Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or any of its characters or settings.
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Chapter 1—To the City
Riku held his map of the Destiny Islands in front of him. There was a city to the north by about four miles, a ranch to the west about eight miles and a wood to the south. He held his compass flat. At the moment, he was facing north-east. Since he's come from the east, he decided not to go that way.
The sun came up over the hills. He stood and watched the colors streaked across the sky. After a moment, the splendor of the sunrise was gone and he turned back to his work. By map and what he thought was his current location, he'd made it about a mile and a half through the forest by the moonlight. It was a good start, but he was still disappointed in himself; he could do better.
Riku folded the map and put it and the compass back into his bag and headed north, toward the city. He had reasoned it was best to use numbers to his advantage and the city surely would have more people than the ranch or woods. He headed down the dirt worn path, down the hill he had been perched on. He had about a mile of woods to go through, a small town, and then a mountainous area. The city was just beyond the mountains.
He walked on, and soon entered the forest-like area. His steps were silent. There were few noises around him, maybe a bird or the cracking of a twig. Riku glanced back over his shoulder and watched as the opening he'd come through was slowly engulfed in the trees.
The feeling of being alone was wonderful.
Sora and Kairi had always followed him around, and now, hearing nothing but the few forest sounds, feeling no eyes on him and a sense of utter stillness, Riku felt at peace. He inhaled the new scents of the land as he walked, noting that if he'd been an artist, this place would have kept him busy for days.
The solo walk down through the forest encouraged him. Riku felt freed. He'd finally made a decision and at last he was feeling free.
An hour later, though, the smell of rain was in the air. Looking back to the tree line behind him, he saw dark clouds gathering. He should have seen them sooner, but hadn't. Riku picked up his pace, deciding to find shelter against the elements in the woods.
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KingdomHeartsDayDreamer, Oathkeeper123liz456, and CDCSkitzo, thank you all for your reviews! They were much-needed encouragement!
