AN: Today we complete KH2, I hope you enjoy it! Please R&R!

My old friend
Need only speak your name
To summon a smile
I knew you when we had so much more in common
It's been a while
-Five Iron Frenzy, To Start a Fire
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Pluto, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, and Kairi ended up on Destiny Islands it was with relief.

Well, sort of. Kairi turned as she looked at the four residents of Disney Town, "Sora and Riku.. they're still out there!"

Pluto shoved his head against her thigh as the other three became crestfallen. Mickey shook his head before forcefully perking up, "We'll just have ta believe they'll find their way back home!" His Heart wasn't totally in it though, if he were honest.

He'd been holding onto the hope of Terra. Aqua, and Ventus returning home for a rather long time now also.

Donald and Goofy took his words to heart though, and enthusiastically agreed. Goofy placed a hand on her shoulder, "I just know they'll make it!"

Donald looked around as he cringed, "Though I don't know how we're gonna get off these Islands. We don't have a Gummi Ship!"

Mickey thought about what to do before Kairi cut in, "Why don't you guys stay here, at least, until Riku and Sora come home? I know they'll show up here some day soon. I can feel it."

The three looked at eachother and agreed before Mickey rubbed the back of his head with an embarrassed chuckle, "Do you have somewhere in mind we can stay?"

Kairi frowned as she looked across the sea between the Mainland and the Play Island. It'd be rude to make them be totally isolated, but she wasn't sure how anyone would take their appearance.

She gasped as she looked around, "Oh my gosh, everyone must be worried! I think I've been gone for over a day, and after everything that happened last year my parents have been super worried about everything!"

She started running up the path as she glanced back, "You guys stay with me, we'll figure this out somehow!"

Donald squawked as they all began running after her, Pluto barking in excitement. Mickey laughed, "Calm down, Pluto!"

The Islanders that were out saw her and waved, initially excited to see her home after she'd been missing, only to be left completely confused by the group following behind her that simply waved like it was just a normal day.

The Moogles were weird enough, but two foot talking mice..?

Vale was just cresting the hill to return from the Guild for the day when he heard the commotion making its way through town. He paused as he turned to see just what was coming for him when he saw Kairi. What in the world..?

He blinked, taking a second to realize he recognized three of the four following after her.

Ruki stepped out of the house, confused as to why Vale wasn't coming in when she noticed the group running up the road. She gasped and waved, "Kairi!"

The red head waved, "Miss Ruki!" She was a little breathless as she slowed down to take a moment, "Mister Vale!"

Vale frowned, "The Mayor's been looking for you since you disappeared two days ago."

Kairi blinked as the Disney Town residents tried to catch their breath. Destiny Islands had way too many hills, "It's been two days…? I.. oh no. I'm sorry I made everyone worried."

Pluto popped up beside her and barked, making motions as if trying to tell his story as Kairi giggled and rubbed his head, "Pluto here showed up and stayed with me most of the time. He's been a real help in keeping me safe."

Vale nodded as Ruki stepped forward and hugged her, "Welcome home little princess, I'm so glad you're safe." Kairi relaxed into her hold. The warm embrace of her best friend's mother was just as comforting as her own.

Vale looked down to Mickey, "It's been quite a long time, your Majesty."

Mickey jumped, startled as he stared at the man in front of him confused, "You know me?"

Ruki pulled back from Kairi, leaving her hands on the girl's shoulders, "Well, I certainly remember the Magician over here. Hearing his swearing throughout the Tower was prime entertainment."

Vale shook his head as he nodded to Goofy, "You were a big help during that time, Sir Goofy."

Goofy flushed a little, startled they knew his name and blinked as he scratched his head, "Oh, I was…?" He was clearly trying to remember just when they'd met when Donald made a squawk of recognition.

"Oh! It was right when the King asked to be Master Yen Sid's apprentice! The Cleaning Incident!"

Mickey blushed as he remembered, "OH! Right I, uh…" He chuckled nervously as he rubbed his head, "Uh… why were they there…?"

Goofy chuckled as he remembered the chaos that had ensued that day and sobered, "Wasn't there a Lady we were tryin' ta help?"

Kairi looked between everyone before giving her attention to Ruki and Vale, "So you've met King Mickey, Donald, and Goofy?"

The two nodded as Ruki replied, "We didn't know each other for very long, so it's not all that surprising. Honestly the only reason I remembered was because Donald's voice is very… unique."

The duck took a step forward angrily, "Hey! Waddaya mean by that!?"

Ruki boredly stared at him before looking back to Kairi, waving a hand in Donald's direction, "Right?"

Kairi giggled, "Yup! I'm surprised at how well Sora understands him, sometimes." Donald pouted with his arms crossed and foot tapping.

Ruki and Vale blinked as if they suddenly remembered something. Ruki stepped towards Mickey in a slight panic, "Do you know where Sora is?! He's been missing for a year, just like my son!"

Mickey raised his hands, taking a step back before it suddenly struck him as to what he was recognizing in Ruki's face, "Oh gosh, are you Riku's mom?!"

She nodded, trying to keep the fear and tears from her eyes, "Yes!"

He glanced up at Vale who nodded. Mickey rubbed the back of his neck with a grimace, "Uh… well… That's not exactly something I can reliably answer right now…"

Ruki sighed as she stepped back, crossing her arms as she looked at Kairi. "So what happened to you?"

Vale glanced up the road past the group as he noticed Aeros coming at a sedate pace. He must have seen them and taken his time closing the Library to catch up. The sandy blond returned his attention to Kairi.

Kairi fumbled with her fingers before smiling nervously, "Well.. I kinda got kidnapped."

Ruki gasped as Kairi quickly cut in, "But Pluto helped me out! I almost got taken at the beach, but Pluto showed up and we ran through a Dark Portal. On the other side was Twilight Town, where I met three kids my age and we got to talking, and that's how I found out they'd met with Sora!"

Ruki's eyes widened as she glanced down at Pluto, "So you were protecting Kairi, huh?"

Pluto sat at attention, proudly puffing out his chest with his eyes closed for a moment before opening one and panting excitedly. Mickey chuckled and rubbed his head, "That's a Good Boy."

Vale crossed his arms, Aeros having finally caught up to them and simply standing within earshot so as to not disturb the current conversation.

Kairi continued, "Hayner, Pence, and Olette tried to help, but then I was taken away by Axel. Pluto ran in after us, and then while he was trying to get me to cooperate he got stabbed in the back by one of his comrades." She looked sad, "Axel was shocked and told me to run, but I wasn't able to and was placed into their dungeon. It wasn't really comfortable, but they did at least feed me."

She pondered a moment before smiling, "I did try and get out though. I failed, but I was pretty close to escaping by just imitating- Uh… well, anyway. I didn't quite manage it. It wasn't until a girl, Naminé, appeared from inside a Dark Portal and told me to trust her."

She smiled sadly, "I wasn't sure about it at first, but Pluto was quick to jump in, so I took her hand. A lot of other stuff happened, but then Riku came and helped me when I almost got captured again." She huffed before continuing, "Anyway. Shortly after that we met up with Sora, Donald, and Goofy."

Goofy bowed his head, "But then we got seperated."

Mickey looked at his friend, only to notice Aeros standing behind the others with a piercing look in his eyes and his arms crossed. He jumped in fright, "Oh!"

Goofy and Donald jumped as they saw the man, quickly summoning their weapons and flanking their King.

Aeros rolled his eyes as Vale snickered, Ruki glaring at him for not saying anything sooner while Kairi gasped.

Kairi took a step towards him, "Mister Aeros… I'm so sorry! I… I'm so sorry that I forgot who you were…" She was crestfallen.

Donald and Goofy glanced at each other before Mickey gave them a reassuring pat, "It's alright guys. I just didn't notice him standing there."

Aeros uncrossed his arms and put them into his pockets, a tired smile on his face, "Pretty much everyone forgot about Sora… I'm just glad everyone was finally able to remember my son."

The three residents of Disney Town balked, before Mickey shoved in front of Donald and Goofy, "You're Sora's father?!"

Aeros nodded as he stared down at the Mouse King, "It's been more than a decade, your Majesty."

Mickey blinked as Donald and Goofy caught on, "Oh… It was you three who were getting help from Master Yen Sid when I started my training!" He deflated a little, "I… I'm so sorry. I didn't even think to let any of you know about what had happened to Sora and Riku."

He glanced at the three parents before focusing on Riku's, "I uh… Well, Riku didn't wanna get you guys worried 'cause he was struggling with somethin' really bad, and until he could get control of it… he didn't wanna be home and worry you guys. So… he stayed away." His ears drooped, "I shoulda insisted he at least give you some sorta information… but then we got seperated."

Ruki huffed and crossed her arms, rolling her eyes as Vale nodded, "That sounds like something he'd do."

Aeros cut in, "And Sora?"

Goofy looked down at Donald in slight confusion as Mickey turned his way, "Well… Somethin' happened to Sora's Memory, and to fix it, he was put into a deep sleep along with Donald and Goofy. It… took a lot longer than we were hopin' it would to get his Memory put back together."

Aeros sighed in annoyance, but nodded, "And Riku and Sora are lost somewhere...together?"

Goofy drooped, "Seems like it."

Aeros mulled it over before looking at Vale, "Let's go inside and talk more. I'd like to hear more about everything that's happened." He glanced at Kairi, "You can let the Mayor know you're eating dinner here with us, and then we'll escort you home, alright?"

The red head nodded with an embarrassed smile, "I understand. Thank you."

Sora was tired.

And not just tired, but absolutely wiped out. He was cold and afraid, but as he continued walking and supporting Riku as he limped along beside him, he would continue onwards.

Even if they both fell into oblivion.

At least they could rely on one another until that end came.

Riku stopped, "Do you hear that?"

Sora blinked after having zoned out, simply concentrating on walking straight, "Huh?" He paused, and slowly a familiar sound reached them, "The sound of the ocean!"

Riku grabbed his shoulder and nodded, "Let's go."

Sora was about to support him again when Riku shook his head, "I'll walk."

The brunette looked his friend over suspiciously before stepping away. He started walking towards the sound of the waves, but then the sound of a body hitting the dirt alerted him. He spun, and quickly came to Riku's side as the other pulled himself up. "I don't think… I'm going to make it."

Sora huffed, "Don't say that. Wherever you go, I'll go. Got it?"

Riku looked at him in exasperation before smirking, "Have it your way." Sora immediately helped Riku to his feet, and once again began to drag him towards the shore by his belt. It was annoying for Riku, having his legs give out, but he appreciated Sora's determination to see him safe.

Finally, after several minutes of walking, they made it to the beach.

There was a low light in the sky as it illuminated the Dark Waters in front of them, surrounded by grey/black scraggly rocks and strange blue luminescence. As he and Sora sat down at the waterline, Riku couldn't help but feel like it was a little like the end of twilight.

They sat there in silence, the sound of the waves comforting them as tiredness kept them still.

Riku smirked to himself, "You know… I was always jealous of you."

Sora blinked and looked up to him confused, "Huh? Why?"

Riku continued, "I wished I could live life following my Heart, like you do."

Sora stared out towards the horizon, discomfort on his face, "Yeah well, I got my own problems."

Riku thought his words over a moment as he ran through some scenarios from when they were growing up in his mind before asking, "Like what?"

"Like… wanting to be like you."

Riku smirked, humming to himself, "Well. There is one advantage to being me… having you as a friend."

Sora looked at him surprised before smiling as he turned back towards the horizon, "Then I guess I'm happy the way I am, since that means I have something you could never imitate too." He grinned to himself as he thought of how this conversation had gone.

They sat there, listening to the comfort of the waves for what seemed like minutes, but it could have also been several days.

Time didn't really exist, and the low ball of light in the sky never shifted. It neither ascended or descended.

They could both easily stay and fade away into the Dark.

Riku felt something touch him from the water, startling him as he looked down at the offending object.

It was a corked glass bottle. He looked at it in confusion as he popped it open, and emptied the letter into his hand. He read it and smiled to himself, immediately understanding just who the letter was written for and by whom. He turned and waved the letter to his companion, "Hey Sora?"

Sora sleepily responded and looked at him, catching sight of the letter. "I think it's for you." Sora took it silently as he began to read.

Something bright began to fill his Heart with every word and line, and as he read its Sender's name, his Heart reached out and a Light began to illuminate the Dark Shores they camped on.

Riku stared at the growing spectacle in front of them, "Light."

Sora gasped, "The Door to Light..!" He quickly stood, reaching out to Riku, "We'll go, together!"

Riku reached up, "Yeah." He was back on his feet and together, he and Sora walked into the Light.

Aeros stared at the Play Island from his vantage point on the Islands. It had been thirteen days since Kairi had returned home, and Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto had appeared with her.

He opened his house to the Disney denizens, their only repayment for the hospitality was to simply clean and air out the house and to absolutely not get into the storage closet under the stairs.

Everywhere else was pretty much fair game.

He immediately set to restock the house of various food items for his guests as they began their work, Pluto being dropped off at Ruki and Vale's when he became more of a hindrance than a help.

After that, he simply continued as always and at dawn and sunset, Aeros would come to the spot he currently stood that looked over the entire Mainland and watch towards the horizon.

Waiting.

Sleeping Lion comforted him wordlessly from his Heart, yet he understood it all the same.

Soon.

He took in a deep cleansing breath as the sun began setting, and went to tell the others.

They shall return home today.

He gathered Kairi, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy and led them to the pier. He took Donald and Goofy, his son's protectors in one raft, and Kairi took Mickey in the other as she towed Riku's empty raft behind her.

They reached the Play Island in record time, Mickey and the others jumping out of the boat as Aeros kept it from capsizing on him in exasperation. He secured his raft before looking at Kairi, motioning her to go ahead as he took the third rope to begin anchoring Riku's.

Two bright blue comets appeared in the sky, and he paused from his work to see just as they crashed into the water. He winced at the sound of them flying in the air and the subsequent impact.

Sora's head popped out of the water first, shortly followed by Riku. They glanced around somewhat dazed as Kairi yelled out to her friends.

This caught the two boys' attention as she flagged them down. Sora laughed as he immediately began swimming, Riku lagging behind him to meet up with her. Sora immediately started running the second he was able in excitement, Riku sedately following behind him as he was still nursing his injury.

Kairi smiled warmly at her two boys as they got closer, only becoming shocked as Donald, Goofy, and Mickey ran past her. Sora barely had a second to brace himself while laughing as Goofy and Donald tackled him, nuzzling him at finally getting him home.

Mickey continued onward jumping as Riku caught him in a spin before he carefully set him down. They all looked to one another before turning their gaze to Kairi, who had sedately walked up to Sora, stuck sitting in the water.

She giggled as Sora dug out her Lucky Charm she'd given him that had sealed their promise and held it up for her to see.

Tears filled his eyes, as he felt Roxas and Naminé greet each other from their Hearts. He hastily wiped his eye and smiled toothily at her, "We… We're back!"

Kairi warmly extended her hand nodding as she held back tears, "You're home!"

Sora felt relief as he grabbed her hand, the Charm secured between them as she helped him to his feet. Steadying him as he got imbalanced.

Riku walked up beside them, and the two immediately each took one of his hands grinning. Kairi turned slightly, "That includes you too, Riku."

The silver haired teen smiled, a little chastised for removing himself from the picture and nodded, squeezing both of their hands, "Yeah… I'm home. Thanks."

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy chuckled, wiping their eyes of their tears of joy at finally seeing the two home.

Sora glanced to the side as he and the others stepped onto the shore, noticing his father sitting cross legged on the pier, his head resting in his propped up hand in a relaxed but melancholic manner.

The sad smile on his father's face caused his Heart to ache, as the weight of missing his home, his family hit him at once. Sora felt tears build up again as he gasped and immediately began running towards him.

Aeros sighed in relief as he got himself up and hopped off the pier, taking a few steps forward just as Sora plowed right into him. He took the force of his son's impact and chuckled softly, hugging him close, "You've grown."

Sora laughed wetly, "Yeah, I guess so."

Aeros squeezed him tightly, "Thank you for coming home."

Sora nodded, his words caught in his throat as he soaked in his father's embrace, realizing in the back of his mind just how badly it must have hurt Aeros for him to simply disappear like that.

"Thank you… for being here when I came back."

Their journey was complete.