AN: I don't know if I like this

AN: I don't know if I like this. I can't even remember what it is entirely (it is a summation of my lecture notes all year, that's what it is…) I want my degree now. Will someone write my next three essays for me? -falls over dead-

Edit: apparently all my breaks between POVS disappeared when I uploaded. I apologize. Now I have to go through all my stories because I totally didn't even know.

Playing For Time: Four

ooo

The sun was just over the horizon when we stepped outside – a bit later than I'd hoped to set out.

The girls had already loaded Fenrir onto the flatbed of the small truck; one end supported by a few planks where it extended past the vehicle's end, lashed tightly down. Aeris, thankfully, was keeping Yuffie occupied in the cab of the truck, giving me space to take on Tifa before we went our ways.

The soldier seemed remotely sullen, his eyes roaming the gardens and beyond, keeping watch. I can't say I was entirely comfortable with having this man at my back, but while he hadn't shown much aptitude in much of anything, those wings were a reminder that he was one of the best the Bastion had to offer. It wasn't encouraging, but Yuffie had inadvertently dragged us all into this man's fate, and I'd worsened it.

"We'll meet you a few miles out to drop the bike," She had her arms crossed and was looking at me in such a way that I knew I was in for something, "You'll have to move fast; they're locking down the city. Cloud—"

"We'll make it. We aren't heading out by the normal routes." Better to head her off; I didn't need her worrying over something we could no longer change. "You just make sure you're at the drop point for the arranged time."

She cast me a poignant look over her shoulder as she past, "Just remember your promise."

The soldier had his arms crossed and returned Tifa's passing glare with equal distrust. It was clear that without even spending time together, already they had established some sort of animosity.

Elmyra was standing peaceably a short distance away, her hands folded carefully before her. She didn't like me. She'd always had a dislike for strangers like me associating with Aeris and the dangers I brought merely by existing. Even so, I felt that I owed her.

"I'll take care of her."

"That man you've been working for – the one with the fiery temper –"

"Hades." I supplied. I hadn't known that she was aware of my dealings. Should have expected it.

"He's been asking around after you. Someone saw you with Mr. Tall, Dark and Brooding," she tilted her head slightly at the other man who was attempting to inconspicuously examine my bike. "People are moving…be careful."

"I'm sorry." Nothing ever went smoothly, but she was a strong woman. Sensible. "He may track us here; I've put you in danger again."

"Don't you be worried about me. I've been in the shadow of the plate for too long now; I think it's time to see the sky once more."

ooo

All things considered, they were remarkably unorganized this week. I was worried, initially, that even as well versed as I was in procedure – even as well as I knew most of the soldiers and their habits – even…even throwing my lot in with a Slum dweller who knew uncannily the paths to take before I'd said a word – even then, that I would be surrounded. Caught.

The men were neglecting their duties; more often muttering amongst themselves than patrolling the streets. If I had been less attentive, I'd have said that fate was on my side. That finally I'd had some luck after everything I'd been through.

Before we'd left, Cloud had thrown on a tattered red cape, binding a tarnished metal set of claws to his left hand. The girls had fussed over him, he had weathered their concerns and we had moved out, leaving the small patch of sunlight and flowers behind.

There were other people smuggling themselves out of the city. Families, casting fugitive glances over their shoulders as they clutched whatever they could carry. They weren't Slum natives, their dress worn too much as disguise than habit. Top-siders; inhabitants of 'Hollow Bastion' making their way to the border towns.

There was something happening up there that was scaring them. Something I knew nothing about, and that…that was what disturbed me the most.

We were close to a small group. A family, two children scrambling after their parents over the debris. I don't think either of us heard its approach, freezing on instinct more than reflex just before the dark mass fell from above. Cloud already had his hand on the oar-like blade at his back before I had even come to a complete halt. He was quick.

It landed silently near one of the children – on all fours, bestial in its disposition. I could have sworn it was familiar, some vague recognition at its sight. It was nude; darkened skin as though its entire body was covered in angry black bruises. Nub-like growths protruded from its forehead, one long enough to twitch in time with its snuffling – as though it was following a scent rather than its glazed, sightless eyes..

The child had noticed the creature, letting out a terrified scream. The mother hadn't stood a chance as she moved between them, the sharp claws passing straight through her chest faster than they could react. I couldn't look away, even as it withdrew its blood-soaked fist, the woman's heart clutched delicately in its hand.

For some reason it ignored the others, even as they scrambled over the debris to get away, even as Cloud sprang forward, slicing it in half with one swing. It had been staring at its hand as though confused – as though it didn't understand its actions. An almost human horror at its macabre prize.

The blond man was standing over the severed corpse with a blank expression as he nudged it with the edge of his sword. Black blood congealed around his feet, misting where it hit the cold ground. As its head lolled to the side, I knew why he had been familiar with a sinking feeling in my gut. The dark inked scrawls of a tattoo across the left side of his face barely visible under the darkened skin.

I was sick. This wasn't real.

I didn't even notice when I had knelt, the blond's words breaking me out of my trance,

"Get up. If there's one of these things, there's likely to be more of them. We have to keep moving."

"That was a man."

"Not anymore." He was ignoring the broken form, carefully folding the woman's hands over her gaping chest and closing her eyes. He glanced up at me then, something akin to compassion in his eyes. As though he understood. A silent 'It couldn't be helped; it wasn't your fault.' I don't think I would have been able to handle it if he'd said it. "You knew him."

"Zell Dincht." Cheerful man – headstrong. Always tried to get me to open up, even when I shot him down. It felt so wrong to speak of him in the past tense, because this wasn't him. It wasn't. "I saw him before I left – he wasn't…"

"He was a friend of yours." There it was again. This man didn't even know him; he had no right.

I don't honestly know what got into me then, I couldn't move. I wanted to be angry – fight the man for what he had done. But what he had done was save innocent lives. What he had done was a response I would have taken, had I been able to match his speed.

"That outcropping will take us to Fifth Gate. We move to the cliffs, and catch our ride." There was a hand fisted in my shirt, dragging me roughly to my feet. I vaguely registered that he had pointed towards a portion of road that extended into nothingness; unfinished and abandoned.

"If our ride makes it out." I pushed off his grip, ignoring the cold eyes that watched me. I should have taken him with me. This was my fault; I was his squad captain.

"You can grieve for your friend once we hit the Pridelands. This is not the time or place for a soldier to dole out last rites."

"What do you even know about me?"

"Squall Loire, codename: Leonhart. SeeD Command, Squad 8; Radiant Garden. Home: Sector 8 – Balamb." He didn't even look fazed at my angry retort, reciting things he shouldn't have known even as he scanned the area for more assailants. "Currently in the possession of one Yuffie Kisaragi."

He glanced at me once more before brushing past and heading towards the road. "Now get moving, or I'm leaving you behind."

ooo

I had done it again. I hadn't thought -I hadn't thought- before I moved, and once again I had done something terrible without realizing.

There was nothing else to do.

I hadn't stopped there. I didn't even give him the chance to grieve, not properly; not what he needed. I was moving once again on training and forcing that cold distance between action and reality.

It was a monster, you did your duty.

It was a soldier – I had known that the first moment it landed; perverted and reconstructed by the scientists above. I had seen them transforming over the past months- the dark solider pets, the berserkers. I had known they were men, and I had still…

Survive before you regret.

Survival was a matter of debate, wasn't it. Was it to emerge sound in body or mind? Was it finding life or redemption on the other side? If the latter, would could possibly forgive my sins?

Keep him alive. Give him a new life.

That's what I was doing, wasn't it- seeking redemption through others who knew noting of my crimes. It was a futile effort on my part; I knew who I sought redemption from as surely as I knew I would never find it. All I was left with was trying to patch together small deeds from good people. A beggar, nothing more.

His movements were slow; a testament to the strain, fatigue, hunger. He would need to rest soon.

I was vaguely impressed though – I had thought that he would have had more difficulty climbing down the chain from the suspended bridge. It was a perilous exit, even for a man in complete health. I admit I thought I might have to catch him; trying to position myself inconspicuously so that I might break a fall.

It would have done nothing for his pride.

But he had managed, and we moved on, ducking into shadows to avoid the occasional guard. Whatever was happening inside the city was keeping them occupied though – the air was split with screams on an increasingly regular basis.

I only hoped the girls had gotten out. But then, Tifa was a stubborn woman. They would be fine – I couldn't afford to believe otherwise.

There was doubt that we would be caught at all now, even should we be seen. Enough doubt to allow time for him to rest. It was clear he needed it, even if he refused to admit it. I found myself throwing orders at him without even thinking. That was his life, he was used to it. It was a habit that was too easy to fall back on.

"Stop."

He froze in place before the words even registered fully, casting a wary eye about, assuming a threat. Finding none, he looked to me for an answer. "We should press on."

"You will rest." There was the look of what…angry disbelief? He thought he knew best. The pride that refused to leave him.

"We haven't even cleared the shadow."

"They aren't concerned with us any longer. You will rest." I was still bothered by the thought of being separated from the girls, but we had made our choice and they had left early.

"You think the soldiers are taking the city."

He wasn't understanding – perhaps he wasn't trying, didn't want to understand. Not associating the world left behind with the shadow creatures that consumed hearts. I couldn't blame him, but all the same, it frustrated me in indescribable ways. He wasn't strong enough yet to face the truth. And still, I couldn't blame him.

The soldiers weren't taking the city – the scientists were.

"We should –"

"The city has fallen. That world is lost." Even on the run he wanted to be heroic. Not all men are heroes- some just die for poetic ideals. It was foolish to think that returning would do any good.

There was a faint trail of dust in the distance where the road from Sector Four lay. That had to be them. "The survivors will find their way to safety. We have to look out for ourselves."

The trail was drawing nearer; I could make out the glint of sun on the hood and the form of someone standing in the back. This wasn't where we were supposed to meet, but it was on the way, and it would do. They had come to see if we had made it out. If we had been taken by the shadows. If I hadn't thought the same of them, my pride may have been sore.

The brunet tensed as the truck continued straight at us, skidding to a stop.

An older blond man sprang from the flatbed, spinning a pole expertly as he landed. He caught sight of Squall Leonhart, and that pole found itself pressed tightly against the man's throat – not nearly as quickly as the brunet had ducked his first swing, his hand finding the other man's neck.

I was impressed. Even exhausted, weak and surprised, he was able to pull off a stalemate. If the man had a weapon, I didn't doubt he would have won.

"Cid, Squall, back down."

Couldn't have them killing each other – we had too much ground to cover with an injured man, and not enough food to support another bout of healing.

"That fucker's the reason this whole thing started. You tell me to stand down while the whole damn world's goin' to Hell." The blond was angry, yes, but I knew he was aware on some level that this had been long in coming.

Squall's eyes had flickered to me when I had first spoke. It was clear that he wasn't happy with the situation, but I saw his arm tremble a moment before he released his grip.

"Cid." The other man didn't seem like he cared.

"He's one of them." I was angry now, and I had no doubt that he knew it, but he refused to back off. "We offer the fucker back and they might –"

I moved faster than he had expected, my hand finding his shirt, lifting him clear off the ground and slamming him against the cab of the truck. The girls had piled out of the far side at the noise, racing around to pacify the situation.

"Cloud, let him go." Aeris was watching carefully, "He was just upset about the soldier."

"You don't need to –"

"I don't ever want to hear you suggesting we send someone back into that." Cid was a good man, he was just stubborn and opinionated – stuck in his ways.

"He's a soldier, Strife. They breed 'em for one purpose; best to send him home." He wasn't deterred. He was from Sector Seven, before the Bastion had dropped the plate. Soldiers would never be welcome in his mind.

All that aside, I wouldn't forgive him this. Not about one who was trying to leave that life behind. "His home is wherever he chooses to make it."

"He's a soldier."

"So was I." I ignored the cry from the girls as Cid was thrown aside, motioning for the soldier to help me unchain the bike. I'd used more strength than was strictly necessary, but he should've been fine from it.

Tifa had never been comfortable with the thought of my past associations, always trying to change me; make me care more for the planet, for the people. Aeris never questioned my choices, or my secrets, but disapproving in her own quiet way. The only one who seemed wholly unconcerned by the whole thing was Yuffie – she was happy just being given something important to do, perhaps even considering it more of a game.

"Can you hold out for another hour?" I asked quietly as we tilted the boards and rolled Fenrir to the ground. He had to be starving by now, but there was little we could do about it at the moment. Taking a pause in the city's shadow was one thing – having a picnic was another entirely.

"I'll be fine."

He was still – there was something on his mind that he was trying to work through and had yet to arrive at a conclusion.

"Have you …" there was a quick glance over my shoulder at where Cid was muttering angrily around his cigarette to Tifa before he continued, "Have you ever met a woman named Ellone?"

I had become used to reading silence over the years, having mastered the language, and his seemed to offer a slight disappointment when I shook my head. I wondered what she had meant to him.

ooo

He smeared his palm across the ground, a dark trail of his own blood left behind, the other hand carefully covering it with a handful of sand. It was an old custom for Radiant Garden when no body was able to be buried; a ritual for the living to move on.

He did it silently, with measured movements, his back stiff under my gaze. I should have given him privacy – should have left for him to conduct this ceremony alone. But I didn't. I didn't, and he would never ask.

After a moment, he stood, turning to meet my watchful eyes.

"I'm going to rebuild it." He said it so seriously, as though he honestly believed it to be possible

"Maybe someday." I couldn't bring myself to contradict him. There was something admirable about his resolve.

The others were waiting just over the ridge, laying out food before our small caravan continued on into the desert. They would get antsy soon if we didn't reappear.

"We'll –" There was that darkness again, creeping into the peripherals of my senses. With the quick flick of my wrist, I separated one of the small blades from First Tsurugi, tossing it to the other man. I didn't have to say anything; already he had assumed a position with his back to mine, awaiting the darkness that was encroaching.

When they came, it was quick.

I heard the brunet engage first, and I relied on his fatigue holding off as I moved my sword to meet the others.

There were only five in total, but these creatures were much difference than the one we had encountered in the city. These were varied; two bird-like things swooping low from the sky and three hyena-sized shadows trying to ring us in. They all bore the same symbol here, though – something that hadn't been present on the other.

I hadn't fought beasts in a long time. Fenrir could outrun the ones that were likely to attack, and the Pridelands didn't house many creatures that would, anyhow. It didn't make that much of a difference though; animals sliced just as cleanly as men.

It didn't take long; there weren't enough to prove a great threat, and they didn't seem to possess any sort of intelligence or direction in their assault. We cleaned off the blades in silence, fitting them back together and turning to head back to the others.

They didn't need to know. Not yet. We just had to be watchful, that was all.

"The old devil's been looking for you." Cid had grunted after we had taken our places on Aeris' checkered blanket, helping himself to her picnic.

"He'll have to get in line." It wasn't much of a surprise, especially after Elmyra's warning.

"All I'm saying's that you need to take some damn time to think ahead, blend in some." Cid still wasn't comfortable being near the brunet. He had gotten over my revelation rather quickly, but for some reason the courtesy only extended so far.

Aeris was acting as a buffer between the two; there just as much to pacify the men as to ensure that Yuffie- who had latched onto the soldier's arm – didn't annoy the man too much. She'd seen to his hand the moment we had reappeared over the cliff, tying a short bandage around the appendage from her bag. She wouldn't risk the faster way; he was tired enough as it was.

I will admit that seeing him attempt to stuff his face while fending off the teenage ninja was highly entertaining. Even more so when he was clearly attempting to not look as though he was doing so. He seemed to be improving with his social skills, but who was I to judge – even I still had difficulty dealing with these people over extended periods.

"The nearest city is Agrabah. He won't find us, and we won't be there long."

"Agrabah?" the brunet interjected, one hand halfway to his mouth. "Isn't that Jafar's territory?"

"Yeah, and it's fucking right next to Hades' home base."

"Now Cid," Aeris smiled, offering the older man a drink.

Tifa wasn't looking very happy at the prospect either – only Yuffie seemed to be optimistically thoughtful; I would have to watch her.

"Jafar isn't looking for us, and Hades won't find us in the east end. We just avoid the Coliseum, get our supplies and get out."

ooo

It was a closed world; closed off and tucked away from the rest of the planet. Only one road led by it, barely even grazing the city at all before carrying on its way. A harsh world, surrounded by sand, unforgiving. Her people were much the same.

The ruling class was closeted away in massive structures and excessive luxury, hidden from their people and withdrawn. Authority here was doled out by the Imperial guard, led by a corrupt Vizierate who endorsed – and often took part in – dark trades; a black market that dealt in everything from laundering of wealth to the exchange of lives. Never directly; no, that wasn't the way.

I had spent time here once, running a delivery for Hades to the coliseum in the east district. It had been a tricky job. I spent more time avoiding confrontations than actually making contact with the second party. Almost had my pay lifted by a monkey in a fez.

The ex-soldier would need a weapon.

Though I wasn't keen on entering the city proper again any time soon, we would never find a better place to acquire the best quality arsenal to choose from.

"Leonhart." The brunet glanced my way from his unusual conversation with Aeris. She was helping him open up. That was good. "Specialty?"

I knew he had a good handle on swords; he'd proven that across the Pridelands. But that piece of First Tsurugi hadn't looked comfortable in his hands, and it was clear that it wasn't responding to him in a way that he was familiar with.

"Gunblade." He muttered as he came to join me, leaving Aeris to wander off to find the other two girls.

Well that was a bit surprising, but it explained why he seemed to brace before each strike – calculating for a recoil that First Tsurugi would never have. I had never met a man who had specialized in that particular weapon; had always thought it was a failed invention. Most who picked it up in training would eventually switch off to either a specialty sword or perfect their aim. An unusual weapon for an unusual man, I suppose.

…they were close to a collector's item now. He certainly had high expectations.

"Cid, I want you to play nice." The man shot me a disgruntled glare, no doubt as offended by my youth as by the insinuation that he would be anything less than civil. "You will stay here. No one is to wander off or enter the city."

"And where the hell do you think you're off to?" Cid threw his cigarette to the ground, grinding it under one heel. He and 'Leon' were none too subtly shooting each other dark looks.

"To get supplies."

"Bullshi-"

"Cid!" I was glad the girls were far enough away that they paid little mind to our conversation. "Would you have me take you with me and let Leonhart stand guard? Would you, Leon, have me take you into a part of the city where they may care to call in the bounty on your head?" Neither man looked likely to argue the point. Leon likely would have been safe to tag along; it was unlikely that anyone in Agrabah would care to make deals with their neighbours in the Hollow Bastion, but I felt better knowing that there was one more fighter stationed by the girls.

Once again, I knew Tifa would throw a fit to hear it, but the fact remained that it was a dangerous place and the more precautions the better.

"I'll be back in a few hours. Stay out of trouble; stay out of sight."

With First Tsurugi was strapped securely at my back, I pulled the red cowl up to cover my face as I cast one last glance back at our small group of misfits, setting out towards the bright flags of main street.

ooo

"Strife told you to stay here."

I was bored out of my mind, standing around the vehicles awaiting the blond's return, but he knew what he was talking about. If he thought staying put was a good idea, I wasn't about to argue. I'd heard a good deal about this region and was inclined to agree with the idea that there was strength in numbers and intelligence in setting up an attentive watch. He had charged me with watching this group and protecting them – and while they themselves clearly didn't see it that way, I knew that was his reasoning for leaving me behind with them.

They were important to him. It was an honor.

The self-proclaimed ninja girl seemed to feel that his order didn't apply to her, and she stuck out her tongue at my words. "He didn't tell me, he told you. Besides, I'll be back before he even knows."

She darted away.

"Well shit." Cid's voice echoed eerily my sentiments, and for once he shot me a look that sought a plan. A course of action. Cloud was his leader, and in his absence the man auto referred to the next in command.

The look didn't last long though. He still held his animosity, which was quick to resurface after he realized his mistake.

It took no more than a heartbeat for me to decide, striding past the glaring man and away from the others. "I'm going after her."

"Like hell you are –" But I could see that he honestly wasn't sure what the best course of action was. Letting an under-aged girl run rampant in a city of thieves, gangs and corruption was hardly an option though – especially since neither of us really wanted to see the blond's reaction once he discovered we had let her leave.

I didn't hear the rest of his response—I'd already past out of earshot, following the path I had seen her take as quickly as possible without drawing attention.

It took some time to find her, darting, strolling and sometimes climbing through the tight streets. People were everywhere.

I'd never been a fan of large crowds, and twice already I'd had to frighten off potential pickpockets. Not that I had anything much worth value anymore anyhow.

She was stealing too. She was good at it- better than the others lurking the city, but if one watched her…

And I wasn't the only one watching.

The Imperial guard had been trailing her for three blocks. Somehow I knew that having her thrown in jail wasn't an option, despite how much I wanted the little thief to be taught a lesson.

"Beautiful beads for a beautiful lady!"

I side-stepped a slim hooded woman pushing by, only to be harassed at the next stall for various other, equally useless, wares. A man was watching her from atop an awning across the way, a small fez wearing monkey dancing angrily beside him.

In that moment, I lost the ninja.

I found her again in a deserted coutyard two streets over, struggling with four armed guards - slowly being ringed in by more. If I had been smarter, I'd have backed away and left the way I came.

I didn't.

"Let go of me, you ugly old man!" She stomped on one man's foot, catching sight of me and running forward.

That turned their attention. That involved me. There was no longer any chance of strategy; I had to make due with my hands.

The fist man who lunged fell with a quick twisting blow to his neck. The second, a heavier set man with deep-set eyes, was dropped by a kick taking out his knees. The others were more cautious, drawing swords and closing the circle.

There was the irrational – or perhaps entirely too rational – burst of fear that I would be sent back into the waiting jaws of Radiant Garden. Hollow Bastion. Have my heart torn out by sharpened claws and strapped to a cold table in the bowels of the Plate.

This was it. I'd gone and done something stupid, and I was going to die for it. I'd failed.

"We can take them." She hissed, bracing herself for a fight.

"No…we can't."

Other men were slowly stepping out of the shadows, light glinting off their curved blades. There were too many of them; if we were to fight head on, we would be overwhelmed, injured and alone in a city waiting to tear us apart. The only recourse we had was to go with them, or die.

She pressed back against me then, realizing the same thing I had, trying to disappear through me. I wasn't sure what I had to offer her. I didn't know what she wanted from me.

I didn't worry long though – the blow I knew was coming came almost casually from behind.

The girl caught me as I slumped forward; her hands, her shout the last I felt before I succumbed to unconsciousness.

ooo

We were in a bad place.

It was dark, wherever we were; dark and filled with the stench of blood and sweat. My hands had been manacled together, and from where I lay – cheek pressed into the ground – I could see the slumped forms of others who shared our fate. Dejected. Broken.

There was the unfamiliar sensation of arms wrapped tightly around me and a cold damp patch across the back of my shoulder that meantsomething…it had to be Yuffie that was so close; was she bleeding? So we hadn't been killed…was she bleeding? I'd heard this area took limbs for theft…

I struggled to sit up, shifting her weight from my side to assess the situation. A sweeping sense of dizziness struck me at the motion, and I choked at the sudden impact of the girl launching herself at my chest. Her arms were intact. She didn't seem to have any lacerations or wounds. So what…

"Are you hurt?"

She punched my shoulder roughly and pushed away.

The faint light that filtered in betrayed wet streaks across her face. She had been crying. Over me? No…that was a ludicrous thought.

"You sure go down easily." She snorted, scrubbing a dirty fist across her face in an attempt to hide her tears. "I'm hungry."

I ignored her, working at the manacles to see if there was any give. She was fine and in one piece; that was relief enough. The immature side of me wanted nothing more than to tell her this was all her fault. That if she'd just stopped being a damn child for one minute we would be with Aeris and Tifa and Cid and Cloud and we would have food and not be held prisoner. But that wouldn't do anything to help the situation, and she was a female civilian…something I had very little experience with; a soldier would accept the responsibility, I highly doubted she would see it as such.

"…Leon?" She spoke in a soft voice, entirely unlike the brash girl I had come to know over the last few days which gave me pause, "What are we going to do?"

I let my arms drop in my lap, trying to figure out what I was supposed to do in a situation like this. Couldn't have her panicked and emotional; I wouldn't be able to deal with that. There were others here though…if there was any way out they surely would have found it.

"Do you know where we are?"

"Abdul Fattah's holding pen." The voice came from my left, tired and dull. It was a young boy, no more than sixteen despite the grey matted hair pulled back from his pale face. "One of the many filthy cut-throats that work for Jafar."

"…holding for what?" The boy sounded broken; I didn't like that tone.

He lurched to his feet, crossing the distance to where we sat and crouching close.

"That depends," he said in a quiet voice, watching us with intense eyes; wary and curious all at once, "on the customer."

Yuffie seemed outraged at that, and the boy quickly clamped his hands over her mouth, nervously scanning the room, eyes lingering where I could make out the outline of bars.

"…when Megara was here earlier she mentioned that someone had requested an audience. A noble, high class." The girl had seemed to calm down now, and his hands were slapped away. He didn't seem to mind.

"Megara?"

"…yeah. You want me to do something about those? You won't try to kill me or anything…" I shook my head and held up my hands for him to inspect the cuffs, not surprised to find that he had pulled a small metal pin from his hair. "She works for Hades, but…she's not that bad. She's like us…in a way."

I wondered just how long he had been here, but he looked like the sort to avoid any kind of personal questions. I wouldn't blame him; I was hardly the sort to start spilling my past to a cellmate to pass the time. He had been here long enough to have some answers, and that was enough.

"Leon. This is Yuffie." It was best to start small.

"Riku." My wrists felt lighter as the metal fell to the sand with a dull thunk.