A/N – Alright so first things first…no, I do not own the characters in this story. If I did, I wouldn't be doing this, I'd be off making money somewhere. Secondly, enjoy.

Chapter One: New Beginnings

The sun was rising over the tropical paradise of Destiny Islands. Birds were singing their happy songs from the tree tops, waves lapped at the shore and the sound of steel on steel was echoing from a lone island.

"Heh, is that all you've got? Come on, Sora! Is that really the best the one who defeated darkness can do? It's pathetic!" The silver haired man had just nimbly dodged a downwards vertical slash, sliding around behind his opponent.

"All I've got?" Sora turned with a whirling slash. The silver haired man quickly blocked the attack. With blades together, Sora added, "Sorry Riku, but you aint seen nothing yet! Power!" In an instant, Riku was blown back and Sora stood with his back to him.

Sora, now wielding another Keyblade, and looking back over his shoulder at Riku, chuckled. Sora flipped backwards high into the air to land behind Riku, put his Keyblades, the Oblivion and Ultima, up to Riku's neck in a scissor style.

"So," Riku smiled, despite his obvious defeat. "Perfected using Drives alone then?"

"So far just Valor." Sora dropped his Keyblades. Losing the Oblivion, he reverted to normal state. At that moment he felt something press against the center of his back. Riku had a huge grin spread across his face.

"What's this? A chosen wielder caught off guard? By a little girl no less!" The voice behind Sora was comparable to the most beautiful music.

"Come on, Kairi, give me a break!" Sora chuckled, turned and took the red head into his arms. "Did you see me just then? First time I was able to maintain my form for more than a second!"

"Congratulations! It only took, what, two years?" She laughed at the look of mock hurt on Sora's face. "Really, that's great sweetie!" She went up on tiptoes and kissed him. Over the two years since the defeat of Xemnas, the three had definitely grown up.

They had decided that they're styles were perfect so all that had changed over the years was size. Riku had only grown a couple of inches, while Kairi had stayed the same height, though a little more defined and curvaceous. As Sora had often so bluntly put it, Kairi had "filled out." Sora himself had grown nearly a foot, catching up to Riku and towering over Kairi.

Riku and Sora had both gotten stronger due to the daily training on the Islands. Since Donald and Goofy had both returned to Disney Castle with king Mickey on the defeat of Xemnas and his organization, Sora had been trying to Drive alone. For even though the Organization was disbanded, every member having been killed and Roxas now back to being part of Sora, Heartless and Nobodies still attacked the worlds.

Sora had lost little skill in fighting the Darkness, and Riku was finishing up learning a few tricks of the trade. Kairi had shown amazing progress in the two years. Though, despite her almost always besting Riku and nearly being on par with Sora, Sora always insisted that she stay behind if the forces of Darkness attacked.

"Oh man, will you two get a room?" Riku groaned at the open display of affection.

"Sorry Riku." Sora took his arm from around Kairi but still held her hand.

"Yeah, we just forgot about Selphie. You must miss her a lot. Cheer up though, she'll be back in a week! Tell you what! When the time comes, we'll head down to the Door to Worlds and greet her together!" Kairi attempted to cheer Riku up. It seemed to work, Riku no longer seemed annoyed.

"Sure." Riku seemed lost in his thoughts. "Oh, right, we've got school! Come on Sora, we've got to get changed. See you in a bit Kairi." Riku ran back towards the houses in a flash. Sora gave Kairi a quick kiss and ran off to catch up with Riku.

"So Sora, looks like things are getting serious between you and Kairi eh?" Riku had pulled on a fresh shirt and was busy lacing his shoes.

"Yeah, but what about you and Selphie?" Sora was fully changed and waiting for his friend at the door.

"Sure, I suppose. I wish I could see her a little more though. So," Riku finished tying his shoe and stood up, "Gonna ask Kairi to marry you?"

"What? Come on Riku, we're only seventeen! I know I said things were getting serious, but marriage? That's really serious man." Sora was blushing, anxious to leave the room.

"I'm serious here Sora, think about it. You love her, so there's a good reason already. Plus being a chosen wielder of the Keyblade, you could, you know, meet your end sooner than most."

"Yeah you're right. To tell you the truth, I've been thinking about it already. Just don't tell Kairi." The two left the room. "So speaking of marriage, you going to ask Selphie or are you to not serious enough yet?"

"Thought about it. But with her being an Ambassador and me fighting the Darkness, we don't see each other much. But I guess, I'm always thinking about her and I hope she's doing the same."

Sora chuckled to himself. "You're complex Riku. You confuse the hell out of me sometimes." Sora broke out into full blown laughter. "Here you are telling me, in a nutshell, to grow up. Yet you won't take your own advice!"

"Shut up man!" Riku punched Sora playfully. After a long pause, Riku finally spoke again. "Hey Sora?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell Kairi"

"Secrets safe with me!" Sora and Riku walked down the beach to where Kairi was waiting, laughing.

"What's so funny boys?" Kairi asked in mock annoyance, slipping an arm around Sora.

"You'll see in time" Sora said with a chuckle and a knowing wink to Riku. "This is going to be an interesting week!"

A/N – So there you have it. I know, there's not a lot of action in it yet, but to be fair this chapter is still only set up for what's to come. Please leave a review, be it good words or bad. I can only grow as an author with your help. Until next time, farewell!