Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited, and reviewed this story! We have finally reached the end. This took a while to post since I was writing all three endings at the same time to make sure they all coincided together. Anyway, I hope that you'll enjoy the last chapter!

Sibling Rivalry (Sora, Kairi, Namine, and Riku Side of the Story)

~Epilogue~

Sixteen Years Later…

The water seemed so calm and relaxing as it washed along the shore. Yet, she stood anxiously as she watched and waited. At any moment, he would be home and they would be together again. With every passing second, she became more and more eager. "Mama!" The scarlet haired woman snapped out of her thoughts and turned her head toward the other side of the beach. A young, eleven-year-old girl with big blue eyes waved toward her. Her brown, chestnut hair hung slightly below her shoulder with a few ends pointed up. Below her, there were two others bent down in the sand as they stared at it.

Curious, Kairi walked over. "What is it Lucy?" The oldest pointed toward the crab in the sand. "Oh…!"

They watched as it slowly crawled out of its burrow and head toward the water. Lucy looked back toward her mother as she grinned. "Wow! I've never seen one that big before!" Kairi let out a gentle, happy look. The smile on her face reminded her very much of her father's. Ever since she was born, it seemed that she had an uncanny resemblance to him. Then, Lucy turned her attention to something else and pointed across the beach. "Ooh! I think I found something!" She took off running.

"Hey…!" Soon, her six-year-old little brother took off behind her. Kairi's smile increased. Even he had a striking resemblance to his father as well, especially when he was younger.

Then, Kairi became concerned by how far they ran. "Hey! Don't go too far!" An uneasy look came on her face. "Hmm…"

"They'll be alright mommy," she heard a small voice beside her. Her eyes lowered toward the scarlet haired nine-year old below her. She let out a smile as she placed her hands behind her back. "Wynn is with Lucy. She won't let anything happen to him."

Softly, Kairi laughed. Her words did make her feel a little better. As she watched her, she couldn't help but smile. She had a sweet smile, short scarlet hair that came to her shoulders like hers used to when she was younger. "I guess you're right."

"How are you feel mommy?" The small girl placed her hand on her mother's round stomach and smiled to assure her.

"I'm all right," Kairi assured her. Then, she gave her a curious look as she arched her eyebrow. "What brought that up?"

She responded with a grin. "Daddy told me to check on you and make sure you're all right."

Kairi was touched to hear that. "Awe! That's very sweet of you."

The nine-year-old leaned her head against her stomach and closed her eyes as she smiled tenderly. "It's going to be very soon, isn't it?"

Kairi placed her hand against the back of the girl's head. "Yeah. So…? What are you hoping for?" she sounded curious.

She leaned back and lifted her head to mother. "I don't know… Another sister might be nice, but if it's a little brother, that could make things even for daddy and Wynn"

Kairi laughed a little. "How very grown up of you Hana." She ruffled the top of her hair a little.

Hana grinned. Then, she pulled onto Kairi's hand. "Mommy? Will you tell me the story again?"

Kairi chuckled a little. "Wait…What story?"

Hana pointed toward the waterfall. "The story of the secret place! The one you and daddy shared."

Kairi wondered why she wanted to hear it again. "You've already heard it."

"I know, but we still have a little time before the boat arrives. Come on!" Kairi could see how eager and excited she was, so she decided to follow her. She looked over to the other end of the beach toward the two children. "Don't go far! We'll be right back!"

Lucy waved and smiled to assure her. "We won't!"

Afterwards, Kairi and Hana went pass the waterfall and headed into the cave. Hana went in first. She sat down on her knees and looked at the cave drawings around her. Then, she placed her hand against the wall as she smiled. In front of her was the cave drawing of the five of them. "Remember this?"

It took a little time, but Kairi managed to sit down. "Of course." Then, she noticed the anticipating look on Hana's face. She really must've wanted to hear the story. "Okay…" She grabbed onto her small hands. "A long time ago, before I moved to the island, it was just me and my grandmother, but then…" Her eyes traveled down, still saddened by the memory. "-it became just me..." Then she looked up at Hana. "That's when I came here. The first people I met were two little boys."

Hana smiled. She already knew the answer. "Daddy and Uncle Riku, right?"

Kairi nodded. "Hmm-Hmm… The two of them have been friends for as long as they could remember-." She placed her fingers toward her lips as she grinned silently. "-and I was lucky that they invited me to play with them. Well…daddy and I discovered this secret cave, so we would come here from time to time and draw on the walls. One day, when we didn't have an idea to draw, I said 'how about we draw each other'?" Their eyes shifted over to the drawing the two of them did a long time ago.

Hana grinned toward her. "And then you drew the papou fruit?!"

Slightly, Kairi shook her head. "Not yet…" Her eyes lifted as she thought back. "Then…daddy had to move away for a little while. I wondered if I would ever see him again, but in my heart… I knew that I would."

Hana gave a sympathetic look. She couldn't imagine how she must've have felt. "Was it hard…?"

"The wait isn't as bad now as it was back then. That year apart… it was hard to bear." Kairi placed her hand against her chest. "Wondering where he was… the different things he would see…wondering if we were ever looking up at the sky at the same time…" Kairi grabbed onto her hand with her other hand. "I would write, but my words never seemed to reach. I could never tell him how I felt and yet, my feelings continued to grow stronger. I had to suppress it almost every day because it hurt not to see him." When she looked over, she noticed Hana's teary eyes. Nervously, she waved her hands. She didn't mean to sadden her. "B-But that's in the past! That hasn't happened in a long time!" She looked up. "Eventually, he did come back and I told him how I felt." She placed her hand against the wall as she reminisced. "And right here is where he told me he felt the same." Her hand brushed against his face. Then, she turned her head to Hana as she grinned. "And yes, we did share the papou." Hana was glad to hear that. "Remember… You have to share it with someone very special and your destines will be intertwined forever."

Hana nodded a few times. "Got it!"

Kairi became curious. "Hana? Why did you want me to tell you the story again?"

Hana brushed off her dress as she stood up. "I just like hearing it…" Then, she held up her finger as she looked back toward her and grinned. "…and you looked like you needed to take your mind off of waiting.

Kairi chuckled to herself as she shook her head. She felt lucky to have a daughter look after her the way Hana did. "When did you get so wise…?"

Hana placed her hands behind her. "Daddy was the one who asked me to help you while he was away."

"I see…So you were both thinking of me." Kairi managed to stand up and she walked outside with Hana.

Lucy and Wynn ran over. "There you are!" Lucy looked eager. "It's almost time for the boat to come in!" Kairi smiled. It seemed they spent enough time on the island. Once they got to the mainland, the three ran ahead as Kairi followed behind. They stopped as they breathed hard. Lucy searched around. "He's not here yet?"

The three of them looked at each other worried. What if he didn't make it in time? Suddenly, they felt something warm behind them. Lucy felt one hand on her shoulder as Wynn felt the other on his. "Are you three looking for someone?"

Surprised, they turned around. As soon as they saw the familiar face, they grinned and pounced. "Daddy!" All three of him knocked him down on the ground. Sora used his hands to support him before they made him lay flat. Their reaction surprised him. "You guys missed me that much?"

Lucy became curious as her face leaned in closer. "What did you bring us?!"

"Yeah! What did you bring us?!" Wynn spoke, interested.

Sora looked between the three of them. "I'll show you guys when we get home all right?" He sat up as they sat on their knees in front of him.

Hana smiled, excited and curious. "Do you have a new story for us?!"

Wynn became excited as well. "Yeah! Did you fight any dragons this time?!"

Lucy made a creepy, crawling motion with her fingers. "Did you go to the spooky place again where there's the scary looking monsters and you met Santa Claus?!"

Hana held her hands together hopeful. "Did you go to a castle where a princess lives?!"

Sora grinned toward him. "This time, I flew!"

Lucy gave a skeptical look. "Come on daddy… You can't really fly."

"I did! I was on this big pirate ship and then I flew in the sky." He spread his arms out and pointed toward the sky.

Hana opened her eyes in amazement. "Really?"

Wynn bounced in excitement. "I wanna fly!"

"Maybe I can take you there someday." The three grinned. They got up and pulled him up along with them. Sora took a few steps forward and stopped in front of the one person he hadn't had a chance to greet yet. "I'm back."

Kairi smiled as she placed her hands behind her back. "Welcome home." She stepped closer as she grinned curiously. "So…? No stories about a daring rescue?" she teased.

His hand rubbed the side of her hair that hung over her shoulder. "Not this time. I was ready to get back to the princess who was waiting for me." She smiled as she tilted her head more toward his hand. He moved in closer and kissed her lips.

A smile curved at her lips more. "They really do like when you tell that story." Sora reflected her smile. He moved in again and pressed his lips to hers once more.

"Eww…!" Lucy and Wynn let out a disgusted look as Hana smiled.

"Gross…" Wynn agreed.

He looked back at them confused. "What? I can't be happy to see your mom?"

Lucy frowned as she helped carry his suitcase. "Can't you do that at home?"

"Yeah…" Wynn frowned.

Hana smiled. "I think it's very sweet."

Sora shook his head as he scratched the back of it. "Were we always like this when we were younger?"

"I don't think you were so much. You actually did some sweet things for me." Kairi turned and started to follow them. "Let's go home first. The others will be here soon so we should set up."

Later, the five of them went down to the beach. Then, Sora placed his hand to his head worried. "Awe…!"

Kairi looked over curious. It sounded as if something was wrong. "What is it?"

"There's a few other things that I needed to grab before everyone gets here." Sora placed his finger to his chin. "But I don't know if I'll be back in time…"

Kairi didn't want him to stress over their reunion with the others. "What do you need? Maybe I can go-."

Sora shook his head. He couldn't let her do that. "No. You have to stay off of your feet as much as you can. Do you know who will get here first?"

"I think… Aqua and Vanitas," she replied.

Sora smiled. "Then let's ask Vanitas. I'll write down what we need and then you can give it to him."

Kairi gave a dull stare. "Do we have to ask…him?"

Sora smiled to assure that it would be okay. "I'm sure he wouldn't say no to you. Just let him know that you can't." Kairi sighed. She didn't really want to, but she didn't have much of a choice. "Don't worry! It'll be all right. I'll be back as soon as I can." Before he walked away, he noticed Lucy and Wynn give him an anxious stare and wondered what they were thinking. "Do you guys… wanna come with me?"

They cheered and ran toward him. "Yeah!" Behind him, he could see the look of defeat and disappointment on Kairi's face as she slouched over. Nervously, he shrugged.

"I'll stay with you." When Kairi looked down, she saw Hana smiled toward her and grab her hand. It made her happy to have her stay.

Then, they watched as the others left. Afterwards, Kairi turned her attention to Hana. "I guess it's just you and me." She placed her hand on her stomach. "Your aunt and uncle should be here soon." In response, Hana nodded.

Later, Kairi and Hana headed toward the beach to wait in the spot they planned to meet the others. Eventually, they spotted three people head toward them. The smile on Hana's lips widened. "Amaya!"

Ahead, a young girl with raven hair and blue eyes lifted her head surprised. Hana waved as her other hand was wrapped into that of her mother's. Amaya grinned. "Hana!" She ran ahead and met her.

Kairi was glad to see them. "You guys made it."

Amaya went over and wrapped her small arms around her as much as she could. "Hi Aunt Kairi."

Aqua grinned. "You look well."

Vanitas arched his eyebrow. "You've sure got bigger."

Right away, Aqua frowned as she nudged Vanitas in the side with her elbow. Kairi gave him a dull stare and placed her hand on her stomach. "And you sure haven't changed one bit …"

Aqua looked at her surroundings. "Where are the others?"

"For now, it's just us," Kairi answered.

Vanitas became curious. "And where's that air head brother of mine? Isn't he already here?"

"Yeah. He ran to pick up something before everyone else got here." Kairi placed her hand on top of Hana's head, which she grinned. "At least one of my little ones was nice to stay with me." She closed her eyes as she sighed in defeat. "I guess daddy is more exciting than I am…"

Hana grabbed onto her hand as she grinned to assure her. "That's not true mommy." In response, Kairi smiled.

Aqua smiled as well. "I guess we'll wait here until they get back."

"It might be a while before he gets back. I wanted to wait here for you guys first. After that, I was going to take Hana to get some ice cream."

Vanitas arched his eyebrow. "Maybe that's why she stuck with you."

Kairi frowned and stepped in front of him. She held out a note. "I actually suggested that after they left. In the meantime, can you get this?" Vanitas took it from her hand and scanned over it. "I would get it myself, but I'm supposed to take it easy and it would be out of the way and take a lot longer for Sora to get."

"Fine fine…" He stepped closer to her. "You ever think about putting a cap on it?"

Kairi blinked, surprised and confused. "Huh?"

He pointed toward her stomach. "I would get that husband of yours neutered before you end up with ten more kids."

Kairi frowned toward him. "Just go…"

Vanitas waved his hand, dismissing her glare. "Maybe don't make it so easy for him to get access. You're allowed to say no every once in a while." Her lips parted stunned as red came to her cheeks. Kairi crossed her arms against chest as she looked toward the side and pouted. Aqua sighed. Vanitas glanced at her. "What? It's not a trip without getting under Red's skin."

After he left, Aqua smiled nervously. "Sorry about that… You know him."

Kairi looked upset. "More than I want to."

Aqua looked down at the raven-haired girl. "Amaya and I will go with you to get that ice cream."

"That sounds nice," Kairi replied, still a little upset.

Hana tugged on her arm, curious. "What did Uncle Vani mean by that?" Kairi twitched, embarrassed. She didn't realize that she heard that conversation they had between them.

Amaya tilted her head interested. "What did daddy say?"

Hana pulled Kairi along. "Uncle Vani said something about how mommy shouldn't let daddy have easy access and…" She placed her finger against her chin. "And that daddy should be…ne…ne…neutered?"

Amaya looked back toward Aqua. "But mommy I thought that meant-."

Nervous, Aqua waved her hands quickly. "Your father meant nothing by that! It was just a little joke! Let's go get ice cream!" Amaya and Hana walked ahead as Aqua walked toward Kairi. She let out an apologetic smile. "I'll make him apologize later for this."

Kairi leaned in close with a stern stare. "I'm not letting him ruin her innocence over this…" she said between them.

Later, the two sat outside of the ice cream shop. Aqua grinned toward Kairi as she placed her hand against her stomach. "It feels like you're due any day now."

"I still have another two months to go." She sighed. "I'm just ready for them to come out."

"What are you hoping for?" Aqua asked interested.

To Kairi, it didn't matter much what they had, but Hana's words still rung in her mind. "Maybe a boy to even it out."

Then, Aqua looked over toward the girls. "How is life on the island? I'm sure Hana and the others have been keeping you busy."

Kairi smiled a little. "Yeah… Everything has been good. I do miss Sora when he has to travel, but each time, we get really happy when we get to see him again." She looked out toward the island. "I do want to get back to helping again so maybe he wouldn't have to travel as much."

Aqua smiled to assure her. "I'm sure it can be hard at times, but you shouldn't worry. You are helping by taking care of Hana and the others. They count on you and I'm sure he appreciates that."

Kairi nodded as she smiled hopeful. "Maybe someday I can return back to teaching." She giggled a little. "By the time I do, I'm sure I'll end up teaching one of the kids."

Shortly after, Aqua looked up toward the sky. At times, she did miss living on the island. "It really has been a while since we've been here…"

Kairi gazed up at the sky with her. "Yeah… Not much has changed…"

On the island, Riku stood near the water as he reminisced over the times he stood on the same sand, staring at the same ocean. It had been years since he had seen his childhood home and it didn't seem like the island changed at all. It was the same place where he met his best friends, the ones he had cherished most. All of a sudden, he heard a small voice in the distant. Curious, he walked over toward the other side of the island. He could still hear the sounds as he got closer. Then, the next sight surprised him. Below him, there was a small girl who seemed curious about the water below her. For a moment, he observed her. She seemed very young and he wondered why she was alone. As the water brushed toward her feet, she ran back scared.

Before he could ask where she came from, he heard a voice nearby, "She hasn't seen water like this before."

He turned his head to the familiar voice. A woman with blonde hair that hung over her shoulder approached him with a faint smile. "Namine?"

She nodded. "Hello Riku. It's… It's been a while," she greeted uneasy.

Riku gave her a serious look. He tried to remain calm. "Why did you call me here? You wanted to talk before you saw the others, so why?"

Deep down, she was scared. Last time they spoke, they didn't end on the best of terms. It took a lot of courage for her to speak to him again. "Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure you would after what happened last time..."

"I'm surprised you even showed up. You don't usually come to family events like this."

She glanced toward the ground. "I know, but…I thought it was important to come to this one."

His face tensed. "Then what do you want with me?"

She became on edge. "I know we haven't ended on the best note."

"You think?" He frowned. "If this is some attempt you're trying to make-."

Namine shook her head. "No! No! Nothing like that…" She pressed her fist to her chest. "Please know how sorry I am! I know I kept pushing you away, but I wasn't sure what I wanted. Please…"

Riku relaxed a little. Both of them thought about the last time they saw each other three years ago…

Riku sat up from the bed of her studio apartment as he placed on his shirt. Soon, he felt the touch of her hand as she grazed his arm lightly. He smirked back at her. "You'll have to give me a second. I'm starting to get hungry." Namine sat up on her knees as she held the covers over her body. "It's going to be hard to travel from home to here all the time especially now. I don't want to see you any less than I have been."

For a while, he had visited her every couple of months in the city, but it seemed they had less time together now. "I know."

As he looked back, he smiled a little. "That's why I've been thinking… Maybe it would be a little easier on us if we…move in together." Inside, he was hopeful that she would agree. "I'm sure I could find something here to do."

Namine was surprised that he thought it through. Her eyes traveled down. It was last thing she expected to hear. "Hmm..."

He noticed her in deep thought. "What is it?"

Inside, she was worried about what she wanted to say next. "The truth is…I've been thinking for a while too. You've been getting busier and I've been getting more work as an artist. I have shows coming up and I really need to focus on that."

Riku looked back as he arched his eyebrow. "What are you saying?"

At first, she glanced at the bed. It was hard to tell him the words out loud. Then, she lifted her eyes to him as she pushed herself. "I'm saying that…I need to focus. I've been doing fine for the last few years and I really want to keep it up, so…" She pressed her fist against her chest. "…maybe we should-."

Before she could touch his shoulder, he stood up from her and frowned. "You're not doing this again!" Namine turned silent. She knew that he would be upset with her. "You did this last time a few years ago! You told me that you needed to focus and that I would be a distraction."

She shook her head. "I never said you were a distraction."

"You didn't have to." He became suspicious. "Why did you really call me back here?"

Her eyes traveled down. "I thought…I thought if you weren't seeing anyone and we were both lonely that…"

Riku breathed out. "I'm not someone you can just use!"

She became concern with what he was thinking. "I wasn't!"

"I tried to understand back then, but… I can't do this again." He turned to get his bag he brought with him. "I'm leaving."

Namine's eyes widened. "Wait!" She stood up and went in front of him as she held the blanket close to her. "I didn't want it to be like this."

He gave her a serious look. "I can't come here when it's convenient for you. I wanted something more than this. Not just seeing each other every once in a while."

Namine wrapped her arms around him. "Stay a little longer. Where else will you go?" Riku didn't respond. As she closed her eyes, she tilted her head against his chest. "Please… Don't go…" As angry as he was, he sighed as he relaxed. She had a point. He couldn't travel back until tomorrow. Frustrated, Riku sat on the bed. She didn't want him to be angry anymore nor was she was ready to lose him yet. Namine leaned in and placed kisses against his lips and neck. Her eyes lifted up to his. "I still want to be a part of your life." She leaned forward as he tilted back against the bed. He decided to indulge her one more night.

The next morning, Namine opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed was that Riku was gone. He left earlier than originally planned. Sad, she sat up on the bed. A part of her thought it was for the best so that she could focus on her life's work, but deep down, she began to regret what she did…

An awkward silent came between them until the small child beside her tugged at her dress. She gave a worried look. Namine smiled to comfort her and brushed the top of her soft hair. "It's all right. Don't worry."

Watching the two interact, he figured they were connected somehow. "Is she yours?"

As Namine smiled gently, she nodded. "Yeah."

He figured that she must've found someone else after him. "Congratulations." Then, he thought about the reason she asked him out to the island alone. "If this is your way of apologizing-."

"Yes, but there's also something else." Nervously, she fiddled with her fingers as they were near each other. "Umm…?"

Confusion became written on his face. "What is it?"

Pushing her nervousness aside, Namine turned her eyes back to him. "I wanted to talk to you because…there's something… I have to tell you." Her eyes lowered. "I ran this through my mind over and over again, but it doesn't get any better…" She shook her head. "…and there's no easy way to say this."

Riku looked serious. "Then just say it."

A concerned look came on her face. "The time that we decided to split for good-."

He frowned. "You decided that."

"I know… I'm sorry. I understand if you hate me or if you'll never forgive me, but you have a right to know." Riku tried to read her expression, but still couldn't pin what she wanted to say. "A few weeks after we split, I found out something very important, but…" Her fingers tightened together in front of her. "I wasn't sure if I should tell you and I know you have a right to know, but I didn't think you want to have anything to do with me anymo-."

His patience began to wear thin. "Just tell me. What is it?"

She turned quiet. What was the best way to say something she should have a long time ago? Then, she did the only thing that came to mind. She placed her hand on top of the small girl's head. "I… haven't introduced you yet. This is Laramie and… Laramie…she's… she's your daughter."

At that moment, his world froze. His eyes widened. As soon as the words left her lips, he couldn't believe what he heard. "What…?"

A look of regret came on her face. "I'm sorry. I should have told you. I felt it was my responsibility to-."

Riku took a good look at the young girl. He had already noticed the light silver tint in her hair and her mother's eyes. "How old is she?"

She lifted her head to him. "Two."

Then, Riku became upset "If she really is mine, then she's my responsibility too! How do I even know she's mine?!"

"I wasn't with anyone else! Just you!" Below her, Namine noticed a tight tug on her dress. There was a scared look on the young girl's face as she hid behind her leg. Riku noticed as well. Both of them decided to relax for her sake. "After you left, I just threw myself in my work like I always do, but then…" She looked toward her. "…I had her." She smiled gently. "I never imagined myself as a mom, but I ended up loving her more than anything I ever created."

He took a second before he spoke, "Even so, why didn't you tell me? I've missed a lot in her life already."

"I know. I regret not doing this sooner, but I didn't know if you would want her or if you would want to take her away from..."

Once Riku heard her fears, his anger began to ease slightly. "I wouldn't have done that."

Curious, Namine stared at him. "What would you have done?"

His eyes traveled along the ground. "I don't know…"

"I know that… there are certain that you've missed out on, but…" Gently, she smiled. "…there's still plenty of more moments to come. She is still going to need help growing up." Inside, he knew that she was right. He still had a chance. While things were quiet between them, Namine smiled and looked down at Laramie. She knew it was time for them to finally meet. "Go on. It's okay." Laramie stared at her unsure. "Don't worry. He's a really nice man."

Riku kneeled down toward her, unsure. Inside, he was nervous to interact with her himself. "Hey Laramie…"

The girl stared at him curious and concerned. Lightly, Namine pushed her forward. Soon, she approached him. "She's…really shy. She doesn't talk much, but I'm sure that'll change once she gets to know you."

"It's nice to meet you." Riku held out his hand toward her. At first, Laramie seemed unsure as she stood still. He smiled toward her. "It's okay." At that moment, he wondered what he could do so that she wouldn't be shy with him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a seashell in the sand. He held it up for her to see. "Here." Curious, she tilted her head. "It's a seashell. You can find these on the beach." He held it toward her. "You can have it." Laramie walked toward him and took it from his hand to look at. "Do you like it?" She lifted her head to him and nodded a few times. "Wanna look at the ocean?" She nodded toward him. He stood up and put her small hand in his. They headed closer toward the ocean. The water brushed against her feet. Worried, she moved closer to his leg as she looked down. "Don't worry. I know it's cold, but it won't hurt you." Curious, she lifted her head to him. "I'll be right here." She stood as she let the water brush against her feet again. This time, she felt calmer and even began to like it. Nearby, Namine smiled. It seemed like they were beginning to bond.

Kairi sat on one of the beach chairs as she watched the kids play across the way. "Hey!" She lifted her head up to see Sora walk toward her.

In response, she smiled. "Hey! Where have you been?"

He sat down beside her. "Around."

Kairi grinned. "Sounds fun." While they rested, Sora placed his hand against her stomach. Gently, she smiled. "Last one hopefully."

He let out a joking grin. "You sure? There could always be room for one more…"

Right away, she let out a deep frown toward him. "Don't even joke about that!" Afterwards, he laughed a little.

"Hey." When they looked over, they spotted Riku walk beside Namine, and Laramie. He gave them a slight wave.

When they spotted Laramie, they weren't sure who she was, but a few ideas came to mind. Curious, Sora looked up at Namine and Riku. "Who's this?"

They both looked toward Laramie before they looked at them. Namine smiled a little. "This is Laramie and… she's your niece."

Both of them became speechless. "Your…" Kairi blinked, surprised. "I didn't realize that you two had a child."

Namine gave a look of regret. "I'm sorry. It was my fault. I was the one who didn't tell anyone." She glanced toward all three of them. "I should have told all of you sooner."

They weren't sure what to think. Then, Sora smiled toward the small girl. "Hey! I'm your uncle Sora and this is Aunt Kairi," he spoke slowly. "We're your family. It's nice to meet you."

Kairi leaned toward her as she smiled gently. "You're really pretty."

Laramie looked Riku and Namine curious. Namine smiled a little. "She's very shy."

Sora grinned. "We can change that!"

Namine noticed their children playing near the ocean. "I haven't had a chance to see the girls in a while and I don't think I've met your son yet. Do you mind…if I…?"

Kairi nodded. "Go ahead! I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."

Namine grabbed onto Laramie's hand. "Come with me. We should go meet the others." The others watched as they walked away.

Riku sat on the edge of their chair as he sighed deeply. He finally had a chance to relax after spending time with them. Kairi glanced at Sora before she leaned toward Riku concerned. "I guess…congratulations are in order. How come you didn't tell us?"

"I didn't find out myself until today," Riku replied.

The news stunned them. "Really?" Sora asked. In response, Riku nodded.

Sora and Kairi glanced at each other again before they looked back at him. Kairi spoke first. "The last time we spoke, you said you weren't together."

"I know…" Afterwards, he explained what happened between the two of them three years ago to the conversation they had on the island just a short time ago.

Sora placed his hand on his shoulder to comfort him. It sounded as if it was a lot for him to take in at once. "Well…this is a good thing, right? You know now that you have a kid. Better late than never." Riku looked a little concerned.

Kairi placed her hand on his other shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be a great father. You still have a chance to be a part of her life and you don't want to let that slip by."

Riku turned toward them. "You're right. It's just…a big adjustment."

Sora grinned as he pointed toward himself. "That's why you got me! I'm an expert on this dad thing!"

Kairi arched her eyebrow as she gave a dull stare. "Since when?" Before Sora could speak, his words became caught in his throat. Then, all three of them burst out into laughter. They looked forward to see Namine bring Laramie over to Lucy, Hana, and Wynn and watched as they interacted. They were glad to see everyone get along. Kairi looked concerned toward Riku. "Do you think that you'll work things out…?"

Riku lifted his head up toward the sky. Things seemed complicated right now, but he would have to take it one step at a time. All he knew as that he wanted to be a part of Laramie's life. "I'm not sure. I think I'll have to wait and see…"

After a while, Kairi curled up against Sora as she relaxed. They watched as the children played near the ocean. She couldn't help but smile. As she leaned her head against his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his. "I'm glad that you'll be staying for a little longer. They really missed you." She lifted her head up toward him. "I really missed you too."

He mirrored her smile. "Me too."

She turned her attention back to their children. "Who knew that things would turn out like this?" She giggled as she put her finger to her lip. "I guess the legend was right."

Sora looked at her surprised. "Legend?"

"The legend of the papou fruit. No matter what, we'll remain a part of each other's life no matter what."

Sora nodded in agreement. "Yeah." Beside him, Kairi closed her eyes as she kept her smile on. Even after all this time, they were still truly happy together.

Well that's the end of this story! It was fun to write!

Side Notes: Names of the children:

'Lucy' means 'Light' Something I wanted to represent that Sora & Kairi had in common.

'Hana' in Japanese means 'Flower'. Picked in mind for Kairi's BBS appearance and for her Keyblade Destiny's Embrace.

'Wynn': Mainly, I wanted a name that sounded like an element, so it sounds like 'wind', plus Sora & Kairi's names are elements meaning 'sky' & 'sea' The actual name meaning means 'friend' which the game is about friendship.

'Amaya' in Japanese mean 'Night Rain'. Something I wanted to represent in both Aqua & Vanitas since Aqua's name means 'water' and night has to do with darkness for Vanitas.

'Laramie' can mean 'tears of love'. It's an interesting name and one I thought could represent the struggle her parents went through with their own relationship, plus the 'mie' part seemed close to the 'mine' part of Namine's name.

If you would like to read more, I've been working on a side story that I plan to release next year called "Life: It's Only Just Begun" It takes place between their last years of college up to the epilogue. If interested, look out for it! Thanks for reading!