Note: I'd just like to thank those who reviewed. You know who you are. I really appreciate it, it just makes me want to finish this story more. Thanks again.

Chapter Four

-11 years later-

The cave was damp and murky, crystal droplets dripping from sharpened rocks. Mist shrouded the place, blanketing the waters. There was sloshing of water as a merman crawled to the mermaid sitting upon a rock. "Ariel, where is Kairi?" the merman asked, wearing a scowl.

"She's probably with the group," Ariel said matter-of-factly as she combed her hair with a fork she had found.

"I bet she's with Sora again. She's always with him. Ever since Sora came here, she's been hanging around him. I have no idea why Edea took him in."

Ariel rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just let it go, Seifer?"

Seifer scoffed and Ariel ignored him as she pushed her long, bright red hair back. Her attention shifted to the cave entrance, where chattering and the sloshing of water was heard. 'Looks like the others are back.' Sure enough, a group of mermen and mermaids entered the cave, pulling themselves up a dirt pathway. Seifer scowled as a merman in particular passed by him.

Seifer turned to another red-haired mermaid, her hair not as bright as Ariel's however. "Kairi, I've been looking for you. Why did you leave without me and go with Sora?"

"Is it wrong for me to be around Sora?" Kairi asked.

Seifer's scowl deepened and glared at the spiky-haired brunette currently talking with Tifa and Ariel. He turned back to Kairi. "C'mon. Let's go talk in private," he said, he dove into the water.

Kairi watched him with a raised eyebrow and shrugged as she too went into the water. They swam to a secluded area in the cave and the two climbed out of the water and sat themselves on a rock. "So do you need something, Seifer?" she asked, sitting up to comb her shoulder-length hair with her fingers. "Because if not, then I'll be going."

"No. Stay here," Seifer said, holding onto Kairi's wrist. "The reason we're here is because I wanted to be alone with you. Why are you always in a hurry whenever you're around me? But when you're around Sora, you're willing to stay around?"

"Well, I find him interesting."

"You know he's not really a part of us."

"Oh? If he isn't, then what is he?"

Seifer growled. "He's just a nuisance."

"Why do you hate him so much? He hasn't done anything to you. I'll be going back now." She released Seifer's hold on her wrist and dove into the water, leaving the merman alone.

-------

Seifer crawled out of the water and dragged himself in front of a black-tailed mermaid, holding her staff in her right hand. Red beads decorated her black hair that was pulled back neatly into a bun. Her topaz-colored eyes bored down on the merman before her. "Why are you here, Seifer?" she asked, her voice appearing cold.

"I just want to talk to you, Queen Edea."

"About what?"

"Sora," he spat immediately. "Queen Edea, why do you allow him to reside with us?"

"Have you forgotten, Seifer? He is of our kind. I will take in anyone who are just like us."

"But he was associated with humans, the greatest taboo for those of our kind."

"That may be, but he's still one of us."

"He should be banished from here for ever being in touch with humans." Queen Edea said nothing and Seifer continued. "Ever since he came here, he's been such a child. And Kairi is constantly with him--"

"That's enough, Seifer. I will not have you get me involved with your affairs. Whatever problems you have with Sora, you should settle it on your accord. You are dismissed." Seifer growled and turned back, passing a mermaid nearby who guarded a gold shell before he submerged himself into the water.

-------

"…and then the squid squirted ink onto his face," Sora said with a wide grin. "It was funny."

Tifa laughed with Sora. "That's Zidane for you."

"Yeah." Cloud came up and sat beside Tifa. "Hey Cloud," Sora greeted.

He nodded to the young merman. Tifa noticed the flower he held in his hand. "Who is that for?" she asked, pointing to it.

"Here," Cloud said, handing it to the ebony-haired mermaid.

"For me? You shouldn't have." Tifa grinned, it was bright and her eyes sparkled as she turned to Sora. "Isn't he sweet?" Cloud said nothing and turned his head away to hide his reddened cheeks. He cleared his throat, but still said nothing. Tifa looked at him, somehow understanding what was on Cloud's mind. She sent a sweet smile to Sora. "Hey, Sora? Would you mind giving me and Cloud some time alone?"

"Okay." Sora grinned, catching on. He winked at Cloud, who in turn glared at him, as if he was telling him 'go away, you're bothering me'. Sora laughed and jumped into the water before Cloud would come and beat him.

The next time Sora emerged from the sea water he was on the other side of the cave. He crawled out of the water and onto the shore. He examined his surroundings. Though he has been living here for eleven years now, it never ceased to amaze him. He loved the crystals that lined the walls and the small waterfalls that were in the area. It was definitely different from his home back with his parents. He looked at the crystals, running his fingers along the smooth surface, unaware of Seifer coming from around from some rocks.

"What are you doing?" Seifer questioned, annoyed.

Sora's hand snapped back as if he had just gotten burned and turned to Seifer. "N-Nothing," he stammered.

"Hmph. You make it appear like this is your first time here, gaping at everything like an idiot." Seifer crawled up to Sora.

"Have you seen Ariel?"

"No," Seifer spat. He scowled at Sora. "Why? Kairi not enough of a companion for you?"

"W-What are you talking about? Kairi's great to be with, but I just wanna talk to Ariel."

Seifer scoffed. "I've been watching you two, you and Kairi. You've been spending a lot of time together, ever since you came here. She's almost always with you, and that just pisses me off."

"I don't like her the way you think I do. We're just friends."

"Uh-huh. Listen, Sora. Just stay away from her. You got that?"

"What's going on here?" another voice interrupted. The two turned to see Ariel who came crawling up beside Sora.

"Nothing. It's nothing, Ariel," said Seifer and went back the way he came.

Ariel turned to Sora. "What was that about?"

"He was just telling me some stuff."

"About what? You and Kairi?" Sora nodded and Ariel rolled her eyes. "Seifer has major jealousy problems and a spoiled brat. Listen, Sora. I think it's best if you back away from Kairi, just to avoid anyone getting hurt. You know Seifer would resort to violence if he doesn't have his way."

"But Kairi's the one who always comes to me so it can't be helped."

"Do you want me to talk to her?"

"No. I think I should talk to her myself about it."

Ariel nodded. "Okay. Well, let's meet with the group."

A/N: For some reason I don't like this chapter too much. It doesn't sound that great compared to some of the others. But I'm amazed for having these chapters up so quickly whereas it would take maybe a month just to put a new chapter up for my other stories. But then it's probably because I've had some writer's block with one of them and my epic is going through revisions right now. Okay, I'll stop now before I get off track. Anyway, please review!