The skies were dark, and rain poured.

It was an everlasting sequence, and I would be smack dab in the middle of all the chaos.

I could run, but I'd never be far enough. I could try, but then I'd fail. I could fly, but then I'd fall.

And this time, there was no one to catch me.

It was the end of the world and those who had stained it.


"Rollercoaster"
- part two -
-
And as the Rain Fell
chapter twenty-three
-
Staring out at the rain with a heavy heart
It's the end of the world in my mind
Then your voice pulls me back like a wake up call
I've been looking for the answer
Somewhere
I couldn't see that it was right there
But now I know what I didn't know
-

It was already night in Valencia. The icy rain pounded hard on me, blending in as a mixture with the salty tears streaking down my colorless cheeks. I was a mess. And I felt like it too. My tangles of red escaped the sleek form I had tried to keep it in earlier. My tan bled away in the rain, and my face and hands were paled. I had tripped over myself a series of times, and my hands and knees were caked with mud. My brown hooded sweatshirt darkened in the rain into an ebony black, and flapped about wildly as I sprinted down the path, head down.

My legs were weary and worn.

Not quite sure where to go, I had been running aimlessly, losing myself in a twisted and cruel world where illusions were real, and heartbreaks plentiful. It was a bitter night.

The events that had occurred a few hours prior still flashed vividly in my mind. The three things that I couldn't bear the thought of, ironically, were the three things that came to mind instantly. Him. Her. And the color of blood. Lovely how things work out, isn't it.

The sweet, sweet words that Sora had spoke of...

Bullshit. He played with my heart.

The friendship that I had with Janice...

A lie. She used me.

The garnet liquid pouring out of Sora's wounds...

Ugh, don't make me sick.

I raised my head, poorly observing my surroundings through downed eyes. Funny. I thought I knew every nook and cranny of this place. You learn something new every day.

No longer in that full-out sprint pace I had earlier, I found myself wandering the area; my weight shifted between strides, steps heavy and awkward. My brown-black hood found its way to its place on my head, and my locks of mahogany flowed down, drenched, from behind the cloth in two streaks. I was miserable, and my appearance reflected it.

I didn't know what I wanted.

I found myself standing on a marble bridge, staring lifelessly down at a pathetic girl staring back up. She looked little and helpless, small and insignificant; she looked useless and pathetic. Just like me. A small smirk escaped me. "We're not that different..."

Suddenly, a small scratching sound of footsteps on cement aroused me from my mild obsession with the reflection.

I turned abruptly, alerted.

There I saw another figure striding the rain, taking the road opposite of me. I do wonder why I hadn't taken notice of him earlier. His damp, bronzed hair pressed close against his face, darkened attire not too diverse from my own. My sapphire hues softened. I'd know him anywhere.

"Lovely time for a night walk, isn't it?" I called out to him.

He turned, and his blues met mine. A beautiful smile spread across his face. It was warming. And it felt familiar.

"You know it."

I felt an almost shy smile form, playing upon my lips. Suddenly I didn't feel so hollow anymore.

"So what are you doing out here?" he asked, sauntering casually towards me, hands in pockets.

"Felt like crying," I admitted, mirroring his actions, "But looks like sky beat me to it."

He laughed a little to himself, looking down at his feet, then back up, his head cocked slightly to the side, his lips parted, showcasing an absolutely gorgeous, take-my-breath-away smile.

I could feel some sort of inner fire suddenly lit aglow, and I suddenly felt the urge to smile back. I returned his smile, those rain clouds hanging over my head rapidly parting.

"You're completely drenched!" he exclaimed, tugging at my zip-up sweatshirt, that grin of his still bright on that face.

"Well so are you!" I countered, all smiles now.

We laughed at each other, just like we used to when getting ready for work. Just like old times. Just...better, maybe.

"Thanks..." I mumbled, avoiding eye contact, a light blush painted across my face. "It's been...a really rough night, tonight. And I, well...I'm..."

"Yeah." He cut in, sensing my uneasiness, "I know."

I looked up to him, and I felt my face immediately redden. Looking at him from the corner of my eye, I could see that he had turned an unmistakably deep shade of red as well, and kept a constant stare at his feet. I relaxed a little.

"I have to go now," he sputtered, bangs hiding his eyes, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." He turned and began walking away, his strides long and steps fast.

"Bright and early." I added in a whisper.

Tomorrow.

It seemed so far away!

My heart felt hollow once again, and it was then I knew what this strange feeling was, and just what I wanted.

"Brent!" I cried out, surprising myself with the worrisome tone I used.

He turned, and suddenly, I found myself at a loss for words.

"I don't suppose..." I finally stuttered, "...your 'offer' is still up?" I smiled shyly, an expression looking far too...hopeful for my liking plastered on my face, a dark blush rising.

Brent's uneasy look softened, until it was just a sort of sweet grin. His eyes glowed in the darkness of the night, and he strode over to me once more.

I felt my heart fly to cloud nine, and dance upon the stars.

He stood right before me, and gave me those kind of smiles that just gives you the goosebumps, that makes you want more, and never want this moment to end. I didn't need any words. I knew his answer.

"Come on," he spoke softy, taking my hand, "I'll take you home."

My hand fitted so perfectly into his, and our fingers gradually intertwined. He led me out of the rain and into the sunshine.

It was completely absurd, if you really thought about it, all the things that had occurred so far to lead up to this. Like...maybe this was all planned out, like everything was just part of some big plan for me, and everything was destined to happen. Maybe I had to meet Janice...and Sora and Riku and I had to go our separate ways...maybe I had to meet Candace and Brent...and I had to lose Sora...to show me that one who really makes me feel complete...is Brent.

The skies would be dark, and rain would pour, and the broken heart that I believed never to mend...

...is starting to repair itself, piece by piece.
-

author's note:

oh dear lord...

The girl has finally snapped! KAIRI HAS JUST FALLEN FOR BRENT!

But hey, we all saw it coming...right...? - manages to avoid rotten tomatoes thrown -

Okay, I know this chapter was really short, but honestly, I hate having to read those impossibly long chapters that people write! When I look at how small the scrollbar thing is, my instant reaction is 'oh my gosh...' and my mouth basically drops.

But no worries, guys! The plot is still unfolding, and guess what? I'm going thirteen in a week! - dances - But hey, I've got a piano cm test tomorrow, and argh, I'm so nervous! I started screwing up all my songs last night! So you guys gotta wish me luck, and hope I make convention!

Oh yeah, and thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter!

xxLYPHE