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Chapter 7: Beyond the Darkness

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Author: Kintora

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A/N: ...I gotta point out that finally, after 13+ years, KH3 is here. That's like waiting for a small child to grow up. I am officially old. That aside, the new chapter will introduce new characters! Kudos to you if you recognize them from other (rather old) titles Tetsuya Nomura helped design.

Also, I've finally created a story post for TFOTE on AO3: Archive of Our Own. Feel free to follow this story over there if you prefer it. From now on, I'll be updating both there and here.

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Had she done the right thing to tell? Kairi wondered.

The longer Yuna kept her silence, the more Kairi doubted the wisdom in telling her what she'd never told anyone. What was Yuna thinking? Why wasn't she saying anything? But she was afraid to get her attention. Right now, Yuna's pale face looked like it was made of fractured porcelain. One touch, and it would shatter.

Yuna knew most of Kairi's past. But after the accident, Kairi had only told her that relatives were taking care of her. And while Yuna had tried to ask after them from time to time, Kairi always gave such oblique answers that Yuna had just assumed everything was all right. That Kairi just missed her parents too much to really have the heart to talk about her guardians. Meanwhile, Kairi was really trying to conceal the fact that they were abusive.

Yuna hated herself. Hated these people she had never met.

Kairi hadn't even realized she'd been holding her breath until Yuna finally set the writing pad down to look at her. Even then, her nerves threatened to betray her.

"Can I... Can I show this to my parents and the detective?" The tawny-haired girl whispered.

Unable to find any words, Kairi made some kind gesture that could pass as a nod or a shrug. Just then, Yuna's mother knocked on the door gently and peeked into the room. "Hi, I'm just checking in on you two. I brought some snacks in case either of you were hungry."

"Thanks, Mom," Yuna waved her in, "Actually, we want to talk to you. I told Kairi a little about the police, but she's still... worried."

"Oh, honey," Yuna's mom came over and gently grasped Kairi's hands in hers, "There's nothing to worry about. Detective Cross has been really great to us, and she really does have your best interests at heart. I know my words don't sound very consoling right now, but give her a chance. We'll be right there with you when you meet her – if you want us in the room with you."

'Is she coming here?' Kairi asked. Yuna relayed the question to her mother.

"I got off the phone with her not too long ago. She'll be here later this evening after dinner," she gave Kairi an assuring smile.

'What about them... my aunt and uncle?'

At that, Yuna shared a look with her mother. "Well, you see–"

Just then, the front door banged open and three sets of voices entered the house arguing. Yuna rolled her eyes at the loud racket as her triplet brothers came thundering into the kitchen to raid the fridge.

"Zidane, you're such an idiot! Why the heck would you tip off our only chance to beat Dagger's score? It's all your fault! She knows our strategy now!" Zell snarled at his brother.

Kairi looked at Yuna and her mother, wondering if either of them would go break up the fight. Neither seemed too inclined, but finally Yuna's mother got up when it sounded like a glass broke downstairs. She gave them an apologetic look, her face morphing into one of dark fury as she marched down the stairs to quell their angry squabble. Moments later, her sharp voice rang out, putting a swift end to the commotion.

"Were we ever this annoying at thirteen?" Yuna asked dryly. She massaged her forehead to stave off oncoming headaches. Giving Kairi an exasperated look, she stood up as well. "I'll go help, Mom. You stay here and have some more snacks."

Kairi shook her head. 'I'm sick of staying in bed. Help me up! I'll go down with you.'

Her friend looked skeptical. "I don't know, Kai. Do you think you can handle going down the stairs?"

'I made it to and from the bathroom, didn't I?' she frowned, her expression insistent, 'Just help me. I'm sure I can at least make it to the kitchen.'

Yuna couldn't keep the uneasy look off her face, but it improved when she helped Kairi to her feet and guided her a few steps out of the room down the hall. The stairs were trickier, and Kairi had to really concentrate. It didn't help when she slipped and Yuna just barely caught her, both of them breaking into cold sweat as they hobbled the rest of the way down.

By the time they reached the kitchen, the triplets were quietly crowded around the counter, doing their homework with identical sulkiness under their mother's hawk-eyed glare. When they noticed Yuna and Kairi though, the brothers perked up and started talking all at once.

"Kairi! You look like crap! But at least you're on your feet again," Zell observed cheerfully, his spiky blonde hair bouncing as he nodded at her.

Zack lifted a dark brow at his boisterous sibling. "You lack so much tact talking to girls, I often wonder how we can possibly be related."

"Well I think you're amazing, Kairi. How's your head?" Zidane ignored both his brothers in favor of offering her a friendly smile. Zell reached over and yanked his brother's dark blonde ponytail, drawing a snarl from Zidane as he responded with an elbow to Zell's gut. Zack yawned beside them, as his two brothers raised their fists against each other.

Yuna finally snapped. "KNOCK. IT. OFF! Unless you all want to wake up bald tomorrow, you better behave."

"What did I do?" Zack threw a protective hand over his thick, black locks, "You can't touch my hair, sis!"

"Watch me." Yuna's green-blue eyes flashed, and her normally soft features went hard. Kairi had only ever seen Yuna lose her temper once, and once was enough. Yuna always delivered on her threats.

"Mooooooom..." All three whined in unison after a moment of stunned silence.

Their mother had returned to chopping vegetables during the exchange, and now she merely shrugged. "Don't complain to me. Any more of this nonsense, and I will dye you all blue. Then you can all be smurfs. That'll really show off your charming bald heads."

Just then, the mudroom door opened and Yuna's father walked in. His dark, tawny colored locks were mussed, and tired lines marred his otherwise handsome face. The instant the boys spotted their father, they whined again in perfect harmony. "Daaaaaaad..."

"And don't complain to your father. Can't you see he's exhausted?" their mother chided sternly, before walking over to her husband and giving him a warm hug, "Welcome home, Braska. Rough day?"

"It was all right. I can tell you more about it later," Braska said, kissing her forehead, "How was your day, Aya?"

"Oh, just lovely," Aya grinned, returning to her task with more alacrity, "The office has been so understanding. Working from home is so much better than having to commute. I wonder if Cid would let me work from home indefinitely... Also, Kairi woke up."

"That's wonderful, love. Cid's tough, but he's still your brother. I'm sure you can convince him. Remember how you talked him into wearing that ridiculous moogle costume last Halloween?" Braska hid a yawn as he slowly hung up his coat. "I'll just wash my hands, and help you with dinner..." He trailed off into a pause, then turned around so quickly he almost suffered whiplash. This time he finally took in a full inventory of his surroundings, blue eyes wide as his gaze traveled from his sullen sons to his smug daughter and her best friend sitting at the table. He hurried over and threw his arms around Kairi in a bear hug. "Kairi! It's so wonderful to see you're feeling better."

Kairi returned the embrace just as fiercely. After a moment, she pulled away. 'Thank you all so much for taking care of me.'

Though Braska's understanding of sign language wasn't as good as Yuna's, he understood enough to respond. "Of course, you're always welcome in our home. I hope Yuna has spoken to you about staying with us longer. In fact, Aya and I talked about this... We would love to have you live with us from now on."

For a moment, Kairi was so moved she had no words to describe the feeling. It had been so long since anyone had unconditionally provided for her, or simply loved her enough to care. Their generosity invoked an emotion so overwhelming in Kairi, she felt her throat tighten.

'Yes, I would be most grateful to stay.' Her hands shook, 'I don't know how I'll ever repay your kindness.'

"Accepting our help is payment enough," Braska gave Kairi a warm smile, "We've known you so long, you're a daughter to us in all but name. And that can be amended, if that's your wish."

Aya dried her hands and joined Braska at the table. "I know it's a lot to take in. You've been through so much, but we really couldn't wait to ask you. Would you be our daughter? Yuna already considers you her sister, and the boys just adore you too..."

"'Adore' is a bit of a strong word," Zell grumbled cheekily, but was quickly silenced by Zack and Zidane simultaneously digging their elbows into his ribs.

Kairi couldn't help the tears that escaped down her face as she nodded, slowly at first until she could hardly stop. Her face probably looked like a red, swollen mess, but inside she had never felt so relieved – so safe. Finally, she had a place to rest. She no longer had to linger in the darkness, wondering when she would chance upon the next moment of respite.

It was still terrifying that Yuna's family knew everything and would ultimately have to share the consequences with her. But the truth was also liberating. She hadn't felt so free in so long.

As she staunched her dripping nose with the tissue Yuna offered her, Kairi found she didn't care that she looked ridiculous. They were to be a real family. She would have a family again.

Yuna wrapped her arms around her best friend, resting her chin over Kairi's bowed head. Looking at her parents, she mouthed a silent thank you to them. Her parents were both dabbing at their own eyes as well, just as elated and moved. Her brothers had matching embarrassed expressions, but judging the way they seemed to be repressing their grins, she could tell they were happy Kairi would be joining their sibling ranks.

With a bit of help from everyone, dinner was served without incident and Aya even let the boys off for roughhousing earlier. As they were tidying up, the doorbell rang and suddenly Kairi was full of nerves again. Aya shooed the complaining trio up to their rooms as Braska got up to answer the door. Kairi on the other hand, had the strongest urge to bolt right up the stairs with them. As if sensing her thoughts, Yuna put a hand on her shoulder – whether to keep her in place or comfort her, or a bit of both, Kairi couldn't be certain.

"Good evening, Detective Cross. Have you eaten? We just finished dinner, but we'd be happy to offer you some snacks," Braska invited cordially.

A young woman's voice that Kairi didn't recognize filtered in down the hall. "That's kind of you, Dr. Bevelle, but I've already eaten. I could use some water though, if it's not too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all. Please come in," Braska led the detective into the living space. From her seat in the open kitchen area, Kairi had an unfettered view of the petite, blonde haired woman who strode inside. Almost immediately, she caught sight of Kairi. Her bright green eyes softened as she offered her a genial smile.

"Kairi, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Detective Dominique Cross, from the Destiny PD Special Victims Unit. Mrs. Bevelle called me earlier when you woke up. How are you doing, sweetheart?"

Kairi answered with a stiff, polite smile, a bit taken aback from being called 'sweetheart' by a stranger who looked like she couldn't be more than ten years her senior. Upon closer observation though, Kairi found it harder to tell exactly what age the detective was. Should she be concerned that the woman seemed so young?

Yuna stuck close to her side, as Kairi more or less managed to maneuver unaided into the living room. Detective Cross even came around her other side to offer assistance. She was a hair shorter than Kairi, but petite and affable as she appeared, Kairi instinctively felt there was more to this woman than meets the eye.

Braska brought Detective Cross a glass of water and sat down beside his wife. Once everyone was arranged comfortably around the white sofa set, the detective addressed her again.

"I'm sure you must be a bit apprehensive speaking with me, Kairi." Detective Cross raised her hands, signing as she spoke, "But everything you tell me will help me and the DPD with your case. You don't have to be afraid to talk to me or your loved ones here."

Kairi bit her lip, twisting the hem of her shirt. With some encouragement from Yuna, Kairi slowly articulated a question that had been bothering her since she woke up. 'What happened to my aunt and uncle? Are they in jail?'

Detective Cross nodded, her expression full of assurance. "Your uncle has been detained, yes. We're holding Loz Jenova on a felony assault against you. The forensics identified the weapon he used to beat you. When we arrested him that night, we found that belt in his possession. He has a history of criminal violence, so you needn't worry about seeing him except in court."

'And...and my aunt?'

"She's harder to convict," Detective Cross said honestly, though her tone remained compassionate, "We've charged her with child neglect, as you are still underage and legally under her care. While Leblanc Hunter's record is clean, we are in the process of investigating everything as thoroughly as we can. If she's hiding anything, we will find it." She paused to let the disappointing news sink in. "Kairi, I will do everything in my power to keep you all safe and put these people away. To do that, I need to count on your cooperation and trust. Can you do that for me?"

Kairi could feel the conviction in her voice; could feel everyone's bated attention on her. The fact that Leblanc was still around frightened her, but Kairi reminded herself to think on the bright side. Loz had been her greatest fear, and he was as good as gone from her life. Not yet, but almost. Definitely. Eventually.

Fighting Leblanc, and putting her away was going to be an uphill battle. Nothing had ever been easy after her parents died. She shouldn't expect that to change now, only this time she wasn't going to bear the burden alone.

The detective continued when Kairi give her an affirmative, "Thank you, Kairi. I'm afraid the questions I'll ask you won't be easy ones to answer. Can you tell me what happened earlier that day? Did something trigger your uncle's rage?"

'The school called, because I didn't go to class. They probably couldn't reach my aunt or uncle. An agent from social services visited the house. They got in trouble for not knowing where I was.' Kairi furrowed her brow, struggling to remember.

"Why didn't you go to class?" Detective Cross asked gently, "I've spoken with your school, and they've told me it was very unusual for you to do that. Did something happen?"

'My classmates bullied me after... I'd already had a bad day. My locker, and my... Where's my bag?' Kairi suddenly sat up bolt upright, whirling on Yuna, 'My purple one. The one I've always had. Where'd it go?' Her hands darted to her bare neck. 'My pendant! It's missing too!"

"I... I don't know, Kairi. We can help you look for them..." Yuna trailed off, trying to divert her panic, "I heard what happened at your locker. I've told Detective Cross about it. Do you remember when Yuffie, Tidus, and I went to find you? We went back to check on you after our free period, but you weren't at the school anymore. We just assumed you went home. No one knows what happened after we saw you last."

'I did go home,' Kairi articulated slowly, remembering things more clearly now, 'But not before Sora found me.'

Yuna stared at her in shock. "Sora went to find you? Did he hurt you?"

'No! No. He wanted to apologize. We talked... at the park. I think I left him there.' Kairi shook her head, frustrated, 'I can't even remember what exactly we talked about. But when I got home, the agent from social services was gone. My aunt and uncle were there. Then... Then he...' Kairi wrapped her arms around herself and tried to push the memories away. Revisiting them earlier was already more than she could bear.

Yuna filled in for Kairi, rubbing soothing circles over her back, "About the attack... She wrote it down. It's up in my room. If you give me a moment, I can go get it."

Detective Cross nodded, "Yes, that would be very helpful." As Yuna left, the detective turned to Kairi again, "You're very brave. We'll find a way to put an end to this."

'What happens now?' Kairi asked her, her face stricken.

"Now, you do your best to get better so you can go back to school." The blonde detective smiled, "As I understand it, your classmates and teachers are eager to see you return."

'Can I stay here?'

"I don't see why not, especially since the Bevelle family want you to stay with them. The CPS has agreed to let you stay here for the time being." The detective sighed slightly, "Which reminds me. You also have to attend family court some time soon to settle custody."

"We'll be there," Aya said, placing her hands on Kairi's shoulders.

Detective Cross gave her a warm look. "I'm glad. If the judge sees that a caring family will take Kairi in, he or she may be more inclined to award custody over to you."

Just then, Yuna returned with the statement Kairi had written earlier. Sensing Kairi didn't want to be there and was quickly growing tired, she handed the paper over and spoke up. "Detective Cross, I think it's time I take Kairi back upstairs to rest..."

"Of course, dear," the petite blond woman smiled, "There are a few more things I must discuss with your parents. Thank you both for talking with me. Kairi, I hope you get well soon. I'll be seeing you around."

Yuna and Kairi bid them all good night, and Kairi was only too happy to let Yuna lead her away up the stairs.

Another week passed, and Kairi spent much of her time awake trying to catch up on schoolwork. She looked forward to the end of the school day when Yuna would come home bearing well wishes from her teachers and the occasional story. In fact, the very first day Yuna returned to school, she came home with a peculiar tale. Sora had approached Yuna immediately after gym class to talk. However, Yuna hadn't been very charitable to him, so the discussion ended there.

Despite feeling listless and bored out of her mind, she was beginning to think that wasn't such a bad thing if it meant she didn't have to see Sora again. However, the day soon came when Kairi had recovered enough to attend school again.

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