Note to Disclaimers: I do not and never will own Kingdom Hearts or anyone else except Cyra so please don't sue me. This is for entertainment only, not profits.

Author's Note: Right. So this is ANOTHER long chapter! SORRY! . Please, just bear with me faithful readers and reviewers! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and hasn't reviewed! I have nothing more to say here, so enjoy the reading!

Thoughts of Zephyr

Yuffie released a sigh of displeasure. Cloud and Aerith had been gone for over two hours, which left Yuffie, by herself in the kitchen to deal with lunch. Yuffie didn't mind making lunch, usually, but today she wasn't interested in helping others. Today she felt like relaxing on her bed, relaxing in a bath, or something else! She was anything but willing to make lunch. Yet, she knew if she didn't, no one would. As she came to this conclusion, Yuffie decided that she'd prepare a quick plate of sandwiches, then, she would leave them in the fridge for everyone to eat. While she did this, she gazed out the window of the half-burned down kitchen. The heartless had done heavy damage to their homeland; almost everyone was dead. No one had been given a chance to actually work on improving things, Yuffie believed anyway. She leaned lethargically on her elbow as she continued to await something amusing to come to her, but nothing did. Ten minutes later, Yuffie figured no one was coming to eat, for she had been staring out the window for quite some time. Against her own wishes, she started away from the kitchen and made her way up the steps to the lift stops. She never did care for the fact that electrical platforms helped transport people, but it was easy enough for her to work with. She released one of the crystal-like mechanisms and was instantly moved to a higher lift stop where the High Towers met. She was headed to the Grand Hall. Yuffie had gone no farther than the first High Tower when she spotted someone standing almost statue-like by the edge of the platform leading to the great crest. She ran closer to get a better glimpse of the person, but was surprised by who it was. "Squall, what are you doing here?"

"It's Leon." He replied stoically to as he continued to stare at the misty sky and electrical lines running about. "Is there something I can do for you?"

At that moment Yuffie seemed to forget her ongoing argument with Leon as she walked to stand next to him, eyes looking out beyond what she could see, beyond the sky of purple and blue, beyond the clouds of misty rose blossom pink. Yuffie tangled her fingers together as she walked closer to the edge. "You missed this place didn't you Squall?" She asked as she peered over the edge of the lift stop. Before Leon could answer, Yuffie kept speaking. "You don't have to say you did. I can see it, you know, in your eyes whenever you're training, fighting, or just standing there, by yourself. You can deny it, but I know you're human Squall. We all are and you're no exception."

Leon didn't speak at first. Instead he stood there, unmoving as Yuffie resumed her position at his side, head now leaning on his arm as they both took in the beautiful view of their homeland, though it had been mangled in many ways. He wanted to answer her, to let her know she had comforted his lonely soul, but he said nothing as she removed herself and began walking away. Just as she had turned the corner, Leon spoke, very softly and without the usual sarcasm he held for her. "Yuffie, thank you."

"You're welcome." She smiled kindly before leaving him alone to his thoughts.

@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@

"Cloud, there is…we need to talk." Aerith announced hesitantly, hand fastened tightly to the wood top counter. She allowed her emerald eyes to roam the ceramic floor of the quaint house. Everything in the kitchen was in disarray; shards of broken plates, splintered wood and bent metal lay askew upon the floor without a second thought. More than a third of the window was missing as well as the bathroom and the living room. Only the dining room and half the kitchen still lay intact. Aerith paused, briefly, before walking, incredibly slow, to where Cloud sat on the chair, Buster sword hanging over his knee, hand clutching this other. His claw hand rested upon the sword handle as golden fingers tapping the metal surface in agitation as she stopped by the mantle. "He…has returned."

"I've known," Cloud replied bluntly. "No need to share, Aerith."

"You…knew, all along?" Aerith clasped her hands together until the color had drained to leave them completely white. "I…meant to tell you, Cloud, but…I didn't want…I couldn't…hurt you again."

"It's worse this way, mind you." Cloud spoke venomously as he dropped the Buster sword to the ground below, the bandages beginning to peel away as he stepped on its solid metal. "If that is how you wish it, I will accept it. Take this…I have given up."

"Wait!" Aerith shouted after his disappearing form, her hand outstretched as if to stop him; but she didn't step forward. "I just…can't we…discuss this, Cloud?"

"We can when you're ready to stop hiding things from me." Cloud answered through gritted teeth. "I'll see you later."

Aerith clutched her shirt where her heart laid, fingers curling around the buttons on her fluttery pink dress. She felt her eyes begin to tear, moisture building up within them as she began to walk in the opposite direction of Cloud. She gave one last solemn look his way as she watched him disappear completely within the shadows of the lift stop that lead to the High Towers. Aerith sighed before heading out of the kitchen, arms hanging limply at her sides as she hesitated in front of the staircase to the library doors. Her glance wandered until it came to rest upon a circle in the middle of the room, electricity glowing around it. Curiosity won the best of her and Aerith journeyed to it, her hands outstretched in wonderment of the brightly shining orb. Within it, she noticed a person sitting cross-legged in the very center, hands raised to the sky outside the sphere, silver hair swirling around the figure. Her breath caught in her throat as the electrical bolts vanished from sight around the bubble, the figure standing ever so slowly from its sitting position. She knew that hair, that body, that face, and most importantly, Aerith knew that sword. She cupped her face in her hands, turning to run, but someone caught her from behind. She tried to shout, to struggle, to escape; but it was no use and she knew it was futile to try any longer, to expend her energy, which she might need later.

"Hello Aerith. We meet again." The voice whispered in her ear.

"Sephiroth," Aerith managed between choked breaths as she hugged herself protectively. "Why did you come back? Was there any need in particular? You already killed me once...will you do it again?"

"As much as I'd love to..." Sephiroth's voice trailed off in her ear, "I am afraid that is not why I am here. I have returned for a greater purpose, my dear Aerith." He muttered. "You do know why I have come, yes?"

"If not to kill me, then, I do not know," Aerith spat. "Who sent you? I know it couldn't be the council."

"Well, I am quite astonished you would think not, for yes, they are the ones who sent me." Sephiroth chuckled. "I say, where might that little brat be? Sora, is it?"

"He's indisposed." Aerith responded as she flicked a piece of lint off her dress. "Now, shall we go discuss? I don't want to keep Cloud and the other's waiting."

"Yes, I agree."

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~

"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?" Riku shouted as he lunged at the one-winged angel. It took Leon and Cloud to restrain him as he struggled violently to maim the man standing before him.

"There is a reason..." Selphie began as she stared at Aerith, "or there BETTER be one to justify why this kidnapper is here in the same room as we are!"

"Allow me to explain miss." Sephiroth bowed. He removed his Masumane blade from its sheath and pointed it at her neck from the distance. "Either you follow my rules or we call this off and you shall never see your friend's precious sister again."

"How DARE you..." Riku replied through gritted teeth as he threw Leon off himself and charged at Sephiroth. He seemed surprised when Riku began to inch closer to him; Riku pointed his keyblade at him. "FIRAGA!"

"NO!" Leon yelled as he deflects it with his Gunblade. "No Riku. We are at his mercy."

"How can that be?" Riku cried out in frustration. "He kidnapped Kairi's sister! He's fighting along side Ansem! Didn't you see it? I saw it! I know it!"

"I saw too!" Tidus mumbled from behind Wakka's figure. Sephiroth looked at him in annoyance, for in truth, Tidus had not been present during the capture.

"Why should we trust you? You betrayed even me a long time ago, when we were trapped within the darkness with Ansem." Cloud said quietly.

"Is that what this is about?" Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. "I thought you let that go long ago, too."

"A promise is a promise." Aerith whispered. "And you promised never to do evil again if you returned here to the human world." She hid her eyes from view. "So...why not leave us for now? We do not need anymore burdens. As it is, there is nothing we can do to defeat you, to make you leave us alone. Why not make it a challenge and let us build our strength?"

"You will always be strong enough to face me." He answered softly. Aerith shook her head. "Listen to me; I have come without a lust for blood, with no pleasure in killing, well, maybe a little. I am simply following the calls of the Council above us. Certainly you have felt their requests Aerith?"

"So what if I have?" She answered haughtily, which caused Cloud to give her an uneasy look. "Well, for reference sake, I haven't heard from the Council since Kingdom Hearts was sealed by Sora four years ago." She glared at Sephiroth. "Why don't you enlighten me? Or are you and Ansem in this together?"

"I've had it with you and him." Cloud interrupted before Sephiroth could answer; his tone was dangerous as he raised the Buster Sword in front of him. "I'm leaving Aerith; don't try to stop me."

Ignoring his warning, Aerith scrambled to her feet as Cloud began to walk away. "Why are you leaving? Cloud? Please wait! Sephiroth might be able to explain why-"

"That's enough!" Cloud shouted at her as he spun around. Aerith halted in her tracks, hands on her heart, clutching the material tightly within her hands as fear coursed through her. "I'm going." With those last words Cloud marched out of the room, his cape fluttering behind him.

Yuffie jumped after him. "Don't worry Aerith. I'll keep an eye on him."

"What have I done?" Aerith cried as she stared into her hands.

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~

I hum silently to myself as Cyra tosses me a piece of chalk. "Want to use my chalk? It is my last one, but Grandma should be here to replace them again!"

"Sure." I say cheerily as I accept the soft, dusty piece of material in my hand. She beckons for me to follow her up the staircase to the middle of the entree way. I feel faint at the remembrance of lying on the same ground here, watching as Sora fell to the darkness. I am about to think more but Cyra's hand tugging at mine breaks my reverie and I continue to follow her. I suddenly find the carpet interesting as she points to the large gap in front of us. "What is it?" I ask as she touches it lightly, then, recoils as if it has stung her, hurt her in some way.

"It's where they come from." She answers softly.

"Where 'Who' comes from?" I ask.

"The shadows," Cyra says as she flops onto the ground. "I know I can't help you big sister, but I want to. I wish I could, really!"

"I know." I say tenderly as I scoop her up in my arms. "But don't worry. I'll return here when it's over."

"Really? No take backs on your word right?" Cyra pouts.

"Really Really." I laugh as I pinch her nose. "Are you up for another game of Tag?"

"You're on!" She shouts. "And you're it!"

"Hey now! Cheater!" I yell after her disappearing form. "Fine! But no safes!"

~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~

"Has anyone seen Kairi?" Tidus asked as he set his glass of juice on top of the table next to Aerith who was still moping about since Cloud's departure. "She's been gone for quite some time now, or hasn't anyone noticed?"

Selphie looked perplexed. "What do you mean? Isn't she with Donald and Goofy?"

"No." Donald said as he and Goofy walked up to them. "We haven't seen her either."

"This isn't good!" Riku yelled as he banged a fist against the wall. "We have to find her, especially with Sephiroth waltzing around this place."

"Well, that's a no brainer." Leon replied as he and Yuffie appeared from the shadows.

"I think…I might know where she is." Yuffie said hesitantly. She pointed towards the High Towers. "When I was thinking out there earlier today, a lot earlier by the way, I saw her walk by. She seemed in a trance, as if someone was calling to her. I don't know exactly, but I would say she got lost."

"How much earlier was this?" Tidus inquired.

"I'd say that was about the time we arrived here, maybe a couple hours afterwards." Yuffie replied.

"Then we will look for her." Selphie interjected hastily. "Where do we start?"

"I'll lead the way." Aerith offered weakly.

@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@

I stretch my arms above my head as I try to move Cyra's head over a bit. She groans in protest as she snuggles further into my lap, arms curled underneath her head. I smile gently at her as I stroke her hair. She smiles a bit before speaking. "Kairi?"

"Yes Cyra?" I respond.

"Edgar is going to be pretty mad that you put worms in the soup again." Cyra giggles.

"Well, Edgar shouldn't be surprised, now should he?" I tickle her. She laughs wildly and another game of Tag ensues. I am just about to tag her when she suddenly rushes up to me and begins screaming. "What's the matter Cyra?" I ask as I try to calm her. "Tell me what's wrong!"

"They're here to take me away!" She wails.

"Who?" I ask.

"Them!" She points at nine figures walking towards us. I hug her protectively as they, the figures, come closer, but at a glint of silver strands of hair, I sigh in relief. Cyra looks at me in confusion. "You'll…let them take me?"

"No Cyra, I won't. But they aren't bad people…they are…my friends." I say slowly. She looks puzzled. "Won't you…meet them, Cyra? They are nice people, really."

"Kairi? Are you here?"

"Yes Riku, I'm fine." I shout back as Riku turns to the others. "There is someone I want you to meet, but stay there, we'll come over." I pull Cyra with me. "Come on!"

"But-"

I practically drag her all the way out the doors of the Grand Hall but she manages to free herself of my grasp right before we exit. I can see all my friends staring at us in shock, but I look at Cyra in annoyance. "Why won't you come see them?"

"Because I can't!" She shouts angrily. "Can't you see Kairi? I can't leave this hall! This is where I escaped! This is where I am bound to stay!"

"W-What?" I am dumbfounded. "You can't…leave here? But we left earlier today! We were outside!"

"I know, but I can't anymore! He's here!" She shouts. "I CAN'T! I am here in this hall because he is here and his presence doesn't allow me to leave!"

"Who is here? Explain this to me, Cyra."

"When the shadows came that day, Grandma was trying to find us. We were playing tag." Cyra sniffles. "We were always in the High Towers, our favorite place to play. But that day was a horrible day for us to hide there. Grandma came up the stairs, screaming for us. She sounded upset. I thought it was funny so I sought to tell you, but you hid well that time, really well."

"Then…what happened?" I hesitate slightly.

"Grandma found me hiding by the lift stop leading up to the Grand Hall where the keyhole had been revealed." Cyra runs her finger over the velvet carpeting.

"How did you know about it?"

"Riku," I shriek and pull Cyra close. "You'll scare her away!"

"Riku, I remember you somehow." Cyra reaches out to touch him. "She told me about you, how special you are to her, how much she misses you at this moment."

"She? But then, who are you?" Riku crouches next to her. "You look an awful lot like…"

"Cyra," She giggles. "You know me Riku, only she is an older form than I am."

"You're…" Riku gapes.

"Yes, I'm her, but years ago." Cyra blushes. "She lives in me still. Um…Riku? Will you hold me for a bit? I have much to explain and I feel so connected to you."

Riku glances around, shifting his feet in discomfort as Cyra climbs into his lap. Once she has settled there, she gives me a small smile. Riku stares at me. "Well, shall we listen?"

I nod. Cyra agrees quickly. "It all began that day we played hide-n-seek. Like I said before, you hid well that time. It so happened that Grandma managed to find me, but she was dreadfully worried about you, and so, we went searching for you. It was when we entered the Grand Hall that we found you and that man with the silver Hair and glowing yellow eyes. He was beckoning for you to follow him while he walked closer to the keyhole. It was strange;" Cyra chuckles weakly, "how he wanted your heart. I didn't understand at first, and so I ran after you two. Grandma screamed for me so much, but I was determined to be with you. Once I had arrived in front of you, the glazed look disappeared from your eyes and we ran. And now I'll always remember that day."

*Begin Flashback*

"Kairi, Princess of Heart, give your heart to the keyhole; submit to its power!" Ansem declared as he watched the little girl, in a trance-like state, follow him towards the locked keyhole. "You shall be the first of many additions to help release this Keyhole!"

"No! What are you doing?" Cyra shouted as she leapt in front of her sister. "Kairi, snap out of it!"

"What?" Kairi glanced around, shaking the stupor. "Why are we're here? Where is Grandma?"

"She was here but that doesn't matter!" Cyra pulled Kairi with her. "We have to get away from that man!"

Ansem whipped around, eyes menacing. They softened quickly at the sight of Cyra. "The Princess of Darkness. It is odd that we should meet here." Ansem advanced on the two shaken girls. "I can see that I cannot claim my rightful prize, the Princess of Pure Heart," Ansem stared at their grandma who had entered the Hall, placing the girls behind her. "But the Princess of Darkness will do fine until further notice. There are great things in store for you." He reached his hand out towards Cyra who was peeking from behind her Grandmother. "Come with me. I hold all the answers to your questions. I hold your destiny."

"You cannot have either of them Ansem!" Their grandmother yelled as she pushed them farther back. "It is my fate to protect them or die trying!"

"Old woman, why do you bother?" Ansem asked as he began walking towards her. "She will come at her own accord-it is her destiny." He closed his eyes and reached out for her again. "Now, Princess of Darkness, come with me!"

Cyra released a strangled cry as she felt herself being pulled towards him despite her grandmother's cries. Ansem almost had her now, but she prayed that he would not take her. In that moment she felt her spirit splitting, her body splitting in two. She looked up to see another pair of arms pulling away from her body, which was falling to the ground. At that moment she saw her grandmother take Kairi and rush out of the hall. Cyra screamed. "GRANDMA!" She watched in devastation; her Grandma never turned back to help her. Cyra allowed herself to fall into a heap as she willed Ansem to take her, but when she looked up, he only smiled sinisterly.

"You shall pay a price for your defiance, little one." He said as he pulled her split form, which was beginning to merge back into one, up from the carpeted ground. "As long as you live, so shall she; but when she dies, so do you. You are cursed by an immortal fate. You shall remain here until the day she dies or the day she escapes my grasp and will be forever cursed to this room when the darkness enters this realm, this world. You shall feel the pain." Cyra watched in horror as he raised her up, hands planted firmly on either side of her head. "Now, you shall suffer."

Cyra screamed.

*End Flashback*

Cyra shifts in Riku's arms. "That is why I am here, stuck in this body and still alive. It means, clearly, Cyra has lived through all the damage on Nebula."

"Cyra," I look away. "I'm sorry, little sister."

"I know Kairi, I know." Cyra replies as she gazes up at Riku. "And Riku, she's waiting for you. She wanted me to tell you." He nods. "Now," She stands rather quickly and begins walking towards the broken staircase of the Grand Hall. "You must go. I have things to tend to. Besides," She laughs. "You both have a lot to do too. Don't' let him win Kairi. Please sister, save me. I want to be free again. I want to be whole again."

"I will Cyra." I wave half-heartedly. "I will."

"And Riku?" She looks at him again. "Please remember, you must not let him take you either."

"I won't." Riku gives her a weak grin.

"Bye now," She waves and walks away, eventually vanishing into thin air.

I stare after her, eyes teary as I glance around the Grand Hall. Riku is silent next to me as I feel tears slide down my cheeks. I clasp my hands together as I walk to the silver-blue cases that held the princesses not so long ago, myself as well. The surface feels cold under my fingertips as I run my hands over the glossed-glassed top, shuddering at the memory, as it becomes real within my mind. I shiver as I recall the feeling of the cold air swirling around my skin, the electric bolts leaving my skin with a course of sapphire fire in my veins. I shiver involuntarily before Riku takes my hand. "Come on Kairi. We should be heading back now or the others will start to worry."

"Yes I...I understand." I pause at the entrance of the Grand Hall, throwing one last glance behind me. "I guess...you're right."

I give Riku a small smile as he leads us back to the library. It is dark around us and I cannot make everyone's figure out clearly, but once we reach the lift stop, I gasp and stand in place. My finger, against its own accord, raises in front of me. "What is he doing here?" My voice is shrill as I try to control myself, but the man standing before me makes it hard. Riku grabs my hand to calm me but I shove him away. "NO! SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!"

"Ah, if it isn't the Purest princess of Heart." Sephiroth smiles maliciously. "How do you fair princess?" He reaches out towards me, but I recoil against the wall as though his touch will burn me where I stand. His eyebrows arch in slight surprise, but his lips form into a scowl. "Well, then, if the princess doesn't need my help, I shall return, with the Council's requested prize." Sephiroth declares as he grabs Aerith's arm, wrapping his hand firmly around her wrist, which had begun t turn pink. "And you are coming with me!"

"I can't!" Aerith struggles in his grasp. "What about Cloud?"

"Does it seem as though he cares?" Sephiroth snaps. "The Cetra asked me to retrieve you and I won't return empty-handed! Now we're leaving, ancient!"

"Can't I at least say bye?" Aerith looks forlornly towards the High Tower where Cloud is perched on the railing, cape floating in the breeze while his head rests in his hands. "How will he...know I'm gone?"

"It doesn't matter!" Sephiroth yanks her towards him. I jump at them in hopes to save Aerith, for I believe she is being captured like Cyra was. As I am about to take hold of her hand, Sephiroth points the Masumane blade at my throat. "Stay where you are princess or she will NEVER return. You see," He shakes Aerith a little, "the Ancient and I have a history together. I recommend you leave us to our future. We must return to the Planet or the Cetra will have both our heads, especially mine, which I don't plan on loosing." He turns away.

"CLOUD!" Aerith screams Cloud's name, her shriek of pain and sadness echoing throughout the hollow lift stop as she and Sephiroth disappear in a mist of violet.

Everyone stares at the spot where our friend once stood, seemingly dumbfounded at that. I look around and feel myself becoming angry at their attempts, which were none, to stop Sephiroth. "What is the matter with everyone here?" I shout as I glance at their blank faces. "Why didn't anyone stop him from taking her?"

"Because not only was it not our business Kairi," Yuffie replies simply as she looks away. "But it was fate. When the Council calls Aerith, she must leave whether she wishes to or not. The Council rules above both her and Sephiroth, whether they'd like to admit it or not."

"What about Cloud?" I ask. "What will he think?"

"I don't know Kairi, but one of us has to go tell him." Leon says as he and Yuffie begin walking towards the Great Crest. "Anyone want to?"

"I will." I answer. Riku looks at me. "Don't worry. I will handle it."

I wait patiently for them to leave before I head to where Cloud is sitting. He doesn't hear me at first, but when I almost trip over his Buster Sword, he turns around and gives me a questioning look. "Yes Kairi?"

"She's gone, you know." I whisper as I stand next to him. He jumps from his perch and begins walking away. "You don't care do you?"

"I do Kairi, I do." He says as he stops at the hallway entrance. "But at this point, I can't stop her. She is needed elsewhere, as am I. I will see you around princess." With that, Cloud vanishes into a dark portal like Sephiroth and Aerith did.

"What is going on?" I scream to the air. "Why is everyone just disappearing into thin air?"

"I believe I can answer your question." A voice responds.

My gaze shifts to land upon a woman clad in a black cloak, her raven hair falling around her face like a halo. "Do I know you?" I approach her slowly. "You look so...familiar."

"That is because I am." The woman laughs lightly. "Take my hand Kairi, and I will show you what you need to know to complete this journey, to save your sister."

"How do you know my name?" I inquire.

"I know many things about you Kairi. I know many things about Cyra too." The woman smiles kindly.

I take a step back. "Mother?"

^TBC...

(Anyway, I personally think this chapter needed more work, but it sounded more or less ok to me and I like it too. True, there is hardly any description here, but that will change in the next chapter. Sorry, for like the millionth time, for the chapters being so long. Please R&R and constructive criticism is welcome but NO flames cause that is rude, besides, I don't fame people even if I don't like their couplings or their stories. I think everyone is a great writer at heart! Chao!)

+DarkKairi+