Konichiwa

Ko-nii-chii-wa

Good Afternoon or hello, in Japanese.

Oh, but of course, my not-so-loyal readers, I don't own the game itself. However, I own this plot, my sisters and I have all rights to ourselves, the weaponry and costume and set design, and other such fripperies, are also mine. What you choose to say in the reviews I hope you'll leave me are all yours. The s i t e belongs to some people I don't know, the internet as well as the design for my computer belong to Bill Gates, Word in itself belongs to Bill Gates, and my room is a shared item between my parents and me. See ya at the end of the chapter.

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We made an unscheduled stop in Traverse Town. Kate and Liz were off at the café, buying up sweets. Sora went to visit the moogles, and Donald/Goofy went and did whatever. I decided to go find Yuffie.

She wasn't in her usual place. I saw her at the top of the clock tower, and promptly made my way to her, hack-slashing as I went. But she jumped over a roof and went off. And I was hearing a song play from somewhere, and the words came from Breaking Benjamin.

"If I had to, I would put myself right beside you, so let me ask, would you like that? Would you like that?" This is one of my favorite songs, and I'm wondering who the heckle out here would know that. So I follow my ears. The problem, is that it echoes, bouncing off of buildings, through alleyways. So now it comes from a roof top, then it comes from an alley. I was reminded of Riku.

The music stopped, "Who are you lookin' for?" Another sort of darkboy had jumped from a ledge. Dark hair, dark clothes, dark eyes. Pale though. Just my taste.

"Were you the one singing?" I took a step toward him.

"Yeah, I was. Why?"

"I'm from Earth…that was my favorite-"

"I'm from Earth too! Seattle, in America."

"I was around Chicago, so yeah, America too. My sisters are here with me, we're trying to fix the heartless mess. Speaking of which, what're you doing out here unarmed?"

He opened his coat to show off a slim kantana. He was wearing a trench.

"Ah."

"Soo…what's your name?" he asked

"Right, sorry, call me Sona or… (an idea had formed) …Madigan."

"How can I trust you Mad Madigan?" He grinned at me.

"Yeah…some kids called me that. Back home. If there is a home anymore…"

"No, I think not. That's why I play." He pulled out a blue guitar.

"Oh?"

"Memories, my dear Madigan, memories. As long as I can play, I won't have to forget, I won't be able to forget. Music is a part of me, the binding on my soul that keeps it from breaking. It keeps me strong, and helps me stay brave, even in the face of all of this."

"That was really beautiful…and I know what you mean. I'm a singer, and sometimes I muck about on the piano. I'm not very good though, and I prefer to make up my own songs…I'm rambling. I'm sorry."

"No, that's alright really. So, it's much the same for you, Mad Madigan?"

"Yes. That's why I tried to find you. That was a favorite song of mine."

"Oh?"

"Yes."

"And you sing? Do you sing well?"

"Choir soloist. I like rock mostly, but lot's of Japanese pop is good, and the occasional R&B or even a few rap songs. I'll listen to country with Erin, but only if it's someone decent."

"Mmm. Multi-genre girl."

"Yeah. I like some of the oldies too. 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's. And opera."

"Wow…you're really all over the map on this huh?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. So, what about you?"

"Many forms or rock, some oldies. I write my own too."

"Really? Play me something?"

"Sure."

And we sat on the bench, and he played Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones, Lithium by Nirvana, and Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace. His voice was like an archangel. But the song he wrote himself was the most beautiful.

"That was great." I smiled, "I missed music so much. Now I guess I know who to go to." I grinned at him, he grinned back.

Here we go again.

Stop that. Please. I'm not actually into this one. Friend potential. That's all.

I'm sooo sure.

"What grade are you in?" He asked me

"Sophomore in high school. What about you? What's your status?"

"I was a senior."

"Oh?"

"Yeah…I didn't like it much. What really sucks is that my band was about to be signed, Mad Madigan, and then you could've seen me on T.V."

"Is that what you were in it for?" (Hack!)

"No, weren't you listening to me before? You live in the middle of the Midwest, and I'm on the West Coast. You wouldn't have heard of me otherwise."

"Uh…"

"I had a girlfriend. Don't take this the wrong way. Besides, Elaine, from the hotel, you know her?"

"Yeah?"

"I was gonna ask her out. She's who the song was for."

"Oh. Oh wow! That's great! She'll be so pleased." I grinned. Elaine from the hotel reminded me quite a bit of Elaine from Earth. I'm finding ties…

"Sona!" Sora.

"Hey Sora."

"Sora, this is…who are you?" I never did catch his name…

"I'm gone. I'll see ya around, Mad Madigan. Thanks for letting me play for you."

"Bye…?" I said uncertainly. I didn't want him to go. He was too cool, and I wanted to ask him about Seattle. I'd always wanted to check out the Seattle scene. I was bound to be cooler then the 'burbs…better music to say the least.

You're rambling.

I know. I'm in that sort of mood.

"What does Mad Madigan mean?" asked Sora

"It's from a movie that you will never watch until you're older Sora." I am not corrupting anymore children. For yes, he is a child.

No he isn't. You just wish he was. That would make it easier right? To turn him down?

Tam…yeah. If he was a kid…I could be all, "I'm a little old for you, what about Kairi/Kate/Selphie/etc?" You read me too well. And I'm telling you this too easily. Why is that?

I'm in your head, remember? I have no choice but to know. I know everything I want to know, mostly.

You didn't answer my question, and-

Subconscious is off limits. Which means dream are too. I want to know what you dream about.

Why? And quit sidetracking me!

I'm curious. And Sora is trying to get your attention.

"Yes Sora?"

"You spaced out really bad there." he said, looking down.

"Sorry…I have increasing amounts of problems that deserve my attention."

Since when am I a problem?

"Oh. Ok then...well, I got you a gift!"

"Oh?" I felt my gut sink. This was getting harder and harder. But…since when was I pulling away?

Strands of Nirvana's Polly bounced out from everywhere. Stupid echoes. Stupid guy I don't know. Reminding me of Riku.

"Here." he shoved a little paper-wrapped bundle.

I opened it.

"Oh…"

It was a little silver necklace with a black rose that shone purple-blue in the light.

"It'll make you're magic stronger when yo wear it." He told me, "And it's really pretty, and I thought…I hoped you'd like it, but if you don't, then that's ok too and-"

"Thank you Sora."

"Oh…uh, you're welcome! So, you like it?"

"Yeah. It's really nice." I cringed inside.

What do you want…what's good enough for you?

Huh?

You…you're being ridiculous. Doesn't he make you happy? Since when do you get unhappy when he gives you things?

He never did before.

Not. The. Point. Something's wrong with you.

Like I don't already know that? I have no clue what's up with me…any ideas?

You're falling hopelessly and irreversibly in love with me?

Ahem?

Right, right, not a good time.

I don't know what's up. Maybe it's just PMS?

I didn't need to hear that.

Sorry…but it's kinda hard not to. You are in my head.

(sigh) I suppose you're right.

It's nice to be right.

"Sona? You're doing it again."

"Sorry Sora. What did you need?"

"I came to get you because we're all restocked. We're leaving."

"Oh…" I never did find Yuffie…

"Let's go." He offered me his hand. I…I didn't take it. He looked hurt, but covered it up quickly. But I saw it. It made me feel bad. What happened to me giving people chances?

You met Riku. Then it all went downhill.

Maybe you're right. But…this could be a good thing. Kairi needs to go home with someone, right?

Very true.

But then Riku…

Am I such a bad alternative?

You're a voice in my head. I can't exactly kiss you back, or hold you, or anything. Wouldn't that bother you?

I don't think so.

Why?

"Sona, c'mon, we have to leave." Lizzie had a hold of my arm. I was embarrassed to realize that I had stopped on the stairs. So much for multitasking. I can't even talk and walk at the same time! How sad is that?

I personally enjoy the fact that I can stop you in your tracks with my brilliant conversational skills.

You're wounding my ego here. Leave me in peace. Save it for the ride.

Alright. Fair enough.

So we boarded the ship. Next stop…Monstro. Save a puppet and see Riku.

How do you know all of this?

I cheated.

Please explain that to me. It sounds fascinating.

It isn't, really.

Do tell. It's impolite to hold secrets you know.

I won't. I don't really want to think too hard on it myself. It raises too many questions that I'd like to leave unanswered. They make my head hurt.

You know I'll find out exactly what you mean at one point or another.

I'll put it off until then, thanks.

You're impossible.

You are too.

"Soo…Sona…um…"

"Yes Sora?"

"Are you still…not liking Riku?"

"Yes…" I don't like where this is going.

"Oh. Ok. That's good then."

Shit.

…0…

We made it to Monstro with minimal difficulty. Our animal friends, Sora, and Tam for that matter got just a wee bit frightened. It was funny.

I'm glad you thought my fear for your life was funny.

We had met up with Geppeto, and all was going as planned, save for one thing.

"I'll trade the puppet for Sonora." Dammit Riku! Quit messing things up!

…0…

And the chase was on, and Tam didn't distract me, and we eventually caught up to Riku.

"Sona…I-" He took a step towards me.

"Leave her alone, bastard! Where do you get off, pulling shit like-"

"Kate…" I looked at her.

"Sona, why are you allowing all of this? He's a jerk." Lizzie made a face.

"I'm right here, you know." Riku took a few steps more towards me. I took a few steps back. Sora, Kate, Liz, Donald, and Goofy all moved in front of me, blocking Riku's way.

Sorry, but I think you ought to run.

Why?

There's quite a few heartless at your back and they appear to be after you.

…Good advice.

"SONA!!" Kate ran to save me as search ghosts swarmed me. The rest of them followed her, even Riku. I made the brave attempt to save myself, of course, but there were too many, and they kept multiplying. I was pulled into the dark…

…and out to the cage. I was inside the Parasite Cage, and it was draining my energy and it sucked.

"What would Erin do?" I asked myself.

Well, she would probably try to escape. But more likely wait for Sora and Riku to rescue her because she'd think it would be kinda cool. Wait…no, that's Skie. Escape it is.

I started pushing up against the "bars" trying to free myself. It wasn't going so well. I summoned Destroyer, but it went out almost immediately, because the Parasite Cage absorbed it. I decided right then on no magic, because that would probably make it stronger.

Good plan.

Hey Tam.

I'm wondering if Riku was in on this.

I don't know…he probably would be, except he seemed really shocked and concerned for my safety when the search ghosts swarmed.

You don't think it was an act?

No, I don't.

Hmm…

Yes?

You want to be with him.

No. I do not.

Quit fooling yourself. It's becoming painstakingly obvious.

I don't! And what do you mean it's obvious? It's not true …how did this even come up?

Well, the semi-rejection of Sora…

Dude, I was already not going to go with him. And seriously, what brought this on?

…The "only friends" vibe with Mr. No-Name.

I wasn't into him is all, and please, tell me why.

You said he was your type.

He is…but…

You're interested in Riku.

You sound sad…

Wouldn't you be?

Well, yes, I suppose, but I don't like Riku.

You're right. You don't.

Yep.

You love him.

Sweet God above, I don't! Not yet, I haven't known him long enough for that! You're suffering from delusions!

Yet.

Huh?

You said yet.

"SONA!" Mutual cries of relief-laced-panic reached my ears. Ok.

"Help!" There. I said it, and it's the only time I will say it for the rest of the night. I have pride, and all that.

Are you hoping that he'll save you?

I'm hoping SOMEONE will save me. Even if it's Kate and she makes me be all, "I owe you." and shit, which won't be fun.

I'm going to leave you in peace. For now.

I DON'T LIKE HIM!!!

Ok, now completely weak. Lying on the squishy pink life sucking bed-type-dealie. Breathing is getting harder. I don't want to die like this. I won't…but I feel like I will.

"SONA! I'LL SAVE YOU!" Riku is obviously very close to me. Physically, I mean. Yelling in my ear and all that.

"We'll get you out!" Thanks Sora.

"Don't be scared!" I'm not, really, but thanks Goofy.

…Shit I think my magic's gone. Need ether…

The Parasite Cage was destroyed. I was being held. I opened my eyes…

…Riku's concerned face stared down at mine. Yay! Not.

"Can you move?" He asked me.

"Probably not. Could you maybe…oh, I dunno, give me back to my family?" I would've said Sora, but that would make him say no. I want him to say yes.

In response, he clutched me tighter.

"Give her back, Riku." Kate wasn't yelling, but her voice promised pain and suffering if he did not comply. Unfortunately, we were on different bits of flesh.

"No. I don't think I will. She was in danger, and you didn't save her. With me, she'll never be hurt again."

"No! Riku, don't. Please…" Great I was begging. I looked at the others, "Help…"

At least that hurt Riku's feelings…

…he took me home.

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Tell me your favorite part.

There's been a death in my family, as well as I'm getting confirmed on Sunday. Please cheer me up with a review.