"Sakura, they're coming!" the voice yelled again.
Riku opened his eyes, watching as a young girl scrambled to her feet. Her short brown hair was adorned with a pair of black cat ears, her green eyes wide with fear. The girl's dress matched her ears, a black dress pleated with a white apron over her outfit. A white collar was wrapped around her neck, a silver bell jingling with every move she made. In her hand was a pink staff, the head off it looking like a strange bird.
The girl's friend was close beside her, a camera in her hands. Her hair was a deep black with a soft purple glow, flowing well down her back. She seemed more interested in Kairi and Riku than what her friend was doing. A look of confusion ran through her violet eyes but, for a moment, it seemed like she understood their presence as a soft smile crossed her face. That smile, though, sent a chill down Riku's spine.
Kairi suddenly let out a scream, causing Riku to jump. "Riku! It's the Heartless." she cried out. Her soft eyes were wide with fear and she slowly began to back away. Down the street a group of Heartless was running rapidly towards them, their yellow eyes flashing with hunger. Kairi couldn't move or say a word; all she could do was hope that it would end.
The small girl suddenly produced a card and threw it into the air. "I call upon the powers of the Shield card. Form a shield of protection. Clow Card!" She spun her staff and slashed at the card with a cry of anger. The card suddenly burst into flash of light, causing Riku and Kairi to hide their eyes.
"This isn't going to hold them, Tomoyo. I wish Kero was here." the girl said, fear in her voice. She glanced over her shoulder, watching as Riku slowly stood and as Kairi stepped behind him as if he would protect her from everything. "Oh. . . ." The girl's eyes filled with fear for a moment and then she laughed nervously. "I, I can explain."
Riku smiled to himself and slowly approached the girl. "You don't have to. You should stand back." he said with side glance to the girl.
"But. . . ." she muttered. The girl's friend seized her, pulling her away from Riku with a sense of urgency. Instantly the shield disappeared. Kairi stood beside the two, watching Riku silently. The black haired child raised the camera to her eye and continued to film.
Throwing his hand out, the Oblivion appeared in Riku's grasp. He heard the gasp from the young girls as he swung the weapon and threw it diligently towards the mass of Heartless. The mass was suddenly cut in half and the reaming creatures never seemed to lose their speed. Riku caught the Keyblade on its return and pointed it into the air.
"Graviga." Riku called out. A dark orb appeared over the charging Heartless and flattened them all. Closing his eyes Riku held the Oblivion out before him. Opening his eyes he drew the sign of omega into the air, the sign slowly forming into a solid form. The symbol suddenly burst into flames.
Riku's eyes suddenly grew clouded as he stared into the burning symbol. "Back to the darkness with you. Be gone." he yelled viciously. Riku pulled the Keyblade back and suddenly stabbed through the symbol, sending it hurdling towards the Heartless. The flames encased the Heartless and they disappeared instantly, leaving nothing of themselves in return.
Then there was silence. Riku stood, starring into the space where the Heartless once stood. The Oblivion disappeared from his hands, sensing no danger. For a moment he heard the laughter of a man; a menacing laugh that resonated in Riku's mind. Whispers followed and soon disappeared. Someone was talking about him and all he could gather was that they were tied to the darkness.
"Wow!" a cheerful voice said, suddenly breaking through Riku's thoughts.
Riku turned sharply, facing Kairi and the two young girls. He felt his face flush as the two young girls rushed over to him. The girl in the cat costume studied him, her eyes wide as a smile on her face. Her friend had finally put the camera down as was staring him, her eyes sparkling for a moment and a soft smile forming over her pale face. Kairi didn't move, but watched Riku's reaction with a slight smirk.
"How did you learn to do that?" the costumed girl mused, finally looking Riku in the eye. She clutched her staff, her eyes wide as they continued to study Riku. "I always thought I was one of the only people here with special abilities. Well, Syaoran is the only other kid I know about. . . ."
The girl's friend bowed suddenly and held out her hand. "Hello. My name is Daidouji Tomoyo and this is my friend Sakura."
Sakura's face grew rosy and she bowed suddenly. "It's nice to meet you."
Riku smiled to himself as Kairi slowly came to stand by him. He took Tomoyo's hand and shook it, bowing in return. "My name is Riku and this is Kairi." Riku replied, motioning to Kairi with a wave of his hand.
Tomoyo looked at Riku and then at Kairi. For a moment no one spoke. A soft smile suddenly crossed Tomoyo's face and her eyes sparkled with glee. "You two make a very sweet couple."
Kairi's eyes widened and her cheeks grew red. "Oh no! It's not like that!" she said with a nervous laugh. She looked at Riku, whose cheeks were growing rosy as well. Kairi laughed again. "We're just friends."
Sakura's gaze was fixed on Riku the whole time, her eyes studying him intently. The staff in her hand suddenly disappeared and a small necklace unexpectedly appeared around her neck, bearing a trinket matching the head of the staff. She smiled nervously, but her eyes didn't show the same nervousness. Riku smiled in return, easing the small girl slightly.
"Riku-san," Sakura suddenly said, breaking her nervous silent. "I was just wondering where you got that weapon?"
**********
'Kairi, just be careful, okay?'
'She seems nice, Riku, and she's only a kid. She couldn't do a thing.'
'She knows something.'
'Are you sure?'
'No. . . .'
'Than how do you know?'
'When she smiled at me. . . . I could see something in her eyes. I don't know what it was, but she knows something.'
"Are you okay, Kairi-san?"
Kairi blinked and looked at the dark haired child. Those eyes sparkled with admiration as they stared up at Kairi. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at the young girl. Kairi had left with her and Riku went to spend the night at Sakura's, more than likely sleeping in her brother's room.
"Yes, I'm fine, Tomoyo. Just a little tired from everything. I'm sorry." Kairi whispered. She glanced out the tinted windows of limousine. She could still feel Tomoyo's eyes on her, wondering. "Tomoyo, is it all right if I ask you a question?"
Tomoyo smiled and nodded softly. "Of course, Kairi-san."
Kairi looked at Tomoyo from the corner of her eye. She bit her lip nervously, slowly turning to face the child. "Riku has a feeling you know something." she whispered, her eyes locking on to the girl's. Kairi heaved a sigh. "I shouldn't be talking to you about this; Riku would probably be pissed off if he knew I was. I just want to know if you know anything about what he told you. If you do it would help us, a lot."
The young girl turned her gaze to the front of the car. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes and smiling slightly. Tomoyo turned her head and looked at Kairi happily. "Sometimes I have strange dreams, Kairi-san. Lately I've been having dreams about a man with silver hair who fights with a weapon that looks like a giant key." She paused, as if thinking about it all. "He is looking for someone; a friend I think. I never saw you with him in my dreams. . . . Until last night."
"What?" Kairi gasped, feeling her heart begin to race.
Tomoyo looked at Kairi, her face void of emotion for a moment. Those violet eyes began to shimmer and a soft smile crossed her lips. "He needs you, Kairi-san. You are Riku's last hope to continue; you are his light. Without you by his side, he will succumb to the darkness. In the end, though, you will have a choice to make that could wound his heart forever."
Kairi blinked. "What?" She suddenly seized Tomoyo's hand, causing the girl to gasp. Their eyes met, Kairi's own filling with desperate tears. "Tell me what is going to happen, Tomoyo. What do I have to do?"
"I can't tell you, Kairi-san." Tomoyo whispered. She blinked and lowered her eyes. "All I know is what may happen." Kairi held onto Tomoyo's hands, urging her on in silence. Tomoyo nodded. "With one choice you could lose something but in the end it will make Riku happy. If you decide to make yourself happy, Riku will lose something he cares for."
"You can see the future through your dreams." Kairi said, her eyes examining the child. Slowly she let go of Tomoyo's hand and placed her own in her lap. "Can you tell me anything else?"
Tomoyo gave a curt nod. "You will meet others with my ability; they'll have more power than I do. The last one you will meet is a woman by the name of Hinoto." She heaved a sigh and bit her lip. "She will be able to tell you everything, but it may be too late when you find her."
Kairi closed her eyes. "Too late for what?"
**********
Riku stared up into the night sky, watching the stars shimmer in the cloudless night. Kairi had been taken to Tomoyo's house, Riku remaining at Sakura's home. The girl's father agreed to it without an explanation. All he did was look at Riku and smile, the same type of knowing smile that Tomoyo had given him.
Riku explained everything to the two young girls, his journey and the battles he faced. The girls didn't seem to be amazed by it at all and soon Riku heard the stories of their battles against the Clow Cards. In a way they were all connected, somehow.
The window suddenly burst open and Sakura poked her head out. Her wandering eyes quickly found Riku, sitting on the roof's edge. She smiled to herself, watching Riku drift through his own world. The soft wind rustled past him and Riku closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. His hair danced in the breeze, much like long grass does.
"Riku-san!" Sakura said cheerfully. Her voice cutting short when she noticed the sparkling tear trickle down Riku's cheek. She forced a smile across her face. "Dinner is ready. I hope you're hungry!"
"Thank you." Riku said, turning to face Sakura. He smiled softly, brushing away with the heel of his hand. Slowly he crawled towards the window, stopping when he came to Sakura. A happier smile crossed his face as he looked at the child. "Just lead the way."
Riku followed Sakura in silence, his head bent slightly. The smell of the food didn't comfort him as the feeling of loneliness settled across him. He wished that Kairi was with him, just so he could feel comfortable. Without her or Sora, things felt different; he felt unsure of himself without the two near him. 'Without Kairi around,' Riku thought with a heavy sigh, 'I can figure out some type of plan.' He thought about that for comfort above anything else.
"You didn't tell me we were having company, monster."
Sakura frowned and glared at the source of the comment. She cleared her throat. "Riku-san, this is my brother Touya and that is his friend Yukito." She looked at Riku and paused. It looked like he wasn't moving, his eyes staring intently at Yukito.
"Riku-san?" Sakura whispered. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed a strange glowing mist form around his fisted hands. She let out a scream, which caught everyone's attention. Instantly her face grew red. "Sorry!" Sakura laughed nervously. She took Riku by the hand and lead him to the table. "I think we should eat now!"
Riku opened his eyes, watching as a young girl scrambled to her feet. Her short brown hair was adorned with a pair of black cat ears, her green eyes wide with fear. The girl's dress matched her ears, a black dress pleated with a white apron over her outfit. A white collar was wrapped around her neck, a silver bell jingling with every move she made. In her hand was a pink staff, the head off it looking like a strange bird.
The girl's friend was close beside her, a camera in her hands. Her hair was a deep black with a soft purple glow, flowing well down her back. She seemed more interested in Kairi and Riku than what her friend was doing. A look of confusion ran through her violet eyes but, for a moment, it seemed like she understood their presence as a soft smile crossed her face. That smile, though, sent a chill down Riku's spine.
Kairi suddenly let out a scream, causing Riku to jump. "Riku! It's the Heartless." she cried out. Her soft eyes were wide with fear and she slowly began to back away. Down the street a group of Heartless was running rapidly towards them, their yellow eyes flashing with hunger. Kairi couldn't move or say a word; all she could do was hope that it would end.
The small girl suddenly produced a card and threw it into the air. "I call upon the powers of the Shield card. Form a shield of protection. Clow Card!" She spun her staff and slashed at the card with a cry of anger. The card suddenly burst into flash of light, causing Riku and Kairi to hide their eyes.
"This isn't going to hold them, Tomoyo. I wish Kero was here." the girl said, fear in her voice. She glanced over her shoulder, watching as Riku slowly stood and as Kairi stepped behind him as if he would protect her from everything. "Oh. . . ." The girl's eyes filled with fear for a moment and then she laughed nervously. "I, I can explain."
Riku smiled to himself and slowly approached the girl. "You don't have to. You should stand back." he said with side glance to the girl.
"But. . . ." she muttered. The girl's friend seized her, pulling her away from Riku with a sense of urgency. Instantly the shield disappeared. Kairi stood beside the two, watching Riku silently. The black haired child raised the camera to her eye and continued to film.
Throwing his hand out, the Oblivion appeared in Riku's grasp. He heard the gasp from the young girls as he swung the weapon and threw it diligently towards the mass of Heartless. The mass was suddenly cut in half and the reaming creatures never seemed to lose their speed. Riku caught the Keyblade on its return and pointed it into the air.
"Graviga." Riku called out. A dark orb appeared over the charging Heartless and flattened them all. Closing his eyes Riku held the Oblivion out before him. Opening his eyes he drew the sign of omega into the air, the sign slowly forming into a solid form. The symbol suddenly burst into flames.
Riku's eyes suddenly grew clouded as he stared into the burning symbol. "Back to the darkness with you. Be gone." he yelled viciously. Riku pulled the Keyblade back and suddenly stabbed through the symbol, sending it hurdling towards the Heartless. The flames encased the Heartless and they disappeared instantly, leaving nothing of themselves in return.
Then there was silence. Riku stood, starring into the space where the Heartless once stood. The Oblivion disappeared from his hands, sensing no danger. For a moment he heard the laughter of a man; a menacing laugh that resonated in Riku's mind. Whispers followed and soon disappeared. Someone was talking about him and all he could gather was that they were tied to the darkness.
"Wow!" a cheerful voice said, suddenly breaking through Riku's thoughts.
Riku turned sharply, facing Kairi and the two young girls. He felt his face flush as the two young girls rushed over to him. The girl in the cat costume studied him, her eyes wide as a smile on her face. Her friend had finally put the camera down as was staring him, her eyes sparkling for a moment and a soft smile forming over her pale face. Kairi didn't move, but watched Riku's reaction with a slight smirk.
"How did you learn to do that?" the costumed girl mused, finally looking Riku in the eye. She clutched her staff, her eyes wide as they continued to study Riku. "I always thought I was one of the only people here with special abilities. Well, Syaoran is the only other kid I know about. . . ."
The girl's friend bowed suddenly and held out her hand. "Hello. My name is Daidouji Tomoyo and this is my friend Sakura."
Sakura's face grew rosy and she bowed suddenly. "It's nice to meet you."
Riku smiled to himself as Kairi slowly came to stand by him. He took Tomoyo's hand and shook it, bowing in return. "My name is Riku and this is Kairi." Riku replied, motioning to Kairi with a wave of his hand.
Tomoyo looked at Riku and then at Kairi. For a moment no one spoke. A soft smile suddenly crossed Tomoyo's face and her eyes sparkled with glee. "You two make a very sweet couple."
Kairi's eyes widened and her cheeks grew red. "Oh no! It's not like that!" she said with a nervous laugh. She looked at Riku, whose cheeks were growing rosy as well. Kairi laughed again. "We're just friends."
Sakura's gaze was fixed on Riku the whole time, her eyes studying him intently. The staff in her hand suddenly disappeared and a small necklace unexpectedly appeared around her neck, bearing a trinket matching the head of the staff. She smiled nervously, but her eyes didn't show the same nervousness. Riku smiled in return, easing the small girl slightly.
"Riku-san," Sakura suddenly said, breaking her nervous silent. "I was just wondering where you got that weapon?"
**********
'Kairi, just be careful, okay?'
'She seems nice, Riku, and she's only a kid. She couldn't do a thing.'
'She knows something.'
'Are you sure?'
'No. . . .'
'Than how do you know?'
'When she smiled at me. . . . I could see something in her eyes. I don't know what it was, but she knows something.'
"Are you okay, Kairi-san?"
Kairi blinked and looked at the dark haired child. Those eyes sparkled with admiration as they stared up at Kairi. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at the young girl. Kairi had left with her and Riku went to spend the night at Sakura's, more than likely sleeping in her brother's room.
"Yes, I'm fine, Tomoyo. Just a little tired from everything. I'm sorry." Kairi whispered. She glanced out the tinted windows of limousine. She could still feel Tomoyo's eyes on her, wondering. "Tomoyo, is it all right if I ask you a question?"
Tomoyo smiled and nodded softly. "Of course, Kairi-san."
Kairi looked at Tomoyo from the corner of her eye. She bit her lip nervously, slowly turning to face the child. "Riku has a feeling you know something." she whispered, her eyes locking on to the girl's. Kairi heaved a sigh. "I shouldn't be talking to you about this; Riku would probably be pissed off if he knew I was. I just want to know if you know anything about what he told you. If you do it would help us, a lot."
The young girl turned her gaze to the front of the car. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes and smiling slightly. Tomoyo turned her head and looked at Kairi happily. "Sometimes I have strange dreams, Kairi-san. Lately I've been having dreams about a man with silver hair who fights with a weapon that looks like a giant key." She paused, as if thinking about it all. "He is looking for someone; a friend I think. I never saw you with him in my dreams. . . . Until last night."
"What?" Kairi gasped, feeling her heart begin to race.
Tomoyo looked at Kairi, her face void of emotion for a moment. Those violet eyes began to shimmer and a soft smile crossed her lips. "He needs you, Kairi-san. You are Riku's last hope to continue; you are his light. Without you by his side, he will succumb to the darkness. In the end, though, you will have a choice to make that could wound his heart forever."
Kairi blinked. "What?" She suddenly seized Tomoyo's hand, causing the girl to gasp. Their eyes met, Kairi's own filling with desperate tears. "Tell me what is going to happen, Tomoyo. What do I have to do?"
"I can't tell you, Kairi-san." Tomoyo whispered. She blinked and lowered her eyes. "All I know is what may happen." Kairi held onto Tomoyo's hands, urging her on in silence. Tomoyo nodded. "With one choice you could lose something but in the end it will make Riku happy. If you decide to make yourself happy, Riku will lose something he cares for."
"You can see the future through your dreams." Kairi said, her eyes examining the child. Slowly she let go of Tomoyo's hand and placed her own in her lap. "Can you tell me anything else?"
Tomoyo gave a curt nod. "You will meet others with my ability; they'll have more power than I do. The last one you will meet is a woman by the name of Hinoto." She heaved a sigh and bit her lip. "She will be able to tell you everything, but it may be too late when you find her."
Kairi closed her eyes. "Too late for what?"
**********
Riku stared up into the night sky, watching the stars shimmer in the cloudless night. Kairi had been taken to Tomoyo's house, Riku remaining at Sakura's home. The girl's father agreed to it without an explanation. All he did was look at Riku and smile, the same type of knowing smile that Tomoyo had given him.
Riku explained everything to the two young girls, his journey and the battles he faced. The girls didn't seem to be amazed by it at all and soon Riku heard the stories of their battles against the Clow Cards. In a way they were all connected, somehow.
The window suddenly burst open and Sakura poked her head out. Her wandering eyes quickly found Riku, sitting on the roof's edge. She smiled to herself, watching Riku drift through his own world. The soft wind rustled past him and Riku closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. His hair danced in the breeze, much like long grass does.
"Riku-san!" Sakura said cheerfully. Her voice cutting short when she noticed the sparkling tear trickle down Riku's cheek. She forced a smile across her face. "Dinner is ready. I hope you're hungry!"
"Thank you." Riku said, turning to face Sakura. He smiled softly, brushing away with the heel of his hand. Slowly he crawled towards the window, stopping when he came to Sakura. A happier smile crossed his face as he looked at the child. "Just lead the way."
Riku followed Sakura in silence, his head bent slightly. The smell of the food didn't comfort him as the feeling of loneliness settled across him. He wished that Kairi was with him, just so he could feel comfortable. Without her or Sora, things felt different; he felt unsure of himself without the two near him. 'Without Kairi around,' Riku thought with a heavy sigh, 'I can figure out some type of plan.' He thought about that for comfort above anything else.
"You didn't tell me we were having company, monster."
Sakura frowned and glared at the source of the comment. She cleared her throat. "Riku-san, this is my brother Touya and that is his friend Yukito." She looked at Riku and paused. It looked like he wasn't moving, his eyes staring intently at Yukito.
"Riku-san?" Sakura whispered. Her heart skipped a beat when she noticed a strange glowing mist form around his fisted hands. She let out a scream, which caught everyone's attention. Instantly her face grew red. "Sorry!" Sakura laughed nervously. She took Riku by the hand and lead him to the table. "I think we should eat now!"