Where Darkness and Light Collide

[Ellin Destroix]

A small girl, or the youngest girl from the bunch of Soldiers would storm into the hanging bay at the sight of Nexus, and before he could even tell it was Ria, she TACKLED him to the ground, hugging him.

"NEXUS, YOU ARE OK!" She would smile brightly, quivering somewhat from all that had happened. She took a deep breath and sat on his tummy before speaking "There was this thing-- and the battle-- and Agrias-- and she- The chamber, with the radiation-- and then-- and then BEATRIX!!" she flailed her arms, before hugging him again, "Are you ok?! Are you hurt?? I heard from other soldiers you got into a fight, is that true?!" she reached over to flick his nose a little at the last bit of news, "You caused QUITE the damage to the ship, Mister! You are so lucky I told the others not to tell Beatrix!" she sighed.

After finally taking a breather, she simply bent down and gave him a hug again, him obviously on the ground from her tackle.

[Sai]

Sai had been standing in the same position since he left Sarah behind. He had been deep in thought, considering the future and various other concerns on his mind. With their last stand against darkness swiftly approaching, he understood that all he had been working for over the past 13 years was about to come to a head. Whether or not he was redeemed was no longer important. What mattered right now was that the immediate threat to the worlds was ended.

It was sometimes a saving grace to know one could not feel. He knew that if his heart were still with him, dread would creep into his being and make clear thinking difficult. He knew what he desired. He wanted to be whole once more. However, what made him different from other Nobodies was that he understood that the needs of the many outweighed the wants of the individual. If all went well, he could have what he wanted and give the many what they need, but plans were often complicated by unseen factors.

Cheifly, what should happen if they made their assault, and someone more capable of defeating Atticus was in dire peril? Sai knew that he wasn't much of a match against his own Heartless, having barely survived one encounter with him. Further, should he face off with the beast, he had no keyblade with which to end the threat. That meant that he had to rely on one of the othersand he couldn't simply retreat and return with more. There was simply no more time left. The math was obvious: should it come down to a choice between a keyblade wielder and himself, Sai would have to save the Keyblader.

His thoughts were jarred from his thoughts as Daphne began her approach. He stood off the wall, his arms uncrossing. With the three Sisters occupied one way or the other, the best use of his time was here.

"Daphne..." he said while she was still walking toward him. "It is good you have come. I have some concerns that I would like to discuss with you..."

[nexus]

Nexus ran into the hanger and right off the bat he saw Airinose already curled up in the corner with some food already being brought over to her already. Airinose looked up from her meal and narrowed her eyes at Nexus. "O great, yep she's mad at me" he said shaking his head, but before he was even able to take a step he got tackled and Nexus nearly cursed at himself for letting his guard down.

Nexus was about to lash out before a familiar smell mad his heart beat fast. Laying on his back now, Nexus looked down at the top of the girls head planted on his chest "Ria" he let out, but before he was able to speak again she sat up on top of him, causing him to turn a couple shades of red.

Nexus could hear a couple of "Gasps" and snickering from around the cargo bay as Ria started speaking fast and flailing her arms. Nexus didn't move at all while she went on talking even after she flicked his nose. Truth be told he didn't know what to do, this was the first time he ever had a girl on top of him and she was hugging him, honestly he didn't want to move either.

She hugged him again both of them still laying on the ground, Nexus wrapped his arms around her too for a nice hug before gently stroking her hair. "I'm glad your ok Ria, i went looking for you, but it seems you found me" he said with a smile. He suddenly turned about three different shade of red, blushing furiously, when a couple of the solders let out some "woooohoooo" form the sides

[General Beatrix]

Why is she moving away from me? Beatrix pondered as she moved an inch closer for every two Agrias stepped back. Of its own volition completely her body kept this advance, her power arm raising, empty without the majestic Save the Queen that still lay on the wood floor.

Something compelled her to keep this up, but she only gave Agrias the slightest motivation by smiling.

"Everything will be alright very soon, Agrias..." said the general somberly. When she was about a single foot from the other she looked down--rather rudely--at the area where Agrias' heart beat inside. She tilted her head as if confusion, and then tilted back up to look Agrias in the eyes.

"My sin been punished I may finally atone and bring you peace..." she said ominously, but still with that gentle smile.

And then she struck, throwing her fist out to make contact with the woman's chest! However, in place of the gauntleted fist appeared none other than Save the Queen, leaving the mahogany in a simple flash and appearing half-way plunged into the knight's body. The blade seemed to have penetrated somewhere intangible, as it did not protrude from Agrias' other side.

"Very soon," she said, and twisted the blade. The faintest sounds of a series of locks would be heard un-linking soon after.

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"You wished to speak with me?" asked Daphne, straightening out her jacket and adjusting the breastplate beneath it.

"General Beatrix and Lady Agrias should be very proud of themselves," she said idly, waiting for the other to get on with the subject of his request.

"I do wish Lady Abigail had come to aid us, however...that would have made this much eas--by the way, did I hear that she'd been removed from the ship? Are our resources out searching? We have lost many valuable allies already--this is not looking good at all."

[Sai]

"No. It isn't..." Sai agreed. He wasn't the type to sugar coat, seeing as he had no real concept of what would make one feel better or not. However, this was not why he had wanted to speak with Daphne.

A moment passed as he gathered his words and strategized what he had to say. "Miss Crescentlight has proven herself more than capable on several occasions. I have no doubt wherever she is, she has a handle on the situation. As for the loss of allies, One must be vigilant of the dangers beyond the frontlines..."

Reaching up, Sai put an uncertain hand on the woman's shoulder. This was more calculated risk than empathetic gesturing. He knew she felt a connection to himself, even though he wasn't entirely certain why. "This ship has been invaded on several fronts my waves of heartless, from countless pools of darkness, around several hundred hearts, all of which are already on edge from battles before..."

He paused, trying to consider how to go about this. "I am aware that as a scientist and doctor on top of being a capable soldier, a certain impression of objectivity is required. Removing oneself from a situation emotionally is a logical and effective means of protection against potentially long-term psychological damage. In certain situations, this is the only way one can preserve their sanity. However, this is a different time and place than a standard battlefield."

Looking off, Sai spotted a place on the wall that was stained from the pools of darkness from which the Shadows had spawned. Removing his glove, Sai drew a bare hand across the umbral mark, smearing away a strange black substance. Undernieth, one could see that the metal itself had been rusted slightly even as the black material dissolved away from the Nobody's fingertips.

"Even the complete impartial, things that only have a perceived personality and heart, can be affected by this enemy. The danger here cannot be contested by retreating within oneself. It cannot be kept at bay by simply pretending there is nothing within the heart which it can corrode. It is quite the opposite."

Sai looked to Daphne as he replaced his glove, the material completely gone from dissolving off his fingertips. "The only true protection from a terrible fall into darkness is to hold one's heart like a beacon to light the way. No one is an island, and no one should have to face the void alone..."

He looked off again, to the rusted metal behind the dark material. "We have lost too much to the darkness. The World has suffered too greatly from the mistakes of a single, short-sighted fool. Soon, the misdeeds are going to be paid for, but that is no guarantee that what was lost will return."

Pausing again, Sai glanced to Daphne once more. "Just be more careful than I was..." he finished.

[Secondary Characters]

While things went from bad to worse, Kim kept to the bridge, keeping track of everything going on. When Cloud's transmission came, she was one of the few to react. "Did he just say they had Abigail??" she called out, drawing attention to the fact that they had found their white mage.

However, when she tried to take a comm and respond, she couldn't find Cloud's trace. It looked like he had been whiped out of existance. Shocked, she took a step back, afraid for someone she only barely knew, but already considered a friend. With a sigh, she looked down to the ground, feeling a sense of helplessness.

As Hercules and Gabranth entered, she looked up quickly. She didn't want to give those two any indication that everything was starting to get to her. Putting on a brave face, she went to greet them. "Hey, Wonderboy! Gabby!" she said, smiling to them and treating it like a wonderful reunion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside, Wall-E had caused a bit of a ruckus by startling Ellis within. He didn't mean to, and gave a sort of apologetic wave as a result. Just after, Luna offered to help him inside, so with a happy whistle he took her up on it.

He drove himself into the ship, pleased with his work and glad to see that everyone was basically alright. His one regret was that the inside was a bit dirtied up from blots where Shadows had arrived, but Wall-E wasn't exactly the cleanest robot ever. If M-O was here, you can bet the little guy would be busily cleaning up all "foreign contaminants".

Wall-E sighed softly, remembering his dear friends. He wondered quietly where Eve was, but kept on what he was doing. Before he could make it to the bridge, however, he overheard a wonderful music being played over the intercoms. He looked up, stopping midway to the bridge to listen. He even reached up and recorded the beautiful, relaxing tune.

With a sigh of happiness, Wall-E found a new reserve of energy, and soldiered on. He arrived on the bridge around the same time Luna did, letting out a triumphant "Ta-Daa" as he did, to indicate that he was alright and the ship was 100% fixed (okay, maybe 93% fixed and 7% passing).

[Gabranth]

So the two went on and continued through the corridors, eventually making their way to a double door marked “Bridge”. Before entering the twin doors, Hercules saw this a fit time to try and give Gabranth a pep talk.

"Enough putting yourself down for now, a lot of people here do look up to you even if you prefer them not to. Don't want good soldiers doing sloppy work because of a disillusioned image of the Great Gabranth, huh?"

Then with that goofy grin he turns and looks him straight in the eye…


“I can handle anything! Hero rule #317, appearance is everything!”


He watched as Hercules began to walk into the Bridge as he spoke his hero rules. Gabranth quickly responded in witty manner. “Hmm. So as your enemy, am I to take a scantily dressed Olympian seriously?” Hercules wouldn’t have known it but under Gabranth visage laid a smirk.

Shortly after entering the Bridge he saw no one of command at ready. He made a slight humph before speaking. However at that moment Kim would stole through. She made a quick greeting before passing. “Girl…” Gabranth spoke out to her. “The Commander, where might we find them?”

[Agrias Oaks]

Agrias' mind was racing quickly, knowing well of the General's light-speed agility. She knew not to trust the sword at her side, even if distance was between it and Beatrix's hand. She tried to move away as much as she could when she saw that eerie, although familiar look in the General's expression.

What is she planning now with that look of innocence? she thought, at the others advance. Soon, she would notice the sword was not in rest, on the other hand, the next time she saw it, it was seconds before it would penetrate her chest in an almost ephemeral state. When it did, it did not hurt, but it was VERY uncomfortable. She would yelp at first out of instinct, and then she would look to Beatrix with an almost angry look-- tired of betrayals, and being injured, and EVERYTHING just trying to get at her when she was at a weakened state.

“B-Beatrix-- I--!!”

Suddenly, Beatrix turned the key, and with that-- the sounds of locks being opened would filter throughout room... then Agrias, standing there-- seemed to be temporarily elsewhere, as her body began to glow a bright white.

(( In mere seconds... ))

Within the depths of her mind, darkness spewed in, and when it lifted she was back again at that point in time, where her life was to forever change; In front of her stood Altima, The High Seraph
striking down her army-- her friends. She was back to that place known as the Airship Graveyard, at the point of the creature bursting into a vibrant, burning flash of light. The ship underneath her feet began to crumble and she pointed out her sword toward the creature for the final strike.

“HOLY EXPLOSION” she called out-- and from her sword, came an equally blinding light to challenge that of the fallen angel. Their two powers struggled, as the world around them continued to shatter. She could hear Ramza falling, and then Alicia and Lavian... finally Meliadoul-- and her heart began aching. She would fall next, not knowing if her attack did any good, or made things worse... all she knew, was that she went down with a fight as a soldier would for an honorable death... or so she thought. Then there was darkness all around her.


“Knight which has bore many burdens.” called a voice, which caused the knight turned quickly, recognizing it, “Knowing well that by coming for my blood would unleash utter destruction to you and those around-- Why come and face me, when destruction is inevitable?”

A creature of tall stature stood before her with stretched wings that made her ears and back. It was Altima.

“To win against I, a Goddess, and prevent destruction-- only to have it made by someone else? Why prolong existence long past due? What, pray, is your drive to continue into this endless waltz?”

“Demon! That is all thou'art, and ye were slayed by my sword to stay DEAD on the ground! Why pester me now, spirit, with such unwelcoming abomination that is thee?!” Agrias held up her blade, and pointed the very end of it toward the High Seraph, “My emotions is what drives me to succeed, if thou must know-- as long as I draw breath, I shall prevent destruction from ever coming! That is my oath as Holy Knight!”

“Yet, Holy Knight you are no more... you are only but the shell of the all powerful you were once.”

“I will still obey such oath-- even if in such a state, I shall not waver on my duties! If thou'art to come after me again, I will not rest until you have been succumbed by my blade once more!”

"...I see." Altima whispered, "... but worry not of my coming... I am but a mere spirit, as you say. Your heart has been opened fully, to reveal your must intricate desires to become stronger... to protect those around you, and yourself from this Darkness that paves its rule upon the Worlds..."

"I...do feel stronger-- but why come now?" Agrias would ask, her sword lowering, but ever alert.

"You, Lady Knight, have become much stronger than a Holy Knight" She chuckled, pacing around, awaiting a reply to this.

"What news you bring, to spew such blasphemy?! No one is stronger- no class is stronger than that of a Holy Knight!" Agrias shouted, pointing at the crown upon her chest, "This is the highest rank upon the mortals, and it shall remain so crazed spirit!"

"It was so... until you defeated me 1,000 years ago. Yet, not one mortal remained to tell what you became... that Light which you claim to be of Holy importance... "

"You speak in nothings!"

"Then allow this dissipating spirit to borrow your ear: You, who had mastered all classes in your previous life-- to go against I, a Goddess and defeat in battle-- have been granted the most Holiest rank-- beyond Knight, among our kind. The moment you struck down that sword against me, and the reason you are still alive from what would be many mortal deaths-- is because of your Will... and my blessing!"

"I cannot be anything more than what I am. I am a Holy Knight-- protector. My emotions give me strength. My will to continue on gives me courage to stand for others-- It has naught to do with you."

Altima's wings spread wide, and each individual feather ruffled angrily toward the knight, "YOU, AGRIAS OAKS--" her voice boomed out loudly, "ARE NOT ONLY A HOLY KNIGHT--!" Agrias' armor began to shatter, and she stood there in normal Novice clothes. The knight grew alarmed, as Save The Queen had transformed into a basic dagger once again! Altima calmed down, and held a hand toward the other,"...I shall show you, what you are..."

Agrias' clothes began to glow and be transformed to all the classes she was ONCE with every mention Altima gave, "You are: A Novice, A Knight, A Black Mage, a White Mage..."

"wh-what are y--" Agrias tried to argue, but her clothes continued to change, even as she advanced on the spirit of before to rest a hand upon hers, "S-stop this, what thou does is improper!"


"A Geomancer, an Oracle, a Chemist, a Ninja, A Samurai, a Dragoon, a Mimic..."

Agrias' clothes continued up to Mimic, and finally: Holy Knight.

" A Holy Knight, and Slayer of Altima... So, rise Agrias Oaks..."

The armor Agrias wore began to twist, and a helm began to grow over her cranium-- almost a womanly ensemble of armor and cloth covered her form to the fullest, and a Valkyrie-like helm adorned her head-- Save The Queen transformed too; growing larger than before... a finer edge which would cut a simple strand of hair by pressing the blade lightly at it.

"...for you are representative of not only mortals..."
[/i]

(( after three seconds ))

*Ka-CLANK* -- a large sound of a lock opening would echo through he closed room.

Agrias' glowing body would dim, and what stood in front of Beatrix was not only a Holy Knight... but something more... a true reason of Legend:

The first High Seraph mortal in history!

The new Ranked woman looked down upon herself, and the status of Save the Queen in awe. Agrias was also cured to the max percentage. She became confused to see herself in such armor, and she looked to Beatrix, hoping for answers.

"...What...did ye do....?"

[Secondary Characters]

Kim was indeed relieved to see Gabranth and Hercules. After the mayhem, they'd lost so many friends lately that it was always a good thing to see people that one knew. Ya never know in this situation when you won't. With a bit of a sigh and a smile, she took Gabranth's usual gruffness in stride, writing it off as just "how he is".

Putting her hands on her hips, she thought for a second. "Well, I think they're both down in the medical bay. During the spacefight, they both got into the engine room, according to all the hullabaloo going around up here. However, I think we just got a message that they're alright and recovering. We should be underway pretty soon."

She smiled again then reached up and patted the man's arm. "It's good to see you too, Gabby," she said in a light tone, expressing her relief to know that he and Hercules were both alright.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Wall-E had roved out of the bridge area once again. He was looking for Masheck, wondering where he went. As he drove himself along, he let out a soft "Maaaasheeeck" from time to time, wanting to find his friend.

He did find a few soldiers still listening to the music, relaxing and taking a brief respite from the battle. Things were about to get a lot more chaotic very soon, so it wasn't really suprising, but Wall-E was still startled by the numbers that seemed so exhausted. So many had been involved. It made him feel small, though he only expressed it through a slight drooping of his binocular eyes.

All the more reason to appreciate that which was still there. Enjoy friends that haven't yet given up hope. He sped up a little, looking for Oeilvert.

[General Beatrix]

"This ship has been invaded on several fronts my waves of heartless, from countless pools of darkness, around several hundred hearts, all of which are already on edge from battles before..."

Not to mention the countless times General Beatrix has switched sides due to the darkness borne from her heart... replied Daphne in thought. So many times has the Red Rose and Her occupants felt the urge to simply give up...but thank Alexander it has not happened. This is good.

"The only true protection from a terrible fall into darkness is to hold one's heart like a beacon to light the way. No one is an island, and no one should have to face the void alone..."

Slowly considering this with that calculating mind of hers, Daphne frowned some, ashamed to be so visible right now before a Nobody. Sure, she loved him--at least it's what she felt strongly in her heart--but having him simply read her like a big, unlocked book made her feel terrible. How could she change, though? Knowing that things could change from good to bad at a moment's notice; General Beatrix could simply be overwhelmed once more, the moment the ship touched down. Or worse! Kefka could attack, like he had on more than one occasion. Even Maleficent seemed to have the power over making her presence known with a simple conjuration of gates. Imagining this was like gazing down into the layers of the Underworld, and in her mind only Atticus awaited.

"We have lost too much to the darkness. The World has suffered too greatly from the mistakes of a single, short-sighted fool. Soon, the misdeeds are going to be paid for, but that is no guarantee that what was lost will return."

To this she cringed, giving the Nobody a forlorn, understanding nod.

"Thank you, Sai...I will take your words to great heart...but I just do not know right now--or feel--how I can just let go of my personal training. The others here would make a big deal out of me showing my true emotions before them, and I would just become distracted, and then what use would I be?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Aye, that would indeed be what he said," replied Ellis while maintaining a firm hold of the helm, which seemed to be rather difficult as they pressed on into heavier Hyperspace, where the darkness of the Abyss, as well as the broken Kingdom poured out even more powerful energies.

"That will not be good for us, but I can assure you that things will be fine; the general and Lady Agrias will not let the Fallen have his way with such a bastion of hope and goodness."

"I hope she can fend for herself," said Vivi. "Perhaps I should call in the Miss...I think she would be of some use to us here on the front lines of battle..." After his events with Masheck Octavian, Vivi had returned to the bridge to aid the navigation crew locate the Castle a second time, his palm facing down on the half-orb which served as a radar screen.

When Hercules and Gabranth arrived, several of the soldiers, as well as the Black Mage, nodded and saluted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When at last Wall-E spotted Oeilvert, he would find the mage laying down in one of the three Red Rose common rooms, where long, comfortable couches were set down in the middle, arranged in an odd half-circle, half-spiral formation. His head lay in the lap of a Private Emily and she seemed to be massaging his temples, all the while thanking him for doing his part in reviving the Sisters of Light. Locke, now atop the helmet of another soldier whose legs the sorcerer had lain them, scoffed.

"Hello, Wall-E," said the prince, sitting up slightly, trying to adhere to the limitations brought on by his headache. "Everything alright? The music is quite lovely, don't you think? Just...give me some time, my friend, and I will be fit as a fiddle to rejoin battle. I assure you."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shocked and somewhat horrified by Agrias' sudden light show, Beatrix fell back slightly, catching herself with the keyblade as it pulled out and back from the amorphous knight.

On the floor and through the hazy light she watched as the other woman changed, and when all was said and done, and Agrias returned from the realm in-between, she saw what could only be described as terrifyingly divine.

Her first impression was that of fear; had she done something wrong? Before her should have been just Agrias, but for a second or so she could have sworn to anyone that it was the High Seraph of Legend, bathed in the radiant light of the Heavens.

With a gasp upon revelation, and Agrias' confused stutter of words, Beatrix had to move up and get a better look, not to mention touch her to see if this was all real.

Affirmed, she smiled, and told Agrias what she wanted to know.

"The dream returned, Agrias...the Dive...and within I discovered what I had to do. I'm so sorry I couldn't see this sooner..."

As she continued admiring this seemingly ultimate new Agrias, she ventured to claim the Light's forces had a new advantage.

"We really should rest some more...or, well at least I should, before pressing on."

[Sai]

"Thank you, Sai...I will take your words to great heart...but I just do not know right now--or feel--how I can just let go of my personal training. The others here would make a big deal out of me showing my true emotions before them, and I would just become distracted, and then what use would I be?"

Sai considered this a moment, understanding perfectly from where she was coming on this matter. When he was a whole being, he took great pains to make himself unreadable to others, a mystery, more concerned with his work than the petty, day-to-day changes of the whimsy of others. But that had proven disasasterous. Just look at what his folly had caused.

"Perhaps for a time..." he said calmly, with all the cool tone of an unbiased observer. "But I have seen the way the others behave, and their habits. At first they will be suprised, because it is new. New tends to be jarring. However, there is a bond between soldiers, and this bond extends to you. You need not be self-conscious, because they will accept you as you are, for who you are."

He paused, considering this. He needed a strong example here, to present evidence of his claim. The only thing he could think of, was something that demonstrated what happens in other events.

"When I was a whole being, I was called Sai Atticus. The title Sai means 'learner', and I was still an apprentice..." he began, his eyes seeming focused on the distant past as he spoke. "I was an eager student, thirsty for knowledge and desperate to prove myself a master of magicks. I spent hours pouring over tomes and scrolls. I purposely fled from the company of others and locked myself away in an almost ravenous desire to best even my superiors in my knowledge and skill.

Then one day, I conjured a corridor of darkness. I didn't know what it was, and mistook it for a spell of my own creation. My heart was so heavy with the illusion of personal victory that I ignored the obvious signs. I used and abused the corridors like an irresponsible child, carelessly flitting between worlds and gathering more and more darkness into my heart. I came across Radiant Garden, and found companions that shared my insatiable lust for understanding. Even though I called them my compatriots, I was still locked in my own heart."

Sai paused, letting this sink in for a moment before continuing. "I never let my emotions show to anyone. Not one soul knew anything about how I thought until I expressly told them through reports and test results. So, when the day came that I found my heart so burdened by darkness that my body was at the breaking point... I had no other opinions to base my decision on, and a madman's belief that I had ascended beyond the restrictions of any Black Mage that had ever existed."

Anyone would be in great pain telling the story, but the Nobody's eyes were as calm as ever, like this were just another casual conversation, and not a great outpouring of one's soul and an outright confession of one's sins.

"I became a Nobody. Without the desire in my heart, I was able to think clearly. I realized my mistakes and took on the moniker of Sai, becoming both in name and nature the learner that I should have remained. My heart went on into the darkest depths and became the Fallen. My actions lead Xehanort to adopt a similar path, and thus did the World pay many times over for the short-sightedness of just one. Evil spread in all its forms... it even touched your General. It even destroyed your home."

Sai took another moment, wanting Daphne to understand the consequences of his simple mistake. He wanted her to see the kind of damage locking oneself away could do. But at the end of it all, the one thing he could say, the most meaningful thing he could even think of, boiled down to six words.

"I don't want that for you."

[General Beatrix]

His story was wrenching; Daphne felt more comfortable knowing that no other soldier was within sight coming up or down the hallway. Turning away she smiled, if only faintly; she was content with this moment, and knew that, although he couldn't feel the depth of his speech, understood her and his impact.

"Thank you again, Sai," she said and moved in, brushing his hair away and then pulling down his scarf. She shot a glance from his eye--the one visible eye, that is--and then down to his lips, and, before he could react, kissed him.

A couple seconds would pass before the scientist withdrew, and turning away she wished she hadn't been so impulsive; at the most inopportune moment two soldiers marched down the hall and caught the seemingly romantic act.

"...remember what Sai told me," she whispered silently, turning from her comrades and kissing the Nobody again.

"I love you, Sai. Survive for me." She adjusted her glasses while talking, and then turned to leave. "You can make up for your indiscretions."

[Sai]

At first, the Nobody showed absolutely no reaction whatsoever to Daphne's display of affection. In fact, his mind was simply searching for the logic behind it. Even when he was whole, he had never experienced something like this. Irony would have it that when he could no longer feel the passion associated with an act of love, he would receive one.

However, as the moment lingered, Sai could begin to sense a strange sensation. He felt his pulse quickening and his desire to hold this kiss increasing. It seemed as though exposure to Daphne itself was enough to grant him SOME kind of feeling. His arms slowly lifted, and he was JUST about to to wrap them around her when she parted from him. He blinked, trying to formulate words for the strange sensation which now dangled on the air.

He noticed some other soldiers approaching, and before he could say a word to rescue her reputation, Daphne kissed him again. This time however, he would not allow it to pass quietly. He held her closely, returning her kiss as best he was able (being a man without experience in the matter). She parted from him again, and spoke.

"I love you, Sai. Survive for me." She adjusted her glasses while talking, and then turned to leave. "You can make up for your indiscretions."

Love? He didn't understand it, couldn't properly FEEL it... yet somehow he didn't doubt it. Pulling his scarf up to cover his features once more, Sai nodded solemnly. "I intend to..." he muttered, though in reaction to what part of her words was not entirely clear. For the first time in a while, something was creeping inside him.

Doubt.

He knew that Daphne had feelings for him. He could literally feel them, almost share in them. However, who exactly did she have feelings for? Was it the person he was supposed to be, or was it this distant, cold, and unfeeling individual that only shows interest when in the presence of science or an advancement to his own goals?

Would she still love him when he was no longer Sai?

Quietly, he considered this, then leaned on the wall once more, awaiting General Beatrix and Lady Agrias to inform them of the situation. He had to focus on that, or this slight tugging at the empty place where a heart should be would drive him to the point of utter madness.

It had happened before, to better men than he...

[General Beatrix]

Glasses adjusted, the Head of Science moved to fix her out-of-tail hair for the umpteenth time, fidgeting nervously with the tie. She glanced over at him between under-the-breath curses and peering upward--as if this would allow her to see what she was doing.

His only response caused her to mildly jump and she smiled.

"I'm very glad--oh, confound it!--I'm glad to hear that, Sai..."

After several more moments of fighting the tie and her hair, Daphne gave up, and simply settled with brushing down her coat to remove wrinkles and stray dirt.

"Ah-um, yes. Well, we should probably go back and see how the general and Lady Agrias are doing...it shouldn't be much longer until we've made contact with the Castle of Naught."

With that she turned, and began to march off back to the infirmary, but, remembering Sai's words slowed down and loosened up her fabricated cold tension.

[Sai]

As Daphne lead off toward the medical bay, Sai nodded and followed. His demeanor was still distant and cool, but that was to be expected from someone like him. He didn't look to Daphne as they walked, instead keeping his gaze somewhat inward, thinking and considering the depths of his choices yet to come. He had to be careful, and to take steps as they came. Otherwise, all could be lost, and nothing gained.

When they entered the small hospital onbard the ship, Sai looked to the two women still inside the quarantine. Agrias had gained some kind of armor while he was gone, glowing and magnificent. This was a good sign. This meant that they were strong, more powerful than even he expected. With keyblades at their side... would they be enough?

Walking up to the quarantine door, he knocked on it lightly (though to what effect is not certain, as the door was made of a light plastic rather than a sturdy metal). "General. Lady." Sai addressed them, calling their attention to him for a moment.

"I can see that you are both doing much better, and that Lady Agrias has unlocked a new class. I do not mean to rush your recovery, but we are somewhat pressed for time..."

He took a step back and held out his wand. With a flick, he created his self-contained atmosphere, then entered. He made sure to close the quarantine right behind him, as there was still no guarantee that the radiation had been burned off just yet. Logically, it would have been cleansed by the energy Agrias was putting out, but one should never take unnecessary chances.

Inside, Sai looked to them both with a nod. "The path to the enemy has been cleared. Cloud went ahead to scout. I have reason to believe we are heading into an ambush..."

He let it hang here, letting his words sink in.