A/N: Personally, I had wanted to make these chapters longer but I guess if there aren't that many people reading then it doesn't matter (not saying those of you who are reading aren't important and I thank you for your reviews…) However, now we are on chapter 5… that's right: 5!

So I'll say again that I DO NOT own Kingdom Hearts though every fiber in my being wants to… (they belong to Disney and the amazing SquareEnix )

A few of you mentioned how it was a little difficult with keeping straight who's talking and all I have to say is I'm sorry (Personally I've read this too much, even though I still LOVE it, but I was more worried about spelling gammar and lengthening it… Gomen!!!

Now then, please read, review, and enjoy…

Thoughts - italics

Thought Speaking- bold italics

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Chapter 5

The Demon's Return

The four entered Traverse Town, Sora and his two companions heading straight for the Items Shop. As they did, Cloud wandered the First District, seeing the same few people that were there when he'd left. He sat down at one of the tables in the diner, just staring out into the open area. His head hurt... a lot. He needed to clear it. After a while Sora came up, concern clear on his young features.

"Cloud?" The blonde's eyes flickered, looking over at him. He noticed the look he was getting, tilting his head a bit to the side.

"Hm?"

"You okay?" He unconsciously frowned a bit, nodding. "You're a bad lair."

"I just need to be alone right now," he murmured softly. Sora gave him a sad look, straightening his stance.

"Okay. I have to go talk to someone. Are you going to be here?"

"Probably not," the blonde murmured. Sora nodded, walking away followed by Donald and Goofy.

---

"So, you've found another Gummi block."

"Yeah, Cid went to install it now," Sora confirmed.

"That's Cid for you. Has to play with his Gummi ship," Yuffie said, giggling.

"At least he has a hobby," Leon muttered, his hair covering his eyes a bit. Sora turned his attention to the girl standing next to Leon. She seemed to strike him a bit as familiar but he couldn't quite place it. Leon noticed Sora's confused expression. "This is Kumi. She came into town a little while ago."

"I remember, you were at the Coliseum. We never got to fight one another. Nice to meet you, Kumi. I'm Sora." She smiled. Sora held out his hand to shake but she came up giving him a peck on the cheek causing him to blush hard.

"Same here," she said, her gold eyes sparkling. Sora shook his head, turning his attention back to Leon.

"Anyway, Leon, you remember that stone you gave me. It turns out its a summon. Someone whose heart was too strong but not strong like ours to survive. They're going to help me." Leon leaned up from his spot against the wall, shifting his weight to one side.

"That's good. So, that's everything?" Leon asked.Sora nodded, making his way towards the door.

"I have to go visit Merlin. I found another page of that book he has. I'll be back when I'm through. Come on guys." With that, Sora made his exit. Kumi turned to Leon.

"So that's the boy you were telling me about?" He nodded. Kumi jumped up on the counter next to Yuffie. "He's sweet, ne, Yuffie-chan?"

"Yeah, for a kid," the brunette girl replied.

"You're one to talk," Leon said.

"Leon!" Yuffie grit out. Kumi giggled, brushing her black hair aside as she flashed a glaring Yuffie an innocent smile.

---

Cloud was now in the Alleyway, wandering aimlessly. He soon found himself in the spot where it had happened.

'It seemed like it was years ago. It could have been two days ago for all I know.' He continued staring at the water, unaware that he had been discovered. The figure ran off, hoping the ex-SOLDIER didn't sense him.

---

"Hey, Squall?"

"Hm?" Kumi jumped off counter, Yuffie having left a few minutes ago. She came over, grabbing his hand and dragging him to the door. "Kumi?! What are doing?"

"I want to show you something. Come with me." She went to opened the door when Cid opened it for her from the outside. "Cid?"

"Leon..... he's here..." His face was fixed in a state of shock and horror.

"Cid?" Leon broke away from Kumi, rushing over to the blonde pilot. "Cid? Who's here?"

"Cloud...."

"Shit..." he looked over his shoulder at Kumi then back at Cid. "Get Aerith and Yuffie and get to your house. Lock the door and don't answer unless you know its me."

"But--"

"Cid, do it," Leon interjected, giving him a scowl. The pilot then nodded, running off. Leon faced Kumi.

"Cloud? I know Cloud," Kumi interjected. Leon faltered, staring at her a bit shocked.

"Nani?!"

"I fought against him at the Coliseum. I lost. What's the big deal?" Leon realized now why she'd lost so soon.

"Listen, sweetheart, he's a hired assassin," he explained, watching her eyes widen in horror, "and I don't want you near him."

"But, Squall, I know him. He's --"

"A cold-blooded murderer out for fresh blood and you think you may know him," he stalked up to her as he spoke, firmly grabbing her wrist. It was a change of events: now he was dragging her, "but you don't because I thought I did." Whatever protest she had died on her lips as he dragged her through the Third District doors. She sighed deeply, looking at the ground.

"Where are we going?" she asked quietly.

"Somewhere where you'll be safe."

"But, Squall!!" He stopped in the middle of the Third District, whirling around to face her. He grabbed her shoulders, making sure he had her attention. He then froze, eyes wide, as he saw tears clouding her gold eyes.

"Kumi...." He sighed, looking down, his hands still on her shoulders. Then looking up, he picked up her trembling form bringing her to the Secret Cavern.

---

Cloud tread his feet as he walked along next to the hotel. He hadn't seen Sora or Squall for that matter. As a matter a fact, he hadn't really seen anyone.

'Maybe Squall told them what happened and they're hiding from me. I don't blame them.' He stared up at the new bell tower. Ever since Sora had broken the wood around it and found the Keyhole the townspeople decided to kind of close it up again by putting up a wall with a door where the wood was. It was mainly for show but it seemed to make the bell sound louder due to the sound reverberating against the walls. It still had a huge area up there so Cloud decided to wander up to think.

---

Once in the Cavern, Leon sat against the wall, placing Kumi between his legs so she could lean back against him, which she did. He wrapped his arms around her, feeling relaxed being in her presence.

"Squall....."

"Hm?"

"Why did you say that?"

"Say what?"

"That stuff about Cloud?" He sighed deeply, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Because he betrayed us... betrayed me. It happened about two weeks ago. He and I had been patrolling the Second and Third Districts for Heartless which as you know have left for now. I had gone ahead and when I came back he.... there was this man there and he said he'd made a deal to become his assassin. I don't know why but I do know that he's here for me."

"You? Why you?"

"The man had said he'd be back for me. What else am I suppose to think?" She remained silent until he hugged her tighter, causing her to gasp.

"Squall?"

"I'm glad you came back. You have no idea how I missed you." She smiled softly, leaning into his arms more.

"I only went to the tournament. I said I'd be back soon," she murmured.

"It still hurt...." She stared at the ground, guilt beginning to ebb away at her. She placed a hand on his arm, causing him to look up.

"I'll always be here..." He kissed her neck, his dark hair tickling her. "Squall...." He leaned his head on her shoulder sideways, looking at her.

"Hm?"

"Do you... like me?"

"Of course."

"What I mean is....."

"Kumi, I love you." She froze, staring out ahead blankly in shock. He stroked her cheek, pulling her against himself tighter. "I don't ever want you to leave me again. I'm going to protect you." She turned on her side in his arms, leaning against his muscled chest, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her... of the safe feeling she got in his embrace.

"Oh, Squall..." she whispered, sighing contently. Kissing her temple, he began getting up, hating to break the tender moment. She followed suit. "I'll be right back. I want you to stay here; its safe." He began his retreat, his boots clicking against the cobblestone. However, a pair of arms stopped him.

"Don't go. What if........... what you say was true.....I... I don't..." He turned, brushing a stray tear away.

"Shhh... I'll be okay." She held his hand against her face, her eyes closed. "I'm just going to check on Cid and the others." He leaned in, her eyes opening just in time to see him close the gap between them, capturing her lips with his. More tears slid down her cheeks, but these were blissful tears. Kumi clutched his jacket as he pulled away as if he'd disappear. He placed his hand over hers, forcing her to let go. "I'll be right back...." He turned, waking away. Then he gave he a sideways glance, a smile on his lips.... a real smile. "Wait for me...." She nodded, watching him leave.

"Watashi matte'ru..... Squall..."

---

TBC…

A/U: Kawaii!! By the way she said (if you didn't know) 'I'll be waiting for you... Squall...'

And I know I forgot to mention that their would be OOCness but there is. (Everyone else is doing it though )

So tell me what you think. No reviews, no more. Gomen nasai, but why bother put more up if it looks like no one is reading... Get my point. ;;;

Sayonara,

Hotaru 'Chi' Sasaki