Chapter 12: Familiar Appearance

Disclaimer: Nope, once again, I do not own Kingdom Hearts....it would be pretty awesome if I did though! snickers

(A/N: kay so theres just few more chaptas left, and it will be the end for good. But! Not to fear! If you actually like this story I have a much better one that I will be starting pretty soon. Its YAOI! hears ooohs and aahhs)

I walked down the sidewalk towards the district. The buildings seemed to tower over me. I was so used to the openness at Destiny Islands...everything was so foreign.

The sky cleared up from last night. The sun was out, but somehow I was still cold. I hugged myself tightly. Jeesh...I think I got spoiled living on the island for all those years.

The people seemed kind of rude. They kept their faces down and hunched over, giving them the 'I'm not nice' look. They didn't even apologize as the shoved past me. Whatever.

I reached the district in just a few minutes. There were shops everywhere...and when I say everywhere, I mean it. It was like an out-door mall.

I walked around window shopping for a bit. Most of the clothes didn't really interest me. They were too...happy.

After I passed about a dozen stores, I stopped walking. Okay, this is just stupid. Cloud was nice enough to give me munny, I shouldn't get all picky now.

I turned around and looked at the store in front of me. The sign read: 'Dark Ages.' Hmm...sounds interesting enough. I walked up and opened the door, ringing the bell as I stepped through.

I glanced up and immediately liked the store. The clothes had a darker look to them. Almost warrior like...

I slowly walked around the store, picking out a few items. Finally after trying everything on, I picked out the outfit I wanted. First, I found a pair of black, leather boots. They went up to just under my knee, and had silver buckles down the sides. Then I got a fairly short black skirt. It flared out at the bottom, and came with several chains and belts, all attached at the top of it. Along with that, I found a dark green, long sleeved shirt. The sleeves were somewhat see through, and yet oddly warm. There was a black printed star on the shirt that wove together in a Celtic fashion. Lastly, to complete the outfit, I found a black choker, a lot like one I had back home.

I briskly walked to the register, excited about my new attire. I was greeted by a fairly tall man, all in leather excluding his white shirt.

He had shoulder length hair, similar to Riku's, only dark brown. He had piercing blue-gray eyes that looked like were from the sky on a cloudy day.

I placed my clothing on the counter and looked at him again. He looked oddly familiar, and yet I couldn't quite place him.

"Your total comes to 236 munny," He said in a deep voice.

I pulled out the money that Cloud had generously given me and paid the man. 64 munny left...not bad. At least I have something to give back to Cloud...I mean that was a lot of munny.

The man handed me my change before placing my things into a shopping bag.

"Thanks," I said as I took the bag.

"Come again," he said, before turning around and going into the backroom.

I left the store and began walking back to Cloud's. I glanced around, suddenly feeling very alone. What if Sephiroth came looking for me?

I quickened my pace, still being aware of my surroundings. People shoved passed me in their daily rush to get things done. Even if Sephiroth was here, he couldn't do anything...right?

My eyes flicked over a shoulder-length, silver headed figure in front of me. He looked familiar, almost like...

...Riku?!

"RIKU!" I yelled over the noise of the crowd. He didn't hear me. I shoved passed the people.

"Excuse me...sorry..." I muttered, trying to get through them. Riku was getting farther away. No!

I kept pushing passed the people, but they just shoved me back. When I looked back up, Riku was gone.

Errr! This is so frustrating! If that was Riku...I would seriously be over-joyed. I would die just to see a familiar face around here. It was so...lonely.

I kept walking around, looking for any sign of him. After a few minutes, I suddenly stopped, almost losing my balance. Ugh my head!

I softly touched the side of my head, wincing in pain. Damnit...I thought I would be healed by now. I gripped a street lamp next to me for balance.

After a few minutes, I regained my strength. I need to get to Clouds and search for Riku another time.

I somehow managed to make it back to Cloud's in one piece. I walked up to the door and was in mid-knock when the door swung open.

Cloud stood there with a grin on his face. Why did he always seem so happy?

"How was your trip?" Cloud asked warmly as I stepped through the door.

"Very successful," I said, "And even better, I have left-over munny!"

Cloud laughed, "Awesome, but hey, just keep that for yourself, you never know what you may need."

I gaped at him. Was this guy for real? "...Whoa, thanks Cloud." I paused for a minute, realizing how much he has helped me in the past couple of days. "I really don't know what would have happened to me if it weren't for you."

Cloud smiled, "Not a problem...hey you look a little tired, can we sit down for a bit?"

"Please," I said, feeling my knees wobbling.

He directed me over to the TV room I was in before. We each sat on a couch, facing eachother.

"How's your head doing?" Cloud asked.

"Eh...it's all right...getting there," I replied.

We sat in silence for a minute. When I turned my gaze to Cloud, I noticed that he was staring at me thoughtfully.

I cleared my throught, feeling a little uncomfortable.

Cloud looked deeply into my eyes, "...Listen, Kairi, I want you to know that I completely trust you, I just wish that you told me your story. I don't even know how you got here."

I sighed. I knew this was coming. I'm just too tired to explain, my head is throbbing and I feel like I'm going to pass out. Cloud is a good guy though, he has a right to know.

I took a deep breath, "Listen Cloud, there are a few things I think you oughta know."

He nodded and I began my story. I explained to him that I was attacked by a heartless, and somehow withdrew a keyblade. I also explained what happened at the coffee shop, and Sephiroth.

I also told him about my creepy vision of him taking me to a cellar, and he needed all of the keyblade masters for some reason or another. Then when he took me to the portal in between worlds, and I managed to escape, landing here.

The whole time Cloud listened intently, with his eyes glued to mine.

When I finished, I looked hesitantly at him. "So...can you make sense of any of it?"

Cloud sat there for a while, contemplating. "Well..." he said, surprisingly calm, "I'm not surprised you are a keyblade master, you have an aura of strength around you."

Blink. Strong? Sora told me the same thing before. This doesn't make sense. I mean, I'm weak not only physically, but emotionally too. Am I missing something? I mean come on, I tried to commit suicide!

I shuddered at the memory and focused back to Cloud. He still seemed to be deep in thought.

"And..." he began, "As for you're vision, it's probably connected to you being one of the princesses of heart. You somehow have the ability to see danger coming."

He paused, "As for this Sephiroth guy, I know he has been around for a while. He has entered tournaments at the Coliseum a few years ago...I remember his name. I think Sora fought him."

Hah! That makes sense! Just like Cloud, Sora fought the Sephiroth dude! I knew he sounded familiar.

Why can't Sora be here? He would know what to do!

Cloud spoke up again, "Also, you said that Sephiroth needed you souls. I know it sounds funny, but it's true that the key bearers have the strongest, purest souls. You see, the keyblade will choose it's master, and it always chooses a strong one. Their souls are filled with light."

Hmm... "Well what about Riku?" I asked. "He's a key wielder. Didn't he fall into darkness?"

Cloud nodded, "He did out of love. Love is always the key bearers worst enemy, and best ally. Love is how Riku was pulled out of the darkness too."

My mind was spinning. Riku? Love?

I sat there for a minute trying to sort things out. Ach! I grabbed my head as it throbbed in pain. Must...sleep.

I looked up at Cloud. "Well it was a nice chat and all but I'm kinda out of it."

Cloud nodded. "Sorry to keep you up, it didn't occur to me that you still needed rest."

I stood up and headed to the stairs.

"Oh by the way!" Cloud called, "I have a surprise for you when you wake up!"

I walked upstairs slowly, "Awesome!" I called back. Hmmm I wonder what it could be? Heh.

I clumsily headed into my room and plopped onto the bed, not even bothering with the sheets and covers. Before passing out, I tilted my head to the side, towards the clock. 3:00 pm. Heh, I got tired fast.

Darkness

yawn "Mmm..." I muttered. Nice nap.

I slowly opened my eyes. For once there was no blinding light! I looked out the window...It's night time.

I propped my elbows against the bed to sit myself up. Glancing at the clock once again. 6:15.

Wow, I thought I wouldn't wake up till morning.

I swung my legs around, and stood up. Acknowledging my head, I noticed the pain was dulling. Finally!

I smiled, remembering that Cloud had a surprise for me. I quickly fixed my hair and made my way downstairs. At the bottom step, I stopped. Mumbling? Why are there several voices coming from the kitchen?

Hesitantly making my way towards the room, I listened closer. I heard Cloud, and two other voices. One of them sounded totally familiar.

I perked up and raced into the kitchen.

Cloud was standing, talking to a man, who I faintly recognized. From where though? Hmm whatever.

My eyes lingered to the other body sitting at the table.

His stunning sea-green eyes looked deeply into mine.

I gasped, "Riku!"

"Kairi..." He whispered.

In unison, we both leapt towards each other's arms. I felt the comforting heat of his body against mine. I can't explain to you how happy I was to see a familiar face, let alone Riku.

His soft silver hair brushed against my cheek.

"I missed you Kairi," He spoke softly.

I smiled, "I missed you too, freak."

He laughed softly as we pulled apart.

"Ahem," Cloud said.

We both turned to him expectantly.

"Well, first of all, Kairi, this is Leon," Cloud spoke, pointing to the other man.

I looked at him and tried to pinpoint that familiarity he had. Long brown hair, gray-blue eyes. Oh yeah! He was that dude at the store!

I shook his hand. He looked at me and smiled, "Riku was staying with me. He explained to me what you looked like. After you left the store today, I realized that you must have been the one he talked about so often."

"Yup," I replied, "Nice memory!"

Cloud laughed, "Imagine the luck that you guys found each other!"

I giggled, "Must be fate!"

Riku looked at me strangely. Before I could decipher the meaning, he went back to normal.

I shook it off, "So Riku can stay here right?"

"Yeah," Riku said anxiously, "Please?"

I realized how odd the situation was. Here we were, begging two people that were only a few years older than us, for a home. I mean, we were both 18!

Leon shrugged, "If it's okay with you Cloud!"

I smiled, already knowing the answer.

A few minutes later, Cloud walked Leon to the door, while I showed Riku the upstairs.

Since there was only Cloud's bedroom, and my room, I figured the least I could do was let Riku sleep in mine.

"So umm..." I said hesitantly, "Here's the room I am staying in." As we walked through the door, "You can sleep here too, if you like."

Riku looked surprised, "I wouldn't do that to you. Don't worry a couch will be fine."

I giggled, "No! seriously, I would rather you stay up here, it gets kind of lonely anyways."

Riku's green eyes shined brightly, "If you're sure, thanks Kai!"

"Not a prob-"

"Kairi!" Cloud shouted from downstairs, "Holy shit you guys! Come down here!"

I looked at Riku worriedly, and dashed out the room with him on my tail.

We flew downstairs and ran to the front door, where Cloud was standing.

"What happened?!" I asked fearfully.

Cloud's mouth spread into a huge-ass grin.

"I was just asked out...on a date tomorrow night... with Leon."

My mouth dropped, "Jesus Cloud, I thought you were dying or something."

Cloud giggled like a little girl. "No silly! But oh my god, he's sooo hot!"

I laughed too. "Woohoo go Cloud!" I rooted.

He bounced up and down, giddy with excitement

Riku and I laughed at his childish act. "Leon's definitely eye-candy," I commented.

Cloud giggled again and then bounded upstairs. "I'm off to bed! I must ponder on what I should wear tomorrow!"

I laughed again and looked at Riku, his eyes were weary with travel. "Tired?"

He nodded enthusiastically.

"Heh me too, let's head upstairs," I said.

"You're tired too?" He said, cocking his head to the side, "You just woke up from a nap!"

I smiled, "Come on Riku, you know me, I love sleeping!"

"True," He said thoughtfully.

As we headed upstairs, I put my mind on Cloud and Leon.

Heyy, so Cloud's finally moving on eh? That's awesome...it was kinda sickening to still have Kagome's things lying around. He seemed like...I don't know....a prisoner in his own home.

And...I'm not surprised he's bi. He just seemed like the type.

We walked into our room. As Riku sat on one side of the bed, I went into the dresser. After pulling out Cloud's boxers and a shirt, I threw them towards Riku.

He caught the with ease and set them down next to him. "Thanks."

As I grabbed some Pjs from Kagome's side of the dresser, I heard Riku from behind me.

"Nice outfit," He commented. "I meant to tell you earlier...the gothic thing fits you."

I smiled and stood up and turned around, jumping into a modeling pose. "Isn't it cool?"

He looked at me up and down, causing me to blush. "Very," He replied.

I laughed and walked to the bathroom to change.

After closing the door, I realized something. Do I have feelings for Riku?

No...that's stupid. I love Sora. I mean, come on, he's my soulmate.

But...Riku...there's something about the way he looks at me. When Cloud said that Riku got enveloped in darkness, and then became free from love, did he mean that Riku loved me?

My brows knitted together in confusion.

After changing, I headed back into the room, seeing that Riku was changed too.

I looked at him...he seemed nervous.

"Hey Riku, you okay?" I asked.

He turned around to face me. "Well...no...I mean yes...well..."

I laughed at his stuttering.

He smiled warmly and walk over to me, "Kairi, I need to tell you something...it's something I have wanted to tell you for years."

He stepped closer, and was only a foot away, looking down deeply into my eyes.

I sharply took in a breath. Could it be? No way...

"Kairi...I think I love you," He said softly.

I gasped at the sudden speech.

Before I could say a thing, he quickly spoke up.

"I mean, I know you love Sora, but I just couldn't keep it in any longer. When I 'dumped you' all those years ago, it wasn't because people called you a freak...I would never do that," he looked down nervously, "It was because, I realized my feelings for you. I was scared, I didn't know how to react, other than ignoring you."

I thought about it. Well... it did make sense.

Before I realized what was happening I felt his lips on mine.

Surprised, I pulled back at first. But then, I stopped. Something was comforting about it.

My mind blurred and I kissed him back. His lips were so soft...just like Sora's. I've been so lonely, it was so nice to feel his arms wrap around me, and hold me. I felt so protected.

My eyes snapped open. What the hell am I doing??!! This time, I really did pull back, horrified. Oh my God, I kissed Riku...holy shit, I kissed Riku.

I touched my lips, feeling a tingling left there.

Thump!

I jumped and spun towards the window, hearing a sound. The balcony was empty. I shook it off and turned back to my friend.

Riku looked down to his feet, "Why did you stop?" he asked sadly.

I regained my wits by then, took a breath. It was like a dream. I loved Sora so much, how could I do this?

I reached my hand up, gently touching his chin. I tilted his head back up, and looked into his eyes. "Listen Riku, I love Sora...I'm sorry."

He flinched and pulled away from me. His eyes were filled with hurt and anger.

I sighed and spoke again, "I know what it feels like...to not be loved in return. You are so important to me, and I don't want things like this to get in the way. Okay?"

His expression didn't change. "How could you do this to me?" he asked. "I mean, first of all, for all we know, Sora could be dead," I winced and turned away from him.

"Second of all," he continued, "You kissed me back. Don't tell me you didn't feel something then."

I shook my head, "Riku, I love Sora...I was imagining you as him. I'm sorry."

His eyes threatened to tear. Before they did, he turned and quickly walked over to the bed after flicking off the light.

I sighed once more, and turned towards the window. The moonlight bounced into the room, giving a peaceful aura.

I walked towards the window doors, and stepped out onto the little balcony. I wonder what the sound was from before. Maybe just someone from the floor above us. I shrugged and looked up at the stars. I smiled, knowing that Sora was under the same stars, maybe even looking at them, as I was, right now.

After a minute I walked back into the room, noting that Riku fell asleep. He was such a good person. I hated hurting him like that.

I silently left through the door, and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Right when I finished, I heard the phone ring downstairs.

Who would be calling so late? I heard Cloud answer it and smirked. Maybe it's his lover boy, Leon.

"Kairi!" Cloud called, "it's for you!"

My smile faded. Or maybe not...

I walked downstairs and met Cloud, who handed me the cordless phone.

Who could it be?

I slowly placed the receiver to my ear, hearing the soft breathing of someone on the other end.

"...Hello?" I asked.

Silence. Huh?

I was about to hang up, when I heard the voice speak up.

"You love him... don't you?" he spoke sadly.

I gasped. It couldn't be.... "Sora?" I asked.

Click

I stood there frozen, with the receiver still against me ear.

My eyes were wide open, my jaw was dropped.

And I just stood there, only to hear a dial tone ringing in my ear.

(A/N: dudes..this was one of my longest chapters. Wooohoo! Now u can't get mad at me for taking so long to update! HAH!)