Brightness and Darkness

by Winter Yuy

Ansem smiled at the two weakly, "My children, I can only hope that with my death that the light from your hearts will show that I love you both and always will"

15. The Game of Nothingness

Brightness and Darkness
Chapter Fifteen: The Game Of Nothingness

Pairings: Sora/Kairi, Riku/OC, Cloud/Aerith, Leon/Yuffie, and maybe Riku/Sora

Author's Note: Yup, I know. You're all gonna kill me, right? I hope not! As always, I'm sorry for the long update. I swear this story will be finished by Christmas! Which...isn't too far away. I guess I need to get to work then.

Thank you to all of the fans for supporting me throughout the whole span of this story! I appreciate everyone's comments and reviews! I recommend everyone to listen to the song "Kyomu No Chuu De No Yuugi Dais" by Malice Mizer. That song has fueled me whole inspiration for this chapter, plus the incentive from the fans and my fiancée. I love you, angel!

THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER! THERE IS STILL AN EPILOGUE TO GO...unless I decide to end it without one.

WARNING: Semi rape scene ahead, hints of incest, and lots of reading. This is a long ass chapter!

¤-¤

Shortly before Cloud entered inside the domain of darkness, Ansem sat at his throne, watching everyone intently through a solid black orb in front of him. He had seen it all: Kaze bursting into his palace, Kairi escaping from Sephiroth, Kaze dismembering the ex-SOLDIER, and his disobedient daughter sending all of his prisoners to the outskirts of his castle.

But he didn't need a magical ball or the power of darkness to know that Kaze was heading towards his throne room intent on destroying him. With a wave of his hand, he sent the orb away and waiting patiently for Sephiroth or Kaze one to burst into his throne room.

Think quietly to himself, he had often wondered where Sephiroth ran off to every time he seemed to fail a mission. Grinning maliciously, Ansem made note that when he saw the silver-haired man again to promptly slit his throat and jump rope with his internal organs. At least he wouldn't have to worry about anymore failures on his behalf.

Picking up his glass of blood red wine, Ansem brought the goblet to his lips. The grin on his face couldn't of been misread by anyone. Setting the drink down, the leader of darkness rose from this throne just as the doors flew open and off the hinges, slamming into the wall on the other side of the room before shattering into a million pieces. Dust shielded the area from any visibility, but Ansem didn't need to see to know who it was.

"So...you finally decided to take my place, Kaze."

A great burst of air filled the room as the dust was sucked out through the door where Kaze stood, her hair starch white, eyes a hardened icy hue of blue. Her arms laid at her side as the rest of her body remained rigid and alert to her surroundings.

"I came to try and compromise with you one last time before I...kill you," She stepped into the room, the white sheen of hair flowing behind her.

Laughing at the sheer irony in that statement, Ansem stepped down from his throne, "You will never kill me, dear daughter. Even if I die, you will have to live with knowing a part of me still resides in your body; and, once I'm done with you, my whole essence will linger inside your walls. Like it did all of those years ago."

Kaze made no movement to his words as she stopped in front of him, staring into his eyes that were as yellow and bright as the sun; yet...they held no light. Just an empty void of what use to be a great man. Even as her father stepped closer to her, Kaze held her ground, standing firm and tall.

She would no longer allow him to run over her.

"As my daughter, you are destined for greatness. That greatness will lead you to infinite power. The power used to control the Heartless and the worlds of this pathetic universe! You will rule my kingdom of darkness, Kaze. You are mine and will always be mine! Together...you and I will control the entire universe and all of its power will"

"Oh...shut up!"

Ansem lowered his arms, surprised at the outburst. He knew it was a bad habit, but he had always used his arms to insinuate things when he was giving great speeches. Apparently...this speech wasn't so great.

"I want you to look at yourself, father! Look at what you've become! You were never like this when I was a child. What happened to the father who use to take me out on picnics or play with me in my room? You used to be so kind and caring. Everyone loved you back then. Hell, even Cloud! Momma always knew that there was good in you and the people at Hallow Bastion looked to you as their great leader! You had given so many people hope...saved so many lives...

"But now...you've become a monster controlled by your own lust for power and dominance of the worlds. You sold your heart for darkness and your soul for power. But the people who live in this universe...the worlds belong to them! You don't have the right to take away the freedom and homes of people who use to worship you, Ansem! So, no as far as I'm concerned, I am no longer your daughter!"

Kaze stepped up to him, jabbing her finger in his face, "You are not my father and I belong to no one!"

Caught between the crevice of delusion and reality
surge vague twine rip assault mind
through the shattered pieces of glass countless rays of light are reflected

Ansem's face turned cold and his eyes glowed for a spilt second. Kaze didn't even feel herself as she was sent flying backwards, but the sharp pain up her spine wasn't ignored as she hit the solid brick wall at a tremendous force. A strangled cry of pain left her throat as she hunched over. In no time, Ansem was standing in front her, pressing his rock solid body against his daughter's soft one.

"You will always belong to me, dear daughter," He cooed before grabbing onto one of her breasts, his other hand trailing down her body to cup her womanhood.

The white haired heiress growled at her father, trying to break free of his grasp. She moved her body foreword which only succeeded in him rubbing his hand up and down the crotch of her pants.

Ansem clicked his tongue, "You can't get away from me, dear Kaze."

Kaze felt Ansem bend down to kiss her neck gently. His lips going up to her jaw line only to press against her full, red lips harshly. Her fists tightened as she bit down on his tongue, the taste of copper filling her mouth. She only remembered getting angry before her body glowed and the ground shook beneath her as Ansem was sent sprawling backwards.

In my ruined and dissoluted mind
I ridicule nihility, I dissipate in solitary
Cold blood flows
My faded mind is flipping through

A bright light engulfed the room as Ansem shielded his eyes from the unexpected move. Gathering his composure, he stood and opened his eyes to see Kaze standing against the wall. He had never seen her so angry before. Her hair was no longer white; her eyes no longer ice blue. All he saw was the demon he had created nineteen years ago. Her black hair stood at spiked ends with eyes black as night. Her nails, her body, her face...was completely different. This wasn't the Kaze he knew...

This was the daughter of darkness...but he wasn't afraid.

"You think you can outsmart me!" Ansem yelled, his dark aura filling the other half of the room. "I created you! You are my property and you will OBEY ME!"

Kaze took one look at her father before rising off the ground, her eyes narrowing slightly, "We shall see who I truly belong to...FATHER!"

From yonder of darkness, pierced light awaken the past
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence
From yonder of time, the present tied to the past
With pieces of recollection
Reminiscence

And as Kaze flew at Ansem, unknown to them, another battle was raging outside.

"How many of these things are there!" Cloud shouted as he swung his buster sword, destroying a horde of Heartless in the process. Jumping into the air and over another group, Cloud ran up the stairs two or three at a time. He was on a time limit and knew that if he didn't reach his sister and stepfather in time then one or both of them would die.

He hadn't had much time to converse with Riku, Kairi, or Sora. After his scream of rampage, billions of Heartless had poured out of the castle, heading right towards the portal Kaze left open. In a split second decision, Cloud had sent the others back to Hallow Bastion while he stayed there to fight off the beings. But he was only one man and within five minutes of the fight most of the Heartless had escaped into the other world leaving Cloud only one choice...

To leave and find his family.

Truth be told, he really didn't want Ansem to die. Cloud hadn't known his real father and Ansem was the only person he had to look to when he was little. It was sad to know that his only real father was now an evil maniac who wanted to control the world and actually needed to die for things to be set right. But Kaze...she was different. He loved his sister (even if he didn't show it) and would do anything for her. He knew Kaze loved him too, buttruth be toldthe two siblings were so much alike that it was hard to express their feelings. She may be Ansem's biological daughter and the heiress of darkness, but he didn't care. Cloud still loved Kaze for herself.

Leaping up another flight of stairs, Cloud came to a skidding halt as a new breed of Heartless had him cornered from all sides. Cursing loudly, he gripped the end of his buster sword tightly, trying to decide what to do. Smirking, he leapt into the air, raising his weapon high as it glowed brightly.

"OMNISLASH!"

A thunderous boom was heard as every single Heartless was hit head on. The floor itself crumbled beneath the creatures as they plummeted down to their deaths. Cloud didn't seem to take into consideration that the ground would complete disappear, but being the expert he was, Cloud easily twisted his body in the air and, as he grabbed onto another railing, flung himself up and over and landed on solid ground once again.

Dusting himself off quickly, Cloud held onto his weapon tightly as he ran down the halls, searching for Kaze and Ansem while destroying several Heartless in the process.

"Form a protective circle around the children! Don't let the Heartless near them!"

Aerith's frantic cry was heard throughout the Dark Depths as more Heartless poured through the portal leading from Ansem's palace. She Ancient stood in front of a crying Kioko and an unconscious Laiktu as she destroyed as many Heartless as she could. If she wasn't so lady like, a stream of curse words would have already left her mouth by now.

Kairi and Sora were on the left side of Aerith, their Keyblades glowing as they used as much magic as possibly to defend themselves and their child from the Heartless. If they didn't have to stay in one place, they two Keybladers would have already leapt into action across the field, but, as the Heartless kept pouring from the portal, they knew that in order to protect Kioko that they would have to stay put.

Leon cursed loudly as a Heartless grabbed a hold of his leg tightly. He kicked it off and used his Gunblade to slash across the field, getting rid of as many of the creatures as possible. Growling, the reared back into a defensive position, his Gunblade held high as it grew in length, becoming a shiny bright blue as it sparkled slightly.

"Fated Circle!" He leapt into the air, his Gunblade at his side as he performed a complete 180° turn in the air as his gunblade shot out a beam that raked across the field, destroying all of the Heartless in the area. As he landed, a quick glance at the portal showed that even more Heartless than before were coming out.

"Dammit!" Leon growled and readied his weapon again. "We can't take much more of their relentless attacks!"

Riku stood over his son, his Keyblade held firmly in his right hand, "We have to! There's no other choice, Leon. Unless the portal is sealed then they will keep coming. Be thankful that we're only fighting the shadow Heartless!"

As soon as those words left his mouth, out of the portal stepped out a Behemoth Heartless. Everyone stared in awe as the creature stood in front of them, letting out an immense battle roar.

"Well...mother fuck..." Riku swore under his breath, gripping the Oblivion tighter. As he glanced down at Laiktu, the silver-haired angel remembered his promise to Kaze. He would protect Laiktu with his life, and if he had to give up his life to do so, then so be it.

As Riku prepared to go in for an attack, Aerith's words stopped him.

"Great Gospel!" Her elegant voice rang through the area as she twirled her staff in front of her before stopping. A soft glow surrounded everyone's bodies as their injuries and magic were healed and upon further inspection, they all noticed they were semi invisible.

"What in the world?" Kairi asked as she held up here hand.

Yuffie jumped in front of the group, her shuriken gripped firmly in her hand, "Great Gospel is Aerith's ultimate move. We're temporarily invisible for right now! Let's hurry and attack before it wears off!"

The ninja girl jumped up in the arm, arm held high, "Doom of the Living!"

Everyone watched as Yuffie ran across the field at lightning speed, delivering deadly blows to all of the Heartless and to Behemoth. The large monster let out a defiant roar, signaling that it wasn't phased by the attack.

"Let me try now!" Sora grinned and ran foreword, striking the Behemoth with several attacks before he shouted loudly. "Strike Raid!" Jumping back from the enemy, Sora hurled the Keyblade at the Behemoth as it shot right through his abdomen.

Kairi went next as she followed up from Sora's strike raid to start multiple attacks on the Behemoth. She jumped up and onto his back, attacking the creatures head at a rapid attack pace. Taking a step back, she swung her Keyblade from side to side and up and down before she let lose her attack, "Elemental Rain!"

From out of nowhere, the top of the Dark Depths opened up as a series of meteor like objects come flying out of the sky, each of them on fire. Lightning and rain poured down on the field as the wind blew harshly. The Behemoth let out a cry of pain as it was hit with several elemental attacks as well as they shadow Heartless on the field.

"Nice one, Kairi!" Sora shouted as he gave her thumbs up.

Riku watched as Leon and Aerith went in for a quick attack before the gigantic creature fell and disappeared into the dust just as the invincible spell wore off. Take a quick check of the perimeter, the Keyblade master felt a sudden clench at his heart. What was this foreboding feeling? Clenching his eyes shut for a brief second he focused all of his thoughts on Kaze.

Please Kaze...make it out alive!

All eyes turned to the portal as a high pitched hiss sounded in the area. Even as more Heartless poured out of the inky gateway, everyone could tell the portal was shrinking and that could only mean one of two things: Ansem was dead and his world was collapsing or...Kaze was dead.

As everyone readied themselves for another fight, they all prayed that it was the first option and not the latter.

From yonder of darkness, the broken pieces of recollection
Reminiscence
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence

Ansem laughed cruelly as he sent Kaze into another wall, her loud cry of pain echoing through his throne room as her body fell to the ground. Blood poured in between her eyes as a rock hit the top of her head, cracking it slightly. Her arm was cut in several places, clothes torn to shreds.

"You know I don't like hurting you, Kaze," Ansem said sweetly as he walked towards her, "but as long as you continue to defy me, I will continue to punish you."

He knelt in front of his daughter, lifting her chin up to see her eyes were closed. He smirked and ran his hand over the top of her head gently, "You've been a very bad girl, little Kaze."

About the time Ansem pressed his lips to hers, a knee flew up and made a hard, solid contact with his groin. He groaned in agony as Kaze raised her fist, punching him in the nose harshly, sending him flying back into his throne which toppled backwards from the force.

Standing up weakly, Kaze wiped her mouth, spitting out some blood. Popping her right wrist, she gripped onto her staff as it flew out from the gauntlet on her arm. It extended with a quick squeeze from Kaze's hand as she pointed it right where her father was.

"ULTIMA!" Her whole body glowed black as the magic went through her staff, shooting out at the throne, a loud explosion following.

From yonder of darkness, the broken pieces of recollection
Reminiscence
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence

Before the dust even cleared, Kaze flew over to the spot, "You will no longer control me, father! I will not allow you to run over me anymore!"

As she flew down, her staff raised high in the air, a black bubble formed around Ansem. Kaze's eyes widened as she didn't have the time to counterattack before she was sent flying back in the air. Following after her quickly, the dark master jumped up and above Kaze, delivering a series of punches to his daughter's body. They both plummeted towards the ground and landed within a matter of seconds. Kaze's body gave a definite crack as she cried out in pain, Ansem hovering above her.

"This is where I should be. I'm on my way up and you're on your way down."

Kaze clenched her eyes shut tightly, a choked sob leaving her throat. She had not the power nor the strength to push Ansem off her body. Memories from all those years ago flashed in her mind from when Ansem has first taken her.

"N-no! Please! STOP!"

"You were so confident before, Kaze. What happened to your spunk?"

"Tonight...you will rule beside me, Kaze. As I enter inside of you, my power will be transferred over and you will rule by my side!"

"Over my dead body!"

"Who!" Ansem's sentence was cut short as he was kicked harshly in the side, flying across the room from the force of the attack.

Cloud jumped and landed in front of his broken and battered half sister. He took off his cloak, wrapped her in it tightly, and supported her head under his arm.

"Kaze? Kaze, can you hear me?" He shook her body softly, but got nothing but cries of pain and sorrow. "Answer me, Kaze!"

"She can't hear you, son," A haunting laughed followed the statement as Ansem picked himself up out of the rubble. "Her mind is in a state of shock. It's best you leave her there because, as soon as I'm finished you with, I'll resume transferring my power to her!"

Cloud growled and stood in front of his sister protectively, "You'll have to get past me first, Ansem! I'm not the boy you raised from all those years ago!"

"You think you've got the skill to beat me?" He laughed. "Foolish boy! I'll make you eat those words."

Why am I here nowhere?
Just stare at the end of the everlasting infinity
Enormous wandering shadows are crumbing
Time passes as your heart mingles with the flowing waters

Reaching behind him, Cloud grabbed his buster sword, holding it in front of him, "A perfect place for a grave, wouldn't you say so?"

Ansem smirked as he floated in the air, "Now all we need is a dead body."

"Don't worry," The blonde ran at full speed towards Ansem, swinging his sword with such force that it could slice through a building, "I'll be sure to give you a good funeral!"

And as Cloud swung his sword, never in his wildest dreams had he imagine Ansem catching the blade in his hand and laughing as he broke the blade in half before kicking Cloud in the side of he head, sending the blonde into realm of pain as he hit the wall full force.

Kaze watched through lifeless eyes as Cloud was sent across the room, his head hitting the wall, blood starting to pour from the wound he had just received. She wanted to move but her body wouldn't listen. As she lay there, lost in her own sorrow and grief, the white haired woman continued to watch the battle and the beating her brother was receiving.

"Kaze..."

Okay, now she was hearing voices. It was told that the closer you get to death, the more insane you become, but as Kaze laid there, bloody and her spirits broken, a light pierced through the roof, causing both Cloud and Ansem to stop their fight.

"Kaze...?"

And out of the beam of light stepped a woman in her middle/late thirties. Hair golden as the sun and eyes a bright blue. Her skin was fair and creamy, her figure very lithe and fragile. Hands were folded in front of her body as she walked towards Kaze in light steps.

Ansem dropped Cloud onto the ground, his eyes wide with shock, "It-It can't be..."

Cloud rubbed his eyes, supporting himself on his palms as he stared in awe, "Oh by the heavens...is it really her...?"

As the woman knelt down beside the body of the heiress and caressed her cheek before placing a light kiss on it, Kaze was only able to utter one word.

"Momma?"

From yonder of darkness, the broken pieces of recollection
Reminiscence
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence

The woman smiled brightly and ran a hand over her daughter's body, healing her of all the damage that had been inflicted on her body.

"My dearest Kaze...I'm so proud of the lady you have become. You've fought against your father with great valor and admiration. Please...close your eyes and rest. It will all be over soon."

Kaze's closed her lifeless eyes, lying on the ground, completely unmoving. The ghost of her mother stood up, walking over to Cloud, placing a kiss on the top of his head.

"My wonderful son...you have fought bravely and I am proud of you. Put the differences between you and your sister aside. It was not she that killed me...but I killed myself...I believed in Ansem as he betrayed my love. I'm sorry, son. Remember that I love you and will always live on in your memory."

Cloud leaned into his mother's embrace, smiling softly, hugging her tightly, "I will mom...I will."

Ansem watched with wide eyes as his late wife walked towards him slowly, stopping not even a foot away. He blinked, trying to remember that last time he had seen her alive. His heart thumped wildly in his chest as her piercing gaze bore into him.

"A-Anna Marie...I..."

Anna Marie shook her head, sighing, "There is no excuse for what you have done, Ansem. As a result for your experiments and lust for power, you took away our daughter's innocence and have destroyed too many lives in the process. What you have done is unforgivable."

Ansem stuttered for his next words, trying to think of what to say, "I-I never intended for it to go this far, darling! Please believe me I"

"Shut up!" She raised her hand, slapping him across the face harshly, "You could have stopped it from getting these far years ago! And as I told you the day you raised your sword and took out my heart...I will never let you see the day that you would rule the worlds."

Kaze and Cloud's eyes shot wide open at the revelation of their past.

"I watched from the Heavens as you tainted and soiled our daughter with evil! I watched as she fell hopelessly in love with Riku and bore a beautiful baby boy. I watched Cloud grow into a man of high stature and fall in love with the Ancient, Aerith. Ever since the day I was murdered, I have watched as you tore our family apart, but no more! I will no longer sit and idly watch you destroy the lives of MY children!"

"Anna Marie! Please, reconsider!" The thumping in Ansem's chest had gotten louder by this time. All he had worked for was about to be destroyed by the ghost of his late wife! No! He would not allow it!

"As a punishment, I will destroy your kingdom and the monsters that you have created! Sora had gotten rid of you once and now, as you stand here, the light shall prevail and destroy you once and for all!"

All was silent before a bright, piercing light filled the room. Ansem cried out in agony as he shielded his face. Anna Marie folded her hands in front of her body, as if in prayer, chanting softly to herself before she lifted her arms up, opening the widely. Several rings of light shot out from her body, sending massive tremors throughout the land of darkness.

From yonder of darkness, pierced light awaken the past
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence
From yonder of time, the present tied to the past
With pieces of recollection
Reminiscence

Kaze lay on the floor, Cloud's cape wrapped around her body. The roof above them started to crumble massive and she stood, trying to keep herself steady. On the other side of a room, Cloud watched in amazement as the body of his stepfather was buried under the rubble of the crumbling roof, but as he watched, no one noticed the ceiling above Cloud start to crack and break, a gigantic piece of black rubble falling down onto him quickly.

"Cloud!" Kaze shouted as she clenched her fists and used all the power she could muster to reach her brother. Black feathering wings shot out from her spin as the cape wrapped around her molded onto her body, becoming a second skin. Transforming as quickly as possible, Kaze beat her massive wings as fast as possible.

"Brother! Watch out!"

Cloud glanced up and his eyes dilated. He tried to move but only fell onto the ground as his ankle was caught between two pieces of stone. Clenching his eyes shut tightly as he tried to pry his leg from between the rocks, the ex-SOLDIER silently declared his love for Aerith as the rubble fell faster.

And the last thing he saw was a black streak fly in front of him at lightening speed, covering his body with its own.

Back in the Dark Depths, the group was still fending themselves from the hordes of Heartless, Shadow and Behemoth alike, before everything just stopped. The Heartless completely ceased their attacks and slowly melted into the ground. Sora stopped himself in mid swing, raising one brown eyebrow.

Leon's eyes darted around the room, his gunblade still held in a defensive position, "What the hell just happened?"

Yuffie smirked, "I guess the Heartless knew that they wouldn't stand a chance against the greatest ninja ever!"

"No," Aerith lowered her staff, "that wasn't it. It was something...out of this world..."

Kairi put away the Keyblade as she stared into the portal before pointing and jumping ecstatically, "L-look!"

Everyone watched as a ghostly figured appeared through the portal and floated over to a still unconscious Laiktu. It bent down, placing a quick kiss on his forehead.

"I'll be watching over you...my grandbaby."

The figure stood up straight, taking a quick glance at Riku before going over to kiss his cheek lightly.

"Take care of my daughter."

Riku was speechless and dumbfound at the moment. He quickly inspected the woman before him and tried to think of where he knew that face from! His aquamarine eyes bore into her icy blue ones before it hit him with full force. He grinned, not saying a word, and just nodded to her words.

The woman smiled softly and padded over to Aerith, hugging her tightly, "Take care of Cloud. He needs you."

Aerith smiled, hugging back, "Yes ma'am. I will."

The woman pulled back from the Ancient and smiled at everyone else. As her body disappeared, a bright light exploded in the room as shimmering sparkles rained down on the party, healing them of all their wounds.

Sora rubbed his eyes, blinking rapidly, "Now that was something out of this world!"

Yuffie ran over to Aerith, pulling on her arm, "Who in the heck was that woman!"

Aerith and Riku looked at one another, both smiling brightly. The Ancient pried away from the ninja's grip and put a hand on her shoulder, "Calm down, Yuffie. No reason to get all excited."

Riku bent down and picked up his son, holding him in his arms softly as he glanced at the others, "That...was Kaze and Cloud's mother..."

All eyes in the room widened and stared at the spot the figure was last seen at. Yuffie blinked and paled slightly before her eyes rolled in the back of her head. Leon thankfully caught her in time before she hit the floor.

Kairi gasped, "Is she okay?"

Leon let out an annoyed groan, picking Yuffie up bridal style, "She's apparently afraid of ghosts."

And as everyone laughed and rejoiced, the group seemed to brush away that the portal to the dark realm was closing...with Kaze and Cloud still inside.

Small pieces of rubble continued to fall down inside Ansem's throne room. Dust clouded the air and prevented anything from being remotely visible. There was no noise...no movement came from inside of the room. All was silent except for one small pebble. As it descended down upon a pile of rubble and planted itself there, a slight movement could be seen. From the cracks of the rocks, light shown through as a roar was heard.

Kaze flexed her giant wings from underneath the pile of rocks as she unburied herself and Cloud. She coughed up dust from her lungs and took in deep breaths of air to give her body life once again. Reaching a hand down into the rocky grave, Kaze grabbed onto Cloud's hand, pulling him up harshly.

"You okay?" She asked, dusting herself off nonchalantly.

Nodding, the blonde coughed, covering his mouth in the process. The only injury he suffered was a small cut above his left eye.

"Yeah...th-thanks for saving me, Kaze."

The younger of the two only shrugged, "What's family for?" She grinned and patted his shoulder.

Cloud dusted off his chest and pants, "Speaking of which...where's Ansem?"

At about that time, massive amounts of rocks and rubble shot out from one place. Kaze growled and turned her back, flexing her wings to shield herself and Cloud from the oncoming assault of sediment. Turning around, she glared harshly at the person she hated, but loved, the most.

"Why can't you stay dead!" Cloud yelled angrily.

He didn't answer the question or statement rather. The demon of darkness just stood there and stared at his two children. The attack from his late wife had zapped him of all his power, bloodied and bruised his body, and shot down all of his dreams. He was an inch away from dying, but wouldn't die just yet. The thought of dying before telling Cloud and Kaze his secret tore away at his soul. Slowly, he walked towards them.

Kaze wrapped one of her wings around Cloud protectively, extending out her hand as a reddish ball of energy formed at her palm.

"Take another step and I'll kill you...for good," She whispered harshly.

"My children..." Ansem reached out a hand to them weakly, his body shaking and swaying lightly. "If you want to k-kill me...then go ahead. I will not stop you..."

Cloud grinned at his statement, "You don't have to tell us twice! Kaze, blast him!"

Instead Kaze did right the opposite. Cloud was shocked to see his half sister lower her hand. Ooh, he wanted to slap her right now for being so stupid. As he opened his mouth to protest, Kaze stopped him.

"Wait..." Icy blue hues met the sun orange eyes of her father. She stared at him intently, searching his soul through her eyes. "Let's hear what he has to say."

"You've lost your fucking mind," Cloud whispered harshly, gripping onto her shoulders. "Think of all the crimes he's committed! The lives he's killed! He killed mother!"

Kaze put a hand over his mouth, "Think of what momma would want us to do. She wouldn't be so heartless to kill him where he stands. He knows he's going to die...I think we should hear what he as to say."

Ansem smiled weakly, "You were always...the easier one to reason with Kaze..." He kept walking towards them slowly, opening his arms to them.

"I said we would hear you out, fucker, not pretend your deeds have been undone."

"Very well then," Ansem steadied himself on his legs, his body hunched over. "When I married Anna Marie...I was the happiest man alive. That year I had been given the task of leadership over Hallow Bastion and I was blessed with a wonderful wife and son. Anna Marie soon shed light that she was pregnant and nine months later...she gave me a beautiful baby girl."

Cloud snickered lightly and said under his breath, "More like hellion." He gasped for air when Kaze elbowed him and glared harshly.

Getting past the fight, Ansem continued, his strength leaving him at a rapid pace, "As the years went on, I was a happy man. I had a beautiful wife, wonderful family, and was respected by the people of Hallow Bastion. Life was great...until I received a letter from an anonymous person. They said if I didn't start the secret research on the darkness of people's hearts then my family would be killed. As instructed, I went below the city and found the Heartless...and I was enticed to say the least.

"But I shouldn't have agreed. They men that came to me said that as long as I experimented with the creatures that nothing would happen; however, the more I kept researching the Heartless, the more I wanted to know. I wanted power...I wanted to rule over all the worlds! I was soon destroying innocent lives and feeding their hearts to darkness for fuel my own greedy needs. My employers soon found out my real intention and set out to kill Anna Marie and you two, but I wouldn't let them. I sacrificed my heart in order to save my family...

"I then had no control over myself. I realized that in order to fully reign over the worlds that I needed a pure heart...a heart untouched by any evil. Even as I brought the sword down onto Anna Marie's body II cried and knew that things would never be the same. I took Kaze away from Hallow Bastion and sealed her away in Kingdom Hearts where I slowly filled her heart with darkness and my seed of evil. Throughout the torture of your body, Kaze, you never realized that I was slowly inserting your mother's kindness and light into your heart to cancel out the effects of darkness caused by my essence.

Ansem smiled at the two weakly, "I never meant to hurt either of you, my children. I can only hope that...with my death...that the light from your hearts will show that...I...lo-love you both...and al-always will..."

And as Ansem's strength and life force left his body, Kaze ran from her spot, catching her father before he hit the ground. Cloud was a step behind her, a distraught look on his face.

"Father!" Cloud cried frantically.

Kaze rolled him over, cradling his head in her lap. She stared down into the solemn, serene face of her father and realized that he was smiling. Bending down, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, weeping silently.

"Goodnight sweet father...and may flights of angels take thee to thy rest..."

Cloud and Kaze both shed silent tears for their father, heads bowed low in respect for the great man he use to be. Their conscious could rest easy now knowing that he was in a better place and with their mother, finally happy. The revelation of why he truly turned over to the darkness shed a new light on the two siblings and uncovered a love for the man they thought had been buried for years.

As Ansem's body started to disappear, Kaze felt herself glowing slightly, a warm sensation washing through her. Lifting up her hand, she clenched her fists, feeling more powerful than ever before. She smiled sadly and stood, her band covering her eyes. She was now the Queen of Darkness...or was it light? It didn't matter anymore. Ansem was dead and she and Cloud could finally rest knowing the threat to the worlds was over.

The mourning of Ansem's death wasn't able to last long for as the last of his body disappeared, the ground beneath Cloud and Kaze started to shake violently, causing them to both lose their balance. Kaze steadied herself against the wall while Cloud held onto his sister tightly.

"Shit!" Kaze yelled, jumping back from being hit by a boulder. "The castle's collapsing! With father gone, there's no way to control the dimension!"

"We have to get out of here!" Cloud shouted, taking Kaze's hand, running for the exit. "Let's go!"

They ran out of the room and down the hall at lightening speed. With the ground giving tremendous shakes, the two siblings barely made it down the stairs only to stop, finding that their only way to get out was to jump down five stories.

"Fuck!" Cloud cursed as he looked down. "We have to jump, Kaze. It's our only way!"

"No, it's not!" Kaze shook her head as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Her wings expanded from her body, one black and the other white, as she beat them with tremendous force. Mustering all the power she could, Kaze lifted both herself and Cloud off the ground, flying straight up.

Cloud panicked, "What the hell are you doing? The exit is down not up!"

Extending her hand, Kaze blasted a hole in the roof, flying straight through with it great speed while dodging rubble at the same time, "We never would have made it out in time!"

As they shot into the sky, the castle gave a loud rumbled. The cracking and breaking of bricks and sediment could be heard as Cloud and Kaze both watched from the sky as their father's last resting place slowly broke into pieces, crumbling to the ground.

Slimy hole bind detain insane sensual
surge vague twine assault mind
Crumbing forms are closing in towards me
I wish everything would collapse and scatter away

The two stayed in the air, floating as the last of the castle fell to the ground and turned into dust. Cloud sighed loudly, "It's sad to know that he gave up his heart for us...I always thought that it was for power and dominance."

Kaze's face held no emotion as she spoke, "It was for that...about half anyway."

Closing his glowing blue eyes, Cloud sighed again and opened them only to spot that their way home was closing and fast.

"The portal's closing, Kaze!"

"God dammit!" The dark one cursed and beat her wings faster than she ever had before, doing a straight nose dive for the ground. They were so close; yet so far! And as they portal kept closing, Kaze's wings kept beating faster as she held onto her brother tightly.

They both prayed that they would make it.

"What's taking them so long!" Kairi yelled frantically as she paced in front of the portal to Ansem's realm inside the Dark Depths.

Leon looked up from the spot he was leaning against, an unconscious Yuffie still in his arms, "They should be here shortly. Stop pacing. It's annoying."

Riku frowned, staring at the quickly dissipating portal. Laiktu had woken up moments after Kaze's mother had arrived and was standing as his side, rigid and worried for his mom.

"Do you think she'll make it, pop?" Laiktu asked, staring at the darkness in front of him.

Patting the boy's head, Riku nodded, "I know she will and Cloud too. They'll be back shortly."

Aerith twiddled her thumbs nervously, "The portal's getting smaller! I'm going in after them!"

Sora shook his head, his daughter in his arms, "That's stupid, Aerith! You could be lost in there and what would Cloud do then?"

Aerith frowned and looked into the portal once more. She had to blink twice when she saw two figures in the far off distance flying straight for the portal.

"Here they come!"

It happened so fast that no one had time to react. Out of the portal flew out Kaze who was holding onto a paler than normal Cloud Strife. Kaze's feet touched the floor and she let Cloud go. Everyone smiled, running towards them before the white haired woman stopped them.

"Get out now! This place will collapse with father's realm!" Kaze raised her hand and opened another portal that lead straight into the control room of Hallow Bastion.

"I said MOVE OUT!" She yelled more violently.

Kairi nodded her head frantically, running for the exit with Sora and Kioko right behind her. Leon held tightly only Yuffie as he grabbed Aerith's hand, running as fast as he could. Riku ran up to Kaze with Laiktu right beside him.

"Glad to see you made it out alive, Kaze," He smirked.

Kaze rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Shut up and get out! If I have to tell you again I'll throw you like a Frisbee!"

Laiktu cleared his throat, "Better listen to her, pop. She tends to get pissy when she's ignored."

Riku held back his laughter and Kaze glared down at his son, "And you tend to get grounded and beat when you smart mouth me. Now go! We don't have much time bef"

"No one's going anywhere, Kaze, well...I'll let them go, but you're staying with me!"

Cloud growled as he stood in front of the portal, "Sephiroth!"

Everyone stopped and looked around as the Dark Depth's began to disappear at a rapid pace. Kaze growled, powering up and stood in front of her family and friends just as Sephiroth charged at her, his sword raised high. The man gave an enraged battle cry as Kaze brought out her staff, blocking his attack

"Everyone, leave! I'll be out shortly!" She looked back at them and flashed a smile, "Trust me."

Kairi raised her hand to speak but was cut off as Cloud picked her up and hurled her out of the Dark Depths. Sora glared daggers at Cloud before he jumped into the portal. One by one, Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, Riku, and Laiktu had gotten through the portal safely. The only ones left were Cloud and Kaze.

"Go Cloud!" Kaze shouted as she delivered another attack from Sephiroth. She wouldn't use her full power to blow him away unless her brother was out of harm's way.

The blonde shook his head, "Not a chance! I'm not leaving without you!"

Sephiroth laughed as he dodged a kick from Kaze. He zig zagged from left to right as he completely disappeared from the woman's sight. She was too distracted by fighting with Cloud to know what was coming.

"God dammit, Cloud!" Kaze's fury was starting to get the best of her. She looked from side to side, ready for an attack from any side of her body.

Cloud ran over and grabbed onto her wrist, pulling her towards the exit, "Let's go while he's gone! As much as I would like to see Sephiroth die, this place is gonna go and we'll be stuck in it!"

The white haired woman yanked her arm back, glaring at him, forgetting completely about Sephiroth, "I'll follow you shortly! Just go while you chauuugh!"

Cloud watching in horror as Sephiroth's sword drove through Kaze's abdomen, blood dripping from the sheer blade and the wound. His eyes widened in shock as she sword was pulled from her body, Sephiroth laughing insanely as Kaze dropped to her knees.

"SISTER!" The blonde tried to reach for her but was stopped by his arch enemy's sword pointing right under his chin. He glared harshly at Sephiroth. "You'll pay for that!"

He only laughed cruelly, twisting the blade, "Not today, Strife! Today is your day to die!"

Cloud growled and stood her ground as the Dark Depth's kept disappearing at a more rapid pace now. If he had to die, he'd die with honor and valor. It was against his code to run away from a fight. Sephiroth only smirked as he drew his blade back but, instead of driving it forward, he stopped all movement as he let out a strangled cough, blood coming from his mouth.

"What...?"

Both looked down to see Kaze with her hand shot straight up into Sephiroth's chest. She smirked weakly, "A heart...I'm surprised at you Sephiroth. A man asas dark as you actually has a heart...and it beats nonetheless!"

"Why you...little bitch!" Sephiroth's eyes dilated as he flipped his sword in his hand and stabbing it through Kaze's back, right into her heart.

Kaze let out a cry of pain as she looked up at Cloud, her hand still in Sephiroth's chest. No words were exchanged between them two siblings as it was written out on their faces.

"You're going to be fine, Kaze. Just hold on!"

"Tell my familyI love them," She yanked her hand down harshly, pulling out Sephiroth's heart, her eyes glowing a solid white, "I said to LEAVE!"

Cloud had nothing to brace himself with has a gust of wind pushed him back and closer to the portal. He tried to fight against the rushing gales with all the strength in his body. The last thing he saw was Kaze smiling at him sweetly before both she and Sephiroth fell to the ground.

"KAZE!"

From yonder of darkness, the broken pieces of recollection
Reminiscence
Eternity of time is ticking away endlessly
Reminiscence

"Here they come!" Kairi shouted, pointing towards the portal, excitement etched into her voice.

Everyone had waited rather impatiently for the two half siblings to arrive from the Dark Depths. The controls had been going haywire at the instability of the realm and everyone feared the worse when Kaze and Cloud hadn't stepped out immediately. Even if Sephiroth was powerful and formidable enemy, the two could have disposed of him easily.

Laiktu started a run up to the portal to greet his mother with a tight bear hug and a kiss but stopped short when he saw only one person come through the portal...and it wasn't his mother. His ocean blue eyes went from the body of his uncle to the swirling portal of the Dark Depths as it slowly sealed itself up tightly, never to be entered into again.

The seven year old child ran up to Cloud, pulling on his shirt frankly, "Where's my mom? Where is she!"

Cloud didn't answer as he sat on the ground, staring at the Dark Depths with soulless eyes. Laiktu growled and punched him in the face, trying to get an answer. Gasps of shock were heard through the room. Cloud was, however, unmoved by the child's move.

"Where's my mother you sorry son of a bitch! WHERE IS SHE!"

Riku ran towards his son, picking him up, "Laiktu! Calm down!"

Aerith knelt down beside Cloud, putting a hand on his cheek, "Honey? Cloud, where's Kaze?"

Cloud's eyes slowly turned to Kaze, tears starting to form slowly, "She's...dead..."

All movements in the room stopped as all eyes were focused on the blonde. Kairi's eyes widened in shock, a hand flying to her mouth.

"What did you say?"

Cloud glared at Kairi, his tears pooling over, "Don't make me repeat it, dammit! She's dead! DEAD! She got rid of Sephiroth but...he...he killed her...and she didn't make any move to leave as the place was disappearing."

Sora closed his eyes, clenching his fists tightly as he looked down at the ground. Leon and Yuffie both bowed their heads in respect to the fallen warrioress, sending a silent prayer to her soul. Kioko held onto her mother's leg and cried silently into the fabric of her pants.

Riku's whole body went numb as she let go of Laiktu, his son landing on his feet. He couldn't believe it. He wouldn't! Kaze couldn't be dead! She swore to him that she would come back alive.

Cloud stood slowly and wiped his tears, looking at Riku emotionlessly, "She loved you and Laiktu both. Very much."

Laiktu lay on the floor and curled up into a ball, burying his face into his knees and cried loudly. He spoke in a slur, his words incoherent as he rocked slowly onto the ground. Sora walked up to Riku and placed a hand on the older man's shoulder.

"Riku...I-"

"Shut up Sora," Riku shrugged his shoulder away from the other man.

"But..."

"I said to shut up! Now back the fuck off me!" He shoved past Sora and walked up towards the Dark Depths, staring intently at the solid wall between him and Kaze.

Why...why did you do it? Why Kaze! You...Riku slammed his fist into the wall, dragging his nails down it so hard that his fingernails started to pop off from the sheer force, trails of red following down the wall as he dropped to his knees.

"You selfish bitch!" He kept pounding the wall harshly, ignoring the stares from his comrades behind him. He needed his release...he wanted his Kaze back. She wasn't supposed to leave him like this.

Giving one last punch, Riku heard the crack of the wall...or was it his bones? He didn't care. Slammed his palms down onto the ground, his hands bloody, tears pouring from his aquamarine eyes.

"I love you..." He whispered harshly before throwing his head back and called out for her with such a forceful yell that all of Hallow Bastion heard him and felt his pain.

From yonder of darkness, pierced light,
Reminiscence
Recollection, Reminiscence
Reminiscence...

¤-¤

AN: Wow...that has to be the longest chapter yet! Sorry it sound so rushed guys but I tried to put as much and write as much as I could without it sounding like I zipped through it. Now, if you find ANY typos, I'm sorry. I lost Microsoft Word and I haven't been able to get it back.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It's been so much fun writing this story. I want to thank everyone that has reviewed and stuck by me until this..."masterpiece" was completely. But sadly, all stories have to come to an end and this one is on it's last standing legs. Don't worry, there's still an epilogue to go. I can't promise it will be done by Christmas, but it WILL be finished and posted by New Years!

And again, thank you to all of the wonderful people who reviewed this story. Reading the reviews you left me always warmed and touched my heart. A special thanks to my fiancée. Without you, angel, I would have never started this chapter. I love you.

Keep an eye out for the epilogue!

Winter Peacecraft-Yuy

PS-I'm editing this chapter and posting the non-edited version on and I'm going to make a new LJ account and post it there. I'll put up the link as soon as I do that!