The Hollow Bastion Show House
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.The beginning.
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He could say everything started with that bottle of whisky.
Whisky wasn't his favorite drink. Its strong smell actually reminded him of his childhood, along with the sway of the ship and a lot of noise from numerous senseless people. He could easily associate the drink to dirty floors, bearded moaning men, and an annoying screaming dad... So, honestly speaking, whisky hadn't really been accompanied by pleasant memories or good ideas to him.
Except for that one.
Looking back then, that was probably the only one good idea he had had during all of their inebriated nights. Riku didn't think so at that time, though. And he could accurately record the ciano eyes of his best friend who, despite the dizziness of uncountable amounts of alcoholic drinks, was still able to offer him the most sincere expression of incredulity.
"When I think it isn't possible, you can still impress me with the most idiotic ideas of Traverse Town".
They were at old Cid's bar, known for its coziness and cheap drinks, sitting at the wooden table in their usual spot. It had the perfect strategic distance to the entrance door, in case any bar fights would take place, and to the bathroom, for they still had very functional kidneys. Two glasses rested tiredly on the surface: they had been filled and carelessly emptied too many times for their own good that night.
"C'mon, Riku", he had drunkly bent his head back, making his beret fall on the dark floor as he raised a finger to make a point. "New experiences, great moments and beautiful ladies await for us! Where's your adventurous side? Have the cold waters of this island finally frozen your ambitions?"
"Don't say that so loudly, someone from the church may hear you" Riku retorted with exaggerated precaution and looked at both sides before straightening up, "I'm sorry, Sora, I am usually very tolerant to your ideas, but this is too much. And I know you don't believe in it, but what you're proposing may lead your destiny directly to the red flames of hell, specially because I'm sure you won't pay for your sins".
"Oh, you're one to tell" Sora raised an eyebrow without suppressing a small laughter. "You could have built the entire Traverse Town main church with your debt, along with that stupid bell. And I sincerely don't believe I can buy my way to heaven, so there's really no point to pay for my sins every month of the year" and then a slight grimace "I just pay a symbolic fee so Aerith won't look at me with teary eyes, hoping her everyday prayer may save her little brother from post-mortem suffering".
"Your sister is too good for you" Riku shook his head and asked for another bottle of whisky before turning back to him "She would die of worry if she found out what you've just suggested me".
"She's always known I don't belong to this superstitious city, Riku" the brunet replied casually, shooing his words with his hand like they were noisy bugs "Look, I say we go. And I don't care about your opinion. I'll arrange everything, just leave it to me. You with me?".
"Foolish" the older young man busied himself at swirling his glass lazily, watching as the ice cubes would collide like stupid tiny animals, before offering Sora a critical look as he realized he was serious.
A sigh.
"I don't think life's quite that simple, Sora".
"Whisky, sir?"
"Sure" Sora frowned at his best friend, "I'd say that's your problem, Riku, you think too much" and then he turned his recently refilled glass down his throat, letting a satisfied whistle escape his lips. "we need to know more about the world, Riku, routine is like a poison that kills you slowly. Don't you want to see rare sights? Broaden your horizons? To be strong? You'll see. One day, you're gonna thank me for this".
"You sound just like Tidus with those questions. And I'll never thank you for your drunk breath on my face, Sora", the young man then brushed his platinum bangs from his eyes, smiling annoyingly "Ah, I think you're just really interested in the ladies".
"That's not it" Sora cut in hastily and a sudden idea caught him, for he subtly got occupied at searching for something in his pocket. Riku busied himself at serving another alcohol round. A victorious exclamation left Sora's lips two seconds later. He had his sweet prized possession in hands: a small black leathered notebook.
"Found it. So it's a plan, Riku! And you do know that these pages hold magical powers. I bought it from Pete, made by Merlin's own hands. Once written on these yellow pages, things will inevitably happen".
"Pete is the stupidest person I know, I can't believe you bought it from him. And you realize I didn't agree to it, right?"
"Don't be annoying. And you will, it's just a matter of time".
"I still think this is about women".
"Shut up".
"So you're in?"
"No".
"Okay, so it's settled! You won't regret it. Great doing business with you, Riku".
Riku made him pay the bill that night, but it was worth it, he supposed, for there he was now.
His arms rested leisurely on the back of the bench and he was just barely conscious of the cold wind that played with his incurably rebellious hair and of the sky that was already painted of a dark shade of blue. His azure eyes targeted the contour of Traverse Town's toneless buildings, which simply returned his stare with a bored yawn. That city hadn't changed its expression since he had first laid feet on those grey floors, so many years ago. Still a child, he remembered his old man's wise words:
"Cities are just like women, Sora. Don't get attached to the appearances or the luxury it may try to seduce you with. They're just illusions, tricks they are proud to play. What you should focus on is your intuition. Pay attention to that feeling that runs through your skin when your eyes meet at the first time. Intuition doesn't deceive you. Trust it".
A small smile curved his mouth and the young man played distractedly with two red tickets between his fingers. He could feel drops of anxiety flood through his brain, but purposefully decided to ignore it and play it cool. What he was about to do could be considered his greatest sin and, if he were a more devoted person, he would probably spend the rest of his life paying taxes for his choices.
Riku wouldn't need to bother about that. He could simply make his way down to underworld.
His vivid blue orbs ran through the grumbly and slightly busy streets. He suddenly felt it was a stupid choice for a meeting place. Too common, too exposed. He should have picked the Second District. Uncertainty began to stretch its devilish arms to his neck and he found himself anxiously scanning the corners in search for an angel that would save his life or a demon that would turn him into a madman. No sign of life. Then, realizing his own foolishness, he inhaled his hopes and let out a long breath. He had to trust. For a moment, he thought of Aerith, autumn scent and butterfly smile. It made him feel better. Superstition or truth, it didn't really matter. What he needed to believe was in something bigger than that island and himself and, if everything was meant to go wrong, he would pay for his sins, one by one, and be freed from destiny's grasp.
Feeling more confident, he closed his eyes and chose to laugh at himself and his insecurities as he shook his head softly, feeling that a cloud of lead had dissipated from his shoulders. He resolved that he would just admire the starry sky and wait.
Sometimes waiting was good enough.
Coincidentally, just as he began to relax, a mass of silver hair appeared at his peripheral vision. He raised his eyebrows as the tuxedo figure got nearer and Sora couldn't help but let a small laughter brush through his throat.
"You look nice, Riku" he said, now smiling openly.
"What with that face? Thought I wouldn't come?"
"Of course not" Sora patted his pocket "After all, it's on the notebook".
His companion's light eyes glanced at the streets furtively, and then turned back to him.
"It's time already. She is really not coming, right?".
Sora winced at that statement. He had already foreseen that. But he couldn't help the pain in his chest, like a needle craved very deep into his heart. He forced a smile to come. He had to believe in something bigger...
"Nope. That's just the two of us. You ready?".
"Ready".
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Hello, guys!
This is my first chaptered fic, I hope you enjoy it! This story has been on my mind for years, literally. I've always wanted to do write something with complexity and drama for KH and this is my first attempt to do so!
English is not my native language, so I kindly asked Breaking Barriers to help me with revision! Thank you very much!
Kisses,
Sayu.