Pen Monkey: Part two of the Battle of The Bands chapter, I really hope you guys enjoy it ^^

Riku: Pen Monkey does not own Kingdom Hearts or any of the songs in this story.

Pen Monkey: Where the heck did you come from?

Riku: Kairi was too tired today, so I filled in.

Pen Monkey: Whatever, enjoy the story guys.


Chapter 12: Battle of the bands -Part 2

"Hey Kairi, come on or we're going to be late. I promised Roxas we would be on time." Naminé whined.

Once again Kairi realized that she had been daydreaming again. And, as usual, Sora was in it. She couldn't help but think about the spiky chocolate haired boy. The image of him was burned into her memory. Kairi couldn't help but smile whenever she thought of him. He was like a guilty pleasure that only she could know about. After all who else would understand? The gang would probably believe that it was bound to happen, that they make such a cute couple, but it was more than that. There was something magical Kairi felt whenever she was around Sora, a feeling of happiness when he was there, a feeling of sadness when he wasn't.

"Okay Nami. Give me a minute. I'm going to get my bag." Kairi said slowly.

Kairi made her way up to her room and grabbed the black handbag off her bed before turning to the door. She stopped however when she caught sight of herself in the mirror. She wore a plain white tee shirt and a green jacket with the word 'sexy' written across it. She also wore baby blue pants that had rips at the knees. At first Kairi thought she would look cute in this outfit but she was dead wrong. She looked hot. A fleeting thought appeared in her mind, wondering what Sora would think of it.

"Kairi come on were going to be late!" Naminé called from downstairs. Snapping out from her daze, Kairi quickly left her room and ran down the stairs, meeting a disgruntled Naminé.

"Calm down Naminé. We'll get there on time. I promise." Kairi reassured her sister, who replaced her unsure look with a smile.

Kairi and Naminé waved goodbye to Rinoa and left for the battle of the bands, which was taking place at the Balamb Island. Kairi and Naminé walked to the docks with arms linked, talking about Roxas and Naminés relationship and how Selphie managed to ruin the surprise. Naminé and Roxas wanted to play a prank in revenge. What the prank was Naminé wouldn't say.

"So Kairi. Umm…how are you and Sora?" Naminé asked innocently.

Kairi however sighed. "Nami I've told you a million times. I really don't like Sora that way. He's just a friend that I know I don't like him as anything else."

"But…Kairi…" Naminé began. However Kairi interrupted her.

"Nami you're my sister. I would have told you if I liked Sora. You would have been the first person to know. But I don't like Sora. Why is it so hard for you guys to see that? We both said that we don't want to be boyfriend or girlfriend. So why do you guys keep saying that we should?"

Naminé never answered Kairi's question. She just stayed silent. Both sisters stared at each other in silence until it was broken by two familiar squealing girls. Both girls turned to the direction of the squealing and saw Rikku and Yuffie running towards them. When they stopped short of Kairi and Naminé they bent over gasping for breath.

"I…told you…I would…win." Riku gasped desperately.

"No…way…I…won." Yuffie argued.

Kairi and Naminé remained silent as both girls started arguing over who won the race. Eventually they forgot about it and turned their attention to Kairi and Naminé.

"Hey Kairi, hey Naminé. You two heading to the island?" Rikku asked.

"Yeah we want to get there early. We want to get good spots." Naminé said.

"Wow. Looks like someone can't wait to get to their Roxykins." Yuffie giggled, causing Naminé to blush.

"Wh…what? No! He's not…" Naminé stammered embarrassingly. But before Rikku and Yuffie could poke more fun at her Kairi got their attention.

"Guys we really should be on our way or we're going to be late." Kairi said with a bit of edge in her voice. Luckily the other three didn't recognize it.

Kairi, Naminé, Rikku and Yuffie walked down to the docks to get the boat to the other island. They could have taken their own boats but seeing as the ferry was there they decided to save their energy, even if it did take a bite out of their money. They walked around the ferry saying hi to people from school, and staying away from one or two of Axels' gang, managed to keep themselves entertained until the ferry left the docks. When it did Naminé couldn't help but smile and squeal happily.

"Oh my god I'm so nervous. I mean what if Roxas doesn't like my outfit. It would be so embarrassing." Naminé said excitedly and nervously at the same time, looking over herself.

Kairi looked Naminé up and down and was amazed at how she never realized what her sister was wearing. A white t-shirt with an open baby blue jacket and dull grey-blue jeans. Kairi thought that if Roxas didn't take care of Naminé all the other boys would be after her.

"Nami are you crazy? You look gorgeous. Roxas is going to be drooling all over you. I'm sure of it." Kairi said sweetly, causing Naminé to smile and give her sister a slight hug.

They talked for another ten minutes about the competition before the ferry stopped on the Besaid Island. The group got a bus to the small town near the center of the island and Kairi quickly saw the stage for the bands. A ripple of excitement went through her body at the though of Sora singing on stage. As much as she tried to deny liking Sora it was hopeless. She liked him, she was just worried that the others were wrong and that Sora really didn't like her. Emotions were so confusing.

"Hey Kairi!" Rikku called. "Come on! Get your butt of the bus or we'll lose all the good spots!"

Kairi snapped out of her thoughts to see everyone getting off the bus, Rikku was up front waiting impatiently for her. Grabbing her handbag off the seat she quickly made her way out of the bus. It was just her and Rikku, so Kairi guessed that Naminé and Yuffie had gone to find the others and a good place for them to stand.

"Hey Rikku where are we supposed to go?" Kairi asked.

"Come on. It's over here. Naminé saved us the spot. Yuffie went to get Pence, Olette, Selphie, Wakka and Tidus. They should be here in a few minutes."

Rikku, Naminé and Kairi had waited for a few minutes before Yuffie and the others showed up. The girls all complimented each others clothing and squealed in delight about random nothingness. The boys however quickly grew tired of this and offered to pay Pence to take pictures of them to get the girls to stop talking. The plan worked, and Pence managed to get a good 500 munny for his efforts. Eventually Selphie was getting bored with waiting, leapt on Tidus' back without warning and started shouting.

"Start the concert already!" Selphie screamed.

As if on command, the lights on the stage dimmed. Tidus eventually fell to the floor, unable to hold her up any longer, resulting in Selphie muttering threats if he dirtied her clothes. The announcer came out and started talking over the noise of the cheering.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Tonight is the battle of the bands! Where men and women from all over battle it out for fame in their hometown! Tonight's winners will win a record deal with the world famous record company Atlantica enterprises!"

There was a roar of cheering from the crowd, mostly from Tidus and Selphie, who were the loudest of all. Kairi just smiled at the two hyper active teens.

The announcer continued speaking. "Well we've got a lot of bands tonight. Our first band tonight is the Dancing flames!"

The announcer left the stage and a group of very familiar people made their way to centre stage. Kairis eyes widened in shock as she spotted the fire red hair of her ex-boyfriend and the friends he had brought with him to the beach. What really surprised her was that he had a bruise on his eye. It looked brand new. She had a very strong feeling Axel and Sora had shared a few words, and some punches, when they were backstage.

Kairi cringed when she heard Axel singing and the band play. They were singing 'It's almost easy' by Avenged Sevenfold. Kairi couldn't make out half the words as Axel sang them into the microphone, and couldn't have been more relieved when they finished. Most people cheered but were almost drowned out by Selphies 'boos'. When the announcer came back on Selphie was once again forced to sit down. Eight other bands played afterwards, some were pretty good, although some of the bands weren't that great, a band called The Neoshadows had just finished playing 'Pain' by Three Days Grace, before the announcer had came back onstage, clapping before turning to the crowd.

"Okay kiddies. That was some really interesting music. Next up is Kingdom Hearts. Let's give a round of applause!"

Kairi and the gang rose up off their chairs and clapped like crazy. But when Sora and the others stepped on stage Kairi looked at Sora in shock. He had a large bruise on his eye and a bloody nose and cut lip. Obviously Axel had gotten to him. As if on cue an infuriating voice crept into her ears.

"Tell your boyfriend to watch it. Otherwise he won't be so lucky, and neither will his friends."

Kairi turned and saw Larxene, who was wearing even skimpier clothes than normal, however she wasn't alone, as she was being followed by Lexaeus and Baralai. Tidus and Wakka moved in front of their friends, clenching their fists and readying themselves for a good fight. Kairi pushed past them and glared at Larxene.

"Go stuff yourself you witch, we have better things to do than waste our time acknowledging your existence."

Larxene made a move to slap Kairi but was stopped by a person from behind her. Larxene went to hit whoever was trying to interfere with her but instantly stopped at the sight of the mullet style hair. It was Mr. Demy, and everyone present was shocked to see the serious look on his face.

"Larxene, unless you're here to enjoy the music, you better leave immediately, otherwise you'll be looking at a weeks detention starting next Monday. The same goes for the rest of you."

Larxene glared icily at Mr. Demy, who stared back, obviously not intimidated by her or Axels' friends.

"We weren't doing anything wrong sir." Baralai said sarcastically towards Mr. Demy. However he just rolled his eyes.

"Yeah like I'd really take your word for it Baralai, I know the company you keep. If I so much as hear anything involving you or your friends I'll make sure you all get expelled from the school and unable to set so much as a toe inside it."

Larxene pulled herself out of Mr. Demy's grip and glared at Kairi, before walking off with the other two. Before Kairi could ask why Mr. Demy was here he had left already, walking towards the stage and vanishing out of sight.

"Hey Kairi the guys are starting!" Rikku squealed, in excitement.

Kairi turned to the stage and saw Riku on the left side of the stage. It was pitch black, the spotlight focusing only on him,. He started playing, strumming a few notes until speeding up. Kairi had to admit he was pretty damn good with a guitar. Two more spotlights appeared and shined on Roxas and Hayner, Roxas starting on bass and Hayner drumming away with much enthusiasm before the entire stage illuminated when Sora began playing, lights of different colours moving in all directions. Sora suddenly moved towards the microphone and began to sing.

It's bugging me, grating me
And twisting me around
Yeah I'm endlessly caving in
And turning inside out

'Cause I want it now
I want it now
Give me your heart and your soul
And I'm breaking out
I'm breaking out
Last chance to lose control

The entire crowd was in a frenzy, swaying and jumping in beat to the music. Rikku and Yuffie were screaming in excitement, and Selphie was being restrained by Tidus and Wakka, as she was attempting to hop on the stage and most likely try to create a mosh pit. Kairi was smiling hard, loving the excitement that everyone was in.

It's holding me, morphing me
And forcing me to strive

'Cause I want it now
I want it now
Give me your heart and your soul
And I'm not breaking down
I'm breaking out
Last chance to lose control

Sora moved away from the microphone and moved towards the edge of the stage, playing away on the guitar as he smiled to everyone, the small wounds not even noticeable under his delight at the crowds reaction, he scanned the area, looking for a certain auburn haired girl and his new friends, he didn't have to look far, as he spotted Selphie trying to wrestle out of the combined grip of Wakka and Tidus, and noticed Kairi was not far away from them. He didn't have time to signal that he could see her, as the remainder of the song was coming up. Retreating backwards towards the microphone stand, he began to sing, his eyes focused on where she was standing.

And I want you now
I want you now
I'll feel my heart implode
And I'm breaking out
Escaping now
Feeling my faith erode

When the song finished, everyone cheered in happiness, highly impressed by the band. Sora was unexpectedly picked up by Hayner and Roxas, cheering loudly, while Riku stood at the front of the stage and encouraged the crowd the cheer more, which was mostly the girls. Sora looked out towards Kairi and the others, and waved his hand, signaling them to come onstage. Kairi was first head towards the stage, her stomach feeling even funnier, as if there was over a thousand butterflies moving about inside of it. They all gathered backstage, where they were greeted by Sora, Riku, Roxas and Hayner. While everyone else was talking about the performance, Sora sat down on a nearby empty chair and smiled at Kairi, pointing to the empty seat beside him.

"Would you like to have a seat? You must be tired from standing for so long."

Kairi blushed and agreed to sit beside him. For the rest of the contest Sora and Kairi sat beside each other watching the final bands go out and perform. Some were good, some were bad and some were downright hilarious. They were surprised when Mr. Demy came out and played the Cliffs of Dover. They had to admit he was brilliant, and it explained to Kairi why he had disappeared backstage earlier. At the end of the contest the announcer called all the of the bands to center stage; however Sora refused to leave his seat so Hayner went up with Roxas and Riku instead.

"Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, we've had a lot of great acts tonight. Some good and some bad. But there can only be one winner of the Battle of the Bands. And tonight we'll be announcing who is the best."

The announcer pulled out an envelope and quickly tore it open.

"In third place. We have The Dancing Flames! "

Sora and Kairi both scowled at the mention of Axels' band. Oddly enough nobody came up to collect the prize. Axel probably left after realizing he came third. Obviously he was insulted and didn't want to be third rate.

"Uh okay folks looks like the Dancing Flames went home early. In second place…Kingdom Hearts!

The entire crowd erupted in applause as Hayner ran up and took the second place trophy and the envelope containing the runner up prize. Sora, Kairi, Riku, Roxas and all the rest of the gang charged up and joined up in a massive group hug. When they broke apart however, there was a scene which caused Selphie to shriek with joy.

"Oh my god they're kissing!"

Sora and Kairi automatically turned to Roxas and Naminé, who was just standing there holding hands.

"Don't look at us you guys." Roxas said, breaking the hand holding he was currently doing with Naminé in order to put his hands up defensively. "We've just been standing here."

"Then who…" Sora asked before turning around. When he realized who Selphie was talking about he smiled. It wasn't Roxas and Naminé who were kissing. It was Hayner and Olette. When the two finally broke apart they were bombarded by their friends. The boys high fived and guy hugged Hayner, while the girls broke into a fit of giggles with one another. They finally stopped talking to let the announcer declare the winner.

"And now ladies and gentlemen. The winner of this year's battle of the bands. The Nocturnes!"

The entire gang roared in approval as Mr. Demy came up and took his prize. He obviously wasn't expecting to win. Even though Sora wanted to win he knew that Mr. Demy deserved it. He was Sora's favorite teacher by far. Mr. Demy gave a quick speech, promising he wouldn't give up teaching at the school, then left the stage with everyone else, no sooner had the gang left the stage area did the attention turn back to Olette and Hayner.

"Wow Olette you actually did it? I thought you were too nervous?" Kairi asked.

"Well everyone was happy and excited and I though now would be a good time to do it." Olette said sheepishly.

As Olette got swamped with more and more questions about Hayner, Kairi looked over to the boys group. Everyone was surrounding Hayner, giving him very little chance to speak properly as he got continuous high fives and pats on the back. The only one not involved was Sora, who was staring at Kairi. Kairi smiled and nudged her head to the left, signaling Sora to follow her. Glancing at the gang he quickly slipped away and both he and Kairi ran off.

"Kairi where are we going?" Sora shouted. Kairi was way ahead of him and obviously knew where she was going.

"It's a surprise Sora. You have to see for yourself."

Sora knew he wouldn't get any more out of her so just followed. Five minutes passed before she spoke.

"Sora. Welcome to my secret beach."

Sora gazed in amazement. There wasn't much else he could do. The beach looked like it was something that was being constructed but just forgotten about halfway. There were huge stone arches not far from the shore and many rocks. Mostly black with some odd purplish color on them, surrounded the beach. The most amazing thing was that the water looked like there was steam coming from it.

"Kairi…this place is…amazing!"

"I know. I don't think anyone has ever been here besides me. And now you."

Sora blushed at the though. Kairi brought him, out of all people, to a place that was a special secret to her. How the heck was he supposed to repay her for this?

"Sora."

"Yeah Kairi?"

"Don't ever change."

Kairi sat down on the sand and pulled her legs up to her chest to keep warm. Without thinking Sora pulled off his jacket and put it around her before sitting down beside her. He could feel his hand brushing off Kairis and had to fight every nerve in his body to not grab it. In the end he relaxed and lay down on the sand, trying to fight the exhaustion and keep his eyes open. He had therapy in the morning, and wasn't too thrilled about it, but he didn't want to think about that now. All he wanted was to listen to the waves crashing against the beach while he was with Kairi. Aside from that, nothing mattered anymore.


Pen Monkey: Phew, I'm pooped from writing that. Thanks to everyone who alerted this and reviewed it ^^ Oh and I know that some people think I'm in hospital, uhm that was a joke guys :P

Sora: Well it's your fault for making think that

Pen Monkey: Shush you, or I'll have a giant wave crash down on you and Kairi.