'The door has opened.'
'What?'
'The door has opened, Sora! Now we can go to the outside world!'
'What are you talking about? We gotta find Kairi!'
'Kairi's coming with us! Once we step through, we might not be able to come back. . . . We can't let fear stop us. . . . I'm not afraid of the darkness.'
Riku raised his head, slowly opening his eyes. He winced in pain and turned his head violently to one side. He could barely keep his eyes open, even though the light was dim. The years in the darkness had impaired his vision, so much so that he could only see in the darkness. Through the moments of blurry and painful sight, Riku recognize some of the hazy objects. The roots of a tree jutted out from the cold ground and rocks were embedded in the earth here and there. Drawings, though, graced everything within view. Some were his handy work while others had unknown creators.
Slowly Riku began to tie the scrap of cloth before his eyes, hoping the pain would cease with the comforting darkness. It was a memento from his days of darkness, stolen from Ansem's cloak. He rested against a large rock and his mind pounded with echoing voices. Those voices were familiar but their words were jumbled together and meant nothing.
"I'm home." Riku whispered. His own voice seemed alien to him now. He didn't know how long he had been in the darkness after meeting the stranger. It felt like a life time. Now, though, he was back on Destiny Island and he didn't know how. In a moment of thunder and a flashing light, he was home.
Riku slowly let his body slip to the ground. His body was exhausted. He felt like he had gone through a horrific battle. In a way, though, he had; as he floated through the endless darkness he fought to stay human. The darkness tried to take him but something lived within Riku that only he knew. It was the desire to return to Sora. It was as simple as that, though. He wanted to be with his old friend, embrace him, and confess everything that had plagued his mind. Now, on Destiny Island, he could do that.
Warmth surrounded Riku's body and he closed his eyes from beneath the folded cloth. Letting a soft sigh escape him, he slept. For the first time in years his sleep was dreamless. For countless nights his mind had been plagued with visions of the Heartless and Ansem. Riku would jerk awake, not knowing if it was morning or night, and only know the horror of what he saw. Because of Ansem he was forever linked with the Heartless, even if he liked the idea or not.
Hours passed and Riku slept in silence. When he finally woke he could hear the ocean softly. He wanted to leave this dark area and step out into the sun light. He wanted to open his eyes and see the friends he had left behind. Most of all, Riku wanted to see Sora. He had to apologize for everything he did; for all the pain he went through. He was the cause of it all.
Riku sat and listened to the world around him. The ocean swept softly against the shore and the birds sang in the palm trees. Time meant nothing to Riku and he did not know if it was day or night. All he knew is that the world out side was void of familiar voices. No one seemed to be there. He was alone again.
"Hey Kairi, look at this!" a soft voice called out.
For a moment Riku held his breath, wondering if he had been found.
"Oh Selphie, that one is perfect!" another voice cooed. This one Riku recognized quickly. It was Kairi. "We can make a necklace if we find a few more! I guess the storm wasn't so bad after all."
Riku let out a heavy sigh and turned his head to one side. 'There was a storm,' he thought, remembering the flash of light and thunder. He ran a hand through his hair and frowned. Riku wondered if that was how he returned home. As his mind wandered he remembered the day he heard of Kairi. She had arrived the night of a meteor shower, one similar to the one he heard the night he meet the stranger.
A sudden gasp caused Riku to pause in his thoughts. He didn't dare move. "There's someone here." Selphie whispered in a frightened. "I'm gonna get Wakka and Tidus." She turned and ran off quickly.
"Maybe he didn't see us." Kairi replied, her voice shaking. "Selphie?"
Riku slowly stood. He could hear Kairi gasp in fear, obviously from his sudden movement and his dark clothes. He turned his head so Kairi could look at his face. Deep inside Riku hoped that Kairi would recognize him, despite the blind fold and the years of separation. His hopes were crushed in one swift movement.
"Who are you?" Kairi asked through clenched teeth.
"Kairi." Riku whispered reaching out for his lost friend.
Quickly Kairi dodged his hand. "How do you know my name? How did you get here without anyone seeing you?"
Riku turned his body once more so he was facing Kairi. "Don't you recognize me? Kairi, it's me. . . ."
As Riku reached out for Kairi once more he heard the sound of running feet. Without much thought he seized Kairi, spinning her around quickly and pulled her close. Holding out his hand the Oblivion appeared in his grasp. He moved the blade till it was barley touching her throat. She let out a frightened gasp, too frightened to scream.
"Kairi!" Selphie screamed.
"Let her go." The voice belonged to Tidus. Riku could remember the cheerful voice and it seemed like age didn't change it too much.
"If you let me explain. . . ." Riku said, slowly putting space between them all. The sound of an unsheathing sword caused him to pause. Something inside told him to listen to them, but something else told Riku to prove himself to them. "I would put that away if I were you."
Laughter filled the air. "You shouldn't be talkin'." Wakka said, his voice never losing its accent. "You're gonna face the best fighters on Destiny Island. You wouldn't stand a chance against me and Tidus."
A smile crossed Riku's face. He let go of Kairi and spun his Keyblade. Slowly he got down into a fighting stance, pointing the tip of the blade at his opponents. "I should warn you two, I'm much tougher than I look. I've fought against people and creatures you could never imagine."
"Right." Tidus laughed. Riku heard as Tidus' blade slashed through the air. "Anyone can talk tough. It takes a real man to truly fight."
"I see your point. Then let's see what you've got." Riku said, the sly smile never leaving his pale face.
Riku swung his Keyblade hard, hitting the blitz ball that Wakka had quickly thrown. The blitz ball flew back to Wakka, smacking him in the stomach. He fell to the ground, gasping for air. The others stood in amazed and stunned silence. For a moment Riku wondered if Tidus would give up, but he knew otherwise.
Tidus let out a cry of anger and he lunged forward. Riku quickly blocked the attacks, not wanting to injure his old friend. Their blades struck against the other and the two drew away. Riku swung his Keyblade around, listening as Tidus' heavy breath moved with his every movement.
Parrying another strike Riku gave Tidus a swift kick to the stomach, knocking him down instantly. He gasped for air and Selphie rushed to his side. Kairi inched away from Riku, slowly turning back to her friends. For a few seconds there was only the sound of Tidus gasping for air.
Riku smiled and pointed slung the Keyblade over his shoulder. "You two could never beat me. I don't know why you thought you could now."
"Ri. . . . Riku?" Tidus said between gasps.
All Riku did was give a curt nod. He heard the others gasp in surprise. He turned his head slightly, and sighed. "I came back so I can apologize to Kairi. . . . And to see Sora one last time."
"Oh my God." Kairi whispered, clamping her hands over her mouth. Riku turned his head so he faced her. "I thought you knew. Sora disappeared after he. . . ."
Riku narrowed his eyes and frowned. "Shit." His voice echoed through the secret place, stronger than it had ever been.
**********
The sun washed over Riku as he sat silently at the dock. He listened to the waves as they rocked the boats that had been tied up for the day. After their meeting the others didn't bother with him. Riku could hear them though, whispering about him and wondering what had happened. He wouldn't tell them. He had a feeling Kairi never explained what had happened to any of them either. There didn't seem to be a use.
A soft wind rustled by Riku, kissing his skin softly and causing his hair to flutter behind him. He wished he could take off his blindfold and look at the world; to see the faces he seemed to forget. Riku knew that the others were giving him strange looks; he didn't eyes to know it. A tear emerged from his eyes, quickly being wiped away by the blindfold.
"Riku?" Kairi's voice called from behind him.
"What?" Riku whispered, not bothering to move. He kept his face in the sun's direction, wondering if it was setting. He remembered watching the sunsets from the trees, listening to Kairi and Sora talk. There were times, though, when Riku and Sora were the only ones watching the sunset. Riku missed those times when he and Sora would sit in silence and being near each other was something they enjoyed. Once they fell asleep, after a day of training, and Riku woke to find Sora snuggled against, his soft lips tilted in a soft smile.
"Are you okay?" Kairi asked. The boards of the dock creaked under her steps. She came to a stop beside Riku and slowly took a seat. For a moment they sat in silent, the wind moving around them silently. Kairi moved around restlessly and finally spoke. "What are you thinking about?"
Riku lowered his head. "Sora. He never returned to the island?"
"No." Kairi replied. She shifted once more. "I was the only one. He-he wasn't able to move fast enough. He could have, if he really wanted to. Something was holding him back though."
"What?"
Kairi placed a hand on Riku's shoulder, causing him to turn and face her. He could almost see the sad expression on her face. This was something that was tearing her apart and had been for years. "He wanted to go back for you. Sora never said anything, but I knew he did." Kairi's hand traveled from Riku's shoulder to his face. He moved away slightly but welcomed the friendly touch as her fingers grazed over the blindfold. "What happened to you?"
Riku turned his face away, feeling Kairi's fingers trail across his cheek. "I locked myself away with the Heartless. I had to; to help Sora close the door to Kingdom Heart." Riku paused as his voice broke. He closed his eyes tightly, forcing new tears to break free. "I told him to take care of you and he looked at me and nodded. King Mickey helped Sora lock the door. Then there was nothing but darkness. I battled with the Heartless, forcing myself to remember everything. The Heartless began to obey me and they left me alone. King Mickey, though, he gave in to the darkness and disappeared."
For a moment Kairi was silent. She cleared her throat and shifted her weight. "Why do you have to wear. . . ."
"Because the light hurts me." Riku said, cutting Kairi off. He turned his face sharply away, so that Kairi could only see the back of his head. "I lived in darkness for years and my eyes grew accustomed to it. Somehow. . . . Somehow I was freed from the darkness and I couldn't see without blinding myself. So I have to wear this until I am able to see again, which may never happen."
The two sat in silence for minutes, neither one bothering to speak after Riku's explanation. Clouds passed over head as the sun slowly set. The others were growing weary and were talking about leaving. Riku wondered where he could sleep. The secret place was all that came to mind; his parents, he thought, must have left after his disappearance. Soon the darkness would settle across the island and Riku would be able to wander with some type of sight.
"Riku?" Kairi whispered. Riku turned his head only to acknowledge he heard her. She paused for a moment and suddenly stood. "I want you to come with me."
"Where?" Riku asked.
"Just come on." Kairi said, seizing Riku's hand.
Kairi lead Riku down the dock. He followed without a word, wondering what would happen. He listened as the others moved out of their way, their voices gone for those moments. Riku could feel their eyes on him; wondering what Kairi was doing with him. He knew they viewed him as an outcast; no longer one of them.
"Where are you taking me?" Riku finally asked.
"To the secret place." Kairi replied. She never let go of Riku's hand, her fingers seeming to guide him with every step. "Duck."
Riku followed Kairi's order and lowered his head. He felt the leaves of the large tree brush against him. The cool air from beneath the tree encompassed him as he was lead deeper into the hiding place. The sound of the ocean was gone now and the only sound he could hear was their footsteps and Kairi's breathing. Something was strange about it all. Riku couldn't figure out what she was doing.
Then they stopped. Riku took a few steps past Kairi and stopped. He turned and faced her. Silence surrounded them. He wondered what she was doing; how she was looking at him. For an instant Riku felt uncomfortable. Kairi was studying him. He could feel her eyes on him.
"You didn't bring me here just to stare at me, did you?" Riku asked harshly.
"No." Kairi said softly. She took a few steps forward and paused when she was only inches from Riku. Her hands were slowly raised to Riku's faced. Her fingers took hold of the blindfold, sliding beneath it.
"What the hell are you doing?" Riku cried.
Riku pushed Kairi away and took a step back at once. He let out a cry of surprise as the blindfold broke free from his eyes. He cursed himself as he stumbled backwards, knowing that he shouldn't have done such a stupid thing. Riku closed his eyes tightly and held his hands to his eyes. He collapsed to his knees as he suddenly felt a rush of tears in his eyes.
Kairi came to Riku's side and knelt beside him. She let the blindfold fall to the ground. Her hands cupped Riku's chin and slowly forced his face to turn to her. Riku let his hands slip from his face. The tears streaked down his cheeks and for the first time in years he opened his deep blue eyes and saw Kairi's face. He saw how she changed; her hair longer, she was taller, and her eyes had a sad look to them
Tears rolled down Riku's face as he squinted in pain, trying to focus Kairi's face. She smiled softly, her own eyes beginning to well up with tears. She slowly brought Riku into a consoling embrace. He sobbed and she only listened, her own tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sorry, Kairi." Riku whispered. The tears streamed down his face as Kairi smiled and kissed his forehead lightly. In a way the feeling of her lips on his skin hurt him. As much as Riku cared for Sora, he knew that the kiss should have gone to him. Riku lowered his eyes and let out a sob. "I'm sorry, Kairi. . . . I'm so sorry."
'What?'
'The door has opened, Sora! Now we can go to the outside world!'
'What are you talking about? We gotta find Kairi!'
'Kairi's coming with us! Once we step through, we might not be able to come back. . . . We can't let fear stop us. . . . I'm not afraid of the darkness.'
Riku raised his head, slowly opening his eyes. He winced in pain and turned his head violently to one side. He could barely keep his eyes open, even though the light was dim. The years in the darkness had impaired his vision, so much so that he could only see in the darkness. Through the moments of blurry and painful sight, Riku recognize some of the hazy objects. The roots of a tree jutted out from the cold ground and rocks were embedded in the earth here and there. Drawings, though, graced everything within view. Some were his handy work while others had unknown creators.
Slowly Riku began to tie the scrap of cloth before his eyes, hoping the pain would cease with the comforting darkness. It was a memento from his days of darkness, stolen from Ansem's cloak. He rested against a large rock and his mind pounded with echoing voices. Those voices were familiar but their words were jumbled together and meant nothing.
"I'm home." Riku whispered. His own voice seemed alien to him now. He didn't know how long he had been in the darkness after meeting the stranger. It felt like a life time. Now, though, he was back on Destiny Island and he didn't know how. In a moment of thunder and a flashing light, he was home.
Riku slowly let his body slip to the ground. His body was exhausted. He felt like he had gone through a horrific battle. In a way, though, he had; as he floated through the endless darkness he fought to stay human. The darkness tried to take him but something lived within Riku that only he knew. It was the desire to return to Sora. It was as simple as that, though. He wanted to be with his old friend, embrace him, and confess everything that had plagued his mind. Now, on Destiny Island, he could do that.
Warmth surrounded Riku's body and he closed his eyes from beneath the folded cloth. Letting a soft sigh escape him, he slept. For the first time in years his sleep was dreamless. For countless nights his mind had been plagued with visions of the Heartless and Ansem. Riku would jerk awake, not knowing if it was morning or night, and only know the horror of what he saw. Because of Ansem he was forever linked with the Heartless, even if he liked the idea or not.
Hours passed and Riku slept in silence. When he finally woke he could hear the ocean softly. He wanted to leave this dark area and step out into the sun light. He wanted to open his eyes and see the friends he had left behind. Most of all, Riku wanted to see Sora. He had to apologize for everything he did; for all the pain he went through. He was the cause of it all.
Riku sat and listened to the world around him. The ocean swept softly against the shore and the birds sang in the palm trees. Time meant nothing to Riku and he did not know if it was day or night. All he knew is that the world out side was void of familiar voices. No one seemed to be there. He was alone again.
"Hey Kairi, look at this!" a soft voice called out.
For a moment Riku held his breath, wondering if he had been found.
"Oh Selphie, that one is perfect!" another voice cooed. This one Riku recognized quickly. It was Kairi. "We can make a necklace if we find a few more! I guess the storm wasn't so bad after all."
Riku let out a heavy sigh and turned his head to one side. 'There was a storm,' he thought, remembering the flash of light and thunder. He ran a hand through his hair and frowned. Riku wondered if that was how he returned home. As his mind wandered he remembered the day he heard of Kairi. She had arrived the night of a meteor shower, one similar to the one he heard the night he meet the stranger.
A sudden gasp caused Riku to pause in his thoughts. He didn't dare move. "There's someone here." Selphie whispered in a frightened. "I'm gonna get Wakka and Tidus." She turned and ran off quickly.
"Maybe he didn't see us." Kairi replied, her voice shaking. "Selphie?"
Riku slowly stood. He could hear Kairi gasp in fear, obviously from his sudden movement and his dark clothes. He turned his head so Kairi could look at his face. Deep inside Riku hoped that Kairi would recognize him, despite the blind fold and the years of separation. His hopes were crushed in one swift movement.
"Who are you?" Kairi asked through clenched teeth.
"Kairi." Riku whispered reaching out for his lost friend.
Quickly Kairi dodged his hand. "How do you know my name? How did you get here without anyone seeing you?"
Riku turned his body once more so he was facing Kairi. "Don't you recognize me? Kairi, it's me. . . ."
As Riku reached out for Kairi once more he heard the sound of running feet. Without much thought he seized Kairi, spinning her around quickly and pulled her close. Holding out his hand the Oblivion appeared in his grasp. He moved the blade till it was barley touching her throat. She let out a frightened gasp, too frightened to scream.
"Kairi!" Selphie screamed.
"Let her go." The voice belonged to Tidus. Riku could remember the cheerful voice and it seemed like age didn't change it too much.
"If you let me explain. . . ." Riku said, slowly putting space between them all. The sound of an unsheathing sword caused him to pause. Something inside told him to listen to them, but something else told Riku to prove himself to them. "I would put that away if I were you."
Laughter filled the air. "You shouldn't be talkin'." Wakka said, his voice never losing its accent. "You're gonna face the best fighters on Destiny Island. You wouldn't stand a chance against me and Tidus."
A smile crossed Riku's face. He let go of Kairi and spun his Keyblade. Slowly he got down into a fighting stance, pointing the tip of the blade at his opponents. "I should warn you two, I'm much tougher than I look. I've fought against people and creatures you could never imagine."
"Right." Tidus laughed. Riku heard as Tidus' blade slashed through the air. "Anyone can talk tough. It takes a real man to truly fight."
"I see your point. Then let's see what you've got." Riku said, the sly smile never leaving his pale face.
Riku swung his Keyblade hard, hitting the blitz ball that Wakka had quickly thrown. The blitz ball flew back to Wakka, smacking him in the stomach. He fell to the ground, gasping for air. The others stood in amazed and stunned silence. For a moment Riku wondered if Tidus would give up, but he knew otherwise.
Tidus let out a cry of anger and he lunged forward. Riku quickly blocked the attacks, not wanting to injure his old friend. Their blades struck against the other and the two drew away. Riku swung his Keyblade around, listening as Tidus' heavy breath moved with his every movement.
Parrying another strike Riku gave Tidus a swift kick to the stomach, knocking him down instantly. He gasped for air and Selphie rushed to his side. Kairi inched away from Riku, slowly turning back to her friends. For a few seconds there was only the sound of Tidus gasping for air.
Riku smiled and pointed slung the Keyblade over his shoulder. "You two could never beat me. I don't know why you thought you could now."
"Ri. . . . Riku?" Tidus said between gasps.
All Riku did was give a curt nod. He heard the others gasp in surprise. He turned his head slightly, and sighed. "I came back so I can apologize to Kairi. . . . And to see Sora one last time."
"Oh my God." Kairi whispered, clamping her hands over her mouth. Riku turned his head so he faced her. "I thought you knew. Sora disappeared after he. . . ."
Riku narrowed his eyes and frowned. "Shit." His voice echoed through the secret place, stronger than it had ever been.
**********
The sun washed over Riku as he sat silently at the dock. He listened to the waves as they rocked the boats that had been tied up for the day. After their meeting the others didn't bother with him. Riku could hear them though, whispering about him and wondering what had happened. He wouldn't tell them. He had a feeling Kairi never explained what had happened to any of them either. There didn't seem to be a use.
A soft wind rustled by Riku, kissing his skin softly and causing his hair to flutter behind him. He wished he could take off his blindfold and look at the world; to see the faces he seemed to forget. Riku knew that the others were giving him strange looks; he didn't eyes to know it. A tear emerged from his eyes, quickly being wiped away by the blindfold.
"Riku?" Kairi's voice called from behind him.
"What?" Riku whispered, not bothering to move. He kept his face in the sun's direction, wondering if it was setting. He remembered watching the sunsets from the trees, listening to Kairi and Sora talk. There were times, though, when Riku and Sora were the only ones watching the sunset. Riku missed those times when he and Sora would sit in silence and being near each other was something they enjoyed. Once they fell asleep, after a day of training, and Riku woke to find Sora snuggled against, his soft lips tilted in a soft smile.
"Are you okay?" Kairi asked. The boards of the dock creaked under her steps. She came to a stop beside Riku and slowly took a seat. For a moment they sat in silent, the wind moving around them silently. Kairi moved around restlessly and finally spoke. "What are you thinking about?"
Riku lowered his head. "Sora. He never returned to the island?"
"No." Kairi replied. She shifted once more. "I was the only one. He-he wasn't able to move fast enough. He could have, if he really wanted to. Something was holding him back though."
"What?"
Kairi placed a hand on Riku's shoulder, causing him to turn and face her. He could almost see the sad expression on her face. This was something that was tearing her apart and had been for years. "He wanted to go back for you. Sora never said anything, but I knew he did." Kairi's hand traveled from Riku's shoulder to his face. He moved away slightly but welcomed the friendly touch as her fingers grazed over the blindfold. "What happened to you?"
Riku turned his face away, feeling Kairi's fingers trail across his cheek. "I locked myself away with the Heartless. I had to; to help Sora close the door to Kingdom Heart." Riku paused as his voice broke. He closed his eyes tightly, forcing new tears to break free. "I told him to take care of you and he looked at me and nodded. King Mickey helped Sora lock the door. Then there was nothing but darkness. I battled with the Heartless, forcing myself to remember everything. The Heartless began to obey me and they left me alone. King Mickey, though, he gave in to the darkness and disappeared."
For a moment Kairi was silent. She cleared her throat and shifted her weight. "Why do you have to wear. . . ."
"Because the light hurts me." Riku said, cutting Kairi off. He turned his face sharply away, so that Kairi could only see the back of his head. "I lived in darkness for years and my eyes grew accustomed to it. Somehow. . . . Somehow I was freed from the darkness and I couldn't see without blinding myself. So I have to wear this until I am able to see again, which may never happen."
The two sat in silence for minutes, neither one bothering to speak after Riku's explanation. Clouds passed over head as the sun slowly set. The others were growing weary and were talking about leaving. Riku wondered where he could sleep. The secret place was all that came to mind; his parents, he thought, must have left after his disappearance. Soon the darkness would settle across the island and Riku would be able to wander with some type of sight.
"Riku?" Kairi whispered. Riku turned his head only to acknowledge he heard her. She paused for a moment and suddenly stood. "I want you to come with me."
"Where?" Riku asked.
"Just come on." Kairi said, seizing Riku's hand.
Kairi lead Riku down the dock. He followed without a word, wondering what would happen. He listened as the others moved out of their way, their voices gone for those moments. Riku could feel their eyes on him; wondering what Kairi was doing with him. He knew they viewed him as an outcast; no longer one of them.
"Where are you taking me?" Riku finally asked.
"To the secret place." Kairi replied. She never let go of Riku's hand, her fingers seeming to guide him with every step. "Duck."
Riku followed Kairi's order and lowered his head. He felt the leaves of the large tree brush against him. The cool air from beneath the tree encompassed him as he was lead deeper into the hiding place. The sound of the ocean was gone now and the only sound he could hear was their footsteps and Kairi's breathing. Something was strange about it all. Riku couldn't figure out what she was doing.
Then they stopped. Riku took a few steps past Kairi and stopped. He turned and faced her. Silence surrounded them. He wondered what she was doing; how she was looking at him. For an instant Riku felt uncomfortable. Kairi was studying him. He could feel her eyes on him.
"You didn't bring me here just to stare at me, did you?" Riku asked harshly.
"No." Kairi said softly. She took a few steps forward and paused when she was only inches from Riku. Her hands were slowly raised to Riku's faced. Her fingers took hold of the blindfold, sliding beneath it.
"What the hell are you doing?" Riku cried.
Riku pushed Kairi away and took a step back at once. He let out a cry of surprise as the blindfold broke free from his eyes. He cursed himself as he stumbled backwards, knowing that he shouldn't have done such a stupid thing. Riku closed his eyes tightly and held his hands to his eyes. He collapsed to his knees as he suddenly felt a rush of tears in his eyes.
Kairi came to Riku's side and knelt beside him. She let the blindfold fall to the ground. Her hands cupped Riku's chin and slowly forced his face to turn to her. Riku let his hands slip from his face. The tears streaked down his cheeks and for the first time in years he opened his deep blue eyes and saw Kairi's face. He saw how she changed; her hair longer, she was taller, and her eyes had a sad look to them
Tears rolled down Riku's face as he squinted in pain, trying to focus Kairi's face. She smiled softly, her own eyes beginning to well up with tears. She slowly brought Riku into a consoling embrace. He sobbed and she only listened, her own tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sorry, Kairi." Riku whispered. The tears streamed down his face as Kairi smiled and kissed his forehead lightly. In a way the feeling of her lips on his skin hurt him. As much as Riku cared for Sora, he knew that the kiss should have gone to him. Riku lowered his eyes and let out a sob. "I'm sorry, Kairi. . . . I'm so sorry."