For You I Would

by Mira Ruskin

Notes: Welcome to the story that has consumed my life. Haha. No, but seriously, this is based on a compilation of KH and KH2 and with more than a few references to Chain of Memories. So, as you can guess, there are many spoilers for all 3 games. Just saying that as a safety precaution. So no e-mails bitching me out on how I ruined KH or KH2 or COM for you, because you've been fairly warned. Now, please enjoy!

An orange sun peeked over the edge of the world, bathing the island in bright lavender and sherbet light. Najilia rested her back against the firm trunk of a palm tree. Her legs were stretched out in front of her, a light caramel contrast against the white sand. She wore black sandals, and a black skirt that came to a little above mid-thigh. Her shirt was black, and was fashioned after a corset. Yellow ribbon laced through it. A silver chain supported a silver lightning bolt charm that rested right above her breasts. Her earrings matched with small lightning bolts dangling from her lobes.

She didn't even notice when Riku walked across the small bridge that led to the island where she was. Riku hadn't noticed her; the palm tree hid her figure from view. He pulled himself up onto the palm tree that over the years had grown sideways, and then had turned up, growing to the sky. It made a nice little seat, big enough for Riku and his friends, Sora and Kairi. Riku turned his gaze toward the rising sun, appreciating the coming day.

"Ah, now I wonder where Sora and Kairi are?" Riku wondered aloud, "Eh, wouldn't expect them to be up this early." Riku sighed contentedly, and leaned back onto the tree, folding his arms behind his head.

Najilia turned around, having heard someone. She pulled herself up off the sand, and dusted off the bottom of her skirt.

"Oh, hi," She smiled, "I hadn't realized I wasn't the only one watching the sunrise," She said, now getting a good look at her present company.

The boy looked about her age, maybe a year older. He matched her slightly. His shirt was a tight-fitting tank. The front was yellow and black, while the back was black with a silver 'x '. His jeans were slightly tucked into his yellow and white tennis shoes. He was rather muscular, at least for his age.

He jumped slightly when Najilia had spoken, and had obviously tried to cover it up. He seemed slightly embarrassed when he looked at her.

"Neither had I," he said, sitting up. He found himself staring at the most attractive girl he'd ever seen. He couldn't take his eyes off her face. She had full, luscious lips, and an adorable, slightly turned up nose. Her eyes were almond shaped, and a beautiful hazel. Her bangs fell nearly to them. The rest of her hair fell to about to then ends of her shoulder blades. About 4 inches of the end of it was blonde, in extreme contrast to the rest of her hair, which was jet black.

Najilia laughed a little, thankful for the chance to look at his face. She found herself looking at the most attractive boy she'd ever seen. His lips looked delectable, and when he smiled it was infectious. His nose was just the right size for his face. Najilia met his eyes, and nearly fainted. They were a striking teal, and were looking right into hers. His silver hair came to just about his eyebrows. The rest was medium-length, and spiky. It reached his shoulders.

Najilia felt her cheeks flush rosy pink. How long had hey been staring at each other? Riku must have thought the same thing, for he too was now a shade redder.

"I'm Riku," He said finally, "I'm guessing you're new to the island?"

Najilia nodded, "Yeah. We moved here from a few islands over. My name's Najilia. You can call me Najil if you want, or Naj." She moved forward, and offered her hand.

Riku hopped off the tree and took her hand in his. He was grateful for an excuse to touch her. The urge to pull her into his arms was nearly overpowering. They watched each other in silent appreciation, and deep thought for another moment, until they were rudely interrupted.

"Jeez, Riku! Let her at least see the island before you sweep her off her feet!" laughed a voice behind them. Najil turned to see who it was, but Riku just closed his eyes and shook his head.

"You should talk, Sora! So tell me, how's Kairi? Hmm?" Riku shot him a glare, but with a playful laugh.

The boy who had approached them stomped his foot into the sand and cried out in protest, "Hey!" Riku laughed more, and Najil couldn't help but smile. She liked his laugh. She found herself laughing along with him. He opened his eyes and looked at her, enjoying her light voice.

"Hi! I heard you say you were new to the island!" said a bubbly, girlish voice behind Naj. Najil felt herself being pulled away from Riku. She hadn't realized they were standing so close. She looked at who was dragging her away.

A girl, probably her age or a year younger was tugging her down the beach. A short, pink skirt graced her legs. A white spaghetti strap top showed off her slight tan, and a cute charm hung off her skirt, shaped like a star. Her hair was short, a boyish cut, and a deep red. She laughed almost all the time, and seemed like an all around happy person.

Once Kairi decided they were far enough away from the boys, she turned around, facing Najil. The look on her face was nearly devious.

"So, I see Riku didn't waste any time," She giggled.

"What do you mean?" Najilia said, playing dumb. Were she and Riku really being that obvious? Kairi just laughed.

"Oh, come on! You can't hide those red cheeks from me!" She said, pointing at Naj's face.

"Well, so?" Naj stuttered in defense, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well, I think it's cute," Kairi said, rocking back on her heels. So is Riku, Naj thought to herself. Kairi raised a brow, "You like him a lot, don't cha?" Najilia turned red again and looked down at the sand, which only sent Kairi into another bout of laughter.

"You should share a papua fruit with him!" Sora yelled, startling the girls. He was running down the beach as fast as his legs would carry him. Riku trailed closely behind. Once he reached Naj he slowed to a stop, and leaned over, out of breath. His hands rested on his knees, and his back rose and fell with his breath. He cocked his head sideways, and winked at Naj.

She smiled immediately. She couldn't help it. Seeing Riku do anything at all out a smile on her face. She felt her cheeks get hot, and then Kairi giggled a little more. Naj knew she was blushing. Haven't I done enough of that lately? She thought with a grin.

Sora had stopped further down the beach, and was watching Riku warily. He was smiling. Najilia felt wonderful. She had always hated the other islands. There was no one there that she connected with. But here, on this island, she felt great. Everything felt like it was changing. Najilia knew that she could call this place home, and be accepted.

Sora had by now crept closer, believing that Riku was truly out of breath. Both boys were still breathing heavily. Sora was nearly dripping with sweat.

"You're losing your touch, Riku!" He said with a laugh, "I think I win this time!" Riku glanced at Najilia, who then glanced at Sora. Naj had a feeling that Riku was just getting started.

"Sora," He panted, "You haven't won yet!" He yelled, springing up and after Sora. Sora shrieked with laughter and turned around, racing back down the beach.

"I knew it Riku! I knew it!" He cried. Riku returned with laughter and a burst of speed. Soon they were out of hearing range, so Kairi turned back to Najilia.

"See what I have to put up with every day?" Kairi said, playfully, putting her clenched fists on her hips.

"Tell me about Riku. What's he like? Where'd he come from?" Najilia asked, staring down the beach. Riku had caught up with Sora now, and they were play-fighting with wooden swords on the small peninsula off the far edge of the island.

"Well, to tell you the truth, I don't know where he came from. I'm the newest person here. Well, besides you," Kairi began. She too stared down the beach, a look in eyes that spiked Najilia's curiosity.

"Well, where'd you come from?" Naj asked lightly, only to receive an apathetic shrug from Kairi.

"I don't remember. The boys try to tell me they found me one day, on the beach. But I don't remember. As far as I know, I've been here all my life," Kairi said, her voice thick with confusion.

"You don't remember your childhood?" Naj asked in disbelief. Kairi shook her head from side to side, "Nope." Naj frowned slightly. She felt bad for Kairi. Najilia remembered all too well the constant moving from island to island. She hated it.

"I won again!" Riku called, returning to the girls. He had a stick slung over his shoulder. Naj, of course, felt the grin return to her face.

Sora trailed behind him, "Yeah, whatever," he mumbled. He looked over at Kairi, "I'll beat him next time, for you, Kairi." Sora straightened up, and slung his wooden sword over his shoulder, imitating Riku. Kairi giggled, "Sora, you're silly!" She said playfully.

Najilia could detect some of the nervousness between the two. She looked back and forth from Kairi to Sora. She arched a brow, and when Kairi caught her look, the girl's cheeks turned tomato red. Najilia started laughing, deciding not to say anything. It was obvious they liked each other, but wouldn't dare hint at it.

Riku had somehow closed the distance between Najilia and him, without her noticing. He would do anything just to be close to her. The sky had darkened slightly, as night slowly began to embrace the island.

"It's late. Kairi, you wanna come over for dinner?" Sora asked, nearly tripping over his own words. Kairi nodded, "I'd love to, Sora." She smiled. Sora looked over to Riku and Najilia. "You guys wanna come, too?" He asked.

Riku looked at Naj, "Um, sorry Sora. I've got a little more work to do on the raft. I'll skip this time." Riku stared into Naj's eyes.

Naj got the silent message. She frowned apologetically, and looked over at Sora, "Thanks but I think I'll check out the island a little more." Naj looked back to Riku, who was trying not to smile. He didn't want Sora to know the raft was already finished.

Riku and Naj stood side by side as Sora and Kairi got into their boats. Naj waved to them as they paddled off to Sora's house. When they were nearly out of view, she turned to Riku. "What raft?" She asked with a grin, wondering if there even was one.

"Come on, I'll show you," Riku said with a smile. He took Najilia's hand in his, tired of looking but not touching. Her skin felt good against his, and she didn't object to him pulling her along the beach. Soon they reached a small wooden raft, tied together with scraps of rope. Coconuts, a jug of water, and a few wild mushrooms that grew on the island were piled near it. A necklace made of shells hung from the small mast that supported the rest of the shoddy looking structure.

"Me, Sora, and Kairi were going to try and reach other worlds. We just want to get off this island," Riku explained. He looked over at Naj, gauging her reaction.

"Why would you want to leave this place? It's absolutely beautiful," Naj said quietly, after some thought. Riku turned his gaze to the sky, putting his hands in his pockets. The sun was barely visible as it tucked itself in over the rim of the world.

"After so long, you get tired of the same thing over and over. I want to watch the sunset from somewhere else," Riku said, deep in thought. His eyes held a longing that Najil knew couldn't be sated as long as he remained on Destiny Islands.

"I came from somewhere else, and to tell you the truth," Naj said carefully, "The sunset doesn't look any different."

"Because that's still the same place. I want to go to a new world. I want to get out there," Riku turned and looked at Naj. His gaze was deep. Najilia met it, and felt how powerful his feelings were. "What else is out there? If there's so many other worlds, why did we end up on this one?" He returned his gaze to the horizon.

Naj looked down at the sand. She pushed a mound of it away with her foot, and sat down in the sand. She crossed her legs and leaned back onto her palms, staring out over the crystal clear water.

"I remember something my grandmother used to tell me," She said softly, "About other worlds."

Riku looked down at her, a light in his eyes that hadn't been there a moment ago. He was curious. He sat down next to her, resting his arm on his left knee, which was propped up slightly. He stretched his other leg out in to the white sand.

"She said that every world is connected somehow. There's a door to each and every one," Najilia fiddled with the charm around her neck, "She also said something else, but I can't remember what it was."

Riku's eyes lit up, "Najil! If that's true, then there's got to be a door here on the island! If we could find that door," His eyes widened with excitement. Riku jumped up from the sand, and pulled Naj up. He pulled her to him in a sweet hug. Before she could react he broke it off, and held her by her shoulders.

Najilia started giggling, and Riku laughed along with her. They calmed themselves down, and started walking back down the beach.

"Hey Naj," Riku said finally.

"Yeah?"

"If we found that door, would you want to come with me? To the other worlds out there?"

Najilia paused. Leaving home? Just when she had gotten comfortable? She smiled. As long as she was with Riku, she figured she'd be alright.

"Yes."

Riku smiled. He laughed again, and looked at Naj. "Good, I was hoping you'd say that." Najilia nodded.

"When should we look for the door?" she asked, stifling a yawn. Riku stopped walking. He looked over at her.

"How about right now?" He said, his tone serious, but with worry. He was afraid she didn't really want to come with him. Much to his relief, she smiled and nodded. "Okay."

They searched high and low, all over the island. The sun had started to peek back over the horizon by the time they plopped down onto the beach, exhausted.

"Are you sure there really even is a door?" Riku asked, with a tinge of guilt for doubting her. Najilia shook her head.

"That's what my grandmother said. She was the wisest person I knew."

"Knew?"

"Yeah, she passed away. That's why I came here. I had lived with her for a while, but now I live with my parents."

"Oh, sorry."

Najilia shrugged, "It's okay. I enjoyed the time I had with her."

Riku looked over at Najilia. She was the most interesting person he'd ever met. She was so down to earth, and called things like they were. Riku had a feeling his crush was taking the next step. He felt a little more than butterflies when he looked at Naj.

Najil turned to him. He was staring at her. She smiled, and he smiled in return. She felt lucky to know someone like Riku. His attitude toward life was amazing, he always wanted more. He wanted the best out of things. At times, his determination could be frightening, but Naj didn't care. She liked him, and was afraid to admit that it might be a little more than that.

"I know somewhere we haven't looked," Riku said suddenly. Naj frowned, "We've been all over this island! Where could it possibly be?"

Riku stood up, and helped Naj to her feet. He looked over to a clump of bushes next to the waterfall, then back at Naj. "Let me show you," he said. She nodded.

They walked, hand in hand, over to the bushes. Riku looked at her and grinned. He turned his attention to the shrubbery, and pushed them aside, revealing a small tunnel. Naj gasped lightly.

"Wow!" She whispered, her eyes wide.

"Ladies first," Riku smiled, leading Naj inside. She ducked to avoid bumping her head on the stone ceiling, and was relieved when it opened up into a small cavern. There were child-like drawings all over the walls.

"Me and Sora used to come in here when we were little. We'd draw stuff and talk about growing up. Kairi rarely came in here. She said she was afraid," Riku explained.

Najilia placed her hand upon the cool damp wall of the cave. She smiled politely. Riku and Sora seemed to be the best of friends. Najilia considered herself more of a loner. She hadn't really liked anyone else. Kairi seemed to like her, though. Maybe, on this island, things could be different. Najilia wouldn't need to feel like she had to fit in. She was already comfortable with everything. She could be herself.

"You okay?" Riku asked, noticing the slight change in her attitude. She turned to him, and genuine smile on her face. "Yeah, I am," She said. Riku smiled back, and looked around. Najilia went back to looking at all the drawing on the rock walls.

Riku looked across the cave from the entrance, and felt something inside him jump. A dark shadow consumed the other half of the cavern. He slowly approached it, and stopped before the shadow hid him from sight. He reached out, and when his hands hit something, he grinned.

"Naj," He called, turning to her. She looked up from the drawings, and stood up. She walked over to him, pausing and looking him over. The shadow was dark as night, and had consumed half of him. Najilia could tell from the way his body was positioned that he was reaching out at something. His other hand as extended to Naj.

Najil placed her hand in his. Any fear she may have had melted away when he closed his hand over hers. "Come here," He said, pulling her gently into the dark, "Reach out, and touch it."

Najilia outstretched her arm, but felt nothing. Riku saw her frown, and touched her hand. "Here', I'll help you." He gently tugged her hand over to the solid structure buried in shadow. Najilia's hand bumped into it, and she looked up at him. Her eyes widened, and he nodded.

Najilia moved her hand around, feeling the texture of the wall in front of her. She yelped as something stabbed her finger tip. She pulled her hand back, examining her small wound. A splinter stuck from the tip of it. Riku gently took her hands in his, and pulled it out. It was a tiny cut, and bled not nearly a drop.

"Riku, that was a splinter," Naj said, her eyes wide.

"Yeah, I know. It wasn't that bad though, you're fine."

"No, think. Splinters come from wood. What do people make out of wood?"

"Um, rafts?"

"Riku! Think!" Najilia laughed, "Doors! People make doors from wood!"

Riku's eyes widened to match Najilia's. He grinned, and started laughing. "We found it?" He asked in disbelief. Najilia nodded in return.

"Well, I've got to open it!" He said, pulling Najilia to him. They hugged for a moment, enjoying it. Riku broke it off, and looked into the shadow that shielded the door from the light. Something in his heart was calling to him. This was what he had always wanted, it's what he had wished and dreamed for. Why was he feeling a tinge of guilt now? He looked at Naj, and knew why he felt the way he did. The frown on her face hurt him.

"Are we going to open it?" Riku asked, feeling better as Najilia smiled.

"Yes, we are."

Riku put his hand on the doorknob, and was ready to turn it. He was ready to leave this world behind, to discover what was out there. He was finally going to see the sunset from somewhere else, and he'd do it all with Najilia by his side.

She gasped suddenly, making him jump. He let go of the door, and looked at her, "What is it, Naj?"

"I remember what else my grandmother said,"

"What?"

"She said the closer you get to the light, the greater your shadow becomes."

Riku frowned slightly, "Well, we're going into the dark, so what does that mean?" Najilia answered with a shrug, "Everyone thought she was crazy. I don't know if what she said holds any meaning."

Riku looked at her for a moment. She was the most intriguing person he'd ever met. For a moment, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She smiled up at him, and it made him feel warm. He turned his attention back to the door, before he could decide to ditch it altogether and spend life on the island with Naj.

"Riku?" She asked suddenly, grasping his arm. He could tell she was frightened.

"Yes, Naj?"

"What if we don't end up in the same place?"

Riku frowned, he hadn't thought of that. Suddenly Najilia's eyes lit up. She reached around to the nape of her neck, and unclasped her silver necklace. She pulled it carefully off, and reached around Riku. She hooked it around the back of his neck, and looked at the charm. "You won't forget me now," She said, touching the charm, and then pulling away.

Riku smiled, "Thank you, Naj, but I couldn't forget you if I tried."

Najilia felt her cheeks grow hot. There she went again, blushing. She rolled her eyes at herself, much to Riku's amusement. Naj loved his laugh.

"I don't have anything to give you in return, though," He said. She looked up at him. Before she could even think of what to say, he had his finger under her chin. He tipped her face toward his, "Except this," and brought her lips to his in a fiery kiss.

Najilia stiffened at first with shock, but soon relaxed. Her spine tingled with the feel of his force against her. This sealed it. Najilia knew that this was no crush. This was much more.

Riku couldn't bear to let go. Both he and Najilia wanted this moment to last. Riku loved the feel of Najilia's soft lips against his. He wanted to hold her in his arms for the rest of his life. Did they really have to go through that door?

Of course they did. Riku had waited all his life for this moment to be here. Now it finally was, and he was about to throw it away from some girl. But Naj wasn't just any girl, she was the one. Riku could feel it. Naj could, too.