Author's Note: So, this is my first fanfic so I really hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Writing this has been pretty fun so far so if you could please review so that I can make any improvements that would be awesome! :) Anyway, on with the story.

Chapter II: The Funeral

The entire town was silent. Out of all the events that were held in the usually cheerful Traverse Town, this was the darkest of all days. Sora was, as far as anyone was able to conclude, dead. Today, therefore, was the funeral for the Hero of Light. No light was found that day, though. Third district was covered in a sea of black. All of Sora friends and allies were in attendance. All, except Riku. However, not a soul protested his absence since Sora's death was partially his doing. As far as everyone was concerned, Riku had killed him. The set-up was simple. A large photo of Sora hung above the gates leading to First District with a small stage containing a pulpit with a microphone. The Kingdom Key was placed within a basic wooden casket since that was all that remained of the spiky-haired boy. Everyone took a turn giving a short speech about their fallen friend. Leon and Yuffie recalled finding him in Traverse Town, Donald and Goofy spoke of their adventures, and various others described how he had saved their worlds. Kairi was last to speak. She was adorned in a simple, black dress with black heels and a white headband. She clutched her lucky-charm tightly, almost fearing it would vanish with her beloved Sora. As she approached the pulpit, all eyes stared at the shattered auburn-haired girl. The whites of her eyes were bloodshot from hours of painful tears the night before. The entire district was without a single peep, anticipating Kairi's speech. Finally, after about two minutes of complete silence, she spoke.

"Today, we are all here to mourn a fallen friend. Friend... no, he was far more than that. For some, he was family. For most, he was a friend. For all, he was a savior. But for me, he was far more than these simple things. We met when we were both small children. I was sitting in my sandbox, crying. He approached with his ocean-blue eyes and asked why I was crying. I told him I couldn't remember. He shot up when I told him this and said that crying over something I can't remember is silly on a sunny day, but he also made a promise."

The crowd leaned forward, consumed by the heart filled story that was unfolding.

"He promised that from that day forward, he would make sure nothing ever made me cry ever again. Silly, right? I didn't think he could keep that promise. However, whenever I was around him, I never cried. I only laughed. I only smiled. Sora was my friend, my protector, my light."

Aerith began to cry silently at that moment.

"He protected my heart from darkness and... sacrificed himself for me."

She felt a tear escape her swollen eyes.

"Sora... His name is wonderful, isn't it? Sora, wherever you are now, know this; from the day we met till the day I die, I always have and always will love you. I love you with every fiber of my being. I love you so damn much Sora!"

The tears were flowing like rain from here broken eyes. She meant every word. She really did love him with all that she is. The town went silent again. Kairi stepped down, and the Kingdom Key was lowered into the ground with a final prayer.

Sora, I love you so much. Why'd you have to go?

Because I love you, too, Kairi.