Riku was being haunted by a vision of a girl, with pale skin and short black hair who resembled Kairi. But yet, not.
There was an awful sense of familiarity about her, like he already knew her. Riku felt comfortable in her presence, and a feeling of sorrow seemed to have wash over him.
She'd visit in his dreams, and he'd watch her tiny pink lips form and speak words. But he could not her her, no matter how hard he tried to listen. For all of her words were blurred out, except for one -
"Riku."
And that's when the dream would end. Every single time.
The next day, he eyed Kairi as if she knew something. His female friend just looked at him strange, and forced an awkward smile.
But that day, Sora looked at him differently. It was a look of understanding, and it was almost like it wasn't Sora looking at him.. but yet another.
The dreams continued, and every time she'd appear, they'd be out on the other island. By the Paopu tree. He couldn't hear her, but something told him that it was her favorite place.
And though he could not speak to his new friend, or perhaps she was an old one, he did not want to hear her. Because when he did, she would go away. And he would have to wait until the very next night, to see her again.
"Riku."
After so long, she kissed him. And then, she cried. He could not hear her sobs, but he could see the tears trailing down her cheeks. And he did not understand.
"Why are you crying, Xion?"
The words seemed to float in the air, almost, and he did not understand.
She looked at him, smiling, yet still crying, because he remembered.
Xion. Her name was… Xion.
How did he know that?
She mouthed the words, Thank You.
"Riku."
And then he woke up.
And he never saw her again, and a bittersweet feeling washed over him. "I hope… you're better now, Xion." He whispered, sitting up in his bed, staring out at the ocean.