Change: A New Day
I dread change, whether it's a small diversion or a major one.
And, in the past few months, major is all that I, Sora Tanaka, have come to know.
I used to live in a beautiful place called Twilight Town. It was a peaceful, neighborly environment that I grew fond of overtime. Occasionally, I watched the setting sun as it shone through the many stony structures that were built around the premise. It's a hobby of mine to admire beauty—the kind of beauty that not many others take the time to notice and take in. Twilight Town always held an essence of wholesomeness with everyone that inhabited it. Everyone knew one another, and it was unlikely that someone had friction with someone else. It was a place where comfort, joy, and friendships were evident. That was why Twilight Town was so attractive in the first place, especially for my family. Hell, maybe that's one of the reasons why my parents moved there in the first place. I had always considered it a place that I can call home; my only home.
I guess, this is where change comes in. My extended family thinks it's what's best, but for the most part, I don't know what to think. Then again, I have no choice but accept the fact that everything in my life is different. Change is a time when things can start anew, or more so, when a chapter ends, and another begins. What I'm trying to get you to understand is not a simple personal or characteristic change. It's a natural concept for a human to shape and grow into who they are within time, but in this case, it's much more than that.
A few urgent knocks on the wooden barrier that separated myself from reality is what shook me out of my thoughts.
Oh, how I've been waiting for this day.
Not.
Today, I start junior year of high school and I wouldn't want nothing more than to have that idea crumpled up and thrown into an imaginary shredder. The whole summer was a recuperation process. All I did was sleep, sleep, and sleep some more since it was all that I could bring myself to do. Call it a routine that was self-prescribed. It somewhat worked because it kept my mind off most things that are wrong in life, but sometimes, it'd come to bite me in my dreams, or more so, my nightmares. Everyone thought I was going to die from lack of sunlight and I thought I was going to die from the constant feeling of being constricted.
"Yo, Sora, get ready, school starts soon, and I want to show you the route."
That'd be my cousin, Roxas. The blonde, blue-eyed, spiky-haired, popular, good-natured, not-exactly-a-close-cousin-of-mine, Roxas. From what I've observed, he's a bit of a dolt, and I can safely say that compared to him, I score high on the spectrum of brightness, but there's no time for boasting.
Albeit, I must admit, I don't really hang out with him as much as I should, I mean, I live in his home; my Aunt Kimberly's home. I've been doing so since summer began. In the beginning, he tried to be sociable and hang out with me, but as time sped on, I think he got the memo that I'm not talkative, nor am I an interesting family member, or person, for that matter.
If you're wondering why I live with my aunt, I'm going to leave that segment of the story for another time.
"Yeah, yeah," I call. I heard loud, retreating footsteps as I gathered the rest of my remaining strength to get up and prepare for the day I've waited patiently for all summer. Ha, good one, Sora.
In actuality, I've been awake for a while now. For whatever reason, in the past however months, and most definitely this week, it's been difficult to push myself out of bed. I must exert a mental shove to myself and attempt to retain a positive aspect to the concept of school. On the bright side, my depressing, lonesome days will be busier, giving less time to thinking, and more to another subject, like learning or engaging in matters as such as socializing.
I mentally gagged.
Who am I kidding? It's not like school will automatically halt my mind from rambling with thoughts of the past or make me pay attention to the blabbering of strict teachers that barely know what they're talking about to begin with. All in all, I have no choice but to drag my loner ass to the place where education blossoms and ensues.
With a tiresome groan, I rise to my feet and throw on something decent, or more specifically, a black hoodie over a plain white t-shirt, along with a pair of khakis.
The usual.
I know, my ability to dress is alarmingly impressive, no need to remind me.
I zip open my backpack and check that I have the necessary items for my classes; a notebook and a pencil, perfect. Now, I know what you're thinking: that's it? Yes, I don't intend on paying attention on the first day of classes. The most work we'd do is stand up in front of the class and state our names, what our hobbies are, and what our favorite color is. Like anyone cares about what you have to say, anyways.
As I shut my bag and slung a sleeve over my shoulder, I placed my headphones around my neck and plugged it into my phone, shoving the device into my pocket for momentary use. I made my way into the bathroom, relieved myself, and brushed my teeth. Can't have bad breath on the first day of school, that'll make terrible, first impressions. Pfft, not like any other aspect that I have will make a bad impression.
Before exiting, I looked myself over in the mirror, grimacing in the process. A plastered frown and slightly noticeable bags under my eyes.
God, could I look any worse?
I don't know why I'm acting like I would care for anyone's opinion or anything. I never did, and I never will. Either way, it's not like I can snap my fingers and change my appearance. Besides, I can't be the only one that looks and feels miserable.
My focus trickled upward to inspect my overly spiky hair, and yes, mine is spikier than Roxas's. It's so obvious and obnoxiously stiff that I bet someone can spot me in a large crowd. Instead of Where's Waldo, it's Where's Sora, only way easier. I huffed, grabbing a comb. I attempt to wrestle with my spiky mane, but to no avail, it returns to its natural state. I don't even know why I try, I already know that there's no use in changing my hair style.
"Hurry your ass up, Sora," I hear an eager Roxas shout from the first floor. I also heard Aunt Kimberly tell him to watch his language. I couldn't help but let out a genuine laugh. That's a first.
Despairingly, I trudge down the flight of stairs as my shoes plopped against the hardwood in loud, rhythmic thumps. Once I reached the bottom step, I observed Roxas's posture, his phone in his left hand and the other gripping the rail. The sole of his foot tapped against the floor with anticipation of getting on his way. What's he so eager to do at school?
I flashed Roxas a wry smile, before saying, "you're awfully impatient, Roxas. Not a good look."
"Shut up. It's the first day of junior year for the both of us, aren't you excited?" Um, no, what the hell do you think I am? Thirsty for lounging for eight hours straight, let alone being around short-tempered teachers and yappy teenagers? No, thank you.
"Excited isn't the right word to describe it," I reply, "more like I'm trying to avoid the idea by steering clear of the thought, but with you, I don't think I can."
Roxas rolls his eyes at my negativity, coherently scoffing as we continue to leave the house, though Aunt Kimberly's voice pauses my movements.
"Aren't you going to eat breakfast, Sora?" If I eat anything, I think I might throw up. Not because I'm nervous, but because I despise eating anything in the morning. I'll give her a safe answer, so she'll leave me alone.
"I'll get something at school, but thank you, Aunt Kim."
Walking alongside Roxas really put things into a realistic perspective. It's finally here, the day that summer officially ended, and a new, untold chapter begins. A chapter that's surely going to be a doozey; I have a talent for foreseeing the future.
Change is an unavoidable mystery. You don't really know what to expect, but I think that's the interesting thing about it, or more so, in my case, the most frightening thing.
In my peripheral, I sensed Roxas's shifty, momentary gazes, and after the fourth time, it was starting to get a bit irritating. God, if you have something to say, say it.
I glance over. "What is it?"
He hesitates, but I can see it. I know exactly what he's going to ask, and I pray he doesn't. It's the only thing I've been constantly hearing. He opens his mouth and asks, obviously concerned, "Are you alright?"
Ugh, I fucking knew it. I appreciate the interest in checking on my mental health, but the answers going to be the same every time. "No."
"Sora—"
"It's been four months since the accident, I know, that's not why."
Four months since what, you may ask? Remember that segment of the story that I said I would put off until later? Well, this is the time when I tell you. Four months ago, my parents died in a wreck, along with fifteen other passengers. It was a huge news story that I hope didn't reach Destiny Islands, but I wouldn't count on it. I don't recall every sliver of the event, for I'm pretty sure I lost all the memory I had of that day, but I know that we were riding in a bus, and suddenly, the worst thing anyone can ever think of, happened in a matter of seconds. Honestly, I don't know how I survived that crash, but I have a gnarly scar to prove it.
I guess, you can somewhat piece everything together now. I currently live in Destiny Islands with my Aunt Kim and Roxas. When Aunt Kim heard the news, all she wanted to do was take me under her wing. She was utterly ruined, as was Roxas and I, for a whole month and a half before she slowly began to get better. Even now, I can't comprehend on the idea of coping. I think of it this way; when tragedy hits, it's placed in its own little box, stored in a corner within your heart and mind. It will always be there to haunt you if you choose to open it, to put you into a rumination of horror and sadness. Like I said earlier, I still have graphically awful nightmares about it, but the amount of hurt that I feel in the moment lessened with time. If I delve into the thought for too long, it drives me into a pit of depression but storing it away to cope is what I've tried my hardest to do and its working so far. For the most part. One thing will never change though, and it's the fact that with every day that comes and goes, there's never a moment that I don't miss my parents.
"Then, why aren't you alright?" Roxas pesters. I almost forgot I held a conversation with him. I don't necessarily know why he cares, I mean, I know he's my cousin, but we haven't gotten to know each other that well over the summer, and we surely aren't on a personal level. During the summer, he was usually with his friends, as popular and well-known as he claims to be. Which, now that I think about it, is an awful trait, because that means he may drag me along on social events.
"You know I'm not, yet you ask me if I am. It's better to not ask at all." Was that harsh? I think it came out a little harsh, then again, I don't know how to insinuate things in a polite way as well as being straight-forward.
Roxas scrunches up one side of his face, perplexed at my response, "How am I supposed to know if you're alright or not? How am I supposed to know what you're thinking? You haven't talked much to me or my mom at all."
"I'm not familiar with this change—" ah, the famous word invites itself to roll off my tongue, once again. It should be the word of the day. "—this new life, this new environment, the people. Just give me time and I'll come through."
Destiny Islands is known for its exquisite scenery and beachy surroundings. Aside from the occasional thunderstorms and gloomy afternoons, it's a magnificent place for anyone wanting a perfect vacation. It has it all; the landmarks, the plazas, the attractive people, the scenic overlooks, and the famous legend of the Paopu fruit that many tourists are so excited to hear and talk about. In my opinion, I don't understand the whole gist, but whatever makes the cash flow, am I right?
"Yeah... I get it," Roxas clears his throat, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. Thanks, I'm glad you finally do. I hope I don't have to explain myself, again. "Um, sorry."
Better be. "It's no problem. And, just a reminder, you really don't have to worry about me killing myself, Roxas. Relax."
"Shut up," he nudges my arm, the corner of his lips quirking upwardly at my reply, "But, seriously, dude, be excited. This place is as easy as it comes, you don't have to worry about trying to fit in."
Fitting in is not the problem, dear cousin. It is simply the thought of my life changing in a matter of seconds that baffles me the most; the adjustment of a whole new scenery that I was never equipped to come in touch with at such a quick pace. I'm sure I'll get used to the idea of living in Destiny Islands as I deal with the confliction of my alarming thoughts, my overwhelming anxieties that arose from the accident, and the stench of snobby teenagers and stuck ups of all degrees. I must learn all the new routes to certain locations and sure enough, dealing with the letdown of achieving no friends in school. That achievement was difficult enough to acquire in Twilight Town.
I'm surprised I haven't strayed away from the rest of my conversation with Roxas by placing my headphones over my ears. Music is a perfect way to tune out of reality and disconnect yourself from the world. I found peace and stability from it whenever I'm thinking too much.
Although I had the urge to tune Roxas out, I felt like this somewhat-of-an-in-depth conversation will dig out a newfound respect between him and I. Not that I'm asking or hoping for it. That, and I don't want to be rude, sensing that this topic is not ending just yet.
As expected, Roxas turns his head and questions, "You don't remember living here, do you?"
That surely got my attention. And, the answer is no. Obviously, there's scattered memories and glimpses of short images of the past times, but there's not much that I can recall. When I was forced to move to Destiny Islands, Aunt Kim informed me of the fact that I used to. I think she was attempting to make me feel comfortable or something of the sort.
After a bit of silence on my part, I finally responded, "No."
"I remember you and I were close," Roxas informs, his subtle tone in a realm of musing, commemorating the old times that I barely could remember. He frowns. "I don't remember much either, you know, about how you and I used to hang out, but I know we had good times."
The welcoming scent of the salty, thick air, the relative sounds of whooshes that incoming waves resonated, and the sights of the clear, cerulean water soaking at my feet is the majority of what I can grasp from the time. I had several glimpses of a few friends that'd flash through my head as well but it's mostly all hazy. It's been over a decade since then, so forgetting segments of the past is normal. I can tell that I spent a lot of my childhood years there though, at the beach, I mean. I know I was happy and relaxed. I had no worries like every other young kid at that age.
"We were four or five, it's difficult to remember every crevice of those years," I reminded in truth. I half-shrugged, "but, that's why the past is the past and the present is now."
He nods, understanding. He began to stare forward in a thoughtful manner, withdrawing himself from further conversation.
A comfortable silence drew in between Roxas and I—a pocket of quietness that I was waiting for, no offense to him. I usually don't conversate so much in the mornings, especially about matters that involve digging into the brain's cerebral cortex or being rudely interrogated about my mental state, not that it's anyone's business in the first place.
Now that I'm not thinking or speaking, I can fully feel the force of the sunlight that penetrates from above. I don't know why I thought it was bright to wear a hoodie (ha, get it?), especially in the tropical weather that Destiny Islands encompasses, but you know, all weather is hoodie weather in my mind.
In the bare visage that I had while squinting, I can see it; Destiny High was in view and I approached closer with every step I had taken. The more I drew in, the more dreadful it appeared. The largely-structured complex, resembling a busy maze, somehow intimidated me. I have no doubt I'll get lost trying to find any class that I have in such a mess of a building. At Twilight Academy, the school surely wasn't as huge as this, and it didn't appear as confusing or overwhelming. In this case, I couldn't help but stare in astonishment. I must admit, Destiny High had Twilight Academy beat by a long-shot with how magnificent and classy it had appeared. It's as if Destiny Islands was made for the wealthy. I mean, now that I'm breathing in the rest of my surroundings, it appears to have been.
I scowled, huffing at the sight of countless students bustling through the entrance with an excited skip in their step, salivating for education and social interaction.
Why else would you be excited for school?
I spotted other classmates lounging in the courtyard that had a few welcoming benches that had been laid out for the public—how thoughtful. I noticed more groups of students nearby the steps that led to the double-doors of the school. Is this what kids did here? Stand around, chat amongst their friend group, and 'catch up'? I gagged. How dramatic.
I will never understand how teenagers can be so excited for the first day of school. It's the first day that signifies the following nine months of pure torture. I don't care if you haven't seen your dear friends for the past three months and can't wait to know what's been going on in their lives. News flash, if you or your friends don't take the time to talk to each other during the summer, you aren't that close.
End of mental rant.
"Guess our summer vacation is over," Roxas self-reminds. A small frown tugged at the corners of his mouth sorrowfully. I thought you were excited, what happened to that? He pauses in his tracks, taking in the well-structured building piece-by-piece as it towered before him. He sighs and adds, "Officially."
"Exciting, huh?" I sardonically mumble.
He laughs, a shake of his head following my bland remark that he took for a joke. A terrible one at that. He looks over in my direction, a questionable countenance etched upon his face. "You good to go on your own from here? You receive your schedule in—"
"The office, got that," I interject, flinging my index finger against my temple as a signification that I recall that bit of information. "By the way, uh, no need to wait on me after school, I know my way back."
"You sure?" Yeah, of course, I wouldn't say I did if I didn't. I have an impressive power for remembering routes as I've been used to doing so, especially those of short distances.
I nod, the grip on the sleeve of my backpack tightening as I witness a few of what seemed like Roxas's pals approaching our proximity. Scratch that, not a few, but a whole damn posse. I'm counting at least six or seven, mixed of all possible genders. Time for me to jet.
As I walked onward toward the double-doors, I heard Roxas call out, "Alright, see you later, Sora, hope you're in one of my classes." I guess, I hope so, too. I kind of don't, though, who knows what type of interactions he'd drag me in? He obviously has a social status to keep in check and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd introduce me to his clan of friends for the sake of my own.
I threw myself into the horrific trenches, or in a less dramatic term, the narrow halls that contained a multitude of students whom awaited the first bell and others that were in various lines to achieve their schedules.
I was thankful to be away from Roxas and his groupies. Although I didn't meet them, I, for some reason, always felt a surge of anxiety with a large group of people. I don't think I have some sort of social anxiety. I can talk to people, I just choose not to. Anti-social may be a proper term, but I don't like to think of it that way. The power of invisibility is endless. It's the best way to stroll through classes. Once mastered, not even the teacher will know your name, and that's the greatest gift.
Tough luck, I don't have invisibility mastered. But, I may have a chance at being left alone. It seems at this school, you're either known or you're not, which makes this place a bit more promising and tolerable.
Out of genuine curiosity, I crane my head to the side to survey the pace of the schedules being lent out. It shouldn't be that lengthy of a process, I mean, how long can it take to search through a pack of papers for a specific name?
Well…Seeing as if they should be in alphabetical order. I hope. Thankfully, there's multiple lines.
I exhaled in relief, grateful to find out that it was a speedy system. My line was moving at a comfortable rate. I almost regretted not going with Roxas over the summer to fetch my schedule as he got his, seeing as either way, it was a great idea, but nothing was going to drag me out of bed.
I shifted my gaze to the side, feeling curious stares nagging at me to make eye-contact. I received unreadable looks by two students that were huddled close to the other, sharing momentary glances while their lips moved simultaneously. I couldn't tell what they were talking about due to the amount of random chatter that filled the air, but I had a pretty good guess. The duo were both females, but I only studied the appearance of the main gossiper. She had the blondest hair, seemingly leaning towards a bleached color, stopping just below her shoulders. She wore a white top that clung to her waist and blue jeans that fitted her nicely. Her blue-eyed stare was penetrating. Dangerous.
Too bad her bothersome staring was bugging me. How rude of a gesture that it was. My mind almost got distracted and complimented her.
I mentally rolled my eyes and began to ignore her, including her friend, feeling obvious discomfort. I lifted my headphones on my head and placed them over my ears to not only soothe my irritation, but to clear my mind entirely. I fished my phone out my pocket and tapped on shuffle. Instantaneously, I felt all my worries shift to the side, as if they were temporarily locked away. My mind was relaxed, and the temporary stress I had once felt had finally drained out of my body. I almost drifted off into a sea of darkness, for I shut my eyes for a mere two minutes, until I felt a small nudge against my back.
See what I mean? I despise this place and the people in it. Can't have a short moment of relaxation for a single minute. I willingly pried my eyelids open to find that I was next in line to retrieve my schedule. I shot an intimidating glance over my shoulder to only find a random student alerting me to move forward. Unspoken apology accepted.
I stepped forward, analyzing the office lady slumped over a packet of schedules. What a terrible job to take up on the first day, she must hate it. The number of wrinkles on her face increased as she forced a smile that was anything but genuine. I uncovered the left cushion of my headphones to listen to what she had to say. She huffed in a tiresome fashion, causing her bangs to flutter upwardly. In a monotonous tone, she asked, "Name?"
You and me both, miss. "Sora Tanaka." I mumble.
I heard the first bell ring alarmingly throughout the extensive halls as the remaining students behind me groaned in despair at the fact that they didn't have much time left to get to class early. I didn't mind, I knew I was going to be late for class either way. This place screamed confusion.
"That's why you get your schedules during the summer. Lesson learned," the office lady chimes in, soaked with attitude. I smiled. In a matter of seconds, she shuffled through the pack of papers like lightning, and soon enough, she held out my schedule, calling out in a sigh, "Next."
I nod in substitution as a gesture of appreciation, returning my headset to fit comfortably over both my ears, once more. I leaned against a wall and licked my lips, tracing my vision over the teacher's names that correlated to each class.
History: Mr. Greene. Simple and clean. History is tolerable.
Math: Mrs. Loder. God, is her personality as miserable as her name?
Art: Mrs. Strife. Hands down, a class that I don't need to attend to know it's my favorite.
Then, I have lunch; the time when being a loner really shows. Great.
English: Mr. Cid.
Science: Mrs. Asuna.
Physical Education: Mr. Eraqus.
I heaved a sharp breath, swallowing thickly. My nervous stomach flipped and turned as my rapidly beating heart jumped imaginary, short-distanced hurdles. I did not come physically or mentally prepared for school. Either way, it was time I had to finally bite the bullet, suck it up, and pull through. How bad could it be?
I bounced off the wall, straightened my slumped posture, and trained a firm eye on the slip of paper. I took in the classroom number: 1-136. Building one, room one-thirty-six. Seeing as I am in building one, I'm guessing if I continue down this long ass hall, I'll most likely find it. It seems that my overthinking was all for nothing, which is why it's defined the way it is. People are fed overwhelming and most likely false ideas that the brain never fails to conjure up.
The final sound of another bell went off at a much higher volume than the first, practically rupturing my ear drums in the process. Although I disliked school and teachers, being nearly a minute late to class irked me.
Suddenly, a long-awaited surge of relief coursed through my entire body and mind. Somehow, it was as if the world wasn't totally against me. Mr. Greene's classroom glistened before my eyes, as if I completed a mission, and another awaited inside.
I clasped a hand around the door handle and pried the sucker open. A large gust of cool air splashed my face comfortably and I was eternally grateful for it.
To my dismay, I was met with stares, stares, and a couple of more suffocating stares, not only from the supposed Mr. Greene whom had the deadliest one of all, but also from the thirty students that were snug at their desks.
Gossip was huge here, apparently. I did a once-over around the room and witnessed various lips moved to speak words, but hell, I couldn't hear it.
Gazes wavered, chubby fingers snapped mere inches from my nose, and I wouldn't want nothing more than to fade off into a reality that was distances away from this one.
Hi guys! So, Kingdom Hearts 3 has impacted me in numerous ways and it has forced me to write a story about it. More specifically, an AU. I've always been in love with KH and been a fan ever since I got ahold of the first game. I also love Sora and Kairi so voila, a fic about them both. I hope you enjoy it somewhat, because whether or not you do, I'm gonna be writing and updating it. And, boy, is it going to be a ride of sad tears, negative sora, short-tempered kairi, fluff, angst, anxieties, and most of all, happiness.
P.S. I shouldn't be writing yet another story when I have another in the works, but hey, who cares.
