princessmiddleast, Thanks for your constant support on so many of my stories! It means a lot :)

Twelve

I honestly don't know how it happened. He said he wanted to talk. That means sit down, exchange a few words, he leaves, and I go on my merry way. So, what the hell am I doing sitting beside him on a government plane? How did I let him convince me onto the plane? Could it be because he promised to take me to see my parents? Sure, that played a big part in my decision, but do I really want to see my mom and dad that much? Not really…

Don't get me wrong. I 've always loved my mother with all of my heart and the day that she disappeared from my life hurt me more than anyone could ever imagine. And when he was still alive, I loved my father deeply as well. Hell, I spent my childhood coming up with plans to avenge him. My parents meant the world to me. But they both left me. I've been so alone for so many years. I don't think that I'm exactly ready to face them just yet. I just don't know if I can do it.

Sadly, in the back of my mind, I can't help but wonder if Dash is lying to me and he's collecting me for the government so that I can be arrested for what I did to his family. It would hurt so much if he was, even though I deserve it. I wouldn't blame him either, I suppose. If I was in his place, I would probably turn me in too. What all could I be charged with anyway? Certainly kidnapping. Attempted murder? Maybe… I don't know… I should dwell on it. They'll tell me when they put the handcuffs on me.

Kyler turned and stared out the window. It was starting to get dark and they were flying over the ocean, so there wasn't much to see, but it gave Kyler an excuse to avoid Dash's eyes and be alone with her thoughts. She rested her head against the cool window and sighed quietly. She felt Dash place a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she flinched at his touch. She couldn't help but think that, without warning, Dash would suddenly attack her as revenge for what she had put him and his family through. However, the more rational part of her mind told her that he would never do such a thing, especially to her. Dash's kindness and understanding made Kyler nervous, and she wasn't really sure why.

"There's no reason for you to be so jumpy," Dash said calmly, trying to soothe her and help her relax. "I promise that nothing is going to hurt or happen to you. I won't let it."

Kyler didn't answer him. She couldn't. She knew that she should thank him for being so sympathetic , but she couldn't bring herself to say those two, simple words. Just thinking about it made her chest hurt. Tears sprung to eyes as she realized how heartless she had become. Vengeance had taken a terrible toll on her heart and mind, and failure had only made it worse.

"I know that you probably don't want to hear this, Ky," Dash continued, trying to get rid of the silence, "but I still care about you, a lot. And this sounds really stupid, especially coming from someone like me, but you will always be important to me and I will always be here for you, no matter what. I don't know… I just wanted to make sure you knew that." Dash realized that she wasn't going to speak up, so he leaned his head against the headrest on his seat and closed his eyes. Before he knew it, he was asleep, snoring softly.

Kyler looked over her shoulder and stared at Dash's sleeping figure. He looked so at peace and happy, despite everything that was going on. Kyler was amazed by the serenity on his face. She wondered if she looked so placid in her sleep as well, or if her worry and melancholy was presented on her face all the time. The sound of Dash's heavy breathing and quite snores were beginning to make Kyler feel tired as well. Her eyelids suddenly became very heavy and she yawned involuntarily. She desperately tried to stay awake, but her efforts were in vain. She rested her head on Dash's shoulder and closed her eyes, letting sleep overtake her.

"Kyler. Kyler, wake up. We're here."

Kyler's eyelids fluttered open and she saw Dash smiling at her. She groaned softly and sat up straight. With a yawn, she stretched her arms and cracked her neck. "Here?" she asked in a sleepy voice. "Where is here?"

"We're going to see your mother. Are you ready?"

Kyler had momentarily forgotten that Dash was taking her to see her parents and a wave of nervousness hit her like a punch in the stomach. She felt her insides churn and she was worried for a moment that she was going to throw up. It hadn't occurred to her how difficult this was going to be and she wasn't sure she was ready at all. It had been so long since she had spoken to her mother. She had no idea what she should say, or even if she would be able to speak at all. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she knew she was going to need Dash to be there and help keep her strong.

"Kyler, are you ready to go?" Dash repeated, breaking her away from her thoughts.

"Oh… Um, I don't know," Kyler replied honestly. "I don't know if I can do this." She brushed her golden hair out of her face and clenched her fists tightly to stop her eyes from flooding with tears.

Dash grabbed her hands and stared into her electric blue eyes. He couldn't help but imagine Syndrome's face when he looked at those eyes, for they were exactly like his. But then he remembered that he was looking at Kyler, not Syndrome. Despite her problems and mistakes, Kyler was not Syndrome. In fact, they were both very different. "Listen to me," he said, trying to calm her down, "it's going to be hard. I'm not going to lie to you. It's going to be really difficult, especially because it's been so long since the last time you've talked to her. But I'm here for you, Kyler. I'll stand by your side for as long as you want me to."

Kyler couldn't help but smile at Dash. His kindness was overwhelming and filled her with incredible warmth that not only relaxed her, but also caused her cheeks to flush. "Thank you, Dash… I'll admit that I don't really understand why you're being so wonderfully nice to me, but it means a lot and I don't think I can ever thank you enough. It means the world to me to know that you'll be there for me." Kyler leaned closer to Dash and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I think I'm ready now," she said, squeezing his hand.

Dash squeezed back and smiled at her encouragingly. "Alright then. Let's go."

I'm really interested in what you have to say and what you think will happen. Also, suggestions are always welcome! Please, tell me what you think! The more reviews I get, the sooner I'll update. Thanks for reading!

Mew Painappuru