Chapter I: Happy Birthday, Kairi.
The chariot suddenly came to a halt, and Kairi smelled fresh air.
"We are here at last, my dear. You may open your eyes now."
As she opened her eyes, she was presented with a truly marvelous sight.
A new world... It was enormous. Far bigger than her island. From the chariot, she could see dense forests, huge lakes, and the world's most striking feature, a massive mountain that pierced the very clouds.
"Oh, wow! It's... it's beautiful!"
"That it is. It has nothing on you, however."
Kairi blushed. "So, um... is this your world?"
"It is, indeed. Welcome to my kingdom. I call it Hikamimaru."
This made her giggle. "You named it after yourself?"
"I thought it fitting. I was the one who made it, after all."
"You- you made this place!?"
"From the broken fragments of many other worlds."
"How is that even possible?"
Kairi had always believed the worlds formed on their own, she'd never imagined that a person could actually make one.
"Such is the extent of my powers." Hikami explained.
"So, you're like... some kinda wizard... king, or something?"
"I'm far more than that. I, my dear, am a god. A sun god, to be precise."
A god!? I'm on a date with a god!? Wait... is this a date? What should I do?
The young woman began to fidget. She'd never been on a date before.
Hm... if he's a god, I wonder how old he is?
The golden one seemed to sense her feelings once again.
"Is there a question on your mind?"
Kairi hesitated. It wasn't exactly polite to ask someone their age.
"Don't be shy. Please, ask anything you wish." Hikami insisted.
"How um, how old are you?"
"Thirty-four."
"Really? I'd have a thought a god would be a lot older." the redhead observed.
Oh, that was great. Way to go, Kairi! she silently chastised herself.
"Pardon me for betraying your expectations."
It took Kairi a moment to realize he was joking.
"Well, there's exactly twenty years between us, so it's easy to remember!"
So, she is the same age as her. No offense to the one with raven hair and snow-white skin, but in my opinion, this girl is the fairest one of all.
He chuckled. "I suppose that's true."
He has a nice laugh. Not to mention a kind heart, nice manners, and good looks. Wait... does he?
It occurred to Kairi that she hadn't really gotten a good look at him. It was dark in the cave, and until just now, the sun had been behind him.
Gathering her courage, she snuck a glance at the older man.
Oh...
He wasn't just handsome, he was gorgeous. His skin was a light tan, just slightly darker than Sora's. His face was flawless, with androgynous features that his long blonde hair complemented perfectly.
She tried and failed to keep her eyes on his face, and her gaze lowered to his open robe. His muscles looked as if they'd been chiseled from stone.
Oh... boy. Kairi blushed again as she gazed hungrily at his impressive physique.
"Was there something else?" Hikami asked coyly.
Did he notice!? He noticed. He must have noticed.
"I, uh... was just w-wondering where we were... going now, um... now tha-that we're here." The young girl stammered with a face now as red as her hair.
"Are you bored already?"
"No, not at all! I was- I mean-"
"I only jest. It is your birthday, my dear. Where would you like to go? What do you wish to do?"
She thought for a moment. Looking down, she could see what appeared to be a carnival, and a ranch with several different kinds of horses.
"What would you recommend?"
"Well... Are you hungry, by any chance?"
Now that she'd thought about it, Kairi realized she was hungry. Very hungry. She'd been in such a hurry to see Sora and Riku she'd forgotten to eat breakfast.
"I could go for a bite." she replied, trying to act nonchalant.
"I know a good restaurant. It's not too far from here, actually."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
"You heard the lady." Hikami thumped the chariot on it's side, and it flew to their new destination at breakneck speed.
The redhead noticed a distinct lack of whiplash. If she didn't know better, she'd have thought they were going at a bike's pace.
In but a few brief moments, they were there.
So this is the place? Kairi was confused. The place looked a little small to be a restaurant. Frankly, it was about the size of a shack.
Hikami hopped off the chariot, and after helping her down, immediately went ahead to get the door for her.
"After you."
"Why thank you."
It's dark in here... is this really a restaurant?
*clap-clap* Her companion clamped his hands twice and the room instantly filled up with light.
Huh? It's empty! Was he just messing with me? Wait, what's...
The islander noticed a strange door at the back of the shack.
Looking closer, she saw it had a drawing of a kitten on it.
How cute! Hm... 'Western Restaurant Nekoya'? But... it's just a door. Or is it?
"May I?" Hikami gestured to the door.
"Huh? Oh! Um, please do, hehe."
He opened the door for her and a full-fledged restaurant appeared before her eyes.
Oh, wow!
She stepped inside and took in her surroundings. It appeared to be somewhat similar to the Izakayas from her island, but with a classy, old-fashioned appeal to it. Nearly everything, from the bar to the tables and the chairs were made entirely out of high-quality, polished wood.
"Lord Hikami! Welcome!" A blonde girl with horns came over and greeted the couple.
"Hello, Aletta. You're in fine shape, as always."
Aletta smiled shyly. His words always seemed to have a playful edge to them. She didn't necessarily mind the attention, but she wasn't exactly used to it, either.
"Hikami! Long time no see!"
"Master. Indeed, it has been too long."
"Hm?" The master of the kitchen noticed the young lady at Hikami's side.
"Ah! Where are my manners? This is Kairi. Kairi, allow me to introduce you to the master of this restaurant and Aletta, it's hostess and waitress."
"It's nice to meet you!" Kairi said cheerfully.
"You, as well, young miss." The master gave her a polite nod.
"Yes, likewise!" Aletta replied with a bright smile. "Now, Kairi, where would you like to sit?"
Kairi looked up at Hikami.
"It is fine. I always let the lady choose."
"Hm, well... how about over there." Kairi pointed to the table right next to the piano.
"Excellent choice."
Aletta led the couple to their table, gave them their menus and poured them each a glass of ice water, which Kairi greatly appreciated. It had been a hot day back home on Destiny Islands.
Before she knew it, she had gulped down the contents of her glass.
"Care for another?"
"Yes, please."
Hikami downed his glass and called to the hostess.
"Aletta, darling, could we have two more ice waters, please? Oh, and... your finest bottle of champagne?"
"You sure can! I'll be right back."
Champagne...? Is that... alcohol?
"Um, Hikami, I'm not old enough to drink."
"Oh? Says who?" He asked with a smirk.
"You know, the grownups on my island..." Kairi said quietly.
"But that is there and this is here, isn't that so? What they don't know won't hurt them."
Kairi couldn't deny she'd always been curious about the kind of the drinks grownups liked.
Oh, what the hell! It is my birthday. Besides, I could use a drink.
"Yeah. You're right. Why the hell not?"
"Ha ha ha! Exactly so, my dear."
"You know..." The redhead started to play with her hair. "You can call me Kairi if you want."
"I didn't want to be too familiar, but if you really don't mind..."
"I don't." she assured him.
"In that case, it'd be my pleasure, Kairi." he purred.
The way he said her name made her shiver in delight. He knew how to push the right buttons.
Aletta came back with their drinks on a silver platter. She set the ice waters and the empty glasses down on the table and proceeded to uncork the bottle. When the fizz died down, she poured their champagne.
Kairi nervously picked up the glass and examined it's contents.
Wow! It's so pretty. Like liquid gold. I wonder how I'm supposed to drink it.
On Kairi's island, some drinks were sipped while others were finished in a gulp. She was pretty sure this was a sipping drink, but she didn't want to make assumptions.
She looked over at Hikami, who appeared to be gently breathing in the aroma of the drink.
Holding her glass a tiny bit closer to her nose, she did as he did, relishing the champagne's wonderfully fragrant scent.
Oh, wow...
"It smells so good!"
"The mark of any fine champagne. Shall we see how it tastes?"
"O-okay."
"Oh! Before I forget: a toast." The god raised his glass, and Kairi did the same.
"What are we toasting to?"
"Why... Your birthday, my dear Kairi. Happy Birthday."
It is now. The young girl thought with a smile as they clinked their glasses together.
I hope it's not too strong... Kairi thought.
She watched Hikami as he sipped a small portion of the glass, and again followed his lead.
Oh, wow... it's delicious!
Kairi thought this type of beverage would have been bitter, but it tasted clean and refreshing, with just a hint of sweetness.
"Enjoying the champagne?" Aletta asked.
"Very much so. As for you, Kairi?"
"Yes! It's delicious!" She nodded in agreement.
Aletta flashed her cheerful smile once more.
"Do you know what you'd like to order, or are you still deciding?"
"My apologies, but I believe we may need a minute."
"Please, take all the time you need. When you're ready, just let me know!."
The demon girl left the two of them to decide what they wanted.
"Sorry... I forgot to check out the menu, hehe."
"Fret not, my dear. We have all the time in the world." Hikami assured her.
Time... time!? Kairi gasped.
I don't have enough time to eat dinner! What was I thinking!?
Kairi felt stupid. The last thing she wanted was for this dinner date to be over, but what choice did she have?
"Um... Hikami, I'm really sorry, but..."
He put his hand on hers and smiled.
"As I said, we have all the time in the world. Behold!"
*snap* With a snap of his fingers, everything around them came to a halt.
"Behold... what?"
"Take a look at your glass."
Kairi did just that, and found it was no longer bubbling. The bubbles were there, but they weren't moving.
"Whoa! You did this?"
"Time Manipulation is one of my many powers. I took the liberty of doing so to your world just now. To be honest, I had also hoped you'd stay for a while."
"How long is 'a while?'" She grinned.
"For dinner, at least, though you are welcome to spend the night."
He sure doesn't waste time does he? Kairi thought.
"I might just take you up on that."
*snap*
Time flowed once more as they went over their menus.
Ugh! It all looks so goood! I can't decide!
"Say... why don't you pick, Hikami? I'll bet you know the menu by heart!"
"Haha, well... ah, yes I do, actually. What are you in the mood for?"
"Hm..." His companion took a moment to think. "I want... a really yummy meat dish."
"I think I know just the thing. Aletta?" He called to the hostess.
"Yes, what can I get you?"
"Two Kujira steaks with the usual sides, if you please."
The islander had never heard of such a dish, but she trusted the god's judgement.
"Got it! I'll put in your order right away!"
Aletta did just that, and the pair occupied themselves with small talk over their drinks.
Before they knew it, she was back at their table, platters in hand. The smell of the steaks was making Kairi crazy.
Aletta served Kairi and Hikami their plates, and left them to enjoy their meal.
Oh, wow! It looks sooooo gooood!
Kairi had never seen a steak like this before. Topped with a generous portion of both grilled onions, it was practically a work of art.
Cutting into the exquisitely tender meat, she could see it'd been cooked exactly to her liking: A touch rarer than medium.
The side dishes, perfectly battered shrimp tempura, and soy-simmered potatoes looked quite delicious in their own right.
Let's see... I think I'll start with the meat.
Sorry about the cliffhanger. I'm cooking something good up for the next chapter.
