Chasing Destiny

Heartless

"HEY YOU GUYS!"

Your ears perk up at the agitated cry downstairs. With a sigh you set down your book and exit your room, almost running right into Yuffie.

"What's wrong?" you ask.

"No clue," she replies with a shrug as she hops down to the bottom of the stairs, with you right on her tail.

Almost immediately your heart skips a beat at the sight of Sephiroth standing in the living room, flanked by Zack, Leon, and Genesis. Everyone else is standing around the room, their eyes on the two of you.

"Thanks for joining us," Sephiroth sneers, and you and Yuffie glance at each other and smile sheepishly.

"Sorry, Sir," she apologizes, throwing herself down on the couch.

You stay back, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. Sephiroth still made you feel a little uneasy, and you were more than happy to keep your distance.

"Everyone will be going to Hollow Bastion, right now. I got an urgent call from Cid, something very bad is happening there," Sephiroth announces, glancing around the room. "I understand there has been some..." he trails off, his eyes setting on you, "infighting lately. That will come to a stop as of right now. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Sir," everyone mumbles grudgingly.

"Good. Now get going!" Sephiroth orders, patting Zack on the back before he marches to his office.

"Will we all fit on the ship?" Xion asks.

"I can think of one person we can leave behind..." Leon mutters, looking over at a sneering Axel.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you Scarface? Too bad we just promised to stop fighting and be good lil' soldiers," Axel mocks with a falsely sincere smile.

"Please," you interrupt, stepping between the two men, "can we please just stop fighting? For ONE mission? I have a migraine and we haven't even left yet."

Their faces drop as they both mutter, "Yes" under their breaths. You smile, continuing on your way out of the house, leading the way to the Gummi Ship waiting at the border of the forest.

"You were a lot nicer than I would have been," Xion comments, trailing behind you.

"That's probably why they all like her," Yuffie jokes, and Xion rounds on the giggling dark-haired girl. "Lighten up, I'm KIDDING," she adds.

"Not funny," Xion whines as you and Yuffie start to laugh.

>> Fast-Forward >>

"It's really quiet," Roxas notices as you all walk around the deserted streets of Hollow Bastion.