Disclaimer - I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts, II, or any of it's wonderful characters. Just my plotline.

1. Party.

Kairi sighed. It had been a year exactly since Sora and Riku had come back from their second adventure. She knew she should have been happy about the party celebrating this today, but she just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She still had nightmares from her fears that they would have to leave again.

"Kairi! Come on, you don't want to be late!" Sora called, snapping her out of her reverie. She shook her head, a small frown lingering on her features.

"You okay?" Sora asked, once she was close enough. She tried to smile.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she lied, not wanting to spoil Sora's nearly euphoric mood. They walked to the beach in front of the secret place quietly for a moment, until Sora broke the tranquil silence.

"Kairi, what's wrong? It's not like you to be so... un-cheerul," Sora finished lamely. He had stopped walking and was looking at her sincerely. Kairi sighed and smiled a bit. She should have realized he would have noticed.

"Well... I guess it's partly about that letter from the King we got, right after you and Riku came back," she admitted unhappily. Sora nodded. The three friends had gotten the letter almost immediately after Sora and Riku had come back. It had said only two sentences: "Trouble is brewing again. I'll come as soon as I need your help again." It had the King's seal. He still hadn't come.

"Well, maybe he took care of it on his own," Sora shrugged. Kairi smiled, his optimism lifting her mood noticeably.

"Come on. We don't want to be late," she smiled, warmth creeping into her tone. Sora smiled in return and they headed to the beach, where they saw Wakka, Selphie, Tidus, and Riku chatting happily by a large table where paper cups and plates, napkins, and a large cake rested. Balloons where tied at either end.

"Finally," Riku called, rolling his ocean-green eyes.

"Sorry," Sora apologized, grinning. They ran to the other four, who each held a paper cup. Kairi hoped they hadn't been waiting long.

"Time to cut the cake, ya!" Wakka said, putting down his blitzball and grabbing a large knife. Soon everyone had a large slice of chocolate cake.

"I propose a toast," Sora said, holding up his cup. Kairi finished her last bite of cake and held up her own.

"To tranquility, simplicity, and childhood!" Sora smiled warmly, never taking his eyes off Kairi. She grinned and gulped down her drink.

"Thanks," she muttered to Sora as he resumed his seat next to her at the large wooden table. The blue tablecloth fluttered in the slight breeze.

"No worries, right?" He breathed, sounding relieved.

"None at all," Kairi assured him. The two teens gazed into each other's eyes, seeing nothing of their surroundings. Riku laughed to himself in the distance. The energy surrounding them began to change. Kairi suddenly felt very warm inside. What was this? Maybe, could it be -

"Guys... look," Riku said, ruining the moment. Kairi turned to see what he was pointing at. There, speeding right towards them, was the gummi ship Sora, Donald, and Goofy had traveled in over a year ago. It sped towards the beach smoothly, flying very close to the water.

Sora threw a frantic glance at Kairi, who was horrified.

"No! Not again!" She murmured, falling to the ground and clutching at her hair.

"Kairi! Kairi, it's okay," Sora whispered frantically, shaking her a little. "Kairi, listen to me. We don't even know what they want."

"What else could it be, Sora! You're gonna have to leave again, and Riku with you! And you're going to make me stay here, just like before! I can't do it again!" Kairi sobbed, crystalline tears rolling down her cheeks.

The gummi ship landed softly. A soft whirring sounded as the door opened to reveal Donald and Goofy, looking confused.

"Kairi! What's wrong?" Donald asked, going to her. He put one feathered hand on her shoulder, shooting Sora a quizzical look.

"She's... upset," he explained limply. Kairi continued to shake as Donald gave Sora a No Duh look. Kairi listened as hard as she could, for Goofy was speaking to Riku in a hushed tone. Hushed for Goofy, anyway.

"...And it's gotten beyond control," he whispered.

"Are you sure? There's no other option?" Riku asked, sounding worried. Kairi assumed Goofy nodded, because the only other sound she heard was her labored breathing.

Pull yourself together! A voice inside her commanded harshly.

...Namine? Kairi asked in surprise.

Of course, who else would it be? Now control yourself! Rox...Sora is really distressed right now, and your little show isn't helping him.

But... he's going to go away again!

Then go with him. You can convince him, I'm sure of it.

Kairi stood suddenly. She turned to Sora, a stern and absolute look on her face.

"I'm going," she stated matter-of-factly.

"No!" Sora objected, looking angry. "It's way too dangerous! We've already been through this."

"I don't care. The only reason I stayed before was because you told me to, but I'm not taking orders anymore. I have a keyblade; I can fight," Kairi said, her tone still unrelenting and non-negotiable.

"Sora... she has a point. And you know she won't stop until she has her way," Riku pointed out quietly.

"So there!" Kairi said self-riteously, resisting the urge to stick her tongue out at Sora.

After a moment of consideration, Sora looked up to see Kairi's pleading face. A defeated look crept upon his own features.

"Fine... but I'm not letting you out of my sight for a second, clear?" He asked, his clear blue eyes still conflicted, but defeated regardless.

"Crystal," Kairi agreed, smiling.

Nice work, Namine complimented approvingly.

Thanks.

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Hey! LVchan here! Thanks for reading. Reviews are appreciated! This is my first fic, so I hoped you liked it. I'll get Chapter 2 up as fast as I can.

(But reviews might make it faster... )