Well, I guess this is new for me. I never thought I'd be writing something more than a one-shot, but here it is! Basically, this is about Riku. Sorry you get such a short intro, but I'm going to try and make all the other chapters much longer (and maybe go back and lengthen this one when I get the hang of writing). Also, a heads up- this story starts off from the scene that takes place after the KHII credits.
Warning. There will be spoilers in here for KHI, KHRe:CoM, and KHII. Don't say I didn't warn you! Also, I'm going to try and make it a darker fic, so there might be some cursing, and there will be violence and slightly disturbing images. Yep.

Disclaimer. I don't, nor will I ever own the Kingdom Hearts Franchise(or Disney, for that matter), and I definitely don't believe this is what's going to happen after KHII. I'm just making stuff up.


Chapter One: Portent

n. an indication or omen of something about to happen, esp. something momentous.



"From the King?"

Riku and Kairi peered down at the note held between Sora's fingers. All three shared the same emotions at that moment – curiosity, eagerness, with a hint of anticipation. While Sora and Kairi's faces showed these feelings like an open book, Riku's practiced facial expressions subtly veiled them, showing instead a smirk. Three pairs of eyes read through the contents:

Sora, Riku, Kairi,

I hate to be ruining your time at home so soon, but something's come up.

Another world was found, near the boundary of our galaxy, and its Keyhole was overlooked. Whatever Heartless were left over from you three are now flocking to this world. Strangely, the Heartless levels there are lower than average. I believe that there are warriors there, probably not with Keyblades but still posing a threat to the Heartless. I'd go investigate myself, but I can't leave my castle again so soon.

Sora, I want you to go check it out. Since Donald and Goofy can't come, Riku, Kairi, you need to go with Sora. Although I have a feeling that they know about the other worlds, don't be too conspicuous. Seal the keyhole and deal with any Heartless that get in your way.

Since I think you need a little more time catching up with your islands, amongst other things, I'll be sending a Gummi ship in about a month.

Mickey

PS~ Be careful when you get to this planet. Although the Keyhole is the main problem, I feel there's something else going on.

There was no further explanation to what the post script meant. That didn't seem to phase Sora, however; he threw the paper in the air enthusiastically and let out a short whoop.

"This is great! We finally get to go to another world together for once. Although what the King said is a little strange… it can't be that bad, though! I can't wait…" he ran around the two excitedly. Riku caught the letter and examined it for himself.

"Amongst other things… there's a lot of mystery in this letter. The King always had a way with covering things up for later," he frowned, his eyebrows furrowed and eyes distant, as if in thought. A few moments passed, then a soft oh came from his lips.

"He must have meant you, Kairi."

"Huh?" Kairi and Sora both paused to glance up at him. Riku blinked slowly, continuing.

"Well, if you're coming with us, you'll need to train. I only gave you your Keyblade a while ago, so you're not completely in sync with it. And it would be good if you learned magic."

"That's right!" Sora stated before Kairi could voice her thoughts. "Although the Heartless are probably not so bad, we dunno what else could attack us. And having someone besides me doing magic would be a great help. I was always used to Donald casting spells; even if I healed and did the occasional Aeroga, I mostly neglected magic. And Riku…"

"I never really learned much of the normal spells, and even when I did I didn't have much use for them."

"Yeah! So Kairi, you could be our primary spellcaster."

Kairi grinned at Sora, her eyes bright. She giggled, "That's great, since I don't think I'll ever get as great as you two with a Keyblade. I haven't had years of training with that."

"So it's settled," the eyes returned to Riku again, who gave a sharp nod, "we'll train Kairi, and then we'll be set to leave when Mickey sends the ship."

"We should get started! But uh," Sora turned to the sky, which had darkened as the sun started to sink below the horizon, "maybe we should start tomorrow. I'm tired." He grinned sheepishly.

"You two go on ahead. I'll catch up in a bit," Riku said, smiling softly. He turned back towards the paopu tree and began to climb back up on it.

"See you tomorrow, then! Let's go, Sora." They raced each other to the dock, Riku watching until they jumped in their boats. He turned his head back towards the quickly fading sunset, eyes reflecting the burnt oranges and purples that the sky presented. There was a bad taste in his mouth, he realized, as he let out a soft sigh.

Funny how I ended up here again, after everything.

His eyes widened as a stabbing pain erupted from his chest, making him fold over in pain and land ungracefully on the sand below. His sight faltered and the corners of his vision faded to black.

"What…" He shakily stood up, his right arm clutching over his heart. A couple harsh coughs sounded from his throat, and he used his left hand to cover his mouth.

The sky grew darker.

His coughing subsided, and he slowly moved his hand away from his face to stare at it with shock. He dropped to his knees in the sand, the ache in his chest still burning, and he duly noted a wet feeling sliding down from the corner of his mouth.

His hand was black.

"This is…" Almost unseeing, he lifted a finger to the wet spot on his mouth. It came away with a strand of black spit. He hurriedly wiped his soiled hand on the ground, watching it leave a dark trail on the coarse grains. The sound of the waves seemed to grow louder, overcoming his senses, and his eyes darted in every direction as his mind panicked.

What's happening?


Yeah, a cliffhanger. Please review and tell me how you like it so far!