stopped. Bad guys wouldn't be put behind bars. Justice wouldn't be survived. This one was one of the worst however. He'd spent the last five months working this case. Finally they had their man. Gang and crime boss was finally in their custody. This guy had done it all; murder, drug dealing, slave trade, organ sales, embezzling. But he'd been in the shadows, clean. But he'd messed up on the last one. He'd been caught by one fluke of a miracle. Now all they had to do what put him on trial.

Sadly things weren't that easy. Things weren't going as planed. Xemnas, also known as theSuperiorwithin the organization he ran, his reach was farther then they'd thought. He was bribing and threatening his way to freedom once more. And do to double jeopardy. If they didn't get him this time, they'd have to build up a new case on him and charge him with something else. And this guy wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.

There was a lot of risk to this case. But he wasn't about to drop it now. No he was going to see this to the end. No matter what. He wasn't going to let this madman win. Rinoa, his wife however wasn't pleased with it. She thought it was too much of a risk; wanted him to drop it. He refused and she'd left. Making his life even more complicated then it already was.

888

Week went by before Roxas and Xion showed up again. But it wasn't at his shop. Not only that but it was past nine at night. Two showed up at his doorstep with Demyx, his neighbor. Raising a brow at them in question, he opened his door completely. The blonde young man smiled at him nervously.

"Sorry I found them out in the park looking really upset. I couldn't just leave them there and I have work"

"Whatever"

"Thanks Red. I'd take them home but I don't know where they live. See ya. You two cheer up, 'kay" he shot before turning back down the stairs.

Closing the door he let the two inside. They indeed looked down. Both walked over to his table and sat without a word. It was drizzling out and they're clothes were damp and hair wet sticking to their faces. Fetching some towels he ordered them to dry off. They did so as he made some tea.

"Can we stay here tonight?" they asked as he handed them their warm drinks. He paused at this. "Our parents won't notice"

"How are you so sure?"

"Their fighting"

"All four of them?"

"Yeah"

"Daddy has a bad job. Mom was mad and took me to Roxas's house. He came looking for us and Aunty Tifa started yelling at him"

"Dad started in to. But I'm not sure if he was one Mom's side or Uncle's" Roxas added. Both were near whispers. "Big brother's not home. And… we couldn't sleep with all the noise"

"I've never heard them yell like that before" girl muttered.

"Finish your tea" he stated firmly.

Both did as told, fighting back tears. Finishing they were pointed to the bed and allowed to stay for the night. For once he kind of hope one of their parents would come looking for them. Sadly however no one did. One time they needed someone to get them and no one came. He would have just taken them home himself. But that would have been a death wish. All he could do was keep them safe for the night. A night he spent sleeping at his table, using his crossed arms as a pillow.

Next morning the two were greeted with oatmeal and honey. Both happily ate it before he walked them home. Or back to the bar. They snuck around to the fire escape and to their window where they'd snuck out the night before. Redhead watched making sure they got home okay before going to work.

Inside Roxas and Xion got ready for school quickly. They barely finished when Tifa came up to get them. Both said they didn't want breakfast before making their way to the station. It hurt a little that no one had noticed they were gone. But it was also a relief. Passing the ice cream shop they saw that it was still closed. But it wouldn't be when they went home later together. It was then they were going to thank the redhead for everything he'd done.

888

"Mister!" the two greeted happily. Redhead turned to them and nodded.

"Paying today?"

"Yep" they confirmed. They placed the money along with a small box on his counter.

"What's this?" he asked taking the money first, putting it away before examining the box.

"It's a present for you. To thank you for last night" Roxas replied letting the girl beside him finish.

"And putting up with us; we know you probably have better things to do then hang out with kids"

"Is that so" he stated idly as he slowly pulled away the old newspaper they'd used to wrap it in. Small cardboard box was revealed when the paper was all gone. Opening it he could only stare down at the gift for a moment.

"We made it" girl informed with a sweet smile.

"Just for you" blonde added with his own soft grin.

Lifting the item form the box, he let it sit in his palm. It was a star-shaped charm made from five pale white shells woven together by brown string that was breaded out to he could tie it to something. In the middle was a green marble. Obviously it was handmade and they'd put a lot of time into it.

"We were going to give it to you on your birthday"

"But we don't know when it is. And we wanted to give it to you know"

"It's a Wayfinder"

"We read in a book about legends onDestinyIslands"

"There's a star shaped fruit there. It's called a Paopu fruit and if you share it with someone you'll be forever connected" Xion explained before Roxas went on.

"These charms represent the fruit and that unbreakable connection. So as long as you and your friends carry good luck charms, nothing can ever drive you apart. You will always find your way back to each other"

"An unbreakable connection, huh?" redhead questioned, eyes locked with the charm.

"Yep" both stated pulling their own charms out. They were identical other then the marbles in the middle of different colors; Roxas having blue and Xion violet.

"There made from thalassa shells"

"That can only be found on the islands"

"We collected a whole jar full of them when we went two summers ago"

"So it's special and one of a kind"

"Don't loss it" Xion finished.

"Why are you giving me this?"

"Because we wanted to know you were our friend. And no matter what, that's not going to change"

"And we couldn't hate you. Because if we did. Then there wouldn't be anyone we liked. Beside each other" Roxas informed.

"We don't have friends"

"Other kids think we're weird"

"Call us trash" they informed sadly before smiling again. "But that's okay"

"As long as we have each other"

"And now we have you"

All the man could do was stare at them. Both smiled not realizing who serious of a statement they were making to a man that had no one. Nor just how powerful a charm they'd give him. He knew the legend and what the Wayfinder was. Even before they'd shared it with him; it wasn't the first time he'd seen one. But it was the first time he'd been given one.

"You two should go home" he stated, hand closing around the charm as he put his hands in his pockets.

"Okay. We'll see you tomorrow Mister"

"Axel" two kids paused at the door turning back to him. "My name, it's Axel" both smiled wider then ever before.

"Bye Axel" they waved. He just watched as they ran off.

Once they were gone he took out the gift just given him. Smiling he took the chain form his neck. He added the star to the 'x' like charm he always wore. Returning the silver link chain to his neck he closed up his shop heading home early for once. Not like he got much business anyway and he had shopping to do.

Two kids ran home and were nearly skipping. They got a name! Mister wasn't mister anymore. It was Axel; Axel their friend and favorite adult ever. Both couldn't take the smiles from their faces at they got to the bar. It was oddly quiet however as they stepped inside. They found a note in the kitchen form Tifa saying she was out shopping and Vanitas was going to be home around six. Meaning they were going to be alone for a moment.

They weren't much bother by it. They ran upstairs to play. They'd worry about homework later; it was the weekend after all. Few hours later they heard someone downstairs. They ran down wanting to know what was for dinner seeing as it was after their normal dinnertime and they were hungry. Both froze at the bottom of the stairs when they saw someone they didn't know. Big man with black dreadlocks and sideburn, he was dressed in a long black cloak. Stranger turned to them and smiled wickedly, looking in his cold navy eyes made both of their blood run cold.

"Well, well what do we have here?"

"Thought we were grabbing a woman not some kids" another man stated stepping out of the kitchen. This guy was a little smaller but not by much. He had the same coat but his hood was up.

"What do you think? Wife or kid, which one do you think he'd fight harder for?"

"Good point. Grab the kids"

"Both?"

"Unless you know which one is his"

Hearing this both of them bolted. Two men cursed as they ran after them. Two kids managed to get to the fire escape and into the back alley. They'd barely gotten onto the street when they were grabbed. Screams were cut short as large strong hands came over their mouths. Tears filled their eyes as they fought with all their might. But their ten year old strength did nothing against the two grown men. Two other men cam up in a car, which they were thrown into after being duck taped and tied.

888

Axel had finished his shopping and headed home when a car nearly hit him when crossing the street. He cursed inwardly and glanced to see why they were in such a hurry. He paused when he saw them stop outside the bar '7th Heaven'. Usually people speed away from the bar because they were drunk. Not to it. Shrugging it off he turned away; or was going to. He paused turning back when something caught his eye. Eyes widened when he saw Xion and Roxas thrown into the car's trunk. Without even thinking he darted forward.

"Get those to back for us boys" guy with dreads stated, hitting the top of the car.

"Who's that?" the hooded man asked. They turned seeing a redhead running to them. Roxas managed to get his mouth free of the duck tape screamed in tears.

"Axel! Help us please!"

"Shit" the two outside the car cursed realizing they didn't only have a witness but a loose end. Guy knew the kids.

"Go!"

Car was ordered to go and did so. Two men left behind pulled out guns. In the back of the car the two kids watched as free as their friend got shot at. They didn't get to know what happened as their view was quickly cut off as they turned into another street.

Axel would have gone after the car. But the two thugs weren't going to let that happen. So they had to go. Hood boy was down without even a blink of an eye. At the lost of the redhead's groceries, which were quickly forgotten and he turned to the other guy. He was a little more trained then the other guy. But that didn't stop the redhead. Getting hold of the man's wrist was all he needed to send him to the ground. He fell to the ground arm dislocated, deep bruise to the gut and coughing up blood. Not only that, but now Axel had his gun. Man didn't moved do to the gun at his head. Giving Axel a moment to pull out his phone with the other had. Redhead couldn't believe that the cops didn't even believe him when he stated there had been a kidnapping.

"Dude if you're that lonely, pay someone. Don't waste our time"

Thug laughed as he snapped the phone shut angrily. It was obvious what had happened. Cops around here weren't all as noble as Xion's father after all. Knowing he wasn't going to get any help, redhead turned to the only one currently with possible answers.

"Where are they going?" Axel hissed.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Where?" asked again, gun now at the thugs temple.

"I ain't telling you that. No matter what you do"

"So be it"

Without a second thought he pulled the trigger. Man dropped and Axel dropped the gun beside him. Digging through the dead man's pockets he called the last number dialed and called. It only rang a few times.

"You get the job done Xaldin?"

"…"

"Xaldin…? Hello? Number three" voice ordered.

"He can't come to the phone right now"

"Who the hell is this?"

"Funny he said about the same thing" Axel stated nudging the body with his foot. "The job you gave him. Tell me where it ends?"

"Good one boy, but not happening"

"Tell me and I won't kill you like I did your two men"

"You killed Xaldin? Don't make me laugh"

"Ransom right? That's why you took them?"

"Oh you're worried about? Don't tell me you another cop. You know if you are you save me the trouble. You can give the message to Officer Heartily yourself"

"I'm not a cop"

"Shame. Then I suppose I'll go then. He'll get the message either way"

Axel glared as the line when dead. Call hadn't even him much, but it given him enough. The case Xion's father had been working on. The cause to the parents fight. The reason the two had come to his house the other night. Now the reason for their abduction too.

Leaving the scene, he went the direction the car had gone and away from his home. He'd already gone to the point of no going back. Moment he rushed forward and the kids had gotten away he knew there was no going back. Not that it really mattered. He hadn't had a future for years. He was a man that leaved for today. Seemed like now he no longer had a choice in tomorrow.

…8∞8…