Disclaimer- I do not own Kingdom Hearts
Captivity
Chapter 8
Demyx smiled as he watched Aerith sleep peacefully on his bed. He strummed quietly, playing his hypnotic lullaby. Well if he ever was kicked out of the Organization, at least he could play music for the rest of his life. He smirked at the thought of playing his sitar for people. No, he did not want to play for other people. He wanted to play for Aerith.
She looked absolutely serene on his bed. She was so beautiful and so untouchable. Demyx shuttered at the thought of waking her up, mostly because he believed it would make her cry again. He never thought someone could cry so much. He loved Aerith, at the moment, while she was sleeping. Although, he would love her much better awake if she would understand he meant no harm.
He stopped playing. His sitar vanished into droplets of water and then dissolved. Quietly, he approached the bed. He sat on the other side of the bed, admiring her delicate features. She reminded him much like the flowers. The soft curves of her body reminded him of the soft curves of a flower petal. His green eyes scanned up her body to her face, her perfect porcelain doll like face. There was not a single blemish on her skin. Her hair was shiny and looked soft, really soft. He knew it felt soft. Her nose was tiny and pointed just slightly up at the tip. That was something that went completely unnoticed to everyone but since Demyx was staring, he was noticing a lot.
Curiously, he removed the glove from his left hand. He then brought his finger to her arm and touched her gently. A shiver went through Aerith, but did not awake her. Demyx could feel the warmth against his finger. There was no warmth in his hand, even with a glove on. Yet, her warmth was so inviting. Demyx laid down next to her, brushing his fingertips along her side. He slid his hand over tiny bicep, down to her elbow, and then stopped at her wrist. His hand stretched over her own, lacing his fingers in between hers.
Absently, he buried his face in her hair, breathing in her scent. Her sweet floral fragrance was intoxicating. He released her hand, letting it rest on his chest. He brought his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, holding her securely to him. His hand stayed at the small of her back. Her face buried against him and he could feel the warmth of her gentle breath on his cold skin. He gently placed his other arm under her head, supporting her like a pillow. Yet his hand tangled into her hair, removing the locks from its braid.
Demyx wished he took his other glove off. He knelt his head over and bit the end of glove and yanked it off his hand. Satisfied, he ran his hand through her mass of brown locks, enjoying the silk waves.
Demyx closed his eyes, letting out a breath while taking in her scent. She felt so warm against his cold body. Even under the layers of clothes between them, he could feel her warmth flowing through him. Nothing in his existence had ever felt so good and he wanted to cherish it forever.
X, X, X,
"Where is Cloud?"
That question kept the entire Hollow Bastian restoration committee on edge. Ever since Aerith abduction, the blond haired man had been stewing. His anger at himself made him unstable. The group worried he would do something he would regret, something any of them would never want him consider.
However, if his back were to the wall, Cloud would consider it. If there were nothing he could do, Cloud would let the darkness within him. Especially to protect those he cared about. Aerith was that important.
"We need to find him," Leon said calmly. Despite acting calm, Leon was worried. "We don't know what he'll do now."
"Where do we start looking for him?" Yuffie asked. "Spiky never tells us where he goes."
Leon thought for a moment. He looked at Yuffie and then at Cid who was sitting at his computer. True, Cloud was a very solitary person. He rarely spoke and kept to himself. He would wander off in the city where no one could find him. Most of the time everyone just let him be, but this time they did not believe it would be a good idea.
"We split up," Leon decided. "We search every inch of the place."
After splitting up the city in sections, the committee scattered to search their section. However, Cloud was not too far away. In fact, he was in an obvious spot. Such an obvious spot that no one would think to go there.
Cloud was in fact in Aerith's secret garden. He had been there for so long that he did not even know how long. His mind was in shambles. His mind was screaming at his failure. His mind began blaming him for the possible demise of the beautiful flower girl. The anger built up within him. His clutched his head, his fingers curling around his spiky hair. His fingers were trembling so much they threatened to rip out his hair.
Aerith… a woman that was the light of Hollow Bastian.
Aerith… a woman that was kind and gentle.
Aerith… the woman that he failed to protect.
Her voice, her touch, her eyes, her warmth, her light burned into his mind with endless suffering. All he could see were those beautiful green eyes, cold and dead in his head. He could see her body lying motionless, mangled, and cold. It drove him to insanity. There was no way he could save her like this.
No, he could not stay here and pretend everything would be all right. There was only one thing to do.
"Return to the darkness," that silky sinister voice whispered in his head.
X, X, X,
Aerith felt warmth flowing from her. As if, something was sucking it from her body. She cringed slightly, slowly awakening from her slumber. Her eyes fluttered open and she found herself pinned in place. She looked up to see Demyx's body cradling hers to him. His head was resting against hers, his face buried in her mass of brown locks. One of his arms was securely around her waist, pinning her own arm to her body. The other arm was under her head, while his hand held her head. His fingers were tangled in her locks.
At first, Aerith had no idea how this came to be. Next, she did not know how to react. Should she be scared or angry? Yet, the last thing she wanted was to make Demyx turn on her again. Keeping him, in some sense, happy kept her alive. Aerith shifted, trying to move out of his embrace, but found it impossible.
No matter how many times he took hold of her, Aerith was always surprised at how strong he was. It made her feel, as always, helpless at being so weak. Aerith let out a sigh, becoming uncomfortable by the entire situation. She turned her gaze to the sleeping Nobody. His face seemed relaxed and content.
It surprised her at how, well, innocent he looked while sleeping. He looked like a little kid. Strands of hair lay on his face. Aerith reached up, after slipping one of her hands out of his grip and moved the hair off his face. His features were really boyish and adorable. Aerith had to admit, this looked like the Demyx she first met and not the one she came to know now.
Aerith brought her hand down, accidentally on Demyx's hand. She gasped softly upon feeling the smooth soft skin. She never expected him to have such smooth skin. Probably the reason was that he always wore gloves. She touched it again, feeling strange warmth within it. Every time Demyx' had made contact with her, he felt so cold. Aerith wondered if it was his warmth or maybe her own warmth that he so greedily took.
Aerith stared at his hand, her fingertips still touching the smooth skin. Then, Demyx shifted muttering something in his sleep. Demyx's hand grasped onto her and he rolled over. Aerith squeaked, finding Demyx laying half his body on hers as he continued snoozing.
"Jeez, get off you're not that light," Aerith muttered.
Wriggling, Aerith managed to get up into a sitting position Demyx's head now in her lap. His one hand was still holding hers. Aerith sighed.
Like this, she found it hard to be mad at him for putting her in this awkwardly intimate position. He looked so innocent. He probably never meant anything by it. Yet, the back of her mind reminded her that he was a NOBODY. He had no feelings and could easily steal her heart. He did kidnap her and is holding her captive. Aerith gently moved another strand of hair from his face and placing it behind his ear.
"Why can't you let me go," she whispered.
"Because you feel nice," Demyx mumbled.
Aerith blinked. He was awake! Demyx's eyes fluttered opened. He tightened his grip around her as he snuggled in her lap.
Politely, Aerith asked, "Please get up."
Demyx looked up at her, his green eyes meeting her own.
"You feel nice though. I like it. You are so warm."
Aerith lowered her eyes. Surprisingly, Demyx sat up. Aerith slowly looked up at him and he was grinning. He touched her forehead to hers, never once releasing the hand he clasped onto earlier.
"You feel so good." He whispered. "I never thought someone could feel so good. You're so soft and warm."
Aerith looked away.. Demyx frowned.
"I know, I feel cold right?" he asked.
Aerith shook her head. "No, you're embarrassing me."
Demyx's honesty was embarrassing her. She was not afraid to admit it. Like a child, he was blunt and to the point. He liked something and was not afraid to admit it. Aerith could tell her cheeks were rosy. Not many people outright complimented her. Yuffie was often rude and cracking jokes. Cid was too busy cursing or fiddling with some computer work. Merlin was always busy with magic and books. Leon would never outright compliment a person, not his style. Cloud, well Cloud is Cloud.
Demyx touched her cheek. "You're cheeks are really red… and warm."
He looked down at the hand he was holding. He took it and brought it up to his face. She was so soft and warm. He marveled at the warmth and the fact that Aerith did not fight him. Demyx wondered if she felt cold when they touched. Maybe now she would feel warmth that he was feeling.
"Is it cold?" he asked reluctantly.
Aerith looked up. He was hesitantly looking at her. He shifted his gaze to his lap. Aerith held her hand to his cheek as he let go. He had a boyish soft face but a strong bone structure. Aerith looked away. It felt cold and all her warmth was just being sucked right out of her. Whatever warmth she would feel and he wanted her to feel would be only hers being recycled through him.
"Yes," she answered honestly. Lying would do nothing to help the situation.
Demyx frowned. He moved away, sighing. Aerith watched him. His shoulder slumped slightly. He looked rejected, hurt even. For a moment, Aerith felt her heart twinge in pain and her mind ask her a simple question. What if she never discovered Demyx to be a Nobody. These led to a wave of other questions. Would their relationship be any different? Would she be acting in such a manner? Would she hurt him as he believed she was hurting him?
"Demyx," she spoke softly.
"You can't leave," he muttered.
"Will you play your sitar for me?" she asked.
Demyx blinked. He was surprised by the request.
X, X, X,
"Did you find him?" Yuffie asked, panting.
"No, there was no trace of him on that half."
"Jeez, when spiky doesn't want to be found he doesn't want to be found!"
Leon rubbed his temples. To find Cloud he would have to think like Cloud. That was easier said than done. Cloud was an enigma and rarely talked to anyone. For all Leon knew Cloud could think of anything and everything.
Yet, there was one thing Cloud was thinking about right now. The one thing he was thinking about right now is Aerith's safety. He would go wherever to get her back and do whatever necessary to return her unharmed. To be comforted he would go where Aerith is. To be tormented he would be where Aerith would be now.
"THE GARDEN!" Leon announced.
"Wow, that's so obvious you should feel stupid for not thinking about sooner." Yuffie said.
Leon glared at her. "Shut up and move before he does something stupid!"
X, X, X,
Demyx sat on the edge of the bed. His sitar was leaning against him as he played. Aerith sat a small distance away, her shoes discarded on the floor. She held her legs to her chest as she sat on the edge of the bed listening. Her green eyes followed the waves of droplets resonating from the floor. The water moved along with his playing, as always. As Aerith watched, she was still tempted to touch the water as if it would be different. As if touching it would be an entirely different sensation.
Demyx strummed, silently ordering the water with his music. He peered over at Aerith noticing her eyes mesmerized to the water. He grinned. He commanded the water to rise slightly from the floor, like a fountain. The water began to split and spiral upwards toward Aerith. The young woman's eyes widened as the water began circling around her. She looked over at Demyx whose eyes were closed but knowing very well, what he was doing.
The water circled around her. Absently, she brought her hand out and touched the stream. The water splashed against her hand and then found itself sliding over her smooth hand to continue on its intending path. The water felt cold. However, this cold was different from the cold she felt resonating from Demyx's body. This cold was comforting, soothing. It was surprising to say the least. She found the water begin to swirl around her, forcing her off the bed. Aerith stepped barefoot onto the floor, touching the water that had formed there.
Her eyes drifted to Demyx who was staring at her now, watching her touch his creation.
Suddenly, the water began to move higher and higher into the air. Aerith looked up and saw the water dancing above her head. Demyx's playing was becoming rapid, like a raging storm. Aerith watched between the water and the Nobody. What was he doing?
Aerith watched him. His music was a talent. A talent not many had. She wondered, if in his old life was he able to play so beautifully, of course then he could not control this element. Suddenly, Aerith felt a water drop hit her on the head. She looked up and saw water falling from the ceiling like rain. It was raining all around her. Drops of the water began to fall down her face, sliding down her neck to her chest and all over her. She closed her eyes, feeling a comforting sensation in the water, like a plant thirsty for its nourishment.
Yet, the sensation ended when she felt a hand brush back a loose strand of hair in her face. She opened her eyes, Demyx towering over her. His hands cupped her face. Aerith began to tremble, her lips quivering. With water washing over them. Aerith looked into his eyes and saw such intensity in his jade orbs. It was scary to see him like this.
His mind was contemplating something. She could read it in his eyes. She should have moved away. She should have ran somewhere, anywhere. She should have pushed him away. Yet, she could not. Demyx closed his eyes as he lowered his head. Aerith closed her eyes as the Nobody pressed his lips to hers.
It felt like eternity as they kissed. His hands lowered from her face, sliding down her neck. One hand found itsfelt on the back of her neck while the other hand rested on the side of her shoulder. Demyx was the one to break the kiss. He opened his eyes and saw her still with her eyes closed.
Aerith looked up at him slowly. Demyx watched as water slid down her smooth face. Aerithe felt as if her body was frozen in place. He was holding her place. He brushed her cheek gently, wiping away the droplets. The rain had stopped but Aerith could feel the water laving her clothes, her hair, and her skin. She tried to look away from Demyx's eyes but his hand on her neck was gentle but vise like. He was not going to let her go and he did not. Demyx lowered his head again and kissed her again.
Yet, unknown to both, sinister eyes watched them from the shadows.
X, X, X,
Cloud stood at the edge of the flowers, his left hand clenched into a tight fist against his chest. His other hand was clutching his buster sword. The garden around him was silent. Beautiful and bright light radiated all around like a symbol. This place was a place of purity. He felt that he alone standing here was tainting the beauty Aerith had vreated.
Give in to the darkness.
The echo of something cold and sinister went through his mind. It spoke to him, giving him directions. Cloud listened.
Purge your light and let the darkness in.
He obeyed.
Cloud concentrated, feeling the warmth of the light melt away from within him. The cold darkness began to envelope him and then rips through him like a knife. Cloud screamed in agony as the darkness surrounded his body. Cloud's eyes wrenched open, his blue orbs in such pain. Beads of red sweat came down his forehead as he doubled over in pain. He dropped his sword and clutched his midsection.
At the same time, the doors to the church burst open. Yuffie and Leon stared in horror as a dark aura surrounded Cloud. Yuffie let out a gasp while Leon cringed.
"We're too late!" Yuffie cried. "CLOUD! CLOUD!"
She wanted to rush to his side but Leon held her back. With such a terrible, dark aura, he was afraid of what Cloud could do if they were not careful.
Cloud curled up into a ball as his body was lifted off the ground by the dark force. He was holding his pain deep down inside of him. His body was burning. His back, it was being torn open. Someone was stabbing him with a knife. As if something were tearing through his flesh as if it were butter. He need to endure. He had to endure!
Suddenly, the right backside of his shirt ripped open and an enormous black wing sprouted from his back. Cloud stretched out his body, finally let out his pain with a wretched scream. He fell to his knees, chest heaving, and his bloody sweat dispersing.
Leon and Yuffie stared in horror. Both of them were unable to find a single word to say though many rang through their minds.
Cloud got up, at the same time picking up his sword. He turned toward them, his blue eyes staring coldly. Stretching out his hand, he opened a black portal from thin air. Without a word, he turned to leave.
"CLOUD, ARE YOU INSANE?" Leon shouted angrily. "Aerith would never have wanted you to do this to save her!"
Cloud did not face him or Yuffie. He knew he would see the anger in Leon's eyes and the sheer horror in Yuffie's.
"I know," he said as he stepped through the portal.
But this is the only way I can.
X, X, X,
Author Note- Sorry about the wait. Life in general has been super busy. I hope you all enjoyed the story thus far. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Princess~
