Author's Note: School is unforgiving, as usual. I have bonus projects, history essays, October Fest, and wild fires canceling dance practice so it's all good in the hood. Right... Hey guess what! I'm finally stable enough to announce I have a Gaia since September! So start sending those friend requests because I'm addicted and I'm bored. Blame Gaia for everything! Here's Chapter 10!

Disclaimer: I do not own any Kingdom Hearts characters, places, and/or plot lines. Guess what I have an obsession on besides Gaia! ETERNAL SONATA AND FREDERIC CHOPIN. I love Chopin's music now!!! And his rendered form is in Eternal Sonata! I love him, and Jazz, and Beat, and Polka, and March, and Salsa, and the agogos! XP

Tainted Summer Light

Chapter 10

Just a Glimpse

Green eyes were locked on the sky, eagerly awaiting the cal of angels. My toes were wiggling in the dewdrop grass. The depressed flowers sulked with the weight of damp snow. Soon, the dead weight shall melt away and the day will be bright and true. No longer will there be frigid nights clinging to an old handy down, just warm breezy days napping the haze away. My eyes were still locked on the dark, dead sky. The call of the angels was coming near. However, with what is born anew, there must be an equal exchange, right?

The spirit of winter, the energy of the season I hated, was my guardian angel. They call him Jack Frost, but I always imagined Frost as a plushie clown that flips… I was far from right. He blended with the snow, blues and white, as if he was the snow himself. Very quiet, but a tricky and smart spirit, I've always wondered, why did he haunt me so? Why did he protect one who has hatred for that he embodies? These are questions without answer, but I have accepted him into my life. I continued to gaze at the sky, still dead, still charred.

"Are you excited?" his voice breathed over my shoulder. I pried my eyes away from the sky to the side to see him, couched beside me, the usual distant look in his frigid teal eyes locked on a snow weighted flower. I didn't know how to answer. He looked so pale, so ghostly, yet so gentle. His image was a faded solid, as if his spirit was to fade away along with the snow.

"What's going to happen when spring comes?" I asked, my soft voice brushing through my lips. He stayed silent, a depressed frown etched onto my face. "What's going to happen to you?"

"I'll disappear." He bluntly answered. I shifted my gaze to the snow-weighted flower, finding myself regretting my eagerness for the sunshine. I knew that something like this would happen, but all those memories of the greatest winter in my life, will they be in vain?

"Will you return?" I asked, masking my sadness with a quiet tone.

"It depends." Was his answer. I sighed, sulking my head as low as the flower's. I didn't like winter and yet, I didn't want him to leave. Was it that he protected me that made my feelings go astray? Was it the comfort, his appearance, his mere presence the cause?

"Next winter?" I asked.

"If you wish." He replied, his voice as monotone as ever. I looked away from the flower, wishing the winter to be as eternal as my lifespan. It was clear to me now. I didn't want him to leave, to leave me alone in the sunlight. He taught me to love the snow and it's beauty, and by any chance, himself.

"Don't leave me…" I pleaded in a voice deprived of tone. "I don't want winter to end…" I really didn't want it to end, truly. He said nothing, deepening my sadness. Looking to the sky, the wilted clouds blushed the color of light, the sky starting to fade into warmth. Time was running out. Was there something I could do to prevent his disappearance from my life until next winter, or never at all? He stood as silent as the trees that bore no leaves, the meshed dirt that was to be released of frost and my breath as I wished for an answer.

"If you truly wish for me to stay by your side," I heard him start, my weary eyes trailing away from the sky that held no hope, "simply tell me what winter means to you." His words struck me numb. What did winter mean to me? Without a second thought, I would have said it was the season of death and misery ages ago, but I'm not so sure anymore. Since I met him, the snow never looked so inviting to skip through. I had forgotten how beautiful flowers and green could be and was drowned in the world of white and ice. Could it be? Could I love winter?

"Winter…" I started, standing. I looked at his emotionless face, as plain as he would go. I found no light in his eye, but just interest.

"Winter was when I met you…" I continued, burying my hands into the pockets of my sweater. "You taught me so much. And there's still much to learn… I… I…" I stumbled over my words, feeling the unusual pressure of his stare. I sucked in my pride and continued.

"I just can't imagine life without you anymore." I blurted out, a pale blush coloring me embarrassed. I can't believe I said something like that to him. I heard a sigh escape his lips, a cold breeze wrapping around my toasted form. His arm was draped around my shoulders, his gaze locked on the brightened sky above.

"I don't want to leave you either." He said. "I find your hatred for winter interesting." I looked at him with curiosity, prompting him to continue.

"I wonder who will win…" he thought aloud, "me or the dreaded spring…" Looking to the snow-weighted flower, I almost gasped. The snow was slowly dribbling off the petals. A bright light filled the world, warm and true, but I didn't feel happy at all. I could feel his frigid presence start to fade, along with my hope and faith. I turned to him, his arm leaving the warmth of my shoulders, with sorrow-filled eyes. He bent low, his frigid breath tickling my neck.

"I'm not Jack Frost you know." He stated. The snow fell off the flower and faded into dewdrops that rode the uninvited gale, along with the frigidness of this presence. I fell to my knees, tears finally welling in my tired eyes. How could I be so stupid…? I had my chance, and now he's gone…! Looking at the bare skeletons of trees ever so far away, there was a figure, dark and warm. Could it be? I dared not, looking at the cursed sky, bright and true. There was never to be a happy ending, was there? I looked to the sky, took a deep breath, and screamed the dullest curse I could think of. Two words were tugging at my thoughts like after hunger. Two words composed of letters whispered so softly that they seemed imaginary. Two words and a plead that wished for a sign. Two words…

"Wake up. Please wake up."

My eyes were greeted by dim, warm light; blurred and enlaced with the darkness they seek escape. A girl, no older or younger than myself, stood before me, eyes filled with cluttered unclear emotions. She started, blue dress fluttering with her jump, surprised to see me awake at last.

"Are you ok?" she asked timidly, looking down at my crippled body. At first, I didn't know how to respond. Was I ok? My memory returned, the dark ribbons starting to free my sight of the dark, and I realized. I wasn't ok. I was controlled by my own darkness, I was sore, and I don't even know where to begin to help myself. But, I couldn't worry that poor girl standing before me with a reply that would complicate things. Nodding my head slowly, I saw the worry fade from her bright green eyes to a flicker.

"That's good." She sighed, settling herself to the ground. "But, I'm worried for the other girl." Her gaze was locked to the side. Curious to who she was talking about, I turned to the side, eyes widening in shellshock. Dead red hair, blank, dark blue eyes, and skin that radiated shell blush pink. There she was, my best friend. The one who gave me light in my life, amusement, even a purpose, there she was. Kairi. I felt the urgent need for a nervous breakdown but I sucked in my sorrows. I couldn't cry now. Not right now.

"She wouldn't answer my calls." The girl said. "She was put down here with me just recently." I turned back to the girl, still not named, with pleading eyes. I want to know more. Where are we? Why are we here? What happened to Kairi? However, she can't answer all my questions I know that too true.

"Oh, yes," the girl hastily said in realization. "My name is Wendy. What's yours?" Wendy. So that is her name. I shifted my gaze to the ground, disputing if I should respond or not. I decided against telling her my name.

"W-well, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to…" Wendy commented timidly, an instant slow nod was my response. "Do you know where we are?" I shook my head, slow and jerky, letting her continue. "We're on Captain Hook's pirate ship. Oh, and they kidnapped me." Wendy gritted in displeasure. She really must hate this Captain Hook. Maybe I should too… And pirate ship? I never knew pirates existed… I stand corrected…

"But Peter Pan will save us!" Wendy joyfully added, her entire mood changing from the statement. Who is this Peter Pan?

"Peter is this magnificent boy!" Wendy responded to the question in my eyes, starting a grand explanation of what is clearly a boy she is infatuated with. Looking at Wendy talk excitedly, I wondered if I was like this towards Riku. I never told anyone of my affection save for myself. Hmm, I wonder… I looked to the side once more, Kairi's gathered body filling my sight. We all were just normal girls with problems living in normal worlds without creatures that would render you lifeless or darkness that doesn't sap your life away; I strongly believe that we would be friends. We would gossip amongst ourselves, laughing at the good and bad jokes conjured during our meaningless babble and we would enjoy life as it was, the sad and happy times. However, that's not how life flows it seems. The babble of Wendy came to a silence and the lifeless Kairi too captivated her. Was she thinking the same things as I was?

"Is she your friend?" Wendy asked, innocence coating every word. I nodded with my rusty joints. Yes, she was my friend, my best friend. "You must be worried." What friend wouldn't? She's the light of my life. Not even my brother, heck my crush, can top the love she gives me. Silence captured the room, leaving nothing but creaks and the swishing of water. Kairi… The sounds of rushed footsteps reached my ears from above. What could that mean? I looked up in confusion while Wendy gasped in panic.

"The pirates!" Wendy gasped, looking around in a panic. Pirates? Like men dressed in bandanas or something else? Wendy panic amongst herself while I gazed at the plainness of the wood roof. What do they want with us? Why was I here on a pirate ship in the first place?

"What is it, Tink?" A faint voice came from below, young and confused. Wendy perked up and scurried to a vent I never noticed at all.

"Peter? Peter Pan?" Wendy questioned in disbelief, as if she had no faith in the poor boy at all.

"Wendy!" The boy rejoiced but was silenced by the girl at hand.

"Please hurry! The pirates are coming!" Wendy cried desperately, something I would second myself.

"What?" the boy assumed to be Peter asked in the same disbelief that once shook in Wendy's voice. "I'll be right up there! Just hold on!"

"Wendy?" That voice… I know who else is down there! But why would he…?

"Yes?" Wendy answered to the strange boy she did not know but was ever so familiar to myself.

"Is there other girls in there with you?" the voice's owner asked, Wendy snapping her head in Kairi and my direction.

"Oh, why, yes. But one of them seems to be asleep. She hasn't budged an inch. The other one is awake, but she hasn't said anything." Wendy answered; looking at Kairi's broken figure and my tired frame.

"Kairi?" the voice questioned. No response. "Kairi!" To my surprise, Kairi's arm twitched ever so slightly, her fingers twitching towards the vent, as if she wanted to reach out to the voice naturally. A satisfied hum came from below, signaling a wide cheesy smile to erupt on the boy's face. I couldn't hold my anticipation any longer, inching towards the vent as quickly as my banded limbs could offer. I looked at the rust red metal of the vent, said a name, slow, and forced.

"Sora." A gasp of surprise came from my brother.

"Natsuno!" he cried, but was drowned by the sound of whisking darkness and the forced opening of the door. Looking up as hastily as my head would allow, I saw pirates flood into the room, Heartless. They tugged at Wendy and picked Kairi off the floor with ease. I too felt myself lifted into the air and the wind gushing at my face due to their haste. I looked back at the vent, a Heartless immediately catching my eye through the vent on the lower floor. What…? It was all a blur. The gushing air blinded me, the stinging plunged my sight into darkness. Did we just make a U-turn? I felt myself being lifted higher into the air, as if gravity failed and I was floating. What was going on? I felt myself being dumped onto the ground, deprived of care. Is it safe to opening my eyes…? Declaring the situation safe, I opened my eyes, ribbons of darkness corrupting sight. It was a dim cabin, the silhouettes told me much. I looked in the distance, a moving figure edging closer to my nearly blinded soul.

"Suno, are you ok?" Yes, I'm very much fine. Don't worry about me… I dearly wanted to answer that concerned voice that I hated hearing, but I couldn't. Riku stood beside my tired frame, looking down at me much like Wendy did. Where were Wendy and Kairi anyway? I nodded, my only response to his question, but he wasn't convinced. He knelt beside me and held onto something cold. Was that my hand…?

"You're freezing…" he stated. I was? Now that I think about it, I am somewhat cold… I didn't notice. Weakly shaking my hand free, I turned to him with questioning eyes. What are you going to do now? Don't you know that Sora's on the ship? We can all work together to find Kairi's lost heart and get rid of my darkness. Riku sighed and stood once more, his back facing me.

"I don't know what to do…" he muttered, my body perking up with little energy. That's not like Riku at all. He always knows what to do… He turned to me.

"Sora's on the ship and wants you and Kairi." Riku started, as if he was reading my mind. "He probably doesn't care much about us anymore…" I was surprised, by not only his words but also his feelings toward my brother. "He replaced us with new friends and he has that Keyblade." Why would Sora replace us? We're the most important people in his life! I'm his sister, you're his best friend, and Kairi is… well, you know, but still. He still loves us…

"We have to get off this ship." Riku stated. I stared at the folds of his back, blinking numbly. "But I…" He what? Wait… Does he want to leave the ship and Sora but could he only take one of us? That must be it. He's split between Kairi and me. Without thinking, a name passed through my lips, slow and forced.

"Kairi." Riku turned to me, a confused look on his face. I weakly puffed my cheeks in annoyance, and tried once more.

"Take… Kairi." Riku had a look of concern on his face.

"But what about you?" he asked. I shrugged weakly and looked to the ground. I felt Riku's gaze linger away from me and, probably, to Kairi, his thoughts disputing the dilemma. A swift gale rushed through the strands of my dead hair, my body lifted by rough arms as my eyes widened from pure bafflement. Help, I'm being abducted… again! Why must I be and damsel in distress?!

"The decision has been made." A deep, but well made voice commented, red flashing in the corners of my dark laced eyes. Could it be? But how…?

"It's you…!" I heard Riku gasp, my head resting comfortably on the rough arm that was cloaked in fabric.

"Yes, I am very much disappointed in your choices," the voice said, "but what is done is done."

"Let go of Natsuno!" Riku's voice rang in my ears, hasty footsteps nearing the figure that held me ever so comfortably.

"We must take our leave." The voice stated calmly, the familiar sounds of whisking darkness filtering from behind. The figure and I moved back into the erupting darkness, my sight filled with the darkness it wished to leave.

It was cold, sitting there in that dark room with the frigid air but I never felt any warmer, looking at the marionette that stood before me. Oh, the questions that erupted in my mind were all in vain sadly.

"You look well," Viz commented, a mental shake of the head was my response, "but I must inform you that you are in grave danger." What? How? Is it the darkness? Ugh, he had better not give me a Viz answer…

"The darkness has inhabited your body for far too long." Viz explained. "It has almost reached the point where it can control your body." I was almost expecting something like this to happen, but I still felt drained of color. "We must return to the abyss immediately." Normally, I would say yes, I'm very tired and I can't bare this darkness, but there was something holding me back from agreeing. Sora… I have to give him a sign that I'm ok… but what? I heard faint clangs of metal and explosions from high above. Could Sora be fighting a battle on the deck? I shook my head, slow and jerky, and looked Viz in his never-ending orange stare.

"You want to stay a little longer?" Viz questioned as if he was mad. That still scared me. I gathered my broken courage and nodded. I want to tell Sora someway that I was ok. I needed to tell him… show him… just completely write it out in black and blue if I had to.

"It's Sora, isn't it?" Viz guess the most obvious, a slow nod as a response. "You will have to make it short then." An expression popped onto my face, I don't know what it was, but it prompted Viz to gather my fragile figure. Darkness appeared before us in a whisk, footsteps carried the two of us into the abyss. It was dark, but I started seeing flashes of another color in my eyes. Was it yellow or red or…? My thoughts were interrupted by the blast of fresh air that tickled my cheeks. An arm let me down on my half cooked noodle legs, the other supporting my wobbling body. The battle has ended; it was clear in the evening light.

There he stood, looking to the stars with a poof of glowing dust and a boy clad in green floating at the side. A lean dog and a short duck stood by as well. Could the boy be that Peter Pan Wendy is infatuated with? The dog and duck could be the king's servants… They could… My brother turned to the boy, dog, and duck, the four reaching some kind of verdict and walking away slowly. I almost called out to gain his attention but I stopped myself when he turned around. His eyes widened and I could see his lips whisper my name. The same expression popped onto my face once more, a face flickering before my eyes. Lifeless green eyes, dead brown hair, pale, unhealthy skin, and she smiled back at me. A smile that curled with menace. Then, the world disappeared into an abyss I wanted to leave.

I Want to Show You a Sign

End of Chapter 10

Ugh, stupid fires... Now we can't practice for October Fest... By the word fire, you guys should know where I'm living right now. I'm not going to say it, but just guess. School is being school guys so I must remind you I can't get these out every week. Let's see if I do so next week... Anyway, bye for now! Oh, I must add, I have been brainwashed by the book Lord of the Flies so yeah... Look forward to Chapter 11! LONG LIVE FREDERIC CHOPIN! I love him and his Baton...