Takes place after Kairi's rescue; contains spoilers for the end of Kingdom Hearts.

Written from Cloud's perspective.

Okay, here we go! In case you all forgot (much like I did sometimes...) this fic is supposed to take place in the normal timeline... so off we go to Traverse Town once again!

And to tell you the truth, the darn thing seems like it's mostly filler... I'm so amused.

No moogles were harmed during the making of this chapter.

Ephemeral Blossoms

Akai Kitsune

Part 12: As I Wait for You

I was on my way back from a routine trip for supplies at the Item Shop in the First District when a new group of Heartless ambushed me - astonishingly enough, right at the district's entrance, where they had never appeared before. They came without warning and I was singed a few times by a Wizard's fire before I managed to reach the house in the Third District where I'd finally decided to make my home.

Kairi looked up from the book she was reading over on the bed, raising an eyebrow curiously as I slammed the door behind me. "Mr. Cloud? Is something wrong?"

I grumbled to myself for a moment before answering, tossing the supplies on the table and sitting down in the closest chair. "Just a fight," I told her, closing my eyes and rubbing my forehead. I was feeling the beginnings of a headache, and I knew it wouldn't be getting any better. "The town is growing dangerous... there are more Heartless appearing than usual."

Kairi nodded absently, stuffing a scrap of paper in the book and closing it. "Cid told me the other day, so I've been really careful. It's only in the other districts though, right?"

I shook my head. "I wish that were true. Even the First District is starting to look deserted because of recent attacks."

The girl rested her chin on her palm. "The others used to fight back a lot to keep the Heartless from hurting anyone in that district... and after Sora locked the Keyhole, shouldn't the Heartless stop coming?"

I shrugged. I could never hope or even try to understand what the Keyblade was meant to do. "Maybe locking the world just means it can't be destroyed... it doesn't protect it from Heartless attacks."

Kairi sighed softly, stretching for a moment and pulling herself off the bed. She moved over to the kitchen area and started to boil a kettle, then went about preparing two cups of tea. I nodded my thanks and sat back, my eyes roving towards the window.

Two weeks. Nearly two weeks now, since I'd first arrived in town... since I'd met Kairi and Cid, and first learned about the Keyblade Master's final journey to defeat Ansem. We all tried hard to conceal it, but it was obvious that we were starting to worry. Even for a child - and even taking into consideration the space travel delayed by the Heartless ships, as Cid had pointed out - it was a long time. Perhaps they had made a few stops along the way, to train or restock their supplies...

But still...

It's hard to believe, now.

Kairi seemed to sense my growing uneasiness, for she whispered to herself, hunched over the kitchenette as the kettle began to hiss beside her, "Sora, where are you...?"

Where are you, Keyblade Master? I echoed the words in my mind, unable to voice them.

Something was happening. I was more confident in that fact than anything else in the world. The growing desperation I sensed in the Heartless only added fuel to my intuition.

Sora wasn't dead. If he was, then everything was lost.

We're still alive. We're alive, and so he must be...

But how long can we continue to hope...?

"Here," Kairi's voice broke through my thoughts, and I looked up as she approached, a teacup in hand. I accepted it and leaned back as she took the chair across the table, hands clasped around her own cup. Her expression was clouded with doubt and worry, lips pursed and trembling.

"He's alive." I spoke the words before I could stop, but I couldn't make myself regret them. Kairi turned sharply towards me, surprise filling her eyes.

"How do you know?" she whispered.

I shook my head. "He's the Keybearer. If he died... we would know."

The Heartless... they would have no fear if Sora was gone. They would fall upon us and destroy us in an instant - the only thing holding them back is the knowledge that somewhere out there is the key that will bring them to ruin.

If Sora was dead... we would know, because your heart would tell you.

And the -Heartless- would tell me.

At my answer, she smiled weakly. "I know," she murmured, "It's silly on me to worry. We're connected... did you know that? Our hearts are connected. He told me that, and I believe in it. I can still feel him. He-he's okay." She blinked back tears, rubbing vainly at her eyes. "Just... missing."

On a journey so dark that none of us could walk that path with him... I closed my eyes, shaking away such thoughts. I wasn't sure if I was even thinking about Sora anymore.

"He'll be back, though," Kairi added confidently, lifting her chin. "When he's done fighting, he always comes back. And that is what's important."

I looked away again, taking a long sip from my tea. I didn't answer, my eyes focused on the outside world, forever watching for the shadows that hunted us. I knew they were there.

They were always there.

The tea... it had a strange taste. Kairi liked it strong, and sweet... but that day it was faint and bitter.

My fears and expectations of the growing Heartless threat were realized two days later, when Cid rushed into the house several hours earlier than usual. The Gummi ship mechanic always kept his corner "shop" open during the day - or whatever the inhabitants of Traverse Town considered to be day, anyway - and his early return was a surprise for Kairi and I. And, as it turned out, not a pleasant one.

"Something's happening," he growled, and for the first time in years I saw him carrying his weapon of choice, the spear. He had obviously fought his way back to us. "The Heartless are going nuts out there! Random attacks everywhere you step. I've never seen so many of the damn bugs in one area!"

"Are you okay?" Kairi cried out, rushing over and searching him for wounds.

Cid waved her aside. "I'm fine," he told her gruffly, then turned to me. "Listen Cloud, it's not safe for any of us here. Everyone else is trying to hide or at least move to a part of town that's less dangerous. Third District was always been rough. I vote we follow the rest and get out."

"But-" Kairi started, her voice trembling a little. "We have to stay here! If Sora comes back... if he needs our help, how will he find us? We can't just disappear!"

Absently, I nodded my agreement. We were both waiting for someone. It was impossible for us to leave the one place they would return to.

Cid groaned. "Aw, geez... weren't you two listening? We stay here, chances are the Heartless will tear this place apart. They're getting smarter and stronger. A locked door doesn't always keep you safe, now." At our expressions, he gave a resigned sigh. "What about the Accessory shop in First? I used to run the place, and the guy who works there now doesn't seem too keen on staying. It's closer to the item shop and the restaurant, so supplies will be easier to pick up." He winked at Kairi. "It's also the most convenient drop-off for our neighbourhood Keybearer."

Kairi's eyes lit up, and she gave Cid a tackle-hug. "Thank you!" she said brightly, closing her eyes.

Cid objected to the attention, untangling himself, then noticed that I was glaring at him. "Don't give me that look, kid. We can leave a note or something - if the others come back, they'll find us."

"What makes the shop any safer than here?" I demanded.

The other man shrugged. "More structurally sound, in my opinion," he answered, knocking on the wall by the door. "This is a pretty old house. I don't know buildings like I know ships, but I do know when you're tempting fate. A couple attacks by those giant Defenders would smash this place to bits. Window's dangerous, too. The Accessory shop is a lot better supported and less accessible for the bulkier Heartless. It's the best place for us right now."

I grimaced and looked away, too stubborn to admit he was right. I wanted to wait for her... leaving the place she would first return to delayed our meeting. I didn't want to leave.

But I couldn't stay there alone, and I refused to leave Kairi and Cid to fend for themselves.

Finally I let out a sigh, almost disgusted by my weakness. "All right," I mumbled, "Let's go."

My companions said nothing, but I could see the relief on their faces. I wish I could say I felt the same.

Our trip to the First District was brief and - thankfully - uneventful. I don't know if the Heartless were taking a break or were otherwise occupied, but frankly I couldn't have cared less. When we arrived at the Accessory shop, though, we weren't surprised to find it empty.

"The place is still well stocked," Cid announced, entering the main area from the storage room. "The other guy must have left in a hurry."

My expression darkened, and I dumped the bag I'd been carrying on the counter. "Hopefully it'll last us until the others return." I knew how the Heartless worked, now; things only got worse before they got better. If they ever did.

Kairi's voice called out from above, her head appearing in the small hole in the ceiling. "The moogles are still here in the Synthesis shop!"

Cid grinned. "True businessmen!" he smirked, giving the bridge of his nose a quick scratch, a characteristic motion that was becoming familiar again. "Nothin' chases the little buggers off. I like that."

I frowned, but said nothing. My experience with moogles was limited to the one I'd seen wandering in the center square of the district, when I'd been told firmly not to "touch the pom-pom". This was something that had amused Kairi to no end for some reason, so for the most part I had ignored the ornery creatures.

Now, it seemed we were to live with them. Joy.

Cid must have noticed my expression. "Hey, don't worry so much," he told me gruffly. "It won't be for long. Leon an' the others will come back, or Sora will restore the worlds. Either way, we'll be going home."

And I'll see her. The words were left unspoken, but I knew they were there. It was something I had told myself daily since my arrival in Traverse Town, almost like a comforting prayer or vow. Soon.

"Thank you," I answered Cid after a long moment, my face nearly expressionless. I'd learned over time to keep my thoughts to myself, even among friends. "I'm going to scout the town - see if there's anyone left in the area."

Cid shrugged. "Aside from the moogles upstairs, there's an old guy and his kid around the corner; I know that much. Leon set them up in one of the empty houses a few weeks ago." His lip quirked. "Turns out they know Sora, too. I'm not sure about the restaurant."

Kairi started climbing down the ladder, turning back to look at us as I reached for my sword. "You're going out? Cid, can you go with him and pick up some things for me?"

Cid smirked and ruffled her hair when she was at the right level. "It's a bad time for a shopping trip, little bit."

She jumped down and playfully punched his arm. "That's not what I meant. The moogles need some more wood for their forge. They sell it over at the item shop. Can you bring some back with you?"

"What makes you think we're going that way?" At Kairi's impatient look, Cid just laughed. "Fine, we'll pick some up. Have they got munny or are we paying?"

The girl pursed her lips. "Mogki promised to forge some stronger armour for you two if you buy the wood."

He snickered. "We're living in the accessory shop, kid."

"You can't buy this sort of armour anywhere, kupo!" a voice piped up from above.

Kairi nodded. "And they'll let us use the fire for cooking. Which we need," she added, raising her brows meaningfully.

"Women and their kitchens," Cid grumbled, looking at me for support. I merely shrugged; I'd never complained about Kairi's cooking and was not about to start now. Finally, the other man caved. "Okay then, I guess we're buying firewood."

"Will you pick up some spiced meat from the restaurant while you're at it?"

"Yes dear."

"Cid!"

Cid grinned again, then grabbed my arm to practically drag me outside before he fell to Kairi's wrath - or her thrown shoe. Once outside he jerked a hand towards the restaurant. "We'll get the wood on the way back. Right now... care for a drink?"

I didn't, really, but no one ever actually said no to Cid. At least he never heard it. So with a resigned sigh - the second one of the day - I nodded, and we made our way to the last functional bar Traverse Town had to offer.

"Why didn't you come with us?"

I blinked at the question, then looked over at Cid, who was leaning back in his chair, staring at the glass he held. "What?"

"Nine years ago," he continued, taking a long drink. "When we left the Bastion. The Heartless were overrunning the place - most of the team had already gone missing. But you... I never expected you to disappear on us." He smiled in bitter remembrance. "You were the one that held us together."

I wanted to laugh at the statement. Oh, how I wanted to laugh. Instead, I said quietly, "If I'd had a choice, I would have gone with you."

Cid glanced at me. "What stopped you?"

"I tried to exploit the power of darkness..."

I closed my eyes.

"Myself."

To his credit, Cid didn't ask again. He grabbed my empty glass and stood up, getting us both a refill.

"If you were all together," I asked when he returned, "Why was... why was Aerith with Leon when you met them here?"

He shrugged. "The trip wasn't easy. Each ship only held a couple of people, and I was waiting around a bit longer, hoping someone we knew would come along."

I shook my head, my expression darkening. "No," I murmured, "They wouldn't have come."

Screams, in the darkness... Tifa's hand reaching out for mine -

Cid watched me almost cautiously. "I guess not." Another drink. "Aerith got separated from us on the way to the ships. Probably went looking for you. She found Leon instead." He caught sight of my eyes narrowing and snickered. "Don't get huffy, kid. Leon's every bit as sullen as you are, but apparently he ain't her type."

I bit back several retorts to that, finally settling for an unamused growl. "Cid..."

He just laughed. "Come on, you're too serious. You survived, she survived, and for some reason she's still crazy about you. So hurry up and finish your drink or Kairi'll burn our supper for being so late."

I glowered back at him, but finally lifted the glass to my lips.

By the gods, was the town alcohol ever terrible.

We paid our bill soon after and left, stopping at the shop around the corner for the moogles' firewood. The three ducks that tended the shop had been packing recently - there were more boxes than merchandise.

So... even children could sense that the end was coming, one way or another. The question was, would we survive or not?

When I spoke my thoughts aloud to Cid, he merely smirked and clapped me on the back, then passed me two armfuls worth of logs.

"Less worry and more work, kid," he winked. "I'm gettin' hungry."

In response, I felt a silent tug on my own stomach, so I shut my mouth and waited outside while Cid paid for our supplies.

We were halfway up the stairs, nearly buried in firewood, when we heard the scream that rang out through the district.

Kairi!

AN: Short chapter, and I apologize. The next chapter (if I shift back to the flashbacks) will probably get pretty huge, I expect, so that will hopefully make up for it. If not... well, your loss, not mine...

... Curse this new formatting of ff.net. I can't use my smilies. Curse it, I tell you!

I need to be careful about all these cliffhangers, because I just know I'll be punished for it later... heh, but it's way too much fun.

Next chapter: Depending on my muse, I'll either continue with Traverse Town or return to the past. We'll all just have to wait and see...

Reviewer Responses:

Koorino Megumi: You know, I think I should just go ahead and do Traverse Town again next chapter. Just because I'm evil like that. (Hey, you said so yourself...)

Seishin Kibou: Have you seen the match between Seph and Cloud from Final Mix? It's pretty easy to track down, and it's certainly worth checking out. I did see the trailer yes... I was very, very happy to see Vincent, heh. And Tifa kicks ass.

Jade-Jaganashi: Actually, you were right. The first Zack was just like a dream, kind of fading into reality. From what I saw in FFVII, Mako poisoning does funny things to your head.

starhealer: I got you to like my Cloud! Booya to me. I feel so accomplished now...

golden heart: Oh come on, it's Hojo! What's not to love?

link no miko: Actually, I like the theory about Cloud pushing the darkness out of himself. That's probably the best way to explain that scene. And... Not!Zack... you never cease to amuse me, squeak. Oh, and sorry for being unclear. "Shall I test you again?" is actually Sephiroth's line! But that will hopefully get explained... er... at some point.