⌞ # IGNISULTIONIS ˚ˋঌ˖ ⌝ ── INDEPENDENT , PRIVATE & HIGHLY SELECTIVE portrayal of AXEL//LEA from square enix & disney's KINGDOM HEARTS SAGA. penned by vamp. est. february 2025.
⌞ a study in . . . ⌝ loss of innocence, PTSD , broken promises , betrayal , found family , living weapons , rebirth , a willing pawn , apathy , the bonds of friendship , self discovery , deciphering emotions , the burden of a heart , childhood trauma , defiance of authority , deception , how one defines a heart , rooting for the underdog , the delicate balance of darkness & light.
ᴍᴇʟᴀɴᴄʜᴏʟʏ ᴘᴏʟʟᴜᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ sᴘᴀᴄᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ, heavy with a burden yet spoken. The flame of suspicion flickered & cooled — not entirely smothered, but certainly diminished in the wake of such sorrow. Rather at a loss, that once rigid frame slacked, a fumbling puppet with its strings cut. Such a mournful expression did not suit the visage of this stranger, elegant & ethereal. Guilt logically unwarranted welled up within nonetheless, leaving the Guardian to scramble for purchase, a foothold against the sudden disarm.
❝ Well, I mean, I think I’d remember a face like yours around here … ❞
Why … .ᐣ From where did this incessant need to console the other take root.ᐣ Not once could Axel recall encountering a wanderer of such mystique & he considered his memory to be quite formidable. Even dear Xion could not be entirely erased, heart resilient in its steadfast bond despite her past disappearance. In contrast, nothing stirred with a mere glance at this individual.
— And yet …
A blink & the shadow marring those delicate features passed, an exquisite mask of humor ⌞perhaps tinged with a bit of mischief⌝ claimed its place. Though brief, the flicker of sᴏʟᴇᴍɴɪᴛʏ was not lost on the former Nobody, having fronted a similar facade himself over the years. A smile to keep the enemy guessing, to obscure any hint of vulnerability from being exploited. Veil carefully crafted, no doubt to deter all — save for those skilled in similar methods of self-preservation.
However, he would not press … for now, given more prevalent concerns at hand.
❝ Friends, sure. More may be pushing your luck. I consider myself an easygoing guy, but I think a name is reasonable before we take this to the next level. ❞
Lines blurred across simple tease & subtle threat. A demand for answers barely concealed between the lines. The former assassin certainly enjoyed games, toying with prey & the thrill of the chase — but only when he was orchestrating, master of the playing field. This enigma of a character posed an unknown variable, a role which may outweigh his own, begging a calculated approach.
❝ Me and my friend thought the same, to be fair. Things can’t stay secret forever. ❞
Mere allusion to his ❝ partner ❞ sufficed to set instincts on alert once more. History still burned bright within his mind — the last instance the two encountered a mysterious figure resulted in their hearts rend from body & ensnared by a cult. Though often at odds within the Organization, Axel certainly attempted to uphold his childhood friend’s best interests ⌞save for his unrelenting & honestly unreasonable detestation of their juniors⌝ . Supporting from beneath to ensure Saïx reached the top — a last ditch effort at sᴀʟᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. Years wasted paving paths with corpses, hands forever stained in ichor. No. History would not repeat itself, not again.
❝ Well, sorry to disappoint you and— Wait, Isa.ᐣ.ᐟ ❞
Emotion ignited quickfire, a name — a spark carelessly flung. Panic, rage, fear, suspicion, betrayal … a caustic concoction set aflame to devour reason. A burn so vicious, magma through his very veins. Glimmer of peace, fought tooth & nail to achieve, seemingly ripped away in an instant. Had every effort expended been for not.ᐣ This breath of tranquility, fleeting & false.ᐣ Act now, his heart urged, consequences be damned. Lest all you sought to protect be ʟᴏsᴛ once more.
—— Freeze, time at a standstill.
Not a beat, nor even a blink ❛fore life continued its endless march forward. Yet that pause, a blow to the soul as existence itself came to a halt, however brief. Disorientation, a mild means to describe the sensation left in its wake. Twin pools of azure there & gone before his very eyes. An illusion.ᐣ A waking ɴɪɢʜᴛᴍᴀʀᴇ stirred by a fragile heart.ᐣ Did this stranger exist at all.ᐣ Soft steps padded behind as if to confirm this distortion to reality. Ears still ringing, the Guardian rounded on the figure, freshly changed & intent to depart ⌞though clearly worse for wear⌝ . Words of dismissal echoed vaguely, smothered beneath a tidal wave of confusion. Of one thing could he be certain: he could not allow this stranger — powers & purpose unknown — to wander unchecked.
❝ You’re not going anywhere. I want answers.ᐟ ❞
A predator set to pounce, heated skin brushed o’er an alabaster wrist — slight within his swift grasp. Mere whisper of contact triggered a most peculiar & excruciatingly painful reaction. Like a lance through his very skull, shards stabbed within consciousness. In an instant, that delicate limb was released, reflexive in response to ᴀɢᴏɴʏ. Free digits gripped desperately at ruby locks, features contorted in blind torment, slow to subside. Beneath the onslaught, sapphire eyes flashed — a memory entirely foreign, yet familiar all the same. Laughter reverberated within his mind, his own, his friend. His friends.
ɢᴏɴᴇ. Dissipated as smoke, a dull throb the only remaining trace.
Hold loosened upon his skull, Axel righted his stance — hunched in defense at a seemingly psychic assault. Breath ragged, he sought the stranger’s magnetic gaze. An explanation, a reaction … something. Anything to explain this turn of events & how his childhood friend bridged the gap between.
❝ … Just what the hell are you.ᐣ.ᐟ And how do you know Isa … .ᐣ ❞
15 ǫ's ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟs ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ : answer those applicable, then tag a handful of mutuals to pass it on!
01. a television series i recently enjoyed is : uhhh i've been watching a lot of jujutsu kaisen and to be hero x
02. a meal or food that brings me the most comfort is : pasta with alfredo, vegetarian sausage, peppers and onions. it was a meal my mom made a lot when we were dirt poor and i still enjoy it to this day.
03. one to three songs i've had on repeat lately are : “cha cha" by sophie hunter, “lost” by bring me the horizon, and “gravity” by eden
04. my favorite go-to hobbies or pastimes are : reading (usually fantasy and dark romance because i'm trash), writing (obviously), makeup and dyeing my hair some insane color lol
05. the pets i have at home ( if applicable ) are : one cat and one guinea pig, and i plan to get another snake this summer when the reptile expo comes around
07. something that always gives me heavy nostalgia is : kingdom hearts, bleach (the anime, not the cleaning product lmao), studio ghibli movies, pokemon, and early 2000s emo/scene music
08. the earliest fandom i can remember joining was : pokemon
09. my zodiac sign is : aquarius sun/moon, scorpio rising
10. the last book i finished reading was : a broken promise by tetyana walker
11. my Chinese zodiac animal is a : boar
12. my opinion on ghosts and hauntings are : ummm 90% of the shit you see in shows is made up and the generic concept of ghost hauntings is seriously dramatized. i believe energy can linger and echo over time in places. where i live is known to be incredibly haunted, so i try to be openminded.
13. a few of my all-time favorite films are : labyrinth, jennifer's body, and kiki's delivery service
14. if i could cast an actor to play myself, it would be : a halloween trash bag. one that looks like a jack-o-lantern when it's full.
15. i'm currently obsessed with : kingdom hearts owns my ass. but i've also been playing a lot of muse dash lately. and i'm forever obsessed with kuromi and gengar.
tagged by : @bishonenprince tysm!!! ♡
tagging : @betweendawnanddark , @oceansoaths , @ninthnocturne , anyone else who wants to steal it
maaaan, i planned to get so much done on here today. instead i played kh2 for hours, once again bawled my eyes out when axel sacrificed himself aaaand then promptly got stuck at the roxas fight.
ᴀ ʙᴇᴀᴛ ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴡɪɴᴅ-ʙʟᴜsᴛᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴛʀᴀɴǫᴜɪʟɪᴛʏ; a pause in the flurry of activity beneath the hazy sun. Sheltered behind closed lids, the sense of peace was at odds with the surrounding environ — a blatant reminder that this was not the dreaded grounds upon which they combated the darkness in recent days. Merely a copy, a hollow reflection. Yet the dust stung across exposed skin all the same, coarse & unrelenting. One had to hand it to the old wizard, the dedication to detail apparent. Digits curled against the cracked earth below, grounding to the Guardian as haggard breaths slowed to a reasonable pace.
We survived, we’re all home. Get it together, Axel.
Swallowing past a lump of emotion, he scrambled to reassemble the mask of nonchalance, the insouciant facade. Little good would come of letting a newborn heart succumb to fleeting phantoms. Emotions far more potent, volatile; a task to tame on a good day. The purpose of this dimension was not lost to the former Nobody — a means to confront one’s demons, to face the ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀs head-on in a controlled space. A chance to assess past mistakes & missteps on the battlefield & learn to grow, adapt. Logically, Axel knew this intent & , in fact, thrived under such circumstances … usually. Trial by ғɪʀᴇ, forged anew in the heat of mounting stakes. This battlefield, a perfect mimicry of the catalyst minus any true impending threat.
He knew this, & yet …
Mounting frustration at his own incompetence, Axel grit his teeth to smother the burn. Hot embers set to smolder within his chest, a blistering reminder that the ᴡᴀʀ against his personal shortcomings was far from won. Lips quirked in a wry smile, all he could muster at the youth’s approach. Shadow cast his features in pleasantly cool reprieve as steps stopped short where he remained reclined against the dirt.
❝ You certainly live up to expectations, I’ll give you that. ❞
Twin jades flickered open to peer up toward his companion, not quite so worse for wear as himself. A brow arched — kids these days, capable & proficient well beyond their years. Sprawled in the dust was hardly a shining example expected of one’s senior — although, he supposed such was to be expected in matters of Keyblades. In contrast, the former assassin was still quite green, by no means a ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀ. No amount of bravado could lessen the gap between abilities. Only time & an endless regimen of training would see that distance even remotely diminished.
Well, laying around won’t help with that, now will it.ᐣ
❝ Me.ᐣ Never better, can’t you tell.ᐣ ❞
Humor tinged his tone, promptly followed by a muffled groan as he encouraged his body to regain decorum. Sitting upright, Axel shook his willowy frame — a disheveled dog before the teen. Carmine locks scattered debris, a hand coming to rest upon his dominant shoulder, freeing the joint of lingering stiffness. Somewhat put together once more, he studied the young man now fumbling through supply-laden pockets. Given their current states, sweat-drenched & coated in a fine layer of grit, the fire wielder had an inking to his sudden search.
❝ Don’t worry, we’re not entirely cut off from the comforts of reality here. ❞
Hand loosely outstretched before himself, Axel drew his focus to the space hovering just above his palm. A tingling charge sparked through the open air, followed by a comical pop.ᐟ Two bottles of water dropped into his waiting grasp, blissfully chilled. The mage’s magic never ceased to amaze. Grinning, he offered a bottle to his comrade before cracking open his own.
❝ Not sure I would’ve survived Merlin’s training without the convenience. ❞
Water, sweet succor upon parched lips. A cool wave to both body & mind, releasing a soft sigh of contentment in its wake. Now satiated, the redhead considered his comrade’s words.
❝ Heh, I’ll take it. Hard not to improve when the alternative is a Keyblade to the face. ❞
Remark playful, a blanket to hide the glimpse of weakness moments before. Adapt. Grow beyond the flaws, the ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ. Or, perhaps, simply ignore it. Lock it away beneath a lighthearted masquerade. Surely, a proper Guardian of Light could not be hindered by internal conflict, befouled by darkness. The Keyblade, a weapon of light, had no business being wielded by one still steeped in shadows of the past … right.ᐣ Bottle set aside, Axel beckoned the fiery blade from where it resided some several feet away, discarded. In a blaze of flame, the weight of its hilt settled warm within his grasp — still favorable to its master, for now.
❝ Not too long ago, if you told me I’d be chosen by a Keyblade, I probably would’ve laughed in your face. Funny how things change, ya know.ᐣ ❞
Once the object of the Organization’s fervent desires, now resting comfortably in hand. It was ironic, really. Axel still relished the look on his former boss’s face at the sight of Flame Liberator, the insult & betrayal. However, the moments after remained burned in his mind, bitter ash. Confidence dashed, blade caught & shattered with minimal effort. Quite the blow to the ego.
❝ I just … I dunno. Hope I can make the grade, I guess. This blade comes with a lot of responsibilities I never realized. ❞
Brow furrowed, digits tightened about the weapon so attuned to his very being. The embodiment of his will, a scorching desire to attain ғʀᴇᴇᴅᴏᴍ, long-sought. Not solely for himself, but those dear to his newly reborn heart. Yet words of deep timbre still echoed in his mind: Is this supposed to be a Keyblade.ᐣ Or some sort of joke.ᐣ
Aspirations were admirable, but to harness the strength to bear the burden of the blade — was he capable in the end.ᐣ
❝ So, Mister Master, any advice for dealing with the … the doubt.ᐣ ❞
you have suffered much... yet, each time, you find a way to survive. no matter how beaten down, you endure. you are stronger than you give yourself credit for.
⌞sᴇᴀ sᴀʟᴛ ᴛʀɪᴏ⌝ — Initially, Axel begrudgingly took on the task of monitoring ⌞read: babysitting⌝ the two newest members of the Organization, as assigned by Saïx. Being the Superior’s designated assassin, to train and oversee two young Nobodies was far beneath him. At times he presumed neither Roxas nor Xion would last long in their positions. However, that mindset slowly began to change the longer Axel spent with the two.
Within these kids, he caught a glimpse of his former self — a child whose life was violently turned on end, now burdened by responsibilities one so young should ever be forced to bear. These two were innocent, same as himself so many years ago. Before the deception, the bloodshed. The only difference.ᐣ Axel held fast to his memories prior to becoming a Nobody, the only means of maintaining his sanity throughout it all. Even as he and Saïx gradually drifted apart — the latter placing duty and chasing phantoms over maintaining a relationship — it was those memories that helped him grasp some semblance of humanity. But neither Roxas nor Xion were given such boons. They were blank slates from the start and Axel sought to change that, to spare them from an existence with little meaning beyond bearing the keyblade. He tried to provide the two with a glimpse of what could be, a normal life for a normal kid. Something which was stolen from him, he now sought to share best he could.
Without this bond, Axel never would have begun to form a heart once again — no doubt he would have been lost as the Organization’s personal attack dog, functioning under the lingering illusion of obligation to a friend who treated him as little more than a means to an end. Not to mention his dedication to the two ⌞even unknowingly when his memory of Xion is almost entirely erased⌝ is ultimately what unlocked his own keyblade. Flame Liberator — the burning desire to free his friends from the cruel hand fate dealt them, and in turn himself as well.
❛ time can't heal everything, nor can someone simply forget the pain. however, people can become accustomed to sorrow. ❜
⌞ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴇᴘsᴘᴀᴄᴇ sᴇɴᴛᴇɴᴄᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛᴇʀs.⌝
ᴘᴏᴘsɪᴄʟᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴇᴄᴀʀɪᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴘᴀʟᴇ ʟɪᴘs, cream pooling & threatening to drip from the heat. A deadpan expression painted his visage, directed to the brunette. Leave it to the immortal to bring up the more complex topics; a humble existence such as himself preferred to avoid. No stranger to ᴘᴀɪɴ, Axel only broached the subject when backed into a corner. A wounded animal left to pick at scabs & lick old scars. Such musings tended to haunt him at unholy hours or lost to the realm of sleep. Not exactly a lighthearted topic for an early evening stroll.
❝ Here I thought we were just going out for ice cream, not an impromptu therapy session. But I guess I’ll bite. ❞
Words muffled around the sweet treat, gingerly plucked to idly wave betwixt slender digits. A beat of sɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, jade hues fixated on the melted confection as he considered the man’s careful observation.
❝ I’ll give you that, the pain doesn’t get any easier with time. But I also think it’d be a disservice to ourselves if we were actually able to forget it all. Sure, it hurts, but it shaped the person we are today, for better or for worse. I, for one, have made peace with who I am now. ❞
Gaze drifted to meet brilliant cerulean, unaware of all which the young wanderer endured across lifetimes ⌞if he were to be believed⌝ — but the pain remained evident. On that, Axel could empathize. Perhaps not nearly in the same capacity, but to a degree nonetheless. Slim shoulder shrugged, the motion languid in contrast to the gravity of the subject at hand.
❝ And just because you’re used to sorrow, doesn’t mean you have to settle for it. Never stop reaching for something more, something better. Endure the pain to strive towards a brighter tomorrow. Got it memorized.ᐣ ❞
ᴇᴀᴄʜ ʀᴀɢɢᴇᴅ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ ʜᴇʀᴀʟᴅ ᴀ ᴅᴜʟʟ ᴛʜʀᴏʙ, weary form propped upon the doorframe beginning to waver. Through the haze of exhaustion & blood loss, a thought drifted: truly, a fortunate turn of ғᴀᴛᴇ that he need not burden a friend with this mutilated state. The former assassin had no desire to trouble his comrades with the error of his own ways. A victim of his own folly, none to blame but himself. Hence, a secluded clinic which seemingly cropped up from the ruins of Radiant Garden with little preamble proved ideal. Get in, patched up, get out. Followed promptly by a brief medical leave from his duties before returning to the frontlines. Darkness held little regard for the wellbeing of a keyblade wielder, never ceasing its efforts to devour the light. One could not afford to be bedridden for long. Axel dearly hoped the injuries sustained would not withhold him from the fight more than a day or two. Basic logic & a brief assessment of his person spoke otherwise.
Get in, patched up, get—
All thought stuttered to a halt at the cry of an achingly familiar voice. Pain muffled sound, mind struggling to break through. An illusion, surely, brought on by trauma & a severe lack of sleep. A days-long mission, fighting without end, coupled with the present damage no doubt a trigger. A means to conjure past ᴘʜᴀɴᴛᴏᴍs. Head leaden, the Guardian struggled to pinpoint the true source. Emerald hues danced across a blur of frantic blond, swiftly approaching. Each step drew the figure into focus, surprise piercing through the fog.
❝ ... Demyx.ᐣ ❞
The name a hoarse whisper, pathetic even to his own ears. Axel hardly had the will to protest the former Nobody’s manhandling, ᴘʀɪᴅᴇ long since discarded. Weight shifted to drape haphazardly across the man’s shoulders, ribs crying out in protest at the position. At least a few were broken, of that he was certain. Steps fumbled, reliant heavily upon the guidance of his most unexpected savior. Words of comfort vaguely registered, the hum a gentle lull. Were it not for the sting of enchanted water upon mangled flesh, he likely would have drifted off against the former Nocturne.
On instinct, the still-burning embers of internal ғʟᴀᴍᴇs spat back, resisting the soothing charm. A slurred string of curses escaped cracked lips, small wisps of smoke trailing past clenched teeth.
❝ S-sorry ... ‘m sorry. ❞
With great effort, Axel quelled his element enough to allow the magic to take effect. Focus consumed, he hardly registered the small cot now supporting below — a reprieve for them both. Carmine locks splayed across a pristine, plush pillow, lolling to the side to eye his former colleague at work. Verdant gaze flickered to the luminous liquid now encompassing his mauled limb, numbing the pain with ease. A brow arched, impressed. Evidently, the musician held many a talent yet unknown to him — not that Axel had ever taken the proper time to study the man. Within the Organization, he presented as hardly more than a background player, though the Flurry long since suspected this to be a front. Suspicion now confirmed to hold at least a grain of truth.
❝ Demyx ... how are you ... why are you here.ᐣ Where were you.ᐣ What happened after— ❞
Breath stolen, brow furrowed at the unpleasant sensation as skin gradually knitted back together. A thousand & one questions begged to be spoken, mysteries old & new demanding answers. Naturally, Axel suspected Demyx to return, whole eventually, as all Nobodies would upon death. Yet he knew not where the man would awaken, his origin a tightly held secret by the Superior. Try though he may over the years, not a shred of evidence remained to be found. An ᴇɴɪɢᴍᴀ, masquerading beneath the guise of a fool.
Perhaps now, purged of Xehanort’s shadow, the ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ may be brought to light.
❝ Ha.ᐟ Not gonna happen. You've been hanging around Isa too much. I'm not about to risk my face getting some insult scrawled on it again. Nice try, though.ᐟ And, well … I dunno if I'd call myself a romantic — more sentimental, really. But if those people aren't looking out for you, then let your memory haunt them instead. Like I said, good or bad, it doesn't matter. You're still living in their thoughts, immortal in their mind. Just like I'm sure Ventus remembers this Cheeto kicking his butt.ᐟ ❞
❝ Yeah, and socializing is necessary to form a personality, hence how you turned out. I'd rather lack in knowledge than general appeal. Makes me more fun at parties.ᐟ But protest all you want, I know deep down my efforts were appreciated … or at least somewhat effective in making you a little less of a pretentious ass. Again, you're welcome.ᐟ And let's be honest, I'm basically your designated caretaker at this point. Grandpa needs someone to visit him and remind all you old farts what it's like to be young again. ❞
