Chapter 10

(Sorry if the change in tenses messes anyone up. I started writing in one, then switched to another...)

Kailyn

I looked in the ball room, not entering quite yet. I've been standing here, watching people enter and dance and talk for about three hours. Which would be how long the party has been going on. It was just after 19:00, which means the party had about three or four hours left. And I still need to sing. Joys of the world, and having a very persistent friend.

Don was pulling a 'Squall.' You know, not interacting with the other people and just leaning against the wall with a drink. Though, he had soda instead of champagne. Selphie and Alex had run off as soon as we got to the ball room, so I didn't know where they were. Most of the people in Garden (SeeD included) had come and were dancing, sitting and eating/talking, or just talking around the edges of the dance floor. Everyone was dressed in really nice clothes, whether they are dresses, tuxedos, or fancy skirts and tops.

The music was being performed by a band, rather than an orchestra. There was a set of drums, a couple guitars, an electric guitar, a piano (classical), a violin, flutes, saxophones, and some other instruments. The instruments used were decided upon the song the band wanted to play.

The band members were all wearing black tux's, though the only girl (the pianist) was wearing a long, sleeveless light blue dress with sequins all over, making the light reflected from the crystals on the ceiling that Alex put up earlier today dance. They were playing a quick paced (but soft) song, to which a bunch of couples were dancing. You know, the pianist reminds me of Sylvia. Well change the hair length and color, and a bunch of other things… but just the fact that she is playing the piano reminds me of my twin.

I gulped and pulled back from the entrance, leaning against the wall and clutching my guitar case. Hyne, I am terrified! I do not like crowds. I do not like performing. And, by default, I absolutely do not like performing in front of crowds! I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm down.

"Kailyn, I'm here for you. Don't worry. You aren't going up there alone," Siren whispered in my mental ear. Even still, my stomach performed an array of flip-flops. Will someone please remind me why I let Selphie talk me into doing this? Seriously, someone tell me. (Just leave a review or PM addressed to Kai. n.n)

"Kailyn!" Selphie shouted. I looked over, seeing the normally-yellow-clad girl in the entrance of the ball room. "Why haven't you come in?"

"Too many people," I replied. My voice came out scratchy; my throat went dry when I looked in the room. The hyper demon (to steal Alex's nickname) sighed, then grabbed my guitar case. I tightened my hold on it as Selphie tried to tug it out of my arms.

"C'mon, Kailyn!" she griped. "Just walk in the room! No one's gonna jump you."

"Selphie," I groaned. Instead of listening to me, she grabbed my arm and pulled me into the ball room, over to where Alex is standing. The silver-eyed girl chuckled at seeing me being pulled by the diminutive brunette.

"Finally decided to join us, eh?" she asked. I just gave Alex my best 'don't-even-start-or-I-will-hurt-you-worse-than-the-last-time-you-went-to-the-Infirmary-due-to-injury' glare. Her response was laughing harder.

"So when are you going on?" Selphie asked me.

"…" I gave Selphie a look.

"You are going to sing. You promised," Selphie warned. I sighed.

"…I don't know." Just as luck would have it, the song ended right then.

"You can sing a song now. Hold on!" the hyper brunette shouted at the band. She ran up to them, then started talking to them, waving her arms around for emphasis. The conductor said something, to which Selphie shook her head quickly. One of the members of the band asked something, and Selphie used her arms to emphasize her answer, waving in my direction vaguely. After a bit more talking and arm waving, the conductor agreed. Great. Did you hear the sarcasm?

Selphie ran back over to me and Alex (I have no clue how she did that in her heels). "Kay, you are going up now!" she chirped.

"Thanks," I said, sarcasm coating that one word. Alex and Selphie shared a look, then casted Stop on me. Alex went to get Don to help.

CHEATERS! YOU CAN'T USE A STOP SPELL ON ME! THAT'S CHEATING! I shouted in my mind.

"Actually, there weren't any rules laid out, so it's all fair," Siren giggled.

Siren! Traitor! I accused indignantly. Suddenly, I'm being picked up. I would've screamed if I weren't frozen. The person who picked me up (I think it's Don) started walking to the stage that the band is set up on. Some of the stronger members came over to help move my stiff body to the stage. Once I was near the stage, Alex casted Esuna on me. I turned and glare at the trio.

"That was not necessary," I growled lowly.

"Just get on the stage, Kailyn," Selphie sighed. I huffed, but did as told.

"We can play the song, if you'd like," the conductor offered. I nodded.

"Um, can you play Don't Stop Dancing, by Creed?" I got affirmative answers from the group (1). I could feel my heart racing, and I was getting really nervous. My stomach twisted, and I could feel my stage-fright was building. Just the thought of being on stage made me nauseous. I just took deep breaths as I went on stage, closing my eyes so I couldn't see the crowd. I did crack my eyes open to look quickly, seeing everyone awed at my appearance. I don't dress up, normally I wear a t-shirt and jacket with pants or the cadet uniform skirt.

Once I was as ready as I could be, we started the song. I tried to ignore the wolf-whistles, since they only made me feel worse. Once we were finished, the Festival attendee's applauded, many calling for an encore. Instead, I hurried off stage.

"You did really good!" Alex said when I got to the group. "But, you don't look so good. Sit down, and we'll get you a little to eat and some water." I was pushed into a chair and Selphie and Alex went to get me food and a drink. Don stayed next to me, making sure no one pulled me away.

Selphie came back with a bottle of ice cold water, and Alex followed with a plate of fruit. After finishing the fruit and drinking some of the water, I felt a whole lot better.

"Ready for the next song?" Selphie asked. I gulped in response.

"C'mon, I'll go up with you!" Alex said.

"Do you know Evanescence, Bring Me to Life?" I asked, doubtful.

"Yes! That's one of my favorite songs!" the auburn-haired girl squealed. "I'll see if I can take one of the band member's place for a bit." I sighed as Alex pulled me out of the chair and back onto stage. I think that she's just as bad as Selphie, no matter what she says.

She took the drums while Don (to my utter surprise) took the position of back up and electric guitar. Selphie, bless the hyper demon, took the other set of back-up vocals. Some of the band members took whatever instruments were needed to make the song work, while the others took the chance to mingle. I was glad I had eaten, it settled my stomach a bit so I wasn't feeling as sick as earlier. When some of the males noticed me back on stage, they wolf-whistled. The others attending turned and, upon seeing me back up, started clapping.

We performed the song, receiving another round of applause and more cries of 'encore!' I hurried off stage again. I sat in the chair and sipped my water. Some people came over to tell me how good I was at singing, and how I should sing more often. After a bit, I decided to finish the last song that Selphie had chosen for me. I could tell the girls were really wanting to find out what my original song sounds like. I think I'll save that song for the tail end of the party.

I go up on stage and sing 'Be Like That' by 3 Doors Down, gaining yet another applause and even more cries of 'encore!' I just get my tail off stage.

"When do the fireworks start?" I ask Selphie.

"Um… 22:00 or so. Why?" the brunette returned.

"Just wondering," I replied. Alex had pulled Don onto the dance floor a while ago, so we were alone on the balcony. Well, this part of the balcony. We were standing on the part of the balcony against the window-wall.

"So, when are you gonna sing your song?" the girl asked after a bit. I was looking out the window, watching a herd of Mesmerize run across the snow field outside of the Garden. I turned to look at her out of the corner of my eye. Her blue dress shimmered in the moonlight, and she was leaning against the balcony rail, watching the couples dance.

"Depends on what time it is," I reply, looking back out the window. The herd had disappeared, just the hoof-prints left as evidence that they were there.

"Well, it's almost 22:00. About 21:45," she replied. I sighed.

"Alright. I'm going," I say, pushing off the railing. I walk down the stairs and wait at the side of the stage until the song was over.

"Hey, uh, Sam!" I call. The conductor, Sam, looked over. "Can I steal the stage? One last song," I say. He nods, walking off. The band looks over to me.

"Do you need any help?" the pianist asks. I shake my head.

"No, I have all I need," I reply, grabbing my guitar case from beside the stage. The group nods, then walks off stage. I pull a chair to the center of the stage, lower the microphone so I could sing while sitting, and make sure my guitar was tuned. Once that was done, I clear my throat.

"Um, excuse me," I say into the microphone. Everyone eventually quieted down and looked at me, and I continue, swallowing the fluttering in my stomach. Stage fright is wonderful, please note the sarcasm. Though, to give credit, it's my own fault for deciding to do this. I didn't plan on saying anything at first, but decided to give a little speech. Good going, Kailyn.

"I'm here, you'll do fine," Siren soothes. "You're not alone in this."

"Um, hi. Uh, I guess I shoulda introduced myself during my first song…" I mumble. Some of the crowd chucked. "Well, better late than never. Uh, I'm Kailyn Marriba. I don't normally perform, but Selphie Tilmitt made me." Again, some of the crowd chuckled, others clapped, and there were even some whistles.

"Well, this last song I'm gonna perform is one I wrote myself. I spent all night on it (2). So, uh, enjoy." I ended my impromptu speech and started strumming the notes of the song. After a few notes, I closed my eyes and start singing, and I hear Siren singing in my head.

I need you
But you hide from me
No matter what I do
It's as if I can't see

When I woke up
You were gone
Maybe with some luck
You'll be back where you belong

I miss you
Do you miss me
Even if you do
It's my tears you can't see

I was lost
All on my own
Hopefully the cost
Won't be my soul

Where are you
Are you near me
What can I do
Please make me see

I struggle on
Hoping you are safe
Do you see a flaw
In my pain-filled pace

I can't find you
Will you find me
Sister, what will you do
Will we be free

Oh, will we be free.

Just as I finished and opened my eyes, the fireworks went off. Perfect timing. I stood, feeling like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I know I didn't tell them directly what happened a half a year ago, but I did tell them, in a hidden way. The crowd below was a storm of whistling, clapping, and cheers. I blushed as I left the stage.

Alex was the first to get to me, followed closely by Selphie. Don was a bit behind the girls.

"Oh my Hyne! I loved it!" Selphie gushed.

"You were wonderful!" Alex chimed in. I felt my cheeks burn even more.

"You did good," Don added.

"Yeah, considering you were alone on the stage!" Selphie chirped. I smiled softly. Little does she know.

"Thanks guys," I mumbled. "Can I sit down?" The girls led me to a chair, then ran onto the dance floor as the band started playing again. Kale came over just as they left and Don slid into the crowd, probably to find a secluded place to watch the party. He was dressed in black slacks and a silvery-blue dress shirt.

"Hey," he said. I smile weakly.

"Hey." I look around nervously; most of the people kept looking at me, and it was making me edgy. "Can we go somewhere else? People are watching me…" Kale agrees, and leads me upstairs, to the same spot Selphie and I were standing before that last song.

"…You did really good," Kale says after a bit.

"Hn," I reply, watching the fireworks outside. Kale joined me in watching the fireworks going off. A comfortable silence fell.

"You know, I didn't expect to be able to do that," I finally say. "I thought I was gonna be sick." Kale chuckles as I laugh self-depreciatingly.

"But you did it anyway." He continued watching the fireworks, not even looking at me as he talked.

"Yeah," I say softly. We watched the rest of the show in silence. Once it was over, I sighed.

"Well, I'm gonna go," I say. Kale turns to look at me. I offer him a small smile. "I'm beat." He nods.

"Go before Selphie notices you," he suggests. I chuckle.

"Right. I'll see you around," I say as I walk downstairs.

"See ya," he replies, turning back to the window. I hurry to the stage, grabbing my guitar and borrowed purse before sneaking out of the room. I take one last look behind me, appreciating the beauty of the room. The colored lights had been turned off, allowing the moonlight to give the room light, bouncing off the floors and hanging crystals. The snowflakes I had made and put on the table and hung off the balcony glittered.

Spotting Selphie, I hurried down the corridor and to the dorms. Pulling out my card, I entered my room. I took off my shoes, sitting on the couch. I rubbed my feet for a moment before putting the purse, necklace, and earrings on the table. I grabbed my pajamas and took a shower, after putting the dress on a hanger. Then, I just lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.

Siren?

"Yes, Kailyn?"

Why am I here?

"…I can't say…" she said slowly, as if she's choosing her words carefully. "There are many reasons that you may be here," she added quickly.

Hn. …There's so much I don't know. And so much I am unsure of. What if I don't make SeeD? What if I get seriously injured, like I lose an arm or leg, or get paralyzed from the neck down? …What if I…die?

"You won't," Siren replied fiercely. "Not while I'm here." She sounded…protective. You know, like how a father is protective of his daughter, except…it was more than that… Like she was part of my soul, and would do anything to make sure her other part would be safe… it's difficult to explain.

But, what will I do if I don't make SeeD?

"…You know," the Guardian started. There was a lilting tone to her voice, one I didn't trust. "You could always go join the Forest Owls." Yeah, she was teasing me.

No way in the seven Hells will I join that…that…that child in her games! I growled. Siren laughed.

"You'll just have to make sure you make SeeD, then, won't you?" I sighed.

Do you think I'll ever find Sylvia?

"I'm sure you will." There was a confidence in her voice that made me suspect my Guardian knows more than she's letting on. But, it gave me a sense of relief and confidence. If Siren is so confident I'll find her, then I'll find her.

…Thank you Siren, I think.

"What for? I haven't really done anything…" she sounded confused.

Thank you for being with me, even when I feel alone. For giving me strength, for giving me confidence… I sigh. What I'm trying to say is… Thank you… for everything…

"Kailyn…" Siren's voice was very…emotional? It was almost embarrassed. "…You're welcome, sweetheart." …She sounded really motherly right then.

I shrug it off, turning onto my side and putting a hand under my head. Siren sang softly, a lullaby. I couldn't make out the words, but it soothed me and sent me into the comforting arms of sleep.

(1) The bands in our world have counterparts in the other universe, which is why they can have the same songs and bands as in our own universe.

(2) Please don't diss the song. I wrote it within an hour. It isn't really much, but I'm really proud of it. It tells how Kai feels about suddenly being 'pushed' into another universe and realizing her sister (who is like her guardian, protecting her and always there for her) is not with her. How she feels about not knowing if her twin is alive… I mean, how would you feel? …I know I'd be feeling something like what Kai's feeling.

I am on a ROLL! Another chapter out, before a month has passed! ...How long has it been since I uploaded the last chapter? Eh, doesn't matter. At least you guys and gals don't have to wait an ungodly long time.

Um, here's the original song. I would tell you to go to a site and find it, except I don't have it recorded nor is it on the net, 'cept the words...

And, there's the Trabia Garden Winter Festival! I'll probably write Balamb Garden's Spring Festival or summat... I don't know yet.

And, kenegi? I'll probably have a Time Skip every few chapters. I just wanna get to the SeeD exam, but have to go through this first. *shrug* just think of it this way: when you start playing tennis, you have to learn the strokes first (known to me and my tennis coach as the boring part of tennis) before you can do anything complex. Kai and Sylv are in the boring part of being SeeD cadets. They have to get all of the information and skills (the strokes) before becoming SeeDs (which would be the complex part).

Oh, i've updated my profile. It now has the profiles of the OCs that have been introduced so far in the story. Includes physical descriptions, weapon of choice, personality, and background (of some of them, like Sylvia, Kailyn, and Dell). Go take a look! It has characters that have only been in the story once as well as those who have made regular appearances! Enjoy!

R. K. Fenrir

Just so you know, school starts Tuesday. It may mean fewer chapters, but I doubt it. Rissy is one who doesn't let that stop her. She has a laptop now, so she'll probably be up at night writing.

And, this chapter included an important piece of information or whatever. I'll give a cookie to anyone who can figure it out.

Questions? Comments? Advice? Suggestions? Tell us, either in a review or a PM. We'll try to answer any questions, and take into consideration any comments, advice, or suggestions. Just remember that we have alot of the story worked out. It's just writing it that's slowing us down. Or rather, slowing Risika down... -.-'

S. Marriba

And, just for the record, that's the only time I'm gonna sing! I swear, I thought I was gonna be sick, pass out, or both! Don't expect anything from me for Christmas, you two!

K. Marriba