Good morning! I messed up and my author's note disappeared, it seems, oops! Anyway, enjoy this story of a dead man and happy people!
Although the city mourned her King, it was still a day of celebration in Radiant Garden. King Ansem had been a wise man, and a fair ruler, and while his passing had been accompanied with great sadness, he was an old man who had ruled for countless years, and he should be remembered as a good man.
He left no biological heir behind. Science had always been his only love, and if he brought prosperity to Radiant Garden, he never took the time to have a family of his own. My people are my family, he often would say. But that did not mean he had been unprepared, either. For years, he trained the one who would succeed him, the one who would rule in his stead, the one he thought was most able to sit on his throne. And while all loved King Ansem, the Coronation was an event all had been excited about.
The hall was full of people. Citizens, mostly, but a few otherworldly guests were also among the faces. The music started. It was time. Kairi took a couple of steps in, hesitant. She had been practicing the ceremony a lot, but the real thing was a lot more intimidating. It reminded her of her wedding, with everyone looking at her. But there was no going back. Ansem had taught her everything he knew, because he believed she was the right one. He trusted she was the best option for Radiant Garden. She would not let him down. Sora was there, grinning at her as if he was still a kid, and it took her all the self control in the world not to make a face back at him. Dignity,she thought. Like Aqua taught you. The Keyblade Master was there too, of course, with the rest of her family. Everyone was there. It's just like your wedding, Kairi. Except this time it is your country you are getting united with. No pressure.
She had to stifle a laugh. Now was not the time for inner jokes. She focused on her steps instead. One foot, then the other. No foot on top of the other one. Lifting them so that she would not trip. Not lifting them high enough to look stupid. No more focusing on her feet.
Someone on her left smelled strongly of tobacco and she looked sideways, glimpsing Cid who nodded at her. Next to him, Aerith, as always beautiful with her crown of fresh flowers, curtsied with a happy smile. Kairi softly nodded back. There was nothing to be afraid of. The room was full of people she fully trusted.
There was a whole row dedicated to all the scientists. Old ones, young ones, most of them looking extremely bored - Even was making it rather clear that he'd rather be searching anything rather than attending a stupid coronation. Ienzo was probably the saddest face in the room. He was dearly attached to the King and regarded him as a father ; no doubt it hurt to see someone take his place.
Riku's eyes, too, were glimmering with tears, but she knew these weren't sad tears. He looked so proud of her. And she, too, was incredibly proud of him, the Captain of the Guard, Master of Keyblade Apprentices. She hoped her schedule would let her spar with him from time to time. He was one of the best sparring partners she ever had. Speaking of sparring partners - her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for a face she couldn't spot. She felt a tinge of disappointment that she couldn't let through. It would be unfit for a Queen. With a small sigh, she glanced one last time to her right, and she finally saw him.
Axel was waving at her from behind the window. Isa was next to him, holding out a sign pointing to his best friend. "Stupid here overslept. Sorry." Once again, she had to swallow back that giggle. Oversleeping on an important day sounded very much like Axel. Even Xion and Roxas, sitting inside the room, looked apologetic. She winked at them.
The end of the aisle, finally. Had it always been that long? The walk had felt like an eternity. Surely she was a couple of years older already. The Crown Intendant was waiting, a man so old it looked like he crowned every sovereign that ever ruled Radiant Garden. All the joy Kairi had felt was gone. All the pressure, too. She was filled only with calm, repeating all that she had learnt on rehearsal. Making an oath to protect her country, and her people. Promising she would listen and help all those in need. Swearing Radiant Garden would, and should, always come first. With a peaceful smile, she nodded and sat on the throne. Her throne. The intendant put the heavy crown on her head, and she embraced everyone with her eyes.
The crowd cheered. A new Queen had been chosen.
Long Live Queen Kairi, they chanted, and they would keep chanting for many more years.
Kairi has long been queen of my heart (there are quite a lot of thrones there so there are just as many queens), and I'm sure she would make a magnificent queen. Meanwhile, Lea will always be... Lea.
Tomorrow, we'll be dwelving into "Memory" - but whose?