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

Author's Note: Finally, eh? Ok, so this is the awaited 12th chapter and I hope you guys like it cause I thought it was getting pretty interesting now! But unfortunately it is NOT a short chapter so…yeah, you all get the point. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and hasn't reviewed and those people who waited patiently and didn't lose faith that I would keep it up! Well, I hope you like this chapter too! Thanks! Bye!

Word coding:

'Thoughts'

Plaint text

Thoughts of Zephyr

Clouds of mist surrounded her thoughts even within her solitary chamber. She clamped her mouth shut, tightly, as she heard footsteps move down the hallway, the heavy trod echoing upon the metal flooring. She bit back a whimper as she heard them stop in front of her door, almost choking herself when she heard the doorknob being twisted from the outside. There was only a moment before she could even render herself conscious enough to answer the voice that prodded at her chamber entrance. "Who is it?"

"Cyra, dear, it is I, Aerith. Your father sent me to check up on you."

"Aerith?" Cyra rushed to the door and flung it open with haste, her eyes tearing at the sight of the former friend she'd made at the distant island during her mission. She threw her arms around the older woman, sobbing without shame as she tried in vain to control her emotions. "I thought I'd never see anyone from there ever again! Tell me," She looked at the flower girl. "How are they? How are Kairi and Sora? How is…he?"

Sensing her immediate care for the former Prince of Darkness, Aerith frowned, much to Cyra's disappointment. "I am afraid I…I cannot answer that question. You see, I was…separated from them, about a month and a half ago and I have had no contact with them or with Cloud." She closed her eyes in apology. "I am sorry Cyra. I cannot say how they fair as of now."

"I should have known he would go his own way." Cyra broke away from Aerith to join her cold bed, once again sheltering her body within the soft material of her practically sheer silk robe. "Ansem told me he wasn't as obedient as normal, but he never actually had been. You see, I've guessed, recently, that Ansem knew Sephiroth long before I did, long before you did maybe, though I know you both have some kind of a history together from what Sephiroth himself has told me. I just didn't think...I never thought he'd do all this just to win you back."

It was the flower girl's turn to reap alarm. She whirled around to face the young woman sitting upon the cool surface, emerald green eyes dilating an uncanny rate. "What do you mean by win me back?"

Cyra looked momentarily perplexed but did not reflect it as she stood to peer out the window from her chamber high above the cliff. "He told me, sometime ago when I was younger, about 10, that he would one day find a way to win you back from Cloud Strife. He seemed rather disappointed that you did not feel the same way in return, and so, he has become revoltingly bitter at the thought of NEVER winning you back. At least, that is what I believe, for I know he never will. Your heart belongs to someone else. I'm guessing he didn't think I was old enough to understand yet. But I did, clearly and perfectly."

Aerith felt her eyelids shut, tears making their way down her pale cheeks to meet her pursed lips. "But he...murdered me...long ago. How could he...I don't understand...I wish...Cyra, I must leave." She whispered pleadingly to the young princess of darkness as she fled from the ebony filled chamber.

Cyra sunk to the floor by her window seal, ashamed that she told her friend such a thing; but her heart heaved heavier at the thought of the others. 'What about Riku and Kairi and Sora?' She was suddenly infuriated by her lack of power and judgment to stop her predecessors, especially since she was the supposedly higher power in her situation. She cursed her bad luck as she tried desperately to hold her head up high, ignoring the requests shouted from outside her bedroom walls. She crept closer to the edge of the concrete surfaced walls, molding herself firmly to the coolness. She thought to wait a bit before eventually having to exit her room to move to a safer, much closer chamber where she could be supervised as her father requested. Feeling rather defeated in her quest to save herself, she stood gingerly and began her journey down the hallways of their darkened castle. Once there, she knocked on her father's door, awaiting his permission for her entry into his office. The door swung open.

"Father, what is going on?" Cyra asked at the sight of Ansem and Sephiroth putting things into what appeared a chest. "Is something wrong? Are you leaving again?"

"We are all leaving my dear," Ansem replied as he gave Aerith a gentle push towards Sephiroth. "Come," he beckoned, "We must go. The heartless grow stronger and we must leave before they break through."

"But where are we going?" Cyra looked pleasantly alarmed as Ansem grabbed her hand.

"We are going; that is all you need to know."

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"This is a strange place, wouldn't you say?" Cyra dusted her silk robe off as she glanced around her.

"It's all too familiar," Aerith whispered, gripping her staff tightly within her lithe fingers. She closed her eyes as wind swirled around her. "Come out, please!"

Cyra threw her a curious look, surprise written across her dark and chiseled features. "Aerith, is something the matter?"

"He is here." Sephiroth muttered in annoyance as he withdrew his Masumane blade from its velvety sheath. "Be prepared."

Cyra cried out, clutching her head as a gust of wind, driven by an unimaginable force, shot through the door in front of them. Sand flew at them, encircling them in a dusty haze of tan and grainy rocks. Cyra did her best to protect her head from the malicious pieces if earth that threatened to be come her undoing as she tried to stand still and not be blown away by the strong wind. She chanced a quick glance to her left and saw Aerith with her eyes still closed, standing resolutely with her staff raised in the air-no sand hit her. Sephiroth had been encased with a blue electrical bubble surrounded by purple sparks and black waves of light. Cyra cursed her bad luck at not having any magic to create a shield to keep her from the damage that the sandstorm was sure to cause her injury. She released a small shriek as a small rock flew past her, skinning her arm and letting blood drip. She bit back a tear as more cut her delicate skin, but held out, for a few minutes later the storm ceased, suddenly. Despite her gladness, she released a colorful string of obscenities at the air around, mumbling her upsets under her breath.

"What are you doing here?" A low, baritone voice asked before Cyra had even readjusted to normal weather. "I thought I told you not to come looking for me."

"You did," Aerith pleaded. "But how could I stay away that long? You know I never could! I am human and we need you to help us, no matter how angry you are with me. I am not the issue here."

"Cloud?" Cyra's small voice echoed throughout the wide-open space. "What are you doing here? Where is here anyway? Is something wrong?"

"I'll say," Sephiroth gritted his teeth as he glared daggers at the tall blonde standing a good ten feet away from them. "Are you going to come fight me now?"

"It's her choice; I'll leave it at that." Cloud replied sharply as he abruptly turned his back and stalked back through the door, which did not shut. When they did not follow, he gave them a curt look. "Well? They can't wait all day for you." He pointed to the doors. "Hurry up and come inside. Oh, hello Cyra."

Cyra followed obediently, almost skipping at seeing another familiar face even though he seemed upset about something or the other. She did not bother to ask questions as they trailed behind him silently, the scuffing of their shoes on the dirt the only sound in the quiet atmosphere. Cyra sighed. 'What is going on?' It all seemed rather strange, the three adults not talking; but she jumped back as Sephiroth suddenly charged at Cloud. He raised his Masumane blade high above the warrior before bringing it down with an unfathomable force. She reopened her eyes, cautiously. Cloud stood with his Buster sword blocking Sephiroth's Masumane blade, both pushing equally hard as they tried to ward off each other's attacks. Finally they threw each other off, Cloud with his sword still readied and Sephiroth sheathing his deadly razor once again. "You haven't changed Strife."

"Neither have you," Cloud answered. "Follow me."

'DEFINITELY missing something here,' Cyra concluded as she latched onto Aerith's arm. 'Definitely.'

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"Where are we now?" I ask as I finger my necklace while watching the endless flow of meteor rocks that float by. "Are we even near somewhere familiar?"

"Well, I believe we haven't ever been here before." Riku says, arms crossed over his chest as he stares with me. "Seems so...familiar though."

"Hm...All coordinates are in check," Yuffie gives Cid thumbs up from her position next to Leon on the pilot's deck. "All systems go. So...what is this place again?"

"Hm...Some place called...Russia?" Leon's eyes looked dumbfounded. "Any place YOU'VE ever heard of?"

We all shake our heads. "I guess we should just land then," I chirp as I throw my sweater on. "What's the weather like?"

"Snow," Donald replies.

"Gwarsh...how fun," Goofy smiles.

***********

I kick a piece of wood aside from the abandoned building as I try to keep myself active because of the cold, chilly snow. I see Riku looking around the spacious courtyard with Yuffie and Leon right behind him. They are discussing silently and suddenly, not surprisingly though, I feel bitterness course through my veins. 'Why can't I EVER be included unless I nag them?' As the bitterness courses through my veins I feel some directed towards Sora, for he hardly ever included me, too, and I am annoyed by such an action. Despite the fact that they are ignoring me, I do the same back and walk through a doorway where the wood has chipped away, rotted and flaking from years of decay. 'Strange...how old is this place?' I step into a large room, a ballroom maybe, covered with velvet carpeting and enormous glass chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, speckled with what appears to be real diamonds. I stare in awe at the magnificent sight, marveling at the extravagance of the place, the palace, and wishing I was more of a princess like the others; not a girl who lives on an island in the middle of nowhere. 'There is that bitterness again. Don't let it consume you Kairi.' I shake my head vigorously as I attempt to rid my head of such thoughts, for they will corrupt my pure heart as Belle reminded me earlier on. I have just about made it up the stairway when I see a young woman, perhaps a couple years older than me, standing idly in front of a portrait the size of the wall itself.

She is in simple clothing, a dress made of what looks like heavy wool of a tan color and brown snow boots, I think. Her red hair is perfectly contrasted with the picture of a young girl in the portrait, hair also a deep red. I take another step. "Hello? Excuse me!"

She jumps, clearly startled by my voice. "I'm sorry!" She holds her hand over her heart, laughing as she catches her breath. "You scared me!"

"Oh! Well, I apologize, then, to you." I smile. "Could you...perhaps, tell me where we are?"

"In Russia of course," She looks surprised.

"Russia...I see...and where is Russia? Where is THIS place?" I ask as I twine my fingers between my shirt. "I've never...I'm not...what is your name?"

"My name is Anastasia. And this is the Romanav palace..." She looks forlorn suddenly. "Or it used to be...before he killed everyone." Before I can interrupt she begins to speak again. "I lost my memory once, long ago, when I was a little child. Sometimes, I come here, when Dimitri is busy, and just walk around trying to remember why things happened the way they did. And sometimes...I just like to reminisce because I miss them all so much."

"I am sorry to hear that Anastasia." I stand next to her, observing the painting with mild interest but not showing it. "By the way, my name is Kairi."

"Hello Kairi," Anastasia grins as she begins walking up a staircase. "Come with me. You look so cold and I have an extra coat. I'll lend it to you."

"Pardon me Anastasia, but I have some friends here who are looking for someone named Ansem. Would you...happen to know him at all?" I question curiously, unsure of her answer.

"Ansem...? No...I don't believe I ever have." She shakes her head. "Do your friends need coats too? I'm sure Dimitri can lend them some. Maybe, just maybe, Dimitri has heard of him. Let's go ask."

I follow wordlessly as she descends the same staircase into the courtyard where Cid is rubbing his arms from the cold while Yuffie tries to conceal her chattering teeth. A few feet away Leon is trying to look unaffected, but his purple lips tell otherwise. Riku, who is walking around with no symptoms of coldness in him, surprises me by far. He seems perfectly well in the weather, skin a healthy color and no cold breath leaving his mouth like the others. I stare for a moment before coughing to get their attention, pushing the thought of Riku's possibly literal inhumanity away. "Hey, guys, this is Anastasia. She's going to lend us some coats so...follow her!" Anastasia nods and disappears behind a large brick wall to my left; we follow. At first I ignore Riku's ice cold breathing on my shoulder as he strolls behind me, but as time wares on-we've been walking quite a while-I feel my nerves on their last ends. Finally I whip around, hook my fingers around Riku's collar and drag him behind Yuffie, Leon, Cid and the others who are too preoccupied with the cold to acknowledge my rash behavior. He looks stunned for a bit, but when I give him a harsh glare he relents and glances away. "It was accident...I meant to tell you."

"When?" I ask, my whole being infuriated by his lie. "How long have you known Riku? I mean, you've been back for almost four years now! I am not stupid you know!"

Riku sighs as she takes hold of my shoulders. "I didn't think you were ready for it yet. Hell, Sora was barely able to handle it and he was and is the keyblade master's light half." I continue to glare, obstinacy in my posture, until he sighs again. "Listen, can't we discuss this another time? It's cold out here for you."

I stomp my foot defiantly. "No! I've been lied to enough!"

"Fine!" He shouts back, his calm temper gone. "You want to know why I didn't tell you? Fine, I'll say it now then! I didn't tell you because I was STILL in love with you back then Kairi! I was still jealous of Sora and the fact that he was more alive to you than I ever could be! I was jealous that he sustained his humanity and could love you the way you wanted, the way I could never do again! A lot of things happened that I am ashamed of and things that I can NEVER change! I'm dead Kairi! I've BEEN dead!"

I feel my face flush with heat at his outburst and suddenly feel extremely stupid. "Oh..." I say idiotically as I kick at the snow. He turns away. "Riku, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to pry...I just...I was worried. I mean, you've both left me in the dark for so long...I almost felt like I had to pry or I'd never know."

"I know." I can hear the smile in his voice, "thanks. We just needed...time Kairi, a little time. We were trying to protect you, but I guess we were doing more harm than good. I apologize too."

"Let's go." I grab his arm. "The others will begin to worry." And just like the argument came, it also went. Nothing has been solved, but things are definitely not so weird for me anymore. I smile. 'The day might be better.'

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

"How come we ALWAYS stay inside and NEVER help or do anything?" Selphie whined, her voice grating on Tidus's ear as he stared out the window of the control hatch. "Why did you volunteer? I'm sick of being left out! I want to know what's going on too, don't you?"

"They needed someone to watch the ship." Tidus stated plainly.

"And there were plenty of OTHER people who could have done this," Selphie muttered bitterly. "Nice going Tidus, as usual."

He tried to ignore her but only succeeded in having her fuss more until his last nerve had been broken. "SELPHIE SHUT UP!" He bellowed loud enough for her to hear from inside her bunk. Suddenly, he felt his face turn pink at his shout and resolved to ignore her when she popped her head from the room.

"Excuse me?" She looked thoroughly pissed off. "You're such a jerk! I can't believe you're telling ME to shut up when we are stuck here because of you!"

Her face had turned an interesting shade of scarlet red to match her now fiery temper, which was directed at Tidus. With one swift move she had punched Tidus clear in the jaw before darting to the top of the ship. Tidus didn't quite know what hit him but he did know pain. "Ouch," He rubbed his jaw.

On top of the ship Selphie was fuming but slowly cooling off as the snow begin to fall again. She hugged herself as the white drops from the heavens sprinkled over her pale skin, blanketing her in coolness. She desperately pushed away the fact that is was rather cold outside, but did not dare go back inside; she would have to explain her actions to Tidus and she didn't want to in the least. 'Funny...I've been feeling very violent lately.' She chuckled. 'Well, at least I haven't acted on TOO much of those feelings.' She released a grunt when she heard the door to the lower ship bottom open and saw Tidus's blonde hair emerge. She was NOT going to give in this time! She angrily scooted further back onto the deck until she was sure he couldn't see her. She was still ignoring him when he spoke. "Selphie, you'll have to come in eventually! It's way too cold out here for you!" He said. "Selph, you up there?"

"Put a sock in it!" She shouted back. "Some people are trying to contemplate! Shouldn't you?"

Before she could protest, Tidus had hopped up and was sitting next to her, draping a heavy wool coat over her shoulders. "You should come inside."

"You should go away." She replied fiercely.

"That's it! What is going on?" Tidus shouted. "Is there something you're not telling me? You've never been this hostile towards me before so why start now?"

"Always room for a new start, I say." Selphie answered hotly, her cheeks flushing pink. "Why? I haven't been THAT hostile!"

"You just socked me in the jaw!" Tidus looked positively incredulous. "I'd say that's PRETTY DAMN hostile!"

"I can't tell you," Selphie whispered, her voice dropping to a mere whisper.

"Why not?" Tidus asked, concern washing over his features. "Selph," He hugged her, "you know you can tell me anything."

"No, some things I can't." She responded in a monotone voice.

Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. He felt stupid suddenly and pulled away, ashamed that he'd never seen it before. "Selph...why didn't you just tell me?"

"Because it would have been dumb of me." She knew what he was referring to and decided to play it off as a fake assumption. "Besides...it's stupid, really."

"No, it's not. You should have told me sooner." He cupped her face in his hands.

"Would it have made a difference?" She asked, her body trembling as he stared into her eyes. "Tidus...what are you doing?"

"What I should have done, a long time ago." He smiled before letting his lips meet hers.

Selphie wasn't sure if it was a dream or if she was imagining things, but whatever it was, she was all for it. She had waited so long for it, his kiss, and wasn't about to let him go that easily. She clung to him as the cold weather bit into her skin like daggers, trying to steal some of his warmth as he pulled her closer. Their bodies were so close that Selphie could feel his heartbeat through his shirt and she smiled. "This must be a dream..." She murmured after they had broken apart for air.

"But it's not." Tidus replied as he inhaled.

"Thank heavens for that," She grinned. "One thing though."

"What's that?" Tidus asked as he rubbed her back affectionately.

"It's HELLA cold so can we go back inside?" Selphie mused. Tidus just laughed as he picked her up and they found the shelter of the ship much more reliable. "Maybe," Selphie began, "we can send a message to the others. The storm seems like it's worsened." She raised an eyebrow as she observed the weather patterns on the screen. She gave Tidus a warning look; he nodded. "Let's hit the road then."

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

Cyra arched an eyebrow in concentration as she dragged Sephiroth's silver blade across the dirt surface. "How is this? Is it too long or too short?"

"It's just fine," Sephiroth answered as he took the Masumane blade back, sheathing it as he stepped across the line. He turned abruptly to the blonde haired man in front of him, cursing him under his breath. "What is the purpose of this Strife? It's a bit tedious, don't you think?"

"No," Cloud replied as he pushed more barrels aside while Aerith adjusted the coliseum columns with her staff. "If we are going to be here for a while, then we might as well help, though," Cloud threw him a clever smirk. "I doubt that is in your job description Sephiroth. Or am I wrong?"

Sephiroth released an indignant huff as he dragged Cyra across the coliseum floor, their feet emitting dust clouds as they walked. Cyra did not struggle though Sephiroth's grip was vice-like; she was accustomed to it. Instead she glanced around in search of her father. When she saw no sign of him, she tugged urgently at Sephiroth's sleeve, not caring whether it bothered him or not. "Where is my father?" She asked when he paused to look at her. Despite his harshness towards people overall, she realized that he had a soft spot for her and Aerith, though more for her as she was child when they first met. He was like a second father in her eyes, though not entirely. Sephiroth sighed. Cyra spoke again in an irritated tone. "You don't know? I thought he came with us?"

"He had business to tend to," Sephiroth responded as he handed her his sword. "Make another line."

Cloud stopped his task at hand, resting his elbows on the hilt of his enormous Buster Sword. "It's strange how you can be gentle. It amazes me…I never thought you were human." Sephiroth mused angrily to himself at Cloud's comment. "I'm assuming you're only like this with the princess, correct?" Cloud laughed as he kicked another barrel to the corner, barely missing Aerith's leg by mere centimeters; she glared. "Well, don't answer, but I believe this is enough blackmail to last a lifetime." The one-winged angel growled as Cyra wiped the sweat off her brow. "Point taken, Sephy."

It took all his control and Cyra's hand on his arm for Sephiroth not to attack his former student then and there at the mention of the silly nickname. Aerith rolled her eyes as she went back to her task at hand, forming the columns into straight lines, pillar after pillar of marble and sandstone placed in numerical form. She only laughed inwardly as Cloud allowed another strangled chuckle to leave his throat, extremely aware of the consequences that followed if Sephiroth lost this temper. Evidently, to Aerith it seemed, he did not care one bit. She ignored them as she moved the last column to its proper place. "I'm done. Is there anything else you can do?" She looked at Cloud, even though they weren't exactly on speaking terms. "Well, is there?" She persisted when he failed to answer.

Cloud scratched his head before running his clawed hand through his cornflower hair. "Um…take those lists to Phil, the ones on the bench. The tournament starts in a couple of hours and he needs to organize the matches."

Aerith agreed quickly and rushed out to the coliseum entrance with the lists in her hand. She stopped midway through the large oak doors. "Who is Phil anyway?"

"I am." A voice answered.

Aerith almost dropped the lists on the floor as she gazed down at a thin, half man and half goat. She opened her mouth a couple of times, similar to a fish. "You…you are…?

"Phil," he puffed and snatched the lists from her, ignoring her open mouth gaping at him. "What? You've never seen a satyr before?"

"Well, I…no, no I haven't." She replied as she smiled. "Hello Phil. My name is Aerith."

"So, you're the FAMOUS Aerith the kid has been talking about, huh?" Phil fished through the papers. He jerked his head in the direction of the arena where the others were still working. "Hm…thank the gods her found you. No one wanted him in that business with Hades…evil god, curse him." He looked towards the doors. "HERCULES!" He went back to fishing. "Damn lazy kid…thinks he owns the world just cause he's a half god. Lazy bum."

"I heard that Phil." Hercules laughed as he entered. "What did you…oh, hello. My name is Hercules. You are…?"

Aerith blushed. "My name is Aerith." She reached to shake his hand. "You must be the Hercules that Cloud told me about."

Hercules nodded. "You must be his lady, correct?" Aerith nodded slowly, unsure if she considered herself HIS lady, especially in their current situation and non-speaking terms. "Hm…speaking of ladies, where is mine?" He chanced a look at Phil. "Have you seen her?"

"Megara," Phil muttered, "has a mind of her own. She's an independent gal, you know she goes where she pleases."

"I'm right here mutt man," a saucy voice exclaimed from behind Hercules. "You needed me? Hm…who's the dish?"

"This is Aerith." Hercules said.

Aerith almost keeled over at the woman who approached her. Clad in a simple purple dress of silk, Megara was definitely what she would call a curvaceous woman. She had the biggest, roundest hips Aerith had ever seen and the smallest waist, too. She seemed to be blessed in all areas including beautiful auburn hair, which was pulled into a bun-Aerith could tell it was long; she possessed slanted cat like eyes and curved berry colored lips. No wonder Hercules was in love with her. But Aerith guessed it was more than physical attraction from the moment Megara spoke with her saucy, attitude oriented voice. Clearly this woman was an individual and powerful in more ways than one. Aerith chuckled at her thoughts and held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you Megara. "

Megara waved her hand away before shaking Aerith's. "My friends call me Meg. What can I call you?"

"Um…just Aerith." She replied in a flustered tone. Perhaps Meg was too much of a woman, unlike her. Aerith's thoughts faltered at her attitude, the sudden jealousy seeping into her body as she stared Megara in the eyes. "I'm sorry," she flushed. "Have you met…Cloud Strife?"

"Blondie?" Megara shifted her weight from her right hip to her left. "Herc here has told me all about spiky; a real handsome lug I hear. Is he…yours?" Megara glanced briefly towards the arena where Aerith had allowed her gaze to linger. "Bad times, huh? Well, you seem like a big tough girl Aerith. Whatever it is, I know you can get through it. Well, I'll see you all around. I'm heading back to the stables. Pegasus needs some trimming. Bye."

Aerith watched as she disappeared through the doors. When she turned to Hercules, she saw his face masked in adoration. She almost laughed but when she heard a loud slapping noise, she stopped. It appeared that Phil had smacked the half god to revive him from his stupor. "Too infatuated and in love with that girl. Sometimes he doesn't think straight." Phil mused as he threw a piece of paper at Aerith. "Take that back to that kid. Tell him that those are the starting matches for today. I want to talk to him afterward, let him know."

She nodded before proceeding back into the arena where Cyra was still drawing lines with Sephiroth's Masumane blade. Sephiroth himself was floating in the air above her, dictating where she was to draw new lines, how long they should be and how deep. Meanwhile, Cloud was repairing the bandages on his Buster Sword. Aerith walked over to him, her steps slow and uncertain as she came to stop in front of him. She held the paper in front of his face, her hand shaking ever so slightly as he took it from her, reading it over once with his Mako eyes. He gave her a questioning look as he suddenly reached out and gripped her wrist, his clawed hand forcing her to him. Aerith was practically on top of him, a squeal escaping through her pale pink lips. "W-what?" She stuttered as he looked at her, then at the paper. "Is something wrong?" She tried to act normal.

"It says you've entered the tournament." He studied the paper again as though he was hallucinating. "Is it…true?"

"Yes, it is true," Aerith pulled away from him, her back turned as she drifted towards the ring. "I…I wanted to improve my fighting skills. I feel so…weak…sometimes. I'm sick of having to be protected." She could feel the bitterness rising in her throat like bile to throw up, and she did not try to stop it. "I will not be swayed in my decision so forget it Cloud Strife. Your protests will land upon deaf ears." She glared at Sephiroth who was sighing and yawning in boredom above them. "I am going to fight and no one, and I mean no one, is going to stop me." With that said, she began walking away from him.

Cyra lifted her head in time to see Sephiroth's fists clenching. At first she didn't understand, but when she looked to where his gaze was fixated, she realized and knew all to well his anger. Cloud had Aerith by the shoulders, his face inches from hers. And from what it appeared, Cyra could only assume they were making up from whatever squabble they'd had before they arrived. What she was not prepared for was the next action by her partner. Sephiroth descended from the air and grabbed Cyra's wrist, turning the other way as Cyra watched Cloud plant a gentle kiss on Aerith's lips. She could feel the anger and rage swelling up in him just from the way his hand was gripping hers, not to mention the shaking and intensely red mark spreading across her olive skin. He had to be incredibly angry for her skin to show red for she was naturally darker than most of her friends and family, like Kairi. She smiled despite the slight pain that coursed through her arm, wishing she could take Sephiroth's sight away. He continued to look away, his rage becoming uncontrollable when he saw Aerith wrap her arms around Cloud's neck as she leaned up to him. Cyra knew he was hurting, almost on the verge of crying; but she knew he would never break in front of anyone. After all, he supposedly had no heart and was not human, according to many people, except her and Ansem. She figured Aerith had seen his more emotional side, but she wasn't for sure and didn't want to make assumptions.

"Sephiroth," Cyra looked at him. His eyes were closed in concentration. "Let it go…you have to or it will tear you apart." She knew he wouldn't listen, but she kept trying. "Come on…we have work to finish." That comment alone seemed to snap him out of it and he resumed his position above her, pointing where she should make lines. She knew it wasn't over, but at least he'd made it through. She wanted to be spiteful towards he new friends, but something inside her screamed that what they shared was right and truthful. How could she refuse them their pleasure? But another part of her was angry. Didn't Aerith know about Sephiroth's feelings? Still, something seemed fishy about how much Cloud and Sephiroth were attracted to the flower girl. From what she'd observed, their attraction seemed identical, as though they were one in the same person. 'Impossible,' Cyra thought. It was similar to her strange attraction to Riku, who was more than he appeared. She felt a twinge in her heart at the thought of his name; but she knew sooner or later that she would be able to see him now that the heartless were no longer under her father's control. She guessed that it meant they were on the same side now. She was contented with such a thought.

"But really, where is my father?" She thought aloud as she scratched her itchy arm, the dust agitating it as she scratched it harder than before. A red mark spread across her soft skin, but she paid no heed as she walked slightly underneath Sephiroth. "Can you pull me up?" She asked in a shouting voice.

Sephiroth gave no warning as he pulled her up with his hand. She stood in front of him, floating in thin air as he, only she did not have the power to sustain her position. She smiled as she nodded to him. He gave her a bored look, which she disregarded without annoyance. "What did you need?"

"I just wanted to talk." She huffed as she chanced a glance at Cloud and Aerith. They had returned to their separate tasks; but she saw their secretive glances. "Besides," she crossed her arms over her chest. "You seem like you need to vent and I highly doubt that my father would want more bloodshed. Look, you should at LEAST let her know something. Give her a hint. You know, in your heart, as well as I, that she would never hurt you intentionally. Though…" She trailed as her gaze flickered over the lovers once more. "I must say…there is some strange attraction you hold for her…an unusually strong bond like that of Cloud's. I sense the same characteristics and elements of attraction in both of you."

"What is your point Cyra?" Sephiroth tried to appear bored, but Cyra saw through his façade. What gave it away was the way he addressed her. He only called her Cyra when she was hitting a nerve, a nerve he couldn't always control and wouldn't always show to just anyone.

"I've been wondering," She continued on hesitantly. "Are you and Cloud Strife…one person?"

Sephiroth closed his eyes in frustration. He offered no further information to the princess of darkness. But Cyra needed no more information as she had already figured out what he meant. "Then you are…and that is why you're feelings are just as intense!" She frowned. "Isn't there anything we can do?"

He shook his head, suddenly angry with himself for revealing such a personal issue; but he let it go as soon as it had come. He gave Cyra one more withering stare before disappearing through one of his dark portals. Cyra cursed after him as she realized she would fall. 'I must stay afloat! Come on Cyra, you can do it! Float, dammit, float!' She concentrated. And before she could hit the ground, she felt herself floating in the air. She clasped her hands together in happiness. "I can float!" Her outburst grabbed Aerith's attention. "Aerith, Cloud, I can float!" Aerith cheered from her standing below the young Princess, clapping her hands with enthusiasm. "I guess all I needed to do was think about it!" Cyra was proud. "Wait till I tell father!"

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

I hear a loud snore coming from the general direction of where we are headed. "Say, Anastasia, is this where you live?" I ask. I glance around the lavishly painted walls, the lush scenery and wild flowers outside the windows' clear glass. She nods. I let out a hushed "wow" as we continue through what seems like an endless hallway adorned with the finest oil lamps-at least that is what I believe they are-and the most extravagant curtains. They are silk woven, I can tell, and hang lazily over the panes to block out the pale moonlight that is entering. It amazes me how far away she lives from the Romanav palace, especially if what she says about visiting the place everyday is true. I take a look at her, I mean a good look, and see what I didn't see the first time I saw her. She looks exactly like the girl in the portrait she'd been staring at earlier. 'Why didn't I see it before?' I find myself wondering why she hides the fact that she could very well be the young girl in the picture. My thoughts are interrupted though as she pushes a door open, her long and slender arm stretching as she waits for us to enter. We all take our individual seats at a table by the end of the hall. I wait patiently as she disappears through a side door, the flapping as it moves back and forth causing an unnerving noise throughout the room.

"This is Dimitri," Anastasia answers with a smile as she brings forth a man. He looks very interested in our party, suddenly, as he drags random chairs out from underneath the table and takes a seat. "Don't be so nosy!"

"I'm not being nosy, but I want to know what we have here. Are they…valued customers?" Dimitri rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"No," I cut in right away. "I wanted to know if you knew a man named Ansem."

It scares me how fast his jovial face becomes hard. "Ansem? Yes…I know an Ansem. Some weird guy in a trench coat with silver hair? He came by a week ago claiming he was some sorcerer of the darkness and needed the princess of Russia, a princess of heart."

I gasp. "I knew it…but who is the princess?"

"Why, Anastasia of course. Did she not tell you? She DOES have a habit of keeping that fact hidden." Dimitri smiles at the red head behind him.

"I just don't like being called that!" She smacks his head. "I'm sorry I lied, it just…brings back some painful memories…and some responsibilities I neglected."

"But it's ok! You're grandmother understands and she's running the country fine on her own." He pats her arm and she grins. "Anyway, this Ansem man, have you encountered him before?"

I nod quickly. "He's the King of Darkness. He…covets the Princesses hearts and uses them to open a keyhole. Of course my friend…ah, Sora, sealed it long ago. But something has happened to open it again."

"And it is not my fault."

"ANSEM!" We all shout in unison.

He waves his hands at us. "Yes, it is I. Listen, I have come with very important news. The Heartless are no longer under my control and your princesses are all safe." He looks out at the white snow. "But I will say this: the power controlling the heartless is stronger than ever and whoever opened the keyhole…is more powerful than any of us can fathom." I watch as his gaze lands on Riku and turns intensely eerie. "Yet, if you need OR want more answers, feel free to ask your friend, Riku, Prince of Darkness."

My mouth falls open as my glance flickers to my silver haired friend. "Prince of Darkness?" Riku's eyes glow yellow with red rings around them and I gasp. 'He is a heartless!' I run at him and throw him against the wall, not knowing my own strength for the moment. "Riku, how could you?" I scream angrily as I shove him repeatedly against the marble walls despite the increasing intensity of his glowing eyes. "I trusted you! Sora trusted you! We ALL trusted you! Riku, don't let it take you! Please, stay with us, resist the darkness…don't let anything ruin this journey! We need you!" But before I can continue he throws me off roughly where I land on top of Leon. He grips my arms as I try to tear my way towards my friend. "RIKU PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!"

"ENOUGH!" Riku's booming shout echoes around the room, which grabs the attention of everyone and momentarily shut my mouth. "I am the Darkness now, the Prince of Darkness, and I will rule all. I will find the Princess who has lain dormant for years and ions before and she shall unlock the fate of this pathetic world. Your existence will be short so I suggest you enjoy it before you all perish!" He laughs sadistically before yanking me from Leon's grasp. The Gunblade bearer struggles with him, but Riku pushes him to the ground, violently. "And you, dearest princess of the purest heart," he leans next to my ear and I shiver. "It's too bad your little Prince of Light had been reduced to a comatose state, for he can't help you now." I feel anger welling up in my body. But at his next statement I feel my confidence plummet to the ground. "You were never as good as she was and you never will be. You will fail if you try so give it up while you can, little homeless Kairi, Princess of the weakest heart. Until next time…"

I don't cry out or try to stop him as he lets out one more sinister laugh and disappears in a puff of purple mist and smoke. Instead I sit on the ground, glued to my spot, and sob. I sob until my body racks and aches because of the intensity of each tear. They flow like rivers, like a broken dam. No one comforts me. It is as though everyone in the room has disappeared, their existence gone from anything I know and fell. Even Sora's eternal presence has flown away, left me to the solitude of my harsh and bitter reality. I feel my eyes burning with anger, with rage, but most of all, with sadness and despair. My body shakes as I begin to loose feeling all over my body, feeling fragile as though I am a piece of glass about to shatter. And for once, I feel completely and utterly alone.

^TBC...

(Ok, so yay for the awaited 12th chapter! Personally, I liked it. I thought it was a good chapter. But if you don't...oh well, what can I do? It'll have to wait for the next chapter as I've said before! Well, I've nothing more to say about this chapter, except that the story is going to be longer than I thought. Since I don't do layouts like my friends do, I will be writing every time from what I think fits. But if ANYONE has suggestions, please fell free to write them in your reviews or email me personally. I will look at them and see what I can and am willing to do, all right? Ok then, so please R&R and constructive criticism is welcome but NO flames cause that is rude! Chao!)

+DarkKairi+