A/N: So, I have the next chapter. I really, REALLY liked this one for some reason. Each point of view has some kind of...inspiration. I was really into this chapter; maybe because I was in the mood for some serious Kingdom Hearts! Also, I want to thank EVERYONE for their kind reviews, alerts and favorites. For those who have read the story but not reviewed, I thank you as well. Now, ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy. I only own the plot of this story.

Warning: Yaoi (Boy on Boy), so if you don't like please leave. This story is in a AU setting and some of the characters are OOC. Also, this chapter is pretty long. Haha

Summary: Riku is now a junior at Destiny High School along with some of his friends. Every day is a normal day, but Riku sometimes wonder what it would be like to have someone by his side. However, things change when Roxas's twin brother, Sora arrives new to town at their school and Riku's motives start to twist and love starts to form in more ways then one. Filled with love triangles, drama, violence, and an angry stepfather and a crazy Sephiroth, the crew face challenges that they never thought would change their lives forever.

Because of You

Thoughts/ Flashbacks or Dreams

Chapter 24:

Aerith P.O.V.

"Ugh..."

Looking up from the book I was reading, I noticed Cloud stirring in his sleep on my bed. Placing my book on my dresser, I stood up and advanced towards the bed to check on him. I frowned sadly at Cloud injuries.

His handsome face was slightly covered with cuts on his cheeks and forehead; white bandages wrapped neatly around his right forearm and mid-torso.

I'm glad I was able to find you guys first. Otherwise, the police would be going insane.

I watched Cloud groan in his sleep before deep, blue eyes revealed themselves to me. They quickly looked around the room, trying to figure out where he was, before focusing back on me.

"Your in a safe place Cloud," I smiled reassuringly before stroking his blond spikes, "as are your friends."

Like a time bomb, Cloud's eyes widened and quickly sat up way to quickly before letting out a painful groan and fell back on my queen size bed. Cloud turns his head so our gazes would meet; his left arm draped around his stomach.

"Are they all right?"

"Riku's doing okay. He's been having dreams lately but never wakes up from it. I'm guessing he's in and out of consciousness. Sachano is actually in the living right now. He's a bit shaken up, but fine." I replied before moving my hand back to my side and I went to retrieve some pain medicine from my built in bathroom.

"What of Kiki? Riku's mom?"

The mention of Kiki made me pause for a moment; the pain medicine bottle in my hand as I clutched it tightly. I stared at myself in the mirror before I took a deep breath and walked back into the bedroom. Grabbing a glass of water I had saved up, I pulled up my wooden chair, sat down, and handed it to Cloud.

"Aerith?" He asks me with a blank gaze while managing to sit up against the headboard without causing to much pain.

"She's..." I started off before my eyes trailed away and Cloud took the water and pills from my grasp. "In critical condition."

"I see." Cloud knew what I meant even when I didn't get right to the point.

Glancing at the time, I noticed that it was now ten o'clock in the morning. When I heard something being set down, I looked back to Cloud and realized that he put the cup on the nightstand.

"What were you doing out in the middle of the night Cloud?"

He looked at me for a moment before his eyes turned to look at the wall. "I'm not going to involve you too, Aerith."

"Remember, I'm already involved. I was threatened by Logan, and now I saw a fatal accident that held you, Sachano, Riku and Ms. Kiki inside. I can't just walk away and act like it's nothing." I say while looking at my lap.

"Those trucks...were sent by Sephiroth. He knew we would follow him, despite his warning in Joel's note. Therefore, we fell right into his trap."

"You got that right."

Cloud and I turned to the door to see Sachano leaning against the doorway with a smirk on his face and arms crossed. White bandages were wrapped around his forehead and both his hands along with scratches scattered on his face.

"Sachano...how are you feeling?"

"Honestly, I'm angry, pissed, frightened, and shook up. Then again, it could've been a lot worse, ya know?" Sachano replies before entering the room with steady steps and sat on Cloud's left side of the bed since I was at his right.

"Yeah."

"I'm going to check on Riku." I announced while standing up and walking towards the door but I stopped in the doorway and looked over my shoulder at the two blond males. "Try not to do anything rational, okay?"

Both Sachano and Cloud looked at me for a moment before giving me an individual nod. I smiled gently at them before turning to walk out of my bedroom and towards another one down the hall.

As I reached for the door handle, I heard an agonizing scream from inside. I paused mid reach when I realized that it was Riku. I couldn't help but pull my hand away and stare at the door, because of Riku's dream. He did it before, last night, and it was a nightmare. From what I heard, I knew I couldn't walk inside just yet.

Riku.

BECAUSE OF YOU

Riku P.O.V.

"Riku?"

Slowly opening my eyes, I was greeted by a pair a bright blue ones. I looked around and realized that I was outside somewhere, but it definitely wasn't anywhere near home. Underneath me was the tickling of green grass and I glanced at the sky to see that it was nightfall with the full moon as it's guardian light.

Realizing that I wasn't alone, I sat up and looked over to my left to see Sora sitting with his knees pulled up to his chest. His eyes glued to the ground as if waiting for something to come get him. Shifting a bit, I scooted over to Sora before placing my hand on the small of his back.

"Sora?" I spoke quietly and my touch made Sora snap out of his trance before turning his head to look at me.

Sora then smiled beautifully at me and then threw himself in my arms by wrapping his around my neck and knocking me back on the ground. I chuckled at this, knowing that's how my Sora always acted.

"I'm glad you're okay." Sora says softly while straddling my waist; looking down at me with a sad but relieved smile.

"There's nothing to be worried about love." I say before sitting up a bit so Sora's legs were almost wrapping my waist.

Lifting a hand to his face, I stroked Sora's cheek with my thumb gently; causing Sora to smile lovingly and close his eyes. When he leaned into my touch, I couldn't help but let out a smile and leaned down to kiss his forehead.

"I love you so much. I'll always come for you. No matter how strong the obstacles may be." I spoke as I moved to Sora's cheek. "I know it's cheesy, but it's true. I love you more than anything in the world, Sora."

Just as I kissed the side of my love's neck, I noted that he hadn't answered me back. I paused when I realized that Sora's body turned good against my lips.

"Sora? Are you okay?"

"Why didn't you come for me, Riku?"

Taken back by his words, I pulled away and looked up at Sora with a questioned look but it was replaced with fear as I screamed in pure fear and scooted away.

Dropping Sora's body on the ground, I saw blood covered from head to toe. He was naked as the day he was born, and was covered with deep slash marks across his chest, arms and legs. I tremble with fear as I looked down to see my hands covered in a fine sheet of blood. With shaky hands, I looked over at Sora who was staring at me with empty blue eyes. Those lips that were once pink and plunk, we're now dead and an ugly shade of purple.

"Why did you let him kill me Riku?" Sora says in a low tone as he lifted his left hand out towards me; wanting me to grab his hand and pull him away from this nightmare.

Without thinking, I moved closer and with a shaky hand, I reached my own hand out to meet my lover's. Both his and mine hands were covered with blood and just as we were an inch away, I saw Sora give me a dead smile that sent disturbing shivers by my spine.

Suddenly, a figure appeared from the woods and soon ended up standing on the other side of Sora. A long, samurai like sword glinted beautifully in the moonlight and I was so stunned to see it but when I looked up to see who was the holder, I panicked.

It was Sephiroth, standing there like an angel of death, holding his sword that I know realized was Masume, at his side. I watched as he looked down at Sora's soon to be lifeless form and an evil smile creped upon his face.

"He was very fun to play with. One filled with innocence and light that dared step upon my domain. It's such a shame that he wasn't able to say his last goodbyes." Sephiroth said, his gaze rested on Sora but slowly went to meet my gaze.

"At least he can now die...knowing that you never loved him enough to save him." He finished before snapping his fingers once.

Then everything started to change. The once night sky started to change into a dark swirls of red and black; the moon distinguishing in the darkness. I stood up and looked from Sephiroth to Sora before I started running towards him but something held me back. Veins grabbed hold of my both my arms and legs as they pulled me away from Sora and Sephiroth until I was in safe distance. Looking at the veins, I noticed that was pinned against a metal wall. Unfortunately, I was secured tightly as I tried to struggle and move out of the holds but nothing prevailed.

It wasn't until I looked over to my right to see someone's head at the end of a pole.

It was my mother's.

"AH!" I screamed in fear and shock before looking over to my left and saw another head, which belonged to Roxas.

As I scanned up the wall, I saw everyone I knew, headless at the end of a pole that was in the wall. Them and other people who were killed by Sephiroth's blade. I closed my eyes, shaking my head, and trying to rid the images and the blood, but when I reopened them, it was still there.

Looking out, I saw Sephiroth crouch down next to Sora and tilting his head up.

"DON'T TOUCH HIM!" I shouted with pure anger because I feared that he would kill Sora, just like he did to everyone else that surrounded me.

However, Sephiroth chuckled at my words before letting Sora's head tilt back down and stood up. "I'm afraid it's too late for that. I already claimed his as my own. His body is marked by my blade; my own will. You may have prepared for the present, but you didn't prepare him for the future. For me."

"You bastard! Let us go!"

"Mm...I shall," Sephiroth stated with an evil grin and raising Masume in the air, "after I couple each piece of your precious lovers body."

With that, he started his massacre.

With each swing, blood seem to splatter upon my clothes and my face. I watched in horror as I screamed and moved; not realizing that the veins grew thorns and started to pierce into my skin. I didn't care though because I wanted to get out. I wanted to protect Sora and now, he's dead.

"SORA!"

"SORA!"

"Riku! Wake up, it's just a dream!"

"SORA!"

"RIKU!"

I snapped out of my dream as I looked around frantically. Sitting up quickly wasn't the best idea because unbearable pain soared through my body. I screamed in pure pain as I laid back on the unknown, but comfortable bed; closing my eyes shut but quickly reopening them.

"Riku. Are you okay?"

Glancing to my left was Aerith, who stood by the bed with a wet cloth in her hand. Her gentle green eyes looked at me sadly before reaching over and damping my forehead with the cloth. It was wet and cool against my hot skin as I sighed in renewed relief.

"Twice have you had that dream...that nightmare." Aerith tells me in a soft whisper and damps my neck before pulling the cloth away and placing it on the nightstand where a nice lit lamp with a white shade over top stood.

A nightmare...it was just...a nightmare. Those images came back to me like a tape. Sora's bloodied up body that laid against the dead grass. His blue eyes empty and cold staring at me like a doll. Seeing people's heads planted on the pole...it was horrifying.

I didn't know that I was tearing up until I reached up and touched my cheek. Just as I felt the wetness on my cheek, I broke down. Draping one of my arms over my eyes, I cried my eyes out silently; knowing that Aerith was watching me.

About twenty minutes later, I was able to stop crying and look Aerith in the eye. I sat up against the headboard of the bed with help from Aerith as I held a glass of water in both my hands on my lap. All I did was stare at the window until Aerith spoke up.

"You will save Sora, Riku. All of you will save Irin, get back at Sephiroth and finally live on with your lives. Remember, you are not alone in this." Aerith said assuringly with a small smile; her soothing words sinking into my mind.

Finally, I averted my eyes so they were on Aerith. I managed to smile back a little before looking down at my half drinking glass of water. Glancing down at myself, I noted that my condition was a lot worse. Aerith informed me that it was very hard to get the four of us out of my mom's care. Sachano and Cloud weren't that bad to carry and neither was my mom. Thing is, I almost died by one of the sharp metal things that were in embedded at the front of both the two trucks. So when the hit us, one of those sharp things ended up piercing me through the back.

Barely missing my heart.

"I know. I have everyone to back me up on this. However, I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for everyone. When I first met Sora, I thought he was too good to be true. He's smart, extremely beautiful, caring, funny and always has your back when your in trouble and can cheer you up with one of his bright smiles." I smiled a little when thinking back on the day I met Sora until my smile slowly disappeared with a look of slight surprise.

"I just...never thought that he'd want me back."

Aerith smiled at this, patting my leg gently. "It's because he loves you as a person Riku. Not that I'm saying he didn't like you physically because your a very, very handsome young man, but it's because you accepted him for who he was. You didn't stray from him when he was upset, you talked to him even when you thought he didn't want to talk at all. The fact that you stuck by Sora, makes him want to stick by you as well."

"Thats why he left with Joel and the others."

Aerith and I looked towards the door to see Sachano and Cloud standing there. Slowly, Cloud managed to reach the bed and laid on his back gently by my feet and turned his head to meet my gaze.

"He's never going to give up on you Riku. Just like your not going to give up on him. Whatever nightmare you had, is all the doubts you have. You can't be having doubts because then you will accomplish nothing. If you say your going to do something, DO IT. Don't just stand there and wait for something to come at you." Cloud said before shutting his eyes.

Sachano smirked, "Spoken like a true man. Then again, you're not seventy years old yet Cloud."

"Shut up."

I smiled at the short scene in front of me before looking back at Aerith, who gave me her full attention.

"You're both right. I made a promise, a vow. I can't just walk away from it and I'm sure as hell not going to walk away from Sora either." I state with a determined look on my face which made both Aerith and Sachano smile.

"I'll look after your mother while you are gone." She said before looking at Cloud with a concerned look.

"Cloud...your the only one who can truly get through Sephiroth. Take him down, but make him realize his own mistakes."

Cloud revealed his blue eyes and looked up at Aerith before sitting up slowly. "You should know that I never leave anything unfinished Aerith. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Besides, if anyone should be saying that, it should be Leon."

"Speaking of Leon, I called him. Him and the others should arrive here soon."

"WHAT?"

BECAUSE OF YOU

Sora P.O.V.

My head is killing me. As I went to move my body, I realized that I must have been knocked unconscious of some sort. Opening my eyes slowly, I noticed that I in a bedroom, laying face up on a surprising soft bed. Slowly, I sat up but groaned when a shock wave of pain zipped through my skull like a knife plunging itself in my head.

"Sora?"

Hearing a raspy voice say my name, I looked over to my right by the window and when I saw who it was, I couldn't help cover my mouth in shock.

Irin sat on the hard, wooden floor next to the window on it's left side. His head leaned back, lips parted but bruised with slight cuts, but what caught my attention was the many painful, looking bruises on his body. From bruises, to love bites that scattered from his chest down but I didn't dare go lower cause he was naked. There were even scratch marks on his hips, like someone had gripped him too roughly.

"Irin!" I said quickly before tangling myself from the bed and I looked down to see that I was only wearing a my shirt and boxers, but I didn't care.

Rushing off the bed and towards Irin, I knelt down in front of him to have eye level with him. Irin's maroon eyes were filled so many mixed emotions, but mainly pain...Not to mention that the color of his skin had an unhealthy glow to him, and he looked completely exhausted.

"Irin...oh God, what...what happened to you?" I asked quietly, encase someone from outside the room were to walk by and hear us.

"They...haven't tainted you yet...S-Seph..rioth...hasn't hurt you." Irin's voice was raspy and hoarse, but hesitant at the same time.

"No Sephiroth hasn't laid a hand one me...Look, we gotta get you out of here. Kairi, Roxas and Joel are in the basement, so once I get you free, Imma go and save them." I say with a determined smile, trying to lighten the mood for Irin, but his eyes widened slightly and shakily reached his hand up to rest on my cheek.

"Don't save me...Save yourself."

Token back by Irin's words, I grabbed Irin's hand in my own and squeezed it tightly. "No. We've been tormented long enough by Sephiroth. Once Riku and the others get here, everything will be over."

"You don't-" Irin stopped and cleared his throat, "Sora, you have to leave. You'll end up like me if you don't get out of here."

Glancing up at the window, I noticed that it was still daylight outside. I don't know what to do. I know, that we gotta get out of here, but I need to find something that can damage Sephiroth before the others come. Plus I can't leave Irin here, I just can't.

"You're right Irin. I need to get out of here, but not without you. You risked yourself to be here, and now I'm risking my life to save you." I say straight to the point before I wrapped Irin's left arm around my shoulders, and wrapped my arm around his waist before hoisting him up.

"Can you walk a little?" I ask quietly while standing up with Irin, who stands up on his feet.

However, we took two steps toward the bed and Irin almost collapsed if it wasn't for my hold on him.

"I'm broken Sora. Just let me be."

"No." I snapped sharply; angry because Sephiroth, that sadistic bastard did such a terrible, horrid thing to Irin and the fact that Irin is losing himself because of the torment.

With a bit of struggle, I managed to lay Irin on the bed very gently; resting his head on the pillow comfortably. I stood by the bed and watched Irin stare blankly at the ceiling; his maroon eyes distant and empty. I frowned at this. Irin...did Sephiroth break you physically and mentally? No, it can't be. Irin wouldn't have told me to run if he was mentally broken. However, if he is, I have to get all of us out of here and fast. I don't even know how long I was out conscious and I pray to God that Roxas, Kairi and Joel are all right.

Walking over to a nearby closet, I opened it so see that there were quite a few shirts hanging in there, before glancing over at Irin. So, I decided to take a short sleeve dark green shirt before closing the closet and over towards the dresser; pulling it open to find a pair of light, faded blue jeans, not mention some clean boxers.

Now that I think about it, I have no idea if this is someone else's room, or just a random one. Walking over back to Irin, I gave him a sad smile after I placed the clothes on the end of the bed. "I'm gonna clean you up okay? Hopefully no one will come barging in here."

Taking a good look around, I noticed that there was a built in bathroom and walked inside to see the walls painted white, and the main utilities. I looked under the sink to see a small, square pink basin and took it out so I could fill it with some warm water. A soft sigh escaped from my lips as I stared at myself through the bathroom mirror that hung on the wall above the sink.

"Sora, why are you staring at the mirror?"

Sora smiled at the mirror when he saw Riku standing behind him and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist comfortably.

"It's just, in a few hours, we'll be heading out soon. To find Irin." Sora replies his gaze moved towards the sink and his smile turned into a sad frown.

This came unnoticed to Riku who placed his head on Sora's shoulder and held his brunette lover closer against him. "I know you're not telling the truth." He whispers against Sora's neck gently, not seeing the sad smile on the brunettes face.

"I'm just scared of what Sephiroth will do to him, ya know? I see Sachano, and he seems so calm and ready-"

Feeling Riku move, Sora looked back up at the mirror to see Riku standing up straight and staring back at Sora through the mirror but his arms still around him.

"Sachano acts calm because he doesn't want anyone to see his weakness. Cloud and I went to talk to him earlier at his house...and he literally destroyed the whole place. He was that devastated and when we managed to calm him down and talk, he broke into tears.." Riku told Sora, though his eyes showed so much thought and mixed emotions.

Sensing this, Sora turned around to face his lover fully so he could look into his eyes as Riku continued to speak, "I would've done the same thing if Sephiroth kidnapped you, Sora. I...I don't know what I would've done."

"Would you come rescue me? Find me until you had no inch of air left in your body?" Sora asked softly when Riku pulled him into a tight embrace; his face buried in Sora's spiky brown hair.

"Yes. I wouldn't stop until I had you by my side. I wouldn't stop until every bone in my body starts to break. I love you Sora. I'm not going to leave you alone in the darkness. I'll always come and find you. Whether you want me to or not." Riku replied; truth in each word as Sora wrapped his arms around Riku's waist and hugged him back tightly.

"I love you too." He said back before pulling away slightly to look into aquamarine eyes and Riku leaning down to give him a loving kiss.

Riku...I know you'll come for me...For all of us, regardless of what happens. I hope you okay. My thoughts were altered when I suddenly felt wetness against my hand and I looked down to see that the basin was overflowing with water.

"Shoot!" Turning off the sink quickly, I picked the basin up carefully before pouring some unneeded water out.

Checking it so see if it was enough, I managed to find some soap, a black cloth and a first aid kit before going back to the bedroom, where I saw that Irin had fallen to sleep. Seeing this made me smile slightly before I cleared the nightstand and placed the basin on top; the first aid kit by my feet. Sitting on the side of the bed, I was just about to put some soap on the cloth when I heard the bedroom door knob starting to jiggle.

Frozen in spot, I slowly turned around to watch as someone opened the door and started walking in. Who came in, was the black, spiky haired guy from earlier that works for Sephiroth. His teasing eyes, tan skin and was quite muscular in the arms. But his name...

"It's Zack encase your wondering," he answered with a sly smirk, even though I didn't return it with any sense of gratitude.

Carefully, I got up and walked around the other side of Irin's bed and stood in front of him; eying Zack since he obviously worked for Sephiroth. Zack raised an eyebrow at my defensive action, his smirk falling off to be replaced with a frown.

"Look kid. I know that you're trying to protect your friend over there," Zack did a short nod in the direction of Irin's sleeping form, "but that's not gonna be enough."

"How can you endure this? How could you let Sephiroth do this to him? If you saw the bruises-"

"I saw them the night Irin first arrived with him." He cut me short before walking across the room towards the window that Irin had sat under.

Zack looked out the window; a thoughtful gaze on his face and back turned towards me. I watched him for a moment before looking down at Irin.

"All I'm saying is, do as Sephiroth says. Rather it's good or bad, it's better than ending up like Irin. I heard a lot about you Sora, and I don't want to be forced to drag your body out on the streets once it's beaten." Zack says softly, his gaze still on the window; looking outside.

I blinked twice in surprise by Zack's words before taking a few steps closer. "Wait a minute, how do you know me?"

There was a pause between us for a few seconds before Zack turned around to face me; a grin graced his face.

"I'm Aeriths' fiancée."

BECAUSE OF YOU

Joel P.O.V.

"Son of a bitch!"

"Ah! The fucking brat just spit on me!"

"Punch him!"

"No. You all have done enough. I believe our three little stooges are ready to give us some valuable information." Jena stated with an evil smirk.

Before Jena and the group of older guys came in, I managed to find a clock that was across the room on the wall. It was around one o'clock in the afternoon, and I barely got any sleep. No, not just me, but Kairi an Roxas as well.

Last night, Jena and the guys in deed roughen us up.

Each one of us literally took some hits from them. Roxas was by far, the worse out of the three of us, and I mean the worse. Half his chin was dripping with blood from his bottom lip that cut open because of the punches the guys gave him. They even gave Roxas a nasty black eye on his right eye and a huge bruise on both his cheeks.

Jena even told two of the guys to sexually harass Roxas, but they didn't do much because Roxas head butted both of them whenever they tried to get close to his face. However, that lead to one of the pales gripping his neck and choking him until he was almost out of air and Jena told the guy to release him.

Kairi's nose was bloodied up and got scratch marks on her face. Jena even punched her in the stomach a couple of times.

I too dealt some damage: bloodied up nose, a black eye but not as bad as Roxas', busted lip, and I think I dislocated my jaw. There was so much running through me that I could barely move an inch.

Now, Jena and her followers returned to us in the basement, about to do whatever Sephiroth ordered them to do. Jena was now wearing low waist, straight fitted dark jeans, silver high heels, a tight silver long sleeve shirt and a black vest over top; her rod in her grasp.

The group of guys stepped back so Jena could step forward and speak. She eyed each of us carefully before standing in front of Roxas, who was panting heavily and glaring at Jena with his good blue eye. Slightly annoyed by this, Jena grabbed her pole and tilted Roxas's head back by the chin with the end of her pole so she could get a good look at him.

"Tell me...where are your friends now? I bet they attempted to follow you all here. Question is, are they even alive."

Roxas growled at her like a predator fighting for dominance, "Go to hell you hag."

Jena chuckled lightly, "No need to get snappy baby," She replied with a sly smile before leaning forward so both her and Roxas were face to face, "I'm just getting started."

Pulling the pole away from Roxas's chin, Jena moved it to her right side before turning around; her back towards us and started walking to the others.

"Fuckin slut. No wonder Sephiroth doesn't like your skimpy ass." I heard Roxas mutter under his breath and I only stared at him in shock and fear.

Before any of us knew it, Jena turned around fast and hit Roxas's left knee with her pole. HARD.

"AAAHHH!" Roxas threw his head back and screamed in bloody pain; for that one hit could've shattered his knee.

"Stop it! Leave him alone!" Kairi shouted in anger and fear; looking from Roxas to Jena.

Hearing this made Jena laugh half-heartening while taking a step back away from Roxas and looking over to Kairi.

"And why should I? Sephiroth told me to do whatever it takes to make you all break. I can do it however I want. Therefore, I have every authority to do so. So unless you want your skull smashed against the wall, I suggest you be quiet." Jena threatened her with a twisted smile on her face; making me cringe in fear.

Looking over at Roxas, I saw that his head was bowed low and tears were dripping from his face. His cheeks were flushed with pain and every time Roxas tried to move, pain would come from the now busted knee.

"So, my smart mouth Blondie," Jena said towards Roxas, who wasn't even looking up at her, "what's it going to be? Either you tell me what you know, or I crush every single bone in your body and trust me, it doesn't take much."

"So what I've heard is true."

A deep, smooth voice spoke from behind Jena; making her turn around to be face-to-face with Sephiroth. I never met the man but only through other peoples' words. Now I see why they hate him so. Unfortunately, he wasn't some ugly, tall guy with some weird mustache. The straight, extremely long platinum colored hair flowing behind him and the sharp green eyes that could see right through anyone. This was the man who held the legendary sword of Masume.

Sephiroth walked over to where Roxas, Kairi and I were stationed. I could feel the ropes starting to dig into my skin from being there too long and far too tight. Each one of us being in an individual chair, was like our own death chair; ready to be slaughtered by this powerful man. I watched Sephiroth heading to Kairi first, who watched him with frightened blue eyes when he tilted her head back with his index finger.

"I see we meet once more, my dear. I'm glad that you've become to fond of me that your willing to become my prisoner again." Sephiroth says in a clear voice and an amused look in his eyes when Kairi sent him a glare.

"I come because of my friends. I'm not going to let them go through this alone. And what you did to Jason was unforgivable." Kairi replied sharply, her gaze unwavering even when Sephiroth chuckled and moved his hand away.

"Oh really? We're you here when your blue-haired friend suffered under my roof? Are you to forgive yourself for letting someone close to you, get in the way of something you caused? Surely you've thought this through. Or maybe you haven't." He stated with a dark chuckle and walked over with long, short strides to Roxas.

Roxas remained silent, but I knew that he too was in fear and pain. I noticed Sephiroth frown deeply as he eyed him up and down before grabbing Roxas's blond hair roughly so he could look at his face at a clearer angle.

"What happened here? Why does this boy look like he's near the brink of death? Blue eyes filled with the last strength of courage." Sephiroth half-heartily asked with a disgusted grunt.

Jena stayed quiet for a few seconds, her facial expression was one of thoughtfulness; like she was debating on whether or not to tell the true. She took a deep breath before answering, "I busted his knee, sir."

This didn't please the platinum haired man at all. His eyes flashed with a dark glow as he looked over at Jena with a deep frown. "Didn't I tell you not to break him or any of the others for that matter?"

"Yes Sephiroth you did, however, he is not dead. I just showed him his place so that he may be of better presence amongst you." Jena replied calmly with a blank face, even though her eyes slightly showed hesitation and caution towards Sephiroth.

Taking this all in, Sephiroth looked at Jena for another minute before looking down at Roxas, who was glaring at Sephiroth as well. Fortunately for my sake, Sephiroth did nothing but let go of the blond's head and started walking in my direction.

"Be happy that I'm in a stable mood Jena. Otherwise, I'd teach you your place." He spoke aloud; not caring who heard him within the cores of the huge basement.

Everything seemed to freeze when Sephiroth stood in front of me. I dared not look into his eyes because I was scared. Not that I wanted to be scared, but the fact that if I disobeyed him, would mean that Kairi, Roxas or even Sora and Irin for the matter, would be a risk.

"You're the one I sent the letter to about this predicament, no?" Sephiroth asked in a strangely, gentle tone of voice when he spoke.

I remained silently and my eyes casted down when my chin was grabbed harshly and was tilted up a little; meeting Sephiroth's gaze.

"Speak."

"Y-Yes, it was me." My must I stutter? It shows weakness!

Studying my face with sharp green eyes, Sephiroth hummed in what seemed like satisfaction or approval. "You may be of some use to me. You're not as scared as the red-head one."

I should try to persuade him. I have to do something. "Please spare us. We've done nothing wrong towards you. You have hurt so many people to gain one soul."

"Ha! Why do you sound so shocked? I have hurt many other things before. Why is now so different?" He asks with a wicked smile and his grip slowly loosening.

Knowing this made me feel more confident and strong enough to speak my words; not only for myself, but for everyone.

"It's different because it shows that your weak. Do you not feel strong enough to stand against Cloud or Leon yourself? Do you need to cause death and suffering so that another life may come and save it?" I question Sephiroth with all I had and when I realized I said it, the fear started to slowly seep back in.

However, Sephiroth didn't look mad nor upset. Instead, there was an evil smile on his face and his arms were crossed while looking at me.

"Of course I do. You see, Cloud is someone of importance. Not because he was my lover, but because he knows something deep within his mind. I never told, but I'm the only one that knows. So if anyone prevents me from getting Cloud, they must suffer my blade but mainly, I." Sephiroth stated with a smirk as he turned around to walk over to Jena, who was also listening to the conversation taking place and a smirk also rested upon her face.

"You're mad!" Kairi shouts towards Sephiroth, who suddenly lets out a short laugh.

"No my child. I'm not mad at all. Just cautious." He replies before making eye contact with one of the men and motioning them towards me.

"Take him. I want to have a private conversation with this one. He'll be quite useful along with the brunette boy." Sephiroth orders with a leering smile before walking up the stairs; out of our sights.

I watched as one of the tall men walked over towards me quickly; holding metal clock in his hand.

Before I had a chance to speak or even flinch, the clock contacted my skull hard and soon darkness clouded my vision; Kairi and Roxas's shouts calling to me from what seemed like a distance.

TBC

A/N: OMG. I really, REALLY, think you all should review. I spent like majority of the day typing this up. I enjoyed this very much! WOOT! XD However, I do feel bad about Riku's nightmare. It is pretty crazy but I had to do something. At least he's alive and so is everyone else! Please, please review! Tell me your thoughts, comments, anything! I'm excited to see what you all think! So, until next time!

-YaOiPrInCeSs16