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Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or any of its characters or settings.
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Please note that this is a squeal. I've tried to write it so that you don't need to read the first to understand, but I do suggest at least glancing at "Riku" before beginning.
I would like to thank all of my reviewers for "Riku" who demanded a sequel since I wouldn't have written one either wise. I hope I don't disappoint you all.
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Chapter 1—The Ranch's Torching
Riku watched Sora and Kairi head back toward home. They'd accomplished their mission; the shadow creature that had been bothering people had been an older teen, out looking for a good time. He'd received a good whack on the head, a severe scolding, then another hysterical scolding from his mother when they'd walked back, Kairi having a firm hold of his head, to his own home.
Once that was taken care of, Riku had volunteered to tell Lucia and Mark, the owners of The Ranch, that the problem was taken care of. The two had agreed and strutted off after quick goodbyes.
He tilted his head, a funny feeling creeping up inside him about why they'd give in so easily. Maybe they just didn't like The Ranch...?
He turned and took his time getting back to The Ranch. It was maybe a mile and a half, so it wouldn't take him that long. And the day was young.
He wanted to get there, but not at the expense of being too tired to hang out with Lucia. For no logical reason, his heart bubbled at the mere thought of her. He wanted to try and make her laugh when he told her about his original fear—the fear he had denied—when he'd first come face to face with the creature, wanted to see her smile when he told her about the demise of the shadow creature.
Memories played through his mind and he smiled that much more as each particular event touched a heart string. Yes, he missed her. He wanted to go back.
That thought brought back his strange version of Closter phobia. Would he begin to hate Lucia like he had hated home, Sora and Kairi? Surely not. He'd been stuck with those two by fate, by chance. He'd found Lucia on his own.
Soon, Riku stood on the hill that overlooked The Ranch, his heart sinking. He knew it had been too easy, not enough to it—something tugged at his mind, something not quite right.
The Ranch was burning. One of the barns was already to the ground, melted into blackish char. Flames licked at the others that still half stood.
The Ranch was vacant. Lucia was gone.