These are both SL's from FW and PB 
SORA 

The fourteen-year-old was sitting down at one of the outside tables of the cafe in Traverse Town, staring into the flickering flame, produced by the Moogles, that would only go out with the help of magic. Both elbows were placed on the wooden table and his form was leaning forward some as he watched the fire. The Heartless were gone; all was supposed to have been resolved, and yet it seemed that nothing was. Riku was still gone, and Kairi was back at Destiny Islands. ...Kairi. He had vowed to see her again. He had promised. A blink. He had also promised to return that lucky charm she had given him. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the charm, styled in the shape of a star. He smiled softly as he looked down at it. He had to return it. And he had to now. 

He pushed his chair back and stood up, now determined to do so. The question was, how exactly was he going to do it? He bit his lip, trying to think of a way. Eyes gazed down at the charm again. A star... Worlds were stars. Maybe he could use this to get to another world? 

"Sora!" That cracked voice stopped him in his tracks, though, coming from the white duck Court Wizard known as Donald. He waddled over to him, pointing a feathered digit at him in accusation. "What are you up to?" 

Sora's cobalt eyes widened. Did he look that guilty? He stuttered out a response. "D-Donald... I have to return this..." He showed him the charm slowly, as if he was ashamed of having it. 

"We can come with ya', Sora!" exclaimed another voice, that of a taller, dog-like creature decked in green. "But... how are ya' gonna get there?" 

Sora shook his head, brown spikes swaying back and forth. "Sorry, Goofy. I have to do this myself." 

"What?!" the other two cried out in unison. 

He sighed. "You guys..." His tone was all that was needed to express what he meant. 

"Fine..." Donald, murmured, kicking at the ground with a webbed foot. 

"Don't worry," Sora replied with a grin. "I'll be back... with Kairi." He gave them a thumbs up and then headed off to the Item Shop. Before he left, he had to pick something up first. 

--- 

His huge yellow shoes were nestled in the sand as he stood on the beach, watching the waves rolling in and out. This wasn't his island, though. Just another beach; one similar enough that he thought his idea could work. 

Clutched in one of his gloved hands was the charm, his eyes were now closed as he said in his head... If this is lucky and is a star, then it should be able to get me home. Here we go... Take me to Destiny Islands... Destiny Islands.. Destiny Islands.. He repeated the two words of his home over and over for a few more moments, when he felt a warm air form around him. Eyes snapped open, and he saw he was surrounded by this strange sort of light. He seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once, the swirling lights around him making him dizzy. He winced his eyes shut, waiting for it to end, and once it finally did he had to collapse on the ground. 

This feels so familiar... 

His eyes slowly opened once again, and he pushed himself into a sitting position, a hand brushing the sand out of his hair. He then took a moment to look around, and lo and behold, there he was. It was Destiny Islands. It had worked. He slowly brought himself to his feet, for a moment in a state of disbelief. It was nighttime, and the sand had a strange glow to it, something that had mystified him since he was little. 

Where was Kairi? 

He walked away from the water towards the shack nearby, looking from left to right and back again. 

"..Kairi?" 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

The moonlight reflected on the water in a wavery, full circle. The fourteen year-old girl sat alone on the massive trunk of a fallen palm tree watching the natural spectacle. Kairi's blue eyes looked much darker with the absence of daylight... an ironic match to her mood. A melancholy expression and the glistening of salty tears tainted her carefree visage. There was no getting around it... she was miserable. Even when surrounded by Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus... Kairi still felt so alone. 

Sora... Riku... 

Her two best friends still had not returned to her. She had been flung back into the normalcy of life on the Destiny Islands, but without so much as a trace of two boys that she held so dear. Her hands idly smoothed the soft lavender fabric of her skirt as she let out a small sigh. 

She was only able to brush his hand... just a single touch before he was torn away from her again. She couldn't just sit there and accept that he might really be gone. He had promised her that he'd return. The girl longed for things to return to the way they were before. Life had been so simple on the island... they hadn't a care in the world. That is, until the darkness tore everything apart. 

Kairi had spent many an evening alone overlooking the water like this since it happened... she simply couldn't adopt the false ease of peaceful slumber when her friends were still out there somewhere. She dearly wished that she could do something to go out and find them herself. Just as they had been so readily willing to do for her. 

"Sora, you have to come back... you promised... you haven't returned my good luck charm yet..." 

Closing her eyes, she wiped off tear-stained cheeks... she decided she had cried enough. There had to be more that she could do than sit here and suffer their absence. A soft breeze stirred, ruffling her fiery red hair and lifting it off her neck gently. The familiar rustling of the palm leaves held some comfort to her... but also a sense of nostalgia... she could almost hear Sora calling her. Yes... she could still hear his voice in her head as if he was really there. 

....Then she heard the call again. 

Eyes snapped open as she leapt off the fallen tree and looked around urgently. Then she saw him. Blinking quickly, she did a double take. That silhouette... that spiked hair... it was unmistakable. Without a moment's hesitation, she launched herself towards the figure standing there. 

"Sora!" 

As she neared him, slender arms would reach up to cling around his neck tightly in a hug. Coming to her senses and stepping back slightly, she looked him up and down... then reached out a palm and rested it against his cheek. He was real... he was really there. Her mouth curved into the first smile that had visited Kairi in a long time. 

"You didn't lie... you came back." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

The lone warrior stood propped up against a wall in the pub 
in Traverse Town. His toned arms were folded and deep 
thought had overtaken him. His wonders included his new 
" friends " that Squall introduced him to. He was hesitant 
at first but after a few hours they were able to get a good 
sentence out of Cloud. And one person in particular had caught Cloud's interest. The woman named Aerith. For some strange reason he was engulfed in the weirdest sense of de'ja'vu' around this lady. He had to find out more about her. 


Mako torn, aqua blue eyes slowly fell to a close as Cloud fell 
deeper into his thoughts. The next thing running through his 
head was finding his " Light " so that he could finally be at 
peace with himself. If he could do one thing before dieing, it 
would be without a doubt this. The only thing he cared about 
in this world was this. His mind suddenly traced back to his 
new " friends ", but Cloud gritted his teeth and mumbled, 
"Friends... I have none, only associates.." before opening his 
eyes and standing upright, walking out of the pub with a flow 
in his tattered and beaten cape. 


Spiky blonde blew gently over the rather rough man that was 
Cloud. He seemed to be headed to the old house where Leon and company always hung out. The people in Traverse town gave him stares of horror and disbelief, like they had never seen someone of his stature.. Maybe they thought he was a heartless? He didn't care. He didn't care about anyone much less what they would think about him anyway. Once he arrived, a gloved right hand knocked on the wooden 
door. Cloud's right hand eased down from the door and took 
new position at his hip as he looked in the small window on 
the door. Aerith and Yuffie were nestled inside the small home 
and were looking at the door, finally noticing Cloud. 
His bangs decorated his eyes with a fitting blonde highlight 
as he tilted his head to the side as if to say, " I'm tired of 
waiting." 
_________________ 
SORA 

That familiar voice yelling out his name made him jump a bit. He had to smile; he had always loved the way Kairi had said his name. There was just something about it... something he couldn't really put his finger on. All he knew was that he liked it, and that was all that mattered. Before he knew what was going on, she had pretty much jumped him. His eyes widened for just a moment at the fact that he was receiving a hug, but he returned it in due time, just as glad to be with her as she was to be with him. After the short embrace, he backed off to take a long hard look at her. She was, of course, exactly the same. It hadn't been that long since the two had seen each other, really, though it did feel like an eternity. 

The hand that was put against his cheek was cold, and sent a small shiver up his spine; he hadn't had physical contact like this with Kairi for a while, it seemed, and to actually be with her again was just fantastic. He simply couldn't stop grinning. There was a very slight frown at what she said, though, his eyes flickering with a tint of anger for a moment. "Of course I came back, Kairi..." he said, trailing off for just a moment. "You thought I wouldn't?" It was a bit disheartening that she didn't believe in him, but the thought that she was possibly just reassuring herself with that comment made him feel a little better. "I had to return this, remember?" He grabbed her arm, pulling her hand to his. They clasped hands as he placed the charm into her hand, the star a bit warm from being clutched in his palm for so long. 

Once that deed was done, he felt rather accomplished, and that smile returned yet again. "And remember, Kairi... We actually are always together." Though this was true, he himself knew it was much better to actually be with the person, not just in essence. He still felt it was his right to remind her of this; in case they ever got separated again. Hopefully that would never happen, but it was hard to judge with all that had been going on as of late. 

"Oh!" he exclaimed, his hair seeming to perk up a bit as he yelled out. "I almost forgot..." He grabbed into one of the many big pockets that he had and pulled out a fairly long box, off-white in color. "Here," he grinned. "I got this for you." He then handed the box to her, waiting for her to open it with a bit of anticipation. 

I hope she likes it... 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

Kairi felt a small twinge of surprise run through her as Sora suddenly grabbed her hand and placed that familiar star shape of the charm into her palm. The remnants of Sora's body heat obviously from having held it for so long brought feeling back into the numbness of her cold hand, the warmth tingling through her fingertips. She had been sneaking out every night to wait for him for the past several weeks, and the cool night air had made her just a bit chilly. Though a tropical island, the absence of the sun's rays did make it rather cold. 

She smiled up at him in her gratitude, but that quickly faded to a look of puzzlement for a moment at Sora's brief worry that she had thought he was gone for good. "No, Sora... of course not." 

Her eyes fell onto the charm that rested in her hand. It's star shape had always startlingly reminded her of a paopu fruit. A shake of her head supplemented her words. "I knew you'd come back..." 

She tilted her head up and stared into the vastness of the star-filled sky overhead. "...I've waited for you here every night... waited for this..." 

Now her gaze came to rest upon that face that she had always known she would see again. "Some of the others were considering that you were never coming back... but I knew you wouldn't break your promise to me. I knew you'd come back, and I..." Her face broke into a smile again. "...I'm so happy that you're back." 

One last tear, this one of happiness glistened on her cheek as she dispensed with the fluffiness. In any case, any further discussion on her part would be halted by Sora. As he presented her with a mysterious box, she blinked in more surprise. 

"...For me?" The murmur of curiosity heralded her taking the package and lifting off the cover. Inside was what appeared to be a long lavender glove. As she lifted it out to examine it, it looked to be attached to the arm by some clasps, and sported a pair of wickedly pointed claws where the knuckles would go. 

"Ah, a weapon!" A grin of triumph at her realization spread across her face as she began to try the contraption on. Wrapping the piece of fabric around her right arm, she used her free left hand to secure the buckles with minimal difficulty. After the glove was in place, she lifted her right hand to examine the points at the end. Poking one delicately with the index finger of her left hand, she snatched it away as it pricked her. 

Sticking her sore finger in her mouth and suckling on it a little, she now turned to Sora with a look of bewilderment in her azure hues. Sora, Riku, and the others had never included her in their play-fighting before... so this was unprecedented. It would not go unnoticed that the weapons they used were always harmless wooden toys. However, this was a real weapon... and a dangerous one. Taking her finger out of her mouth, she blinked at him curiously. Posing a question, she tried her best not to sound ungrateful while at the same time finding out what she just had to know. 

"Thank you... I like it... but, Sora... what would I need something like this for? The island isn't dangerous, right?" 
_________________ 
SORA 

His eyes watched her every single movement as she responded to his wary thoughts, watching her body motions and her eyes, which were said to be the window to the soul, to make sure that she was in fact telling the truth. He shouldn't have even accused her further, but he just wanted to be sure. He knew Kairi well enough to know that she was telling the truth, and mentally breathed a sigh of relief because of this. He was glad that he knew he could still trust Kairi -- that was always a good feeling, to know you had someone to confide in. Even if it were a girl. "I'm glad..." He neared closer to her once again, seeing that she appeared to be a bit cold, and she couldn't be blamed, seeing what she was wearing. A sleeveless top and a skirt wasn't the best attire for the night, even if it did suit her well during the day. "I'm glad you can believe in me, Kairi. And that you continued to do so..." he faltered for just a moment, "...even after the others were losing hope." He smiled right back at her, his eyes seeming solemn and happy at the same time-- something strange to see out of Sora. 

"I'm glad I'm back too..." His hand was lifted to wipe the solitary tear off of her cheek, and he stepped back a trifle to watch her open the box, anticipating her reaction quite eagerly. He grinned as she pulled it out, feeling rather accomplished at his good judgment in the selection of the weapon. It was a rather nice-looking thing; he had made sure of that. A glisten formed in his eye as he saw how it looked on her. "You look great, Kairi!" he assured her, stepping back even a bit more to admire the primal claws that were attached to her arm neatly. 

He laughed softly when she pricked herself, assured that she hadn't hurt herself much. "That's a real thing there," he told her, as if she hadn't already realized that. At her next question he became a bit bewildered, not feeling so good about answering this. He sighed, out loud this time, looking down at his feet for a moment as he tried to pull his thoughts together. "Kairi..." he started, closing his eyes for a moment, then lifting his head and looking her right in the eye, "we have to go back." He then started pacing for a moment, to distract himself. "We gotta find Riku, and..." He looked over his shoulder at her, for his back had been turned to her, "don't you want to see the other worlds?" He smirked faintly at this, but sobered up again. 

"Anyway, how are the others?" He meant Wakka, Selphie, and Tidus, of course. "Do you think... any of them would want to come?" It would be strange that he would ask for even more help, but he did his best to explain by adding, "I think we may need a lot of manpower this time around... Eh, womanpower, too.." he said with a grin and a V-sign. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

[Uwahahahaha! I post. Now, you do it too Stephy. You didn't ask for that character for nothing...You'll shoot me for any inaccuracies. You know you will. I not even know if Yuffie know Cloud. Laugh at me pathetic ness.] 

Yuffie sat, warming her hands by the fire, on a large, red cushion. Or at least, it used to be red. Age and the amount of use it endured nightly had diluted the once vibrant colors down to a dull pink. The simple embroidery, once boldly outlined in yellow thread, had faded to a pastel hue as well, but it seemed to fit in the cozy atmosphere of Aeris' current quarters, only one of the many brightly-illuminated homes that lined the streets of Traverse City. 

The girl started at the abrupt rapping at the door, and exchanged an uneasy glance with Aeris. Who could that be, at this hour? 

Then through the window, slightly fogged by the cold, was the blurred image of a familiar face...and, of course, the unmistakable hairstyle. 

"Cloud!" Yuffie exclaimed, leaping to her feet and dashing to the door. "What brings -you- here?" 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She shot her glance toward the door as she heard his name, rising to her feet and dusting off her dress. Aerith's green eyes came up to meet Clouds, blushing slightly as they did. She walked towards the door beside Yuffie, her face lit up. 
"Won't you come in... Cloud..?" She sidestepped away from the door allowing his entrance, her gaze hadn't left his face. Aerith tapped her boots lightly on the ground, clasping her hands together behind her back. "You don't have to knock next time.. come in whenever you wish... you can stay, too.." She looked down to the ground, smiling, and looking back up at him, kicking her boot against the ground nervously. 
_________________ 
He felt distressed, the way his stance was formed near the two women. It was such a relief to see another male at the door, and the mood was set. 

"Ah, welcome Cloud." His pace was steady, metallic boots contra`ed on the vacant house's welded floor pattern. In cool stature he had held out his palm for a nice gesture. His burdens hidden behind frigid depths of iced pupils and he would of thought, his troubles were well hidden from view. But that was Squall Leonhart, unhappy and moody. 

He had brushed his molten honey-due locks away from his eye view, and then went over to where he was before the entrance of the other tall figure. "What brings you here?" 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

The tall blonde gazed into the emerald green eyes of Aerith 
that stared back at him with warmth. Cloud's cheeks turned a slight shade of red behind his scarf-like cape as he began to become lost in her being. Cloud struggled to regain himself, noticing that he had been standing in the doorway for at least a good five seconds without movement. Hoping that the others, who were all looking at him, did not pay heed to his and Aerith's slight spark, Cloud thanked Aerith for her kindness in a rather monotoned " I appreciate that.." before 
walking on past her and viewing the others. The pair of Leon and Yuffie beamed at him with welcomes to the small home. Cloud's chest burned with weird feelings from these people, this being the first time he actually had any friends in his life. 
Cloud reached out to Leon's hand with his right one, shaking it 
firmly while saying, " Hey.. Leon. Yuffie." 

After the welcomes, hugs, and kisses were done, Cloud 
took it upon himself to have a seat. Dusty, brown leather boots hit the wooden floor of the shabby house with a thump 
as he made his way over to a makeshift wooden chair, deemed 
his future resting place. Once his destination was met, brass fingertips clasped around the chair, pulling it out enough for Cloud to take seat. Cloud leaned back in the chair, making himself as comfortable as possible, folding muscle molded arms across his blue clad, leather strapped chest. Finally making camp for himself, Cloud glanced over to them, wondering if he he should answer their question of why he was here. A reason he did not have.. What he did have was loneliness. Now he couldn't just go ahead a tell them that, now could he? Why he couldn't just go out and say that? is' one of the many mysteries that made up the lone swordsman named Cloud. He was beginning to wonder who was the colder, him or Leon. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith still stood at the door blushing, bringing her hand up to her mouth as she smiled. She turned around, shutting the door behind her as she found herself sitting as close to Cloud as she could. She had missed him so much for that long period of time in which they had been separated. 
Resting her hands in her lap as she found her seat, Aerith looked at Cloud, her gaze remaining on him for a long period of time as she kept silent. Her face still warm with blush. 
_________________ 
LEON 

Seemed Cloud was turning insolent. Leon didn't seem to give another thought into it. Four of them were now in the vacant house, and not a word was hummed through the air. It gave him a bit of time to heave out a small sigh. 

"What do you think about Sora?" his attenuative mantle lips spoke in a low pitch. It dwelled his mind, the way Sora had ran after his companion. Just like his own childhood. It crashed into his mind, the destruction. The Heartless. 

He had placed his gunblade to the opposite of him, and just took that awkward moment to give a glance at it. His destruction. The wield of that weapon that had established him through so many pointless battles. He gestured his hand through his locks of tan crescent strands. 

He took time to notice the two little love birds over on the piece of furniture. Cloud and Aeris, so simple, yet complicated. Cloud stirred his blood sometimes, the way his personality had take a tole on him. Was Cloud another example of himself? Was this a sign? 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud could actually feel Aerith staring at him. His underarm began to water from sweat as he hesitantly looked over to the beauty that was Aerith. Cloud's heart skipped a beat, the two were locked like two lovebirds in a cage. It was like an unseen force, Cloud couldn't turn away, he had to look. He never felt this way in his life, the feeling was good, so good, so uplifting. Could it be? That "L" word that people feel for eachother, could it have truly been stamped on Cloud's forehead. Cloud's ears suddenly picked up speech from Leon that awoke him from what seemed like an eternity in bliss. 
If Leon hadn't have done that, Aerith and Cloud may have just stared at eachother all night. Cloud's face was turning so red it was starting to match the cloth that desperately tried to hide his face from the others. At last, Cloud tore himelf from Aeris and turned attention to the LionHearted Leonhart. 

"Sora? What do I think of him? Hmm... I admire the boy's determination and will. I also think it was a grand gest that he is seeking his freind. His abilities with the keyblade are also promising." 

Cloud suddenly bit his tounge, thinking he had said to much as it was. Feeling he had givin' his part and then some, he sank back into his chair once again, uncontrollably taking glances at Aeris every once and awhile... Between his helpless peeks at the lovely Aeris, Cloud took the time to ask Squall a question, peering over to him with aqua blue eyes sheltered behind blonde bangs. 

"Why did you ask such a qustion, Leonhart?" 
_________________ 
LEON 

There was a small chuckle hissed from his lips. Why had he taken such a fine interest on Sora. It was certainly not his problem where Sora uphold his destiny. 


"Red was always your color, Strife." With the auburn tone of Cloud's skin, it was just so hard to refrain from grasping a small joke about it. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She looked away from him, her blush fading. She closed her eyes, smiling slightly. She was way too obvious. Aerith turned her attention towards Yuffie, not knowing what she could say to her. She looked at Cloud again, then away immediately, she could tell she had been making him lose track of himself. Her eyes came to meet with Squalls, then looking back and fourth between the two men she thought she knew so well as they discussed. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud took Leonhart's joke in a small chuckle. They were catching on to his and Areis' little flirtaious orgy of stares. Cloud now set his attention fully on Leon to make an excuse for his reddining like an apple. 

" It's kinda warm in here, you see.. Leonhart, could I have a look at that, that Gunblade you call it." 

Cloud tried with all his might to spark up converstation with Squall. If he didn't, he feared he would catch himself parading glares at Aeris again like an idiot. 
_________________ 
[ Lol! Nice one Cody. ] 


He took the gesture of the excuse as a sign to get off the subject. He gave a small grunt at the Man's reply. "Why the sudden interest in my weaponry? You've seen it plenty in the past." His glove wrapped thin lining around the shaft of the gunblade. It took a moment for him to realize the scenario. But his stoic mind couldn't get off the fact that Sora, that perky fourteen year old had set out without any consent. 

"If it'll get your mind off of Miss Aeris and keep you in touch with reality, we can discuss why you've brought yourself here, then sure. But I'm not getting off my ass to hand it to you." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked up at Leon and brushed bright pink, she let out a little giggle as she heard his remark. What wonderful friends she had. She looked at Cloud, seeing his face go red as well, her hand went up against her mouth to muffle her laughter. She smiled at the two of them. 

"We all need to get our minds off of things..." She rose and headed towards the window, looking out at the small town in which they resided. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud closed his eyes as his the fluttery feelings in his chest soon turned to a swirling anger from Leon's comments. He held his anger in, letting it escape through a low sigh. All that stuff Leon said was exactly one good reason Cloud liked being a loner. He didn't have to listen to other people damn mouths. 
Slowly he stood from his seat and walked over near Leonhart. 
His intentions were to tell him why he was here... 

" Just drifting through since you just have to know. And I'm here because of this." 

Cloud's gloved right hand gripped the knob of the wooden closet beside Squall. In it lay, proped up against the wall was Cloud's bondaged Buster sword. 

"If that doesn't make you feel any better, I also came to see Sora. And as for Aeris..." 

Cloud broke off his words and sighed, letting the point of his huge blade kiss the floor, his right hand holding the hilt. 

" I'm gonna go out for a bit.. " 
_________________ 
LEON 

Leon never was the one to feel hints of guilt after what was said, was said. He'd just wait, let everything calm down and go on with everyday life. 

It was different this time. Leon regreted the comments that had flooded the room from his tempered-mouth. It clenched his stomach the way Cloud fled off. Now he was alone once again, weilding his gunblade that was currently resting on his broad left shoulder. "Aerith.." he let out a slow but soft sigh. "Sorry for that.." His brissels had shoken in unison with his head. 

It was so unlike Leon to get like this, what was up? Maybe it was time to face those utterly hard facts. He wasn't alone, and he had friends. Yet he had once again pushed them away. His mind kept on the instant ticking as the akward silent was now present. He had let his words hang from calling Aerith by her name. He had not known what to back his words up with. 

Tick, tock, went his head. And the headache consumed his attention, as by the second it had worsened. "..." He had nothing to consume the silence with. He let himself fall into that deepened hole as he stood in an uncomfortable stance. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She walked over to Leon and pat his shoulder. "It's alright..." Her head turned toward the way in which Cloud walked. "I'm beginning to think he's not going to change... I wish he would open up to me..." 

A sigh escaped her lips as she moved over to the bed, sitting down gently. Her eyes closed gently, her head resting in her palm. 
_________________ 
LEON 

"...He reminds me of myself." He let out another famous Leon sigh. "It's a mess." His fingers help tipped at his cranium as the headache slowly came to a halt. 

"Aerith, is he acting like someone that he really isn't? You know him better than most of us." His frigid ice pelted pupils shifted it' view over to Aerith. Who wouldn't want to have her as their own? She had such small structure, yet beautiful features. His mind had turned raw at the moment. 

"Gut-wrenching." He shook his head too left and right once again. His mind focused on the situation. He gazed to the door, as if Cloud was about to enter it in any second. Time-consuming, yes. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Cold. Actually, quite freezing as a small white creature found herself waddling down the road, small plum hued wings lightly flapping just to keep up body heat. Each step taken gave sway to the antennea like bit ontop this moogle's head, though this one particular seemed to have quite the noticeable kink about halfway to that russet tinted orb near the end. It bounced quite close to squinted eyes, then. 

Fuzz-clad and off-white would she continue her search for warmth. The last place she had, cozy spot in a local pub's cupboard, had been unfortunatly uncovered by a pair of nosey humans. Kupo. Wouldn't stand to become their little play thing -- though she seemed curiously happy to be thrown into this cold predicament. Earlier had she spotted a young spikey-haired boy that seemed well suited for a tag-a-long such as herself, and so her mind was quite set on finding him. Well. After finding something to eat. 

And then would crescent eyes fall upo a similar hairstyle to the one she'd seen earlier. Kupo! Might not be the same one, but oh boy did he have a warm-looking scarf. And what's this?coming out of a warm house, too. Scuttling over to the disgruntled man, small and crooked moogle would begin to flap such earlier mentioned wings, managing to lift her small form to eye-level, though in mid-air off to one side so his eyes might not catch her at first, she was close enough to be noticed, and perhaps even startle. "KUPO!" Little wriggle of that plump rose-hued nose. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

A swift whiteness past Cloud and he looked around shocked. 
Reading his blade he looked around and befallen apon his eyes was a Moogle of all things. Part of Cloud wished it was a good Heartless to slay while the other part sighed a sigh of relief. Cloud's heartbeat started to slow down as he examined the small figure. Eyes blanked a few times before he finally spoke to the Moogle. 

"H-hey. Why in such a hurry?" his voice had regained it's monotone. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked at Leon curiously, her eyebrow quirking slightly. "He is acting a bit strangly... but I don't think it is anything to worry about..." She smiled to Squall, lying her head against his arm, her hand resting on his shoulder. " He'll be back soon, Leon." 
_________________ 
TNEB 

"Well, Kupo. It's cold out here." Scratchy bit of a voice heard from the female fuzzball. She'd eye him curiously, though more so those blonde spikes, quite sure she could nestle in perfecty without much work.. though, brunettes were warmer, fom her experience. 

This particular man looked particularly cold himself, though not so much his skin as those blue eyes. Kupo. He'd have to be crazy to be outside on a night like this. "Did you notice the fire inside, Kupo? Why would you be leavin' it, hm? Not the smartest idea, no, Ku, not one bit." 

Plum tinged wings would tire, and so she'd come to rest upon the window sill, staying near enough. It was tough to look up that high. "Kupo.. what if I accompany you inside? You can't have much better company than a moogle, let me tell you." 
_________________ 
LEON 

He took a step away from Aerith as his arm rested aganist the nearest window sill. "Aerith.. you like him, don't you?" His view was far from Aerith's figure. His eyes wandered down at the solemn streets of Traverse. Looking for a hint of Cloud's statured figure. It was obvious Cloud and Aerith had taken a liking to one another. 
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AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked at him from where she stood, smiling gently. "Yes... Cloud and I are great friends... Leon." She stood at the doorway now, staring out into the night sky. "Just as you and I are.." She looked back at him, smiling, her green eyes shimmering against the moonlight. She closed the door in front of her, taking a seat atop the bed again. A sigh once again escaping her lips.
-----------------
LEON 

"But I di--.." He watched as Aerith glanced into the night. What did she mean? He could see how Aerith reacted around Cloud. She was obviously setting up a big fat fib. "Hm." 
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AERITH-SU 


She let out a laugh as she heard him. "Cloud and I are close, yes. We have been friends for quite some time...." She looked towards him. "And yes... I do believe I have feelings for him..." She looked to the ground, blushing and kicking her boot against the floor softly, a nervous habit. She smiled to herself, thinking. "What's he trying to get at here...?" 
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LEON 

"I'm sorry, this is none of my buisness.." He patted the back of his head as he reached for his gunblade. He then glanced over to Aerith, seeing her in the shy state again. He then tilted his head as he brung the sturdy gunblade to lay rested on his shoulder, his arm reflexing it to pat it against his shoulder. He had held his other hand to his hip as his view was focused on the floor. "Maybe you should go talk to him. It might be a good solution to all this B.S" 
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AERITH-SU 

She blushed, looking up at Leon as he moved about. "I don't want to bother him...He probably wants to be alone." She smiled warmly as she tapped her boots together. Her hand came up to brush away her hair from her eyes. 
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YUFFIE-SU 

Surprisingly, Yuffie had stayed mostly silent throughout all this. Naturally, she would normally just poke a wee bit of fun at Aeris' 'crush' on Cloud, but the reason for her distraction was evident as soon as she stood up from the cushion she had returned to. 

"Finished at last!" she said triumphantly, holding up a completed...whatever they called those cube-puzzle doodads. Yuffie had forgotten the name quite a while ago, along with the person she had requested to make it. Instead of plain red, blue, an yellow-coloured panels, simple engravings were marked into each of the sides with great skill. The designs were completely mundane, although intricate: a heart twined with lace and vines, a Moogle, and...hmm, a gunblade? 

Her attention was soon drawn back to the idle conversation behind her back, though, and she grinned, walking over and nudging Aeris towards the door. "Come on, flower girl," she teased. "Go an get your man!" It would be -very- interesting to observe what colors Aeris' face would change into. 
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AERITH-SU 

Having been nudged forward was one thing, but realizing how obvious her crush on Cloud was was extremely embarassing. She could have made it not so obvious, but she didn't realize she was being obvious in the first place. Her face grew bright red and her eyes went wide. Aerith looked back at Yuffie, grasping the doorknob with a nod. "I'll...go find him...." She looked back at Leon, smiling. The door came open as she pulled it, stepping out into the dark of Traverse Town, the street lights blaring all around. 

After closing the door, she looked around for Cloud where she stood, only to walk around the corner and see him standing there with a moogle. She hid behind the corner, her head peaking out for just a moment as she gave in for a listen in their conversation. Her face was still red from the blush. 
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LEON 

My god, did Yuffie always dissapear and reapear in such a rush? He had glanced at her adolesecent figure, then it went right back to Miss Aerith. 

His parched lips were silent, so was his body emotions. 

He didn't want to lose his sight of Aerith, the room felt warm when she was lurking in it. Now it was damp, and he was shivering inside. 

"What now?" He had murmured under his uttered breath. His tone had slurred as he motioned himself to the door. Would it be wise to accompany Aerith? His thoughts tangled in web, he had looked upon Yuffie for some friendly advice. For once, mayber her perky attitude would come as a relief to him. 
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AERITH-SU 

Aerith rubbed her arms with her hands for warmth, she continued to watch Cloud from around the corner. She could tell nothing would come out of his conversation with the moogle. She heard a sound all too familiar in front of her and on her right side, opposite from which Cloud had been. It was the sound of the heartless. 

She let out a gasp, pulling out her staff and bonking them on the heads. "Leave me alone!" She hit them repeatedly. "I can't stand you little monsters!" Looking at them, realizing the staff had no effect on the heartless, she jumped back against the wall again. "For gods sake, leave me alone!" 
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CLOUD-SU 

Cloud eyed the small annoyance that was the Moogle. For a moment he studied it, seeing how truly cold and tired she was. 

" Why I'm out here is none of your concern. As far as letting you in.." 

Cloud held his tounge for a moment. Even though he was often cold-hearted, he was a righteous person and always did what he saw fit as right. Helping the Moogle just happened to seem right at the moment. Besides, he had heard tales of Moogles blessing whoever befreinded them with good luck and fortune. 

"I'll let you come in, but you have to join me. Be my companion. You help me, I help you. Deal? Do you have a name?" 

Although doing the right thing, Cloud also wanted find out were the Tall Tales true, hehe.A Moogle partner had to be more reliable then a human any day, anyway. The warrior was just about to turn the corner when he heard Aerith's screams for help. He reacted on impuse and rushed to her aid. 

The tip of Cloud Buster Sword ran into the small, yellow eyed Heartless, and it exploded into Muney. He was always the one to make a dramatic entrance and such so this was nothing new. Too bad he couldn't stay to savor the moment. Grabbing Aeris by the arm with his right hand, he pulled her on over to the door to the house, opened it and let her in. Cloud's eyes wondered around for his Moogle freind to pass through the door before he closed it. 

While in guarded wait for his new found pal, he tinkered the thought of how a Heartless had come back. Hadn't Sora rid the world of them forever?! A sly smirk ran across Cloud's lightly tan complexion, knowing his thurst for battle would soon be watered... 

" Hurry back, Sora, where ever you are.." 
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AERITH-SU 

She stood shocked in the door way, blinking curiously. "I...." looking back at Leon, then at Cloud. "What... what just happened here...?" 
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LEON 

He had heard it, the crie for help from Aerith. He had seen it, the resue of Aerith, by Cloud. Yet, he stood there. He stood there and watched as they had entered the door. 

"Uhm." He was a bit weary, confused. He replaced his gunblade on the fabricated cushion, took a step towards Aerith, with no emotional expression upon stoic facade. 

He brushed the stray strands from his eye view as he watched the two. Comforting, Cloud obvisously aided her, and he didn't lift a finger. Why did his gut react like this? Was he suppose to be that perfect knight, always there for a damsel in distress? 

"Anything troubling you both?" He gasped finally. His moment of slience broken as he watched both of them. Unaware of his surrondings at the moment. 
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AERITH-SU 


She fell back onto her bottom, rubbing her head in confusion. "What... what did I just see out there..." She looked out the door, then lying her hands in her lap. Aerith kept her gaze out the door, still highly confused as to why the heartless had come back. 
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LEON 

"Aerith.. are you alright? What did you see?" He took steps towards her as he had a small concern plastered on his face. Sorting it out, he turned to Cloud, since Aeris was the one lose for words. "Explain, Strife." 
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TNEB 

Rather small ears would perk up a bit at his words.. though it wasn't like they were ever in any other position. Curious creature would become relatively frustrated at the witheld information of his reasoning for being out by himself -- well, mostly just being outside in general, but perhaps this time she'd keep that nosey-ness to herself. For now, Kupo. 

Crescent hues would remain fixed upon the man as those nubbish like legs filled that fix of constant movement, swaying a little from one side to the other. There was a subtle blink given by that moogle, if you could really call it a blink, from his quick demands. Well.. she would have rathered that almond haired boy, but he'd do for the moment. 

"That was quick, Kupo. You sure you don't want to check me for diseases? Ku. " Light snicker, then. Though such was quickly broken by the sudden eh, shouting from nearby. Nosey fuzzball, that one, and so would she hop down from the window sill and follow her new, though still nameless, companion. 

Following the destruction of quite the ugly little creature, nubby legs would scuttle her right along towards the door, quite eager to get inside -- get warm. Though she took a slight notice to the girl he had apparantly saved, that was all she gave, just a look. Plum wings would carry her up to about chest height of the auburn man inside, circling him once or twice before coming to sit upon a coushion near the fireplace. Ah, Kupo. Then would she respond to the spikey-haired one. "Oh, Kupo. Tneb." 
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CLOUD-SU 

Once everyone was inside safe and sound, Cloud turned his attention to Leon, laying his huge weapon of choice over his broad right shoulder. 

"She got into an encounter with a Heartless. I know it sounds weird-" 

In the middle of his explanation to Leon, Tneb had addressed herself to him, and he paused to lend an ear to listen. 

"Tneb, huh? Hope you're warm. Name's Cloud. Everyone, the Moogle is Tneb, she's with me." after introductions were done, Cloud could finally finish laying the news on Leonhart. 

"I don't know how a Heartless could have come back here. Maybe he was one left behind? I thought Sora sealed KingdomHearts." 

Even though Cloud seemed completely interested in the Heartless and his next battle, he also had a bit of, well, alot of concern for Aeris. He wanted to ask her if she was ok.. Was she scared. All sorts of comforting questions like this and maybe even a warm hug, but he just, just.. didn't know 
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AERITH-SU 

Aerith sat there speechless, unable to speak at all. She looked away from everyone, tears rolling down her cheeks as she closed her eyes, her hand going up to rub them away, she tried to hide it, only to make her cry more 
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LEON 


"Heartless, hm?" He took a second to glance at the mog, then his eyes shifted over to Aeris. 

"Any bones broken?" He said with quite a ruffle. His eyes checked the obvisous parts of her body, arms and legs. 

"That's good." He then continued. "If the Heartless has returned, then we will need all the help we can receive. Cloud, how about you and I scout the area for anymore that is lurking in town? Aeris, Tneb and Yuffie, stay here. We need you girls safe." He then took position of his gunblade and leaned it on his shoulder, ready for Cloud to accept the mission. 
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CLOUD-SU 

Hearing the faint sound of weeping, Cloud turned to it's source, Aeris! His eyes widened and his heart felt like a sixty ton weight in his chest. How could he be so blind as to ignore her after she had gone through something like that! 

Cloud took a few steps over to her, a few very heavy steps. Once he reached her, he knelt down on one knee beside her. He never had to really comfort anyone so this was all too new to him. Cloud decided to do what came natural, raising his arm, he lay it across her shoulder, and held her close. He hated to see her cry like this, really he did. 

Cloud somehow worked his right hand glove off with his teeth and placed bare skin apon Aeris' silky, salty tear stained face. Slowly he wiped a tear from her cheek, his eyes filled with compassion never before seen within him. 

"Aeris, are you.. Are you ok?" despite the best he tried, he didn't know the proper questions to ask anymore. His mind was like mushy, cold, day-old soup. 
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LEON 

"Cl--" He had stopped himself. Seeing Cloud tend to Aeris almost shattered his heart. He liked Aerith, and was too blind to see Cloud actually loved her. "I'll go on my own" With a grunt, he had opened the door with the metallic knob, and let himself out into the darkened night.
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AERITH-SU 

She looked up at Cloud, her tears still running down her face. In an emotional burst of tears she wrapped her arms around him tightly, crying into his chest, her hands clenching onto his shirt tightly. 

"I...thought they were gone..." she said through her tears. "I thought they had been killed!" She continued to cry into his chest, holding him tightly and feeling the warmth of his seemingly cold body. Sniffling, she looked up at him, so close to his face. 

She didn't know what she wanted to do then, she held onto him so closely. So many emotions wanted to burst from inside her and flow out. She looked up into his eyes, her eyes watering, her body pressed against his in that close embrace. 
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TNEB 

Tneb gave a few nods to Cloud's words, reassuring him that yes, she was indeed warm. Infact, she'd begun to snuggle a bit into the chair she'd found herself upon, slouching a bit with stubby legs pointed towards the fire. Though it may have seemed as though this moogle was simply interested in the fire, those pert ears of hers did well to pick up on the conversation. Heartless, hm? Oh, she'd heard of those.. 

With notice of a sniffle or two, content gaze would wander over to the lady in the rose-hued dress, curious to how close a match it made to her oval nose. And really, that's all she noticed. This creature in particular was not very fond of other females, and did not, in fact, even like to think about the idea of being left with them. 

"Kupo, wait just a minute. You want me to stay here? Ku.." Then she thought. Quite cold out there. Warm in here. Hm. 

Added to her argument after pondering a good snuggle in that auburn hair. "Don't either of you know how much good fortune a, Kupo, moogle like myself could bring? Goodluck, you know." Goodluck. Oh boy would she play that one for all it was worth. What they were really getting was an curiously-natured, easedropping, and well, quite devious, ball of white fuzz. 
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LEON 

It was for the best, the two of them together. Aerith deserved the best, and Cloud seemingly could provide it. What did Leon have in return? A mournful of emotions and a bad case of anger. That was him. He had only loved one before, and she was gone. What did he do in return? Became that solemn son of a bitch he was before his lost love. 

He left his weaponry drag against jaded cement as he had paced himself through Traverse Town. With not a sign of the monsterly beasts, Heartless, he was only left to drag his feet and ponder B.S. 

He could have sworn his life was simple, before the placing event. Now he was there, dragging his metallic boots which made thuds against that cement, and feeling a bit moody. He was always the type that felt sorry for himself. He thought his choices were always wrong, and the paths he took was the opposite of the right one. 

So where did that leave him? On a endless hunt for the Heartless, that's where he was. It was his soul purpose in life. The silence rang through the town, and all that was pounding in his head was Aerith in Cloud's arms. 

"I'm such a fool." He had risen his head to look at the strandling stars. The stray stars were left alone. And he had related them to himself. Alone, and a stray. 

The gunblade was lifted, as his left hand was stuffed ruffly into his pocket. The gunblade laid on his shoulder as his head had lowered to straighten his glances. He was hoping for something to make him catch his attention. Something to get his mind off Cloud and Aerith. But, of course, there was nothing. He could always stop by Cid's and see if he had seen any of the Heartless, but then again, Leon wanted to keep a low profile. So he wandered, wandered through those lonely streets of Traverse. 
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CLOUD-SU 

When Aeris grabbed onto him, he felt like his heart had stopped all together. He could feel her fingertips grip tightly on his shirt, catching his skin a bit. She was warm, and heavenly to the touch. Cloud closed his Mako mixed, blue hues, letting blonde bangs mix into her brunette hair. The Swordman was speechless. What was there to say? Their bond said all that had to be said. It seemed like forever in eachother's arms, and Cloud loved every minute of it, hoping it could be everlasting as he could feel Aerith's warm teardrops slide down his neck, sending shivers up and down his spine and chest. His fingertips slowly ran through her hair as he heard her snobbed, frightened cries about the Heartless, working up the words to comfort her. 

"Aerith, it'll be alright. I'll.. I'll protect you with my life, always." 

Just as he finished his sentence, she brought her head up from his shoulder and looked into his eyes. Mako poisoned, sea-blue orbs looked directly into her watery green eyes. Cloud was once again speechless, feeling every one of Areith's feminine curves, molding with his own manly build, faces so close their noses touched.. This moment, this time, seemed still they shared was more precious than anything Cloud had come to live for in his life. For that moment, that one brief moment, Cloud felt he had finally found his "Light", found his light in Aeris. Maybe she is what he had been searching for all this time.. he sure did hope so. To the Gods above he hoped so. 

Aeris' soft breaths seemed to caress him and her eyes draw him in for what would come next... 
Cloud tilted his head a bit and moved forward, pressing his lips against her ever so slowly at first. This was his first kiss after all. It wasn't the most fantasticly graceful kiss one would see, but it was great for a first try. Cloud followed up the small french kiss with a deeper one, closing his eyes and loosening up, feeling Aeris do the same, he eased his tounge into her mouth, letting it explore with taste. What a taste it was, sweet, oh so sweet, like nothing Cloud had ever experienced in his life. His arms wrapped around her and his embrace tightened just a bit, not too much though. 

Cloud's mind was blank. He didn't notice nor hear Leon leave. All he knew now was Aeris. All he wanted to know right now was Aeris. No Heartless or nothing of that God forsaken manner. 

" I'll protect you forever.. Forver I will love and protect you, Aeris.." were the only words and thing on his mind at this point... 
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LEON 

[ :: TEAR :: LOL! So sweet! ] 
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AERITH-SU 

She smiled, leaning into his arms and holding onto him tightly, she didn't know what more to expect from him, she got all she ever needed in that one simple moment. She looked up at him, kissing him again softly. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest again. 

Aerith rested her hands against his back, still holding onto him, more tightly than before. She, also, hadn't seemed to notice that Leon had left, she was completely consumed by the moment, and Cloud. 
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CLOUD-SU 

Cloud's hand stroked Aerith's hair gently as he slowly started to sink back into reality. Cloud took the time to look around and he noticed Leon had left the room. 

" Aerith, maybe we should go see where Leon has gone off to?" 

Cloud kissed her on the forehead and loosened his grip on her, letting his arms fall back at his sides and getting up after Aeris released him. Cloud returned his glove to it's rightful hand and opened the door, holding it open for Aeris. 
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AERITH-SU 

She took his hand, pulling up to her feet. She nodded her head. "Leon may need some help." Aerith looked at Cloud for reassurance, smiling, and headed toward the door. She looked back at the small moogle, readying herself, staff in hand. "Do you want to help us?" She said warmly. 

She headed out the door with Cloud not far behind, waiting to see if the moogle would follow. Aerith looked around a bit, and looked out into the welcoming darkness of traverse town, only to see a whole shipload, or what seemed to be, of the heartless creatures. 

"We had better get going." 
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TNEB 

"Eh.. Kupo?" Now warm and toasty moogle became quickly impatient with the lack of words headed her way, finally getting out of that temporarily unmoveable mode of hers. Shifting onto her stomach, stubbish arms came ot rest upon the back of the chair she was sitting in. Then would those thin slits for eyes widen a bit with a few blinks. Ew, Ku. 

Subtle shake of her head caused that russet tinged orb wavered unusually close to that slightly lighter shade of a nose because of that little kink in her antennea. What exactly did he see in her? Hmph, Kupo. She whined too much. And if he liked her dress, well, the color was simply a copy of the naturally occuring hue of her nose!.. 

Crouching down a bit so only those narrowed eyes peeked above the back of that chair, she'd watch quietly. When the two were done with that unusual er.. ritual of theirs, she figured her new 'companion' would turn to the moogle and ask how she faired. But no, they decided to go look for the man with the comfy lookin hair -- white cheeks turned a light crimson with pout. 

"What do you mean, Ku! Let's go find Leon? What about me, Kupo. Having to sit here and watch the two of you, ick. If I had known this is what you were dragging me into, Cloud, sir, Ku, I wouldn't have come in here. Kupo. You just want the goodluck powers of the moogle.. always used by meanies like you-- .." She was cut off by that pink lady, Aerith, it was. 

"..Kupo. Well I don't know about helping.. but.." Hoping down from the chair, little scuttle would take her towards the two. Of course, she was always willing to help. But asked such by a lady, well.. just unusual. 

Plum tinted wings would flap, lifting the small form up between the two of them before turning to face the both in mid-air. "Have you seen a spikey-haired boy with Ku.. hair like yours, Cloud? Warm fuzzy brown spikes?" Then would she come to land upon the ground infront of them, head tilted back to look up to the both of them. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Before leaving out of the door after Aeris, Cloud answered Tneb's question. 

" You must mean Sora.. I have been looking for him as well." 

Cloud wondered what business the Moogle had with Sora but he figured since he didn't tell the Moogle why he was outside, he shouldn't be all in her business. 
Cloud stepped out into the night air and laid eyes on Leon. He was stood in his normal fashion, Gunblade on over his shoulder, trying not to stand out too much. Cloud approched slowly, the wind blowing his tattered cape behind him. 

"Leonhart. What do you plan to do now, my freind?" 
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LEON 

He side-stepped to view the other man strolling out in Traverse Town.His eyes were seemingly facade`d from it's normal temperature. He meant in no harm to give a small dirty look too Cloud, but it was efficient, and oh so normal for him to put on a small grudge to everyone that he has had his mind on. 

".. I haven't strategizied a well thoughtful plan, Cloud." He had shaken a few of his strands as his head turned away from Cloud's face. He proped up his figure onto the frozen wall to his left. As he did this, his Gunblade fallen from position down onto the paved cement, once again. 

".. Have you?" God, how he hated this feeling, the feeling of betrayal. Even though, Cloud had not necessarily betrayed him. Yet Squall had that gut feeling. 
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AERITH-SU 

Aerith held out her staff before her, her eyes narrowing. "I don't know why they're back.... but I'm going to kick their [dare she say the word!] asses!" She looked at Cloud. "They come back here.. wanting to destroy this peaceful town... they aren't doing it with me here." 

She lept down off of the stairs, heading into battle with the heartless. "What are you waiting for, lets get out there and beat them!" 
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TNEB 

"Oh, Kupo! So you do know him?" Excited little flap of her wings -- this, indeed, was for sure good news. She could only imagine the comfort that would come from those auburn spikes.. though, she was curious. Perhaps the smaller boy looked up so much to Cloud he had to steal his hairstyle? Hm.. curious, ku, curious indeed. 

Leading the way for the both of them though with backwards steps of nubbish white legs, she'd come to bump into the front shins of Leon with a light blink. As soon as such happened, slight back tilt of her head caused that red lil orb to scoot itself from her squinted view. Closely did she listen. 

Few wriggles of her nose and she'd come off the ground once more, furious few flaps of such purple wings -- and where would she land? Why, nestled comfortably in a mess of blonde spikes.. though.. she squirmed. Not so soft. Ku. Such would do for now, even if she was perhaps risking her life with such a friendly notion. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

"Of course I believe in you. I always have, Sora. Always will." 

As Sora's hand lifted and brushed the single salty drop from her cheek, that red-haired head gave a nod and a soft smile that reiterated the trust and confidence in him. Those blue eyes were now kept glued to the claw that he had given her... she wondered why he felt it necessary to give her such a thing. He must have an important reason... 

Now focusing on his face, she listened to what he had to say in response to her query. There was little chance the boy would miss her eyes growing wider and wider as he explained what he... no, they had to do now. Kairi got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach as she heard his words. He had just returned, but now he had to leave again... Sure, he was willing to take her with him, and the others too... but it left the girl with a sense of uneasiness. 

"Go back? But... why, Sora?" 

She felt terribly confused by the whole mess... Riku was still out there, yes... but since Sora stopped those Heartless things, why did he need her? ...Or any of them, for that matter? Kairi mentally chastized herself briefly. It occurred to her that it didn't matter why Sora was asking. The fact that he asked at all should have been reason enough to sway her opinion in his favor. He was one of Kairi's best friends, and she'd do anything for him. 

Finally, she gave him another nod and a determined expression. "I'll go with you, Sora... now that I think about it, I don't care why. I just want to bring Riku home again... like you came home. I may not like the idea of leaving, but I'll do it for this." 

She then blinked and cast her gaze in the direction of their homes in the distance. "The other's are fine, Sora, but... do you think they'll want to go? I don't know. Maybe you should ask them." 
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SORA: His smile became ever broader at her words, inspired by what she was telling him. He cherished the fact that he knew that unconditionally, no matter what, he would always be able to put his faith and his trust into the girl that was standing before him right now. He frowned a bit that she didn't seem too happy as to what he was saying, but he should have figured as much. He was sure Kairi just wanted them to stay home, now that he had finally managed to return. Sadly, there were too many things left unturned, and he was glad that she was able to somewhat fathom this. It would make things a tad easier. "Thank you, Kairi. You'll be needed... as will the other three." He shoved his hands in his pocket and made a sort of pout at what she finished off with. "You don't think...?" he asked, almost pleadingly. "Well, I guess I can't expect that of them..." he nodded, looking over to the houses as well with a blink. Slowly turning his gaze back to her, he finalized. "Well, let's go ask them!" And off he was, walking towards the houses. Who knew why he was so eager to get going in the middle of the night. It seemed a bit over-rushed to want to do that. But he must have had his reasons to go then and there, and he hoped that Kairi would understand this and follow in his stead. 
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KAIRI: Yeah, I'll go... ::Kairi gave another nod of agreement.:: I was just hoping that... you know, that maybe you'd stay since you came back. ::Her hands folded behind her back and her shoe kicked absently at the sand as she said this. Kairi's heart had yearned for his return, and now that Sora was back, another adventure had to be taken immediately. It was enough to make her head spin. This time was different, though. This time they would be together in this endeavor. Physically... not just in spirit. That made her happy. Kairi was never one to take being left behind lightly, even in such cases as a trip to the Secret Place when they were younger. If Riku and Sora went without her, they would have undoubtedly come back to a very disgruntled Kairi. As Sora seemed in a hurry to go and recruit the aid of Wakka, Tidus, and Selphie, she blinked in bewilderment at this. It was, after all, very late at night. Scampering off in his wake, she tilted her head as she regarded him. No... whatever it was could wait until morning. Sora hadn't taken into consideration the subject of parents, and the likelihood of them skinning the boy alive if he barged in to take their children at this hour. A hand reached out and grasped his wrist to halt him.:: Sora, it's after midnight. I don't think their parents would be too happy with you if you wanted to wake them up now. 
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SORA: "Eh...?" he let out a gasp as he felt that grasp on his wrist. He froze, listening to what Kairi had to say. He stepped back a bit, as if he had gotten too close to where the other three were in slumberland. He turned around to face her, rubbing the back of his head in some embarrassment. "I guess you're right..." And of course she was. If you were to pick the logical one between the two, Kairi would definitely be the choice. Sora tended to rush into things without thinking, thanks to his overall eagerness to get things accomplished. He wanted to see all the other familiar faces, too. Yuffie, Leon, Aerith, Donald, Goofy, Cloud... Sure, this would always be his home, but he had made so many new friends on his journey. And besides, Riku, his supposed best friend, was still nowhere to be found. That was a sort of plague in the back of his mind. That, and this strange feeling he had been continually having that not all was well yet. He wouldn't express these to Kairi, though. They had the rest of the night to not worry about anything, to just have some time to themselves for a second. That would be nice. Just like the old days... When they had never had a care in the world. "You tired? If not, I could tell you what I'd been doing. Heh, me, Donald, and Goofy got into some funny situations," he said with a grin that was bordering on becoming trademark.
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KAIRI: 
::Yes, her logic and levelheadedness were always so welcome in their small circle of friends on the island. She was the voice of reason among them, and such a skill was coming in handy right about now. Smiling at him, she couldn't help but admire his eagerness to plunge ahead and get things accomplished, whether or not it was a good time, or smart to do so. Just one of the things that made him Sora, she supposed. Hearing his offer to regale his trip had definitely peaked her interest, and her smile widened at this before she even responded.:: Yeah! I want to hear about the other worlds you've seen. ::Kairi herself had only really gotten to know Traverse Town during the time away from the island. When the girl closed her eyes she could remember more... but it was more than she cared to think about. She didn't like where she had been at the time, or who she was in the care of when she was so helpless. It would be vowed to herself here and now, to not let herself become a victim ever again. Motioning to the log where she had been sitting previously, she gave an inquiring arch of her brow.:: Should we go sit down? 

(This is your cue, Pineapple, Kev, and Rose. We desperately need you to make your posts soon and put your characters in there, so we can move the Destiny Island group to Traverse Town. We can't do this until you all have posted.) 
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YUFFIE-SU 

Though whether or not Leon was aware, he had a little shadow following him. 

Alright, that wasn't strictly accurate, as the 'shadow' was three-dimensional, wore bright gaudy clothing, and bounced around a lot. But you get the idea, yes? 

Yuffie had slipped out into the streets, following Leon as he wound his haphazard way. Though Yuffie felt rather pleased at her indirect 'matchmaking', she didn't want to see the results. Heaven knew what Cloud and Aeris might be doing. At any rate, she did not want to find out, and hung back. 

The moment battle with the Heartless was imminent, however, she stepped foward excitedly, grinning, and tossed her (soft, fluffy, and well-kept, if lacking in elevation) hair with a dramatic flair. 

"Ladies first, eh, Aeris? Come on guys, last one's a rotten Heartless!" she grinned, skipping down the steps besides Aeris. It was only a joke, neh? Hopefully, no one would take her comment seriously. 

....Perhaps some might. 
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AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked at the spunky girl beside her, nodding in agreement with a smile. "Let's go boys!" she said, turning her head toward Cloud and Leon. 

She looked back toward the heartless, and started to run into the large group of them, swinging around her staff, until finally, pulling off the top half of the sword, which had been a sheath[sp, its a sword cover....x.x] and revealing that the top 3/4 of the staff had indeed been a large katana. She swung it about violently, but accurately enough to hit her foes, and not her friends. She knew this sword rather well, and had been practicing with it while her friends had been gone fighting the heartless before. 

Maybe now she would come in handy. 
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TIDUS-SU 

Tidus just settled down on his bed, when he heard a few unknown people talking outside in the dark. He blinked, got up, and tiredly threw himself towards the window. All he could see were two shadows coming towards his house. 

"Heartless?! Ack..!" 

He flew to the side of his bed, where he had just layed his wooden sword. He grabbed it quickly and headed down the small flight of stairs, a determined look on his face. He opened the door only so that he could see with one eye out of it. He then started to recognize the two shadows.. 

"Sora..? Kairi..? Is it you..??" 

He blinked in wonder as he opened the door a bit more, sticking his head out with curiosity. He then walked outside and held up his wooden sword. 

"Who's there?!" 
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CLOUD-SU 

(Did I miss something here? Since when did we start fighting Heartless in Traverse town?) 

Cloud's eyes narrowed, feeling the Moogle make nest in his hair. He reached up and pulled her down to eye view to tell her a thing or two. But Cloud wasn't mad, not at all. His tone of voice was playfully serious. 

"What's the big deal here? Since when did my hair become a house? If people saw me with a Moogle on my head, I'd..Damnit. Wouldn't you like to just sit on my shoulder or somewhere less embarrassing?" 

Cloud directed his attention to Leon, still holding the Moogle. 
He was asked had he had a plan? Hmm.. He had nothing. Damnit! Cloud figured the most logical thing to do would be. 

" I think we should each take turns patroling the town. Being in pairs would also be good. That's all we can do untill we can have a word with So-" 

Half of the boy's name escaped Cloud's lips because Aeris had gone to fight the Heartless alone. This being a rather bad decison on her part, and plans would have to halt untill they defeated the Heartless she was grappled with. 

Cloud sighed a bit, looking to Leon. " She's got more spunk then I thought.." said Cloud with an admiring smirk hidden behind his vale of maroon. " You want to handle these, Leonhart? I know you're just itching for a good fight." 
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SELPHIE-SU 

Holding up her nunchucks up to her face in defense, thinking that Tidus was going to strike her she let up a little 'eep'. Blinking a few times feeling no pain on her head she looked up at Tidus and lowered her weapon down. Giving a nervous laugh she shuffled her feet below her, looking down for a while before lifting up her gaze to look at him. 

"Eheheheh uhm I couldn't sleep...Soooo...Since I couldn't bother Wakka, because he might throw his anger at me for disturbing him in the middle of the night...I...decided to bug you for a while! Or talk...!"^_^ 

Selphie let out one of her happiest smile at him. She then raised a brow at him, seeing that he was still in his fighting stance. 

"Uhm...You can put your sword down now...Unless you are asking for a challenge. Wait a sec, you won't go easy on me because I'm a girl, and think I should take up a fight like you do. Then w-when you hit me hard then I'm gonna cry, cry, and cry my eyes out...- oops let me stop there." 

Selphie could tell that she was annoying Tidus with her talk. She knew well that Tidus enjoyed training with his sword rather than to keep on talking...especially with a girl. With a frown on her face she turned her back on him and started to walk off in a slow pace. 

"Oh wait, nevermind... I bet I'm bothering you enough already. Well... Goodnight Tidus. I'll see ya in the morning..." 
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SORA 

"All right!" Sora said with a grin, rubbing this hands together, partly to `prepare` himself, and also to warm them up a bit. It was remarkable how cold the island was at night, and his cheeks were a bit red from the icyness around them, not to be confused with any sort of blushing. He nodded at her question, walking back over to the log slowly and setting himself down upon it. Many times Kairi and Sora, along with Riku, sometimes, would sit down on this log together and just talk. It was nice to experience something similar to that once again, but also brought to him a tinge of melancholy, seeing that one member of the group was still absent. He didn't let this depression dig deeper, however, shaking it off before it could truly begin to manifest. A good thing, that he was able to do that. With all that he had been going through lately, being depressed would not make anything easier. 

He was about to begin to tell her of all their trips, the different worlds they visited, mishaps they had gotten into, battles they had fought and won, no doubt. People they had met, companions he had made, and so on and so forth. However, before one word was formed, a yell from the houses just a short distance away stopped him. He blinked, looking up and in that general direction. Such a familiar voice, yet one he hadn't heard in ages, it seemed.. 

"T-Tidus?" 
_________________LEON 

It looked as though he would never escape the heartless creatures. He almost envisioned that they fed off angst, his angst. He had yet a chance to actually think about his upcoming decisions, when the Heartless came bombarding. He then glanced at toward Cloud, his gunblade lay carelessly onto broad shoulder. 

".. I'm guessing you're being lazy?" He then rubbed the back of his head as his weaponry made a clatter against the cement, him, still having a grip on it. 

His metallic boots sounded like harmony coming to the rescue as he had slid onto point view with the targeted enemy. "I knew they'd return." Seemed he had stopped the pace of his boots, he stood in his stance. He really did pay any attention to the flower girl that was rearing up next to him. His anger was colliding with his reality, his vision. Nothing would stop his slaughtering until they had vanished, for good. 

He swung his blade at the cranium of one that was leading up through his passage to the others. Chucked the individual off with another swift kill and then turned to the others. 

"Typical." They were arising, feeding off the energy of his anger and reappearing within a mile radius. Left to right he was surrounded. "Thought of a plan yet Cloud?!" 
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AURORA 

....Darkness. Swirling around and around, all she saw was darkness. Consuming everything she had once known, leaving her alone...the Princess tried to scream, but it was if her voice had left her. Her mouth formed a small round `O`, but no sound could be heard. Never had she felt so helpless. Aurora was falling, deeper and deeper into an unfathomable abyss that she couldn't escape.... 

And just as suddenly, she was standing on solid ground again. Azure eyes blinked slowly. "This is an unfamiliar place....where am I?" She turned around in circles, observing the area. Aurora then brushed away a few strands of golden hair. "....What is this place?" Quite frankly, she was too much in shock to be overly excited. 

A sound behind her interrupted her thoughts. She looked over her shoulder and saw...some...monster. Now turning around fully, her eyes widened, mouth going slack. The monster hissed, extending gnarled claws toward her blue silk dress. 

"Get away!" She jumped back, then turned and started running, while screaming for help. 
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TNEB 

Light mumble or two could be heard coming from that particular moogle.. just when she was comfortable. Well, as comfortable as one could get in a blonde's hair, anyway. She expected a verbal beating or two, but instead was she held up and spoken to in a playful tone, Kupo. 

Of course, this cream tinged creature wouldn't much stand for being held for much longer than his questions would last, and so began a bit of a squirm. Russet tinged orb bounced a bit with her movement, though rested a bit above and between squinted eyes once she spoke. "Kupo! You're embarassed of me now? Well if that's how you're going to be, Ku, I might as well leave. Give my moogleish goodluck to.. to.. " 

During her bit of a speech, that *spunky* girl he referred to, 
"hmph, spunky, just brainless if you ask me, Kupo.. ", was out and about, slicing things up. This is not where her goodluck would go, nono. 

Then she'd look off to the side at Leon, that somewhat cozy-haired one, who was having some luck with those heartless they spoke of. Lightbulb. "Ah-ha! Ku. See that luck right there? I have now partially extended it to him, Kupo. That is.. unless you let me stay in your hair." Devious peice of fuzz, she. 

What a threat, eh? Of course, that moogle would probably obey if he said no once more, but hey, Ku, no harm in trying. And so little wings would give their flap, hoping to emerge from his clasp where upon she'd crawl back up his arm. Hm.. but that.. scarf.. yes, she'd eye that scarf.. especially as she'd caught sight of more of those heartless surrounding. Ah, yes, argue later. Quick scuttle and she was nuzzled behind his neck, eyes the only thing to peek over the top of that red fabric. "Ku..po.. so.. you can fight pretty well, right?" 
_________________CLOUD-SU 

Cloud sighed heavily, seeing how sloppily Leon entered the fight. This wasn't Leon at all. Cloud had seen and fought beside Leon many times, and Leon was always focused. He must be fighting without a clear heart! Idiot! He knows not to fight if he's ticked off! The Heartless would feed on him and.. 

A black leathery wing slowly rose out of his left shoulder as Mako-stained bloodcells rushed through his viens. It is true that Mako runs a man mad if an overdose, but it is also a fact that the lack of fighting after being injected with the Godly fluid would also run one to the brink of insanity. Cloud's lips curved into a devilish smirk as he retrieved his Buster Sword from where it lay. 

" You better hold on." Cloud said coldly to Tneb before extending his rather small wing and rushing to Leon's aid. If Squall thought Cloud was Lazy, he was sure in for a suprise. With the forced of a gale, Cloud came crashing down, Buster Sword tip first right into the skull of a Heartless, landing beside Leon, his sword stuck deep into the cement where the Heartless once stood. The finishing blow of his remixed Braver emited a strong wind that Blew all Heartless around him and crew into the surounding walls, where they exploded into Muney and other such materials. 

His muscles tightened as he pulled his mighty blade from the earth with some effort;Gotten it in too deep, he supposed. 
After this task was done, Cloud looked around and saw Aeris swinging one last time, but at air because the Heartless she was aimming to attack was blown off so quickly. After seeing Aeris was ok Cloud eased his attention to the LionHeart with a gleam in his eyes from the streetlights above. 

" You alright? Those were the weaker ones and you had trouble with them? I'd say all of you wasn't here..." 
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LEON 

He was by far from apologizing to Cloud. Yet, in some part of that stoned heart was a bit of sincerity. "... Whatever." Ah, that famous bit of Leon's personality finally awoken. 

He had turned to them all, his stoic facade hiding tears of renaissance within his deep torturing soul. "All right. Seems that Traverse isn't as safe as it was before. This means we can't carelessly step around like witted fools." It was cold, he knew. He was the one speaking to them with his most blunt persona. Right now it didn't matter. 


"Stay alive. If you need aid, I'll accompany you. Don't go around like assholes thinking your superior to the beasts." He took a second to glance at their expressions. He went on, "Let's make sure they do not leave Traverse gates, god forbid we need them roaming to other worlds.. let's just hope they're only appearing here." He then took the gunblade and cocked it so that he could slid in a few artillery into the gunblade's sheath. He then side-stepped as he led the others down the path of the darkened streets. 
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CLOUD-SU 

Cloud, being one not to have orders barked at him, gave Leon a stare for a moment before throwing his blade over his shoulder once more, letting the wind blow over him as his wing slowly regressed where it had came. 

" Who died and made you leader of this outfit, Leon? If you don't mind, I'd like to follow a few orders of my own on this one. For one I think we should split up. We'll cover more ground that way. After a sweep or two, we could meet up in first district. And lastly, I work best alone, heh. I guess you and the girls should go together."
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TIDUS-SU 

He blinked and got out of his fighting stance. He smiled with relief as he noticed that it was just the hyper-active Selphie. He smiled to her and nodded, hoping to give her a nice welcoming. Instead, she just walked off. He frowned and ran up next to her. 

"Hey! You aren't annoying me...C'mon, let's walk for a bit." 

He started walking towards the log as he heard someone call his name. He stopped and looked carefully within the darkness. He then saw a shadow on the log. This time, it truly was Sora's voice. He grabbed hold of Selphie's hand and ran with her towards the log. 

"Sora..? Gr...C'mon Selphie, hurry up. Are you a girlie-girl?" 

He chuckled and ran up to the figure to find that it really was Sora. He looked around for anybody else, but was just plain happy to see Sora. 

"Hey!!! Sora! How have you been? Where's everyone else? What have you been doing lately?" 

He started to talk a million miles a minute as he asked and asked questions. 

"I wish I knew where Wakka was." 
_________________ 
LEON 

That just tipped over the teapot. "Cloud, you came out here from nowhere and expect to be welcomed and sheltered. If you don't lik--" He stopped himself. "Fine, but I'm going solo." 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Small moogle just about held on for her life during those seeming long minutes in which Cloud would go about destroying every un-fuzzy looking creature that came his way. Plump, though terribly cold rose-tinted nose was kept pressed to the back of his neck, stubbly white arms held fast. Not exactly what she had in mind as a tag-a-long..ku. 

Snuggled in the warmth of that crimson scarf, eyes would finally creep open a bit once the fighting had ceased. Head tilted a bit to the right, peeking out just over his shoulder as he then spoke to Leon. Kupo! There he went trying to leave her with those ladies again. Hmph, he should know by now such a little creature would greatly increase his luck points.. he surely couldn't have done so well without her.. Ku.. well, she thought anyway. 

Moogle would speak quietly with a light snicker. "Looks like it's just you and me, Cloud! Kupo, po." Dangerous to speak so happily to an obviously now disgruntled man? Oh, she'd take that chance. Besides, he couldn't reach her even if he wanted to. 
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SORA 

Exchanging glances with Kairi, he then stood up, trying to see through the darkness to the little huts that they resided in. He hoped that he hadn't been hearing things; then Kairi would really think he'd gone off his rocker. However, before either of the two could say anything, out emerged two of them... Tidus, respectively, and the yellow-dressed girl known as Selphie. His eyes lit up as he saw the two, delighted to be reunited with his friends again. He was glad that Tidus was just as excited as he was. "Tidus, Selphie!" he exclaimed. "Err, sorry if I woke you up... I'm fine! A lot has been going on. I was just about to explain it to Kairi, actually..." he said as he motioned to Kairi, still perched upon the log for the moment. 

"How have you two been?" he inquired of the two with a tilt of his head. He frowned slightly at the last comment made by Tidus. "...you don't know where he is?" he asked with a hint of concern. 
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CLOUD-SU 

( I didn't mean Tneb when I said he worked best alone, Rebs.) 

Wondered out of nowhere?! Leon asked him to come to Traverse Town! Err.. Cloud let it go. No sense in carrying on something with Leon. He would most likely end up saying his trademark phrase, " Whatever..." a million times anyway. 

" Alright... We're both going solo by the looks of it, huh? Aeris, Yuffie, I believe you two are capable of taking care of eachother, correct?" 

After the breif speech, Cloud made his way over to Aeris, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, his eyes transfixed forward as he spoke in a low tone of voice. " Be careful, and don't go running off into a battle without Yuffie at your side, ok?" 
He took a few steps out and faced them all, Tneb's fur warming against his skin. 

" If anyone get's into trouble, send up a sign. Hmm.. how about a fire spell straight shot high in the air? We all can do that, right? See you all in a bit." 

Cloud turned and walked off into the darkness, headed for Second District and Heartless that await him. He did feel a little uneasy leaving Yuffie and Aeris alone, but he didn't want to stereotype them as defenseless just because they were women, no, no. His concern was just for Aeris' safety, sighing a bit knowing he had put his trust in Yuffie. She was a great fighter, and Aeris knew a bunch of healing spells. Ya.. ya, nothing could happen to the team of those two. 

" Here we go, Tneb. Bless luck on us, hehe. You wouldn't happen to know any magic of your own, would you? It would be nice if you did more then be a neck warmer..." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked at Cloud, anger, for once, had taken over her expression. She stomped back toward their small vacant house, slamming the door behind her. How could he just say he was going to leave like that? She got more and more infuriated each minute. 

Sighing, she sat herself onto the bed, then stuffing a pillow in her face and screaming out loud. She threw the pillow across the room, extremely angery now, and looked toward the door. She grabbed her now covered Sword Staff, and walked out the door again, making her way out toward Cid's shop. 
_________________TNEB 

Oh this all made Tneb quite the happy and content moogle, ku, yes indeed it did. Chosen over the two lovely ladies to be his companion? Well, seeing as how he didn't want one she supposed a moogle was perfect. Small and compact neck-warmer at his service. 

Listening closely as he'd continue on with speaking to the others and giving orders as he did -- oh did she love the leader types -- there would she come very close to that spunky dress-wearing friend of his. Involuntary wriggle of that now slightly warmer nose against the back of his neck, and she'd peek up over that scarf.. sticking out a small pink tongue towards Aerith. Heehee, Kupo..kupo. 

Perhaps it was best that he turned so quickly from the girls, so that either of them wouldn't see that superior look she gave with squinted eyes. Though.. it was probably hard to tell the difference between that look and all the others. With Cloud's next few steps she'd be able to snuggle her way down into that scarf. Words were a bit muffled, then. "More than a, Kupo, neck-warmer? Somebody's a bit demanding, hmph. You're in luck, though. Tneb knows a few, Ku, magic spells.. But.. mostly healing. And one summon, Kupo! You'll like it." 

"Ku.. speaking of like.." With nubbish arms partially about the back of his neck, unusually warm fuzzed over cheek would lean to that small area beneath his ear.. she wanted to make sure he could hear her. "Why do you like Aerith so much, Kupo? Are you two planning to get married or whatever you humans do, ku?" Perhaps the blush generated would add some warmth. And well. That's what moogles did, anyway. Not much dating. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 


(Let's make things easy on ourselves and say Wakka is in bed asleep. -goes with that-) 

Ah, just like old times... which weren't so old or long ago, really. It just felt like an eternity without the luxury of having these discussions with Sora, and now it was happening again. Kairi felt rather silly, what with the smile that wouldn't seem to leave her face whenever Sora was around, and now that condition only appeared to have gotten worse. 

Hearing the familiar call of Tidus ring out through the night, she whipped around, looking in that direction. As expected, there he was, with Selphie in tow, to boot. Giving a friendly wave at the pair, she watched with a large grin as Sora practically leapt off the log to greet them. Ah, what a happy reunion... if only Riku were here... 

Gazing as the trio met up on the sand, she blinked upon hearing her name mentioned. Sliding off the fallen palm onto the ground, she dusted off her lavender skirt, smoothing the fabric before joining them. With a knowing smile and a tilt of her head, she placed one hand on her hip and teased Tidus a little. "Aww, c'mon, Tidus... don't be so overly dramatic. Wakka is at home sleeping... which we're not smart enough to be doing ourselves." 

The last was said with a small giggle. Now looking excited, she displayed her right arm to Selphie and Tidus, showing off the lavender claw-glove that had been his 'suvenior' gift to her. "Look what Sora brought me! He got it from another world... he was gonna tell me all about where he's been and what he was up to..." 

Crystalline gaze turned to the boy affectionately, and with a smile. "Why don't you tell all of us, Sora, now that we're all here?" 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

"...Eh?" 

Yuffie winced as a Heartless managed to lightly scrape her leg with its long, pointed claws. That would teach her to get distracted. Temporarily abandoning any attempts to look 'cool', Yuffie ungracefully smacked it with the thing that came closest to hand: that is, the Rubric she had been working on. With a dull 'thunk' the Heartless was instantly conked out. 

She looked in surprise at the block of wood. Hmm. She'd keep that in reference: 'Heartless can be smooshed with timber'. But of course, it was written hastily, in 4B pencil to boot, and shoved to the back of the file cabinet that was her mind. There were Heartless about, 'twas no time to be idling! 

No time to think about where Aeris, Cloud, or that Moogle were. Not even Leon, though if she should happen to run into any of them, she'd gratefully accept their help. Because, well, she was literally stuck between a rock - or, rather, a wall - and a hard place. 

Yuffie backed further into the corner, a faltering grin on her face. Her back soon met wall, however, and she didn't need to turn to see that it extended far, far above her head, too high to jump over. not even a crate in the alley to leap onto, which would've given her a bit of advantage. 

"Niiiice Heartless," she cooed weakly. "You wouldn't kill me now, would you?" 

The Heartless, though, with their eternally greedy eyes, looked anything but sympathetic as they advanced. 

"Someone, HEEEEEEELP!" Yuffie shrieked, even as she jumped into the melee, flaling with block and shuriken. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud stepped into the huge square of Second District. Second District was lonely and silent. All the people were gone to bed, not knowing of the Heartless that prowled the streets. The water fountain trinkled quietly, the only sound to be heard besides Tneb's many questions about Aeris which indeed made Cloud blush just a bit. Speaking of Aeris, Cloud had hoped he hadn't made her mad with his leaving so abruptly. He really didn't think she would mind since this was business.. and an important task to be done. Peoples lives were at stake. 

" Heh.. eh, married, no.. And I don't like Aeris, I love her. Have since the first time I laid eyes on her. But getting married isn't just something I would jump up and do, Tneb. 
Why are you asking me this anyway? And why am I telling you?" 

Cloud sure wasn't the one to run his mouth about his personal business but the Moogle had a bit of charm to her that was just strong enough to break through his rough shell. They truly were Brother and Sister in arms now 
_________________
SORA 

Kairi then jumped into the fray, once again soothing them all with her logic. Yes, Wakka was perfectly fine and sleeping soundly in bed. It made sense, after all. I mean, what were the chances that he was going to be carried off by blood-sucking monsters? ...well, those chances were a lot higher know then they were before. But the Heartless are gone... he reminded himself. Little did he know, however, what was going on in Traverse Town during his absence. Her comment about them not sleeping was rather true as well; after all, Sora was beginning to get tired -- there was only so much you could do in one day. 

He did beam, however, when she showed off the weapon that he had purchased for her, rather proud of the selection that he had made. "Yeah, you guys interrupted us," he said, sounding as though he was annoyed but his eyes showed that he was simply kidding around. He liked to jest. Especially with his old friends. He had a similar thought to Kairi, though. 
The person I could joke with the most isn't here... It just... doesn't feel right. 

He tilted his head to the side at her request. "E-eh?" He looked from her to Tidus to Selphie, a sign of bewilderment on his countenence. "Eh... well... Wakka isn't here... right?" He bit his lip, then quickly adding, "I say we get to sleep and in the morning I'll tell all of you." A nod. He was really taking the easy way out, for he felt very tired all of a sudden and now just wanted to get to sleep. He gave the others a pleading look, hoping they would understand.
-----------------
SELPHIE-SU 

Standing there with both of her hands on her knees, it was quite obvious that she had a little trouble catching on to her. She could see in the corner of her eye that Tidus had begun asking like a billion questions to Sora. Rolling her eyes and straightening her back up she placed her hands on her hips with a pouty look on her face. 

"Next time...Tidus slow down! Gah, I've had so much trouble catching up with you! Anyways..." 

Pausing, she a while to look at both Kairi and Sora. She smiled and thought that she could break into joyous tears any moment, by just seeing them in front of her. Like right now. How long were they gone? She didn't care. As long as they were here, time didn't matter to her anymore. Finally, reunited again. With a questionable look on her face she felt kinda lost of the question that Sora asked because, A. she was tired B. her brain wasn't wheeling right in her brain C. it's late! Finally the answer ticked in her mind. 

"Oh...Wakka? Eheh well he's probably sleeping in his hut. I mean, it IS the middle of the night...don't think he would wanna to stay up this late. Besides, I would get in real BIG trouble if I bugged him. That's why I went to bother Tidus." ^_^ I couldn't sleep at all, something kept bothering me." 

Feeling that time had taken it's toll she rubbed her eyes, indicating that she was indeed tired. Looking at both Kairi and Sora she kinda felt bad that they couldn't talk much since it was late. She wanted to though, a lot. She missed the both of them so much and had felt as if she had never seen them forever. But not to worry, afterall tomorrow is another day! Walking up to Kairi she hugged her tightly and then Sora, hoping that time could expand so that they could at least all hang out together, like old times. Wishing them both goodnight she walked over to Tidus and placed a hand on his shoulder, practically dragging him away. 

"Goodnight Sora! Goodnight Kairi! Sleep tight and don't let the beach bugs bite!" She teased. "As for you Tidus it's off to bed! You're questions can wait until the morning!" 

With that, both their shadows can be seen under the light of the moon as it got farther away heading to the little huts, leaving Kairi and Sora alone. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

"Well, ku. I'm quite the charmer I've been told. Or maybe you just think I'm cute, kupo..?" It seemed this moogle didn't have much of a problem with asking questions of Cloud, even if more than one of them could be deemed inappropriate. Since when had that stop her before? Though she'd listen intently to his answer, left arm would lift a bit to stifle a somewhat drawn out yawn. It had been a long day and what did the night bring? More trouble of course. 

Light shiver or two, though would she be warmed up by his blushing, leaning a little more lazily against his neck. She'd continue on his response. "Hm, well you should sometime. You know that Leon fellow, Kupo? He looks at her the same way you do. Dunno so much if it's love, though. Hm, ku.. no worries. He wont act on it." Little moogle paid close attention to those details.. 

Shifting that fuzz clad form a bit, eyes would peek to the right and then to the left, barely able to see much down those darkened alleys. "Cloud, ku? Why are all of you here..? That is, just to fight the Heartless? And hmph, when am I going to see.. kupo.. Sora, was that his name? How could you lose him already.. ku, hope he wasn't eaten. Good waste of some comfy hair, kupo?" 
_________________TIDUS-SU 

He nodded to Sora and Kairi, smiling. He soon got tired and looked to Selphie with her little commands. He rolled his eyes and jumped off of the log, waving to Sora and Riku. 

"Bye guys!" 

He started to run with Selphie at his side. He chuckled and had to ask her. 

"Who made you my boss..? Hahaha. Just kidding. So, how do you feel with Sora and Kairi back. Or should I say the love doves?" 

He laughed and soon went into his little hut. 

"Goodnight, Selph!" 
_________________ 
LEON 

He had directed himself to stay in the first district. He didn't know about the others, but he was going to patrol the entrance of Traverse. 

Little was said from his lips but his grudge was shining from and people could probably make it out a block away. He had cocked his gunblade against a wooden pole as he had posted himself against the door leading from Traverse. He had been waiting, and so he stayed there. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She came out of Cid's shop, heading back into first district. Aerith made her way to Leon's side, her own gunblade staff in hand. She looked up at him, her face still covered in anger. "You're not working alone... you know." She looked towards the heartless then, staff in a preparation stance. She held out the staff before her, aiming it towards those who were coming to attack her. 
_________________ 
LEON 

"Shouldn't you be with Cloud..?" He said with a grunt as he gave a grab for his gunbalde. He then nudged his way infront of the young girl as he watched the Heartless tower over to them. 

"I'm not saying that you aren't capable, but your weapon is no use. So, if you would like.. take cover in Cid's shop." He gave a slight glance to his back looking to her. 

She seemed angry, he could tell from the tone of her skin. ".. What's wrong?" He had asked, not sounding concerned,but just a tad curious. 
_________________CLOUD-SU 

All of Tneb's questions were starting to annoy Cloud a bit. It was like she wanted to know everything! Deciding to take higher ground, he worked his Buster Sword onto a small, but powerful, magnet scrapped to his back by leather belts in a rather makeshift fasion. The magnet held the blade in place with ease, his cape hiding all but the blade's lower edge at his left calf-muscle and hilt rising a few inches over his right shoulder. Now it was time to get on a rooftop. Cloud found an narrow alley and wall kicked off the wall to his right, then the one to his left untill he reached the top of the house that claimed one of the walls that helped him reach this destination. Finding a good spot to servey the area, Cloud knelt down, the bright full-moon at his back, his battle worn cape flowing stalkingly over his left shoulder as if it had a mind of it's own. 

" Cute isn't the word for you, Tneb. And Leon I don't understand sometimes. Don't know who confuses me more, him or m- You're making me do it again 
_________________ 
SORA 

He smiled softly as he watched the other two walk off; it seemed they had become closer while he was gone. He supposed that Wakka, Tidus, and Selphie had had even more time to associate with the other three gone. He was glad to see the closeness they had formed, and watched the retreating forms for quite a while, listening as they were jabbering towards eachother. He was happy they hadn't taken to heart the fact that he didn't want to explain now, and just hoped Kairi felt the same. Which reminded him... Kairi was still right next to him. He spun around to face her, looking somewhat embarrassed. 

"Sorry... I'm just really tired..." he mumbled, showing this quite well. "I promise I'll give everyone a full detail explanation tomorrow. Okay?" he asked gingerly, waiting eagerly for her assent. He, of course, knew that she would agree deep down, but her actually saying the words is what he was looking for. He felt bad to let her down, seeing that he was getting ready to tell her just a few moments ago. 
_________________TNEB 

Twin obsedian eyes would carefully watch Cloud's movements and that of his sword, subtle back tilt of her head just to aid in that. She was a tad curious how someone could carry something so heavy without even a wince, when she as a moogle had trouble lifting her own bowl of cereal, kupo. 

Tneb seemed to remain amazingly calm throughout those few jumps of his from wall to wall, in which she needn't hold on too tight -- that crimson fabric of his scarf held her nicely in place. "Oh, kupo.. I get it. More than cute, eh? And if I ku, wasn't a moogle..?" Light snicker, then. The entire lateness of the evening got the fuzzy creature in quite the playful and somewhat delerious mood. Fun stuff. 

See. The entire seriousness of the situation they were all in bothered her terribly. For some reason that position he landed in, with the harvest moon in the background, the wind gliding through those spikes.. simply made her laugh a bit more. A moogle-ish laugh, that is.. quiet, slightly muffled against the side of his neck. 

"It's funny that you kupo, say that you don't understand him. The two of you, trying to be so serious and.. 'I work better alone' and all that. Quite alike.." Gentle few nods. "Kupo, but. Back to Aeris. Why'd you leave her alone like that? Girls don't like that, ku, no, not one bit." 
_________________
RIKU 

[ Rawr! The Nancy is alive!! MWA HA HA--*Hack*cough* o.x Okie, I'll just post now... Ahem. ] 


Lost in darkness... Where was he? What had happened? All he knew was this darkness, though, oddly enough, it wasn't the cold, frightening nothingness of the abyss he had known before. This was different, a sort of drifting between consciousness and sleep. Well, he had been out of consciousness long enough. 

It was an odd sensation, this effort of coming back to reality. The first thing that came as an onslaught to his senses was the biting cold of a wayward zephyr. He felt the brittle hardness of the ground beneath him pressed against his cheek, and slowly he opened his eyes, those vivid green hues gaining focus. His thoughts were somewhat muddled, as if though having woken from a long, long sleep--and perhaps he had. Gloved palms pressing themselves against the ground, Riku gingerly pushed himself into a sitting position. He shook his head, those silver-toned locks shifting softly at the motion. He inhaled the crisp air deeply, his eyes closing once more. Finally a single omprehensible thought cross his mind... 

Why... am I here...? And what is here? 

Rising to his feet, Riku took the time to gaze about him. His heart sank at the drearyness of the world about him. Hollow Bastion. Somehow, he had been taken to Hollow Bastion. Lips parted somewhat as his dismay was expressed by a soft, "Oh..." and his eyes darkened somewhat as he took in his surroundings. 

He was standing before the entrance of the hall that lead into the Library... As he approached the parapet, his only barrier from the empty air before him, his hands grasped at the stone.. or marble.. or whatever the off-white material was, and he gazed down into the faroff bottom of it all. Raising his eyes he could just barely make out the rising falls, and so many memories began to fill his mind. 

For a moment, he knew only a pang of guilt. Sora... He had greatl wronged his friend. And where was he now? Safe, he hoped. Safe with Kairi and the others. No doubt Kingdom Hearts had been sealed, he had witnessed itwith his own eyes. The Heartless were gone, the walls that surrounded the worlds once again restored. 

He started. If the worlds were blocked, why was he here? Why was he in this lonely, dreary place? So cold and desolate it was. Last he remembered he had been with the long-sought after King Mickey, and he had helped to close the door. He remembered seeing Sora's face one final time before the door had shut completely, and King Mickey had taken another Keyblade and sealed the door with Sora. Someone must have opened the door. Someone must have brought him here. 

An ominous thought. He pushed himself away from the parapet and sought the dark entrance of the hall... 

He needed to get out of here. He needed to find Sora
------------------
AERITH-SU 

Aerith glared her eyes up at him in anger, almost fury. She stuck her tongue out in reaction to his question. "I can take care of myself very well thank you." She readied the gunblade. "And besides, this weapon is very capable of doing as well, if not better than your gunblade." 

She looked out towards the heartless, her eyes glowing brightly against the moon, darkness had taken over Traverse Town, but the way she saw it, she could bring the light back. 
_________________ 
LEON 

Continously he told himself to take Aerith by foot to protection, but if she insisted that she was capable of handleing her own, then he'd allow her. After all, it was the least he could do. 

"Alright. Just.. be careful." He had taken some varities of steps towards the monsters. Keeping hiself out of harm, he took a step at a time. Cold exterior told him to just take them all, but he had to make it fair for the girl. 

He had purled his weaponry with a swift slash to one's lining of it's veterbrae. He then took another swing connecting his blade into abdominal centering of another. With that, he had checked his surrondings, he had chanted a small battle cry as he counted the remaining beings. Only four.. better check on Aerith. He had taken a slid glance at the girl, she had seemingly beat off two at the most, and was still decking the remaining one. 

With that, her features had distracted his well being and he had been slashed across his left cheek and he had fallen upon his back. Oh how the pain deepened into leathered skin. It was only fleshed when he had the chance to clench the pain he was feeling, it didn't matter. 

He went into a mad dash, his blade beaming into every direction as his blade went paranoid with the excitement of battle. 

He had continued the onslaught, until they had vanished and he was left there, with his wound dripping specs of blood on his fabricated fleeced jacket. His breathe was slow and wounded, he had taken just a moment to let his vision become one once again. He felt, the sensation of battling those foul beings would take him even closer to becoming more mad with hysteria then he already was. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She ran quickly to his side as she finished off her final heartless. She kneeled beside the fallen Leon, her hand going into the small pocket she had on her side, taking out a cloth and wiping his wounds. Aerith looked at him, sighing to herself and glaring into his eyes. Why had he been so unable to focus? 

Aerith rose to her feet again, extending a hand for Leon and with a caring look on her face. She was concerned for him, and as he pulled up with her aid, she reached her hand to his forehead, brushing away his bangs and cleaning off the bloody wounds that had been hidden beneath his thick brown hair. She soon found herself hugging him, holding her dear friend closely. 

"I don't want you to get hurt... Leon... what's the matter with you?" she said, burying her face into his chest, her hands resting on his shoulders, having dropped her staff gunblade to the ground. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud continued his watch. Like an owl searching for it's prey in the dark of night, Cloud's eyes were ever watching. 

" I didn't mean more than cute either, heh. I also figured Aeris wouldn't fancy me leaving so sudden-" 

Cloud's words trailed off as a wind blew his curtain of blonde before his eyes. Heartless had started to gather out of the shadows. This time some different one's with red claws and a steel helmet like covering on them joined the mix of smaller Heartless. Cloud stood, his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword and pulling it from it's resting place on the magnet. Cloud paused in stance, taking a short time to examine the Heartless a bit under the yellow moon. His pose was almost Gothtic, the wind in his cape, the moon at his back, the cold hard stare in his icy blue eyes. It was like something you would see in a movie or a video game, but Cloud knew this was reality and one wrong move could mean death. Taking this short time to study his enemy before advancing gave him an edge, making his blood pump as the rich flavor of the battle to come overtook him. He was like a fiend to the fight. 

" Tneb, time to go to work!" 

Cloud leaped from the rooftop and time seemed to slow down. His battered cape's flutter echoed loud in the night as he prepared for his strike, gripping his sword with both hands and postioning it blade towards the sky at an angle. 
Heartless turned attention to the air at the decending Cloud. His cape had given him away this time. Time in Cloud's mind jumped back to normal as leather boots hit the stone ground with a thud, followed by a quick slash of his long, thick blade, sending a rather large number of Heartless to an equally quick death. Cloud took his sword fencing stance now surrounded by a ring of Heartless. A welcoming grin creeped slowly opon Cloud's face from behind his half-mask of cloth as the Heartless launched in for the kill.. 
_________________ 
LEON 

"I'm fine Aerith.. I don't need you tending to my every wound." He gestured away from her as he looked away. He had the same grudge on his face as before. 

"... Erm." He stradled his hand through magnelia locks. He then looked onto Aeris. "Any idea what to proceed with?" 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith looked away from him, feeling a cold presence about him that she wasn't really used to. Her eyes looked toward the ground as she stood silently for a moment. "I... don't know." She headed off on her own again, walking in front of him and past him through the first district of Traverse Town. 

She opened the doors to the entrance of Traverse Towns main area again, going back towards Cid's shop, sitting just before it on the steps, her staff beside her, leaned against the rails. She rested her chin in her palms, sighing and brushing away her bangs. 

"What was going on here? Whats the matter with everyone?" 
_________________ 
LEON 

He saw her run off on her own. It depressed him even more. Cynical how he just had to push her away. But she was, and forever Clouds. 


When did he develop such strong feelings for Aerith? 


He even wondered why he still survived day after day. He shook his head in a small paced manner. He was going into that mental state once again. 


Trotting towards Cid's Shop, he had to apologize to Aerith, was this even like him? No, he had been incredibly rude to her well being. She deserved more than his snooty attitude. 


Spotting Aerith, he had grabbed for her, with a small ounce of his strength, not intending to harm her. "Wait.. Aerith." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She rose to her feet with his grasp, facing him and then looking down to the ground. "I'm sorry if I've been bothering you.. or something... really... I am..." she looked up at him, her eyes showing hurt and confusion 
_________________ 
LEON 


"You are far from bothering me.. I jus--" He had to hold his emotions and feelings into the back of his mind. Even though he had a cold exterior he was a loyal friend. "Cloud." He had muttered into soft tone. "Aerith, I'm the one that needs to apologize.. my persona is just so unlike me these past hours." He couldn't explain any further, it might make him regret progressing. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

"Why... what's been bothering you so much... Leon? Please... you can tell me.." She looked at him concerned, her hands gripping onto one of his as she pleaded. Aerith hated to see her friend this way. She looked into his eyes again with her own bright green orbs, water building up in them. 
_________________ 
LEON 

He gripped both of her shoulders with muscular gloved hands. "Aerith, don't worry about me. I'm no one to cry over, or cry to. I think.. I think you need Cloud at the moment." He didn't smile, but was at the moment bribed too. He looked at her, with a crooked grudge, yet it didn't seem to be filled with hatred or angst. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

"Whats the matter with you Leon? STOP LYING TO ME! Please... just stop..." Aerith slipped down to the ground, sitting onto her knees. Tears built up in her eyes as she went to cover them. "Just... tell me the truth Leon..." 
_________________ 
LEON 

"I... can't." 
_________________AERITH-SU 

She looked up at him, yelling out loudly. "YES YOU CAN, LEON! YOU CAN TELL ME ANYTHING! JUST TELL ME!" She cried into her hands hard, curling up a little as she did. She wiped the tears from her eyes, looking back up at him again. "Please... Leon... please tell me...?" She wouldn't let this go, she wanted to find out what was wrong with him. 
_________________ 
LEON 

"YOU LOVE CLOUD, AERITH. I DON'T MATTER." He couldn't help that his tone was raised. He could not stop it either. "I don't matter. Like I have never mattered." He took steps as he left her there on the group. Taking steps at a much normal pace. His heart derenched with wounds as his mind was rushing into insanity. 
_________________AERITH-SU 

Aerith lept to her feet and ran after him, then stopping dead in her tracks. She yelled out to him. "S....SQUALL! YOU MATTER SO MUCH TO ME!!" Running up to him and grasping his wrist. "I love you... Leon... I really do." She looked at him from somewhat of a side view, standing behind him and sighing, releasing his hand. "I don't know... who I love more... I don't know who to love... but when... when things are going as they are now... I... realize just how much you mean to me." 
_________________ 
LEON 

"...Cloud is my friend. It doesn't matter, you see?" He didn't face her, he was too ashamed to be provoked by her beauty. In a flashing movement he teared his wrist from her in a fast departure. "We can't. I'm sorry Aerith." He began his strolling again. His ears barring small ringing as his heart ached. He had her.. she had--but she couldn't decide. He didn't really care at the moment. He wanted her to be alone, no.. for him to be alone. He had to think, he just had to let that arrogant mind of his wonder. "..Cloud is probably waiting for you in the Second District.." He arched his gunblade onto his broad shoulder as he kept his pace, not looking back. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She rushed in front of him, wrapping her arms around him and lying her head against his chest as she cried. "Dont... dont leave me Leon..." She had her arms around his back, her face buried into his chest, muffled cries escaping her lips. "Don't leave me alone...." 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie was flat on her back, wheezing. 

She had been hoping for some handy-dandy deus ex machina, but apparently the heavens were busy minding other things. In a style truly typical of Final Fantasy protagonists, however, she 'somehow' managed to flatten the Heartless, albeit getting somewhat cut up in the process. Heaving herself up once again, clutching the slightly stained rubric (the throwing star had long ago been chucked down a Heartless throat) in one hand, she painfully hobbled down to through first district, on her way to the main area. She was hoping for a pick-me-up or a rest at Cid's shop. Smelly old man he might be, but he wasn't a stranger, at least. And, hopefully, not a Heartless. 

She...didn't quite know what to think of what she saw, though. 

Aeris was probably giving Leon some tender sign of affection. The ninja didn't know why her vision was starting to blur, as far as she knew she had some of the best eyes you could hope to find. 

Leon was...just standing there, in mid-stride, looking emotionless as always. Well, -almost- always. There were times when Yuffie had seen - accidentally- that facade crack, though usually in a negative way...that is, instead of opening up, he backed further into his own mind. 

But she wasn't really in a contemplative mood. 

With the sleepy emotionless regard of the truly exhausted, Yuffie tilted her head slowly to eye both of them up and down, before shaking her head and managing to utter a few sentences. "I could care less what you do now," she said, coughing and spattering the ground with a bit of blood shaken from her wounds. "Just as long as you don't wake me up." She smiled, and giggled a touch hysterically. "I'll just take a nap, alright?" 

And she promptly fainted. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

There was a slight pout given by the moogle upon his response to her playful words some moments before, but of course it didn't phase her much. As tired as she was, eyes were drawn quickly to the number of dark creatures below the both of them with his quick shout. Time to work, hm, kupo? 

Cloud sure seemed to love leaping from ground to roof and roof to ground, seeing as how in a matter of seconds the two of them were back upon the street. At first the small moogle would continue her tight grip to the back of his neck, wanting to stay out of harm's way once he began to swing that sword.. but after that first and some what elaborate show of skills, fuzz-clad Tneb would finally pull herself from the snuggled position beneath his scarf. 

First inching onto his right shoulder, she would give a light hop and then small plum tinged wings gave a flap, and in mid-air would she stay close behind his head. Russet tinted orb would rest above pair of obsedian and slight narrowed eyes. Like she had said earlier, ku, she mainly worked just with healing spells. But Tneb had a summon or two that might just suit the situation. 

Facing a crescent section of those Heartless, she'd lift a stubbish arm and with a quick downward almost slash-like movement, bit of pale green light would form in a small circle some inches before her. Moments later, mildly concentrated, would the moogle conjure something from the sky above. Without notice, a larger than normal, and quite chubby, yellow chocobo would come down ontop quite a few of those creatures infront of her. Smashed, smushed, splattered. 

Taking care of those who had approached her, Tneb would take her place upon his shoulder -- well, assuming that he had finished with his quick movements that might throw her from such a perch. She had some weak fire spells, but wasn't sure if she'd even have to use them, seeing as how Cloud had suddenly become so drawn into the fight.
-----------------
LEON 

"Stop being so dramatic, Aerith. You've practically lived here.. I think you're fine alone." He didn't even hold her to his heart, wrap his arounds around her slender body and just hold her. He didn't. He let her pour out her emotions while he just slammed his into her face. 

"...Aer--Yuffie?" He took Aerith's hands and departed them from his body as he saw Yuffie fall onto hard concrete. He rushed to her and slid his fingers under her face lining, tring to feel a pulse. She was alive. He then took a look inside of her eyelids, she was outcold. He then slid his wrists under her waste and lifted her in a small notion. He then looked to Aerith. "This is never to be spoken of again..this was a mistake." He then gradually led Yuffie into Cid's shop, which was the nearest shelter. 
_________________ 
RIKU 

Endless. It all seemed so endless. For what felt like hours, an eternity of hours, he had been exploring the demented castle, calling out to the empty air and hearing only his own voice echo back. 

"Is anyone here?" 

But there would be no response. He was alone, and for a moment he felt a wave of hoplessness wash over him. Was he trapped here forever? Would he never find Sora? He clenched his teeth in determination, his hands curling into fists. No, he thought to himself, there's got to be a way out of here. If the worlds are connected again, there's still hope. There has to be... 

But how? What would he do? He didn't have a gummi ship. He couldn't travel to other worlds without one. A slight frown crossed his handsome features as a thought suddenly came to him. "Perhaps... Well, it's worth a try. I've searched this entire castle." A crooked smile played along his lips as he broke to a sprint. He would go to the Rising Falls, where the supposed 'exit' of this world was. Perhaps, just perhaps... Then did he skid to a halt. A familiar sound had prompted him to do so, and now he was all alertness. A glance over his shoulder, and his worst fears were confirmed. 

From the shadows they seemed to manifest. Yellow orbs seemed to almost glow greedily as they watched him, drew nearer. Heartless. 

And he was weaponless. He couldn't fight them like this. He wouldn't be foolish enough to try. Riku turned and continued his sprint, going as fast as his legs could take him. Damn him if he'd let himself be near consumed once more. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She watched as Leon made his way into Cid's shop, looking at him as coldly as he did her. Aerith looked away from the shop, turning around and heading towards the gates of the first district. 

She made her way through, just barely, and ran past the heartless in the second district, catching a glipse of Cloud, not stopping until she made it to third district. Her eyes immediately went towards the door. It was unlocked! How could that be? 

Aerith ran to the door, only to see behind her, a black void. The void soon began to consume her, pulling anything near it, inside. She let out a scream for help, as the void closed behind her, leaving her alone inside. 
_________________YUFFIE-SU 

"What's...into...time?" 

"I'm...Heartless...her." 

Vague strings of rambling conversation drifted in and out of Yuffie's mind as she turned semiconsciously in Leon's arms. The leather strap-thingys on his wrists hurt and were digging into her spine. Owowowowow. 

Not that Yuffie was in a much of a position to complain or voice her opinion, as she was conked out for the moment. Before going back in full-blown unconsciousness, though, Yuffie hoped that no one would put some painful stuff on her wounds. She had quite enough to deal with, thank you very much. 

And she wondered...Just what was going on with Aeris and Leon? 
_________________ 
LEON 

He drifted into Cid's shop. His wrists still clenching to Yuffie, her weight was easy to manage, but he wasn't used to carring a female around. Yet, the little twirp was hurt, and he had no problem aiding her. 

Still, he pondered on what Aeris was doing at the moment. He took a step to the living room of the shop, and arched himself over to the furniture. With delicately stance, he lifted Yuffie above the couch centering, and lowered her until his hands were relieved to find comfort in the fabricated couch. He then slid his hands out as Yuffie lied there. 

He waited, while having nothing to carelessly do with the consuming time frame. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie muttered softly as she was carefully placed onto the couch, and snuggled a bit into the worn fabric. True, the day was a bit far from being over... 

But for now, she'd rest a bit...right? 

Not much hope of that, really... 

Within a mere five minutes, the ninja coughed sharply and sat up, blearily rubbing her eyes. "Oooow...I feel like I've been out through a meat grinder..." Propping herself up on her arms, she looked around, eyes settling on Leon. Sheepishly, she scratched the back of her head. 

"Eheh...guess I kind of passed out back there, eh? Sorry 'bout that..." 

Note the absence of a mention of Aeris... 
_________________ 
LEON 

"Well, there was a reason for you collasping.. what happened?" He watched her, for that's all he could do at the moment. 

He noticed Yuffie was looking for another. Aeris. "Yeah.. Aeris went on her own." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Thanks to Tneb's surprisingly powerful attack that well impressed Cloud, he was able to escape the ring of Heartless through the hole she had created.Too bad he would never tell her how impressed he was, hehe. Cloud ran a few feet from the Heartless who eyed him for a few moments before making another advance on him, claws forward they raced after the spikey headed blonde. 

Cloud's boots halted and he turned around. That o' so familiar black wing now emerged again as Cloud prepared to end the fight. The demonic wing extended as Cloud took stance, his legs a good thiry inches apart at the least, followed by the postioning of his sword close to his being, the razersharp tip pointed at the coming Heartless at an upward angle. This particular setup ment Cloud was going to preform his deadly dash attack. 

The Heartless rushed at him just as he wanted and met Cloud's sword rush through them at full speed. Stopping hard, he turned around and dashed again, finishing off any surviving Heartless that missed the first wave. The battle won, the wing folded back in place once again. From the looks of it, Cloud's wing acted like a final call, a sign, a sign that his enemy would soon be destroyed. But he knew it too be much more and the bowels of it's power were not yet tested. 

His sword reattached to the magnet, Cloud took a moment to catch his breath under the moonlight. But before he could get a good break, he heard a loud scream. He couldn't tell the owner of the voice from so far away, or exactly where it was sent from. The first thing that bolted into Cloud's mind was... 

Cloud rushed to the First District as fast as his feet could take him. His beaten cape tossed and bellowed on the wind he generated in his sprint like a small boat in a storm at sea as the worst of worst thoughts came to mind. 

He sat foot on the First District, looking around for Aeris, Leon, or Yuffie. They were no where in sight. Bursting through the Pub, no trace of them. Next he tried the item shop. No luck here, the nephews of Donald had not seen them either. He pressed on, rushing into Cid's shop, looking franticly. They had to be there, they had to be. Leon cought Cloud's eye, and Cloud would never admit it, but he was sure glad to see him. As he feared and thought, Aeris was no where to be seen. Shit. " Where's Aeris?!" he shouted with worry on his words. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She woke up in the Grand Hall of Hollow Bastion, lying on the ground. She looked about curiously, sitting up and rubbing her head. She looked behind her, the void was gone. Looking ahead again, seeing this place she was somewhat familiar with as a child, she rose to her feet, dusting herself off. She let out a little cry, falling back down onto her knees. Her left leg had been wounded. 

Aerith took out her staff, using it to assist her in standing. Holding it beneath her right arm as she began to walk, Aerith looked about as she made her way down the stairs and along the hall, looking at her sides, seeing the capsules in which the Princesses had once been inside, captive. 

Lifting her head and looking back behind her, she realized that the void was open once more. Her face lightened up, quickly turning and heading back up the stairs to the main platform, only to find herself face to face with a single heartless, she really didn't know if she could handle it on her own this time. 

"HELP!" 
_________________ 
LEON 

The alerted voice of Strife was to be expected. But to hear that Cloud did not no Aerith's where-a-bouts, put all the blame on him. He slowly got to his feet and steadied his stature until he was balanced. 

".. I was with her. She seemed upset, her and I comenced in battle against the Heartless. Then she left to find you." It was a bluff, he knew. But, if the truth was to be told, he didn't know what Cloud would have done. 

"I thought she was with you." He glanced to Yuffie then back to Cloud. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud's eyes shot open wide from Leonhart's words. The scream he heard had to be Aerith. Slowly he settled and turned his back to Leon, about to step out. 

He was worried out of his mind but he kept his voice mellow, calm and collected. " I think I heard Aeris scream. I hope it wasn't her, but if it wasn't, it's someone in danger just the same. The only place left is Third District. I suggest we hurry." 

"All because of me... 
If only I'd.. only I'd. 
If only I had taken her with me, she'd.." 
Were the words tha bounced back and forth in his brain. 

Guilt weighted heavily on Cloud, not knowing that Leon had told half-truth. 
_________________ 
LEON 

".. I'm going with you." He followed behind the ex-SOLDIER. "No matter what you have to say." He patted his gunblade against his shoudler while he stuffed a hand into a woven pocket. "The last time I saw her, was heading out of the First District.." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She looked towards the heartless, and narrowed her eyes. Aerith frantically sent out a weak holy spell on it, and as it died off, she fell onto her knees, her injured leg spread out before her. She sighed, looking down to the ground and finally closing her eyes. Why was she there? She looked up toward the open void, seeing inside it her friends, Cloud and Leon, on a search for her. 

Aerith yelled out to them loudly, as loudly as she could. "IM HERE! IM AT HOLLOW BASTION!" She breathed heavily, lowering her head, knowing they would not hear her, likely. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Tneb contently found her spot back in the warmth of that crimson scarf just as Cloud had decided to turn on those remaning few Heartless. She knew full well, from watching earlier, that this spikey-haired boy could take care of himself without any more help from her. Besides.. he seemed to enjoy the fight. 

Tight did she hold onto the side of his neck, slightly cooled fur prickling lightly against his skin during those final moments of that suprisingly short battle. Obsedian orbs kept themselves fixed upon each move made, and how quickly he'd dispose of those creatures. Looks like she picked the right guy to follow around, kupo. 

Just when the small moogle was about to comment on the whole situation, attention was drawn to that sudden scream. Ku.. sounded close, but stopped so suddenly. Not a great sign, kupo. 

Tneb thought twice about commenting on any of the on going situation, simply sitting tight in her spot and paying close attention to what was said. Close attention to Leon, that is. Curious tilt of her head as such rested upon the back of her companion's shoulder. She didn't like the way he spoke, ku.. but couldn't much say why. 

Subtle shift of the light creature's position, gentle graze of that plump rose hued nose against Cloud. It was just a bit obvious what he was thinking.. she'd be thinking the same if in his situation. "Kupo, Cloud.. it's not your fault, you know, ku. So don't go thinking it is." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Short Boss fight, Kas! They're gonna leave after they play with Cloud and Leon a bit. o.o) 
The Third District looked lonely. One would say it was too quiet, even though it was night time. There was no sign of Aeris and the light in the old house was out. There also was no trail of anyone ever being there. Cloud could hear Tneb whispering words of encouragement in his ear but he still felt like it was his fault. Just when Cloud was about to head up the stairs and make his way to the old house, he thought he heard Aeris. Faintly, but it had to be. He called out her name, "Aeris! Aeris, where are you?!" Dispite his efforts, he didn't hear her reply... His eyes fell to a close.. Maybe it was guilt calling. 

But a sound suddenly awoke Cloud from his inner dispute. It was the sound Heartless made when they appeared.. 
Cloud slowly opened his eyes, knowing he would have to be bothered with some more annoyances as the ground glowed in two black circles. And what would arise from those portals would shock even Leon. 

Out of the first hole appeared a black hat steeple, and slowly, came what would be called the head. The hat was pulled far down over the Heartless' facial frame. Only his bright yellow eyes could be seen, and the lower part of his face hidden by a white scarf that ran down his back, over thick strains of what would be considered hair. Out of the second hole came an almost identical figure, dressed in a black hat and long white headrag beneath it. Instead of a scarf around his neck, he wore a white cape, stealing cloud's fashion. The two had their muscular dark blue arms folded, bare chest as they rose. The one on the left's pants were black and wide-legged with white trimming on each leg. The right, the same, excusing white over black. And to Cloud and Leon's surprise, the two spoke in a demonic unisen. 

" We have the girl you seek. Do not interfer with our Master's plan." 

Cloud's blood boiled at the mention of them having Aeris." Where is she?! If you harmed her, I'll-" Cloud was interuped by the one on the right. " You will do nothing." 

That was it! That was all Cloud needed to hear. He drew his bondaged Buster Sword and took stance. " I'll kill you.." 
The one on the right cocked his head to the right, as if to say " He'd like the challege". The white pants clad warrior spoke out to Cloud once more, " My name is Cabalistic, and you and your freind will be defeated." with that the monster made appear, as if by magic, a thick white blade, about four inches wide and the length of an average man's leg. " My freind is named Phlegmatic. He doesn't talk much, but there is no need. Now that introductions are made.." Phlegmatic released his blade also. It was black with a glossy shine to it, and it was longer and a bit thicker then Cabalistic's. He slung it on his shoulder and prepared for battle." I want the one in the black, Cal." 

" Hmm.. have him. I want the one with the big mouth anyway." 

Cloud had enough! His blood raced, but he tried to keep his anger at a minium so not to be taken over by the Heartless." Err.. enough talk, come on." He was determined to get Aeris no matter what. He had let her down before, but not again.
------------------
RIKU 

The last of the Heartless was destroyed. For now. 

Riku was still far from making it back to the Rising Falls. Still weaponless, he had had no choice but to turn to magic. Somehow, somehow he had managed to hold them at bay, though the fact that the Heartless were not as powerful yet was a big help, but they were still... quite strong. Stronger than usual. 

Magical recources low, and a little battered, the silver haired youth had no choice but to keep on running. While things remained peaceful, he had to find something to defend himself with. A stick, a rock... anything would do at the moment. It was then that something up ahead caught his eye, and he increased his speed in order to investigate it. 

It was a wooden practice sword. 

Riku paused to pick up the thing. He almost laughed to himself. Oh, the irony of it all... But still, it would do. All thoughts were then interrupted by a shout. Shaken, he whirled toward the direction the cry came from. "Someone's here!" Practically leaping down the steps that lead toward the next entrance, he burst in and encountered what he saw to be a pink-clad woman, apparently harmed. His eyes widened in surprise, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The wooden sword clutched in his left, he approached her, his expression changing to that of concern. He knelt beside her. 

"You're hurt," he said quietly. His vivid green eyes met hers, which seemed to be just as intense. "Here, let me help..." It would probably mean spending the last of his magical sources, but... 

He shook his head and stood. This woman needed his help. Holding out his hand, palm facing forward, he called out, "Cure!" 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She looked up at Riku, curiously. Then down to her no longer injured leg. Aerith smiled warmly, "Thank you...", she said, rising to her feet and extending her hand to help up the boy who aided her. "I'm Aerith... who are you?" 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Quiet as she would remain during Cloud and Leon's short wandering, coal tinged eyes kept open with a subtle squint. Small and fuzzy ears were perked up, then, though it wasn't as if she had some type of super hearing.. kupo, she was simply curious to what Cloud seemed to be responding to. 

Thinking it would be a good idea to remove herself from that terribly comfortable position just to take a look around, there seemed to be no need. Whatever they were looking for suddenly rose from the ground in a manner Tneb certainly hadn't seen before. Infact, it was safe to say the entire situation scared the small creature. 

Burying herself down some inches down to the point where she was mostly pressed to his back, plump nose rested against the back of his shoulder with soot hues peeking over. Taking note of the words exchanged, it was obvious that the four of them weren't simply going to get through the problem by talking it out.. ku. That was unfortunate. 

Perhaps she'd take the chance and make herself useful to Cloud once more, squirming a tad against him as she muttered something beneath her breath. Small bit of pale green light would lift from the spot she stayed in, such might be seen out of the corner of Cloud's eyes. Tneb gave a light wince at the result, which she'd soon announce after that scan of the one that opposed him. 

"Cloud, ku.. eh, Cabalistic.. you might have a tough time with him, his HP is a little above 900.. " She trailed off. This is usually where one might describe the weaknesses..kupo. 
_________________CLOUD-SU 

Cloud could feel Tneb squirming around, making him rather discomfortable. 

" Get back over there. No, no, not there. Err.." 

He was really getting fusterated but Tneb's little information made him calm to an ease once again. Cloud's eyes looked over to his shoulder as he took the time to talk to Tneb. 

" What now? Over nine hundred? Heh.. I should have a bit of fun with this one then." 

Cloud thought, " Finally.. a challenge." But would the duo be too much for the pair of Leon and Cloud? Without another word from the two, Cabalistic rushed forward and slashed at Cloud's stomach. Cloud easily avoided the blow by jumping back. That sure was an underhanded move, but he expected no better from the two. Cabalistic continued his brave advancement, slashing up and down, left and right, Cloud dodging each blow. Finding an opening, Cloud jumped forward, slamming his left shoulder into the Heartless' darkness, which would be thought the face. Cabalistic stumbled back a bit, readying himself again. Cloud grinned from behind his vale and spoke out to the Heartless who challenged him. " You know, you got alot of mouth but you surely have no skill with a sword. I'll cut you down easily." 

Cabalistic's yellow eyes narrowed in anger from the comment. He was simply toying with Cloud and he goes off saying such things. While Cloud was preparing to strike, Phlegmatic had taken on Leon, throwing his blade down at him. Cloud had no need to worry about Leon, for he could well take care of himself. Cloud rushed forward and threw his mighty blade forward to peirce the creature. He dodge and somehow got behind Cloud. Damnit! Cloud made a quick leap forward and barely escaped the swipe that cut into his already shabby cape. 

Turning on toe and heel, Cloud ran at Cabalistic once again. 
Cloud new his foe was indeed faster then him.. but.. but, he could not give up! He was fighting for Aeris! Cloud jumped in the air and Cabalistic's sword cought air. Cloud yelled a battle cry six feet above Cal, his wing now extended as big as it would get at this point, one and a half feet. Cloud would preform his Braver, and hopefully end this fight so he could finally get Aeris back.. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

"Goodnight, you two," she called after Selphie and Tidus as they left to go find slumber for the remainder of the night. 

Turning to Sora however, she was more than a little disappointed that he was backing out on storytime. Her lower lip jutted out in a small pout as he expressed his exhaustion to her. She would have been perfectly content if the night never ended, that she and Sora could stay there talking forever. But, that would never happen, and he was right. For being the logical one, Kairi tended to be quite irrational in her thinking when it came to Sora. A soft sigh parted her lips, and a nod of reluctant agreement. 

"Alright, I can wait until tomorrow." 

Her voice didn't conceal her obvious sadness at their parting company so soon after Sora's return. It just... didn't feel fair. He was home... but it was torture that he had to leave her again, even if it was only for the few hours of remaining darkness. Kairi knew that her will alone wasn't enough to keep him fully alert to keep her company tonight, even though that wasn't easy to accept. 

Slender palm of her left hand was lifted to her right arm to begin unclasping the fastenings on her glove. Removing the weapon from her limb, she carefully tucked it back into the box it came in. There was no point in wearing it to bed. She might prick herself again. Now lifting her head up to smile at Sora, she tucked the box under one arm and grabbed Sora's hand with her free one. Clasping it tightly, she began to lead him towards the residences in the distance. 

"C'mon, you lazy bum," she teased. "I'll walk you home." 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

The two fiends, Cabalistic and Phlegmatic, flipped back and landed side by side, the very image of them representing the Heartless Replicas of Cloud and Leon. 

"This is amusing," they both said in a voice marred with laughter. 

Before allowing either to attempt an attack, the two grabbed hands and began to chant at their opponents. 

"We fight for fun, and with much glee," Cabalistic said in a monotonic voice. 

"Here's two in one, and one in three!" Phlegmatic finished the rhyme. The two Heartless began to fuse together, their image becoming larger and more deadly. 

But, just as quickly as they had merged, they had split into three other Heartless. 

The first, a replica of Cloud, it's image almost completely black. AntiCloud. The second, a replica of Leon. AntiLeon. 

And the third was the most infamous of them all. AntiSora. 

"We're the strongest, you cannot defeat us," AntiLeon said. 

"Let's play a game, shall we?" AntiCloud rushed forward, the bondaged sword raised high above the shadow Heartless's head. It came crashing down upon Cloud, hoping to send him reeling towards the ground, unconscious. 

"I'm not one for games..." AntiLeon said. "But if it's fighting..." The Heartless raised it's Shadow GunBlade, the quiet clicking sound signaling he was prepared to fire. And he did, sending three shots of shadow bullets at Leon. 

"I'm next..!" AntiSora said, leaping into the air in the same fashion that the original Sora always had. "Here we go! Take this!" 

AntiSora sent a devastating Thundaga spell down upon the two, the force of the blow also connecting with AntiLeon and AntiCloud. 

"Bastard..!" AntiLeon said, dropping to the ground and vanishing. He was destroyed in one attack. One attack made by his own companion. AntiCloud followed suit, also disappearing from the single attack. 

Which left just AntiSora.
----------------
SELPHIE-SU 

[jump rope eh? X.x I might as well turn 'em into mini nunchucks] 

She laughed at the part when Tidus teased her of being his 'boss'. Waving to him as he went off into his little hut to get some shot eye, she walked off on her own to her own place so that she could get some sleep. The night has great, having to see Sora and Kairi was the most wonderful thing that had happened, too bad Wakka couldn't stay up any longer just to see them. Not to worry though, he'll be able to see them in the morning, if he gets up. 
As the wind blew through her light brown hair she shivered but didn't mind the cool breeze. Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, to keep warm, she had just made it to her place just in time to just flop down and snooze off into wonderland. Tossing her rope to side she rolled her eyes and flopped onto her bed resting her chin on her palms. 

"Hmm, I wonder what Sora and Kari are talking about since they were left 'alone'. Oh well, I might as well bug them tomorrow morning, after all tomorrow is a new day!" 

Not wanting to think anymore because her brain was tired, her eye lids gave up and all what Selphie saw was darkness just as she drifted off into a deep sleep. 
_________________TIDUS-SU 

He watched Selphie go into her hut and chuckled. After she went in, he stood there, smiling and staring at her hut. He then gained control of himself and went inside of his hut. He grabbed a banana and ate it, throwing the peel away. 

He walked upstairs into his room, laying his kendo stick by his bed. He jumped onto his bed and stared out the window at the stars. He soon drifted off to sleep. Today had been a great day for him, because he also was happy to see Sora and Kairi. Sleepness had blanketed him for the night. 
_________________ 
RIKU 

Riku smiled faintly at Aerith, his green eyes regarding her with curiosity. "I'm Riku." One gloved hang went up to absently brush away silver stands, though it was for naught, for they fell back in place as quickly. He gave the area a quick assessment, making sure there were no Heartless about before he asked, "How did you get here?" 

The wooden sword in his hand was lowered for a moment, perhaps his way of letting himself relax for a moment. He frowned a bit. "I've been trying to find a way out of here... to look for Sora." 
_________________ 
SORA 

Watching the two once again for a moment, until they blended in with the shadows, he then turned with some guilt to Kairi, fixed with that pout he had expected, in a way. He felt rather bad about this now, but really was about to collapse right then and there, even though he didn't totally expose it. He had learned to mask his feelings a lot during his journey, something that Kairi had probably noticed already, being the observant one that she is. It was almost frightening how she seemed to catch things immediately with Sora. She could read him like a book. 

Of course, he was aware of this a while back, and therefore was able to take some things for granted when speaking to Kairi, a luxury he much liked. He released a smile at her understanding, knowing that he could rely on her to do so. He whispered an almost inaudible "thank you" at that, but he could rather well tell that she was still upset that he had let her down, which caused him more pain than it probably should've. He hated to see her upset for whatever reason; to be frank, he couldn't explain this himself. It just didn't seem natural to see Kairi upset. It wasn't right, so to say. 

He watched in silence as she pulled off the weapon, humbly waiting for her with his own weapon gripped in his hand. He always had it now-a-days, it seemed, as though he refused to part with it. He blinked to see her happy demeanor return, but just as quickly welcomed it, glad to see that she was herself again. He chuckled slightly at what she said, that name having been given to him so long ago. It brought back good memories, but also insued that feeling, like he wished none of this had ever happened, and the days were still carefree. He knew that would be no good, though. He would then still possess that feeling to know more, something he didn't have anymore. 

Now that they had reached his room, he nodded a goodbye to Kairi. "Good night, Kairi. See you in the morning." A wink with that and he entered his room, letting the oversized key fall to the floor and collapsing on the bed in practically one motion. 

.. . . the next day . . . 

Although Sora had been so tired the night before, he woke up earlier than the rest, his internal clock being set last night so that he would do so. Still feeling bad for ditching Kairi last night, he wanted to make sure to rise early so that he could get everyone else up and tell his story. Rolling out of his bed ungracefully, he slowly stood up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, then fixing his hair, grabbing his key, and heading out of his room. The cold morning breeze woke him up a bit, stirring his hair some and bringing some life to him. Hmm, who to wake up first. 

A smile curled upon his lips; the only one he hadn't seen yet was Wakka, and so he headed off to his room, hoping to give the blitzer the proper rousing for being even lazier than him last night. He burst into the door of Wakka's room, yelling rather loudly, "Rise and shine!" A grin was on his face as he approaced the bed of the older boy and promptly ripped the blankets off. That should couple nicely with the light that had flooded into the room from the door being opened. 

Wakka groaned and turned over onto his stomach, which caused Sora to kick at the side of his bed. "Wake up!" A bit sterner this time, he hoped he wouldn't have to go any further to wake the boy. 

"Ugh... too.. early.." he mumbled, but when he registered that he was dealing with Sora here, he remembered once when the spikey one had poured cold water on him, and immediately sat up. "Okay, okay... I'm up, ya'?" He jumped out of the bed, straightening himself out and then glaring over at Sora. It was then that he realized that it was Sora. "Hey! It's you!" 

Sora laughed, nodding his head. "I arrived last night. I'll explain everything later. Will you help me wake up the other three?" Wakka nodded, and Sora continued. "Okay, you get Tidus and Selphie since they're rooms are right next to each other, and I'll get Kairi. That good?" Wakka grinned, nudging him. "Yeah, it works... You want Kairi, hm?" His tone was tinged with jest. "Eh.. hey! I... well..." He rubbed the back of his spikey head, trying to come up with an explanation, but Wakka was already headed for the door. Sora shook his head; why did Wakka always tease him? 

Well, he ran out of Wakka's room, heading now for that of Kairi's. Being a bit gentler with her, he rapped softly on her door, waiting for an answer. "Kairi! It's morning." 

Wakka, meanwhile, had made his way to rouse Tidus and Selphie, and picked a more vigorous style, just waltzing in, letting the light come in as Sora had done to him, barking some comments at them and then giving both of them a shake to get them up. Geez, islanders were lazy. "Come on, come on! Up!" 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

Tidus was instantly up as he heard Wakka's voice telling him to wake up. He threw the covers off of his bed and grabbed his kendo stick. He out his window, seeing Sora running off to Kairi's house. He yelled out his window to him: 

"Hey! Sora! Hurry up, because I have a couple questions I want to ask you." 

He smiled at him as he ran into his closet to dig out some clothes that were just laying on the floor. He ran down the steps and grabbed a banana, eating it and putting the peel into the garbage. He ran outside and waited outside on the island near the secret spot. 

He sighed and sat down on a rock near the waterfall. He looked at himself off of the reflection of the water. Putting a hand in, it rippled away. He then looked up to wait for Sora, Kairi, Selphie, and Wakka. Finally, everyone was together again...Except for one person. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Moaning she turned to the side trying to avoid Wakka from fully waking her up this EARLY in the morning.So it seemed fairly early to her, obviously she did not get the same amount of sleep hours like she would usually do. Quickly pulling the whole blanket over her body she clamped the pillow on both of her ears, avoiding Wakka's talk, then mumbled. 

"Mmm how about five more minutes/hours......" 

Snoozing off she was absolutely in no state of getting up, like those normal days where she would run around like crazy or just to admire the crystal blue water down at the beach. This time, she was just incredibly tired and needed all the sleep she can get. 
_________________ 
SORA 

Glad to see that at least ONE of them had gotten up without trouble, Wakka eyed Selphie menacingly. He didn't wait long, and so just pulled the blankets off of her, picked her up so that he was carrying her in both arms altar-style, and then carried her out of the room. "Selphie..." he mumbled. "Wake up, ya'? You don't want me to drop you in the sand, do ya'?" His threat was probably empty, but he might very well dump her in the not as hard water that was spilling from the waterfall where Tidus now was. Sora had done such to him before, it was about time he got to do so to someone else. 

Sora, meanwhile, was still waiting for Kairi to open up, now leaning against the side of the hut, watching with amusement the others that had assembled by the waterfall. He grinned, wondering if Wakka was actually going to drop her in the water, and was dying to see her reaction if he did so. He knew how very dangerous Selphie was when she was angry, and she would no doubt tackle the orange-haired boy, getting him wet in the process. A laugh at just the thought as he continued to wait. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She looked around her, then back at Riku. "I've no idea... how I got here. I just remember being sucked through some sort of void.." she spoke softly, but audible. Her eyes shot up quickly as she heard him say a familiar name. 

"You.... you know Sora??!!" Aerith said with a gasp. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

With a groan she rolled her eyes and rubbed them trying to keep them open. Looking at Wakka with the look 'don't you dare or else I'm gonna pound ya and annoy you for the rest of your life AND that you're going to regret that did in fact dropped me in the water' look. Wiggling trying to get free from his hold she shot a glare at him. 

"OKAY! I'm awake now,see...?!" 

She managed to pull off a smile and hoped that Wakka would let go of her anytime soon, and not on the water. Looking at Tidus and Sora she pouted that her cheeks turned pink. 

"Hey you two! Sora! Tidus! Just don't stand there! Help me! He's probably going to drop me in that freezing water! Wah!" 

Her eye then twitched just looking at the water. Boy, she wasn't really ready for an early COLD bath. Trying to fake cry out of this she really hoped that the guys would give some sympathy points at least. 

"Wah Wakka!This isn't fair! I don't deserve this!" 

Then her mind ticked. Didn't Wakka have this thing for sad puppy eyes? Oh well, it was worth a try. Looking up at Wakka she made her eyes all watery and gave a really sad face waiting for his reaction. 
_________________ 
SORA 

For a while he was rather sure that she was indeed now wide awake, but wanted to near rather close to the water, just to pull her leg, so to speak. Besides, listening to Selphie's yelling was humorous, hopefully to Tidus and Sora as well as to him. He was getting rather close to that waterfall now. He wasn't going to throw her in, of course... just seeing all her reactions. However, that look, that darn look that she always remembered to pull on him, finished all of his fun. He had a thing for tears... He just hated to see people cry. Anyone. So, with that the entertainment was gone as he set her down carefully on the soft sand, then standing and brushing himself up. 

He grinned over at her. "Was just playin' with you, ya'? Wasn't really gonna throw you in." And he wasn't. He just hoped and prayed that she wasn't too angry, angry enough to do something drastic. However, it was always hard to tell with Selphie. And he was sure the other two guys would most certainly not help him. 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

He stood there, washing his face off with some of the cold water from that little creek area. He laughed as Selphie cried out for help while Wakka threatened to throw her in. He in fact laughed hystarically. Smiling, he looked over to Sora.. 

"Geez...He really likes her. He'd probably stand there all day for her. Whaddya think, guys?" 

He smiled, admiring the two as he turned around to Selphie and Wakka, flipping his Kendo Stick into the air. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

At long last, "Sleeping Beauty" would wake from restful slumber. The excitment that took place rather late the previous night had taken it's toll on Kairi, and she was reluctant to get up. Snuggling her face down into her pillow with a small groan, azure hues would eventually open to the daylight that streamed in through the window. 

With a great yawn she sat up in her bed, swinging her legs over the side. The girl had been so exhausted that she was still wearing her white tank and lavender skirt... completely unbothered by the fact that she hadn't changed into pajamas the night before. Getting slowly to her feet, her fingers lifted to rub the sleep out of her eyes. 

Had that been just a wonderful dream? Had Sora really only come back to her in her dreams? Kairi certainly hoped not... but then... she heard the tapping at the door, and him calling her name. He was really there! It hadn't all been some crazy concoction of her subconscious. 

All prior sleepiness forgotten in an instant, she had flung open the door and gotten Sora into a bear hug before he had to wait very long. "Good morning, Sora!" 

Her smile had spread from ear to ear, and somehow managed to grow wider still as she spotted the other three. Waving cheerily at them, she grabbed Sora's hand and veritably dragged him over to the small waterfall area. Kairi wasted no time in picking up where they had left off last night. Giving him a playful poke in the side, she laughed at him and urged him to continue. "C'mon, Sora! Storytime!" 
_________________SORA 

Leaning against the door, watching the three others with a smile and feeling as if he could lean against the hut forever (unaware of what Tidus was saying at just that moment), it came as a surprise to him when Kairi emerged and pulled him into a hug, which he returned just as well. She had been hugging him a lot lately, something he wasn't entirely used to. Then again, it wasn't like he didn't like it... just a change, is all. Before he could even recover from that, however, she was dragging him over to the other group, quite violently, at that. Huffing and puffing by the time they had reached the water, he was very tempted to jump in right then and there. 

However, he did have a promise to keep, and so took his place against the rocky wall that "held" the waterfall, so that he could easily address them all. A nod was given that he would do just that... the explanation, that is, but he did wait for everyone to quiet down before he began. "Well..." he said while heaving a sigh, "this is how it started." And then he told them the entire account, trying to put in as much detail as he could. Sora was a rather good story-teller, being able to recreate a moment for others. He did have to be awake and alert to do so, which is partly why he had requested they wait until morning for it. 

All the mishaps, the drama, the tragedy, the smiles, grins, laughter, crying, yelling, fighting, disappointment, approval... all of it was explained, all that he could remember. All people he encountered described in great detail, from Yuffie to the White Rabbit to Jack Skellington. You can bet that his mouth was getting quite tired after a while, and at one point he had to sit down, his feet sick of standing. He did finally finish though, and now he really wanted to go in the water. He did, of course, have to see how the others reacted to this tale of bravery, deceit, and friendship, to name a few aspects of it. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

"Heartless." Was her answer to Leon's question, but it was quiet and as usual Cloud's arrival drowned out everything else. She sometimes had to -wonder- about those two... 

But then Aeris had screamed for help. 

Yuffie was once again unceremoniously ditched, and she couldn't blame either of the other two. Aeris was a dear friend to all of them (more so in the guys's cases, she supposed) and she wouldn't would've bolted right out as fast as they had, if her condition had allowed her to do so immediately. 

But since she felt pretty much up to going after them, though at a slower pace, she proceeded to do so. This time she remembered to bring some kind of weapon. Realizing her shuriken was still at Aeris' home, she impatiently made a a note of where the boys were heading, then sprinted to the small cottage to retrieve her weapon, and a few potions she had deposited there as well. 

She'd fight properly this time. But...well... 

Too bad she wasn't expecting what followed next. 

"S-Sora?!" she yelped, nearly toppling over as she skidded to a halt in the square. But she knew it couldn't be him. For one thing, he didn't smile in that creepy, creepy way...Almost insanely. 

For another, he wouldn't rush to his friends with his weapon drawn...Or, well, if his friends were still standing. Yuffie was too distracted to notice if either Cloud or Leon (identified by harstyle and hair color) were still capable of battle at all. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at Shadow Sora - the name she had dubbed him - and braced for whatever might be coming next. 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

AntiSora gathered his courage and raised the Shadow KeyBlade, the small, familiar shaped kingdom keychain dangling and chinking quietly. 

"A girl joins the fray!" He said, flipping over Leon and Cloud and landing directly in front of Yuffie. AntiSora chortled, the devious grin returning to his face. 

A quick slash with his keyblade was sure to send her reeling to the ground. So he did. 

"You couldn't beat me, Ninja Girl!"
-----------------
LEON 

[Sorry I haven't replied quick enough. ] 

He thought he had seen it all. First the two monsters tha had appeared that moment, then they had seemingly transformed into three others. 


Yet, the 'anti-cloud and anti-leon' were demolished by Anti-Sora's embrace. He had been frozen from the moment the tragic event was taking place. He had lost Aerith, he had seen Cloud panic, and now he was feeling himself panic, and he felt oh so lost. 

Now the enemy wa after the poor Materia girl. Leon felt himself rear into action, as he swoon his gunblade, blade beaming at every edge and slashing it down on the anti-sora. Leon then would gain control of his slash, and repeatingly taking steps forward to the revealing enemy. Leon saw Yuffie at the ground. That was it, time to kick some ass. 
_________________ 
DOUKESJI 

The Gunblade swiftly sliced through AntiSora, splitting him into the two creatures that had started it all; Cabalistic and Phlegmatic. The two chortled silently and flipped backwards, hovering in the air, inches from the ground. 

"Now now," Cabalistic said to Leon. "We just wanted to have some fun...But I guess you ruined it all." 

He dropped to the ground with a clank, and took Phlegmatic by the hand. 

"'Till next time, weakling!" 

They vanished so suddenly. 

But. 

There was something odd about the air around Leon, Cloud, and Yuffie. Something distilled, as if it had been old and stale. A horrendous smell passed under their noses. The smell of death. 

A voice cackled in the distance. Something was approaching, but what? It grew nearer. That cackle, so madly insane. It was getting closer by the second. 

A wind picked up. It grew fiercer and fiecer as the cackling grew louder and louder. The forceful breeze wrapped around the trio, engulfing them within the wind of death. 

A tug at Cloud's scarf. 

A pull at Leon's Gunblade. 

A grab at Yuffie's hair. 

The wind seemed to be playing with them, laughing all the while. What was this force? 

And just what in God's name was going on..?! 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie didn't quite get hit by the Keyblade, but it wasn't as if could avoid it entirely. No, she was bowled over by the WIND made by the passing sword, and being already on the very tips of her heels from avoiding the initial swipe, she overbalanced and fell onto her ass. Owooch. 

(Wind = Indirect KH fic reference. XP) 

She winced at she picked herself up, staring as 'Sora' divided into two different entities and disappeared. It seemed this was what Leon and Cloud had been fighting prior to ehr arrival. 

Yuffie's eyes widened at the unnatural wind. There was a dirty taint to it that she couldn't quite place, couldn't fully describe. 

If anything, it felt like a Heartless wind. 

But how could air lose a heart it never had in the first place? 
_________________CLOUD-SU 

Cloud's attack missed it's target and before Cloud could fully bring his blade from the cement, a shadow form of his self rushed at him. Cloud was not believing this, his sword, his Buster Sword, dressed in black was coming down on him in the hands of his shadow twin. Cloud reacted best he could, pulling his sword free just within time to holst it up to guard Shadow Cloud's powerful slash. The loud sound of metal on metal could be heard before Cloud stumbled back a bit, dazed from the shear strength of the blow, but before he could counter strike, he was shot with a Thundaga spell! What the **** was going on?! Luckily for Cloud he had somehow adapted to lightening based spells and suffered only a brused pride. 

Cloud took stance again, his eyes burning with desire to kill the newfound Heartless but before he got his chance, his mirror self had vanished... 
And this made Cloud even more angry then he had been. So pushed to the limit that he hadn't noticed that Yuffie had joined the battle, nor that Leon had disposed of a Shadow Sora. Cloud just stood there, upright, his right fist balled tight, left hand gripping the hilt of his blade firm, sweat running down his brow, his muscles twitching. He had failed Aeris again... what was he to do now? 

But before he could beat himself up, he felt a sudden change in the wind. It felt lifeless, dead.. The average person wouldn't consider the wind alive but Cloud was far from average, sensing everything around him ment life and death. 
Cloud's eyes narrowed as he tried to focus, readying for anything, from anywhere. Feeling a sudden jerk of his scarf, Cloud sent a swift right elbow to the right of him, but cought nothing but air. Somebody or something was toying with them, mocking them. Cloud was sent into an all out rage at the disrespect. 

" Stop the games!!!!!!! BASTARDS!!!!!!!" Cloud swung his weapon wildly around, hitting nothing but air, hearing laughter all around him. Cloud's war against the wind continued on for a good fifthteen seconds before he drove his sword into the ground, kneeling and closing his eyes, breathing heavily. 

" Leon.... we have to get her back.." 
_________________DOUKESHI 

The laughter began to echo all around them now, the voices doubling, tripling, over and over again. 

The wind began to swirl in front of them, a small tornado forming. Small leaves were whisked into the wind, and blown out, brushed past Leon, Cloud, and Yuffie's legs. 

"Well, well..." The voice cried out to the trio, and the laughter began again. "It seems I have some challengers...! Well, BE GONE!" 

The tornado burst, sending wind rushing at them iwht breakneck speed. The laughing voice was laughing once more, but this time a sick, angry laugh. 

The heartless crawled up around them while they weren't paying attention. There were millions of them, millions. Each one was different, the Large Bodies, Bug Heartless, even the winged ones. They all came together in a massive group. 

The wind died down, revealing the army of Heartless. They all seemed to be merging together, the millions of them; their strength was all bonding together to form one, sick, hideous looking beast. 

Doukeshi. 

The clown chortled as he hovered in the air, his legs crossed, indian style. His face was painted with diffeent colors of makeup.Red painted streaks moved in a vertical position down his eyes, starting at the top of his forehead and ending at the top of his cheeks. His hair was long, blonde, and tied back into a ponytail. The breeze around him carried it, playing with it as if it were hair from a doll. 

Sickeningly blue eyes shot out and glared at the trio of Fantasy Heroes. He couldn't understand how they, three misfits, could have defeated Cabalistic and Phlegmatic. Even moreso, AntiSora, AntiLeon, and AntiCloud. 

"So, you have defeated two of my strongest warriors!" The voice was cold, menacing, and deadly. "Well, it seems you are stronger than I anticipated. But not strong enough for this..!" 

The Mad Clown drew a deck of cards from within his rainbow tinted robes, and held it up to Leon. 

"Pick a Card...Any Card..." 

Doukeshi waited for Leon's response to this somewhat strange gesture, and wondered if he would actually draw a card.. 
_________________YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie gave a shriek as the wind buffeted them. It was irrational, silly, and downright weird, but she almost felt...like she was going to be ripped off the face of the earth. It was all she could do not to rush and cling to the nearest, sturdiest-looking object within reach...namely, Leon. 

The wind did die down, but as Yuffie saw what it revealed, her heart sunk right down into the bottom of her shoes. Heartless. Hordes of Heartless. A veritable sea of tehm, just waiting to squish them all like teeny little ants. She swallowed nervously, licking her lips in an attempet to moisten a mouth that had suddenly gone dry. 

But then, it got worse, and she found herself faced with an even more fear-inspiring foe. Instead of cowering this time, however, she drew her remaining shards of courage around her and stood tall, grim and rock-steady. 

Then the cards were offered. 

"It's a trap, it's a trap..." she muttered, under her breath. But then, at least one of the cards had to be a safe choice, a sort of grudging 'way out'...that is, if the strange jester played fair. 

Somehow, Yuffie didn't think he did. 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

Tidus had just sat down, waiting for Sora's story. He grinned as Sora and Kairi talked and talked. Finally, Sora began, when Tidus had just thought of something. Hey...Where are Sora's other friends? 

He blinked and looked up to the sky, thinking about weather to interrupt the story or to wait until after. Tidus decided that he thought that he needed to say this now. He rose his hand high into the air like children do in a classroom, grunting and making stomach groans. 

"Oo..! Oh..! I have something to say!" 

Tidus then got really anxious and jumped up. He just had to get it out as soon as possible and as quickly as possible. 

"Hey..Sora? Sorry ta interrupt you, but what happened to your other friends? Do you think that it would be important if we saved the story for until we get to Traverse Town." 

Although Tidus was anxious to leave and go to Traverse town, he did have a tiny little bad feeling in his stomach. He put on a pleading face to Sora. Then, he looked to Kairi, biting his lips and hoping that he hadn't just ruined everything for her. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Looking that Wakka had safely set her on the ground she gave out a sigh of relief. Looking up at him the watery look on her eyes had dissappeared. Ok, so she couldn't be mad with him, I mean, who could be mad at a leader who acted more like a big brother? Shaking her head she turned her glaring over to a certain person who thought it was so 'amusing'. 

"Oh and you found that funny!?" She pouted noticing that Tidus had already starting a conversation. 

All of a sudden just what Tidus had said made everything go quiet, in her world. Now... how could it be possible that he knew about this Traverse Town... and that Sora had friends there...? Maybe it was mentioned quite a while ago. Selphie couldn't remember much back then when their place was attacked al she could remember was how dark it was...so dark that no possible light could make its way through. So... there are other worlds? Was that why she was not allowed to go to the 'secret' place? Of course, Wakka warned her about going in there. So often he would spook her up so she would not follow. But...why was Tidus blabbering on about going to Traverse!? Someone was missing! If only he could just see it. That someone is Riku. 
Even though she kept distance from him she felt like he was those 'very mysterious type of people'. He acted more of a leader to the other half of the group. There were six in all, but didn't pretty much hang together like a 'true' group. But...there's one thing that the two groups had in common... They share the same home. Now, finally, they had emerged into a big group. If only Riku was here it would feel complete. Like a missing puzzle piece, just lost somewhere far away... 
Blinking since nobody had responded she just got the urge to...yeah, you know. Slowly making her way to Tidus' side, since he was kinda close to the small waterfall she gave an innocent look and smiled. Interrupting Tidus with a smile she pushed him into the cold water and duster her hands off. 

"Tidus you dork! That's for not helping me!" She really did thought that Wakka was going to really toss her in. "Wooo you needed a cold shower anyways!" ^_^ 

Turning to Sora with a silly smile on her face she looked over to her shoulder feeling that Tidus is drilling holes into her back with gare. Bringing her hand up to rub the back of her hair she looked at Tidus and quickly back to Sora. 

"Ahem. Don't mind him, he deserved it. Anyways... Why were we called here again...?" 
_________________CLOUD-SU 

The wind blew wildy on Cloud's being, thowing his blonde spikes here and there, his cape flapping helplessly over his right shoulder. The black wing had fallen over his left shoulder, lifeless as Cloud seemed to be in his own world, unknowing of what was going on around him. His heart felt like it had fallen into a bottemless pit. He actually questioned his abilities as a warrior... he was torn. 

The evil being that was the cause of this had now appeared, dealing cards in some sick game. Cloud slowly regenerated into the now, ears picking up the words from their new foe. Eyes of blue opened apon the Clown with disgust. Toying with them still as if they were children... 

His wing extended again and Cloud gripped his sword, pulling it from the ground and rushing at the villian determined to end him quick. " Cut the bullshit and die!!!!" Cloud yelled, Buster Sword tip edge forward in his dash... One of his most powerful attacks.. yes, this had to do it. This one was for you Aeris.. 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

Tidus stood there for a moment, thinking about what he had said. How did I know about Traverse Town? Could it possibly have some sort of connection between our hearts? 

Tidus then was pushed into the waterfalls, but he really didn't seem to care. He was too wrapped up in his thinking. It was just too strange to be real. He got out of the waterfall and silently sat down in front of Sora, not saying anything afterwards. 

He was just way to confused about a zillion things now 
_________________ 
RIKU 

The boy was weary, in both heart and body. Physically battered, no magical resources whatsoever... He wondered if he would be able to hold off against the next wave of Heartless. 

A glance from those intense oculars, and a faint grin. "I guess he's sort of a celebrity now, eh? Hardly surprising." He nodded assent to her question. "Yes, I know him," he said, his voice faintly laced with a bit of... nostalgia? "We grew up together, in Destiny Islands." He brushed back his hair as his feautures became sterner. This was no time to wallow in guilt. 

"So, you were brought here--somehow..." He frowned. "Someone must be behind is. What sick nutcase would do this, though?" 

Of course, his unanswerable questions were interrupted by that faint, hreta-sinking sound... From the dark depths of a nearby opening, a pair of lifeless yellow orbs stared at him and Aerith. Soon more blinked into being. He took a defensive stance, teeth clenched as his hand gripped the wodden pratice sword tightly. "Get ready, Aerith," he warned.
-----------------
TNEB 

What was the small formed moogle during this entire ordeal and fighting? Hanging on for her life, that's what. 

Tneb felt practically helpless during throughout all of it -- that is, the two beings the three of them had faced were incredibly powerful, and all she had were a few weak spells. With each thrust that Cloud gave with his sword, with each quick movement and jump it seemed her stubbish arms would hold even tighter to the side of his neck. There were a few points, however, where she'd lost her grip and simply slid into the folds of his scarf. 

And this is when that jerk was given by the random force.. Ah, how close she had come to falling right out. All that came out, however, was quiet the audible squeak. She dared not open her eyes half the time, only able to hope that the three of them were as good at fighting as she thought they were. 

It seemed all had stopped.. for the briefest moment, as Cloud rested there. But he hadn't been resting, he just wasn't moving.. though it was hard to tell just what was going on, as each time her eyes closed she'd almost block out everything around her. Kupo, but then words. 

Eyes eased open, though most was still dark. Finally would she lift her small form, now quite cold, against the back of Cloud's neck and almost onto his right shoulder. Quick huddle back into his scarf, as she took notice of the new enemy that faced them all. She gave a quiet mumble, hiding that pale green light best she could.. what did she cast? A simple cure spell on Cloud. Perhaps to give him a bit more energy. 

But in the midst of such it almost seemed he didn't need any, as she were about to ask him how he was.. he simply sprinted forward with sword pointed towards that new creature. Silent wince as she held tight. Ku.. don't get yourself killed. 
_________________ 
SORA 

He actually cringed somewhat when Tidus interrupted; as all may know, it wasn't exactly nice to be interrupted when you were trying to tell a long-winded story such as this. It just messed up your whole train of thought. He better have something important to say... he thought, a very un-Sora like thing, but nevertheless, there they are. He blinked at what he said, not sure how he had been so sure of what he was saying. "Uhh..." he started to answer, but Selphie's reaction caught much more of his attention. His eyes widened as she saw him toss poor Tidus in, but it was true that he deserved it. He HAD interrupted him, after all. Heh. He made a side-glance to Kairi, just watching the scene with some amusement. 

He looked a bit exasperated at Selphie's question, but answered, "I've been telling you guys what happened, remember? I'd like to finish..." He watched Tidus scramble out of the waterfall, then saying... "Well, they are in Traverse Town, yes. Donald, Goofy, Leon, Cloud, Aerith, Yuffie..." His eyebrows raised at the blonde. "You think they're in trouble?" A wary glance was given to all of them, as if asking what their opinion of this was. As in, what they thought they should do. Leave now, or later? 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Crossing her arms over her chest she patted her foot as if waiting for a response from the others. Looking at each and one of them she wasn't too sure herself if she should go along with them. Well at first yes, she wanted to go with them. It's so exciting to know how this Traverse place is. The problem is that she felt kind of defenseless, not knowing what dangers there are. It would also be wonderful to meet these new friends of Sora, they sounded like that they have gone through a lot of things together. Something that she would be willing to go for. Ups and downs, she wanted to definitely be there. 

Looking at Wakka with an expression as to 'should we go for it or stay here?' this is more of a once in a life time kind of thing and she did not want to blow this one off. Wow, Sora, asking for them to come along with him and Kairi...? That's weird, something you don't hear everyday. Was Sora really going to bring them along? It felt a bit akward that they are all together, would things have to change...? Many of these thoughts ran through her head but kept silent to herself. If things were to change sometimes things can't go back they were once before. Boy, how she did not like that all. What else could she do though? What's done is done and nothing can be the same, ever. 

"Well... I say let's go now!" She said with an energetic mood. "I mean, I would sure love to see these new worlds and friends that you have made Sora! C'mon Wakka what do you say!?" Turning over to see that Tidus had managed to get out soaking wet she giggled and pointed. "Hey Tidus! Maybe you ate so much bananas that you got knowledge power! Afterall, bananas do have a great source of protein." 
_________________ 
LEON 

Turblence crushed through magnolia strands as he watched the sinious form encycle around the trio. His eyes locked onto the winding figure. He had felt something latch onto his arm, and Leon gave a glance to see the small girl, Yuffie. 

He timidly then began to watch as malic'd creatures created corruption by forming into solid, drifting from below to the base of the common street of Traverse. He felt as if, he was, in fact surronded. And, he was. Seemingly mulitples of Heartless in different forms had circle around the three soldiers. 

Then, the winds stopped. And the strange evil presence was back. That foolish clown was floating infront of him. Leon then took a step as he was introduced to a deck of cards. 'Pick a card, any card.' Was this some sort of stupid trick? What was this? This was just a precious excuse for time wasteing, but did he have a choice. 

A gust flew through him, as the other man standing patiently charged at the fouled beast. "CLOUD NO." He held his lengthy arm out, pallid-gloved hands spreading in dispair. His eyes impaled as Cloud had rushed right into his death. 
_________________ 
WAKKA-SU 

"I know I'm sayin'dis, and it's gonna be trouble..." Wakka led off, a hand rubbing behind his head sheepishly while he peered at Selphie from the corner of his eyes. It was one of those moments where you would call the shots and then end up not being in control of the team in the end. 

But who's never up for an all-out blitz? 

"Aw boy, fine. You got your heart set on it anyway, right Selphie?" Wakka crouched over with bent knees, a hand to his mouth cupped in a calling fashion, however his shout wasn't that great. "Hey, Tidus! Why don'tcha snap outta it and come too, ya?" As if he Tidus would pass up a chance not to come and find out what's going on? Well, even if he'd have to drag him along... 

Two fingers brushed back the tip of the lavish phoenix down-esque tip of his hair, which bounced a bit between an adventureous breeze. Don't make him come in there and drag you out, Tidus! "Hustle, I ain't got all minute." 

Turning around a bit, a cheese smile followed by a thumbs up was given to Sephie in that 'see, just leave it to me' sort of way. 
_________________ 
SORA 

He felt enough had given an opinion that they could go on ahead. Tidus wanted to, seeing as he had asked in the first place, while Selphie and Wakka agreed. That was three out of five there. Only Kairi hadn't said anything, but now her opinion wasn't needed. Well, he would've liked to hear from her, but speak up she did not. And so it was settled. Sorry, Kairi, but... "Okay, then. Let's get going, then!" He then blinked. How were they going to get back, anyhow? Well, the first thing to think of was the Secret Place, where the 'legendary door' was. 

"Eh, anyhow.." he continued, looking sort of nervous, now that he was unsure as to how they were going to get back. His eyes seemed to tune down from their usual vividness so that it was easy to tell when the boy was discouraged. ".. let's go to the Secret Place." He nodded, starting to head down the path that lead to the cave, but all of a sudden something happened. His Keyblade started to pull in the other direction, back to the group of four. "Uhh..?" He frowned, digging his huge shoes into the group and trying to pull the oversized key back in his direction. What was going on? 

And then that voice visited him... The one that had spoken to him in that dream he had so long ago and before he had come back here at The End of the World to face Ansem. And so it said, "Fear not. The Keyblade is just wanting to aid your friends. Let go. It will return to you." He blinked. Well, the voice had helped him along all right so far, so he didn't see why he couldn't trust it now. And, so with a bit of reluctance, he let go. 

First the blade floated over to Selphie, making contact with her jumprope and transforming it into a formidable nunchaku. It then contacted her, giving her more strength to fight (increased attack, agility, defense, all that jazz). It did the same to Tidus, turning his kendo stick into a sword and increasing his abilities as well. It then sauntered over to Wakka, making the blitzball one adorned with spikes and improving his fighting skills, too. Lastly, to Kairi. Seeing that her weapon was just fine as it was, it helped her in the fighting department only. The four might not realize what it had done to them; they probably would have just felt... different. However, their new abilities would be shown soon enough. 

Then the Keyblade returned to its bewildered master. He had no idea that his key could do something like that. His eyes were widened in disbelief as he examined the new weapons. "Whoa..." was all he could say at first. He shook his head, spikes being thrown this way and that, as he snapped out of it. "Well, that will help." He grinned, rubbing the back of his head. So, the Keyblade knew that they were going to need more than just their regular weapons for what lay ahead. This troubled Sora some, but he didn't voice these concerns outloud. 

"A-anyhow, let's go." A smile was given to the group as he headed to the cave, hoping they would follow suit. This should be interesting... 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

"Whoops, watch it there, boy!" 

Doukeshi grabbed the massive sword Cloud held and twisted it around, freeing it from his grip. He threw it away, and looked intently at Cloud. 

"You're a fiesty one, that you are. Let's slow you down a bit, eh?" Doukeshi threw a card at Cloud, and stopped his image completely. It was fun, using his deck of cards to play mean tricks on people. Especially people who were mean to him. 

Doukeshi chortled at his antics. He was always one for playing games, even when it wasn't the time. He was just the fool around type of clown. 

"Now, Mr. Leonheart. Pick a card, please? No? Okay." 

Doukeshi's eyes narrowed slightly as he hovered back a little bit. He drew a card from the deck. Queen of Hearts. 

"Well well..It seems I've drawn the perfect card for you! Let's play!" Doukeshi rushed forward at Leon, only to burst into a dozen white doves, white fluttered off into the distance. 

"Squall.." A familiar, feminine voice said from behind him. 

The blue dress, which was replaced with a black leather dress, with buttons down the front, dangled at the bottom of her legs. Black wings moved with their own lives on her back, a few feathers falling each time the wings moved greatly. Soft black hair cascading down her shoulders, and it seemed it was actually a waterfall, gently cascading down to its lake below. 

Rinoa stood there, hand upon her chest, waiting for Leon's response. 
_________________LEON 

He stood frozen from the hour glass of present events. Cloud had taken the punishment for his actions, now.. he was a solid, frigid statue. He looked as if he was decaying from the state he was in. Now, Cloud had his movement priveldges taken away from him, and he was.. frozen. 


It stirred Leon's blood. He was just about to unleash lethal anger on the foolish clown, when the deck of cards was scrapped along pavement right into his facade. He was faced with the decision again, no.. he wasn't given the decision. The clown unleashed the card without another word pressed forward with curved devilish lips. 


The card clashed into a dozen pearl'd doves, and they had swoven themselves through the air. His timid mind was intturpted when he had heard a lenient voice. Oh.. god, no it can't be.. Leon gyrated his sinous form, his eyes went dull, dull from the spark of the moment. "... Rinoa.." He had taken a trepidity hault from his movement. He had watched her. This... can't be real. "... You." 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

The darkened woman strolled casually up to Leon, embracing him with her thin, fragile arms. Her lips were brought to his for a moment, her deep, jet black lipstick pressing against the soft pink of Leon's lips. She brought her head over to his ear, and soflty whispered. 

"I want you.." she said, and slowly pushed herself away from the man. Her lips curled slightly into a smirk, and she brought up her index finger, curling it in as a gesture for Leon to come to her. 

Her dark feathered wings folded up against each other, hidden behind her black leather dress. 

Rinoa seemed so much different. She seemed...deadly. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud's attemp to put an end to Doukeshi was cut so suddenly short. His blade ripped right from his finger tips, Cloud snaped his right fist up at the Clown only to be stopped cold... Cloud could feel every muscle in his being freeze up, every fiber ceaseing to fuction... 

Cloud was stuck in his pose, punch hanging in the air. No bodypart could move, not even his eyes. The only thing that did seem to work at the moment besides his hair waving in the wind was his mind. He could hear millions of birds behind him and then a woman's voice. It wasn't Aeris, he was sure of that. Cloud struggled to battle the dispostion givin to him by the mad Clown but it was no use... But he would not give up!! Cloud, hell no, he wouldn't! If only he could tell Tneb to try something... shit. 

Cloud then heard the woman tell Squall some weird stuff and he seemed to be out of it... Suddenly the voices were interuped by the sound of wings, and a black feather landed near Cloud's forced point of view. Something was up... 
Cloud screamed in his mind as if he was talking to Leon and he could hear him. 

"LEON! Get away from whoever that is! NOW!!! This must be a trick, damnit.." 
_________________ 
YUFFIE 
Yuffie watched, ignored and unnoticed, as Doukeshi disarmed Cloud and put him well and out of action. She watched blankly as the woman materialized out from the air. And she swept her numbed gaze over to Cloud. Cloud, whose only power of expression left was in his eyes, which despite their inability to move served as glacial blue windows into his thought. Eyes, screaming for someone, anyone, to... 

She snapped. 

" GET AWAY FROM HER, LEON!" she screeched, barreling into the dark-haired woman with more strength than one might expect for her weakened figure. would it be enough to knock 'Rinoa' over. "She's just another parlor trick!" Just another trick...by not just another trickster. 

She began furiously attempting to claw whatever she could reach of the woman, desperately looking for anything, anything, that she could use to prove for good and beyond doubt that this was an imposter. A false image, just like the ones before...just a lie. 

Yuffie hated liars. 

_________________
SELPHIE-SU 

Giving a thumb up, a smile, and a wink to go along with it at Wakka she laughed seeing in the corner of her eye that Tidus was all soaked up. It was then when Sora's keyblade began to act weird as he began to head down the path away from the group, to the Secret Place. 

Blinking a bit she saw the keyblade make its way to her, and tapped lightly her jumprope transforming it into nunchucks. This made her speechless and confused on what was going on. Holding onto a weapon she was amazed of what Sora's keyblade had done to her simple jumprope. Lifting her weapon up so she could take a better look at it she could felt some sort of strength coming to her, though she was not able to explain it well. Jumping up and down in an energetic way she saw that Tidus' kendo stick was turned into a sword and Wakka's blitzball had some spikes on his. 

Looking back at the others then Sora she swinged her nunchuck around and pointed at the Secret Place. With a loud enthusiastic voice she yelled and looked at the leader, Sora. 

"Off we go to Traverse!! C'mon you guys we might be missing out on some fun!!" 

Walking ahead of the group a little she stopped for abit waiting for Sora to lead them towards the Secret Place. 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

Tidus was just drying off when he realized that his kendo stick had turned into a sword. He smiled, watching the sun reflect off of the beautiful, shimmering metal. He looked over to the secret place and almost as enthusiastically as Selphie had said it he exclaimed. 

"Off we go to Traverse Town." 

The young teen was so excited about the adventure they were going to go on. Smiling he cautiously went into the secret place, staying close to Sora just in case anything happened. The place was eerie. The only thing that wasn't eerie about it was the drawings on the wall. He turned around and looked to Sora, smiling. 

"So..What now?" 
_________________ 
TIDUS-SU 

Tidus was just drying off when he realized that his kendo stick had turned into a sword. He smiled, watching the sun reflect off of the beautiful, shimmering metal. He looked over to the secret place and almost as enthusiastically as Selphie had said it he exclaimed. 

"Off we go to Traverse Town." 

The young teen was so excited about the adventure they were going to go on. Smiling he cautiously went into the secret place, staying close to Sora just in case anything happened. The place was eerie. The only thing that wasn't eerie about it was the drawings on the wall. He turned around and looked to Sora, smiling. 

"So..What now?" 
_________________ 
LEON 

His thoughts lured as their faint lips caress`d. In the foregoing, Rinoa was seemingly a spiritless being. The feel of her surrondings left Leon breathless. This has been his one cherished dream, one desperate cry for happiness. He had gained what was rightfully his. 

He was too blind to see she was a total fake, too dimm`d by the illusion to hear his friend's crys of warnings. He was obstruct`d by the moment. The moment with her. "... I--Rinoa, I thought you were.. dead." 
_________________DOUKESHI 

Rinoa chortled, and took a step closer, her heels clicking on the stone ground as she moved. 

"Don't worry, m'love..." she said, her soft voice slashing through any doubt that Leon may have of her existence. "I'm here now...I'm with you now...Squall..." 

She wrapped her arms around him once again, and smiled weakly. 

"I'm here..." She repeated. "I'm here...But you aren't..." 

From practically no where, A feather, long, black, and...metal..? It stabbed Leon in the gut with ferocity, the metallic feather digging deeper into his stomach. Rinoa could feel the warm blood tirckle down her hands, and she chortled once more. 

"Poison, m'dear.." She said, her voice mutating. The image of Rinoa flickered and vanished, the image of Doukeshi replacing her. He stood, his arms around Leon. 

What an odd scene. 
_________________ 
LEON 

A gasp was heard from rasped lips. "No.. Rinoa." 

He felt betray`d, but he finally learn`d the truth. It was that clown, that clown that had potray`d a devilish trick on the poor loveless being. Now, it was all in a flash, he had felt himself grasp for healing as he was poision`d.. or stabb`d. His hands fell upon the wound, trickles of his flesh falling to the pail concrete, the blood mixtur`d with the fresh soil. 

Wound`d, Leon fell into the arms of his enemy. His eyelids dimm`d the rearing light of the smirk upon the clown's evilish facade. Then, they had closed. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

[*blink* Kweeeh? Kas, have you been playing in those solemn wolf RPs sprouting up everywhere lately? ;x Not meaning to offend, just wondering...] 

Realizing her efforts had been futile, Yuffie ceased her attempts to seriously injure the illusion. Useless, useless...She slumped to her knees, suddenly, exhausted for no reason. 

No matter what she did, she couldn't protect anyone... 

Hearing more murmuring voices, she raised her head to peer at the speakers. Only to see Leon be pierced in the gut by a single, metallic feather. 

"Leon!" she cried, as he collapsed into the arms or their very enemy. "Clown-man! What have you done to him?!" 
_________________ 
WAKKA-SU 

"Woah.. hoh ho ho..." Wakka chirped in his surprised laugh, in awe of not only the feeling that came over him and the thoughts and knowledge of how to use this washed over strength, but just... the whole mysticalness of it all. 

Praise be to Yevon, right? 

"This look more dangerous than some game, ya? Okay we can still go! But be careful if that thing o'yours is given this to us'." Wakka's voice was a bit more broken in proper pronouncing than usual, just the excitement creeping through really. The spiked blitzball was tossed up just by a few centimeters, so Wakka could dilligantly spin it across the tip of his finger with seemingly no real effort to it. All the pros make it look easy, you know. 

Sora would lead the way, but Wakka allready started to walk ahead of them, a few hops and practice air goal kicks while he studied his new blitz of doom. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

Aerith let out a scream, getting pulled in by the heartless and brought back into Traverse Town. She landed right in the spot in which she had vanished, looking about curiously and into the void she had just rose from. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Catching up with Wakka she pointed at the Secret Place, without saying a word. It had seemed that they were only a feet away from entering the Secret Place's entrance. Peering in she was afraid to go in first, not knowing what she would encounter in there. 

Seeing Sora leading the way with his keyblade gleaming in the sun, he suddenly stepped ahead, in front of the group. Him being there brought comfort to Selphie that she's not alone on this whole thing, that she has many friends who she could count on. As they all approached the opening Selphie immediately cut in front of Sora. 

"After you Sora." For fun, she just added a little bow pushing away the vines that hanged over the entrance with her free hand, allowing him to enter first. 
_________________ 
SORA 

Nodding to the group, and smiling somewhat at Selphie, he ducked down and started to crawl through the narrow beginning of the place until it widened out so that he could stand, walking into the room so cluttered with drawings and such. He took a look around, as if he had never been in the place before. It had, however, been a while since he had visited it, and so let's assume he was reminiscing. After the rest of the bunch had all gathered in the place, he turned to them, a thoughtful look on his face. His eyes scanned over those standing before him, as if they would help him figure out what to do. 

And suddenly he took some action, walking over to where Kairi stood and grabbing her her, leading her over to where the door was. He leaned forward, saying to her, "Just... think about the door opening. I think... I think you may be able to open it for us." Who knew how he knew, but he did, and so he went to stand with the three others, giving them a look that said... "I think I know what I'm doing." Hopefully, just that look would clear up any suspicions. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Letting the others pass through she was then the last person to enter. It was pretty dark and it had seemed to her that nobody has been through this eerie place for ages. Finally, making it into a kinda small compact space, meeting the others she looked around examining the drawings. Jumping a bit she saw the picture of a person with a freaky look on its face to the left, on the huge rock. 

Running over to the group so she was closer to them, she saw from the corner of her eye that Sora had completely dragged Kairi over to the wooden door. Turning over, to watch the two in curiosity, it had seemed that Sora had things under control. Looking blankly, time felt like it stopped, making it feel as if things were going in slow motion. 

I hope Sora is right. Kairi is our only hope who can open the door now... 
_________________ 
RIKU 

What the hell? She was gone! Somehow she had been sucked back into the void that had brought her here. Perhaps-- 

But he had let himself be distracted for too long. Suddenly what seemed to be hoards of Heartless came at him, engulfing him. Desperately he fought to fend them off, he struggled to escape. He broke to a run down a hallway chosen randomly, and the Heartless followed after him. Damnit, he needed to find a way out of here!
-----------------
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud couldn't take it anymore... 
A spark cut inside him and he felt it, he felt his chance and with all his might, broke the spell, battle cry running wild in the wind. His postion was rather dramatic, both arms balled in fist, aimed at the air, his legs spread a good twentyfive inches apart or more, his head tilted upward and mouth wide open, yelling as stone burst from his body. One would say you would see this kinda thing in movies. 

Bending over just a bit and resting his hands on his knees, he panted, exhausted from his efforts. Sweat washed his brow as he remembered Leon. Holding his right arm out, he summoned his Buster Sword. It lay a good distance away from the warrior, but started to move jerkingly before springing up and rushing to him, stopping hilt in hand. 

Turning to the corrupt who had seduced Leon with a icy cold glare in his eye, Cloud seemed Heartless for the moment. His breaths heavy, eyes undieing from his target. If one looked closely they would have seen a Heartless symbol flash on his chest for about a second at the most. Yes... he was pushing it. 

" No.. no, can't go back.." he mumbled low to himself, trying to resist. " Leon!!" Cloud screamed but was not answered and at that moment he realized what had happened and that Yuffie was there.. " Yuffie, why didn't you-Err.. Yuffie, let's attack together! Hold nothing back this time!" After addressing orders Cloud heard something faint behind him. His head turned sharply in the direction, catching sight of Aeris. On pure instinct he ran to her, kneeling at her side, words of comfort would soon follow. " Aerith! Are you alright?! Where have you- It doesn't matter now.. Long as you have come back. Alas, we must cut our hellos short, Aerith, this guy-thing-or whatever he/she is just hurt Leon. Let's go!" 

Launching to his feet, Aerith's hand in his, he ran at a mild speed, making sure to keep his blade at a safe angle as not to strike Areis. " Yuffie, lead the attack! Do something! We have to save Leon." 
_________________DOUKESHI 

Dropping Leon to the ground with a chuckle, the Jester strode over to the newly arrived woman. 

"What a pretty flower.." he said as he circled her. A laugh escaped his lips, and a long, cold finger stretched out and carressd Aerith's cheek. 

"Shall we play a game..? I love games, darling..." 

Doukeshi leaned forward, his tongue creeping out and pressing against Aerith's ear. It slid upwards, and he could feel her spine shivering. 

"Lovely...Just as I thought. You're scared..." 

Doukeshi was now behind her, and he gently rested his arms on her shoulders, his hands dangling down in front of her. A whisper escaped him. 

"Be...me..." 

That was it. He vanished. 

Gone perhaps? Had something gone awry, forcing Doukeshi off of the mortal plane..? 

Or perhaps, perhaps... 

....He had just infiltrated Aerith, possessing every fiber of her being. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She closed her eyes gently for a moment, only to open them wide in this moment of what seemed to be insanity. Aerith darted her eyes to those who were near her, narrowing them as they went from person to person. She was a puppet now, awaiting her masters commands. 
_________________ 
LEON 

His fabricated attire soak`d in the pool of blood, Leon steadingly became still, frigid perhaps. His lenient mouth layeed gapping open, trickles of his blood dripping down his chin, replenishing the pool with every drop. Was he dead? Was this real? Icicl`d pupils stirred with redemption, with pure fear, darkness, death. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 

Kairi had been silent during the entire retelling of Sora's adventure. As the boy had described his trials and triumphs in other worlds, the girl had been transfixed on Sora's every single word... big blue eyes wide with interest as she watched him intently. She drank in everything, and every pantomimed movement on Sora's part. 

After it was done, she barely batted an eyelash as Selphie shoved Tidus in the drink. She was still quiet... almost disturbingly quiet. She was certain that Sora had noticed her anti-activity within the conversation. Her silence was due to shock. It not only fascinated her to hear about other worlds and people, but also frightened her a great deal. So much of the unknown was out there... it was quite humbling to think about it. All Kairi knew was their island home. 

She stared in awe as she felt a small tickle of warmth move throughout her veins as that strange Keyblade moved amongst them of it's own will. Following somberly into the Secret Place, she gave neither a yes or a no as far as going with Sora. It didn't need to be said. He knew as well as Kairi that she would follow Sora wherever he went... to whatever worlds he chose to travel to. 

As they neared that mysterious door inside, Kairi furrowed her brow. She wasn't exactly sure how Sora proposed to open the door, but he was sure it had something to do with her. Call it a gut feeling. As all these thoughts were tumbling around beneath that firey hair, she finally broke her silence to reveal her main concern. 

"If we do this... we'll find Riku, right?" Her voice was small, and almost timid as she asked, like she was afraid the answer would be a negative one. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie silently hesitated, glancing at Leon's prone form. The man looked more than half-dead. Regretfully, all she ahd with her now was a weak potion, which she hastily applied to the fallen gunblade wielder. She doubted it would have any effect; not only was the magical material inside far past the unofficial 'expiration date', it was the weakest healing item in existence. Ah, well, at least it might stop the bleeding. 

She gave Cloud a sharp nod, and began to run along beside him and Aeris. Until of course, Doukeshi interrupted once more. Damn clown. How bottomless was his bag of tricks, anyway? 

"A-aeris...?" she asked anxiously. "Can...can you hear me?" She murmured, hoping there was at least a flicker of positive recognition in the now doll-like eyes. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

Wow, talk about major silence. It felt as if a wave of quietness washed amoung the group, the minute Kairi spoke. Not to worry, this is when Selphie kicks in. Clearing her throat she broke the ice. 

"Well... Of course Kairi! We're bound to see Riku again! I mean, even though he may seem so far and away... His heart will always be connected with Destiny Islands, his home...And within us! Always! It may seem impossible but anything is possible as long as you have hope! Don't worry we'll find him!" 

She stepped out in front of Wakka and Tidus, not meaning to cut in on Kairi and Sora's private conversation togther. She just had to do it. More than anything she disliked quietness. Looking over at Sora she apologized not meaning to intrude on them. 

"Anyways... We now have a bigger puzzle to solve at the moment. The more we just stand here talking... The less time we have of finding Riku. Now... Kairi, as Sora said before... I think he knows what he is doing. I'm sure that only you can open this door..." 

Walking up to the wooden door she placed her right palm upon the smooth surface and and looked up at it, as if she can see right through it, seeing many possible paths that they could take to get to this place, Traverse Town. 
_________________ 
SORA 

He smiled at Selphie. Actually, her interruption had helped quite a bit, and now he wasn't forced to explain as much, especially since she had done a spectacular job doing so, plus encouraging her. And so he gave an assuring nod to the short sienna-haired girl, smiling softly. "Yeah... if you can open this... we'll be able to find Riku." He closed his eyes for a moment, had bowed towards the ground. "Kairi... I know you can do it. Please.. for us. I.. I want to see Riku as much as you do." He then lifted his head, opening his eyes and looking around at the others. "And I would think they would want to, too." 
_________________ 
SORA 

[ Heeeere we go, people. Under order of Felicia, I'm have semi-control over Kairi. This will let us advance to Traverse Town! Yay! The moment we've all been waiting for. ] 

Kairi smiled solemnly at the group, nodding to them all. "Right... if this is what we have to do to get Riku back.." She turned towards the door, her mind now set. A determined look on her face, she closed her eyes. It's my job to get this open... my heart... is it supposed to help? It's supposed to be strong. Well... She sort of fell out on consciousness in a way there, pulling herself deep into her heart, dwelling in it, looking inside it. This was what had the power to open the door. Extracting the energy, she brought it forth, her azure eyes glowing as she opened them. A wind that seemed to come from nowhere seemed to stir her hair, and a light that emerged from the ground circled around her slight form as the opening of the door took place. 

Slowly, it creaked open, Sora watching intently. This was it. She had done it. He could have jumped for joy, but what was seen next ceased any good emotions the group could have held. At first the door exposed a beam of light, but as it continued to open out sprung a group of Heartless. But... they were different. Not any he had seen before. They seemed more advanced... and... their eyes had something they never had before. At first, they held just the emotion of pure hatred, but now... they shown with intelligence. Either way, no time to ponder over it. Sora jumped forward, shoving Kairi back with the others. He yelled over his shoulder, "Stay out of the way! These Heartless aren't normal! Let me take care of it!" 

With that command said, he dashed into the group, swinging his Keyblade this way and that, uttering out his strings of battle cries as he did so. Horizontally, a Braver-imitation, a regular slash... anything that could dispose of these. Once a good amount had been executed, battle-filled eyes turned back to the group. "Go through the door! Hurry! I'll take the rear!" He just hoped they cooperated. The last thing he needed now was for one of them to protest. 
_________________ 
SEPLHIE-SU 

Giving a nod to Sora's order she looked at him then turned back to the others gripping onto her nunchuckus she ran at a good speed, making sure that she was still with the group. 

"Come on you guys! You heard what Sora said! Run to the door!" 

Just as the others had ran through the door and made it into safety, she stayed behind seeing Sora doing his finishing moves on the Heartless. They just seem to be reappearing all over again multiplying each time Sora slices each of them. They looked as if they were coming out of the shadows within the ground. With worried eyes she had decided to wait until he can hold off the Heartless. Making sure that the door is somewhat open so that he can run through it she gave a yell. 

"Sora! Hurry! I don't think this door can stay open any longer! It's starting to close!" 

She struggled to keep the door from closing so that Sora can make a run for it. It seemed creepy how the Heartless looked like but she figured that there is more to come. The surprised on Sora's face indicated that they have certainly changed, meaning that there will be a big challenge that all of them would have to face. 
_________________ 
WAKKA-SU 

Wakka, for one, even though having run to the other side, paused to turn around, not about to have Selphie be the only one having the burden of keeping the door open. 

"Whatcho waitin' for, eh? Come on, hustle!" Not that he would want to rush Sora or anything... no siree with the door closing like it was. The future blitzer crooned his neck out a bit, more as if he was sniffing the air- those Heartless sure wern't going to diminish anytime soon. "I'll run out there to help if you don't get over here, ya." Sure, maybe the threat of getting himself caught out here would help Sora retreat from battle. Wakka would risk it though, if he had to. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

The bastard had really done it.. He put his hands on Areith. Cloud leaped out with an opened palm, ready to choke the clown to death. Sadly.. he vanished and Aeris was standing silent, looking out of it. Squall was hurt and now something was wrong with Aeris. How could he ever let this happen!? 

He wanted to see what was wrong with Aerith, but Yuffie seemed to have that covered and nobody had checked on Leon yet. Quickly he dashed to his friend's side, kneeling to apply aid. Tneb said she knew some cure spells... Seems she does come in handy from time to time. 

" Tneb, can you heal him? " Whispered lowly to the Moogle on his neck as he looked over Leon. He reached into a hidden pocket and found some old cloth. He kept it there just for reasons such as this. With haste in his hands he wrapped Leon's waist, applying pressure to stop the bleeding. " You better not die on me, you bastard... " 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

( Aerith-mun, I hope you don't mind if I control your character some. ^-^;;; 

Doukeshi's voice whispered in Aerith's mind.. 

Don't touch him. 

"Don't touch him," she was repeating Doukeshi's own words. Had he really taken control of such a sweet, innocent girl..? It was quite obvious that he had no heart. 

Get away from him, or else the poison will spread. 

"Get away from him, or else the posion will spread," she said aloud to Cloud, as she brushed past Yuffie and knelt down next to Leon and Cloud. 

The posion must take effect before it can be healed. 

Doukeshi was practically giving away the antidote. He wondered if he should have said that. 

"The poison must take effect before it can be healed," she said to Cloud as she untied the cloth from Leon. Her hands quickly became stained with the deep red blood, which had been tinted a purple-ish color by the poison. 

Let the blood flow... 

"...Let it drain his heart out." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

He looked on to Aerith with puzzled eyes, he watched as she spoke in a rather monotoned voice.. 

" Let it drain? But.. he'll die from blood loss. Are you sure you're ok, Aerith? " 
_________________ 
SORA 

After knocking down a few more Heartless and seeing that Kairi had gotten through as well, he dashed away from the melee of shadows and through the door, then pulled Wakka and Selphie away from the door, which closed after them. He bent over, panting heavily as he tried to catch his breath. That had been rather the close one. He finally stood up, glancing at those around him. Selphie, Kairi, Wakka... where was Tidus? He turned where the door he had just come out of was, just to see... well... nothing. He had stayed behind. Tidus was still in Destiny Islands. (For those that are confused about this, Kev relinquished his Tidus position.) 

He felt a bit bad about this, as he was sure the others did, but maybe it was actually for the better. As they all knew, Tidus's mother was quite the overprotective one. She would have most likely had thrown a fit if she had found out that he had gone ahead and left. Plus, this way all of their parents knew where they were. He grinned as he saw where exactly they were. Traverse Town. He glanced over at the three. "This is it. Traverse Town, you guys. I wonder where Donald and Goofy are..." 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie slowly turned and followed 'Aeris', shaking in confusion at her words. 

"I don't understand...." she said, worriedly gnawing on her lip as she looked down at Leon. This wasn't fair...was he supposed to die -now-, of all times? "How can letting his blood flow out possibly help Squall...?" She was too upset to bother correcting 'Squall' to 'Leon'. In fact, she'd be perfectly happy if he'd actually reprimand her as usual for her error... 

Kneeling on her knees beside Aerith, she resisted the impulse to brush at Leon's hair. She said not to touch him...and, sh esupposed, she had no choice but to do so. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Small and fuzzed moogle had stayed strangely quiet during this entire ordeal, as through most of it she felt quite awkward in speaking. Tneb hadn't been around these few people for that long, and already had she been thrown into a situation that completely boggled her little brain, Kupo. 

And now were oval coal hues fixed upon that bleeding man atop the floor, small ears perked to those words whispered by Cloud. It took her more than a few moments to respond to his question, as the off-white creature was still a bit overwhelmed by, Ku, those past few events. 

Subtle nod was soon given to her friend, squirming a tad to remove herself from that spot between his neck and scarf. Right onto his left shoulder did she perch, and yet so quickly were her actions halted. Words from Aerith did confuse her, looking to the one she liked least with much worry. 

Leaning then to the side of his neck did Tneb whisper to Cloud things quite obvious, "..I don't like the way she speaks, kupo, ku. Do you want me to heal him, or not? I know that I could.. ku.. I think." Eyes kept focused on Aerith for the next few moments until drifting back down to Leon, in which she, with a step off of Cloud's shoulder, lowered form to the ground beside him, opposite of Aerith. 
_________________SELPHIE-SU 

][ Hiya Pineapple! Eh -.-; Sorry for being REALLY late. The name's Rose! : D][ 

Blinking a bit, it had seemed that at one moment that they were all back home... but now... They're in Traverse Town!? Wow, talk about missing a bunch of things in the blink of an eye... Looking around she had smile on her face. Then it came to her. Tidus was not with them at all. As her face dropped into a frown as she shifted her gaze to looked at the group. 

"Eh... Why didn't Tidus come...? I hope... I hope he's alright... What if the Heartless got to him!?" 

From a sad to a worried face she gripped he nanchaku as if she was angered if any danger would come to him she will never forgive herself. 

"Grr... We have to save him! But... We're here now... and I don't know how to go back myself... Will he be alright Wakka? Sora?" 

With hope in her eyes she looked at the two of them. Well, of course they will say yes because he has a weapon. If only he had more experience with it... Just as she plopped down onto the ground looking at her weapon she didn't know how much she could take, losing her friends, now that Rikku and Tidus are both gone. 
_________________SORA 

[ Since NO ONE is posting.. I felt the need to advance this.. Here we go. o.x; ] 

He looked at the anxious Selphie with a hint of sympathy, but said with striking reassurance, "Don't worry. He'll be fine. He isn't the one the Heartless is after." They're after... me.. Too afraid of the thought to voice it outloud, he quickly changed the subject. "Now..." He blinked, azure eyes holding worry now as well. "Something.. something's wrong." With a sort of sixth sense, it came to him that there was danger in their midst... as if he could smell it in the air. "Come on.. Donald and Goofy are going to have to wait." He turned to his right, heading for the door that connected to the Third District (I can't remember which one they're in, but I think it's third... tell me if I'm wrong). Pushing the door open and stepping through, he entered to quite the dilemma. 

Squall seriously injured, Cloud and some... moogle, looking really worried, Yuffie even moreso, Aerith... but she seemed rather different. His brow furrowed at that, and lastly, seeming to be in the middle of it all was a... clown.. Sora closed his eyes. This stranger seemed to reek of evil, and for some reason he seemed disturbingly familiar. The way he entered, he got the feeling all eyes were going to turn to him. He had been gone for a while, after all. At first he couldn't say anything, just pretty... shocked by everything before him. He had missed a lot, he felt... too much. "Guys," he choked, stepping forward slightly. "What.. happened? Who--?" His eyes skated to that stranger. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

What the hell was Aerith talking about... Hmm... 
He listened to Tneb's words, thinking the same thing she did. Something was WRONG with Aerith. He looked down to the now decended Tneb, then to Aerith for a few moments, thinking for a bit, then back to Tneb. 

" Tch... Errr... I don't know.. " 

He was torn. Who was he to decide Squall's fate like this? Damnit.. If he chose to heal him, and he died, it would be all his fault, and if he didn't.. then.. heh.. lose-lose situation, isn't it? He motioned over to Aerith, placing his hands on her shoulders, staring deeply into her eyes. " How.. how do you know about the poison? How could you have known what kind it was, or how it works, without even checking Leon first? How? Tell me... " Eyes quickly darted back to Tneb, giving her a few questions, " Is there a way to extract the poison and still heal him? I mean.. there has to be a way besides him bleeding to death. " 

Cloud felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Somehow all eyes were on him for answers, him being appointed leader in absence of the fallen Leon.. His attention fell back on the zombified Aerith with worry filled Mako flashed, blue eyes. He slowly pulled her into a hug, not knowing what to do.. or say. " Aerith... what has he done to you? " 

Suddenly a voice was heard.. One faintly familier. Cloud's head turned sharply in it's direction. The Keyblade Master! Could it really be? Cloud wasn't the one to put all his faith into one person, but this, this boy seemed to lift his spirits with his, even though late, presence. Cloud called out to Sora, still holding Aeris tight however. " Sora! They have come back. Didn't you say you closed KingdomHearts! Why! Why have they come back?! " He didn't mean to blame this all on the kid. He had nothing to do with the Heartless coming back. Hell.. he didn't even know of their returning. " Err... I'm sorry, Sora. Just.. it's my fault. I wasn't prepared.. He got to Aerith.. And.. and Leon. " were his last words before laying Aerith's head against his chest, resting his hand on her head, and letting eyelids close over his eyes.
-----------------
SELPHIE-SU 

[-.-; Well...I tried. x_x! Where is minna(everyone)... ?*doink*] 

Following closely behind Sora...since nobody was really err- moving, besides him, she felt a little better hearing him say that Tidus was going to be just fine. The thing that was bugging her though, was why would the Heartless come back. Just when things were going back to normal they just had to show up. This time, they were tougher and more smarter than before, so it seems. Could it be...that they're after the keyblade? And Sora...? 

One thing for sure, was that there might be a new minion behind this. If... there's a new master then... Riku can finally be found and saved! Thinking about this gave her so much hope until Sora opened the door... 

Just as shocked as Sora, with the look upon her face she saw the scene before her very own eyes. A girl in pink held in the arms of a soldier-like looking guy along with a moogle by their side, a ninja girl who seemed to be out of it...and a guy with long brown hair, who was incredibly injured. Just as she turned her gaze over to the clown, who seemed to be responsible for this chaos she gave an 'eep' and jumped behind Sora. She was sure that all of this is going to give her nightmares throughout her entire life. 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

The Keyblade Master! 

"Let go of me." Aerith, with strangely immense strength, pushed Cloud away from her and spun around to face the one and only Sora. 

"You.." she said, her body going rigid. 

The spirit of Doukeshi quickly left her body, making her drop to the ground. The clownish figure suddenly reappeared in front of Sora, laughing maniacally. 

"The Keyblade Master.." the Jester of Heartless said, circling Sora. "It's been a long time..but the Darkness has returned.." 

Chuckling, Doukeshi leapt backwards, throwing a vial of antidote at Cloud's face. 

"Enjoy your pathetic lives while you still can! For Kingdom Hearts has been tainted once more with Darkness! It, the darkness, will consume you ALL! Uwa ha ha ha!" 

Doukeshi vanished. 
_________________ 
SORA 

[ Rose, it wasn't your fault. ^_^; You're doing wonderful. ] 

He looked to Cloud, a glint of guilt in his azure eyes. He sighed. "I know.. I know they're back. I don't know, Cloud.." Closing his eyes for a moment as he tried to figure this all out. "Don't worry.. I think they're after me..." He finally admitted such. Bringing his keyblade up, he started to walk farther into the district. "I'm going to stop this.. but I'll need help from all of you," he then announced. Now determination was all that stood there, and a few of those present would have had to admit that he looked rather mature; definitely different from before he had been pulled into all this. The island dwellers would have noticed it the most, of course, having known the boy since he was much younger. 

"They're going to survive.. we'll figure som--" and then Doukeshi really showed himself, pulling himself out of Aerith's form. "Y-you possessed..?" He watched as the girl in pink fell to the ground, and trusted in Cloud to make sure she was all right. For now his attention had to be turned to.. him. His eyes remained locked on this... clown; why did he feel so familiar? He listened to his words carefully, brow furrowing as he tried to figure out what it all meant. "No!" he yelled, running towards him. He wasn't getting... away.. Dammit. He sighed, bowing his head and looking at the ground. Gone. Just like that. Well, at least Aerith and Leon would be all right. 

He rushed over and snatched up the antidote, heading over to Leon. "Yuffie.." he said, in quite the serious tone. "Give this to him. It should help. Once he's taken it, call me over. I'll heal him." With a nod to her, he stood and walked over to Cloud and Aerith. "Is she okay?" She seemed to have passed from the energy that had been zapped from her when possessed. Eyes remained on her, examining her. "Hmm.. just let her rest. She'll be all right after she's gotten some energy back." Well, even if they were all confused, at least they were all alive... right? 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Once more did the plush creature remain silent, focused only upon Cloud for the time being. Patient was she when it came for him to answer, coal slits drifting toward Leon, then Aerith. Tneb wasn't quite sure how to answer his few questions, as she had no sort of antidote or anything on her. He'd still suffer though partially healed. Kupo. 

And just as she was thinking of any other possible option, gaze stayed on Cloud and his embrace to Aerith. It was in that moment that she found strange.. how one would be able to show so much affection in such a subtle movement. Strange was that, but even stranger was the entrance made by the younger boy she'd come across just once. She wasn't yet able to become to excited by the sight of such comfortable chocolate hued strands, as almost immediatly did that shout come from Aerith, followed by her, ku, fall. Just what were these Heartless things? And what did this clown have to do with them.. oh well. It really didn't seem the best time to ask. Kupo, just listen and learn. 

Thankfully someone would take care of the bleeding Leon and the fallen Aerith, and all seemed peaceful.. for the moment. Cloud would be busy with his pink clad friend for quite some time, she'd think.. and so would the moogle waddle over on such stubbly legs toward Sora. Such a warm head of hair, so cozy it would seem. Coal hues opened just a little, quick flap of plum wings, hovering just to the side of the young boy's face. "Kupo, I saw you. Before." 

It was a tad too tempting to pass up, even during such a confusing time. Landing upon his shoulder would she simply decide to sit there.. then with a hop, into that mass of fuzzy brown-ness. Snuggle, sigh. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie gratefully caught the antidote, then turned her attention to Leon. She was vaguely aware of conversation in the background, though, as she partially eased up Leon's head onto her lap. It was a sight full of teasing opportunities, but as with all this, that had a time and place. This wan't the time. 

"All right, Leon," she said grimly, to the bleeding, motionless figure. "Open wide." With the antidote in one hand, she gently reached over and squeezed his cheeks with the other. It was one of the less-known ways to get someone unconscious to open his mouth. 

Once Leon's mouth had promptly responded, Yuffie yanked out the stopper in the vial, and carefully poured it down his throat, just very slightly rubbing his throat to stimulate swallowing. Wouldn't do to choke him. once it was all gone, she turned to Sora, nodding affirmatively. 

"Alright...I've given him the antidote. You can do your thing, now." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud was suddenly pushed away by Aerith. He gasped as he watch her fall, and the Clown escape. Immediately he rushed to Aerith's side, holding her in his arms and looking towards Sora and the Clown. His message to Sora was recorded in Cloud's mind... He'd be damned if he let anything like that happen.. 

Then without warning a small bottle of fluid was thrown to him. By pure reflex he caught it, but was robbed of it by Sora. 
He shifted weight, extending his arm to grab it back, but heard Sora saying something about it helping Leon so he turned attention back to Aeris. 

Soon after Sora would come behind him.. trying to give concern. Err.. he really didn't want to hear this.. He had failed her.. Cloud called his sword to him again, catching it with one arm that had been shorty removed from Aerith. Somehow he worked it onto the magnet on his back. Quickly he stood, Aerith in his arms, back turned to the young boy. 

" I know what she needs... " Feet began to hit the pavement in a walk as Cloud strood away from them slowly. Tneb had seemed to be occupied for the moment, but he told her this anyway, " Tneb... I'll be back. Stay here untill I do... please. " 

With that final note he was off to the 2nd distance, shame weighing heavy on his heart. Eyes peered up before he advanced the same movements that got him on the rooftops of Traverse Town when he was with Tneb. Cloud kneeled on the roof of a rather tall house, staring an undieing stare at the fainted Aerith's face.. The wind was calm, but strong, caressing, but sharp, blowing his cape long behind him as his being stay motionless amist the navy painted, moon clad sky. 

Soon Aerith awoke, and the thoughts of how he could have let this happen erased from his mind. 

" Aerith.. I'm sorry, sorry I failed you... " 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 


Her eyes looked up slowly at Clouds, her face pale. 

"Cloud..." 

Her hands gently wrapped around the back of his head, pulling him into a warm, long kiss and embrace. She lifted her body slightly, only to get closer to him. Her arms wrapped tightly about him. "I did not hurt you... did I Cloud...? Don't let me hurt you..." 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Her kiss certainly caught him off guard. His body slowly rested, and his eyes fell to a close since she decided to let her tounge do the talking. This moment was well enjoyed.. No more Heartless, no guilt.. 

The kiss was released and Aerith's words were listened to carefully. He returned them with a warm smile. 
" Nah. You didn't hurt me. Don-Don't worry about that,Aerith. I think we should get back to the others.. " " 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 

She nodded slightly, looking up toward Cloud once more. "Yes..." Her hand grapsed tightly to his as she rose slowly to her feet. 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

Strange -- Ever see a clown sitting upon a fallen, mossy tree? 

He didn't think so. 

Doukeshi sat, dangling his feet, his toes gently brushing against the sands of Destiny Islands. Rather, the End of the World. A massive tear in the dimensional fabric of this world had caused the "Destiny Islands" to open up, the purple glow eminating from deep within. 

He chortled, remembering back to when he fought the Keyblade Master. He seemed so powerful; it was pathetic. He had let himself slip -- that was all. He hadn't taken enough time to become strong enough to squash the Keyblade Master while he still had the chance. 

This time was different. 

The clownish figure's appearance shifted now -- the true identity unraveling itself. It was, in fact, Ansem. 

"Hmm..." he said aloud, knowing nothing but the darkness would hear him. "I know you're there. Come out." 

There was another? 
_________________ 
SORA 

He sighed, then walking back to the group of those he had brought here-- Selphie, Wakka, Kairi. "Sorry... not the best welcome, is it?" He look mentally tired already... so much that was still so confusing. He blinked back over at the Moogle that had spoken to him. "Mm? Yeah, I remember you!" He kept that cheer somehow, even in this dire situation. "Better stick with me for the time being... your friend isn't in the best shape right now..." Of course, referring to Cloud. The Keyblade Master felt rather sympathetic for the warrior... one could see in his eyes that he had been through quite a lot. He finally was with Aerith and then she had to be tortured this way... it couldn't have been a good feeling. 

Turning back to the trio again, he continued. "If you guys want to go back... I guess you could. This might be a bit too much..." He hadn't expected this to be in chaos like this... if he had, he would have never brought them in the first place. "I'm sure we can find a way to get you back... and Tidus would need some company, right?" He grinned at the hopefully, but was pulled away thanks to Yuffie calling him over. "Oh... right." He nodded, then lifting his Keyblade up into the hair above him and yelling out, "Cure!" Green sparks of light cascaded down on the injured lion. He smiled reassuringly at Yuffie. "He'll be fine now. Fill him in, okay?" With that, he turned back to the three he had left behind. 

"What do you think?" 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

A hard leather boot pressed into the sand, the particles shifting and rolling out of the way. It was repeated about four more times, until he stopped. 

"...I knew you would be here, Ansem." his voice, deep-pitched and deadly, echoed throughought the falseness of the End of Destiny Islands. 

A strand of silky silver hair danced down across his gentle face. It was quickly brushed aside by a black leather glove, which squeaked lowly as it shifted around upon his hand. 

A breeze picked up. More of his long silver hair swayed along, as did the long black trenchcoat he wore. It came down to the ankles of his boots, the bottom of the long jacket ripped into many spikes. They all moved as if they had their own lives. 

"The Keyblade Master has returned to Traverse," he continued, his voice hinted with a touch of supressed rage. "And I've heard rumors..." 

His gloved hand slowly moved down to rest upon a sword -- known as none other than the Masamune. It was long, thin, and light; extremely easy to use in battle; and one of the most powerful weapons known to man -- just like the Keyblade. His hand gripped around it angrily, the leather tightening as it was pulled to compensate his hand motions. 

"I've wanted a rematch.." he said. 

Suddenly, a large, black feathered wing shot out from his right shoulder. a few feathers cascaded into the sand, but quickly faded from existence, leaving only its memory -- an imprint in the sand. It, the wing, that is, stretched out a little more, as if flexing -- but why? How could one fly with only one wing? No matter. 

"The Keyblade Master...This...Boy...It's pathetic. The spirit of the key chose a teenager..." 

He sighed, his gloved hand, the one that wasn't gripped on the sword, raising up to his forehead. 

"I think it's time we find the Keyblade a NEW master." 

A smirk spread across his lips. 

"Shall we..?"
-------------
LEON 

His eyes flitered open, his frigid hues holding a gaze on the ninja girl. 

'Rinoa?' 

No, it wasn't Rinoa. He shook his head as his honey-duke stands followed the notion. He then sat up half the way as he watched Yuffie, his eyesight still focusing. 

'Yuffi--Where's Rinoa?' He stood up immediantly, taking quick turns and swurves, yet he found no luck. 

'What happened?' 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

[] Damnit! I posted this right when you were, Kaz, and I said Leon was on the ground. x.x Umm.. just go with it? [] 

A nod was giving and the blonde haired warrior stood up, extending his hand to help her. As soon as she was in a upright postion, he scooped her up in his arms for a slight spice of surprise. He began to run across the rooftops at a moderate pace. He didn't want to scare Aerith too much with his advancement. Soon Mako tainted eyes could view down on Sora and the others. With a quick leap, he bound from the roof, landing with a thud on the stone ground right next to Sora. Some of his tatter cape got caught on the kid's head, tickling Tneb a bit as he moved forward, placing Aerith gentle to her feet. 

He knew she would hate this but he had to stray his attention from her for just a bit more. He had to address Sora on the new Heartless situation. She should understand... 
Those soft blue eyes, splashed with past sights of battles, and that cursed green fluid viewed around rather coldly at the members Sora had brought with him. Cloud always liked to show a bit of intimidation when speaking to others for the first time. His sad way of earning a bit of respect. He always had to fight so hard for it.. 

" Hmm.. so you brought friends, Sora? Are they here to help the fight against the Heartless? " Although these words were somewhat welcoming, excusing being stright to the point, but in the back of Cloud's mind he was thinking such things as, Damn.. More kids. This could hurt more than help.. but.. Sora excelled my expectations, so I will be hopeful at least 

A faint ticking sound would be heard as Cloud clicked together the brass nails on his right hand as he eyed the proud few of Sora's over one last time before he made his way to Leon, taking a kneel to see if he was clearly alright before scolding him for his careless mistake. " And you said I should keep my eyes off Aeris, eh? Seems like you sure were lured in by a pretty face, Mr. LeonHart. Get it together, man. You and I are the second most able here.. We have to protect Sora if he needs. The muscle, got it? Heh.. if I know you Leon, and I think I do, I'd say you want a good shot at that Clown guy. I do too. We'll hang him high, bro. " Ok, so it wasn't exactly a scolding. More like brotherly encouragement. Leon and he had fought enough. How could they beat the Heartless fighting amongst eachother? 

The speech ended, Cloud stood up, holding his left arm out for Leon, hopeing he would take it. Gaze shifted swiftly to Sora for a moment to speak to him while Leon raised from his postion, with Cloud's help or without. " So Sora, what do you have in mind for us now? Should we go inside and work a plan, KeybladeMaster? Heh.. sorry to put all the weight on you, kid, but I know you can do it. You bested, and saved me from the brink of becoming a Heartless, also found your light, and earned my respect. There is nothing you can't do in my eyes, Sora. Now let's kick some Heartless ass. " A warm smile ran across hidden lips as he eyed the young boy like a proud father watching his only son. 
_________________ 
LEON 

There was a slight grunt. 'I don't need your pity, Strife.' He awaited the details on what the hell happened him. His cold exterior had seemed to crawl back into his rigid heart. And it wasn't releasing its self anytime soon. 'And.. the bro comment could have been disincluded from your speech, which I must say was a sad attempt at cheering me up. We are not related in any way.' 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

"Welcome back to the world of the living, Squa- er, Leon," Yuffie chirped, backing away and standing as Leon blinked his way back into consciousness. "And what a wonderful world it is." Nodding at Sora's request, she let Cloud have his say before scowling at the swordsman's words. Any comments would be temporarily postponed. Probably for all of five seconds, miraculously enough. 

"Geez, what a time to take a nap!" she scolded Leon, showing not a shred of the worry she held before. "You're going to give me white hairs, you know, and wrinkles. Ooh, won't you be embarrassed when you're stuck with a wrinkly old hag for a partner!" she coughed. "Buuuut....anyway! Back to business!" 

Insert busy throat clearing. "After you konked out, the fake Rinoa - you should really listen to your friends next time, you know - or whoever was in disguise as her, 'pparently went into Aeris! How evil can you get? Anyway, he made her say a lot of stuff about how to cure you and all...kind of scary, though," she added. "She was jabbering a lot about letting your blood drain out. Good thing Sora came along," she continued, nodding towards the Keyblade wielder. "Mr. Clown gave up or something, 'cause he got out of Aeris and gave the antidote for you, which you've just been spoon-fed like a baby by your's truly!" Yuffie was speaking at an understandable pace, really. Leon just might have to strain a little to completely get it. 

"That's about it! Noooow...." Once done with relating the event, the ninja immediately whirled towards and aimed a mock punch at Cloud's arm (with...well, a lot more force than was necessary). 

"Second most able? You two, the second most able?! You're not exactly the living incarnation of Strength and Power, you know." Puffing herself up proudly like a peacock, and apparently rather determined to make a lasting (traumatizing) impression on Sora's friends. "What happened to mentioning the remarkable abilities of the Great, Powerful, and Amazing Ninja Yuffie?!" she growled, pronouncing the important words with such emphasis, it was the vocal equivalent of a capital. 

"Hmph! No appreiation for real talent, some people!" she sniffed, crossing her arms and just barely managing to stop herself from sticking her tongue out at the no doubt now-confuzzled Cloud. Hmph indeed. 
_________________ 
DOUKESHI 

Ansem chortled, knowing that the One-Winged Angel would want revenge for it. It was understandable -- Sephiroth had never been defeated at ANYTHING -- well, one thing... 

....Then Sora came and took away his glory. 

"I see," he said, his image flickering, reappearing behind Sephiroth. His voice came from behind him. 

"Do what you wish. But you bring that keyblade back to me. Or I will kill you myself." 

Ansem faded back into his Doukeshi alias, chortled, and vanished, leaving Sephiroth alone to ponder things in the End of Destiny Islands.. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

The ment to be soft punch contacted with Cloud's left arm. A low sign of the slight pain escaped his lips in the form of a grunt. The girl known as Yuffie certainly did confuse Cloud, going on with her jibber-jabber. " Y-you heard me? Hahaha, sorry about that. I only ment to try and cheer Leon up a bit. I know you are a well and able warrior. Seems like it was a lost cause anyway, huh, Yuffie? " 
_________________ 
LEON 


"Whatever." He gave a shake of his head as he walked towards the nearest wall, his posture forming as a slight movement of his body, proping his back up against the wall. For now, he'd stay out of the drama. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

Ansem had left him all alone, all alone. 

He sat down upon the tree where the Seeker of Darkness had previously been seated upon, his trenchcoat gently dangling the the ground, each ripped spike swaying and shifting in a few gentle motions. 

His hand moved up to his face, flicking away one of the large locks of hair that usually hung down. His eyes were closed. He was thinking. 

"I suppose it's time..." He said to himself after an hour or so. Sliding off of the mossy tree, his feet planeted firmly into the sand, creating two large indents. 

He pushed forward through the blisteringly hot sand, though not a drop of sweat shed from his face; even while wearing leather. Even moreso, black leather. Odd. 

He reached the large crevasse in the False Destiny Islands. The purple glow shone against his body, illuminating his face and attire, though he was standing in broad daylight. His left hand reached out, and the barrier shattered, allowing him to step through. 

"I can feel your heartbeat..." he said as his boots thudded against the strangely solid purple ground. "I can feel you...Kingdom Hearts..." 

He reached the center; he could tell, as the ground was darkest here. He knelt down, the leather making the same noise as earlier, it compensating for the shifting in motion. 

"Are you here...?" he said to the ground. Was he crazy? Talking to the ground, how foolish. "Are you there...Kingdom Hearts...?" 

There was no response. All he felt was his heartbeat, pulsating in time with this...land's, though false. What was meant by all of this? His heart thumping in perfect symmetry with Kingdom Heart's, it had to mean something. 

Was he destined to hold the keyblade? 

He would soon find out, and he vanished in a flurry of black feathers, each one drifting towards the ground... 

....only to fade from existence. 
_________________SELPHIE-SU 

[ o.o; OMG yes! We're moving again! : X] 

Just standing there, she watched as all of the people turned to lay their eyes on Sora. It has seemed that Sora had made some friends here in Traverse. Of course, there was more to come... Donald and Goofy. As she watched Sora moved his way to the stange looking creature, with a funny looking bon bon thing on its head, she didn't take her gaze off of this scene that she was witnessing. 

Many things... were occuring at the same time, causing her to get a bit dizzy and confused. She was now being pulled between two worlds. The instant Sora asked about her and the others turning back, to go back to Destiny Islands, she immediately shook her head. Her, turn back now? Well, at first everything turns out chaotic, then become smooth at the end. 
Why would she just want to turn back, after staying here for about a minute. As the thoughts ran through the young girl's mind. 

As Sora briefly walked away to heal the partner, of the ninja looking girl. She lowered her head down to gaze at the ground. With soft spoken words she... didn't seem at all happy. 

"Us... go back to Destiny Islands? But we just got here... You think we can't handle this at all...? Of course, Tidus may need some company... But... How about your mom, Sora?" 

As she paused a bit, thinking what she said was terribly wrong she quickly shook her head, as to 'scratch off what I just said.' 

"Anyways it's your decision, Sora. If you need more help... I will be willing to stay." 

Even though this was a 'great' welcoming. It would be great to take chances in figuring out this whole new situation. 
_________________
SORA 

Glad to see that Leon was his old self again, he just smiled softly as he watched Yuffie going on about all that had happened, Leon looking on with that apathetic expression, just to walk away and lean against the wall as he always did. He smiled at Cloud, Leon, and Yuffie. "You're all good! I'd appreciate it if even one of you came along with us." That worried look flooded his face once again, seeming to become more and more frequent. "I... get the feeling things are going to be a lot tougher from here on out. I'd like to have as much firepower as possible." He nodded to the three, then turned over to a different trio. "Selphie, I'm sorry... just.. I didn't know if you guys really wanted this. I didn't mean it that way. I'd love to have all of you along. So.. Kairi, Wakka? Do you two agree with her?" 

He figured Kairi probably would, seeing that she wanted to help get Riku. And, Wakka, well... he'd probably stay because of Selphie, who was like his little sister. He wouldn't trust her with Sora... the brown-haired boy laughed to himself at that. "We have to find Riku... I hope you will all come." He then turned to all of them, even looking up to Tneb for a moment. Little did he know that Aerith had just met Riku, knowing exactly where the silver-haired youth was. What a coincidence... or maybe... fate? 

He frowned all of a sudden, a strange feeling overcoming him. His heart ached slightly, almost as if it was being corrupted. Things got blurry for a moment, but he just as quickly snapped out of it, and everything was normal. That had been strange, all right... Shaking his head to get rid of the feeling, making sure that Tneb was still stable, he sighed slightly. "I also need to find Donald and--" 

"Sora!" yelled two familiar voices, in unison, no less. Azure eyes turned with delight to see his friends, a grin immediately flooding his face. Those were a sight for sore eyes... great to see his old buddies again. "Guys!" he yelled. "Get over here!" The duck and dog walked over, making the usual greetings with those they knew (Yuffie, Aerith, Leon, etc.) and then turning to see the three unfamiliar ones. "This is Kairi, Wakka, and Selphie, guys..." Sora said, pretty much addressing all of them since he hadn't had time to make a formal introduction beforehand. "I think... they should be helping us as well." 

"And..." he said, looking right away to Cloud, "don't underestimate them." Seriously, it was somewhat scary how he could read minds. "Once everyone's ready, we'll... set out to find Riku." He was still a bit shaky from what happened just a second ago.. that had been so... strange. Best to let it go, though. He didn't want to worry over it too much. Wasn't a big deal, right? Probably not.
-----------------
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie grinned smugly. "Glad you know it..." She coughed. "Well, anyway!" Once Donald and Goofy entered on the scene, and Sora laid out their basic travel plans, she laughed suddenly, energetically pumping a fist in the air. 

"Well, we're all here!" she declared, beaming broadly around and including Kairi, Selphie, and any others she might have missed. "Quite the traveling party, eh? But hey, the more, the merrier!" Probably not true in Leon's case. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

A rooftop emerged under his feet, and he was standing there -- in Taverse Town. 

The neon glowing of the many town sign illuminated the area he occupied, his face glowing with the greenish tint of their light. 

"Where are you...Sora...?" he thought to himself. Leaping from the rooftop, his trenchcoat flapped furiously as he sped towards the cobblestone street. He landed on his right foot, it making a loud "thump" as it slammed into the ground. 

Lifting his body to an upright position, Sephiroth flicked his hair out of the way once more. His mako-infused eyes danced madly around the district, scanning for any sign of the keyblade master. 

There was none. 

This district was empty -- where was he? He had only been here once before; when he had arrived after his home planet's destruction. He didn't need to use those silly Gummi Ships; his powers alone allowed him to travel from world to world. 

He began to stroll through the empty district, his eyes keeping close watch for any sign of Sora or his other two friends -- That Duck and that strange-speaking Dog. 

He smirked gently. 



I could cause a lot of chaos here... 

No. You're here for the Keyblade Master. 

You're right...But...Just a little bit of fun... 

Sephiroth now stood in front of the door to the second district -- he was sure Sora presided there. His hand gently swayed, and, leaning forward, he shot out three massive pillars of fire around him. They grew tremendously, burning the large door to cinders. 

"Simple pleasures..." he said aloud as the fire pillars faded. He stepped forward through the massive hole, a large piece of burning wood fell to the ground from the door and landing next to him. 

"Where are you...Sora...?" 

The scene was eerie indeed. The massive hole he had created was tinted with an orange glow; obviously from the burning. The One-Winged Angel stood directly in this doorway, peering around, hoping the Keyblade Master was present. 

He still could not find him. 

Where are you, Sora? 
_________________ 
LEON 

This mission is dull. He gave a small sigh as he lifted himself from the brick-wall. Risque ovals scanning the area, he was still looking for her. It felt like she was alive, her soul was vitaled. She was living.. he could fell the faint gasp of air as her pallid lips had departed from a debar`d position. 

What was he thinking? He was downpoured by the clown's damn spell. His lungs were filled with his toxin, and his mind was filled with her. Yes, her. He couldn't get her out of his fragile mind. She was fake! He kept repeating over and over, just a fake. A decoy, to destroy his mind and body. 

You're such a fool... 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

Cloud had now fell silent, listening and watching contently. He had nothing more to add, folding toned arms over blue vested chest. Things seemed to have coled down a bit for the moment, but the few moments of calm were suddenly halted in Cloud's mind. He.. he could feel it.. The Mako was calling him. There was another.. Another like him? Impossible.. he, he would have known. This, this being he sensed, his aura was dark, sickening; he had to tell Sora, but not get the others up in the process. 

As casually as he could, he walked over to Sora, speaking lowly to the young Keyblader. The only person who could have heard Cloud's tone of voice would be Tneb. " Sora.. we have to move on. Something, someone is coming. I doubt we are prepared. He's in 2nd District, and closing. It would be better if we didn't tell the others of this person just yet. Make up something for us to move to the First District. If worse comes to worse, leave him to Leon and I. You have to continue on to re-close KingdomHearts. " 

Cloud didn't like too much the idea of hiding this information from the others but it had to be done. If they all knew then it would be chaos within the ranks. They weren't even fully organized, and knowledge of this new threat would not help at all. 

" Sora, if shopping is need, have everyone do it with haste. " 
And with that, Cloud walked over to Aerith, telling her to come to the shop with him. A few moments of quality time would be greatly appreciated by her he knew. 
_________________ 
TNEB 

Moments after the blanch creature had found herself a nice spot in the fuzzy comfyness of the young boy's hair, there was no question that she could have fallen asleep right then and there. All of that.. holding on for her life in the depths of Cloud's scarf, well.. this tired Tneb considerably. However, words were exchanged from person to person that interested her greatly. Not everything, Ku, made sense. 

Rounded coal hues did peek over those messy spikes, using those stubbish arms every now and then to pat down several bushy areas obscuring the small one's vision. Though she didn't know Leon that well, it would be a relief to see him up and moving. And Yuffie, kupo.. she'd be a fun one to mess with. And so while the new duo of people er.. rather odd-looking creatures were met, plans displayed, and ideas discussed, Tneb dug through the small pouch she carried 'cross her chest, and pulled out.. a grape? Kupo, such was her weapon of choice. 

Taking advantage of the few happy moments where the moogle simply lied down upon her front side in that mess of almond locks, a casual flick of that grape was given toward Yuffie and..and.. Kupo! Direct hit on the nose. Tneb would quickly take up conversation with Sora so not to look so suspicious. Leaning forward, slight downward tilt of her head with obsedian hues only inches from his own.. upside down, of course. "You have some strange looking friends, Ku. Just be happy that I'm here, or else people would give you the oddest looks.. walking with them. " As if she weren't strange looking herself, eh. 

Playful manner did she speak, tipping out over the front of those spikes and teetering to the point of almost falling forward, and yet.. ku, moogles had such balance. Slight blink given, however, at the approaching Cloud with that serious tone given. Sitting up abruptly in that mass of maple strands, subtle side tilt of her head as she listened. 

"Cloud, kupo." Ah, but the blonde had already gone off with his lady clad in pink. She wanted to ask if he needed her help, but figured Aerith would provide him with whatever he asked for..hmph, ku. Jealous little creature did manage to grasp the serious nature of the situation quickly after, and with that, teetered off to one side only to fall promptly onto Sora's shoulder, short legs drifting off forward against the front of where she sat. Anxious flap of plum hued wings, leaning casually against the side of his head and indeed spoke quietly. "Don't worry, Ku. I am quite the leader type, kupo, yes indeed. I can take over whenever you need!" Hm. Like that would be happening. 

Affectionate nuzzle of that cool, rose hued nose to his cheek was given not a moment later. Who wouldn't be friendly toward such a comfortable head of hair-- Er, toward such a nice boy, yes, Ku. 
_________________YUFFIE-SU 

"Yawch!" Yuffie yelped, as a small, round projectile konked her squarely on her nose. Rubbing at it and pouting, she turned towards Tneb (or Sora, rather, as Tneb was on him...). 

"I saw that," she said sulkily. "Not funny, Mooglette." If ammunition was the going topic, Yuffie idly cast about for something that woudn't harm the Moogle, except for Tneb's pride. 


Her eyes lit upon a tiny, round, rubber ball. Perfect. 

Winding up like a baseball pitcher, she carefully took aim, and let 'er rip. She missed her target, though, wihch was Tneb's nose, and instead ended up hitting the Moogle's weird head pompom thing. 

"Oooopsie..." she commented innocently. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

I'm coming... 

He walked through the Second District now, no signs of any people inhabiting it. A pigeon flew overhead. 

Sephiroth continued to stroll through, his hands clasped together behind his back. His face was blank; no emotions poured through it -- no smile, no frown. Nothing. The only thing showing was the determination hidden deep within his eyes. That everlasting determination. 

He now reached the door to the First District. This was the last place in Traverse where the Keyblade master would be located. He had to be here. He just had to. 

Drawing his sword from the belt-tie of his leather trenchcoat, he raised it above his head. His eyes peered forward as if looking right through the door to the First District, as if seeing everything that was going on within it. 

Sora...I can feel your heart... 

Sephiroth smirked as his sword slashed down upon the door. 

A few people screamed. 

One fell over. 

He chortled as he lowered his sword, and placed it back into the belt-tie. 

"Sora," he called out, his voice echoing over the voices of the frightened people. 

"Come out, Sora..." 

He chortled once more. Gazing around, he viewed all of the different people of Traverse Town. Who should he kill first? 

This is going to be fun... 
_________________LEON 

His head gave a jerk, his eyeview facing the district's doors. I... I.. sense it also. That dark presence was congested with hatred, no.. was it hatred? 

It was.. envy, and maybe just a tad of jealousy. He heard Cloud's distressed cry to the wielder of the Keyblade. He was right, Sora must take his paces with haste. 

He saw.. Aeris escorted by Cloud into the shop, he was stressful, what her and Leon went through.. he was the cause she was sent through all that drama and terror. 

God bless Cloud, God bless he was there for her, because Squall would never be half of the man Cloud is. 

He seemed alone, the pale hints of light rays glistening on his stoic facade, he had chosen to stay.. and watch for that figure of evil. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

He stepped, stepped, stepped closer and closer to where Sora's heart felt the strongest. He could feel it pumping, pumping, pumping, he could feel it pushing the blood out of it, warming Sora's body. It was strange; was there some sort of connection between the two..? 

He blinked a bit, the cool breeze stinging his Mako-infused eyes. His wing outstretched, a few feathers dancing down, down, down towards the ground. They vanished. He turned his head slowly to his right the locks of his hair gently tumbled across his facade. He brushed them away with a gloved hand, and continued to press forward, to find where the Keyblade Master was hiding. If he was hiding. 

He wondered if his own presence could be felt. Sensing that it could, he quickly covered his aura, the darkness within it vanishing, becoming less obvious that it was he, the One-Winged Angel. 

"I'm looking for a boy..." he said at the neartest person, who was cowering against a wshort wall. A large yellow face hung over over the man, hanging from the top of a building. He was in the back of the first district, the broken door to the Second lying behind him, the door to the Synthesis Station in his front. The man was cowering to his side, the light emitting from the large face glowing, illuminating his feeble presence. "A teenager. Have you seen him..?" He pointed the Masamune at the cowering man, who began to sweat profusely. 

"I-I-I.." he began to say, but was obviously too afraid to say anything more, in fear of vomiting. 

"You what..?" Sephiroth said, tightening his grip on the sword. 

"I saw him! That way!" he pointed towards with a shaking hand, scrambled to his feet, and dashed off, hoping the One-Winged Angel would not persue him. 

Sephiroth wasn't in the mood to kill anybody but Sora, anyway. 

"Why thank you," he said, and began to walk around the Synthesis Station, towards the front; where hte entrances to the Accessory and Items shops were. 

As he was walking, he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. A man -- he didn't seem like any ordinary man -- with long brown hair, a jacket, and..a sword. Not the Keyblade. This was not Sora, but just a man with a sword. Anyone could have a sword, right? No, no, not just anyone would walk around with a sword like that. 

He didn't dare underestimate anyone; they could be protecting Sora, after all. 

He stepped into a shadowy corner, all but a small sliver of his wing hidden in the darkness of the shade. His eyes peered out, catching glimpses of Sora, the Dog, and the Duck. 

This was going to be more difficult than he thought.
----------------
YUFFIE-SU 

A slight frown materialized on Yuffie's brow as she turned her mind away from the moogle. Something smelled fishy, and her amazing ninja senses had never led her astray yet. Okay, well maybe once or twice. All that had happened was that someone got smacked with pie in the face! 

If Traverse Town is as sweet at innocent as it seems, Yuffie thought grimly, my name is Fluffikins. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 

With concern in her eyes definitely something was wrong. Looking at Sora she had observed some force had struck him. Taking a step towards him she froze to see that he had already recovered, shaking his head to shrug off the feeling. As Yuffie spoke, Selphie gave off a weak smile hearing that they made quite a traveling party indeed. When Sora began to speak she whirled around hearing someone yeling out his name. 

Now... would you look at that? Just when Sora was talking about searching for Donald and Goofy here they came! And how uhm...err odd they look. Definitely if an ordinary person were to look at them, their first thought would be that they definitely came from a different world. As the funnly looking duck and err- dog made their way over Sora introduced the two to the group. Giving a little wave she blinked seeing...a fairly big group now... except, they're just scattered. 

Turning her attention away from the group for a while. She saw Yuffie and Tneb go at it. Seeing that Tneb got bonked on the face with an object she let out a little giggle, not wanting make a scene by bursting out with laughter. Just then, she heard Sora telling the Cloud guy to not underestimate them. 

As she turned to see a the blonde soldier she glared at him. What? Just when they got here... well, this was some welcome that they've received and not the best. Of course first appearance people judge... and maybe they're just getting a bad start on the wrong foot. 

Feeling a small breeze blow by made the group suddenly silent. What was this funny instinct that people get when you don't feel exactly that you're not alone? Getting a queasy...feeling in the tummy isn't a great thing. Tugging onto Sora's sleeve she shrinked back a bit. 

"Why is everyone quiet all of a sudden...? I don't like it when nobody says a thing..." 
_________________ 
SORA 

It was getting closer... someone was out to get him, and the wary glances given towards him by all those in his regiment was enough to confirm that they sensed it as well. Cloud approaching him about it just crashed the party entirely. However, he was right. He couldn't stay here; not when there was someone out to get him. They couldn't really afford another run-in after they had just gotten through one already. Sora hadn't been a part of it, but still... it was just a good idea to get out of the district. Better yet, out of the town entirely. He was about to advise this to Cloud, but then he had to go and seperate himself. Great, just great. 

Oh well, he'd figure something out. Time to tell the group what was up. "Guys, I think we'd better get out of Traverse Town. Someone's out to get us." That's all he said before leaving for the First District and the town entrance; he just hoped they would follow. At that point, anywhere was better than where they were at the moment. Get as far away from the threat as possible; that was priority. Pushing the door open and stepping through, his Keyblade was held tightly in his hand, Sora being ready to fight if the time came. Guilty eyes glanced over at the three he had brought with them; what he had thrust them into... he just hoped they would manage. Especially Kairi; she had been unusually quiet through all of this... as if she was in some state of shock. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

He materialized in front of the boy now, his dwelling within the shadows growing rather boring. The black waves of energy swirled around the purple as his image appeared from it. The waves slowly shrunk, and eventually faded into darkness. 

"Boy.." he whispered, his voice being the only one that could actually be heard; it was as if he had caused a ripple in the universe, shutting down everything except the two things that truly mattered. Himself. The Boy. 

He stepped forward, his boot thudding against the dull brick walkway of the district. He circled Sora, the palm of his hand resting, resting ever so gently upon his Masamune. If the boy would strike, he would be ready to strike back. With a vengeance. 

"You may have defeated me once..." his voice seared into Sora's mind, pressing against it, burning it with every syllable. He continued. "But it's not over...The Keyblade..." 

His hands now rested upon Sora's shoulders, the leather gloves moving almost noiselessly as his fingers dug into Sora's shoulders with a firm, yet gentle press. His wing stretched out ever so slightly. 

"It will be mine..." He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as a smirk slid across his soft, pale fuschia lips. 

"I promise.." 
_________________SORA 

There. All of a sudden, time froze. And there was just him... him and someone else. Not even the friendly little Moogle rested upon his head anymore, and there was a strong sense of abandonment and death about the place. He was alone, alone with someone else... though he almost didn't want to know who. Head was bowed, for he knew this other presence was before him and he started a little when he heard that piercing voice... one that sent a shiver up the young boy's spine. No, he didn't even have to look up. He knew who it was. 

Head pounding with something similar to a headache just from the words that Sephiroth spoke, all he wanted was to get away. This wasn't a good time; come to think of it, there wasn't such a thing as a good time for Sephiroth to be around. He had barely managed to dispose of the silver-haired one before; who knew if he could manage to do it again? Besides, he seemed to have a lot more hatred towards him now then ever. Probably a sort of pride thing. I mean, face it. It probably was quite the kick to his pride to be beaten down by a fourteen year old. What was he saying, though? He wanted the Keyblade now? Geez, this was getting worse by the minute. 

It seemd everyone wanted the blasted thing... sometimes he wished that he hadn't ever become the Keyblade Master. In truth, it actually belonged to someone else, but... Cowering under the firm grip on both shoulders, he then tensed and looked up with determined azure eyes into the Mako-filled ones of his opponent. "No," he said sternly, as if there was no question to his statement. "No. You won't." 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

"Really now...?" 

Sephiroth's smirk played across his lips, as if a devilish game were taking place. His eyes flickered down to the boy, those mako-infused irii piercing his soul; grasping it; squeezing it until the pus-like truth revealed itself. 

"You...do not want it..?" he said, his voice creeping throughout Sora's body, like a parasite exploring its host. "I understand now...The Keyblade is a hassle to you." 

His leather-gloved hand rose up to his own face, and flciked aside the silver lock that danced down upon his forehead, the hair swishing to the side with gentleness, then tumbling back to its original position. His eyes fluttered to a close. 

"I see. I will have to deal with you another time. You are obviously doubting yourself..." 

He took a few steps back, the boots thudding dully upon the brick. 

"Remember, Sora..." his voice changing to a whisper, a note of care lingering within it. "You will be the one who opens the door..." 

He looked down towards his boots, his hair gently tumbling past his shoulders, hanging down like a waterfall suspended in mid-air. 

"But you cannot open it...If your heart does not wish it..." 

The black portal surrounded him once more, enveloping him into darkness. The feathers fell, and swiped against the ground before fading into nothingness. His image was gone. 

As was his spirit. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

Yuffie blinked, then shivered, smiling weakly. 

"That...felt weird..." she croaked, rubbing at her eyes, as if to rid herself of the darkness apparently swimming in her vision. Ever hear of color-spots, which you get when you stare at light too long, and flash into sight every time you blink? 

Yuffie was probably having the opposite, caused by staring at darkness. 

"Guys...You okay?" she glanced at the silent members of the party, then focused her attention on Sora. The wielder of the Keyblade was silent as well, though as his back was turned to the ninja, she could only guess at his expression. She shivered as a cold gust of wind swept through the town, eternally frozen in night. Not for the first time, and not for the last, she wondered why the town seemed so...empty. Not since the Heartless had abruptly attacked them had she seen one...She involuntarily took a step backwards. 

"...What...just happened?" 
_________________ 
LEON 

"..." His pace was quick, yet it came to a halt near the materia theif. Ovals o` magnolia blinked a few, then turned to the settlement which was where Sora stood standing. 

"I have a bad feeling.." He muttered to himself, self-indulgently. Pallid complexion complexed with a trivial burden, as gloved fingertips lay circulated on his lenient forehead. "A very bad vibe.." 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 

[XO Come now, kiddies, let's settle down. I just edited my post, nyu, so you might want to go back and check Yuffie's new dialogue.] 

Yuffie glanced at Leon, and shuffled closer. Alright, so maybe he'd fallen to the tricks of the jester...clown...person, but she'd had a bit more exposure to his abilities, and she trusted him to stand up to whatever came next. Besides, there had to be someone to distract the attacks from her beeyootifull self...Hehe, just kidding. 

Although Sora had been proven stronger than Leon, Yuffie felt more comfortable seeking shelter under a 'big brother' figure than a 'little brother' one. It wouldn't do for people to se her cowering and clutching at Sora's balloon-y pants, right? She grinned involuntarily at Kairi, then. Now, there was someone who seemed made for doing that. 

[Random fact: I'm a Riku/Kairi shipper. >.> So sue me.] 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 

( Sorreh. I was in a shazam mood yesterday. >.>; 

He ocudl feel Ansem's heart of darkness gripping aroudn his as he materialized in front of him. Ansem knew what was coming. Sephiroth smirked. 

"Well, Ansem. It seems I've found out some useful infromation.." He quickly drew the Masamune, and with an amazing blur of speed, shot it forward at Ansem. 

"What the..?!" Ansem said as the sword sliced right through his body. Blood trickled from his torso as his eyes widened with the shock of the blow. 

"You won't recieve it, however..." That hideous laugh echoed from Sephiroth's mouth after the words. He was truly a cold-blooded killer. 

"But....Wh....Bas...tard..." 

Ansem's top half collapsed onto the ground, stainind the sands of False Destiny Islands. His legs fell over one by one, the blood and muscle pouring out of them. 

"What a fool..." Sephiroth turned and began to walk away, flicking the blood from his sword as he did so. 

"Not so fast." a cold-hearted voice called out from behind him. Sephiroth froze instantly, paralyzed by the familiarity of that voice.....that voice.... 

Jenova. 

Slowly, using all of the will power he had, he turned around to confront the ghostly image of her...it....whatever. 

"...You." he said, his voice quivering with deep hatred, pain, and sorrow. 

"Come to me.." Jenova called out. The image of it was flickering now, revealing a smoky like substance. Heartless! 

"Ansem....you BASTARD!" Sephiroth lunged forward at the False Jenova, slashing madly at it with the blood-stained Masamune. Sparks shot out in every which direction, as did traces of blood. 

The image ofthe ghastly being faded away, revealing the shadow that was once attached to Ansem. This heartless was one of the core evils. And it had the power to revive Ansem. 

He had to dispose of it quickly. 

Blazing his Masamune forward with brilliantly powerful speed and strength, he sent the side of the blade directly for the center of the Heartless Shadow. It connected, and a massive beam of darkness was shot through the masamune, into Sephiroth's body. 

The darkness enveloped him. It became him; his hands, legs, body, mind. THe true darkness was now within him. 

He had become the Heart of Darkness. 

Sephiroth's mako-infused eyes, those devilish, inhumane iris -- they had become the most sickening, evil pupils seen. One look, one simple look, and the seer could die of fright. 

He had become a reincarnation of hell. 

Sephiroth's very presence....although same in the physical sense, his aura....That already deadly aura.. 

He had become a God.
-----------------
AERITH-SU 

Aerith's eyes gazed off the edge of the Hollow Bastion, pupils wide, her hair blowing gently in the wind as she clung to Sephiroth. What had changed him so drastically within these past few what seemed to be minutes? 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 
Cloud was a man on a mission. He was determined to get Aerith back even if it meant his own death. Heh.. very noble indeed. The swordsman had never felt for another like he felt for her and he'd be damned a Heartless if he'd let her slip away without a valiant fight. 

He and Leon had now reached the gates of Traverse town. He had yet to tell Leonhart where they were to. " Leon, I asked you to come with me because there is something we must do. I heard of a legend.. If it be true then we could more than defeat the Heartless. " 

Cloud exited the town and found the gummiship he had won from Cid in a card game. He didn't like the idea of traveling on such a machine but there was no other way. " Come on.. " he called out to Squall. The sooner they leave, the better. Once the lionheart had gotten himself seated, they were off. Where they were headed was a hidden land. 
------------------------ 
LEON 

Crossing his belted arms over his chest, Leon frowned at Cloud's words. "A legend, huh?" he said, doubt lining his voice. He never believed in legends or fairy tales or any pointless things like that, only the real, the physical, the things he could see, touch, hold, and know existed. Myths and legends were pointless to him. But he wasn't about to go against Cloud's word. He was just as determined to find a way to save Aerith as the other was, but not because he cared for her. He only cared for himself, and it showed. But because after Hollow Bastion went all to hell, she was one of the few that still lived, that he still knew of. While he enjoyed his solitude, he wasn't going to lose the few friends he had. 
Getting on the gummi ship, Leon sighed heavily and followed Cloud to the cockpit. If there was a legend to be found on this unknown path, he was gonna memorize the path until it hurt to make sure there was nothing they could possibly miss. He wasn't gonna be led on a wild goose chase for nothing. 
_________________ 
SORA 

Familiar azure eyes held some worry as he watched the group of three walk off. There went some valuble people... Cloud and Leon were both rather strong, and Tneb had some summoning and healing powers that could always come in handy; but he trusted in what Cloud said. With that look he had given him, there was no way Sora could have said no to his request, anyhow. He understood how much he wanted to get her back; Sora was going to Hollow Bastion, and he was ready to do all in his ability to help Cloud with that goal. He then looked over to Kairi; it was quite the same with her, which was why he could relate. He was sure that Cloud and Aerith... what they had shared was much more intimate than what he and Kairi had, but when all of that was overlooked, it was rather similar. 

"They'll be okay," he said to the three that remained with him. He grinned cheerfully as a reassurance, his grip on the Keyblade tightening for his own encourgement. "Are you all ready?" he asked carefully, making sure everyone was prepared before they left. The gummi ship would be their transportation, of course. The one they always had travelled in... him, Goofy, and Donald, that is. But those two companions were back in their own world, at the castle. They had no reason to be with Sora anymore; now, it was his story. His mission. 

To get Riku... and Aerith.. and to kill him. To kill Sephiroth. He nodded to himself as he waited for consent from the three. Oh, he was ready. Maybe too ready. 

[ Note: I know that originally Donald and Goofy were with them in Traverse Town, but I think it's better that way. Any objections to that? If there are, let me know. x.x; ] 
-------------------- 
TNEB 
Quite comfortable was that moogle now in the warmth of that red scarf, it seemed as though the small creature would be willing to go absolutely anywhere if she was able to snuggle up against the back of Cloud's neck as she did then. Ah. This was indeed the life for Tneb. 

Listening carefully to Cloud's words, coal hues would peek up over the top of his right shoulder, tilted slightly was that head just to look upon the side of his face. "What kind of a legend, Kupo? Treasure stuff or what?" Stubbish arms came to rest upon the same spot where her eyes once peeked, leaning forward a little to hear his response. However in doing so she gave a slight glance toward Leon before speaking in a playful manner, "You know.. you could have brought someone a little more talkative along." She was curious to the look Leon would give her, watching him closely though adressing Cloud. Tneb had to entertain herself in one way or another. 
---------------------- 
KAIRI 
Kairi turned her red headed scalp towards Sora. She nodded at his statement and smiled. But then a thought popped in her mind... What if they couldn't find Riku... what if he was... She couldn't bear to think such thoughts. She loved Riku.. He had always been like a older brother to her... She, of course, didn't love him the way she loved the young keyblade master. She could tell him absolutly anything and they seemed to be a perfect match... errr... team. She smiled, her face turned a light rose color, and looked towards Sora again. "So... when do we leave?" 
_________________ 
LEON 

Leon had never been a witty one with tons of fun comebacks ready to use at his disposal, but that didn't mean he was completely at a loss for humor. At the statement from the little moogle, the permanent frown on his thin, pale lips deepened before he spoke. "You know Cloud, you could have brought someone at little more useful along. Or maybe just taller," he said before walking towards the back of the ship. Why? No, the gunblader was not looking for a place to stuff the little moogle for the duration of the trip, he wasn't that cold hearted. Instead, he was looking for a place to think. With the blabber mouth moogle and the blonde who was cold, but still friendly enough to talk to the red-nosed midget, Leon knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything. So into the back went the gunblader, the stone blue eyes closing as he sat down on a small bench on the side, his hand coming up this his forehead where he rubbed his temple, his fingers passing unnoticed over that trademark scar as he thought deeply. 

[P.S.: Whoever is playing Tneb, I have nothing against you. I'm just playing my character as the uncaring bastard that Leon is. *huggles her jackass character* Don't take any of it personally, k? :P ] 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 

[] Rebs knows this, yo. [] 
The stubbish little arms of the Moggle tickled at the neck of Cloud, making him sqirm just a bit as she reached height to speak to him. He wasn't too affected by her actions since she did this alot. " What, Tneb. Hehehe.. I guess.. " The comment was indeed a break of the ice, even sparking words from the silent lion. " Haha.. What now, Leon? Tneb is useful. Certainly more useful at social interaction then you, eh. " Still the lionheart got up and moved to the back of the ship. Cloud admired the man's steady focus, but thinking too much was certainly not good for one. 

Cloud's eyes narrowed as he looked out onto the swirling, colorful world. He knew he had to hurry, so foot fell heavy on the pedal and the ship was sent forward as fast as possible. Within a few minutes Cloud had stopped the ship. Seems that they had landed, yes? Right hand pushed a button that opened the cockpit, allowing him to exit with blade in hand. Quickly he sheathed it on the magnet on his back. The surroundings were that of a tropical rainforest, lush and green. An aged, stone temple, covered in vines lay before them. Hmm... So far so good... 

" Squall, let us move forward. " 
-------------------- 
SORA 
Kairi, who had been quiet for a lot of this time, (thanks to the old mun not posting.. ^^), finally spoke up. It almost surprised Sora, but he couldn't be quelled much in this serious time. And so he kept that somewhat cool exterior (nothin' compared to Leon or Cloud, o'course), and gave the most logical and straight-forward answer. "When everyone's ready." A shrug and a grin was delivered soon after to assure that he wasn't being cold-hearted or anything, and then blue eyes looked over at Yuffie and Selphie, the other two travelling partners. 

He then blinked somewhat as he realized he was paired with three girls; he blushed faintly, turning his head away for a moment. He didn't mind, really; just puberty kicking in, you could say. (Sorry, couldn't help it. xD) All three he believed would prove to be useful companions, especially since just recently Selphie and Kairi had been given stronger fighting abilities thanks to his Keyblade. Of course, he didn't know that was what it was done. And he went to wondering about that. He shrugged, however; he'd find out soon enough, wouldn't he? 
--------------------- 
KAIRI 

[[ Hee, hee... never thought of that part Court.. The whole puberty thing was pretty funny... ^_^ ]] 

Kairi sheepishly grinned at Sora's response and said, "Of course... I knew that..." She giggled and jsut stood there, examing the claw she was given. She really did like it... But she just thought that although she was blessed with the skills from the sacred keyblade, she still was unsure about whether or not she could actually use it... What if she ended up hurting herself..? Kairi shook her head silently, allowing her bright crimson hair to fall into her pale face. She stood up straight then and said, "Well, why don't we go talk to Cid and see if we need any tune ups for the Gummi?" She stood staring at the ground, her hands behind her back, kicking at the ground, waiting for a response. 
_________________ 
SORA 
[ n_n; First time I made such a reference in a post. Whee. xD ] 

He watched her carefully as she looked over the claw, eyes filling with something that seemed to be guilt. He was sure she probably didn't want to fight... and, of course, he didn't, but.. it was as if.. he had gotten used to it now. He had been fighting for so long, or it felt that way, and now... you could say that he was hardened somewhat. He sighed to himself; it did no good to think about such things. But still... he didn't want her to have to fight, to put herself in danger. So I'll make sure she isn't in danger. If I'm going to fight, at least I can make sure it's to keep her from danger. He nodded to himself. Yes. Fighting could prove good if it was done for others. And that was how it was for Sora. He fought for everyone... Kairi, Riku, and all the others. He fought for his friends. 

"Mmm?" He perked up as she spoke again, and then went about considering her suggestion. "I... guess that would be a good idea. I haven't flown in it for a while." Head was tilted in thought as he pondered this. A nod was given in her direction. "All right, then." Bright blue eyes peered over to the other two. "You coming?" he asked cheerfully, that infamous grin on his countenence once again. He wasn't one to stay down for long. 
----------------------- 
SELPHIE-SU 
As the brown haired girl gave her usual smile that genki attitude, she was happy to hear that they would be leaving off for this Hollow Bastion place. Even though she was not too familiar with the place she was having hopes that they could save Riku and Aerith. Not knowing what dangers the group will face, she was willing to give a risk to the challenges yet to come. 

Being the curious type of girl, like she has always been, just a few moments did she hear things right...? "Gummi"? The kind of candy you eat? What kind of ship would be made out of gummis? For one thing sure though, even if it was made out of real gummis the ship wouldn't last a minute, as long as if she was around. This made her stomach grumble a little. Since when was the last time they ate? Definitely she could go for some food at the moment, some type of food to gnaw on. Obviously, this wasn't the time to be thinking about something to eat, only hero stuff now. 

Seeing that the two lovey dovey birds were into some serious conversation it had seemed that this mission is going to be well, impossible, so it looked that way. Now that they've split into groups things should become a little easier for their search for Riku and Aerith. Selphie just hoped that they would just get this over and done with. Giving a slight wave as in 'here', in the background of Kairi and Sora, she gave a upbeat cheery attitude and was definitely ready to go on this rescue mission with them. 

"All aboard for...Hollow Bastion!" 
--------------------- 
TNEB 

[ Yeah, completely cool. Bastardcize all you like XD! ] 

"Ooh.. " Small fur-clad creature made but a small and barely audible comment upon Cloud's statement, leaning almost completely back into that warmed red cloth as though she thought hiding herself from Leon would erase his possible thoughts of throwing something at her. Or better, yet, throwing her. Oh well, such was the risk she did take by agreeing to this journey that she really knew nothing about. Surely it would be interesting, though.. a legend, possible treasure, an exotic new location? Er, well. There's the other thing, the place that spikey blonde was taking Leon and her hadn't yet been disclosed. Tch, she hoped it wasn't cold, kupo. 

The flight was short, and that was indeed a good thing as the moogle had begun to drift off to sleep.. leaving her completely vulnerable to some random attack of er.. gummis? Okay, kupo, so there wasn't really anything to throw at someone she supposed. Scampering quickly onto Cloud's left shoulder, so the fuzzball sat, curious to see where they had landed. The first sight revealed was indeed something of delight, causing a slight squeal of moogle-ish excitement to come from her. "Kupo, ku! I've never been to a place like this. Where are we anyway? It looks nice." Stumpy legs pressed agianst the front of his shoulder, each of his steps giving a slight bob to that funny lookin' red orb that hung strangely low infront of her coal hued eyes that had considerably widened to take in all the rainforestness around them. 
------------------ 
KAIRI 
Kairi giggled, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth, andsaid, "Well, we might as well go then, you lazy bum!" She giggled again and started walking slowly towards Cid, her hands behind her back, as she curiously looked around. SHe had always been independent in a way. Her spirit was its own and no one could tame it... She was sorta like a young horse... Without reins and saddles... Just a stallion in the wind... It was funny though... how she could be so free willed and relying at the very same time. Maybe this was what amazed Sora so...
-------------------
LEON 
Feeling the ship finally come to a stop, the stone blue eyes opened once more. His hand lowering down from his temples to pick up his Gunblade, Leon stood and went back into the front where Tneb and Cloud were. But before exiting the ship and heading towards the temple, he said two, flat, cold words. 

"...It's Leon..." 

With his name issues clarified, he walked up to the temple and cut through a few of the vines that were blocking the main entrance, then looked around. There didn't really seem to be anything special about it, nor legendary. Turning around with those arms crossing over his chest and that deep frown upon his lips, the cold eyes looked and Cloud as Leon spoke. "What's the 'legend' to be found here? Doesn't seem like anything besides spiders and Heartless would be in there." 
_________________ 
SORA 

He grinned over at Selphie, nodding at her enthusiasm. "Yep. First we gotta check in with Cid, though." He gave her a thumbs-up and then motioned for her and Yuffie to come over to where he and Kairi were stationed. He blinked at what Kairi then said, smiling slightly as that name from oh-so-long ago was put into effect once again. "I don't know if it applies as much anymore, Kairi," he said with a somewhat arrogant air as he pulled the Keyblade up and leaned it on his shoulder, smirking. However, she didn't seem to be listening, for off she walked. 

"H-hey!" Keyblade was brought down to be held at his side to ensure quicker running as he went after her. "You don't even know where it is..." he said, panting slightly as he caught up with her. Yes, that free spirit and somewhat contradicting style of life had always intriguied the young boy. And it did even now, after he had known her for so long. "Anyhow, don't stray off like that..." His eyes held concern as he looked into hers, a darker shade of blue. "You worry me that way." He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head at that, stirring some of those chocolate spikes. Wouldn't it be yummy if they actually were chocolate? Yummmm... Ahem, enough with the mun ramblings. With that he headed up the stairs, and over to the door that led into the Synthesis Shop, since Cid had been standing outside of there as of late since he gave up the Accessory Shop gig. (Note: if you haven't beaten this, it actually happens in the game, so this isn't some made-up thing of mine. Where he hangs out, that is. -_-;;) 
----------------- 
RIKU 
So. 

Riku sat in the shade of some wall facing opposite from whatever star that gave light to the world known as Hollow Bastion. His arms were crossed over each other as they usually were and his eyes were closed as he thought to himself silently, something he rarely found himself doing. 

This was where he'd ended up. 

After being sealed up with King Mickey in that void at the end of time, he'd expected himself to up and disappear--or at least die in some insanely gruesome way that would be told about in stories for generations to come. But no; here he was in that same fortress where darkness had managed to claim him, and although his possession had only been temporary, he still felt sick to his stomach at how easily he'd been manipulated... against Sora and Kairi, no less. 

Eh. He thought in his nonchalant voice, trying to downplay the weakness he had discovered in his own heart. That's over and done with, and it's not gonna happen again! 

With a new sense of purpose, he rose to his feet and opened his eyes, looking up towards the baby-blue sky that surrounded Ansem's former fortress. He needed to get back to his friends--his real friends--and let them know he was all right. Heh. Sora was probably worrying his butt off by now, the same way he'd been worrying about Riku and Kairi sharing a paopou fruit all of those ages ago... But it had only been a couple of weeks, hadn't it? And already so many things had changed... 

Well, he'd repented for any sins he'd committed, at least. And he wasn't dead, so maybe he could repent some more... Riku began to walk forward, leaning over the rail that safeguarded the floors of Hollow Bastion from the abysmal depths below. Why had he been sent here, anyway? And who was that girl he'd run into earlier? The one in pink with the big bow... They hadn't really talked, but now Riku was curious about how she too fit into this whole mess. 

Riku turned on his heel away from the railing and headed towards the entrance to the castle. Perhaps some answers lied within... 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi turned to her right and looked back into Sora's bright aqua eyes. "Not a lazy bum? Sora..." She stopped and giggled. "You may be the Keyblade Master now, but you'll always be my lazy bum!" She smiled at him and kept walking. "I don't know the way... But I'll find it, eventually..." She laughed and followed Sora to the Synthesis shop. It made Kairi very happy to hear those words from Sora. You worry me that way... She grinned and began to think. Well, of course, he worried about her. Just as she worried about him. 

She had been staring at the ground as she walked but now she looked up to see Sora turned in front of her with that trademark grin. She really did love him... He was her best friend... He meant so much to her but still, as she was so ecstatic to be able to see him, she still felt so sorrowed. [[ is that even a word?! ]] Riku... The red haired girl was finally reunited with the lazy bum from Destiny Islands but she still missed their other half.. err.... third. That platinum haired boy was still gone and Kairi, who had been full of confidence before, was beginning to lose hope. Of course, she would always put her faith in Sora but it jsut seemed... impossible. Boy, did she hate that word. She decided to put this matter out of her mind and she glanced behind her, looking for Selphie and Yuffie. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
Heated, devilish eyes pierced that boy, that boy known as Riku. He watched as that dark Kayblade Master strode so confidently into the halls of Hallow Bastion. 

"Good luck to him.." he said to Aerith as he snapped his fingers. He could only imagine how the boy would be screaming when he saw what Sephiroth had conjured up for him inside the Grand Foyer of Hallow Bastion. 

He could only imagine the fright when Riku saw that hideous re-incarnation of Kairi. He could see it now. 

Kairi, her eyeballs hanging from her sockets, her skin sagging down and tinted with a pale green.. 

Oh, did he smile. 

"Let's go Aerith. The worlds should merge soon. I want to destroy Sora before he gets the chance to reach this Fortress.." 
_________________ 
SORA 
He was almost surprised by the intensity her eyes held as he looked into his. Blue against blue... though hers was a darker shade. He smiled softly at what she said, nodding somewhat. "Guess yer right." He laughed a bit, and then added, "But you are, too! Remember what Riku--" He immediately cut off there. If she was as worried about the silver-haired one as he was, she probably didn't want to be talking about him; almost in the past tense. He sighed to himself, though it was low enough for the others not to hear. He blinked at what she said; it may not have been anything more that speaking about Cid's location, but it hit a nerve; what she said. I don't know the way... But I'll find it, eventually... Did she mean more by that? Well, he couldn't ponder over it for long, for there was Cid, as usual, standing in his claimed spot. Sora had to wonder why he didn't work inside, especially since Traverse Town could get rather cold in the evening time. 

Sora's mind really did stray at times. He looked over at Kairi for a moment, trying to read the emotion that lighted her countenence... sad and happy.. at the same time, it felt like. He hoped his earlier words hadn't hurt her too much; all of them were worried about Riku... He had almost been like their caretaker, being the oldest, and was always the strongest. Even though that's probably changed now... Riku was supposed to have been the Keyblade Master... but Sora was chosen. And his greed made his heart open to darkness, which caused him to turn against them. Sora knew this all far too well, but he would never blame Riku. How could he? They were... best friends. Always competing, but always together. Friends... forever? He shrugged at the thought, then finally walking up to Cid. After initial greetings, he got to the point. "Err... is the gummi ship ready for take off? We need to use it." 

Cid sized up the boy for a moment. "Yep, it sure is," he responded. "I'll always keep the baby in the best shape. You can go board now." 

Sora grinned over at him, and was about to go and board, but before stopped to say, "Thanks, Cid." All he got in return was a grunt and a nod. He ran over to the other three. "All right! The ship's ready for boarding. Let's go!" Overtaken with enthusiasm and wanting to get to Hollow Bastion as soon as possible, though still trying to remain optimistic, he ran down the steps and toward the world exit, hoping the other three could keep up with him. Such a little boy at heart. Though that heart had remained strong... 
------------------ 
SELPHIE-SU 
As the small girl smiled happily she gave a thumbs up. Just when Sora said that he had to check up with Cid, Kairi had walked off. Seeing the keyblade master running to catch up with the red headed girl she took off after them, afraid of falling behind. Just when the two started a conversation she made sure to keep distance, not wanting to interfere with their talk. Somehow ever since Wakka went back home she felt a little bit distant from the group, probably because she was not used to just being kind of alone? 

Seeing that they've made it to some shop, so that Sora could have a talk with Cid. All that the little girl in yellow could do was wait silently in the background. For some reason this Cid guy looked quite familiar. He reminded her off some guy from a show, the way his hair is standing up and how incredibly bonde it is too, except for the goggles that he wore (hmm I wonder). When Sora had finally finished his talk with Cid she saw him run over to them with good news, that the ship was ready. 

With a enthusiastic jump she clutched onto to her nunchucks, glad to hear that they can take off for Hollow Bastion. Finally, they can save their long gone friend. Really, how long has it been since Riku was missing? Seemed like forever to her. Since he was gone it was awfully quiet back home. As Sora ran off she followed trying to catch up as fast as her legs could carry her. Seemed like he was very happy to leave off for Hollow Bastion now. 

"It's about time! Finally we can find Riku!"
-------------------
KAIRI 
Kairi laughed aloud as she saw Strong-hearted Sora dash towards the great entrance door to Traverse... Yes, his heart was very strong. It had braved the darkness many times... and for what... For her. Yep, Sora, her best friend and supposed soulmate, had charged through what must've been a cold, dark hell for the sake of saving her. Kairi was mixed with emotions at this thought and she didn't know whether she should smile or cry. Although, she knew she would do the same for him without a second thought, she didn't know if she could. What if Sora was ing rave danger and she couldn't do anything... anything to help. She shuttered at the thought and brought her attention back to the task at hand. So he was as anxious to find Riku as she was. This made the redhead very happy and she took off after him, heading for the Gummi Ship looking behind her, motioning for Selphie and Yuffie to come too. 
_________________ 
AEERITH-SU 
Aerith looked up at Sephiroth, her eyes closing as she saw his sadistic smile. She nodded her head to his statement, taking his hand tightly in her own and following him into the darkness of Hollow Bastion. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 
[] This will be a rushed post 'cus I gotta go and I didn't want to leave you hanging for a whole weekend. [] 
The warriors would find themselves in the stone temple. Cloud picked up a good sized stick off the floor and threw a fire spell on it to give them light. And with one final glance at Leon, he advanced forward. The way seemed to be going good when all of a sudden Cloud pushed Leon to the ground. " Get down! " A trap had been set and huge sharpened logs shot over their heads. Whew... close. So this had to be the real place. 

" Heh.. quite the welcoming. Let's go. " He walked with a hunch under the rest of the logs, the next room in sight. 
------------------- 
LEON 
He hadn't been in the stone temple for more than five minutes before he was forcefully pushed to the ground, only to have huge spears go flying overhead. He was grateful that Cloud had kept him from being shish-ka-bobbed, but would he say anything? Hell no. 
After going past the spear section, Leon made sure he kept his guard up and was alert at all times. The last thing he needed was to die trying to find some "legend" of Cloud's when Aerith was about to willingly help Sephiroth ruin the world, even if it weren't her intention. So with his gunblade gripped tightly in his hand, ready for any impending battle, Leon sighed and continued down to the next room. 
_________________ 
SORA 
Running along, once he reached the door that led to the world exit, he turned and waited for the other three to catch up. Once all had arrived, he grinned slightly before, "Let's go!" and pushing open the wooden door to step through. There lay the homes for the gummi ships; where they were all 'parked', you could stay. He smiled as he saw his baby, the one he had always had since he had started his journey, though it was in much better shape now, thanks to additions, including a better engine, stronger missles, and more space. Which was a good thing, considering they were a party of four. He walked over and pushed the button on it to eject the doors open. Letting the others climb in first, he hopped in after them and jumped into the pilot seat, almost giddy at the fact that he got to pilot for once; stupid Donald always hogging the seat... he chuckled to himself at that thought, though. Travelling with the dog and the duck had been fun, but... azure eyes peered over to his new travelling companions... it wasn't as if had a problem with his new group. 

He looked over to the copilot's seat and smiled mischieviously. "Whoever gets in the seat first is copilot!" he exclaimed, and grinned at the scramble for it that he hoped would ensue between the three as he heard that wonderful hum of the engine revving up. "Ready?" he asked with some excitement... sure, one wouldn't expect him to be some enthusiastic considering the circumstances, but... Sora would rather it be this way than everyone being down in the dumps. That was just how he was. Ever the optimistic one. And he always believed things would turn out okay in the end... 
--------------------- 
KAIRI 
Kairi stepped into the Gummi ship.. It was amazing and beyond imagination.. She had never riden in one [[I think]] and was anxious to get started.. What did it look like between worlds? This and hundreds of other thoughts swirled in that redheaded scalp of hers, as she looked at the copilot's seat. "I'll be copilot!!" she yelled anxiously and hopped in. She looked to her right, to see Sora in his seat, the pilot's seat. Yes, he was always a leader. And kairi really admired that in him. He was strong and hated to be boseed by others, which was completely sensible and seemingly right for a boy of his age and personality. She smiled at him and giggled, after saying "I hope no one else minds... Selphie? Yuffie?" Because, of course, the aslt thing she wanted to do was anger the other members of the group. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"They're coming.." he said to her as his eyes fluttered to a close. 

"I suppose they should enjoy their last moments." He snapped his finger, and through the waves of time and space, he unhooked a piece of the Gummi Ship -- the Warp-G. They would be unable to reach Hallow Bastion now, the one place where they could stop the merging of the worlds and save the universe... 

Instead, they would crash into Ground Zero. 

The place he named "Junction." This is place where the End of the World once was. However, due to the fact that a black hole had been created, Hallow Bastion was the first to be sucked in....as a whole planet. 

It was still attainable by Gummi Ship, though it would be much more difficult to navigate past the Black Hole.. 

No matter. 

The party would soon reach Junction, where he would meet and battle them. 

Destiny was playing out very nicely.. 
_________________ 
SORA 
Sitting cozily in the pilot's seat, he grinned as the gummi ship took off, being thrown practically back into his seat (for he had been leaning forward), at the quick rate that it took off at. Once he got used to the speed, he leaned forward again, grabbing the controls as he started to steer and shoot at the other ships and obstacles in the way. "Whoo-ha! Take that, Heartless!" he exclaimed as he shot down yet another ship. He looked over to see Kairi had managed to claim the co-pilot seat and he smiled at her softly. "Hello there, co-pilot," he said with a wink before turning back to look out into space again. All of a sudden there was a violent jolt on the ship, causing the boy to almost fall out of his seat. "Uh..?" he asked as he recovered slightly. "What was--?" And all of a sudden, the ship wasn't steering how he wanted to. And it just... started to plummet. "Oh, no..." was all he could say at first as the sick realization came to him. This was NOT good. 

"GAAAH!" he yelled as the ship sky-rocketed down towards nothingness, and he held on tight, trying to supress that horrible feeling in his stomach as if it was not there but had in fact been left behind him many miles above. And then they hit it -- this "Junction", with a huge crash that lifted quite a lot of dust.. The ship slid along until it met a rocky-like hill, though it was small, and that managed to stop it. Sora and the others were jerked back and forth through the ride, and Sora, at least, ended up on the ground. He had a horizontal cut under his eye on the right side of his face and some bruises, but besides that, no injuries. "Ugh..." he said, as he started to try and get into a sitting position, one eye winced closed and the other, open, looking around. "Everyone... okay..?" 
--------------------- 
KAIRI 
Kairi felt her stomach start to sicken as she felt the gummi plummet... The bumps ended up being too much for her and she fell off of her copilot seat and landed on the cool floor. Then she heard Sora's voice, questioning if they were alright. Kairi sat up, dazed and feeling very sick. Her stomach hurt and felt like a giant lava lamp, fooling around with her tasty lunch. She looked over to the pilot and siad, "Yea... I'm OK... Then she tried to stand up, using her arms to lift herself, only to find that she couldn't. She looked to her left ankle only to see that there were 3 scratch marks, as if she were clawed by a giant cat. The cuts were bleeding, but only a small bit, for the cuts weren't deep. She looked to the lavender glove and saw small droplets of blood on the claws. The sight of all this blood, although it wasn't very uch, made Kairi feel even more wheezy and she said, to Sora, "Sora, I think I hurt my leg." The redhead tried to stand up once more. She could balance now, now that the shock had passed, and her ankle stung only half as much as before. 

But Kairi then started feeling sorta selfish so she simply said, "Uhh.. Yuffie? Selphie? Are you guys alright back there?" She thought that she had worried more about herself and her minor injury instead of her other companions. Now her eyes seemed to focus more and she looked at 'Lazy Bum's' face. She shreiked at the sight of the cut below his eye and yelled, "Ahh! Sora! Are you alright?!" She wobbled the few feet over to him and couldn't help but touch it, hoping that she didn't hurt poor Sora. So maybe she had overreacted... but now her ankle didn't hurt as badly. 
_________________ 
RIKU 
Little did Riku know how much pain his friends were suffering on his behalf as he walked through the dark halls of Hollow Bastion. 

It wasn't his first time in the fortress, but somehow it seemed different than it had last time--more sinister, almost. The statues and paintings seemed to glower at him from over his shoulder, but as soon as he whirled around and faced them, they were only that and nothing more: Statues and paintings, as lifeless as the man who had owned the castle. 

Ansem... Riku shuddered at the thought. Maybe the castle only seemed darker because he himself wasn't on the dark side this time... 

"....Grrr.... DAMN HIM!" Riku suddenly shouted out loud ((amazed at his new ability to use profanity!)) as he slammed one of his gloved fists into the hard stone wall. "Stupid me... listening to a guy like that... What was I thinking.....?" 

Oh, right. 

Riku sighed, bringing his hand back to his side as he trudged onwards. 

He'd wanted to be better than Sora. 

That's why he had become so weak, why he alone had made it possible for Ansem's dark plans to be put into motion... Because he'd wanted to satisfy some stupid, stupid childhood rivalry. 

And now he had to live with it. 

The silver-haired boy thought similar melancholy thoughts as he made his way to the Grand Foyer... 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
He stopped with an abrupt cease of movement. 

"He's there." Sephiroth smiled. Ah, how fun this would be. Riku, pitted against the very thing he fought for in his earlier days. With one difference this time -- she was zombified. 

"Let's see..." Sephiroth closed his eyes and pressed with his puppeteer like mind into that of the Zombie Kairi. 

~~~ 

"Riku.." her soft, comforting voice echoed to him throughout the halls. THe source was in Hallow Bastion, the Grand Foyer. 

Yet nothing was present. 

Eyes pressed into Riku's soul as he entered the room. Her eyes were set upon him, yet he, he couldn't even see her. What an amusing game. She followed him with her irii as he slowly stepped through the empty foyer. His eyes flickering this way and that, scanning the room for anything of importance. Oh, she just couldn't resist it anymore. Rather, Sephiroth couldn't resist. After all, he was Kairi's puppeteer. 

"Riku.." she called out once more, her voice as soft as before. It echoed to his ears, bouncing from the walls, mauling where the source was. 

"Riku, come to me..!" 

She saw him stop. This was her chance. 

"RIKU!!!" She sprang out upon him, her decaying body tumbling upon his, sending them both reeling to the ground. Her rotted flesh was a pale green color, a few bugs crawling through holes here and there. Her eyes; what eyes? They were sockets, ones without any means of vision. No, Sephiroth took that back. The eyeballs dangled so silently from the sockets, that pink line of flesh being the only connecting wire between her head and her eyes. She wore a dress rather than that typical Kairi set of clothes; it was long and white. Not really white -- it had been stained with dirt, blood, and pieces of rotted flesh. 

"Ah Riku.." she breathed with a deathly smell onto Riku's face. She could feel the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. She could feel everything about him; and because his eyes were closed, he could feel his lust for her, that passion...growing...on her. 

"What's taken you so long..my love..?" 
_________________ 
SORA 
He finally managed to sit up after he moved a bit of some rubble (pieces of the interior of the ship and such) that had covered him somewhat. He rubbed at his neck, which was aching a bit, and looked around for the others as he waited for them to answer. He slowly started to try and get to his feet, though getting up so quickly had made his head hurt somewhat and so he remained sitting on the ground. Well, until he heard Kairi respond, that is. She sounded somewhat... weak, and his brow furrowed in concern, forgetting his aches to quickly get to his feet and head over to where the young girl was, following the sound of her voice since it was pitch dark inside the ship, all the lights having been taken out by the violent crash. Once he finally reached her, he broke the silence. "You all right? Let me see..." As he squinted through the darkness to see the wound upon her ankle, he winced slightly, knowing that probably hurt, and quickly lifted up his Keyblade, yelling out rather demandingly, "Cure!" He watched as the sparkles of green healing light spread around the wound, closing up the cuts with hardly any effort. He grinned. "There, that better?" 

As Kairi inquired the states of the others, Sora was reminded of them as well. "You guys all right back there?" he asked anxiously. He really hoped no one was hurt too bad. There was only so much his healing magic could do. Eyes widened at her shriek, not understanding what she was worried about at first. He blinked as she lifted her hand to his face, then realizing she had been worried about the cut that was stinging there. He chuckled. "Kairi, I'm fine. This is nothing." Not compared to almost being ripped to shreds by Sabor, or even worse, that three-headed mutt. "Umm.. how about you go see if Yuffie and Selphie are all right. Come get me if either of them are hurt. I'm gonna go outside." Eyes were determined as he headed for the door, pushing a button the inside to eject it open as he stepped out onto a rather desolate rocklike area. They were caught in space, and... there was pretty much nothing here. "Oh, geez.." he said, lifting up a gloved hand to slap his forehead. 
----------------- 
RIKU 
"Eh... ah...." 

Riku blushed profusely, his eyes still closed as he brought a hand to the back of his silver-haired head and chuckled. "Well... um... Kairi... didn't know you felt like that about me too... I mean, well, um...." Geez, Sora'd be jealous! "But anyhoo, I'm glad you're okay--" 

He opened his eyes. 

And his nose too, for that matter. 

"HOLY BEJEEZUS!!!!!!!!" He outright screamed, skittering back away from the horrible illusion on his hands and feet. "W-W-WHAT THE HELL?!?!" 

When he was only met by the mumblings of Zombie-Kairi, and her sudden staggering movements towards him, he somehow got onto his feet, stumbling backwards. 

Wh-what happened?! He thought to himself in horror, still backing away from the... creature. I must be too late....! Wonder if Sora's the same... It's all my fault.... 

His back met a wall, and his eyes darted around, looking for an escape, but somehow, it seemed as if all the exits had suddenly disappeared. He gulped loudly, staring ahead at his approaching doom. 

"No..." He mumbled before shouting at the top of his lungs. "WHAT HAVE I DONE....?" 

He hung his head, trying to hold back sobs that were forming in his throat. Maybe everyone was like this... maybe the separation of worlds had gone horribly askew... Maybe he and that girl in pink were all that was left---maybe the Heartless, in their final bout of fury, had taken everything down with them except those who had been trapped in that white void of nothingness...? 

Maybe.... 

Maybe there was no hope after all.... 

He felt weak again, weak with sadness and despair. This was it? This was what had become of everybody due to his actions, his greed, his jealousy? 

"No... No... No... No.... NO!" Riku cried out, holding his head in his hands. He vaguely felt a sickly sweet smell drift into his nostrils, he felt his brain cloud over, his eyelids feel leadened.... He pulled his hands from his face, staring ahead at his "crush's" rotting, sneering visage. 

"Kairi...." He whispered. 

Then he fell to the floor, unconscious.
---------------------
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"Tsk.." Sephiroth spoke to himself as his eyes were still closed, seeing what the Zombie Kairi was seeing. "What a shame...Oh well. Let us all visit Junction." 

And with a snap, he had teleported Aerith, The unconscious Riku, and himself to the planet of nothingness, "Junction." 

He appeared behind the Gummi ship with Aerith. Riku had dropped in his unconscious state on top of the Gummi ship, shaking it violently as he landed with a dull thud into it. He remained in the void of sleep. 

"Shh.." he said to Aerith and he folded his arms, waiting for Sora to exit the ship. "Soon..." 

And Sora exited with such haste that he didn't even see Sephiroth. Until he ran straight into him. 

"Now now, boy. Watch where you're going..." 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi winced when the keyblade's magic swept through her injured ankle. It stug still but as soon as the green light passed, it was as good as new. She chuckled when Sora explained his status, and she said, "I suppose so." So as Sora stepped outside, she smiled and then stood up, turning to the back of the ship, she thought, searching for Yuffie and Selphie in the dark and debris. 

[[Hope you guys don't mind me controling them a bit]] 

Kairi eventually found the 2 companions in the pitch air and as soon as she found out they were OK, she turned around to wait for Sora in her copilot seat. She sat down in the cushioned chair, thinking. Where was Riku, anyways? She pondered over his safety but after a minute or two, she quickly jumped out of her seat to stand on her feet. She sensed something wrong. Something terribly wrong... Kairi crept to the door and slowly opened it up, spying through the small space it made. She looked out to see Sora standing before Sephiroth. She gasped and then quickly crawled to the back of the ship, where Selphie and Yuffie sat. "Selphie...Yuffie... Sora's in trouble!" she whispered, full of fear of what was to come. 
_________________ 
SORA 
His hand dropped from his forehead where it had been previously slapped to hang once again at his side, Keyblade still gripped almost lovingly in the other. As the hand was removed to give allow him to see in front of him once again as he walked, there he stood. Silvery hair almost similar to that of Riku's, though long and flowing in the slight wind that blew through the desolate area. Sora immediately halted, staring at the others. Facing each other, though there was still quite a space between them. He grimaced at the fact that he had even compared this monster to his best friend, feeling as if he had done an injustice to him by doing such a thing. He growled deeply as he saw the other, and just hoped that Kairi stayed put in the ship. Don't come out here, Kairi. Just... He didn't know what Sephiroth would do if she did, what he would try and do to her. 

"You..." was all he said at first, that usually optimistic voice rather deep and laced with a sort of hatred. And there stood Aerith... but... she was doing nothing? Strange. Maybe... maybe she was going along with it? But why? "Tch." He had probably brainwashed her or something similarly sadistic. "Will you face me this time?" he asked, acting much more mature than usual. "Or will you run away again?" Confident little bastard, wasn't he? He didn't even notice that Kairi had peered out of the gummi ship at all, now so intent on Sephiroth. That was his focus, for he would that sort of concentration if he hoped to defeat him again. When he fought, it had to be just himself and Sephiroth. Nothing else existed... nothing else was there. Just those two... That was what he needed if he hoped to suceed. 
------------------------ 
KAIRI 
Yuffie and Selphie, obviously, weren't too sure on what to do so the redhead, instinctively, rushed to the door again to watch Sora. She gazed at him as he courageously started to defy [[is that the word?]] the mighty Sephiroth. This scared Kairi more than anything. Now, she didn't know much about Sephiroth's powers, except for the fact that he was no sissy. Or a wuss, for that matter either. Kairi set a determinated look on her face, as she secured the lilac colored glove on her hand. Now she knew Sora was probably thinking of her, to stay in the ship. But the security of the Gummi seemed too boring. And it made her feel useless and unimportant. She wanted to play a role in saving Riku. She wasn't going to sit there and watch as her best friend fought to save the platinum haired boy. Because Sora wasn't alone. Especially when Riku needed help. So Kairi sat waiting, at the entrance to the ship. As soon as a finger was laid on the chocolate spiked boy, she would rush out there, ready to defend him at all costs. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Her hands clung to the arm of Sephiroth, her eyes closing. Though she had agreed to join him, she didn't want any part of torture, death, or destruction. She hoped, maybe, that she could change the one-winged angel, but from the looks of what was happening now, it didn't seem possible. She pressed her head against his back, her hands clutching tightly. 

She had to force back the tears... this would eventually drive her insane.... 

Is that what he wanted? 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"Don't cry.." he said to Aerith as he forced himself into her mind. "You cannot stop this. Destiny has already begun to play itself out, and you are part of it. If you go against it, I will kill you. But for now..." He snapped his fingers, making Aerith drop, unconscious. He turned back to Sora. 

"Pathetic child," he said as he rushed his hand forward. A ripple in the dimensions caused Sora to slam back into the Gummi Ship. Riku rolled off, landed on the jagged ground. A few slits of blood appeared on his arms. 

"Do not insult a God." 

He laughed aloud as he felt the true Kairi's thoughts. WHy would she hurt him when he HADN'T laid a finger on him? THis thought proceeded to amuse him. 

"Poor, poor Sora.." he said, stepping forward onto the dismally bleak ground. His footsteps created ripples in the solid ground, as if he was walking on water. This place seemed to enhance his powers even further. "It seems you've lost your way...Let me help you." 

He outstretched his arm, and began to play with Sora's thoughts. The image of Sephiroth flickered into that of Riku, his arm outstretched, the ocean preceeding to crash around them. This only played in Sora's mind however, as he loved to confuse people. 

"Come.." he said to him, his voice flickering into Riku's momentarily. This would work. It had to. 

The Keyblade was within his grasp... 

So close...He could feel the power vibrating within their hearts -- his and Sora's that was. His eyelids were rapidly moving as his hands wrapped around Sora. 

Time seemed to slow around them. His hands tightened in their grip as his eyes rolled into the back of his head......He seemed to be having a seizure. Not a seizure, a power struggle. Sora's heart was pure, and Sephiroth was tainting it.. He could see Sora in his mind, writhing in pain, in evil, in darkness. This was the moment. 

He was stripping Sora of life. 

Playing with his new evil inside.. 

Feeding on the nothing in his heart. He was awakening Sora's evil inside, creating the darkness that fabricated Sephiroth's whole life. He couldn't breathe, couldn't move. The forces that glued Sephiroth and Sora together were permanent it seemed. There was no escaping it. He was transferring the darkness from his heart to Sora's. 

He was going to pass out. He couldn't...couldn't hold on much longer....but the bonds held him there... 

Black fabrics shot from the ground, encasing them, entwining them in darkness. This bondage was not of Sephiroth's heart, but the heart of all darkness. 

This was that of Kingdom Hearts. Sephiroth's head began to violently vibrate as the bondage around him absorbed into him, and Sora. They had been bonded, forced together. Their spirits -- intertwined in darkness, in evil. 

The bond suddenly shattered, and Sephiroth was sent reeling back to the ground. In a panting voice, Sephiroth reached out once again to Sora's mind. 

"I've stripped you of light.." 

"Feed on the darkness now..become the darkness...." he took in a deep breath, and exhaled. His mako eyes flickered once more to the motionless image of Sora, who was now leaning against the Gummi Ship. 

Had it really happened...? 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi screamed out in rage as she ran out of the gummi towards Sephiroth, swinging her arm with the claw, wishing she would hurt him, at least a small bit. She was knocked aside onto the ground. As she lay on the ground, helpless and sprawled on her back, she watched Sora, hoping he could do something, anything to save them. "Sora?" she yelled to him, from 10 or 15 feet away. He appeared to be having convulsions and was shaking violently, his eyes rolled back into his skull. "SORA!" she yelled once more. Tears started pouting down her cheeks as she watched her best friend shake wildly. Now she could barely move, because of the evil Sephiroth's "spell". And she couldn't get up to help. Kairi's cheeks were now a bright red from her screaming and crying and her knuckles had turned white, from her tight clenching fists. "Sephiroth!" she yelled, "What is it that you want from Sora?!" 
_________________ 
SORA 
Those azure eyes watched over Aerith, no longer holding the usual happiness that they tended to possess. He wasn't himself, really; driven by his near-hatred for this one. Why did he hate him so much...? Because he's trying to kill the worlds, that's why... he quickly reminded himself. He couldn't stray from his original intentions; his true mission had to remain clear if he hoped to continue to be able to succeed as he had been. He hadn't even noticed that Riku was now there, his best friend who this whole thing was about. Maybe he was straying away, then. However, he did see Kairi, standing there with her glove on, ready to fight. No... "Kairi!" he yelled. "Don't! Stay out of this! You can't---" And he was cut off, being shot back throught the air until his back contacted violently with the side of the gummi ship. He lurched forward from the impact. "Ugh!" was loudly yelled, grunting from the wind being so viciously knocked out of him. He slid down onto the ground, crouching slightly with his head bowed as he attempted to recover. 

He felt a shiver shoot up as the 'God' walked towards him... why was it that he managed to affect him that much? Just his footsteps made the boy cringe in.. what was it? fear? He watched as the ground rippled with each step he took. No.. don't... "Don't touch me.." was all he could utter. And then he spoke again. "I don't.. need.. help.." His sentences were chopped, for he was still trying to get his bearings again after that hard hit. He felt his headache worsen drastically as Sephiroth tried to seep into his mind and tinkle with his thoughts. He watched as Sephiroth warped into Riku, his best friend, his closest friend... Friend? More like betrayer.. came a voice from within. What was this? Sora wouldn't think such things. "S-stop," he whimpered as both voices mingled. "Stop... it.." But he couldn't fight it. Slowly he began to stand, though he wasn't controlling himself. His body was limp as he did it, giving him an almost dead-looking form. 

And then he felt it; a searing pain right in his heart, which was so strong, supposedly, that made his back arch and him shriek out in the pain of it. What was he doing? What... sort of thing was he trying to pull? He tried to push the pain away, tried to stop it, but... And then Sephiroth grabbed both of his arms with his hand, and that physical contact made the pain even worse. He gritted his teeth but he could feel that he might once again lose it and have to yell out like before. This was unbearable... this was horrible. And he figured out what was happening. He was being tainted. That heart, that was supposed to be able to overcome all, was being flooded with shadow. He could literally feel the darkness enter his heart, feel it blossom, grow, sprout.. And he remembered what Ansem had said. Hearts... they were made to open to the darkness... For all came from darkness. Sora had said that wasn't true, but... now... maybe he had been right? It seemed he was giving in, then. No, don't give up, Sora... That voice of reason that used to have control was now underneath the evil that had always dwelled inside him; for all hearts have some evil, though Sora had hardly any. Now... the darkness was the majority, crushing the light in his, stomping it out of him. 

In a sort of delirium of this pain and pleasure he saw the black fabrics of the ground, so similar to that time on the island with Riku. He was losing it; he wasn't going to be able to hold back. He was moving over to the evil side. And he loved it. That pain now warped into a masochistic pleasure, and he listened to the encouraging words of the other, basking in the darkness, taking pleasure from it, bathing in it. This felt good; this felt right. Better than being a part of the light. Now he was darkness. 

And that bond between them was broken, and Sora found himself wanting more. Sephiroth was the one that had given him this wonderful darkness that he now adored. It was him that gave him that wonderful feeling as the darkness spread in, and now swam freely in his tainted heart. He owed it all to him. He sighed almost lustily before falling to the ground, unconscious. But the deed had been done. 
-------------------- 
AERITH-SU 
Aerith rose from the ground slightly and slowly, her eyes coming open gently as she looked up at Sephiroth. What was he plotting? She wished Cloud was there.... she needed him, she missed him... 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
He regained his composure, and rose to his feet. He was still a bit wobbly, but it didn't matter. He had done it; absorbed Sora's light. Forced him into the darkness. Cast him into the endless void of nothing. perhaps now he would see true power. 

Ah, this was the life. He was beginning to see the power that Ansem was reaching for. Sephiroth's destiny was shaping before his very eyes...And was a beautiful destiny it was. 

"Sora.." he whispered, the wind exhaling from his mouth so loudly that the whisper was aplified a bit. "Come..." 

He heard a slight whimper from behind him. He snapped to a rigid position and spun around on his heel, those devilish mako eyes penetrating Aerith's defenses as they were cast upon her. 

"Leave now. You want Strife. Go to him. I will kill you another day." 

Was he showing mercy..? Eh...not something he usually did. He was a bit out of it, though. That scene that had taken place just moments earlier had left him in a dazed state... 

"As for you, Sora, Riku. You're coming with me." 

And with a snap, the three of them had vanished in that oh-so-familiar flurry of black feathers, back to the massive labrynth of Hallow Bastion. They had left just in time, as Junction had finished merging itself to the other planets. 

Massive ruins had encased Junction; vines of the Deep Jungle were hanging down to the sandy grounds of Agrabah. The sky was red with fire, and the planet was cold as ice. Buildings popped up here and there; Traverse Town had been split up and scattered across this now massive planet. There were massive oceans, with blood red hues, from the planet Atlantica. The Olympus Coliseum had been ruined and turned a deep green color, and placed on a solitary island on the ocean. All had become chaos...And yet, Kairi, Yuffie, Aerith, and Selphie still stood near the Gummi Ship, on that deserted, rocky landscape of nothingness. 

The worlds had been merged. It was the end... 

Sephiroth appeared from the black Aura in the Grand Chapel of Hallow Bastion. Riku and Sora soon followed suit. He stood, his hands folded behind his back, a smirk splashed across his face. 

"Now...Sora...The Keyblade.." he said as a groan was heard from Riku. He must have been waking. "And see to it that Riku doesn't stop me..."
-----------------
SORA 
Though he wasn't unconscious for very long, he was able to 'wake up' rather soon after. After all, he had to make sure no one got close to his savior; in other words, Sephiroth. Eyes opened slowly, though they were extremely different from before. Narrowed slightly, they held no cheerfulness or optimism, but instead a sort of darkness, but one that mocked from the shadows. Eyes that almost seemed to beckon for others to just try and get near to him or to Sephiroth, for that matter. He smiled at the silver-haired one before him, the one he would now serve and protect at all costs. He then stood up slowly, having been thrown into the gummi ship before now entirely forgotten. Keyblade was still gripped in his hand. And then Sephiroth spoke his name. "Oh.." he whispered softly, skin tingling just from hearing his master call his name. And he obeyed the command, taking a few steps toward him, longing for him with every fiber of his being but making sure he didn't get too close as to make the other uncomfortable or make him want to toss him away... for he would never want to be discarded by the one that he now lived for. 

He looked almost jealous as his attention was turned towards the girl in pink, but smirked to see that all he was doing was dismissing her. Yes, since he had Sora with him, he didn't need her anymore. Sephiroth only needed him. "Heh," he said, finally speaking loud enough for others to hear. "Leave, wench. He doesn't need you any longer." He laughed somewhat, but it was only for a second and he then silenced. Sephiroth was going to speak to him, after all. He smiled in some sort of delight, but it still was nothing like the way he used to smile. Not at all. "Yes, Master." He didn't seem to happy that the other one was coming as well, but if that was what Sephiroth wanted... But then they were gone. He didn't even look to any of the others there. ..he didn't know them, after all. As he appeared at the Hollow Bastion, after being teleported oh-so-conveniently, he took a look around with a grin. This was home. He grinned to see that Master was smirking. That was good; if Sephiroth was pleased, so was he. He waited for the orders, and as they were given, turned quickly to see this 'Riku' that had been brought for whatever reason. 

"Hmph. Don't even think about it," he said with a sneer as he walked over to his master and presented him with the Keyblade. "This is what you want, Master?" he asked. 
----------------------- 
SELPHIE-SU 
][I don't mind at all ^_^; At least I can try to catch up right away.][ 

Shaking her head to shake off the pain in her head, she was just greatful that she didn't eat before the journey...or else she would have lost her appetite. The ride had definitely take them pretty far and the poor little girl was too confused to have observe the weird objects that had attacked them previously. It was nice to know that a Kairi had shown concern of Yuffie and her safety. Luckily she wasn't injured badly, just a bump on the head. 

Now, that everyone was fully recovered it as unexpected that Sephiroth would waiting for their arrival. Just then Kairi'sbad news had rung in her head. Their leader, Sora, was in deep trouble. As the brown haired girl shrinked back a bit she was able to get a glimpse of the meany. Staying in the Gummi Ship won't do any good though. Seeing Sora get pounded is not a good way of showing herself as a person to be included in their group. By the looks of it he didn't want any of the members to get included. 

Trembling in fear, she saw as Kairi charge towards Sephiroth. Looking back to the ninja girl she was unsure of what to do. It has seemed that they were no match for them, even if they all teamed up. Closing her eyes a bit hearing as the scream of Kairi's voice ring through her head, little bits of tears began to fill up in the corners of her eyes. Never in life she was this...scared. 

Shaking her head, to fool herself that this was a dream...well more like a nightmare, she had wished that there was someone out there to help. This wasn't turning out well. As she shifted her gaze to Yuffie, without thinking she dashed out into the scene, to come to Kairi's side. Kneeling by her side she clutched onto her nunchakus that she had not used yet. If Kairi's attack did not work on Sephiroth, her attack might as well be useless against a guy like him. 

Glaring at Sephiroth something odd happened. He didn't finish Sora off. Just when they were close to getting their friends back, they dissappeared leaving them in a gloomy place, along with a probably broken Gummi Ship. The only thing is that a little trade was performed. Looking down once again at Kairi's stained tears she helped pulled her up and shifted at the place that was once occupied by Sora. 

Now they had got back Aerith. Problem is Riku and Sora was taken. This was not good at all. Their leader...gone, just like that. This was going to be a huge problem, talking about no guys at all to help. Standing weakly on her two feet, it sucks to face reality. Now, only four of them, females, remained stranded on a wicked place. 

Looking at their surroundings, tears forced their way out. Now, it was just going to be impossible to get out of this puzzle now that their leader was gone. Balling up her hands into fists she yelled out loud, piercing the silcence that had fallen upon them when Sephiroth left with the two. Seemed like he had planned this all out well to get his hands on the keyblade master. Looks like they had stumbled onto his trap. 

"Hey you!! Come back here!! Sora!!!! Riku!!!!" 
-------------------------- 
AERITH-SU 
Her eyes filled with tears as she gazed up longingly, endlessly, at Sephiroth. She didn't know what it was between them... there seemed at times to be nothingness. She closed her eyes tightly, lying herself down onto the ground. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi watched as Sora stood up, addressing Sephiroth as master. Master... What a cruel thing to call him. Selphie was now on her knees by her side, her eyes filled with tears. Kairi felt so alone now... even with her fellow girls, she felt so... vulnerable. Sora was her best friend for years, and now in seconds, he was gone. Gone away.. He was no longer concerned for her. She was invisible in his eyes now. And if he did see her... what was it as? Did he see her as a vulnerable girl, useless and stubborn? Kairi stood up, her crimson hair, waving gently in the breeze, which was cold and dark. Her eyes started to tear and Kairi, like usual, wasn't afraid to cry in front of anybody. Her emtions were hers, hers to keep or share, and Kairi didn't think twice now, about expressing how she felt. 

"SEPHIROTH!!" she yelled, "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO HIM?!" He refused to answer now, and kairi's heart seemed to bubble and steam, like an underground pluton of molten magma, ready to explode anytime, surging hot spurts of lava. That's right.. The 14 year old was about to blow her top. Her face grew red, not with humiliation, but with anger. So much anger... "LISTEN UP! YOU CAN'T TAKE SORA'S HEART! HIS SPIRIT IS TOO GREAT!! YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM AND I SWEAR ON MY GRAVE THAT YOU WILL NEVER HAVE HIM!!" She clenched her fists, until they were ghostly white. She sat there, tears rolling down her cheeks down to her feet, waiting for a reply from the evil platinum haired man. 
_________________ 
CLOUD-SU 
What? No thankyou or anything? Just what he expected from Leon.. 
That trap out of the way they had found themselves in the inner chamber. This was where Cloud wanted to be! Quickly did eyes catch a seven foot tail stone statue of knight. In his right hand was a good sized dark blue sword. In his left was what seemed to be a gunblade, shineing a sky blue. 

" This is it, Leon. All we have to do is grab them. " Slowly he advanced after his words. Making his way to the statue's right side and grasping the darkblue blade. " I think we should grab them at the same time. " He said to Leon, nodding afterward. 
_________________ 
LEON 
His stone blue eyes came to fall upon the knight with the two blades in his hand. One large dark blue blade, obviously for Cloud, while the other weapon was a Gunblade. The luminescent pale blue blade with a holy in the shape of, what else, a lion. Walking up to the statue, Leon grabbed the Gunblade and then nodded to Cloud, pulling the weapon from the hand the same time as his chocobo-haired companion. Hmph...companion...not a word for Leon to ever use. Maybe this experience was opening him.....nah. 
Sliding his normal Gunblade (we'll say it's the Shear Trigger) into the holster on his belt, he looked over the blue Gunblade. Lionheart was engraved on it, a name that dragged a heavy, depressed sigh from the man who deliberately changed his name and shrouded himself in mystery in order to hide the past that name revealed. Squall...no...Leon walked out of the temple wordlessly, the blade in his hand. After getting back to the entrance, he turned to Cloud and sighed. "Let's hurry...I have faith in Sora, but up against Sephiroth, he's as small as a simple Shadow." 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
( Kairi-mun...Sephy already teleported to Hallow Bastion with Sora and Riku. :/) 

Sephiroth felt immense power flowing through him. THe keyblade was his...all his.... 

A short, disgusting laugh emitted and echoed from Sephiroth's mouth. He had finally obtained the almighty Keyblade. 

"Now let us Junction..." he said to it as he held it up to the Masamune. Closing his eyes, he said a few words. 

The two blades seemed to attract each other. A forced was pulling them, bonding them. Much like he had done with Sora. His eyes snapped wide open. He had figured it out. 

He had the power to Junction items together. 

The planets. 

He and Sora. 

And now the Masamune and the Keyblade. 

He could merge anything together... 

He squealed on the inside. This meant...so much. He could really... 


The two blades Merged together, , the Masamune forcing hte Keyblade to stretch in length. In reality it became jus ta massivle long and thin Keyblade. Excellent. 

"Let's see now.." He swieshed the sword to the side. Holy shit. He wasn't even able to see it move...such immense speed. His eyes were forced into slits as that familiar smirk crossed him. This was just too...excellent. 

"Riku..." he said, pointing the sword at him. "Wake up..." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
"Sephiroth... what are you doing...?" 

Tears filled her eyes as she reached out for him, lying on her stomach. 

"Sephiroth?" 

She thought that they shared something.. love, maybe, but he was ignoring her completely now, and she didn't know what to think of it. Her arms reached out for him, crying loudly for him. She wanted to help him... she wanted to help him get better. 
------------------ 
CLOUD-SU 
Cloud grasped the large handguard of the blade and lifted it the same time Leon lifted his. With a sigh of relief he held the blade up.. Good, no traps. The deep blue back suddenly sparked with power and a white casing slowly appeared. The casing was added much mass to the blade, and Cloud could feel it gain in weight. The razer-sharp edges of the blade were lined in black, the center a dark, navyblue of the blade within. Truly a beautiful sword.. 

" We got lucky.. What the old man said was tru- " something made the chocobo-haired man stop in speech. A sudden rumbling had started around them and those mako-fused eyes laid view on the stone knight. It had somehow come to life and threw a punch at Cloud. Quickly he leaped back, taking up form with his new found weapon. " Heh.. seems I was wrong about a trap. Now the fun begins, Leon. I'm sure you're dieing to test out that new sword of yours, as I am mine. " with that final note and a bit of a smirk hidden behind his scarf, Cloud rushed forward. 
_________________ 
RIKU 

"Ugh...?" Riku's aqua-hued eyes fluttered open. Everything was so hazy... Some face glowering over him... bright green... eyes... silver hair...? 

He closed his eyes once more groaning quietly as he brought a hand to his forehead. He felt so weak... like he'd just woken up after spending a week in bed, sick with the flu. His stomach wasn't treating him very well, anyway... as if something horrible had happened... His eyes had missed it, but his heart hadn't... egh... 

He opened his eyes once more and his vision slowly began to become sharper... He didn't really care when he saw the weapon pointed at his neck. He didn't really care about that dangerous sneer on the face of the man who was holding it. He didn't really have anything worth caring about--until he saw his "friend." 

"S-SORA!" Riku cried, overjoyed that his childhood rival, at least, was all right. However, his happiness was short-lived when he noticed an identical sneer on Sora's face.. and dark eyes... darker than before... 

Reminded him... of another boy... another time... the same darkness... 

"...Sora?" 

His eyes drifted from the boy's face to the weapon held above him. It looked... strange... familiar... like... the keyblade...?! 

Suddenly, it all became clear. 

"You..." He stared up at the silver-haired man with wide eyes. "You... you worked for Ansem... didn't you?" 

Instead of waiting for an answer, he began to shout. "YOU DID THE SAME THING TO SORA THAT HE DID TO ME, DIDN'T YOU?!"
-----------------
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"Now, now, dear Riku..." he said, his voice hinted with slight sarcasm. "Don't say anything you'll regret.." THe Keyblade-Masamune slid away from Riku's neck, the tip of the blade hitting the floor. Sephiroth's gloved palm pressed into the hilt, and he leaned forward at Riku. 

"I've sent him to the nether-realm.." he whispered. "He no longer desires hope...And you're next.." 

He drew another sword, a silver broadsword, and tossed it to Riku. 

"I'm in the mood for a good fight. Let's see how long you can last before you're enveloped in darkness..." He chortled a bit as he placed the Keyblade-masamune in his belt. He got into his stance...although there was barely a stance to being with, and began to circle Riku. 

"Are you prepared to face destiny..?" he said. 

He forgot to mention that Riku was the only one able to stop Sephiroth by using a Keyblade.. Oops. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi watched her friend leave with the evil Sephiroth.. She sat there, her red hair blowing gently in the breeze... Her tear stained cheeks were colored almost the color of her scalp and she felt as if she were alone.. totally alone... She felt stunned and paralyzed, and she couldn't seem to stand up.. It wasn't her ankle but her sorrow filled body. Sora had been in trouble, and she couldn't do anything. She hadn't laid a finger on Sephy and Sora seemed gone. Kairi felt 100% responsible and she had the guilt to go along with it. Finally Kairi gathered her strength and stood up. She walked into the destroyed Gummi, slowly as if in a trance thinking of something totally different than the task at hand, and stepped inside. Maybe Yuffie knew how to fix the ship. If they could fix it, then they could go find the boys. If Sora was taken, and Riku was lsot, maybe Cloud and Leon could help. Because now they were jsut 3 girls not knowing how to fight too well, except for Yuffie of course... But still Kairi felt unsafe. 

"Yuffie? Hey... do you know if you can fix the Gummi..? We need to get back to Sora..." 


[[ Hey, Yuffie-mun, if you don't start RPing her, I am gonna RP her a little bit to get the story going, OK..? It's gonig rather slow on our aprt.. ]] 
_________________ 
RIKU 
Riku jumped to his feet, just in time to see the broadsword coming at him. He managed to catch it, but only barely; he grunted as the heavy object fell into his hands, and he wondered if Sephiroth's true intention had been to impale him outright. 

"Fine..." He growled, holding up the weapon. "I'll fight you.... to the death if I need to...! Wait..." He paused, looking down at the sword. "I can't do this.... I mean... you want me to try to kill you.... Yeah!" He smirked, his gaze meeting Sephiroth's ice-cold mako eyes. "You want me to feel hatred towards you.... you want me to get revenge... for Kairi... for Sora... you want me to become vulnerable again, that's what!" 

Riku grinned a bit darkly, standing up straight. 

"....I have a better idea...." 

Before Sephiroth could blink, he had thrown the sword to the ground, where it hit the marble flooring of Hollow Bastion with a loud clatter as he dashed to his brainwashed friend. 

"Sora!" He cried, grabbing the brown-haired boy by the shoulders and shaking him. "C'mon, wake up! This isn't you--you've gotta realize that, Sora!!!!" 

No response except for a cold, hard glare. Riku was beginning to become frightened. Maybe he was so deep in denial about his guilt that he still thought there was hope... NO. There was always hope, no matter how little.... 

"SORA!!!!" 
_________________ 
SORA 
He watched apathetically as Sephiroth combined the two swords, not caring for the Keyblade as he had before when he was a part of the light. If Sephiroth wished for it, he would give it. And that is what he had done. All he was worried about was another weapon to be supplied with. For if he were to help Sephiroth with spilling of blood, he would need something to fight with. Bare hands could be used, he supposed, but there was only so much one could do that way. Azure eyes followed the long-haired one approach this other boy and waited silently for him to carry out all of his business. Once his master needed him, he would. For now, however, he was idle. Just standing there, almost lifeless. He really only lived to serve; as if he didn't have a mind of his own. As the other boy awakened, he watched him carefully, then frowned somewhat as the stranger looked over at him and even spoke his name. He didn't know this boy, and this boy didn't know him. But this stranger knew his name. ...why? It didn't matter, really. All that mattered was Sephiroth, when it came down to it. 

Eyes narrowed in anger as the boy yelled at Sephiroth; if he tried anything, Sora was ready to attack him, even if he had to use simply hands, feet, nails, and teeth. Primal fighting wasn't neccesarily bad. But it seemed that Sephiroth had someone else in mind. He was a bit surprised to see that Sephiroth wanted to fight the boy, and had to laugh a bit at the thought of it. "You'll never beat Master," he said with a smirk. "But you can try." He was about to chuckle as he saw him throw his sword down, thinking he had given up, but his eyes widened as this perfect stranger ran over to him and grabbed him so forcefully. But he kept that apathetic, cold stare, not saying anything yet. What nonsense was he spewing, anyhow? "Feh." He grumbled, beginning to get rather annoyed with the man-handling and the yelling of his name; this person acting as if they knew him well, was a close friend; hardly. "Get off of me," he said, his voice sharp and cold, and he violently pushed him away, causing him to fall to the ground. He laughed as he looked down upon this stranger. "Now fight. Master wishes it." 
-------------------- 
LEON 
He heard Cloud talking to him again...did he ever shut up? He'd rather be stuck with Yuffie right now. But then he realized that the chocobo-headed man's words were of importance, and turning around slowly, he eyed the now living knight with disgust. He wanted the first run with this blade to be used on Sephiroth, maybe the give the bastard a nice haircut and bullet through his head at the same time, but now this came. With a heavy sigh, Leon returned to Cloud's side and looked at the enemy. 
"Cloud, I think this is a trap within another one. Think about it, this thing's stone, and these blades aren't invincible," he said, looking at both his Lionheart gunblade and at Cloud's Ultima Weapon. Then, as he looked at Cloud's weapon, something else caught the attention of those stone blue eyes. "Cloud, distract it!" he yelled, then ran up to Cloud and grabbed something out of the red cloak. What had he grabbed? The Moogle who'd been oddly silent the whole time, of course. 
Putting the tiny creature on his shoulder, he ran out of the stone knight's range. "Tneb, summon something! Or cast magic on it, you know how!" Of course, Leon's magic was limited to Cura and Fira, so he saved the MP for Cura, his eyes staying on Cloud to make sure the blonde didn't get too beat up. He felt like shit for leaving him out on the battlefield alone, but he wanted to try to utilize all the power they had. Cloud could distract the thing from Tneb, who'd attack it with magic and summoning, Leon being left to heal either. It sucked, but it was a plan. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"Your logic impresses me, boy." 

Mako occulars leered at Riku with an intense, fiery hatred. He had turned down his challenge. What a fool. Nobody turns down a challenge from Sephiroth. Not without paying the price. 

"Sora." He snapped his fingers, summoning a temporary weapon for him. A Golden sword, encrested with ruby jewels upon it's silver hilt. What an odd type of sword. But no matter. Sephiroth was sure Sora could use it well. 

Suddenly, however, Riku grabbed hold of Sora. 

Sephiroth took a few steps forward, his boots tapping quietly against the marble floor of the Hallow Bastion Chapel. 

"I suggest you remove your hands from the boy before I remove them from you completely." The Keyblade-Masamune was pointed onto Riku's neck now, the tip of the blade just barely pushing into Riku's fair tinted skin. 

"If you do not wish to fight, it is your decision. But..." Sephiroth quickly removed the Keyblade-Masamune from Riku's neck and shot his hand out at him. The sheer force of Sephiroth's movement caused Riku to go flying. 

"Heavy consequences..." Sephiroth waved his left hand across his body from left to right. Riku was sent flying to the right, his back slamming into a wall. Sephiroth then moved his hand up a bit, making Riku attatched to the wall, and sliding up a bit. His feet dangled about a foot from the ground. 

"...Will follow." Sephiroth ended this amusing game by snapping his fingers. Seven cloths of black shadow shot from the wall, entwining themselves around Riku. He was trapped now, a foot above the ground, against the wall. He had nowhere to go. 

"Could this be the end for poor little Riku..?" He sheathed the Keyblade-Masamune onto his belt, and folded his hands behind his back. Taking a few steps towards Riku, he continued. "Poor little Riku...All alone...Not a single ray of light to save him..." 

"What will he do now..?" 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
[[Now, I'm just gonna control Yuffie-su a bit... haven't seen whoever palys her for awhile now... Selphie, I know you can handle your RPing on your own.. ]] 

As Yuffie explained her inability to fix the gummi ship, Kairi knew what she had to do. This was some unknown world now... And she didn't know what was ahead.. But she had to take a chance.. for Riku.. and for Sora. Kairi climbed out fo the gummi ship to see Selphie standing there, like always, in her yellow jumper. She seemed to be examining the nunchaku and seemed to be just as confused as she was. Kairi sighed and walked over to Selph, her head held up high, the exact opposite of how she felt, with all this weight and pressure on her pure heart. 

"Selphie.." she started to say, only to find her throat sore and hoarse from holding back salty tears of sorrow. "We need to look around... Find someone, you know? If Sora is in trouble then.. we have to save him before he... before he is ki.. " She was cut short from her tears and what seemed to be thunder, rumbling in the dark clouds. "Before we get seperated again. Besides, he risked his life for me... Now I must do the same for him..." The redhead teen stood in the breeze, which was very cold and seemed to set the mood of the scene. She giggled and held her hand up to cover her mouth. It didn't help to sit here and mope. She tightened the claw on her right hand and looked at Selphie, with a tear rolling downh er cheek. "Are you ready to kick some heartless butt?!" 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 
][Sounds good enough ! ][ 

As the young girl looked up to see Kairi's eyes filled with tears she felt the same pain that she was going through. Sora being taken away had made the group somewhat fall into pieces. This wasn't her department of being all moody and sad now, it just wasn't her thing. Furrowing her brows and looking around it had seemed that the Gummi Ship was a big wreck. Seeing that the ship was in terrible shaped she was beginning to lose hope... 

Just when Kairi had mentioned finding someone...it felt impossible. In a place like this? It's so... deserted but she can never lose hope that there can be miracles. It made her a bit upset to hear that Yuffie could not help out the ship a bit. Knowing that Sora is in great danger they have to do something...fast before...Sora- how Kairi put it. She dislikes negative words, especially when she is suppose to be those 'happy go lucky' type of girl. 

Nodding her head slightly she was glad to hear that Kairi was ready to kick some evil bad guys. As that familiar smile returned to her brows furrowed, making an expression that she was eager to leave this place and get Sora and Riku back... Looking up to Kairi she responded in her hyper tone, as always, and gripped tightly to her nunchaku preparing for some big action to occur. 

"You bet! I'm ready to kick some heartless butt!!" 

Marching with her hands swinging to the sides she imagined the navigator as a 'heartless' and gave a kick to it, showing that she was mustering all that anger into that kick. 

"Take that you heartless!" 
------------------- 
KAIRI 
[[ Selphie-su.. is it alright if I ask that you don't use that color anymore? ]] 

Kairi grinned at the happy-go-lucky-girl's answer. It was good to know that Selphie was anxious to get him out fo the hell of Sephiroth. Kairi looked at her glove and snickered. "OK then, Selphie! Let's go kick some heartless butt!" kairi yelled out to Yuffie for her to follow and the 3 girls walked off looking for any sign of life... 
_________________ 
RIKU 
What would he do now? ((Not leave nonsensical, Capri Sun-induced posts, that's what! :D --R.)) He would fight for much-needed air, that's what he would do, and grimace in pain at Sephiroth's effortless manipulation of his body. He could feel his bones slowly being cracked, he could feel his muscles being pulled apart, he could feel why it was that no one, not no one ever defied the One-Winged Angel and lived to tell the tale... 

If anything, they lived to be his slaves... 

"Sora..." He gasped out, the pain in his heart equalling the agony his nerves were relaying to his desperate mind. "...I can't.... I can't...." 
_________________ 
SORA 
"...do what?" he asked mockingly, finding it rather amusing that Sephiroth had 'chained' the boy to the wall with those silks of black. Loud, resounding paces were made over to where the new weapon lay waiting for him upon the Chapel floor. Slowly he stooped down to rest his hand upon the hilt, giving his hand a moment to adjust to the feel of the new weapon. So used to the Keyblade he was, but he adapted well enough. Up he stood, turning to face the prisoner with that smirk that was most likely ripping Riku apart even moreso than the pain dealt by the One Winged Angel. 

He then walked forward, finally acting upon his own will, for once not simply filling out the needs of his master. He felt as if there was some unfinished business with this boy, though he had no idea what the dealings were in. Either way, torture would be pleasing. He stood face to face with him, though the distance was long enough for him to raise the blade up to Riku's face for a moment. "Heh... pathetic," he said, voice laced with arrogance, confidence, evil. 
-------------- 
RIKU 
"....Can't.... fight.... you....." Riku choked, giving out a sharp cry of pain as his chest jerked and caused his pain to increase. "......I learned.... not..... ans--" Once more, he tripped over his words, giving out a groan as the agonizing torment turned into a dull ache. 

"Sora.... don't you... you have to...." He whispered as Sephiroth continued the torture. He was probably enjoying it more than Sora, even, the sadistic bastard he was. Bas...tard....turning....Sor...a....dark...ness..... 

"........Re...member.....?" He could swear he felt a warm liquid gathering in his mouth, further margling his weak words. "....You... me... Kai---ACH---...Kairi.... remember.... remember the RAFT.... the paopu.....THE PAOPU-----REMEMBER THE PAOPU, SORA?!?!? Destiny-------DESTINY, Sora, remember your DESTINY----??!?!!!!!" 

Sephiroth increased the pain suddenly, intentionally, and Riku screamed, his back arching in defiance of the horrible treatment until he finally gave in, his limbs hanging limp and his head lolling forward. 

"....Des....destiny......"
-----------------
SORA 
As Riku's answer was expressed, Sora said nothing, though the blade was dropped down to his side as the silver-haired boy continued. He had to smile slightly to see that Sephiroth was doing such a bang-up job with the torture, but... Sora had to make it personal. He didn't understand the link he had with Riku in the slightest; he just knew it was there. Denying it as he had done before, thinking that they didn't know each other... that wouldn't work. For though Sora was now practically a robot, the words manage to strike a cord inside. Eyes showed some of their old flare, but it only lasted for a second. He shook his head back and forth a bit, as if to rid himself of that 'light' that had returned for a moment, and brushed off the words that he supplied. He growled slightly. "Stop it." It had disturbed him, the things he had said. He wanted no more of that. "I remember nothing," he said coldly, staring impendingly at the captured one. "Because there is nothing to remember. You speak lies." Again came the denial, taking over like before. 

He stepped forward so as to shorten the distance between them, and that gold blade was brought up to the pale skin of the older boy's face. Blade was lightly touched against Riku's right cheek, and he turned it slightly so that he could impress a cut upon Riku's cheek identical to the one he still had; the one he had received when the gummi ship had crashed, that seeming so long ago now. Of course, he remembered next to nothing about the occurances before his heart was tainted, but... the presence of the cut on his cheek had been noted, even if he didn't know how he attained it. Blade was dropped again as he lifted his left hand, the one not clutching the sword, to the wound upon Riku's face, slowly rubbing his palm over it to collect some of the fresh blood. 

Hand then travelled to his own face, starting at the top right side of his face and smearing the blood across his coutenence diagonally so that a good amount of that fair skin was now painted red. Eyes turned down to look at his hand where some of the blood still remained blankly, and he lifted it up yet again to lick the remnants off, licking his lips after the action. "Hmm.." he said, his tone holding pleasure; it seemed he liked the taste. 

He turned to his master, eyes holding a primal glint after that blood had been smeared and consumed. "I want more... allow me to fight him..." Though it may have seemed like a demand, his tone inferred that he was asking Sephiroth to let him do so. Yes, to face this one would be rather interesting. 
---------------------- 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"This is mighty interesting, I must say.." 

Sephiroth's deathly sarcastic voice echoed in the empty halls of Hallow Bastion. His voice seemed like a hopeless cry; not even the purest of souls could save him. He was too far into the darkness. 

"Fight?" he said, his voiced laced with a quizzical expression. "Hmm...Perhaps..." 

Sephiroth snapped his fingers, the bands of darkness unwinding themselves from Riku, allowing his to slide into a slump on the floor. He chortled a bit. Wasn't Riku supposed ot be the ray of light? He seemed so weak. It was too pathetic. 

"This wouldn't be a very good idea, but..." Sephiroth trailed off for a moment, lost in his own devices. If Sora fought Riku, he could regain his memory and the two could kill him, right then and there. But if they didn't fight, he was sure Sora would have some pent up energy to get out for when and if he regained his heart.. 

"Go ahead." 

Sephiroth had made his decision. Now he would, very oddly, sit back and enjoy the show. If it was long enough to begin with. 

[Try to make this a short battle, perhaps ending up with Riku as the victor? And Kairi, Aerith, Cloud, Leon, and Yuffie? You guys should speed it up and meet up with each other then get to Cid for a new Gummi Ship in the VERY near future. Just make it so that CLoud and Leon aren't that far away from you, Kairi-mun. And Since Traverse Town was scattered, the Accessory Shop can be in ruins near you guys as well. Cid should be in there. Alright?] 
_________________ 
Sora 
[ First of all.. Stephy... Aerith is with Kairi, Yuffie, and Selphie on Junction, which is pretty much all of the worlds connected. This means that Leon, Cloud, and Tneb will be there as well because they were at a different world, but since they all merged recently, they will all be in Junction. Sephiroth, Riku, and Sora are in Hollow Bastion, the only world that wasn't merged along with the rest. Have the four girls meet up with Cloud, Leon, and Tneb soon. Then they should get around to figuring out a plan to try and get to Hollow Bastion. In other words, look for Cid so that they can get a functional gummi ship. Kyle spoke about all this before, people... o.o; ] 
---------------- 
KAIRI 
[ OK, I dunno if we have a Cid-su, but I'll gonna RP him for a little while til we know cuz this is going really slow... ] 

Kairi and the 3 other girls continued their endless walking, when the redhead dressed in lavender put her hand over her eyes, as if to help her see better. She thought she saw what appeared to be a man ahead. She couldn't tell but she could have sworn that she saw the bright blonde hair of that "Gummi man." Yes, it was Cid! If anyone could get them out of here, it had to be him. He was their alst hope.. well except for Sora... She had always put her full trust in him, no matter how much darkness tried to steal his light. She looked behind her to see Aerith, Yuffie and Selphie dragging on behind. Maybe they hadn't seen him. "Hey guys, look!" she cried, pointing ahead of her with her glove covered right hand. "Maybe he can help... I think its Cid!" She laughed and ran ahead of the girls toward the blonde. 

"Cid?" she said, panting a small bit, as she reached him. He turned towards her and said, "Hey kairi! What's up? And... where are we?" He scratched his head at that last statement and kairi stood thinking, not exactly knowing how to answer. "Uhh..." she started. "Well, we're not sure exactly... But the Gummi ship... It's.." Before she could finish, Cid's eyes lit up as he said, "Gummi?! There.. there's a Gummi here?! Well, I bet we better go off and get it booted up..." Kairi sighed as she caught her breath finally and said, "Ummm. okay then... It's this way..." She pointed back towards the crashed vehicle but it didn't seem like Cid was paying attention. "But first," he started, "I think I saw Leon and another blonde man nearby. Maybe we should go find them. But they seemed different... They carried frightening weapons, man, and I was kinda freaked to talk to 'em." Kairi shrugged and said, "Well then.. maybe we should go look for them then.. But we must hurry.. Sora's.. he's.. He's in danger, so we jsut ahve to hurry, ok?" She looked to see where the other 3 girls were at, before starting to walk farther and farther away fromt he abandoned wreck. 

[[ Someone else post as other people since Leon-mun and Cloud-mun don't seem to be on too much... We can't let the SL bore us and then die... ]] 
_________________ 
LEON 
((*heavy sigh* Okies, I see now. I'll try to find a way out of the mess now, so if it sounds like shit.....it is. BSing to solve problems is fun, and the only solution to this situation at the moment.)) 

The knight of stone having been defeated by the tiny Moogle with it's enormous red nose, Tneb then announced she'd rather not continue to journey with Cloud and Leon. While it was fun, the Moogle didn't want to endanger her life any further. In a sense, she reminded him of everything he didn't want to be. He never wanted to give up, never wanted to fail even in the toughest of times. He had let it happen before, and he didn't want it to happen again. He could only change his name so many times before he was just "Blah." 
Nodding to the Moogle, he then turned to Cloud and gave another nod to the blonde. Back to the gummi ship...again. But where would they go? After leaving Traverse Town for this odd, legendary place, they hadn't heard from any of their allies and had no idea as to where they were or where the enemy was. Was Sephiroth dead? Probably not. Was Sora impaled on a big ass sword? He wouldn't be surprised. Were all the girls crying in desperation to be freed from the evil silver-haired man? Ugh, horrible thought. Aerith, Yuffie, Kairi, Selphie...the thought of them all screaming their hearts out was enough to make even the cold bastard worry about them. So now, he and Cloud had to find the girls, where ever they were, and help them, then help Sora and kick Sephiroth's ass. What an agenda they had planned. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
( That was good. :D) 

They were getting closer. Sephiroth could feel the other's heartbeat pulsing within his mind, that thump, thump, thump pressing into him. Damn Cloud. Damn him to hell. 

"Ugh. You there, Key boy. Take care of Riku. I shall return.." 

And with that, he was gone. Back to Junction, once more, to finish off Strife and to end the damn thumping in his head. 

He appeared quickly behind Strife, his presence sheilded, his motions silenced with swiftness. The masamune slid gracefully through that large red scarf of his, clean through it. It headed for his spine, and he was sure once it struck Strife would either die instantly or be crippled, unable to continue the journey and die slowly. 

He really didn't care for a slow death of him. The thumping would slow in his head, but the pain would increase as it slowed, it would keep thumping, louder, harder, but slower.....Just the thought of it hurt his head even more. 

He'd remove Cloud from this mortal coil once and for all. 

And so, with that blade, moving so swiftly, so cleanly, he pierced Cloud just as he had pierced Aerith that time, just as he had killed her. 

And that was it. The instant death of Cloud Strife. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Something was wrong... something happened... something was killed. She could feel it in her soul. She knew it was someone close to her, only, she didn't know exactly who it was. Aerith's eyes shot wide open as the visions that would drive her into the realm of insanity came rolling through her mind. It was Cloud. 

Aerith fell to her knees, coughing into her palm. She felt like vomiting. This was the one thing she wouldn't be able to stand. This could kill her... this could drive her to kill. She didn't know what she would become now... after this, she didn't know what she was capable of. She didn't know what she was going to do... She didn't know anything... She didn't feel anything.... 

Nothing but Hatred... 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
[[ OK... anybody who made that other post I made about geting to the ship and having Cid repair it.. Well forget it.. i screwed up and am starting voer now... *sigh* ]] 

Kairi continued her, what seemed like endless, walking towards absolutly nothing... Cid and the girls lagged behind and kairi felt a sudden burst of anger in her chest. They were slacking and this could cost them... everything... Sora's life.... But weren't they the same thing..? She yelled behind, to her friends, "Hey.. Sora's life is on the line and you guys aren't doing anything.. We could lsoe him forever.. Hurry it up.. we can't let the darkness claim what's already mine!!" She didn't really think about what she said. She jsut rubbed the tears on her face and ran ahead, not really giving a care for the others... 

Then she saw ahead of her.... 3 things caught her eye... A blonde spiked man on the ground... a pool of blood... and that evil Sephiroth... He.. he was the one who had consumed Sora, so quick.... SHe clenched her fists and watched as the platinumed hair masamune man stood, and what appeared to be, laughing at the dead Cloud Strife in front of him... She turned around behind her just to see the companions laging behind.. So without thnking, she simply ran over to the scene.... She glred at Sephiroth awaiting his voice... that cold and dark voice. 

[ Hows that...?]] 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Cloud... she had to find Cloud. She could feel him close by... but it would be difficult to find him, she thought. She could smell the blood even from where she knelt, forcing herself to crawl toward the source of it. Aerith cried out his name, silently, until she became audible in her cries. She had to find him... she had to see him and say either her 'hello's, or her 'goodbye's. 

This would be a difficult task for her, either way. But she felt death was what had struck Strife. With the thought of that, she didn't know whether or not she wanted to see him. Was it gruesome? What it clean? Either way, death was cruel, and the sight of it, even more so. 

Tears filled her eyes as she continued toward the source of the blood, still crying out for Cloud. She had received no response, and that left her wondering, thinking the worst of the situation. 

"Please... Cloud... don't die... don't be dead..." 

Her eyes looked forward, just slightly ahead of Kairi. She could smell the strong scent of blood... Cloud was dead... she could see him. She rose quickly to her feet, crying, and making her way toward him quickly and kneeling at his side, lying her head against his chest. 

The blood covered her hands as she touched his wound. Her face was smeared with it, due to the fact she had lied her face against him. This wound was familiar... it was, without a doubt, done by Sephiroth. 

Her eyes shot up, seeing, just then, Sephiroths locks of silver hair. Her eyes narrowed, seeing through the tears. Anger filled her, but what would be her next move? 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 
Lagging slowly, and I mean really slowly, behind Kairi. The group had remained awfully quiet, except Kairi yelling at them to pick up the pace. She couldn't blame her for the sudden outburst, knowing that someone dear to her can be lost forever. Hanging her head down low as her bangs came over her eyes she mumbled to herself, why is this happening to them. Seemed like luck was definitely not favoring their side, for once. 

Of course, she is also too angered by this. If Sora completely turns to the darkside, there was no way she can ever forgive herself. Maybe it was not too late. But if Sora turned on them... bleh, she would not want to think of what would happen. Let's just put it that they would be in deep trouble. 

Gyah... this is definitely not good. How long mu- 

That was when the scene was pushed into her mind. A very terrible sight, something that would give her nightmares for life. Before them, a familiar blonde hair guy laid down in the ground with...b-blood (what an icky word) spilling out around his body. There, before them, a familiar guy stood there with a bloody weapon in his hand. How scary. 

As the young girl trembled on the spot she stood, it was hard for her to move for some reason. Probably because this was her very first time witnessing a dead corpse. Hesitating a bit, she was able to finally move and reluctantly ran to Kairi's side. She feared being left alone, behind, and forgotten. Those are the things she really hates.
--------------------
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"Aerith..." he said, his voice cool and collected as always. "We never loved you, Cloud and I.." he was toying with her emotions. TRYING to make her angry. What fun. 

"We were using you...Cloud, for that white matera...and myself, for the opening of Junction. Of course, you let down Cloud when I killed you. You are nothing more than a ghost. Do you not even realize that you are dead?" 

His sword shot straight through her, but now wound was created. The sword passed through as if moving through air. There was the proof. The proof that Aerith didn't really exist. 

"You are a fragmented tale.." he said, his voice shifting to a colder, deadlier attitude. "Nothing more than a spirit. This is why you weren't consumed by the darkness at Hallow Bastion. This is why you don't get injured. This is why the Heartless don't attack you. Ansem knew it. Ansem knew you were nothing more than a lost spirit. I'm surprised it didn't come to my memory when I absorbed his essence." 

His speech must have tugged at Aerith's heartstrings, because he saw her recoil, slither back. This was far worse than excorsising her spirit. He was toying with it instead, harming her, destroying the very reason why she was still in existence. 

"But now you know. Now you know why." He ripped the Masamune from Cloud's spine, that sickening noise filling his ears. The blood dribbled from his blade ever so slowly as he raised it to his mouth and pressed his tongue against it. 

"Ah...fresh, warm blood.." He was acting so vampiric it was disgusting. "Blood made even sweeter due to the fact that he is..no..WAS my rival.." 

He chortled a bit as the last drop of blood trickled down his throat. 

"Poor, poor Aerith, what will she do now..?" 
_________________ 
AERITh-SU 
Aerith let out a scream, eyes closing tightly and head falling back. She had known, slightly, that she was not alive, but a mere spirit walking the world that had once found her so useful. 

She flew at Sephiroth, grasping the masamune from him and striking at him with his own weapon. Now this felt right, strangly. She went on at attacking the One Winged Angel, that bastard, her hands grasping the sword tightly. 

With a few strikes with the masamune against his skin, she threw the sword, violently, and with all her strength summoned a power inside her, attacking him at full force with her magical and physical capabilities. Her anger had somehow made her able to use physical attacks with weapons, and bringing back to life a magical force that she hadn't seen since her own death. 

She let out a cry as she let out a powerful attack known only to her as "spirit guide". This attack would attempt to steal the soul of the evil being she casted it upon. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
Perhaps he hadn't used the proper choice of words. Nothing had prepared him for that power that boiled so quickly inside of her. And in an instant, his sword was hers, the blade, still possessing CLoud's blood, striking against him now. His own sword, the Masamune junctioned to the Keyblade, had enough power to sent him hurtling back with massive gashes in his face and torso. She possessed the Keyblade now. 

He was screwed. 

That bitch had sprung an attack on him out of nowhere. The first words he could think of -- "Holy Fuck!" -- were cut short in his head with her cat-like swiftness. And she used the Keyblade-Masamune with such perfection it was scary... 

But what was next? Would she rise to power and thwart his plan, right then and there? No, he had to stop it. He couldn't. 

Not yet. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Aerith sighed slightly, her mouth opening, releasing another spirit. This spirit was in the form of a reaper, the God of Death itself. It fell back against Aerith, becoming one form. In Aerith's hands was a scythe. With this scythe she could take his soul, take his very life from him. 

She raised the scythe, then lowered it against the fallen Sephiroths chest angrily, not yet piercing his body. Her eyes glowing a bright pure white. She kept teasing him with every rise and lowering of the mighty weapon, finally, lifting it high into the air and bringing it down toward Sephiroth for the final blow. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
The scythe, with the forcing of a charging bull, slammed down into Sephiroth's chest. His body flickered for a moment, then completely vanished. The true Sephiroth stood behind Aerith, holding a bleeding arm and slumping slightly. His breathing was heavy and scarce at the same time...He had to escape or he wouldn't be able to.... 

"Very nice...Aerith...But...even with your...newfound power...you could only barely stay me..." 

His arm, as he removed his hand, was revealed to only be dangling by a thread of skin from his shoulder. Aerith had done more than stay him. She had nearly killed him. 

"We'll...meet very soon...I'm sure..." 

He was gone in a flurry of bloody feathers, leaving Aerith with Kairi, Leon, Selphie, and the corpse of Cloud. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Aerith collapsed, her body going back to its original form, the reaper vanishing. All that was left of the reaper was the scythe, still in the hands of Aerith. Her eyes fluttered open, she knew the damage she had done, she had fought Sephiroth, she almost killed him. 

She crawled toward Cloud, slowly, once again, and rested her head gently against him. Had he really never loved her? No... he had. Sephiroth was lying... he always lied to her... she couldn't trust that bastard. 

At one time in her life, unfortunately, she wanted to help Sephiroth... but now, the only thing she wanted to aid him with was to help him to his death. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
The whole scene..... Sephiroth toying with Aerith... Her quic and swift blow ... and his bird like departure.... It scared Kairi... every small bit of it... Now as she watched Aerith crawl over to her lvoe, Kairi simply decided not to say anything.. She knew they had to hurry.... Sephiroth.. He was going to get back to Sora, wasn't he..? Kairi was very anxious indeed, to leave and get a move on.... But she couldn't pry Aerith away from Cloud, no matter how strong of a crowbar she had... Her head hung low and she felt a warm tear roll down her soft cheek... The redhead lifted her head , after what seemed like hours, and said, as to comfort the flower girl Cetra, "He.. He was a great man... Cloud was... a skilled warrior and a great companion..." She couldn't really say more... Now her throat had one of those lumps in it, causing her eyes to water even more and nose to run. 

But the lavender girl from Destiny Islands, seemed to be thinking of Sora more than anything... She missed Cloud mroe than she ever thought she would, but her lazy bum was so far away, it seemed. Suddenly, something inside her, started to hurt. What was this? Of course, her first thoguht was lvoe... Was she too young to lvoe somebody? She tried to divert her mind from her wild thoughts, which seemed to wander endlessly, saying to herself that she jsut felt sick from the smell of the blood and the sight of Cloud's lifeless body.. But she had so much doubt in her heart nowadays.. trying to forget about these oh so terible recent events, she looked up at leon and said, "Leon... Can Sephiroth... kill Sora too?" She could barely muster the words to the lionhearted gunblade specialist, but after finally getting it out, she felt much better than she had before, from concealing it within her body.... She lowered her head once more, allowing more tears, to drip on the ground, as they streaked on the ridged ground, mixing with the bright red color of Cloud's blood.... Riku.. Sora.... they were both so far and yet so close to her.... she sighed and simply turned to everyonje else as they mourned his death.... So now, she simply, turned around and starting walking back towards the ship, very slow and quiet, unlike her normal self.... 
_________________ 
LEON 
Leon could barely answer the question directed towards him. For once, he was confused as to what could happen. It seemed the events in the past few moments went above and beyond the events he had felt in the past few weeks, months even since this whole thing first started when he, Yuffie, and Aerith had left Hollow Bastion for Traverse Town. That seemed ages ago now. 
The calm composure kept over him had left when he had heard Sephiroth's cruel cackle, turning around only to see his temporary comrad as a lifeless corpse, covered in blood. Yet before he could do anything to help Cloud or hurt Sephiroth, the flower girl came up and completely lost that sweet, flower girl demeanor to some overwhelming power she had conjured up. In an instant, Sephiroth was nothing more than a few bloody feathers on the ground, Aerith left on the ground with the weapon still left in her pale hands. 
Putting his hand on Kairi's shoulder, he shook his head and sighed. "I don't know what Sephiroth can do to Sora, or what Sora can do to Sephiroth. Everything's unclear right now..." he said softly, his stone blue eyes still on Aerith. Looking towards the others, Yuffie and Selphie, he motioned for them to take his place next to Kairi, keeping her safe from both any physical threat and from herself. Kairi was a raging torrent of emotion right now and needed them, despite how in control she felt she was. That sense of control, he had felt it before, came from a fear deep inside, and that strong control was there to push the fear away. He certainly didn't want Kairi to become like himself: an emotionless piece of flesh, struggling to keep his emotions down so that fear wouldn't come up. 
But even the lion couldn't hold all his emotions down. Leon felt sympathetic for the flower girl as he walked over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder as he looked at the lifeless body before them. "Anger and a need for vengence...something I never thought I'd see overcome you, Aerith," he said calmly. Sure, the comment would probably upset her more than anything, but Leon was never good with consolances anyway. Instead of saying more that would probably further upset the girl, he slowly and cautiously (just in case her rage was still blinding her) put his hand on the bloody blade and tried to pull it from her hands. He had no clue what her plans were with the blade, whether it would be to throw it away or to keep it for some other use, but his intention was simple: burn the vile, bloody thing until it was simply a pile of ashes. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
She rose quickly to her feet, tears streaming down her face. Her arms clasped tightly about Leons shoulders, resting lightly on his back as she cried against his chest. 

This was something, obviously, that would be difficult for her to endure. With Cloud gone, she didn't know where her mind may roam, but she was hoping for the better... and all that was left for her to lean on was the "cold-hearted" lion known as Leon. 
_________________ 
LEON 
The stone blue eyes widened in shock at first. Eeep...closeness. Aerith had invaded his bubble of personal space! But the tears that he felt slowly moistening a spot on his white shirt made him softly hold Aerith, wrapping his arms around her. Sure, it was very un-Leon, but he wasn't going to be a complete ass about it. She was hurt, he ought to help. 
While Aerith cried on his chest, he looked towards Cid and the other three girls. "First, we have to decide what to do with this Keyblade-Masamune. Second, we have to...hmm..." he said but began to stutter as he thought of how to deal with Cloud. He figured that mentioning the name would probably send Aerith into another burst of tears. Nodding discreetly towards the blonde corpse, he then said "Where? And then third, we have to get to where Sora is and help him defeat Sephiroth. Where was he when you last saw him, Kairi?" 
As he waited for an answer towards his schedule plan, Leon gently rubbed Aerith's back to help soothe her crying. Ick...more emotions. But hell, he'd let his cold composure break a little rather than have a huge wet spot on his shirt. He looked down at her a moment and sighed, shook his head, then looked back at the people his schedule had been addressed to. He was ok with her tears for the moment, she just better not let it become a habit. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi turned back towards the party and and sighed before responding to Leon. "Sora...?" she could barely say his name now and everything was wrong.... She for the frist time in her life, didn't want to think about Sora.... For it hurt her far too much, tugging at her heartstrings...."He... He was by the Gummi Ship, Leon....But.. it wasn't... It wasn't him...." Tears rolled down her cheeks and she knew she probably looked alot like Aerith... But she didn't care... If only she had a shoulder to cry on... But Leon was taken, or whatever.... And... Well, the main thing that kept her from losing it was that she didn't want to look like a panic striken teenager who cared about nothing except her best friends. She knew she had to be strong and get through this... You couldn't escape conflcits throughout your life, could you? Perhaps.... But was that really living? 

But again now, her thoughts were broguht back to that ghostly dead Sora... No.. she wouldn't call him Sora.... That demon creature possessing her lazy bum didn't deserve to be called by such.. But the picture of his ghostly white glowing eyes and the sound of his cold dark voice stuck in her mind and she knew nightmares would follow years after.... She now looked away fromt he ground and towards the "occupied" Leon.... "Sephiroth... He took his heart or something.. But now.. He's just possessed Leon..... We have to get his heart back....! And Riku too....." Had she ever mentioned the platinum haired boy, a year older than her, but still so young, free and adventurous to him? Well, maybe not so fre at the moment... Kairi sighed and said, "Please... we have to get him back... I'll do anything..... Please just promise me we'll get him back..."
-------------------
AERITH-SU 
Aerith pulled from his grasp, knowing that he felt awkward in a situation such as this. She turned from everyone, turned from Cloud... she couldn't stand to look at him anymore... not like this. 

She would have to move on... she would have her revenge, then, she would move on. The wind blew her hair ever so slightly, her eyes coming to a close. She knew this would be difficult, but she would have to overcome all obstacles ahead of her. 

Her small feet brought her body forward, she had to get to Hollow Bastion. 
_________________ 
LEON 
Thanks to Stephy, I realize Leon was supposed to actually have some feeling for Aerith. And after all this talk of Leon sex, Kyle, you couldn't possibly have told me Leon was supposed to actually like someone! You boogerhead. So now I'll try to work in some mushy feeling into it, tell me your opinion on how I do.) 

Leon blinked as Aerith pulled away from him. Damn, there went a perfectly good opportunity to be close to her and he didn't try. But why had she pulled away? "Aerith, where are..." he began, but cut himself off. He realized that Aerith had her own intentions, her own wants of how to do things. That rage over Cloud's death was still boiling inside her heart, it was obvious no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Catching her by the arm, he pulled her back, keeping her from walking off without their group. It had taken long enough to gather them together, the last thing they needed was for the group to be separate again. 

"Aerith, we have to stay here for now. There are things left to be done here," he said, then turned to Kairi. "I can't promise either of you anything, especially about the future, so we need to think in the present and deal with what's here in the present." Of course, he sighed heavily at the word he had uttered. I promise... The two words he had said so long ago, and had so painfully broken. Aerith, Kairi, I can't promise anything to either of you...I've failed at keeping promises before... But then, he let what he had said hit him. To think in the present, not the future, and he certainly didn't mean the past. 

Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts of the past, Leon grabbed the Keyblade-Masamune and held it firmly. All he wanted to do was destroy the thing, but the question was how? And even if they could destroy it, would it's power be gone? Or would it's effects be reversible? "At this point, we have to keep this Keyblade-Masamune. We don't know how to obtain Sora's heart back, and by getting rid of this, we risk endangering him. So for now, Cid, you keep this somewhere safe," he said, handing it to Cid. Considering they trusted their lives on Cid's Gummi ships, they ought to be able to trust him with almost anything else. 
He then turned to the second thing he had addressed in his schedule: Cloud. He had no idea what to do with the corpse of the blonde and turned to Aerith. She was the one closest to him, and while he felt she should choose what to do with him, he didn't want to make this hard on her. Kneeling down, he slid his arms under Cloud and picked him up gently. The limp body flopped rather, well, lifelessly in his arms and the blood that ran off made him wince. Approaching Aerith, he sighed heavily. "With his wounds, I don't think we can bring him back. You were closest to him, Aerith...what do you think he'd want now?" he asked softly. 

He almost wished now that he hadn't picked up Cloud so, in case she began crying, he could hold her again but it was a bit too late for that now. Besides, with Cloud gone, she might become closer to himself. No Squall, don't think that way. Greedy bastard. Keep your mind on the task at hand. he thought to himself at his selfish ideas. With Cloud still in his arms, he looked calmly at Aerith, waiting for a reply. After what was decided to do with Cloud, they could continue and Aerith and Kairi, along with the rest of them, could get their revenge upon Sephiroth for what he did to their loved ones. 
_________________KAIRI 
As Leon explained how he really couldn't promise anything, Kairi felt much less secure... So there was a chance.. A chance that he... no, they... a chance that they would perish... But he was perfectly correct... Deal with the present.. but the present right now was Cloud... What could Kairi do? Well, she could try to reassure Aerith... But it was something about the way Leon looked at Aerith when he spoke to her that held her back...She nodded at Leon as he lifted Cloud's lifeless body and granted all decision making to the Cetra flower girl. Maybe Cloud's death was for a good cause.. It was hard to think of any close friend's death as such, but maybe it was true.. Maybe the sacrifice of Cloud was for the good of the party.... For one thing, it definitly made Kairi feel stronger and mroe determined.. the fact that Cloud had persihed made her feel how scary it was, jsut to see it.... Sora and Riku had to be saved... They just had to... As soon as Cloud's business was done.... 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
"We need water... a body of water... I want him... at the bottom of a beautiful sea... or ocean... somewhere gorgeous." 

She brought her hand up toward her eyes, then to her mouth, covering it slightly. This, perhaps, would be difficult, the most difficult, thing for her to do, but she WOULD do it. 

"I want to let him go... to free him from the disease of this world..." 
_________________ 
LEON 
Of course, Leon thought her request was simply an odd, but romantic request. He had never known about Aerith's watery grave that Cloud had given her so very very long ago, so the thought never occurred to him as to this wish having any significance. "A body of water...We're on our way to Hollow Bastion anyway, and the pools below the rising waterfalls should suffice," he said, then looked at Aerith questioningly. "Or is there somewhere you had in mind? I don't know much about you and Cloud, so I'm sorry if my suggestions seem inane," he said dryly, not apologeticaly. Sure, he was being kind, but not letting the emotions overflow. 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
"I..." His gloved hand covered the massive wound on his right shoulder, where his arm was almost severed. He could barely feel the pain...Odd. He snapped his fingers, and the wound began to tie itself, the skin mending, the bone reattaching. It was a slow process, but it would be healed by the time the group reached Hollow Bastion. 

He glanced over to Riku and Sora, who, after battling for a few minutes, were both equally worn out. 

"Perhaps.." A voice rang inside of his head. It was none other then Ansem's. He had been guided by this Professor of Darkness since he absorbed his soul, and rather than punish him, he guided Sephiroth about what to do with the Keyblade Master. "Perhaps it would be best if you disposed of them now." 

"No," Sephiroth mentally replied. "That won't help. He is needed." 

The mental image of Aerith and Leon came to him. He was comforting her. How pathetic. Leon, the cold-hearted beast, comforting her? What a joke. He'd be sure to dispose of him the moment he arrived in the Chapel. 

Aerith, however, would be more difficult to kill. With the previous encounter he had, he was sure that she'd only be fuming even more when she arrived. Oh fuck. What a way to damper someone's good day. 

"Boy," he said to Sora. "Come here. I must tell you something. Something important. Something...history-altering..." 

The events to come, in less than a day, would indeed be history-altering. He played the movie of it inside his mind. The terror. The pain. The death. It would soon come. 

He knew, when the group arrived, what would happen. He knew.. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 
With such chaos and sad things going on, it was hard for a young girl, such as herself, to take in these piles of emotion onto her own shoulders. Seeing the action of Aerith charging at a blink of an eye the only useless thing that the poor girl did was simple. Stare off. This betrayal thing... is pretty strong. Poor Selphie, the girl had such a long way to fully understand life that is ahead of her. 

More than anything... she felt like going back home... but it's such a long way from here. Anyways, turning back now is a bit too late. By observing Kairi's expression, she could tell that her mind was set on someone. Sora. They can't return home until Sora,no, Sora and Rikku will be rescued. Sounds like a pretty impossible task though... but the small girl shouldn't lose hope, just like that. Her job was well... to bring happiness into the group. This time though... it seems that she had failed in her job of doing so. 

Seeing Leon motioning for both, Yuffie and her to stand beside Kairi, it was obvious that the young red head was in deep thought. Then Leon spoke unsure of Sora's safety. This is definitely not good. It hurts a lot not knowing the position of someone, especially if it's someone who you truly care for. She could see something though... probably one might say she's more of those observant type of people, but, was that just the real Leon? Opening up a bit? Staying a couple feet, maybe it was best that the girl didn't interfere with plans, just follow when a commanded is given to do. Period. Or just do things without second thought. Hmm the brownie hair girl seems to be drifting away from the group lately. 

To share more sad sappy stuff, the scene changed as she witnessed Aerith practically diving into Leon, crying buckets of tears. Of course, who wouldn't? Seeing the dead corpse of someone you love. That's just too much to bear. Watching Leon comfort the young girl in pink, while questioning Kairi, she winced a bit. This has indeed turned into a serious interrogation. That's when she heard the word 'promise' coming from Kairi. Hmm? Promise? Sounds impossible to be kept can easily be broken, if the person keeping it is wise. Hearing Leon's reluctant way of promising that Sora will be brought back gave her relief and a small invisible smile. 

Gah, such ickyness. Seeing Leon take the lifeless corpse of Cloud it made her flinch back a bit, to avoid witnessing such a... sad sight. Tilting her head slightly she heard the words of Aerith speaking of a gorgeous funeral? Sighing a bit, that's one way of releasing one's soul freely, from this world full of diseases. This funeral of Cloud's is going to be such a sorrowful, yet peaceful sight. 

Now that all has been decided, Leon choosing Cid to look after the Keyblade Masamune for safe keeping, and Cloud's peaceful grave... there is yet more to come for all of them, and she had a feeling that the this is going to be such an easy task for each and every one of them, including herself. 
_________________ 
SORA 
[ And finally I post! It wasn't because I was busy, I just didn't know I was supposed to. I was waiting on a Riku post, really, but alas... xD Here we go! ] 

After Sora had managed to convince the platinum haired fifteen-year-old to finally fight with him, it had been a rather well-matched battle. Without his trusty Keyblade, and only the use of this new sword, his skill was lowered some. Though he was a master when it came to use of the Keyblade, a regular sword was a bit clumsy in his grasp. And so the two blood-splattered boys faced off for quite a while, a lot of the fight spent eyeing each other and Sora mocking Riku with that unbecoming smirk. It hadn't seemed like very long to the boy when suddenly Sephiroth returned. He was a bit short of breath, and wiped the perspiration off of his forehead with the back of his hand as he turned to see his master. Azure eyes widened as he saw the state he was in, and he was about to rush over to him, but he remembered that Sephiroth would most likely not approve of that. So he simply watched, and then blinked as he saw the arm begin to rebuild itself. He stiffened slightly as his gaze was turned their way. He waited patiently for any order to be given, that golden sword now gripped with one hand at his side. He tilted his head to the side as Sephiroth seemed to just be... standing there, and had to wonder what he was thinking. If only he knew. 

He immediately perked up as Sephiroth called to him, and started to walk over, somewhat slowly, a bit curious as to what he might want to tell him. He wasn't affected by it as he usually would be, thoughts not as open as they would be were he in his normal state. History-altering... that didn't affect him as much as it should have. He was simply following orders. As he reached Sephiroth, he looked up at him, azure eyes just waiting for the next order. Riku had been forgotten for the moment. He reeked of his own blood and of Riku's, not having bothered to wipe the blood off his fair skin. 
----------------------- 
KAIRI 
[[ I'm not too sure what we're doing but I think we're supposed to head off to Hollow to mourn his death there at the waterfall right? Oh well, correct me if I'm wrong I will edit my post.. ]] 

Kairi's head lifted as she saw Leon pick up the corpse of Cloud... Although she didn't feel relatively close to him, she felt a deep hole in her heart and he suddenly couldn't swallow... her eyes welled up with small salty tears and glanced to Leon.... She tried tot alk but she couldn't get the words out of her mouth... She had never known death, could be so ahrd, especially when you're not even experiencing it... She sighed, raising her left hand to rub the cheeks stained with her tears, which had been wept so often lately... She looked over to Selphie and smiled a very small and short smile, sort of stating that she wasn't sos ure what to do at the moment... 

"So..." she finally choked out of her so-called clogged throat as she cltuched at the small yellow pendent rested now in her cold palm, "Hollow Bastion, seems like the perfect place to put Cloud at rest.... It's peaceful and relaxing...I'm sure his spirit an be put to rest there...." She hoped that her statements didn't offend anyone as she knew that Cloud wasn't some restless spirit waiting to be put to sleep for good... She ahted it when she spit something out of her mouth, that she shouldn't have.... She sighed, kicking her foot softly at the ground, jsut sorta waiting for someone to take lead... Kairi didn't want to appear too rushed, although she knew she was, and she wasn't exactly a leader figure as she most likely could have been, the most fearful of the party.... 
_________________ 
AERITH 
She nodded her head in confirmation, looking toward Leon, then, toward the others. "I think... that it should be done that way..." 

She had nothing more to say, so, with that, the funeral would soon begin. 
_________________ 
LEON 
(*huggles Stephy and hands her a naked Leon plushie* Thank you! I will love you forever and ever unconditionally!) 

With the limp body of the blonde still hanging in his arms, Leon nodded to Aerith. Still in obvious pain over his death, she looked very downtrodden, weak almost. Not to say Aerith was ever superbly strong, she was usually quite weak physically anyway. But her will was stronger than he could ever hope to be, and now, even that looked not broken, but pretty badly bruised, bleeding away even. 
Sighing heavily, Leon began walking towards the gummi ship (we'll just say that the gummi ship can fly like a plane on Junction too, not just in space between worlds) and once he got inside, he went into the back and gently placed Cloud across a bench, leaving enough room on the bench for one person to sit beside him, only one person being in mind of course. If she wanted to be close to him, she ought to have her time with him now before his watery funeral. 
After setting down the body, Leon walked into the bathroom and began to wash the blood off of himself. Looking in the mirror, he winced slightly at what he saw. The stone blue eyes looked tired and weary, his hair a mess, and his clothes dissheveled. Attempting feebly to fix these imperfections, he gave up when he realized what he needed was sleep. 
Hearing the hum of the the engine as Cid started the ship up, he quickly dried off and walked into the main area of the ship again. Yuffie, check. Cid, obviously. Cloud...accounted for with a sigh. Where were Selphie, Kairi, and Aerith? Once they were aboard, he planned to lie down across the unoccupied bench and rest until they got to Hollow Bastion. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
As Kairi walked aboard the ship, she felt a sudden feeling of... uncertainty.... How did they know they weren't going to crash this time too.... Even if Cid, perhaps the greatest pilot around, was in control...She decided to block those thoughts from her mind and think about the task at hand. Get to Hollow Bastion. Yep, that was perhaps all she should worry about now, right? As she sat in a chair inside the Gummi, she saw Leon, in the bathroom, washing off Cloud's blood and, most likely, thinking too much. Kairi sighed and stood up, walking slowly over to Leon, as she felt very tired. "Leon? Are you alright? You look kind of tired...Maybe you should get some rest..." He seemed to be thinking alot so she left the room, strolling voer to Cid. "I don't mean to sound rude," she started, "But do you know when we'll be at Hollow Bastion?" She stood there, waiting for a response, at her index finger wound itself through her radient red hair.
-----------------
SELPHIE-SU 
Looking a little worse for wear, the petite girl came lagging last into the gummi ship. Trudging over to a vacant seat she flopped down and gazed out the somewhat stingy window. As the sound of the engine roared and soon died down she remained quiet while Leon went to wash off the blood stains that he had gotten all over himself. Perhaps it was best to not bother him at the moment... Cloud's death must have gotten to everyone, and well this was most likely a time for mourning. 

As light green orbs blinked a couple of times, while drifting away to some far away land. She rested her chin on the palm of her hand allowing her elbow to keep her head up by leaning in towards the glass, while listening in on Kairi as she spoke with Leon. Not meaning to be an eavesdropper or anything like that, but hearing the place Hollow Bastion...sounds like... a really mysterial, yet magical place. Too bad she didn't have some sort of journal to keep track of things...but it would just be lovely to keep track their journey because someday she will probably want to look over and over again. 

For now... she was just going to keep thoughts to herself. 
[Day 5 (let's just say her thoughts were pretty lost)] 
'Heh... I don't even know where to start off... well, hmm this is has been... pretty terrifying... never in my life have I ever thought of leaving off Destiny Islands, ever. But here I am! And well... let's just say faith is not very upromising at the moment. So far, there has been deaths. Yes, many deaths. Cloud... he didn't quite make it... it's just sad to witness the death of a person, especially a love one. Not to worry though, we're going to have a memorial for him so that his soul will be released...from this diseased world. I do hope we find Sora and Riku in time.' 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
She sat beside the body of Cloud, kissing his forehead gently as she bid him farewell. She quickly left his side to find herself in the bathroom, crying frantically and covering her mouth to keep herself from vomiting. This was more difficult to endure than it seemed. 
_________________ 
LEON 
(*worships Stephy* LOL) 

It hurt to see Aerith gently kiss Cloud's head, the tears starting to form in her eyes. And it hurt more to hear her in the bathroom sobbing moments later. But what matter now was that she, along with Selphie and Kairi, were now accounted for. With a nod to the two younger girls, he went up to the front of the ship with Yuffie and Cid (let's just say the cockpit is our land on non-played charas for right now, LOL) and gave Cid the order to start their flight to Hollow Bastion. 
Pulling off his jacket (stripping again! AHHH!), Leon crumpled the clothing into a ball and used it as a pillow as he lie across an unoccupied bench in the ship. Closing the stone blue eyes, he sighed and tried to ignore the sounds of the engine and the sounds of Aerith's tears. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi, who was standing up and not really doing anything, watched as Leon curled up on the unoccupied bench and tried to sleep. Kairi had been sleepy lately too, although she knew that if she ever did get the time to sleep, she wouldn't be able to do so, now as that shadowed stoic Sora would stay in her dreams for a long time after. She sighed, at the sight of Aerith in the bathroom alone, weeping uncontrollably. Is that what she would look like...would she look like that if Sora was killed? Kairi then 'snapped' back into reality and took a couple small steps, heading towards the bathroom, before stopping to think first. Maybe it was best to leave the flower girl be...So she could just be alone with her thoughts. SHe nodded to herself and looked towards Leon. Maybe she had better rest for a short while, until they arrived at Hollow Bastion. She would definitly need her rest. So the sleepy redhead walked towards the wall, and sat down, leaning her back against it. She wasn't very comfortable, but she had to rest up. So she sat there by the wall, with her arms wrapped around her curled up knees and rested her head on her small wrists, closing her amethyst eyes, as she tried to sleep, only to accomplish finding her mind racing with her memories with Sora, back at Destiny Island... 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 
[[OOC: Woo-hoo, finally posting! X3 Super-crappy post of doom! Too many actions aquashed into one!]] 


Yuffie's eyes looked stormier than ever, bright optics filmed over ever-so-slightly by a sheen of unshed tears as she sat crosslegged on the floor of the gummi ship. She had stayed silent for most of the events that had occured, reaminging in shocked silence even when Cloud had been killed. After that, had face had taken on a paler complexion, and her creased brow an obvious sign of her worry for Aerith. For Sora. For all of them. Her initial grief had settled at the bottom of her stomach like a painful lump, ignored yet sensed behind everything else. 

She sighed, tucking her hair behind one ear and glancing at Leon. She suspected Cloud's death affected him more than it seemed, although the gunslinger had not wept. It always hurt to lose a friend, though the risks of fighting an enemy such as Sephiroth had been accepted by all of them. Aerith's weeping probably affected him, as well. Seeing the normally optimistic, pink-clad lady so stricken was a sight that tore at most's heartstrings, Yuffie included. 

Pausing to think of her next course of action, Yuffie stood and walked to Leon's makeshift 'bed'. The unsociable man would most likely snap and snarl at her for disturbing him, but she doubted he really enjoyed the periods of silence when all he had for company was his own guilt. "Hey, Leon..." she said, prodding him gently in the side. "I think it'd be a good idea for each of us to leave something with Cloud, or, um, think of something to say about him...when we...when we b-bury him, you know?" 

She shuffled awkwardly. "I know it sounds kinda cheesy and sappy and all those other things you don't like, but...I think he'd appreciate it." Not bothering to see if her friend was even listening, Yuffie patted him on the shoulder. "Just...think about that, 'kay? I'm going to talk to Aeris..." Straightening, the ninja advanced slowly towards the bathroom, expression softening as Aeris's sobs could be heard more clearly. 

Yuffie knocked on the door softly. "Aeris?" she asked quietly. "You...wanna talk?" 

[[OOC: Ahaha....@_@ This is so stupid. ;________;]] 
--------------------- 
AERITH-SU 
She shook her head, all she wanted to do, for now, was be alone. Her eyes were filled with tears as she rose, going as far from everyone and anyone that she could. 

Aerith leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes and hiding them in her hands. 
_________________ 
LEON 
Those steeled eyes opening slightly, Leon looked at Kairi as she struggled to get comfortable. Ugh, being surrounded by women all the time was making him such a pussy was what he thought as he stood, then went over to the gril and tapped her shoulder, then pointed to his former bench and his jacket that still lay crumpled upon it. "You've been more worked up than I have. Lay down and rest." Of course, rather than being a soft, sweet suggestions, it was more of a command to the sleepy redhead. But what could you expect from Leon? Not like he was gonna read her a bedtime story and tuck her in. 
He then looked to Yuffie and was about to speak, but before he could say anything, she had gone over to the bathroom door. Sighing, he walked over to Yuffie and put his hand on his partner's shoulder, shaking his head. While Yuffie could be a pain in the butt, she was a good partner to have with her thoughtful ideas. Yuffie's tenderness made up for his complete lack thereof. 
"Leave her alone for now. She needs time to herself, time to think, time to make sure she doesn't go insane like the bastard that did this," he said as he led Yuffie to the spot on the floor Kairi had been sitting in before he instructed her to take his "bed." Leaning against the wall, he sighed and closed his eyes, tilting his head back. "While I never knew Cloud, all I can say about him is he was a great warrior and very worthy of the respect he had from you, Cid, and especially Aerith. I have nothing to give to him but my thoughts...do you think that would make him happy enough? I simply lack relation with Cloud, so there's not much I can do." 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi opened her light eyes as she felt Leon tap her shoulder, offering to let her lay on the deserted bench. She stodd up, dusting herself off, and said with a yawn, "Are you sure?" Leon pointed to the bench, so she thought it best just to listen to him, and not go against him now. "Thanks Leon," she said in almost a Selphie-like tone, as she started taking her small drowsy steps towards the bench. As she sat down on it, trying to get somewhat comfy, she watched Yuffie walk up to Aerith. Then Leon following her. But after she heard Leon say what he had, Kairi suddenly didn't feel too tired anymore. Her head was racing with questions again, as it always had, and like before, she still didn't know the answers. Aerith couldn't go insane...could she? But the way Leon had said it... with no doubt and such seriousness. Sweet Aerith would never be like Sephiroth... Never...right? 

Kairi decided to try to forget about these thoughts, and just get some rest before arriving at Hollow Bastion. As she curled her legs up close to her to keep warm on the bench, and dug her head into Leon's jacket, she clsoed her eyes. But still, she heard Leon's voice, talking, so unsure. He didn't know what to "give" to the deceased Cloud...and neither did Kairi. She sighed, her stomach starting to feel anxious, and closed her eyes, trying to get to sleep. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 
Yuffie reluctantly let Leon pull her away from the door. She could tell she hadn't done much to ease her friend's pain - which, she supposed, would lessen after time passed. Obediently sitting down on the area Leon had indicated, she smiled at his words, regaining a bit mor eof her usual cheer. 

"Of course it would, Leon," she replied stoutly, looking up at him. "It's enough that you think of Cloud as a friend...He had more than he thought he did, you know? He was a really lonely kind of person...Anyway, it's the thought that counts, isn't it? At least he'll have our best wishes as he moves on to...wherever he's going." 
--------- 
AERITH-SU 
"Are we.. going to get this over with... I ... want to end this... I don't want to see him lying there anymore... so lifeless..." 

She came out from the bathroom, having cleaned her mess. Her eyes looked toward the others, hurt eyes, cold eyes... thats what her's looked like. Eyes filled with hurt and insanity. 
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LEON 
(I imply in here that Squall and Rinoa was a relationship at one point in time and that when they were forced to come to Traverse Town, he lost her somehow. While I dislike Rinoa in general, I'm not gonna change facts and what not. It also implies he misses his other friends like Irvine, Zell, Quistis, Seifer, etc. too, but mainly Rinoa.) 

A friend. Honestly, he had never even thought of Cloud as being a friend. A temporary travelling partner whose demise was hurtful, that was a better description of it. Leon sighed and shook his head at the thought, but then looked to Yuffie. 
"Do you think...there's any way to regain the loved ones we've lost? I know you, Cid, and Aerith were close friends to Cloud...and I have loved ones of my own that I want to find again. Do you believe there's a way to bring them back?" he asked, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. He wasn't so concerned about finding a way to revive Cloud as a way to revive the ones he loved, or find her and the rest of his allies if they weren't dead. But before he could wait for Yuffie's response, a soft voice came from the bathroom. 
Turning his head towards the door, he saw the girl exit and he stood. He saw her eyes, sore from both her crying and her emotions. That pain and hurt, the sheer insanity lying within them. The pain made him feel sorry for Aerith, but the insanity almost made him feel sorry for Sephiroth. The silver-haired man was obviously going to have every one of those silver hairs torn out and shoved down his throat as an appetizer for her form of punishment. The main course of Aerith's murderous rage would probably be too gruesome for him even, or at least that's what her eyes said. Walking over to her, he put one hand on her shoulder and talked softly to her instead of in his normal harsh tone. You couldn't console someone and be a cold-as-steel ass at the same time, you know. 
"We're on our way to Hollow Bastion now, Aerith. We'll...put him to rest, and end all of this. It shouldn't be much longer now, ok?"
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AERITH-SU 
She nodded her head, leaning in against Leon, hands gripping him tightly. Tears came from her eyes once more, hands now coming up to cover them as she leaned closer against him. She managed to get herself calmed down, and during that brief moment, leaned up, kissing Leon lightly on his lips. She knew it was so difficult for him to act the way he had been, with the usual cold personallity and all, but she could tell he truly felt sorry for herself, Cloud, and the others. 

There was no true way for her to give her thanks to the one she knew would be her closest friend. She just repeated her tactic once more, kissing him, her hands on either side of his face, and nodding. She stepped back slowly from him, leaning her back against a nearby wall and closing her eyes. 
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LEON 
(Awwwww.....*spaz*) 

No matter how much he tried to hide it, Leon's steel-blue eyes went wide and he could feel a hot blush rise to his cheeks, mainly out of surprise. Sure, he kinda had a thing for her and he enjoyed having her kiss him, but it seemed almost out of place. Her close friend...no, her love, had just died and she had spent almost half an hour in a bathroom crying. And now, she came out of her seclusion, her entire appearance that of a pain stricken women with almost no life left in her, but despite all that, she had kissed him? Twice for that matter? 
Blinking a few times as she stepped back, he really had no idea what to do. Note to self: Get more of a social life so this won't be so awkward if it happens again. But after a moment, he came to realize her intentions of a sweet thank you and *gasp!* smiled slightly as he hugged her gently. "You're welcome." 
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AERITH-SU 
She nodded her head, lying into him. "You've no idea how much you've been here for me... have you? You've helped me through so much, Leon, you're my best friend." She closed her eyes, holding him tightly. "I love you, Leon... I love you for everything that you do and are for me.." She let out a gentle sigh of relief, her eyes coming open just slightly. She could still feel the blush in his cheeks, smiling slightly, even after the death of Cloud, she could still smile. 
_________________ 
LEON 
Leaning down slightly to more match her height, he whispered gently in her ear, "I love you too, Aerith." He felt odd saying that. Leon had never confessed he loved anyone, especially not during such a time of emotional torment for everyone around him. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it would at least help two people through this hell a little better. He softly pressed his lips to hers, kissing her back, then sighed softly and simply held her close to him. "I'll be here for you now, it'll be alright in the end...I promise." 

(Sound familiar?) 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Sighing, she leaned her head onto his shoulder, her face, too, was blushed. "I'm glad... you're with me... I'll stay by your side forever, Leon... don't ever leave me." Her eyes opened to gaze up at him, her eyes slightly damped from the tears. "Promise ...?" 
_________________ 
LEON 
While he was sure the persons behind him; Kairi, Selphie, and Yuffie; were staring in either confusion or, seeing as they were all teenage girls, cooing 'Awwwww,' their reactions didn't matter much now. Seeing the tears in Aerith's eyes, Leon brought his hand up and used his thumb to gently push her eyeslids down, closing her eyes then wiping from her cheeks any spilled tears. "I promise I'll stay by your side...I won't leave you alone, Aerith." 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
She looked toward the body of Cloud, releasing herself from Leon, and walking toward it. Cloud... all he had become was.."it"... She had to let it go... say her final good-byes and forget about it... But it had left such an effect on her... She would miss it... miss all the things she found so fond about it... but it was time to move on. 

She looked up toward Leon, nodding her head. "The sooner we get this over with... the sooner we can destroy Sephiroth..." 

The only thing that kept her from losing herself was Leon, and she was extremely grateful for him being there. Her hand brushed back Strifes hair, then closed his eyes. He wasn't Cloud anymore... it was just a body... Cloud was gone. Aerith, at that moment... hoped that one day she may be reunited with some reincarnation of her beloved SOLDIER. 
_________________ 
LEON 
While he had his own "its" that had the same, depressing effect upon him, the one before Leon made him feel sorry for Aerith. The girl had her it right before her eyes, all those nostalgic thoughts brought back by the simple body before her. 
Nodding to Aerith, he crossed his arms over his chest once more, taking on a more stoic Leon once again. While the feeling between them still existed and always would, her words made his cold-as-steel exterior come back. To give Cloud his proper burial in the water of Hollow Bastion's waterfalls, and to kill Sephiroth for all he had done. He had hurt Riku and Sora, and therefore hurt Kairi. He had murdered Cloud, and therefore severely hurt Aerith. Hurting his travelling partners had always been something that enraged him, even when he was a child. 
Hurting a child, a little girl even, that was simply wrong. And hurting the person he loved, that was like asking to have a certain Gunblade shoved down the throat. Sephiroth would be killed for his wrongdoings and maybe even try to make everything better for everyone again. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Aerith rose to her feet, coming up beside Leon and gripping his hand tightly. She looked up at his cold face, having pulled his arms apart, waiting for a reaction. They would have to stick together, this group... Aerith needed them... she needed Leon... and he, whether he would admit it or not, probably needed her. 
_________________ 
LEON 
Looking down at her, Leon nodded and kissed her forehead softly, both arms wrapping around her and pulling her close to him. One arm on the small of her back, the other on the back of her head, he held her to his chest and sighed. 
He then looked to Selphie and Yuffie. "One of you...go ask Cid how much long he'll think it is until we get there." Looking at Aerith again, he sighed and closed his eyes, but not in his usual depressed 'I don't want to be here' tone, but instead, more of a peaceful sigh, happy even. 
_________________ 
AERITH-SU 
Smiling, she looked up at him, then kissed his lips gently. Aerith lied her head softly onto his shoulder once more, her arms wrapped around his shoulders and back. He was comforting her so much it seemed she was in a whole new world. She smiled against his chest, not letting him go. He was so warm, yet so cold. 
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SELPHIE-SU 
Opening her eyes slowly hearing about almost everyone's voice in the airship, except for Cid's. It was hard enough that she couldn't sleep and their talking basically kept her from taking a rest. Oh well, might as well stay up while you're awake eh? Turning her head around to see them all talking she remained quiet and rather distant from them, from where she was sitting. 

Suddenly the scene shifted to Leon comforting Aerith. Then in the blink of an eye things took action. Wait a sec, did Leon just kiss Aerith. Shocked and rather speechless it was such a cute sight to see the two together. Staying in the background she smiled. Hee-hee it was funny how things move along and not realize that time has just stopped on moments like those. 

As their little moment ended that familiar monotone voice was heard once again. Seems like he was opening more and more each time... just only a little bit. Can never be too cautious on open affections. maybe it's because Leon had been hiding his feelings for Aerith? Probably. 

Getting off from her seat she started walking for the front waving off a hand. At least she should be a little more of help. It doesn't do any good if she would just stand off to the side and watch a whole soap opera. Sometimes she did feel like she missed out on a lot of events or that she's not really noticed? Oh well. 

"I'll ask him!" 

With that enthusiastic voice of hers she skipped off to the front and 'disappeared' to ask Cid the question. Leaving the others behind to discuss important matters. 
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KAIRI 
Kairi, still laying on the bench cuddled in Leon's jacket, had opened her eyes to hear Aerith, step out of the bathroom and express how much she had wanted to get out of this. Because to her, this was hell. Kairi had never truly lost anyone, not even Sora. His presence always lurked in her heart. But Cloud...he was but deceased and now so much colder than before. The redhead had absolutly no clue how Aerith must have felt, but trying to imagine it made Kairi's chest hurt. But as she continued watching, to see Aerith kiss Leon, she got the impression that they had been through alot together, even if it was just a 'thank you' kiss. And as they spoke of Cloud's burial, while cuddling closer than she had ever seen them, she suddenly felt more determined than ever to defeat Sephiroth. For Aerith...for Cloud... For Sora... 

She held out her hand now in front of her, opening it up, to reveal something that almost made her cry. Her good luck star charm. Sora had brung it back to her, like he said he would before. She couldn't just let him go without a fight, right? She nodded to herself and closed her eyes again, to continue her resting. She wouldn't let Sephiroth get Sora...not without a fight...He was going to defeated...No matter what. 
_________________ 
YUFFIE-SU 
Yuffie's eyebrows raised slightly at Aeris and Leon's little mushy moment - while she was indeed a teenage girl, she wasn't the sort to coo over such things in public - but a silly grin was plastered on her face (for no apparent reason, more's the worry). She coughed slightly, eying both of them as she spoke. A teasing glint in her eyes, though, should be enough to tell the pair that she was a bit amused at this turn of events. 

"Well, now," she began, "Iiiiiiiiiiiiiif you two are ready to talk business?" Bulldozing any and all protests - if not quite, then almost - with a brazen stream of words, the ninja continued on. "We're burying Cloud, that's definitely settled. I know a few of us don't quite know what to do, say, or think, but it comes naturally, I tell you. Even the brattiest little kid I've ever met gave a very touching speech at his father's funeral, you know." Deep breath. Turn to Leon. 

"As for your question..." she thought aloud, quietly... "Once, long ago - you don't need to know when or where - I read a myth. It said that every person's soul is tied to others by the string of fate - that no matter how many lives you live out, the same people will still be with you, in whatever shape or form. That string of fate also you ties you to each other while you're still alive - so someway, somehow..." Smile. "You'll definitely find each other again!" 

Staring out a round porthole quietly for a moment, she winced as Cid blew up some sort of debris. After a lengthy pause, during which whatever conversation her friends held quietly continued, Yuffie thought...And then forwarded her suggestion. 

"Do...do any of you think that Sephiroth might be waiting for us where we're headed...or attack?" she asked abruptly. "Or...well...do you think his injuries will slow him down long enough for us to at least, um, lay Cloud to rest peacefully?" 
----------------------- 
LEON 
He nodded to Selphie as she bounced to the front to yell at Cid. Oh, the joys of yelling at the straw-chewing blonde. Oh well, he was sure he could handle dealing with the hyper little girl. If not, he could probably hit her across the head with a gummi piece. 
He sighed as he saw Kairi shift slightly, holding a familiar charm close to her. He looked down at the ground a moment, thinking again. About his ring. The duplicate of it that still sat on the thin chain about Rinoa's neck. Thinking about the love he'd lost, he gently hugged the one he had newly found. But before he could say anything to Aerith, the ninja girl spoke. 
Leon closed the steel blue eyes of his a moment before nodding calmly to Yuffie. "Thank you, I hope your myth is true..." he said softly before going into another inner monologue of thoughts. Tied together by a thread of fate...Rinoa and I are, Cloud and Aerith are....I wonder if we'll all be able to find the ends of the thread once more, to untie the knots in the thread...I'm just afraid someone's already cut mine... His fear was shaken from him as Yuffie spoke again. After listening, he sighed and let go of Aerith, walking over to her and putting his hand on her shoulder to stop her frightened stuttering. "I think he'll be waiting for us there. While I'm sure he's done everything in his power to heal his wounds and to make himself stronger, I doubt he'd be strong enough to attack us on the way. He'll be waiting...I'm sure of it..."
-----------------------
AERITH-SU 
She took a seat alone, her eyes coming to a close as thoughts filled her head... could they actually defeat Sephiroth? From the looks of it, there was a definate possibility. Hands ran through her hair, her own cold, weak hands. Eyes moving up toward Leon as he spoke, then moving back down to the floor as she awaited the funeral they were to attend and perform. 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 
Giving Cid a slight nod, she skipped back to the others, after her small talk. Making an entrance into the back room she balled up fist and shot it up into the air, making it look as if she did an upper cut on someone. With a small jump she smiled and laughed playfully. After her little 'victory dance' a serious expression was worn upon her frame when she faced the leader, Leon, with updated news. 

"I have a report sir! Cid said that we're going to be there in a couple of minutes! So we better hang in tight!" 

By observing the looks on each of the crew's face she knew that something serious was discussed when she was away. It probably had to do with the burial ceremony... or something... well, one thing for sure she was no mind reader. With a small salute, she returned to her seat and stared at the funky objects that floated around that were being blasted away. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
As Leon spoke of Sephiroth, and the likelihood of him waiting for them at Hollow Bastion, Kairi felt small shivers run up her spine. That murderer of a man, who frighteningly had the same hair as her beloved friend Riku. After hearing Selphie's report, Kairi sat up, realizing that this was the final rest, the last safe haven. [[sound familiar!? ^_^]] She glanced at Aerith, who seemed very anxious and determined to get off this Gummi ship and avenge the deceased soldier. Then she looked at Leon's cold blue eyes and choked out, "Leon?" she felt her throat clog and her heart grow heavy. "When we reach Hollow Bastion...And say our prayers to Cloud...What exactly do we do from there?" The thought of confronting Sephiorth scared Kairi and stuck in her mind, like sand on her feet, back at Destiny Island. She shuddered a bit, growing colder in her small apparel, and looked at the floor, shifting her feet a bit, still sitting on the uncomfortable bench. 

Then, standing up, she handed Leon's dark colored jacket to him. She pulled her left hand towards her right, tightening and adjusting the lavender claw on her hand of which Sora had given her, what seemed to be so long ago. Sighing, she looked to Leon and said determined, "Well, whatever we msut do, I'm willing to do it! For Cloud, for Riku and for Sora!" 
_________________ 
SORA 
[ Well, here I go. Wish me luck, since I've never played Sephy before. ^_^; ] 

Sephiroth ignored the searing pain in his arm, acting much like he didn't even feel the tendons regrowing and muscle reforming, and simply eyed the boy apathetically. He lifted his head, silver strands cascading down his back just with that small movement, to look over at the boy with similar hair to his own. Riku. He couldn't be here for this. No, not at all. "First..." he said in that cold, condescending tone, "take him somewhere. Lock him up. Make sure he doesn't get out. I don't care where.." He spoke as if it was concerning an old toy that he had quickly lost interest in and now wished to hide away under his bed. 

Sora simply nodded, eyes so void of life that they almost looked like there were no pupils, and then paced over to the fifteen-year-old. "Come on," he ordered, harshly grasping his wrist and dragging him out of the room. Somehow he knew the entire layout of Hollow Bastion like the back of his hand, even though he was never able to explore the whole place when he had been here before, with Donald and Goofy. The only explanation was that Sephiroth had inserted the information when he had tainted him, manipulated him, enslaved him. He reached an empty room that had a lock on it, conveniently, so he kicked open the door (no hands were free -- one held the sword, the other held Riku), and then he shoved him in, but not before following him in himself and snatching his weapon away from him. "I'll be back for you later," he stated, and then simply left, returning back to the main hall where his master waited. 

The one winged angel was eyeing his arm with a tint of concern in those emotionless eyes; he hadn't expected Aerith to hold that sort of power within her; she was such a timid, quiet, susceptible girl... probably the reason he had chosen her to serve him first. But Sora had proved much more efficient, and he practically giggled inside at the thought of how this had affected his 'friends'. He knew they were coming, they were dangerously close... but he was confident he'd have more than enough time to prepare for it. He quickly went over who was there. Aerith, Leon, Kairi, Selphie, and Yuffie. Selphie and Yuffie shouldn't be too hard to get rid of; he could make sure they didn't get in the way rather easily. Aerith and Leon, they were more of a problem. He'd have to be extra careful whilst dealing with those two. He needed to get his weapon back, that was essential. He smirked to himself as the idea came with him. Sora, he needed to speak to Sora.. 

And what perfect timing his little slave had. Just as the thought brushed through, there stood the brown-haired boy, obediently awaiting his every command. "Come here, I need to speak with you..." He beckoned towards him, and as was expected, the boy paced over to him. 

[ Of course you can't know the plans. =P Be content with that! =D ] 
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RIKU 
[Yay! First posting attemp...and onward! OO!] 

Riku starred at the stone cobbled floor on his knees, arms holding him up from dropping his thin frame to the floor. He swallowed, heaving heavy breathes in and out to try and regain his stamina. Riku was completely exhausted. He had refused to fight Sora in the battle that they had- hoping to wear him out by dodging. Tch- that worked. Double edge sword had cut them both, mainly him though. Seemed that his friend had gotten a lot stronger since they had battled last on Destiny Islands. He blinked his eyes open, finally coming to visually greet his new surroundings. Imprisonment. Cage. “Uhh..” He barely breathed out, closing his eyes once more to the present reality. His body ached and every limb refused to obey the simplest commands to move. 

You know you don’t deserve this. Caged, like a wild animal. You had all the power in the world. You controlled the worlds. They bowed to you alone. What is he? How would it feel, to have his blood on your hands? Good,huh? He troubled you so much, sticking you in this place. 

Platinum hair dangled about Riku’s closed eyes. A haze had come over them whence the recent events had occurred. “Come..t..to..toy wi...with my mind.. again..... Sephiroth..?” The boy barely managed to creak the words out, though they sustained a noticable hint of sarcasm. The arms that held up his body weight locked underneath him. Guess even here, Sephiroth hoped to continue his torture. ‘Seeing.. two best friends... fighting it out... wasn’t enough for you?’ 

Friend. Is that what you refer to him as? He is to the darkness. You want him to be happy, you’re ‘friend’ as you put it? Who couldn’t be happy with ultimate power? But look at you. You’re alone. Pathetic. You’ve become what you most hated, Most despised, You’re Weak. 

Riku sighed out a little laugh between eager breathes inward. Darkness. Power. It all seemed so simple at first. Darkness was power. Darkness was control over all. That’s what he used to think anyway. Darkness was like an ocean. You jump in; it’s invigorating. You get the feeling of being alive. It’s so hard to stand on land, but easy to float aimlessly in the water. Then you begin to sink. Memories begin to drift away on the waves. First, unimportant things, like the name of your first grade teacher. Then, with another wave, more things. Eventually you forget your friends, you forget your own name. You’re alone, drowning in the darkness. Darkness engulfs the word around you. You become a lifeless vessel.... Like Sora ...was now. Being controlled by some puppeteer that had branded himself a ‘God’..!!!! 

‘Don’t think about it. He wants you to think about it. Sephiroth wants to be hated. That’s his way control.’ Riku shook his head vainly, just realizing the presence headache that pounded raged. Pushing off the floor, he awkwardly forced himself to sit up, back slummed against the nearest wall. He laid his head again against the wall, looking to the oddly etched ceiling that seemed to laugh ‘imprisonment’ in his face. He had been here before.....sometime. In some other lifetime, Or so it seemed. 

“Sora’s eyes seemed... totally different, like another person..” Riku drifted off to himself. Images flashed in his mind of moments before, Sora’s cold eyes, stone, lifeless. Trying to desperately remind him of the past , of everything to no avail. Not as much as a flicker. Darkness was there, more apparent than anything. Had some little competition for a paupo fruit become the seed that made Sora hate him this much? “I wonder..if I was like that...” He said more gravely, beginning to breathe a little more normal now. 

Hmmm.. Maybe I could use some of your ‘friends’ for some entertainment. You’re weak, and that battle bored me, frankly; Dodging, trying to not hurt your precious friend. It’s not fun at all if their’s no one to squirm while you suffer and writhe. What about that little redheaded girl? Maybe she would put up a more interesting fight... seemed to hate me a great deal, too. Yelling like that, at least you know she’s got some fight in her. She would make a nice toy....Kairi was her name? Well, she wouldn’t remember anyways.. 

“LEAVE KAIRI OUT OF THIS!!!” Riku yelled in defiance, a sudden burst of rage aided him in attempting to stand and lash out against this voice. Bad idea. He jerked back violently to the wall, either by force of Sephiroth or the pain alone he had undergone. Taking in a quivering breath, he squinted his eyes in pain. Heh. Sephiroth knew what it took to get under his skin. Bastard. “L-leave..them..all.” Riku whispered, in a barely audible tone. 

[Anddd...that’s good Long post for reading enjoyment-ness..n.n! Yay! 2 pages! A posting record for me..nn;] 
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SORA 
Great job, Pebberz! That was great. =] ] 

His orders were clear, and he knew what to do, even if he didn't understand the purpose of them. Most likely all a part of Sephiroth's "complex" planning. Still, they would have to wait before anything could be done, and so Sephiroth had sent him away, telling him to find some way to amuse himself. Sora wasn't exactly sure what to do, but then he remembered the boy he had imprisoned, and he set off for the cell in question. Creaking open the door and then letting it slam closed with a loud clank, he paced over to paopu-boy who was sitting down at the back of the room. He saw that the blood he had earlier smeared on Riku's face was now dry, and mechanically reached up to feel the blood on his own skin was just as dry and crusted over. 

"Hardly fresh anymore," he said, looking almost pouty. "I want more..." he groaned, sounding perfectly hungry, as if the blood of others was all he needed for sustainment. "Maybe I can get some from you friends?" he asked playfully, now stroking Riku's cheek lovingly, knowing there was blood flowing, pulsing under all that skin. "I hear there are a few ripe girls for the picking. Then again, I always favored male blood." His tone was giddy, like he was intoxicated -- for once those eyes showed more than blanknessm but all they held now was a craving... a thirst. 

"Master is being very nice, you know. He's going to let you watch once our guests arrive." He smirked devilishly. "You should feel honored... Master said it will be an amazing performance. You'll have to be tied up, of course. Just promise to behave, okay?" He gave him a smile, one that seemed pure, but in truth held only darkness and deceit. The fact that he could look so much like his old self, but wasn't.. was painful. "Aww, I have to go get your chains soon. And I was having so much fun..." He didn't leave yet, though; it seemed he was giving Riku a chance to say some things before he departed. 
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RIKU 
[I forgot how to spell paopu! XD] 

Riku’s eyes remained closed tightly, he preferred not to see the sight of what his friend had become. What the darkness had created, making him into. That lifeless doll, so eager for blood. The thought of it made his stomach turn somewhat. His body still throbbed, pain from every orifice. Sephiroth sure did have perfect timing- sending Sora in when it was a challenge to focus his eyes. 

Why don’t you end it now? I sent him in there for you. With a word, he could kill you; end the pain. Or kill him if you like, he means nothing but a mere doll to me. End it for him if he’s ‘drowning’ as you say. He would be better off dead - Sora would want that. He would never want to hurt you..or his other friends.. 

Riku felt the brush of hand upon his open wounded cheek, oddly jerking his head away quickly from the strange violation of personal space. Some blur of words involving girls..and.. Something else followed. The words jumbled together, creating sounds that made no sense. Almost for a moment in that foliated mingle of words, Riku could almost swear he sensed Sora’s real tone of happiness and light in that of the voice of this doll. Maybe another of Sephiroth's illusions.. He couldn’t comprehend entirely... 

Let him kill you. End this here. If you don’t now, you’ll get to die later. Maybe by my hand - if I give you that honor. But is it your desire to see all the rest of your friends twist like him? Hear their cries as they turn on each other one by one. Oh, don’t worry, since you have a soft spot for that little red-head. Maybe I’ll kill her quickly. 

Riku snickered to himself as he heard Sora stand up, heading for the door, maybe. ‘Yeah right, More like entirely brutal and in front of my face.' He attempted to lift a hands and wipe some disdainful blood from his cheek, 'And since when have you shown mercy? Even a mercy killing...’ He tiredly laughed to himself as the footsteps ceased. Maybe Sora forgot to toucher him more to appease Sephiroth’s orders, maybe they’d make him walk barefoot on broken glass. Sounded about right. 

“Sora?” Riku sputtered out with a deep aerated tone, Almost a sigh. After a pause, He started to breathe in deep breathes for air once again. Of coarse, he didn’t expect Sora to respond to that. The spiky haired boy probably didn’t even remember his own name. Sad. Riku tilted his head upward to his lost friend, daring to open his aqua eyes at the abomination. Sora remained fixed in place, face forward staring out of the door in a look of hate and rage, one that he never could get used to. He had let the word of his own name rise up and wash right off of him, as if they had no particular meaning and were alien never before heard. He turned away, almost he’d faintly hoped to get some sort of response..or something. “Sora..I’ll.......Ugh...” He breathed out, slinking his head downward, resting it upon his knee, “I-...I’ll...save you.” A more heavy breathing followed, as the feeling of the weight of the world had been placed on his shoulders. He didn’t expect Sora to listen, or express anything to these words. But maybe- just maybe... somewhere... Sora could hear, within that deep ocean that he was sinking in. “So, d-don’t ...don’t worry....It's not ..your fault....” Riku barely shook his head, platinum hair limply waving from side to side. 
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LEON 
(Such violence. Here comes Leon to cause some more, whee!) 

Leon nodded to Selphie as she told them that the end was near. Closing those stone-blue eyes, he made his way over to Aerith and took her cold, trembling hands in his own, openeing his eyes and looking down at her. "It'll all be over soon..." 
He then looked to Kairi as she spoke, nodding to her as she gave his jacket to him. He looked at the claw on her arm, then the short sleeves of the jacket. He knelt down to her (considering even at 14, she was a lot shorter than the 25-year-old man) and pulled the claw off, putting his jacket on her and rolling up the sleeves to a better height. Hhelpign her put the claw back on, he was satisfied that Kairi would at least be warm now. Hell if he'd need it, he was sure he'd be warm enough fighting the silver-haired non-Riku bastard. "After we've given Cloud a proper sending, then we find Sephiroth...and fight him. I don't know how, but we fight him and get both of your friends back, back to the way they were before." 
Now that he was already kneeling before Kairi, he then moved across the floor to sit beside Aerith, taking her hand once more and grasping it firmly. He then closed his eyes and turned his head towards where he knew Selphie was. "Selphie, go ask Cid if he still has the Masamune-Keyblade with him. I have a feeling we'll need it." 

(Now that Kyle's left, does anyone know what the purpose of the Masamune-Keyblade was? Did he tell anyone else what it was to be used for?) 
_________________ 
SORA 
His eyes were... closed. Why...? Sora couldn't comprehend; there was much now that he wasn't able to understand. His thoughts ran very simply, and one of the only things he could entirely comprehend was, in fact, orders. They were to the point, clear, and had a basic concept. It was something that you followed if you wished to keep your life. Sora couldn't even begin to explore the idea of why he even needed to survive; "to serve my Master" was a good enough answer for his now restricted mind. There was no reason for him to question the silver-haired boy about it, though, and so he said nothing. He was a bit... angered, I suppose was the name for the emotion, at the fact that his words seemed to not affect him at all. He had believe he was doing a perfectly good job at jarring him some, at least causing him some sort of mental or emotional pain.. but maybe he was just striving to block him out? That worked well for Sora... he smirked at that thought, yes indeed. 

... Master's talking to him, isn't he? When Sephiroth had infused him with darkness, it had almost been as if he had put some of himself into Sora; that was how strong their bond was. Thus, Sora had a strong sense of his presence, even if it wasn't a physical presence. Therefore, he was aware that Sephiroth was speaking to Riku mentally, toying with his mind, but... he himself couldn't hear the thoughts he was impressing into his mind. It didn't really matter to him, though. He didn't care too much either way. His eyes flared, however, with something that could be called jealousy. He was showering this kid with more attention than he did to his most loyal slave. He grinned evilly as he watched him jerk away at his touch... so easy to break, it's a shame he has his shields so high. Master is probably doing a good enough job, though.. ahh, he's fun to torture. 

"..are you scared?" he mocked, trying to worsen the situation for him even more. He was rather aware that right now he should be out, attending to his order to get the chains, but.. for some odd reason, he took much more pleasure in playing with this boy than even following his orders, something that was supposed to be his top priority! He wanted to be in his presence, either watching the pain he was going through or inflicting his own methods of torture upon him. He was drawn to him, like a mouse to cheese (horrible analogy, I know. xD -C.) He had by then been walking towards the door, waiting for some of his last reactions, but he was shocked at what Riku was doing. Giving a morbid smirk and a low chuckle, most likely in response to something Sephiroth was saying. Was he mocking Sephiroth? Did he not believe him? Heh.. he's in for a big surprise them.. he'll regret ever underestimating Master. He watched as he made a feeble attempt to get some of the dried blood off of his face, and gave a quick bark of a laugh. "You need a fresh botch.. heh, you'll probably get your share of blood on you in a short while, with all the blood me and Master are going to spill." 

On those final words, he was planning to make an exit, hoping those words would soak in better than the others he had supplied, but... he halted as Riku spoke. 'Sora', he kept calling him, as if that was his name for him. Sora... it felt strangely nostalgic, but... Sephiroth never referred to him as such. He's probably just trying to.. confuse me. I'll believe Master before I ever believe him. "Why do you call me that?" he asked coldy. He waited there for him to say anything more; he'd give him a few more seconds before leaving. He remained as stiff as a statue at the sight of those intense aqua eyes, not daring to let the prisoner know that he was even in the slightest way quelled by his words. Again was that name, word, whatever it was, uttered. Sora... He didn't like it. Not at all. He frowned in distaste at what was said next. Save him? From what..? He was making absolutely no sense. Don't worry.. not my fault..? The utterances became more and more farfetched and incomprehensible as they came. He had absolutely no relation with this boy except for the fact that Riku was the prisoner and he was his warden, you could say. "Stop trying to confuse me.. stop lying to me.." he said softly, coldly, apathetically, but.. just a tinge of that shaken feeling bled through. Hating himself for losing his grip, even for that second, for letting him know that he was striking some cords, got him angry enough; he yanked the door open, stepping outside, and slammed it behind him so that the sound echoed for far too long for his taste.
-------------------
RIKU 
Sora’s eyes seemed to quickly flash a note of difference. His attempts to try and reassure Sora had failed just about miserably, but Riku seemed to strike a chord or two..somewhere. At least there seemed to be a tiny glimmer of hope. Riku had seen what few minimal words had caused: a waver. That was more than he was believing to actually get. If..He just got to talk to Sora a little more, then maybe he could get the old Sora back, and out of the one-winged demons curse. His control. He’d just..have to think of something. Some way to get his friend to remember. 

You underestimate me boy. You’re vain attempt to reach him is a waste of time. I am his Master. I control him. He’s going to get your chains, you know. How does it feel awaiting your own death sentence? Oh, I can imagine that would be fun with your own friend pulling the guitine. You know, you will die. There’s no denying that fact. 

Riku ignored Sephiroth’s feeble toying with his mind, almost as if in a short few moments it had become somewhat second nature. An immunity to block him out, along with Sora’s voice had somewhat formed. He was in his own world, dazed. ‘Darkness.. I was there once. I know all about it. You strive for power. Darkness wants only more darkness... to accompany it. You are your own weakness.’ He blankly lifted his head, staring at the wall across from him with piercing aqua eyes. ‘My downfall is that I didn’t want to be weak, and I...’ The door slammed with an monumentally loud bang suddenly. Riku took a quick breath in almost jumping at the sound, and became suddenly aware of his surroundings and present his reality. Almost as if waking up suddenly from a sleep. “Eh-heh...” He coughed out, giving a look to the door. A moment of silence followed, as loud footsteps echoed down the hall. ‘Say, Sephiroth, why did you turn to darkness?’ He cocked an eyebrow at his own inquiry. Maybe he’d become sick and tired of being toyed with endlessly, and just turned to sarcasm. ‘Bad childhood? Grow up in an orphanage? What? It must’ve been really bad, your past I mean.’ Riku smirked a bit, continuing on with his dispersed thoughts, ‘Maybe your parents hated you, or found out some weird family secret..’He shook his head vainly, aqua eyes flailing with sparks of resolve, ‘You know, I kind of feel sorry for you, Sephiroth...’ With that statement he was feeling himself that maybe he’d gone a little crazy..He didn’t hate Sephiroth, he couldn’t; But feeling sorry for him..? That was something new. Maybe he had just been hit in the head a few to many times... 

Silence! You infidel! I shall enjoy killing you myself. Your blood on my hands would please me most. Pitiful..and all alone. 

The booming voice screamed, as if giving an order to another one of his slaves. Riku felt the world slip beneath him, and gravity itself being defied. He hung there for a moment, in thin air, staring at the cobbled floor, before being slammed down returning it with a big ‘thud’ by Sephiroth’s fury. Guess he struck a nerve with the bastard. 

Riku clenched his teethe, trying to bring himself up from the floor. He wasn’t a slave. He wasn’t going to be a slave to Sephiroth, to the darkness. He had sworn to himself that he would never fall. Forgetting himself and all his friends and himself, only submitting to the dark. Never fighting his friends again, yet here he was. Almost as if fate had a certain disliking and vendetta against him, “I’m ..not alone..” Riku stated, almost trying to reassure himself verbally. He knelt on one knee, attempting to stand on two feet. He raised his knee upward, in the standing position, staggering backwards a bit awkwardly, but managing to sustain balance against the wall. “Our friends are always with us, wherever we go. No matter how distant they seem.” Riku gave a distant look to his final rest. He’d be leaving it shortly, to his supposed ‘death’ he was sure. “I’ll save him.. From what he’s become.” 
_________________ 
SORA 
His footsteps resonated loudly in the empty, abadoned corridor. Dank, cold, dark, and quiet -- an environment that suited Sora just fine. He was still a bit shaken by the words that captive had spoken, bits of what was said echoing in his mind. ... not your fault.. I'll save you.. "Gibberish," he grumbled to himself, kicking at the ground. Weaving through the rooms and hallways, he saw the Heartless lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the ideal moment to lunge out and rip any off-guard intruder to shreds. But they wouldn't attack Sora. Heartless feed off of the hearts of others, but there was no point attacking someone with no heart. Well, Sora still had a heart, but it was buried deep within the darkness, somewhere unreachable. It was weak, dying. For Sephiroth had a much stronger hold on Sora than Ansem ever did on Riku. And if that heart, the one that used to pulse and beat so strongly, that had once caused the Heartless to flock to him when now they paid him no mind -- if that heart wasn't revived soon, then it would die, leaving Sora a soulless vessel, and, in all meanings of the term, a Heartless. 

He then neared the necessary room, opening the door and stepping inside. This particular room, for whatever reason, was the coldest place in the entire span of the castle. There was this chilled, biting air that didn't seem to come from anywhere -- it wasn't possible to explain why that room was any colder than others -- maybe because death lingered inside it. Sora, who didn't seem to be in any way affected by the chill even if his forearms and calves were bare, could smell it. Death had a very distinct smell, and the scent of blood was also very prominent. Much blood had been spilled here -- he saw the stains on the walls and some of the more brutal instruments in the torture chamber. He just stood at the entrance for a moment, absorbing all that was in the room. He took a few cautious stops forward, as if he feared the place was filled with booby traps, but then he spotted the chains laying, as if forgotten, in a corner, and headed over to retrieve them. Slithering both hands around the cold metal, he lifted it up and slung it over his shoulders. It was heavier than he had expected, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. 

Then, breathing in a deep gasp of that gripping air, he exited the room and began to retrace his steps back to the cell. Thoughts utterly nonexistant in his mind, his feet just instinctively taking him were he needed to go, it came as a shock when Sephiroth impromptly manifested in front of him, as always showering that wave of sable feathers. "You slipped back there," he scolded, tone condescending. "I advise you don't get too attached to him. I just might decided to let you kill him. Or maybe we shall do it together, my dear?" Long, pale, bony fingers were stroking those brown spikes. Sora simply nodded. Ah, he was so easy to please -- a few well-placed praises and he would, loyal as a pup, heed every call. Sephiroth hadn't expected the Keyblade Master, who supposedly had such a strong heart, to melt like putty in his hands. "Now, my servant, take him from his cage and to the main hall -- then put him up in chains. Don't worry, he won't dare harm you. Stay there with him until our guests arrive, and then will our fun begin." He smiled at him, chuckling lightly, and before Sora was even allowed to respond, he was gone. The boy bent down and grabbed a solitary charcoal feather, tucking it into some strands of hair. 

Give me wings so I too can fly... 

As you fall farther, you will gain them... 

He made his way to the cell, bursting in and ordering sharply, "Get up. We're going to the main hall." He kept his lifeless eyes locked on Riku -- he wasn't going to allow him to escape; careful watch would be essential. He'll regret ever speaking those earlier words. "Hurry up!" he barked. 
------------------------ 
Riku 
‘Main Hall...?’ He thought, trying to remember the locations in the Hallow Bastion. He rubbed his forehead for a second, attempting to recollect. Everything whence he was here at this place was such an advocated blur. Maybe images of places and rooms maybe the odd deja vu feeling flashed on occasion, but nothing solid that he factually remembered came to mind. Riku moved not one muscle in response to the dictation in Sora’s voice. No, he wouldn’t even refer to it as that. It wasn’t Sora’s voice, just a plain dictation from a person he had never met before. Never once would he believe that this was his friend, Sora. 

Riku pushed off of the wall, his aid for standing so awkwardly, one foot in front of the other. Taking a moment to come to terms with gravity once more, he steadily balanced, fist clenched at side. Platinum strands willfully hung around his eyes, shielding them from view. After a brief and airy silence between them, Riku heard it. The sound draping clicking against one another. Chains. He looked up slowly at Sora, refusing even once to allow their eyes to meet. Draped around his shoulder were thick links of binding and hand-carved clasps, one at each end. The dark onyx metal were deeply encrusted with vague hints of red around them, indents from being abused wreathed around. They conceived some deep abyssal aura of evil from them, no less. 

The one who have worn those chains came to a brutal ending. Yours won’t be much different. 

Sephiroth snickered in a tone that was almost..blissful. A complete felicity almost as if had already won the battle, and everything was playing out in his favor, miracles forming just for him. He slightly chuckled to himself; From experience, Riku knew the biggest mistake to make was underestimating the opponent. He wasn’t dead, and as long as you’re still alive, there’s always hope. However faint it was, it still remained. Slowly, Riku made cautious steps forward. His foot placements seemed awkward and his shoulders slummed forward slightly from his own weight. He had recovered somewhat from the previous fighting, but it was adequate enough time. Riku walked in front of Sora as his friend eyed him, barely blinking to keep full attention on his little captive. Riku simply shook his head in a way that resembled pity, heading out of the large doors frame. How bright of a light his friend once had been – resorted to this, a errand boy. Maybe Ansem did have some twisted logic to his studies of the heart... Never could he have believed that Sora could fall this hard. 

Riku turned suddenly, facing the chocolate spikes that had renounced his friend, “I’m not afraid...” He said suddenly, looking Sora directly in his lifeless eyes. Riku attempted to stand up straighter, placing his hand against the door frame for help. Almost as if the question that he was asked endless moments before finally had become apparent. He turned back to the castle hall, using one hand to brace on the opposite wall as he left his prison. This place was defidently more sinister and dark from the way he recalled it being. The hallways was dim, and rather poorly lit. Few light sources littered the sides of the citadels halls to the main hallway. Electric aqua eyes scanned the terrain, soft footsteps sounded down the hall, as shadows darted from one place to another. Heartless, Riku was sure of that- but it almost seemed they were avoiding the two of them. 

The corridor split into two pathways, Riku stopped, waiting for direction in what way to turn, and for a brief rest. He..remembered being here.. But couldn’t remember the way. He eventually gave a general guess of the way to go, It didn’t really matter if it was the right direction anyway, “This reminds me of that place back home. You know, the one we used to explore in.” Riku conversed with himself endlessly walking forward, not looking back at Sora, “It sure was dark down there, and you could always hear that waterfall outside. We should go back there.” He gave a distant look to the floor, as the chains behind him clinked together once more, interrupting his own soliloquy. Riku sighed a little, giving a noticeable puff of air outward, “Take your time Sora, you’ll find your way.” He whispered in a lighter tone, comprehensible, but only barely. 
_________________ 
KAIRI 
Kairi watched as Leon knelt down in front of her, and gently placed his warm jacket on her cool, chilled arms. The sleeves rolled over her arms, but Leon rolled them up for her, before reattaching the lilac colored clawed weapon to her small, fragile hand. Feeling sligtly warmer, she smiled shyly, as if saying thanks to the Lionheart. It was weird though, how he had acted so different in the past few hour or 2. How he had comforted Aerith, with such considerate and warm eyes...How he had spoke of saving her friends, as if there was no whisp of impossible in this mission. It wasn't Squall, errr, Leon. The small redhead didn't care too much now, as her mind had so much more important things in mind. Sephiroth would be there...waiting. With that stoic shadow by his side. Not Sora. It was not Sora. 

But as the small 14 yr old continued to think about Hollow Bastion, and how she had been imprisoned there before, her stomach began to hurt and her eyes begin to water. She had just gotten a sudden chill, running through her forehead, down her back and out of her toes. Shuddering a small bit, she realized a new feeling. It was fear...but a new kind of fear, it was so very extreme, unlike anything she ever felt, even before when Sora had been changed into a harmless Heartless, saved by her close embrace. For some reason, she felt like something was wrong and about to happen. As if Sora, or Riku, were in danger. And what about her? How would she make it back? Would she make it back? Or would Sephiroth's blade be coated with her pure blood? Wiping the tears from her amethyst eyes, she looked up at Leon. Knowing that the lump in her thraot would restrain her from speaking, she simply surprised him with a tight hug. Finally being able to muster some words, she choked out, "Thank you so much Leon. I know that...without you," She paused to look at everyone on the Gummi Ship. Smilingly, she continued, "And everyone else...I know that Sora would be swallowed by the darkness, even with his holy heart..." She couldn't really think much more, as her mind was cluttered and tied in knots. As she released the embrace, she grinned sort of sheepishly, hoping not to give Aerith the wrong impression. Still sitting on the bench, she clenched her fists, turning them white and cold, very ghostly indeed. She would get Sora back...and Riku too 
_________________ 
SORA 
He stood in the entrance of the dank cell, leaning against the doorframe with a rather annoyed look on his face (well, as annoyed as a soulless doll of DOOM can look, xD) as he waited, rather impatiently, for the pathetic hostage, captive, prisoner, whatever word you wanna use for him, to get up and moving already. He knew that Sephiroth would not appreciate them being late and he would probably be the one punished for it. However, him barking orders at Riku didn't seem to help and so he just sort of glared at him as if a dirty look would make him work a little bit faster. He hated this boy... this silver haired boy that even tried to mock him by somewhat resembling his master, who tried to confuse him, muddle his thoughts, call him false names, tell him inconceivable things... he wanted to kill him, spill his blood, remove his soul, do anything to remove his existance, this one that seemed to live only to taunt him... such was the warped sort of mind that he now had, thanks to Sephiroth's tainting. It was instinct to hate and to thirst to kill, but order came above all, and he had not been ordered to take this one's life... yet. 

At least he was finally getting up. He was probably going as slow as he could just to try and get him into trouble with Sephiroth, and that just made his cobalt eyes glow with anger even more. He spoke no words, though, knowing that would probably just spur on another onslaught of lies and puzzlements from Riku. As the boy lifted his gaze, Sora's eyes seemed to laugh at him as he eyed the chains morbidly. Yes, this is your fate... do you look forward to it? ... because I do. He shifted the heavy chains in their position on his shoulder to make it a bit more comfortable, for the muscles were beginning to ache. He blinked; Sephiroth was speaking to him again, toying him, mentally torturing him. His Master had perfected the art of slowly driving one to the edge of insanity, and this case would most likely be no different. He's breaking... 

He then remembered the feather he had tucked into his hair; he had never been too sure how Sephiroth had gained that solitary wing he managed to use to his advantage in battle, but he assumed it was because of his long devotion to the darkness. He remembered the words from earlier... "As you fall farther, you will gain them..." He smirked to himself.. would he have a wing of his own soon? He wasn't certain yet, but then did Riku decide to finally hurry up already and walk towards the doorway. He watched him carefully, making sure he didn't try anything, but he got a pretty good feeling that he wouldn't. The boy seemed to have some sort of soft spot for him, which he found highly amusing, and that was probably why Sephiroth had told him that he wouldn't dare to harm him. How weak he is.. He turned in place to keep his eyes on him as he exited the room, not daring to remove his gaze even for a moment. After all, you never knew. 

He hadn't expected any more words to be exchanged during this time, since it seemed Riku only responded if he spoke to him first, and so he was taken aback when he turned around to speak three words. The earlier question he had asked him, trying to dishearten him... are you afraid? But he was, wasn't he? Or was he? Sora wasn't entirely sure anymore; he could be putting on a courageous front, or it could be all true... it wouldn't matter, he'd be dead soon. And then he wouldn't be forced to deal with the little annoyance.. he'd have his Master all to himself, not having to waste every spare moment on some prisoner. He was still tired from their earlier skirmish, it seemed, from the way he had to use the walls for support; Sora, on the other hand, seemed perfectly healthy, trailing a few steps behind him as he walked down the pathways. It was better this way, that he would walk behind him; he disliked the feeling of having some at his back, where he was vulnerable to any sort of attack. Yes, much better like this... 

When they came to the crossroads, Sora was about to take the few steps in the correct direction, but somehow Riku figured it out himself. Strange, but convenient. He continued along, chains clanking together now and then as he adjusted them on his shoulders. He almost stopped walking when the boy spoke once again, his voice seeming always to cut deep, just the very sound of it, and the words were even worse. He spoke about things he could in no way comprehend, acting as if... as if they had once known each other, been 'friends', as the term seemed to be, but.. that had never happened. It had never. Happened. Never. His life had always been here, in Hollow Bastion, with his Master. That was his purpose. His life. ...wasn't it? He tried to drone out the words, but it wasn't working. ".. shut up..." he said softly, voice a tad shaky. "I said shut up!" he yelled, voice bouncing off of the stone walls. They had by that time reached their destination. "Come on," he muttered, brushing in front of him and walking into the hall, otherwise known as the entrance (if those of you are confused about where I mean.. xD) of Hollow Bastion. 

... he began to feel an aching on his right shoulder blade, but ignored it. Nothing to fret over. 
------------------- 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
The water trickled and beaded across the leather glove ceaselessly, each particle, each atom having its power absorbed into Sephiroth. Everything he touched...it all rotted away. He seemed tacit now; calmer and quieter than he usually did. Perhaps he had worn himself out with all of that gibberish on trying to get Riku to attack Sora? Eh...whatever. 

He sat at the fountain's edge, the signature trenchcoat of his tumbling down and sweeping across the stone floor, eventually reaching his boots. One of his palms was pressed hard onto the edge of the fountain, while the other (as explained before...o.o;; ) was lost in the endless cycle of water. 

His wounds seemed to have healed now; all that remained of them were the tears in his outfit. The bitch. Aerith just had to ruin his ensemble. Deep, penetrating mako eyes were fixated silently upon the silver-haired boy as he stepped down. The other one, he couldn't think of his name because he was so lost in Riku's cold, menacing expression, was following behind, carrying the chains he ordered him to bring down. 

"You and I are so alike," he said, his voice playing against Riku's ears. It was a soft, comforting voice, much unlike the one he usually displayed. Perhaps it was the water which made him tranquil; or maybe he was too deep in his thoughts. 

You know you want to take him, Riku. 

"Not only the silver-hair, but what you've done..." 

Go ahead. Now's your chance. I won't stop you. 

"You were once a simple, innocent child..." 

You'll die eventually. Why not go out with a bang..? 

"And you became a monster. Tainted by Ansem." 

No? You don't want to? Ah well. 

Sephiroth was playing games with Riku. Toying with his emtions, his heart, his soul, trying to pit him against Sora. 

That was his name. It popped back to him as he flickered his eyes over to him. What was it, anyway..? You know, it. That thing that kept him going. Sora never quit, never gave in to the darkness. He was that ray of light preventing total destruction. And yet, the One-Winged Angel had simple embraced Sora, and he was enveloped in everlasting night. He wondered... 

"Riku," he said, shifting his focus back to him. "Don't worry. Your friends will be here soon. You can die with them." 

Soon. Soon he would retrieve his weapon, that invaluable key to everything. Soon he would destroy everything. Everything. Everything. He couldn't wait. 

"Almost." 

Almost? 

"It's almost time. Sora, take him outside and chain him to those ruins on the platform. I'm sure his little buddies will land there, so I'll allow them a moment or two of reuinition before I end their pathetic lives." 

Oh. Sephiroth beckoned Sora and Riku away with his hand. He needed to think. He placed his hand back into the water, and swirled it around a bit. Water..it seemed so hypnotic. He felt at peace around the water.. 

At peace. Like Sephiroth would ever be at peace. He was ready to destroy the universe, for Christ's sake! Oh well. It calmed him down, let's say that. 

"Aerith, darling.." he said to himself. "Come to me. Finish what you started..Take me down to hell." 

He chuckled. Hell. He'd been living it ever since he laid eyes upon his mother. Like going to hell would really matter to him. 

"Take me down, and I'll take you with me. Things aren't what they seem..Maybe you'll find out what exactly Hell is..." 

Of course, he was talking about The Gathering.
---------------------
LEON 
(The lifeless doll of doom, the hell-bound bastard, and poor Riku. *huggles the younger of the two silver-haired*) 

Of course, he may have been nice lately, but hugs were still unsettling. He looked at Aerith a moment in confusion, still not knowing what to do. So this is why Seifer had called him Puberty Boy, he was female-stupid. He blinked and put his arms around Kairi, patting her back a few times to help the words come out and as a comfort. Once she let go and returned to her bench, he nodded to her and closed his eyes, going back into King Cold Ass mode. He said only a few words as he felt the Gummi ship touch down, finally landing. "We'll free Sora's heart, no matter how black Sephiroth or any other forces have made it." 

(We've finally landed! Time to dump the dead Cloud body and kick ass! Then Leon gets to have sex, right? o.o Right?) 
_________________ 
SELPHIE-SU 
][Oh crap, I'm going to try and fit this in okay?][ 

Saluting to the leader, Squall, she got off her seat to go ask Cid for the Masamune. She was pretty sure that he had the thing with him because she remembered that when they took off, he decided to take charge of it. With her heals hitting the floor of the ship, it was pretty obvious that the only person making those thumping sounds was her. Meeting up to where Cid was she felt a slight rumble, indicating that the ship had finally landed. 

"Cid, uhm -err sir! Leon was just wondering if you have the Masamune with you, do you?" 

With the bright blonde chewing on some type of straw ][???I think. u.u;][ he gave somewhat a weird accent (southern) to her, as his hand rested on his hip. Seemed like he had the weapon kept in a safe place, maybe in those Mary Poppin's wannabe-pocket-pants of his. With a nod she ran back to the others to report. Skidding into a stop a couple inches in front of Leon, barely crashing into him. 

"Reporting back! Cid says he does have the Masamune!!" 
_________________ 
RIKU 
(Kyle’s returns, so these italics aren’t Sephy anymore..oo.. I feel so loved, Jena..nn;) 

Figured. He didn’t really expect a humane response to his recollections from Sora. Maybe he was diluting himself from the cold harsh truth, that Sora couldn't really be saved? ‘You’re losing it. Don’t even think that they can win.’ Mumbling to himself, he knew his thoughts were fair game in here. They could sense his every emotion. Though the expression never changed, or flinched, They could see that this was getting the better of him... very slowly. Riku entered the main hall of Hallow Bastion, stepping down those circular stairs that seemed to open up to a wider room. Again, he held to the side railing, taking the steps one at a time. No need to hurry, soon there the sooner he’d be witness to more of this toucher surely, but physically this time too. A fountain was tucked away at the upper edge of the room, Sephiroth sitting at its side, in an illusionary peaceful demeanor. He stopped at the bottom of the staircase, padding his foot quietly against the stone flooring. Sephiroth’s voice was almost..peaceful, as he addressed Riku. Though, every word cut like a knife that was placed in a palm and fist tightly held, then jerking away it suddenly, hand still closed. 

It’s.......I can’t take it....anymore... 

Riku shook his head, letting go of his hold of the railing that braced him. ‘I won’t turn against him, not Sora. It’s not Sora so... Why....not? I did it once... NO.. I won’t..’ His mind screamed at him, almost wishing that he would be put out his miserably quickly then endure this pain. Riku had repented those things of the past. He had nothing to do with them, they weren’t his fault. He placed one hand on his forehead, trying to calm his swirling thoughts. ‘I’m like you, Sephiroth..? What do you mean..You’re COMPARING us?’ Sephiroth then waved the two off then, a chance for him to be alone with his own thoughts perhaps. ‘Simple..innocent..?’ The ONLY thing they had in common was the silver hair. Riku instinctively raised his palm, grabbing a few strands taking a look at the lock of the silver strands. ‘Maybe..we are alike..somewhat..What..? NO! We may have been, but our stories have two different endings.’ 

The two headed for thee outside, without so much as a 'yes' from either of them; though Sora was probably eating up every one of Sephiroth’s words. 
A Foreboding orange sunlight streamed inward to the greeted them both as Riku shoved the castle door open without so much as a command. He was the prisoner, and the prisoner always got stuck opening the doors. Bleh. Riku blinked, letting his eyes adjust from the dimly lit halls of Hallow Bastion. They stepped out, the two of them. Not a word. Probably just the same staring cold glare at his back. The platform came closer every so slowly. Step..by step..by endless step, until they reached the raised point that looked over the rising falls. Riku gazed down at the falls, a particluar spot...toy sword... 

Let me go..I want to rest.. 

In place, Riku slunk to the floor, one knee surrendering before the other , until he found himself braced against the pillar of the platform. They were there; the final Armageddon, he doubted he would need to go farther. Riku cradled his head in his hands, barely acknowledging the presence of..him.. Sora..? Sora. They were alone again. Alone..they were both alone. Even if in the same room. ‘We’re not alone, because our friends are always are always with us. Whever we go.’ Riku gazed to the sky, the setting sun, a blank expression lingered as silence protruded once again. Why was he contradicting himself..? “I..-I..” He stammered, trying to clear the dispersed thoughts that had scattered in the wasteland of the mind, and form a simple sentence. He didn’t think that all this had such an effect on him. Heh. So he was mortal after all. Chains clinking behind him seemed to grow louder and louder, taunting was the holder. ‘Sora..he’ll find it. He will find it. I’ll help. I...wil-... Can I? How could I? Maybe It’s hopeless. I’m alive, there’s always hope.. No Matter how small it shines. Every light must fade..every heart return to...darkness..’ 

I just want to..close everything out..away... 

‘They’ll be here soon. I’m supposed to die with them.’ Riku suddenly started to examine the floor, the place where his blood was supposed to be in moments. They would take such delight in that, all that red dispersed on the ground. Fighting against one another, friend against friend. Friend. They were friends...still. ‘You really believe that he is, after what I did? I repented- That’s not my concern anymore. It was dropped.’ Was this all another of Sephiroth’s mind-games again..? It never would cease, would it? ‘Friends.. They were on their way here. Probably worried sick, on there way to save us. US? Not us.. Why would they care enough to save me?....right..’ 

....I’m..giving....in...I want to..rest... 

“I hope Kairi isn’t worrying too much. You know how she can be. So when they get here she’ll be glad to at least see you’re alright.” Riku trailed off, checking if his prisontaker was still there. He had become questionably quiet. Probably still high off the last praise he’d received from Sephiroth. Yay. “Remember that one time when you hurt your foot climbing that boat deck? I thought she would never stop pacing the floor. You really worried her you know.” Riku smiled slightly at Sora who frowned back coldly in a response. Chains still slung over a shoulder, and not blinking so much as an eye off his prisoner. 

I want to forget...get out of here... 

Riku raised his knee up to his chest, wrapping his arms around it, and setting his chin down. “Heh..sorry about daring you to do that, Sora. It was stupid, I know,” He waved his palm at Sora a little in the air, “But you’d always take up the challenge. It did surprise me, just a little.” Riku closed his eyes, comforted in the sound of silence for a moment, then continuing, “I never thought a puny little spikey haired kid like you could even climb like that. Or even had the guts. Well...you didn’t really climb. You fell.” He laughed out loud, more so than he had done than he arrived at Hallow Bastion. More than he had in a long time.. ‘He’s not listening. Maybe I should give up. It’s...not..It’ll work. I just need time... You don't have time...you deserve to die..’ 
_________________ 
SEPHIROTH-SU 
They're here. 

He pressed against the massive entrance doors to Hollow Bastion, forcing them to slowly open him to the outer region. The rushing of water filled his ears, and made him feel at peace once more. Maybe that was his weakness... 

Stepping out onto one of the large floating Icicle platforms, he looked down to Sora, who was chaining up Riku. He smirked, wondering how he ever got that boy, who was once so pure, do follow his every command. 

"And so it begins, you two!" he yelled out. Crouching down ever so slightly, he pushed his feet from the icicle platform and shot into the air, the leather attire of his flapping tremendously in the combination of the wind and the wind he created. In mere seconds he touched down on the ruined little structure Sora and Riku stood on, his right boot slamming down onto the damp granite floor first. He regained his posture, and continued. 

"Your little friends are on their way. Of course, they have a small detour.." he was mentioning the burial of Cloud, of course. He was wondering whether or not to interrupt it. That would be a bit of enjoyment, it would. But it would only aggravate Aerith even more, wouldn't it? Ah well. He'd just let them come to him. "..But when they arrive, you're in for quite a show. And you've got the best seat in the house, how lovely.." 

This is going to be fun, his mind said to Riku, the words searing through every nook and cranny of the silver-haired boy's cranium. He chortled a little bit, and turned around to watch the Gummi Ship land in the distance. 

"Oh, I can't wait.." 
_________________ 
SORA 
[ I was doing a damn good post and then... and then... I LOSE IT. I was almost done and it was good and I was happy with it and I lost it. I don't know if I have the same flare in me now.. so... x_x;.. bear with this. It'll probably such really really bad... ] 

He took the remaining steps into the Main Hall, their destination, as usual with the blank, apathetic look plastered onto his face. It looked so wrong on him, on the boy who usually had that goofy grin and those shining, inquisitive eyes. If one were to look into them now, they would feel like deep pools, ones that if you stared into them for too long, you would drown in their dark, unending depths. Just like he was drowning now. Falling farther and farther, minute by minute, bit by bit, into the everlasting darkness. The trickling of water was ringing in his ears as they entered the room. He instinctively turned his head, causing brown spikes to swish about, and he saw a figure sitting there. . . long silver strands that looked delectable. One of his favorite points about his Master... that unending, it seemed, mass of hair. He gave an indifferent glance at Riku before heading over to the fountain, then letting Riku step forward so that Sephiroth could address him as he so pleased. And he remained back in the shadows, listening with just one ear, not really paying much attention since there was no real need for him to. 

But he couldn't help but feel... bitter. That was the word for it. It wasn't even an emotion that he could fathom or understand, but there it was. Sephiroth always seemed captivated by this boy when he was in his prescence, at once turning all his focus upon him. Sora was aware that it was because he was trying to slowly break him apart, rip him in two bit by bit, piece by piece, and he knew that it was all a part of Sephiroth's plan to decimate each and every one of those that opposed him one by one. He had heard of the brutal killing of Cloud, the one that people said he resembled, and it seemed that this silver-haired youth would be next on the list. He didn't really care about that -- none of them meant a thing to him, after all. It was just that... when did Sephiroth ever show him any recognition, speak to him? For orders, yes, but that was expected.. that was necessary. .. why do I need to speak to him any other way..? This is what I am for, my purpose is to serve. He shook his head, throwing the emotions away, discarding them with disgust. Still, he was beginning to doubt these thoughts. However, doubt in itself was another emotion, feeling, whatever you wanted to call it, that his now restricted mind had a hard time comprehending. Thus, he figured, there was no reason to worry over it. And so he dropped the whole thing. 

He snapped to attention when Sephiroth looked his way, but his eyes widened as he referred to him as Sora. That name.. is it my name? A title..? Well, it doesn't really matter. They have to call me something. Sora. Sora works. Once again he shrugged it all off. It was almost aggravating, how he could so easily just forget important facts.. be that loyal, if that's even the word for it. But what Sephiroth most likely wanted was all of those cracks that these stray emotions kept leaking through to be patched up so that nothing would even bother him. He'd have no reason to speak and would not comprehend things besides the orders given to him by his one and only master. He would be as simply functioning and brainless as a Heartless. And soon his heart would be stolen, retrieved, reclaimed.. for someone that walked the earth without a soul within them, their only purpose being to listen to every heed and call of someone else, especially one that wanted to rain evil down upon the world.. well, someone like that didn't need a heart. They didn't deserve a heart. Maybe some of the Heartless themselves had spawned from such people. Or maybe Sora was a special case. . . 

Either way, he gave a lively smirk to let Sephiroth know he perfectly understood his order, and then, giving Riku a glare, grabbed him harsly by the wrist and yanked him in front of him, then giving him a push forward. "Go." It was a simple, short word, but he laced it with so much hatred that it was astonishing. Sephiroth needed some alone time, dammit. He followed after him as he walked towards the door that led outside, wincing against the strong light that burst in as the door was creaked open. He hadn't been out in daylight for what felt like ages... He stepped out, though, looking around the exterior of the castle. The rays of the sun were beating down, but they managed to be soft, for it was nearing dusk. He could see the sun sinking behind the horizon, so it simply bathed the castle in an orange glow that made it look unreal. He followed in Riku's footsteps as he walked towards the platform that served as their destination. 

He watched with a sober expression, a bit shocked, even as Riku let himself fall to his knees. Riku... he confused Sora. It was as if.. he had many things kept inside that he wished to tell, but he refused.. or he was denied the privelege to speak of it. It was strange, and Sora couldn't comprehend it, but.. it really wasn't a big deal. This was his prisoner, his prey, his catch of the day.. why need him ponder over such an insignificant figure in Sephiroth's entire plan? Insignificant he hardly was, but Sora would never justify him with anything. Still, he seemed so.. sad.. why? What did he have that he lost..? What inner thoughts were swimming around in his silver head? It really made no difference, and Sora stopped himself, making a point of not wasting his energy thinking about it any longer. He stood there, blankly, as Riku tried to stutter something about, but there were only a few syllables, not even something you could call an entire word. Strange... but he didn't give it too much thought. He stood there still, now growing impatient and setting the heavy chains, that were really beginning to weigh him down, onto the cold stone surface. Does he have that much to think over..? I'd like to get this done with.. What for? Why did he have any reason to hurry? What would happen after this? Just another issued order. I want to be punctual.. he explained to himself, trying to fight off any force that went against his now stronger self. 

Looking at the floor now. Sora canted his head to the side as he examined him.. he knew what was too come then, he knew what he would be forced to endure before he was killed. All the better for him, then, he thought cynically. He walked forward, then, finally getting sick of just waiting around for some kid to sort out his own thoughts, justifying his reason with "he'll have plenty of time to think while he's slowly being killed". He quickly heaved up the chains and paced over, about to grab him and begin to chain him up, when some words were spoken. Again... he was doing it again. No.. stop it.. I don't like it.. He stood before him, looking down at him as he continued to fling about nonsense, words that almost seemed like another language they were so ridiculous. He spoke about things he had never heard of, could never understand, and yet.. in the back of his mind, he felt a warmness.. Which was the only reason he didn't yell at him to stop it at first. He.. he's trying to trick me.. I know it.. but.. He closed his eyes, as if in pain, for a moment, now having to sift through his own inner thoughts. 

And still he spoke. He gritted his teeth, clenched fists hanging at his sides, shaking. He was shaking... trying to.. block it out. Stop.. you're making me.. you're making me look weak.. I can't.. Master would.. stop.. Just. Stop. He took a deep breath, now beginning to pant heavily, as if there was this gasping feeling in his chest, like he didn't have enough air, even though it was the freshet and cleanest outside. He just kept going. Spewing out this stuff.. was he just coming up with it as he went along? But the detail.. and the tone of his voice.. he was treating him like he knew him well, like they were... like they were friends. No, he couldn't take it anymore. He slapped the boy across the face to silence him, gasping and panting; a cold sweat had broken out. He seized the chains, pushing him against the pillar violently and quickly wrapped the chains about him. He pulled his arms to the back and cuffed them together, and then continued, using up all of the slack to make sure he was entirely chained to the wall. He walked over to him, staring him in the eyes. "Don't do that again." It was an order, a command. 

He huffed and turned away. Now all they had to do was wait. He took a few steps away from the prisoner and sat himself down, staring out at the bleeding sky. I hate him.. I don't know him, but I hate him. I hate.. all. Except for Master. I hate all. All.. That wrenching pain he had felt on his shoulder blade returned, worse this time. He tried to ignore it, but it seemed to grow worse by the second. Then.. then it felt like his skin was splitting. His eyes widened and he lifted his hand to feel that feather still in his hair. "Ugh!" he yelped out as his skin literally did split apart, and feathers began to break through.. It was a violent, unclean process, and obviously painful enough. He let out a blood-curdling shriek after that, the pain also deep in his chest. His heart had lost a bit more of its spark, though it wasn't dead yet.. still, the hatred he held for him was enough for him to begin to grow his wings. He felt more tendons splitting, more blood spilling, and finally the wing erupted fully from his back, breaking through the fabric of his clothing to stretch out. It was black and feathery, somewhat similar to Sephiroth's. It was big, almost too big in proportion to the boy, and it was splattered with blood.. Sora seemed terrified, breathing even faster, and he pulled the wing to shield him for a moment, also taking in the sight of it... 

He hadn't even noticed Sephiroth's appearance until then. He simply looked at him, not sure what to say. A loss for words like no other.. it was all pure shock. Though.. hadn't he asked for it? I suppose you don't expect to get all you ask for. 
------------------------ 
RIKU 
[ Oh I’ve done that before..o.o It’s a mixed emotions between wanting to repeatedly bang your head and strangle the pootah..>>... Poor Courtness..xx. But it was gooood anyway..nn;] 

After a few moments of debate on wether or not to continue the remembrances of the past, Riku quieted. A slap in the face. Don’t do that again. That was a clear enough answer: Continue. This must've been either getting through or just annoying him, either way, it's not like he was going to be treated any better anyway. 'Why not go out with a bang..?' Arms forced behind him, the weighty black chains weighed down. People who wore these, came to a brutal ending... yours should be no different... They were heavy; probably a burden to carry all the way out here onto the platform with the thick black links. 

The orange sunlight hinted Riku's hair to look a slight orange color, it waved in the slight breeze that managed to flow it’s way across the platform. Dusk light swiftly wept through Hallow Bastio, rays and undertones giving a nostalgic feeling to this place. The red hand-print on Riku's face stung at him a little, but a sting was nothing compared to the last few moments. Maybe physical pain was dulling away, or he eventually got used to it after a while. Whichever one. Frankly, It didn't surprise him, the outlashing of Sora like that. Though Sora was never one to be physically violent, in fact the opposite...never hurting a fly, as it were. A entire Paradox. 

That was it. There. A sign. A flinch of wavering against that which in minimal moments, he had been programed to do. Sora was thinking..about something. Thinking. He was programed to brush off all thoughts of difference that may cause him to seem that he had a mind of his own. An own way of thinking, other than that which Sephiroth had told him to do. It...maybe it was getting through to him..? Maybe not. Words, they did help. Riku didn’t have the time to continue to ramble these memories, recollections from childhood. There was no time left to inform him of his name, or the place they were from. Sora didn’t have that kind of time either. He was running out of air.. There had to be something. SOMETHING. He..didn’t have the time to think. The places, peoples names..events, they all washed away. None of that ever happened. This was always his reality. People..places..things. All these things never got directly through to Sora. These things were almost in the category of tangible. Emotions.. 

Sora’s purpose for being in this world was to serve his master until the end. His master decided what to do, and if his loyal slave was worthy to live anymore or not. Sora’s purpose. He’d forgotten that too. His purpose..calling.. Reason for being.. This wasn’t it. Not to be some slave for some bloodthirsty monster that wanted to destroy everything. Even himself. Did Sora really understand that there was more to being than taking orders? He had a will, a life, friends.. people that would miss him when he was gone. 

Riku saw the Gummi landing in the distance slowly descending to come to a calm stop. Part of him wanted to scream out for the others to run when they came within ear range, save themselves and not look back. Could they really run forever though? Avoiding this place and the people here? Fight or flee. Those were the options. Knowing them, they would stand up and fight, no matter who was in there way, everyone on that ship was like that, like this, fighting for what they believed in. Some for vengeance, and others for friends. ‘Fun? This is your twisted definition of fun, Sephiroth? Taking people’s lives and toying with their emotions. What, it’s not like I haven’t done that either. Don’t act so innocent.’ The hold Sephiroth had over him was astounding to say the least. Even he had enough power over Ansem to hold him back, from being used in such a way. Sora. Was he gullible enough to do this without resisting? Just a little? Apparently..so.. 

A gasp from Sora broke Riku’s concentration, causing his to look in concern to his friend. Intense aqua eyes blinked while Sora Struggled. Was he breaking through, what happened. Sora screamed suddenly in pain, an outlandish scream that would make the listener themselves wince, “Sora!!!” Riku yelled out almost instantaneously. He jerked on his chains, attempting really in vain to see what the matter really was. A Black feathered wing blocked his direct view of the orange sun suddenly, “Wha....?” Raven feathers drifted to the flood, with a shower of red raindrops accompanying them. Sora..he had become Sephiroth, ‘This..Sora...Sora...no..’ Riku trailed to himself, as a coarse of red droplets fell before his feet. He looked away, himself gasping a bit for air. He wanted to close his eyes, block it out.. But to no avail. Sora had become hate itself. 
_________________ 
SEPHIRTOH-SU 
"It's happening...' Sephironsane gaze drifted towards Sora as the raven wing shot out from his shoulder, dripping with deep crimson blood. Blood.. 

"I see now. You have surpassed even my expectations. Sora, the One-Winged Angel." THE one-winged angel? But Sephiroth only had one wing as well. No, no he didn't. Almost right after Sora's wing appeared, another wing shot from Sephiroth's other shoulder. This one...he could barely feel the pain. Perhaps the wing had been there all along...maybe he was just imagining it. No matter. The new wing dropped a few down feathers, the soft, jet black hue of them creating a small rainbow as the sunlight reflected off of them. It caressed the ground once, and vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. 

Sephiroth had not become an angel. He was now a devil. THE devil. Satan, if you would. He had become the antichrist, the one responsible for all hell in the universe. He was ready to ruin the lives of these children, send their hearts soaring into everlasting darkness. And he chuckled at the idea. Pain was his game, and he loved to cause it. 

A milky strand of hair danced down across his forehead, shielding his eyes against the setting sun. His gloved hand moved towards it, flicking it away. Those penetrating mako eyes looked lovingly towards Sora. Sora had become Sephiroth's son, the one and only being connected to him now. Now that Mother was...now that Mother was... 

No. He didn't have time to reminisce. The motley crew of weaklings were fast approacing, only making one stop -- to place Strife in eternal rest. Ahh, how he loved to say that in his head. Cloud Strife, finally dead. 'Payback's a bitch, isn't it?' Too bad. Cloud Strife lived a miraculous life. He was the one, the ONLY one who was able to stop Sephiroth. The ONLY one who was able to destroy his plans. To kill the One-Winged Angel. 

Except for Sora. Sora had conquered Sephiroth at the coliseum in that stupid platinum match. Not even his Meteor Spells could stop him. Sora was just...too amazing. It didn't matter. The tenebrosity Sora was absorbed in at this point was so far, so near the point of no return... 

Sephiroth stepped forward, his two black wings bouncing slightly, a few feathers drifting from them as he did so. He was playing out the coming battle in his head. It would be a grandiose event, complete with the death and destruction of all living beings in the universe. He just couldn't wait..it made his spine tingle. 

"Soon, dear Riku," he said and he walked up to him. The leather-bound devil brought his hand to the red handprint on Riku's face. "Ohh, did this hurt..?" he said, pressing his finger into Riku's skin. The mere touching of Sephiroth's hand to Riku's face sent a searing burn though the silver-haired boy's cheek, turning a spot of the red handprint purple. It would surely bleed if he held his finger there. He removed it, however, leaving Riku dangling from the rusted chains, awaiting his friends. 

They would come, and they would die. He chortled to himself yet again, his mako infused eyes shutting as he did so. The gloved hand was brought up once again, this time running its fingers through the Double-Winged One's hair. Those piercing, penetrating eyes looked deeply into Riku then, a sheer wave of hate rippling through them. 'You've been the only thing keeping me from finishing this universe...' His eyes narrowed with anger. 'If you and your pathetic friends didn't exist, neither would anything. You should be lucky I've kept you alive this long...' 

And as those thoughts progressed deeper into Riku's mind, Sephiroth turned away, and watched as the passengers of the Gummi Ship exited and prepared to send Cloud into his watery grave.
------------------
KAIRI 
[[ Please tell meh if it's to early to actually post this! ]] 

Kairi stepped out of the Gummi Ship, letting the sounds of the nearby cascades crash through her eardrums and the mist they caused drift through her radiant red scalp. Opening her lilac colored eyes, she glanced around her. how familiar this place was to her... Of course, she had been held captive here what seemed so long ago. When Sora had come to resuce her...and now she had to save him from this eternal darkness that Sephiroth had put him through. This fiery hell of black flames, in which these demonish ravens flew across the deep dark skies. Kairi shuddered thinking of this place and looked at her feet, as she shifted them back and forth. It was time to put Cloud to rest... was that how to put it? Put to rest... It made the fallen soldier sound like a villian... A demon of which had to be exorcised from the victim's soul. But that wasn't him, for he was a great warrior and protector of the beautiful Cetra, Aerith. He had been 
somewhat like a tortoise, like the small ones back at Destiny Islands. He had been cold and dark, almost Leon-ish in a way. But within that thick coated shell of his, lay a kind soul with a deep compasion for his comrades.. his friends... And Aerith, his love... All these thoughts mixed in with Kairi's emotions, causing her to feel rather depressed and down. She had to stop these moods of her. She was normally upbeat and kinda Selphie-ish-like in certain ways. But she couldn't let these dark feling cloud her mind. Or else Sephiroth would feed off of this energy.. This negative feeling of stoicism and emptiness. 

Turning around to see her companions behind her, she felt her knees get wobbly and her chest grow heavy. They were to protect her, and she knew that they may not return from this mission... This mission which was to save her very best friend, if not more, from this hellhole he had been dropped into. The thought of him, as that shadowed figure. With that expressionless face. His mind serving only as a pawn in Sephiroth's chess match. She thought of his once innocent grin, turned now to only an evil smirk. Shivering a bit, she wrapped her arms around her, burying herself deeper into Leon's warm jacket. Then looking at her feet once more, she noticed soemthing that delivered pure terror into her soul. A single black feather. She looked at it, oh how familiar it looked, but from where? Wherever it came from, she knew only that it terrified her more than aynthing else. She looked bck at Leon and the party, making sure they were there, in the slgiht chance that a giant raven of no heart came and swooped her from the safe ground. 
_________________ 
SORA 
As time continued to pass, Sora was still plagued with the incredible pain brought on from the emersion of the wing. He was on his knees, tightly hugging himself to try and quell the overwhelming agony and also in hopes of bringing about some warmth... for it was cold, so very cold.. chill after chill ran up his spine. Newly acquired wing was also wrapped around him a tad awkwardly to try and help bring heat, and he just did his best to bear it. This was so different, so very different.. from when he had first been grasped in Sephiroth's strong hold. Memories of that were pleasure, extreme and utter pleasure that he had always wanted more of.. (possibly one of the reasons he had wanted to be so loyal to Sephiroth, in hopes that he would get more) but all that this entailed was the exact opposite. Pure raw pain.. like nothing he had ever felt before. There was this horrible sharp pain in his heart that seemed to get worse and worse every second. He could feel it pulsing with evil, with darkness.. and.. he had to wonder.. why was he doing this? Why did he have to be tortured so? It made no sense now that he thought of it.. it was almost as if a bit of his real self had returned, if only part-way, and only to plant a tiny seed of doubt. 

It will be better soon... He thought it, but it didn't feel as if it was actually him thinking it. An outside voice.. Sephiroth. Just endure.. I just have to endure and then I'll be.. fine.. He started to cough, reeling over so that he was almost face to face with the ground and watching the blood omitting from his mouth and splattering on the stone in front of him. His insides were being twisted.. he wanted to scream, but he couldn't. And then.. it left. And all that he could feel was that same pleasure from before, but even better this time around. Pure ecstasy... flooding in and washing out all of that pain in mere seconds. It poured throughout every tendon of his being, every bit of his body, causing his arms to fall to his sides without him thinking of it and his head to turn fully skywards as he just absorbed it all. It reached down to his very fingertips, much like it had that first time, but this was just so much better. Don't you see.. your body is still aching.. and eventually after this more pain will come! He didn't like the voice, he didn't know who it belonged to, and he didn't know where it came from, but he pushed it out, discarding it as if he was disgusted with it, like a sour spot in all of the delectation. 

And then it all left. Now there was neither pain nor pleasure within him, as void of feeling as he usually was. Or... maybe not exactly. Gaining the wing had in fact caused some changed in him. Sephiroth hadn't initially planned for Sora to receive a wing, although it still worked well enough.. Either way, the wing gave him a bit more of that evil flare, at least in his personality. Still kneeling on the ground, eyes closed as he recovered from the drastically different feelings, both of which were now gone... and then wiping some of the blood that had gathered around his mouth off with the back of his hand, he stood, eyes still shut, and he turned to face in Riku's direction, eyes flashing open. He had a smirk on his face, holding a bit more flare than they ever did before, and his eyes were filled with a morbid evilness. Still, he seemed almost happy in it, giving a very frightening (yet so lovingly bishounen and pretty.. *-* -C.) picture. He saw the fear in Riku's eyes, the fear for him? Yes.. for him. He was scared for him. Why..? Sora didn't care about the reason.. the only thing that mattered was that now he could feed off of this fear, absorb it into himself, giving him more energy, more power.. 

It wasn't nearly as strong as Sephiroth's ability to do it, the one-winged angel now becoming a two-winged demon, and Sora gave him a respecting look; his Master was the one he looked up to, the one he wished he could be. And he had become him in a certain sense, a younger version of him, if you will, but now he had more to aspire to. Because Sephiroth himself had become more as he had. They still were not equal; he still needed to work harder to achieve a similar level to his master. He didn't realize that it would never be possible because it would never be allowed. It was nearing the end now, and there wouldn't be time for him to achieve anymore. So what reason was there to continue to serve? Well, Sora's mind could still not reach this far, so he was left to be an ever-faithful servant, just as usual. He just had a bit more attitude now. He took a few more paces in order to shorten the distance between himself and Riku, that smirk still plastered on his face. He flexed his wing back and forth a little, even giving it a couple flaps to raise himself a few feet off the ground for a second. "Like the new look?" he asked devilishly. 

He blinked, suddenly feeling the presence of others. Yes, they had arrived; he could easily sense them.. guards were surprisingly low, so that he could pick into their thoughts if he so wished, but there was no real reason for him to. However, amongst the few he sensed, one was... painful for him to run his sensors over. It was strong heart, one that caused a clutching pain in his own chest whenever he tried