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paintedwithapalette · 4 years

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SoKai Week Day 1 - Paopu Fruit

Word Count: 4, 054

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To Sora and Kairi, it was like being on an emotional high.

Through time, their bond had hardened like concrete—impenetrable. It was beyond latent feelings at this point, it was a harmonious compound of encouragement, support, admiration, and most of all, trust.

With their hands intertwined and legs dangling as they were bundled together close on the paopu fruit tree, these emotions ran rapid with just a single touch. The salty air and the seagulls squawking overhead was nothing short of the pleasantries the two had become familiar with. Though, it would’ve meant little if they didn’t have each other.

“I don’t think I could ever get tired of this place,” Kairi said, closing her eyes and allowing the wind to gently caress her face. “I know in my heart that this isn’t where I come from, but to me, this is home.”

“It always has been,” Sora validated.

“You think so?”

“Of course! This place wouldn’t be the same without you, you know?” Sora sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. “And hey, I’d be a total wreck without you. Do you know how many times I probably would’ve fell to darkness if it weren’t for you being by my side?”

“True. You’re pretty much hopeless without me,” she teased.

“Hey!” Fabricating a look of hurt, he pulled her in closer with one swift motion and sent Kairi into a fit of giggles all the while. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I think even you can figure that out, dork.”

Another five minutes passed as they wrestled, mostly consisting of Sora trying to pull Kairi in close while she pretended to reject his advances, no matter how much she loved every second of it. As their laughter died down, they settled into a comfortable embrace; the warmth of Sora’s arms encompassed around her petite frame. They sat in a comfortable stillness, no words traded between them as neither broke eye contact until Kairi tucked some hair behind her ear with a soft giggle.

“What’s that goofy look for?” she asked.

“Sorry,” Sora apologized insincerely, putting on a grin. “Guess I just don’t want to forget that I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

Kairi’s blush intensified along with the ends of her lips. “You’re such a cornball.”

Sora chuckled nervously as he scratched his cheek as he imagined how much Donald would tease him if he heard that one. “Yeah, well…”

“It’s okay,” Kairi said. “I like how cheesy you are.”

“Well, there’s plenty more where that came from!” Sora pulled her in with an even tighter embrace, once again making Kairi burst into laughter.

When it died down, she rested her palm against his face and used her thumb to travel across the texture of his soft skin. “Looks like you really never did change,” she said.

Sora smiled, tenderly taking hold of her hand. “Of course I didn’t.”

Their smiles were radiant, weaved with affection as a sheen of desire shimmered over Kairi’s eyes when she noticed Sora looking at her lips. Their anticipation surged as their proximity decreased, their faces inching closer, closer, and closer...

“Sora!”

A yelp escaped them both as whatever tension there may have been dissipated and they held each other even tighter. Their nerves settled as Donald and Goofy entered their light of vision, the voice clearly belonging to the former of the two.

“Donald? Goofy?” Sora asked. “What’s up?”

“Riku and the King wanted us to tell you about the bonfire tonight,” Donald explained. “Since we’ll be celebrating the return of a half-pint like you, Sora.”

Goofy took note of the fact that neither of the two had let go of the other since Donald spooked them. “Gawrsh, I shore hope we aren’t interruptin’ you all.”

“Uh, no, of course not!” Sora gave a sheepish grin as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Gee, then how come your face is red, Sora?” Goofy asked.

“Awwww, isn’t that sweet?” Donald teased, clasping his hands together and bringing them up to the side of his face.

“Could you cut that out?” Sora clenched a fist as Donald burst into laughter. “No offense, but can you two buzz off? Kind of in the middle of something here.”

“Guess we oughta stop meddlin’ then, a-hyuk,” Goofy said with a chuckle as he made his leave with his usual gangly walk. Donald didn’t stray too far behind.

“And remember to behave, Sora. Mind your manners,” Donald joked.

“Knock it off!” Sora shouted as his friends entered the seaside shack. “That’s it. He’s gonna regret this the next time I see him alone with Daisy.”

Kairi found Sora’s frustration amusing as she placed her hand on his cheek, directing his focus back to her. “Well, don’t worry. We still have plenty of time to ourselves, right?”

It wasn’t long before whatever Donald had said before became irrelevant as Sora fell into a goofy smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”

At least, so he thought until a frisbee smacked the back of his head. “Ouch!” Sora cried as he massaged the tender spot and turned around to spot Lea catching the frisbee just in time. Sora should’ve expected as much since it wasn’t uncommon for Lea, Isa, and Ven to have their fairly regular frisbee games around this time. Still, wasn’t it odd that it somehow hit his head?

“Yo! Sorry ‘bout that,” Lea called, waving.

“Aww, no biggie,” Sora called back. He returned his focus to Kairi once again but it didn’t take more than a few minutes before the frisbee hit him in the back of the head again. This time, Lea received a frown.

“Sorry, butterfingers!” Lea said, though this time Sora noticed Ven covering his mouth with both hands while Isa rolled his eyes.

Sora slowly turned back around to face Kairi, giving him an understanding smile. “Think maybe we should find a different spot?”

Sora shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I’m sure it’s just an honest mistake.” Despite his words, his eyes narrowed as if he were waiting. Ten minutes passed and nothing occurred. The three seemed to continue about their own business. Sora let out a sigh of relief.

“Now, where were we?” Sora said, his usual smile returning before it was derailed less than a second later when the frisbee came hurtling right into the back of his head.

“Sorry again!” Lea apologized through the laughter he was failing horribly to stifle. “M-My fingers slipped!”

Sora growled, having had more than enough as he pushed himself off the tree, helping Kairi down all the while, as he took her hand and marched towards the seaside shack. Kairi had no objections but was left wondering where their next destination lied. “Where are we going?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Away from those jerks,” Sora said vaguely.

When Sora and Kairi exited the seaside shack, Lea and Ven were quick to catch up to them.

“Aww, where you goin’, buddy?” Lea asked, draping an arm around his shoulder as he pinched Sora’s cheek. “We didn’t mean to interrupt you guys. Was I disrupting the mood? It’s just that you two are just so darn cute.”

Sora grumbled under his breath but ignored Lea as he led (pulled, more accurately) Kairi inside the Secret Place, ignoring the howls of laughter from Lea and Ventus echoing in the short distance.

When Sora and Kairi made it inside, the former scoped the place out in search of any unwanted souls in the area. Thankfully, it looked empty as Sora let out a relieved sigh and smiled. He loved all of his friends dearly, but even he wanted some space every now and then to be with the girl of his dreams. He looked back at Kairi, their hands still attached.

“Think the coast is clear?” Kairi asked with a cheeky grin.

“Yeah, I think so.” Sora rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry about that. Hope I can at least make it up to you.”

Kairi shook her head softly as she wrapped her arms around the base of his neck, momentarily catching Sora by surprise before he carefully held her waist, bringing their foreheads together. “You already did.”

“I did?”

“Yes,” Kairi answered without hesitation. Her eyes traveled over to the drawings they made as kids handing each other a paopu fruit. “By just being you. I told you before all of this that I wanted you to never change and you haven’t. That’s more than enough for me.”

“Kairi...”

Before their lips could seal the deal, they heard a sharp squeal in the short distance. They immediately detached themselves from each other and scoped out the area.

“Who’s there?” Sora asked, returning to his previous look of defense.

Kairi narrowed her eyes, taking mindful steps as her eyes wandered over the cave until she heard hushed voices.

“I told you not to freak out over this, you dip,” said a hushed male voice.

“Shut up! They’re super cute! What do you want me to do?” asked an equally hushed female voice in return.

Kairi was able to pinpoint the voices from behind the large rock with a less than flattering face drawn on it. Making sure not to alert whoever happened to be back there, she tiptoed over until she looked behind the rock to find nothing. She raised her eyebrow.

Meanwhile, Sora turned around and saw two individuals making a poor attempt at being stealthy as they tried to crawl out of the Secret Place unseen. “Hey!” he shouted.

The two culprits, a.k.a Tidus and Selphie, looked up like deer caught in the headlights. The former of the two bumped into the rear of the latter, sending them both to the ground.

“Tidus? Selph?” Kairi voiced as she emerged from the other side of the rock.

Selphie scrambled back up to her feet, knocking Tidus back down in the process as she approached her best girl friend. “I-It’s not what it looks like!”

Tidus rubbed the sore spot on the back of his head. “Except it’s totally what it looks like.” The comment earned him a scowl from Selphie.

“Were you two spying on us?” Kairi asked.

Selphie bit her lip and averted her eyes. “W-Well, that’s uh...”

“It was her idea,” Tidus accused with a sharp finger pointed at Selphie, though the brunette didn’t deny it as she fiddled with her fingers.

“Selphie...” Kairi admonished.

“I’m sorry! I just heard you two like to come here a lot Lea and, uh... I dunno, I was a teeny bit curious to see how far you guys were gonna go. And you’re just soooo cute!”

Sora sighed as he shrugged defeatedly.

“That’s... sweet, Selphie, but boundaries would be nice sometimes, you know?” Kairi chastised kindly.

Selphie bowed her head in shame. “Yeah, I know...”

Sora crossed his arms. He was beginning to think this island was too crowded for his liking. “Well, uh, we’ll leave you two to it then,” he said somewhat hastily.

Kairi was caught off-guard when Sora moved past Selphie and took her hand in one swift motion as he hurried out of the Secret Place.

“W-Wait!” Selphie said, reaching out for them. “I just need to know if you guys have gotten to third-ba—”

Tidus covered Selphie’s mouth and pulled her back before she made the situation any more awkward than she already had.

“Just don’t, Selph.”

After having to feel the brunt of Lea’s teasing once again, Sora led Kairi to the wooden door leading to the cove. Sora and Kairi briefly examined the area before hopping across the broken bridge that led to the other side.

“Watch your step,” Sora warned.

Kairi puffed out her chest. “Hey, don’t you worry about me, I think by now I’ve learned a thing or twoowhoa!” she sputtered as she nearly tripped over herself when she landed on the other side before Sora caught her in the nick of time. He carefully brought her back up to her feet.

“You okay?” Sora asked with genuine concern.

Kairi found the will to stop ogling and cast him a smile. “Yes.”

They stood in a comfortable silence before they heard feet pattering against the sandy surface in the short distance.

“Woof, woof! Woof, woof!”

Before he even had a chance to react, Sora was tackled to the floor by Pluto and it only took a second longer for his face to be submerged in the dog’s drool.

“Aww, Pluto,” Sora whined, though Kairi couldn’t bite back the laughter that escaped her even if she wanted to. Once Sora’s face was appropriately drenched, he moved over to Kairi and would’ve nearly pounced on her as well if Kairi didn’t catch him in time. She still gave him plenty of chin scratches and pets to assure him his appearance wasn’t entirely unwelcome.

“It’s very nice to see you, too,” Kairi greeted. “How’ve you been, boy?”

“Gosh,” said a familiar high-pitched voice. “Sorry about that, you two. You know how Pluto can get sometimes.”

King Mickey approached them along with Riku. The latter chuckled as Kairi took a handkerchief out of one of the pockets of her pink shorts, dabbing Sora’s face once she was free from Pluto.

“Sorry, were we interrupting something?” Riku asked, a sly grin on his face.

Sora cleared his throat. “Uh, well...”

“Yes, you are,” Kairi answered boldly, though her words betrayed the smile on her face.

Riku raised his hands in defense. “Don’t mind us, we were just trying to get a little training in. But if you needed a little bit of privacy, then by all means...”

Riku stepped out of the way, presenting the rest of the cove to them, empty and barren for their disposal. Kairi sent an appreciative smile while Sora bashfully scratched his cheek.

“Thanks, Riku,” Sora said as he and Kairi moved past them. Riku playfully saluted while he and Mickey shared a chuckle. They were about to leave along with Pluto before they saw Lea charging in hot.

“Hey, Sora! I got somethin’ for ya,” he cried.

Riku calmly grabbed the back of Lea’s shirt before he could get any closer and yanked him back. “I don’t think so.”

“No, but it’s really important! I swear,” Lea said.

“What is it?” Mickey asked.

“I’m locked out of my house and I need his Keyblade to unlock it.”

Riku and Mickey shared a look. “You do realize more than half of us have Keyblades, right? Matter of fact, don’t you have a Keyblade?”

“And don’tcha live in Twilight Town?” Mickey added.

“I… I just moved here?” Lea gave a sheepish grin. “Today, actually. Crazy coincidence, am I right?”

Riku and Mickey shared a look of disbelief before nodding to affirm they were on the same page. Despite his protests, they grabbed Lea by his shoulders as they dragged him away from the scene.

Sora and Kairi were left to themselves as their eyes wandered the cove, a wave of nostalgia flooding over them both as memories lurked in every nook and cranny of this area of the island.

“Hey, remember when the raft used to be here?” Kairi asked as she wrapped her arms behind her back. “It’s almost like... this is where everything started.”

“How could I forget?” Sora asked with a chuckle. “We worked so hard on that thing. It’s a shame we never got to give it a try.”

“It’s a nice thought, wondering what would’ve happened had we been together the whole time setting sail on the sea. But honestly...” Kairi walked towards the shore, her arms tied behind her back as she looked to the sky wistfully. “If I could go back and change how everything went down, I don’t think I would.”

“Really?” Sora tilted his head.

Mm hm.” Kairi nodded, pursing her lips into a tight smile. “It may not have been ideal, but being able to go inside your heart, being able to see things through your eyes and feel the things that you felt... how much you cared about me and wanted nothing more than to make sure I was safe... maybe we’re this close because of that. And ever since then, no matter what, we always find our way back to each other again.” She turned around and faced him. “I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Not for one second.”

Sora was left speechless for a moment until a certain warmth washed him over. “Kairi...” he said quietly, his eyes trained on the sand. “I guess sometimes I just wish I could’ve done better for you. You spent all that time having to watch from the sidelines, waiting for me to come home because I kept leaving you all alone. I guess sometimes I wish I could’ve done better for you.”

Kairi sighed, but she settled into a gentle smile as she carefully approached him in good spirits. “Sora, go into your back pocket for me please.”

Sora raised an eyebrow. “Uh, sure.”

He did as told and dug into his back pocket and retrieved the good luck charm she had given him all those years ago. Since then, she wanted him to keep it permanently as a reminder of the bond they shared. Sora had come to treasure it deeply.

“Even if we’re apart, we’re not alone anymore,” Kairi said. “Remember that?”

Sora looked over the charm and the face, his own face, she drew grinning back at him. His eyes shimmered as the memories came back. “Yeah,” he said. “We made a promise.”

Kairi nodded. “We did. No matter what happens, no matter how far apart we are...”

She took Sora’s hand and gently closed them around the good luck charm.

“We’ll always find each other,” she said with a soft smile. “No matter what.”

After a moment of silence, Sora nodded. “You’re right.” He gripped his lucky charm harder. “I don’t think I would trade anything in the world for that either.”

“So, don’t worry about that stuff. In the end, I think it made me stronger. Not just me, but you too. And besides, I love you just the way you are, no matter how much of a hopeless goofball you are.”

“Thanks, Kai—hey, wait a minute! You take that back.”

Kairi giggled as she ran away. “But it’s the truth! You said it yourself.”

Sora grinned. “Okay, you asked for it!”

Sora chased Kairi all over the cove, leaving no stone unturned as they playfully teased each other all the while. Sora could have easily caught up to her before, but after all the training Kairi had received, she was a lot trickier to catch these days. Their misadventures ranged from running behind the coconut trees to splashing each other in the sea.

At one point, Kairi was running away after she casted Waterga magic on Sora (which Sora thought was cheating but at least he had an Aeroga spell to dry himself fast).

“Now, you’re really gonna get it!” Sora declared as he chased after her.

“I’d like to see you try!”

Sora looked ahead and put on a look of surprise. “Oh, hey Riku!”

Kairi stopped in her tracks. “Riku?” Before she had a second longer to react, Sora grabbed her by the waist from behind.

“Gotcha!” he said, a toothy smile as Kairi kicked her legs out.

“No!” she said in-between her giggles. “Lemme go, you lazy bum!”

“Nuh uh, I need my revenge.” Sora put on a malicious smile as he began tickling her sides. Kairi howled with uncontrollable laughter.

“Sora…! I-I can’t!” Kairi sputtered.

“Ha! Not so tough are ya now, huuuuhaaaaah!” Sora couldn’t finish his comment before he tripped over himself while backing up. He fell to his back, taking the brunt of the fall while he caught Kairi in the nick of time as she fell on top of his chest. They landed in the middle of shrubbery and gorgeous flowers that bloomed brilliantly near the ladder that led to the zipline.

After a brief stint of silence, they ultimately laughed at the situation at hand. This felt right. This was how it should’ve been. The stars had aligned and the universe was finally working in their favor. So it seemed, at least. Kairi wanted to last forever.

But she knew deep down all good things must come to an end.

“Hey,” she said suddenly. “I have a surprise for you.”

Before Sora could question her, she went into her back pocket and pulled out a paopu fruit. How she was able to carry that back there, she wasn’t sure but neither of them questioned it.

“I know we’ve already shared one before, but... I kind of want to relive that moment again,” Kairi admitted.

Sora didn’t say anything. He only offered a smile. A smile that communicated everything it needed to. He told her that she was safe, secure, and free of judgment. He told her that she was the apple of his eyes, the girl of his dreams, and his destiny. He told her how happy he was the first time she asked him to share one with him and he wanted nothing more than to do it again. All with one smile.

“You know I’ll come back to you, right?” he asked. “I won’t give up. I’ll never give up.”

Kairi’s smile turned solemn. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

Sora took the paopu fruit from her possession and gently grazed his teeth on top of one of the spikes. Kairi took the initiative to nibble the other end, but before either could bite down, she cupped his cheek with her hand. Sora responded by using his index finger and thumb to carefully hold her chin.

The way he looked into her eyes with such a focus and confidence, it was enough to make a tear stream down her face. No matter what the situation, he always assured her that he would come back.

They both simultaneously bit down on the paopu fruit, solidifying their destiny to find each other once again, and in a turn of events, the fruit dissipated into sparkles that twinkled against the setting sun. They were still and locked firmly in the moment as they looked into each other’s eyes, her hand and his fingers still attached to each other’s faces, quietly admiring each other until Sora ended up being the first to break it.

“Don’t ever forget,” he said. “Wherever you go...”

Then Kairi woke up.

Reality settled as the memories slowly drifted back as she studied her room, the morning sun peeking through the slits of her blinds and its warmth faded from the translucent curtains. Eventually, she remembered it had been a year and a few months since Sora disappeared. She and the others were still hard at work looking for a way to bring him back home. But for a moment, she was relieved of the pain of her own uncertainty of his whereabouts and her lack of ability to see his kind smile beyond distant memories. It reminded her of the time when she first returned to the islands without Sora or Riku, except it was even more painful because her memory was fully intact.

He was there. He was so close. She could feel his touch. Everything felt so natural and real. Perhaps, in its own roundabout way, it was?

Maybe, just maybe... Sora was trying to communicate with her. Perhaps he wanted to assure her that he was okay and that he would return to her, but they could only meet in a dream. As the dream was nearing its end, she did recall her memories slowly rematerializing in the back corners of her mind and she had to assume the same could’ve been said for Sora as well as their fun-filled day on Destiny Islands without a care in the world came to an end. They both remembered that Sora still had to come back and he made sure to promise that he would.

Yes, it had to be him. Even the impossible couldn’t keep him away from her for long. No matter what the circumstances, Sora found a way.

Tears welled up in her eyes and they gradually slid down her cheeks as she looked out the window at the bright, morning sky.

“I’m always with you,” Kairi finished.

Credit for both of these amazing art pieces goes to my super talented friend, @amyhayanora!

#sokaiweek #kingdom hearts #sora #kairi #sokai

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turnupswritessometimes · 3 years

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Yours, Always - SoRiku

Title: Yours, Always

Chapters: 1 + 2

Word Count: 9381

Summary: The letter seemed to fall from the sky. It was rolled up, into a scroll, and landed right in front of Sora’s shoes. He stopped short, staring at it. Donald turned back, as soon as he realised Sora had fallen behind. He frowned. “What are you waiting for?” “There’s a –” Sora pointed to the letter, then up. There wasn’t even a cloud in the sky. Only paper, apparently. “It came from up there.” *** King Mickey suggests that Riku writes letters to his tie to light. He chooses Sora. As they write back and forth, they start to untangle friendship from something deeper.

A03 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29115582

Yours, Always

The letter seemed to fall from the sky. It was rolled up, into a scroll, and landed right in front of Sora’s shoes. He stopped short, staring at it.

Donald turned back, as soon as he realised Sora had fallen behind. He frowned. “What are you waiting for?”

“There’s a –” Sora pointed to the letter, then up. There wasn’t even a cloud in the sky. Only paper, apparently. “It came from up there.”

“That’s nonsense.”

“It did.” Sora nudged it with his shoe. When it didn’t turn into a heartless, or a monster, he knelt down, and picked it up. It was cold, as though it had been in a fridge.

“But why couldn’t it?” Goofy asked. “There’s plenty of weird things going on.”

Donald turned on him. “Letters don’t just come from nowhere.”

They continued bickering, as Sora turned it over in his hand. There was the King’s seal, on the ribbon, glinting silver in the bright sun. He tried to cover it with his thumb, but Jiminy saw from his shoulder, before he could hide it.

“It’s from the King!”

Donald and Goofy turned to him, a predatory glint in their eyes. They were ready to jump.

“I found it.” Sora held the letter to his chest, protectively.

“You tripped over it,” Donald squawked.

“It’s still mine.” He couldn’t hesitate – he slipped his finger under the seal, and freed it, unfurling the letter and –

He stared, heart thumping. Because it wasn’t from the King.

“Hands off!” He held it high – higher than Donald could reach, and walked backwards. “It’s not from the King – it’s from Riku!”

“Gwarsh, is that the boy that took the keyblade from you?” Goofy asked.

Sora’s stomach clenched. For a moment, it had felt like it had been before. When he and Riku were best friends, and never argued. (Not about anything that mattered, just petty squabbles.) For a moment, he had forgotten Hook’s ship, and Hollow Bastion.

“He closed the door to darkness,” Sora said. “From the other side.” And, at Donald and Goofy’s exchanged, confused glance. “He’s my friend. We’re going to find him. And the King.”

Another exchanged glance. This one with missed pity and understanding. But at least Sora was left alone to read. It was a slightly blocky, awkward script. One that was as familiar as his own –

Sora,

Mickey said I should write this. I suppose you’d call him King Mickey. I try to call him Your Majesty. It feels weird. We’re both – alive. In the Realm of Darkness. It’s not as cold as it sounds, but there are heartless everywhere. Mickey’s good with a keyblade. It looks like yours.

Mine is different.

But, anyway, Mickey said to write to someone who would anchor me to the world of light. That it would help keep the darkness at bay. It looks like that’s going to be a never-ending battle. He said Kairi, since we worked so hard to get her heart back. So she must be important to me. But I couldn’t stop thinking about you, instead. It used to be just us, on the island. Do you remember that? I think it’s because of that, that I can’t write to her. She doesn’t understand, not everything. And I – wouldn’t know what to say to her – after –

You showed her our secret place, didn’t you?

I can’t be angry about something like that. Not after what I did. That’s also why I wanted to write to you, and couldn’t write to her. Because I’m sorry for – all of that. When the island fell into darkness, I woke up at Hollow Bastion, where we met again. Of course I wanted to find the both of you. Maleficent said she could help – but that you’d already moved on. I didn’t believe that, not at first – but, I thought – that I would be clever and double cross her. Pretend to go along with her, just to find you, find out what she was doing, and then stop it from the outside.

Then I found you in Traverse Town. With – Donald and Goofy (? Is that his real name?) – and it felt like what she said could be true. I know you, but that was when she had her hold on me.

Honestly, I wanted to be better than you. Controlling the heartless, and the darkness – I wanted to do it, because I knew you wouldn’t be able to. I thought that I was stronger. I guess I was just like Maleficent, in the end. We didn’t used to be rivals, did we? I don’t want to be, anymore.

I was not manipulated. I chose to take every step.

I don’t know if this will reach you, but I’m glad you and Kairi are safe. Be there for each other, and I’ll be back soon.

Riku

They were all still staring at him. Waiting to see what it said.

Sora thought that his cheeks were hot. He forced himself to smile – it came easily now – and said, “he’s okay! And so’s the King!”

Goofy beamed, and Donald did his best impression to seem unbothered, but it was clear he was excited. He called for them to keep walking, fighting a smile, though none of them knew where they were headed. There was nothing in the distance. Nothing put that same narrow, winding path.

They started again. Sora unfurled the letter and read it again. Someone to tie Riku to the light – his heart jumped and juddered at the thought. Okay. Riku was alive. And okay. In the realm of darkness, but he was strong. Strong enough to get out.

Sora would be there when he did. He wanted to be.

He read the letter half a dozen times before they stopped for the night. So that Riku’s words all but floated in front of him. Every loop of his letters, and haphazard slash across the ‘t’s memorized.

Donald almost burnt their eyebrows off by lighting the campfire. It was enough of a distraction for Sora to find paper and a pencil in their packs.

They ate; fruits they found on the road, and a chicken who’d gotten too close to them. (Too close to a duck for Sora’s liking, but Donald didn’t seem to care.) It was only when Donald and Goofy lay down for the night, that Sora began writing.

“I’m sure Donald and Goofy would have words to add,” a small voice said by his ear. Jiminy. Saying exactly what had been niggling at Sora’s stomach.

“I know,” Sora replied. Looked at the name he had put at the top of the page, and felt his chest ache. “If I get a reply, I’ll tell them and they can add on. It’s just –” That he wanted to be selfish. Just this once. Because it was – “It’s just that it’s Riku. I have so much I need to say. So much that – is just between us.”

His face felt warm, as he glanced over at his sleeping friends. Because they were friends, but what he had with Riku was different. He felt almost – shy – about it. So just this once, he would be selfish.

He wrote, in the soft light of the dying fire:

Riku,

I’m so happy you’re alright! I’ve been thinking about you too – a lot. The Realm of Darkness…if anyone can make it out, you and the King can. Donald and Goofy (yes, that’s his real name) are so excited that he’s okay too. I can’t wait to see your keyblade. I never made it back to the Islands. But Kairi’s there. She’ll be safe, now that the keyholes are sealed.

Of course I remember when it was just us. It felt like the whole island was ours. I thought about that, at Hollow Bastion, after I’d taken… The Beast’s roars reminded me of when we were in our secret place, and you told me the wind was a monster. You said we could beat anything, if we were together.

I still believe that.

Kairi found our secret place, rather than me showing it to her. But you’re right, I let her in. It must have been so hard for her – to be somewhere that wasn’t her home, with strange children, that I thought giving her just a small piece of ours would help. I should have checked with you though – you’re the Captain of the Raft, right?

You never let me finish, in Traverse Town. I was going to invite you with us. Donald and Goofy (yes, his real name), are great – but they’re not you, Riku. I could never think of exploring anywhere without you. I don’t know when we became rivals, but I don’t want to be, either. I prefer being friends.

You did the right thing in the end. And if Maleficent ever comes back, we’ll kick her butt together.

See you soon,

Sora

He slept with the letter under his bedroll. The crinkle of the paper, as he turned his head, seemed to help him sleep.

And when he woke up in the morning, it was gone.

The letter looked like it was shining, in the blackness all around it.

Riku caught it, as it fell. For a moment, he couldn’t believe he was seeing colour. Everything here was dark. It was shadows upon shadows, and even the King was hard to separate from it all, sometimes.

Now here was a letter. And he knew, the moment he caught it, who it was from. No envelope, of course.

King Mickey was ahead of him. Now he stopped and turned back. Smiled. “I told you your letter would make it to him.”

“That wasn’t what I doubted,” Riku replied. He smiled, thumb drawing across the chicken scratch writing. Sora barely wrote, back home. “I didn’t think I’d get a reply.”

Partly because of what he’d done. He would understand if Sora didn’t want to talk to him. But mostly because he’d figured Sora would be busy. Or forget. At least take a day to write back. Unless it had been a day. It was so hard to tell here.

“Well,” Mickey continued. “You must have chosen the right person to write to.”

Riku’s stomach felt strange. Because it should have been Kairi. He’d wanted to save her heart. She was the one he and Sora both – in all of their games, she was the princess in the castle. But he had written to Sora. And it had been Sora’s letter that had made him feel, just for a moment, like he was back in the world of light.

Besides, Mickey said Sora was the right person to write to.

Mickey was watching him. Still smiling encouragingly. He had to do that a lot. Riku’s confidence wasn’t what it used to be.

He smiled back, and went to slip the letter into his pocket –

“I think here’s a good place to rest, for a bit.” Mickey stepped back towards him, and took a seat. He was not subtle.

But then, Riku thought, as he lowered himself to the ground, neither was Sora.

He took a look at the letter – and his heart stopped. “He didn’t make it back.”

“What?”

“He never made it back to the island. But he’s with Donald. And Goofy.”

“If he’s with those two –”

“Then I know he’ll be alright.” They’d done pretty well together so far, anyway.

Mickey nodded at him. Looking almost – proud? It was a strange thought. He nodded back, then turned his attention onto the letter. His heart pounded, slightly painfully, as he read. Which was silly, because it was only Sora. It must have been because he was beyond this, Riku reasoned. To hear from anyone, after being in here, was exciting.

There was not quite an ‘I forgive you,’ but Riku hadn’t hoped for that. The last sentence was more than he deserved. Spoke of moving on, rather than dwelling in what happened. And that was so very him. Kairi would have said that she forgave him, even if she did not mean it, because she’d think it would be what Riku wanted to hear. But maybe that wasn’t what he needed.

Captain of the Raft. That sounded so childish now. They had been stupid to think they could get anywhere on that thing. A pang of homesickness went through him. For the Destiny Islands they both remembered. For being small. For their secret place.

The only way to lessen that ache, was to write back.

Sora,

Where are you? Do you know? If we were still rivals, I’d say race you back home. But we’re best friends, instead, so I’ll say be careful, instead. We’re doing alright. Mickey says we’ll find our way back to the light soon. I hope so. It’s cold here.

I remember that too. You always believed anything I said to you. But that second part, that was probably true. I don’t think anything could win against the two of us. Not now that we both have keyblades, anyway.

I also remember that you were scared of a lot. Like shooting stars hitting the island. And the Kraken. I said I’d protect you. Guess I haven’t been doing a very good job lately.

And I guessed that you would invite me along, when we met in Traverse Town. I suppose that I didn’t like seeing you do so well on your own. We never did anything alone, and it was always you pestering me to go with you somewhere. I didn’t like the thought that you might not need me.

The duck didn’t seem to like me very much, either.

Don’t worry about Maleficent. She’s not going to want to take on the great hero again. (Which pales in comparison to Raft Captain, by the way.) I wonder how things would have turned out, if I came with you. Things would have been easier, I guess. Would I be able to fly, like you did? It looked fun. That puppet would have had an easier time too. How did he have a heart?

Guess I’ve still got a lot to learn, about that stuff. Maybe you could teach

Kairi will be fine. On the island. We taught her how to take care of herself, on there. Though, she will shout at us both if we keep her waiting too long. (You more than me. She’ll worry about you more.)

I’ll see you soon. And we’ll go home together.

Riku

The second letter came in the same way. At least it landed on Sora’s head, as he was just waking up. That was good. It meant that he didn’t have to keep it away from Donald and Goofy – who were collecting berries for breakfast, and having a lay in, respectively.

He read it quickly, and his heart ached. So much that he had to breathe shallowly, to ease the pain. Riku was in the Realm of Darkness. It was cold. And he was full of regret. Must have been thinking of all the adventures they’d missed out on together. Real adventures this time, not just two children running down the beach, and pretending it was a snowy mountain, or the inside of a volcano.

Sora should have told him that he forgave him for it. That he had never stopped believing that Riku would be good, in the end. But he hadn’t been able to write that. Because he still remembered when Riku looked like Riku, but had been cruel. Had set heartless on him, and tossed a wooden sword at his feet.

It was worse, because he had recognised those looks. The narrowing of his eyes and his smirk. For the last year or so, he’d looked at Sora like that more and more. Rivals. He’d been able to see the road Riku was walking, as if it was inevitable that he would turn on him. That he would hate Sora.

The fact that he didn’t. That he still remembered the island, and had still wanted to travel with him, was why his chest hurt so much. Riku was still there. His best friend.

Jiminy had climbed up onto his knee. Watching him.

“I missed him so much,” Sora whispered. And realised that his eyes were damp. “I miss him, now.”

A tiny, green hand, patted him. “I’m sure he feels the same. Otherwise he wouldn’t have replied so quickly.”

Sora nodded. Wiped his eyes and took a breath to dislodge the heavy feeling. He read the letter again. Riku was alive – and worried about him. The thought made him smile.

“Are you going to tell the other two, this time?” Jiminy asked.

Sora paused. It was all so – private. Stuff between him and Riku, from a long ago time. They didn’t need to know. Definitely not about him being scared of shooting stars.

“Sort of,” he managed. “They can write back to the King, but they – they don’t need to know everything.”

Jiminy smiled at him. As though he could guess what he was thinking. Almost, in a similar way, to when Kairi was mentioned. They’d all look at him then. Tease him about his sweetheart.

Sora didn’t know how to say that he had barely thought about her since they’d set out again. It felt mean. But he knew where she was. She was safe.

He wrote back, as they ate breakfast, and managed to smear juice on the page, in several splatters.

Riku,

I’d send you a blanket if I could. Or a jacket. That would be more practical, wouldn’t it? It never used to get cold at home. It’s cold at night, here, and I don’t like it. We don’t know where ‘here’ is. There’s just – a path. It’s very green all around, but there aren’t any trees. There’s just hills for miles. Its not the strangest world we’ve been to. There’s a castle in the distance, we’re headed to. You head there too, okay?

It was definitely you scared of the shooting stars, and definitely me saying I would protect you. But I haven’t done a great job of that, either. (Oh, and the kraken is real, by the way.) Do these letters help? I’ll keep writing to you, if they do.

Of course I need you. I thought of you – everywhere we went, I wondered what you would think of every world we went to. Everyone we met. When we find each other again, I’ll take you everywhere, and introduce you to everyone. You’d like Leon, in Traverse Town. Don’t worry about Donald, he’s a grump, but he’s a big softy once you get to know him.

I guess we won’t be able to, now. We’ll have to go back to the islands.

Raft Captain is not better than Great Hero (which I’m not) – I would say they’re equal. And that Raft Captains can fly. All it takes is faith, trust and pixie dust. And I have faith for you, so that’s one part taken care of. (It is fun! It’s amazing!)

Pinocchio had a heart, because his father gave him one. When he was created, he treated Pinocchio like he had one, so of course he did. What I can’t understand is how the skeleton we met in Halloween Town had a heart? Where would he keep it?

Kairi might be more worried about me, but I’m more worried than her about you, I’m sure. Hurry and come back so that we can beat all the monsters together.

See you really soon, Riku!

Sora

(P.S That’s just berry juice.)

(P.P.S Donald and Goofy have attached a letter to the King.)

Maybe the letter writing wasn’t a good idea, Riku thought. Because now he was constantly on edge, waiting for the next one. A glimmer of white against the nothingness. It wasn’t so much what the response said, as long as it came. That meant that Sora was alright. Alive. It meant that he was as well.

It was so hard to tell how long it had been. They fought, several skirmishes, until there had been enough light from King Mickey’s keyblade to keep the heartless wary of them. At least, for a bit.

Riku’s keyblade didn’t give off light.

They kept walking. As though there was a path in front of them, they simply couldn’t see. Every so often, they would stop, as though they’d come to a fork in the road, and wait for a moment. Often, they would decide on the same way. A slight bit to the left, or right. (Never backwards.) Sometimes, Riku felt differently to the King.

But he’d trust Riku. And follow him.

“The light in your heart is strong,” Mickey said. “It has to be, to have faced Ansem and won.”

It certainly didn’t feel like winning.

When the reply finally did come – he snatched it up eagerly. And his stomach lurched as he saw the stains on it, eyes frantically taking in the letters until he saw, at the bottom, that Sora was just as messy as he’d always been.

“Is Sora alright?” Mickey asked. He must have seen Riku’s expression.

He nodded. Separated the sleeves of paper from each other, and handed one over.

“This is for you.”

The King looked surprised. Then pleased, as he took it.

It was decided that they were in a good place to rest. It was not as though there was anywhere better. Or that they had any kind of camp to put up. So, he sat next to King Mickey, and read the letter. Slowly, and properly.

His heart raced. So fast, that it hurt. That Sora was lost, and not admitting it. That he needed Riku. Thought about him often – whenever he met someone new. Wanted to protect him right back. More than he wanted to protect Kairi. And he wished, more than ever, that he would have stayed where he was at Traverse Town. Said yes to the offer. Kept quiet about Maleficent, or at least said that he knew something about her plan. That would have been enough.

He said as much to Mickey, when they were both done. Still riding on the wave of longing that came from words from a friend, before they could reply.

“I don’t think you’d be with him now, even if you did that,” Mickey said. He held his letter close to his own chest. “In the end, I think you’d always close the door from this side.”

That was something he hadn’t considered before. But now that he did, he knew it was true. Riku would always close the door to darkness from the other side. He’d never have let Sora do it.

But the rest still mattered, didn’t it? It must do, because Sora wouldn’t talk about it. Only what had happened at the end.

At least he didn’t hate him.

That gave him the courage to write back.

Sora,

The letters help. A lot. It’s easy to lose track of things here, when everything’s so similar to everything else. A jacket would be great. I wish we’d thought to pack those before we left home. But the letters are enough. Where you are sounds nice. I’m sure you can use magic to keep yourself warm. You’ve picked up all sorts of tricks.

I think I’d like to meet everyone you met, even if I do have a lot of apologising still to do. Not everyone’s like you. No one is. Even if we go back to the islands, I have a feeling we won’t stay there for long. The keyblade is always needed, even if the keyholes are sealed. And we’ll fly, together, one day. (I trust you, so that’s another part covered.)

Not sure that I get the heart thing, still. How can a puppet be alive? He was made with wood, by a man. I hope none of the carvings we did as kids would ever grow a heart. But a skeleton would still have a ribcage for his heart to be in, dummy. I’m surprised you didn’t need me there for that, too.

Don’t worry about me. I’m doing fine. Take care of yourself first.

I’ll aim for the castle, and meet you there. If we were still rivals, I would say that I’d race you there. But instead, I’ll be there as soon as I can. I can’t promise on anything, that it will be very soon, because I have nothing to give you.

I hope its not too long now,

Riku

Sora rolled his eyes, when he reached the bottom of the letter.

As if holding the promise they’d see each other again in their hearts wasn’t strong enough.

It was over. Another adventure. It mirrored the first, in a way. The adventure was done.

And Riku had been too late. At least, and it was a meagre silver lining, he hadn’t guaranteed he would. He’d missed Sora, completely. Now he was asleep – and who knew if he even remembered Riku?

So it had been better not to promise, after all.

Diz couldn’t tell Riku how long it would be before Sora woke up again. He just couldn’t make a guess. That meant a while. He didn’t want to tell Riku it would be a while.

He sat on the lowest floor of Castle Oblivion – that stupid castle that Sora was so desperate to get to – facing the pods. He could see Sora inside, his lashes casting dark, spidery shadows over his cheeks. He looked paler than usual, in there. His skin almost white, mouth almost colourless. Even his hair didn’t look as dark.

But then, what would he think of Riku? Sat in a blindfold that made everything dark, and difficult to see clearly.

At least he could see well enough to write. It would be messy, but Sora had to know all that happened. Why Riku hadn’t been able to meet him after all, and what the plan was, when he woke up.

And, perhaps it would help. Just like when he was stuck in the realm of darkness, it could help Riku fight the darkness off. Sora had always been his beacon of light.

So Riku started to write to him. And he continued to write. Not everyday. But often.

Sora found the letters when he opened up his pack, to get lunch out. Immediately, he panicked, because it was actually Hayner’s backpack, on loan, and he didn’t want to even accidentally snoop into his stuff.

But then he saw his name. Saw his name, and realised he’d recognise that handwriting anywhere.

Riku. It was Riku. He must have been writing from wherever he was now. Just like before.

Donald and Goofy were busy with their own lunches. Pulling out cheese rolls, apples and oranges, and wrapped ice cream bars.

“They would want to know,” a little voice said on his shoulder. Jiminy. Guessing exactly what Sora was thinking.

“Only if he mentions the King,” Sora whispered, thumbing through the pages. There were a lot. He must have been writing all the time whilst he’d been asleep.

“You don’t really think that.” Jiminy was quiet. But he didn’t shout for their attention, and he didn’t stop Sora pulling the sheaf of letters out. Maybe he also understood that Sora wasn’t ready to share it with them quite yet. There was something about the letters – the fact that they were from Riku – that was very special. Private. They were only intended for him. From his best friend.

So he would tell them later. They had a very long train journey, ahead of them, after all.

Sora,

I have to apologize to you. Again. I made it to the castle. It was where we came out of the Realm of Darkness from. The King and I were at the top and you three were at the bottom. I didn’t get to you in time.

You probably won’t remember what happened there. A girl called Naminé has had to send you to sleep, to put your memories back together. She was forced to alter them in the first place. I think you understood why. She told me as much as she could, about what you did at Castle Oblivion, so I’ve written it here.

It went on for a page and a half, Riku account. A strange, sickening feeling sat in Sora’s stomach as he read, as though he missed a step on the stairs, and was falling down. The feeling didn’t stop, as though his fall wasn’t stopping. He had done those things – the things Riku had written. But he had no memory of them, just like he said. Thinking about them made his mind feel fuzzy. It wasn’t even as though they were out of reach, or he felt a sense of déjà vu. It was just – nothing.

But it had happened. It must have, for him to wake up where he did. His memory had been – changed. By someone he didn’t even remember. Someone he must have trusted. Yet – now – now – now –

“I’ll write it down in the journal,” Jiminy murmured.

Sora kept reading. His heart started and juddered uncomfortably, like a racehorse. He fought to ignore it.

There’s nothing we can do, except wait for Naminé to finish her work. I’ve been travelling to other worlds. Still trying to find a way to conquer the darkness in me. Its harder, without you.

Its not so weird to see you always sleeping. That was how it was on the island, right? Whenever we’d work on the raft, you’d take a nap on the beach. Now, I just keep expecting you to wake up and laugh and apologize.

I want to be there, when you wake up.

Riku

He kept flipping through the letters, in succession, because it was easier to keep reading, keep filling his mind with Riku’s words, than dwell on how he was feeling.

Sora,

I’m still trying to understand the heart thing, like you do. I’ve been travelling to worlds with less humans. More – animals. The kind that talk, like Donald and Goofy. Although I try not to be spotted – Diz says its better that way, to preserve the world order – I’ve met a lot of people creatures friends, you’d call them. I don’t have your knack for making everyone adore you in five minutes, but I think I’m doing alright.

You’re the same. Naminé says there’s a small complication in restoring your memories. We don’t know what that could be yet. It could be to do with when you lost your heart.

Whatever it is, I’ll sort it. Keep slacking off, and I’ll see you soon,

Riku

Sora,

I met a man who’d turned into a bear. He chose to stay that way. Because he met a bear cub. They became brothers. And he knew he had to stay a bear to look after him, instead of transform back. He went back on everything he was taught – everything he believed – because his heart connected with that little bear’s.

I’ve been thinking on transformations a lot. I’m not completely free of the darkness yet. If I’m not careful –

Naminé thinks she knows the problem with your memories. You released your heart from your body, so it stands to reason that you have a nobody. That’s the shell that’s left behind, when heartless are created. We don’t know if you have one for sure. But we’re looking. If there is – and that’s the reason you can’t –

The King is here. He’s a big help. He misses Donald and Goofy terribly. We talk about our memories with you to each other. It is meant to help, but it makes my chest ache.

I also went to a forest. There were hunters there. For the deer. They were scared of me too. They must have thought I had a gun. I didn't chase them. I hid for a while, in the undergrowth, until they came back. And I just - watched. A deer and a rabbit and a skunk all came by. Together. Like they were friends. They played around for a bit, until the stag came. He was - incredible. Silent and graceful and - he looked so powerful. Like the was the King of the whole forest.

You wouldn't have been able to stay still long enough, I bet.

It's weird seeing you so still now. You usually stretch and wiggle and kick out in your sleep. You used to kick me straight out of the bed if we shared as kids. Do you remember that?

I miss you,

Riku

Sora,

You've faced some of Organisation 13 before. I don't know if they'll be there when you wake up. But we think they're the reason you're still asleep. They're up to something. We I'm going to find out what.

If you do have a nobody, and he does get your memories, then I won't have a choice. I'll have to -

I'm still travelling. I try not to go to worlds you've been too. You said we'd go back together, so I'll wait. It's been a while now. Maybe a month. I don't want to count the days.

But I have seen some familiar faces. The Beast (did he ever have a name?) from Hollow Bastion. He has a castle. Its tall and gothic. The kind of place that should have lightning behind it. There are rose bushes around the back. He’s not the strangest one there. The servants – they’re all furniture. It must be hard for them. And him. And the girl who lives there. Belle. She was one of the Princesses of Heart.

I went to other worlds the Princesses of Heart lived in. More forests. The animals seemed afraid of me, in one, at first, but I told them not to be. Apologised, because I look –

They came right up then. Tried to lead me into a little cottage, and I mean a little cottage. I’d have to stoop to get in the door. (I suppose that means you’d get in alright.) I told them I couldn’t. We’re not meant to interfere with the worlds, but I’m not really up to speaking to anyone right now. But I did look in the window. The house was little because dwarves lived there.

There was another forest. In the world Maleficent came from. It seems a lot darker, even though there are just as many animals there, and they’re much friendlier. Maybe it was just my imagination. Knowing that she came from there.

These worlds are okay. But it just feels like I’m killing time. Waiting for you. I wish you were here, so we could go to new worlds. Like we always talked about. Together.

We were supposed to meet at Castle Oblivion. But I was late, that time.

Sleep well,

Riku

Sora,

The Organisation is snooping around Agrabah. Wonderland too. It’s like some strange game. They’re trying not to be seen by anyone, and I’m trying not to be seen by them. Half of them keep their hoods up, so I can’t tell which is which.

You’ve been to both of those places, right? I bet you liked Wonderland, huh? And I bet you loved getting sand in your shoes again in Agrabah. It would have reminded you of home.

I thought about going back. Telling Kairi. But Naminé says her memories got confused too, and it might confuse her. I’m sorry.

Diz – he’s the guy tracking the organisation with me. He knows the King. They’re friends. He can be trusted – he sent me back to the forest that Maleficent came from. There are fairies there. (They know Yen Sid, too. He trains keyblade wielders. And holds the Mark of Mastery Exam for them. Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you.) Anyway, they told me about what happened in their world. Maleficent wanted to destroy it there too. She controlled the Unverse at the time. (They don’t exist anymore.) She put a curse on the Princess – you must have met her too – when she was born, that she would prick her finger and die. One of the fairies changed it, so that she would only be sleeping. And it did happen. But there was a Prince. He kissed her. She woke up.

They were very excited to tell me all of this. And how happy the Princess was now. Because it was all so romantic. I suppose it is.

It made me – not angry – just –

Naminé’s making progress with your memories. She’s working hard. I’m keeping her company, whenever I can, but she likes to work alone. I guess we’re similar that way.

Missing you,

Riku

Sora,

I went back to the forest, with the dwarves. There was a girl with them, this time. Very pretty, like Kairi. They were talking, and I didn’t mean to listen in, but the bluebirds were tugging at my hair, trying to get me to knock, and I just – heard it.

She’d been asleep too. A poison apple, from a witch. A Prince found her, apparently they’d met before, and he kissed her. She woke up.

All these Princesses are falling asleep, and there just always happens to be a Prince who can save them.

Then there’s you. And I know its different, that you’re not under a curse, and you’re not a Princess, but I still wonder –

I mean – does it have to be a Prince? It’s not normally the boys asleep, so if it is him asleep, would the Princess work instead? Or does it still have to be -? I’m not much of a Prince, anyhow. It’s a silly idea, when we know how to make it right. With ‘witchcraft,’ not true love.

Kissing used to seem like a really gross idea, didn’t it? But they aren’t much older than us, and I wonder –

Wake up soon, sleepyhead.

Riku

Kissing. The thought of kissing – Riku was right, it had seemed like a gross, silly thing to do for years. He remembered when they were all small, when Selphie and Tidus pressed their mouths against each others, behind the big tree on the island, just for a second. Comically puckered. He and Riku had pulled faces.

Riku had teased him about kissing Kairi one day. But he knew that Riku didn’t want to. His nose wrinkled, just slightly, when he said it, and it gave him away. Sora hadn’t known what to think. It still seemed bizarre. He supposed he’d thought – when the moment was right – that it would all just click into place. He’d understand.

Maybe he would prefer to be asleep. So that he didn’t need to think or worry about it.

He’d pulled the letters closer to him, so that Jiminy slipped off of his shoulder and couldn’t see. It made him feel bad, especially as Jiminy tapped him with his umbrella, and told him it was important he recorded it all. For posterity.

But Riku was writing – well, Sora’s face felt hot. Because he’d always thought that Riku looked like a Prince from a fairy tale. With his snowy-white hair and green-blue eyes, he just – fit. Especially when those eyes were gleaming, and he was smirking at Sora, offering him a hand up.

If Riku was like a Prince – his face burned – with the thought of kissing –

No. Waking up. Waking up to Riku bent over him, silver hair like a curtain to hide the both of them. Eyes like the sea at home, glinting at him. Laughing, because Sora had been slacking off again.

That wouldn’t be – awful.

It wouldn’t be the same as Kairi.

But he’d feel less embarrassed if it was Riku. He’d known him for so long. With Kairi, he always felt slightly awkward, slightly unsure. As if he had to include her, to make up for lost time, so that she didn’t feel bad.

If it was Riku, they'd probably laugh about it. Joke about how they had always been so close.

But they might not.

They might - have a moment- where they just - looked at each other - and - there would be an - oh - that was how it went. In these other worlds. He tried to imagine that, how that “oh, it’s you,” moment felt. Racing hearts, surely, and happy laughter. The feeling that everything that was missing just falling into place.

His chest did something strange. And he had been thinking of Riku. Not Kairi.

“Gwarsh, should we open a window?” Goofy asked.

They were all looking at him. He blinked back.

“I know who you’re thinking about.” Donald smiled, and they exchanged knowing looks.

But they didn’t. They thought Sora was thinking about Kairi. And he wasn’t. He forced himself to give a meek smile, to let them keep thinking that. He looked out of the window, trying to think of ice cubes and snow, to help him cool down. Trying not to think of Riku.

Yet, he wasn’t finished with the letters. And he had to read them all. They might hold a clue as to where Riku was now. They might be able to find him.

What if he was asleep this time? Would Sora have to –

He turned back to the letters before he could finish the thought.

The next letter was strange. There were gaps. Just plain parchment instead of Riku’s neat handwriting. It wasn’t crossed out, like the other ones. It was simply as though he hadn’t written anything there at all.

He showed parts of this to Jiminy, explaining that the letters wouldn't be helpful towards the journal after all. That got Donald and Goofy's attention. They noticed the letters for the first time.

But they didn't try to snatch them away. They left him to it, after giving him a curious glance, playing I Spy, because good friends knew when others needed space.

Sora still tried to read what he could. His heart had crept steadily, all the way up to his mouth. It stayed there, heavy, as he took in what Riku had written.

Sora,

Naminé has found a problem. There’s a – with your memories. And whilst – has your memories, you can’t wake up. Obviously, we don’t want to hurt –

But Sora, if it comes to you or – then I’ll do whatever I have to. Every time. You’re my best friend. And I can’t leave you like this.

They’re Nobodies. Diz says they don’t have emotions. That they can’t feel. So – hopefully it won’t come to that.

I will save you. I promise.

Riku

The following letters were similar. Missing words. Some whole sentences. But Sora could still get the gist. Riku had done whatever he’d had to in order to wake Sora up. That included hurting others. It gave him that strange, wobbly feeling as reading through what had happened at Castle Oblivion did. A feeling of unbalance. Because that wasn’t like Riku.

Or was it? He’d always been determined. Ready to do whatever he needed to get something done. It was different when it was tricking Wakka into loaning them tools for the raft. But when it was hurting someone – really hurting someone – it was different.

But he’d done it for Sora. To save Sora. Because it was the only way he could see to do that. And he couldn’t hate Riku for caring about him. He needed to tell him that.

He had to find Riku.

There were a couple of pages that had been crumpled up. Scribbled over, so that they were hard to read. They were probably not meant to have been included, much less read. But if they held any clues, then – it was worth a try. There were a lot of 'miss yous.' Sora smoothed out one, bringing it close to his face to read it better.

I know your name means sky but I've always thought you had eyes like the sea. Full of other worlds and possibilities. I keep - thinking about your eyes. I guess because they're always closed. I remember them being big and bright and - so ready for whatever you would find. We lost our home before Traverse Town. Our whole lives were turned upside down. Kairi was missing. But you still looked like you were full of wonder.

Maybe I told a lie before. Maybe I was so angry with you because I was a little jealous. Or maybe -

I liked looking at you. And I knew I shouldn't.

I don't think I can ask Mickey about this.

But I don't know what to do with all these feelings in my chest. They seem to grow and tangle up and get confused the longer you're asleep.

Come back soon.

Riku

Sora's cheeks felt warm. Boiling. So - this was what Riku thought. Of him.

I think I understand how those Princes feel. Only – you’re not a Princess, of course.

But I don’t think I could kiss Kairi. She’s a friend, but –

We’re friends now. Not rivals. And I like being your friend a lot, but I also –

I feel different, when I look at you.

Maybe it’s because you’ve gotten taller. Less of a half-pint, but still not a full one. Your face has changed too. It’s less – roundish – in a good way. Less puppy fat. So you look – cool. Like a keyblade weilder.

Almost. You still have awful fashion sense. And your clothes look a bit small now.

Sora tugged at his shorts, self-conscious. Very self-conscious. Had he really changed that much? He hadn’t even done anything. Just slept.

I miss your laugh too. You always used to laugh like there was nothing wrong, and nothing could ever be wrong. You used to laugh so much, too. And it was so hard not to laugh with you, when you filled the air with your brightness. Your smile was bright too. As bright as the sun. There you are. Sea, sky, sun.

Sounds a lot like home.

We’ll go back there. You and me. I don’t want to make it a promise, in case I can’t keep it.

Yours,

Riku

There was a warmth in Sora. Not the same hot, embarrassed feeling on his face. This was a good warmth, in his chest. In his heart. Maybe that was just how it felt to have good friends. Ones you wanted to see again.

Maybe it was something more. But he didn’t know enough about that to say for certain.

Well, whatever. He could figure it out when he was with Riku. He could ask about these letters, and what, exactly, they all meant.

He was smiling, he realised. Yeah, he’d have a few things to say to Riku.

The end of the letters was abrupt.

Sora,

There's still a lot to fix. I won't be there, when you wake up. But you will. Wake up, I mean. I've made sure of it.

Yours, always,

Riku

That warm feeling grew into an ache. Riku hadn’t told him where he was. He’d gone off, without him. After all of those letters – he was just going to leave.

Fine, then. Sora would just have to find him. He’d keep the letters. Track Riku back down. And tell him –

He would figure out what to say later. When his cheeks weren’t burning, and his chest was not about to burst open.

But he would see Riku again. He would make sure of that.

So much happened so quickly. All in one day, he found out Riku’s appearance, which then went back to normal anyway, then they were all fighting, more fighting – and then the realm of darkness. It was a moment of peace, after a huge storm.

It could have been the right time to ask. But every part of Sora had been throbbing with a dull pain. That last fight with Xemnas had left him feeling exhausted, all the way through. So they’d sat – laid – on the beach, and tried to get their strength back. If it could ever come back in the Realm of Darkness.

And he’d just been about to ask – really – he’d been about to bring it up – when the bottled letter came through. Letters, again. This one had brought them both back to Destiny Islands.

Riku had said it was for him. He wasn’t sure. Maybe he was right. But Kairi had forgotten him once – it hadn’t been her fault, and still –

It could have been for either of them. Or both of them.

In the end, it was a few days after it all, when they were both sat on the beach. Kairi was with Selphie. They spent a lot of time together, now. That was good.

Riku had found a stick. He drew in the sand with it. Keys, crowns, the heartless symbol.

Before – before everything – Sora would take a nap. Now, he’d been asleep too long. He felt like racing, or sword fighting, but that all seemed odd now. Something that children did. Once you’d been fighting for your life, it felt strange to do it on the safety of a beach, where the worst that could happen was a splinter.

So, he sat up in the sand, nudged Riku’s foot with his own, and forced the words out before he could think twice about it.

“I got your letters.”

There it was. He’d started. And he would have to finish.

“My – letters?” Riku looked up. There was a line between his eyes, as he frowned. “You mean from before Castle Oblivion?”

It was understandable, why he was finding it hard to remember. Castle Oblivion felt like a lifetime ago. Sora remembered that part clearly, then there was a muddled gap of half-memories. Things that he knew happened, and if he thought enough, could imagine, but couldn’t be sure were real.

He tried not to dwell on that.

“And after.”

Riku kept looking at him. Unmoving. But the twig snapped in the stand.

“You weren't supposed to,” he said, and Sora could hear just a flash of panic in his voice. “I didn't send those.”

The fact that Riku was flustered too made it easier for him to smile. “You shouldn't have put my name on them, then.”

Riku hid his face behind his hair – and it was so long now that it veiled most of his pink cheeks from view.

“They were just - just a way to talk to you,” he muttered. “Whilst you were...”

Sora shuffled closer. Just slightly. The sand slipped under his fingers like silk.

“Sleeping,” he finished. It was because his own heart was racing, that the rest slipped out. Because it was so easy to tease Riku. “Like a princess.”

Riku stiffened. All of him. When he spoke, his voice was a hoarse whisper. “How much - how much did you-?”

He felt slightly guilty then. There had been a lot on those letters. A lot of feeling that Riku was trying to figure out. But he wasn’t sorry that he’d read them. He knew. And it wasn’t like Riku was ever going to let it slip.

“Once I started, I couldn’t stop,” he said. “So I read –“

“All of them?” Riku sounded mortified.

His own cheeks felt warm, now. “As much as I could of the scribbled-on ones.”

“Sora!”

Riku stared at him from behind his silver hair, eyes wide, cheeks red.

Sora tried his best to look sheepish. “They had my name on.”

“They were private!” Riku pushed his shoulder.

“I had to. I had to find out where you’d gone.” Sora pushed him back. “You say they were your way of talking to me. It's only the same as telling me.”

“I could never say those things!”

Exactly. Riku would never have told Sora how he felt.

“You wrote them.”

“You’re –“ Riku pounced on him, then. Grabbed a shoulder in either hand and threw his weight on top of him, so that Sora went sprawling in the sand. Stuck on his back. So that he was looking up into blue-green eyes. “You’re awful!”

“But you like my eyes.” Sora was smiling. He couldn’t help it. And he’d meant to be completely teasing, but it fizzled out the longer the more he spoke. Became earnest. “And my laugh. And my smile.”

“Shut up.” Riku’s grip tightened on his shoulders. Then he seemed to realise how soft Sora’s voice had gotten. How his hands were only on Riku’s wrists slightly; little finger just tracing the line of his gloves.

He stared down at him, the sun filtering through his hair so that half his face was in shadow, half in light. Beautiful, really. Riku was beautiful, and of course it didn’t matter if he looked like him or Ansem, but he was glad that it was this Riku he was broaching this subject with.

“I wanted to write back,” he murmured. Their legs were tangled together, but neither of them moved. “But I couldn't think what to say.”

It had taken him so long to figure out what that warm feeling was. That it wasn’t the same as how he felt about Kairi. That it was more than friendship. That there were things about Riku he couldn’t stop thinking about. His smirk. The way his eyes glittered. How he was so strong.

“You didn't have to say anything,” Riku said, hastily. He went to climb off of him, but Sora tightened his grip on Riku’s wrists.

Now that he was here, now that he knew how he felt, it seemed to easy. As though he couldn’t just say it.

“Maybe not.” Sora smiled, again. “Maybe all I should do I fall asleep on the beach.”

It took Riku a second. A long second. He blinked, then seemed to get the meaning, and his eyes went to Sora’s mouth. He bit his own lip. “Would you – well, will you –“

Sora couldn’t help a small laugh then. Only because Riku looked so unbelievably stunned at the possibility of his feelings being reciprocated, when surely it was obvious. He’d always thought the world of Riku.

“I think –“ His fingers skimmed past Riku’s hair – almost on his cheek. “I would like to be awake.”

It was Riku’s turn to smirk. Finally. “For once.”

And Sora’s turn to be flustered. “Hey.”

Riku was still chuckling as he leant closer. His hair really was like a veil. Sora’s heart thundered in his chest, seeming to sit on the end of his tongue. This was it. The thing he’d seen on so many worlds now.

Yet, Riku paused. So close that his breath was warm on Sora’s cheeks.

It was up to him then. He leant up, tilting his head just slightly to get the right angle.

They kissed.

It was a warm and bright thing. Like fireworks in the Summer. Or shooting stars. And when they fell away from each other, Sora’s lips tingled.

Riku kept staring at him. This time, like he was something amazing.

Well, he knew that feeling. Sora’s fingers tangled in Riku’s hair, watching the sun turn it into starlight.

Riku kissed him. They kissed each other. Still trying to figure out what to do when their mouths were together, but enjoying every moment.

Sora managed to sit back up. So they were side by side on the beach, the ocean coming in just enough to send a cold spray onto their toes. Just like the realm of darkness. Though know they faced each other, fingers touching in the sand.

Riku brushed Sora’s hair from his eyes. Brushed sand off his neck.

“I missed you,” Sora whispered. Didn’t really realise he’d said it. “So much.”

Riku raised an eyebrow. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and Sora couldn’t look away. “Now you know a little bit of how I felt without you.”

“It’s not a competition.” But if it was, Sora was sure he’d missed Riku more.

Riku only laughed. He nudged him with his shoulder, and Sora meant to nudge him back – but he found his head resting there, instead. He clutched Riku’s hand, staring out at the horizon line.

Their little world. After their big adventure. Everything had changed, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“I’m glad you brought me back.”

Riku rested his head on top of Sora’s. Sighed.

“Always. I’ll always bring you back.”

“Forever yours.”

And Sora only knew he’d actually whispered it out loud, because Riku’s fingers tightened on his own.

#soriku #kh #kingdom hearts #fanfic #fanfiction #kingdom hearts fanfic #turnupswrites #soriku fanfic #soriku fanfiction #sora #riku

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loekas · 4 years

Text

struts onto the stage and grabs a microphone

Let’s imagine a Kingdom Hearts universe where Sora is never born. Kairi takes his place as the Keyblade wielder instead. How would that change things?

Disclaimer; I haven't played KH3 yet and don't know the meta in that one. But I've played most of the other games and know the story/meta of the ones I haven’t played.

So, we start at the beginning, with Ven, Aqua and Terra. Kairi, as a newborn heart, is the one who helps Ven heal after Ventus’ heart gets split into two. This makes much more sense tbh, because Kairi is a Princess of Heart, and thus has special heart powers. Like help stabilise the light side of a heart torn into two.

Flash forward to when Ven and Vanitas have their epic heart battle, ending with the heart recombining and the Ven side being dominant, but also being on the verge of death. Again, Kairi is the one who offers Ventus refuge in her own heart. Then Malificent attacks Radiant Garden, and Kairi ends up on Destiny Islands with no memories left of her past. Kairi and Riku meet and become best friends. Terra still met with Riku on his journey as well, and still made him heir to his keyblade.

Flash forward to the start of KH1. The relationship between Kairi and Riku is a little different than in canon, because they're both friends and rivals (instead of just friends like in canon, where the rival part is occupied by Sora) Kairi is the one Riku races on the beach, she’s the one who battles him with wooden swords.

Unlike Sora, Kairi is a-okay with Riku being better than her. Sure, she likes to win, but it isn’t necessary for her to have fun. Which is good, because it means there’s no friction between her and Riku. Riku’s competitive streak is satisfied by being more skilled than Kairi, and Kairi has fun with the games they play.

Like in canon, the two of them are making a raft to go see different worlds. But lets add in one very important difference with canon.

Before leaving on their adventure, Riku and Kairi share a paopu fruit. Why? Because if you've shared one, then no matter where you go, you'll hearts will always be connect. You’ll always be able to find each other. (And this is true. Paopu fruits are genuinely magical. Share one and your destinies/hearts become intertwined)

(Except this paopu fruit isn't shared by two hearts. It's shared by three. Ven is still within Kairi...)

Ansem still tricks Riku into opening The Door of their world. The heartless still appear.

Kairi is the one who finds Riku on the beach. Kairi is the one who begs him to leave (because this is wrong, she knows that with every fiber of her being. The knowledge isn’t conscious but she knows their world is being consumed by darkness. She knows because she’s a Princess of Heart) (She knows because she saw the same thing happen to Radiant Garden)

Kairi and Riku are consumed by darkness, and they lose hold of each other. Riku is brought to Hollow Bastion and Kairi is lost to darkness.

The darkness is broken by the Kingdom Key. By the Keyblade linked to the Realm of Light.

Who better to wield it than a Princess of Heart?

Kairi now has a weapon against the darkness. She has a weapon against the heartless swarming her.

She fights the heartless with skill she shouldn't have. She fights them with magic and acrobatic feats, she fights them as though she’s been doing so her entire life.

She fights them with the skill of Ven and Vanitas. Ventus’s heart is always there, but when Kairi holds a Keyblade, his heart surges to the foreground (but neither Kairi nor Ventus are aware of this. Kairi just knows her body moves on its own, and Ventus isn't consciously making her move like that. Ventus is still slumbering. He responds to Kairi’s surroundings and feelings, but all of it is done unconsciously)

(Like Sora, Kairi doesn’t know that she holds Ventus’ heart. She was a newborn when they first met, there are no memories there. And when she offered Ventus’ heart refuge the second time, she did it on instinct. Princess of Heart powers are handy like that)

But while she’s ignorant of the heart within her, during that fight against the heartless on Destiny Islands, Kairi remembers her past. She remembers Radiant Garden being destroyed.

Like in canon, she ends up in Traverse Town after the destruction of her world. And the meeting with Leon and co is much more emotional because THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!!!! They come from the same home.

Kairi realises she isn’t alone after all. She hasn’t lost everyone. Yuffie and the others are still alive.

So is Riku. Kairi knows that through knowledge born from the paopu fruit. She knows that Riku is alive in the same way she knows how to breathe.

She has to find him.

Kairi meets Donald and Goofy, and goes on a quest to find Riku.

Meanwhile, Riku still ends up with Maleficent, and still ends up manipulated by her. Things proceed mostly like in canon. Maleficent feeds the darkness in Riku’s heart and makes him jealous of Donald and Goofy.

Unlike canon, Riku only sees Kairi from a distance. He only sees her through scrying spells, through images shown by Maleficent (Maleficent claims she can only scry for Kairi, she can't determine her exact location. This is a lie) (Unlike canon, having Riku meet with his best friend would be counterproductive to Maleficent’s plans. She can’t turn Riku against Kairi in the ways she could turn him against Sora in canon. She has no leverage in the form of a third best friend. So she takes a different route to getting Riku in the shape she needs him to be)

Kairi and Riku only meet after Riku has already become skilled at wielding darkness magic (and thus, has left his heart vulnerable to that darkness. That’s the only way to wield it after all). They only meet after Maleficent is confident it won’t ruin her plans.

By now, Maleficent has fed onto Riku’s OVERWHELMING guilt at opening the door his world, at letting the heartless in. One of the reasons she can shape Riku to her liking so completely is because Riku is struggling SO HARD with guilt and denial and horror because he DESTROYED his world! He killed everyone he ever knew and loved.

Everyone but Kairi. Like Kairi, Riku knows that she’s alive in an instinctive manner. He clings to that knowledge even more than he would have if they’d just been seperated. He clings to the idea that if they just get back together, everything will be alright again.

But he's still drowning in guilt. Worse, he’s in complete isolation. Maleficent is the only one he has significant contact with. The deck is stacked against him here. Even if he avoided being manipulated in one way, he couldn’t avoid all the other ways.

The most insidious manipulation is this. Maleficent, who lied about Hollow Bastion, who claimed this to be a remant of her world, tells him; if we open Kingdom Hearts, all the worlds destroyed by the heartless will be restored. Your world will be restored...

So when Kairi and Riku finally reunite, there are, first, a lot of hugs and tears (they've missed each other so much). But then the cracks in Riku start showing. He struggles with his jealousy towards Donald and Goofy (and Kairi doesn't understand that jealousy because she loves Donald and Goofy in a different way than Riku. And Riku is way more important to her than they are, he’s her best friend. So why be jealous?) but the real breaking point comes when he shares his plan to find Kingdom Hearts with Kairi. Riku tells her, and her immediate reaction is this.

The Kingdom of Hearts must never be opened.

She says it without thought, she says it on pure instinct. But every part of her knows it's true. The Kingdom of Hearts must never be opened. (she knows this because she's a Princess of Heart. She's a remnant of the key that once opened the Kingdom of Hearts) (She knows what will happen to the universe if the Kingdom of Hearts is ever opened again)

And Riku breaks because how can she say that? Doesn't she want their world back? Doesn’t she want their parents back, their friends?

And Kairi doesn't know how to explain because yes she wants her home back, she wants her adopted parents and friends back, she wants it so much but the Kingdom of Hearts CANNOT be opened! Even if it means the loss of her home and family, even if it would mean losing Riku, the Kindom of Hearts cannot be opened.

Eventually, they fight. Unlike canon, Riku doesn’t manage to call the Keyblade away from Kairi (because no matter how much better he was at things than her, Kairi has never felt inferior to him. Because she’s a Princess of Heart, and the Kingdom Key belongs to the Light as it belongs to no one else)

Kairi beats Riku. Riku might be incredibly talented, but he’s fifteen years old. He hasn’t been training with magic for years.

He doesn’t have the experience Ventus does. And Kairi is fighting with the skill of Ven and Vanitas both.

Riku can't handle the loss. He was ALWAYS better than Kairi at stuff like this. Except he no longer is. She's leaving him behind, she's pulling away from him and she no longer needs him.

He can't handle that. Not after destroying his world, not after fixating so hard on the idea that everything would be alright again if he just found Kairi again, if he just found his best friend. But everything isn’t alright, she’s fighting him and she’s trying to stop him from restoring their world! He can’t deal with that.

And finally, Riku is in the state that Maleficent wanted him to be. He’s on the verge of being consumed by darkness, on the verge of becoming a heartless. But he isn’t one just yet.

That is exactly the state that Ansem needs Riku to be in.

When Ansem approaches him after the fight, Riku agrees to open himself to darkness. And Ansem possesses him.

This is where the real fun begins. See, I have elaborate headcanon on the Ansem we see in KH1. In later games, we learn that this Ansem is actually the heartless of Xehanort. But this Ansem came into existence after Xehanort had already taken over Terra's body.

So, I headcanon that this heartless is actually a combination of Xehanort and Terra. His goals are still that of Xehanort (find Kingdom Hearts) but Terra's wants are there as well. Except they've been twisted because he's a heartless. The part of Ansem that used to be Terra still wants to find his friends, Aqua and Ven. But what he feels for them is no longer true love. It's possession, it's obsession. They're his and no one else's.

And this desire is why Ansem is very interested in Kairi. While observing her on her journey, he recognised her fighting style. He recognised Ven’s and Vanitas’s moves.

And now that Ansem FINALLY has a body back, now that he can finally use a Keyblade again (headcanon that the reason he needed a body is because he couldn't use a keyblade otherwise), he can act on his need to get Ven back.

(But because he used to be Xehanort as well, he first makes that special Keyblade that contains the hearts of the six Princesses he and Maleficent have already captured. Only after does he go after Kairi)

Ansem has deduced that Kairi holds Ven's heart, and he wants Ven back. So he fights with her, he taunts her. He uses Terra’s Keyblade against her (I know he didn’t use it in the game, but this is an exercise in having canon make sense. And seeing as Riku was the heir to Terra’s Keyblade, it makes sense for Ansem to be able to use that Keyblade after taking over his body) (Riku being Terra’s heir is the whole reason Ansem went after Riku in the first place...)

Ansem keeps taunting Kairi. Or rather, he taunts Ven. He calls him out, uses the names Ven and Vanitas (and Kairi hesitates because she knows those names. Somehow she knows them, somehow she knows what they mean) (She hesitates because Ventus does)

The hesitation is quickly shaken off and replaced by rage. Because this isn’t Riku, this is someone who took over his body. He’s controlling Riku and he will give Riku back! (He’ll give Terra back. Because Ventus recognises that fighting style in the same way Ansem recognised his. Ventus isn’t conscious, not truly, but he rages because he knows that keyblade, knows that magic, he knows the monster that stole his friend!) (The monster will give his friend back)

Kairi and Ventus are in synch as never before.

It isn’t enough. Terra and Xehanort have always been stronger than Ven and Vanitus.

Kairi and Ventus can’t beat him.

After awhile, Ansem goes; well, this was fun, but it's time for you to come home, Ven. And he uses Terra's Keyblade to unlock Ven's heart.

Except he fails. Because Kairi stops him. She does it on instinct, she does it in a way that shouldn’t be possible. Keyblades can't be stopped like this.

Not without the power of a Princess of Heart.

And Ansem realies. Kairi is the final Princess. The one they lost all those years ago, the one they've been searching for ever since. He gets it now, the reason Kairi was hidden from all scrying spells is because of Vanitas. Ventus' heart slumbers within her own, and Vanitas' darkness hid that Kairi possesses no darkness of her own.

Ansem laughs. What a fortunate twist of fate. The final piece to his plan was right in front of his nose all this time.

He attacks Kairi again. He uses his keyblade against her heart again. Except this time he uses the Keyblade created by the Princesses of Heart.

This time, he aims at Kairi's heart instead of Ven's.

Kairi’s heart is consumed.

And Riku is back control of his body. Because Kairi's power is no longer being contained by her body, because he has a direct link to that power by holding the Keyblade that holds her heart. Because they shared a paopu fruit and that created a magical bond. (And Ansem screams because Ven is lost! There was only a brief window in time to capture his heart as Kairi's was unleashed, and because of the switch in control, that window is gone! Ven is gone. Ansem rages) (Ansem is powerless as long as Riku keeps hold of that Keyblade)

And Riku, who was screaming inside Ansem the entire time he was fighting Kairi, goes no, no, no, this can't be happening. I can’t have killed Kair, can’t have killed my best friend.

I need to save her.

In this world, Riku is the one who breaks the Keyblade and returns the Princesses their hearts.

And Ansem is back in control.

Things go mostly according to canon again, with Kairi going after Ansem (because he will give Riku back!) (because the Kingdom of Hearts must never be opened)

It ends with Riku and King Mickey closing The Door on one side, Kairi, Donald and Goofy closing The Door on the other side. But before closing it, Kairi makes Riku promise that he'll come back to her. He promises that he will (which is a good thing, because Riku is pretty suicidal right now and things would not end well without this promise)

Kairi and Mickey close Kingdom Hearts. And Kairi returns to Radiant Garden (because that's her original world. That's where she was born). Donald and Goofy go to that world instead of their own as well, because Kairi instinctively uses Princess powers to keep their hearts with her. The final image is Kairi, flanked by Donald and Goofy, looking up at all the stars that are back.

End act 1. Now, we get to the good stuff. Now, the butterfly effects really come into play.

Kairi is a Princess of Heart. They are incapable of creating Nobody's. So when her heart was released from her body? Nothing happened.

In this world, Naminé doesn't exist.

Roxas does.

Except he's not Kairi's Nobody. He's Ventus. He's a heart that exists without a body, something possible only because of the connection he has with a Princess of Heart.

But without being inside Kairi’s heart, that connection isn't enough to protect him. Slowly, Ventus is turning into a heartless.

The part of him that is Vanitas is TERRIFIED. That part of him remembers how hollow he always felt, how it always felt like something was missing. How that feeling only went away after merging with Ven. He doesn't want to go back to that. This desire is unconscious though, because Ventus/Roxas has lost his memory.

Roxas is still found by Xehanort, Ansem's Nobody. Roxas still becomes the thirteenth member of Organisation XIII.

But Kairi never goes to Castle of Oblivion. She never has her memories manipulated by Naminé. There’s no failed coup within the Organisation. So when Kairi finally does meet the Organisation?

Things look very different indeed...

And that’s all I have on this. Thank you for coming to my TED talk! If anyone wants to speculate on what happens next, be my guest!

#kingdom hearts #meta #kairi #riku #wayfinder trio #destiny trio #except it's a destiny duo #unless you count in ven #which i do #then it's the destiny trio again #ven can belong to more trio's than one #as a treat

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minijenn · 3 years

Text

Keys to the Kingdom Preview

Fuck I just realized I forgot to post a preview for this chapter. From the prom chapter wtf am I doing here???? Anyway, enjoy some preamble setup stuff that eventually help us get to the cute fluffy fancy shit later on ahaha:

“Um… guys?” he decides to speak up not long after they arrive. He trails alongside Donald and Goofy, near the back of the group as they head down a lightly wooded road. The path stretches toward a sizable town up ahead, and, resting even further beyond that, a towering, radiant castle, practically glowing against the early evening sky. “What are we doing here?”

Aqua and Ventus exchange a brief glance at this question as they continue leading the way. Ultimately, Aqua is the one to offer an answer to it. Or at least, make an attempt at doing so. “Well, we’re, um… We came here to…”

Ventus can only shrug apprehensively when she looks to him for help. Fortunately, Mickey manages to fill in with a fitting explanation, something they’re both lacking, just in the nick of time. “That’s easy,” the king says with a bit of a small chuckle. “We’re back on the hunt for the rest of those Keys, remember?”

“Ok, great, but one problem,” Sora points out with a frown. “There isn’t any Key in this world.”

“Uh… how do you know?” Ventus asks. He tries as best as he possibly can to make his smile not come across as nervous. To not let their scheme be seen through before it’s even truly begun.

“Well, I have this sort of… Keys Instinct that’s been helping us find them so far,” Sora explains. “I don’t really know how to describe it, but it’s like this… feeling, I guess? Point is, it’s something I’ve felt in every world where we’ve found a Key, but I’m not feeling that here, so…”

“So maybe we should just move on then?” Kairi infers, finishing off where he leaves off.

“We can’t leave yet!” Ventus exclaims, perhaps a bit too intensely. He backs down a bit at the curious glances most of the others send his way. “Um, w-we can’t leave without… at least looking around, right?”

Ventus falters under the incredulous look Sora sends his way when he says this. He has a pretty good reason for what’s behind that look too, a reason neither of them can really say, as much as Ventus might want to. And of course, what Sora says next is nowhere near close to that. “We can always look in some other world where there actually is a Key,” he stops short, preparing to turn back toward the ship and hoping the others follow suit. “I don’t think it’s a great idea to be taking a shot in the dark in a place where we might not even find one in the first place. Not when the Organization’s out there looking for them too.”

“Actually,” Riku speaks up, his tone cool and even. “I think Ventus has a point. There’s no harm in checking, just to be safe.”

“B-but… my Keys Instinct…” Sora protests earnestly. And for that earnesty, Riku approaches him, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“I trust that instinct, just like I trust you,” he assures with a soft smile. “But we need to be thorough just as much as we need to be fast. What if there is a Key in this world, but it’s just so well hidden that your instinct didn’t pick up on it?”

“It would pick up on it though,” Sora insists. “That’s… just how this works. Right, you guys?”

Donald and Goofy both nod when Sora glances back at them for support. “Yeah, yeah, it’s worked so far,” Donald says with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“With every Key we’ve found yet,” Goofy adds much more affirmatively. “And after finding 8 of ‘em, we should know.”

“I understand that,” Riku acknowledges the pair before turning back to Sora. “And I’m not saying you’re making a mistake by not sensing one here. But I still think it’s worth our while to take a look anyway. After all,” he pauses for just a beat, sparing the briefest of intentional glances between Sora and Kairi, standing nearby. “You never know what we might find if we do.”

“...Well, whatever we find, I doubt it’s gonna be a Key,” Sora muttered, not following the hint.

“So what’s the plan here?” Axel pipes up. “Are we staying or are we heading out?”

“We’re staying,” Aqua asserts before any further protests can be made. “Ven and I actually have a few friends here we’d like to catch up with. Better yet, they might even be able to help us out if we ask.”

“They can help us find a Key?” Kairi asks, curious.

“...Something like that,” Aqua mutters, turning back toward the road ahead with a small, knowing smile. At the same time, Ventus mouths a subtle ‘thank you’ to Riku as he passes by, a thanks that comes from pushing their plan along. A plan that, outside of the two of them and Aqua, none of the others have a clue about in the slightest.

Sora narrowly stifles a frustrated sigh as the rest of the group continues to move on. He eventually does the same with some silent urging from Donald and Goofy, though he’s far from happy about it. Searching for a Key in this world is a fool’s errand; he knows that, even if the others don’t believe it. They’re wasting precious time embarking on that search here, time that would be much better spent elsewhere, better spent actually finding Keys where they actually are. Time that Sora knows he doesn’t have much on his side anymore to stop a longstanding conflict that’s waging violently against him from the outside in.

Time that’s quickly running out to stop his heart from slipping into the shadows before anyone else can suspect a single thing about it.

#jen writes #keys to the kingdom #keys preview

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ornamentelle · 4 years

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KH OC Week Day 2: Bonds of the Heart

(The Stonewall siblings, from left to right: Tatsuya, Akihiko, Hikaru, and Yui)

Day 2 for @khoc-week for the Stonewall girls; better late than never!

For Hikaru...

Family

For most of her life Hikaru’s strongest bonds were with her family. She didn’t really have many chances to make close friends due to moving frequently, and in her birthworld of Polaris, her family had a reputation that set her and her siblings as outcasts of sorts.

Akihiko: By far, her best and closest friend was her older brother Akihiko, who was something of a rival in certain regards, but more so a partner in crime for whatever mischief they found themselves in. Wherever Akihiko went, Hikaru was almost sure to follow.

Yui: Her relationship with her older sister Yui was much more strained in comparison; she always thought of Yui as needlessly grumpy and a source of a lot of their mother’s frustrations with the kids. Despite that, Hikaru does know that Yui is always watching out for them—no matter how prickly she can sometimes be.

Tatsuya: Their youngest brother and newest addition to the family, Tatsuya was taken in by them only a couple years before the story’s start after they found him alone in one of the cities they were living in. Hikaru finds him a bit strange, but likes having someone younger she can be a bad influence big sibling to.

Friends

Hikaru does branch out and make some friends once her world is destroyed, however. Some notable ones...

Sora: Like two peas in a pod. Over the course of her journey, Hikaru finds a tight friendship in Sora, who she comes to see like a brother. His cheerful demeanor and competitive nature remind her quite a bit of her brother Akihiko, though Hikaru relishes in being the older one in this duo. They spend much of their adventure together and come to trust each other a lot.

Kairi: In the short time Hikaru spends on the Destiny Islands prior to the world’s destruction, she and Kairi become fast friends. Hikaru really appreciates having another girl friend, after spending so much time around her brother and his friends. Kairi offers a certain level-headedness and understanding that Hikaru appreciates greatly.

Donald: One of her “surrogate parents.” Despite the duck’s short fuse and impatience with Hikaru’s shenanigans, he surprisingly offers something that Hikaru was always lacking in her home life: the confidence to persevere, and the encouragement to try her hardest.

Goofy: Goofy’s kindness and patience make him a much-needed father figure in Hikaru’s life, especially so soon after her father’s own passing. Goofy is understanding of Hikaru’s troubles and offers her unconditional support.

Significant other

Hovering somewhere between close friend and something more, Hikaru and Riku form a relationship based on a patient understanding of each other’s mistakes, flaws, and pains. A tentative friendship at the start of KH1 takes a turn for the rocky once the adventure kicks off, quickly devolving into hostility and a growing spiteful contention. It isn’t until some time later that Hikaru takes a step back and tries to reconcile—and in doing so, finds one of her most trusted confidantes and closest bonds.

And now for Yui! (Unfortunately I don’t have many pictures for her relationships.)

Yui has always been something of a loner. She spends much of her time by herself, seeking a haven from the stresses from her family life and making only peripheral acquaintances wherever she goes. Sometimes she almost dares to open up, but every time previous she’s run away the moment she feels herself growing too close to someone. There’s a conflict inside her, a fear of getting close to people clashing with a deep longing for trust and connection.

Family

Akihiko: Akihiko is the family’s golden child, while Yui is the family black sheep; but they have an unspoken understanding and watch each other’s backs, even if they don’t spend a lot of time actually hanging out together. Yui takes it upon herself to keep her brother in line and make sure his ego doesn’t get the best of him, while Akihiko tries to mediate any tensions and disagreements between the family before they can reach a boiling point.

Hikaru: Yui sees Hikaru as a naive child, which isn’t completely wrong. It’s a source of frustration, but it’s also something Yui in some ways wants to protect. Yui shields Hikaru from the worst parts of life, and gods help anyone who decides to lay a hand on either of her siblings; because Yui has proven it before that any threat to her family will be met with rage and vengeance.

Luna: The darkest shadow in Yui’s life is the one cast by her mother Luna. The two of them have always had a vicious and hostile relationship with each other— a relationship that Yui calls cruel because to Luna, Yui is no better than a monster. They may not like each other, but there is at least one thing they can agree on: that Yui will always protect her younger siblings.

Friends

It takes a long time until Yui begins to make actual friendships. Of them, there are a few notable ones from the post-KH3 era.

Lea: Yui never asked to be Lea’s friend; it just sort of happened. Mainly it’s just going out for drinks, but hey, better than nothing. Yui finds Lea’s attitude and behavior a little grating at times, but her exasperation is one of mild amusement. Maybe. It depends on her mood.

Isa: Being friends with Lea means being hanging out with Isa, and Yui finds herself getting along with him more easily than Lea. Though they aren’t particularly close, she’s more willing to talk about serious issues with him.

Terra: Yui knew of Terra long before she met him, but she soon realized they were sort of like kindred spirits in several ways. Her blameless understanding of the things he’s gone through leads to some heartfelt conversations, and Terra has become one of the first people she’ll go to when she needs to talk to someone.

Significant Other

A relationship that never should have been—or at least, that’s how Yui sees it. Because really, there was no reason she and Aqua should have ever become as close as they had, other than the circumstances that had forced them together. When they first met, it had been caution and suspicion. Aqua had no reason to trust Yui, especially as she began to discover the deep darkness lurking in Yui’s heart. But loneliness and the need to survive won out, and they agreed to work together. From there, they discovered more about each other and developed a mutual respect. An act of self-sacrifice and one rescue mission later, and that mutual respect began to turn into something more.

Thanks for reading!

#kingdom hearts #kh #kingdom hearts oc #kh oc #khocweek2020 #kh oc week #hikaru stonewall #yui stonewall

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maddrmatt · 3 years

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Kairi’s Epic Journey: The Quest for Sora

New to this fanfic? Click here to properly begin!

Chapter 19: Speaking of Sora

Arendelle

As dusk fell on Arendelle, Kairi exited the private bathroom that was attached to the guestroom that had been provided to her. She had just finished up her nighttime routine and had changed into a nightgown she had packed into her knapsack.

Of course, she still had the Wayfinder around her neck. She was determined to keep it with her even when she slept.

Going up to the fourposter bed, she fell backwards onto it and let out a contented sigh. She turned to Pluto, who was already on the foot of the bed.

“I don’t know about you, Pluto. But I’m pretty glad the Wayfinder brought us to a world where we got both good food and a good bed,” she said as Pluto barked to show his agreement.

Kairi patted her stomach which was now full of an absolutely delicious meal served by the castle’s kitchen staff. Then a little sadness came to her face.

‘The food was great. But I probably would have enjoyed it more if Anna wasn’t acting so frosty to her sister. We all felt it throughout the whole meal.’

Kairi’s sadness increased. ‘Like I’m one to talk. I’ve been giving my friends the cold shoulder for the past month. But I’d be perfectly willing to put this all behind us if only they’d admit they were wrong in giving up the search for Sora.’

A knock on the door was heard. “Come in!” called Kairi sitting up on the edge of the bed.

The door opened and in stepped Elsa dressed in her own nightgown. “Hello Kairi. I just thought I’d check in on you before turning in for the night. Is the room to you and your dog’s liking?”

“Oh yes. Thanks again for letting us stay here. Although, I must admit that I’m not too used to staying in such extravagance,” said Kairi.

“There’s something you and Kristoff have in common. He was more used to simpler accommodations before he started living here,” said the queen.

“I can understand why. Also, I may not be familiar with royal etiquette, but is it typical for the queen herself to look in on her guests before bedtime?”

Elsa chuckled. “Not usually. But for friends, I make an exception.”

“Don’t you mean friends of a friend as Olaf would say?” asked Kairi amusedly. ‘Boy, that little guy’s rubbing off on me.’

But, much to Kairi’s surprise, Elsa didn’t laugh at the joke. In fact, the queen seemed a little regretful.

“Elsa? I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?”

“No, Kairi. You didn’t. It’s just…I don’t think I have a right to call myself a friend of Sora’s.

Kairi gave a look of confusion. “Would you like to tell me why you think that?” she asked as she gestured to a spot on the bed next to her.

Elsa nodded and walked into the room. After sitting next to Kairi on the bed, she turned to the Princess of Heart. “I’m sure Sora would count Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf among his friends. But I don’t think he would count me. Not after what I did.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I first met him along with Donald and Goofy, I was running away from my kingdom. My powers had been revealed to Anna and everyone else and all I wanted to do to get away so I wouldn’t hurt anyone. But when Sora saw what I could do, he actually wasn’t afraid. He was surprised, of course, but after, he seemed concerned about me.”

“That’s Sora for you. If he feels someone needs help, he’ll be the one to offer it. It’s always been one of his best qualities,” said Kairi. ‘Biggest heart in all the worlds.’

Elsa’s frown deepened. “But instead of accepting his help, I did what I had always done: I shut him out. And even though we parted on good terms after I lifted the winter, I started feel even worse about it after I heard how much he and his friends had done to protect Arendelle from those Heartless monsters. So, I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t consider me a friend.”

Kairi smiled at the queen. “Elsa, take it from me when I say that Sora wouldn’t hold that against you. In fact, from what I heard from him, Donald and Goofy, they kept trying to find you to make sure you were okay.”

“Really?” asked Elsa.

Kairi nodded. “Trust me. In spite of how you first met, Sora would still consider you as a friend and help you in anyway he could. I bet if he were here now, he’d probably even be trying to help you and Anna fix things,” said Kairi.

Elsa sighed. “That would be nice. But I’m sure once the Duke is gone, Anna and I can put this behind us.”

“Still, it can’t be easy fighting with your sister like this,” said Kairi.

“No, it hasn’t. But I can understand why Anna’s been so against this. She’s really just trying to protect me,” said Elsa.

“Because of what happened during your coronation?” asked Kairi causing Elsa to look at her in surprise. “Kristoff told me what the Duke tried to do. He also told me about that prince who tricked Anna into an engagement and tried to take over your kingdom. I can’t believe someone would play around with someone’s heart like that.”

“Yes. Having had two different attempts on my life in such a short amount of time was quite the ordeal for both of us. And that’s why I can’t blame Anna for being like this during the Duke’s visit,” said Elsa.

Then, to Kairi’s surprise, Elsa let out a small chuckle. “It’s a little funny when I think about it. I’m the eldest sister and the one with the magical powers. And yet, Anna seems to think she has to be the one to protect me.”

“I know the feeling. I’ve seen how much Sora’s done, and I know what he’s capable of. And yet, there’s nothing I wanted more than be one who he could count on to protect him,” said Kairi as her smile faded. ‘And I failed horribly.’

Elsa gave Kairi a look of sympathy. “Kairi, we’ll do all we can to help you find Sora. We owe him a great debt for protecting Arendelle. That being said, there is one thing that is concerning me about this situation. Now don’t take this the wrong way. But I, along with Anna and Krisoff, have a feeling that you haven’t exactly told us everything about what happened to him. Knowing a little more could really help us help you.”

Kairi gazed at Elsa sadly. “I’d like to, Elsa. But I really can’t. I’m sorry.”

Elsa gave a gentle smile to the girl. “No, it’s okay, Kairi. Don’t feel bad about it. I can see that it must be a really difficult subject for you to talk about. Just know that you can talk to any of us when you feel ready to.”

Kairi smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Elsa.”

“Now you’d better get some sleep. We have quite a few things to do tomorrow. But if you need anything during the night, don’t hesitate to call for Gerda or any of the servants. Good night, Kairi. See you in the morning,” said Elsa as she got up from the bed.

“Good night, Elsa,” said Kairi as the queen left the room.

Kairi then turned to Pluto. The dog gave her a concerned expression. The girl let out a sigh as she petted him on the head.

“I really wish I could tell them, Pluto. Tell them everything. About the Keyblade War and how Sora was really lost. But you and I both know that’s impossible.”

Pluto whimpered in sympathy. Kairi gave a sad smile to her companion.

“Let’s get some sleep. Hopefully tomorrow, we’ll find something in this world that can help us find Sora,” said Kairi.

With that, Kairi got into the bed as Pluto settled in his place at the foot. Laying her head down on the pillow and pulling the covers up to her neck, it wasn’t too long before she fell asleep.

________________________________________________________________

A short while later, Kairi’s eyes opened. Much to her surprise, she was no longer in her room in Arendelle.

She was now floating down a tunnel of darkness. Up ahead, there was what appeared to be a portal of bright light that seemed to glow brighter as she got closer.

‘What’s going on?’ she thought.

Soon, the light encompassed her completely. Kairi raised her hand and covered her eyes. She held her hand there for a few moments until she lowered it and finally saw where she had arrived to her shock.

She was now standing in the middle of an endless expanse of sea and sky. It was a place Kairi recognized and knew all too well.

‘This is…this is the place where…’ she thought before a familiar voice interrupted her pondering.

“Kairi!”

Kairi gasped. ‘Sora?’

Kairi turned to the right. There, standing a short distance away with his back to her, was Sora.

“Kairi, where are you?” he called with his hands cupped around his mouth.

“Sora! I’m over here!” Kairi called back.

Sora turned in the direction of her voice. But to her surprise, he didn’t look overjoyed. Instead, he looked extremely worried.

“Kairi! Answer me! Where are you?” he shouted again.

“Huh? Sora, I’m right here in front of you! Can’t you see me?” asked Kairi waving her arm.

Then, from nowhere, a familiar voice cried out, “Sora!”

To both Sora and Kairi’s surprise, a familiar form materialized between them. Their eyes opened wide when they saw who it was.

“Chirithy!” exclaimed Sora.

“I didn’t expect to see you back here so soon. What’s happening?” asked the Dream Eater.

Kairi was absolutely baffled. ‘He can see and hear Chirithy but he can’t see or hear me? Seriously, what is happening?’

“I don’t have time to explain everything, Chirithy. But maybe you could help me. Have you seen a girl show up here recently? She’s dressed in pink and has red hair and indigo eyes. I’ve got to find her!” exclaimed Sora urgently.

Chirithy shook its head. “I’m sorry, Sora. I haven’t seen anybody who looks like that. I don’t think it would even be possible. Remember, usually only hearts reach this world and not the bodies they belong to. You were a major exception.”

Sora turned away from Chirithy. He collapsed to his knees and pounded his right hand on the ground. He looked like he was about to cry.

Kairi’s heart ached when she saw the boy who meant so much to her look so despondent. She wanted to hold him in her arms so very much. But since he apparently couldn’t see or hear her, she doubted he would even be able to feel her embrace if she even tried to.

“But something unusual did arrive here very recently. Maybe it’s connected to who you’re looking for,” said Chirithy.

Sora rose to his feet and faced the Dream Eater. “Could you show it to me? Please?”

“Of course. Follow me,” said Chirithy as it scampered away with Sora following close behind.

Kairi stood where she was. Her mind was reeling as she tried to make sense of what she had just witnessed. Finally, it hit her.

‘This must be a memory. One of Sora’s that must’ve happened after he defeated Xehanort and went to find me. But how is it that I’m seeing this now and why?’

With no answer to her question, Kairi then began to chase after Sora and Chirithy. ‘I do know one thing for certain: I’m not leaving Sora’s side even if he can’t see or hear me.’

________________________________________________________________

Through the expanse of the world, Kairi followed the boy she loved as he followed the little Dream Eater. As she ran, she heard the various mutterings of the stars all around them. Normally, Kairi would’ve stopped to listen to their tales. But she could not lose sight of Sora no matter what.

Finally, Sora and Chirithy stopped. Kairi stopped as well and the three of them beheld what stood before them.

It looked like some kind of translucent dark orb rooted to the ground by black tendrils. Within the orb, hovering in mid-air, was a glowing pink shard of crystal.

“Chirithy, what is that? Is it a heart?” asked Sora.

“Yes, but not a full one, actually,” responded Chirithy.

Sora looked confused. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“What we are looking at, Sora, is a crystallized piece of a heart. It was very strange, actually. When I saw this shard arrive here, it rooted itself to this world with those dark tendrils. It’s almost as if whatever divided this heart and sent it here wanted it to remain here. But I have no idea why,” said Chirithy.

Sora approached the dark structure. As he got close to it, an odd feeling came over him and he clutched his heart. Then his eyes opened wide.

“Kairi! This is a piece of Kairi’s heart! I know it is! I can feel it!” he exclaimed.

Then his excitement was replaced by confusion. “But why would Xehanort want it to remain in this world?” he wondered.

“Hold on, Sora. Maybe you’d better explain a few things first. What exactly happened to your friend?” asked Chirithy.

Sora gazed downward and clenched his fist. “This…monster named Xehanort is what happened to her. He destroyed her in front of me to goad me into fighting with him to forge the χ-blade.”

Chirithy let out a gasp. “Someone was actually trying to recreate that?! But that would mean he would have the power of Kingdom Hearts itself at his command!”

“That’s exactly what he was trying to do. And like a fool, I played into right into his hands,” said Sora who almost sounded on the verge of crying.

‘No, Sora. It’s not your fault. It was mine. If I had only been stronger, this never would’ve happened,’ thought Kairi wishing she could tell Sora that very notion.

Chirithy tapped its chin with its paw. “Hmm. That still doesn’t explain everything. If all this Xehanort had to do was get you to fight with him, why go through all the trouble of fragmenting your friend’s heart and then planting the pieces of them here? Is there anything particularly special about your friend’s heart?”

“Well, she is one of the Seven Princesses of Heart,” said Sora.

Chirithy gasped in surprise. “She’s one of the Seven Pure Lights?”

“Yes. That’s why we were fighting against Xehanort and his Organization even though we knew it’s exactly what he wanted us to do. If we didn’t, they would’ve gone after Kairi and the other Princesses to forge the χ-blade.”

A feeling of dread came over Kairi as she considered the thought of the Organization going after the Princesses of Heart. ‘All the princesses and their friends probably would have stood no chance against them. We barely stood a chance against them. Especially me.’

Then Sora let out a gasp of realization. “That it! Xehanort always had backup plans. In fact, he even had backup plans for his backup plans!”

“I don’t quite understand what you’re getting at, Sora,” said Chirithy.

“Don’t you see? If our clash at the Keyblade Graveyard didn’t work out for him, he could’ve still used Kairi and the Princesses in another plan to acquire the χ-blade. That must be why he sent the pieces of her heart here so he could retrieve them later if he needed to,” said Sora.

“Well, I guess that does make sense,” said Chirithy.

“So, if the pieces of Kairi’s heart are here in this world, all I have to do to get her back is use the Power of Waking to track them all down and restore her!” exclaimed Sora.

“No, Sora! Don’t do that!” shouted Kairi even though she knew it was futile.

“First, I’ll set this piece of heart free and then I’ll go find the others,” said Sora as he summoned Kingdom Key and pointed it at the dark tendrils.

“Wait, Sora!” exclaimed Chirithy.

Sora stopped in his tracks. “What is it, Chirithy?”

“This plan of yours; I don’t think it’s the right way to bring your friend back.”

Sora turned back to the Dream Eater with a look of confusion on his face. “What do you mean? I did it before. I used the Power of Waking to track down and save Riku and the others when the Demon Tide consumed all of us.”

“Yes, but that’s not the way the Power of Waking is supposed to be used at all. And if you misuse it that way to save your friend, it may end up costing you more than you expect,” said Chirithy.

Sora reflected on Chirithy’s words. In addition, the warnings of Young Xehanort and King Mickey about the Power of Waking were ringing through his mind. Still, something didn’t add up.

“But Chirithy, when I asked you if the Power of Waking was how I could save the others before, you didn’t seem to have problem with it. Why are you against it now?” asked Sora.

Chirithy sighed. “I’m sorry, Sora. I wasn’t trying to mislead you. Let me explain. Remember when I told you when we first met that something was tethering you to this world and preventing you from passing beyond?”

Sora nodded in response. But his confused expression remained.

“Well, I believed that the same thing would also allow you to use the Power of Waking to save your friends without any risk of the consequences. And since you were able to pull it off, it appears I was right. But that is not the case anymore. Whatever tether you had back then, it’s gone now and that’s why you shouldn’t go through with this plan. Maybe you should try to discover how Xehanort planned to retrieve the pieces of her heart. It may be a safer way,” said Chirithy.

Sora looked as if he was considering Chirithy’s words. Then he glanced back to the shard of Kairi’s heart entrapped in the dark structure.

Kairi felt a tremendous sympathy for Sora. ‘It’s such a painful irony. Since I was the one who kept Sora from fading away, he was able to save everyone else without anything bad happening to him. But when it comes to saving me, he’s forced to risk everything.’

Sora turned back to Chirithy. “I’m sorry, Chirithy. But I can’t do that.”

Chirithy made a gesture of surprise. “But why?”

“You said the only reason I was able to save everyone is because something was keeping me from fading away. Well, that something was a someone and that someone was Kairi,” said Sora.

Chirithy gave another surprised gesture. “So that was what held you here the first time! It was a special connection to one of the Seven Pure Lights!” it exclaimed.

“That’s right. It’s knowing that she always believed in me that’s enabled me to do the things I’ve done. And I’m not going to leave her like this: shattered and scattered around this world. Not for one more second. I don’t care how risky it is because she’s worth every risk,” stated Sora.

Chirithy stared at the Keyblade Wielder. “She really does mean a lot to you, doesn’t she?”

“More than you’ll ever know.”

Kairi’s heart sank. While it did feel good to hear Sora speak so highly of his devotion to her, it also had the unfortunate effect of making her feel even more guilty about what he was about to do.

The Dream Eater sighed. “I guess I can’t stop you, can I? Very well then. Do what you believe you have to do.”

Sora gave a smile to Chirithy and then turned back to the heart shard. Raising his Keyblade, he pointed it at the base of the structure.

Summoning all his strength, Sora shot a beam of light from Kingdom Key. Upon striking the dark structure, it immediately disintegrated. The freed heart shard hovered over to Sora.

“Kairi,” he said as he watched it circle around him like a halo.

In spite of herself, Kairi had to smile. ‘Even a piece of my heart knows that it’s safe with Sora.’

“Just be careful, Sora. There’s no telling how many pieces of Kairi’s heart are out there and if this Xehanort had his own plans for them, acquiring them will probably be more difficult than this one,” warned Chirithy.

“You’re probably right. Freeing this one did seem a little too easy especially since Xehanort was the one who set it up. He may have set up a few nasty surprises to protect the other ones. But I need to take that chance. I promised to keep Kairi safe and when I make a promise to her, I always keep it. Wish me luck!” said Sora as closed his eyes and raised his Keyblade as he prepared to use the Power of Waking to bring him to the next shard.

As Kari watched, light began to surround her. The scene in front of her began to fade out of view.

Before she completely lost sight of Sora, she heard the Dream Eater utter, “May your heart be your guiding key, Sora.”

________________________________________________________________

Arendelle

Kairi’s eyes slowly opened. She was back in her bed in Arendelle. Glancing over to the window, she could see small beams of daylight peek in through the curtain.

Sitting up, she watched Pluto stretch and let out a yawn. He then crawled over to her with a smile on his face. With a small smile of her own, she scratched him on the head.

Then her smile gave way to puzzlement. She placed her hand over her heart and wondered why she had become a witness to one of Sora’s memories.

‘Sora, did you call me?’

________________________________________________________________

Onto the next chapter!

#kingdom hearts #kh fanfiction #sokai #kairi #pluto #elsa #sora #chirithy #maddrmatt

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herocarved · 3 years

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Words have always been difficult for him, especially those of the soft, tender type, especially now when he's still adjusting to having his own body back - but it's just one of those days where his heart feels vulnerable, a temperamental thing that's desperately seeking contact, attention, affection. Streams of sunlight on his face as he sits on his aunt & uncle's porch is helping, warmth seeping into his bones to the sound of laughter & screaming children on a hot summer day--- but sora notices, of course he does, & having arms & legs curl around him as the boy of light sits on his lap, allowing him to wrap arms round his waist, bury his face in the crook of his neck & feel his pulse, the matching rhythmic connection of their hearts, makes him truly feel like he's home. "I missed you." Neither of them have been more than a few feet apart from each other today - but between them, it doesn't really matter. ----- @dawnled

it doesn’t matter that they’ve been apart for months --- no, years, isn’t it? --- to the boy wonder; of course, he would notice the melancholy, && of course, he would take action to dispel it from his best friend’s --- no, his boyfriend’s, isn’t that more correct? --- face, his shoulders, his everything.

&& it doesn’t matter that they’ve barely had any time at all from the moment they fell from the sky into the familiar warmth of their sea to this precise point where he walks a lovingly worn path to the porch in which his other half reclines. it doesn’t matter that they’ve only just shared a paopu fruit (&& oh, how his mouth aches for another bite of the sugary tang of the fruit that represents unbreakable bonds).

it feels completely natural to slide into riku’s lap, for his smaller frame to settle against riku’s larger one --- always, riku had been a little taller, but his most recent growth spurt is more telling of their time apart than anything else --- && for his fingers to brush through silvered hair, so tantalizingly soft against the callouses of war built into his fingers. he settles there, balanced on the very knees that are pressed into riku’s hips, && with his arms wrapped so confidently around his neck.

sora feels the warm breath against his collarbones, feels the strong arms settling around his waist, && just as he cocoons riku from the world, riku does the same for him. there’s a silent understanding between them, a knowledge of their journey that they can’t share with their parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents --- nobody could possible understand it, even if they did tell them.

&& who would believe them? --- worse yet, what if their parents decided they needed to spend less time together because of their “stories?”

he presses his cheek to riku’s temple && sighs; there’s contentment in that sigh --- there’s acceptance, the same kind of acceptance that he once carried, quiet && just a little bit proud, when he thought they would be stuck in the realm of darkness together. he could keep any secret, suffer any loss, take on any reckless job, if it meant staying at riku’s side.

after all, hadn’t that been the reason for his battle against the organization, ultimately? that desperation to know && see riku safe once again drove him forward, even when the king kept his secrets (&& will he ever really forgive the mouse for that?) && donald && goofy reprimanded him for his sulking.

“i missed you, too.”

does he mean just today? does he mean from the long journey after his waking in twilight town? yes, is the answer --- yes to all of it. his heart hums warm in his chest; it hums a frantic song that begs him to allow it within riku’s chest, where it might stay, warm && safe && forever together with the boy he’s still discovering as the one he loves most.

&& he finally leans back a little, perhaps to let riku breathe, to take his cheeks within the palms of his hands && to look at the sea green eyes that he missed seeing so very much. he smiles && there’s something a little daring in the way his eyes light up, as if he’s thinking of terrible ideas ---

the kiss is awkward, juvenile, amateurish.

it’s also the only type of kiss he could ever want, so long as it continues to be riku that he shares these moments with.

#dawnled #ic .#answered .#starter .#v . post kh2 .

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oveliagirlhaditright · 4 years

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https://archiveofourown.org/works/25092943/chapters/61014142

Author’s Note: So, this prompt is based on a story I wrote years ago—right after Madoka Rebellion came out, that’s since been deleted; and you don’t have to have read that to understand this—where I went, “What if Kairi pulled a Homura, and removed Sora’s destiny from him like Homura did for Madoka?”

There’s a lot of debate about what Homura did to Madoka. And while I don’t justify it, I think her intentions were good (for the most part). She thought from their conversation earlier, that that was what Madoka would want… and that it was the only way to keep the Incubators from kidnapping her and forcing her to bring back the Witch system. I also think you can’t fully blame Homura for what she did, because she wasn’t in her right mind as a Witch.

So that’s what I went with Kairi for that story… She’d kind of gone crazy, because Sora had broken all of his promises to her, all of the trauma she’d been through… and because in my story, I had it so the World Order was broken and everyone knew about Sora and the gang’s journeys and other worlds. And that this had led to all these girls being in love with Sora, and thinking Kairi wasn’t good enough for him (yes, this was a reference to some of the fandom’s fans), and they even attacked her for it… So, all of this made Kairi lose it, and use her Princess of Heart powers to “save” Sora from being a Keyblade wielder. But she was also trying to be selfless with it, because the story had started with Sora having to leave Kairi again… but it being obvious that he didn’t want to go, and would stay home if he had the choice.

So Kairi took his powers away from him, sealed his memories of other worlds, and did the fighting for him (she may have split herself into two beings to do this, so one of her could fight and the other could be with Sora. Kind of like how there are two Madokas after her wish. Madoka and Madokami), and at first, she and Sora are happy together…

But eventually Sora finds out the truth and is partly angry at Kairi. Because on one hand, he does think she was right about him not wanting to be a hero (at least not anymore) and somewhat appreciates her maybe saving him from a lifetime of fighting. But he’s also furious that she stole his agency, and memories of a life he did love somewhat—with all the people he met in other worlds.

So, this is a continuation of that idea… where things are better now, and Sora’s trying to make it work with Kairi (though she’s still not quite sane), but he still resents some of her past choices some. Oh, and everyone else now knows what she did, too. And Mickey… Mickey isn’t happy about it. This is kind of following the whole “Mickey was somewhat a jerk about Kairi in KHIII” thing.

And the first line that fits the prompt—that inspired this whole thing—is another line from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. More on that later.

SoKai Week Day 6. Prompt: Connection

Connection

"There is a connection," Mickey was accusing Sora now, when it came to his relationship with Kairi. "She relies on you, you rely on her."

And Sora actually somewhat wanted to deny that there was still a connection between him and Kairi—since Kairi had somewhat become evil recently, and had tried to steal his powers and memories away—but he couldn't. …He loved her, perhaps even foolishly, and he always would as his light... even now. And anyone with eyes could see that, but that didn't mean they were happy about it… like Mickey here.

"I think she's on the mend, your Majesty," Sora protested, as the two of them walked through the woods in Twilight Town. Little Chef needed more ingredients from them, so that was what they were doing here at the moment. Nothing major, since things had mostly calmed down since everything that had happened with the Master of Masters... well, aside from the Kairi thing. "She still gets out of touch with reality sometimes... but other times, she's spot-on again. So, please... just leave us be."

Truthfully? Sora was irritated with the King when it came to Kairi. And a side of him had ever since said Keyblade War. It seemed as though he'd decided he was against Kairi, and every second he could... he was putting her down in some way. It was tiring.

But Sora couldn't exactly end his friendship with the man... one, because of Donald, Goofy, and Riku—and perhaps for the sake of the universe—and since he really had no proof of these actions from Mickey, and did like him most of the time. But it was still awful.

The two were approaching Kairi now—who was sitting atop the chute that led back to town—and Sora knew that Mickey probably would have insulted her here, if Kairi hadn't been making another lucky charm and seeming relatively sane.

"That's a pretty charm you have there, Kairi," Sora told his maybe-girlfriend, as he leaned down so he could talk to her better. And it was... a lovely jade color, though Sora had no idea where Kairi had gotten those shells from… and he felt a little bit sick to the stomach, in thinking that Kairi must have made them to match Riku’s eyes. And that she was turning something that had been just about the two of them for so many years ago, to include all three of their trio. But maybe it was for the best…

And sure enough, that seemed to be the case. Kairi smiled carefully, cautiously. As if it was the first time she'd ever done so in her life. Kairi, to Sora, was acting somewhat like a toddler, who had come to believe that the world was a dark and scary place—a belief that would now inform her for the rest of her life—and Sora felt heartbroken for her, despite everything.

"I'm making this for Riku," Kairi said as she waved at both of them—including to the man who hated her, and Sora felt his teeth set on edge because of it. Maybe he was wrong to always forgive Mickey so easily… "Since I feel bad that I never made him one. If I had, Sora... if I hadn't been so obsessed with you, maybe things would have been different…"

This seemed to appease Mickey—as he'd always loved Riku—and he left then, wishing both Sora and (shockingly) Kairi the best, as he did so.

Meanwhile, Sora was still—probably unfairly, he knew—mourning that Kairi was going to give Riku anything in the shape of a paopu fruit (even despite Aqua’s beliefs on how the lucky charms worked). Had their relationship really been destroyed this much? …Well, if it had, it was his fault. And Sora tried to hide all these thoughts plaguing his mind, as he gave Kairi one of his thousand-watt smiles. “How are you feeling today, Kairi?”

"Good. It doesn't feel like a scratching in my head is making me want to hurt others, or myself."

"...Good. That's good. But make sure you sleep, too... because anyone can also get insane thoughts when they're sleep deprived..."

It was also depressing looking at Kairi these days, since her hair had turned white... which Sora knew only happened at an early age for the most traumatized people. And if her eyes weren't violet instead of blue, and her hair a shade lighter than Naminé's platinum blonde, then Sora knew he easily could've mistaken Kairi for Naminé. But then again... maybe not. Even now, his heart knew her too well…

"...You're so awkward with me now, Sora," Kairi said suddenly, with more alertness in her eyes now than Sora had seen in a long time. "But I guess it was either this, or you kill me to get your powers back. So I guess I'll happily take this. But still... I'm sorry I did this to us." And the princess went back to joyfully threading her seashells in the shadows, but Sora wasn't happy.

He actually wanted to get into Kairi’s face and say something like, ‘You do, do you? Kairi... I know I broke promises to you, and this mob of girls who wanted to be with me attacked you- I even know that part of you is right that I don't want to journey forever, but want to be home... Most of all, I see how you were traumatized after you were murdered, and then I, to get you back- but you stole my Keyblade, and my memories of those I love in other worlds, and my agency, until I forcefully got it back from you. I'm sorry you did this to us, too, especially since you’re the one I thought would never do such a thing to me.

But Sora didn't... because he knew how easy it was to get lost in his anger with his enemies—and that was also a form of madness, so he wouldn’t be giving Kairi a good example there at all—and because he knew he’d taken her own agency away, when he’d died for her without giving her a say on it… And since she was Kairi, and hurting, and to see her not hurt… Sora would just bear all the hurt himself. Wasn’t it even what he was now saying he wanted… somewhat? What a tragedy it was, that they couldn’t shoulder each other’s burdens anymore… at least for the time being.

But wanting that back—and thinking there was a chance they could have that feeling about them again soon, if they worked at it—Sora just held Kairi... dreaming of falling asleep with her like this. Because when they were innocently and peacefully sleeping in each other’s arms, that was when they were the closest to reaching what they’d once had, Sora thought.

Kairi held tightly onto Sora now and kissed his neck—innocently, with them out in public like this—and Sora clutched that and nothing else… not the bad memories that circled them like a vulture now, but just this feeling.

Right now... the two of them were broken beyond repair, yet still somehow connected. And Sora knew they always would be.

And that, at least, was something, the brunet thought as he for once didn’t have to make the conscious decision to kiss Kairi’s forehead, but rather just did it.

Author’s Note: So, the first quote is something Buffy’s mentor and father-figure, Giles, concernedly and angrily says to Buffy about Spike, when he thinks that having him in the group is a danger to them and that Buffy’s head maybe isn’t in the game. Yeah…

I hope anyone enjoyed this.

Oh. And for anyone interested, BlueRose729 kindly drew fanart of my old story on her deviantArt account.

#sokai #Sokai week #fanfiction #long post #out from under #day 6 #prompt 6 #connection #Madoka rebellion inspired #canon #canon compliant #ish #also au-ish #angst #oneshot #line from Buffy inspired #future fic #post-canon

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cloudofash · 4 years

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The Future of the Destiny Islands Trio - Part 3

Please read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Sora and Riku : Now

Sora and Riku start off strong in Kingdom Hearts 3. The meet up shortly after the first world, Olympus, and from then on they stay in contact with each other to trace the whereabouts of Aqua, Ventus and Terra. Though they’re separated Sora has many moments throughout the game where Riku takes over his mind: he got excited when his phone rang thinking Riku was calling him (only to be disappointed that Ienzo answers), he parallels Elsa pushing her sister away, whom she loves, with Riku pushing him away, he wanted to call Riku and tell him what a blast San Fransokyo was, he made it clear to Riku that he was concerned for him venturing back into the Realm of Darkness, and he rushes to Riku and Mickey’s aid as soon as he hears they’re in trouble, he and Riku use their Combined Keyblade to stop the Demon Tower from attacking Mickey, he even teleports to Riku to save him from anti-Aqua’s wrath. The two seem about as close as ever.

Riku and Sora also have a crucial, defining moment together. This scene is powerful, intense. When all of their friends are lost to the Demon Tide Riku stands before it to protect Sora to the bitter end. All sound is drowned out and the only thing we can hear is Riku’s breath and the movement of thousands of heartless descending upon him. A bright light shines from him as his keyblade clashes against the darkness. He then gets burned alive by the flames of darkness and doesn’t budge until it withers him completely away. This scene is so important that the opening to The Final World mirrors his footsteps and his clash against the darkness. It’s so important that when Sora regains his body they show it to us a second time. This scene of Riku’s sacrifice is the main reason why many now believe that Riku is the light of Sora’s life, though there are many other examples in the series this scene makes it all too clear.

For those who read the Sleeping Realm Theory, you already know that there is a ton of symbolism in the game that portrays Riku as light or divine. In fact, after we see Riku’s sacrifice the second time Sora calls to him and the light in the tunnel responds, and takes him to Olympus where Riku’s soul is hovering above the Delphic Tripod of Apollo, god of the Sun and Light. Also note that in order to get into Olympus, the Gods must first recognize you as either a true hero or you must be a god yourself. It doesn’t get any clearer than this folks.

We are given so much overt imagery that highlights Riku as a character. Nomura is blatantly telling us Riku’s sacrifice is important by showing it twice. He is telling us Riku is a figure of light, a true hero acknowledged by the gods. Riku’s sacrifice for Sora created the tear in the timeline. This is proven because when Sora pieces himself together the first time in the Final World and is sent back to the Graveyard, he sees Riku’s sacrifice a second time except this time he doesn’t spirit away to the Final World and instead starts traversing the worlds to awaken his friends’ hearts. Riku’s sacrifice is the catalyst that creates a chance for Sora to go back, save everyone’s hearts and alter the timeline. Sora and Riku’s relationship has reached a pinnacle, a climax where Riku doesn’t say but shows just how much Sora means to him: everything. He has shown that he is willing to give his life if it means protecting Sora even in hopeless situations where all are doomed to die. He fought to protect Sora with all of his heart. After this point, unfortunately, things go a bit south for Sora and Riku. When Sora reaches the Final World he encounters Namine as a star, and she tells him she was able to trace Terra. When Sora saves all of the guardians and time is rewound they all find themselves at the start of the Keyblade graveyard remembering that they had died once but forgetting everything that happened before they died. They run into Terranort a second time, but this time Lingering Will makes an appearance to stop him from harming the others. Thanks to this, all of Sora’s friends are alive by the time the Demon Tide arrives again and Sora’s resolve holds strong instead of wavers, Ephemer is summoned as a result and they are all spared from the Demon Tide. The events of the Graveyard are rewritten, which unfortunately means Riku’s sacrifice never happens. Sora and Riku’s defining moment together is completely rewritten and never happens in the new timeline…and the worst of it is that Sora doesn’t remember any of it.

The rest of the Keyblade Graveyard is spent with a larger focus on Kairi after Xemnas kidnaps here and Xehanort crystallizes her, meanwhile Riku fades away into the background and he has no further largely impactful moments with Sora or even Kairi. This remains true all the way through to the end where Sora decides to set off alone to search for her, leaving Riku behind. This also carries over into Re:Mind where a very large emphasis is placed on Sora saving Kairi while Riku is reduced to just another Guardian of Light with far fewer scenes and big moments. The worst part of Re:Mind is that Sora has not only forgotten about Riku’s sacrifice but he has also forgotten that he saved Riku. Shortly into the Final World, Sora tells Chirithy that “he’s already saved 6 hearts.“

The problem is that Sora actually saved 7 hearts: Riku, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Aqua, Ventus, and Axel. This isn’t a mistranslation because as Chirithy explains why he broke a taboo of nature he repeats that Sora used the power “to save 6 hearts”. This means that Sora has forgotten that he saved someone’s heart. Unfortunately at no point are we directly told who Sora has forgotten, but there are some hearts we can eliminate from the process. As Sora runs back through the events of the Keyblade Graveyard we see he re-connects with Ventus, Aqua’s hearts, saves Terra, then re-connects with Axel, Roxas and Xion before heading to Scala ad Caelum. Donald and Goofy don’t really count since they’re not guardians, but Sora watched once again as the Tornado sucked them up so he must have remembered or was reminded that he saved their hearts. This means that the person he forgot about was either Riku or Mickey, and we know this is true because he doesn’t think once to connect to either of their hearts until after he gathered Kairi’s heart pieces in Scala. There is no way to currently prove this, but given context clues we can deduce that it’s Riku that Sora has forgotten. When Sora connects to Riku’s heart he specifically says he is “tracing the connection”, in other words, he is simply using Riku’s heart to reach Mickey’s. (I give full credit to steamwhistler2 on Twitter who is also blowingoffsteam2 here on Tumblr, for noting that Sora forgot Riku’s heart!)

At no point during Sora’s connection to Riku are we shown Riku’s inner heart, his inner feelings which is unlike the other Guardians whose thoughts and inner feelings we get a glimpse of. When Sora jumps out of Riku’s heart all he says is “That makes 6″. He makes no comment on Riku’s heart, however, when he reaches Mickey they share a tender moment where Sora takes the weakened Mickey’s hands and ensures him that he’ll handle everything from there. It’s almost as if he used Riku as a bridge to get to Mickey but didn’t even stop to take a look at the feelings Riku felt in his heart. This tells me that the heart that Sora has forgotten he saved is the same one that he glossed right over on the quest to save Kairi’s heart. This was a missed opportunity for Sora, he could have finally peered into the heart of his dear childhood best friend and get a better understanding of Riku as a person. Sora has spent many parts of the series wondering why Riku behaves a certain way, why Riku pushes him away and although Sora has gotten a better understanding of Riku from their conversation at the end of KH2 it’s clear that there are still things about Riku that Sora doesn’t understand. We know this because Riku implies as much in DDD, that there are things in his heart that he is hiding. This was Sora’s chance to see what Riku is locking away and he skipped right over him for Mickey.

Now before I get anyone depressed, I want to say that I believe this is all completely intentional. I believe that Sora wasn’t meant to see the deepest part of Riku yet, that’s most likely going to be saved for later on in the series possibly in the next saga. Sora was meant to drift away from Riku. Recall the symbolism I brought up in Part 2 of the rift between Kairi and Riku. They were named after the sea and land intentionally, Nomura said himself he wanted to convey their relationship with Sora. The artwork on KH3 Re:Mind title screen shows Sora and Kairi walking further into the ocean, eating paopu fruits without Riku. They’re going out into the water, further away from land. Further from Riku. It’s not just a matter of Sora leaving Riku behind to save Kairi, Sora has also forgotten Riku’s sacrifice for him and now he has forgotten that he saved Riku’s heart. This parallels greatly with Kingdom Hearts 1, where Sora only ever thought about Kairi while Riku was forgotten, left behind in the trio and became filled with jealousy, filled with darkness. (You can read my theory on that in my Jealous Riku series if you’re new to my posts.) I believe that Nomura planned this, this was meant to parallel Kingdom Hearts 1. However, because of the character development Riku has gone through he no longer let’s his jealousy consume him and instead decides to be supportive of Sora and Kairi’s closeness.

Though this may seem like Riku is stepping back and letting Sora and Kairi run away into the sunset together without him, we see that Riku is hiding his true feelings as he always does. He lets his true feelings slip a few times. Take a look at the conversation Terra and Riku have at the Land of Departure palace:

Remember that “the strength to protect what matters/friends” is “strength to protect your precious person” in Japanese.

Riku is beginning to undermine his place in the trio, he’s doubting his strength to protect his precious person.. Instead of jealousy, Riku is expressing self-deprecation instead. Mickey told Riku at the beginning of the game that he finally has the strength to protect his precious person and Riku seemed happy and accepting of that growth within him, but now Riku suddenly believes that it’s not enough. Despite his sacrifice being overwritten, Riku has it in him to give his life for Sora if the time ever arises and he feels it’s STILL not enough. This isn’t an example of a friend taking a step back and feeling happy for his two lovebird friends, Riku is showing signs that he is still jealous of Kairi’s closeness to Sora but instead of taking it out on others he is taking it out on himself.

This is most likely the reason why Riku doesn’t even bother to mention his recurring dream of Sora to anyone, sans Master Yen Sid and Merlin. We see that it’s the first time the FF crew has heard of Riku’s dream, which tells us that he’s disregarding it and not considering it as a clue while Kairi believes Sora is in her heart. He clearly believes Kairi is what’s best for Sora now, he would have never thought that his dreams would have been the key to finding Sora. When Fairy God Mother states that Riku’s dreams are they key to finding Sora, Riku is in disbelief.

This Limit Cut scene gives me hope for the future. The fact that Riku is the key (maybe not the only key, but the main key) to finding Sora shows that despite Sora being spirited away to another universe, despite him forgetting Riku’s sacrifice, forgetting that he saved Riku’s heart and using Riku’s heart as a mere bridge to connect to Mickey, the bond between the two is unbreakable. Not even being universes apart can break their bond. Riku will always have a connection to Sora, he will always have a way to find him no matter how far away he gets from home. No matter how lost he gets, no matter how deep he is in a dark abyss. Riku’s connection to Sora, how far he is willing to go for Sora has all been made clear in Kingdom Hearts 3. I believe that in the next saga it will be Sora’s turn to show Riku what he means to him.

#kingdom hearts #KH #KH3 #kh3 remind #re:mind #re:mind dlc #destiny islands #destiny islands trio #sora #riku #kairi #relationship #soriku

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illusiorian · 4 years

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Do you ever think Kairi could've been a better protagonist for the Kingdom Hearts series? Like how cool would it be for an amnesiac princess who fights to save her two best friends in the world not because of romantic love for either of them but because theyre her best friends and she loves them both enough not to want to lose either of them. I could see her becoming good friends with each of the princesses of heart.

What if daisy was the mage and clarabelle was the guardian whilst everyone was looking for Queen Minnie going off to learn a white magic spell that would've stopped heartless from entering their worlds, while King Mickey was stuck at home doing his job and worrying about his Queen. I think learning about how connections of the heart bind everyone together would've been a valuable lesson for Kairi to learn. She tried so desperately to keep her two favorite people in her life yet they both slipped away from her. She could've grown from that, accepting that no matter how far apart they are their hearts would remain connected.

She could've met the Final Fantasy characters in Traverse Town and they could've responded to her by saying she reminded them of a princess in their old home of radiant garden. Meeting Clarabelle and Daisy who were searching for their lost Queen who had disappeared one night after pouring over old magical tomes in search of the greatest white magic spell to reverse the stars going out in the night sky. Daisy would've been still as quirky as Donald if more vain than him and her obsession with fashion would make more sense for when they needed disguises for the many disney worlds. Clarabelle would be just as clueless as goofy yet bring a tenderness to how she interacted with Kairi and Daisy, able to break up the two when they bickered too much.

In Wonderland, Kairi would've find a kinship with Alice's wish to explore strange new worlds and comfort her when she was trapped by the Queen of Hearts, learning that royalty that looses their temper could never rule justly.

Going to the Olympus Coliseum she would meet cloud, a fellow amnesiac who fell to his own darkness because of trusting Hades. She could learn a bit about trying to return someone who has fallen to darkness and keep that information when she finally catches up to Riku.

In the Jungle, Kairi would learn of the strength of a heart and that family doesn't have to be blood ties to be meaningful. She would see the old photos of Tarzan's family and feel a pain in her heart for the family she lost in Radiant Garden, she might not remember it but the heart never forgets.

In Agrabah, Kairi and the gang would follow Jasmine instead of Aladdin and become closer to her, seeing how isolation within the palace walls kept her wishing for the outside world just like Kairi and the other destiny islanders felt. She would see Jaffar wanting power, Jasmine, and all of Agrabah and see that lust for power and things you want can hurt so many others when uncontrolled.

She'd get on Monstro and find Gippetto on the ship and feel a strange connection to the old man who lost his little boy. Seeing Riku for the first time trying to take Pinocchio saying that he wasn't real but still had a heart would hurt her more than it had Sora. Returning Pinocchio to Gippetto would trigger one of her lost memories of her grandmother, holding her and singing a soft lullaby. Kairi would have tears flowing and not yet understand why.

At Alantica, Kairi would see just how similar Jasmine's situation had been to Ariel, noticing that locking away a person for their own protection would not help in the slightest. She would empathize with Ariel and understand why against all repercussions she would go to Ursula for help to get out into the world above. She would also see that in the end, sometimes loving someone means letting them go to explore and live their lives, another memory of her grandmother would trigger as Triton says goodbye to his daughter.

In Halloween town, it could've been interesting for instead of following Jack, Kairi followed Sally seeing her pining from afar and helping her to see another overprotective parent in Doctor Finklestein, who wouldn't let her be outside for long. She would help her escape and see her want to be with Jack, and see how no matter how hard she tried she wouldn't be able to alter his destructive vision towards Christmas. In a way Kairi would see a comparison between Jack and Riku, so consumed by their individual dreams that they would do anything to achieve them, even unintentionally hurt those who get in their way.

At Neverland she could've seen the world from Wendy's perspective starting out trapped in the same cabin as her she would use the keyblade to unlock the door and fight her way out of the world. Learning from Wendy how lonely Peter was and how he had convinced the others to fly away from home to Neverland. She would see that his vision to regain a mother for the lost boys in Wendy was a bit strange yet tugged at her heart strings, in a way she saw herself in the same position when she came to destiny islands, she had had no memories and had been without a guide. It may trigger some repressed memories of the night she left her grandmother and the fall of Radiant Garden.

It would've been interesting for Kairi to discover that when she went to save Sora at Hollow Bastion it was her home she had forgotten. Every hall and space she entered she could've had visions of the past. Of her grandmother teaching her about the strength of the heart and that even though she would be gone soon, granny would always love her.

Here Kairi's strength of heart would be tested, Daisy and Clarabelle would follow Riku as he took the keyblade from her. She would come to realize that this castle and all who had inhabited had fallen to darkness, every heartless she encountered might be one of the many servants and townsfolk that she had left behind when she had washed up on Destiny Islands. She might blame herself for the state the Castle was in. Had her heart been stronger, had she had the friends she had now. Similarly to Sora she would regain the Keyblade by understanding that a heart can falter, but you must always learn to get back up as your friends will be there for you. Daisy and Clarabelle seeing how ruthless Riku had become would side again with Kairi and she would continue through the castle. In the library Kairi would stumble upon some books from her childhood, there she would learn the location of the final white magic spell, holy. A wish to the universe for hearts to be mended and the world to be connected once more. This was the spell that the Queen had been desperately searching for since the stars had been going out, the spell required a massive amount of magic to complete, so much so the caster may die in the casting. There was an excerpt in the book, as with all magic there is an opposite force, a spell meant to break bonds, sever the worlds and plunge them into darkness unending, this spell was what had caused the stars to begin flickering out.

This would trigger the final piece to get Kairi's childhood memories back she would see a hooded figure with the help of 12 other mages begin casting the spell on her world. Kairi would see firsthand the destruction that spell would bring. She would see her grandmother, using her last bit of strength in her heart to seal away Kairi and her memories, when this world completely fell to darkness. It would connect how she arrived on Destiny Islands. With this knowledge Kairi rose ever higher in the castle, finding bits and pieces of her life she had left behind, stumbling upon her old room and seeing that everything she had left behind remained. There would be a painting of her and her grandmother, listed with a family name, one she had lost over the years and learning that she and this castle were all that remained of her family's legacy.

With this knowledge she would face against Riku, taking all that she had learned of the corruption of his heart. After defeating him she would speak to the boy who was her friend, to come home with her. This plea would not fall on deaf ears for no matter how far gone Riku was he could never turn his back fully on one of his best friends. That would be when Ansem would take over and depart for the end of the world.

Kairi would see Sora's lifeless body and use the black Keyblade to remove Sora's Heart that she had tenderly carried this whole way. Sora who had witnessed most of the events of the game through Kairi would save her in the same way as she saved him in another time. Loving her unconditionally and willing to protect her no matter what. Kairi would then destroy the machine that had been using the princesses of heart to fuel the artificial kingdom hearts. Then she would journey to the end of the world to face off against Ansem

Whilst there she would see the echoes of every world she had been to, all the friends and allies she had made, culminating in a face off with the very man who had destroyed both of her homes, taken her old and new friends and threatened to plunge every world into darkness.

It would be here at the end of everything that Kairi would find kingdom hearts, the culmination of all the souls lost to darkness, where she would find Queen Minnie attempting to cast holy but not having the strength to cast it alone. Kairi would help relying on the power of her friends, those she had lost in Radiant Garden and since. With the combined effort of all those souls the spell holy would commence, releasing Kingdom Hearts and closing the dark paths between the worlds. Kairi would see Riku and Queen Minnie on the other side of the door to darkness and say she'll get them home no matter the cost.

The game would end about the same except Sora is left behind on Destiny Island while Kairi decends into the realm of darkness to find castle oblivion.

#kingdom hearts #Au #Kairi

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phoenix-downer · 4 years

Text

Thanks for Waiting Chapter 2/2

For Rikunami Day 2019. Chapter 1 was posted for the actual day, and chapter 2 is getting posted today. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Length: ~2700 words

Summary: Riku and Naminé are an unlikely duo working towards a common goal: helping Sora. But as they spend more and more time together, they start to question if they’re doing the right thing. It’s easier to focus on that than on what might be happening between them. After all, a Nobody doesn’t have feelings of her own, and a human wouldn’t fall for a Nobody… right?

Characters: Naminé, Riku, Riku Replica, Kairi, Sora

Relationships: Riku/Naminé

Additional Info: Romance, Friendship, Angst, Mutual Pining, (Mostly) Canon Compliant, Missing Scene(s), Kairi and Naminé friendship, Sora and Riku friendship, Riku and Riku Replica friendship, KH3 Spoilers, Canonical Character Death

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Soft eyes and an enigmatic smile. More shadow than light, looking as if she might fade away at any moment, hard at work as she sketched how she saw the world. Riku knew his priority was supposed to be saving Aqua, but ever since he’d run into the other Riku in the Realm of Darkness, his thoughts kept wandering to Naminé.

He rolled over and sighed. Radiant Garden was looking better and better the more of it was rebuilt, but even though he and Mickey were staying at a cozy inn with comfortable beds, tonight was proving to be another sleepless night.

“You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?”

Hovering beside him was the other Riku. They’d started having more and more chats like this, and Riku couldn’t say he really minded. It was nice getting perspective from someone who understood him so well and yet wasn’t him.

“I guess I am,” he said. “What Ienzo told us about the Replica project’s been on my mind.”

If there was a way to bring Naminé back, he wanted to. The time they’d spent together hadn’t exactly been surrounded by happy memories, and yet thinking about her brought a smile to his face.

“I understand,” the other Riku said. “My feelings for her might be fake—”

Riku raised an eyebrow. “They seem real enough to me.”

“I guess you’re right. But yours are real, too. And that means you can help her.”

“I’ll try,” Riku said at last, “but I can’t make any promises. Saving Aqua comes first.”

He had a duty to fulfill. He and Mickey had to get Aqua out of the Realm of Darkness as soon as possible.

“But then?”

“I’ll do whatever I can to save her. I promise.”

The other Riku looked content to hear this. He looked up at the ceiling and sighed. “And that’s all I can ask from you. For you and me both.”

Riku thought about the other Riku’s words as he tossed and turned. Would it be possible to bring Naminé back? If so… then yes, he did want to bring her back.

His thoughts wandered back to those months they’d spent together working to save Sora. If only he’d known what he had before he lost it. But that was how life worked, wasn’t it? Didn’t know what you had till it was gone. He’d been so fixated on helping Sora, and so had she, that neither of them realized what could’ve been till it couldn’t be anymore.

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Naminé’s days were spent in slumber, and it was only at night, while Kairi dreamed, that they could speak. As far as Naminé knew, Kairi didn’t remember their little chats – not much of them, anyway – but they were nice all the same.

The two of them met in a vision of the white room back at the Old Mansion, Naminé’s drawings hung all over the walls as they sat at opposite ends of the table. She listened intently as Kairi talked about all the things she’d been learning lately, the magic spells and defense moves and special attacks. Imagined she was doing those things beside Kairi instead of watching from within a dream.

Kairi paused, her brow furrowed. “What’s wrong? I get the feeling something’s troubling you.”

“Oh… it’s just that…”

She hesitated. Should she really tell Kairi what was on her heart? Would that make anything better, or would it just make Kairi sad?

“You can tell me,” Kairi said gently. “I’m your friend.”

Naminé spent a few more agonizing seconds deciding what to do, then finally spoke again. “Hearing you talk, I wish I could experience all those things with you. It’s selfish, I know, but—”

Kairi shook her head. “It’s not selfish at all. It’s human. Of course you want to experience these things for yourself. When I lost my body and was inside Sora’s heart, I enjoyed seeing all the things he did. But it wasn’t the same as getting to see them for myself.”

“I understand.”

Kairi smiled sadly. “Anything else on your mind?”

“Well… there is someone I want to see again…”

“You will. I promise.”

How Kairi knew who it was, Naminé wasn’t sure. But the knowing twinkle in her eyes lifted her spirits a little. She might be unable to live her own life, but at least she still had Kairi.

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“Well, enough about what I’ve been up to. Anything on your mind?” Sora asked as Riku chatted with him via Gummiphone. His friend was chilling in the Gummi Ship while Donald and Goofy were shopping for supplies and Mickey was grabbing breakfast.

“Well, actually… yeah,” Riku replied.

Sora’s eyebrows furrowed. “What is it? You worried about rescuing Aqua? I know you’ll be able to pull it off. You rescued me, after all.”

“Right. I just… there’s something else I…” Riku sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was going to regret saying this, he just knew he would. All those years spent teasing Sora were about to come back and bite him in the ass.

“You miss somebody, don’t you?” Sora said sagely.

“How’d you know?”

“Gimme some credit here. I am your best friend. I have a pretty good read on how you’re feeling.”

“And who do you think it is I’m missing, oh wise one?” Riku teased. If Sora was gonna give him a hard time, he’d dish it right back.

“Hmmm, let’s see. Can’t be Kairi, ‘cause you just saw her. Can’t be me, ‘cause we’re talking right now. Selphie drives you up the wall, and Tidus and Wakka haven’t really talked to either of us much lately. So we’re all out.”

“What, are you a super sleuth now?”

“It must be someone you can’t talk to right now. Boy do I know how that feels,” Sora said with a sigh. “I’m gonna guess… Naminé?”

Riku didn’t say anything, and a smirk spread across Sora’s face. “I knew it! You do miss her, don’t you?”

“I didn’t realize I would until she was gone.”

“Riku, you’ve always been kinda dense when it comes to your own heart,” Sora said with a shake of his head, but the words were affectionate. “This doesn’t surprise me at all. I can see why you like her.”

Riku bristled. “I’m dense when it comes to my own heart? Sheesh, talk about the pot calling the kettle black.”

“Maybe, but I’ve gotten pretty good at picking up on what other people are feeling. You wanna see her again, don’t you?”

“I guess. But I don’t see how that’s possible.”

There were a lot of big ifs to her getting a body of her own. And even if they did save her, would she even want to talk to him?

“C’mon, Riku, have some faith! I swore to Roxas I’d get him back somehow. I’m sure Kairi feels the same way about Naminé. And you said it yourself. Ienzo and the others wanna find a way to give them bodies. With all these people working together, I’m sure we’ll find a way to save them.”

“You’re right. I should have some faith. Comes with following my heart, doesn’t it?”

Sora grinned. “Yup! That’s the spirit.”

As they wrapped up their conversation and Sora said goodbye, Riku couldn’t help but sigh. He sure wanted to hope, but hope was dangerous. Hope easily led to disappointment.

But what was the alternative? Living without any hope? That was even worse. So maybe he’d give this whole faith thing a try. He would see Naminé again, and when he did, maybe he’d finally tell her how he felt.

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Ever since her birth, Naminé had teetered on the edge of existence. Was this new form really so different? This star full of empty hopes and wishes and regrets, barely hanging onto life in the Final World with nothing but blue sky and white clouds surrounding her for miles on end?

What was it that kept her here? Why hadn’t she passed on to whatever lay beyond this realm? Was it because Kairi still stubbornly clung to life and kept her here? Or was it her own regrets?

She did have a lot of regrets. But after lingering inside Kairi’s heart for a while, she’d finally identified her biggest regret of all. And now, all alone in this lonely place with nothing but her regrets left, it ate away at her.

No one really missed her. Roxas was the one they missed. They’d all be fine without her. And the person she missed the most, the person she wanted to see the most, didn’t seem to care at all.

Then Sora came along, tethered to the Realm of Light and retaining his form while Naminé did not. Of course. Someone cared enough about him to do that. Just another reminder that Naminé was alone.

But as he talked to her, he reassured her that everyone did miss her. He missed her, Kairi missed her, Donald and Goofy missed her, Roxas missed her… and most puzzling of all, someone else special wouldn’t let her down.

His words stuck with her after he’d left, remained in her heart after he found their friends again and returned to the Realm of Light and Naminé to Kairi’s heart.

Could he possibly mean…

But hoping was dangerous. And yet, she couldn’t help but hope. Hoping was a part of having a heart, after all.

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Riku watched, dumbfounded, as the other Riku gave up his chance at life for Naminé’s sake. Gave up his chance to be with her for Riku’s sake. With a few final words, he faded into a swirl of light and darkness, leaving nothing behind but the Replica body for Naminé as the wind whistled through this dry, empty place.

If that wasn’t love, Riku didn’t know what was. He would honor the other Riku’s sacrifice and bring back Naminé, whatever it might take. He wanted to see her again. He wanted to tell her what the other Riku had sacrificed for her. And… he wanted to tell her how he felt. She deserved to hear it, after he’d been so clueless about his own heart.

But first, they had a war to win.

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The cruel irony of Kairi’s existence was that she could keep other people from dying and yet couldn’t save herself. Naminé screamed as she felt Xehanort’s blade strike Kairi’s back, wrenching her out of her safe home and sending her hurtling towards death. Kairi’s heart was likewise torn from her body right before it turned to crystal and exploded.

The two girls were flying through the Final World towards whatever lay beyond, and Naminé latched onto Kairi’s hand. At least if they were going to die, they’d do it together.

“Naminé,” Kairi said, her face twisted in sorrow, “I’m so sorry, I couldn’t keep you safe—”

“It’s not your fault,” Naminé replied, trying to reassure her.

“It’s too late for me, but not for you. I know the others can take it from here. I’m sorry I won’t be able to welcome you home myself. I really did want to be there for you. But at least this way I’ll be able to keep my promise to you.”

“No, Kairi, what are you saying—”

With the last of her strength, with the last of her light, Kairi anchored Naminé to the Final World. Her see-through hand was starting to slip out of Naminé’s grasp, but Naminé wasn’t about to let go so easily.

“Kairi no, please, you have to save yourself—”

“No! You deserve to live! You deserve to be your own person. Just because my time is over doesn’t mean yours has to be!” She smiled sadly as Naminé’s hand slipped out of her grasp. “Promise me you’ll live. Be there for Sora and Riku because I can’t anymore.”

“I promise,” Naminé choked out, her lower lip quivering. Kairi’s smile got bigger, and then she was wrenched away.

Naminé couldn’t really cry without a body, even though she wished she could. She couldn’t do much to help Kairi right now, either. All their friends were back where they belonged. All except her and Kairi. It would be easy to give into despair and just fade away.

But she’d made a promise to Kairi, and she intended to keep it. And when Sora found her again, she knew exactly what to do.

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The battle was over. The long night had ended. It was morning, and Riku hovered somewhere between relief, exhaustion, and grief. Sora and Kairi were both gone, and while Riku had faith Sora would find her again and bring her home, he still missed them both. The memory of Kairi’s body floating helplessly as Xehanort struck her and Sora’s scream of agony that followed soon afterwards would haunt him for a long, long time. He’d failed them both when he’d wanted nothing more than to protect them both. And nothing except for seeing their smiles again, hearing their laughter again, would mend the wound of their loss.

But he couldn’t rest yet. Couldn’t grieve yet. He had one last task to complete. Mickey had come with him for it, and they trudged wordlessly through the maze that had been a battlefield before.

There. Up ahead. An empty body wrapped in a black coat. He gently lifted it into his arms and cradled it as Mickey brushed dust off the coat. This was going to be Naminé’s new body, after all, and it deserved the utmost care.

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Naminé’s eyes blinked open. Standing before her were Zexion, DiZ, and Vexen. Smiles spread across their faces as she sat up and tested her new limbs. This wasn’t exactly the welcome committee she’d been expecting, but she was grateful they were trying to make up for their past treatment of her all the same.

“It worked!” Vexen exclaimed, his green eyes shining.

“Welcome back to the Realm of Light, Naminé,” Zexion said as she slipped off the gurney and stood.

“Come, there is something you must see,” DiZ told her in his deep booming voice. She followed along, exiting the bowels of the castle on her own two feet. She could walk. She could really walk on her own again.

Xaldin and Lexaeus were at the entrance of the castle to greet her, and she shielded her eyes from the bright light of the sun. How good its warm rays felt shining down on her again, and how lovely the breeze felt blowing through her hair.

And it was blowing because the Gummi Ship was landing. Flower petals flew through the air as it made its careful descent to the ground. And after it had landed, her face lit up as the person she had wanted to see more than anything came out to greet her, like a knight coming to sweep her off her feet.

He offered his hand, and she smiled and took it. She’d imagined their reunion over and over again, but nothing compared to the actual thing. His hand was warm and his grip was strong, and his voice was the most wonderful sound in the world. And best of all, his eyes weren’t hidden or the wrong color; no, they were their beautiful natural green.

“Welcome home, Naminé.”

“It’s good to be back, Riku.”

“Come on in. They’re all waiting to see you.”

As she entered the Gummi Ship and saw the smiling faces of their friends as they all greeted her, giving her hugs and exchanging tearful happy words, it really sank in. She wasn’t alone. She hadn’t been for a very long time. And now Riku was here with her. He’d come for her, just like Sora had said he would.

“Ready to head to Sora and Kairi’s welcome home party?” Riku asked as she took one of the seats next to him.

“Yes,” Naminé said as she smoothed her skirt. “Thank you for coming to get me. Your timing was perfect.”

Riku shot her a grin, and she smiled back.

“Anytime. Thanks for waiting for me, Naminé.”

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A/N: I figured Sora knew about Riku’s feelings for Naminé somehow, otherwise he wouldn’t have promised Naminé someone special wouldn’t let her down, so I went into writing this part with that in mind. The rest was what I imagined could’ve happened behind the scenes during KH3.

I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!

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kingdomhearts-and-soriku-trash · 5 years

Text

Sora x Riku deaf fic!

Okay so here!!! I loved this idea and I’m sorry if it’s trash. I tried writing him losing his hearing but I kind of wanted him to be deaf from a child sort of??? It’s just their relationship growing throughout the games but he’s just deaf. Btw if I get something wrong about being deaf I did not mean to it’s just I’m kind of ignorant on the subject and aAAAAAAH. I just had to say that I mean no offense if I don’t get something right or it seems offensive.

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Riku and Sora were on the island. He and Sora were racing again. It was something they always did as children. Riku turned around to him and tried his best to sign, “Come on Sora,” while still running. Sora made a “huff” sound as his little, child legs tried to run faster. However, Riku was always faster. He laughed and the race ended. Sora was huffing but signed, “you just got lucky!” Riku smiled at that and ruffled his hair. Sora made a little noise that didn’t sound right and Riku knew that was normal. He never got to use his voice, so when he tried to speak, it came out very weird like. But Riku never minded. It’s what he loved about Sora. Even though he couldn’t hear, he still wanted to at least try to talk to Riku. He would get upset sometimes about that, but Riku would assure him that he was perfect the way he is.

“Time for dinner!” Soras mother yelled. Sora still looked at Riku, as if nothing was said. Riku looked at Sora and signed, “it’s your mother, she called us.” Sora smiled and started to run back. Riku stared at Sora for a minute as he ran. What would he do without him? It wasn’t meant out of mockery or to be rude, he was truly concerned. Kairi knew sign language but...what would he do without him? He worried for him. He could get hurt if they got separated. Riku ran after Sora and caught up to him and held his hand. Sora jumped a bit, surprised to the feeling of Riku grabbing his hand. Riku smiled at him as they both ran back to their houses. He inwardly promised that he would never be separated from Sora. He wanted to protect him and he would.

Sora looked around in Traverse Town. He wanted to shout for Riku, but he knew it wasn’t possible. He couldn’t sign either. No one was around and signing would do nothing. Even when he was around people, he had trouble finding Riku. No one understood him and he felt discouraged every time. However, he wouldn’t give up. He wanted Riku and Kairi more than anything and would find them even if people didn’t understand him. So, he made them write things down. He could read well, so he understood them. People sometimes got annoyed but some people just smiled at him sympathetically and did what he asked. He finally got to a square area with a fountain. Unknowingly, Donald and Goofy suddenly got sprung up into the air, headed right toward Sora. He didn’t realize it until they hit him right on the head.

He made a surprised grunt but didn’t say anything. He got close to Donald and Goofy, even if they still had to write everything down. But, they still loved him and wanted to help him find Riku and Kairi. Sora would occasionally space out and he seemed like he was very sad. He never signed anything or even wrote it down, he just...didn’t tell anyone. But sometimes, Goofy swears that he saw him sign something. Possibly a name?

Riku...

Riku summoned Soras heartless. His body looked exactly like Sora. To his clothes, his face, but his blue eyes and his sun kissed skin tone was gone. He looked into his eyes and didn’t see his best friend that he missed. He felt betrayed...but he still missed him. But it was just like Sora. Couldn’t speak. He closed his eyes and breathed in. No. He couldn’t let his emotions get in the way of protecting Kairi. He looked his heartless in the eye and made a fist and put it to his chest. He moved his fist around in a little circle motion and lipped, “I’m sorry.” It meant a lot to Riku...even if it wasn’t the real Sora.

Riku was back at his pod. Sora was asleep and he didn’t know why he kept coming back here. He missed him dearly and knew he would do anything to get him back. He looked him in the face and knew Sora wouldn’t know that he did it, but he done it anyway. He put his hand together and formed, “I love you,” with his hands. “I hope I can tell you that in person one day,” he whispered.

Riku seemed surprised as Sora hugged him and made noises. It was obvious he tried to say, “Riku.” He got so close but it still sounded like a bunch of groans. He felt bad but signed, “you feeling alright?” Sora smiled at him and nodded. “Never better!” Riku smiled and felt the need to be closer to him. He done awful things to his best friend, to someone he swore he’d never be apart from and would always be with him. He suddenly pulled him closer and Sora let out a sigh. But, Riku knew it was a happy sigh. He hugged him tighter and refused to let go until Sora tapped him on the shoulder. Everyone but Sora looked at him weirdly but he didn’t care. He just missed him that much.

Riku and Sora were now sitting on the Paupo tree on their island. Everyone else was gone and they decided to let them be alone for awhile. Sora had finally come back and got Kairi save. Riku spent time with Kairi but now...he was so happy to be with his most loved one. Riku tapped him on the shoulder and Sora looked over at him. Riku couldn’t help the way his heart pounded at the way Sora looked at him. Riku took a breath and signed, “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” Sora turned so he could sit criss-crossed facing Riku. Riku had a blush on his face but continued. He couldn’t back out now.

He then signed, “I love you,” but very slowly. “More than friends,” he then signed. He felt very anxious about this moment but he didn’t know what Sora would do next or WHO he might sacrifice himself for next. So, he felt like he needed to get everything out. He looked at Sora while holding his breath. Sora seemed to gulp and say, “I love you, too,” he said with pauses in between. It sounded very off and some of the words were not formed properly, but he still loved how he tried. Riku pulled him closer and kissed him on the lips slowly. He put his hand on Soras cheek and was very careful, he didn’t want to hurt him. Sora buried his hands in Rikus hair and made a noise. Riku smiled a bit. Bet he didn’t even know he made that noise.

Riku broke the kiss apart and smiled at him. Sora smiled back and they both turned back towards the sunset. Sora laid his head on Rikus arm and sat there in silence. Riku then turned back to him and signed, “I want you for a lifetime, is that okay?” Sora smiled and felt like crying. “Of course it’s okay. I would never think twice about it,” he signed back. Riku smiled and kissed his forehead. He knew that they would be together forever and was happy he told him about his feelings.

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AAAAAAAAH. I hope this was good!! I loved the idea but idk if I could put my idea into words properly. But I hope you enjoyed it! My inbox is always open and just remember you can ask for fluff or angst (not tOO MUCH ANGST BC MY HEART COULDNT TAKE IT) but you have to give me a topic for the fluff or angst so I don’t make a bad writing. I hope you enjoyed reading this! Thanks for reading this. PLUS, the part when Riku goes to Soras pod wasn’t as long bc ive already made an angsty little fic about Riku going to Soras pod when he was asleep so...give ya girl a little read fkwnwnwb.

Oh btw the little fist in a circle motion on the chest is how people say “I’m sorry,” in sign language. I wanted to make sure that people knew that just in case dowkwnbsw.

Also I couldn’t resist putting in some “Don’t Think Twice,” lyRICS AT THE END THERE DLQNWHW.

#kh #kingdom hearts #riku x sora #sora x riku #soriku #my writing #deaf!sora writings #deaf!sora au #AU writings #deaf!sora #deaf au writings #deaf AU

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mellz117 · 4 years

Text

Hello all and welcome to part 4 of my playthrough of KH2 on the PS2. If you haven't seen the previous entries please go do that.

[ _1_ ] [ _2_ ] [ _3_ ]

To recap: The Wonders of Twilight Town are boring as hell. We spoke to Namine again, Roxas finally realizes his life this week is a lie and starts to remember his life in the Organization. DiZ is racist against Nobodies but we already knew that. Roxas and Axel fight, I wanted to cry. Roxas meets Sora in his sleeping pod before disappearing, I wanted to cry.

And the adventure continues

I wanna know how Sora wakes up in the real world when Roxas merges with him in the virtual one. How in CoM does Sora go to sleep in Castle Oblivion, the whole-ass chamber and then some get transferred to Twilight Town, Roxas meets him in a virtual version of the mansion, and Sora wakes up in the real mansion in KH2? Nomura please explain this series. Is Final Fantasy ever this convoluted?

Donald and Goofy call out to Sora and we're once again reminded this is a Disney game. I don’t know why but the fact that Disney owns the original Kingdom Hearts characters bothers me. It means, unless DISNEY gives the OK, Sora will never be in Smash Bros. and that makes me sad.

I don't know much about comas but after a year of total inactivity, wouldn't your muscles atrophy like, A BUNCH? At least is wasn’t 7... OR VENTUS WITH A WHOLE DECADE WTF?

Again WHY COULDN'T JIMINY JUST KEEP EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN CHAIN OF MEMORIES WRITTEN DOWN IN HIS JOURNAL INSTEAD OF A CRYPTIC MEMO TO THANK NAMINE?

The trinity trio wanders out of the mansion, loot some chests, and find their way to the back alleys of town.

Hayner is rude RIGHT outta the gate, wow. Ok I remember that Pence actually met Roxas in Days, and so to me he seems to recognize Sora through his memories of Roxas despite the two sharing like, one visual similarly: blue eyes. But KH3 to my understanding reveals that the virtual versions of characters affect the real version so I dunno!! WHAT IS THIS SERIES?

"Have you finished the summer homework yet?" Olette asks Sora and his two ANIMAL COMPANIONS as if seeing two anthropomorphic animals is fucking normal in a town comprised entirely of humans and exactly one moogle.

Sora doesn't have any homework. For over a year he's been away from home and his mom couldn't make him go to school. I wonder how she's doing? Does she miss her son? Kingdom Hearts and parents don't gel.

I like how.. When Pence describes this cloaked figure who was looking for the trinity trio, as having big, round ears, they have to think about who it could possibly be. They’re not too bright.

Why is “sofa” capitalized? Also they weren't even sitting on it, neither of them were!

HAYNER IS A RUDE BOY! He tells us so ask Seifer about the town, as we are new. Bruh, if you’re this rude to us I’m sure how much worse Seifer and his posse are.

Seifer is immediately confrontational. “You here to pick a fight with us?” and Sora’s all like “No, we’re new here.” and DONALD FUCKING DUCK! INSULTS SEIFER AND NOW EVERYONE’S READY TO THROW DOWN! THANKS TO THIS DUMB FUCK DUCK!

But thank Christ big chungus appears out of nowhere and stops the children and two adult furries from causing a scene.

This dude is WAY too into the Struggle tournament. Seifer has an unwanted faaaaan! Bro, go away, you’re creeping on a teenager.

I wanna fight Seifer.

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I'm not working on this like I should be. I'm going on vacation soon and since we're all in quarantine I can't really do anything fun so this is the opportune time to catch up.

Moving on! We make our way to the train station and oh no, we're ambushed by Dusks! Because of COURSE we are. Who could've seen THAT coming? /s

I- I like how, even after hearing his voice, and seeing his fucking mousey silhouette, the gang STILL might not be sure this is their stupid rat king. One brain cell between the three of them, I swear, and Goofy is the primary carrier, and it only sometimes works.

Why do we need to purchase tickets to travel on a magical train embarking to an ethereal plane of existence? I guess it's the principal of it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED TO HUG THIS BOY. LOOK, HE'S CRYING!

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Pence is so cute. I didn't care much for him when I was younger but he's such a cutie.

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I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED TO HUG THIS BOY. LOOK, HE'S SAD!

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It's fat cat Pete. For like ever, I had no idea he was a cat. Wonder what Maleficent saw in him to ally with him.

The trinity trio laughing about killing (or at least taking part in killing) Maleficent. "She's toast!" this sure is early 2000's dialogue...

Heartless everywhere! "You mean the worlds aren't at peace after all" well, no sweetie. It takes time for things to recover from horrible events. *looks at current state of the real world*

So like, I had no idea Yen Sid was a Keyblade warrior??? I had read about that in his Wiki page when I googled if any Keyblade warriors were left handed. (Ven might be, but more likely ambidextrous) But I guess being Mickey's teacher would imply his Keyblade wielder roots but whatever, I didn't pay attention when I was a teenager.

Yen Sid's decor is baffling. What are these bookshelves? What are these BOOKS? They're huge!

Good on Yen Sid for using singular “they” pronouns in 2005.

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On to our change of wardrobe. Without a doubt Sora's best look in the whole series, in my humble opinion. Lookit my handsome boy.

And Sora learns about drive forms, blah, blah, blah, powerful forms, gotta sacrifice something like in Duel Monsters, in this case an ally.

Yen Sid is so boring.

All seriousness and tension is just broken as soon as Goofy’s name is uttered, at least Sora and Donald have normal names wtf.

It’s interesting how like, 15 years later, Union X explains how Maleficent was able to return after her defeat. Something about, as long as someone from your original time remembers you and you have a physical object to represent you you’re able to basically some back from the dead. Right? Am I right on that? I haven’t played it but I’m hanging by a thread on this loop.

Sora’s hard work down the drain...

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Hollow Bastion! And of course there’s trouble. Heartless, Nobodies, and Yuffie, oh my!

A problem sequels have to work around is when the protagonist needs to relearn their abilities. KH does a well and good job with this one. In CoM, it’s a different battle style, in KH2 Sora’s been asleep for a hear prior.

Also, Merlin “leant” Sora some magic spells? How does that work? Like, once you learn it you can’t just... give that knowledge back...?

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How old is Leon? He has no right being this pretty.

Another ambush by Nobodies. Give it a rest, would ya? Battle ensues, Leon deals the final blow against an enemy, and as the camera usually does, zooms in on the victor and we get a nice slow-mo crotch shot of Leon. Thanks, game... Then, Xemnas’s very sexy, very manly voice echoes across town and the organization appears before our protagonists. I’m weak.

Demyx’s laugh, dude. I love it. Sora is ready to throw hands with anyone in his way. Honey, you’re barely out of a magic coma and this dude is like, two whole feet taller than you. Not to mention very fit.

I’m done thirsting over Xemnas...

After a few taunting words, the new villains depart, Donald attempts to give chase somehow? Where you gonna go? They disappeared behind dark corridors. It seems Goofy is still holding onto that shared brain cell.

The Bastard

I like the majority of the Organization. Xigbar is definitely one of my favorites based on this next scene alone. He’s so snarky and full of shit. I love it. He’s great. He was definitely a stoner at some point.

I’m confused though. “He used to give me that same exact look!” the Wiki says Xigbar’s talking about Ven but I always thought he was referring to Roxas? Did Braig and Ven have a history? That’s implied in Days (which released before BbS) IDK dude. I’m surprised I’ve gone this long without spoiling myself too much on BbS. Like, a few story beats here and there but a lot of it isn’t gonna be known until I play it.

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The dialogue for KH2 was so different from the first game. It dates itself so much in comparison.

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Xiggy stands like this for 7 whole seconds parting with a condescending “Be a good boy now!” before disappearing. I love this fucker.

Leon, who’s been sitting on the sidelines this whole time, joins Sora and the others after the real threat is gone. We chitchat for a little bit and say our goodbyes. It’s time to leave this place and move on to one of two available worlds.

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At the Beast's Castle. After fighting a hoard of Shadows, the least intimidating enemy in the series (although the demon tower in kh3 is quite frightening nlg), the Beast himself makes his appearance, takes out the Heartless that suddenly stop multiplying upon his arrival, disgracefully shoves his supposed friends aside, and takes his precious rose to the west wing, which is where it SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE. ADAM WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

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No joke one of the funniest actual gags in the whole series is:

*Donald Duck manhandling Cogsworth*

Cut to Sora saying "I'm glad you're OK." to Lumiere

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OK the minigame where you gotta light the magic torches, why do we have to make sure Cogsworth has enough strength to keep the lever down when we have two perfectly capable companions that can hold it down instead? I remember this sequence being a lot more annoying when I was a teen.

Xaldin's voice makes me feel things. Ahhh he sounds so tired lol. He peaces out and we fight the Beast. I remember getting him to calm down being harder.

"Xaldin used my anger to control me!" Says Beast. He angers very easily so this must have been a cinch. Xaldin's been obsessed with him since Days so I would imagine this intel would come in handy.

More fodder to fight and on to the boss. Phase one is just an angrier version of the Darkball Heartless. Phase two is just skinny Ganon. I like its design though.

“Belle, I’m sorry. I wasn’t myself, being all rude and overall kind of a jackass to you and my servants” Except that’s kinda how you’ve always been lmao. Just because you couldn’t choose not to be an ass here doesn’t change that this IS in character. Still gotta work on that a bit.

“You don’t have to apologize” No, no he still does.

They all reconcile and the Trinity Trio departs until Xaldin shows up again to wreak more havoc.

Time to move on to the next world.

#mellz plays kh2 #Kingdom Hearts series #Kingdom Hearts 2 #square enix #disney #PlayStation 2

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jokahlu · 5 years

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Kingdom Hearts 3 Ted Talk, Kairi’s Edition (More like rant) (Will contain spoilers)

*Warnings*

While reading the following post you should expect:

*Spoilers are ahead.

*Duality of emotions clashing between love and frustration.

*A certain mouse’s head will be expected in a platter, and he will be the source of the darkness coming out of me.

*Love for a character that deserved way more than what she got.

*Deep disappointment for a forgotten friendship that was non-existent.

*A sailing ship warmed my heart.

*And an ending that shattered it.

…So it’s basically me ranting at how SE treats Kairi.

Also, it’s a pretty long read. I tried to make it short. Oh well.

Enjoy.

*Read at your own discretion*

I’m so wrecked after this game. But don’t get me wrong, I loved it!

The graphics were superb, their expressions on point, the writing and humor, the landscapes and worlds. It was all so precious. Being able to play as the spiked hair little bundle of joy again after so long was truly like coming home.

But as much as I loved it, there are so many things that rubbed me the wrong way. So many things I hoped for, that seemed reasonable and not out of the realm of possibilities, but never happened.

I will not mention all of them here because I could write an entire essay about it. Reason why I’ll try not to get overly excited. Underline try.

This time I will mostly talk about Kairi.

Let’s do this quick, shall we?

First of all, I need that mouse’s head on a platter.

I wish Aqua would’ve given Mickey a good beating in this game. Don’t get me wrong, I usually like Mickey and his character in the KH franchise is pretty cool. But I hated his disregard to Kairi in this game. It just made me want to scream. Yes, he’s not the only one who doesn’t give a damn about the redhead (more on that lovely subject later), but I felt like he valued other’s life above hers in a blatantly obvious way. There are two scenes where I noticed this and it made me want to crawl up the walls.

The first scene was when Kairi is about to be struck down by Terranort, after him discarding two experienced fighters with a little more than a flick of his wrist, mind you. So, of course she’s scared and paralyzed, like any normal keyblade wielder (with only basic training and no real experience) would be. As Sora is desperately running to shield her with nothing but his body, Mickey uselessly screams “Sora no!”, as Donald and Goofy use their brains (and weapons) and come to the rescue.

What gives Mickey? Is she that unimportant in your mind, that Sora shouldn’t even try to help her? Did you honestly expect Sora to just let her die? Because if Terranort struck her, she was toast.

But I guess the answer is yes, because the other scene that made me want to strangle him was when Sora wants to go and save her and Mickey is trying to convince him not to go. I bet if it was Minnie on the line he would be jumping into lava if it meant to save her. But Kairi? Nah.

I swear I would’ve wanted Minnie to be next to Kairi and both be destroyed by Master Xehanort, just to see if Mickey’s reaction would be any different and if he would also risk it all at the end to save her instead of being like “oh don’t go Sora, you may never come back. Just leave Kairi to die, we can lose her but not you” attitude. Geez.

Love for a character that deserved better.

Oh, I could go one and on, on this one. It’s divided in many categories because the whole rant can be resumed in: she deserved better.

I’ll point out the obvious: I’ve always loved Kairi.

Yeah, she’s underdeveloped, not well written and can’t seem to shake the damsel in distress coat off, but I’ve always liked her. I’ve always felt Sora and Riku’s love for her real and heartwarming, and that’s made me like her so much. She’s also super brave, witty and has a great personality (don’t fight me on this)

I do get why some people might not like her, but I do.

Kingdom Hearts games have always treated her like a plot device and nothing more, and kh3 was the worst of the bunch in my opinion.

No one seems to care about her except for Sora.

When everyone reunites after Kairi dies, the only one who says something to him to reassure and confort Sora, apart from Donald and Goofy, is Xion. The rest are like oh ok she died, what’s next? I was expecting for Axel to be pissed, sad, anything, or anyone commenting something about it, but they just disregarded it like nothing happened.

Even if I understand that Terra, Aqua, Ven, Roxas, even Xion, didn’t know her that well and I didn’t expect it to affect them, at least they should acknowledge their fallen comrade. But ok, they didn’t know her that well. But Axel and Riku virtually not giving a damn? It really made things worse for my already wrecked heart. Those two are her closest friends, aside from Sora..

Even when the final battle is over everyone is like “wohoo we won! it’s all over!” (I’m glaring at you mouse) and even Riku agrees, Sora is the only one who is sad and heartbroken for her dying. Speaking of Riku basically disregarding her death..

Deep disappointment for a forgotten friendship that was basically non-existent.

Saying that I was disappointed in Kairi and Rikus interactions is a mayor understatement. This broke my heart because my highest hope for kh3 was to see Riku and Kairi being friends. Like, real friends.

In kh1 he was all over protecting her, in kh2 he silently looked after her and kept her safe as much as he could, but kh3? Man, in this game they felt like borderline strangers to me. Even faced by her being murdered in front of his face, he just stood there kind of surprised and pissed. Nothing more.

Seriously?

I mean Master Xehanort had just cold-bloodedly killed her right then and there, and he didn’t react as if his childhood friend had just turned into dust.

And even worse, when the final battle ended he didn’t even offer to go with Sora to save her. What the hell?

If it was Sora who had died, there is no doubt in my mind that he would’ve been fighting his way to save him, consequences be dammed. (And it’s what probably happens when Kairi comes home alone, smh) And that reaction would be right because they’re best friends and that how any of the other characters would react if one of their trio was killed and they had the chance to save them.

So why did it seem like he didn’t care at all? It hurts a lot.

Where is the Riku who’s last worlds for Sora were asking him to keep Kairi safe? The one who helped her escape Axel or shielded her from Saix?

Riku felt off to me in Kingdom Hearts 3, not only because of this, but I’ll leave that for my Riku rant.

Kairi’s performance in the final battle

Not everyone has to kick ass to be valid, and she tried her best to train and help, even when it was not something she was used to.

I mean, come on! Her first real experiences in battle were in the final battle. Who the hell thought it was a good idea? She had only trained with Axel. So, of course she would freeze when she sees trained/experienced keyblade wielders being thrown all over the place. Even Sora didn’t take out his weapon, trying to save her in the rush of the moment. And even if she did take out her keyblade when Terranort attacked her, she would’ve been smashed against the wall like Axel.

I’ll admit that before kh3 was released, I wished she did become OP and beat some organization XIII butt, but as I advanced in the game I realized how ridiculous that is. If you put kh1 Riku and Sora in that scenario, even at the end of the game with all the experience they had gathered, I bet they wouldn’t have fared very differently.

What I truly want is for her to go on her own adventure and grow powerful at her own pace, so in the next big battle she’ll be fairly prepared. It would be better if that adventure was with Sora and Riku, exploring new worlds together just the three of them, like they dreamed about in kh1.

But I’ll say it again: Not everyone in the game must kick ass to be valid.

A sailing ship warmed my heart. Even if it was poorly written (Unsurprisingly. It involves Kairi so I expected as much)

The Sokai in the game honestly lifted my battered heart.

Sora grows to learn so much more of love in this game: how powerful true love can be, how if you truly believe, love can make miracles happen and that one day is enough if there is true love.. He even admits that he still doesn't know much about it, but as the story goes on we can see that he knows more than he believes.

I loved the paopu scene. I could totally imagine Kairi and Riku planning it beforehand, so that Kairi and Sora would be alone to do so. Key word being “imagine” because at this point, their friendship is only in my imagination.. but that will be saved for Riku’s rant..

I believe that it’s so in character that Kairi initiates the paopu scene, because Sora would never do so. But I loved it, and the way they looked at each other was so.. oh man this game.

The paopu moment did seem to make Sora bolder, touching her more than before and being blunter about how she makes him feel. And it’s so heartwarming and wholesome that the moment when Sora realizes Kairi’s light had been guiding him in the darkness, he remembers the two acts of true love he had witnessed before in the game: Rapunzel’s tear bringing Flynn back to life and Elsa and Ana’s scene as well. I believe that’s the moment when he realizes that she’s his True Love..

That moment when he finds her in the darkness, and he makes her shy when he tells her that he felt strong with her, smiling knowingly when she turns away embarrassed. Or holding her hand for longer than necessary when they go back with the others.

It’s amazing that after meeting so many new people, many gorgeous girls and guys, Sora’s heart hasn’t let go of the friend he fell for as kids. He loved her for her personality and heart, which is why their bond is so strong, even if they see each other less than before.. which is a massive understatement if I must say so myself.

That heart wrenching scream when she was taken into the heartless tornado or his grief-stricken face as he screamed at Master Xehanort “Why”, are proof of just how deep his feelings for her are. How important and invaluable she is in his life.

Adding to this, his utter sacrifice to go save her as soon as possible, not enjoying his victory against Master Xehanort, and not making her wait one more second (his words, not mine) is a statement of his feelings for her, simple and clear (thought I would say clean did ya?)

I mean, come on! His first thought after killing that murderous bald sack of darkness was about her.

And at the end I love how they were holding hands and sitting so close to each other on the paopu tree (They’re definitely a couple now) before he vanished and shattered my heart in a million different pieces.

Speaking of which..

An ending that shattered my heart.

I feel like her dying was very unnecessary. I think that it was only for Sora to embark on a mission alone. Master Xehanort says that he lacks motivation, so he kills her (she’s being used as a plot device again dammit) but Sora clearly was going to fight him either way, motivation or not.

So, killing Kairi was only for Sora to go alone at the end, leave the story inconclusive and the game, and players, in dire need of a sequel.

Before the secret ending had been added, I was super sad that the only person who truly cared for her had seemingly died, or vanished, but now we know he’s someplace else, looking for a way back to her. I would love for her to save him, but given how SE treats her, I think I’ll temper my expectations for her in the next installments of the games.

This game left me with a super bittersweet feeling, but it was definitely worth it! I won’t let SE and the character’s indifference towards Kairi affect my overall enjoyment of the game.

But let’s hope she gets to shake that damsel in distress title Nomura loves to give her.. I guess I can’t keep my expectations low for her, can I?

Oh well, Sora still need to give her her lucky charm back, which she gave back in Blank Points, so he needs to come back to her to return it.

Please SE let Kairi help save Sora this time, without being a burden. Thank you.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

#sokai #sora #kairi #kingdom hearts #kingom hearts 3 #kh3 spoilers #riku #rikai #A post appreciating Kairi #She deserved better #super long post #ted talks #kingdom hearts 3 review #opinion

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gabberwockywrites · 5 years

Photo

When Kairi returned, sitting on the Paopu tree, Sora wasn’t with her.

Everyone there at the Islands felt his loss; felt his absence as tears rolled down Kairi’s face. They decided to stay for a week or so as Kairi and Riku got over the reeling shock of having Sora, kind constant Sora ripped away from them.

So, then, they weren’t sure how to feel when Sora returned- sort of.

A version of Sora washed up on the beach of the Islands, fingers shaped into claws, eyes almost glowing red, and shrouded in the Darkness they never thought he’d fall to.

He crouched defensively if anyone approached until Kairi and Riku came running up the beach, shouting his name.

Not-Sora whirled, growling and running at the two.

“Riku! Kairi!” shouts of alarm rang out as Sora pounced, knocking Riku to the ground.

Riku blinked as the creature on top of him nuzzled his neck instead of attacking.

“Sora?”

Not-Sora purred at the sound of his name, curling up in Riku’s lap as the other boy sat up.

Kairi sat down next to them. “I think it is Sora.”

“What happened to her?”

“Anti-form.” Roxas cut in softly, almost in a trance.

Riku looked up quickly. “What?”

Shaking his head, Roxas replied, “I can wield pure light as a weapon. Sora does… almost the opposite. It’s not really wielding Darkness but when he gets desperate enough, Sora’s Darkness… wields him, in a way.”

“How do you know that?”

“I lived in that guy’s heart for the better part of a year. I know how much Darkness he hides.” He smiled, “I’ve also fought Anti-Form.”

Riku ran his fingers through Anti-Sora’s hair. “You’ve fought him like this? He seems harmless.”

“Only because it’s you. He was growling at the rest of us earlier.” Lea cut in.

Roxas nodded. “As far as I could tell, that’s Sora with most of his cognitive abilities stripped away. He doesn’t really recognize us.”

“So why does he recognize me?”

Kairi laughed. “Isn’t it obvious, Riku? It’s because you’re Sora’s Light.”

“I’m what?”

“His Light. Sora loves you.”

“I…” Riku flushed. “He loves a lot of people. He loves all of you.”

“Not the same way he loves you. And you love him.”

He spluttered, starting to defend himself, “I don’t-”

Kairi cut him off with a look and he pulled Anti-Sora a little closer.

“So how do we get our Sora back?”

Turns out, no one knew how to get Sora back.

It was okay though; Anti-Sora was content to lounge next to Riku on the beach. They hadn’t tried to get Sora back to the Main Island; there would be too much to explain and they weren’t sure how he’d react.

That just meant Riku couldn’t leave the Play Island either. He’d started moving both of them into the tree house; Kairi was bringing him clothes and food, but he needed a more permanent solution.

So he’d started building the treehouse out. Riku had honestly been planning on moving to the Play Island anyway. His parents hadn’t survive Destiny Islands’ fall to Darkness, the stress too much for them- they’d always been on the frail side.

Sora tended to sit in the shade while he worked; seemingly relaxed. He’d perk up when he heard a boat coming, reluctant to leave when Riku shooed him into the bushes.

It was Old Man Natsu who’d stepped onto the Island, with a generator and wiring in hand to rig up the new built out tree house.

Riku smiled as the man taught him wiring and how to start the generator- it was hydro-powered, so all Riku needed to do was make sure the rotor was in flowing water, which was easy enough on the Play Island.

An old fridge and stove were installed next, and the old treehouse was pretty much a home for Riku and Anti-Sora.

Their bed- there was only one, as Anti-Sora only slept if he was on Riku- was little more than a mattress on the floor. (Riku dragged it from the Gummi Ship hidden in the Secret Place.) But it was enough for them.

Almost enough.

Riku sighed, looking down at Anti-Sora curled up on his chest. It was almost like owning a very large cat. Which was nice, Riku loved cats.

But he really wanted his best friend back.

He ran a hand through Sora’s hair.

“Hey there,” he’d caught Sora’s attention, smiling. “I know I talk to you a lot like this, but can you even understand me like this?”

Sora tilted his head further into Riku’s hand, letting out a little “chirrup” noise.

Riku chuckled, “I… gods, I miss you, Sora.” He pressed his forehead to Sora’s, “I know you’re here but it’s not enough. I need you, I need your light.”

Again, Sora chirruped, pressing curious hands to Riku’s cheeks, which were wet with tears.

“Kairi said I’m your Light…” Riku urged, “So follow me home.”

Sora let go of his face, curling up again in Riku’s lap in response, still shrouded in Darkness.

“I don’t know how to help him,” Riku sighed, glancing at the gummiphone set up on the counter as he cooked. “He eats, but not really enough, and he still doesn’t talk.”

“Well, if it’s a problem with his cognition it makes sense that he’d be nonverbal,” Ienzo speculated, brows furrowing, “but the not eating is concerning. How have you gotten him to eat when he does?”

“Physically put it in his mouth.”

“That’s… odd.”

“It works.”

“For now,” Ienzo glanced at his computer. “I wonder if Sora isn’t eating because he doesn’t recognize food.”

Riku glanced at Sora, curled up around his shirt. “It’s very possible. There are days he doesn’t even recognize Kairi.”

“Who does he recognize most often, aside from you?”

“Ventus, surprisingly.”

Ienzo made another note. “Maybe then it’s hearts he’s recognizing. I think Ventus’s heart is the one he knew the longest, aside from yours.”

“So he’s what like… a Heartless?”

“No, not that. He can just sense hearts, so he stays by the ones he knows the best.”

Riku hummed. “That still doesn’t really tell us how to get him back.”

“I know. I wish I could help more but it’s hard when I can’t see him in person.”

“I can try to bring him to Radiant Garden, but I don’t know how he’ll react to the Gummi Ship. Or you.”

“If you can come, let me know. Oh, and you should probably tell the King. They couldn’t be there when Sora returned, I’m sure Donald and Goofy are worried.”

Riku nodded. “You’re right, thanks. I’ll let them know.”

“See you, Riku.”

“Have a good day, Ienzo.”

As soon as he hung up the phone, Sora was wrapped around his middle.

“Well, hello to you too.” Riku chuckled, accustomed to being randomly attacked by Sora. “Was I on the phone too long?”

Sora growled in response, arms tightening around Riku’s waist.

“You’re possessive today. Is everything ok?”

Sora grumbled.

“Bad day? Would you like something to eat?”

A mumbled noise behind him got Riku to turn around.

“Sora?”

His face was pinched, as if he was trying to think of something he couldn’t quite remember.

“…ku…Ri…ku…Riku! Riku, Riku!”

Riku grinned. “That’s right! I’m Riku!”

“Riku!”

“Come on, Sora, let’s eat.”

Sora grumbled again but followed Riku to the table.

There were two chairs at the table, but it seemed that Sora preferred to curl up as much as he could on Riku’s lap. It was almost as if the boy was touch starved and Riku realized with a jolt that he hardly hugged Sora anymore- keeping a distance unconsciously because he didn’t deserve Sora’s friendship, but couldn’t bring himself to actually leave.

He frowned, recognizing slowly that his fears and denials about his feelings were hurting his friend.

But he couldn’t say it. Not to this Sora.

“Hey, do you want to go on a trip today?”

Sora tilted his head.

“We can go see a friend who can help you.”

“Riku?”

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Riku smiled, popping a piece of chicken into Sora’s mouth. “Remember you need to eat.”

Sora chewed and looked up at Riku, and the two finished their lunch quickly in this way before walking around the Island.

“Do you remember the Secret Place?” Riku asked as they wandered vaguely in that direction.

Sora, ever the silent shadow, had no response for Riku, though he did recoil slightly at the entrance, torn between following Riku and memories of the Secret Place.

“Sora?”

Tentatively, Sora stepped into the Secret Place, following Riku.

“We’ll be out of here soon. We just need the ship.” He herded Sora onto the Gummi Ship, smiling as Sora curled up at his feet. “Ready?”

The trip to Radiant Garden was, surprisingly, uneventful.

Getting from the Gummi Ship to the castle, however, was not.

Riku hadn’t counted on Leon, Cloud, and Yuffie showing up as soon as the ship landed.

“Sora?” Leon called, looking around for the kid.

Riku chuckled nervously. “He’s—ah—not himself right now. You guys might want to step back.”

“What happened?”

“I was hoping Ienzo would be able to help. Roxas- Sora’s Nobody who grew a heart- called it ‘Anti-Form.’ It’s… well…”

Sora bounded out of the Gummi Ship into Riku’s back.

“Sora!” Riku stumbled before turning and catching him. “I could have fallen.”

Sora muttered an apologetic, “Riku…” as the other three gaped.

“Sora?” Cloud questioned, stepping forwards. “Are you ok?”

Almost immediately, Sora growled, shifting into a defensive stance.

Cloud stepped back, confused. “What…?”

“He doesn’t really recognize anyone.”

“What can we do?”

Riku shrugged. “I’m about to ask Ienzo. I’ll let you know when we find something.”

Leon nodded. “We’ll clear the streets for you and Sora. Try to make sure you see the fewest people possible.”

“Thank you,” Riku smiled as they left, Sora relaxing at his side. “I’m sorry, Sora. I didn’t realize this would be so stressful.

Sora grumbled, curling close.

“Come on. We just have to talk to Ienzo, then we can go home.”

So on they went, streets blessedly empty thanks to Leon, Cloud, and Yuffie.

Ienzo looked up when the two entered the lab, smiling. “Hello.”

“Hi,” Riku replied with a wave. He kept a hand on Sora’s, making sure he didn’t hurt himself on the equipment. “Here we are.”

“How is he?” Ienzo asked, nodding towards Sora.

“He’s still not eating on his own, but he can say my name.”

“Riku! Riku, Riku!”

“Yes, Sora,” he laughed, “I’m right here.”

“Riku…” Sora all but purred, unaware of Ienzo’s stare.

“Well, that’s good.”

And with that, they got started. It took several hours, and Sora has gone to curl up in the corner before Ienzo sat back with a sigh.

“It seems that I am not the one who can help him.”

“What do you mean?”

“He can’t find his way back. Not all the way. But I’m not the one who can lead him home.”

“Who is?”

Ienzo chuckled. “I’m sure you can find the answer, Riku. He’s around you most often.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It is,” he smirked. “Go home and think about it, I think Sora’s getting tired.”

Sora perked up at the sound of his name, chirruping tiredly.

“Alright,” Riku conceded, “Thank you for trying.”

“Of course.”

Days passed back on Destiny Islands.

It was getting harder for Riku; harder to be near Sora while he wasn’t really Sora, harder to keep his feelings in. Harder to stop thinking of Sora as his.

“Sora, why can’t you come back to me? To us?” Riku ran his fingers through Sora’s hair. “What else do you need?”

Sora curled further towards Riku’s hand, fingers gripping his shirt. “Riku… Riku.”

“Me? What do you need me to do?”

“Riku…” Sora whined.

Riku shifted, pressing his forehead to Sora’s. “I’m right here. Come home to me. I—I need you. You’re my Light, Sora. I—” He squeezed his eyes closed. “I love you.”

A sharp gasp above him had Riku opening his eyes, watching as the shadows retreated from Sora’s face and, for the first time in months, he gazed into crystal blue eyes.

“Sora,” he gasped, pulling the boy to him. “You’re back.”

Sora smiled, pulling back slightly. “Did you mean it, Riku? You love me?”

“Yes,” Riku laughed, “Gods, yes, Sora, I think I’ve loved you since we were kids.”

Sora grinned, eyes welling with tears. “I love you too, Riku. I love you.”

Riku choked on a sob before pulling Sora into a kiss.

“Welcome home, Sora.”

#soriku #kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts 3 #sora #riku #kairi #ienzo #roxas #lea #leon #cloud #yuffie #fanfiction #long post

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