Okay guys, sooooooo sorry for the late post. School and family issues took up my whole time. Well, I finally managed to find time to work on this story. The old version is on my Quizilla page, under SleepingMemories. I decided to post it here, but if youre impatient, read the crappy version lol. For those who want the read the Assassins Creed story, hold on tight. Im working on it right now. Ive been having writers block on that, but you know, Id like for some of you guys to message me some ideas and help me with the story. :) Anyways, enjoy this latest chapter of Kingdom Hearts! But this one is special. This one is longer than all the others!
Kari looked up at Riku, her head resting on his chest. She listened to his pounding heartbeat. Her breath quickened as he looked down at her, his aqua eyes soft for the first time since the islands disappeared. She never realized...how badly she wanted to be near him. Her eyes widened as Riku slowly leaned his face down towards her, his beautiful full lips parted. Waiting. Inviting her to ravish. She closed her eyes and slowly leaned up, parting her own lips Her lips never have been touched. Never been kissed, or claimed. Kari now finally realized...She may be in lo-
"Kari?" Sora! Kari pulled away from Riku, her eyes wide, her whole body trembling. She looked back, seeing Sora, Donald and Goofy with shocked expressions. Her heart nearly broke when she saw a tear go down Sora's face.
"Sora..." Kari whispered.
"Sora," Riku glared at his best friend, his hands forming into fists.
"Riku?" He looked at Riku, glaring back.
"Kari?" Goofy looked at Kari, uncertain.
"Goofy?" Kari replied.
"Kari!?" Riku reached for her. Kari looked at him, confused.
"Riku!"
"Donald!" Donald yelled.
"Donald," Everyone sighed, looked at him and giving him weird looks. His face reddened as he grumbled, crossing his arms. Sora shook his head and looked at Kari and Riku, his eyes showing confusion and anger. "What's going on here?" He asked. Riku smirked, grabbing Kari's hand and pulling her to him. Kari blushed as she watched Sora's expression.
"Kari loves me now..." Riku replied, smirking.
"Riku..." Kari blushed, looking down, ashamed.
'Kari...You don't love Riku. Remember who was always with you...Sora. You love Sora!'
Kairi? Kari gasped and looked around for her red headed fried, but she was nowhere to be seen. Kari shook her head and pulled away from Riku, earning a shocked gasp from him. Kairi is right...Kari didn't truly love Riku...in her heart, it was always Sora...
"I don't love you that way, Riku. I love...Someone else." Kari said, blushing. She flinched when she saw his eyes hardened, so she looked down, even more ashamed.
"Who?" Sora asked desperately. Kari flinched more. This was so frustrating! Why can't everyone stop staring at her and let her clear her mind!?
"I don't know..." She whispered, looking between the two. She loves both...she knows that. But too much is going on right now, she can't think! Riku huffed in frustration, looking down at the floor.
"Choose." Riku said.
"I can't...I don't want to hurt you!" Kari cried, hugging herself. Tears threatened to fall out of her eyes, but she refused. She must show the two that she is strong enough! She can make her own decisions! Choose her own battles! Certainly pick who's right for her!
"Kari..." Sora reached for her, but she flinched away. "You know how I feel, right? I love you! I want to be with you...and I want you to be happy..." He said and smiled. "So make your decision..." Kari closed her eyes and nodded. Whenever Kari thinks about Riku...her emotions go haywire. But Sora...his is different. Her heart goes crazy. Ain't that what they always say? Follow your heart? Kari smiled, placing a hand over her heart, finally making her decision.
"Okay! I'll choose. But whatever will happen, we'll always be best friends. No anger, or hate. We'll just get over it! Okay?" Kari said, looking at both of her childhood friends. They both nodded, earning a smile from the girl. She looked between the two, tapping her foot, then grinned. "Okay then...the one I choose is...Sora!" Both boys gasped, eyes wide. Riku glared at the floor, his body trembling. Sora slowly smiled and pulled Kari in a tight embrace, in which Kari gladly accepted. She looked back to Riku, suddenly feeling guilt ride over her. "R-Riku...I'm sorry, but...Sora was the only one there for me...when...when our home was destroyed-"
"Like I care!" Riku yelled at the top of his lungs, shooting a glare at her. Kari jumped and backed up a step, Sora immediately shielding her with his arm. Riku chuckled and shook his head. "I won't give up on you Kari. I'll find a way to make you love me. Even if I have to force you." He said, disappearing in a dark portal.
"Riku! Please!" Kari yelled, running to him. Riku stopped, a glint of hope shining in his beautiful aqua eyes. "I do love you...but not in that way...You, Sora and Kairi mean the world to me. So do Donald and Goofy! Why can't you stay with us!? DON'T SIDE WITH THE DARKNESS!" She started to cry, the tears finally breaking. She was falling, failing, breaking! Riku frowned more and jerked his hand away, pushing Kari to the floor. Kari gasped and stared up at him with a glare.
"Riku! What's the matter with you? What are you thinking? Don't you realize what you're doing?" Sora ran to Kari's side, helping her to her feet.
"I was about to ask you the same thing, Sora. You only seem interested in running around and showing off that Keyblade these days. Do you even want to save Kairi?" He said, glaring at the both of them.
"We do! But you're being a jerk about Kari choosing me! Can't you just live with it? We all know that Kairi likes you." He said. Riku's eyes went wide.
"She does?" He whispered to himself.
"Of course. Every night before bed, she talks about you." Kari replied, looking down. She looked up at Riku and saw that he had a smile on his face. Kari then smiled, finally seeing the good old Riku she knows and care about. Maybe that was the motivation they need to work together, to repair this friendship.
"Sorry. Can you guys forgive me?" Riku asked, holding his hand out.
"Of course, Riku." Sora said, grinning, shaking his best friends hands. Kari smiled more, then remembered.
"Let's find Pinocchio..." Kari said, earning a nod from the others.
The group walked through the tunnels in search for the wooden boy. Kari had to lean on Goofy for support. It took almost an hour to find the boy, that the group almost decided that Pinocchio is back with his father. As they headed back to Geppetto, they heard a scream behind them. They all looked back, "Pinocchio!" Jiminy yelled. They ran towards Pinocchio's voice.
They reached the end that happened to be the stomach. Kari slid to a stop as she almost fell in a pool of a green steaming liquid. They all looked up, seeing Pinocchio unconscious inside a Heartless. The Heartless is a magenta blob with glowing yellow eyes and thin, rounded teeth that resemble prison bars. This body rests on a flower-like base that is violet and aquamarine. A much smaller pink head rests on top of the main one. The second head sports a jagged mouth, glowing yellow eyes, two short, dark purple spikes under its mouth, and a curled, magenta antenna on its head. Two long, aquamarine tentacles sprout from either side of the second head and end in violet "hands" with three fingers, each with a dark purple spike on it. "You up for this?" Riku asked both Kari and Sora, smirking and bringing out his weapon.
"No problem. Let's do it!" Sora said, bringing out his keyblade. Kari grinned and did the same.
"Hmph." Riku was the first to charge with Kari and Sora following shortly. Donald and Goofy both stood in the back ground, giving long distance attacks. Kari reached the bars, dodging the Heartless's attacks and tried to pry them open.
"Pinocchio. Hey! Wake up!" Kari yelled, aiming her keyblade at the bars and yelled,"Fire!" A huge ball of fire shot out with such force, Kari flew back and landed on a small platform, just above the green liquid. Kari stared at her reflection in the liquid, seeing bubbles popping out. Acid... She furrowed her brows and stared up at the Heartless. You fell onto the small platform, just above the green water
"ACK!" Kari looked over to her right, seeing Donald caught by the Heartless's tentacle. She gasped and got to her feet.
"Donald!" She yelled and jumped off the platform, swinging her Keyblade at the Heartless's tentacle that held Donald. The Heartless roared and swung it's arm at her, tossing her back against the wall. "Aaah!" She struck the wall, gasping as the air inside her left. She fell to the floor, gasping and looked to see the Donald was released.
"Heal!" Donald yelled, pointing his wand at Kari. A large flower bud appeared above her and a green aura surrounded Kari, giving her strength. She smiled and nodded in thanks, jumping to her feet. Kari watched as Sora and Riku attack the Heartless from behind, with Goofy throwing his shield at the cage. Her grip on her Keyblade tightened.
"This won't work. We need something more..." Kari whispered.
'Kari! Use your heart!' Kairi's voice called out. Kari gasped, seeing a small light sprouting out of her chest, surrounding her locket. She touched her locket, sensing a warmth from inside. Kari looked up at the Heartless, staring at the emblem. She ripped the locket off from her neck and threw it at the Heartless's symbol. Believe in yourself... Kari took a deep breath and aimed her weapon at the Heartless and yelled, "Star Burst!" Thousands of colorful stars shot out from the tip of the Keyblade and waved towards the locket, Kari's main focus. The locket absorbed the spell and glowed. "Go!" The locket landed on the Heartless's face and exploded, thousands of stars surrounding it's body and constantly exploding on various areas. The Heartless roared and swayed side to side. It then fell on it's face and slowly disappeared, leaving Pinocchio safely unharmed. Sora and Riku, also Donald and Goofy all stared at her in shock. Kari grinned as she found her locket at her feet and picked it up, winking at the boys.
"See, jewelry is useful!" She giggled, causing the boys to smile and laugh.
"Pinocchio! Pinocchio! Please! Give me back my son!" Geppetto pleaded. Kari and Sora both glared up at Riku as he stood on a higher platform, holding the unconscious Pinocchio. Why does he want Pinocchio so badly?
" Sorry, old man. I have some unfinished business with this puppet." Riku said, turning his back at them.
"He's no puppet! Pinocchio is my little boy!" Geppetto cried, tears forming in his eyes.
"He is unusual. Not many puppets have hearts. I'm not sure, but maybe he can help someone who's lost theirs." He said. Kari's eyes widened at the last part. He knows!? How does Riku know!? Unless...
"Wait a minute. Are you talking about Kairi?" Sora yelled, his eyes wide.
"What do you care about her?" Riku snapped, running off into the tunnel.
"Riku!" Kari yelled as they followed suit.
How could have Riku know!? Kari didn't say anything...only she knew! Right? They searched high and low for Riku and the missing boy, but there was no sign of them at all.
"Where could he have gone," Kari wondered, looking around. Kari felt a tear slid down her cheek, catching her by surprise. She wiped it away. 'Riku...You've changed. What happened to you?' Sora held Kari's hand, smiling.
"Don't worry, Kari. He won't get away with this. Maybe when we all find Kairi, he'll go back to his original self." He said. Kari shook her head, more tears escaping her eyes.
"Riku is mad at me. He wanted me to love him. He wanted me to be on his side. But I chose you." She whispered so that Donald nor Goofy could here.
"So...You regret choosing me?" Sora asked, his eyes saddening.
"I will never regret this! I've loved you since the day I first met you." Kari giggled, playfully shoving him.
"Me too." Sora laughed as well, his smile widening.
The group suddenly found themselves back into the stomach. They gasped as they saw Riku with the unconscious Pinocchio. Riku smirked at them, clearly enjoying this. "Hey, let Pinocchio go, Riku!" Sora said, making a fist.
"A puppet that's lost its heart to the Heartless... Maybe it holds the key to helping Kairi. How about it, Sora? Let's join forces to save her. We can do it, together!" Riku asked, holding his hand out to him. Sora's eyes widened for a moment, deep in thought.
"Sora?" Goofy looked over at Sora, clearly unsure. Sora shook his head, out of his senses, He called his keyblade and got in a fighting stance. Donald and Goofy did the same while Kari just stood there, looking helplessly at Riku; keyblade in hand.
"What? You'd rather fight me? Over a puppet that has no heart?" Riku asked, giving him a glare. There he goes again! Pulling that guilt trip! Kari's grip on the keyblade tightened.
"Heart or no heart, at least he still has a conscience." Sora argued.
"Conscience?" Riku scoffed.
"You might not hear it, but right now it's loud and clear. And it's telling me you're on the wrong side!" Kari looked at Pinocchio. Pinocchio has no heart... but he has a conscious...so does that...Kairi...? Is this what Riku is implying!?
"Then you leave me no choice." Riku said, making Kari look at him.
"Pinocchio! Pinocchio!" Jiminy hopped out of Kari's pocket and ran over to the boy. Pinocchio stirred and opened his eyes, seeing Jiminy.
"Jiminy... I'm not gonna make it." Pinocchio whispered. Then his nose grew longer. "Oh! I guess I'm okay!" He perked up, a bright smile on his face. Jiminy smiled in relief, knowing that Pinocchio IS okay. Suddenly, the Heartless from before swung down before the group. Pinocchio and Jiminy both screamed and ran out of the tunnel. Wait! Didn't Kari destroy the thing!
"I have enough of you!" Kari yelled, calling her Keyblade and aimed it the Heartless. She stared at it with such hate, she felt a strange power coursing through her. She started to gain deep red and black highlights in her hair. These Heartless destroyed her home! Seperated and caused a rift between her and her friends! They took Kairi! "Freeze!" She yelled as a wave of blue snow flew out from the keyblade and surrounded the Heartless. Slowly, it was covered in ice, slowly ceasing to move. "Star Burst!" She yelled as many tiny stars began to shoot out and exploded on the Heartless's frozen body. The Heartless's body began to disappear into ash, releasing a heart in the process.
"Good job, Kari." Donald and Goofy both cheered. Kari smiled and placed her Keyblade on her shoulder, the highlights slowly disappearing. Kari looked around for Riku, seeing that he was nowhere to be seen.
"Riku! Riku, where are you?" Sora called out desperately.
"Sora!? Let's go," Kari mumbled, pulling Sora out of the room. Kari glared at the floor, ters burning in her eyes. Riku has left them alone to fight off that Heartless! Left them to die! Riku...isn't Riku anymore... Kari thought sadly, finally letting her tears escape.
" So, Kairi's like a lifeless puppet now?" Riku asked, staring at the motionless Kairi. Riku just brought her body back, but her heart is gone.
"Precisely." Maleficent said.
"And her heart was..." He looked back at the old witch.
"Taken by the Heartless, no doubt." She said, shaking her head as if feeling sorry for her.
"Tell me! What can I do?" He bagged.
"There are seven maidens of the purest heart. We call them the princesses of heart. Gather them together, and a door will open to the heart of all worlds. Within lies untold wisdom. There you will surely find a way to recover Kairi's heart. Now, I'll grant you a marvelous gift. The power to control the Heartless." She placed her hands above his head and a green aura surrounded Riku. He never felt this much strength course through him! It was amazing! This new power, he shall use it only to help Kairi and maybe...win Kari's heart and crush Sora's! Riku looked back over to his empty friend.
"Soon, Kairi. Soon" He said, smiling.
"I sure hope Pinocchio and Geppetto are okay." Goofy said sadly. Kari looked at him and smiled, nodding. Geppetto has came to an idea of sneezing everyone out of Monstro by starting a bonfire in his mouth. It worked, the group was finally out of that whale, but they lost track of Pinocchio and his father. Kari frowned as she watched Jiminy sit in the window, sulking to himself. He really must love that boy.
"Yeah, hopefully they landed safely somewhere." Donald added.
"Riku..." Sora mumbled, staring out the window. That was all he had done ever since they left. Kari frowned and stood out of her seat.
"Sora?" Kari questioned, holding her hand out to him. Sora looked at her hand and then back to the window. Kari sighed and sat on her knees, feeling tears go down her face. She missed Riku, too. So why is Sora acting like he's the only one!? "Sora." She whispered, reaching for his hand. He sighed and held her hand.
"Not now, Kari." He said, looking away. Kari wrapped her arms around his waist and d her head in his lap, then started to cry. Sora was usually her rock. her motivation! But now, he's just crumbled up dust.
"It's okay," She sobbed. Just...give it some time. We'll find Kairi and I'm sure she'll knock some sense into him." She managed to see a reaction from Sora through her tears.
"But I thought Kairi had lost her heart." He whispered.
"I'm sure she's got it back." Kari straightened up, grinning. Donald and Goofy both smiled and nodded, agreeing with her. Sora looked at the three of them and finally smiled.. Donald and Goofy nodded. Sora sighed and nodded.
"Let's go back to Traverse Town." Sora said, placing his hand on Kari's cheek, kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the smooth sensation of his lips.
"And let's rest." She added, walking back to her seat. Kari looked out the window, remember that memory she had when she was small. She had surely forgotten her first days at the island...Maybe she's starting to finally remember. Kari sighed and closed her eyes, feeling sleep overtake her. If only she could remember more. If only she could remember faster. Maybe she'd know where she'd come from and why she came to the islands. Maybe...why she wields the Keyblade...
"Long ago, the people have all lived in peace; Where they bathed in the warmth of light. All the people have loved the light, but began to fight over it. They wanted to keep it for themselves. Soon darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness began to spread, swallowing the light along with many people's hearts. It covered everything, and soon the world disappeared. But small fragments of light survived...in the hearts of children. With these fragments of light, children rebuilt the lost world. It's the world we live in now. But the true light sleeps, deep within the darkness. That's why the worlds are still scattered, divided from each other. But someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open. And the true light will return. So, listen, child. Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and push the darkness away. Do you understand, Hikari?" An old woman, with her grey hair tied in a tight bun smiled. Her smile was wise, pure, genuine. It's what made the young child love the old woman more than anything. She was always there for her. Hikari, a tiny light brunette smiled up at the old woman. Her smile matching with so much purity. Her dress was ruffled and white with blue linings. Her white sandals seemed to have been a bit too big a size for her own tiny feet.
"I understand, Grandma. But what is the door?" She asked, her big sky blue eyes staring up at the old woman in so much wonder and excitement. The old woman held the child, chuckling.
"The door...it's called...Kingdom Hearts. Every princess of heart should know that." She said, looking Hikari in the eye. Hikari laughed nervously, looking down at her feet.
"Sorry, Grandma." She replied, still holding that bright smile. Footsteps were heard from the back of the room. Hikari looked back, seeing a familiar red head peek over from behind a bookshelf. She grinned and skipped up to the two. "Kairi." Hikari beamed. The young Kairi smiled up to Hikari and handed her a heart shaped necklace.
"Happy birthday!" Kairi grinned, placing the necklace into Hikari's hands. Hikari giggled and pulled the necklace on over her head, having it hang down around her neck.
"Wow! It's pretty. Where'd you get it?" Hikari asked.
"I kinda had the nanny help me make it! There's no picture in it yet. I have my own copy, but it's in a very secret place." She said, placing a finger over her lips.
"Where?" Kairi smiled and pointed to Hikari's chest.
"In my very best friends heart..." Suddenly, the doors of the library slammed open. There stood a man with long white hair, wearing a white lab coat.
"Xehanort? What's wrong?" The girls grandmother asked. Kairi hid behind the chair, her eyes wide, while Hikari hugged the old woman, staring at the man. Xehanort's eyes wandered over to Hikari and smiled.
"Princess Hikari, Princess Kairi. May I ask you for something?" He asked, giving a polite bow. Hikari's eyes hardened.
"What do you want?" She boldly asked. Then, to her shock, Xehanort grabbed both Kairi and Hikari. Kairi was held in the crook of his arm by the waist, while Hikari was dragged by her wrist. Kairi screamed and started hitting him with her small fists while Hikari tried to pull away, crying out for her grandmother. But her grandmother was tackled to the ground by weird ant like creatures, then a red orb floated up in the air and disappeared along with the old woman. Hikari's eyes widened in horror as she let out a blood curdling scream.
Kari gasped and opened her eyes. She sat up, combing her sweaty hair out of her face. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest, it might explode. Kari looked over to Sora, Donald and Goofy, seeng that they're sound asleep. Kari swallowed the huge lump in her throat and wiped away the sweat on her face. Kairi is her sister...And Xehanort...he was the man who forced Kairi and herself to Destiny Islands, tearing them away from their home and family! But who is he? Grandma...Kari let out a quiet sob as that image of Kairi losing her heart haunted her mind. Kari looked out the window, watching the stars pass by, her hopes dying. Kari was betrayed, by Xehanort. By Riku. Who's next? Sora? Kairi? Donald and Goofy? Kari laid her head back and sighed. She's starting to feel that she can't trust anyone anymore.
Back in Traverse Town, Kari sat in the little house in the '3rd District', staring at a clock on the wall. She drummed her fingers in beat with the ticking. Tick...tock...tick...tock. Frustration and boredom got the best of Kari as she let out a heavy isn't anything to do! Sora, Donald and Goofy were too busy getting supplies. Yuffie and Aerith are making dinner. Cid has the shop to take care of. Merlin is out of town doing God know's what! And Leon..Leon. She couldn't find him anywhere! Kari got to her fet and stretched her arms out, pulling her sore muscles. Her leg has gotten better due to Aerith's healing. Maybe training wouldn't hurt...
She left the house and walked down the stairs, looking up at the sky. She smiled and tucked her hair back behind her ear. The sky is so full of stars, its almost breath taking. Wonder why it's never daytime here...Kari thought as she slid her hand down the banister till she reached the bottom and stood infront of the doors to the 1st District. Thinking of you where ever you are...Kari frowned, placing a hand over her heart. "Thinking of you..." She whispered. Her grandmother used to say poems to her and Kairi before bed. She used to say poems to you and Kairi before bed. "I can't forget it!" Kari yelled at herself and ran back into the little house, immediately finding a pencil and a piece of paper. She sat at the table, quickly writing the words that come to her.
Thinking of you where ever you are.
We prey for our sorrow's to end
and hope that our hearts will blend.
What else did she say? Kari tapped the pencil to her temple, frustrated. She groaned and laid her head on the cool surfae of the table. What else!? Then a thought came to her, making her smile. "Got it!" She grinned and continued writing, the words coming more freely.
Now I'll step forward to realize this wish.
And who knows.
Starting a new journey may not be so hard
or maybe it has already begun.
There are many worlds
but they share the same sky.
One sky. One destiny. Kari
Kari re-read the poem over and over, a smile clear and bright on her face. She rolled up the piece of the paper and looked around the room. Now...where will she put this for safe keeping? Kari looked under the table and bed till she found what she was looking for. A glass bottle sat under the bed, covered in dust. She pulled it out and examined it, debating wether or not to place the poem inside it. It seemed to be a weird idea, but it's only to keep it where she knows she'd find it. Kari shrugged and placed the letter inside. Kari jumped when she heard a knock on the door, almost dropping the bottle.
"Dinner, Kari! We're having noodles with rice and chicken. Meet at the cafe." Yuffie's voice called out from outside the house.
"Ai!" Kari replied, closing the bottle with a cork she found in a drawer. She held the bottle in her arms and ran out with Yuffie to the cafe. She smiled when she saw Sora, Donald and Goofy already chowing down. She received her plate and started eating.
"So, what did you do all day in the little house, Kari?" Yuffie asked while everyone sat at the cafe`, eating dinner. Kari looked up from her plate and smiled.
"I wrote a poem my grandmother used to say to me...but I kinda feel that I'm meant to write it to someone very important." Aerith smiled.
"How romantic," She claimed. Kari laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head.
"Can we read it?" Sora asked, a grin plastered all over his face and stained with food.
"It's rude to read someone's letter!" Yuffie claimed, arms crossed. Sora rolled his eyes, winking at Kari. She blushed and looked down at her plate.
"I saw that!" Yuffie yelled, pulling Sora in a head lock. Sora whined and tried to pull away, a goofy grin over his face. Kari and the others laughed.
"Come on, you guys," Kari smiled to the two. Yuffie released Sora and got back to eating her food. Sora rubbed his neck, still grinning. Kari looked over to all of her friends, her smile fading a bit. How lucky she is to have these people as her friends. Her family. Kari woul die if anything were to happen to them. She prayed that her bon with them would remain strong, unlike her's with Riku's. She frowned at the thought of Riku. What has gotten into him? She placed a hand over her aching chest, feeling dread seep inside her core. She can't help but feel that something ominous and bad will happen. Something that will...ruin someone's life...Forever.
Later on, Kari found it difficult to find sleep. Dark images raced through her mind, foring her away from what she wanted. Sleep. She groaned and sat up in her bed, combing her hair back, her sky blue eyes searching the dark red room. Kari was sleeping in the hotel for the night, while Leon and Yuffie survery the town for Heartless. Kari sighed, got to her feet, went out to the balcony, looking up at the star filled sky. No matter what she does, that bad ominous feeling wouldn't leave her. A breeze lifted, blowing her hair to the side, giving hera little ressurance. She smiled and closed her eyes, feeling some peace.
"Kari?" Kari jumped when a voice broke her trance and looked back, seeing Sora standing behind her. His ocean blue eyes looked questionly into hers. He stood beside her and took her hand in his. Kari tensed in his warm touch, but finally releaxed. "You okay?" He asked, his eyes and expression full of concern. Kari felt a lump rise in her throat, but she forced it down and faked a smile.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" She forced herself to speak. She didn't want Sora to worry about her or what's on her mind. Sora should mainly focus on their real goal, finding Riku and Kairi. Kari looked down at their hands and tucked her hair back behind her ear, finally looking back up to meet Sora's gaze. His gaze grew serious.
"Something's wrong? What is it?" He asked, lightly squeezing her hand. Kari sighed and shook her head.
"I was thinking..." She replied.
"About...?" He leaned forward, causing Kari to tense and immediately step away, ripping her hand from his.
"None of your business!" She snapped, glaring at him. Sora backed up, his eyes wide in surprise. Kari continued to glare at him till she relaxed, realizing what she did. "Sorry," She mumbled, looking down. What the hell just happened!? Why did she snap at Sora? Kari picked her head back up, giving a weak smile to Sora. "I was thinking about Destiny Islands, y'know? I was thinking when we are getting back and what we're gonna do." She said, placing her hand back in his, feeling that familiar warmth of butterflies in her chest. Sora smiled and placed his free hand on her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. Kari sighed and leaned into his hand, feeling her heart pounding. When they get back, will things be the same? Will Kairi come back? Will Riku still be their friend? She doesn't want to lose Sora the same way. So far, he was the one who stayed by her side. Maybe...when they get back...
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing-" "Sora!"
"What?" He asked, surprised by Kari's outburst.
"When we get back to the islands, let's share the Paopu Fruit." She said, a grin growing on her face. His eyes widened.
"What?!" He asked, his voice cracking. Kari blushed and looked down.
"I don't want to lose you like we lost Riku and Kairi. Maybe...after all of this is done and over with...when we get home, we can share the paopu fruit and stay together forever," She explained.
"Kari..I never knew..." Sora was at a lost for words. Kari's confession practically stunned him. She wanted to intertwine her destiny with him. Be with him forever!? Sora's heart was beating rapily, but not in fear, but also in joy. Love. Peace.
Kari waited for Sora to speak, but he never did. What if he thought she was being stupid? Was she rushing things? She didn't mean it that way...Tears formed in Kari's eyes as she looked away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have suggeste-Huh?"Her heart immediately stopped as she felt Sora's arms wrap around her small frame from behind. His face rested near the hollow of her shoulder, his breath warming her. Kari slowly turned, forcing her gaze to meet Sora's warm one. He gave a half smile, his eyes barely open as he stared down at her soft parted lips. "Sora...?" Kari questioned, barely above a whisper. Her heart was then frantic as he slowly leaned down towards her, his lips barely touching hers.
"I want to...share it with you, too...Kari," Sora breathed before claiming her lips in his. Kari's whole world turned white as she returned the kiss, but with much more force and passion. Tears of joy slipped from her close eyes, falling to the stone floor beneath them. Sora's lips were so soft, so tender. As if they have never been kissed before. His lips moved unsurely, hesitant, wether or not he was kissing her right. She smiled in her mind as she wrapped her arms around his neck, parting her lips. This action surprised Sora as he carefully wrapped his arms around her waist. They both finally pulled away, after what felt like hours but in seconds, to breath. Both hearts racing together in the same rythmn. Sora smiled, pressing his forehead against Kari's, her doing the same. "You should get some sleep, we have a big day ahead of us," He said, kissing her temple. Kari nodded, walking back into her room, with Sora's hand in her's.
"Why did you come in here?" Kari asked before Sora left. He looked back at her, his gaze warm.
"Sometimes, I hear you cry in your sleep and I usually check up on you. To make sure you're safe. Heartless are still roaming the district. We can't be too careful," He said. Kari smiled and nodded, getting comfortable under her covers, sleep finally taking her.
"Thank you, Sora..." She mumbled, falling into a deep sleep, a smile still on her face.
The next day, Kari couldn't help but feel...misplaced? She didn't feel right, not herself. She watched her friends with a heated gaze, she was angry. Why? Kari tried to speak to her friends, but she couldn't, her voice was stuck. As if, something was preventing her from speaking. But what?
"Hey! We're here!" Donald said happily, smiling at the group. Sora was the first to get up.
"Cool!" Sora grinned. Kari didn't smile, but she wanted to. She glared at the three when their backs were facing her.
"Prepare for landing." Donald said as he buckled himself into his seat. Sora gaped at the new world, quite confused and scared. The world was of nothing but water, seeing the fish swimming around, a castle and a dark cave. Kari knew this world...but how? She never seen it before, but something inside her has seen it. Suddenly, a black keyblade appeared in Kari's hand, her hair turning pale and gaining blood red streaks. What's going on!? Kari thought in surprise. What am I doing!? Stop! Kari pleaded her body, but it refused to listen. Some force was driving, no, forcing her with these actions. She stood up, gripping the black keyblade tightly in her hand, glaring into Sora's back.
"Land where? In the sea? We'll drown!" Sora said, eyes wide. Kari smirked.
"Not with my magic, we won't. Just leave it to me." Donald grinned, wagging his finger at Sora. Sora rolled his eyes.
"Great." He said, grinning when Donald shot him a glare. Kari raised the keyblade high above her head, ready to strike down at Sora's unsuspecting form. Kari! Don't! Kari gasped, her voice finally breaking free. Her hair reverted to the honey colored brown, the keyblade disappearing from her hand. She shook her head, placing her hands on her cheeks.
"Wha...?" That voice. She has never heard of it before...but yet, it was so familar. Who was it...?
"Let's go!" Donald yelled, waving his wand. Kari looked up at her friends, hearing their voices for the first time.
"What?" Kari questioned, but before she could ask, a bright light caught her off gaurd.
Kari opened her eyes, seeing nothing but blue. She sighed, seeing bubbles blow out of her mouth, surprising her. "What the-!?" A fish swam up to her, surprising her even more. She reached for it, but it quickly swam away. She looked around, seeing more fish, rocks, bubbles blowing out out geizers. Coral reefs, sand, shells; giving it a view of the underwater. This immediately reminded Kari of the Destiny Islands, giving her the feeling of nostalgia.
"Whoa! Look at us!" Sora's excited voice brought Kari back from her thoughts. She looked back, her eyes widening as she saw her friends altered appearances. Goofy was a sea turtle, that seemed to suit him. Donald was half octopus, which made Kari laugh out. Sora had a fish tail with a fin on the back and also shirtless, making Kari blush. Kari looked over at Donald and laughed once more, having them look over at her.
"What?" Sora asked, but then blushed, once he gained a good look at her.
"Donald's a octapus and half duck," Kari snickered.
"You're a mermaid!" Donald replied. Kari ceased her laughing, raising an eyebrow. She looked down at herself and blushed, seeing that he was right. Kari's own legs have turned into a fish's tail. Her tail was white but gradually turned into a sparkly blue at the end. Kari had no shirt on, but only a blue shelled top and her necklace floated proudly around her neck. She blushed more and covered herself.
"Don't look at me!" She cried at the three. They apologized and immediately looked away.
"Come on, Sebastian!"A voice called out. Kari looked back, seeing a mermaid with a blue and yellow fish, followed by a red crab. The mermaid had a green tail, purple shell bra and long beautiful red hair with blue eyes.
"Ariel, wait! Slow down! Don't leave me behind!" The crab cried after her, swimming as fast as he can to catch up. The crab panted, closing his eyes in exhaustion and bumped right into Kari. The crab looked up at her and they oth screamedm causing the crab to swim off behind the other girl. The girl smiled at the group, then looked at the crab.
"Relax, Sebastian. They don't look like one of them. Right, Flounder?" The girl asked the little fish beside her. He looked over at the group with a shy smile. He was so darn cute, Kari just wanted to hug him till he pops!
"I don't know. There's something weird about them." The fish named Flounder replied, earning a nervous laugh from Sora.
"What do you mean?" Sora asked, a bit frightened.
"They do seem...a little different. Where are you from?" The girl asked., swimming around the group, inspecting them.
"We're from kind of far away. And we're not really used to these waters. Sora laughs nervously again. Kari gave a wry smile, knowing that she couldn't possibly believe that.
"Can you help us?" Goofy asked, earning a smile from the girl.
"Sure. What're your names?" She asked. Or, maybe she can.
"Kari," She replied.
"Sora."
"Donald."
"Goofy." The girl smiled.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ariel. These are my friends Sebastion and Flounder. Let's help you out." She said.
Kari followed all of what Ariel said, and she was immediately used to the water. She felt like a real fish! "That's great, Kari!" Ariel cheered happily. Kari smiled and swamed backwards around her friend.
"This is awesome!" Kari cried, swimming up near the surface. She touched the top of the ocean, touching the suns reflection. She swam down back to the others, seeing that they just finished their lessons.
"Sebastian! Ariel!" Flouder swam up to the group frantically, with Heartless following after him. Kari and Sora both pulled out their Keyblades while Donald and Goofy took out their weapons.
"Ariel! Go and hide. Now!" Kari ordered. Ariel nodded and swam off into hiding, with Flouder and Sebastian following. Kari was the first to charge at the Heartless, slashing them away with her keyblade, shooting spells at them. Kari was finding it a bit hard to fight as a mermaid, no ground to stand on, no legs to maneuver with, and her hair kept floating into her face. Suddenly, Kari's vision was engulfed by a person in silver armor. Kari's eyes widened as she just stared at the faceless person, their stance strong and serious. Kari was so absorbed of this armored figure, that she didn't notice the Heartless swim past her and attack Sora and the others. The figure turned, their back facing her. As if in a immediate reaction, Kari's eyes dropped closed and she fell to the sandy floor unconscious.
Four path's that lit ones way to their destiny...I don't follow path's made by people. I make my own...She looked up and around the desolate landscapes. Her armor shined brightly in the sunlight, capable of blinding someone. She examined the Keyblades that outlined four paths. She twirled her keyblade in her hand and stabbed it in the ground, her other hand on her hip. Her keyblade stood proud beside her, the handle in a red heart shape, the blade a glinting onyx black. Wings sprouted on each side of the handle, giving a blueish white hue. The teeth at the end of the blade was a shaped of a star, the center a bright white, changing to a pink and then a deep violet. She then realized that the sun was just now setting, as she was soon accompanied by three more suits of armor. Their faces were also hidden by helmets. She nodded to her companions and slowly took off her helmet, sighing and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Then, she opened her eyes.
Kari woke to Sora's frantic voice. She felt hands grip her shoulders and shake her opened her eyes, her sky blue meeting Sora's saphires."You okay?" He asked.
"There's no scratch on her." Donald said, smiling in relief.
"The Heartless just ignored her." Goofy said, furrowing his brows. Ariel and her two companions came up.
"They did...?" Kari wondered, quite confused to why the Heartless ignored her.
"Those creatures chased us here." Ariel explained.
"Oh, no! Those monsters might be heading for the palace, too!" Sebastion said. jumping in worry, his eyes wide.
"We'd better head back right away!" Ariel nodded, serious.
"But, wh-what if we run into more on our way back?" Flounder asked, shivering. Ariel looked at Sora and the others. Kari smiled meekly, still confused and shooken up from that vision she had earlier. What was that about...? She thought.
"We'll protect you!" Sora claimed, grinning. Ariel smiled.
"Thanks." She said and they all followed her to the palace.
"Oh, Ariel! When will you listen? It's dangerous out there!" Ariel's father moaned in frustration, squeezing the bridge of his nose. Kari and the others stared up him, their eyes wide. His name was King Triton. He has a long wihte beard, a coral crown on his head and a blue green tail. He held his mighty trident by his side. Ariel's opened her mouth, but was inturrupted. "Strange creatures lurk outside." Sebastion cleared his throat.
"Behold. You swim before the ruler of the seas: His Majesty, King Triton." He said. Kari made a small some-what curtsie.
"And who are they?" King Triton asked, looking at Sora and the others. The group tensed a bit by his intimidating stare.
"They helped us fight off those creatures." Ariel said, floating beside Kari, smiling.
"I've never seen them before." He said, eyeing them. His eyes then came to Kari. She looked down, afraid to meet his gaze.
"Forgive us for the intrusion. We come from far away." She said, waving her hand to her said, addressing your friends.
"Yup. We came to find the Keyhole." Goofy said.
"The what?" Tritan's eyes went wide. Oh, no! Donald shot a glare to Goofy.
"What's that?" Ariel asked. Kari tensed and smiled nervously.
"It's nothing." Kari replied.
"There's no such thing. Certainly not here." Tritan said, hastfully.
"But, Daddy-" Ariel interjected.
"Ariel, not another word!" Her father inturrupted The group backed away a bit. "You are not to leave the palace. Is that clear?" King Triton said sternly, glaring at them.. Ariel frowned and swam off. Sora, Donald and Goofy followed. Along with Flouder. Kari turned to follow the others, but the King stopped her.
"You look familiar. Have we met?" Kari looked back at the King, eyeing him for a moment. Has she met him before? No, he certainly doesn't look familiar. But inside, she some how felt she does. Kari shook her head no.
"I'm sorry, but no sir," She replied.
"Well, you seem to know what's going on here. Make sure not to put my daughter into danger." He said, his eyes shining with concern. Kari smiled and nodded.
"I would never wish it." She said and swam off, catching up to the others. Kari remember running around her home, playing with her servants back before she lost her memories. But out of all that has happened, why now? Why is she remembering now after she found out of the world's under seige by the darkness? And that girl. That vision. Who is she? Does Kari hold a connection to her? Was she somehow connected to Kari losing her memories, or just another person? Just...who is she?
"She's remembering..."
"Are you sure it's safe to let her know what she really is?"
"You want to exist don't you?"
"I want to show you something." Ariel smiled and swam ahead of Kari and the others. The group followed her, said and swam off. the group followe Ariel to where ever she wanted to show you, Kari took her time to examine the beautiful oceanic surroundings. She stared in awe at all of the people who live in the world, unique fish that even Kari has never seen before in her world. Home...just the thought of the islands hurts Kari's heart. The memories she shared with Sora, Kairi and Riku...are all destroyed. They way they used to see their island, will no longer be the same anymore. Kari... Kari gasped and stopped, looking around. That voice...It certainly wasn't the voice from before. This voice sounded weaker, dryer, raspier. This voice, Kari certainly doesn't recognize. Destroy this world... It echoed in her head. Kari's eyes widened and she shook her head, feeling quite dizzy.
"Kari! Hurry up!" Donald yelled, the group waiting for her at a cave entrace, Sora holding the boulder away.
"C-coming!" Kari replied and swam up to them, trying to forget that voice.
