Disclaimer: I don't own the Kingdom Hearts franchise or any of it's characters and encourage support of the official release.

This is basically a story about what I imagined KH3 might look like written down. It's just a start for now.

Kingdom Hearts 3:Absent Souls

Riku had a look of enjoyment, Kairi had a look of worry, and Sora's face only expressed concentration. The three island friends were reading a message from the king of Disney Castle, Mickey Mouse himself. The paper was still almost crisp and the ink wasn't even completely dry, but the words seemed to say something that was old to Sora by now.

"Fellas, I wish I could be writing this to only say hello, but we might have another problem on our hands again. It seems that while Chip and Dale were updating some maps for gummi ship use, they noticed that The World That Never Was has been showing some strange activity again. We suspect that Maleficent might have something to do with it. We we're hoping you guys could come by to talk about this. A gummi ship is already on its way. It should be there the day after you get this.

Yours truly,

King Mickey

"Maleficent again?" said Sora with an almost annoyed look. "She just doesn't know when to quit."

"Yeah, but we could kick her butt again, no problem" said Riku as he stared out to the ocean for a moment. The fleeting sun seemed to be a boost of confidence; like a deadline for their stay. "It's actually kind of an excuse to travel again." Riku wasn't looking to get even with Maleficent; he just wasn't ready to face everyone yet like he had hoped he could.

"You guys just got back, I really can't believe that this might be happening again," said a concerned Kairi. She began to look at the fleeting sun herself. It was like a reminder that their time was already going to cut short after about a week home.

"Yeah, but we've dealt with her before. Plus we're stronger than the last time we really fought her, this should be no problem," Sora said confidently. Another voice in his head seemed to simply say yeah in agreement. He noticed that Kairi didn't seem totally assured, still looking at the sun setting. He saw it as a reminder that things weren't completely done, but soon would be. "…I'm sorry," he said as his demeanor changed from a grin to a solemn stare. Riku opened his mouth to respond, but waited after seeing Kairi lift her head up.

"Well take me with you guys this time!" Kairi said with the same expression.

"Kairi, that might not be the best idea," Riku said almost instantly.

"Yeah, we're talking about other worlds where we got along because of friends and pure strength only sometimes. If anything happened to you…" Sora trailed off while looking away. He hit a wall of doubt thinking about the future without Kairi.

"Sora, don't you think I worry too? I'm going to at least Disney Castle with you guys," Kairi responded. She looked at the two of them with brighter eyes. "I have too." Riku and Sora looked at each other. There was no stopping her from changing her mind.

"Do you still have that keyblade of yours?"

"I think so..." she started. She held out her hand, concentrated hard, and her flowery weapon appeared in a flash.

***

That night, Sora knew that things were going to be different all over again in his household. He lay down on his bed in his room and pondered. It was the same exact simple house with his parents and little sister inside, but a few differences that he was sad he missed. He was sad he missed the house getting new curtains, he was said he missed everyone's birthdays while he slept, he was sad his sister Sherri got taller as she became ten years old, and he was sad he didn't really say goodbye. He was touched the most by the fact that his room was left exactly the same for when he would come back.

His coming was nothing short of exciting. All of his family members hugged him like Donald and Goofy did, actually knocking him over. His mother and sister cried and his dad looked like a piece of him finally returned. As they clamored about him, he didn't care because he had been ready for it. He only cared that they cared.

He told them every story and detailed as many magical moments as he could during the week that he was there. His family always reacted as if they were there when they heard the stories and were filled with pride. Now it was time to add to the ending. He sat up, left his room, and found his way to his living room to tell them the news.

"Guys," Sora said while scanning his family's faces, "I'm leaving again." They all lacked immediate expression.

"No, you can't leave again…" his mother said in a frenzied tone. After looking at her husband and daughter with squinted eyes and saw they were anxious as well, she continued. "Why this time?"

"Remember that Maleficent witch I told you guys about?" His family nodded. "She's not done yet."

"But Sora, do they really need you to leave again?" his father questioned.

"It looks like it. I know I can help too, so I should as the keyblade's chosen one," Sora said as he gripped his hand and the silver keyblade exploded from light in his grip. The blade acted as a reminder that the moment was real to his family. His sister started tearing up.

"Sora, you can't just leave again," Sherri stared at everyone in the room. "What if I need help with my homework?"

"Sherri, you've been doing fine with mom and dad, and I promise I'll be back. It can't take more than a few weeks."

"Sora, we really don't know…" his mother stated as she looked to him with uncertainty.

"It's what I have to do," Sora stated simply.

I realize it's a little short, but like I mentioned before, it's my first fanfic and just a start. All reviews are welcome.