Yes, I do like Kingdom Hearts enough to write a fic. No, I haven't given up on the GX fandom. Actually, the new OABAE chapter is still in the works. But seriously, I feel so bad because I havent updated in months now xP My bad. Well if you like Kingdom Hearts, I hope you'll enjoy this fic x3
Summary- An unknown cause has been reviving the dark, bringing back old faces. In a chaotic world, can Riku, Sora, and Kairi be able to preserve their lifelong bonds? Or will their friendship snap and fade into darkness?
Rating- T for swearing, mild gore, and slight sexual themes. (May change later)
Pairings- RikuxSoraxKairi friendship. RikuxSora and AxelxRoxas later on. No bashing.
Chapter 1
How long has it been? Life had its own doors, windowless corridors, odds and ends. Riku, Sora, and Kairi were now able to enjoy a peaceful time at Destiny Islands. But was such a luxury affordable? According to King Mickey, things weren't over. Not yet, and maybe, they never will.
The trio rested on their favorite papou tree, the sun was just setting, bathing them in red light. It gave them a sense of home and safety. True, eventually, Riku and Sora will have to leave once again, but neither of the three are ready to part. Not yet, at least deep down they knew so. They passed the time by telling each other of their adventures, maybe telling stories will relieve the inevitable future.
"And then Leon was like 'We may never meet again, but we'll never forget each other.' Geeze, well what do you know. Come to think of it… I kind of miss everyone out there. I hope they haven't forgotten about me again!" Sora pouted. Riku's twitching finger was raised during his failing attempts to cut through Sora's talking.
"Uhm, that's really interesting Sora. But I don't think anyone forgot about you because…." Riku paused; his voice still had that mysterious air about it. Riku was probably the only one who knew what really happened at Castle Oblivion after Xehanort's heartless was defeated and the three were separated.
Thankfully for him, Kairi tossed in her thoughts. "I wish I can see the worlds you've been to, Sora, and you too Riku!" She stared up at the sky, her blue-violet eyes half-lidded, smiling. "But then, I don't want to disturb the order or anything like that." She let out a small sigh, but continued to smile.
Riku put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly with his own slight grin. "Let's think positively." He remembered Sora's words after the final battle with Xemnas. "I'm sure that maybe one day, all three of us will experience the different worlds out there." He gestured at the pink-purple sky then chuckled. "I'm sorry. That must've been pretty cheesy, huh?"
Sora and Kairi giggled. The chocolate-haired teen shook his head. "No, I like what you're saying, Riku." Suddenly, he jumped from the Papou's trunk, landing a yard away from the retreating waves. He raised an arm, waving an invisible flag, looking back with a wide grin on his face. It was just like almost two years ago. Riku and Kairi exchanged amused looks. Riku looked back and noticed a glass corked bottle washing up at Sora's feet.
"Hey Sora! There's a message by your feet for us I think." He got up and walked over to Sora as he picked up the bottle. Kairi rushed over.
"Do you think it's from the king?" She asked. Sora shrugged as he popped out the cork and dumped the parchment from its container.
Riku read out aloud as the other two took in the words silently.
"Dear Sora, Kairi, and Riku;
Have any heartless or nobodies been bothering you lately? From my trips, places like Traverse Town, Radiant Garden, Agrabah, Atlantica, Halloween Town and so on have been receiving an increasing amount of both heartless and nobodies. I have no idea what has been going on since the keyholes have been sealed. I have already departed from the castle in search of the main source of the problem. I feel that something terrible will happen. I aim to stop the flow of darkness into the worlds before it's too late but I need your help.
"I fear there is another mystery. On my travels, I have encountered twelve out of the thirteen special nobodies that were controlled by the members of Organization XIII. I do not know the meaning of this and I pray that you will aid the worlds again and help solve these problems.
"If you burn this paper at night, you will be transported to Disney Castle where Donald and Goofy are waiting. So everything is up to you. Everyone at Destiny Islands will temporarily forget whoever leaves, so you won't have to worry about causing an inconvenience. Good luck to you all if you decide to come.
Sincerely,
King Mickey. "
"He needs are help again…" Riku added. "I don't know about you guys but I owe the King a big one, so I'll be going. This sounds serious." He took the letter from Sora's hands.
"Hey! Of course I'm going! Why're you counting me out? Huuuuh?" He put his hands on his hips. As if to go along with him, Kairi crossed her arms.
"You all know what I want to do, but I also know what you're going to say…"
Sora smiled nervously. "Well… It's too dangerous Kai-" He stopped when she shot him the look.
"I can handle it!"
For some reason, Riku decided not to get involved and took a couple steps back towards the tree.
"Oh come on Kairi, I won't forgive myself if you get hurt, and I'm sure Riku feels the same way. RIGHT RIKU?"
The silver-haired teen flinched. "Well uh… Suuurrreee…"
Kairi flipped a bang defiantly. "Don't back out now Riku! Who's the one who taught me how to do this?" She grinned deviously as she outstretched her arm as colorful orbs of light circled around her hand rapidly.
Sora's jaw dropped.
Riku face!palmed.
Kairi clasped onto a colorful floral keyblade from six months ago. She waved it triumphantly in Sora's face. "Why…" Riku said exasperatedly, tugging at his hair.
Sora grabbed his friend by the collar and started shaking him. "This is all your fault!" He sobbed dramatically.
Kairi cocked an eyebrow as she observed the strange scene taking place in front of her. She lowered her keyblade to her side. "Uhm, so does that mean I can go?"
Riku's head only fell back when Sora stopped his shaking. Sora looked towards her with a helpless expression.
"I…"
"HRM?"
Sora looked back at Riku as if begging him for some sort of assistance.
Riku sighed again but said, "Well since the problem is that we don't know if Kairi can completely defend herself... But when was the last time we saw her fight anyways?" He turned around and walked back to the papou tree. "I'll sit this one out."
Sora outstretched a hand. "Wait, Riku! What are you-"
"Do you think you can beat a girl?" Kairi giggled. She raised her arm at a 90 degree angle, pointing her keyblade at Sora. "Come on, please? At least let me prove myself, kay, Sora?"
Sora blinked to rid himself of the shock. So Riku was training Kairi behind his back? It must've been blackmail or something.
To his own surprise (and maybe Riku's too) Sora nodded. "Okay, Kairi! When we're done, maybe then we'll see!" He raised his hand towards the sky as white light spiraled around his hand to form the Kingdom Key. "Are you ready?" He asked as he took a stance.
Kairi smiled, her eyes sparkling. This was a chance to prove herself she was just as deserving as the boys. She bounded forward, swinging the keyblade from her side. Unfortunately for her, she was quickly blocked and forced back. Not pausing long enough to reveal an opening, Kairi ran forward again, ducking to avoid a blow and threw out her sword arm, barely grazing Sora's side. Sora jumped back to avoid being hit.
Aw man, she's kind of faster than I expected. Girls… Sora did a quick sidestep to dodge an incoming swipe. But she sort of fights like Riku. Not quite though. I guess that guy kept all his secret moves to himself. Sora concentrated and let out a barrage of attacks. First he blocked and forced back Kairi's keyblade then continued to deliver heavy blows that Kairi barely managed to keep away.
Riku watched from the small distance away. He shut his eyes and rubbed them. All the trails of light the blades were giving off started to imprint themselves on his eyes. He blinked a few times and continued to observe the play fight. "I feel kind of guilty. Sora already has the upper hand, so there's no way Kairi can win unless she kisses him or something." Riku leaned back against the Papou tree trunk and looked towards the now night sky. Some of the closer stars were twinkling, as if greeting Riku's attention. Suddenly, one of them started to flicker dangerously. Riku's aqua eyes widened as the star went out. When he looked back at the two to yell at them, Sora managed to knock Kairi's weapon out of her hand. A second passed as they stared at each other, then they fell on the ground, panting heavily. Riku quickly walked over to them, helping them both up.
"Hey you two, we need to hurry. Worlds are being harmed as we speak, and we don't have much time." He pointed at the stars. Thankfully, the remaining ones continued their normal twinkling. "One just went out a moment ago," Riku answered to their puzzled expressions.
Sora nodded. The keyblade vanished in an orb of light. "The King needs us. We'll burn the paper tomorrow night." Even as he said it, Sora lost his bright expression. "I really want to spend one more day here in peace. Don't you guys want to too?"
Riku muttered a small "yes" then looked down in guilt. He owed the King so much, why was he feeling so reluctant now?
"Aw, come on guys! We'll be back eventually! After all, the three of us will be together, right? If I'm coming…" Kairi said cheerfully, tone in contrast of the guys'. Sora managed to put on a smile.
"Yeah, you're right, Kairi. And of course you can come! I'm already worn out and I don't want to spend all my time going on adventures with you know…" He looked nervously at Riku who's eyebrow twitched. It was a warning sign.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Sora scratched his head uncomfortably. "Uh… nothing, Riku! Anyways!" he started, dismissing the topic. "So it's settled then, right? We'll meet back here tomorrow."
"Alright, Sora. My place is farther from here, so I'll be going now. Don't do anything dumb now, okay?" Riku grinned, causing Sora to freeze up.
"D-don't say that!" He started but Riku already turned around and waved goodbye as he walked to his boat.
When he departed, Kairi turned to Sora. "Did you bring it?" She asked.
Sora jumped. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot." He fished around in his pocket until he pulled out a dark-gray leather collar. "I got it from my dad. Well, I mean I sort of stole it but he doesn't need it anyways. I know it's for Riku, but what are you going to do to it?"
Kairi giggled. "You'll see. I was planning for this to be a birthday gift, but we'll be away and I want to give this to him when we all leave. Of course, it'll be all prettied up by then."
Sora began to imagine Riku wearing a pink-sparkly collar. He quickly dismissed the image in his head. "Okay, Kairi. I guess we should go back now."
She gave him another one of her soft smiles. "Okay, Sora."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Riku sat at his desk with the lamp turned on. He was flipping through his photo album. He felt happy inside, just looking back at their more innocent days. He remembered dangling a live crab over Sora's face and scaring both him and Kairi with a rubber lizard. He chuckled quietly at their expressions. Suddenly, an eerie feeling washed over him. He felt that similar evil presence. "I know you're there. Quit hiding." Riku said out loud.
"You've gotten a little better since last time we met, Riku…" A sinister voice said, careful to emphasize the name in a way to tick off the teen.
"Xehanort…" Riku hissed out his name. He turned around to face the faint figure of the heartless that had been taking refuge in his body. "I am stronger now, but you certainly aren't…" Riku observed.
Xehanort's heartless let out a dark laugh that only Riku could hear. "That doesn't matter. I've finally gathered up enough strength to appear before you again."
Riku grimaced. "Whatever. You know that no matter what, you hold no power over me. What are you doing here anyways? Shouldn't you be hiding away in that darkness?"
The heartless smirked malevolently. "I should be asking you the same thing…"
Riku turned away from the dark being. "Ugh, it's always the same thing." He sighed. "Darkness, darkness, darkness! It's getting even more annoying than before. You know that I won't fall for the same thing twice. I'm not a being of the darkness anymore."
"Is that so?" Xehanort said quietly, narrowing his amber eyes. "It's not my job to toss you back into the abyss… "
Riku turned to face him again. "I don't have time for this, and I definitely don't need you. You know that. I'll prove it to you. Go away." Xehanort let out a low growl as he was forcefully contained into a black haze, drifting back into Riku.
He let out a sigh of relief. "That didn't take much. I won't have to worry about him…" He patted his chest. "Disgusting," he remarked.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The next day at dusk…
Kairi and Sora met up with Riku at the beach. Kairi ran towards him. "Hey Riku!" She stopped to catch some breath before opening the pouch at her side and pulling out the collar from yesterday. However, it was different than before. A glazed papou charm dangled from it. She handed the collar to him; Riku accepted it with a look of surprise on his face. Kairi stepped back and smiled warmly at him. Sora grinned. "Kairi fashioned the papou fruit out of clay and painted your name on it. I just gave her the collar to work with."
Kairi giggled. "No, we both made it together for you, Riku! Come on, try it on!" She urged.
Riku nodded, smiling slightly as he fixed the collar around his neck snugly. He fingered the smooth leather where his name was written in gold paint.
"It really looks good on you!" Sora said, poking the papou charm playfully. Riku laughed. "Thanks you guys. I won't forget about this, ever. So are we ready?" The sun was below the horizon.
Sora nodded. "Yeah." He placed the parchment on the ground then pointed at it with his finger and said, "Fire." The parchment instantly ignited. When it burned up completely, a white light circled around the pile of ashes then spread and grew brighter, engulfing the trio.
Nothing was left at the beach. The three were gone, and the ashes had blown away. Sora, Riku, and Kairi didn't exist on Destiny Islands anymore. Nothing left, not even a memory.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sora had no chance to regain his ground for two bodies had thrown themselves against him, knocking him down.
"Donald, Goofy! Oh man I've missed you guys!" Sora laughed as the two shouted his name over and over again. Only when Queen Minnie addressed them did they quiet down and stand up. The five faced the Queen. She began, "As you know, the King has already left. His whereabouts are unknown once again." The Queen sighed but continued, "Unfortunately, there is a problem with Donald's gummi ship. Our mechanics have estimated that the ship can survive one more travel. Since it's the only one that's available at the moment, I suggest traveling to Radiant Garden to see the man named Leon. His other companions are over there with him too. Maybe they'll be able to find out what's wrong and you all can go on from there.
"Now your goal is to find the source of the incoming heartless and nobodies. We've found a couple signs of the Organization but all of the members have already been defeated…"
"Do you have any idea what's been going on?" Riku asked.
The Queen shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. The overflow of darkness may have something to do with all the nobodies; we were hoping that you three will be able to figure out what is happening…" She blinked. "Oh!" She exclaimed when she looked at Riku and Kairi. "You two must be Sora's friends! I apologize that I haven't introduced myself properly! Sora may have already told you, but I am Queen Minnie of this castle."
"I'm Riku." Riku said bowing his head slightly.
"And I'm Kairi." The other said, following suite.
Minnie nodded. "It's a pleasure. Now back to business. Donald and Goofy are already prepared, but if any of you need more time to stay here and prepare, feel free to do so."
They shook their head. "No," Sora said. "We're all ready, and the sooner we get out there, the better."
The Queen smiled. "That's good. Good luck to you all! " She nodded her head again and left the vast room.
When she was gone, Donald jumped. "Come on, Sora! I need my ship fixed." He and Goofy turned to lead the way to the gummi ship.
"So it's to Radiant Garden right?" Riku asked the two leading the way.
"Yup!" Goofy answered. "But, it may not be Radiant Garden for long. Leon and Cloud are trying their best to preserve the peace there, but the heartless and nobodies just keep coming, A-hyuck!"
The three looked at each other with serious expressions. Sora and Riku knew what Radiant Garden meant to Kairi. True, she doesn't clearly remember anything about her origins, but the place still felt like home to her, even if it was the slightest bit.
Sora took a deep breath as he entered the familiar gummi ship. He looked around at the interior and Kairi and Riku did the same.
"You guys haven't been on here before. I didn't think that I'd get to show you guys all the things that I saw!" Sora grinned optimistically. "See? This won't be all fighting and seriousness after all!" He turned to look out the window as they traveled. "Man… I missed this."
-X-
Leon and Cloud and co. are coming in next chapter. Stay tuned xD