Chapter 21: A Past Meeting

AN: I quite enjoyed writing this chapter! Seriously i was blue in the face. Finally able to get it beta'd. Enjoooooooy. Keep an eye out on my profile for updates.

-April 9, 2009-

Hazel's POV

Sylvia protested as Kassy opened the door of the hotel, only quieting when we all stepped into the room. I squealed, speaking quickly without pause, "Leon, Yuffie, Cid, oh my god this great what's happening what's gonna happen can we go explore what's the deal with everything and-"

Elena slapped a hand over my mouth, cutting off my speech. Sylvia snickered, "Did you even breathe?"

Cid smirked, "I think this-"

Yuffie screamed suddenly, pointing at the far corner, "Guys!" Darkness had begun swirling in a ball until a blue armored creature had appeared in its wake.

"Yuffie, go!" Leon ordered before grasping his long gun blade, "Everyone, let's go!"

Yuffie ran with Cid on her heels into the next room. Sora grasped the Keyblade looking utterly lost before heading towards the door into the hallway. Sylvia dove at him, forcing him to a halt with a smirk.

"No, you're going out the same way Leon went." She gripped his wrist and dragged him out the balcony door. Without warning she all but threw him over the edge.

Elena and I winced at the sound of thumping, splashing, and finally a weak groan. Sylvia's cackles echoed in the alleyway and into the room. Kassy ran, jumping over and down to help him. Elena and I crawled over the edge, dropping down more carefully. Sylvia had to show off and somersault over the edge.

Leon looked up after slicing one of the soldiers, "Don't bother with the minor ones. Find the leader."

With a simultaneous nod, we all headed back to the second district. Sora, Kassy, and Elena all dove into their own fights with various heartless that had appeared. I noticed Sylvia chewing on her lip with conflicted narrowed eyes as she stared at the doors that led to the First District.

I tapped her shoulder, bouncing back and forth on my toes and heels, "What's going on, Vy-Vy? Worried about something?"

Her eyes widened before she shook her head quickly, her tone defensive, "No! Why would you ask me that? Can't I eat my own face and not be questioned all the damn time?"

My bottom lip jutted out in a pout, "Heeeeey... I'm just trying to help!"

"I'm fine, Zelly. Really." She rolled her eyes and wacked a heartless that had jumped in our direction, "Let's just get to the Third District. I wanna fight already!"

I observed her for a moment before nodding, walking past the others around the staircase, and heading behind the building towards the door to the Third District.

I heard the others on my tail not long after. I increased my speed to a run on the other side of the doors, down the ramp and into the big open square. The others stopped near me and we all looked around. The screams of two people echoed before a thud sounded behind me.

Sylvia and I were all but in tears and blue in the face at the sight of Sora and Kassy beneath an anthropomorphic dog and duck. They exclaimed at the sight of Sora's outstretched hand still grasping the Keyblade, "The Key!"

The ground began rumbling until pillars rose to block the exits at every corner. Soldier Heartless appeared in balls of darkness. Everyone scrambled out, each in their own fight. When the last Heartless fell, there was another round of shaking before a large white, blue, yellow, and red metal torso with detached metal boots dropped to the ground. Metal claw like figures floated next to the torso like arms and hands. Those of us who had been standing were sent to the ground from the force of the shockwave.

00000

A pink crystallized heart rise above the fallen Guard Armor Heartless. I nudged Elena with a grin, "Two games from now!"

She rolled her eyes, muttering, "If we make it that far..."

Sylvia flicked the side of her head, "Negativity is my thing. It doesn't suit you."

Elena rolled her eyes once more, "I'm not being negative. I'm being realistic."

I grinned with a singsong tone, booping her on the nose, and lifting my legs and arms up dramatically, "I still hear negativityyy!"

All eyes focused on the sudden loud wailing from Kassy who had fallen to her knees. I immediately knew what the problem was and began giggling.

Sora took a hesitant step forward, putting a shaking hand on her shoulder, "K-Kasandra?"

A weak whimper left her lips, "T-That heartless... It... It was the wrong color!"

Elena and Sylvia joined in my laughter. The boys were completely lost. The tall dog after a moment joined in our laughter. Sora and the short duck made questioning noises.

When the laughter had teetered off, Sora held out a hand for Kassy to help her to her feet. I elbowed Sylvia and Elena with a suggestive look. It seemed that they too noticed the blatant blush on our short brunette friend's cheeks.

The duck tapped Sora on the arm, "You're the Keybearer we've been searching for!"

Sora blinked a few times before pointing to himself, "You were looking for me?"

Another male's voice spoke before he could respond, "They too have been seeking the wielder of the Keyblade."

The dog smiled, "Hey, why don't you come with us? We can go to other worlds on our vessel."

Sora looked down, sadness dripping from his voice, "I wonder if I could find Riku and Kairi..."

Sylvia snorted, "Did you not learn anything from that slap I gave you earlier for not listening and/or trusting Kassy?"

"Sora, go with them." Leon spoke once more, "Especially if you want to find your friends. I also insist that these four accompany you. We need the Heartless and Darkness Maiden to fight."

The duck's eyes widened, "What?!"

The dog's eyes widened considerably as well, "The Maidens!" He chuckled and bowed his head slightly, "It's nice ta meet cha, your majesties!"

Elena and my jaws dropped. I pouted, "What? Why didn't you tell us you guys were royalty?! I would have milked that for all its worth!"

Leon's eyes narrowed, "Who are you two anyway?"

Elena frowned, "Excuse me? You could have been at least a little less rude about it. A simple 'what are your names' would have sufficed."

Yuffie snickered, "You got served, Squall."

His jaw set as he remained quiet for a moment, "...My apologies. What is your name may I ask?"

Kassy hopped up and down for a moment, "Hey, hey, wait! Are they something too?! Guys, check your stomachs!"

Without another thought, I began lifting my shirt only to have Elena slap my hand away, "Now, wait a goddamn second. Hazel, why are you taking any excuse to start stripping? That's Evans job when she's not even half-way sober. Kass, what's going on?"

Sylvia rolled her eyes, "Oh come on, Janele. Can you not preach to the world about my habits? It's getting old. And for your information, you might have some kind of mark. Some weird voodoo shit going on. What? Did you think Kassy just drew something on you while you weren't looking? Like, fuck even I knew she wasn't that sneaky."

"Hey..." Kassy frowned, "That was mean."

Sylvia flicked her wrist in the air as if to physically brush her off, "Whatever. All I'm saying is can you just listen to someone else for once?"

Elena growled before lifting her shirt to reveal a dark glowing heart of blacks, dark violets, and navies. She screamed, letting the fabric fall back down, "What the fuck was that?!"

My face brightened. I lifted my shirt as well to reveal a glowing heart. The left side made of swirling colors of yellows, oranges, pinks, whites, and silvers. The right side of blacks, dark violets, and navies. My grin widened further before I turned my attention to Leon, "What's it mean?!"

Leon crossed his arms over his chest, "You both are Princesses of Heart. You are-"

Elena interrupted with a look of disgust, "Oh fuck no. I am not going to have my heart ri-"

Sylvia slapped a hand over her mouth, before whispering something urgently into her ear. Everyone watched with baited breath. Elena nodded after a moment and Sylvia dropped her hand.

Elena mimicked Leon's stance, "So, what am I?"

The corners of his mouth twitched up quickly before falling as if it had never happened, "The Anti-Princess of Heart."

She paused, "I can work with that. I expected worse. Thank god for that."

I bounced up and down squealing, "What am I what am I what am I?!"

"The Half-Princess of Heart." Sylvia's cackles filled the Third District.

I pouted, "What's so funny?"

She snickered between words, "You- Half-Princess- That's- Fuck- Just a regular- Fuck- No point-"

My eyes narrowed, "Excuse me? It sounds plenty important!"

Kassy nodded, "Yeah, Syvy! Remember how the three of us couldn't touch the light side?"

She stopped her laughter and nodded. All eyes watched her warily before the duck spoke up, "If you four are coming with us, we have to stay here for the night while we make a few repairs and adjustments for sleeping arrangements. We only anticipated three of us."

Sylvia's eyes brightened, "You're fucking kidding! Sweet motherfucker I love this day!"

"I guess we can go..." Sora mumbled in thought.

"But you can't come along looking like that." The duck scolded, "Understand? No frowning. No sad face. Okay?"

"Yeah. Ya gotta look funny, like us!" The dog grinned widely.

I gripped my friends around the necks, "We don't need to make any faces! We're already funny looking enough!"

Sylvia snorted, her head at an awkward angle, "You're one to talk. I'm one smoking hot piece of ass."

I grinned, nuzzling her, "You keep thinking that!" Everyone joined into a chorus of laughter.

-Later That Night-

Hazel's POV

Elena climbed behind me on the bed with Kassy as they assisted each other in braiding my long hair. The ravenette sighed, "Aren't you guys a bit worried about what's happening?"

Sylvia came out of the bathroom in only a pair of black boxers with silver roman numerals for 13.

Elena made a noise of disgust, "Why do you insist on sleeping naked with us?"

"I just can't resist you, Janele. You've always been my type. Get naked with me and see what happens." Sylvia drawled sarcastically, "And I'm not entirely naked. I'm wearing boxers."

"Your small breasts say otherwise." She snorted before finishing my braid.

Kassy gasped suddenly, "I don't have my paints! And I have the perfect landscape I could paint on your chest, Syvy!"

Sylvia grinned, "You'll think of it again I'm sure and you can paint my naked body to your heart's content."

None of us could properly answer for a few minutes through tear-filled giggles. When the hysterics finally calmed, Kassy was the first to yawn, letting everyone follow suit and clutch each other in the small bed for both physical and emotional comfort.

-Dream-

"B-But you guys said..." I sniffled, clutching my dress ruffles tighter.

My supposed friend snickered, "We didn't think you'd actually do it! You're so stupid! Come on guys, I'm hungry. See ya, freak."

I ran down the halls of school with blurred vision until I found a secluded corner. Sliding to the ground, I wrapped my arms around my knees and cried into them.

It was moments later that I had sufficiently calmed to realize there was someone who was rubbing my back in soothing circles. A short light brunette took her hand away with wide sad eyes. Another taller dark brunette sat in front of us with a steeled look.

I wiped the last of my tears, "U-Um... Thanks... I-I'm okay now..."

The short brunette grinned, "I love your dress!"

Another wave of tears came over me, "I-It's horrible... I want to burn it..."

The taller brunette finally spoke, "She's a bitch. I've already given her a surprise in her locker."

It was at that moment that we heard a scream from the other side of the school. I watched as my ex-friend passed by our corner completely covered head to toe in bright neon yellow paint with the foulest smelling odor accompanying her.

I bit my lip to refrain from laughing. The short brunette sighed, "Syvy... I told you just the paint... Not the bomb..."

'Syvy' shrugged, "When have I ever listened to you?"

I smiled, "Thank you... Syvy's your name?"

She snorted, "Sylvia. Sylvia Evans."

"I'm Kasandra Williston! I just call her Syvy. And call me whatever you want!" Her smile was very blinding. She looked ready to bounce up and down, "As for the dress, give me an hour and I'll fix it! Do you have gym clothes you can wear until then?"

I nodded hesitantly before they followed me to my locker. I lead them to the bathroom before changing quickly and handing the shorter my puffy dress.

Sylvia smirked as she ran out the door and down the hall. I followed her out back to my hiding spot, "She can work some serious magic. You'll fall in love."

When the hour mark was up, Kasandra came running up with a purple piece of fabric in her hand, "Here! I hope you like it!"

It truly was a work of art. Gone was the clownish party dress for a six year old and in place was that of a New York fashion show model's dress. It looked less than perfect. Anyone else would have laughed at the attempt.

She frowned, "The stitching is wrong in a lot of places and I ran out of purple thread and had to you use yellow and then ran out of that and had to use green. And then-"

I could vaguely hear her rambling but I could only stare at the dress in silent tears before I finally interrupted her, "This is... incredible... No one's ever done something like this for me..."

Kasandra dragged Sylvia and I down the hall, chattering about everything. I jumped in almost immediately and it was then that I knew we'd be friends for a long time.

-End of Dream-