CHAPTER I DEPARTURE

A boy and a girl came into view. The boy was saying something, yet no sound came from his mouth. The girl seemed to understand it though and they held on to each other's hand as the ground beneath them gave way and went in different directions. They held on to each other as long as they could before they could no longer see each other. Suddenly a burst of light crept from a door and before the girl knew it, she was standing on the familiar Island which was her home before it had been destroyed. The boy had saved them, their world was back.

"Sora!" Kairi yelled and woke to find herself on the floor of her bedroom. I must have fallen off; she thought and looked outside spotting Sora's house in the distance. Hurriedly she dressed, jumped out her open window, and ran towards it. Out of breath and panicked, she glanced in the window expecting to see no one, saw the boy fast asleep in his bed. How many days had she done this while he was off trying to find Riku? How many days was it that he was never in his bed or on the beach or near the cave? And how many days had she stood there standing at the sunset wondering what his name was and if he'll ever return to her? Yet now he was back, there was nothing to be afraid of, she had told herself. Sora was back for real. She sighed heavily and looked back in marveling on his wonderful face. "Don't ever leave again." She whispered. His eyes flashed open and he glanced at her still half asleep. Startled by his reaction, Kairi flinched.

"I won't." He replied yawning. "I won't leave you." Kairi looked at him with grateful eyes and he suddenly noticed she was there. "Do you want to come inside Kairi?" He asked and she shook her head smiling. With another yawn, he turned over and resumed sleeping.

"I'll go tell Riku to wake up; you had better be up by the time I'm back." Kairi said and looked at him for any motion. Without any, she went running off towards the house a bit further down the way her house was. She passed little Tidus playing with a wooden sword that was almost worn out.

"You'll need another one soon." She said and he nodded.

"Sora says he can make me one with the keyblade of his. He can whack a couple of palms and shape it. Isn't he the best?" Kairi smiled as Tidus went down to the beach to play with Selphie. Remembering what she was suppose to be doing, she picked up her pace and ran towards Riku's house.

"Riku! Are you home?" She asked and no replies were heard. She knocked once signaling she was at the door yet still there was no reply. "Must have joined up with Sora already." She muttered and walked off towards her own house.

"Kairi dear, there's this letter for you." Her mom said handing her a message in a bottle. It had the King's Seal on it so she figured it must have been very important. She caught her breath before rushing out towards the crooked palm tree that they used to always stay in the mornings to meet up with each other. Surely enough Sora and Riku were wide awake looking as she ran towards them.

"Kairi, good morning." Riku said and Kairi nodded to him. Sora was glancing at the sunrise when she said good morning to him.

"Look Sora." She said and handed him the bottle. He anxiously opened it and read.

"The King needs our help." He said turning to Riku. "We have to go!" Riku nodded.

"Sora, you promised not to leave. I'm going too!" Kairi said and the two boys shook their heads.

"No!" They shouted in unison. Kairi looked at them with a frown.

"Why can't I go?" She asked. Riku and Sora looked at each other before looking at her.

"Kairi, it's too dangerous." Riku stated. Sora patted her on the shoulder.

"We'll come back. We always do." He assured yet Kairi did not feel very comforting. She crossed her hands and turned her back to them.

"I won't wait for you anymore. I'm coming." She said and they both scratched their heads.

"Let's go tomorrow then. The letter stated that we can have a few days to get ready."

"You're letting her go?" Riku asked surprised. Sora nudged his elbow and Riku nodded.

"Tomorrow we'll leave at noon." Sora said and elbowed Riku who grinned and agreed. Kairi eyed them suspiciously then nodded.

"Tomorrow at noon, got it!" She smiled and without hesitation, Kairi headed for home to make sure she had enough supplies to journey with. Riku and Sora watched her leave.

"You aren't letting her go are you?" Riku asked to confirm his suspicion. Sora nodded.

"Too dangerous to let her go, we'll leave in the morning before the sun comes up." Then Sora turned to the sun high in the skies and sighed. "Sorry Kairi, I can't let you come." Riku shook his head and turned towards his house.

"I'll get ready, we'll need supplies for the journey. Who knows when or if we're coming home. Also, I'll get in some practice while I'm at it. My swordsmanship is sloppy. I'll wake you up tomorrow so don't forget." Sora nodded solemnly and watched as Riku ran towards his house. He sat there for a few minutes staring at the never changing sky. It loomed over him and he swore he saw the stars faintly glowing in the vastness. After a few more minutes, he finally got up and walked towards his own house.

Climbing in the window to his room, Sora prepared for the journey. He had given up most the items he found to the gummi ship and all he had left was a few potions and some ether. He shrugged and pocketed the necessities. Afterwards he went outward towards the beach to see Kairi looking out towards the sea.

"Kairi?" Sora asked walking up to her. She turned around and smiled pointing at the sky.

"Look Sora, I see the worlds." She said pointing at the distant stars. He nodded and sat down bathing in the warmth of the sands. "I can't wait to go to the worlds." Kairi said and Sora yawned.

"Good thing I can come this time. I always want to be wherever you are Sora." She said still glancing up at the sky. Sora frowned; it would be harder to say good bye then he thought it would. "Tell me about the worlds." Kairi said sitting down and looking at him anxiously.

"Well…" He began and they talked until the afternoon sun was almost setting in the sky. Kairi smiled at him and nodded.

"I'll be sure to remember that." She said and waved to him. "I have to go eat supper. See you tomorrow." He forced a grin until she was gone before collapsing onto the sand.

"Tomorrow…" He sighed and glanced up at the worlds. "Where will I be tomorrow?" He asked himself. "At least Kairi will be safe here." With that he got up slowly, brushed the dirt from his clothes, and walked towards his house.