By: MataruDoukotsu
Fear and Destiny
Chapter 1: Only the Beginning
Summary: Can they overcome their ultimate fears? Can Riku accomplish his destiny? Can she overcome her heritage and power? Who exactly is the one who needs protection?
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Kingdom Hearts, I only own the plot which is only half-made at the moment. Even if I think Riku is absolutely HOT! I, sadly enough, do not own him either...though I wish I did and I know what I would do if I indeed did own him...but that is to keep to myself! I don't own, so don't sue. Chanks.
Darkness…
So many things had gone array. So many actions he had to atone for. He knew it was his own selfishness that had brought him into this situation to begin with. But then he couldn't help that he was so insecure, so paranoid and so competitive. He had suddenly lost his anchor and had found someone who had cared for him, like a real mother so soon after his losses.
Falling…
Why? Why couldn't he do anything right? Why couldn't he just live without this pain ? It hurt; it hurt oh so much.
"Sora," his whisper seemed so loud in the nothingness that swallowed him, booming in his nonexistent yet existent ears.
Oh how he wished he could hold him…hold his Sora. All he had wanted to do was protect his Sora.
But he had been too weak to do so, and had fallen into the darkness in hopes of his inner most selfish desires.
"To be loved..."
Was that too much to ask for?
Evidently.
Forever falling…
Numbness crept upon his body, making him cold to everything and unsheltered from his own accusing thoughts.
"Please..."
It was so lonely in this place…and he so desperately wanted to see his Sora. To make sure his Sora was unharmed and still the bright exuberant child he remembered him to be.
Forever falling into Darkness…
He began to thrash.
"Help me! Please! Anybody!"
Energy burst through his lifeless limbs as he fought to get out of the darkness. Suddenly he felt as if he were under water…
Opening his light blue eyes he searched the darkness, though finding nothing.
"Sora..."
He had to find his best friend. He had to make sure nothing went wrong…
Why wasn't anything listening to him?
He released a scream; releasing all his misery, and pain into it.
Now is not your time…
He searched the area again, trying in vain to find who was speaking. "Who's there! I command you to speak now!"
Warrior with such a strong Heart…now is not your time.
"What! Show yourself. Ansem? Ansem is that you!" He growled in frustrated rage. "Do not ignore me. Release me, now!"
LIVE, Key Master! ASCEND and FIGHT!
A voice boomed all around him; literally jerking his body into life, chasing the numbing feeling away and replacing it with the warmth of blood flow. Breath was almost forced into his collapsed lungs, causing them to painfully fill with burning air…
Gasping he broke the surface of the clear water. Light silver hair turned grey from the water, Riku looked wildly around searching for his whereabouts. He recognized these parts. He recognized the island not too far from his position and the outer most highland closer to him…
A joyous voice called his name from above, and the silver haired teen jerked his head to the very familiar voice.
"Riku! Rikuuu!"
His light blue eyes landed on a boy on the closest isle; wild brown hair, bright sapphire eyes, a round boyish face, striking red jumper and astonishing yellow sneakers.
"Sora…" He whispered amazed.
"C'mon Riku! Hurry up! Kairi is waiting!"
Silently said older boy swam closer to the paopu isle and quickly climbed to stand next to the friend he once thought he had lost.
"What's up Riku?" He asked, as if he could sense his elder's turmoil. The shorter brown haired boy had to stand on his tiptoes to get up into the other's face.
I'm back…I'm back with Sora…and Kairi.
Warmth fluttered in his heart and he gave his best friend a slight smile, the mere lifting of the corners of his mouth.
Ruffling the wild brown hair he answered, "Nothing…so don't worry your fragile mind about it, kiddo."
He was amused when the sapphire eyed boy stuck his tongue out at him and pouted, and soon enough he rebound and ran for the bridge. Once he crossed it he stopped and called back.
"How 'bout I race you to the tree house!"
Propping a gloved hand on a slender hip and resting his weight on his opposite leg, "So you've stooped to cheating to beat me, Sora?" He sized up the head start his friend had given himself.
"Sure, why not?" Sora grinned like an idiot.
Quickly, Riku dashed forward coming up fast upon his best friend…his Sora. Smirking as he watched said boy turn and run, yellow sneakers slamming into the sand, with the eldest in hot pursuit.
I think this time I'll let him win because…because I'm finally home…where we should be.
The wind swayed his silky shoulder length silver hair into his eyes. Thrusting his face into the wind, he looked toward the horizon. The elegant colors of the setting sun hypnotized him as he sat on his favorite spot on the bent paopu tree.
"Hm…" the deep rumble vibrated through his chest as he wrapped his knuckles against his knee. He had been doing this lately. Separating himself away from his two friends, and finding a place where he could think. Something was harassing him at the back of his mind, but he didn't know what it was.
He could feel a presence behind him, but he already knew who it was without looking. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
He nodded silently, still looking out across the sea as the sun made her way to her watery tomb.
A pregnant silence filled the air. Only to be broken by a single name.
"Riku?"
Turning to look at his best friend, he only answered with one raised silver brow.
"I'm not going to lie to you. Your time here is limited." Sora switched his gaze to his best friend.
"I had a feeling," his voice was soft but powerful, "that I was not going to be allowed to stay here with you."
"Riku…" the sapphire-eyed boy paused, before gathering his words unlike the times before when they had talked, "My door has closed, my journey has come to an end, but your door has just been unlocked, your journey has only just begun."
Shifting his ice blue gaze to the younger boy, he noticed that he was giving him a huge grin, but it almost seemed apologetic.
"Sora...I didn't mean to-"
"I forgave you, Riku. Don't worry about it." The brown haired boy good heartedly slapped his comrade on the back.
He lowered his head, letting his silver bangs hide his eyes. "But I was supposed to protect you…and I failed. How can you forgive me just as if nothing had happened?"
Sora dropped his grin, and looked to the darkening sky, "Because," the corners of his mouth lifted gently, "In reality…it was I who failed you."
Riku looked at the brown haired boy in a wondering silence.
Warning bells went off in his head. The warm tropical breeze suddenly turned nippy, bone chilling. The feeling of security at the island suddenly turned hostile. Hissing was heard on the wind, silent whispers were heard in his ears coming from nonexistent mouths.
Heartless were stirring.
"They're here." Riku watched as Sora quickly jumped down from the paopu trunk and landed gracefully on his feet. That was the grace he had remembered when Sora had defeated Ansem… "Riku! Hurry up; you need to leave, quickly!"
Leaping down from his favorite spot, he quickly hurried after his fleeing friend. Minor Shadows were pulling themselves from the ground trying to grab onto his feet.
"When you get to Traverse Town, look for Cid, he owns the accessory shop in the first district. Tell him your continuing the journey, he'll help you. Afterwards, search for a girl with tattoos on her forearms, she's your only help when you start this expedition. Find Merlin the Sage in the Third district. And be careful, the Heartless are still there. The First district is your only haven."
"What about you, and Kairi and everyone else? Is the same thing going to repeat itself?" the eldest questioned as they leapt atop the roof of the tree house.
"Don't worry. I can't even see the Heartless, only you can in this Kingdom, but I can still sense them. Destiny Island will be fine, its one of the worlds in the Kingdom of Hearts." He flashed a smile at his best friend. "You have to save the other worlds that are out of this Kingdom. The Heartless have spread, I wasn't in time to stop it. Only you can do it, Riku. You were the first Keyblade master. I was chosen at the last minute. You are the rightful master of this..."
Sora roughly pushed a chain into Riku's larger gloved hand. "Now go and don't forget what I said!"
Riku stumbled as he was pushed into the tunnel that lead to the old secret place they used to hide in when they were little. Instead of the warming sanctuary he had felt back then, the darkness only held coldness and numbing death. He stopped to gather his breath and calm his hastily beating heart.
I'm not a child to be afraid of the dark. I'm stronger than this, I taught myself to be stronger than this. I'm the composed one, I'm the strong one…I'm the one who has to endure and save the other worlds. I'm the Keyblade master…Sora...
Calmly he continued to walk until he reached the cavern; the wooden door that had always stayed closed tight was now ajar.
"The heart of this world." He turned slightly to his left.
Another door had appeared. Cocking his head to the side, he stepped forward, examining the door. It was made of ivory, unlike the other which was only timber. Filigree of gold designed the door like vines. Just as he reached to touch it, the floor rumbled and the impassive door behind him smashed into pieces. Looking over his shoulder he saw a dark haze begin to trickle from the portal. His eyes widened a portion, and his body went cold.
He remembered what had happened the last time. That mist had taken him in their depths and he had fallen into darkness. Never. Never again did he want to retreat into gloom.
Swiftly, he ran for the ivory door. As he drew nearer, the door flung open. He felt his body go numb.
"Riku…"
His heart slowed to a near stop. No. No. This wasn't happening! Not again! That damnable voice. The evil in that voice. No. No. Please!
"Riku…"
Not the pain. He was nearly drowned by the pain that he felt coursing through his body.
NO! he thought, unable to stop himself from falling to his knees; the ivory portal just in front of him. He felt the dank feeling of the black fog crowding at his knees and feet, trying to consume the warmth from him.
"Riku…"
No! Please, God. Not again.
A sudden light blinded him. Warmth radiated from his hand; the hand that held the chain Sora had given him. Sora. He was never going to get to see the boy again. And it was all because of the darkness.
"Riku… "
But he would damn well do his best to save the other worlds from the Heartless or die trying. He would keep his honor and pride and do as Sora had asked of him. With his resolution made he began to creep to the gate.
"Riku!"
He reached for the pristine doorway that held his future. His gloved hand passed through. Heat filled his body, replacing the coldness.
I will not be a failure this time. I will be victorious. I will purge the worlds of the Heartless and annihilate them once and for all.
With one last push of his knee, his entire body fell into the breach. The ivory gate slammed shut.
"RIKU!"
"Kid, hey, you friggin' up yet?" a coarse voice graced his sensitive ears.
Riku moaned and rubbed his eyes. Fireworks exploded behind his lids, causing a colossal headache. Moaning again, he sat up and rested his elbows on his knees.
"What the hell happened?" he muttered.
"I could ask the same of you, kid." The voice paused, and Riku heard the sound of liquid pouring into a cup and the click of said cup on a table. "I found you in an alleyway just 'round da corner."
Riku nodded faintly. He wouldn't ask for any aspirin; he never asked for assistance. He had been independent for a long time, before he had reached the age of six. "Where am I, old man?"
The man snorted at the impertinent address, "Traverse Town, the junction of all worlds. The name's Cid and I would advise you to drink that there water. Works wonders with a headache."
Riku nodded and opened his ice blue eyes, picking up the glass of water, he gulped it down. The geezer was right, the throbbing in his head alleviated and he gazed around the room, inspecting his atmosphere. So he had made it to Traverse Town, and had found the guy Cid Sora had talked about. He certainly found his lucky strike.
"Gotta name kid?"
The silver haired teen watched as the dirty-blond haired man stuffed a cigarette between his lips, and then fished in a pocket for the lighter.
"Riku." His voice had a frozen edge to it; he wouldn't give anymore information that which was asked of. He noticed that the green eyes that belonged to the shop owner, gazed at him cautiously over the flame of the lighter.
"How old are ya, Riku?" Cid flipped the top over the flame, efficiently putting it out.
Eyes narrowing, he answered, "Seventeen. What's it to you, old man?" This man was rude and putting him on the defensive. He was sure that if he had been a dog, his hackles would've been raised by now.
Cid shrugged and leaned back against the counter. "So Riku, where ya from?"
"That is my business to know, and to know that I can't go back." His icy gaze lowered to his gloved hands, silver bangs falling into his face. A hush fell between them and suddenly Riku remembered what Sora had said "Tell him your continuing the journey, he'll help you."
"Hey old man…do you remember a kid around the age of thirteen or so coming in here a lot not too long ago. Wild brown hair, bright blue eyes; his name was Sora…and he had a weird weapon that went by the name Keyblade?" It must've been the most he'd ever said to a stranger…hell! to anybody. But the youth noticed that Cid's emerald eyes nearly glared from where he was standing, and Riku glared back.
"Yeah, had two sidekicks…one a duck the other a tall dog. What of it?" The sound of his voice was now shifty instead of on the offensive.
"He's a friend of mine…or was at least. He told me to find you in the accessory shop when I got to Traverse Town as I left my world." Another silence filled the air, only to be broken by a grunt from Cid.
"Hn, the kid knew his expedition was over and had sent you on your way to start yours. Brilliant that Sora; I always personally saw to his gummi ship and gave him a place to crash when they stopped by for supplies. And now you're the new Keyblade Master. Or should I say the original finally sent out to finish his job. I'll tell ya, fate works in mysterious ways. I'll cut ya some slack and lend my help, kid. But first…"
Riku's stomach chose that moment to growl as loudly as possible. It was actually a very inhuman sound that beat the rumbling of Sora's unholy gut at home. Blanching, Riku pressed a large hand over the well formed abs, glaring at the organ beneath the thick pale skin protecting it. Never had his body expressed its problems that loudly.
"Damn it," he cursed lightly.
"But first we'll get some food into ya, kid."
"Ah…thanks." He detested it when he was in the position to use the manners that were in order.
The sky in Traverse Town seemed to be never ending night. But the people were with out mind of it as they did their shopping or the tourists taking pictures here and there and buying little souvenirs.
Riku sat on the steps out side the accessory shop, his light blue eyes assessing his environment. He was well rested and well fed as he thought about what he had to do.
Sora told me to look for a girl with tattoos on her forearms, then to find some Sage in the third district.
He blew air up, trying to move his bangs out of his eyes, nimble fingers fondling the chain around his wrist he had received from Sora.
A girl with tattoos on her forearms? That shouldn't be too hard, unless she decides to cover them up with long sleeves. Then this wild goose chase'll turn into a bitch.
He unfolded himself from the steps and stretched, his muscles screaming as he released them from the stiff state they had been trapped in.
Might as well get started. I don't want to waste anymore time than I have to.
Walking up the stone steps and around Cid's shop he began to look around. Passing through tall wooden double doors he entered what Cid had told him was the second district. The old guy had proceeded to tell him that during the day he would remain safe but when night fell, he would become prey to the Heartless until he found his Keyblade. The once lively town was now ghostly and vacant, though many of the shop's lights were still on and the cathedral that was straight across from him at the other end of the town was still looking lively with a haunted look.
Back straight as always and silky hair ruffling in the wind, he walked on, his icy gaze searching, missing nothing. He walked aimlessly around trying to learn the surroundings. He walked down allies and into shops, but still there was no sign of any life. Not even rats or mice. The presence of the Heartless had scared everything out of the second and third district.
Sighing he looked around the center of the third district. Nothing. Nothing was there. Looking to the sky, he noticed that the sky was getting darker. Evening was approaching fast…and he doubted that he would be able to get out of the alleyway he had found the door to the third district in the first district in time.
Walking through the alleyway, he could feel the hair on the back of his neck rise, and coolness settled over the town. Shadows lengthened and loomed, threateningly. Rounding the corner, he saw a group of the minor darkspawn form in front of the door leading to the third district. He ran to the center of the town, only to find that the shadows had multiplied…and he was without weapon.
The scent of clover filled his sensitive nose. Just as a couple of the shadows jumped for him their empty yellow eyes seeing nothing, a figure leapt over his head and struck them down. With lightning quick actions the figure dispersed the group of gathering heartless. He was surprised to see that it was a girl who turned and grabbed his hand.
"Come on, they're gathering closer. We need to get to the first district before they drown us with sheer numbers." Her voice was strong, and commanding.
Riku was surprised when she pulled him to her side and jumped into the air, easily pulling him with her. They seemed to hang in the chilly mid air, before landing on a roof top. She didn't let go of his hand as she ran pulling him with her. Her steps silent on the roofing, and he could tell she was a natural predator, graceful and deadly. Light blue eyes slid down her arm to see a large tattoo. The black lines sharp, making it look demonic. Catching a glimpse of her other arm, he saw another tattoo except the lines of that arm were graceful and majestic, flowing yet demonic also, in an angelic way.
This was the girl he had been searching for. And his luck she had-somehow- saved him. She grabbed him to her person again, leaping from the roof to land in front of the door leading to the first district. Heartless soldiers gathered behind her then. She turned and raised her forefinger and middle finger of the hand which held the graceful tattoo below it. A neon green whip formed out of nowhere; with deft movements of her wrist, she disposed of them as easily as she had killed the others before them.
"Hurry! Get your ass through that door!" She yelled pushing him through.
She slipped in behind him and pulled the doors shut with a sharp snap. They weaved in and out of the buildings until the familiar sight of the accessory shop came into his view. "Let's get in quick. I don't trust this place either. Heartless could be slinking around anywhere, nowadays."
Just as they were coming up the steps, the doors burst open revealing a disgruntled Cid. "Glad to see you're back safely, kid."
"It's Riku, old man." He corrected, and roughly brushed past the shop owner.
As he entered he saw three new people sitting around. The click of the doors closing let him relax his tense muscles as he saw Cid sit on a chair in the corner, opposite of a tall man with brown hair and light blue eyes that were darker than his own.
"So you're the Keyblade Master…hn…another kid." The man dressed mostly in black spoke.
Their eyes met. Riku glowered; he didn't like it when people called him a kid. He as much a child as the stranger.
"Well, actually, this here young man is older than Sora." Cid spoke up. Riku was slightly surprised that the old geezer had stood up in his defense with out being asked. "And at any rate, he's still the Keyblade Master, so shut yer trap Squall." The blond store owner lighted another cigarette.
"He doesn't say much." A young girl who looked younger than himself, with mauve hair and short shorts spoke, swinging her long legs as she sat on the counter. "Unlike the hyper Sora."
"Neither does Nekara, Yuffie." An older female wearing almost all pink replied, her voice soft and gentle. "I think they will be ideal companions."
"So Nekara did you spy on him, seeking him out or did he find you first?" Cid asked the female that had saved Riku's hide.
Riku looked at the female. She was very remarkable. Long jet black hair to her waist, and spiking bangs into her golden eyes, skin a healthy tan. She wore a tight emerald halter top that was attached –barely- to black belted sleeves that looked as if they would flow past her elegant –clawed? - hands if they had not been secured. Her black pants were tight in the hips and highest part of her shapely thighs before becoming slightly loose-fitting and decorated with straps. Her mid-drift that was revealed by the halter top was smooth skin only worried by the lines that marked her abs; he could plainly see an emerald piercing on her belly button as well as another tattoo around it.
"To be honest I was watching him since he left the first district. I couldn't have my Keyblade Master killed by those repulsive Heartless, now could I?" she stretched, and yawned before leaping fluidly to the top of the fireplace and lying down on her side, head propped up with a hand.
He was only mildly stunned to see a lustrous black tail flick behind her. Somehow, he knew, she was part cat.
"Your Keyblade Master?" Riku crossed his arms and leaned back against a wall, gazing at the female whose name turned out to be Nekara. "I belong to nobody."
She stared at him, unblinking, with her golden eyes. "Of course you don't."
A tense silence filled the air.
"We need to get down to business." The man known as Squall or Leon broke the soundless room.
Riku got the sudden feeling that he would enjoy this voyage with only the feline like Nekara as his only escort. Smirking, a rapacious glint appeared in his ice blue eyes as he gazed at the ebony haired female and he saw the same glint appear in her golden ones. This adventure would be very diverse from his last one dealing with the Heartless.
Yes, this journey shall be…interesting, indeed.
A/N: Just to let you know: This is the same exact story from AFF's Fear and Destiny, only because I, MataruDoukotsu, am actually Sesshomaru'sElement also! So do not review and say that I have stolen SE's story or go to SE's story and tell me that MataruDoukotsu has stolen the story! I will thoroughly chew you out about not reading this note. Thank-you.
Well that is the first chapter. Yay, or Ney? Do you like it or not? I would really like to know if there's something you don't like or what. I need reviews. Not only is this posted here but at Adult Fanfiction with the same title. I haven't gotten any reviews from there, so I decided to post it here and see if I'll get any response. Please, please, please review! Reviews are like...my FOOD! I want them because they are YUMMY! PUsh the stupid button, please! If you do not review I will get discouraged and might not update at all, and so on and so forth.