Chapter 3
The hands on the clock behind the lecturing teacher seemed to tick slower than the sea turtle Riku had seen on his way to class this morning. Riku hadn't even been at school for half a day yet, but he was growing more restless by the minute. He couldn't wait to find out about where Hinata came from. Having their conversation cut short the day before had been gnawing at him like nothing else ever had before. The anticipation was killing him as so many questions whirled around in his head. School was the last thing on his mind. Especially since all of his teachers so far had insisted on just sticking to lectures today. Riku looked around at his fellow students who also seemed as disinterested in their teacher's lecture. He wished he had someone to keep him company or help pass the time. It didn't help that he was a grade ahead of both Sora and Kairi, his two only real friends. He got along well enough with his classmates, but not so much that he would spend time with them outside of class. A sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, thinking about Hinata. He remembered that she looked about the same age as him, and maybe she would end up being in the same grade.
"That would be nice," Riku unknowingly said aloud.
"Excuse me Riku," Riku's History teacher, Mr. Zhoa called; bringing him out of his thoughts and making him look up front at the teacher. "You think that forcing children to do manual labor would be 'nice'?"
The whole class turned their gazes to Riku, who was sitting on the far right of the room, just waiting to see what he would come up with. He sheepishly laughed and rubbed the back of his head, trying to come up with an excuse. Thankfully, the lunch bell rang right on cue and the other students jumped up and rushed out of the room. Riku began to also get up when he heard Mr. Zhoa ask him to stay after class. He inwardly groaned as he waited for the other students to clear out before approaching his teacher's desk.
Meanwhile, Sora and Kairi were finding a place to sit in the large outside cafeteria, as school lunch had just started. Wooden picnic tables were lined together in multiple rows under a large canopy. Their school was on top of a steep hill that, when outside, the students could see the entire town down the hill up to the seaside and the island Sora and his friends liked to hang out. This view was both beautiful and taunting for them. Being able to see where they loved to spend their free time, but not allowed to leave to go there for another four hours almost felt like torture. The two friends sat down at the table with the best view of their hang out spot. They waited silently for Riku, wondering what was taking him so long. He usually was the one saving their spot.
When a few silent minutes past, Sora decided to break the silence, "Did you see what Lea drew on the chalk board before Mrs. Hamasaki started class this morning? I'm surprised he didn't get detention!"
Kairi didn't look up from her food she had barely touched, "I've been thinking," she started, unintentionally completely disregarding what Sora had said, "I want to continue our research."
He looked at Kairi rather surprised. After her breakdown the day before, he had figured she would want more time before trying again. As he was about to reply, he saw Riku out of the corner of eye and waved him over to their table. "What took you so long Riku?" he grilled, playfully hitting Riku's shoulder.
"Lost track of time I guess," He lied, not wanting to admit he had gotten berated by his last teacher for not paying attention.
Sora could tell he was lying but shrugged it off and instead blurted out, "Kairi says she wants to continue the research."
Before either Riku or Sora could tell Kairi they didn't like the idea of her pushing herself, she defended, "I was caught off guard yesterday. I can't pretend that I was born here forever. There has to be a reason no one on this island has talked to me about the day I came here. It's possible someone may even know where I came from! I know it's hard for me to accept my past, but I think it's important I do."
Once finished, Kairi scanned both of her friends, trying to see their reactions, but both seemed to be pondering what she had just said. After a moment Riku and Sora looked at each other and shrugged."
"If that's what you want." They both spoke in unison.
"Yeah," Sora continued, "If you think this is something you need to do, then of course we will help!"
"In fact," Riku added, "After school I was going to go talk to Hinata, maybe she can help us."
"Who is Hinata?" it was Sora and Kairi's turn to speak in unison.
"Oh yeah, I haven't told you guys about that have I?" Riku stated, pushing his hair out of his face, "Hinata is the name of the girl that fell from the sky a few days ago. I went to visit her yesterday and she woke up while I was there."
Sora interrupted him, "Wait, that girl you saved woke up and you didn't tell us?" He exclaimed throwing his hands in the air, "I see how it is." He teased, "Wait until you get some alone time before you have to share her."
"No it's not like that." Riku scoffed and shoved Sora before continuing, "When she woke up I asked her if she remembered anything about where she came from, and she did! But before I could get any details, a pushy nurse came in and forced me to leave. Maybe she'll know something about where you came from, Kairi."
Kairi's blue eyes lit up with excitement, "That's a great idea! I'm excited to meet her. Maybe we can finally add another girl to our group." She giggled and clasped her hands together.
After deciding to go meet Hinata after school let out, the three friends spent the rest of lunch talking and enjoying each other's company. The next three hours of classes seemed to drag on even slower than before, but eventually the final bell rang and all of the students flooded out of the building. Riku was the first one out and stood by the dirt path that went from the school down the hill into town. He looked down the hill. A spectacle he had seen so many times to and from school. Wooden homes were speckled along the hill leading down to the hospital before reaching the shoreline. This island was one of many; one of them being where Riku would spend most of his time with Sora and Kairi on the paopu tree. Many residents of the islands thought this view was the most beautiful spot in all of Destiny Islands, but it wasn't at all special to Riku; not anymore. He had seen it so many times and was tired of the same old sight. Seeing it and hearing people rave about it only made him want to see new worlds with new marvels all the more.
Soon Sora and Kairi were by Riku's side and ready to head to the hospital. As they walked down the long path they talked excitedly about where Hinata may have come from. Coming up with amazing tales and imagining what her world may look like. Sora had even suggested that there could be talking animals in her world. Kairi thought it was unlikely but possible, while Riku just laughed, mocking the notion.
"Like could you imagine a talking duck?" Riku jeered, "What, would it wear clothes too?"
"Hey you never know!" Sora defended, "I mean a few years ago we didn't even know there were other worlds."
Kairi giggled, "I think a talking duck would be adorable!"
"See," Sora pointed out, "Kairi thinks it's possible."
Riku waved his hand in the air nonchalantly, "Well of course she does. You two always agree with each other."
Both Sora and Kairi stopped and put their hands on their hips, "Do not!" They unanimously declared.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," Riku laughed as he continued to walk.
Soon they arrived in front of the hospital. Riku's heart was pounding with anticipation. The last day had gone by so slowly and finally he would be able to learn everything he wanted. He pushed open the door and the bell rang letting the desk receptionist know they were coming in. The receptionist was different than the man the day before, this time it was a young blonde woman.
"Are you here to visit someone?" She asked in a sing song voice as the three approached the desk.
"Yeah," Riku answered, "We're here to see a girl named Hinata. Is she still here?"
"Yes she is!" the woman replied, "Right this way please." As the gang followed the receptionist down the hall she filled them in, "Miss Hinata is going to stay here until we find a family for her to stay with. Similar to how it was for you dear." She said carelessly, quickly tapping Kairi's shoulder. Sora put a hand on Kairi's other shoulder and she placed her hand over his. He always knew when she needed reassurance. As they approached Hinata's room the woman opened the door and told her she had visitors. Then she let them inside and closed the door behind them.
Hinata was standing by the window looking outside. Her long hair was pulled back into a pony tail and was wearing a loose fitted white t-shirt and khaki shorts. She looked completely normal except for an I.V cord in her wrist keeping her hydrated and pumping pain medication into her bloodstream. When she heard the door to her room close she turned to face her visitors. She was expecting to see Riku, due to his promise the day before; but was surprised to see his friends.
"Oh, hello," She said walking towards them, wheeling her I.V bag along with her, "I wasn't expecting so many visitors today."
As she walked towards them Riku noticed her brown eyes were red with lines under them. She looked as if she had been crying. Suddenly, all of his excitement and anticipation about talking to her melted away. He didn't want to bring up memories of her world if it was too painful for her. Despite everything he had wanted he asked, "Is this a bad time? I can leave you alone want."
Hinata slightly smiled before shaking her head, "No, that's alright. I would actually enjoy the company." She looked over at the two others with Riku. "Could I be introduced?"
"Oh yeah," Riku mentally face palmed since he completely forgot his friends were even with him, "These are my friends Sora and Kairi."
"Pleasure to meet all of you," Hinata greeted, and then looked at their outfits, "did all of you just come from school? Or do you just enjoy wearing very similar outfits?"
They each looked down at their clothes as they realized they were still wearing their uniforms. Each of them were wearing a white short-sleeve button up shirt with blue plaid ties; then the boys were wearing black pants, while Kairi wore a blue plaid mini skirt and long black socks. The three of them looked at each other and laughed awkwardly. "I guess we forgot to change before coming here," Kairi stated.
"It's no problem," Hinata put her hand up in reassurance; "I was just thinking they were interesting uniforms. Can't say I understand the tie with the girl uniform though," She laughed and Kairi joined it as well.
"You and me both," Kairi agreed.
Once their friendly laughter died down, Hinata walked over to her bed and sat on the edge of it, "So," she slowly started looking at the three of them, "what did you all want to talk about?"
"We're here because Riku told us you remember the world you came from," Sora started.
"Yes," Kairi continued, "and I don't know if any of the doctors have mentioned it to you, but I came here to Destiny Islands the same way you did."
Hinata nodded her head, "Someone had mentioned that there was another person on the island that came here the same way as me, but they didn't tell me who that person was. I'm glad I found out. At least I'm not alone anymore." She paused before continuing, "But yes, I do remember where I came from. The strange thing though, is that the more I try to think about it, the more I forget. I know that sounds crazy. Considering what happened to my home, I guess it makes sense." She looked away as she blinked back unwanted tears.
"Maybe you should write down what you remember now before you forget," Kairi suggested as she grabbed her journal out of her backpack, not realizing Hinata's emotion, "I don't remember anything about where I came from, or how I got here. We were hoping that if you remembered how you came to this island that might give us an idea of how I got here." She walked up to Hinata and handed her the journal and a pen.
Hinata sighed as she accepted the supplies. She looked up at Kairi and gave her a sad smile before she opened the clicked the pen saying, "Well then, better get started." Then she looked around the room and realized that there weren't enough chairs for all of them to sit down. "I can get one of the nurses to get some more chairs in here so all of you can sit."
"No worries," Riku assured her, "I can go ask one of the workers for you." As Riku left the room Sora gave him a quizzical look. He had been acting strange since they got to the hospital. But Sora shrugged it off, figuring that Riku was just really reveling in the fact that something exciting was finally happening in their lives; which wasn't far from the truth.
Once two more chairs were added to the room and the three friends sat down in them, Hinata opened the journal and began to write out loud, "I haven't been able to remember the name of the world I was born on. The title is on the tip of my tongue, but every time I try to say it nothing sounds right. I think I can at least tell you what it looks like though. It has an amazing castle and huge stone walls. It's beautiful! There weren't any large bodies of water, or oceans I think I heard they were called, there like the ones here. But back in my world, Aiko and I would spend a lot of time in the castle library."
"When I saw you yesterday," Riku interrupted, "Didn't you say Aiko was your sister?"
Hinata looked up from writing, "Yes, my younger sister; although, I don't think Akio her real name."
"What do you mean 'you don't think' that's her real name?" Kairi asked.
Hinata looked at the ceiling and closed her eyes trying to think, "Because I forgot her real one," She suddenly hit the bed in frustration, "How could I forget something as important as my sister's name? I realized as soon as I woke up that I couldn't remember it. The word Aiko comes to mind whenever I think of her, but I know that's not her true name."
"Why Aiko?" Riku inquired, wishing he could think of something encouraging to say. It was obvious Hinata was having a hard time talking about this.
"I'm not sure," Hinata admitted shaking her head, "I suppose because of its meaning, 'joyous child'. That's what she is."
"What happened to her?" Sora exclaimed, leaning forward.
"Well," Hinata looked back down at the journal on her lap. She picked up her pen and continued to write, "From what I could remember Aiko and I were walking through a garden by our house when the once clear sky suddenly turned dark and stormy. Strong winds started blowing as hard as a hurricane and objects were being gusted through the air. Then these small black imp like creatures started rising from the ground, with yellow eyes that seemed to glow. A huge black orb appeared in the sky then people and large chunks of land just started flying into it. I grabbed Aiko's hand and told her not to let go, no matter what. But then after that, I can't remember anything. I don't know if we both got thrown into the orb or if we somehow got separated."
The four of them were silent for a while. Taking in everything they had just talked about. Kairi, who had been sitting in the chair next to Hinata's bed, put her hand on Hinata's arm, "I'm sorry that happened to you."
Hinata closed the journal and handed it back to Kairi, "It's alright. Well actually it really isn't, but there isn't much I can do about it. I just wish I knew what happened to Aiko."
Riku stood up, "We'll help you find her!" he proclaimed, "We'll find a way to get off this island and go discover where she is." He looked at Sora and Kairi, "What do you say guys?"
Both Sora and Kairi exchanged glances. "What about our parents?" Sora questioned, "I want to explore what's out there too, but we can't just leave our families."
"They wouldn't understand." Riku countered, "I don't think anyone does."
Hinata got off of the bed and walked up to Riku, "Thank you Riku," she acknowledged, "I want to find Aiko; you have no idea how much. But I don't know how we would ever be able to get off this island. And Sora's right, I couldn't ask any of you to leave your families. Right now, I think I need to gain my footing here, before trying to leave again."
A knock on the door ended their conversation and the blonde receptionist poked her head in, "Hello Miss Hinata, there is a couple here who want to speak with you."
As Hinata nodded to let them into the room the receptionist opened the door all the way and allowed a middle age couple walked in. The man was tall with short brown hair and a beard covering his entire chin. And the woman by his side had similar hair to Kairi, a short bob style that seemed to be dyed red.
Kairi's eyes widened when she saw the couple walk in, "Mom? Dad?" she asked puzzled, "What are you guys doing here?"
Both of them smiled at Kairi and then up at Hinata "We heard that Hinata was in need of a family to stay with." Kairi's mom started, "So we thought we would offer her our home. That is, if you don't mind sweetie."
The two girls gasped and looked at each other. Kairi spoke before thinking through her words, "It will be like having a sister!" She stopped and looked up at Hinata, "Oh, I mean. I'm sorry."
"No worries, sister" Hinata winked and chuckled, "I've always wanted another sibling."
"Well then," Kairi's dad stepped forward and continued, "My name is Shin, and this is my wife, Hana."
Hinata walked up and offered to shake their hands, "Pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for taking me in."
Kairi, Sora, and Riku all exchanged looks of both excitement and bewilderment, it seemed that Hinata just became a big part of their lives.
***Author's Note- Geez, this chapter was a lot longer than my previous two. But I just wanted to say thank you to everyone reading this story! I have had it in my mind since I played Kingdom Hearts when it first came out. But it wasn't until recently that I finally gave in and decided to write it down. From this point on I am hoping to post a chapter once a week. Please feel free to leave reviews, I have not written in quite a long time, so constructive criticism is most indeed welcomed.***