Memories of You

by Painted With a Palette

She was ridden with severe anxiety after a traumatic experience in her youth. He felt pressured to become a Keyblade wielder in the aftermath of his father's death. At times, they felt alone. But they found each other.

21. Memories of Benevolence

Roxas,

It's been a while since I last checked up on you. I hope everything has been well on your end.

My days pretty much consist of me going to work and coming home. The highlight for me is always being able to rip off my clothes, open up my tablet to draw (only to procrastinate for hours), and relax my stress away. It's even better when Xion makes me a cup of hot chocolate. She makes the best hot chocolate.

You're probably wondering how Xion's been doing. She's been great! Her schedule is a lot more hectic than mine, so she's not always around, but she appreciates her peace and quiet just as much as I do.

It tickles me sometimes when I think back to when Xion and I first started getting to know each other. The dinner hosted in your father's honor was the first time I'd seen Xion since the party Kairi dragged me to. I'm not sure what it was, but I always trusted Xion. With the others, there was more uncertainty. Thankfully, I was eventually able to trust everyone else as well, but I guess I could always sense Xion's kindness. I mean, the first time we met, she saved me from another uncomfortable situation my sister wanted to drag me into. Even though we had never seen each other a day before, she read me well enough to realize it must've been something I wasn't exactly gung-ho about—something Kairi either didn't know or care to know at the time.

What's funny is that I don't think Xion liked me very much, ironically enough. I felt it the first few times we hung out together, and while she was never explicitly mean, I could feel this... negative energy radiating from her. People have auras, no matter how loud or quiet. And it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the cause of it was.

That cause being you—you clueless goofball.

I wasn't sure how to feel. I was just beginning to come to grips with the idea that I might have feelings for you, but judging by how Xion interacted with you, even if you were oblivious, I knew she felt something for you, too. But she was your childhood best friend. You were the type of friends who knew everything about each other—every little embarrassing secret, every crazy dream, every lofty wish. I'm ashamed to admit I was a bit jealous. I wanted that level of closeness with you and I felt like I couldn't compete with ten years of history. Which I know sounds silly in retrospect, but I really felt that way. And I guess deep down, I kind of resented Xion, too.

And now, she's my best friend.

Outside of you, of course, since you're literally the love of my life. Xion really is my best friend. But honestly? When I look back, it seems like the most natural conclusion. It just makes sense. I know you've told me you always thought she and I would get along, but at the time, there was a lot of doubt. And I still remember the day when I felt like our friendship truly began.

I should put more energy into letting Xion know how much I care about her. It's easy to get comfortable in long term friendships and relationships—you're around the person so often that you can sometimes unintentionally take that person for granted. We forget that the people in our lives won't always be there and there will be a point where we'll have to part ways. You taught me not to take anyone I love for granted and I want to start making more of an effort to let my friends and family know I love them everyday. Xion deserves it. A friend isn't just someone you can share a laugh with and go frolicking in the fields with on a lovely Sunday afternoon. A friend is someone who deeply cares about you and will always be by your side even when you're at your worst and have nowhere else to turn to. To open their arms during your darkest hours. Xion has been that for me and I'll always be grateful to her for it. No matter what, I'll always have her back when she needs it most.

You've always got me.

Right, Xion?

---

Indeed, Xion thought Naminé was a crafty opponent whether she realized it or not.

During her outing with Roxas and Naminé, it proved to be a game of chess with Naminé and Xion taking turns snatching the lead for themselves. At times, Naminé had the upper hand with Roxas giving her his attention, telling her his usual brand of charismatically corny jokes. At times, it was Xion with the upper hand with the way they traded flirtatious banter as she edged very close along the borders of the friendzone barrier she'd been a prisoner of for years.

While Xion would've liked to claim she failed to see what that bonehead Roxas saw in her, she admitted that she'd be lying to herself. Was it her glassy, blue eyes that always seemed to shimmer of purity, shyness, and playfulness all at once? The elegance she carried almost unknowingly? The way her hair cascaded over her left shoulder? Or maybe he just had a thing for blondes? Maybe it was all of the above. Either way, Naminé proved to be a formidable opponent and, if nothing else, Xion had to commend her for that.

As it stood now, after a day with no shortage of junk food during their escapade at the movie theater, the trio sat around a circular table at Xion and Roxas's favorite ice cream parlor underneath an umbrella shielding them from the sun. Xion had her back pressed against her chair, her hands clasped around the base of her neck and her legs crossed as Naminé giggled at whatever cheesy joke Roxas had to offer. Safe to say, Naminé was currently in the lead and Xion was far from happy about it. Especially considering that Naminé had maintained her lead for a whopping forty-five minutes at this point since the movie ended.

"You're kiddin' me," Roxas said after the bomb Naminé just dropped on him.

Naminé shrugged. "It's true."

"But that's unacceptable," Roxas continued. "You can't just... not have ever had a taste of sea-salt ice cream. Pretty sure it's one of the ten commandments. Thou shall savor the salty yet sugary tang of sea-salt."

"Salty and sweet?" Naminé asked rhetorically. "I dunno. It doesn't sound like a good time to me. I think I'll just stick to my usual mint chocolate chip." She emphasized her point by picking up her spoon and scooping up a big, yummy bite of her flavor of choice.

A smirk tugged at Roxas's lip before he pointed his half-eaten bar of sea-salt ice cream at her. "And there's your problem."

Naminé lowered her glasses, looking both confused and offended. "Excuse me?"

"You never want to take chances and try new things. You're too wrapped up in your own comfort zone."

"Well, I'm hanging out with you. I'd say that's fairly well out of my comfort zone." When Roxas's jaw dropped at her jab, Naminé let out a fit of soft giggles. "I'm kidding!"

"Okay, that's it." With a devious smile, Roxas scooched closer to Naminé and practically shoved his ice cream in her face. "After that comment, you're not getting out of this one."

"Roxas, stop!" Naminé said through laughter as she shielded her body away from him.

"Just one bite!"

"Eww, no! You bit off of it."

"C'mon, it's like drinking out the same bottle. One indirect kiss can't kill you."

When Naminé blushed at the word "kiss," Xion had about enough of it. She slammed her hands on the table and shot to her feet, effectively catching their attention. Her bangs and her baseball cap covered the fierce but defeated look in her eyes as she curled her fingers into balls of fists.

And then, when she lifted her head, there was nothing but a bright smile. "I'm gonna head to the restroom," Xion sputtered through gritted teeth. As she stormed off, she concluded that she'd stomached enough of their on-and-off flirting for one day and hatched an escape plan.

But before she could reach the bathroom, she heard his voice.

"Xion!"

Oh, brother.

With a sigh, she lazily swung her body around to face him. "Sorry, did you need to powder your nose, too?"

The look in his eyes told her the last thing he was in was a joking mood.

Xion averted her eyes, answering his unvocalized question. "Oh, come on. What, are you the bathroom police now or something?"

He raised an eyebrow. "You know, you've been acting a little weird these past few weeks. I think I know why, too."

Xion froze. "Y... You do?"

Roxas shook his head as he crossed his arms. "C'mon, Xion. I've known you for over a decade. It's obvious."

Suddenly, Xion felt small. What was he trying to prove by bringing Naminé along just to blatantly flirt with her right in front of Xion? Maybe he had an inkling and wanted to see if his theory proved true? And Xion storming off must've given him all the evidence he needed.

"S-So, now you know, huh," Xion said with a humorless chuckle. "Well, um—"

"I know you've been stressed out about the college tuition your dad's been hounding you about and you've been trying to land a job," Roxas concluded. "But I invited you out because I want you to take your mind away from that kind of stuff. I know I've been a bit... distracted these days. But you deserve to have someone to talk to."

Xion looked at him as if he'd grown ten heads like a hydra, leaving Roxas more confused than ever.

"Food on my face?" Roxas asked, touching his jaw.

After another moment of silence, Xion rolled her eyes and groaned. Why did she have to like a doofus like him? "Wow. You really are an idiot."

"What?"

"Oh, it's obvious, is it? Yeah, that's totally what I'm upset about, Roxas. Congratulations, Sherlock. You've cracked the code."

As Xion turned on her heel to leave, Roxas grabbed her by the forearm.

"Hey, hold on," Roxas said with genuine concern. "If that's not it, then... at least tell me."

Xion gave him a half-lidded, dull expression. "You wanna know what my problem is? Then may I direct your attention to exhibit A?" While Naminé wasn't looking, Xion used her hands to present the blonde in the short distance as if she were an attraction in a museum.

"Naminé?"

"You say you invited me out to help take my mind off school. Then tell me, why is she here, too?"

"Because she's my friend?" Roxas said as if it were clear. "And I was hoping that if you got to know her a little better, maybe she could be yours, too."

Xion was about to open her mouth, but she thought better of it before she said something she didn't mean in regards to Naminé. She looked over to find Naminé quietly keeping to herself as she ate her ice cream. Xion truly didn't have any personal problem with Naminé, but...

"Look, I'm sure Naminé is great and all. But... ice cream at Den Den's has always been our thing. Our thing," she emphasized. "We barely even let Lea tag along. A few weeks ago, you ditched me to go color with Naminé and now you bring her here, too?" When Roxas opened his mouth, Xion was quick to interrupt him. "And no, I'm not jealous! It's just... weird, okay? You can't throw someone else into the routine and expect me to adjust right away."

Roxas sighed. "Well, call it what you want, but I think you should give her a chance. My gut tells me you'd really like her if you did."

Xion scoffed. "Your gut, huh?"

Roxas smiled with conviction. "It's never wrong."

Xion rolled her eyes. "Sure. I'll be back."

With that, Xion left for the bathroom inside the parlor. Roxas shook his head, but he didn't take Xion's words too seriously.

After all, he had a plan.

When Roxas returned to their table, Naminé gave him a curious look. "Is she okay?"

"Oh, yeah. She's fine," Roxas answered as he sat down. "You mind if I ask you something?"

"Um... yes? But you'll ask anyway, so by all means."

"Very funny," Roxas jeered. "What do you think about Xion?"

Naminé was taken aback by the question. "Well, uh..."

It was a good, albeit, random question. Yet it was far from irrelevant. What did she think of Xion? She had nothing against her personally and sometimes she wished she knew what to say to her since she seemed like a fun person. But other times, when she saw her with Roxas...

Naminé shook the thoughts away and gave Roxas her attention. "She seems nice."

"Is that all?"

Naminé fiddled with her hands in her lap. "I guess it's just... sometimes I get the feeling she doesn't like me all that much. Every once in a while I catch her looking at me... and her face... it isn't super happy or angry. It's just... nothing. Almost completely blank. But deep down, I know... she'd rather I weren't around."

And in some ways, Naminé felt the same way about her. Though, she wouldn't admit that out loud.

Roxas, on the other hand, was surprised. Naminé picked up on Xion's resentment. Was he really the only one oblivious to the tension between them? Still, he knew Xion. He liked to think that by this point, he knew Naminé as well. The two of them had more in common than they thought. And stubborn as he was, he was going to prove it. Even if they ended up hating him for it.

"I mean, you two have been friends since forever," Naminé continued. "And here I am barging in on the cycle. It makes sense. I'd probably feel a similar way if I were in her shoes, too."

"That's not true," Roxas denied. "You'll see."

Before Naminé could ask what made him so sure, Xion returned from the bathroom and plopped back down in her seat, crossing both her legs and arms—effectively cutting their conversation mute in an instant. She decided she'd stick through this, if only for Roxas, but she remained far from happy about it.

"I think that's enough outside for one day," Roxas said. "How about we all head back to someone's spot and chill for a bit?"

"Sounds good to me," Naminé said. "I think I've had more than enough sun."

Xion shrugged with indifference.

"Awesome," Roxas said with a cheeky grin. "Xion, you mind if we freeload at your place?"

"Why mine?" Xion pressed.

"Because my mom is in the middle of handling some business at my place. And we sure as hell can't go to Nam's spot. You've met her dad—not a good idea. Your mom is the only one who'd be cool with it right now."

"But—"

"Besides," Roxas interrupted, "you owe me for all the times you and Axel have barged in freeloading at my place. It's about time the tables get turned, wouldn't you say?"

Xion didn't have anything to counter those points. So, not only did she have to spend the day with Naminé, but now she had to invite her to her home? Roxas was really pushing his luck, and she knew he knew it. She cursed herself for being such a simp and let out a sigh.

"Fine."

---

Sora took in a deep breath and let out a slow, steady exhale.

In order to avoid a confrontation with Kairi's father, she told him to wait down the street for her after she made up whatever excuse to get away without suspicion. After all, Kairi wasn't allowed to date, and surely her father would have a stroke if he found out she'd already been on two behind his back. Sora chuckled to himself—just what was he getting into with this girl? He might've been asking for trouble, but he couldn't will himself to care.

He sat on a bench at the end of the street, waiting for Kairi to arrive with his hands tied behind his head as he leaned back and soaked in the sun. Too many thoughts were running rampant in his head. Like why did Kairi ask him to hang out in the first place? Was this truly a date or simply a friendly, platonic outing and nothing more? Should he have thought to bring her flowers or some other kind of gift? Even if he had, he wouldn't have been able to decide. And just what were they going to do today? They never agreed on any activity in particular. Despite the butterflies in his stomach, he couldn't escape the bittersweet tang nuzzled in the corner of his mind.

The feeling that this was his last chance to enjoy whatever time he had left of his summer vacation.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes. To be spending one of his final days on the island with the girl of his dreams only to be torn apart by his personal responsibilities felt cruel in the most poetic sense. While entertaining the thoughts of where the supposed "date" might lead gave him a sensation of excitement and anxiety with a dab of dread on the side, it was never too long before his mind rewound to the conversation he'd had with Aqua and the others just the day before. And once again, that anchor of melancholy would drop to the pit of his stomach, squashing those butterflies with relentless disdain.

"Well, we've been talking, and... how do I put this... it was mostly Master Xehanort's idea, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it, but..."

Ira placed a hand on Aqua's shoulder and nodded to her, understanding how uncomfortable she was with breaking the bad news to Sora. News she herself wasn't in full agreement with in the first place.

In her stead, Ira spoke. "We think it's time you publicly announce yourself as our current chosen wielder of the Keyblade."

"Comfy?"

Kairi's voice cut through his recollection, jolting him out of his memory. When he came to, he found Kairi sitting next to him, leaning the side of her cheek against her fist as her elbow rested on the head of the bench—a sly smile gracing her tempting lips. She sported her usual outfit while a tote bag hung from her left shoulder.

"Geez, Sora," she began. "The day hasn't even started and you're falling asleep on me already, huh?"

Sora returned a smile and shook his head. "Hey, I could never. Uh, were you able to get away from your dad?"

She waved it off. "Aww, don't worry about that old fart. As far as he knows, I'm helping Amaya babysit Haru at the park. And since I'm currently with your responsible and studious cousin and totally not this adorkably cute boy I know instead, I'm allowed to be home by ten instead of eight. Soooo, the night is ours for the taking, lad!"

"That's great!" Sora paused and his look of confusion turned into a frown. "Wait, who the heck is that guy you mentioned?"

Kairi raised her eyebrows before snickering in pure delight. Did he not even realize she was flirting with him? She could tell this was going to be fun. "Sora, you're adorable."

"Huh?" Sora thought it over more, and when the realization hit him, he blushed madly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ohhhh, I get it."

Kairi couldn't stop smiling. She'd met a lot of guys in her time and most of them were more or less the same. Sora was different. There was something so refreshing about that naïveté of his that screamed inexperience. She couldn't really pinpoint it, but even without her intrigue, there was something that drew her to him—as if this were someone she'd been destined to meet for a long time.

Still, Kairi couldn't lose sight of her original intent. Curiosity had gotten the best of her when she decided to ask him out. Beyond her admiration for his optimism and spunk that seemed to always brighten up her day, he was still such a mystery begging Kairi to unravel. With all of the evidence she had gathered and put together, she had a hunch what was going on with him.

But was it really true? Sure, those moments rang strange to her, but he otherwise seemed like a harmless, ordinary soul. Not to mention, he was so young—only a few short months older than herself. Maybe she was being a tad presumptuous. Either way, she wanted to hear it from him herself.

But that didn't mean they couldn't have a little fun first.

"Okay! Let's get this show on the road then, shall we?" Kairi said as she stood from the bench. Sora followed her lead and stretched his limbs. "We're gonna have a blast, you and me."

"What'd you have in mind?" Sora asked. "Honestly, I'm uh... I'm kinda new to this... hanging out thing..."

"Hee hee! Oh, don't you worry about that," she insisted. "I've got the whole day planned out."

Sora tilted his head slightly. "You do?"

"Mm hmm!" Kairi dug into her tote bag. "I was gonna ask if you had a pair, but I wanted to surprise you, so I decided to buy you some at the mall instead. Hope you don't mind, but I thought these would look good on you."

Before Sora could question her, she revealed a fresh pair of black trunks with red lines striking down the sides.

Kairi beamed at him. "Ready to take a dip, Romeo?"

---

Xion knew Roxas like the back of her hand.

She knew his likes and his dislikes. On most occasions, she knew what he was thinking. She knew what would make him laugh. She knew how to push his buttons. She knew when he was sad. She knew when he was happy. She knew when he was scheming. And as she finished pouring two cups of hot chocolate for herself and Naminé, Roxas insisted he didn't need anything. She could most certainly tell he had something up his sleeve.

The idea of him suggesting they spend time at her place on a whim struck her as odd. She wasn't sure if he had some sort of silly prank in store or if there was something he knew that he wasn't telling them, but she made sure to keep an eye on him to ensure he didn't do anything too stupid.

She returned to the living room where her guests were waiting with their beverages in hand. Naminé and Roxas sat across from each other on opposing sofas separated by the coffee table in the center. Thankfully, they had the place to themselves for the day, so she didn't have to worry about anybody, namely Vanitas, interrupting them.

Xion set Naminé's mug on the table for her before claiming a spot next to Roxas.

"Thank you," Naminé said as she got a whiff of her hot chocolate. "This smells delightful."

"I take pride in my hot chocolate, not gonna lie," Xion said before giving the boy next to her a pointed stare. "Are you sure you don't want some?"

"Don't worry about it," Roxas assured.

"But you never say no to a cup of my hot chocolate."

"Well, normally I would, but there's, uh... hmm," Roxas trailed off.

Xion narrowed her eyes into slits and got a bit closer to his face, making him chuckle nervously. "What are you up to?"

"Not a thing!" Xion wasn't buying it and he knew she wasn't. He carried on regardless and looked at the bespectacled blonde across the table. "How's it taste, Nam?"

Naminé finished her first sip and felt warmth course through her body. "Wow. It really is lovely."

"Isn't it?" Roxas said. "You should have it with some of her s'mores next time. She makes the best hot chocolate s'mores cake I've ever had."

That was music to Naminé's ears. She always had quite a sweet tooth. "Ooh, that sounds pretty yummy. I didn't know you could bake, Xion."

"She can cook, too! The whole shebang," Roxas added. "Honestly, you and I could probably learn a thing or two from her. Right, Xi?"

Xion kept a suspicious eye on Roxas before turning her attention to Naminé. "Yeah, well... I don't really like to brag or anything, but people tend to like my cooking. My mom and I take turns on which one of us makes dinner. When I'm not being a doofus and burning pizzas, I think I can hold my own."

"If you think her hot chocolate is good, you should try her beef bowl," Roxas said. "It's like a piece of heaven melts in your mouth."

"I haven't had a beef bowl in forever," Naminé said somewhat wistfully. "I'd love to try it sometime and see what kind of recipe you have for it."

Xion gave a slight smile. "Well, believe it or not, I get a lot of my ideas from this website, Remitips dot com."

"Oh, I've heard of him!" Naminé said. "He's that mystery chef from the Bistro that recently opened in Twilight Town, right?"

"The very same," Xion concurred. "Have you ever had the food there?"

"Oh, no," Naminé said, waving a hand. "I've never visited Twilight Town myself."

"Girl, it is to die for. They have this thing called the Sea Bass Poêlé and..."

Before long, the two girls entered small talk about recipes for different types of foods and cuisines. Roxas smiled as the interaction progressed, watching his favorite girls converse so casually. They even giggled at the other's quips a few times. Pleased with his work, Roxas concluded that his plan came to fruition and without warning, he stood from his seat and stretched.

"Welp, guess I better hit the dusty ol' trail," he announced.

Xion and Naminé snapped their heads at him in an instant. "What?" they echoed.

"I gotta jet," Roxas said with a grin. "I'll be sure to text both of you later."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up," Xion said. "You're seriously leaving?"

"Yep," Roxas said. "Forgot to mention that my mom's got some important meeting with folks from Shinra today and she wants me there in about fifteen."

Xion folded her arms. "You never mentioned you had to be there. That seems like one hell of a thing to forget."

"Slipped my mind, I guess." He scratched the back of his head. "It didn't cross my mind until Mom texted me about it a minute ago."

"Like I buy that." Xion rolled her eyes. "Let me see," she said as she stood up. When she reached for his phone, Roxas managed to dodge all of her attempts and backed away to the front door.

"Sorry! No time for that," he said cheekily. "But hey, that doesn't mean the party has to stop on my behalf. Have some fun in my honor, okay?"

"Roxas!" Xion shouted as he slammed the door shut.

After that, it was silent. Deafening. Xion stood there, watching the door as if it had personally offended her before letting out an inevitable exhale.

"That idiot," she muttered under her breath.

Was his plan simply to ditch them? Was it supposed to be some sort of prank to make them both uncomfortable? Xion and Naminé weren't exactly jumping to spend any one-on-one time with each other and she thought Roxas might've been smart enough to at least know that. At the same time, Roxas never intentionally did anything he thought would make someone uncomfortable. So, what was he expecting to gain from this?

When Xion faced Naminé, she seemed paralyzed. Roxas ditched them. No, he ditched her. And now, she wasn't sure what to do. Roxas was the glue to their dynamic. Without him, harsh as it may have sounded, Naminé and Xion would never care to share the same space. Yet there they were, just the two of them in a room where tension dripped from the walls like streams of fresh paint.

Inevitably, Xion was the first to attempt breaking the painfully awkward silence. "Geez, that guy. What a moron, huh?" Xion put on an uneasy smile as she shrugged.

Naminé held onto her arm, unable to maintain any sort of eye contact with Xion. "Y... Y-Yeah."

Back to square one.

Xion sat back down and took a sip of her hot chocolate to escape the pressure of having to fill in the silence once more. Now what was she supposed to do? Tell the poor thing to screw off and find something better to do? Rival or not, Xion didn't have the heart to be that cruel. Not even to the primary threat to her pursuit of the boy she'd been crushing on since middle school. The very least she could do was be polite and deal with it.

All the momentum of their prior conversation evaporated into dust. As the silence continued to dominate the shared space, Xion inwardly admitted perhaps her prior theory about Naminé putting on the shy act was wrong. Not that she truly believed it—she knew she was just being bitter. She could feel every crevice of Naminé's anxiety and it was making Xion a little nervous herself. She figured she would have to take the lead, but where was she supposed to start?

"S-S-S-So, um..." Naminé began.

Xion's eyes widened.

"I... um..." Naminé trailed off, pursing her lips into a tight line as she pressed her forehead down in deep thought to find a proper sentence. "Oh! H-How, um... long have y-y-you lived here?"

After a slight pause, Xion answered. "Pretty much my entire life. We used to live in a house way back when, but I'm pretty sure I was still in pampers at the time. I only vaguely remember it, but to me, this has always been home."

"O-Oh, I see." Another pause. "That's... nice."

Xion studied Naminé's quivering lips. It was clear she wasn't used to this, but she wasn't giving up. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she had to respect that. The poor thing was trying her best.

Xion's mind hit a dead end on where to go next. She thought to ask Naminé how she liked living on the islands, but before she could vocalize her question, they were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening and clicking shut. When the girls turned to see who interrupted them, it was none other than Vanitas with a one-strap bag slung across his left shoulder.

"Oh, great," Xion muttered, though in a strange twist she was almost glad to see him. "Where the heck have you been?"

Vanitas, looking irritated as always, used his pinky finger to dig in his ear as he sauntered into the room. He'd normally brush her off, but figured he would indulge her this one time. "I was at the mall with some buddies. Managed to snag this really hot chick's number."

Xion rolled her eyes. "Guess I shouldn't have expected you to actually be productive. Like filling out job applications."

"As if you're one to talk." Vanitas raised an eyebrow when he realized Xion had a guest. His piercing gold eyes sent a shiver down Naminé's spine.

Naminé gave a weak wave. "H... H-H'lo."

"'Sup," Vanitas greeted. "Oh, I remember you. You're Roxas's girl, yeah?"

Xion gritted her teeth at the sound of that. Thankfully, Naminé's next words soothed her frustration.

"O-Oh, no," she said, waving him off. "I-I'm, uh... I'm not his girlfriend."

"Good. You could do better than that loser," Vanitas said as he plopped down on the sofa next to Naminé and snatched the remote from the table. Naminé didn't appreciate his comment, but her anxiety demanded she hold her tongue.

"Like who? You?" Xion said in a smug tone.

"Nah," Vanitas said, a cocky grin leering on his face. "Pretty sure I'd make her life a living hell in the most heavenly sorta way. Besides, uptight blondes aren't really my thing."

"Uptight?" Naminé mumbled with a frown. She may not have been the life of the party, but she wasn't opposed to having fun.

"Could you maybe not talk about her like she isn't right next to you, dickhead?" Xion snapped.

Vanitas ignored her and switched on the TV, cranking the volume up as loud as he could.

"Um, excuse me?" Xion said, waving a hand in front of his dead eyes. "Can't you see we were in the middle of something?"

"And? I wanna watch TV."

"You could always do that in your room, you know?"

"I like the surround sound. Who says you get to hog the living room just because you got company?"

Xion sighed, though she did concede he had a fair point. Now that it wasn't just the two of them, she didn't have free reign over the apartment anymore. Normally, Xion would fight her annoying big brother about being there first, but out of courtesy to not make Naminé uncomfortable, she decided to take the more mature route instead.

"Come on, Nam," Xion said as she rose to her feet. "Let's just head to my room. I feel like I'm being suffocated here."

After narrowing her eyes at the incredibly rude Vanitas, Naminé nodded to Xion and stood, grabbing her hot chocolate as she followed the raven-haired girl into her room. Once they were gone, Vanitas grinned.

"Works every time."

Not many words were exchanged in the lead up to Xion's room. However, upon entering, Naminé's lips parted in wonder.

She wasn't sure what to expect with what Xion's room would look like, yet it still managed to derail whatever expectations there would've been. A big white curtain flowed elegantly against the light breeze. Her bed was covered in purple sheets embezzled with blue and white hearts—a tad girlier than what she would've imagined. There was a board with pictures pinned to it—one of Xion and Kairi, Xion and Amaya, and Xion with Roxas and Axel. There was even a photo of Sora and Vanitas, giving Naminé the impression that even though she and Vanitas seemed to butt heads, she still cared for her brother deep down.

What really caught Naminé's eye, however, was the shelf on the other end of the room. It was full of seashells, handmade necklaces, and other clever little knick knacks like beautifully crafted paper flowers and origami statues that seemed professionally made. There were even some models of characters from some of Naminé's favorite cartoons and TV shows.

"Wow," Naminé uttered breathlessly.

Xion, unaware of Naminé's stupor, was more busy picking up some of the laundry littering the peach carpet. "Gah, sorry about the room being a bit of a mess. I wasn't exactly expecting to have company today," Xion said before frowning and muttering under her breath. "Thanks, Roxas."

Naminé hardly noticed what little of a mess the room may have been in and instead lured closer to Xion's shelf, taking in all of the amazing doohickeys on display.

"Did you collect these?" Naminé asked as she inspected everything as if she were at a museum.

Xion looked up from her hunched stature and took notice. "Oh, no. Everything up there is stuff I've made myself."

That was the answer Naminé was hoping for. It brought a whimsical smile to her face. "Really?" Naminé asked. "So, you like crafts?"

"Mm hm." Xion folded her arms, looking at her creations with indifference. "I've always done this sort of thing ever since I was little. It kept me from being bored and it just kinda stuck with me. It's kind of a dorky hobby, I know."

"No, no! I-I... I think it's wonderful," Naminé said with delight, clasping her hands together.

Xion was caught off-guard by the heartfelt response. "Oh... yeah?"

"Of course," Naminé affirmed, eyeing one of Xion's origami flowers with a great amount of intrigue. "I-It's not dorky at all. It's... it's art. I think they're all beautiful."

The level of detail and intricacy that went into the designs of these crafts were astounding. Xion was clearly experienced and on an advanced degree she didn't see often. Especially among people in her personal circle.

Xion blushed out of embarrassment and flattery. She wasn't accustomed to many people openly approving of her somewhat secret hobby of hers. It was a side of her she didn't exactly hide, but didn't go out of her way to show either. Though, she supposed she wasn't too surprised with the outcome. With the way Naminé brought her sketchbook with her at both the dinner party and the Guardian Festival, she gathered she must have been an artist of some sort. And an expressive one, at that. Xion didn't really consider herself an artist, but perhaps that made her feel slightly less vulnerable in the moment.

"Well, thanks," Xion said sincerely.

Naminé noticed a quilt hanging on the wall with an articulately designed sun shooting out rays of light. "Oh my goodness! Don't tell me you made that, too?"

"Yep, knitted it myself," Xion said. "It's actually a school project for my arts class from last year."

"You're in an arts class?"

Xion nodded. "Estheim High is an arts school and you have to audition to enroll. I ended up getting in for art, ballet, and vocal."

"That's amazing," Naminé said in disbelief. "You must be very talented."

Xion lowered her baseball cap to hide both her eyes and her imminent red cheeks. "Um, I don't really think so. It's not that big of a deal."

"O-Of course it is. You're an artist. And clearly, very talented! Every talent is a gift. No matter how big or small."

Xion never thought of it that way before. She never took her high school majors seriously, nor did she ever think to pursue a career in any of them. She was surprised she made it into the school for those talents in the first place.

"Oh goodness, is that an origami figure of the Pink Featherman?" Naminé asked.

"Sure is," Xion said, walking up to Naminé's side and placing her fists against her hips. "The pink one has always been my favorite. I made her out of a bunch of construction paper my dad was about to throw out." She paused. "Wait, you watch Featherman?"

"H-Heck yes I do!" Naminé chirped. "It's one of my favorite cartoons! Ooh, and there's Bev from Barnacle Beverly and Cronic from Chronic Trigger!"

Xion chuckled. "Get outta town. Well, it's about time I met someone with actual taste. Are you all caught up with season three of Chronic Trigger?"

"Yep! I just watched the episode where Meegus revealed he used to be a prince the other night."

"Same here. I can't believe he was planning on killing Leveena to avenge the death of his sister."

"Me neither!"

For a while, the two became swept up in a conversation about their mutual appreciation for one of their favorite shows before Naminé returned her attention to Xion's hidden talent.

"I still can't get over these," Naminé said. "Is it okay if I touch them?"

"Sure, go for it!"

Naminé carefully plucked one of the crafts from the shelf and studied the interior design. Naminé herself was no slouch when it came to the crafts side of art, but drawing was always more her specialty. Even she wasn't as advanced as this. "They're so cool."

Xion twiddled her thumbs. "It gets dorkier..."

When Naminé's face begged for elaboration, Xion did the honors and led her to her closet. Aside from the clothes, there were bins of action figures and collectibles from all different kinds of shows and movies Naminé was familiar with.

"So, you do collect?"

"Yeah, it's another hobby of mine," Xion said, rubbing the back of her head. "This one I'm a bit more embarrassed about... that's why they're all stuffed in my closet. But every once in a while, I still order some cool stuff online when I have the munny."

"Oh, is that a Laura Cruz figure?" Naminé asked with excitement as she kneeled down and picked it up.

"She's pretty much my favorite character ever," Xion revealed, before gesturing to her own current outfit. "I even dress like her."

Naminé chortled. "I'm a little surprised I never picked up on that."

Xion smiled in return. Without even thinking, she began digging further into her closet. "Hey, do you happen to be into Avatar: The Last Nomad?"

"Am I?!"

"Check out this super cute Angus plushie I got from a festival a few years ago."

The two girls traded their stories and love for their favorite television shows and mangas for the better half of the next hour—recounting their favorite moments and plot twists that left them shook for days. They fawned over their favorite male (and sometimes female, in the case of Xion) characters and how much husband material they had to offer. They shared friendly debates over their favorite ships. They talked about the upcoming seasons and how much they dreaded having to wait for the premieres after the most ingeniously cruel cliffhangers the shows had left behind for them to chew on.

Before they knew it, hours passed.

---

Sora narrowed his eyes as he blocked the sun from his vision and tried to keep his focus on the seemingly endless horizon of the sea.

He stood on the beach—the same beach where the Destiny Islands Annual Beach Party was held—wearing the trunks Kairi so kindly bought for him. He still wore his crown-shaped necklace. It wasn't nearly as claustrophobic as the party, but the beach was packed as always. Even so, he and Kairi managed to snag a spot where they were able to lay out their towels and stick an umbrella into the sand to shade them from the fierce sun.

Through his peripheral vision, he saw two young children—a little girl and a little boy. The girl chased the boy with a water balloon in hand and she hurled it his way, splashing him in the back of his head. After the boy sent the girl a dirty look, the two exploded with laughter. Sora smiled at the interaction. The little girl reminded him of Haru. He could feel it—the light shining from their fledgling hearts.

Light.

This was what he was supposed to protect.

"Hope I didn't make you wait long," came Kairi's voice. When Sora turned her way and caught a glimpse of her, he nearly fainted.

She stood before him with two smoothies—pineapple mango and cherry—but he couldn't care less. He was too distracted by the pink two-piece she wore with the top being a front-tie with pink and black plaid frills. As an added touch, Kairi wrapped her lower half in a translucent purple sarong, her leg peering out the side to surely tease the imagination.

"Whoa," Sora said.

Kairi put on a playful smirk. "Got something on your mind?"

Her words practically went in one ear and out the other. "Gee, Kairi. You sure are beautiful," he said without thinking. When he realized, he nearly self-imploded. Did he really just say that out loud? Sora felt heat rise from his chest to his face and he was sure he was going to die inside.

To his surprise, however, rather than the look of repulsion his anxious brain anticipated, she was smiling. And blushing?

"Wow, um... th-thank you," Kairi stuttered as she handed him his cherry smoothie. "That was very sweet."

Since when did Kairi stutter? It was rare she got flustered, but Kairi had met a lot of guys and Sora's comment was delivered with a sincerity she wasn't accustomed to. It didn't feel like a sleazy pickup line or laced with undertones hinting at certain intentions. It was pure and genuine. Something about it was surprisingly overwhelming.

"Don't mention it," Sora said. Seeing as to how she didn't seem to hate him after his compliment, he felt his shoulders relax. Maybe he could do this, after all. "But... I really mean it."

"Hm?" It was now Kairi's turn to tilt her head with curiosity.

Sora rubbed the back of his head. "Y'know... back at the festival when Haru said all that stuff about me mentioning a redhead girl who was suuuuper pretty," Sora said, imitating his little cousin's tone, rewarding him with one of Kairi's giggles. "That was true."

"Oh, really? I never would've guessed." Kairi snorted. "Hate to break it to you, but you're not very good at keeping secrets, Mr. Smooth."

Sora found that statement ironic, but he kept a lighthearted smile as he shrugged. "Guess I really am hopeless, after all."

Kairi's smile turned into a heartfelt one. "I wouldn't say that..."

After a silence that was both comfortable and uncomfortable, Kairi cleared her throat and took a sip from her smoothie before her eyes trailed down to the noticeably toned abs in front of her.

"Man, this heat sure is something," Sora said. "How about we go cool off?"

At this, Sora set his smoothie down and raced towards the ocean, somersaulting into the air and dove into the water nose first. When he emerged to the surface, he shook the water out of his unkempt hair until it somehow magically reclaimed its usual spikiness.

"How was that?" he asked with a grin.

Kairi retained her smile as she playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a showoff." Sora's grin turned sheepish. Still, Kairi gave a round of applause. "But for a showoff, that was very well done! Solid nine out of ten."

"Nine? Where's my last point?"

"It was a secret ten out of ten," Kairi revealed with a wink. "I just didn't wanna seem biased. Hee hee!"

Sora chuckled. "I'll take it." He attempted to bow while but ended up smashing face first into the salty ocean water, causing him to spit it out with disgust. Kairi giggled and bit her lip at his clumsiness. "Hey, don't just stand there. Come on in! The water's great!"

Kairi was quick to remove her sarong in one swift motion. "No need to tell me twice!" She raced towards the ocean before soaring into the air with an impressive leap. Sora smiled at the wonder and excitement in her face before his eyes faltered into a look of apprehension when he realized her shadow loomed over him. "Dogpile!"

Less than a second later, she tackled Sora further into the water. When they returned to the surface, they broke into laughter as Kairi began splashing him.

"Hey, cut it out!" Sora exclaimed through his laughs.

"Make me!" she said as she circled around and grabbed him from behind, rummaging her fingers through his hair with her wet fingers. She cupped handfuls of water and poured it over his spiky mane.

Sora put on a mischievous smile. "Okay. You're in for it!" He used both arms to reach behind him and grab Kairi by her thighs, using his impressive strength to hike her up onto his shoulders.

"H-Hey, Sora!" she gasped as she struggled maintaining balance with her upper half. "Timeout!"

"Nuh uh, too late for that!" Without warning, Sora body slammed her backwards into the ocean.

They played in the water for what felt like hours.

---

Riku gave the practice dummy one last slash with a grunt.

For the past few hours inside the Training Hall, he'd done nothing but whack away at large rings hung from a wooden support system that spun with every forceful hit. It was all he could do to vent his frustrations. It would have been nice if he had a sparring partner, but...

...at this point, it seemed out of the question.

Roxas never wanted to train anymore. Axel wasn't a Keyblade wielder. And then there was Sora...

Riku wondered what Sora was doing at the moment. Well, today was the day when he and Kairi were supposed to go on their date. Or "hangout," as Sora insisted. What were they even planning on doing? Was it meant to be a fun outing or was it something more casual? Riku would have liked to know, but he didn't want to think more about it. Not unless he wanted his blood to boil.

Riku draped a towel over the base of his neck and took a seat on a nearby bench. It seemed as if the only way for him to escape from his frustrations was through training. Lately, it felt so pointless. What was he even training for at this point? Not only was he unworthy of the Kingdom Key, but it seemed he effectively lost his chance with the one girl who treated him like a regular person and challenged his way of life. Kairi didn't want anything from him—she didn't want his munny, she didn't want to use him for fame, and she didn't want him to be somebody he wasn't.

Unfortunately, with that came the hurtful realization she just didn't want him.

Not only that, but he'd lost a friend who'd been with him since childhood. It was his own doing, Riku was well aware of that, and he did not have much desire to reconcile whatever they once had. Still, after the revelation that Sora had been chosen by the Kingdom Key, the best Riku could do to move on was help keep Sora motivated and focused on the immense task he had waiting for him. But now, he couldn't even do that anymore. So, what was he training for? What was his aim? What sort of purpose did he have at this point?

Riku truly had nothing.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard a knock come from the already opened door.

"Hey, kiddo."

Riku turned to find a lanky man leaning against the doorframe—tall and wearing an eyepatch to cover his left eye while a scar trailed down the side of his right cheek. Dressed in a rather stylish suit, the man wore an overconfident sneer.

"What do you want?" Riku asked.

"Hey, now. Is that any way to greet a seasoned vet of SOLDIER? You kids really oughta learn a bit about this thing called hospitality."

"SOLDIER?" Riku widened his eyes before narrowing them. "Who are you?"

The man snarled as he entered the room. "Name's Xigbar. And man, do we have a proposition for you."

"A proposition?" Riku asked, standing from the bench.

"Indeed," said another deeper, fuller voice. Xigbar moved out of the way of the doorframe to reveal another man dressed in a similar suit, his long silver hair reaching his mid-back. "We have had our eye on you for some time, Riku. Your commendable performance at the struggle tournament only furthered our hypothesis about your... potential."

Riku tilted a head, unfamiliar with the new arrival. "And you are?"

"That would be Xemnas," said a third voice. This time, Riku recognized it, and in came none other than President Rufus Shinra himself with his arms clasped behind his back. "These two are some of the finest SOLDIER has to offer, young Riku. We were hoping you'd be willing to follow in their footsteps."

Riku narrowed his eyes. "Are you really...?"

"We've come to understand your frustration with Sora being the chosen wielder of the Kingdom Key over you," Rufus explained. "It must be very disheartening."

"Yeah, and you just had to remind me," Riku said, unintentionally earning him a slight chuckle from Rufus.

"We, more than anyone, understand that level of futility, Riku," Xemnas added. "Many at SOLDIER come from backgrounds of loss and pain in hopes to regain a sense of self. You feel nothing. Nothing is real."

Dramatic as it was, Riku didn't deny his point and chose to keep silent.

"We can give you purpose," Xemnas said.

Riku's eyes widened when he realized what this was all about. "You're... you're joking, right?"

Xigbar chortled. "Joking? As if."

"This is no joking matter, Riku," Rufus said. "With the state of the worlds as they are, with this geostigma crisis growing in numbers each day, the time to take action is growing ever closer. We could use all of the help we can get. We've seen your potential and you show a tremendous amount of promise."

Xigbar walked up to Riku and draped an arm around his shoulders. "So, how about you stop playin' around with your little buddies and move on up to the big dogs, huh?"

Riku averted his eyes, unsure of what to say. Before he could open his mouth, Rufus filled the silence in for him.

"Riku," he said. "We'd like to offer you a position in SOLDIER."

---

The sunset had begun to set.

Sora and Kairi had been playing in the water for hours and at long last, decided to take a break. Residents of the beach had thinned out, but it was still far from desolate. At the very least, it gave them the solitude to exchange words in peace. Kairi hugged her knees close to her chest while Sora sat next to her, his legs sprawled out as he used his hands to support his upper half from behind.

"I love the sunset," Kairi said, breaking their comfortable silence. "It's so calming."

"It is, isn't it?" Sora agreed. "It's a nice reminder no matter how far I end up going, this will always be home."

Kairi raised an eyebrow and turned to him. "How far you'll go?"

Sora's eyes widened, glancing at her through his peripheral before putting on his usual feigned look of ignorance as he rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, uh... it's nothing."

Kairi rolled her eyes. "It's never nothing."

She had him on that one. Sora clenched his teeth as he searched through his mind to find a cover, but it was no use.

"Sora, you're such a mystery," Kairi said in a tone dabbling between sternness and playfulness. Her eyes trailed back towards the ocean. "Maybe that's part of what drew me to you in the first place."

What drew her to him? Sora wasn't sure what that entailed. "Speaking of that, Kairi... something's been on my mind."

Kairi sent an encouraging smile as she lay her head on her knees. "Go for it."

Sora scratched his right cheek. "Well, it's just... why did you invite me out here today?"

Kairi snickered, figuring that was what he was going to ask. Instead of answering, she stood to her feet. "Hey, how about we go for a walk?" she asked. "We can grab some ice cream."

Despite his confusion, ice cream did sound good. Sora rose to his feet and wiped the sand from his trunks. Before long, the two set off along the lengthy pier. Sora had his hands fascined behind his head while Kairi clasped hers behind her back.

"It's like I said, Sora, you're a mystery," Kairi said soon after they were on their way. "I can't help the feeling you've been hiding something from me."

Sora chuckled nervously. "Uh... ha ha, whaddaya mean?"

Kairi deadpanned. "Okay, you can drop the act now." Sora gulped. "We've been hanging out a lot this summer vacation. And I have to say, I've really enjoyed spending time with you. You're very kind, incredibly sweet, and usually the most open book I think I've ever met." Kairi smiled in thought. "But not always. There's lots of things I've never gotten a proper explanation for."

"Like what?" Sora dared to ask.

"Well, let's see. There was the time you bumped into me at the mall, looking as if you were hiding from someone and dragged me into a janitor closet. Afterwards, you left with Master Aqua and those bodyguards. Pretty high status company, if you ask me. For a while, you'd always turn down our invites to hang out to train for seemingly no reason in particular. Let's not forget the time at the dinner party where you were asked to speak to members of the High Council. It's kind of interesting they'd have interest in you. I noticed how you seemed to be in a different world all on your own when we visited the Guardians exhibit at the festival. Like you were in a trance. And I just can't seem to figure out why you got those headaches that seemed to trigger randomly. Very mysterious, indeed."

Sora was left speechless. He had no clue she was picking up on all of that. And here he was, thinking he'd been doing a good job at keeping his duty a secret. He wanted to smack himself on the forehead. "Wow, uhh... you sure are perceptive, aren't you?"

Kairi grinned. "Hee hee! I guess I do take after my dad sometimes."

Before Sora could respond, they reached the ice cream stand where Kairi ordered them two chocolate ice cream bars. The two kept walking until they reached the end of the pier and took a seat.

"I've had a hunch for what the deal with you is," Kairi further explained. "But I'd rather hear it from you."

She had a hunch? Kairi really was a lot more intuitive than she let on. Though, her deduction speech left Sora a little discouraged.

"So... was that why you asked me out here? Just to see if you could figure me out?"

Kairi was taken aback after gulping down a bite of her ice cream. "What?"

"Nevermind, it's nothing," Sora said. In reality, there was no good reason to hide it anymore. What was the use? After all, it would only be a few days before the rest of the galaxy knew. He supposed he was only keeping the secret close to his chest out of habit. But that didn't stop him from being afraid for how she'd take it. With a heavy sigh, he decided to satiate her curiosity. "Well, you caught me."

Kairi watched him with great intent.

"It's true," Sora said. "I'm... the Kingdom Key's chosen."

For a moment, there was silence with the whistle of the wind acting as the backdrop. Kairi didn't make any sudden movements. She simply stared with a blank face that was, quite frankly, beginning to freak Sora out. But before too long, she gasped and smiled with pure glee. "No stinkin' way!" She began fist pumping to herself. "I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! I can't believe I actually figured it out!"

Her celebration was cut short when Sora was quick to cover her mouth. "H-Hey, quiet!" he said in a hushed voice. "Technically, no one is supposed to know until Monday, so... try to calm down, okay?"

Kairi nodded, despite Sora's hand still covering her loud mouth. Once he released her, she retained her prior smile. "Still, this is amazing, Sora! I mean, that's such a high honor. Probably the highest in the entire galaxy! And you're only sixteen! That's so amazing."

Sora rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess."

Noticing his demeanor, Kairi calmed herself down. "You don't look very excited about it."

Sora chuckled humorlessly. "It's not all that it's cracked up to be. There's a lot of stuff that comes with it I'm not really happy about."

Kairi raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. "Like...?"

Sora looked to his left and right with cautious eyes before taking the last bite of his ice cream, sticking his barren stick in his mouth as he stood to his feet. "First, we should talk somewhere more private. You know, just in case a certain redhead can't keep a lid on it," he teased.

She smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, maybe that'd be for the best."

The two retrieved and returned their items from the beach before they traveled to the opposite end of the island. Finding an unoccupied boat by the docks, they claimed it as their own and rowed to the play island. Sora was sure there wouldn't be any prying ears there. It was only inhabited by his friend circle, and he doubted any of them were there at this hour.

Once they arrived, Sora helped Kairi out of the boat, leading her through the seaside shack as they traded banter and small talk. The two hiked to the tiny island offshore. They then hoisted themselves onto the paopu tree and Kairi gave him her full attention.

"It's a big responsibility," Sora explained. "I've always wanted to just live my life. Be normal, you know? Go to school, make friends... but it's a lot harder when everyone keeps telling you you're gonna have to save the world."

Kairi watched him with empathy. She could understand. It was a lot of expectations to put on someone so young. The more she took it into consideration, she couldn't imagine having that kind of weight on her own shoulders at her current age.

"The crazy part is I don't even remember the day I was chosen," Sora continued. "I was only fourteen."

"Fourteen?" Kairi asked incredulously.

"I know, right?" Sora looked towards the sky. "Apparently, I had some sort of... uh, they call it a Dive to the Heart. But I don't remember any of it. The next thing I know, I was called to Daybreak Town to meet with the leading foretellers of the unions. I guess they could sense the Keyblade's power in me. I thought it was ridiculous, but... when I tried, I was able to summon it."

"You must have been so shocked."

Sora chuckled. "Oh yeah, without a doubt." His smile faltered. "I was also scared. They started explaining to me how important this was and what a high honor it is, all the usual mumbo jumbo. I figured that was it. It was the end of my normal life. But I didn't want to give up. I had to fight a little, but I convinced them to keep it a secret from the rest of the world. They accepted, but I had to go through this crazy training program in return to prepare me for whatever I may end up having to face."

"That explains Master Aqua. Wow. Everything makes sense now."

"I tried to follow my orders and do as I'm told, but... I guess I got tired of it these past couple of months," Sora lamented. "I started cutting my sessions with Aqua and made up dumb reasons for why I couldn't go in certain days. I just wanted to live my own life, you know?"

"But you've been doing that, haven't you?" Kairi asked. "I mean, I know it's been a little tough, but... you've been hanging out with us plenty lately."

"Yeah... but not for long."

Kairi lowered her eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Sora fiddled with his hands a bit. "Well..."

…

"Well, we've been talking, and... how do I put this... it was mostly Master Xehanort's idea, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it, but..."

Ira placed a hand on Aqua's shoulder and nodded to her, understanding how uncomfortable she was with breaking the bad news to Sora. News she herself wasn't in full agreement with in the first place.

In her stead, Ira spoke. "We think it's time you publicly announce yourself as our current chosen wielder of the Keyblade."

Sora's lips parted for a moment before he sighed. "I was afraid you were gonna say that."

After all, it wasn't long ago that Master Xehanort asked him to help search for a cure in hopes of saving Master Eraqus. Formally announcing his status seemed like the natural next step.

Ira placed a hand on Sora's shoulder in hopes of comforting him. "I understand this is a lot to take in, son. It might be a bit of an adjustment, but perhaps it'll be for the best."

Aqua hugged her arms. The look on Sora's face was killing her—as if his whole world had come crashing down. She wasn't in full agreement with the decision, but orders were orders.

"It was Master Xehanort's suggestion," Ira revealed.

Master Xehanort opened his eyes and approached Sora with his sauntering steps. "It is a burden that I know will be difficult to bear," Xehanort explained. "However, people are becoming more aware of the gravity of the situation at hand. Each and every day, more geostigma cases are on the rise. It won't be long before it leads to a massive escalation of panic. You must understand, young man, that to divert the people from despair... you must offer hope."

"Hope?" Sora questioned.

Master Xehanort nodded. "Before this problem reaches a level of critical alarm, it would be best to remind people that there is still hope for the safety of humanity as we know it. And that, my boy... is you."

Sora didn't say anything for a moment. "Yeah..."

"Garwsh, I hope we didn't miss much," said a familiar voice as Sora looked over to find Donald and Goofy stepping inside the room.

Sora lifted an eyebrow. "Where's the king?"

"He's out taking care of his own mission," Squall explained. "Donald and Goofy are here to pass on what we discuss here to him."

"Don't look so down, Sora," Goofy said with a look of concern. "It might be for the best."

Sora did his best to put on a smile. "Well, I guess there's not much I can do. I was going to have to leave the islands soon anyway, right?"

Everyone in the room felt relieved. Sora took it better than they were expecting.

"Good," Squall said. "Now that we're all on the same page, we can get down to business."

"Yes," Master Xehanort agreed, his sneer showing. "This Monday, we'll hold a press conference to make the announcement and introduce young Sora as our new, true chosen wielder of the Keyblade."

"After that, we'll send you off to see Master Yen Sid to prepare for your journey," Ira explained. "He'll guide you in the right direction."

Sora felt his heart practically pumping out of his chest, but despite his anxiety, he nodded. "Got it."

"Master Aqua," Ira said, turning to her.

"Yes, sir," she responded, standing up straight.

"You'll be tasked to journey to Radiant Garden," Ira explained. "We've lost communication with Ansem the Wise and we're concerned. We'd like you to go there and find out if anything unbecoming has happened."

Aqua nodded. "Understood. I'll do my best."

"Wait, alone?" Sora asked. "I thought Aqua would go with me. She's my trainer and all, right?"

Aqua put on a regretful look. "I'm sorry, Sora. This is where we part ways for now."

"But that's not fair!" Sora exclaimed. "Let me go with you, Aqua! We can check up on Radiant Garden together."

Not only were they forcing him to sacrifice his current livelihood, but now they were sending his favorite mentor on a mission all by herself? He didn't want to lose her, too.

Aqua approached Sora and set both of her hands on his shoulders. "But we don't know what's out there in Radiant Garden at the moment. It could be dangerous. Believe me, I'd love to have you come along, but this... isn't the right time."

"Then when is the right time?" Sora challenged. "I'm already being sent out on my own and there's no telling what's out there in some other world. Why is this any different?"

It was a good question. It seemed as if everything was going against what would be more convenient for them. But things were getting dire and they had to act—now.

"Well, you won't really be alone," Aqua answered. "You're being sent to Master Yen Sid and he'll guide you in the right direction. You're still getting the same support you always have, we... they, I should say, just want to give you a little more breathing room."

Sora wanted to scoff. Even though they were letting him out on his own, it was like he was still being kept on a leash. "So, when do I get trusted to take matters into my own hands?"

Aqua pursed her lips. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Sora averted his eyes. "But that's not fair..."

"Don't worry. I'll be fine," Aqua assured. "I need you to trust me on this."

"Just be careful, okay?"

"I will." Aqua put on her attempt at a comforting smile. "Don't forget, the Keyblade chose you for a reason. Promise me something, okay?"

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens, you'll stay the same cheerful Sora I know. Stay true to who you are and trust in your own heart to do what's right. Do that, and I know everything will come together the way it's meant to. Promise me you'll always be who you are."

Sora grinned. "That's it? Easy! How can I be anyone else?"

Aqua smiled. She knew he would be okay. She pulled him into a hug, to which he returned without hesitation. "See you soon. Okay?"

"You bet!" When they pulled apart, Sora returned his attention to Ira and Xehanort. "So, if that's what Aqua's gonna do, what am I supposed to do?"

"Since Aqua will be on her own quest, we'd like for you to continue your training," Ira explained. "After you leave Yen Sid's, you'll be sent to the Olympus Coliseum to train with Philoctetes."

Sora slumped his shoulders. "More training?"

"Yeah, you could use it!" Donald said.

"Say that again," Sora said, getting defensive.

"Simmer down," Squall said, his arms crossed.

"Don't worry, Sora. You won't be there long," Ira said. "When you finish there, that will be when your true journey begins. We'd like you to travel the worlds and see if you can figure anything out about this geostigma. We know it's a rather vague task, but do what you can and report back to us whenever possible so that we know you're safe. And be sure not to get too close to Radiant Garden. I sense a darkness there that may prove too much for you to handle in your current state."

"Seeing other worlds might do you good," Squall added. "If we're lucky, it'll toughen you up a little."

Sora glared at Squall before nodding to Ira. "I'll try my best."

"Donald, Goofy," Ira said, making them both stand upright.

"Yes, sir!" Donald quacked.

"As always, stick with Sora," Ira requested. "Make sure he doesn't get himself into too much trouble and follows the appointed path."

They were babysitting him again? Sora wasn't sure how he felt about that, but he supposed he'd rather not be on his journey alone.

"Yes sir, Foreteller Ira, sir!" Goofy said, he and Donald saluting.

Ira nodded to them appreciatively. "Well, it seems everything is in order. Sora, I'll take you home and help you explain this to your family."

"Thanks," Sora said, rubbing the back of his head. "I was worried I was gonna have to explain to my mom by myself."

Squall rolled his eyes. What kind of chosen wielder had to get permission from his mother to do his job?

The meeting ended and everyone began to disperse, but not before Master Xehanort could catch Sora's attention.

"Young man," he said, stroking his goatee. "Good luck."

…

"So, does that mean... you'll have to leave soon?" Kairi asked as Sora finished his story.

Sora sighed. "Yeah, looks like it. In a few days, they'll make the announcement and I'll be off. I'm not sure when I'll be able to see everyone again."

Kairi pursed her lips. She wasn't sure how to feel. She didn't want Sora to go, but it would've been wrong if he shirked his responsibilities. The Keyblade chose him for a reason.

Still...

"I just wish I knew what I'm supposed to do," Sora continued. "I can barely come out on top of a struggle tournament. Now I've gotta find the cure to geostigma? I just wish I knew why the Keyblade chose me..."

Kairi gently rested her hand on Sora's, a gesture that caught him by surprise. "You want to know why I think the Keyblade chose you?" she asked, more so rhetorically. She smiled, though it was a bittersweet one. "It's like I said earlier. Sora, you're one of the sweetest, kindest people I've met in a long time. There's something special about you. When you aren't moping, you have a smile that can brighten up anyone's day."

Sora still seemed a little unsure.

"I don't think the Keyblade chooses based on brute strength or experience," Kairi continued. "I think it chooses based on the kind of person you are on the inside. The ability to give people that hope Xehanort mentioned. To let them know everything will be okay with a smile. You have that, Sora. You really need to stop looking down on yourself and start seeing it. You're much stronger than you think."

Sora was speechless. He hadn't heard something so heartfelt in a long time. For years, as the chosen one, he'd only been met with doubts. Sora was no fool. Even Aqua didn't think he had it in him to take on the more dangerous tasks and he could sense her worry for him. This was the first time someone expressed full, unwavering belief in him and his abilities. It was foreign to his ears and to his heart, but it brought a warmth to his core.

Sora smiled at her. "Thanks, Kairi. I don't think you know how bad I needed to hear that."

Kairi returned the smile. "I've been trying to tell you for a while now, you dork. You just wouldn't listen."

Sora shrugged, keeping a humored grin.

"What you said earlier, about my curiosity being the only reason I invited you out here today," Kairi said, making Sora clench his teeth. Were his worst fears beginning to become a reality? "That's not true."

Sora was swept with a wave of relief. "Oh... really?"

"It's true I thought you were a mystery, but that's not the only reason why I asked you out. I also just like being around you."

Sora could hardly believe it. She did want to spend time with him... for him. And now he knew she had his back. Sora wanted to hit himself in the head. His only regret was not telling her sooner.

"I like being around you, too," Sora said. "I'm just glad the news didn't freak you out. Well, at least not too much."

Kairi giggled as she scooted closer to him and wrapped her arm around his side while placing her free hand on his exposed chest. Sora complied by pulling her in closer and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"Don't worry, I got your back, big guy," Kairi said in a gentle voice. "You're never alone."

For the next hour, they admired the sky.

---

Dusk had begun to settle as the two girls sat on the balcony outside of Xion's room, offering them a storybook-like view of the nighttime paradise that was Destiny Islands. Xion had since gotten them refills of hot chocolate—the soft strokes of the heavenly steam filled their nostrils in the most delightful sense. They admired the stars twinkling against the deep navy blue sky.

It was surreal to them both. Just hours prior, the two could barely carry a conversation with each other. They had even resented one another. Now, they sat together in tranquility with whatever rivalry they once had being long sidelined.

Still, it wasn't forgotten. In the back of their minds, on some level they were aware the other had feelings for Roxas and acknowledged each other as obstacles in their path for his attention. As much as they would've liked, neither could escape or deny that fact. Surprisingly, it didn't matter. Regardless of what the future held, they resigned to stay in the moment and enjoy each other's company. Neither would have thought they would end up having so much in common.

Xion smiled quietly to herself. Was this what Roxas had in mind all along? He mentioned the idea of them being alike and suggested they become closer more than once. It seemed like ever since the night Naminé appeared at the dinner party, he'd been pining for the two to become friends independent of his presence. He must've known Naminé needed to overcome her anxiety and open up to more people outside of himself if she were to ever triumph over her severe social ineptitude—and after years of being her best friend, he knew that Xion herself, once she got over her admittedly petty jealousy, would be a near perfect fit. That bastard.

That stupid, idiotic, sly... thoughtful, considerate, and caring bastard.

"This is such a beautiful view," Naminé said, her soft voice breaking Xion from her thoughts.

"Isn't it?" Xion agreed. "Sora and Vani were forced to share a room, and our parents preferred the bedroom with a bit more space, so I ended up getting lucky."

"I bet Vanitas wasn't happy about that one."

"I'm pretty sure he's waiting for me to move out so he can call dibs for this room as his own at this point. Probably explains why that bum still hasn't found his own place yet. He's such a pain."

Naminé giggled. "I definitely don't envy you for having to deal with him. Though, I guess I sorta relate. My sister can be a real pain in my side, too."

"Really? But you and Kairi seem to get along so well."

"We do," Naminé affirmed. "However, that doesn't mean there hasn't been plenty of times I've wanted to strangle that little devil."

Xion laughed. "She can't be all that bad."

Naminé smiled. "No, I suppose she isn't. But you know how it is with siblings. Sometimes, you love to hate them." She paused for a moment. "Honestly, I... I owe Kairi a lot. She's done so much for me these past few years. She might be the closest thing I've ever had to a best friend."

"She really does care about you a lot," Xion said. "When you guys first moved here and she and I started hanging out, she'd mention you quite a bit. Always worried if you remembered to eat or if you needed anything on her way home. Even before you moved here, I remember being on video chat with her and having to deal with her leaving in the middle of it to go wash some of your clothes while you were bathing."

Naminé chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds like her. Always being a burden, but making my day just a little bit brighter all the while." Naminé gently closed her eyes. "My sweet, annoying little burden," she said softly.

Xion felt as if she were getting diabetes. She had always known Kairi was special, but it was nice to hear how much of an impact she had on the well-being of her sister. "Aww, that's sweet." Xion looked out into the horizon. "I guess it's kinda similar to me and Sora. Though I don't think we're nearly as close as you and Kairi. But I love that little goofball, and I know he loves me, too."

"What about Vanitas?"

"Who?"

Naminé snickered. She was sure she cared for Vanitas deep down, but she had a feeling Xion would never admit it out loud. "Speaking of Sora, isn't it funny how both of our siblings are out on a date right now? I wonder what they're up to."

"Those dweebs are perfect for each other," Xion said in good humor. "I totally ship it."

"How has Riku been taking it?" Naminé asked. "I actually thought those two were going to become a thing at some point."

Xion put on a look of concern. "I'm not sure. I was with him yesterday, since we've got a, uh... project in the works," she explained. "But he didn't seem to want to talk about it."

While Xion was in support of whatever was going on between Sora and Kairi, she still felt for Riku deep down. They were both the same, after all.

"I'm sure he'll be okay," Xion further assured. "Amaya will keep him in check. She's basically his keeper. She has been since we were kids."

"Is she staying in Destiny Islands?"

Xion nodded. "Yep, for the rest of our summer vacation. She and Haru don't come as often as they used to, so she's trying to make the most of it." She tapped her chin. "Speaking of which, what about you?"

"Hm?"

"How are you liking Destiny Islands so far? I bet it's way different from Radiant Garden."

"Oh, very different," Naminé said with a giggle. "Not nearly as loud or showy as it is here, but this is such a beautiful place, so I can forgive it." She closed her eyes as she reminsinced. "Radiant Garden was so peaceful. We used to have picnics at this beautiful fountain court. As kids, Kairi and I would play in the water. I never liked getting wet but Kairi would always somehow coax me to splash with her. I remember watching my mother sketching on the steps while my father laid back and took a nap on the cloth."

"Sounds to me like you miss it."

"Yes, well... I suppose I'd be lying if I said I didn't. At least, a little. I've always found nostalgia to be a bittersweet thing. Sure, I have many lovely memories from when I was a child, and I'd adore to go back in time and relive those moments. Back when everything didn't seem so... complicated. And when my mom was..."

Xion raised her eyebrows for a moment before they fell into a look of concern. She'd almost forgotten that this was a girl who lost her mother at such a young age. Kairi mentioned they lost her mom before, but she never filled her in on the details—as if it was too painful for her to dwell on them. But if Kairi lost her mom, then that meant Naminé did, too. For whatever reason, it was easy to forget that.

Naminé shook her head away from her thoughts. "Even if I did go back to Radiant Garden, it wouldn't be the same. I'd just be longing for a time I can't ever return to. It's a little sad, isn't it? You have these wonderful, warm memories that can keep you going when you're at your lowest, but you can never go back."

Xion eyed Naminé with sympathy. The girl had been through a lot and she felt bad for pinning her as nothing more than the enemy. For a while, she had forgotten Naminé was a real person with feelings just like herself—not simply an object created to stand in her way of what she wanted.

"I'm really sorry about your mom," Xion said. "I honestly can't imagine what you had to go through."

"It... feels like losing a part of yourself." Naminé sighed. "I know it sounds a tad cliché, but... it makes sense once you experience it. My mother was the one who inspired me to start drawing in the first place. That's why I don't like being apart from my sketchbook for too long. It's like it's all I have left of her." Naminé held her coffee mug a little tighter. "I hope she isn't disappointed in me."

"Why would you think she'd be disappointed in you?"

"Oh, I don't know..." Naminé trailed. "Every now and then, I've worried about turning into someone I'm not. Ever since I've met Roxas, I've... I've become a tad more... reckless. I've lied to my dad about a number of things and I've been so caught up in the moment I don't even feel like focusing on my art anymore. It makes me wonder if I'm turning into someone I'm not."

"I don't think she'd be disappointed in you at all," Xion said, her face full of genuine concern. "I may not have known your mom, but from what Kairi's told me in the past, I think she'd be proud of you for stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking a chance."

Naminé mulled over her words. "You really think so?"

"Of course. Outside this tiny world is a much bigger one. Look, I know Kairi can be a hassle for you sometimes. Love the girl to death, but she has a habit of getting into your business, especially when it comes to you. But I know she just wants what's best for you and to experience new things. I'm sure your mom feels the same way. It's nothing to feel guilty over. You have a right to live your own life. And if you have to fight for that freedom sometimes, then so be it."

Freedom? That was an interesting way to put it, Naminé thought. She never considered it that way, but Xion was right. Naminé was fighting for her own freedom. The shackles chained to her by her father had to have played a massive role in her dread of the outside world. Perhaps that was why Roxas was so intent on breaking her free from her cage. Maybe it was fate.

There were so many things Naminé had yet to experience. At one point in time, the thought of venturing out on her own felt scary beyond imagination. Over time, it didn't sound like such a bad idea. The experiences she'd had over the past month—meeting new people, going on roller coasters, seeking adventure and fun at every corner—had her beginning to crave that excitement. The only thing that held her back were the leftover remnants of fear that crept silently in her heart.

Maybe it was futile. Her father would never allow her such freedom. Not now, anyway. She wasn't sure if she had the strength to fight for that sort of freedom, but she made the resolve one day she would.

"Thank you, Xion," Naminé said at long last, an appreciative smile on her face. "I'm sorry for turning the conversation into about myself."

Xion shook her head and returned the smile. "No, it's totally okay. Sometimes, you need to get stuff off your chest. I get it."

Naminé felt a certain warmth in her chest. She knew from the day she met Xion she was someone she could trust. They had their ups and downs since then, but that foundation of reverence never wavered. She wasn't sure what the future held for either of them, but now she was sure of one thing: she wanted to give Xion a chance. She wanted to give people a chance. And maybe this was the first step.

"H-Hey, so, um..." Naminé began. "I-I hope this doesn't come off a little... strange, but..."

"Hm?" Xion mummed, giving Naminé her full attention.

"I, uh... I'd really like to learn how you did all that stuff with the origamis and the knitting, and um... I'm kind of an art enthusiast, if you couldn't already tell." Naminé let out an embarrassed chuckle. "I was wondering if... maybe you could teach me a thing or two sometime?"

Xion felt her lips part. She wasn't expecting that sort of proposal.

"I-I-If not, then that's totally okay!" A few more edgy chuckles escaped Naminé.

But Xion simply smiled. "Sure."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah, I don't see why not." Xion shrugged. In truth, she was a bit relieved. In the back of her head, she was worried this friendly little exchange of theirs would become a one time thing. But now that she had finally taken the time to get to know the girl better, she admitted she could stand having her around a bit more.

Maybe Naminé wasn't so bad, after all.

"Honestly, I wanna thank you," Xion continued.

"Huh?"

"Vani gives me shit about it every now and then, like I should've outgrown this kind of stuff by now," Xion explained. "That's why I stuffed most of my collectibles in my closet. At one point, I even thought about doing the same for my handmade things. I guess it made me a little self-conscious about it."

"Well, I think that's plain silly and close-minded of him," Naminé said, a wrinkle in her eyebrows. "You're never too old for magic and creativity. I-It's what keeps our imagination alive a-and connected to the spiritual realm of wonder. It's a blessing, so... don't ever think it's something to be ashamed of."

Xion gave Naminé an appreciative look. After she accepted Riku's offer in becoming a model, she considered trashing all of her dorky collectibles and handcrafted designs for good. After all, what kind of "model" would still be into those sorts of childish charades? But Naminé saw no issue with it. Encouraged it, even. Those were words she definitely needed to hear.

"I'll keep that in mind," Xion said. Underneath that timid exterior, Naminé sure was a passionate little thing.

Naminé giggled as she put on an embarrassed smile. "I-I tend to get a little carried away sometimes. Forgive me. I should be thanking you too, though. Besides my mother, I've... never really had anyone who truly appreciated art or the process of it."

Xion gave a soft, bittersweet smile. She, perhaps more than anyone, understood the pain of loneliness. Roxas was the one who helped ease hers and it seemed like it did that for Naminé as well. This whole time she thought they were polar opposites when in reality they were the same. Xion wasn't sure where the two of them would end up, both pining for the same person, but at the very least, she was willing to give the girl a chance. She was willing to be a friend. Naminé wasn't going to have to be alone anymore.

"Well, you've got me."

Memories of Benevolence

---

IT FEELS LIKE IT'S BEEN FOREVER.

So sorry for the wait with this one. Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me lately with my job and all and it's left me with little energy to sit down and just write. I know it's been a while, but I hope any of you who were following the story still have it in you to keep reading this story and are still invested with the characters. I'm going to try my best to stay more consistent with this fic, which I know I say every time but I'm going to try ^^;

This is a chapter I've had in mind for quite a while, mainly regarding Nam and Xion. I do worry this is a bit of a lackluster chapter, but I thought it was very important to establish the budding friendship between Namine and Xion. I didn't want to write a love triangle where the two rivals were at each other's throats the entire time. I thought it'd be more interesting if the two rivals actually ended up liking each other but still had feelings for the same person instead of one being the clear antagonist throughout the whole thing. I also thought it was important to show there's a bit more to Xion than just fawning over Roxas all the time, she has her own hobbies and interests outside of him. I tried hinting at that a bit during the last chapter of the festival where she's seen making necklaces out of thalassa shells. It's something I thought she and Namine would have in common.

The music for that scene is very important to me as well. I wrote their conversation on Xion's balcony to a track from the game VA11-HA11-A called "You Got Me" and I incorporated the line into the fic. I definitely suggest you guys give it a listen! It sets the mood I wanted for the scene perfectly and the scene was actually inspired by a similar scene from the game as well. I thought it'd be a nice way to begin the start of Xion and Namine's friendship. But that doesn't mean everything is fine and dandy either.

Also I decided to include Xemnas and Xigbar as members of Shinra. Some of you MIGHT remember Braig being one of the participants in the struggle tournament...

you're wrong. it never happened. Idk what you're talking about.

Lol no but I do plan to go back and change that for continuity sake. But I needed more villains and Xigbar was too good to pass up.

I also used this chapter to develop more of Sora and Kairi and hopefully build more romantic chemistry between them. I was struggling to write their scenes for a while at first since I'm trying to keep Sora as close to canon as possible, and there's some things I just know he wouldn't say, so I couldn't give him the usual snark and wit I tend to give to Roxas, Xion, and Namine since they all have more OOC personalities. But I hope I was able to find a good balance? SoKai is definitely important in this fic and I want to be sure you guys are still enjoying them.

This will probably be the last "setup"-y chapter, I think now that all of the characters are officially established and their goals clear, the plot is going to start picking up a lot more. Lots of things I'm super pumped to reveal over time and I'm curious if anyone has any theories for what's going to happen, or if I'm hiding the details so well that you guys just don't know what to expect lol but this fic won't leave my head and I seriously won't be able to rest until it's finished.

So yeah! Thank you so much for reading! Please, as always, I would kindly like to ask if you could leave a review? I'd really like to know if you guys are still invested and like the fic. I know it's quite a slowburn, but I think there's a lot of payoffs in store too that will make the slow moments worth it! But I hope the slow moments like this are still entertaining at least. I'd love to know! Reviews are what keep me going and motivated, and I read your guy's reviews so, SOOO much during the process of writing this chapter.

Much love and appreciation to DyingofFeels, SirAngelo, Dario Sato, SourCherryBomb, SoraxKairi7, BlissfulNightRain, SummonerDagger88, and all of the guests who left reviews on chapter 20! I don't know what I'd do without you!

Chapter 22 should be out much sooner than the wait for this chapter. It's already about halfway finished!