OOOOOH!! I am in love with this chpater, a lot is revealed. Or rather, a lot has begun in this one. Whereas this is allegedly a big battle between good and evil once and forever, you'll get a big surprise and i'm not gonna spoil it cos i'm in love with the story!!

Tragedy and I want to thank all you lovely reviewers who give me the insentive to continue writing this with her, not that i wouldn't anyway, you guys just let me know i'm at tleast doing something write and I'm sure Tragedy will agree. She puts up with me so she must get SOME satisfaction from writing the story XD

Enjoy...


They'd been marching for hours; it hadn't taken them this long to get to the meeting place the day before. Soku wasn't surprised at guessing they'd been misled thinking the enemy were closer than they actually were. He sighed softly and felt his arm brush against someone else's; he looked up to see Leon smiling down at him.

He frowned, why was Leon smiling? They were marching to battle dammit! He looked round and saw his parents didn't seem to be bothered either, in fact a great deal of the soldiers near them wore neutral expressions. What the hell was wrong with everyone? Lifting his head he looked around at the landscape they were traversing through. Certainly a sign could be taken from it. Everything was dead, the grass was an ugly brown color and the tree's lacked leaves or any color.… Soku sighed again. It was ever night here and he hated it but he seemed to be the only one who did as he looked round. Thinking of the beaches back home, the palm trees and the warm sun he only slipped further into a depression. Soku jumped slightly, feeling a playful pull on his hair, he turned to look into the face of none other than Sora.

"Don't think such depressing thoughts, 'Ku." Sora gave a comforting smile which only made Soku glower even further.

"How did you know?" The little prince muttered darkly.

Sora shrugged, "I may not be dark any more but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve." He grinned before saying seriously, "Whereas I have full control over my powers, you do not as of yet. I'd advise keeping good thoughts in your head as you seem to be what those around you are drawing from you for support at the moment."

Soku started, shocked at the observation, "W-what?! Why?!"

Sora shrugged, "I don't know. Either way, this place is terrible and as much as I can try and fight it everyone around you, including myself, is drawing from the light you're presenting. So keep a happy head, please?"

"And just how am I supposed to do that?! This place is awful!" Soku folded his arms like a petulant child, "Go and draw off Riku's light if you're going to be so harsh about it, his should be brighter than mine anyway!"

Leon gave a soft laugh, "You'd think that wouldn't you? Experience making him better, right?" Soku shrugged in a grudging affirmative, "Wrong, experience has dimmed it slightly. Riku's had a lot in his life go wrong and even though it's all good now, those feelings never leave you. So you, the beautiful, youthful prince are much brighter."

Soku scowled at his Papa and Leon, "Leave me alone."

Sora sniggered and tapped Soku's nose gently, "Remember: clear head!"

Nodding hastily to rid him of his overbearing gossipers he tuned out their chatter to return to his thoughts. They were indeed taking far longer than he had anticipated and for some reason this grated on his nerves so much he wanted to tear his hair out. Growling under his breath he felt his mind turning to those of the dark prince, the one who left him gasping for air every morning when he awoke. He couldn't pull away from this train of thought, he'd nothing to distract him other than the monotony of his own breathing, each footfall he took and as he'd successfully rid himself of Leon and Sora he was a slave to his mind which found these thoughts particularly interesting.

He could remember very vividly what had occurred the previous night and he wasn't able to stop the blush that crept onto his face as he relived how he'd garbled nonsense at Everent that the prince probably didn't understand and then had collapsed onto him! Slipping into a bit of self-depreciation he decided what Everent had said about not wanting him to cut his hair was probably a big joke to the dark prince who had him wrapped around his little finger. Soku winced at that thought. He'd already thought it rather permanently in his head so there was no taking it back but how he wished he could deny it, deny that Everent had so much control over him after only having known for two days and spent only a few hours in his company.

He felt the shade overhead dwindle and as he looked up he saw the trees were thinning, the body of soldiers drawing closer together as their cover was taken from them slowly, almost teasingly. Frowning, the King of Light and King Mickey signaled on each side for the soldiers to break the tree line and stay absolutely still. Soku cleared his head and felt Sora tap his shoulder softly, looking over he saw his Papa's outstretched hand with a blue tie hanging from it.

"Riku says to tie your hair back, it gets in the way and you know how Kairi adores your hair, she'd be about third in line to kill me if I let it get cut off." Sora gave him a warm smile and then proceeded to tie back the soft silver tresses. Soku scowled at the treatment but when it was done he saw Sora doing the same to Riku who wore a similar expression of distaste. Soku grinned.

As they broke through the trees Soku froze mid-step but was pulled along sharply by Leon. As they came through the forest they saw the army of darkness' soldiers awaiting them and further away, cradled along the lack skyline Soku saw a castle. The many towers and flags could be seen on the outline of the sky. It towered over the battle field and gave Soku a melancholy feeling looking at it. As lightning crashed around them Soku found his gaze avoided the castle, weathered by rain and other lashes of nature but it was their, an even bleaker accessory to the world they were in. Soku remembered to breathe and slowly calmed himself from fear back down to steely resolve.

There was a thick piece of land between the two armies but Soku could see Sephiroth as clear as day, standing at the forefront of his soldiers in exactly what he had worn yesterday, no armor or anything except for an ebony black wing that jutted out from his back and flexed eagerly as he looked upon his opponents. Soku stood firmly beside Sora and Leon, their armor twinkling in the moonlight that never left, casting an eerie glow about the scene. He hoped his determination was being passed on through the soldiers, if what Sora had said was true then it was and they would face this battle with strong hearts.

It began to rain.

Soku remained completely emotionless outside but inside part of him was throwing a tantrum. He knew that rain would not help the light side of this situation. And the natural forces seemed to cause an internal complex that Soku tried to hide, even if not well.

"What on earth could possibly make this even more foreboding and doom-and-gloomy than it already is?! Oh, I know! Let's add some depressing weather!" The voice grumbled. Soku ignored it.

Shaking his head to silence the intrusive voice to his fears he watched Sephiroth and Riku like a hawk for any sign of movement to change. He had watched them approach each other and saw what seemed to be caution flicker in Riku's eyes, but Soku knew that even through his father's calm demeanor, a internal battle was raging within. Now focusing his gaze on the two figure's before him, Soku awaited the first move.

It was like watching a staring match between two cats and as the rain turned from a drizzle to a downpour it was harder to see anything.

Neither would move before the other and so their gazes locked for what felt like an eternity and Soku could already feel his attention slipping, his thoughts wandering. He shifted his stare from one object to another, nothing keeping his attention for long. No amount of training could teach a teenager to keep their mind locked on one thing for too long and Soku could feel the want to move so much he wanted to scream. Sora seemed to sense his son's discomfort and whispered softly in his ear, "It's a silver-haired macho competition, totally pointless and sad but they'll feel better for it." Sora grinned and Soku gave a weak smile.

Sephiroth's gaze flickered from Riku to watch the interaction between Soku and Sora. When it returned Riku wore a triumphant smirk and it was all Sephiroth needed to do to know Riku thought he'd won.

"I wonder what gave him that misconception…" The dark king mumbled to himself with a self indulgent smirk, "We should fix that." He glanced to the side where his loyal son was stood, garbed in dark armor and the picture of soldier diligence in his unwavering stance and expression. His smirk intensified and he raised his hand only a fraction of a second before Riku did.

And thus the battle began.


Back at the war camp preparations were being for the wounded. Merlin had been re-summoned before the army had left and he was masterfully overseeing the medical staff as they went about stockpiling sedatives, anesthetic, bandages and gauze. Anything that could possible be remade into a stretcher or an operating table was being disinfected and turned into its purpose. The highest ranking surgeon was Cloud Strife and Merlin was running him ragged with orders to enlarge the medical tents.

Cloud wondered if the man was a magician why he didn't do it with magic bit he held his tongue and did as was asked, lifting the heavy strut holding one side of the tent down as more canvas was added and the tent was extended. The blond wondered what would happen when the men whose tents they had 'modified' returned found them. Crossing his fingers he prayed he'd see it because if he didn't it meant they were dead.

"Cloud!"

He groaned under his breath and lowered the strut before turning, his body glistening with sweat, oh the joys of manual labor. "Yes?" He glared at the frail, old man practically bouncing over to him, blue robe that looked remarkably like a night dress swaying in the light breeze.

"You've done enough; we will most likely need your skills in the morning and the rest of the staff can wrap up. I've sent all the surgeons to bed, you're free to go." Merlin gave him a friendly pat on the back then wrinkled his nose, "You should shower too." With that he skipped off on his merry way with Cloud glaring after him.

The short, muscular blond thought he did need a shower but he did not need that fact pointed out by the wizard so he felt the need to sulk, then, realizing he wasn't five, he stormed off to his tent.

Leaving the tent flap open as he searched for a towel and a change of clothes amongst his possessions in his things he made his way out and slipped into the communal showers aboard the Gummi ship. A while later he exited again feeling refreshed and mildly happier than he had been entering. He discarded the towel lazily in his tent and thought he'd just go to the medical tent to check on the sterilizing side of things. They'd finished making sure that the sinks and supplies set up in that particular part of the tent were as was required but it never hurt to check.

He brushed his still wet hair out of his eyes and tugged a little self-consciously at his lounge pants and t-shirt as he caught a soldier who obviously hadn't been laid in a while eyeing him up. He scowled and quickened his pace. Arriving at the tent he slipped inside and looked around. It was all as he'd left it. He sighed, a soft smile on his lips as he looked around.

Like a flash through his mind he remembered… brown hair… a soft smile and ice blue eyes that could be cold one moment and the so gentle another.

"Leon…" Cloud bit his lip. "I hope he's okay…"


There were clashing swords all around him, Soku ducked the swinging weapons, blocked the overhead throws and did all he could just to stay alive. Sora had his back pressed against his and they were doing their damnedest to fight off their attackers when Riku suddenly felled the one lunging at Sora, joining them and easily slaying two more.

Soku realized the misleading appearance of the keyblades. Yes, they were in the shape of a key but god could they do damage. Had they been fighting normal enemies it served as very effective club but these soldiers were dark and as such on contact it tore through their skin sharper than a knife. He had blood spray across his breastplate and matted in his fringe, a few minor cuts on the body parts not encased in metal but he was fine, if not a bit shaken. He'd killed… and not just one… many! He'd seen their eyes roll back; their muscles convulse and slacken as they fell, the blood arch out as he slashed away. He glanced to his parents in the moments reprieve before the soldiers sought them out again and saw Sora's armor was dented and one armguard had been ripped off, his arm bearing a deep slash that was seeping blood as he fought on. Riku wasn't much better but he had an arrow in his shield arm whish was probably why he was no longer carrying one. The end of it had been broken off but Soku could still see it and the pain in Riku's eyes when he moved it.

He suddenly realized his parents were bearing so many injuries because they were protecting him. He saw as one soldier lunged for him Riku dove in the way, deflecting the blade not with his weapon but with his armguard as he blocked another attack to Sora. Soku felt incredibly guilty.

Fighting on he felt the ground underfoot, sodden with blood and other bodily fluids excreted when one's muscles slacked, the crunch as his boots fought for grip on the ground buried beneath the dead. Bodies scattered everywhere, dark and light warriors alike until it was a horrific carpet upon which the tread. Soku refused to stop fighting, his body ached but he continued anyway, there was no way he could stop, upon those he stood and fought… they were who he was fighting for now. They would not die in vain and Soku was unashamed of the tears that streaked his face as he swung from left to right, tearing a man clean open and getting a clear view of the man's insides as he tumbled to the floor. There was a thunderclap that struck the floor near to him and Soku leapt back in shock, colliding with Leon who caught him, despite the gash across his shoulder. Soku apologized softly and they turned to watch as an area cleared around Sephiroth who hadn't been stood to far from Soku.

"Prince Soku?" The dark king called, mocking in his voice as if he were calling a dog.

Soku didn't move but Riku did, roughly shoving his way into the clear patch and glaring at Sephiroth, "Leave my son out of it, this is between you and me."

"Very dramatic. Sadly, I do not intend for things to end so soon, I was merely going to suggest a small battle between the princes." Soku's jaw nearly hit the floor; Sephiroth wanted him to fight Everent?! Riku froze and Sephiroth mistook this for fear, "What, do you believe your son no match for mine? I should say you are correct but be fair!" The dark soldiers began to laugh and Soku saw out the corner of his eyes as a soldier he'd learnt was called Vincent innocently slit the throat of the dark soldier near him who had laughed. No one had noticed due to their attention being on Sephiroth and Soku shot Vincent a grin who in turn inclined his head.

"Well, King Riku?"

Riku's face darkened and Soku stepped boldly out into the clear area by his father before Riku could reply. Soku looked up at him with a mixed expression Riku couldn't read. He stared at his son in horror; there was no way he would allow this! "No-"

"Yes." Soku said firmly.

"Soku!"

Sephiroth let out a bark of a laugh that rumbled from his chest and made Soku shiver at the cold, unfeeling noise, "Seems the boy thinks he has skill. Well, King Riku, will you withdraw your son or let him fight?"

Looking from Sephiroth to Soku he put a hand on Soku's shoulder, "No, Sephiroth."

Soku stared up at Riku with an unreadable face as Sephiroth's mouth opened in shock but not at the decline at the offer to fight, "How dare you merely refer to me as Sephiroth when I have observed all rules of etiquette and called you King?!" Riku just stared at Sephiroth, "For that, the choice is not yours to make."

Riku started as a black throne constructed from dirt erupted from the ground under him and formed bonds over his wrists and ankles, holding him in place as Sephiroth approached with a laugh. Sora burst from the crowd of soldiers and was suspended in the air by a mildly surprised Sephiroth.

"I knew I smelt darkness on you! And here's my proof, the King's consort: susceptible to my control!" Sephiroth cackled again and looked over to Mickey who was staring in horror, "I'll bet you were horrified at that, eh, Mickey?" He turned back to Riku as Sora was placed in a throne much like his directly beside him, "He tried to separate you didn't he? First chance he got. Yes… Xemnas told me all about that… my greatest creation out of that batch."

Soku started then he remembered what Mickey had said when they'd been brought aboard the Gummi ship…

"Sephiroth is responsible for the creation of the Children of Darkness. He wanted to create the perfect soldier and as such he experimented, genetic mutation… Xemnas, Saix, Roxas, Axel… all of them… they're the results of his work. We fear he may still be doing it but we're not sure…"

Soku shuddered, he wondered if they knew… all his friends, all his parents friends… most of them had kids now, kids he'd grown up with. He dearly hoped that they didn't know about Sephiroth. He started as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up his chin was caught in Sephiroth's hand and held tightly as the dark king surveyed him.

"My, my… aren't you a pretty little thing…" Soku squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to calm his heart that immediately raced at the comment, he was used to those words proceeding some sort of sexual assault but out here he was certain of little but still fairly sure Sephiroth wasn't going to rape him. "Hm… was this your first battle?" He patronizingly wiped away one of Soku's tear tracks and tutted, "Well, sadly I'm afraid it's only going to get worse." He clapped his hands and a group of dark soldiers parted to allow Everent to pass.

Soku's heart caught in his throat as he saw the dark prince, the immaculate hair that wasn't snagged with blood or mud, his pristine armor only carrying spatters of blood. Soku felt like filth in the face of such inhuman grace but it was Everent's eyes that made Soku's blood run cold. They were the beautiful viridian, but as icy sharp and unforgiving as hell and Soku was so afraid, he didn't like these eyes on him and he found himself unable to put this Everent beside the one who had held him so gently, listened to his screams and accusations so mildly and still claim they were the same person.

"Right, let's have us a fight then." If Soku hadn't been looking directly at Sephiroth he would have pictured the dark king rubbing his hands with glee but he did no such thing, in fact he clambered up to sit on the area where Sora and Riku's thrones armrests almost touched and he lounged happily, occasionally petting Sora much to Riku's dismay. After a few curses from both Sora and Riku Sephiroth gagged them both and waved for Soku and Everent to fight.

Looking round at the dark prince Soku clumsily summoned to keyblade just before Everent lunged at him, barely deflecting it in time he stumbled back, his arms flying out to steady him as Everent pulled away to continue the slow circle they were trekking around, facing each other but moving clockwise around the space cleared for them. Soku was frightened and he knew it was plain to see but more so than that he was feeling betrayed and he knew he shouldn't. Everent wasn't his boyfriend, he wasn't someone who cared about him, no… he was an evil person who was toying with him to gain an advantage. At this thought, he looked back on what his father had told him before. He knew he shouldn't have felt it, but why did this thought hurt so bad…?

He leapt forwards defiantly, his blade skittering forwards fast-

- "Don't cut your hair. I like it" –

- his blade faltered and was easily caught by Everent's, flinging it outwards and lazily raising his leg to kick Soku away hard, the light prince falling flat on his back and barely keeping the keyblade in hand. Scrambling to his feet amidst the jeers of the dark soldiers and the worried silence from the light soldiers Soku hefted the blade and charged again, his blade arcing from the left to stab into Everent's side –

- "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make the prince cry." -

-again, Soku's eyes widened in shock as his subconscious cheerfully supplied him with reasons not to kill Everent and his keyblade was knocked aside and he was pushed to the floor again in a sprawled mess of blood-matted hair and beaten armor. He got up again and the jeers were louder but so muffled to his ears, all he could hear and see was stood before him in all his dark glory, weapon in hand and ready to kill him. He could hear his heart beat in his ears. Everything before him suddenly took a shade of red.

- "I'm sorry, Soku. I won't laugh at you anymore."-

Soku's eyes began to fill with tears, why was this so hurtful?! He'd barely known the stupid prince two days and the fact that they were on opposite sides obviously hadn't registered because he was feeling so betrayed at the fact they were fighting to the death. But as the calls and insults from the dark soldiers continued all Soku could think was that Everent promised he'd never laugh at Soku anymore, he wouldn't make fun of him and he wouldn't… Soku sighed heavily and waited for Everent to approach, he was done attacking the dark prince. All the anger and hurt drained from him, he strangely felt apathetic. His body took on a feeling of lethargy and he waited for it to be over, he wanted it to be over, no needed it.

- "So the little warrior isn't completely passive, that's good."-

That was what it was, their first meeting, they'd fought then. But this was different. They hadn't been trying to kill each other, or at least Soku liked to hope Everent hadn't been trying to kill him. He stood ready, facing the other down, his feet persisting in their little dance around each other as each prince stared the other down, trying to make the other break first.

-"Ready to dance?" -

Soku's eyes widened, that had been said aloud. He'd almost missed it due to his rambling thoughts and the shouting from around them but he saw the older teens lips move in time with his thoughts and he knew Everent had been thinking the same thoughts he had. Grinning, Soku mouthed:

- "You're toying with me, aren't you?" –

The corner of Everent's mouth quirked in a smile and he raised his weapon.

-"Ah, so you're smart as well as beautiful!" –

Raising his weapon also Soku stopped the dance at the same time as Everent; they never took their eyes off each other as they stepped lightly towards each other. Vaguely, Soku heard Sephiroth shouting 'stop toying with him, finish him' but he didn't care. This wasn't a fight on a battlefield and they knew it, the two of them were almost dancing, the blades clanking ominously and sparks flying with the force they were hurled but there was no intent to kill. The weapons were purposefully sent to collide; the noise muffled their words to each other.

"You had me worried for a moment there." Soku confessed, his face kept poker straight as his brow furrowed with the concentration necessary to keep the charade up and converse at the same time, a feeling of hope restored in him.

"That was my intent." Everent was keeping a emotionless face as well but Soku was close enough to see the mirth in his eyes. "I like to keep you on your toes."

Soku raised an eyebrow before deftly ducking an waist height swing from Everent and using his blade stretched horizontally to catch it and push it back over Everent's head and block again as it came back to try at his side. "Am I to assume you're really going to kill me then?"

Moving to the defensive Everent parried to stabs and shrugged almost invisibly but Soku saw it, "Depends."

"On what?" Soku asked, his limbs on automatic as he feinted to one side as the keyblade snaked back and lashed to the other side to be roughly pushed aside as Everent stepped forward, mirrored by Soku's step back. Weapons locked and they both met in the middle. Flush against each other, Soku looked up into the dark Prince's eyes.

"On whether you agree to kiss me." He said it almost indifferently but Soku saw the mischievous twinkle in the teal coloured eyes and he couldn't reply. His mouth fell open in shock, his arms going slack and he became completely unresponsive as Everent knocked the light keyblade out of Soku's hand, nudged the back of Soku's knees and sent him to the floor with the dark prince crouched over him, serrated end of the black keyblade at his throat. "Well?"

Soku stared up with a stunned expression and whispered so softly as the crowd fell silent, even Sephiroth leant in eagerly to watch what he thought to be the moment his enemy's son would die, "… yes."

Soku watched as Everent's eyes widened in shock, obviously the dark prince hadn't been expecting that and Soku couldn't help but grin. His breath caught in his throat as he saw the opposite keyblade move but relaxed as he saw it removed from his throat and felt Everent's hand lace with his, pulling him up and pressing him against the large body, his head barely touching against the base of Everent's neck before he felt a cold rush of air that seemed to suck at his soul before it was gone and they were standing in the clearing they'd met twice before in.

Pulling away from Everent with a giddy grin Soku did a little twirl with his arms outstretched before laughing. "Can you imagine their faces?!" Soku giggled as Everent watched him with amusement at the little prince's actions but Soku could see him fighting from laughing, just like he promised. "You can laugh, you know. I don't mind." The silveret suddenly dissolved into giggles then froze, "What about my family?! Will Sephiroth hurt them?!"

Everent shook his head. "There's more going on here than just a battle between good and evil but he won't hurt anyone just yet." He let out a bitter laugh, "Not them anyway."

Soku wasn't stupid; he got the second meaning instantly. His life wasn't perfect either and he could feel a similar feeling emanating from the prince as he spoke. "Will he hurt you? For what you did?"

Everent shrugged, "Probably, he did just for catching me looking at you at the meeting." The dark prince shrugged again before grinning, "Either way, it was worth it."

"How's that?" In Soku's opinion, getting hurt wasn't worth anything. He'd been hurt plenty of times to know.

"Because, little prince, now you owe me my prize." Everent grinned. A full smile that made Soku's knees go weak but he looked away just in time so he didn't fall.

Soku raised an eyebrow and then remembered exactly how they'd gotten here and why. His eyes widened and he blushed a deep red and hid in his hair as Everent approached him, "W-were you serious?"

"Yes, weren't you?"

"W-Well… y-yeah b-but…" He felt a hand hold his waist while the other pushed back the long hair that had escaped from its tie and was hiding his face, "W-wait!" Everent stopped as requested and looked down at Soku as the silveret's face looked up at him desperately, "Where you r-really going to kill me?!"

The ebony haired teen smiled softly and pressed his lips against Soku's. Closing his eyes as the deep blue ones widened impossibly big, pulling Soku's hips against his with one hand, the other holding Soku's face, thumb caressing the soft cheek of the silveret's face. He peeked one eye open to see the small prince's eyes closed as he relaxed into the kiss, he closed his eyes again as he felt Soku's arms wrap around his neck, one hand resting on his back and the other threading firmly into his hair. Everent grinned into the kiss and gently nudged Soku's mouth with his tongue only to be granted immediate access, the petal soft lips parting eagerly to allow the hot muscle into the willing mouth. Everent couldn't stop smiling as he ravished the wet cavern before him, mimicking their battle with an even more playful one involving their tongues, rubbing and pressing against each other.

Suddenly Soku tore away from him and practically collapsed into Everent's hold, gasping for breath, his cheeks flushed and eyes slightly unfocused. It was with a sense of pride and accomplishment he sat on the dead grass with Soku cradled in his arms.

"Does that answer your question?" Everent asked softly, one hand gently carding through the soft silver hair below the blue ribbon and teased out the knots where blood had clotted in it.

Soku frowned, "What question?" He asked, his voice almost drunk sounding.

Everent laughed, he was pleasantly surprised to see exactly how much of an effect he had on Soku. "In short: no. I wouldn't have killed you, Soku."

The answer seemed to please the dizzy teen and he nodded in agreement, "Good." He turned in Everent's hold to press a finger gently onto the dark prince's nose, "Cos I wasn't going to kill you."

"I figured." Everent snorted. He appeased the instantly saddened Soku with a kiss on the little male's nose. He really had to learn to watch his words; apparently they had more of an effect on Soku than either knew.

But he knew one thing: they were past the point of no return now.


WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! What did you think??? I'm really loving this!!! Please review and let me know what you thought and I'll pass any messages on to Tragedy if you have them.

Akaiba and TragedyInTheMaking xxxxxx