Fan Fiction ❯ Two Halves of A Whole ❯ THAW (3) ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: MercuryGoddess 
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.03.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 468 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.03.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 468 | Status: Completed
Author’s Notes: Hello once again! Sorry for the delay, school got me kind of stressed, but I still managed to get this out to you. Just want to thank the reviewers of the last chapter: Heather Christi and Me. I really appreciate your reviews. Well, on with the story!
Disclaimer: If I owned Kingdom Hearts, I would be filthy rich right now!! So, get off my back!!
Warnings: This is a yaoi, or to plainly put it male x male relationships! If you don’t like it, don’t read it!! I don’t want to see flames about this topic because I plainly put my warning here!
Reminder:
"............" Means talking
(............) Means author's notes
*...........* Means an action
~..........~ Means thinking
‘………’ Means past sayings
^...........^ Means small voice in head (lol)
Two Halves of A Whole
Chapter Three
Sora finally managed to awaken from his shocked state to move towards Riku. His sapphire eyes glimmered with anything but sadness as he stood only a few feet from Riku. The smirk on Riku's face never disappeared as he opened his mouth to say: "Where did you learn such bad habits, huh Sora? I don't remember teaching you that."
Sora let out a relieved laugh as he pulled Riku into a warm embrace. Clutching him tightly, Sora gripped Riku's shoulders as if to confirm that he was here. "I can't believe it's you..." he whispered softly, looking into Riku's eyes. Unshed tears threatened to fall but he cast his eyes downward for fear of Riku seeing them. Little did he know, Riku already noticed the tears and he smiled softly. "Aw, c'mon Sora? Did you have any faith in me at all?" He said, trying to lighten up the tension. He placed his hands on Sora's shoulders and looked into his eyes. "I'm a big boy, I can handle a couple of creepy monsters," he stated jokingly.
Shifting his weight to support the unconscious Kairi, Sora smiled brightly and chuckled. He turned around and headed towards the yacht. Sora turned his head slightly so that he could see Riku out of the corner of his eye, a challenge shining in his bright sapphire eyes. "Sure you could beat some Heartless, but of course you wouldn't be able to beat ME." he said smoothly.
Riku involuntarily took a step backward, taken aback by Sora's boast. ~Sora...sounds just like me!~
Sora faced Riku, looking at him innocently. "What's the matter, Riku? Scared that it's true?"
Riku smirked and walked past Sora, his stance emitting nothing but pride and grace. "We'll see about that." he replied, stopping in front of the yacht, looking at Sora with piercing sea-green eyes. Sora stared back, peering in those beautiful sea-green eyes. He tried to move forward but it seemed like he was frozen in time with no one but Riku, who was observing him intently. Without even realizing it, a bright smile formed on Sora's face as he looked at his long lost friend. ~He hasn't changed. I have...my Riku back... WAIT! MY Riku?!?!~
Sora broke his gaze from Riku to the sand as his entire face abruptly turned red. He walked to the yacht quickly and stepped aboard. Placing Kairi down on the seat, he ran his hand through his hair. "I'm going to find the driver," he murmured softly, avoiding Riku's eyes.
Riku watched Sora in amusement as he stepped off the boat and onto the dock, heading to the Seaside Shack. He didn't fail to notice the bright blush that appeared on Sora's face when they made eye contact. He chuckled to himself softly. "Hey Sora!" he called trying to sound as concerned as possible. "What's the matter? Are you sick? You're all red."
Sora's blush deepened as he turned as quickly as he could. "I-I'm fine, Riku." Hurriedly, he reached the shack before Riku could ask any more questions.
Riku chuckled as he saw his best friend practically sprint to the club. ~What is he so nervous about? Is it me? Well, it has been four years. Of course he would be nervous...but what was the blush about?~
^Maybe he likes you.^ an small, optimistic voice stated in his mind.
Riku scoffed. ~He's in love with Kairi. It's obvious.~
^Why do you think he blushed when you looked directly in his eyes? Duh, he likes you! You should tell him.^
~That is a stupid idea. I'm not going to ruin our friendship because of a small crush I have.~
^More like infatuation!^
Riku concluded the argument with that last comment going through his mind. The voice was right; it was an infatuation. Riku had loved Sora from the day they met and never gave up hope that they could possibly be together. That was until the Heartless showed up.
Sitting next to the unconscious Kairi, he looked over her features. ~I practically tortured Sora and Kairi because of my blind jealousy. How could Sora love a person like that?~
He sighed, his sharp sea-green eyes never leaving Kairi. ~I can't believe I used to compete with Sora over you just to hide my affection for Sora.~ He laughed silently to himself as images of racing and dueling with Sora filled his mind. Those happy memories were soon replaced with dark images of Sora and him fighting at Hollow Bastion. Sadness filled his features as he recalled the depression and betrayal he felt during that battle. ~I was a fool.~
Meanwhile, Sora got the driver and was headed back to the yacht. ~I'm such an idiot! How could I blush right in front of him?! He probably doesn't even feel the same way I do.~
^Of course he does!^ a small voice in his head chirped. ^Haven't you ever notice the meaningful stares back four years ago?^
~Staring doesn't mean anything! Besides, he was probably staring at me when I did something stupid!~
^Geez, aren't you optimistic!^
~No, just truthful.~
Sora concluded the inner conflict with a nod of his head as he stepped on the yacht. "Riku, I got the driver...."
The rest of his statement died on his lips as he watched Riku looking down Kairi with sadness instilled in his features. Sora let out a dry laugh as he examined his two friends. ~I knew it. He's in love with Kairi.~
For just a moment, jealously began to seep into Sora. His jealously was soon replaced with shock and confusion. ~Why do I feel this way?~
"Hey Sora, you're back." Riku said, standing up and walking over to Sora, who was jerked back into reality. He grinned sheepishly as he put one arm behind his head. "Yea, I found him."
Lost at words, Sora sat down and began to whistle a tune. Riku followed suit, sitting down as well. He gazed out at the ocean, taking in its beauty as if he was going to be separated from it again. The sky, mixed with hues of blue, purple, red and orange from the sunset, was filled with soaring birds and drifting clouds. He sighed in content, a single tear escaping his eyes. He was home.
Sora faced Riku to ask him a question, however, he couldn't bring himself to interrupt Riku's moment of peace. His sea-green eyes held pure bliss even though a single tear stained his pale cheek. His silver locks fell behind him like a curtain, glowing almost eerily from the sun's rays. He looked like the very being of perfection. As much as he wanted to, Sora couldn't tear his eyes away from this beautiful sight.
Riku switched his gaze from the sky to Sora, who watched him with fascination. He smirked, crossing his arms across his chest. "Like what you see?"
Sora immediately turned crimson. "N-No, its just that...."
"You don't? Sora, you hurt me right here." Riku commented playfully, placing his hand over his heart.
"Aw, shut up!" Sora said, punching Riku in the arm.
* * * * * *
Mickey landed with a thud on the soft grass outside of his beloved castle. Standing up and ridding himself of the grass clung to his shirt and pants, he looked around to verify his home. He smiled and slowly made his way to the castle grounds. "Hold it!" a masculine voice stated as two spears crossed to block his path. "State your business here."
Mickey laughed and took off his hood. "To rule the kingdom of course!"
The guards stared at him with shock and surprise but quickly recovered by bowing down. "Y-Your Majesty!"
They quickly uncrossed the spears, allowing Mickey to walk through. He headed up the familiar path and into the castle. Nothing in the castle changed; red carpet still lined the hallways and pictures of royalty hung from the walls. Golden chandeliers dangled from the ceilings, shining brightly despite the daylight outside. Mickey smiled at the familiar sight in front of him and headed towards the large white doors that served as the entrance to the throne room. Stepping through the smaller door inside the large white door, Mickey could see Queen Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy situated together around the throne, seeming to be in some sort of meeting. Not making himself known, Mickey creep silently to a large red curtain, closes to the small meeting. "I'm glad you all were able to make it." Queen Minnie said while holding her hands together in front of her. "First, I want to hear your report, Goofy, then I want to hear the outside news from Donald."
"Hayuck, okay Queen Minnie," Goofy said while bringing his hand up to salute. "We haven't found King Mickey, but we're still tryin'. Also, we found sumptin' that might help with the...uhhh..."
"THE SEARCH! YA BIG PALOOKA!" Donald said thrashing around wildly. Daisy glared at Donald and instantly he stopped.
"What is it Goofy?" Queen Minnie said, her voice full of hope. Goofy pulled a plastic bag containing a black blindfold with a few silver strands on. "Sora's friend had silver hair, right? Well, he was with the king!" Goofy exclaimed.
Queen Minnie took the bag and smiled brightly at Goofy. "Where did you find this, Goofy? Mickey still maybe on that world!"
Mickey emerged from the shadows, causing Queen Minnie abruptly stop talking and stare ahead of her. Goofy waved his hand in front of Minnie's face, concern filling his features. "What's the matter, Queen Minnie?"
"KING MICKEY!" Donald exclaimed. He ran over to the king, bowing deeply. "You're alive!"
Mickey ignored the blabbering duck and headed straight to Minnie. He held her hands and gave her a genuine smile. "Aw, I missed you, Minnie."
Minnie brought him into a loving embrace. "I missed you too, Mickey Mouse."
* * * * * *
Tidus aimlessly swung his Brotherhood sword around, an expression of pure boredom etched in his features. He looked over his side to see Selphie trying to catch a crab, and Wakka bouncing his blitzball off of his head. His gaze landed on a certain light brown haired woman who stared out over the horizon. Yuna soon turned to look at Tidus and flashed him a smile. Blushing deeply, Tidus turned back around to focus on his futile attempt of curing his boredom. "Why can't we go and help Sora again?" he said with frustration.
Yuna stood up from her place on a large rock and walked over to Tidus. "They need to be alone."
"Who, Sora and Kairi? Come on, she's unconscious and its not like they even need to talk about anything important."
Yuna brought her hand up to her mouth to suppress a laugh. ~Riku and Sora need to be alone, not Sora and Kairi.~ "Don't worry about it, Tidus." she finished, pressing a light kiss on his cheek. Tidus blushed once more, bringing his arm up to scratch his head. Yuna laughed softly and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Even after two years of being together, you still blush like a middle school student."
Tidus mock-glared at her, trying hard to not blush. "I can't help it!"
Yuna smiled once again, looking deep into his eyes. "That's what I love about you." She raised her head to bring them in a kiss...
"AWWWWW!!!! THAT IS SOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!"
Tidus and Yuna jerked back on instinct and stared at the bouncing bundle of pink in front of them. She bounced her way over and grabbed them in a fierce group hug. "YOU TWO ARE THE CUTEST COUPLE ON THE FACE OF DESTINY ISLANDS!" she yelled in their ears, causing them to wince in pain. Her eyes filled with hearts and her grip around the couple doubled. "I wish I had someone like that..."
Tidus struggled to get out. "Selphie...let go!!"
Yuna sweatdropped as Tidus put his hand on top of Selphie's head and began to push downward fiercely. ~We are never getting out of here.~
* * * * * *
Sora and Riku arrived at Main Island in a matter of minutes. The people of Main Island soon heard of Riku's arrival and they were swamped with questions. After twenty minutes of ruthless questions, they finally arrived at Sora's house by desperate means. Running as fast as they can.
"Hurry up and get in!" Sora screamed out to Riku. Riku dove towards the door as people rushed up and tried to grab him. The door was quickly slammed and the two young men leaned against the door. Riku panted heavily and looked at Sora, who wasn't even out of breath. "Where did you learn to run so fast?" he breathed out. Sure, Sora occasionally beat him when they were kids, but this was ridiculous! Sora carried Kairi in his arms and still managed to be in front of Riku at least five steps.
Sora looked back at him and gave his trademark grin. "I was captain of the track team for four years."
Riku stared back at him incredulously. An image of Sora doing the high school training for the track team with his shirt off flittered across his mind. He blushed deeply at the sight. ~I'm going to kill myself thinking this way...~
Sora pushed himself off the door, oblivious to Riku's blush, and walked over to the stairway that was on the right of the door. Turning around, Sora eyed Riku. "Yea, you need some new clothes so come on to my room."
Riku stood up and looked down at himself. He did need some new clothes, for his were covered with various cuts, torn and ripped parts. His tight black top was now sleeveless only because of battle and his black pants looked as if someone took a pair of scissors and cut them in random places. The trench coat covering his outfit no longer reached his big black boots; they stopped at his knees with jagged edges. "Alright." he said, feeling slightly embarrassed that he looked this way.
Sora nodded and continued up the stairs with Riku following him. He stopped at the room closest room to the stairs and opened the door. His room was no longer filled with hand made wooden toys and mobiles. One wall of his sky blue room was dedicated to countless trophies and medals from several track meets, the "best" inscribed in the beginning of every trophy and medal. Posters of famous Destiny Island track stars took up space on his other wall and his queen size bed was situated vertically in the center of it all. His floors were covered with plush navy blue carpet and a large navy blue chair to match the carpet was placed in the back corner. His backpack was carelessly thrown in the walk-in closet that was next to his own bathroom which also carried the theme of blue. Riku looked around in amazement. The room he remembered was cramped and cluttered, toys all over the place with a small twin sized bed under the small window horizontally. Sora's new room was fairly neat and organized, plastic organizational bins placed high in the closet and under the bed.
Sora walked over the his bed, placed Kairi down, and picked up a small slip of paper that was placed on his bed.
Sweetie!
Your father and I had an important business meeting to attend
and we will be home late. Your dinner is in the fridge and your mail is under this letter.
Hope you had a good time at the club! See you tomorrow in the morning!
Your Mom and Dad Who Love You To Death
Sora smiled and placed the letter next to the pile of mail. He picked them up one by one, throwing some in the garbage. He picked up this one letter and his whole face seemed to light up. Ripping it open, he read its contents quickly, his eyes widening at every line read. "YES!" He began to dance happily, throwing the letter up in the air.
Puzzled, Riku moved closer to Sora and picked up the letter dropped by the dancing Sora. Reading it as quickly as Sora, Riku looked at Sora in disbelief. "A choice of two scholarships?!?!"
Sora never ceased his dancing and headed over to Riku. Grabbing his hand, Sora twirled him around, laughing loudly. "Two scholarships!! I did it!"
Riku looked at the ecstatic Sora and couldn't help but laugh as well. "Wow, Sora. You have been busy while I was gone."
Sora stopped suddenly, casting his eyes downwards. Truth be told, he worked extra hard on his grades because of Riku's disappearance. Academics had somehow lead his mind from the thoughts of guilt and shame. As for the track team, he did that to preserve the memory of Riku. Riku put his hand on Sora's back. "Hey, did I say something wrong?"
Sora looked up with a sad smile on his face. "I did all this because of your disappearance, Riku."
Riku looked at him in astonishment. He would have said something but he was speechless. ~He studied so hard because...of me?~
"Where have you been over the last four years, Riku?" Sora asked so softly that Riku almost didn't hear it.
Riku sat down on the bed, looking out the small window above Sora's bed. The sun had finally set and it was night time, the stars shining brightly despite the fact that it wasn't that dark. Sora sat down on the bed beside him, looking at his hands that rested on his lap. "You don't have to talk about it now," he whispered. "I'll go get you some clothes."
Getting up slowly, Sora headed over to his closet. "It took us two years to get out of Kingdom Hearts..."
Sora turned around to see Riku in the same position. "We came up with countless plans to escape and every single one had failed. When we were on the verge of giving up, a mysterious woman appeared before us. 'The day you will open the door is both very far and very near. But don’t be afraid. You hold the mightiest weapon of all. So don’t forget; you are the one who will open the door.' That is what she told me."
Sora jerked back in amazement. ~Yuna!~ "When did that woman come?" he asked slowly.
Riku directed his gaze towards Sora. "Two years ago."
Sora blinked rapidly in realization. ~Yuna came here two years ago!~
"Her hand held a sphere of light and she threw it toward us. The next thing I know, we're laying in the middle of a dark alley. Searching in that particular world, we found out a way to travel from different worlds without the use of gummi ships. They were called portals."
Sora sat down on the bed, drinking up every word Riku was saying. "There was an old man who found us and took care of us when we were on that world. He told us about the portals. There were people who told us that he was senile, but we were desperate and set out to find these 'portals'. He told us that you can find these portals at the core of the world. He talked to Mickey some more after I fell asleep. The next morning, Mickey started trying to convince me to give up the search for the portals. I found out recently why he wanted to stop."
"So, we set out to find gummi ships. After a year, we finally heard of a gummi ship coming in from Traverse Town. We left the old man in a hurry and thanked him for his kindness. That's when he gave me a crescent moon keychain. 'Use it wisely' he said. 'I recognized that this was meant for you simply by the way it vibrated when you were near. It is very powerful.' I realized that it was a keychain for a keyblade after we left the man."
Riku held his hand out and willed his Keyblade to appear. A sleek silver Keyblade formed in his hand. An opened crescent moon formed the tip and a silver crescent moon keychain dangled from the hilt. The hilt was inscribed with intricate patterns and spirals and the weapon itself was slightly longer than Sora's Ultima weapon. The Keyblade was surrounded in a silver aura, humming loudly. Sora reached out and touched the weapon, astonishment dancing in his sapphire eyes. "It only glows like this when a full moon is out. I still have yet to figure out why."
"That's right!" Sora said, jumping up out of his spot. "Kairi is a Keyblade Master!"
"I'm a what...?"
Riku and Sora turned to Kairi, who was groggily wiping her eyes. She sat up and looked around, setting her gaze on Riku. Her eyes widened in disbelief, filling with unshed tears. "Riku...?" she whispered.
Riku gave her his trademark smirk. "Long time no see Kairi."
She brought her hands up to cover a gasp, then dashed across the bed, embracing him fiercely. "Where have you been?! Are you ok?! Where's Mickey?! How did you get here?!"
"Whoa, slow down Kairi." Sora said waving his hand nonchalantly. "I'm in the process of figuring that out."
Kairi stood up and glanced at Riku, then Sora. "Have you told him how you---"
Sora darted over to Kairi and placed his hand over her mouth. "Have I told him how I was captain of the track team? Yes, as a matter of fact I have!" He laughed nervously, placing his other arm on the back of his head. Kairi glared at Sora, mumbling something incoherent because of the hand. Riku eyed them suspiciously. "Have Sora tell me what?" he questioned, switching his gaze from Sora to Kairi. Sora removed his hand from Kairi's mouth, and gripped her arm instead. Kairi opened her mouth to say something, but it was instantaneously shut when Sora gave her a glare as if to say: "You say a word, I will shove my Keyblade down your throat." Kairi gulped and laughed with as much nervousness as Sora had. "Yea, I guess you know about the captain of the track team thing. I mean who would have thought our clumsy Sora would be captain."
Sora released his hold on Kairi and sat back on the bed. "The issue is why Kairi is a Keyblade Master."
"How is Kairi a Keyblade Master?" Riku questioned. "Could it be because she is a Princess of Heart?"
"No, it can't be because the other Princesses of Heart would have been able to summon a Keyblade." Sora concluded.
"Kairi, summon your Keyblade."
"I don't know how. When it came, it appeared before me as a shield when I was in danger."
"All you have to do Kairi is will it to come and it will come." Sora explained.
Kairi nodded once, then tried to will it to come. After a few minutes, the canary yellow Keyblade appeared in a flash of five-point stars. As the Keyblade got closer to Riku's Keyblade, the humming increased. Taking the Keyblade out of Kairi's hand, Riku lifted it up to inspect it. "Sora summon yours."
Sora willed his Ultima Weapon to come. In a flash of white, green and yellow, the Keyblade appeared but only a minute after, a blinding golden light shined, changing the weapon. Sora's Keyblade was now transformed in a thick golden Keyblade. Half of a golden sun with outstretched rays served as the tip and a full sun keychain dangled from the hilt. The hilt was inscribed with braided gold and the weapon itself was slightly shorter than its previous form. Sora stared at his newly metamorphized weapon. "My Keyblade didn't look like this before!"
Riku looked at the three weapons in front of him. ~The sun, the moon and the stars...what is this suppose to signify?~
* * * * * *
Finished! I hope you like it! Please review!
~MercuryGoddess~
Disclaimer: If I owned Kingdom Hearts, I would be filthy rich right now!! So, get off my back!!
Warnings: This is a yaoi, or to plainly put it male x male relationships! If you don’t like it, don’t read it!! I don’t want to see flames about this topic because I plainly put my warning here!
Reminder:
"............" Means talking
(............) Means author's notes
*...........* Means an action
~..........~ Means thinking
‘………’ Means past sayings
^...........^ Means small voice in head (lol)
Two Halves of A Whole
Chapter Three
Sora finally managed to awaken from his shocked state to move towards Riku. His sapphire eyes glimmered with anything but sadness as he stood only a few feet from Riku. The smirk on Riku's face never disappeared as he opened his mouth to say: "Where did you learn such bad habits, huh Sora? I don't remember teaching you that."
Sora let out a relieved laugh as he pulled Riku into a warm embrace. Clutching him tightly, Sora gripped Riku's shoulders as if to confirm that he was here. "I can't believe it's you..." he whispered softly, looking into Riku's eyes. Unshed tears threatened to fall but he cast his eyes downward for fear of Riku seeing them. Little did he know, Riku already noticed the tears and he smiled softly. "Aw, c'mon Sora? Did you have any faith in me at all?" He said, trying to lighten up the tension. He placed his hands on Sora's shoulders and looked into his eyes. "I'm a big boy, I can handle a couple of creepy monsters," he stated jokingly.
Shifting his weight to support the unconscious Kairi, Sora smiled brightly and chuckled. He turned around and headed towards the yacht. Sora turned his head slightly so that he could see Riku out of the corner of his eye, a challenge shining in his bright sapphire eyes. "Sure you could beat some Heartless, but of course you wouldn't be able to beat ME." he said smoothly.
Riku involuntarily took a step backward, taken aback by Sora's boast. ~Sora...sounds just like me!~
Sora faced Riku, looking at him innocently. "What's the matter, Riku? Scared that it's true?"
Riku smirked and walked past Sora, his stance emitting nothing but pride and grace. "We'll see about that." he replied, stopping in front of the yacht, looking at Sora with piercing sea-green eyes. Sora stared back, peering in those beautiful sea-green eyes. He tried to move forward but it seemed like he was frozen in time with no one but Riku, who was observing him intently. Without even realizing it, a bright smile formed on Sora's face as he looked at his long lost friend. ~He hasn't changed. I have...my Riku back... WAIT! MY Riku?!?!~
Sora broke his gaze from Riku to the sand as his entire face abruptly turned red. He walked to the yacht quickly and stepped aboard. Placing Kairi down on the seat, he ran his hand through his hair. "I'm going to find the driver," he murmured softly, avoiding Riku's eyes.
Riku watched Sora in amusement as he stepped off the boat and onto the dock, heading to the Seaside Shack. He didn't fail to notice the bright blush that appeared on Sora's face when they made eye contact. He chuckled to himself softly. "Hey Sora!" he called trying to sound as concerned as possible. "What's the matter? Are you sick? You're all red."
Sora's blush deepened as he turned as quickly as he could. "I-I'm fine, Riku." Hurriedly, he reached the shack before Riku could ask any more questions.
Riku chuckled as he saw his best friend practically sprint to the club. ~What is he so nervous about? Is it me? Well, it has been four years. Of course he would be nervous...but what was the blush about?~
^Maybe he likes you.^ an small, optimistic voice stated in his mind.
Riku scoffed. ~He's in love with Kairi. It's obvious.~
^Why do you think he blushed when you looked directly in his eyes? Duh, he likes you! You should tell him.^
~That is a stupid idea. I'm not going to ruin our friendship because of a small crush I have.~
^More like infatuation!^
Riku concluded the argument with that last comment going through his mind. The voice was right; it was an infatuation. Riku had loved Sora from the day they met and never gave up hope that they could possibly be together. That was until the Heartless showed up.
Sitting next to the unconscious Kairi, he looked over her features. ~I practically tortured Sora and Kairi because of my blind jealousy. How could Sora love a person like that?~
He sighed, his sharp sea-green eyes never leaving Kairi. ~I can't believe I used to compete with Sora over you just to hide my affection for Sora.~ He laughed silently to himself as images of racing and dueling with Sora filled his mind. Those happy memories were soon replaced with dark images of Sora and him fighting at Hollow Bastion. Sadness filled his features as he recalled the depression and betrayal he felt during that battle. ~I was a fool.~
Meanwhile, Sora got the driver and was headed back to the yacht. ~I'm such an idiot! How could I blush right in front of him?! He probably doesn't even feel the same way I do.~
^Of course he does!^ a small voice in his head chirped. ^Haven't you ever notice the meaningful stares back four years ago?^
~Staring doesn't mean anything! Besides, he was probably staring at me when I did something stupid!~
^Geez, aren't you optimistic!^
~No, just truthful.~
Sora concluded the inner conflict with a nod of his head as he stepped on the yacht. "Riku, I got the driver...."
The rest of his statement died on his lips as he watched Riku looking down Kairi with sadness instilled in his features. Sora let out a dry laugh as he examined his two friends. ~I knew it. He's in love with Kairi.~
For just a moment, jealously began to seep into Sora. His jealously was soon replaced with shock and confusion. ~Why do I feel this way?~
"Hey Sora, you're back." Riku said, standing up and walking over to Sora, who was jerked back into reality. He grinned sheepishly as he put one arm behind his head. "Yea, I found him."
Lost at words, Sora sat down and began to whistle a tune. Riku followed suit, sitting down as well. He gazed out at the ocean, taking in its beauty as if he was going to be separated from it again. The sky, mixed with hues of blue, purple, red and orange from the sunset, was filled with soaring birds and drifting clouds. He sighed in content, a single tear escaping his eyes. He was home.
Sora faced Riku to ask him a question, however, he couldn't bring himself to interrupt Riku's moment of peace. His sea-green eyes held pure bliss even though a single tear stained his pale cheek. His silver locks fell behind him like a curtain, glowing almost eerily from the sun's rays. He looked like the very being of perfection. As much as he wanted to, Sora couldn't tear his eyes away from this beautiful sight.
Riku switched his gaze from the sky to Sora, who watched him with fascination. He smirked, crossing his arms across his chest. "Like what you see?"
Sora immediately turned crimson. "N-No, its just that...."
"You don't? Sora, you hurt me right here." Riku commented playfully, placing his hand over his heart.
"Aw, shut up!" Sora said, punching Riku in the arm.
* * * * * *
Mickey landed with a thud on the soft grass outside of his beloved castle. Standing up and ridding himself of the grass clung to his shirt and pants, he looked around to verify his home. He smiled and slowly made his way to the castle grounds. "Hold it!" a masculine voice stated as two spears crossed to block his path. "State your business here."
Mickey laughed and took off his hood. "To rule the kingdom of course!"
The guards stared at him with shock and surprise but quickly recovered by bowing down. "Y-Your Majesty!"
They quickly uncrossed the spears, allowing Mickey to walk through. He headed up the familiar path and into the castle. Nothing in the castle changed; red carpet still lined the hallways and pictures of royalty hung from the walls. Golden chandeliers dangled from the ceilings, shining brightly despite the daylight outside. Mickey smiled at the familiar sight in front of him and headed towards the large white doors that served as the entrance to the throne room. Stepping through the smaller door inside the large white door, Mickey could see Queen Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy situated together around the throne, seeming to be in some sort of meeting. Not making himself known, Mickey creep silently to a large red curtain, closes to the small meeting. "I'm glad you all were able to make it." Queen Minnie said while holding her hands together in front of her. "First, I want to hear your report, Goofy, then I want to hear the outside news from Donald."
"Hayuck, okay Queen Minnie," Goofy said while bringing his hand up to salute. "We haven't found King Mickey, but we're still tryin'. Also, we found sumptin' that might help with the...uhhh..."
"THE SEARCH! YA BIG PALOOKA!" Donald said thrashing around wildly. Daisy glared at Donald and instantly he stopped.
"What is it Goofy?" Queen Minnie said, her voice full of hope. Goofy pulled a plastic bag containing a black blindfold with a few silver strands on. "Sora's friend had silver hair, right? Well, he was with the king!" Goofy exclaimed.
Queen Minnie took the bag and smiled brightly at Goofy. "Where did you find this, Goofy? Mickey still maybe on that world!"
Mickey emerged from the shadows, causing Queen Minnie abruptly stop talking and stare ahead of her. Goofy waved his hand in front of Minnie's face, concern filling his features. "What's the matter, Queen Minnie?"
"KING MICKEY!" Donald exclaimed. He ran over to the king, bowing deeply. "You're alive!"
Mickey ignored the blabbering duck and headed straight to Minnie. He held her hands and gave her a genuine smile. "Aw, I missed you, Minnie."
Minnie brought him into a loving embrace. "I missed you too, Mickey Mouse."
* * * * * *
Tidus aimlessly swung his Brotherhood sword around, an expression of pure boredom etched in his features. He looked over his side to see Selphie trying to catch a crab, and Wakka bouncing his blitzball off of his head. His gaze landed on a certain light brown haired woman who stared out over the horizon. Yuna soon turned to look at Tidus and flashed him a smile. Blushing deeply, Tidus turned back around to focus on his futile attempt of curing his boredom. "Why can't we go and help Sora again?" he said with frustration.
Yuna stood up from her place on a large rock and walked over to Tidus. "They need to be alone."
"Who, Sora and Kairi? Come on, she's unconscious and its not like they even need to talk about anything important."
Yuna brought her hand up to her mouth to suppress a laugh. ~Riku and Sora need to be alone, not Sora and Kairi.~ "Don't worry about it, Tidus." she finished, pressing a light kiss on his cheek. Tidus blushed once more, bringing his arm up to scratch his head. Yuna laughed softly and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Even after two years of being together, you still blush like a middle school student."
Tidus mock-glared at her, trying hard to not blush. "I can't help it!"
Yuna smiled once again, looking deep into his eyes. "That's what I love about you." She raised her head to bring them in a kiss...
"AWWWWW!!!! THAT IS SOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!"
Tidus and Yuna jerked back on instinct and stared at the bouncing bundle of pink in front of them. She bounced her way over and grabbed them in a fierce group hug. "YOU TWO ARE THE CUTEST COUPLE ON THE FACE OF DESTINY ISLANDS!" she yelled in their ears, causing them to wince in pain. Her eyes filled with hearts and her grip around the couple doubled. "I wish I had someone like that..."
Tidus struggled to get out. "Selphie...let go!!"
Yuna sweatdropped as Tidus put his hand on top of Selphie's head and began to push downward fiercely. ~We are never getting out of here.~
* * * * * *
Sora and Riku arrived at Main Island in a matter of minutes. The people of Main Island soon heard of Riku's arrival and they were swamped with questions. After twenty minutes of ruthless questions, they finally arrived at Sora's house by desperate means. Running as fast as they can.
"Hurry up and get in!" Sora screamed out to Riku. Riku dove towards the door as people rushed up and tried to grab him. The door was quickly slammed and the two young men leaned against the door. Riku panted heavily and looked at Sora, who wasn't even out of breath. "Where did you learn to run so fast?" he breathed out. Sure, Sora occasionally beat him when they were kids, but this was ridiculous! Sora carried Kairi in his arms and still managed to be in front of Riku at least five steps.
Sora looked back at him and gave his trademark grin. "I was captain of the track team for four years."
Riku stared back at him incredulously. An image of Sora doing the high school training for the track team with his shirt off flittered across his mind. He blushed deeply at the sight. ~I'm going to kill myself thinking this way...~
Sora pushed himself off the door, oblivious to Riku's blush, and walked over to the stairway that was on the right of the door. Turning around, Sora eyed Riku. "Yea, you need some new clothes so come on to my room."
Riku stood up and looked down at himself. He did need some new clothes, for his were covered with various cuts, torn and ripped parts. His tight black top was now sleeveless only because of battle and his black pants looked as if someone took a pair of scissors and cut them in random places. The trench coat covering his outfit no longer reached his big black boots; they stopped at his knees with jagged edges. "Alright." he said, feeling slightly embarrassed that he looked this way.
Sora nodded and continued up the stairs with Riku following him. He stopped at the room closest room to the stairs and opened the door. His room was no longer filled with hand made wooden toys and mobiles. One wall of his sky blue room was dedicated to countless trophies and medals from several track meets, the "best" inscribed in the beginning of every trophy and medal. Posters of famous Destiny Island track stars took up space on his other wall and his queen size bed was situated vertically in the center of it all. His floors were covered with plush navy blue carpet and a large navy blue chair to match the carpet was placed in the back corner. His backpack was carelessly thrown in the walk-in closet that was next to his own bathroom which also carried the theme of blue. Riku looked around in amazement. The room he remembered was cramped and cluttered, toys all over the place with a small twin sized bed under the small window horizontally. Sora's new room was fairly neat and organized, plastic organizational bins placed high in the closet and under the bed.
Sora walked over the his bed, placed Kairi down, and picked up a small slip of paper that was placed on his bed.
Sweetie!
Your father and I had an important business meeting to attend
and we will be home late. Your dinner is in the fridge and your mail is under this letter.
Hope you had a good time at the club! See you tomorrow in the morning!
Your Mom and Dad Who Love You To Death
Sora smiled and placed the letter next to the pile of mail. He picked them up one by one, throwing some in the garbage. He picked up this one letter and his whole face seemed to light up. Ripping it open, he read its contents quickly, his eyes widening at every line read. "YES!" He began to dance happily, throwing the letter up in the air.
Puzzled, Riku moved closer to Sora and picked up the letter dropped by the dancing Sora. Reading it as quickly as Sora, Riku looked at Sora in disbelief. "A choice of two scholarships?!?!"
Sora never ceased his dancing and headed over to Riku. Grabbing his hand, Sora twirled him around, laughing loudly. "Two scholarships!! I did it!"
Riku looked at the ecstatic Sora and couldn't help but laugh as well. "Wow, Sora. You have been busy while I was gone."
Sora stopped suddenly, casting his eyes downwards. Truth be told, he worked extra hard on his grades because of Riku's disappearance. Academics had somehow lead his mind from the thoughts of guilt and shame. As for the track team, he did that to preserve the memory of Riku. Riku put his hand on Sora's back. "Hey, did I say something wrong?"
Sora looked up with a sad smile on his face. "I did all this because of your disappearance, Riku."
Riku looked at him in astonishment. He would have said something but he was speechless. ~He studied so hard because...of me?~
"Where have you been over the last four years, Riku?" Sora asked so softly that Riku almost didn't hear it.
Riku sat down on the bed, looking out the small window above Sora's bed. The sun had finally set and it was night time, the stars shining brightly despite the fact that it wasn't that dark. Sora sat down on the bed beside him, looking at his hands that rested on his lap. "You don't have to talk about it now," he whispered. "I'll go get you some clothes."
Getting up slowly, Sora headed over to his closet. "It took us two years to get out of Kingdom Hearts..."
Sora turned around to see Riku in the same position. "We came up with countless plans to escape and every single one had failed. When we were on the verge of giving up, a mysterious woman appeared before us. 'The day you will open the door is both very far and very near. But don’t be afraid. You hold the mightiest weapon of all. So don’t forget; you are the one who will open the door.' That is what she told me."
Sora jerked back in amazement. ~Yuna!~ "When did that woman come?" he asked slowly.
Riku directed his gaze towards Sora. "Two years ago."
Sora blinked rapidly in realization. ~Yuna came here two years ago!~
"Her hand held a sphere of light and she threw it toward us. The next thing I know, we're laying in the middle of a dark alley. Searching in that particular world, we found out a way to travel from different worlds without the use of gummi ships. They were called portals."
Sora sat down on the bed, drinking up every word Riku was saying. "There was an old man who found us and took care of us when we were on that world. He told us about the portals. There were people who told us that he was senile, but we were desperate and set out to find these 'portals'. He told us that you can find these portals at the core of the world. He talked to Mickey some more after I fell asleep. The next morning, Mickey started trying to convince me to give up the search for the portals. I found out recently why he wanted to stop."
"So, we set out to find gummi ships. After a year, we finally heard of a gummi ship coming in from Traverse Town. We left the old man in a hurry and thanked him for his kindness. That's when he gave me a crescent moon keychain. 'Use it wisely' he said. 'I recognized that this was meant for you simply by the way it vibrated when you were near. It is very powerful.' I realized that it was a keychain for a keyblade after we left the man."
Riku held his hand out and willed his Keyblade to appear. A sleek silver Keyblade formed in his hand. An opened crescent moon formed the tip and a silver crescent moon keychain dangled from the hilt. The hilt was inscribed with intricate patterns and spirals and the weapon itself was slightly longer than Sora's Ultima weapon. The Keyblade was surrounded in a silver aura, humming loudly. Sora reached out and touched the weapon, astonishment dancing in his sapphire eyes. "It only glows like this when a full moon is out. I still have yet to figure out why."
"That's right!" Sora said, jumping up out of his spot. "Kairi is a Keyblade Master!"
"I'm a what...?"
Riku and Sora turned to Kairi, who was groggily wiping her eyes. She sat up and looked around, setting her gaze on Riku. Her eyes widened in disbelief, filling with unshed tears. "Riku...?" she whispered.
Riku gave her his trademark smirk. "Long time no see Kairi."
She brought her hands up to cover a gasp, then dashed across the bed, embracing him fiercely. "Where have you been?! Are you ok?! Where's Mickey?! How did you get here?!"
"Whoa, slow down Kairi." Sora said waving his hand nonchalantly. "I'm in the process of figuring that out."
Kairi stood up and glanced at Riku, then Sora. "Have you told him how you---"
Sora darted over to Kairi and placed his hand over her mouth. "Have I told him how I was captain of the track team? Yes, as a matter of fact I have!" He laughed nervously, placing his other arm on the back of his head. Kairi glared at Sora, mumbling something incoherent because of the hand. Riku eyed them suspiciously. "Have Sora tell me what?" he questioned, switching his gaze from Sora to Kairi. Sora removed his hand from Kairi's mouth, and gripped her arm instead. Kairi opened her mouth to say something, but it was instantaneously shut when Sora gave her a glare as if to say: "You say a word, I will shove my Keyblade down your throat." Kairi gulped and laughed with as much nervousness as Sora had. "Yea, I guess you know about the captain of the track team thing. I mean who would have thought our clumsy Sora would be captain."
Sora released his hold on Kairi and sat back on the bed. "The issue is why Kairi is a Keyblade Master."
"How is Kairi a Keyblade Master?" Riku questioned. "Could it be because she is a Princess of Heart?"
"No, it can't be because the other Princesses of Heart would have been able to summon a Keyblade." Sora concluded.
"Kairi, summon your Keyblade."
"I don't know how. When it came, it appeared before me as a shield when I was in danger."
"All you have to do Kairi is will it to come and it will come." Sora explained.
Kairi nodded once, then tried to will it to come. After a few minutes, the canary yellow Keyblade appeared in a flash of five-point stars. As the Keyblade got closer to Riku's Keyblade, the humming increased. Taking the Keyblade out of Kairi's hand, Riku lifted it up to inspect it. "Sora summon yours."
Sora willed his Ultima Weapon to come. In a flash of white, green and yellow, the Keyblade appeared but only a minute after, a blinding golden light shined, changing the weapon. Sora's Keyblade was now transformed in a thick golden Keyblade. Half of a golden sun with outstretched rays served as the tip and a full sun keychain dangled from the hilt. The hilt was inscribed with braided gold and the weapon itself was slightly shorter than its previous form. Sora stared at his newly metamorphized weapon. "My Keyblade didn't look like this before!"
Riku looked at the three weapons in front of him. ~The sun, the moon and the stars...what is this suppose to signify?~
* * * * * *
Finished! I hope you like it! Please review!
~MercuryGoddess~