Hello! This is my first serious KH fic, so I hope it is good and not too OOC. This does contain SPOILERS for KH2, so be aware of that. This story takes place after defeating Xemnas in the final confrontation. This is what would happen if Riku and Sora had not found Kairi's letter and were forced to live on the dark island alone. Please read and review!

Way to the Dawn

Chapter 1: Stranded

After talking a bit on the dark desolation of an island, Riku and Sora just stare ahead and wait for something – anything – to happen.

"Well, sitting around like this isn't gonna help anything," Sora announces, standing up and dusting the sand off of his shorts. "I'll go build us a few things to live in."

"Sora, I'll just sit down here for a while longer. Is that okay?" Riku asks.

"Yeah, besides, you can't help with your leg hurt like that anyway. If you need anything, just tell me."

Sora runs up the island and drags a bunch of driftwood and all that he can find of Destiny Island's remains together. He also finds an old tool box with tools in it to use for building. Just as he gets a hammer out to inspect, he hears a loud cry - maybe more of a scream - coming from the beach. He throws the hammer down and runs in that direction in full speed.

"Riku!" he calls. He stands next to Riku, panting, and sees him sitting with his head turned down and away. "Riku, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just go work on . . . whatever," Riku says weakly and high-pitched, his shoulders shaking quite a bit.

"Riku, are you . . . crying?" Sora asks. He places a hand on Riku's right shoulder.

"I'm sorry I'm such a crybaby, Sora," Riku appologizes, revealing to Sora his tearful face. He was hardly crying, though.

"Riku, you're not a crybaby. You never cry," Sora informs. "So what's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"Yeah. I got pinched by a crab," Riku replies while crying.

"How'd you do that?"

"I raised up a little and played with it."

"Where'd it pinch you? You're finger . . . nose . . .?"

"No."

"Well, where?"

Riku pauses and looks down sadly. "My . . . butt."

"Oh," Sora states, not really sure how to reply. "Here. Let me help you up there with me."

Sora drags Riku up by the driftwood and tools he has and sets him down about ten feet away from where Sora is building.

"I'm sorry I cna't help. I really wish I could," Riku appologizes while sniffing and drying his eyes.

"Don't worry about it, Riku," Sora smiles to him. "It's not like I have anything better to do anyway."

After a few hours, Sora has built a private toilet, a couple of chairs, and two beds. He wipes the sweat from his forehead and sighs.

"Sora, take a break already!" Riku chuckles. "I think that's enough!"

"But we need a shelter!" Sora informs.

"Well, at least rest for a while first!"

Sora walks over to Riku and sits down beside of him. "I'm hungry."

"Me too," Riku agrees. A few minutes later, Riku asks, "Sora, do you really think we'll be able to go home soon?"

"Sure. Our friends will find us in no time!" Sora assures with confidence.

"But, what's taking them so long?"

"Come on, Riku! We haven't been here that long! Brighten up!" Sora stands up and begins walking over to his 'building station'.

"Sora."

Sora turns toward him. "Oh, yeah," he says, then walks back over to him. He lifts him on his shoulders again and starts walking with him, then sets him down on one of the beds he just built. "There. Now you can rest."

"Thanks, Sora, but I think you've done enough today. We don't need a shelter tonight," Riku informs, worried he is over-working himself.

"Don't worry, Riku! I'm fine!"

After building a big shelter over all of the furniture, Sora goes hunting for some food. When he comes back, he pulls a chair up next to Riku's bed and sits in it.

"Did you find some food?" Riku questions.

"Yep!" Sora smiles. He reveals a paopu fruit to him. "I found this paupu fruit. It's pretty big, so I thought we could share it, since there's not much food here."

"Sh- share it? But, Sora -"

"Relax, Riku. I know the legend, but it doesn't necessarilly say it has to be romantic. I mean, shouldn't best friends be together forever?"

Riku smiles. "Yeah. I guess we don't have to get married or anything. Just be good friends."

Sora breaks the fruit in half with his hands, making juice spill out. He hands one half to Riku and keeps the other.

"Mmm . . . it's been a while since I've eaten one of these," Riku tells him.

"Yeah. We've been gone for so long . . ."

"Sora, I feel so bad. To go home like this . . ."

"Don't worry. Your leg will get better."

"Not my leg. I mean . . . turning to the darkness and all. What if no one likes me anymore?"

"Make them like you."

"How?"

"Show them you're sorry and that you're good now."

"Okay," Riku smiles. He then yawns, having finished his dinner.

Let's get some sleep now. It's been a long day," Sora tells him. He gets in his bed on the other side of the shelter. "Good night, Riku."

"Good night, Sora."

So, did you like it or was it just boring? You know, I've seen the ending twice now (just today I saw it the second time) and was wondering if anyone understood where Pluto randomly came from and how the Nobodies in the end hurt Riku. I saw them appear and the next thing I know, Riku's on his knees unable to walk. I don't get it. And is only his left leg hurt, or both? Please help me!

All story and chapter suggestions are welcome! Next chapter: Riku tells Sora of his adventure in the dark realm with Ansem! (Xehanort's Heartless Ansem, that is).