I HOLD NO CLAIM TO ANY OF THE ORIGINAL KINGDOM HEARTS CHARACTERS! NOTHING! :(

Lucia, Kieran, Rayna, Claire, Renee, Zeke, Sienna, Jeanne, Melanie, and Charel are my OC characters from my Final Fantasy stories!

Chapter Thirteen

Warnings

"If Leon and Lucia caught me doing this then I wouldn't be able to sit for a week."

Kiera grumbled to herself, keeping herself hidden around the corner of a building.

The group was once again at the Coliseum. The Hercules cup was the be held later that day. Geoffrey had told Sora and Kiera to get some last minute training in while he had run off with Claire, Vincent, and Alana. She had been doing just that but ever since their arrival, Geoffrey had been acting weird. No, the young man had been acting weird since the first trip here to the Coliseum. Ever since he received that book.

Bailey's book.

That's why Kiera was following him. He got that book somewhere around here and she was going to find out where and why it was there. Could Bailey be the one that gave it to him? If so, why had she revealed herself? All this did was give her more questions; she felt like her head was going to explode. She wanted answers, needed them.

Geoffrey and Alana had gone off with Claire and Vincent to look for Cloud. She followed them, dodging behind people and into alleyways. Claire's voice was loud and excited so it was easy to follow; and Vincent stuck out like a sore thumb on his own without even talking; you'd be able to follow him in the dark with that bright, red cloak of his.

She had, hopefully, not been noticed yet and if she had, no one had done anything about it. She didn't want to get scolded but she would deal with it if it came down to that.

"Are you sure that Cloud and the others are here? This doesn't really seem to be the place Jeanne would hang out at."

"It's Jeanne, Claire," Alana replied. "It's been nearly 15 years since you seen her; she's probably really different."

"Jeanne is Jeanne," the blonde woman countered. "I have no doubt that Zeke or someone else is keeping her here."

"By someone else," Geoffrey began. "Are you referring to Sienna?"

At the name, Vincent froze in the street and stared at the younger man. "Sienna is here?"

"I'm not sure," Geoffrey answered. "But this is the last place she and Sephiroth were seen." He shook his head. "If we can find the two of them that we would have no problem in removing Maleficent and the heartless from Radiant Garden. Unfortunately the duo has disappeared after... after what happened with Zack."

"Zack?" Claire frowned. "What happened to him?"

"He's dead," Alana was the one to answer this time. "Sephiroth...well..."

Claire looked appalled. "But...but Zack was his student! Sephiroth wouldn't do that; why would he do that?"

"The one who can answer that Sephiroth or Sienna," Geoffrey shook his head. "So that answer will not be found so easily."

"But-"

"Eavesdropping is not very becoming, you know."

Kiera whipped around in shock at the voice and her eyes widened at the figure the stood before her. This was the same man that used Cloud in his plot to kill Hercules! She stood before Hades.

She wanted nothing more than to knock this 'God' down from his pedestal but she knew that she would be able to do that; not alone anyway. She was still angry at what he did to Cloud, though.

Keeping her voice down so the others couldn't hear her, she hissed at him through clenched teeth. "What do you want?"

"Oh, well, here I was just taking a stroll, and I come to find out that I have a lost Princess in my town! I was dying just under a hand."

"Your tricks won't work on me Hades," She told him. And then frowned. "How do you know..." She stopped herself.

"Princess, I know everything here," Hades replied with a smile. "You think you can hide from us? We know your every step; we know what move you're going to make before you even make it."

"So you are a part of the ones working with the Heartless aren't you?"

"Maybe," Hades gave her a grin. "Let's just cut to the chase now, shall we? Are you going to come quietly or am I going to have to get violent?"

Kiera opened her mouth to call for Geoffrey, hoping that the group was still nearby as she got ready to summon her Keyblade up but movement behind the blue man on fire made her freeze. It was a woman in a long, leather jacket, the hood pulled up over her face, hiding it all.

"Step away from her, Hades," The cloaked woman growled.

"Xebliya," Hades grinned, turning to face her. "Still lurking around here, are you? How many times do I have to tell you that you're not welcome on my turf? This is my show."

"Whose show?" A smooth voice came from behind Kiera and the young girl had to turn again before taking a step back from the man that stood close behind her. Her face blushed; she had nearly slammed her face into the bare chest that was presented before her.

At 6'1' in height, the man was dressed head to foot black leather with silver pauldrons. His chest was bare, covered was crossing, leather straps. His hair was long and silver, reached nearly to his ankles, and his eyes were a catlike green with leather gloves on his hands.

"Are you alright?"

The soft voice made Kiera realize that there was someone standing beside the tall man and she flushed even harder due to her just gawking at the new man.

The woman at his side was 5'11' with long black hair to her waist and matching catlike eyes to his. She was also dressed head to foot black leather and the jacket covered all the crest of the grey top she wore. A pair of crystal earrings hung from her ears and a pair of black gloves were on her hands.

"Y-yes, I'm fine."

"The two of you decided to show up again, huh?" Hades hissed. "Should have known you would have gone to them for help." He shot at the woman in the cloak behind him.

"You only continue to rule what you do because we have decided not to obliterate you," The woman with black hair smiled. "See that you tread carefully."

"Are you threatening me?" Hades glared. "This is my show, Lady."

"Shall we make it ours, then?" The man asked, glancing at the woman beside him.

"If his attitude gets any worse then I believe we shall have to. His longing after Zeus' son is becoming quite tedious, after all. One would think that he's in love."

Hades pulled a furious face before turning to the side. "Fine, keep the brat. Just stay out of my way; all of you." He glanced at Kiera as a doorway opened before him. "You won't be protected by others forever, Princess."

Kiera watched as Hades disappeared, releasing the air that she hadn't known she had been holding.

"Are you all right?"

At the voice, Kiera turned to see that it was the black haired woman speaking to her again, a soft smile on her face; this one seemed softer than the one she had given Hades.

"Yes, I'm fine." She glanced between the three. "Thank you for your help. I doubt that creating a fight with the Lord of the Underworld here would have been the best idea."

"Surely not for you," The woman nodded and then glanced at the other one behind Kiera. "I'm surprised you didn't move faster, Xebliya. Waiting for Hades to move first could result in something very unpleasant."

"Coming from the woman that did the same thing," The cloaked woman shot back.

The man closed his eyes. "Why have you come back, Xebliya?"

"You know why. I will come back and ask you over and over as many times as I need to. If only you would listen to me and-"

"The two of us have no desire to return," The man replied with a smooth smile. "We left it behind. Returning now would be pointless and a waste of our time. Trying to bring back a ruined kingdom is not a future that we've set for ourselves."

"And yet hiding away here the coliseum is?" Xebliya snarled. "I don't understand it. With your strength, Sephiroth, you could-"

"Sephiroth?!" Kiera repeated the name loudly in shock. "And that means...you...you're Sienna?" Kiera felt astonished. These were who Geoffrey and the others were talking about. This is who Geoffrey had wanted to find! She needed to get them over here but the look Sienna gave her kept her pinned to the ground. She felt her knees begin to tremble. These were also the same people that had killed Zack...whoever that was.

And now she was stuck in an alleyway with them. Maybe she should have just stayed with Sora and the others to begin with.

"Hades called you a princess," Sephiroth began with a small smile, changing to subject to the young teen before them. "Would you, perhaps, be one of the twins from Radiant Garden?"

"S-something like that," Her voice trembled. His eyes were intense; both of theirs were.

"Even if she is," Xebliya moved forward, placing a hand on the young teen's shoulder. "You still won't reconsider?"

"The Heartless are not our problem," Sienna commented. "Maleficent is the one that brought them there; we were long gone before it happened. Neither do the Unknown, the Unversed, or any other of the strange creatures that are appearing. Sephiroth and I are no longer going around doing the dirty work of other people. If you wish to save the kingdom, find a way to do it on your own."

These were the people that Geoffrey was looking for? This is who he wanted to help them take back Radiant Garden?

"I never asked for your help," Kiera growled. "Radiant Garden is my responsibility; I'll be the one to find a way to save it. I don't need your help." She could feel all three sets of eyes on her but she kept her eyes trained on Sephiroth, refusing to look away. She felt her eyes waver but gave a sigh of relief when he closed his and turned with a smile.

"You've a strong heart, Princess," He told her. "Bailey should be proud."

Her anger faded. "You... You know Bailey?"

"Hmm," Sienna turned as well. "Do take care to stay out of trouble now; or at least stay with your companions. That goes for both of you."

Kiera could only watch as Sephiroth and Sienna disappeared into the crowd outside of the alley again, leaving her with Xebliya. She glanced at the strange woman; she only stared back. "Do you also know Bailey?" Silence answered her. "If you know where she is, then tell me! How do you know Sephiroth and Sienna? And why are you trying to get their help with Radiant Garden?" Silence still. "Who are you? How do you know who I am?"

"Full of questions, aren't you?" Xebliya replied curtly. "You would do best to learn when to ask and when to stay silent."

"Threaten me all you like, I won't be quiet until I get my answers!"

The older woman sighed and mumbled something under her breath. Kiera caught one word; change. She narrowed her eyes. Could it...

"It is you, isn't it?" Kiera tried to peer into the hood but Xebliya turned her head.

"Its dangerous out here, Princess. It would be best for you to return to your friends."

"You have to answer my questions first. I won't give in. I need answers. Even Geoffrey and Alana are keeping secrets from me now; I need to know. I HAVE a right to know what's going on!"

Xebliya stayed silent. Kiera wanted to fight for her answers but knew that she would get nowhere with this woman.

She had to keep trying, though. "It's you, isn't it? You're the one that gave Geoffrey Bailey's book, aren't you? Why did you have it? What have you done with her? If you hurt her, or any of the others, then I will-"

"Return to your friends," Xebliya cut her off. "You're nowhere near ready for Hades, let alone the other enemies that you will find standing in your way. It would be best for the child of a ruined kingdom to return home and wait for others to resolve the problem for her."

"Never," The woman's words were harsh, angering the young teen even further. "I...I couldn't do anything when Bailey left with Terra and the others but now I'm older; I can help and I'll start by finding her! Both her and my sister!"

"Your sister?" Xebliya sounded surprised. "But she..." She felt silent, turning her head. "Return to the others before it's known that you were following Geoffrey and the others. He won't be pleased."

Kiera wanted to ask more questions but the woman had begun to walk away. She needed to know if this was really Bailey or if this was just someone playing her for a fool. Could it really be her? She had so many questions.

"One day you will realize," Kiera began softly; the woman paused in her steps. "The stars you are chasing shine bright deep inside you, but will you ever let it shine from within and cast all of your fears aside? You'll see the light, but until that day comes..."

This was her last chance. If this was really Bailey, then...

Silence spread between them and Kiera hung her head. If it had been Bailey then she would have finished the song. Finished the Lullaby that she had created for her and Kairi all those years ago. She turned to walk away.

"My Dearly Beloved, be strong, I shall be there, always here beside you so keep you head held high the shadows of this world will try to steal you away into their arms but you belong in mine."

Kiera froze at the words and turned back to Xebliya. She hadn't moved but the words had come from her mouth; were continuing to do so. "Ocean waves drift over me. I'll keep you in my memories," Kiera felt the tears build up. "This dream that lives within your eyes. I wish to see it come to life."

Kiera ran at the woman, moving in front of her before gripping her tightly in her arms, her words muffled as she continued to sing. "A thousand blades unto the sky reach out and link our worlds, yours and mine, let the tide rush over you. And one day I know we shall meet again. My dearly beloved." She had found her. This was her; only she, Kairi, and Bailey knew that song. No one else! "I...I thought I'd never see you again! Why? Why didn't you come back!?"

Nothing moved, as if frozen, before the woman lifted her arms and held the young teen carefully, as if afraid to touch her.

"Bailey, why?!"

"I..." The woman's voice was soft, her embrace warm, but Kiera felt her heart break when she was pushed away, held back at arms' length. "My name isn't Bailey."

"Then how did you have her book? She was writing that for me and my sister!"

"Bailey is...lost in darkness. She fights in earnest but it is futile. I was merely...completing a wish her head made by giving you the book. Her heart tries to be strong but she continues to waver. I fear...the worst, should she not..."

"She's fighting? What is she fighting?" Kiera demanded. "Does this have something to do with the Heartless? Tell me! I can help her!"

"There is nothing that you can do; this is a fight she must win for herself. If you believe in her...trust her."

Kiera nodded. She didn't understand. Everything was so confusing. She thought this woman was Bailey, she even knew her song, but perhaps it wasn't. Nothing was making sense any more. "I believe in Bailey; she can do anything!"

There was a laugh from under the hood. "As a KeyBlade wielder, you are already involved in the darkness but as a princes...your role is much more significant than just that. You are a half to a whole, Kiera. Whatever you do, don't fail." The hands on her arms tightened; making Kiera wince. "Don't travel to Hollow Bastion; don't return to Radiant Garden."

"Don't...return?" She repeated. "But how...how do I save them if I don't return? How can I save my world if I do go back?!"

"All good things to those who wait," Was her answer. Xebliya let go of her and began to back away. Behind her a dark portal opened, waiting for her to step inside it. "Be a good princess and return to Traverse Town; there you will be safe."

Kiera stared into the alley for a long time after that strange woman disappeared. She had been told to go back to Traverse Town and Leon and Lucia and the others. She was told to stop her journey with Sora and the others.

There's no way that she would be able to do that. Not after coming as far as they had. And what did she mean by calling her a half? What was she half of? Nothing was making any sense.

Should she tell the others about this? She would, without a doubt, get scolded for this, but wouldn't it be a good idea to tell them?

~Even if I did, they wouldn't tell me anything valuable,~ She told herself. ~They would just hide more and more things from me, no doubt. I could...I could tell Sora, though. He's a KeyBlade Wielder just like me. Two heads are better than one, after all. Bouncing ideas off him could prove useful.~

She would find her own answers, and Bailey, if it was the last thing she'd ever do.

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