Destiny Islands
He didn't remember the glade looking quite so pristine, or so peaceful. He paused, angling his head upward to admire the way the sunlight laced through the treetops, casting thin beams of luminance across the ground. A gentle breeze blew, stirring the trees and carrying the scent of the sea to where he stood, and he inhaled deeply. Closing his eyes, he felt the familiar pang of sadness enter his heart as he recalled her memory.
Riku had always thought his mother was beautiful. Her smile, her laughter, her spirit, remained with him long after she died. Every time he saw the sunrise chase the night sky away, he remembered the violet hues of her eyes. Every time he happened across something that she had admired, he saw her smile in his mind. Every time he woke in the middle of the night, with tears streaming down his face, he heard her voice soothe him.
In the years that followed her death, he had come to know and appreciate this glade as if it was his home. Those first few months without her had been tumultuous. In spite of the new home he was living in, and the love he received from his adoptive parents, there was always something missing.
Opening his eyes, Riku's gaze settled on the inscription above his mother's name. Our hearts are one, as hers is with the one who loves her. Seeing it now brought forth understanding, for at last he could relate. Jeanette had already gone; it was time for him to follow.
"I wanted to come by to tell you that I'll be leaving here. I made a promise to you that I intend to keep, and the only way I can do that is by leaving," Riku began, kneeling down and laying a gloved hand on the surface of the tombstone. As he had done when he first started coming here, he pictured her sitting across from him, her attention solely riveted on him and what he was about to say.
"I'm strong enough now to venture out on my own. I've been preparing myself for this day, and now I wish you could be here to see me," he continued softly. Had Jeanette been there, she certainly would see that her now-fifteen-year-old son was telling the truth.
In spite of his young age, he possessed a muscled physique often found in older teenagers, as well as a deep understanding in his eyes. Behind his blue eyes was a mind hungry for knowledge, and a heart hungry to reclaim what he had lost. Riku vowed to attain both, and in abundance.
"Sometimes I forget things about you. One minute I can remember how you smelled when you hugged me, other times I can't even remember the sound of your voice. Is this what you experienced when we were forced to leave Father? I was so young, but I remember. I always wanted to see you smile, so I'd make you laugh. I would do anything to see you smile," Riku said, lifting his gaze to the cold tombstone again.
Sunlight filtered across the top of it from on high, caressing it in ribbons of brilliance. Leaning back on his haunches, Riku laid his hands atop his knees and exhaled deeply. He found his thoughts turning to the two friends he'd be sharing this new adventure with, and a smile worked its way onto his face.
Sora had grown into a youth desiring adventure as much as Riku, and after years of merely talking about far-off places Riku came to a monumental decision. His desire to escape Destiny Islands, coupled with the need to find his father, fueled his idea. Sora eagerly agreed, but Kairi was a little reluctant. After arriving mysteriously on the island, much the same as Riku although he had been too young to remember, Kairi had come to call it home. It had never been home to Riku.
"Sora, Kairi and I are going away together. You don't have to worry about us. I can take care of anything that comes our way, and I'll look out for them."
Placing his hand on the top of the gravestone, a sigh passed his lips. He closed his eyes again and hung his head. His next words were spoken in a soft tone full of regret.
"I have to leave you behind, Mama. I will always carry your memory in my heart, though. You told me to be strong, so I have to be. I still miss you so much, and I love you," Riku finished, looking up again at Jeanette's name. Tears blurred his vision, and he wiped them away. It hurt to do it, but he had no choice. He couldn't let anything stop him from moving forward.
Reaching for his pocket, Riku took hold of the item that had helped him through childhood after she died. The photograph was extremely well worn, each of its corners bearing tears while the actual image was nearly faded. Yet the meaning behind the picture always remained. Riku looked at it for what seemed the thousandth time, feeling his throat tighten.
His father, now almost a shadow in his memory, wore a peaceful smile on his face as he stared down at baby Riku. Jeanette stood beside him, her head angled down and hand resting on the back of Riku's head. Riku saw himself reaching for his father with small hands, and he wished he could remember what it was to be held by him.
"I'm leaving this with you. I think you'll want to see it again," Riku said, laying it at the base of the tombstone and beneath the jasmine planted by Eleanor. Other items he had left there could be seen, and he removed the necklace of thalassa shells. Laying it out on his hand, letting the shells trickle between his fingers like water, Riku smiled softly.
He had seen her collecting seashells whenever they went to the beach, and when he asked what she wanted to do with them, she had smiled and said,
"I used to make seashell necklaces when I was a little girl. There's a story that goes with them, too, especially thalassa shells. Sailors made them to ensure a safe journey on the open sea," she had explained. Riku was always fascinated with stories, and held onto them with determination.
It was only fitting that Riku make a necklace for his mother, so she'd have a safe journey to wherever she was going. Yet all he really wanted was for her to come back. Jeanette's absence from his life took away the link he had with his father, and he had fallen into sadness. But he found the strength to endure through his friendships with Sora, and Kairi. Especially Kairi.
"Kairi came to see you with me sometimes. She'd like to leave presents for you, and she'd always try to cheer me up whenever I felt sad. She's also the reason I wanted to leave to find Father. Thanks to her, I can. I think you would have liked her," he said, returning the necklace to its original place. He stared up into the sky again, seeing that it was growing dark and with a sigh resumed his feet.
Above him the sky was a painter's canvas of color, ranging from blue to gold to orange, barely tinted with violet. He swallowed as tears began to develop in his eyes. Even after all this time, the memories hurt. He had been so young when she died.
Riku lowered his head as he placed his hand over his eyes. Tears rolled down his cheeks, his chest tightened, and as he quietly wept for his mother, he remembered.
Ten years ago…
"Riku? Can I come in?" sounded Elisa's voice from the hallway, one hand suspended before the door as the other held a plate topped with food. She leaned in closer, listening for any sort of movement. When she heard the faintest sound she slowly pushed the door open.
Darkness met her the moment she entered, and she couldn't keep from shivering involuntarily. Scanning the room in search of Riku, she found the boy seated on the floor, his back to her and head raised. He was looking toward the window, and even though the shade was drawn, slivers of moonlight broke through the darkness. Thin, weak beams of light caressed his frame, creating a bright sheen off his silver hair. She came to a stop a little ways behind him, suspending the tray between her hands.
"I brought you something to eat. I thought you might be hungry," she began, her voice low. Riku did not move, nor turn to look over at her. Instead he lowered his head and emitted a sigh.
Elisa laid the plate on the small dresser situated near the doorway, but she did not leave. It had been about three weeks since he moved in, and about two months since Jeanette died. For most of that time Elisa had watched Riku sink deeper and deeper into himself.
"Riku, you can't sit in the dark all the time," Elisa said after several moments of silence.
"I'm not afraid of the dark," came Riku's small reply. Elisa settled onto the floor behind him, dropping her hands in her lap.
"I know that. But what I meant was that you can't stop living."
"Mama stopped. I want to go where she went," he said, Elisa hearing the sadness in his voice. She scooted closer to him until she was by his side, where she leaned over to peer at his face. Riku kept his eyes downcast, and his arms tightened around the object in his arms. She sighed softly.
"If you did go, what would happen to your father if he came looking for you?" she said quietly, knowing that would attract his attention. Before she had taken him from Kaiya's house, the woman talked of Jeanette's arrival, and of the fact that Riku's father might be looking for them. Elisa received the desired response when Riku turned to look up at her.
"Dada?" he said, barely whispered. There was a lot of hope in that single word, and Elisa didn't miss it.
"Yes. He would be very sad if you were gone before he had a chance to see you again," she continued. Riku looked down at the object in his hands, his eyes lingering on it. The moonlight stole across the surface of it, highlighting the image of a man. He placed his hand on the image, his fingers tracing the figure's visage.
"I need to find him so we can be together. That way I won't be alone."
"Oh, Riku. You're not alone, not now. Keith and I want to do everything we can for you, but you have to let us. Are you willing to give it a try?" Elisa asked softly. He seemed to consider her words very carefully, for he continued staring down at the image of his father. A moment later Riku placed the object down and nodded slowly.
"Will you help me find him?" he asked. Elisa smiled and nodded, reaching out to touch his shoulder.
"Of course," she replied, and the moment the words left her mouth Riku embraced her tightly. It reminded her of that time she visited him at Jeanette's graveside, and it meant he was beginning to trust.
After he pulled away, Riku rose to his feet and headed for the dresser and plate of food. Taking it from the surface, he sat down on the edge of his bed and looked up.
"Can you stay here with me, and tell me a story?"
"I'll be happy to. Let me turn the lights on, and I'll read you whatever you like," Elisa replied, her smile wide. Riku acknowledged her, and Elisa headed for the light switch. She flipped it on, flooding the room with light. Riku winced slightly, but soon became engrossed in eating.
Elisa smiled warmly at him a moment more before turning toward the small bookcase on the opposite side of the room. It had been in Riku's room at Jeanette's house, as was most of the furniture. Keith and Taro had transported everything Riku was familiar with to ensure his adjustment, even though he had cried at seeing the room was situated the exact same way it had been in Jeanette's house.
After selecting a book and returning to Riku's side, Elisa realized the boy was hungrier than even he realized, for the plate was empty. He was looking up at her somewhat sheepishly, then hoisted the plate upward.
"Can I have some more?"
Over the next several months Riku began to adjust to his new home slowly, but surely. His swordplay lessons continued, which he anticipated with zest. He still continued to play with Sora every chance he got, and also spent a lot of time with Kaiya and Taro. Everyone missed Jeanette dearly, and although at first they were reluctant to talk of her in Riku's presence, he didn't object. One afternoon he went to Kaiya's house and asked to take back the jasmine, and when she asked why he said,
"Mama loved jasmine, and I want to return them to her. Is it all right?"
Kaiya handed them over with a smile, touched by the boy's wishes regarding his departed mother. Other things Riku had left behind were also returned, but the journals Jeanette had spent years working on he insisted on keeping.
He looked in each of her sketchbooks, remembering when she had asked him to sit still long enough so she could draw him. Little notations were written along the margins next to each picture, some longer than others but always reflecting exactly how she felt. Since he had already learned to read and understand certain words, Riku couldn't keep from smiling at seeing a notation regarding him. Riku continues to amaze me with his growth. I don't think there's anything that he can't do, or master. I wish you could see him now…how happy he is, how loved he is, and how special he truly is.
The visits to Jeanette's grave were very precious to him, and Riku always went alone. Even Sora had been forbidden to accompany him, who grew accustomed to his friend's moods. It wasn't until a year after Jeanette's death that Riku received an unexpected guest.
He was kneeling in front of the tombstone arranging the flowers he picked for her when he heard someone enter the glade. He rose to his feet and turned round, eyeing the entrance suspiciously. Taking a step forward, Riku called out to the intruder.
"Who's there?"
There was a rustling on the left side of the small pathway that led to the site, followed by a small whimper. Riku drew closer to the bush, his head tilted curiously. That was when his guest made himself known by stepping out into the open, a pair of glossy blue eyes meeting his.
The little girl was clad in a white sundress bearing little blue flowers, a small hand rubbing at her right eye. Riku thought he recognized her, but found he couldn't remember. There weren't that many children on the island, and he was sure he'd remember her.
"Are you lost?" he asked gently, stopping directly before her. The girl nodded and looked up at him. Tears ran down her small cheeks, creating little paths that sparkled in the sunlight.
"I got separated from my parents. I can't find them," she explained before sniffing and lowering her head. She began to sob, and Riku reached for her.
"Don't cry. I'll help you find them. They can't be far," he said, smiling when she looked up at him again. She nodded, breaking into a small smile.
"Really? Oh, thank you. My name's Kairi. What's yours?" she asked. Riku extended his hand for hers, which she took.
"Riku," he replied. Kairi's tears vanished and she smiled again. The two walked out of the glade and into the bright sunshine, where a path opened up before them. Riku knew the path well, for it was located a short distance away from his old house. The reason why the glade had been chosen for Jeanette's grave was solely based on the fact that she often went there with him, and it had turned into their special place.
"Who's buried there?" Kairi asked, allowing Riku to lead her down the path. He glanced over at her, reluctant to answer. Images of his mother came to mind, and he swallowed past the lump in his throat. He didn't want to cry in front of her.
"Someone special," he finally answered. Kairi nodded thoughtfully.
"Sorry if I bothered you."
"It's all right. What's important is that we find your parents, okay?" Riku said, smiling when she did. Kairi tilted her head up at him, regarding him with curious blue eyes. At length she spoke.
"You're different from the others," she said. The statement surprised Riku, and he questioned her. Kairi giggled.
"You sound like a grown-up."
Riku mulled over her words, feeling a little uncomfortable about who he was for the first time. Had Jeanette been there, she would have said something to take away the unease. But she wasn't, and Riku felt the tears threaten to develop in his eyes. Determined not to cry, he steeled himself and continued on, keeping his hand locked around Kairi's the entire way.
The two soon emerged onto one of the beaches, where other children were busy playing. Two boys Riku recognized wrestled in the sand while a little girl sat by the water's edge, occasionally telling the boys to stop. Kairi looked around, pressing a finger against her bottom lip as she scanned the area.
"I don't see them here."
"They might be nearby. Come on," Riku said, walking on ahead. Kairi followed suite, her hand never straying from his.
"Everyone here is so nice. Papa was right when he said I'd like it," she said. Riku nodded absently, recalling a similar instance in which Jeanette had told him the same thing. So long as it had been the two of them, Riku didn't care where they were. Now that he was on his own, he was left with his thoughts of sadness and doubt.
During their trek Kairi broke away from Riku and rushed toward the water, her face bright at finding a conch shell. She turned to show it to Riku, who found himself smiling in spite of how he felt. Kairi was so carefree, and it was infectious.
"You like seashells?" Riku asked as he walked alongside her. The little girl reached down into the sand and unearthed a large one shaded in pale oranges. Resuming her feet, she tucked it into one of the pockets in her dress, which were already overloaded with shells. Even Riku's pockets were filled.
"They're so pretty. I like to make necklaces for Momma."
"My mother likes seashells, too," Riku said, happy to be able to share something about Jeanette with her. Kairi stopped to pick up another one, holding it up to the light. It was in perfect condition, with splotches of purple and dark blue merging together on the surface. She presented it to Riku.
"Here, give this to her. I'm sure she'll like it," she said, beaming. Riku slowly took the shell from Kairi, his eyes softening. He didn't bother questioning how Kairi could have known what sort of shells Jeanette admired, but he nodded his thanks.
"Kairi…thank you," he replied.
"Riku? You look so sad. What is it?" Kairi asked, stopping to face him. Riku blinked away his tears and pocketed the shell, knowing he would leave it at Jeanette's grave later. He smiled down at her.
"I'm all right. What about you? Aren't you sad about your parents?"
"You said we'd find them, and I believe you. So I'm not sad anymore," she explained, smiling again. Riku found he couldn't be sad around her, even when his memories were centered on his mother. He reached for her hand.
"You want to start looking again?"
Just as Kairi was about to reply, both were startled by the sound of someone racing toward them. Riku looked past Kairi and saw Sora coming for them, waving his arm overhead. Kairi turned, giggling at Sora's energetic approach.
"There you are! I was looking all over for you, Riku! You've gotta come with me to the other island," Sora explained breathlessly, pausing to lean against his knees.
"What for?" Riku asked.
Sora's head came up, and his eyes were wide. He stretched out his arms to either side of him as he spoke.
"Because there's another monster in that cave! I heard him roaring the other day when my mom and I were there. Come on, Riku, we can take him out!" Sora said, excitement shining in his eyes. Kairi, whose attention was riveted to Sora, gasped.
"A monster? Won't you get hurt?" she asked. Sora shook his head and smiled. He gestured toward the silent Riku behind her.
"Nah. You should see Riku in action- he's great! One day I'll be just as great," he said. That caught Riku's attention and he chuckled.
"With a lot of practice, that is, Sora."
Sora made a face at his friend before clenching his fist.
"You'll see. I know I'll be as good as you, because you're teaching me to be that way. So let's go," he said, gesturing behind him. Riku shook his head. Sora's mouth dropped open in surprise. Kairi exchanged looks between the two and giggled behind her hand.
"I can't go yet, Sora. I promised Kairi I'd help find her parents," he explained. Sora looked down at Kairi, who smiled somewhat sheepishly at him. Suddenly Sora brightened.
"Oh! You're the mayor's daughter, aren't you? I know where he is. I saw him in town before," he said, smiling when Kairi grabbed his hand.
"Really? Oh, thank you!"
She turned to Riku and gave him a smile. He couldn't help but notice her hand was still clasped with Sora's. A strange feeling welled inside his heart, one he couldn't define. It only intensified the longer he looked at Sora.
"Thank you for helping me collect seashells, Riku. I'd like to see you guys again. You're so funny," she said, chuckling. Riku nodded, then reached into his pockets to hand her the shells he was carrying for her. Kairi took them, gasping slightly when a few dropped. Sora was quick to gather them, offering to carry them plus the ones in her pockets. Kairi bowed her head in agreement, waved to Riku again before setting off with Sora.
Riku stood alone by the waterline, the only seashell in his possession clasped tightly within his hand. The strange feeling began to subside, and when it was gone he felt only emptiness. He exhaled as he cast his blue-eyed gaze across the water. He remained there until Sora returned, who was eager to take on the monster in the cave. Riku went, even though he knew the monster Sora spoke of was only the echo of the waterfall. He wanted to look at the mysterious door again. He knew that one day it would lead him where he wanted to go, and the hardest part in knowing that was the wait.
"What did you do today, Riku?" asked Keith, pulling the silent Riku from his thoughts. The three sat at the table eating dinner, which consisted of the shark Keith had captured earlier that day. Elisa also turned her attention to Riku, pausing in pouring herself a glass of water.
"Nothing really. Sora and I went to the other island," he explained, leaning on his hand and poking at his helping with his fork.
"Out adventuring again, I see," Elisa said, smiling. Riku's nod was absent. Silence fell over the family, broken only by the sound of utensils scraping against plates as food was cut. Keith grinned and stabbed a portion of Riku's uneaten helping with his fork. Riku jumped slightly.
"You shouldn't let good shark go to waste. If you won't eat it, I will," he challenged. Riku took his own fork and pushed Keith's away, giggling when Keith insisted on taking it.
"This is my piece. If you want it, you'll have to fight me for it," Riku said, laughing when Keith actually rose from the table and leered over him. Elisa rolled her eyes in good humor but didn't bother stopping the tickling fight that ensued. It was better than seeing Riku so sullen. Sometimes she wondered just how exactly grown-up his mentality was, only to be reminded he was still a child.
"You win, you win!" gasped Riku, resulting in Keith's victorious shout as he threw the boy over his shoulder. Keith glanced at Elisa and grinned.
"What should we do to the loser of this match, Elisa?"
"How about the winner and loser clean up the kitchen while I take a nice, relaxing bath," she countered, rising from the table and smiling. Keith heaved a great sigh and nodded. Riku also groaned in mock exasperation.
"You heard the lady, kiddo. Let's get to work," Keith said, placing Riku on his feet and heading for the table. Before Riku went to help out he turned to Elisa.
"Did you know the mayor had a daughter?"
"Oh? Did you meet her?" Elisa asked. Riku nodded.
"Yeah. She's really nice, and funny too. Sora and I are going to go play with her tomorrow, if that's all right," he said, smiling when Elisa tousled his hair affectionately. He automatically remembered how often his mother did that, and found comfort in it.
"Just be careful. You can't rough house with a little girl," Elisa admonished. Riku made a face.
"I know that."
Elisa laughed, gave Riku a quick hug before walking out. Keith called Riku over, who went to his adopted father's side immediately. The two cleaned off the table, did the dishes and dried them before Keith chased Riku into his room, who laughed as he was picked up and swung around. Even though Keith and Elisa could never be Jeanette and Sephiroth, as far as Riku was concerned, they would do.
Two years later…
After that initial meeting at Jeanette's grave, Kairi became an important figure in Riku's life. He and Sora developed a close friendship with her, and the three of them were always out doing something. As the they spent more and more time together, Riku began to forget he was alone. In their presence, he had meaning, a purpose. And he loved it.
Sometimes they met up with the other children, other times it was just the three of them. Usually it was only Riku, Sora and Kairi, and she was subject to many an amusing attempts at garnering her attention. She loved the little shows they put on for her, and she grew fond of both of them.
Sora enjoyed playing pirates, and he even went so far as to using a worm-eaten piece of wood as his ship. An over-sized pirate's hat topped his head, a misplaced patch over his left eye, and even a toy parrot completed his ensemble. The wooden swords Jeanette had purchased for them were never forgotten, and Sora liked to hoist his up high while calling challenges to Riku.
It was Riku's turn to play the swashbuckling hero, and he did it with a great deal of finesse. Even during play Riku's skills with the sword were revealed. Kairi was thoroughly impressed, and said so when Riku 'defeated' Sora to save her.
"You've gotten really strong, Riku," she complimented, bringing a smile to his face. He shouldered his sword and nodded. Sora assumed his feet, using his sword as a support. He rubbed at his backside, muttering how his friend shouldn't be so hard on him.
"You think so, Kairi?"
"Uh-huh. So, where are we off to now, hero?" she asked, reaching for his hand and holding it. Riku fell into character and whisked her off, leaving the grumbling Sora behind. Soon his frown faded and he gave chase, swinging his sword and vowing vengeance. Riku heard him and stopped, turning with his sword out to block any kind of strike.
"You've lost already, Captain Sora. You can't beat me," Riku boasted. Sora grinned.
"We'll see about that!" he said before initiating another battle. Kairi wisely moved out of the way, cheering for her hero. The commotion drew the attention of two, who were walking past where the three had set up their play. One of them eagerly raced toward the battling pair, his own weapon, a bo staff, withdrawn.
"We can take him on, Sora!" Tidus shouted, leaping into the fray. The sudden arrival of reinforcements on Sora's behalf didn't bother Riku, and he managed to fend the both of them off. Kairi watched, wide-eyed. Even when Wakka joined, he couldn't be stopped.
"Look at them! Don't they know they can't beat Riku?" grumbled Selphie as she joined Kairi's side. Much like how she was with her two friends, Selphie was almost never too far behind as far as Wakka and Tidus were concerned. Kairi giggled.
"It's just what boys do."
Selphie didn't look convinced. She placed her hands on her hips and sighed. Dressed in a yellow jumper, her brown hair styled in a cute flip, it only contrasted to how forlorn she looked.
"I want to play like that too, but do they let me? No! I've been practicing every day!" she said, frowning. Kairi couldn't really understand the other girl's wish to be counted as 'one of the guys', but she could only assume it was from her constant exposure to them. Kairi didn't mind at all being looked out for by Riku and Sora. In fact, she found their attention flattering and enjoyable.
"Aw, c'mon, Riku! Let us win once in a while!" protested Tidus. He stood a little ways from the victorious Riku, panting heavily as he leaned against his staff. Beside him Wakka was rubbing his shoulder while Sora hung his head. Riku only smiled.
"The only way you'll do that is by really beating me."
"Don' sweat it, Tidus. There's always next time, ya?" Wakka said, looking over at his friend. The blonde pursed his lips but nodded. Sora lifted his gaze toward Riku, the pirate's hat hanging off the back of his neck. He removed the eye patch and set his sword again. Riku raised an eyebrow.
"One more time, Riku," he challenged. Selphie interfered at this point, grabbing onto Tidus' hand.
"Let me play too!" she cried, frowning when Tidus shrugged her hand off. She fumed silently as she watched him walk away, his bo shouldered and head down. Wakka shook his head, then turned his attention to Selphie.
"You'll get your chance. Didn't you say you wanted to go swimming?" Wakka asked, nodding his farewell to Kairi as he led Selphie away. Selphie murmured something, but still followed the older boy. When the three were alone again, Kairi looked to Sora and Riku.
The two were standing a little ways from the other, Sora's sword raised while Riku kept his lowered. She could feel the tension in the air and decided to speak up.
"Hey, why don't we go to the secret place today?"
"The secret place? What's there to do there?" Sora asked, looking over at her. She smiled.
"I have a picture I want to finish drawing. Come on, Sora, you promised you'd go back with me," she said, pointing at him. He rubbed the back of his head and nodded, knowing he'd been caught. Riku smiled.
"We can go there, Kairi. But don't you forget what you promised me," he reminded her gently. Kairi nodded.
"Of course I didn't forget. Sora, we'll meet you by the dock, okay? Maybe this time we can go over there without our parents. I want to stay as long as I can over there," Kairi said. Sora mumbled an agreement, knowing exactly what she had promised Riku. Kairi gave Sora a smile that chased away his frown, waved and nodded to Riku.
As Sora walked the opposite way, Riku and Kairi headed up the beach in the direction of the path that led to the glade. Where it once was a private meeting, Riku now welcomed Kairi's company. He firmly believed Jeanette would have loved Kairi, and to honor that he had her accompany him to her grave. Kairi also brought presents for Jeanette, the last one having been a friendship bracelet weaved from colored yarn.
"You know, you should let Sora come with you once in a while. He knew your mom, didn't he?" Kairi said, breaking the silence that always came over Riku during this time.
"Yeah. One day I'll bring him, okay?" Riku said, looking over at her and smiling a bit. Kairi eyed him knowingly but nodded.
"All right. Look at what I brought for her today," she said, producing the gift from the pocket of her dress. Riku stopped and took it from her, cupping it in one hand as he admired the handiwork. It was a small, hand-sewn paopu fruit. She had even added eyes and a smile, as well as a heart across the center of it.
"Kairi, this is beautiful," Riku said, managing to speak past the lump in his throat. Kairi blushed slightly as she giggled.
"I saw that you had left paopu fruits there, and this one won't ever go bad. It'll always be there. I know it's kind of hard to see, but I also made a shooting star over the heart," she explained, pointing out the designs with a finger. Riku's hand closed over the gift, his eyes watering.
"My mom will love this," he said quietly. Kairi nodded and smiled, chasing away his tears. The two continued on up the path and into the secluded glade, where Riku approached the marker while Kairi lingered by the entrance.
Kneeling down as he had done since she died, Riku gently laid out the gift Kairi had made for Jeanette and looked up. His eyes found the inscription above her name and remained there. Our hearts are one, as hers is with the one who loves her. Riku knew the wording referred to both he and his father, but he wondered if his father felt her. Jeanette was with Riku everywhere he went; he only prayed it was the same for Sephiroth.
After several moments of silence Riku assumed his feet and turned to Kairi, who waited for him with a smile. He returned it, feeling his insides grow warm. As long as he had his friendship with her and Sora, the loneliness didn't affect him as badly as before.
"Kairi, when we grow up I want you to come with us off the island."
"What?" Kairi asked, surprise entering her features. Riku approached her and nodded, reaching for her hand. He held it as he spoke.
"Sora and I are going to go on real adventures then. I want you to come, too. Won't you?" he asked. Kairi still wasn't sure what he was getting at, but she smiled and nodded.
"Do you think we could visit my old home? I'd like to see it again."
"It's a promise. Come on, let's go!" he said, smiling as he broke into a run. She trailed after him, giggling as he pulled her along.
The years passed, with the three growing ever closer. For Riku's twelfth birthday, he had been presented with a hand-sewn paopu fruit from Kairi. It was similar to the one she made Jeanette, except she had fashioned this one to resemble him as much as possible. She even included the heart and shooting star, touching him.
"I should make another one for your mother. I can sew a lot better now," Kairi had said, smiling as Riku cradled it in his hands. He barely heard her. In the years since they first met, Kairi had become quite special to Riku. He had promised himself he'd look out for her years ago, and he kept true to it. He also watched out for Sora, even though Sora sometimes got into trouble even when Riku was there.
"Don't worry about that, Kairi. It's the thought that counts," he replied.
"Oh, you're right. As usual," Kairi added, smiling. Riku returned it, then proceeded to open up his other gifts. That night he sat up in bed holding the gift she had made for him, a small smile touching the corners of his lips.
They talked of their plans to leave the island all the time, often sharing ideas while sitting on the branches of the paopu tree and watching the sunset. That was the first time Riku noticed how Sora started acting around Kairi. The feelings seemed to be mutual, for Kairi spent a lot of time with Sora during those instances. It brought feelings of envy to Riku's heart, but he didn't let it get the better of him. They were all friends, and that was what mattered.
Soon after Sora turned twelve Riku finally brought him to Jeanette's graveside. Kairi had come down with a fever the day before, and was unable to go with them. When he visited her she asked him to bring Sora to see Jeanette, and he agreed quite simply because she wished it. The gift she had made was entrusted to Sora, knowing Riku would have a lot on his mind.
"I remember Auntie Jeanette," Sora began from his stance beside Riku. The two boys were facing the gravestone, the bracelet Kairi had crafted resting beneath the jasmine planted there. Riku looked over at his friend, waiting for him to continue. Sora was looking down, his features expressing exactly what he felt as he searched his memory.
"She was always so nice to be around. I loved it when she looked after me when my mom was busy, mostly because I could play with you but because of her, too. She told me while we were training to never give up, even when I said I was too tired to go on. I think she wanted me to be every inch as good as you," Sora said, smiling a bit. The smile died a moment later, and he bowed his head.
"I also remember that day at the beach," he began, trailing off when he saw Riku stiffen and look away. Riku kept his gaze fixed on Jeanette's name as he fought against the need to cry. He never forgot that day.
"It was so sudden…and you, you were crying so much…I didn't know what was going on. Mom had to hold you back when they carried her away, but you still wanted to go after her. Riku, I'm really sorry it had to happen like that," Sora said, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder. Riku lowered his head and shook it, closing his eyes.
"I wanted it to be me. I wanted the jellyfish to have stung me. That way she'd still be alive."
Riku lifted his head and turned to face Sora. Sora could see varying emotions in his friend's eyes.
"But I can't change that. What I can do is find my father for her. We can do it together, Sora. All three of us will finally leave the island and we'll be free," he said, a note of passion in his voice. Sora bobbed his head.
"Hey, I already said I'd help you find him. But do you really think he's alive?"
"Of course I do," Riku snapped, the harshness of his tone causing Sora to shrink back. He whispered an apology and swallowed. That was the first time he had seen such anger in Riku's eyes. He didn't want to see it again.
"Are we going to visit Kairi again today? My mom wants me to give her some medicine."
"Yeah. Sora? Could you wait for me outside? I, I want to be alone," Riku said, his voice quiet. Sora agreed and left, after bidding a silent farewell to Jeanette. The moment Riku knew he was alone he sighed and sank to the ground. He removed the picture of his parents from his pocket and just stared at it, oblivious to everything else.
Riku opened his eyes as the last of the memory faded, the sight of Jeanette's tombstone filling his line of vision. Two years since the day he brought Sora to her graveside, Riku knew it was time. He wasn't sure how, but he knew. He had visited the secret place the day before, alone, to look at the door. It was still closed at that time, but something inside convinced him it would open. And very, very soon.
Pressing a kiss to his fingertips, he placed them on the lettering of his mother's name, allowing his hand to linger there. In his mind he could see her smiling at him through her tears. She silently wished him well, and that she loved him. Retracting his hand, he looked down at the series of items again. The picture flapped slightly in the breeze, the lower corner having already been bent due to it.
"How am I going to tell Father about what happened to you? I had hoped he would find his way to me, but I realize now that I must go to him. I wonder if he'll be angry with me for not taking better care of you. I just wish I knew what to expect," Riku said to himself. Silence met his statement, and he sighed again.
"Father will be very upset when he learns, but I can help him. It's all I can do, right now," he continued. His eyes found Sephiroth's image again, revealed due to the placement of the photograph. Where he saw peace, Riku wondered what inconsolable grief would look like etched into that face. It was something he would find out.
Bidding one last goodbye, Riku turned and walked out of the glade with a heavy heart. He kept one hand over the left side of his chest, trying to keep his heart from beating erratically when he nearly bumped into Kairi. She smiled a little bit at him as she stepped away, her hands clasped at her back.
"I thought you had gone home already," Riku said after collecting himself. She shook her head.
"I wanted to say goodbye to her, too. I might not have known her, but I do know she's very special to you. Riku? You know you're not alone," she added, surprising him. Riku looked down on her, searching her face. She only smiled up at him the way she always did, overall concern shining in the dark blue hues of her eyes.
"Do I look alone to you?"
"Sometimes. You'd spend so much time just staring at the ocean, with this look of sadness on your face. Are you afraid to go? If so we can put it off-"
Riku shook his head. He should have known better than to keep anything from Kairi. She was very observant when it came to those she cared about.
"I'm not scared. I was just doing a lot of thinking, like I said before. We'll make it. I won't let anything happen to you or Sora," Riku promised. Kairi smiled again and nodded.
"I know. Can you wait for me? I won't be long," she said, bowing her head in thanks when Riku agreed. She vanished down the path, leaving Riku alone. He reached into his pocket and withdrew the handmade paopu fruit she had given him for his twelfth birthday, smiling softly. Even though he knew for certain she and Sora shared something, Riku always had this special gift from her.
Soon Kairi returned, and the two of them headed back to their individual homes. Just before leaving she gave Riku another one of her smiles as she bid him goodnight. That would be the last time he'd see her smile at him.
After refusing dinner on the pretense that he was tired, Riku lay awake in bed staring at the ceiling. Several thoughts raced in his mind, most of them circulating around the adventure to come. He anticipated the new sights he'd see, the sense of freedom that waited, and most of all, finding his father. His stomach was already doing flip-flops the more he thought of it, and he sat up.
Reaching below his bed, Riku pulled out a lidded box. After removing the lid, he sifted through the collection of journals until coming across the one he wanted. He could tell which one it was by the feel of the cover, for it was unlike the others Jeanette had. This was the one she used to recount her experiences with his father.
Upon opening it he saw the hand drawn picture of she and Sephiroth locked in an embrace. Other pictures were also there, mostly of the way Sephiroth looked in her eyes. When Riku was younger he often flipped through the pages, unable to read her handwriting but looking for anything that had to do with his father. There were so many images scattered throughout the book, as if Jeanette had drawn them on a whim.
This is all I have left of both of you, Riku thought, flipping past a series of written entries until he came upon another picture of she and Sephiroth. It was one of her looking up at him while sitting on a beach, her skillful hand able to capture the look of peace on his face. The picture was also captioned with the following phrase: You are the only worthwhile thing to happen to me, ever. There's nothing more I could have ever wanted.
It was easy to believe his father had spoken those words, especially from the way Jeanette would speak of him. Glancing at the written pages to accompany the picture, Riku finally understood how deeply she had missed him. There were some things Jeanette spoke about that made no sense to Riku, such as references to places called Wutai and Midgar, but that didn't sway the message she relayed. Sephiroth had been her world, much like she had been Riku's.
Riku's interest was peaked when he came across a passage, one he felt he must have missed. It was on the opposite page of the picture, and read it.
Last week marked the fifth anniversary of our arrival to the island, and the fifth year we've been without Sephiroth. I try to keep his memory alive for Riku's sake, but sometimes it's so hard. If I thought the months we spent apart while I was pregnant was trying, it is nothing compared to this forced separation. While I was in Wutai, at least I knew where he was. Here on Destiny Islands, I am left with nothing but questions. I wake up every morning praying to find him here, but it hasn't come to pass. Perhaps today will be different, and we can become a family again.
Riku swallowed at noticing the date of the entry. It had been on the morning of their beach trip, where Jeanette eventually met her fate. He closed his eyes on fresh tears. It should have been me.
Suddenly Riku's entire body became alert, as if someone had thrown cold water on him. Mechanically he dropped the book, heedless of where it landed. Slowly he rose to his feet and turned toward his open window. A storm had begun to develop over the other island, and when lightning lit up the sky, its light reflected off Riku's eyes. They were highlighted eerily for a brief second before the light faded, and he nodded slowly.
"At last," he said to himself. Lightning flashed again, only this time it highlighted the interior of his bedroom. Riku was already gone, having climbed out the window and headed for the dock. The storm's arrival had awakened something inside him, and almost blindly he pushed his boat into the water and climbed in, steering it toward the island.
Not even the water's increased power from the storm thwarted Riku. He pressed on, using every ounce of strength available to him. He reached the island in record time, climbing out of the boat with methodic grace. A figure caught his attention, drawing Riku's gaze there. For a brief instance he caught sight of a shape, then it disappeared. As Riku was about to investigate he glanced heavenward.
A great mass of energy had formed in the sky, its center glowing like the sun. It twisted and writhed with the animosity of a hurricane, sending out small cyclones of wind toward the earth. At noticing where it had formed, Riku headed directly for it. He paid little mind to the fierce wind that tugged at his clothes and hair. All he knew was that this mysterious storm was the window of opportunity he had been waiting for.
Upon reaching the island he stood there, his form beneath the storm overhead and eyes closed. Deep in his heart he could feel it, but what it was remained a mystery. The events that brought he and his mother to the island looped in his mind, coupled with the desire to locate his father. He focused all his attention on Sephiroth's image, wanting so much to see him. I'm coming, Father. Wait for me.
At that moment Riku heard someone running toward him, and by the intensity associated with the footsteps, he knew who it was. He kept his back to his friend, his head down as his mind stretched outward in search of the unknown. In response to the urgent question sent his way, Riku said simply,
"The door…has opened."
Epilogue
Riku's adventure began the moment he vanished from the island, leaving the Heartless to destroy it. It was in the past now; not even the fact that his mother's grave was destroyed bothered him. Driven by the need to seek his freedom and hopefully find his father, Riku would have done just that had he not been discovered by Maleficent.
Filling his head with untrue things regarding his friendship with Sora, Riku soon became embroiled in the witch's plan to find the seven princesses of heart and open the final door. Believing the final door held the key to finding Kairi's lost heart, Riku willingly sided against Sora to achieve this. However, it was Riku who was defeated time and again, even after briefly taking the mantle of Keyblade master.
With Sora reclaiming the Keyblade after a heartbreaking stance against his former friend, Riku ran away from him, unsure of where to go or what to do. It was there Ansem, the seeker of darkness, found the despairing Riku. Presenting him with the opportunity to increase his strength, Riku allowed Ansem to take control of his body. However, he proved that his will had not been entirely stamped out when he prevented Ansem from harming Kairi.
During the course of these events, Riku had no idea that Sephiroth, the very one he had been searching for initially, was already in one of the worlds, and had been there for some time.