Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts. Wish I did, but I don't.
I sighed as I stared up at the cloudy blue sky of our world. Moriko glanced down at me from where she was standing in the water.
"Yoko, are you alright?" she asked. I smiled and closed my amber eyes.
"Totally. I'm glad it's summer vacation. I couldn't stand one more minute in that hell-hole." I said laughing. Moriko smirked.
"That or you're happy you're gonna go see that Seifer guy in a week." She said with an evil glint in her eyes. I blushed.
"No! It's not like that." I shouted. "We're just friends." I mumbled. She snickered. I rolled my eyes at her antics and ran a hand through my mid-back length dark honey hair. I swept my long crown length side bangs behind my ear and sat up on the sand. "Well, don't make fun of me when you like one of the most popular guys in school." I retorted. Moriko glared at me and sighed.
"Okay fine. I'll stop." She said. "Hey, you're still gonna come visit my cousin with me right?" she asked. I nodded.
"Of course. And when I see him a give him a big wet kiss on the cheek." I responded with a cheeky grin. She laughed.
"He'll kill you." She said.
"Yeah, but I've got the number one ninja on my side." I said striking a superman pose. We broke out into giggles and looked at each other. I heard voices nearing and I saw three figures moving toward us. The silver-haired, red-haired and brunette. I smiled and elbowed Moriko. "Look who's here." I said. She blushed and looked away after hitting my arm. "Ow!" I grinned and waved stupidly. "HI RIKU!" I shouted. Moriko glared and punched my boob. "AGH! Child molester!" I cried pointing at her. She turned even redder and Riku was smirking.
"Hey Yoko. Hey Moriko." He greeted us. I readjusted my glasses as Kairi- the redhead- and Sora- the brunette- raised their hands in greeting.
"Sup." I said.
"You guys happy for summer break?" Sora asked. I nodded.
"I get to travel the world!" I said punching the air.
"I'm forcing her to visit my cousin." Moriko pointed out ruining the mood. I pouted and huffed.
"Ruining all my fun." I brooded while sulking away to the Paopu tree. I sat on it and leaned back, hanging upside down.
"Yoko, you've got some major mood swings." Kairi pointed out.
"Why thank you. Thank you very much." I stated sarcastically. I readjusted my half sleeve baggy navy shirt and sat up brushing off my grey jean shorts. "Sooooo…" I said looking at them. "You guys are gonna try and go to other worlds?" I asked softly. There was silence.
"We want to see what it's like in the other worlds. Kairi's living proof there are some." Riku stated. I sighed.
"I know that. But don't you guys think it's dangerous?" I questioned. Sora shuffled his feet nervously and Kairi met my unwavering gaze.
"I need to find my home." She murmured.
"Kairi, you're home is here. We're your family." I stated firmly. She lowered her gaze to the ground and I looked away. "Che. I'm going home. Have fun trying to kill yourselves." I said waving nonchalantly as I walked to the boats. Moriko looked at them with an apologetic face.
"Sorry guys. That's her way of saying 'Don't go, I'm worried about you'. I'll see ya tomorrow." She said following me.
. . .
"Hey, Yoko, are you alright?" my sister asked me, peeking through my bedroom door.
"Yeah Ren-chan, I'm alright." I responded softly. She sighed and left, closing the door. I stared up at the ceiling in my bedroom, watching my fan whirl around and around. My cat, Cheshire, jumped up onto my stomach and stared at me curiously with large blue eyes. I smiled at my grey cat and sighed stroking his soft ears.
"Hey Chessy. I really wish they weren't going. Something bad is gonna happen." I murmured. He meowed at me and I sighed, staring back up at the dawn clouds painted on my ceiling and walls. Moriko and I were leaving the next morning and then Riku, Kairi and Sora would leave. I closed my eyes and slept.
. . .
I looked out the window of the ship in my seat beside Moriko. Most people didn't know of the other worlds, but Moriko's cousin was from another and decided to keep in touch. We weren't allowed to tell other people though, to keep the world order. I rested my chin against my fist and sighed boredly.
"Don't worry we'll be there soon." Moriko said noticing my absolute boredom. I glanced at her and sighed again.
"Alright." I said softly. I turned my attention back out the window and stared at the stars. We arrived in Traverse Town moments later. It wasn't exactly the safest world but that's where Moriko's cousin lived. We got out of the gummi-ship express and walked around. We entered Cid's shop and he looked at us.
"Hey twerps." He said with his usual smirk. I smiled at him and hugged the blonde man tightly. He chuckled and ruffled my hair. I pulled away and smiled. Moriko cleared her throat. I moved to her side.
"So where's Leon?" she asked Cid. He grinned.
"I think he's looking for the key-bearer."
"What? The key-bearer's back?" I asked, my eyes growing wide.
"Yep. Leon said that some other guys are looking for him too." Cid explained. I smiled.
"That's fantastic!" I exclaimed. Moriko looked at me and smirked.
"You're right on this one Yoko." She stated. I pouted.
"So mean Mori-chan." I said looking the other way and puffing up my cheeks. She smirked and punched my arm.
"Only kiddin' love." She said. "So Cid, do you know where we can find Leon?" Cid raised an index finger to his chin and pulled out his toothpick with his other hand.
"Um… I think he might be in the waterway alley. Can't say for sure though." He answered rubbing his face tiredly. I bit my lip and took Moriko's hand.
"We'll go check. Do you have any cures and magic for us to protect ourselves?" I asked.
"Yeah, here ya go, lassie." He said tossing me a potion for firaga and Moriko a potion for curaga. I thanked him and we were on our way. Luckily we didn't need to use either potion as we made it into the safe-haven in the second district.
"LEEEOOOONN!" I called out. I heard the clanging of metal and Moriko curiously led the way. We saw him and Yuffie training. "LEON!" I shouted glomping him. I gave him a big wet kiss on the cheek and he pushed me off.
"God, Yoko!" he said standing up. I pouted and Moriko laughed as she hugged her cousin. Yuffie helped me up and I tackled her into a hug. I pulled away and sighed.
"So, who's this new key-bearer?" I asked. Leon glanced at me and spoke.
"His name's Sora." He stated while sheathing his gun-blade. Moriko and I shared a glance of widened eyes.
"Wait, he has ocean blue eyes and unnatural spiky hair?" Moriko asked Leon.
"You know him?"
"He's from our home world!" we exclaimed at the same time. Leon's face grew sorrowful.
"Then you'll be sad to know that Destiny Islands was destroyed not too long ago. That's why Sora was here. Most refugees come to Traverse Town after their world is consumed by the heartless." Leon stated. My eyes filled with tears and Moriko put her hand over her mouth in shock. I stumbled back and fell, sitting in the water. I heard someone moving through the water behind me and I turned to see Sora walking toward us. Confusion filled his usually goofy and happy face.
"Moriko? Yoko-chan?" he asked with slight relief.
"Sora… it really is you." I murmured. Moriko tackled him in a hug and he hugged her back shocked. I stood up shakily and stared into his eyes timidly. "Is Destiny Islands really… gone?" I asked holding back a sob. He nodded solemnly and I clenched a fist, looking at the ground.
"Yoko-chan? Are you okay?" he asked me. I raised my gaze and rushed over to him, hugging him tightly. "Y-Yoko?" he cried out. I sobbed into his shoulder like a blubbering idiot and he held me back, waiting for me to calm down. I sighed a shuddering breath and pulled away, apologizing softly. Sora gave me a sympathetic look. Moriko put her hand on my shoulder and I kept my eyes trained on the ground.
"So what now?" Moriko asked as she brought me closer, to comfort me. Leon sighed and rubbed his face like Cid had earlier.
"Well, key-bearer needs to help the worlds and meet up with the two that Aerith is meeting with. Moriko, you and Yoko should probably stay here in the first district. It's most likely the safest place right now." Yuffie pointed out. I frowned. I felt something coming. I tore myself away from Moriko and the other looked at me shocked.
"Yoko?" Sora asked. My eyes snapped opened and I ran. I ran blindly. I had no clue where I was going. I tripped over a step and took in my surroundings. I was in an alleyway in the third district. I pushed myself up and met green-blue eyes. I gasped and saw Riku standing before me.
"Riku?" He smiled.
"Hey Yoko."
"Is Kairi here too?" I asked him. He smirked.
"Yep. Come on, I'll take you to her." he offered holding out his arm for me. I took it carefully and he led further into the dark.
. . .
I walked beside Riku as we made our way onto the strange pirate ship. He took my hand and led me to the Captain. The man had a long red coat and long curly black hair. He had a funny French mustache and a French air to him. He saw me and smiled with his teeth before bowing.
"Hello my dear. I am Captain Hook of this fine vessel. I hope the quarters will be to your liking." He said. I blinked and bowed my head slightly. "Mr. Smee! Get this young lady some new clothes!" he yelled to one of his lackeys. The stout man bumbled around and left my sight. Riku took me inside one of the rooms and there I saw Kairi lying in a bed. My eyes widened and I rushed to her side.
"Kairi?" I asked softly placing my hand on her cheek. She looked at me and I gasped. Her eyes were completely blank and zombie-like.
"Yo…ko…" she murmured. I looked at Riku.
"What happened to her?" I asked softly. He gave me a looked of remorse.
"Her heart is gone. Maleficent is helping me to get it back to her." he stated. I cast my gaze back to Kairi and let out a sigh.
"I hope she will be alright…"
. . .
I looked out the side of the pirate ship Riku and I were now residing. I had seen Kairi but something was wrong. She looked like she had no soul. I had been given new clothes since mine were a bit… well… torn. I had a very short- not too my liking- brown cotton skirt with blue lace at the bottom and a navy blue wife beater. My converse had been replaced with black leather knee length boots.
I was sitting beside where Kairi was lying on the bed in the guest chambers. I blew air out noisily and ran a hand through my hair. I had also met Maleficent on my little adventure. I didn't trust her not one bit. But I wanted Kairi to be okay. And for now… that woman was providing safety. Riku entered with Captain Hook and they looked at me.
"What now?" I asked obviously irritated. Hook sneered at me and spoke to Riku.
"That pesky brat is catching on to us." He said. Riku rolled his eyes.
"He's supposed to if we want him to open Kingdom Hearts." Riku retorted.
"Bah! I say you should take that keyblade of his and just get it over with." I felt a growl come from my throat.
"Get what over with, Hook?" I snarled. He looked at me and stuck up his nose.
"That stupid keyblade brat. If Riku has the key we don't need the brat." He stated as if it were plain as day. I stood up and got in his face.
"If you even think about touching a single cell on Sora's body, there will be hell to pay." I hissed. He stepped back and covered his expression of fear by clearing his throat. Riku chuckled at him and Hook left the room. I turned my violent attention to Riku. I softened my expression and spoke. "You aren't going to hurt Sora… right?" I whispered. Riku smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"No, don't worry Yoko." He replied. I sighed and returned his smile meekly.
"Thank you Riku." I gazed down at Kairi. "Will Kairi be alright?" I asked softly.
"She'll be fine once we open Kingdom Hearts and get her heart back." He answered. I looked out the window again and heard a commotion outside. Riku and I looked at the door and saw a pirate standing in the doorway.
"The boy has appeared sir." He said before running off. Riku picked up Kairi and exited the room. My brows creased into a frown as I followed Riku outside. He put her in my arms and I watched in confusion. There stood Sora and Moriko. Riku approached them as I stood away, not yet seen.
"Riku! Where's Donald and Goofy!" Sora shouted. Riku chuckled darkly.
"Shouldn't you be asking about her?" he asked taking Kairi from my arms. I opened my mouth to speak up but Sora beat me to it.
"What did you do to her?" Sora cried. Moriko watched in horror as she watched the scene play before her, as did I. Riku held his hand out over the deck and a shadow began rising up and taking the form of Sora. "My shadow?" That's when I decided to step forward.
"Riku, what are you doing?" I cried. They turned their attention to me.
"Yoko?" Moriko exclaimed upon seeing me. I rushed forward to greet her but something caught my wrist. Riku pulled me back harshly and I looked at him confused.
"Riku?" His eyes flashed an orange color and he grinned. "You're not Riku." I stated trying to pull away from him. Images of Riku trapped in a void of darkness filled my vision. I buzzing noise filled my ears and my breathing quickened.
"YOKO!"
. . .
I gasped sitting up and looked around. I was in a dark room chained to the wall in an "x" shape. A form approached me.
"Well, well, well. Look who's finally awake." a voice said smoothly. I raised my head to meet Maleficent.
"What do you want?" I spat. She laughed.
"You, my dear." I frowned.
"Why exactly?"
"Because you see things… You are an oracle for Kingdom Hearts." She said to me. I stopped struggling against the chains for a moment and raised a brow.
"What? An oracle? What are you smoking?" I asked obviously not amused. She sent an icy look to my eyes and I glared back.
"You were born to tell people what Kingdom Hearts wishes and what it sees. This is no laughing matter. If you willingly join me, I will set you free and leave your precious little friends be." She stated looking at her nails with interest. I felt a twinge of hurt in my chest at the mention of my friends and lowered my gaze. "Ah… this interests you? Come with me and I promise not to harm them." I met her eyes and my will wavered to a thin line. My head hung in defeat.
"Fine, but only if you swear not to hurt them." I hissed. She chuckled.
"Of course my dear." She said. I let out a breath as she left. Then came Riku, with the key to my chains. He unlocked the cuffs around my wrists and ankles. I dropped about six inches to the cold ground and I rubbed my wrists as Riku looked down at me.
"I'm sorry Yoko." He murmured before his eyes flickered back to the harsh orange. He left quickly and I pulled my boots back on my bare feet before standing. I didn't recognize where I was. This world was dark and cold. I saw strange machines lining the walls and all led to a raised heart on the wall with a key hole. I gasped. So that's why they want the keyblade… I thought as I moved toward it. I placed my hand against it and images filled my hazed head again. The buzzing returned as pictures of Sora, the duck, the dog and Moriko entered my mind. I saw Riku taking the keyblade from Sora and the duck and dog- whom I discovered were Donald and Goofy- followed Riku saying they had to stay with the key-bearer.
Moriko cried out to Riku and he glanced back at her. His lips moved to say something. "Don't worry, I'll come back for you." He said with a glint in his eyes. I pulled away and turned to see Maleficent. She smiled at me.
"Did Kingdom Hearts show you how to open it?" She asked me. I shook my head.
"No, it only told me what was going to happen." I paused turning fully around. "Why do you want Kingdom Hearts anyway?" I inquired.
"Because I want power." She responded. I sighed.
"When will the bad guys get original?" I muttered walking away. "I'm gonna go get some fresh air." She gave me a look. "Don't worry, I won't escape." I spat. I stormed off into the empty labyrinth type halls. I found my way to a hall with books and I sighed. "Great. Just great! I'm lost." I said laughing sarcastically, throwing my arms up in defeat.
I found a hallway branching off the one I was currently in through the book cases. It was narrow, but I could make it through. I came across a wider room attached to it with double doors at the other end. Moriko, Sora and a creature I didn't recognize were there fighting a heartless. The creature destroyed it with a little paralysis help from Moriko. I was shocked. She had been training while I was gone.
I took a step forward and the creature looked at me with fury.
"Who are you?" he roared. I stumbled back against the wall and Moriko and Sora looked at me.
"Yoko?" Moriko asked. I nodded and she rushed forward to hug me. "Yoko!" she cried into my shoulder. I held her tightly and I looked at Sora. He seemed skeptical of me. I couldn't blame him. I had been with the bad guys without even knowing it.
"Where's Kairi?" he demanded. I released Moriko and she frowned.
"Do you know?" she asked me. I rubbed my bruised and bloody wrists nervously.
"I wish I did… but the last time I saw even anything was on Hook's ship. I've been unconscious and chained to a wall ever since…" I answered staring into his eyes. He knew I was telling the truth. I wasn't one to lie. Sora sighed and walked over to me bringing me into a hug. I blinked in shock and hugged him back.
"We were worried Yoko." He mumbled. I laughed.
"You know better than that." I proclaimed causing him to pull away and look at me. "I'm indestructible!" I said doing a superman pose. They laughed at me and I peered over at the creature. "So… um… who's he?" I asked pointing. Sora looked at the creature and smiled.
"That's Beast." He said happily. I raised a brow and smiled.
"Oh. Okay…" I replied. Moriko looked at me.
"Yoko, wait, you were chained up?" she asked slightly angry. I bit my lip and glanced at her.
"Um… yes?" I asked meeting her blue-grey eyes. She frowned.
"Who did that? Riku?" she growled out. I backed up.
"I don't know. I was unconscious, but something's definitely wrong with him. Whoever that man is, is not Riku." I responded. I paused and looked at my raw wrists. "Do you guys have any bandages?" I asked. Moriko reached into the bag hanging off her shoulder and pulled out non-medical bandages. I took them and wrapped the cloths around my palms- leaving my fingers free- and all the way up my arms (like a ninja).
I looked at my friends and frowned. "I have to go. Maleficent will get angry if I stay any longer. Don't worry though, I have a feeling that everything will be okay." I stated before running off down the same hall I came from. When I finally made it back to the room, Sora, Moriko, Riku, Donald, Goofy, Maleficent and Kairi were there. I watched in horror as Riku killed Maleficent. I covered my mouth and saw Kairi laying a little closer to me than the rest. I ran over to her and cradled my friend in my arms.
I gazed up at the others and Riku spoke.
"It is I, Ansem!" he said in a strange voice. I frowned. What did I miss? I wondered.
"Da frick?" I asked. They looked at me for a moment then returned to fighting. I deadpanned and sighed looking at my friend's unconscious face.
"Do you not understand, Kairi's heart is inside of you Sora." Ansem stated. I frowned.
"Kairi's… inside me?" Sora murmured. I laughed at how wrong that sounded, even if it wasn't the most appropriate time. The Riku fake glanced at me and spoke.
"If you want to return her heart, use this keyblade and kill yourself." he said tossing the darkness keyblade to Sora. Sora looked at it thoughtfully and dread filled my heart.
"Sora." I said loudly. He looked over at me and smiled goofily.
"Don't worry Yoko-chan." He said before plunging the blade into his chest.
"SORA!" I screamed. He fell to the floor and began dissolving into light. My eyes burned with tears and I lowered my head. I felt Kairi stirring beneath me as my tears hit her face.
"Nn… Y-Yoko?" she asked with wide dark blue eyes. I smiled grimly at her as she watched Sora disappear completely. "Sora?" she asked with shock. I helped her stand and hugged her. "What happened to Sora?" she asked me.
"He released your heart and now you're okay…" Moriko stated softly. Ansem chuckled and Kairi looked at him.
"Riku?" she asked.
"I'm not Riku sweetie." He said with malice. Kairi shivered and I began pulling her back with me. Moriko followed the motion and Ansem spoke. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked laughing. All the exits were shut and shadow heartless leaked into the room. Everyone grouped in front of me as Donald and Goofy sent attacks at the shadows. But they didn't go after Donald and Goofy.
They were coming after me. How did I know this? Because we scattered and they surrounded me. I swore and held up my hands to shield myself. I waited for pain but I heard gasps instead. I opened my eyes and saw blue light surrounding me. Each time one of the shadows tried to pass through the light, they dissolved. My eyes widened and I watched as one approached Kairi. The light around me faded and I noticed something was odd about that one. It looked at Kairi curiously and Kairi stared back.
"Sora?" she asked. I knew something was up. She hugged the heartless and light filled my vision. There Sora was, standing and hugging Kairi. I squealed with joy and tackled them to the ground. Then I smacked his head.
"Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again!" I scolded him and Kairi laughed at his embarrassment. Moriko pulled me off and pointed at the smirking man before us.
"So you're alive?" Ansem asked. We all looked at him. The man transformed and became ugly, tall and dark-skinned. I blinked and raised a brow. Then he disappeared.
"Where'd he go?" Donald asked. I stared in shock and felt the already familiar buzzing and light-headedness returning. Then, as quickly as it started, it vanished.
"He's inside there." I said pointing at the heart on the wall. Sora summoned the keyblade and opened the lock. He, Donald and Goofy went inside and I saw more shadows coming inside. I gasped and pulled Moriko and Kairi close. The light formed around us and I sat on the ground. All we could do at the moment was wait.
. . .
Whether it was hours, minutes or seconds, I didn't know. All I knew was it felt like years before they came back. I noticed that during the fight Moriko had become slightly woozy and kept leaning against the wall of the shield. When there was a flash of light, I thought it was our companions returning, but I wasn't sure what was going on. What was strange was the others didn't notice the strange light. It was only me. Then a figure began forming from the light. I stood up and walked towards it. A hollow non-gendered voice filled the air.
"Yoko. You've done well these past months. I'm greatly sorry for causing you pain and suffering for being my Oracle, but what was needed was done." It said. I blinked and swallowed nervously.
"Um… are you saying you're Kingdom Hearts?" I asked quite terrified at the moment. The voice laughed.
"I suppose I am. I wanted to thank you for helping the key-bearer with his task of defending me." The voice said. I blinked.
"But I didn't even do anything. I was unconscious for the most part." I replied.
"You helped him more than you can imagine, but now's not the time for details. In a few moments, Sora, his friends and a saved Riku are going to return. But to close the doors… Riku is going to stay inside with the King." It paused. "Do not worry for them. They will be safe for the most part and I will try my hardest to help them get out."
"Why are you telling me this?" I questioned. The figure took my hand and the light grew brighter. Then it pulled away.
"When the time is right, you'll know what to do with this. Be careful of the dangers that lay ahead Yoko. Farewell for now." And with that, the figure and the bright light disappeared. I blinked and found myself still sitting in the shield with Moriko and Kairi like that hadn't even happened. I opened my closed palm and saw a strange charm. It was that of a sapphire enclosed in vines of silver and leaves made of amber from trees. The vines worked their way into a funnel shape off the sapphire gem and the pendant was attached to a long thin silver chain. I stared at it curiously and light filled the room again. This time Sora, Donald and Goofy passed through. I pulled the necklace over my neck hastily and retracted the shield, standing up.
"Sora!" Kairi exclaimed. "Where's Riku?" she asked. I saw a figure hold up a keyblade on the inside of the door and Sora, Donald and Goofy had started closing the doors. Riku smiled and spoke.
"Take care of her, Sora." He said before the doors shut completely.
A pain ripped my heart that day…