Yay! Just a little over a week! Pretty good in my opinion, and this chapter was fun for me anyway.

AN – Okay, okay, I'm not complaining or anything but it sort of ticked me off how many people will favorite and alert this story but won't bother to review it! Honestly! I'm not gonna go on some writers strike as a scheme for more reviews . . . but if my story is good enough for a favorite, or alert, can't it be good enough for a review? It can just be 'Update!' or 'Awesome!'! A review is a review! . . . eh, I'm sounding way too desperate. You can skip this if you want – just some authoress rant. But thank you for those who review! You're awesome!

Warnings: Swearing, BoyxBoy – same as always. =3

Disclaimer: No. I do not own kingdom hearts. Please don't sue me! (Okay, so I'm running out of disclaimers, so sue me! . . . don't really, please.)

This chapter was easy to write, it's the longest, and it's full of hints. I'm not sure of the overall quality – but please enjoy!

O . . . o . . . O . . . o . . . O

17: Losing Control.

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Riku, where are you?! Sora frantically ran as a ghost chased him. It had all happened too fast. Out of nowhere a hoard of ghosts came and purposely split Axel, Kairi and himself apart. He tried to stay near the front of the mansion, but the ghost was trying to push him farther back. He couldn't stop, and he couldn't hide. The only option was too run. But Sora was running out of breath, and this ghost wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

He could hear the screams and footsteps of many others throughout the mansion, and he had even caught glimpses of them running past him or down a hallway, as frantic as he was. No doubt about it: this was the worst sleepover ever.

In the distance, Sora could see three people running towards him, also being chased by some ghost. Sora raised his hand to wave and was about to shout something, but his breath hitched upon seeing who those three people were.

"Seifer?!"

Sora halted as the blond and his group ran past, but he caught Seifer yell, "Watch out!"

"Wha-"

Sora had forgotten about the ghost that was tailing him, and now that he had halted and was caught off guard, the ghost took the chance to nail him right through the back. Sora grit his teeth at how freezing and sharp it felt, and fell to the floor. What's worse: he couldn't get back up. Sora ignored the pain that was in his mid section, and scooted to the wall, as far away as he could from the ghost. The ghost, which at first was just a glowing orb, transformed into a human – like figure (like Riku, Namine and Xemnas). The guy looked sort of weird. Not exactly creepy. Just weird. He looked like he was in his mid forties when he died. He had long, black hair with gray streaks which was kept in a ponytail. He had orange eyes, or at least one orange eye, because the other was covered by an eye patch. Sora didn't want to know where he got that eye patch.

The ghost grinned, and pumped a fist in the air, "Oh yeah! Bulls eye!"

Sora arched one brow higher than the other, wondering whether this ghost was a threat or not. But then a bunch of bluish spears surrounded the ghost, and Sora gulped eyes wide.

"Sorry little dude, but it's time to, like, say goodbye," The ghost grinned. "See you in the afterlife!"

Okay, scratch that – this ghost was definitely a threat. Sora still couldn't get up, and he had no one around, and nothing to fight back with. Then those spears shot towards him, and all he could was close his eyes tight, waiting for the impact.

But, there was nothing. Nothing at all. Sora opened his eyes slowly, and they instantly widened at the sight of one of the laser spears only inches away from his face. Then it disappeared, as well as all the other spears, one by one. The eye patch ghost looked surprised, but maintained his grin, "Now I wonder who that could be."

Sora turned his head, and sighed in relief to see Riku and Namine there, glaring at Namine. See, they would never leave me alone. Sora convinced himself. Then he noticed two other ghosts behind Riku and Namine. One was a blond girl, and the other was a (pink?) haired man and they were gazing curiously at the scene before them all.

"Xigbar," Riku prompted. "I think you should leave now."

"Oh ho ho! I'm hurt, man!"

Riku narrowed his eyes, and Sora could honestly say he hadn't seen the ghost this mad yet. But . . . it couldn't be because of Sora, could it? The brunet wouldn't believe it, even if he sort of wanted too. Riku . . . didn't like him THAT way. It was impossible anyway. I need to stop thinking about this.

But then Riku flashed him a look of concern, and those stupid, weird, and utterly impossible thoughts came up again. Sora blushed. Stop it!

"Marly and Larxy? So you two finally figured it out?" Xigbar threw his head back in a laugh. "Took you long enough!"

The blond girl glided past Namine and Riku, growling, "What was that, Xiggy? Are you asking for another eye patch?!"

Xigbar just laughed, "Ah, Larxene, you're a riot!"

Then he looked from Sora to the other ghosts, "Well, I'll get you soon enough, little dude! That is, if I can get passed you're boyfriend, heh."

Sora couldn't have blushed any redder. He buried his face in his hands, not wanting to see Riku's expression. It was probably one of disgust, confusion, and maybe a bit of hate. Sora dared to look, though, and was completely caught off guard. Riku looked . . . sad? Namine seemed to know why. There was a moment of silence, and then Xigbar was the one to speak again.

"Aw, geez. You guys are, like, duds," He sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll come back when things are more . . . lively."

He looked like he was about to disappear, but then he did a double take. He looked at Sora, with an oddly serious face, "You better watch out, little dude. A whole lot of ghosts in this house want you on the other side."

Then, Xigbar disappeared. Riku and Namine immediately rushed over to Sora.

"We're so sorry, Sora," Namine apologized. "It was that noise – it was too much. Then we went to get help from Marluxia and Larxene."

"Yeah, we didn't want too, but we had too," Riku smiled apologetically, and Sora couldn't help but smile back.

"It's no problem, I'm just glad you came back," The brunet admitted. Namine then gave him a hug, and the weird thing was that, it wasn't freezing. Her touch was almost like a soft wind – barely noticeable but very much there.

"Sora," Riku said. "This is Marluxia and Larxene. They used to be on Xemnas' side, but now they can help us."

"But that doesn't mean we like any of you," Larxene added.

"Of course," Riku agreed half heartedly, rolling his eyes in process.

Suddenly a gunshot rang through the mansion, and it sounded much too close for comfort.

"What's that?" Namine wondered aloud.

Sora took this opportunity to tell them about Roxas, "It's Roxas, and Xemnas possessed him! Somehow he got a gun and is running around threatening people. We . . . we have to help Roxas. I'd never . . . forgive myself if something were to happen to him . . ."

"Oh man, bad just got worse," Riku sighed. "We have to get out of here."

"I –I can't move," Sora told him. "That ghost – Xigbar, I think – shot some sort of ghost spear through me and it hurts to just fidget but it's impossible to move."

"He made you immobile," Namine explained. "Let's get back to my room, I can keep us safe. But the only way I can heal you is if I have a book . . ."

"What book?"

Namine heaved a long breath, and forced herself to say, "The white book that my – your friend Kairi Kasai has."

Silence.

There is a connection! No doubt! But . . . what exactly is it? "Namine," Sora said. "What is your relationship with Kairi, anyway?

The ghost smiled wryly, "Ah, I see you've already figured part of it out. It's . . . a really long story, but I promise I'll tell you soon."

Sora nodded. That was good enough for now. Another gunshot rang, even louder than before.

"Okay, we better go," Riku said, and as Sora was about to ask about what he should do, he got his answer in the strangest of ways. Riku picked him up, with one arm underneath his legs and another supporting his back, or, otherwise known as bridal style. Sora blushed – again – and looked up at Riku, "Uh, how . . ."

". . . Can I carry you?" Riku supplied with a small smile. "Concentration. Loads of it. I promise I'll concentrate as much as possible and that I will not drop you, okay?"

Sora nodded. This was so not helping him remove those so – called "impossible" thoughts, but then again, there was no other way. He managed out a, "Um, t –thanks."

Then they began to walk down the hall, Namine leading and she convinced Marluxia and Larxene to go in the back of Riku and Sora so that Riku would be able to put his full concentration on supporting the brunet. It was completely silent, but then Sora had a realization – how odd would be for one of his friends to come around the corner to only see him in midair, moving. He hoped that he wouldn't have to go through such an awkward situation. But . . . he was pretty sure that everyone had the right to know about Riku and Namine. They were all a part of this now, and Sora felt horrible about it. Some host he was.

Finally, they made it to the white room, and oddly enough, hadn't run into anybody else. He really hoped they were all alright. Riku set him down on a chair – it was awkward and still a little uncomfortable, but it was the best place. They couldn't go to his room because he wouldn't be safe. Namine closed the door softly, and turned to them all.

"Okay, we need to get that journal from Kairi. Sora can't, I can't, and Marluxia and Larxene don't know who she is. So . . . that leaves you, Riku."

The silver haired ghost groaned, "Why is it always me? So, what, do I just grab the journal when she doesn't notice?"

"No!" Namine cried out. "You cannot steal it, okay? You have to show her . . . and bring her back here. Bring anyone else back too."

Riku glared at her, "No."

"Excuse me?"

"I said, no."

Namine sighed and glared back at Riku, "What's wrong with you?! These people are in danger, Sora's in danger, WE'RE in danger."

"We don't know these people, Nami!" Riku exclaimed, exasperated. "If I just take the journal, we can help Sora faster. You know how much damage Xigbar's lasers' do!"

"I care about Sora too, but if you were just a little compassionate then this wouldn't be a problem!"

"Do you realize how hard it is too talk to talk to the living when you're a ghost and they all think that the ghosts are all bad?! I'm the one who always has to do this!"

Namine tightened her hands in tight fists, "Because I need to protect Sora! Don't you get that?!"

"That's –"

"Just stop IT!"

Namine and Riku stopped their spat, and turned to look at Sora, who shifted to sit up in his chair. He gave them both a painful look, especially Riku. He should've been mad, but he couldn't find any anger in him.

"Riku, I know this isn't fair, and that these are MY friends therefore my responsibility, but I'm pathetic enough to get hurt and need you both to protect me . . ."

"Sora-"

"But I care so much about these people and . . . I don't know what I'd do if they got hurt. So, please, Riku . . . If you won't do it for them nor for Namine . . . will you do it for me?"

"Sora . . ." Riku and Sora stared at each other, until Riku broke the contact off by looking to the side. The ghost said softly, "Okay."

Sora smiled, as Riku disappeared. Then he caught Namine smiling at him. "What?"

"Riku really cares about you," She whispered. "He's changed in this past week."

Sora was caught off guard. Not from what Namine said, but from his reaction to it. He was really, really happy. But, it was that kind of "impossible" happiness that connected to those awkward thoughts. No matter how hard he tried, they would not be put down.

He . . . couldn't really possible think that he was falling in love with Riku, could he?

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. . . Will you do it for me? Sora's voice rang through his head constantly and his pained face flashed constantly in Riku's mind. He couldn't find a reason why he had said yes so easily. He tried to reason that anyone would . . . but he knew better. Sora was like his weakness No – Sora was basically everything to him, now. There. He admitted it. He cared about Sora far too much for it too simply be friendship. That was an inevitable fact.

"How the heck is this gonna work out?" He muttered to himself. He glanced up at a flash of red go past him – could it – no. It was just that perverted red head who liked that possessed blond. Riku sighed. The faster he got this done with, the better. He turned a corner, and finally, saw Kairi running from some poltergeist. He sighed, turned invisible, and concentrated. Once she passed, he grabbed her arm, turning her invisible too, and dragged her through the wall.

Yes! He sighed as he let go of Kairi and turned visible again. But then he heard her scream, and saw the petrified look on her face and realized that that wasn't even the hard part. Convincing her was. He was not going to go through a whole night of chase like he had with. He stared Kairi right in the eyes and said, "Yeah, I'm a ghost. But I'm not with the ones chasing you guys or the one possessing Roxas. I'm against them, and I'm with Sora."

Her eyes widened slightly at this, and Riku continued, "Sora got hurt by a ghost, and we can save him. But we need that white book that you've got."

She nodded, "Okay, I believe you."

Riku sighed in relief but then Kairi added, "But . . ."

"What?"

The red head bit her lip before saying, "I don't have it. It was in a bag that Roxas took while being possessed."

Riku groaned. Tonight just would not get better, would it? "We need to get it back then."

Kairi frowned, "But where could he be . . .?"

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"I don't get why you're still mad!" Cloud exclaimed. "This is really serious, and I'm not going to stay stuck in some store if something's wrong with Roxas!"

"No, you don't get it," Leon groaned. "I'm not mad at that – it's the huge commotion you caused. We could've sneaked past; it would've worked a lot better than running and yelling."

Cloud hesitated, "I was worried. But I guess I acted a little out of control."

Leon scowled, "You think?"

Cloud silenced. They had finally made it back through the storm, and were trudging through the forest, more than ready to see what was really happening. Leon raised an eyebrow at the wide open door, as they walked up to it.

"Do you think someone left," Cloud asked. "Or . . . maybe someone came in."

"Maybe," Leon muttered, pushing open the door, and once they were both inside, and shut the door, they looked around. No one was there, but they both pretty much counted on that.

"Okay. First things first. We need to find the others – especially Roxas."

"You called?"

Cloud jumped, and Leon and Him turned around to find Roxas, standing there smugly. Leon could already see that something was wrong, but Cloud was too caught off guard with relief to notice as he started to run towards his brother. Leon tried to stop him, but Roxas already did that by pulling out a gun, aiming it at Cloud.

"Sorry "bro", but I need my space," Roxas smirked.

Cloud's eyes were wide as he stared from his brother to the gun, "What . . .?"

"Hm," Roxas twirled the gun in his hand, smirking all the while. "I think it's about time to become an only child."

Clouds horrified stare transformed into a fierce glare, "You're not Roxas . . . what've you done to my brother?!"

"Roxas is gone," IT said. "And you two are next."

Suddenly, the main hallway door burst open, and Kairi ran to the railing, frantic, "There he is! Leon, Cloud, get that bag! It's the only way to save Sora!"

"Sora?" Leon glared at the . . . thing. Then he eyed the bag on its shoulder. How was he supposed to get it when it had a gun pointed at them?

"Riku," he finally said. "I know you're here. Why won't you come say hello to your father?"

Leon and Cloud glanced at each other confused, and Kairi glanced at the ghost that she could only see. Could this be Riku?

"C'mon Kairi," The ghost said, and the red head paled. "Come down and join the party."

Suddenly, Kairi felt a cold hand on her shoulder. It wasn't Riku – he was at her side, glaring down at his . . . dad? And then, in a flash, she was pushed off the edge. Luckily, Cloud caught her. But now she was under this evil Roxas' grasp.

Riku looked down at his father, pointing a gun at the three. This was horrible. He couldn't take on Xemnas. He needed help now, or else who knows what else might happen.

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"I've got it!"

Yuffie Aerith looked up at the younger girl who proudly pointed her finger at a page in the book, grinning. Olette showed them the page, by turning the book around.

"I was looking in the completely wrong place! I thought this had to do with history, but that's not it!" She exclaimed. "It's myth, and story! It's from the tale of Kingdom Hearts!"

"No way," Yuffie stared, jaw dropped at the page. "The infamous Kingdom Hearts?! Like with keyblades, chasers, and Ansem the wise?!"

Olette nodded, "Yep that's the one."

"I know everything about that story!" Yuffie exclaimed. "But . . . I have never seen this symbol in my life – wait! It's the symbol that I don't recognize, but the pictures within it I have!"

"Exactly," Aerith agreed, examining the book. "The two we have symbolized Heartless and Nobodies . . . and the third is the crown, symbolizing key blade masters . . ."

They all glanced at the third, empty circle in the drawing on the table.

"I wonder what would happen if we finished it . . ." Olette wondered.

"Come on! Come on!" Yuffie said eagerly. "Let's see!"

"Oh, now what happened to miss 'have some sense!'?" Olette smirked.

Yuffie pouted, "Whatever. Let's just finish this!"

"It looks like we need some gold or yellow crayon for this," Aerith said, looking from the page in the book to the drawing on the table.

"Well where are we suppose to find that?!" Yuffie exclaimed, leaping from the table, in the process tossing a couple books on the floor. As if on cue, a sparkly, yellow crayon rolled on to the floor from under the books. Aerith, Yuffie, and Olette exchanged looks of inevitable excitement. Yuffie picked up the crayon without a word (surprising) and handed to Aerith.

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This can't be happening, Kairi couldn't understand how she was in situation. How could she be standing there, petrified, as her best friend pointed a gun at her face? Riku couldn't do anything. Cloud and Leon couldn't do anything. Sora could be dying for all she knew. Then there was the fact that there was someone that she hadn't seen in a long time, here, and they were a ghost. That fact scared her most of all. Even more so that she might be joining her soon.

Someone . . . anyone . . . help . . .

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Aerith took the crayon from Yuffie gently, and smiled at the two other girls calmly. Then she glanced at the book, sighed, and put the crayon to the table.

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This is really, REALLY bad, Demyx trembled as he clung to Zexion's arm for dear life. They were cornered by a couple of freaky looking ghosts – they were distorted versions of humans, with scars, beady eyes, and pale white skin.

Demyx could never understand how Zexion could stand there calm as always, and glare right back at those ghosts. He wished he could be like that, sometimes. But, hey, he was who he was and nothing was going to change that. But he still wishes he could act more impressive in front of Zexion.

"Zexy," Demyx whispered "What should we do?"

But for the first time in his life, Zexion was clueless.

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"Okay," Aerith said. "Do we promise to not be disappointed if nothing happens?"

Olette and Yuffie both nodded simultaneously, and Aerith began to draw a steady line in the circle.

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"Okay, an evil Roxas, a smart ass who mocked me, and a whole bunch of ghosts," Hayner said. "And you get: the worst sleepover ever."

"Oh shut up," Pence rolled his eyes.

They had been separated from Demyx and Zexion, and after narrowly escaping a multitude of ghosts chasing him, they were walking down a hall somewhere far off in the mansion. True, it was the worst sleepover either of them had been too, but it was definitely exciting.

"But, jeez, what the hecks up with Roxas," Hayner wondered out loud. "And how dare he point a gun at me!"

"I think he was possessed Hayner," Pence reasoned.

"Oh. I hope he's okay . . ."

"Is the hot head showing some consideration?! Finally?!"

"Shut up. I'm considerate."

"Sure, sure."

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Aerith's hand swiftly drew all lines, points, curves precisely matching the picture in the book.

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Shit. Tonight just isn't my night.

After losing his bag, getting kissed by Roxas (good thing) but then figuring out it was some perverted old ghost (very bad), then getting separated from Sora and Kairi, being chased by some ghosts, and now being cornered . . . Axel was just about to actually lose it.

He was backed up against some door, but when he tried to turn the handle, it was locked. Just his luck. A hoard of old, creepy ghosts surrounded him, closing in.

Dammit, they better not try to kiss me.

For one of those rare instances, Axel would admit that he needed help. Bad.

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Aerith had nearly everything in perfect place, just one more line . . .

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"What's taking him so long?" Larxene snapped.

"Riku's not very . . . sociable," Namine explained, while scribbling on her notepad. "He had been alone for nearly a century – he had a hard time talking to me when I was turned into a ghost. He had a hard time talking to Sora, too."

"That's weird," Marluxia said. "Xemnas use to boast about how popular his son was and how involved he was."

"Well, I guess being alone for so long, especially as a ghost, can change you," Namine reasoned, and then she smiled at Sora. "But I think he's gotten a whole lot better."

Sora shifted for what seemed like the millionth time, blushing. He smiled weakly back, despite the discomfort and pain that seemed to just be growing, "Well, he had too, you know, too stop Xemnas. That's all."

Namine smiled in this odd way, "Maybe."

And the conversation ended there.

I hope he's okay, Sora thought. I hope their all okay.

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Aerith finished the crown, and drew her hand back suddenly as the drawing started to glow. The three looked at each other with excitement, as a white light began to grow brighter, and brighter, taking up their visions.

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What . . . what's happening. All of the sudden, a bright light flooded the main room, and there was a scream. Kairi felt some sort of vibration surge through her and she felt so much stronger and better it was unbelievable. Once the blinding light vanished, it took a while to process all the things that became of it.

Roxas was gone, and in his place stood an angry, frightening man who indeed was a ghost. Then Kairi was astonished at this . . . sword in her hand. It wasn't the typical silver sword with a handle. It was an abundance of flowers and vines. She noticed that Cloud and Leon too, had weapons that they were looking at curiously. Leon had a gun blade, while Cloud carried a buster sword. Kairi was a little irked at how "girly" her blade was, but decided that this was not the time to complain when she had no clue why any of this was happening.

The last thing she noticed was that the bag was on the ground, and on complete instinct, she lunged for it. No one had the time to respond as she slung it over her shoulder, scrambled to get up, and shouted exasperatly to the Leon and Cloud.

"H –hold him off! I got to . . . get to Sora!"

They looked at her, and nodded, and in an instant they readied their blades with glares at the still confused ghost.

"Kairi!"

She looked around, and saw Riku by left door at the top of the staircase. She was so close. She took immediate action –which seemed to be working well for her – and started to run up the stairs. The ghost then seemed to finally pull himself together and shouted in furry, "Stop her!"

Thousands of black ghosts emerged from the walls, and a hoard of them flew in between her and Riku and the door. Typical. For a moment she felt hopeless, but she glanced at her blade and decided to take a chance. She gritted her teeth and slashed it right through the spirits. They let out screeches as they faded to mist and vanished. Yes.

She glanced downstairs, to glance at Leon and Cloud. They were doing a killer job fighting off Xemnas, as if they've had those swords their whole life. She nodded at Riku then wrenched open the door and ran in.

Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and Kairi dropped the blade which vanished as it hit the ground.

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Ugh, where am I? Did I . . . faint?

Roxas slowly lifted himself off the hard wooden surface, and settle in a sitting position, weary eyed. He rubbed his eyes, and looked around. He was in some sort of attic like room. It vaguely reminded him of a tree house, with wood ceiling, walls, and floor. There were posters and papers put up all around the walls, and a hammock hanging from the ceiling. There were a ton of boxes stacked all around, and a number of them were tipped over, their contents sprawled all over the floor. Before Roxas could process through anything that had happened, there was a long bang, and someone looked as though they were fiercely pushed through the door (which Roxas now took a note of) and they slammed into the boxes, causing more of the boxes to tumble around them. Then the door slammed shut, and Roxas didn't need to check to tell that it was probably locked.

Roxas popped up to his feet, and slowly walked around the mess to see who it was. He breathed a sigh of relief, "Axel!"

The red head looked at Roxas, and his reaction was definitely unexpected. Axel got to his feet immediately, and backed away, with a fierce glare and hands held up in a defensive position. Roxas knitted his eyebrows together in confusion, "Axel, what are you doing?"

Axel continued glaring, and Roxas looked behind him, but nothing was there. He stepped towards the red head with caution, and nearly jumped back when Axel yelled, "Get away you perverted ghost, and give me my bag back! And leave Roxas alone!"

"What . . .?" Roxas tilted his head to the side. "Axel, it's just me," He reasoned. "Roxas. You know."

Axel just looked at the blond for a minute, before letting out a sigh of relief, and leaning back against the wall, "Thank god."

Roxas gazed at the red head, curiously, "Axel . . . what's been happening?"

Axel glanced at him, shaking his head, "It's a long story."

"I can listen."

Axel smiled slightly and the held out his hand to the blond, Roxas blushed red and took it, and Axel led them both to sit side by side on the hammock.

"Okay, I guess this all started when you disappeared – things, let me tell you, started to get really weird."

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No . . . no . . . I'm not ready for this . . . I can't take it! Once running into the white room, she didn't take notice of a pain faced Sora or the other two ghosts. All she saw were those two hallow blue eyes, placed upon a pale face, and surrounded by fine blond hair. The ghost stared at her with a smile. She stared back, a mixture of emotions churning inside her, but clear sorrow in her eyes and tears fell from them.

Everyone was silent as they watched the red head cry, confused (with the exception of Namine). Sora was the first to react, and despite his pain, he ran over to Kairi.

"Kairi, what's wrong? You got the bag! That – that's –"

Then the brunette winced, and fell to the floor. Kairi watched in horror and finally took her eyes off the blond ghost to help Sora. Riku was already helping him up (how?) and Sora plopped into the chair, and he looked so miserable it nearly made Kairi want to cry even harder for a whole new reason. This was a horrible night.

Suddenly remembering what Riku had told her, she scrambled for the white book and held it out, "H –here. I've got the journal. Someone, please help Sora."

At this Namine stood up, "That would be me. Thank you, Kairi."

Kairi shivered at her name coming from the misty voice. It was so much different from Riku's – which was pretty average with only an echo.

She handed the book quickly to the ghost, who stood beside Sora, flipping through it.

"Okay, this may seem weird –"

"Nami – nothing here's NOT weird," Riku said wryly, and Namine giggled.

"– But I'm going to ask all of you to think good thoughts about Sora. Anything. But it can't be bad."

She flashed a look at the other two ghosts, who sneered back.

"Then I'm going to hold a hand to Sora's heart and perform a purifying spell to rid him of the immobility curse. You all have to be completely quiet. All this is done through the mind and body."

Everyone nodded. Namine softly put a glowing hand to Sora's heart and he closed his eyes. Kairi wasn't sure whether it was a voluntary reaction or caused by the spell. Then she figured that she better had started to think.

Sora . . . Sora, you're amazing. You're so sweet, and nice, and caring. You were always worried about me, even from the beginning when those girls were picking on me. You defended me. I've never made such an amazing friend so fast upon a meeting. I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you about the journal. I trust you. I'd trust you with my life. You're an awesome friend and I don't know what would've happened if Hayner didn't think you were Roxas. Like Roxas said, it's all thanks to Hayner's stupidity. But . . . I think we'd end up becoming good friends eventually. Thank you -

"Okay," Namine whispered "He should be better now."

Sora opened his eyes as Namine removed her hand, and everyone looked at him. He jumped up and grinned moving around, "That was . . . amazing, Namine. You guys all really think about me so . . . greatly?"

Kairi blushed, and Riku gaped. The silver haired ghost glared at Namine, "Why didn't you tell us he could hear?!"

The blond smiled, "It would ruin your true thoughts, and let me tell you, Ri, they were very sweet."

"You listened to them too?!"

"Well of course, silly, I was the one who took those thoughts and made them into healing power."

"Namine!" Riku exclaimed.

As the two bickered on and on, Sora, Kairi, Larxene, and Marluxia stood not far off.

"Are they always like this," Larxene complained. "All this is cutting into my time to make that perverted old man pay. I swear all make him cry!"

Sora and Kairi shared scared and worried looks, while Marluxia grinned, "oh, we'll get our time soon Larxene – don't you worry."

While Larxene fumed and Marluxia consoled her, Kairi and Sora were both lost in thought. Kairi thinking about everything that was happening, especially Namine, who acted as if they just met – wait. It couldn't be . . . that she lost her memories?!

Sora was remembering how it felt to have all those encouraging words flashing through his head. Kairi's made him overjoyed, Namine's made him feel important and even Larxene and Marluxia's held kindness in them. But he was mostly focused on what Riku had thought about him. He tried to remember every word.

Sora, in this past week, it's been crazy. But I'm glad. I'm glad you've come, and now after nearly a century, I have the chance to move on. But . . . it's not just that I'm glad that someone is here – I am too happy that it's you. You have become one of the best friends I've ever had. God, do I wish you here and alive with me back then. There's too much to say about you. But . . . I've got to admit this now – this is the best chance. I think . . . I'm feeling more than friendship. Way more. I've never felt this way about any of the girls I dated in the past life. This may be disgusting, to you, but thank god you can't hear this. Sora . . . I think I'm in lo-

That must have been where Namine stopped them all. But Sora was nearly 99% sure he knew the end to that sentence. He could be wrong . . . but it all added up. He wasn't just getting his hopes up that all these feeling weren't one sided.

"Okay, okay," Namine put her hands up ceasing the bickering. "We all know that before any action can be done, things need to be explained."

She looked and specifically Kairi, Sora, and Riku. "Marluxia, Larxene –"

"Oh, we get it." Larxene waved her off, already walking toward the door. "Fine. I guess we're being left out. Whatever. Besides, Now I get the chance to go kick those jerks butts!"

She smiled evilly, and then disappeared. Marluxia sighed, and shrugged his shoulders, "The things I do for that woman. Well, you know where we'll be."

Then he disappeared too.

"Well that was easy," Namine smiled at them all. "Now, I think that everyone will be alright for a while. It's time to come to terms with some things. Sora, Riku."

Sora blushed, and Riku glared murder at her. She didn't seem to notice. "You both know what I'm talking about. It's hard, but I refuse to let you hide it."

Kairi wondered what was happening – she sort of felt like the odd one out. As Riku tried to stop her, she snapped her fingers, and they both disappeared right on the stop.

Kairi now processed that she and Namine were alone in the room. She suddenly felt sick. The ghost turned to her, that smile still on her pale face.

"Kairi, how've you been?"

How can she ask that so casually?! Kairi's mouth felt dry, and she found herself at a loss of anything to say. What were you suppose to say in this situation?

Finally she whispered out, voice rising gradually. "How am I suppose to feel when I right in front of my dead sister when it's all my fault she's dead?!"

The two girls stared at each other, for what seemed like forever, until Namine grinned, "Good point."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Eh, it's sort of a cliff hanger, sort of not. What can you do? In a story like this, which is at one of its many climax's, there's always gonna be ton's of cliff hangers! =D

Reviews fuel me. Remember that! I'll back at marching band camp for two weeks starting Monday, and then school starts, and I'll barley have any time! But maybe if I get a lot of reviews I could manage to get out another chapter before Monday . . . XD

Sorry, that a lot of things in the preview didn't happen in this chap! There was so much! It'll all eventually happen, be patient!

Chapter eighteen: Akuroku, Soriku, Zemyx, Cleon – all that jazz! Maybe even some action! Kairi and Namine have an odd reunion. Strange things are happening. New powers are found. A huge battle. A secret I reveled. A "blast from the past" . . . all in the next installment of Heavenly Haunting: Chapter sixteen! Yeah!

R&R, please, tell me what you think! Reviews fuel me, and make me write faster! Those of you, who have been reviewing, thank you so much! =3 you're all soooo awesome.

~Before-I-Fall ~

Peace =)