Disclaimer:

Chapter two of my story. I forgot to issue a disclaimer on the last one so, to prevent legal action against me, I don't own anything. In fact, I am quite poor. The character in the beginning of this story is a creation of my friend, Vince. The sword he carries, however, isn't. That's not mine either.

Chapter Two: Keepsake

The blond haired individual lounged leisurely dear the Dark Depths, the moonlight illuminating his young, boyish features. A pair of glasses rested on the tip of his nose, a newspaper clutched in his right arm. He sat down on the edge of the gorge, legs dangling over the side as he began to flip through the Sunday edition.

The man who seemed to express no fear over looking so close to the face of death seemed no older then the age of 21. He wore a white tuxedo, everything fine pressed and without a scuff or wrinkle. His eyes, underneath those simple glasses, were red slits. Different from that of the creatures he commanded but enough to strike a paralyzing fear into his 'prey.' On his back a sword hung, wildly crafted and looking as if it was not of this world. An eerie red glow irradiated from it.

A small heartless materialized from the shadows, holding a silver tray with but one simple drink on it. As the small, bug-like creature moved towards the man before him the drink sloshed with its erratic and wild movements. The man sitting on the cliff face shot a glance to the creature, eyebrows narrowing to see his drink being dumped all over the tray. "Idiot!"

The man quickly shot out, palm slamming against the tray before it was shot through the heartless' head. "My god, can't I get competent service from anyone on this world?" Though his night was spoiled now, with his drink ruined, he still faced the darkness, hands slowly unfurling the paper he gripped. "I suppose it doesn't matter. Things are all working to plan… Right, Kilgorin?"

The sword's eerie glow intensified for just a moment before settling down once more. The paper was opened, articles thrown over the Cliffside before he found what he was looking for. "First Strife departs with his 'light' and 'darkness' and now Leon follows after him for some woman," a chuckle escaped him, "All's going perfect… The second he leaves will be our time. This world managed to escape the darkness once."

The moonlight was blanketed by gray clouds, whatever light allowing a glimpse of the man fading. All that stood out were those glowing red eyes. "Not again."

As the days dwindled by and the metal monstrosity, Ragnarok, was outfitted for a long journey all Leon had left to do was wait. He had left Yuffie to pick up his patrolling shifts and she had grown already. She was stronger, faster and never let go of the Lionheart Shuriken that he had the moogles synthesize for her. All seemed to be going really well for the group, with just one exception: The fear that lurked under his tough exterior had prevented him from looking over Aerith since their encounter.

He ran his fingers over his left hand's ring finger where the Griever ring once rested. His mind drifted away to Aerith, wondering if she had taken his words to heart. She needed all the light she could get but it was entirely up to her if she wanted to accept it or not. Leon hadn't seen his ring returned lately... maybe everything was going well.

Curiosity laced through his blood suddenly, coaxing him to roll out of bed and head towards the cliff face where Aerith normally sat. His hand went to the small black case, pulling out the silver Revolver model gunblade. He attached it to his side before moving out the doors of his small, one bedroom house and out into the open streets.

The fading sun illuminated the houses in the residential area with a soft, orange glow. Leon moved slowly through the streets, nodding to those who acknowledged him before he broke free of the district and moved out towards Aerith's ground. He hesitated, stopping a few steps before he could make out her image but it was something that he'd have to face.

With the last few steps trudged forward he caught her outline. But there was something a bit different this time. She stood instead of sat, staring out towards the sun with sweat trickling down the back of her neck. In her right hand was a metal staff, held with expert grip. He watched in awe for just a little bit before nodding his head. At least she was getting strong. As he turned to walk away, something stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Wait."

Leon stood there, facing away as he heard her footsteps bring her closer. Leon turned once they became louder, gaze setting on the flower girl. She stopped a few steps shy of him, glancing up into his eyes. He looked himself, curious to see if everything had returned mentally as well.

They sparkled. Those emerald orbs leveled on his own, glowing as if her light had been refreshed and brightened. A wave of relaxation engulfed him, the muscles in his mouth twitching a bit as he held back a smile. A gentle giggle left Aerith's lips before she quieted with a, 'Oh.'

Her hands slowly reached behind her hair, undoing the bow as those braids fell softly down her back. She moved to Leon's side, grabbing hold of his arm before pushing up the sleeve of his jacket. She wrapped the pink bow around his upper arm, binding it gently before dropping the sleeve once more. She backed up, giving Leon one of those perfect smiles. "You gave me your ring. You can have that."

Leon stared at her for a moment before shifting his gaze to the tips of the bow that poked past his jacket. Aerith moved close to him, getting onto the tips of her toes to press a gentle kiss against his cheek. "Thank you, Leon."

Blood rose in his cheeks, Leon's hand lifting to scratch under his eye to cover it. His lone wolf nature was easily broken past when it was in her presence. Once his heart had settled he nodded his head at her. All he could manage to push past, given the current situation. "I'll bring it back safe, Aerith."

She shook her head, laughing just a bit before moving past him. "It's yours to keep, Leon. I want you to have it for what you're doing. Be strong and I'll be strong through you. The bow and the ring connects us."

Leon circled around to catch her leaning rather close to him. "Come back safe, alright? Even if you haven't find him…" She leaned back, turning and finally walking away.

The last few minutes of the day ticked past, the stars began to come to life in the sky. Leon looked up to them, thoughts leaving him. Cloud was up there somewhere… neglecting Aerith's love in a desperate struggle against himself. He was a fool but even so, that wouldn't stop him.

"Don't worry, Aerith. I'll find him."