~~~Suspicion + Fear~~~

Understanding isn't something that's required or needed. In the end, it's very much unnecessary. But the stress of not understanding can cause more than enough trouble in the end, or so I thought.

"I'm here for you, to save you." The Shadowed figure held a mangled and bloody body by his chest. Aquamarine remained closed in unconsciousness, and his blood smeared silver hair clung to his pale cheeks.

"It doesn't sum up. You spare him? After everything." It asked, pressing the shadowed blade against his neck. The tip of the weapon pierced his porcelain skin, a crimson lining trickling down his neck.

"I can't hurt- Not him..."

"You rejected the hatred, and yet-" Shadow cocked its head as it spoke.

"He is causing you such pain. I'm saving you." Slimy words echoed through the air as it spoke, though the internal motion didn't sway the clock over. My jaw clenched as the Demon pressed the blade harder.

"I'm going to fall inevitably."

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

The Shadow snickered, bringing the blade through Riku's neck. My breath caught when she let him fall to the ground like a heap of trash. Turquoise blue eyes hardened into a pulsing beat that was my raging heart. The Dark being placed a hand on its hip, bringing the metal to her mouth to lick the blood that streamed down the shadowed weapon. She hummed a laugh.

"He tastes good."

I jolted awake from my half-hearted slumber, my skin shivering in a clammy sense of goosebumps. Rapid breaths came upon deep ones, and my heart was racing beyond proportion and my turquoise eyes were dark with trouble. I glanced around, the sky outside seeming stormy within the peek of dawn. The silver head was in deep sleep beside me, perfect figure breathing lightly. His hair was tousled slightly, and the light shone against his creamy skin, making him illuminate.

What happened?

I looked down to my sore arm, delicately yet firmly wrapped. It no longer stung or burned, and I ran my fingers up and down the neatly tied bandages.

Riku...

I placed a gentle hand over his cheek, and looked at him. His eyes seemed deepened and slightly dark. A yanking feeling tugged at my heart. Pulling my knees up to my chest, I took a long breath. If the sky were visible, sunrise would have hit the peak of the towering castle's windows. There was nulling pain in my collarbone and back.

What is this burning feeling?

...

'I'm saving you.'

...

'He tastes good.'

I bit my lip in the frustration that had claimed my conscience, fists clenching at the remembrance. My body laid down close to the silver head, and his heart radiated an unknown aura of tranquility.

Tranquil.

~o~o~o~o~

As I awoke once again, Riku's presence was in absence. Silence filled the empty space that was left. My feet were silent as I approached the destination I was bound for, and pushed aside the broken, wooden door to Maleficent's chamber. The room was frigid and chilly, the reek of putrid shadows overpowering any illuminating essence. It was dark, a pair of green eyes seeming to glow from the corner besides the rest of its Dark figure.

"You wanted to see me?" I crossed the space between us only halfway, her eyes scanning my every movement with curiosity. Her demented crow was clung to her shoulder, a caw escaping its rigid, dry throat.

"Yes..." A deafening silence followed suit her answer, her feet suddenly clinking forward slowly. In the distance, ghostly laughter was heard, along with a haunting melody.

Her heart is so putrid.

Suspicion soon wavered under the gaze of this woman approaching, taking caution with every move. Her heart's tune wavered inbetween tones, the notes stacking together in dissonance.

"Do you hear it?" The witch asked, a wicked smile crossing her already reptile like lips. My back felt a sudden shudder, my turquoise eyes intently focusing.

"The sound of his troubled heart." Her words sent chill after chill down my spine. My heart's beats were strong, but not increasing.

"I want you to watch him." Maleficent commanded, heels clacking closer. My face went to pure disgust, my hands clenching and unclenching furiously.

"If you're that concerned in your selfish manner, then watch him yourself. Everyone has struggles, everyone has a history."

"That's what you believe." She sneered.

~o~o~o~o~

"Oi! What's up with you kid?" The current ruler of the underworld asked, waving a pale blue hand in front of my face. I blinked a few times.

"Aren't you supposed to be helping me out here?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. This character stood across the table from me. Long sharp and black nails, enlonged shark like teeth, and a temper that could blow all the worlds to a million pieces within a heart beat. The blue flame flickered above his head, creating a look a hair. His pale blue skin and keen yellow eyes matched his personality and job every bit. He wore only a long half sleeved, black cloak that draped over his broad shoulders. His height was the about Maleficent's range, and his muscular yet lean build made my mind put up a precaution sign.

"Yes, but I can't help it if you're droning, Hades." I pointed out, placing my chin in my palms while propping my elbows up. The table and room was dark, and it had an odd sense to it. A foul eminence.

"Sheesh, where does Maleficent get you people?" Hades spoke to himself, flicking a blue flame in his palm. I hummed to myself absent mindedly. He continued going over the plans as the witch had instructed him, and he seemed to be following orders well.

She just wants to see how much she could get away with. God forbid... The Leechgrave in Halloween Town. Those things better not reproduce.

I sighed heavily as Hades handed me a letter to deliver to the witch. My lip twitched in frustration.

"This is bullshit-" I whispered under my breath.

"What was that?" He asked, annoyed by my attempt of half-attention. I chuckled, turning my head slightly. He didn't seem amused based on the reddish orange color that was now overtaking his blue flamed hair.

"Nothing. Well, everything seems to be going as per plan and Maleficent sends her regards most regally." I bowed to him, showing the sarcasm hinted in my voice.

"She sure likes to push boundaries." Hades commented spitefully with a slightly turned head and a grimace. My head perked up slightly at the subject.

"I'm not the only one who noticed?" My hands went to my hips, and I looked up at the ceiling in thought.

We must have more in common than I'd first anticipated.

"Finally! Someone who understands what I'm talking about! I mean sure, she's a good lady besides all of the creepy stuff... Maybe. But I can't stand her!" Hades continued, his fury showing through his yellow and orange colored flames. I backed away precariously, unsure of how dangerous this character really was when in rage.

"She's been pushing Riku around and giving him more than he can handle. Orcus's and Dark Followers? Who can manage those?" I managed out through my confused voice.

"Ew... She asked you round up those? Those are the nasty ones." Hades pointed out, creating two blue flames of the two creatures' forms in front of our eyes. The two monsters clashed together in a heap of flames and violence.

"Sure..." I spoke to myself, but loud enough for the room. I raised a hand to my chin in thought and stared at the table.

"You know what kid? I like you. It's nice to know I'm not the only one bursting over Maleficent." Hades motioned his hands around dramatically as he spoke.

At least I have one of them on my side for this matter. As if the others would even bother to speak to me if it wasn't business.

"At least you're not practically living with her." A chuckle escaped my lips, imagining if he did have to live even near the green skinned witch.

"I just might go insane." Hades explained, emphasizing every syllable. I rolled my eyes, motioning towards a summon of a Corridor.

"Whatever, I'll be off now. Don't be getting into too much trouble Hades." I motioned two fingers from my temple and into the air as a departing gesture before stepping into the slithering Dark Corridor and back into Hollow Bastion.

~o~o~o~o~

The practice of using the Corridors was improving.

"Why did the cloaked man coax me towards Dark powers?" I stumbled over a rock, landing on my face in the mud from the morning's storm within the grounds of Hollow Bastion. The monstrous weather still hovered over Hollow Bastion like an ill curse as I sat up. I wiped the slick dirt from my face, glancing around at the scenario of which must have been a garden. All that remained was overturned pathways, uneven ground, and ruined fountains. It looked as if it were a forest of a garden. Only roses still managed growth along where the vines created beauty along the walls.

I could sense where the young little girls used to sit in the grass, weaving flowers into each others' hair or playing with dolls. The boys would trample each other along the grande pathways playing tag or racing, casting often glances at the girls with suspicion. I could see it.

My heart raced rapidly as the vision flashed through my head. I shook my mind furiously, disowning the sights. Lightning split the sky with a flash, making me jump. I peered up at the dark clouded sky and frowned with annoyance. Another bolt of lightning thundered through the sky, and the rain started to pour down on me.

"This is just my luck." I mumbled angrily, my fingers twitching at the situation. The pelting rain was icy and cold, and my skin started to go numb. My arms wrapped around themselves in attempt for warmth and I pulled my knees to my chest.

"Damn you Maleficent. To hell." I bit my lip in frustration, and suddenly a slimy voice spoke up from behind me.

"Now, now, child. That's no way to speak of your superiors." The witch informed me. I jumped up, turning to view her smirking figure.

"Especially when they have come to guide you." She continued, clutching her staff like a weapon.

"Exactly what are you doing out here?" Maleficent asked, examining my muddy clothing and soaked hair. My midnight black hair stuck to my skin as well as my attire. I made no response, only glared above at the sickly green woman. She seemed to look at me with slight disgust.

"Hmph. Just as I expected from someone of your kind." The witch emphasized the last two words.

Of my kind...?

Maleficent's dirty, ragged crow came screeching in the air and landed a little less than gracefully on her bony, black cloth covered shoulder. I grimaced at the foul creatures, which seemed to gaze suspicious eyes at me before turning to whisper something to Maleficent. The two creatures seemed so attuned to each other at the moment. Maleficent smirked after listening to the crow, and then turned back to me with a sly grin and narrowed eyes.

"It seems your dear Riku, has found the location of your other friend Kairi." She raised an eyebrow in a kinky fashion and examined her incredibly long fingernails in boredom.

"Kairi?! Where is she? Is she alright?" I asked in a serious tone.

"A pity both of you are wrapped up with this lost girl. What of the other boy?" With the wave of her staff, an orb of green smoke appeared, showing the scenarios of Riku holding a familiar red head's limp body in his arms with a serious face. He was upon the upper deck of a ship and Sora upon the lower deck, Keyblade in hand as he glared up at Riku.

"What are they disagreeing on? What's going on?"

The silver head opened a Dark Corridor to transport himself and Kairi from Sora's sight.

"What is happening?..." I could only make out. The information bothered my conscience.

"It seems as though Riku has relations with this Sora boy. Care to humor me?" The witch asked in a regal tone. My fists clenched as I turned my gaze to the side.

The way Riku and Sora were acting.

"Childhood friends, the four of us." I answered shortly, recalling the sunny days of Destiny Islands. From the side of my vision I could see Maleficent raise a bony hand to her chin in thought.

"I see."

"What happened to Kairi? Is she ill?" I asked questionably. The witch waved her hand as if it were nothing.

"A Heartless girl. A lost cause. I don't know why that foolish boy bothered. Her pure heart is what we actually need, not an empty body." She answered, the carelessness of the matter evident in her voice. My pulse increased, my expression covered with worry.

"Her heart is gone? Where is it?"

"The Heartless took it, there's no getting it back now. She's literally worthless."

The rain still pelted down upon us, yet the odd feeling wouldn't disperse. Of Maleficent, Riku, and Sora.

Disconnection.

"Maleficent. Do I have your trust as an acquaintance?"

"Indeed child, an eye for an eye." Maleficent bowed her head, and a new scent was suddenly reeked off of her. It was a sense I didn't come across often, but it always seemed to put me off.

Something's was wrong here.

~o~o~o~o~

The tens of books sprawled and stacked around me, wasn't quite my definition of research. My fingers traced each line of the words as if I were blind. The fireplace just down the isle crackled and popped lightly, yellow and orange flames dancing along the burning wood.

"I need a dictionary for all the Heartless." The books around me were based among the same ideas.

Nothing in history is helping me.

...

My head ached from all the reading. I stood stiffly and walked back to the fireplace to retrieve my now dry clothing. The pieces of clothing were dry enough.

The scent and atmosphere earlier... Is one I feel I haven't felt in a long time. Those are not meant to be toyed with. But, I don't remember why.

I pulled on my jeans.

Riku isn't trying to keep all of those things a secret, right?

"That's what I want to think..." My eyes darkened with the thought.

And yet, I want to have at least a thread of hope. So I just might be wrong. Maybe.

I pulled back on my black tank and crimson tube top. The fire in front of me roared to life the closer my skin came to the heat.

Balancing both halves within me.

I held my head in my hands.

"What a disappointment. I hope this hasn't hindered your regards for me." The familiar deep voice spoke up behind me, and I whipped around. However, the similar voice seemed to be cloaked with pure black this time, and stood tall instead of hunched over. The cloaked man stood on the other side of my heaps of books, leaning against the bookshelf with crossed arms and ankles.

"Who are you?" I responded.

"Are you fearful?" He asked suddenly. My eyebrows went up in surprise at the question.

"Should I be?" I questioned him.

"Do not mock me. We have barely any relation of each other." The figure pointed out with slight annoyance hinted in his voice.

"Have you any connection to the elder cloaked man?" I asked out, my turquoise eyes scanning the lines of books along the shelves.

"He was examining you. I am but a fragment of him." He responded.

"A fragment? Like a part of him?" I replied curiously.

"You seem very bold." He pointed out, turning that golden bronze gaze to me. It burned.

"Doesn't hurt to learn." I managed back.

"Hmph." Was his response, and he turned his gaze back to the floor. My eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Now, correct me if I'm wrong. But did your elder side not say before that my heart balanced both sides?" I asked, trying to word the question correctly and clearly.

"He did. Have you come to the realization yet?" He asked in response. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"What realization? All I've been feeling recently is pain." I responded.

"It is your choice." The figure responded bluntly.

"What exactly are you here for?" I asked, becoming more suspicious of these cloaked beings.

"Did you not know of Riku and Sora?" My heart stopped at his question and my expression showed concern.

"What about them?" I replied steadily. The figure took a deep, long breath before continuing.

"Sora, the Keyblade Master. He and his two companions, have been traveling to different worlds in search of his friends. Though, along the way, he seems to be disturbing my plans."

The figure sighed and continued, arms still crossed.

"As for Riku, he has chosen to accept the guidance of the witch Maleficent." He paused again, letting the words soak in.

"The rivalry between the two boys is evident, each fighting for a purpose. Kairi being one of the purest hearts of seven, and so that is why she is needed." He finished.

...

"You are alone." The figure pulled down his hood I could see, even as I stared at the floor in disbelief. He was well tanned, with sharp facial features and a golden bronze gaze. His long, silver hair was parted three ways, and seemed to flip at the top like a wave. He seemed to have a very strong and kept composure.

"I am Ansem." He announced, turning to me. A faint smile was played across my lips as I looked down, my eyes dark. I laughed in a short breath.

"Well, Ansem... It's morning already." I managed out quietly.

"So it is."

'You are alone.'

Maybe I don't belong.