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Chapter 8- Under the Stars

"Uh, I've changed, Miss Aeris." Iji stepped out from behind the changing screen. She clasped her hands together behind her.

Aeris smiled. "You look wonderful, Iji, just perfect."

Iji had changed into a pair of flared hipster pants and into a sleeveless shirt that was held up by two small silver chains that connected onto a white studded collar. A matching pair of bracers wrapped around her wrists along with a matching belt with two chains dangling off of it. Iji looked at her feet in their new sandals.

"I don't think I've ever worn shoes before." she commented.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to them." Aeris tightened the straps on them for her. "I'm glad we were able to find such a pretty shirt that we didn't have to tear holes in it for your wings." Aeris stroked them, her expression softening into one of sadness. She didn't say it out loud, but in her mind she said to herself; 'They remind me of him… I hope you're okay… Cloud.'

"Miss Aeris?" Iji asked.

"Oh yes, your hair, Iji. Here, I'll put it into a ponytail. You don't want it getting into your eyes." Aeris took up a brush and hair band.

"Yuffie-chan appears!" shouted Yuffie as she suddenly popped up from out of nowhere.

Aeris and Iji jumped sky-high.

"Yuffie Kisaragi!" gasped Aeris. "You know how much I hate it when you do that!"

Yuffie grinned. "And that's why I do it. Anyway, I found the perfect thing for Iji! Tada!"

Yuffie presented Iji what looked like a pair of metal sticks attached to a ring. Yuffie took one and slid it onto her middle finger. She spun it around then stopped it and did a stabbing motion followed by a quick slashing movement. She took it off and gave it back to Iji.

"They're called Emei Piercers. I got the Moogles over at the Synthesis Shop to modify them just for you. I named them the 'Star Cutters'. Isn't it a cool name? Oh, careful now. They're sharp."

Iji looked them over, running a finger down one of them. On the end of each stick was a sharp star shape and on the tops of the rings there were a pair of crystal crown shapes with tiny ruby hearts embedded in the centre. Iji marvelled at how she could extend the rods when she pulled on them. Iji smiled her thanks and Yuffie ruffled her hair.

"Are you sure that's a good weapon for her?" Leon strolled into the room and inspected the twin weapons.

"Well, she isn't gonna be able to use a big heavy sword like yours." Yuffie put a hand on her hips and pointed to Leon's Gunblade. "Plus I think it's a very feminine weapon, just perfect for her. Of course, you wouldn't understand, Squall, being a guy and all."

Leon gave Yuffie a death-stare and shuffled out of the room, grumbling along the way. Yuffie winked at Iji, who giggled in return.

Aeris pushed Iji behind the changing screen once more. "It's time for you to get some rest now, Iji. You've had a big day. Change into some pyjamas and we'll get you to bed."

"Ok, Miss Aeris." said Iji happily.

Aeris sat down on the bed and looked out of the window to the stars. "She's like a little kid, waiting to be taught." she mumbled with a smiled.

*****

It was quiet on the roof. Sora leaned back and stared at the night sky. As he stared at one particular bright star, he saw it suddenly disappear. He silently cursed the Heartless for taking it away. Sora heard the roof tiles creak behind him. He turned around to see Iji slowly climbing her way up. She stumbled over suddenly as her pyjama leg got caught and Sora jumped up to grab her.

"Careful, Iji, you could fall off if you're not watching." He helped her up onto the top and got her settled. "Hey, um, Iji? Can I ask you something?"

Iji looked over at Sora and nodded. "Yeah?"

Sora poked at one of Iji's wings. "Can you fly with those things?"

Iji studied the wing Sora had poked. "I don't know, I can't remember…"

The pair sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Sora…?" asked Iji, breaking the silence.

"Hm?"

"I don't understand… How come I know so much about you, but I know nothing of myself?" She gazed into his sky-blue eyes.

"Er," Sora tried to find the right words. "Well, you see. Just before we found you, I heard this voice. It was your voice, I'm certain."

"My voice? What did I say to you?" Iji frowned.

"You said that I'm supposed to help you remember." Sora explained the best he could.

"You'll be able to help me gain my memories back Sora, I know you will." She smiled crookedly and shifted her glance to the stars. "It sure is beautiful out here." she whispered.

"Yea-" Sora paused in mild shock as Iji leaned her head on his shoulder. "…Yeah, it sure is." He smiled and put his head against hers.