A/N: OH MY GOSH! It feels so good to be back! Anyways, it is me, Miu-Baby under a new name and profile! I have a deviant account named AuthenticRose with some of my art of my Kingdom Hearts OC's so, please people...don't report me. I am begging you! I am sorry for leaving a lot of you hanging but I had a lot of personal issues but no one needs to know that. I did have a baby during my absence on the way though, what!? I am shocked cuz I am literally the most backwards person in real life and I can't keep a relationship for more than two months. It's not me, its the guys. haha. But yeah, I am six years strong in a relationship with my man who is also a Kingdom Hearts but not hardcore like I am. We have a two year old daughter who is going to be three but enough of that. I want you all to enjoy the FIRST! RE-WRITTEN CHAPTER! OF! *drumroll*...KINGDOM HEARTS!
~Prologue~
"Now, my dear. I want you to close your eyes and tell me what you see." A voice echoed through out the darkness.
"I see nothing." Another voice, though childlike, responded.
"Look deeper, now." The first voice urged.
"Still nothing..."
"Deeper." A small gasp of surprise.
"I see it! A little light! It's dancing around."
"That is the light in your heart."
"Oh, so...why do you want to show me this, grandma?"
"Come here, I have a story."/p
Long ago, all of the world was connected by a warm light. The people all loved the light, and soon, they began to fight for it. Darkness was then born. The darkness has swallowed many hearts and much light. Before long, it spread and the world disappeared. However, in the hearts of young children; there was still a small spark of light. Using this light, the children remade the world. Sadly, the world that was created, was not all connected. It is made of many small pieces. All of this was because the true light was still sleeping within the darkness. The true light was hidden behind a very special door. A door we named from our hearts...Kingdom Hearts.
Chapter 1: Through the Door
Pain and dizziness were the first two things she felt upon waking. The back of her head throbbed, and her vision was blurry at first. Once her vision settled, she found herself in a cavern. She rubbed her head, the pain still present. What happened? Her memory was drawing a blank. She can't remember anything that happened prior to her unconscious state. Where did she come from? Where and who is her family? Is anyone looking for her?
"She stood to her feet, slightly stumbling and trembling in fear. She was alone. Her eyes searched for an exit from this dark cavern. She found it and took advantage of the opportunity, quickly leaving. She failed to notice a keyhole magically disappearing off a wooden door. Once she exited the cavern, the girl immediately shielded her eyes from the sudden brightness of the sun. When her eyes adjusted, she dropped her hand and took in the new world around her. She had found herself standing in a beach, The ocean was a clear sea foam green. The suns light glittering over the waters. There was a rounded isle above attached o a wood bridge. Occupying the isle is a palm tree containing star shaped fruit.
She looked back at the cavern she came from, discovering it was hidden at the base of a large tree that took up most of the beach. Beautiful shrubbery and flowers surrounded it. The young girl ventured further on the beach, stepping into the shoreline. The sky was a clear blue. Birds sand and flew overhead. Amazed, she took in a deep breath of the salty air. She smiled.
"Look out!" She spun around only to be met by a ball smacking into her face. The collision as strong enough to knock her over into the water. Water splashed everywhere. She quickly scrambled out of the water, coughing the offending salt water out of her mouth. A boy around her age, reached up to her and picked up the ball.
"You okay?" He asked, clearly concerned for the girl. She went to glare at him but froze. His eyes...there was a light in them that she recognized. There were a deep blue, like sapphires. There were pure and beautiful. His brown spiky hair framed his face and highlighted his eyes better, making them very noticeable. All hostility quickly diminished into shyness. Her heart started to pound and her face was beginning to turn red. She opened her mouth to speak but was soon interrupted.
"Sora!" A young girl with short red hair shoved the boy aside and looked at her. Again, that familiar tug! "Are you okay?"
"What happened?" Now came along a silver haired boy, whose eyes matched the ocean around them. Sharp sea foam green eyes met hers. They captivated her, freezing her in place. She blushed once more and placed her hands on her face, not forgetting the sting the ball gave her.
"Sora hit her with the ball!" The red headed girl wailed. The boy named Sora shot her a glare.
"Did not! It was Kairi! He yelled.
"Liar!" She shot back. The silver haired boy crossed her arms and sighed, shaking his head. The young girl giggled nervously.
"I-I'm okay. My name is Hikari," She said with a smile. Kairi and Sora, along with the silver haired boy all smiled.
"I'm Kairi, but you probably already know that!" Kairi beamed with her introduction. "This is Sora," pointing to Sora, who grinned. "And this is Riku!" She grinned at the silver haired boy. Hikari smiled at them ,happy to be meeting new friends. Her smile faltered a bit when she remembered her situation.
"Where am I?" She asked the three.
"Welcome to Destiny Islands!" Sora chimed. waving his arms out, gesturing the beach.
"Where are you from?" Kairi asked.
"I can't remember," Was Hikari's answer.
"Where are your parents?" Riku asked. She shook her head no. "You don't remember anything at all?"
"I don't/ I woke up alone in there," She pointed at the cavern's entrance.
"Well, maybe you can live with me!" Kairi grinned, jumping up and down. "Until you remember everything at least. I'm sure my folks don't mind." Hikari smiled and allowed Kairi to take her hand, dragging her with them. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm new here too! In face just a few days aho and I also don't remember much."
~9 Years later~
The sun shone high and bright in the sky. The clouds were pure white and drifted lazily. Hikari stared up at the welcoming sky, smiling to herself. She has grown over the years living at the islands. Her golden brown kept short, barely touching her shoulders with her bangs swept to the right. Her eyes were the color of the current sky she was looking at. She wore a black sleeveless hooded jacket with a light blue frilled belly top and a regular black tank top underneath that hugged her hips. She wore shorts that were made of jean material. Her shoes were similar to Kairi's; they were slip on but black and grey. Her accessories were a black wrist band on her left wrist and a golden heart shaped locket around her neck.
Hikari stretched her arms high above her head and sighed. "It's almost ready!" She huffed. "Now to find Sora!" She turned and stalked along the beach, searching for the spiky haired brunette. Eventually, she found him sprawled across the beach sleeping. If Kairi found him like this, she'd have his head. She went towards him, intending to wake him, but instead she found herself watching him sleep. Eventually, she poked his cheek. He stirred but did not wake. She decided to sit beside him and watched the waves roll, bringing her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped underneath them. She always had a small crush on Sora. Possibly when they first met. She couldn't help but laugh at the memory.
"Uggh," Sora groaned.
"Hey!" Hikari jumped and Sora jolted awake. They both looked back to see Kairi standing there with her hands on her hips, smirking. "I knew you two were gonna slack off soon," She laughed.
"That's not true!" Sora argued. "This huge thing swallowed me up! I couldn't breathe, I couldn't-Ow!" Kairi decided it was necessary to throw a rock at his head. Hikari couldn't help but laugh.
"You sure you weren't just dreaming?" Kairi asked, bending to his eye level, her hands on her knees.
"No, I wasn't! Or was I..." Sora furrowed his brows. "I don't know..." Sora began looking into space, deep in thought. Hikari rolled her eyes and stood, walking towards the shoreline.
"Hey, Kari?" Kairi began. Kari has been her nickname for the longest time. "Have you remembered what your hometown was like before you came here?" Kari gave a small smile.
"I still don't remember," She responded.
"Nothing at all?" Sora piped in, back to reality.
"Nothing," She confirmed.
Nine years ago, she came to Destiny Islands under mysterious circumstances. She, along with Kairi, suffered from amnesia. They tried everything they can from intense therapy to hypnosis to remember. Nothing worked. It pains her to know that somewhere out there she had a life before the islands. A home, a family and friends. All of it gone.
"If you do remember, would you want to go back? Sora asked.
"Well..."She paused. "I am happy here. I wouldn't mind to go see it," She said honestly.
"Me too!" Kairi giggled. "I can't wait to see my world!"
"I want to see your home worlds, too! Along with any other world out there. I wanna see them all!" Sora grinned.
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Kari exclaimed.
"Hey!" All three looked back too see Riku. "Looks like I'm the only one working on the raft," He gave a hopeless smile. Yes, the four have been working on building a raft for weeks now. The were nearly finished and soon, they will venture out into the ocean and see what it beyond the horizon. Kari didn't fail to notice that Riku holding a bundle of logs. While they were all goofing off; He has been working. She felt a bit guilty.
"Hi, Riku!" Kairi gushed. You can practically see the hearts in her eyes. Kairi has always liked Riku, but he always treated her like a sibling, even when she makes it clear she wants more. Riku made his way to the three, tossing the logs over to Sora.
"Whoa!" Sora gasped, falling over by the weight. The girls both broke into a fit of giggles as Riku stood in front of them with his hands on his hips.
"And you two are just as lazy as he is," He smirked, his eyes flickering over to Kari. Kairi didn't fail to notice.
"So, you noticed!" Kairi declared haughtily, placing her hands behind her back.
"Let's finish it together! I'll race you!" Kari grinned. Riku sighed as he just sat down beside Sora.
"Are you kidding?" Kari smiled at the three.
"Go!" Kari yelled. Both boys looked at each other before sprinting, grins on both their faces. Kairi and Kari ran after them, laughing. This life was perfect. Kari couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
"The three had worked on the raft till it started getting late. They decided to stop early and take a break before heading back home. They met on the isle where the palm tree bearing the star shaped fruit laid. The fruit was called Paopou. There was a legend that said if two people shared the fruit, they will stay together for eternity. It was a very romantic legend for sure. The four friends watched the sun set, Sora and Kairi both sitting on the tree as Riku leaned against it with his arms crossed. Kari sat on the ground beside him, hugging her legs.
"So..."Sora started, breaking their silence. "Kairi's and Kari's homes are out there, right?" Riku kept his gaze on the sunset while everyone looked at him, as if he knew the answer.
"Could be," He finally answered. "We'll never know by sitting here."
"But how far could a raft take us?" Sora questioned. Riku shrugged.
"Who knows? If we have to, we'll think of something else." Kari's attention strayed back towards the sunset, deep in thought. Could the raft really take them to another world? She looked up to the sky, seeing the stars coming out. As quickly as one appeared, it vanished. She squinted, trying to see it. maybe her vision is going bad? That was odd.
"So, suppose you get to another world. What would you do there?" Kairi asked, placing her hands on her knees, looking solely at Riku. No one, but Kari, didn't miss the way Riku looked at Kari; Her gaze still on the sky with the breeze gently blowing her hair back. Kairi pouted and Sora raised an eyebrow.
"I haven't really thought about it. It's just...I've always wondered why we are here on this island. If there are any worlds out there; Why did we end up on this one?" Kari finally looked back up at him, catching his gaze. He held his hand out to her, which she accepted. He pulled her steadily to her feet, but didn't release her hand. "Suppose there are other worlds. Ours is just a little piece of something greater. So we could hve easily ended up some where else, right?" Sora shrugged.
"I don't know," Sora answered. Riku looked back at him, letting go of Kari's hand.
"That's why we need to go out there and find out. Just sitting here won't change a thing. It's the same old stuff. So let's go," Riku locked his gaze back to Kari, causing her to blush. His eyes were so intense and warm for her. They always gave her that feeling in her stomach. Kari noticed the glare Kairi was giving her. Sora seemed oblivious, as usual.
"You've been thinking a lot lately, haven't you?" She smiled, feeling awkward. Riku smiled back. His smiles always took her breath away, no wonder Kairi liked him.
"It's all thanks to you." He said softly. "If you, and Kairi, hadn't come here. I probably never would've thought of any of this. Kari," Riku placed his hand on her shoulder. "Thank you."
"Heh, you're welcome," She beamed.
The group decided that it was time to head home. Kairi grabbed Kari and pulled her away from the boys. Oh no...
"Let me get this off my chest," Kairi started, her voice sharp. Kari flinched as she noticed a hint of hostility. "I can't help but think you like Riku." Kari gasped, eyes wide.
"What!? Why do you think that!?" She asked, her feelings clearly hurt. Kairi crossed her arms, rolling her eyes.
"You two wouldn't keep your eyes off of each other, duh!"
"Kairi, he is my best friend; Like you! You know that I have a crush on Sora and I wouldn't dare go behind your back! I am not that low." Kairi's posture relaxed and she sighed.
"Well, I can't help but feel that I have no chance with him. The way he looks at you...I want him to look at me like that," Kairi pulled the red head into a hug.
"I assure you. Riku and I are just friends. Nothing more. Just give it time. He'll come around." Kairi gave a smile.
"Hey, Kari?"
"Yeah?"
"You know you're my best friend, right? I'm sorry for attacking you like that." Kari gave a big grin. All was forgiven.
"Let's go home and watch Night Terror 3."
"What!? We watched it like a hundred times!" The girls both laughed.
The next day, Kari was just climbing out of her boat and onto the docks. She noticed that no one was present at the beach. She assumed her friends were on the other side of the island, working on the raft. Today was the day it'll be finished. She made her way to the other side and found herself stumbling into Sora and Riku fighting over what name the raft will have. Typical. She just ignored the two and made her way to the raft, searching for shells in the water. She heard Kairi yell at the two to race for it.
"The usual?" Sora grinned at Riku. He nodded. "Okay! If I win, I'm captain and if you win...?"
"I share the Paopou with Kari," He simply stated.
"What!?" Sora and Kairi gasped.
"Deal?" The winner shares the Paopou with Kari," He repeated.
"Wait, Riku!" Sora tried to object but Kairi yelled for them to go.
Kari was out of earshot as she started working on a project. She was making a charm called a Thallassa Lucky Charm. Sailors used them for save journeys. She figured she'd make some for her friends. She saw Sora and Riku running towards her. She wen to say hello, but they ran right past her, shouting their apologies. She blinked and stared after them, then pouted.
"What is up with them?" Kairi came up to her and sighed dejectedly.
"The winner shares the Paopou with you," She answered.
"What!?" Kari exclaimed, looking at the red head in shock. Kairi didn't say a word as she walked away, getting to work on the raft. Kari blushed a deep red as she had seen that Riku was in the lead. Great!Of course, Riku won. Kairi refused to acknowledge Kari and Sora went off to get supplies. It was just Riku and Kari. She avoided looking at him and searched the water for more shells. She couldn't avoid him for long though...
"Hey," She froze and looked back up at him, still bent in the water. She met Riku's calm gaze and those kicks in her stomach returned. She isn't going to deny that she had an attraction to Riku, but Kairi liked him and that was enough to keep a distance. "It..." He started and looked like he was struggling for words. "I just want you to know that it was a joke," He explained, a light blush staining his cheeks. The kicks in her stomach died as she felt the sting of rejection and embarrassment. She was glad he wasn't serious but still. She forced a smile.
"It's alright, Riku," She replied. Riku relaxed and smiled softly at her.
Kari sat at the docks, staring out into the sunset. Along the horizon sat the main islands/ She wistfully leaned back, looking up at the stars. Usually, there were more out at this hour. She couldn't help but sense this feeling of dread. A part of her knew what it meant, but this more dominant part doesn't see anything wrong. Maybe it was her nerves. Tomorrow is the day they leave.
"Mind if I join you?" She looked up to see none other than Sora. She blushed. This is one of the few moments she can ever be alone with him. They were always with their friends. Usually, when they are alone; Tidus, Selphie and Wakka would jump them for a game of Blitz Ball or to fight Sora. She scooted over so he can have a seat next to her. They were both silent for a while. It was killing her! Say something stupid! She yelled at herself.
"You know; Riku has changed," She blurted out and mentally choked herself. Of all things! Riku!? You bring up Riku!?
"Hmm...What do you mean?" Sora asked. Oh God! He Hmmed her! He probably thinks she likes Riku!
"Uh...well..." She wracked her brain to say something, but nothing popped her mind.
"You okay?" He looked at her now, eyebrows raised. Then he laughed.
"You're usually not this flustered. You're the one that's changed, Kari.
"Maybe I did..." She mumbled to herself, placing her hands in her lap.All of us may have changed. "I'm just...I guess I'm just scared. I think as long as I have you guys by my side, I'll be okay. No matter where I go, I can come back here...with you, right?" Her eyes shifted to meet Sora's. He blushed and looked out to the setting sun.
"Of course," He answered.
"That's good..." Kari leaned against him, closing her eyes. She had a soft smile on her lips as she sighed. "Sora...don't ever change."
"Huh?" He leaned his head down onto hers, his blush intensifying.
"I just can't wait...once we set sail. It'll be an adventure I will never forget."