Sora stood in the endless desert, trying to see through the thick curtains of a sandstorm while the wind whipped his body. His skin burned from the constant razing of the sand as he walked forward, meeting nothing but the same with each step. A more potent ache housed itself within his heart; he was alone. He could no longer remember how long he had traveled, but it didn't matter. His only thought was that he would not stop until he found them. He would never break that promise to himself.
In between the miniscule spaces of his nemesis, he saw a figure in black approaching. This environment loved to trick him with illusions and dreams, so when he saw silver hair, the darkness inside him wanted to think it was just a mirage.
"Riku!"
Sora's light had always been stronger.
A gloved hand was held out to him and he struggled to touch it, but it was always just out of reach. His voice had left him, but his eyes were pleading: deep ocean blue out of place in the surrounding earthly emptiness. He tried his best to move forward, but all he grabbed hold of were handfuls of sand.
Just as he thought he felt a hand in his, he stared in horror as the figure slowly started to dissolve. Specks of black were carried away by the wind and lost to his sight.
A deep sorrow welled up inside as he fell to his knees. His throat was rough from sand. He would continue on; his determination only became stronger.
First, he would take a moment to lie down and rest. Try to breathe.
His heart would pull him through.
There was a sudden sharp pain in his side. He winced.
"Hey, have you been sleeping on the beach again? Wait, is that sand in your mouth?" Riku laughed and then sat down next to a very dazed Sora.
Sora stared at Riku for several long moments before he stuck out his tongue and tried to spit out as much of the sand as he could.
"I had this dream," Sora explained. "I was alone in the desert for so long, looking for you and Kairi and everyone. There was a huge sandstorm."
"That's easily explained," Riku teased as he cupped some sand in his hand and let it fall between his fingers.
"Hey!" Sora pushed at Riku's shoulder for the remark, who didn't pay it much mind beyond a small smile.
"You're never alone, Sora. You said that yourself. Your friends are in your heart."
"That's right," Sora replied, looking at the horizon. "But there are people I want by my side."
They both savored the moist, salty air of their island as they sat in comfortable silence.
Riku finally stood and offered his hand to help Sora up.
"It's time to head back. Come on, let's go together."
Their hands met as Sora rose to his feet, smiling brightly.
He didn't let go as they ran along the beach.
