Disclaimer: Don't own them, never have, never will. I'm WAY too poor for
that. *wonders how to pay for her next year of college*
Warnings: More and more shonen ai ^^ YAY!! I'm getting there! Of course there will be more OC's ^^ You'll see why soon, but dun worry I won't make them really important.
Comments: I'm in a really uninspired mood lately.. And my writing, plus several of my other artistic projects are suffering from it. It took me forever to write this part and I don't think it's good I'll give it to you like this and revise it when I get the chance and I feel a little more inspired okay? So feel free to tear it to pieces and tell me what's wrong with it.. I really hope the break will give me some needed inspiration.
So. as usual. read and review ^^ Please?
Setting Sail
Chapter 4 (Time to depart)
~*~*~
Uncomfortable silence filled the small room as Riku and Sora just stared at the woman. She on her part just glared back, features cold and uncaring. Surprisingly it was Temoko who spoke up first. "Old Lady Marbo... what are you saying?"
Her ears came to lay flat on her skull as the woman turned her glare to the girl. "Silence!" Her eyes focused back on Riku and Sora. "I want you to leave this place, as soon as you can. We will help you to get a boat, but you cannot stay. Your place isn't here, this world has no need for the likes of you."
Sora looked at her blankly. He couldn't understand her anger, after all, they hadn't done anything bad. Or had they? Riku on the other hand got angry. She had no right to yell at them like that. She was being unreasonable. "How can you say we will cause anything here? Are you trying to tell me you saw the future?"
The old woman closed her eyes. "I see all. The present, the past, and the future. I have said what is needed to be known. The Menrock are already building a boat for you."
"Thank you." Riku ground out through gritted teeth. If looks could kill, the woman would have been dead in an instant.
The woman nodded. "You're welcome.... Temoko, take them back to Corral. Tell the healer what has been decided and make sure she'll have them prepared."
The girl bowed deep and retreated slowly, motioning Riku and Sora to follow her. Sora looked at Riku, worry in his eyes. "She wants us to go back out on the ocean?"
Riku nodded. "Looks like it."
Sora was quiet for a while, eyes cast to the ground. "Maybe.... maybe we will find our way back to Destiny Island..."
Riku sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. To him the idea of just going back to Destiny Island was like adding insult to injury. No, he didn't want to go back there, not yet. He had the feeling that going back would be worse than staying here.
He looked up when Sora yelped and frowned at Temoko who had the boy in a headlock, her free hand messing up his hair. "Lighten up little brother! This frown does not suit you! Who knows were you'll end up to be? You managed to get here, and I believe you'll find more worlds. Who knows... maybe you find that girl that went missing. What makes you believe you were the only fortunate ones to survive that storm?"
Riku blinked and then smiled. For the first time since he had met Temoko he was grateful that the girl had such a big mouth, for this speech had done wonders for Sora. The youth was smiling as he straightened his hair, eyes shining with hope. "You're right, we might find her. Right Riku?"
The silver-haired teen nodded, even though he had his doubts. But why bring down Sora's good mood, especially since Riku didn't know what was going to be ahead of them.
Sora grinned. "Alright, then lets set sail again Riku. Let's go find Kairi."
~*~*~
It had taken the Menrock almost two weeks to finish the boat that would take Riku and Sora away from Evergreen. Both teens had used the time to train their skills some more, with Temoko being a willing trainer. The mood however had changed. Before the meeting with Old Lady Marbo their training had been something that had given them their strength back. Now it was far more serious, and anyone who watched could feel it.
Temoko had become more of a master than a sparring partner. She made Riku and Sora spar more than often, taking the sidelines herself, commenting as the boys fought. One time when she was lecturing Riku, Sora had said that she wasn't one to talk, since she never fought anymore. His fight with her after that had been short, with Sora disarmed before he had had one chance to charge. While this had been a blow to his pride, Sora had learned his lesson and listened to her instructions.
Now the two were standing at the beach, eyeing the boat that would take them to a new place. It was clear that they both were nervous as they stood in silence, just staring at the sea.
Their fare well comity was small, made of Kitsuna, Raja as well as the two men that had prevented Temoko from killing Riku back when he had woken up on this beach. Riku sighed and looked at them, a smirk twisting his lips. "Time to go, or the old lady might throw a fit."
The two men nodded and handed the teens another bag of provision, cautioning them to be careful out there. Riku nodded and motioned Sora to help him push the boat into the water.
It took them a while to get the boat moving, but with the help of their friends the boat was soon resting in the gentle sure, waiting for the push- off. Sora and Riku thanked their friends and turned to the boat when a call made them halt.
The group turned to face the trees, where the call had come from, searching. The boys blinked when Temoko emerged from the green, running for them with something in her arms. Riku and Sora looked at each other with a frown. They hadn't forgotten anything, or had they?
Temoko was gasping for air by the time she reached them, slightly bend over, still holding her package close to her chest. They waited until she had regained her breath before Riku asked her. "Temoko? Did we forget something?" His gaze wandered to the lengthy object wrapped in soft leather.
Temoko shook her head. "Nope, Marbo send me to give you these..."
"What is it?" Sora asked curiously, leaning forward to get a better look.
Temoko gave them a strange smile, a mix of sadness and pride. "The twin swords. One for each..." she took one wrapped sword in each hand, holding them up for the two to take. "Each of you has to choose one now, only this way you'll find the one that is just right for you."
Sora looked at Riku, who just shrugged. He wasn't about to ask questions, Temoko wouldn't answer him anyway. He looked at the concealed swords in her hand and sighed, reaching for one just as Sora reached for the other.
Temoko nodded. "The choice has been made. The twin swords will bind you two together, so that you might never loose each other, wherever you go. Each has it's own power that will fit to you as if you were the one who made the sword. They work well with their wielders, but best together. Don't ever forget that."
Riku and Sora blinked, not understanding what she had said. Sora sighed. "Temoko, stop speaking in riddles."
The girl laughed and hugged Sora. "Take care little brother. Don't rush into things as you did in training, calm judgment is the best. And don't forget, not everything in live is good, even if you want to believe it."
Sora blushed at her last minute scolding but nodded. She seemed to accept that and then focused her attention to Riku, eyes narrowing. "Make sure Sora is save. He trusts you with everything he has. If you should hurt him you'll have to deal with me."
Riku nodded solemnly. He had already decided to protect Sora. Loosing Kairi had been too much already. "Of course I'll protect him. He's my best friend."
Temoko frowned at him for a second and then started to laugh. "You know so little... but you better get going. If Marbo knew you were still here she'd start hollering loud enough to make the jungle rustle."
Not long later the two boys were watching as the beach of Evergreen became smaller and smaller on the horizon as the boat carried them off, to a new adventure.
~*~*~
A gentle smile played upon her lips as she watched the boat slowly disappear beyond the horizon. She really would miss those two boys. "The future.... it hasn't changed even with them gone, right?"
Next to her Marbo chuckled. "I could never hide anything from you Corral..." her sky-blue gaze was calm, but with a sad light glowing underneath. "It was not or future that I was trying to protect. This world... it is fated to die just like many others."
Corral looked at the old woman. Even though she just had been told that everything was going to end for them, she was not afraid. "But why those two? And the twin swords, they are powerful, but if used careless they can be dangerous."
The seer smiled. "The fate of everything depends on those boys. Their adventure will be hard, filled with much hardship. But it is in those hours of darkness that they will find each other. Only together can they accomplish what they are destined to do. Only together can they stop the worlds from dying, can they bring the dead ones back."
The healer stood in silence, thinking about Marbo's words. "When will the end come?"
There was a long silence and then the old lady suddenly looked straight up. "Now..."
Corral's eyes widened as suddenly the whole sky became dark and black lightning danced across the ground. All the sounds were gone and from below their vantage point on the hill she could see darkness creep across the land, devouring everything. "Looks like the boys left just in time." A small smile lightened her features. "It was good to have known you Marbo, even if you were hard to understand at times."
Marbo chuckled as she watched the darkness come closer and closer, pulling everything into it's void. "Yes, let's just hope those boys will succeed. I'm not willing to leave existence just yet..."
~*~*~
(Sora's POV)
I feel the waves rock the boat, not as gentle as they had been when I had fallen asleep. I sit up halfway, not wanting to bang my head into the low ceiling of the bunk that Riku and me share. This boat definitely beats the raft, alone for the bunk, no more freezing my butt off in the night- air.
The boat rocks a little wilder and I have to use my arms to support my balance at the unexpected motion. Okay, now I have to see what's going on. Call me paranoid but after that last storm, the last thing I want is to be surprised in my sleep.
On hand and feet I crawl backwards out of the bunk and stand up once my head is clear of the ceiling. Riku accidentally managed to almost knock himself out when he sat up too quickly. Not something I care to imitate.
My heart sinks when I see the storm clouds at the horizon, lighting once and a while illuminating them eerily. Well, now I know why the waves are stronger. I stare at them for a long time and then realize that they are moving away from us. That alone makes me feel much more confident.
Still I decide to stay awake and keep an eye on the storm, as if that would help making it go away quicker. I hear Riku shift in his sleep, but not wake and I smile. This is the first night since Evergreen that he's sleeping peacefully. I know, because I was awake, avoiding the dreams that were to come with sleep. Dreams of Kairi's eyes, staring sadly at me and then falling away, falling and falling until all there was left to see was the deep blue of the ocean.
A sigh escapes me and I sit down, my head resting on my hand as I keep staring at the clouds. Kairi... why did she have to be taken away from us? We had been so good as a trio... "You have to be out there. I know you are. Wait for us Kairi, we'll find you."
I stretch slowly, some of my muscles stinging in protest. Three days on a small boat really don't do any good for my flexibility.
CLONK
I wince and look at the wrapped up bundle that I accidentally kicked. No sound comes from the bunk and I'm glad that Riku didn't wake up. We both need as much rest as we can get. Bending down I pick up my sword. I know it is mine because it is wrapped in light green leather. I smile as I think back to that day a week or two ago when Temoko had shown us just how the Courego died their leathers. Wonder how she's doing...
I heft the leather wrapped object in my hands, getting a feel for its weight. One thing strikes me as strange is, that neither Riku nor I haven't unwrapped our swords yet. Usually the curiosity gets the better of us, me especially. Slowly I untie the leather string that keeps the leather wrapped around the sword. I take a deep breath and push the leather away and I can feel my eyes widening.
"Beautiful..."
Mentally I could smack myself for that. Luckily enough neither Riku nor Kairi are present right now, or I'd never hear the end of it. I guess I really am easily impressed at times. But looking back down at the sword I can't help but being mesmerized by it again.
The light of the moon, the little amount that actually manages to break through the clouds, is reflected on a silver sheath and hilt. I run my fingers over a dark blue stone that is set into the hilt, looming dark in the otherwise bright metal.
Slowly my fingers close around the hilt and I notice with mild surprise that the surface isn't cold as expected. With a swift motion I draw the sword, holding it up right in front of me. The fist thing I notice is that it must have been forged out of one piece of metal, since there are no lines where the metal would have been fused together if the opposite was the case. I can tell that the edge is sharp without testing it. Truly a unique weapon and I wonder who took the time to make it and why of all people it was me Marbo gave it to. The old lady didn't seem too fond of Riku or me.
As I slide the sword back into its sheath and wrap it back up in the leather, my gaze falls on the red bundle. Riku's sword.... Does it look like mine? They called them twin swords, so it's pretty likely. Or are they just called that because they are made of the same metal? And what did Temoko mean when she said they fight best when together?
"What are you doing awake?"
I jump in surprise and look at Riku. He's sitting right outside the bunk, head slightly resting against it. His eyes give me a searching look and I rub my head, slightly embarrassed. Why? I don't know.
"I woke up and saw a storm over at the horizon. So I decided to stay awake and keep watch. Then I realized that, even though we both got those swords, neither of us had bothered looking at them. So I checked mine out." I feel a goofy grin spread across my face. "Looks really neat."
A silver eyebrow rises inquisitively. "Oh?"
I nod. "Yeah... And then I thought back to when Temoko gave these to us, and about what she said. I'm trying to figure out what she meant."
A teasing smirk grows on Riku's lips. "Oh, so that's why you looked like you were in pain. You were frying your brain by thinking too hard."
'What?' I stare at Riku, seeing his smirk widen even more. That is so like him, using anything he can to tease me. Usually I just come back with my own smartass remark, or I just tackle him into a childish brawl. But not this time. Something deep inside me stings at his words and it stays, not soothing as the minutes go by.
It seems that my expression must have changed, because Riku's grin falls and he looks at me more serious. "Ne, you know that I was joking. Right Sora?"
I force a grin. "'Course I know. It's you Riku."
Damn, I forgot that Riku can read me like an open book. He always could, even when we had been little. Riku always knew when I was sad. And he knows now too. But he is still Riku, which means that he won't try to force me to talk, and I am grateful. Instead he stretches and yawns. "Come on Sora, let's get some sleep. We need to be rested just in case that we might reach another world tomorrow."
I nod and wait till he had crawled back into the bunk then I follow, snuggling into my blankets. Suddenly I yawn and just now I realize how tired I really am. I look at Riku who's staring up at the ceiling, then he turns his head and looks me straight in the eyes. "Don't worry about what Temoko said. Whatever she meant... as long as we don't forget her words, I'm sure we'll understand in time."
I yawn and nod again, my eyes slowly drifting shut. As I drift off to sleep I feel a hand tugging my blanket higher, covering my bare shoulders. This time I dream of home, and my mother sitting next to my bed, smiling.
~*~*~
The next morning Sora woke because something was shaking the boat terribly. He groaned and rolled on his back, trying to go back to sleep but the shaking wouldn't let him. Slowly he opened his eyes.
Two sea green orbs stared right back at him.
"AAAHHHHHH!!!!"
Sora jumped in surprise and smacked his forehead right into Riku's. Riku, trying to avoid being hit not only bumped into Sora anyway but also smacked the back of his head into the wood above him. Stunned the older boy fell over, partly sprawled across Sora, holding his head in pain.
"Damit Sora! Oh that hurts!"
Sora rubbed his forehead. "It's your own fault for leaning over me like that?"
Riku gave him a look. "If you would have woken up when I called you..."
Sora frowned as he heard the gentle splashing of waves against stone. His eyes widened and he looked at Riku. "Did we land somewhere?"
Riku nodded. "I already secured the boat in the harbor. No one is around. I guess it must be early morning, because it's still kinda dark."
Sora nodded and detangled from the blankets. "Let's look around, maybe we will run into someone. Maybe we can find a clue on Kairi here..."
Riku sighed. "Sora, you know that-"
"I know it is really unlikely for her to be still alive, but our odds weren't any better. Still here we are. There is just a little hope, and I want to hold on to it." Sora's dark blue gaze fixed on Riku, searching.
Riku couldn't help but smile. "Alright, we'll keep looking. Just don't get your hopes up too high."
Sora ginned sheepishly. "Come on Riku, you know me."
The older boy sighed. "Yeah... I do."
~*~*~
Not too much later the two were walking though the dark streets of the sleeping city. Their eyes wandered from side to side, examining every corner carefully. Something felt off to them.
"There is absolutely nobody around." Sora remarked, and Riku heard the uneasiness in the younger teens voice. "Even if it's early... someone should be awake."
Riku didn't say anything, even though he had thought the same thing. He also had noted the eerie silence. No birds were singing like he was used to them doing early in the morning. Also it didn't get brighter. He knew that the light moved rather quick at dawn and dusk. But here the twilight shadows persisted, seeming to become deeper rather than fading with the rising sun.
Sora shivered goosebumps forming on his arms. Riku frowned. "Are you cold?"
Sora shook his head. "No, this place just gives me the creeps."
His friend nodded and stopped inn the middle of what seemed to be a market place. Again there weren't any people there and no wares were coffered up on the stands.
Sora frowned and slowly moved forward between the stands, looking around. Suddenly he felt a cold shiver run down his spine and around him the shadows seemed to be moving. He looked at the shadows and then at Riku. "Is it just me... or does it feel like we're being watched?"
Riku too felt like someone, or something, was watching them from the dark corners. Sitting, waiting for the to do something. He turned around and almost had an heart attack. The shadows behind Sora were visibly moving, drawing closer right towards Sora. "Watch out behind you!"
At Riku's warning Sora whirled around and froze. Above him loomed a creature that seemed to be entirely made of darkness. He backed up slowly and almost screamed in fear when he bumped into something. But a strong hand wrapped around his wrist and started to pull him away. Sora stumbled after Riku as the boy swiftly led him back to the harbor where the boat was anchored.
Behind them more and more shadows started to form and follow them. Sora gasped. With these things here, what happened to the people?
Their steps echoed loudly in their ears as they ran over the wooden pier, hasting for their boat. Riku untied the ropes while Sora pulled them in and stored them. Hoping on, Riku gave the boat a strong push and off they were again. Leaving this cursed place behind.
~*~*~
Whew. chappies done. I swear, posting is a bitch. First I gotta transfer them stupid files to my moms comp then edit it (I hate editing) then sign up on her crappy ass slow comp, where the stupid enter button is in the wrong place!
Temoko: Uhm.. I think it's your Mac where it's in the wrong place hun,
Is not! And what are you doing here anyway! You're... nonexistent for the moment.
Temoko: *glomps Sora* I'm just spending time with my little brother ^^
Riku: *glares jealous*
Why me. *sighs and hits post button*
Warnings: More and more shonen ai ^^ YAY!! I'm getting there! Of course there will be more OC's ^^ You'll see why soon, but dun worry I won't make them really important.
Comments: I'm in a really uninspired mood lately.. And my writing, plus several of my other artistic projects are suffering from it. It took me forever to write this part and I don't think it's good I'll give it to you like this and revise it when I get the chance and I feel a little more inspired okay? So feel free to tear it to pieces and tell me what's wrong with it.. I really hope the break will give me some needed inspiration.
So. as usual. read and review ^^ Please?
Setting Sail
Chapter 4 (Time to depart)
~*~*~
Uncomfortable silence filled the small room as Riku and Sora just stared at the woman. She on her part just glared back, features cold and uncaring. Surprisingly it was Temoko who spoke up first. "Old Lady Marbo... what are you saying?"
Her ears came to lay flat on her skull as the woman turned her glare to the girl. "Silence!" Her eyes focused back on Riku and Sora. "I want you to leave this place, as soon as you can. We will help you to get a boat, but you cannot stay. Your place isn't here, this world has no need for the likes of you."
Sora looked at her blankly. He couldn't understand her anger, after all, they hadn't done anything bad. Or had they? Riku on the other hand got angry. She had no right to yell at them like that. She was being unreasonable. "How can you say we will cause anything here? Are you trying to tell me you saw the future?"
The old woman closed her eyes. "I see all. The present, the past, and the future. I have said what is needed to be known. The Menrock are already building a boat for you."
"Thank you." Riku ground out through gritted teeth. If looks could kill, the woman would have been dead in an instant.
The woman nodded. "You're welcome.... Temoko, take them back to Corral. Tell the healer what has been decided and make sure she'll have them prepared."
The girl bowed deep and retreated slowly, motioning Riku and Sora to follow her. Sora looked at Riku, worry in his eyes. "She wants us to go back out on the ocean?"
Riku nodded. "Looks like it."
Sora was quiet for a while, eyes cast to the ground. "Maybe.... maybe we will find our way back to Destiny Island..."
Riku sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. To him the idea of just going back to Destiny Island was like adding insult to injury. No, he didn't want to go back there, not yet. He had the feeling that going back would be worse than staying here.
He looked up when Sora yelped and frowned at Temoko who had the boy in a headlock, her free hand messing up his hair. "Lighten up little brother! This frown does not suit you! Who knows were you'll end up to be? You managed to get here, and I believe you'll find more worlds. Who knows... maybe you find that girl that went missing. What makes you believe you were the only fortunate ones to survive that storm?"
Riku blinked and then smiled. For the first time since he had met Temoko he was grateful that the girl had such a big mouth, for this speech had done wonders for Sora. The youth was smiling as he straightened his hair, eyes shining with hope. "You're right, we might find her. Right Riku?"
The silver-haired teen nodded, even though he had his doubts. But why bring down Sora's good mood, especially since Riku didn't know what was going to be ahead of them.
Sora grinned. "Alright, then lets set sail again Riku. Let's go find Kairi."
~*~*~
It had taken the Menrock almost two weeks to finish the boat that would take Riku and Sora away from Evergreen. Both teens had used the time to train their skills some more, with Temoko being a willing trainer. The mood however had changed. Before the meeting with Old Lady Marbo their training had been something that had given them their strength back. Now it was far more serious, and anyone who watched could feel it.
Temoko had become more of a master than a sparring partner. She made Riku and Sora spar more than often, taking the sidelines herself, commenting as the boys fought. One time when she was lecturing Riku, Sora had said that she wasn't one to talk, since she never fought anymore. His fight with her after that had been short, with Sora disarmed before he had had one chance to charge. While this had been a blow to his pride, Sora had learned his lesson and listened to her instructions.
Now the two were standing at the beach, eyeing the boat that would take them to a new place. It was clear that they both were nervous as they stood in silence, just staring at the sea.
Their fare well comity was small, made of Kitsuna, Raja as well as the two men that had prevented Temoko from killing Riku back when he had woken up on this beach. Riku sighed and looked at them, a smirk twisting his lips. "Time to go, or the old lady might throw a fit."
The two men nodded and handed the teens another bag of provision, cautioning them to be careful out there. Riku nodded and motioned Sora to help him push the boat into the water.
It took them a while to get the boat moving, but with the help of their friends the boat was soon resting in the gentle sure, waiting for the push- off. Sora and Riku thanked their friends and turned to the boat when a call made them halt.
The group turned to face the trees, where the call had come from, searching. The boys blinked when Temoko emerged from the green, running for them with something in her arms. Riku and Sora looked at each other with a frown. They hadn't forgotten anything, or had they?
Temoko was gasping for air by the time she reached them, slightly bend over, still holding her package close to her chest. They waited until she had regained her breath before Riku asked her. "Temoko? Did we forget something?" His gaze wandered to the lengthy object wrapped in soft leather.
Temoko shook her head. "Nope, Marbo send me to give you these..."
"What is it?" Sora asked curiously, leaning forward to get a better look.
Temoko gave them a strange smile, a mix of sadness and pride. "The twin swords. One for each..." she took one wrapped sword in each hand, holding them up for the two to take. "Each of you has to choose one now, only this way you'll find the one that is just right for you."
Sora looked at Riku, who just shrugged. He wasn't about to ask questions, Temoko wouldn't answer him anyway. He looked at the concealed swords in her hand and sighed, reaching for one just as Sora reached for the other.
Temoko nodded. "The choice has been made. The twin swords will bind you two together, so that you might never loose each other, wherever you go. Each has it's own power that will fit to you as if you were the one who made the sword. They work well with their wielders, but best together. Don't ever forget that."
Riku and Sora blinked, not understanding what she had said. Sora sighed. "Temoko, stop speaking in riddles."
The girl laughed and hugged Sora. "Take care little brother. Don't rush into things as you did in training, calm judgment is the best. And don't forget, not everything in live is good, even if you want to believe it."
Sora blushed at her last minute scolding but nodded. She seemed to accept that and then focused her attention to Riku, eyes narrowing. "Make sure Sora is save. He trusts you with everything he has. If you should hurt him you'll have to deal with me."
Riku nodded solemnly. He had already decided to protect Sora. Loosing Kairi had been too much already. "Of course I'll protect him. He's my best friend."
Temoko frowned at him for a second and then started to laugh. "You know so little... but you better get going. If Marbo knew you were still here she'd start hollering loud enough to make the jungle rustle."
Not long later the two boys were watching as the beach of Evergreen became smaller and smaller on the horizon as the boat carried them off, to a new adventure.
~*~*~
A gentle smile played upon her lips as she watched the boat slowly disappear beyond the horizon. She really would miss those two boys. "The future.... it hasn't changed even with them gone, right?"
Next to her Marbo chuckled. "I could never hide anything from you Corral..." her sky-blue gaze was calm, but with a sad light glowing underneath. "It was not or future that I was trying to protect. This world... it is fated to die just like many others."
Corral looked at the old woman. Even though she just had been told that everything was going to end for them, she was not afraid. "But why those two? And the twin swords, they are powerful, but if used careless they can be dangerous."
The seer smiled. "The fate of everything depends on those boys. Their adventure will be hard, filled with much hardship. But it is in those hours of darkness that they will find each other. Only together can they accomplish what they are destined to do. Only together can they stop the worlds from dying, can they bring the dead ones back."
The healer stood in silence, thinking about Marbo's words. "When will the end come?"
There was a long silence and then the old lady suddenly looked straight up. "Now..."
Corral's eyes widened as suddenly the whole sky became dark and black lightning danced across the ground. All the sounds were gone and from below their vantage point on the hill she could see darkness creep across the land, devouring everything. "Looks like the boys left just in time." A small smile lightened her features. "It was good to have known you Marbo, even if you were hard to understand at times."
Marbo chuckled as she watched the darkness come closer and closer, pulling everything into it's void. "Yes, let's just hope those boys will succeed. I'm not willing to leave existence just yet..."
~*~*~
(Sora's POV)
I feel the waves rock the boat, not as gentle as they had been when I had fallen asleep. I sit up halfway, not wanting to bang my head into the low ceiling of the bunk that Riku and me share. This boat definitely beats the raft, alone for the bunk, no more freezing my butt off in the night- air.
The boat rocks a little wilder and I have to use my arms to support my balance at the unexpected motion. Okay, now I have to see what's going on. Call me paranoid but after that last storm, the last thing I want is to be surprised in my sleep.
On hand and feet I crawl backwards out of the bunk and stand up once my head is clear of the ceiling. Riku accidentally managed to almost knock himself out when he sat up too quickly. Not something I care to imitate.
My heart sinks when I see the storm clouds at the horizon, lighting once and a while illuminating them eerily. Well, now I know why the waves are stronger. I stare at them for a long time and then realize that they are moving away from us. That alone makes me feel much more confident.
Still I decide to stay awake and keep an eye on the storm, as if that would help making it go away quicker. I hear Riku shift in his sleep, but not wake and I smile. This is the first night since Evergreen that he's sleeping peacefully. I know, because I was awake, avoiding the dreams that were to come with sleep. Dreams of Kairi's eyes, staring sadly at me and then falling away, falling and falling until all there was left to see was the deep blue of the ocean.
A sigh escapes me and I sit down, my head resting on my hand as I keep staring at the clouds. Kairi... why did she have to be taken away from us? We had been so good as a trio... "You have to be out there. I know you are. Wait for us Kairi, we'll find you."
I stretch slowly, some of my muscles stinging in protest. Three days on a small boat really don't do any good for my flexibility.
CLONK
I wince and look at the wrapped up bundle that I accidentally kicked. No sound comes from the bunk and I'm glad that Riku didn't wake up. We both need as much rest as we can get. Bending down I pick up my sword. I know it is mine because it is wrapped in light green leather. I smile as I think back to that day a week or two ago when Temoko had shown us just how the Courego died their leathers. Wonder how she's doing...
I heft the leather wrapped object in my hands, getting a feel for its weight. One thing strikes me as strange is, that neither Riku nor I haven't unwrapped our swords yet. Usually the curiosity gets the better of us, me especially. Slowly I untie the leather string that keeps the leather wrapped around the sword. I take a deep breath and push the leather away and I can feel my eyes widening.
"Beautiful..."
Mentally I could smack myself for that. Luckily enough neither Riku nor Kairi are present right now, or I'd never hear the end of it. I guess I really am easily impressed at times. But looking back down at the sword I can't help but being mesmerized by it again.
The light of the moon, the little amount that actually manages to break through the clouds, is reflected on a silver sheath and hilt. I run my fingers over a dark blue stone that is set into the hilt, looming dark in the otherwise bright metal.
Slowly my fingers close around the hilt and I notice with mild surprise that the surface isn't cold as expected. With a swift motion I draw the sword, holding it up right in front of me. The fist thing I notice is that it must have been forged out of one piece of metal, since there are no lines where the metal would have been fused together if the opposite was the case. I can tell that the edge is sharp without testing it. Truly a unique weapon and I wonder who took the time to make it and why of all people it was me Marbo gave it to. The old lady didn't seem too fond of Riku or me.
As I slide the sword back into its sheath and wrap it back up in the leather, my gaze falls on the red bundle. Riku's sword.... Does it look like mine? They called them twin swords, so it's pretty likely. Or are they just called that because they are made of the same metal? And what did Temoko mean when she said they fight best when together?
"What are you doing awake?"
I jump in surprise and look at Riku. He's sitting right outside the bunk, head slightly resting against it. His eyes give me a searching look and I rub my head, slightly embarrassed. Why? I don't know.
"I woke up and saw a storm over at the horizon. So I decided to stay awake and keep watch. Then I realized that, even though we both got those swords, neither of us had bothered looking at them. So I checked mine out." I feel a goofy grin spread across my face. "Looks really neat."
A silver eyebrow rises inquisitively. "Oh?"
I nod. "Yeah... And then I thought back to when Temoko gave these to us, and about what she said. I'm trying to figure out what she meant."
A teasing smirk grows on Riku's lips. "Oh, so that's why you looked like you were in pain. You were frying your brain by thinking too hard."
'What?' I stare at Riku, seeing his smirk widen even more. That is so like him, using anything he can to tease me. Usually I just come back with my own smartass remark, or I just tackle him into a childish brawl. But not this time. Something deep inside me stings at his words and it stays, not soothing as the minutes go by.
It seems that my expression must have changed, because Riku's grin falls and he looks at me more serious. "Ne, you know that I was joking. Right Sora?"
I force a grin. "'Course I know. It's you Riku."
Damn, I forgot that Riku can read me like an open book. He always could, even when we had been little. Riku always knew when I was sad. And he knows now too. But he is still Riku, which means that he won't try to force me to talk, and I am grateful. Instead he stretches and yawns. "Come on Sora, let's get some sleep. We need to be rested just in case that we might reach another world tomorrow."
I nod and wait till he had crawled back into the bunk then I follow, snuggling into my blankets. Suddenly I yawn and just now I realize how tired I really am. I look at Riku who's staring up at the ceiling, then he turns his head and looks me straight in the eyes. "Don't worry about what Temoko said. Whatever she meant... as long as we don't forget her words, I'm sure we'll understand in time."
I yawn and nod again, my eyes slowly drifting shut. As I drift off to sleep I feel a hand tugging my blanket higher, covering my bare shoulders. This time I dream of home, and my mother sitting next to my bed, smiling.
~*~*~
The next morning Sora woke because something was shaking the boat terribly. He groaned and rolled on his back, trying to go back to sleep but the shaking wouldn't let him. Slowly he opened his eyes.
Two sea green orbs stared right back at him.
"AAAHHHHHH!!!!"
Sora jumped in surprise and smacked his forehead right into Riku's. Riku, trying to avoid being hit not only bumped into Sora anyway but also smacked the back of his head into the wood above him. Stunned the older boy fell over, partly sprawled across Sora, holding his head in pain.
"Damit Sora! Oh that hurts!"
Sora rubbed his forehead. "It's your own fault for leaning over me like that?"
Riku gave him a look. "If you would have woken up when I called you..."
Sora frowned as he heard the gentle splashing of waves against stone. His eyes widened and he looked at Riku. "Did we land somewhere?"
Riku nodded. "I already secured the boat in the harbor. No one is around. I guess it must be early morning, because it's still kinda dark."
Sora nodded and detangled from the blankets. "Let's look around, maybe we will run into someone. Maybe we can find a clue on Kairi here..."
Riku sighed. "Sora, you know that-"
"I know it is really unlikely for her to be still alive, but our odds weren't any better. Still here we are. There is just a little hope, and I want to hold on to it." Sora's dark blue gaze fixed on Riku, searching.
Riku couldn't help but smile. "Alright, we'll keep looking. Just don't get your hopes up too high."
Sora ginned sheepishly. "Come on Riku, you know me."
The older boy sighed. "Yeah... I do."
~*~*~
Not too much later the two were walking though the dark streets of the sleeping city. Their eyes wandered from side to side, examining every corner carefully. Something felt off to them.
"There is absolutely nobody around." Sora remarked, and Riku heard the uneasiness in the younger teens voice. "Even if it's early... someone should be awake."
Riku didn't say anything, even though he had thought the same thing. He also had noted the eerie silence. No birds were singing like he was used to them doing early in the morning. Also it didn't get brighter. He knew that the light moved rather quick at dawn and dusk. But here the twilight shadows persisted, seeming to become deeper rather than fading with the rising sun.
Sora shivered goosebumps forming on his arms. Riku frowned. "Are you cold?"
Sora shook his head. "No, this place just gives me the creeps."
His friend nodded and stopped inn the middle of what seemed to be a market place. Again there weren't any people there and no wares were coffered up on the stands.
Sora frowned and slowly moved forward between the stands, looking around. Suddenly he felt a cold shiver run down his spine and around him the shadows seemed to be moving. He looked at the shadows and then at Riku. "Is it just me... or does it feel like we're being watched?"
Riku too felt like someone, or something, was watching them from the dark corners. Sitting, waiting for the to do something. He turned around and almost had an heart attack. The shadows behind Sora were visibly moving, drawing closer right towards Sora. "Watch out behind you!"
At Riku's warning Sora whirled around and froze. Above him loomed a creature that seemed to be entirely made of darkness. He backed up slowly and almost screamed in fear when he bumped into something. But a strong hand wrapped around his wrist and started to pull him away. Sora stumbled after Riku as the boy swiftly led him back to the harbor where the boat was anchored.
Behind them more and more shadows started to form and follow them. Sora gasped. With these things here, what happened to the people?
Their steps echoed loudly in their ears as they ran over the wooden pier, hasting for their boat. Riku untied the ropes while Sora pulled them in and stored them. Hoping on, Riku gave the boat a strong push and off they were again. Leaving this cursed place behind.
~*~*~
Whew. chappies done. I swear, posting is a bitch. First I gotta transfer them stupid files to my moms comp then edit it (I hate editing) then sign up on her crappy ass slow comp, where the stupid enter button is in the wrong place!
Temoko: Uhm.. I think it's your Mac where it's in the wrong place hun,
Is not! And what are you doing here anyway! You're... nonexistent for the moment.
Temoko: *glomps Sora* I'm just spending time with my little brother ^^
Riku: *glares jealous*
Why me. *sighs and hits post button*