Author's Note: Welcome back, all you Kingdom Hearts fans! And thank you, those who have been so faithful to me and have kept up with my wishes and with the story, oh yeah, and with my total lateness and crappiness to the previous chappie... ^^() Anyway, I don't own anything of the Squaresoft or Disney production, and definitely not anything from the game Kigdom Hearts itself. I only own Roz, Aya, and... uh... well, who else knows what else that I've made up that isn't apart of some other company? Oh, please remember to refer back to other chapters, because y'all know that I type a whole lot and it takes me a good darn while too.... Oh, and I want people to answer me on this one question: "Does anyone notice that my chapters are ad lib and I have this story not so well planned out, and yet, here I am so ahead and into it with so many reading it? Does anybody notice that my chapters are crap and ad lib as I try to make it make sense?"
Me: And now, a quick answer to all your questions, reviewers! Let's bring out... Sora! *Sora enters* Okay, this is a question from Queen of Curses... think you can answer it?
Sora: *shrugs* Well, I'm in Midgar, and yes, it's a Final Fantasy game... hence, in the previous chapter, I think it was chapter eleven, it says that Cloud appeared.
Me: *nods* Okay, right! Now, I think this is from... uh... well, anonymous. I guess I can't say their name cus they don't want me to... *shrug* Oh well... Riku? *Riku comes in*
Riku: Don't even say it, I already know that damn question. Well, what's up with the wierd plot is that Sora was--is--possessed by darkness because of Ansem, Maleficent, his emotions, and etcetera. (Oh yeah,a nd he has split personalities...) See, Roz predicted that something was wrong with him, but didn't know until just recently what's really wrong. We--the characters--don't know or understand what caused this, but it is assumed that it was because of me going over to the bad side and letting them control me and blah blah blah (y'know) and he was angry with this and his anger consumed him, making the darkness inside him grow and possess him. There are signs with Sora that prove he's still in there somewhere and--
Sora: Hey! I'm still here! You mean that my TRUE self is still there, not just ME, the ME me! Say it right, Riku!
Riku: *smacks Sora in the back of the head* Urusai! Now, where was I? Oh yeah. Well, he's in there somewhere and the only way he can possibly be retrieved is if I... er... wait, that'd be revealing the ending... *clears throat* well, whatever. I have to do something, and the only thing I can say about it is that it starts out with me explaining things through his thick skull that what I did wasn't intentional and that I wasn't fully myself. *raps knuckles on Sora's head* Hear this sound? See? Thick skull.
Sora: *swats Riku's hands away* DON'T TOUCH ME! And stop hitting me!
Riku: *smirks* You're just a wimp, Sora. Toughen up, will ya? But anyhow, back to whatever the hell I was talking about... Um... What was it again?
Me: *rolls eyes* And I thought you said you KNEW it already... Well, you're refreshing the reader(s)' brain(s) on the plot. You stopped on Sora and Roz predicting his spaz to the dark side.
Sora: I don't spaz!
Me: Psh. Just let 'im talk, Sora...
Riku: Oh yeah, okay. Right. Roz predicts this outcome, and now Sora's running from us, doing havoc and mayham and who-else-knows-what to the other worlds. Roz wants to find Aya because he's a childhood friend and I think... uh... *looks over shoulder at the curtain* Roz? What the hell are you looking for Aya for again?
Roz: *enters and whacks Riku on the head with a Kali stick* You numb-skull, I'm finding him not only to reunite with him after so long of a seperation, but also I think he might help-- Oops... I can't say that... ^^() The readers will just hafta find out that other part later...
Riku: *rolls eyes* Well, anyway, yeah, she's out to reunite with her ol' boyfriend and *beeeeeeeeeeeep* ... hey, why can't I tell about the other part where she *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*? ... --() ...*turns to author*
Me: *looks up, seeing Riku staring in my direction* heh... ^^() *holds up a lil button device* Gomen ne, Riku-kun, I just can't let you reveal the secret, sorry. Besides, I'm still working that part out a lil more! You know how my brain works, things pop in at the last minute after I've already developed the part. So... Don't say it yet! *waves device around* Sorry a thousand times, but I just hafta!
Riku: *rolls eyes* Anyway, yeah. Aya's gonna... I can't say it, so yeeeaaahh.... And... um... Well, going back to the journey and where everyone's going to next, we're going to Midgar. Airships--thankfully--are seen there, so it won't be a need to hide the Infiniti (what th hell kind of name is that?!) from anyone. I can't say anymore on what happens, cuz she's *points to author* gonna do that whole "beep"ing thing with that thing in her hand and possibly make something bad happen to me in the story. I could always try to kill her, yeah, I know what y'all are thinking, but then... She's just mirror my attack... What do I mean? ... --() You DON'T want to know...
Me: *nods* He's right, you don't... besides, I have more things up my sleeve than the torture I could do to Riku-kun, or Sora-chan, or anyone else here. Even the readers ) but heck, I'm not THAT mean, no, not when I don't need to be. ^^ Well, if anyone still has anymore quesitons, please feel free to ask! I can answer them personally or individually or whatever, or just answer them right here for anyone else who might've asked the same thing to themselves... Well, enjoy the story! And remember, review or I'll hurt someone! ) *smiles evilly* And you DON'T want that!
Chapter Twelve
Riku drifted in the sea of greens and blues until Feng appeared again. She told him that he had enough time to himself and that it was best he left to regain his strength, especially since he was not normally built for the ship, let alone created to use its system for so long. Riku thanked Feng for his privacy and let himself exit the wonderful domain. Once outside the bubble, he found that the use of his legs and the rest of his limbs seemed numb. Zidane, as he did for Roz, was there to support Riku; but instead of scooping him up in his arms like a hero-man, Zidane just let Riku lean on him. Riku looked around him to see that everyone from before was still there.
Roz smiled lightly, rather guiltily, and wiggled her fingers in a wave. "Glad you're back... Body feel like hell?"
Riku opened him mouth but found that he could not speak, so he just nodded. /Hell as ever...\ he thought, but then, his thoughts moved back to his conversation with Sora and about what Sora had told him about Roz. /I wonder if he's right... I hell as hope not... But I can't exactly ask her right now, my body doesn't want to cooperate... Chicken-shit... Wait, where'd that come from? Well, hell anyway... I might as well do as Feng had adviced me as she'd done for Roz, sleep.\ Riku let his head drop on Zidane's shoulder and closed his eyes, fatigue lapping up the rest of his strength.
Zidane caught the boy and looked over his shoulder at the others. "Where should I put him...?"
Blank stepped up and took the boy form Zidane. "I'll take care of him."
Zidane was caught by surprise, his tail halting in its rythmic sway for a second before returning to the usual rythme. "Uh... Sure, Blank, go ahead. Where are you gonna take him?"
Blank smirked. "He has a room, right? What better place then his room?"
Zidane shrugged as he let go of Riku completely, watching in unfamiliar interest as Blank scooped Riku up in his arms and took him away to his room. "Odd bloke, he is..." Zidane muttered.
Roz arched on of her brows. "Okaaaaay...? What's wrong with this picture?" Roz looked at Dagger who only stared at Zidane. "That's even worse... What the hell is up with them?" Roz looked over at the other four, seeing that they were equally shocked, confused, and still trying to process all the information from before. "This is one 'lively' and 'understandable' group... Tch." Roz exited the room in distaste. /I hope Riku will be okay... It's not normal of him, I don't think... I've been with him to short of a time that I don't know, but I have a feeling that whatever happened in there wasn't exactly what you'd call a fine-and-dandy experience.\ Roz paused just outside Riku's room before moving on again. "I won't protude... I'll ask him later, but I just wonder... What happened? There was something on his face, a kind of expression that told me something... I just don't know what... Oh geez... Well, at least Riku has Blank to take care of him... It was right of me to send him to Riku to snap him out of his stupor. They really seem to understand each other..." Roz sighed and continued on her way to the bridge of the ship where she would keep to herself and confide it for the time being.
In Riku's room, Blank was tucking Riku in. "God... Get some rest, Riku..."
Riku opened his eyes briefly, looking at Blank and opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to have thought beeter of it and closed his eyes, mouthing the words, 'thank you Blank' before finally letting his body rest fully.
After several days, Riku was able to recover a great deal, but unfortunately, he was unable to talk. He had the ability to move his arms and legs, his limbs, his muscles in his body, and more, but his vocal cords didn't work properly and he could utter no sound, not even yell or scream when hurt (the others tested this out to make sure). Riku could not snap back at anyway, remark rudely, comment, respond, growl, groan, moan, nothing. No sound came from his mouth. Riku was depressed that first day he found out he could not talk, but soon, he got used to not having to talk so much as he did; heck, he never really did back then or at home on the island.
At the thought of home, Riku was heartbroken. Home meant Sora, Sora meant his love, love meant Kairi and the others, all of them meant his family, his family reminded him of Sora once again, Sora brought back the memories of their conversation, and that brought back what Sora said to him about Roz and the others, and that led to distrust and so many more negative feelings. Practically everything Riku thought led from one thing to another and back around to what Sora said. Always, what Sora said bothered him; he couldn't get those words out of his head.
Riku shook his head, trying to get these thoughts out of his head as he was in the middle of taking in his surroundings and become self-aware as he stood on the cliff where Serge's and Leena's old oath was. In his head, he was going through a song he was taught when he was so young. It seemed to relate to him and his problems right now so well; somehow, he was happy with the song and it somehow conforted him. He didn't know where it came from exactly, or what it was called, but it helped ease the weight on his heart.
/I can't believe this... I can't talk... But, it wouldn't matter if I could or not... I don't want to...\ he thought solemnly. /I don't want to talk, just... think about my life, think about that around me, just... think...\ Riku tried to sigh but remembered that no sound could escape him, so instead, he just shook his head. /It's been such a long time since I've thought to myself, have been self-aware of anything. I was so caught up in... In just so much that I forgot to slow things down a bit, let things flow the way they need to. Maybe this is some sort of test for me, for both of us, to be aware of that around us, to notice more in each other and ourselves, to enjoy what we have instead of force our way through like we had to for a long time. Maybe this is also a test of our love, but hell, I could just be talking crazy here... I don't know what's wrong with me, but whatever the hell is it, it'll all pass soon. Just like this delema; it'll all get fixed and not so... well, whatever the hell kind of mess it is now.\
Riku looked over his shoulder as he heard footsteps from behind, heading his way. He saw Roz approaching him; he smiled as she neared him.
"Hey, Riku."
Riku smiled, it was the only thing he could do. /You... a girl with much power... Yet, you use it for unseen reasons. I don't understand you... Should I trust you? Should I go with what you say? Or should I go with what Sora (Sora... God...) said? Sora... He's changed so much; I never would've expected it over such a short time. One minute he's fine, the next he's raving havoc on worlds! But you, girl, you say that you want to help... Why? I don't understand you at all...\
"Riku, we're about to leave... Are you okay?" Roz said, laying a hand on Riku's arm.
Riku nodded, but inside, he didn't really know. Was he alright? Was he okay? /I don't know... Am I? I don't know... I don't understand my own feelings, how I react, or anything anymore. Am I okay? Am I alright? Should I leave them to find out how well I can handle myself and see if I'm actually okay? Or should I wait it out here with them, watch from afar? What should I do...?\
"You sure?" Riku nodded once more. "Oh, okay, good. Um... Serge and Kid said that they're ready... We just need you now... C'mon."
/Oh yeah, that's right... Serge and Kid are coming with us... How typical... They were forming QUITE the group... QUITE the group... I remember... even Sora didn't have such a party... I wish we didn't have to form such a huge party... It's stupid, I think. I only wanted Blank and possibly Zidane to come, but not Dagger or the rest of the crew... Blank understands me... But... so does Serge, and with Serge comes Kid, as Zidane with Dagger with Blank, and with Dagger comes this whole crew. LOVELY... just LOVELY... Psh. I COULD express these words to either of them, but no. I can't. I cannot talk. I want to think things out, but not entirely by myself. No, not by myself.\
Riku silently followed Roz out as she led the way back to Infiniti in the forest. Once there, Riku went straight to his room and locked himself in, not wanting to bother with the mess that might occur if he stayed around to talk, or rather listen, to everyone that wanted to pity him and wish him good health and care that he didn't need. There in his room, he listened to the silence around it, accustomed to such quiteness after such time. He remembered listening to the ocean waves back home, where he'd sit and think, think of things, thinkgs that just popped in his head. On that secluded island just a ways from teh main island of Destiny Islands, he would go to rid himself of reality, confide in himself, draw into himself, think things out, just listen to nothing, listen to nature at work, and do anthing else he felt like doing. That island alone was his alone, only several times would he give it up for others to use or share it with the others. No one bothered him there, not really, and he liked that; his room was like a substitute, a replica of that island.
Riku drew out his weapon, and ran his finger on the spine of the sword as he remembered what Roz said long before they started roaming the worlds, trying to find whatever she wanted, and got stuck on Gaea and met with Zidane and the others. [AN:see chapter 2 to understand what I mean] She said that the Heartless weren't created for nothing, and that they wouldn't be out creating havoc for no reason.
/There's light--King Mickey--and dark--The Heartless--and those in the middle--the Outlaws... Sora, once pure, is now dark... Was THAT the Heartless' reason to enter through the barrier again? Was it to get a new master... to get Sora? They seem to answer to his orders... COULD it be? IS that their reason? She said... "Where there's light, there's always darkness, and with that always comes that small group of things, people, or objects that are stuck in the middle. In this case, King Mickey and that whole entorage is the light, the Heartless is dark, and Outlaws are those things in the middle." I remember the words exactly somehow... but she said that. She said, "Maybe what's you're really asking is why they came, not what they're here for... It's obvious they're here for some reason... but why, is the question... Right?" But what did she mean then? Could she've known about Sora's wrong turn in decisions? I don't understand, but maybe... soon I will...\
Riku sighed and threw the point of his sword into the wall of the ship, watching it fall as the hole wasn't deep enough to support the sword's whole weight. The clatter of metal echoed in his room, the sound bouncing off the walls. Riku shook his head before flopping back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his room, taking in the simple detail on the flat surface. He felt the jerk of the Infiniti as it took off and sighed.
/Here we go again... But once more, shall I trust those here? Shall I follow with the orders of the crew on this ship? Or not? I'll find out what to do as soon as this ship really gets going...\
In wandering space, Infiniti walked the unwritten path to another world. All the time, Riku stayed in his room, refusing to exit for food, water, discussions, or anything. Thus, everything was brought to him, instead of him to it. The crew worried about Riku, a certain pair of males especially. They tried to reach him as well, but neither of them had succeeded in entering Riku's quiet domain, or see him exit it; all the times they tried to talk to him it was through the door. And talking to a door wasn't much fun--let alone much sense--especially if the person can't answer you if they can't speak.
Riku grew doubts, and many didn't approve of him being alone in his room for so long. They were all surprised when he finally came out from his room, though. Still the boy could not talk, but that wasn't something they didn't expect. Riku had circles under his eyes, and the crew guessed he rarely slept all his time in his cage that was his room.
One time when he was half dozing off during once of the meal times, Blank woke him by shaking his shoulder. "Riku... You alright?" When Riku nodded, Blank continued. "You up? Yes? Good. We're about to land. Okay? It's another planet... Aparrently it's not what Roz wanted, but we'll have to stop here anyway. You okay with that?"
Riku nodded, the only command he could make his body respond to. Riku was glad for the journey's end, even though it would be temporary, and attempted a sigh when he remembered that that would not be possible. A silent breath escaped him before he tucked into his food to finish it off.
When Infiniti landed, they came to a city with much technology and toxic air; the crew guessed it was from the factory-looking products that stuck out around the city. The ship landed just outside the city gates, and Riku, Roz, Blank, Zidane, and Serge went to the gates to enter the city's domain. When they reached the gates, Riku saw a flash of yellow as it ran on the gate's top. Riku looked at the others to see if they saw what he did, but shook his head; if he barely noticed it, it would've been possible for them to since they weren't as observent as he was at the moment.
Riku ran up a few steps until the city wall was right in front of him, only so far away but so incredably tall. When he saw the flash of yellow again, he saw it at his right, running farther right on the wall. Riku picked up a rock and threw it over the wall in a supposed place where the yellow would appear again. An exclamation was heard, and soon a thud followed. Riku looked over his shoulder to see roz and the others staring at him weirdly for his unusual behavior, but he shook his head and ran toward where the sound came from. He heard the hurried footsteps of the others as they followed him.
When Riku reached the fallen figure, his eyes widened, realizing who it was. /Cloud! But-- What is he--?!\ Riku held out a hand to help hoist Cloud up to his feet, an apologetic expression on his face. When Cloud looked up to see Riku, he gladly took the offered hand.
"Geez, Riku... Quite and arm you have..." Cloud muttered, brushing himself off.
Riku smiled lightly, shaking his head. /If I could talk, I'd apologize... I guess All I can do is express it through my face, gestures, and actions now...\
Riku looked over his shoulder and indicated for Roz to introduce everyone. Cloud was rather friendly to others, but soon his expression turned serious when he turned back to Riku.
"Riku, it's about Sora..."
Riku's eyes widened and immediately, he grabbed Cloud's arm. Riku opened his mouth as if you shout something, but thought against it and shook his head, beckoning for Cloud to continue.
"Well, I saw him earlier in this city, Midgar, and I saw him run into one of the city's sections. Now don't get me wrong, I think he'll be in fine hands, for my friends live in that section of the city. If you want, we can go over there right now and see if he's there. Do you want to?" Cloud offered, gesturing the wall behind him.
Riku pulled back, looking off to the side. /Sora... he's here... but why??\ Riku looked up at the wall that surrounded the city and the gate that led to and from the place. /What should I do...? He's here... but... Cloud MUST be telling the truth because this wall looks so familiar... Like the image I saw of Sora upon the wall. I... Well, the time's finally come to find out what I'll do form now on because I KNOW Sora won't give up the chase so easily... this hasn't ended... not yet... But I'll be sure to do so... and soon hopefully.\ Riku lowered his eye before leveling his eye contact Cloud, nodded once.
Cloud nodded, a bit weirded out by Riku's behavior, and led the group inside the city through the gate. In the Slums section, Cloud first spotted a large man with a gun for an arm and brown skin with a dark crop of hair on his head. "Barret!"
The burly man turned to see Cloud and his lively, yet rather unusual and unique, group tagging along. He walked up to Cloud nad patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, Cloud. What's your spikey ass doing in the Slums? Aren't you Midgar's gaurdian now? It's disgraceful for your ass to be seen here with your title."
Cloud laughed and moved to hte side, showing Barret Riku and the crew. "Barret, meet Riku, Roz, Zidane, Blank, and Serge," he said, indicating to each person in turn.
Riku nodded at the sound of his name, Roz waved, and the other three gave their own sign of greeting toward the huge man. Barret looked down at Riku who yawned momuntarily and shook his head, looking off to the side, examining the features in the Slums buildings. Barret clapped a hand on Cloud's shoulder nad whispered to him before tapping Riku on the shoulder.
"Hey, boy."
Riku looked up when Barret touched him, fairly annoyed at being called a boy, but let it pass because of his fatige.
"Hey, you wunna meet some new friends? You might enjoy their company. Besides, you can book a room for you and your friends later on in this place, okay? You first need to go to Tifa's 7th Heaven."
Cloud hit Barret on the shoulder. "Hey, Barret, you cna't take him to the bar!"
"I'm not taking him there to get drunk, you idiot!" Barret straightened up to laugh. He started to steer Riku over to Tifa's bar, Cloud tagging behind him, objecting like the boy we once was. Barret laughed again. "Don't worry your sorry ass, Cloud! I'm only going to show him Marlene and the rest of the sorry gang!"
Cloud bit his lip but couldn't do anything for Barret already went and pushed Riku past the swinging doors of Tifa's bar. Riku stumbled once through the doors, almost falling flat on his face if some large animal wasn't in the way to cushion his fall.
Riku groaned, shaking his head, before pushing himself off the large animal which he soon saw as something like a large mountain cat with an orange tanned fur, bracelets on each oth his legs, a headdress just behind his ears, a scar over the cat's right eye, and flaming tail point. But what really caught Riku's intrest was the cat's back hair that looked like spikes, and hte tattoos upon the cat's shoulder and hind leg.
Riku mouthed the number that was the tattoo on the cat's shoulder. He was about to reach out and touch the cat's tattoo when the cat growled, shaking its mane before sitting back. The cat opened its mouth and spoke, catching Riku totally off gaurd.
"Hello, boy. What do you want that causes you to land on me like that?"
Riku pointed over his shoulder and turned to see Barret smirking down at him, his eyes laughing at his behavior. Barret laughed out loud when Riku could only sit there in front of the cat and point. "You have the boy speechless and scared, Red!"
Just then, Roz came in through the swinging doors. "Actually, that's only a part of things with Riku..."
Cloud, leaning against the wall, his face covered in his hands, looked up. "What do you mean? What's wrong?" he said, turning to address Riku.
Riku shook his heda and got up from the ground, taking a seat a young girl pulled out for him, her brown hair long and down past her shoulder blades. Roz took a seat next to him, and soon enough, the rest of the group entered Tifa's small bar.
"See, Riku cannot speak. Not for the time being anyway."
"Why not?" Cloud asked, turning from Riku to Roz.
But before Roz could answer, another voice entered, this one all-too-familiar to Riku; it came from the pinball game that led to the basement of the bar where the AVALANCHE group would meet and discuss things. The whirling of the machine as it moved to the top level was heard and caught everyone's attention. There, on the platform, stood a boy with brown hair.
/Sora...\ Riku thought furiously.
Sora smirked. "I can tell you why he can't talk." He looked at everyone in turn, Riku last so to talk about him while seeing his reaction of his appearance. "You can't talk, Riku, because of Feng's system, am I right? You used the system in the Infiniti and asked for Feng to locate me so that you knew of my status; to know what I was doing, right? But after our little personal incounter, your body was weakened, you were shakened in more ways then one, and since you weren't supposed to be there in the first place, a part of you could not funciton properly. Right?"
Riku narrowed his eyes, sudden hatred toward Sora's attitude. /Don't riddle me and mock me, Sora..\
Sora smirked. "Why not? Why can't I play with my friend?" he said, making Riku curse inwardly as his ability to read his thoughts. Sora waved his hand, dismissing the comment. "Do not try to threat me, Riku, I am stronger then you think. I'm different, remember? I changed..."
/I KNOW that! You think I don't?! The change is all too obvious!\
"You sound like you HATE this change in me. Why so...?"
Riku shook his head and stood up, stopped from leaving when Roz caught his arm. "Riku...? What is he talking about?"
Riku shook his head and made Roz drop her hold on him. /Stay out of it, Roz... Just stay out of it...\
Sora smirked, leaning against the counter of the bar. "Aw... Roz, Riku doesn't WANT you to try and help him." He turned to Riku in turn. "You're always independant, my dear Riku. You were always by yourself, never asking for help. And now that it's being offered, you're not taking it; you want her out of the way, right?"
Riku snapped his head in Sora's direction, glaring. /Shut the fuck up, Sora. This is definitely between you and me... Don't stick words in my mouth.\
Sora laughed. "But how can I project your thoughts? You cna't tlak, so how are going to communicate with your FRIENDS? I'm trying to help, Riku. But again, you don't want any. Here... why don't you go ahead and talk... It'll be MUCH easier..." Sora snapped his fingers, grinning at Riku demonically.
Riku felt something happen in this throat,and when he coughed and gave a short cry of pain, he was surprised he could. Riku rubbed his sore throat, glaring at Sora. "Sora, I don't want your help, even though you offer it. It's not the kind I want. Now leave the others out of this conversation, let alone fight, and walk outside. We'll talk there."
Sora straightened up. "More like we CAn talk there than we WILL talk there, Riku. You can't order me around so much anymore. But if you must... Fine... We'll go outside... Lead the way..." Sora gestured for Riku to lead the way, the expression on his face showing he was only playing around with Riku, enjoying the anger he let off as he silently walked outside, the others making way for both of them to walk through.
Sora scared some of Riku's comrades, some of Cloud's as well when he stopped at the doorway and gave a sudden shout at them, making them jump out of their skin at his sudden action. Sora laughed harshly at them, satisfied that Marlene was crying in the embrace of Tifa's arms, before following Riku onto the porch, moving to the corner of the porch and lenaing there.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Sora said, leaning his back on the corner of the porch's gaurd rail. "You said that you didn't want them involved, and now that they're out of it, now what?"
Riku shook his head, leaning against the wall of the bar, sighing heavily. "I don't--"
"You don't understand? What, that I've changed? You can't've possibly thought that I'd stay the same forever, did you?"
Riku shook his head. "No! Of course not! Just... not so much in such a short time..."
Sora shook his head, some of the malice gone from his features, and especially his eyes. "I suppose not; I didn't expect it either. No one could've. Well, Ansem probably did, right? He's the one who started this all, and made me what I am now."
Riku shook his head, remembering the wicked man with silver hair like his own, and tanned skin. "That bastard..." Riku shook his head at his vulgar language. "I know he was the one who did this, and caused this between us and those who had tight friendships. But must you do... THIS?"
Sora shook his head, eyes closed. "I cannot. Nothing feels right."
"But we can work it out, just like before."
Sora's eyes snapped open and narrowed into a glare. "When, Riku, when? When did we?"
Riku shook his head, his hope to save Sora failing. /God, but why does he have to be so stubborn...\ Riku looked off to the side, not wanting to look at Sora. "Before Kairi came... Before she came and it was only us, and not a triangle. We helped each other out... we healed the wounded and such. Don't you remember?"
Sora shook his head. "Such memories are long gone, Riku... We may have grown up together, but only when we were about eight or ten, Kairi came, and our attention changed toward her. We only had so few years together by ourselves and with Wakka, Tidus, and Selphie."
Riku sighed heavily, desperate, yet dispared. "I know... But..."
Sora shook his head, disappgreeing with whatever Riku might have tried to say. "No. Whatever you're going to say, no. It will not be the same, not ever..."
Riku felt like he just fell ten miles down a cliff. He closed his eyes as his eyes stung. God... If there was one, he wanted that "God" to help him right now; but it didn't seem there was one, so there was no point in pleading for help from something that didn't exsist. Riku left his head hit the wall as he let it fall back to rest upon the hard surface. His eyes stayed closed until he felt soft lips kiss him. IRku opened his eyes and lowered his head until he saw Sora right in front of him.
"...Sora?"
Sora only shook his head, eyes closed momuntarily and lips curved into a small smile. "Shh..." was all Sora whispered as he laid a hand on Riku's shoulder, leaning forward to kiss Riku once more. Sora let his tongue trace Riku's lips before kissing him again, sliding his tongue inside.
"Sora..." Riku tried to say against the younger boy's mouth, but was cut off when the boy sqeezed his arm. /I don't understand...\ Riku thought as Sora pulled away only to hug his larger frame. /He was suddenly angry at me and snappish, but now, he's only... He kisses me, but gently, as if not wanting to hurt me, but before, all he wanted to do WAS hurt me.\ Riku looked down at the top of Sora's head, responding to Sora's show of need of love by wrapping his arms around the boy's waist and resting his chin in the nest of Sora's hair. /Oh Sora...\ Tears formed in Riku's eyes from all the sadness and depression he felt so many times over and over since hte start of this, but kept his tears from shining, keeping them there behind an invisible wall.
But what the two didn't notice was a certain someone watching them on the other building, at the top level, just across from them. He smirked, rather pleased by this show before him. He watched as Riku and Sora pulled apart. /Maybe I'm wrong... Maybe the boy's not as much as a girl as I thought... But he still needs to be shaped...\ The man laughed silently beofre continuing his observance of the two.
Riku and Sora stared at each other for a moment, Sora's face expressionless, and Riku's deeply saddened. "Will you return?"
Sora shook his head. "No. I will not. Not to you... not yet. Nothing is right to me. Death awaits."
Riku's brows furrowed. "What? You're going to keep killing people?"
Sora smirked. "The Heartless are mine, Riku. They are restless, and blood and hearts are what they want. And I'm not KILLING people, Riku. It's more like I'm freeing them from their worries and pain."
Riku suddenly felt disgusted by Sora's sudden change to his alternate personality. "I can't believe you... And you're not freeing them, Sora. What happens if they DON'T want to be 'set free' as you are doing for them? And why would you do such things?"
Sora shurgged. "Like I said, they are restless. They want something, and as their leader, I must let them have what they want. But I do admit, when I'm like this, I give up a tiny peice of myself to them to make them stronger."
"Then you're only killing yourself!" Riku protested.
Sora shrugged, not seeming to care. "I suppose not... But why should YOU?"
Riku was taken back by that question, a pained look in his eyes. "I SHOULD care because you're my friend!"
"Is that all I am to you?" Sora scoffed, turning sideways before looking Riku up and down.
Riku shook his head. "No! No you're not! You're more than just a mere friend to me, Sora..." Riku's voice softed as he continued. "You're more then a friend in my eyes. God... I love you, what else is there to say? If it's an apology, then I can give it. If I must give up my life to make sure you live, then I'll do so. If I must plague myself with darkness and swim in an eternal sea of death to reach you, then I will; I'll swim to reach you. I don't care what task you put before me; I'll do it. But one thing I will NOT do is risk others' lives to complete a task."
Sora stared at Riku wordlessly. "You are certain of that, Riku?"
Riku nodded, his face set with determination. "I am. I will follow you to the ends of the universe, Sora. I swear it. I'll get you back even if I have to kill you to do it."
Sora smirked, amused with Riku's warning. "Are you now?"
"I will. I'll kill us both if I have to. I don't care."
Sora turned to face Riku fully, eyeing him up and down with interest. "You're serious, aren't you? You don't care what happens to yourself as long as I'm me again?"
Riku stared on silently, his silence answering Sora's questions. Sora grinned, his amused level gaining another notch. "Hmm... So you will..." Sora paused to walk up to Riku who now stood up straight instead of leaning against he wall. "Well, good luck to you Riku for I now plan on making this a rather GOOD chase of cat and mouse."
Riku grimaced just as Sora was pulling him down into a rough kiss. When Sora pulled back, he walked away from the bar, lightly hopping off the porch and saluting Riku before disappearing from his sight as he exited the Slums section of Midgar. Riku shook his head, glaring at the ground just before lifting his head nad heading back inside. /So the hunt begins... I'll PLAY your little GAME Sora, and I'll win...\
~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: Okay! there's the next chappie!! ^^ hey, like i said, if you have any questions, go ahead and ask, okay? and don't worry, i'll try and pull up more chappies faster... and heck, visit my site, guys, i wants suggestions and tips and stuff! i'm new to HTML! I need help, okay? oh, and if anyone wants to know, the group will be at Midgar, do the whole FF 7 thing, then travel to HP world (i'm sorry, i jsut HAFTA do it), then CCS, then uh... if anyone has any requests, i'll be happy to add a world! (that is, if i know of it first...) ^^ anyway, yeah! the longer the better! this is only part one of the story, guys! give me more! ^^() but seriously, if anyone wants (a) fav character(s) in this story, please request! please ask! i'll send them in! ^^
Me: And now, a quick answer to all your questions, reviewers! Let's bring out... Sora! *Sora enters* Okay, this is a question from Queen of Curses... think you can answer it?
Sora: *shrugs* Well, I'm in Midgar, and yes, it's a Final Fantasy game... hence, in the previous chapter, I think it was chapter eleven, it says that Cloud appeared.
Me: *nods* Okay, right! Now, I think this is from... uh... well, anonymous. I guess I can't say their name cus they don't want me to... *shrug* Oh well... Riku? *Riku comes in*
Riku: Don't even say it, I already know that damn question. Well, what's up with the wierd plot is that Sora was--is--possessed by darkness because of Ansem, Maleficent, his emotions, and etcetera. (Oh yeah,a nd he has split personalities...) See, Roz predicted that something was wrong with him, but didn't know until just recently what's really wrong. We--the characters--don't know or understand what caused this, but it is assumed that it was because of me going over to the bad side and letting them control me and blah blah blah (y'know) and he was angry with this and his anger consumed him, making the darkness inside him grow and possess him. There are signs with Sora that prove he's still in there somewhere and--
Sora: Hey! I'm still here! You mean that my TRUE self is still there, not just ME, the ME me! Say it right, Riku!
Riku: *smacks Sora in the back of the head* Urusai! Now, where was I? Oh yeah. Well, he's in there somewhere and the only way he can possibly be retrieved is if I... er... wait, that'd be revealing the ending... *clears throat* well, whatever. I have to do something, and the only thing I can say about it is that it starts out with me explaining things through his thick skull that what I did wasn't intentional and that I wasn't fully myself. *raps knuckles on Sora's head* Hear this sound? See? Thick skull.
Sora: *swats Riku's hands away* DON'T TOUCH ME! And stop hitting me!
Riku: *smirks* You're just a wimp, Sora. Toughen up, will ya? But anyhow, back to whatever the hell I was talking about... Um... What was it again?
Me: *rolls eyes* And I thought you said you KNEW it already... Well, you're refreshing the reader(s)' brain(s) on the plot. You stopped on Sora and Roz predicting his spaz to the dark side.
Sora: I don't spaz!
Me: Psh. Just let 'im talk, Sora...
Riku: Oh yeah, okay. Right. Roz predicts this outcome, and now Sora's running from us, doing havoc and mayham and who-else-knows-what to the other worlds. Roz wants to find Aya because he's a childhood friend and I think... uh... *looks over shoulder at the curtain* Roz? What the hell are you looking for Aya for again?
Roz: *enters and whacks Riku on the head with a Kali stick* You numb-skull, I'm finding him not only to reunite with him after so long of a seperation, but also I think he might help-- Oops... I can't say that... ^^() The readers will just hafta find out that other part later...
Riku: *rolls eyes* Well, anyway, yeah, she's out to reunite with her ol' boyfriend and *beeeeeeeeeeeep* ... hey, why can't I tell about the other part where she *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*? ... --() ...*turns to author*
Me: *looks up, seeing Riku staring in my direction* heh... ^^() *holds up a lil button device* Gomen ne, Riku-kun, I just can't let you reveal the secret, sorry. Besides, I'm still working that part out a lil more! You know how my brain works, things pop in at the last minute after I've already developed the part. So... Don't say it yet! *waves device around* Sorry a thousand times, but I just hafta!
Riku: *rolls eyes* Anyway, yeah. Aya's gonna... I can't say it, so yeeeaaahh.... And... um... Well, going back to the journey and where everyone's going to next, we're going to Midgar. Airships--thankfully--are seen there, so it won't be a need to hide the Infiniti (what th hell kind of name is that?!) from anyone. I can't say anymore on what happens, cuz she's *points to author* gonna do that whole "beep"ing thing with that thing in her hand and possibly make something bad happen to me in the story. I could always try to kill her, yeah, I know what y'all are thinking, but then... She's just mirror my attack... What do I mean? ... --() You DON'T want to know...
Me: *nods* He's right, you don't... besides, I have more things up my sleeve than the torture I could do to Riku-kun, or Sora-chan, or anyone else here. Even the readers ) but heck, I'm not THAT mean, no, not when I don't need to be. ^^ Well, if anyone still has anymore quesitons, please feel free to ask! I can answer them personally or individually or whatever, or just answer them right here for anyone else who might've asked the same thing to themselves... Well, enjoy the story! And remember, review or I'll hurt someone! ) *smiles evilly* And you DON'T want that!
Chapter Twelve
Riku drifted in the sea of greens and blues until Feng appeared again. She told him that he had enough time to himself and that it was best he left to regain his strength, especially since he was not normally built for the ship, let alone created to use its system for so long. Riku thanked Feng for his privacy and let himself exit the wonderful domain. Once outside the bubble, he found that the use of his legs and the rest of his limbs seemed numb. Zidane, as he did for Roz, was there to support Riku; but instead of scooping him up in his arms like a hero-man, Zidane just let Riku lean on him. Riku looked around him to see that everyone from before was still there.
Roz smiled lightly, rather guiltily, and wiggled her fingers in a wave. "Glad you're back... Body feel like hell?"
Riku opened him mouth but found that he could not speak, so he just nodded. /Hell as ever...\ he thought, but then, his thoughts moved back to his conversation with Sora and about what Sora had told him about Roz. /I wonder if he's right... I hell as hope not... But I can't exactly ask her right now, my body doesn't want to cooperate... Chicken-shit... Wait, where'd that come from? Well, hell anyway... I might as well do as Feng had adviced me as she'd done for Roz, sleep.\ Riku let his head drop on Zidane's shoulder and closed his eyes, fatigue lapping up the rest of his strength.
Zidane caught the boy and looked over his shoulder at the others. "Where should I put him...?"
Blank stepped up and took the boy form Zidane. "I'll take care of him."
Zidane was caught by surprise, his tail halting in its rythmic sway for a second before returning to the usual rythme. "Uh... Sure, Blank, go ahead. Where are you gonna take him?"
Blank smirked. "He has a room, right? What better place then his room?"
Zidane shrugged as he let go of Riku completely, watching in unfamiliar interest as Blank scooped Riku up in his arms and took him away to his room. "Odd bloke, he is..." Zidane muttered.
Roz arched on of her brows. "Okaaaaay...? What's wrong with this picture?" Roz looked at Dagger who only stared at Zidane. "That's even worse... What the hell is up with them?" Roz looked over at the other four, seeing that they were equally shocked, confused, and still trying to process all the information from before. "This is one 'lively' and 'understandable' group... Tch." Roz exited the room in distaste. /I hope Riku will be okay... It's not normal of him, I don't think... I've been with him to short of a time that I don't know, but I have a feeling that whatever happened in there wasn't exactly what you'd call a fine-and-dandy experience.\ Roz paused just outside Riku's room before moving on again. "I won't protude... I'll ask him later, but I just wonder... What happened? There was something on his face, a kind of expression that told me something... I just don't know what... Oh geez... Well, at least Riku has Blank to take care of him... It was right of me to send him to Riku to snap him out of his stupor. They really seem to understand each other..." Roz sighed and continued on her way to the bridge of the ship where she would keep to herself and confide it for the time being.
In Riku's room, Blank was tucking Riku in. "God... Get some rest, Riku..."
Riku opened his eyes briefly, looking at Blank and opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to have thought beeter of it and closed his eyes, mouthing the words, 'thank you Blank' before finally letting his body rest fully.
After several days, Riku was able to recover a great deal, but unfortunately, he was unable to talk. He had the ability to move his arms and legs, his limbs, his muscles in his body, and more, but his vocal cords didn't work properly and he could utter no sound, not even yell or scream when hurt (the others tested this out to make sure). Riku could not snap back at anyway, remark rudely, comment, respond, growl, groan, moan, nothing. No sound came from his mouth. Riku was depressed that first day he found out he could not talk, but soon, he got used to not having to talk so much as he did; heck, he never really did back then or at home on the island.
At the thought of home, Riku was heartbroken. Home meant Sora, Sora meant his love, love meant Kairi and the others, all of them meant his family, his family reminded him of Sora once again, Sora brought back the memories of their conversation, and that brought back what Sora said to him about Roz and the others, and that led to distrust and so many more negative feelings. Practically everything Riku thought led from one thing to another and back around to what Sora said. Always, what Sora said bothered him; he couldn't get those words out of his head.
Riku shook his head, trying to get these thoughts out of his head as he was in the middle of taking in his surroundings and become self-aware as he stood on the cliff where Serge's and Leena's old oath was. In his head, he was going through a song he was taught when he was so young. It seemed to relate to him and his problems right now so well; somehow, he was happy with the song and it somehow conforted him. He didn't know where it came from exactly, or what it was called, but it helped ease the weight on his heart.
/I can't believe this... I can't talk... But, it wouldn't matter if I could or not... I don't want to...\ he thought solemnly. /I don't want to talk, just... think about my life, think about that around me, just... think...\ Riku tried to sigh but remembered that no sound could escape him, so instead, he just shook his head. /It's been such a long time since I've thought to myself, have been self-aware of anything. I was so caught up in... In just so much that I forgot to slow things down a bit, let things flow the way they need to. Maybe this is some sort of test for me, for both of us, to be aware of that around us, to notice more in each other and ourselves, to enjoy what we have instead of force our way through like we had to for a long time. Maybe this is also a test of our love, but hell, I could just be talking crazy here... I don't know what's wrong with me, but whatever the hell is it, it'll all pass soon. Just like this delema; it'll all get fixed and not so... well, whatever the hell kind of mess it is now.\
Riku looked over his shoulder as he heard footsteps from behind, heading his way. He saw Roz approaching him; he smiled as she neared him.
"Hey, Riku."
Riku smiled, it was the only thing he could do. /You... a girl with much power... Yet, you use it for unseen reasons. I don't understand you... Should I trust you? Should I go with what you say? Or should I go with what Sora (Sora... God...) said? Sora... He's changed so much; I never would've expected it over such a short time. One minute he's fine, the next he's raving havoc on worlds! But you, girl, you say that you want to help... Why? I don't understand you at all...\
"Riku, we're about to leave... Are you okay?" Roz said, laying a hand on Riku's arm.
Riku nodded, but inside, he didn't really know. Was he alright? Was he okay? /I don't know... Am I? I don't know... I don't understand my own feelings, how I react, or anything anymore. Am I okay? Am I alright? Should I leave them to find out how well I can handle myself and see if I'm actually okay? Or should I wait it out here with them, watch from afar? What should I do...?\
"You sure?" Riku nodded once more. "Oh, okay, good. Um... Serge and Kid said that they're ready... We just need you now... C'mon."
/Oh yeah, that's right... Serge and Kid are coming with us... How typical... They were forming QUITE the group... QUITE the group... I remember... even Sora didn't have such a party... I wish we didn't have to form such a huge party... It's stupid, I think. I only wanted Blank and possibly Zidane to come, but not Dagger or the rest of the crew... Blank understands me... But... so does Serge, and with Serge comes Kid, as Zidane with Dagger with Blank, and with Dagger comes this whole crew. LOVELY... just LOVELY... Psh. I COULD express these words to either of them, but no. I can't. I cannot talk. I want to think things out, but not entirely by myself. No, not by myself.\
Riku silently followed Roz out as she led the way back to Infiniti in the forest. Once there, Riku went straight to his room and locked himself in, not wanting to bother with the mess that might occur if he stayed around to talk, or rather listen, to everyone that wanted to pity him and wish him good health and care that he didn't need. There in his room, he listened to the silence around it, accustomed to such quiteness after such time. He remembered listening to the ocean waves back home, where he'd sit and think, think of things, thinkgs that just popped in his head. On that secluded island just a ways from teh main island of Destiny Islands, he would go to rid himself of reality, confide in himself, draw into himself, think things out, just listen to nothing, listen to nature at work, and do anthing else he felt like doing. That island alone was his alone, only several times would he give it up for others to use or share it with the others. No one bothered him there, not really, and he liked that; his room was like a substitute, a replica of that island.
Riku drew out his weapon, and ran his finger on the spine of the sword as he remembered what Roz said long before they started roaming the worlds, trying to find whatever she wanted, and got stuck on Gaea and met with Zidane and the others. [AN:see chapter 2 to understand what I mean] She said that the Heartless weren't created for nothing, and that they wouldn't be out creating havoc for no reason.
/There's light--King Mickey--and dark--The Heartless--and those in the middle--the Outlaws... Sora, once pure, is now dark... Was THAT the Heartless' reason to enter through the barrier again? Was it to get a new master... to get Sora? They seem to answer to his orders... COULD it be? IS that their reason? She said... "Where there's light, there's always darkness, and with that always comes that small group of things, people, or objects that are stuck in the middle. In this case, King Mickey and that whole entorage is the light, the Heartless is dark, and Outlaws are those things in the middle." I remember the words exactly somehow... but she said that. She said, "Maybe what's you're really asking is why they came, not what they're here for... It's obvious they're here for some reason... but why, is the question... Right?" But what did she mean then? Could she've known about Sora's wrong turn in decisions? I don't understand, but maybe... soon I will...\
Riku sighed and threw the point of his sword into the wall of the ship, watching it fall as the hole wasn't deep enough to support the sword's whole weight. The clatter of metal echoed in his room, the sound bouncing off the walls. Riku shook his head before flopping back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his room, taking in the simple detail on the flat surface. He felt the jerk of the Infiniti as it took off and sighed.
/Here we go again... But once more, shall I trust those here? Shall I follow with the orders of the crew on this ship? Or not? I'll find out what to do as soon as this ship really gets going...\
In wandering space, Infiniti walked the unwritten path to another world. All the time, Riku stayed in his room, refusing to exit for food, water, discussions, or anything. Thus, everything was brought to him, instead of him to it. The crew worried about Riku, a certain pair of males especially. They tried to reach him as well, but neither of them had succeeded in entering Riku's quiet domain, or see him exit it; all the times they tried to talk to him it was through the door. And talking to a door wasn't much fun--let alone much sense--especially if the person can't answer you if they can't speak.
Riku grew doubts, and many didn't approve of him being alone in his room for so long. They were all surprised when he finally came out from his room, though. Still the boy could not talk, but that wasn't something they didn't expect. Riku had circles under his eyes, and the crew guessed he rarely slept all his time in his cage that was his room.
One time when he was half dozing off during once of the meal times, Blank woke him by shaking his shoulder. "Riku... You alright?" When Riku nodded, Blank continued. "You up? Yes? Good. We're about to land. Okay? It's another planet... Aparrently it's not what Roz wanted, but we'll have to stop here anyway. You okay with that?"
Riku nodded, the only command he could make his body respond to. Riku was glad for the journey's end, even though it would be temporary, and attempted a sigh when he remembered that that would not be possible. A silent breath escaped him before he tucked into his food to finish it off.
When Infiniti landed, they came to a city with much technology and toxic air; the crew guessed it was from the factory-looking products that stuck out around the city. The ship landed just outside the city gates, and Riku, Roz, Blank, Zidane, and Serge went to the gates to enter the city's domain. When they reached the gates, Riku saw a flash of yellow as it ran on the gate's top. Riku looked at the others to see if they saw what he did, but shook his head; if he barely noticed it, it would've been possible for them to since they weren't as observent as he was at the moment.
Riku ran up a few steps until the city wall was right in front of him, only so far away but so incredably tall. When he saw the flash of yellow again, he saw it at his right, running farther right on the wall. Riku picked up a rock and threw it over the wall in a supposed place where the yellow would appear again. An exclamation was heard, and soon a thud followed. Riku looked over his shoulder to see roz and the others staring at him weirdly for his unusual behavior, but he shook his head and ran toward where the sound came from. He heard the hurried footsteps of the others as they followed him.
When Riku reached the fallen figure, his eyes widened, realizing who it was. /Cloud! But-- What is he--?!\ Riku held out a hand to help hoist Cloud up to his feet, an apologetic expression on his face. When Cloud looked up to see Riku, he gladly took the offered hand.
"Geez, Riku... Quite and arm you have..." Cloud muttered, brushing himself off.
Riku smiled lightly, shaking his head. /If I could talk, I'd apologize... I guess All I can do is express it through my face, gestures, and actions now...\
Riku looked over his shoulder and indicated for Roz to introduce everyone. Cloud was rather friendly to others, but soon his expression turned serious when he turned back to Riku.
"Riku, it's about Sora..."
Riku's eyes widened and immediately, he grabbed Cloud's arm. Riku opened his mouth as if you shout something, but thought against it and shook his head, beckoning for Cloud to continue.
"Well, I saw him earlier in this city, Midgar, and I saw him run into one of the city's sections. Now don't get me wrong, I think he'll be in fine hands, for my friends live in that section of the city. If you want, we can go over there right now and see if he's there. Do you want to?" Cloud offered, gesturing the wall behind him.
Riku pulled back, looking off to the side. /Sora... he's here... but why??\ Riku looked up at the wall that surrounded the city and the gate that led to and from the place. /What should I do...? He's here... but... Cloud MUST be telling the truth because this wall looks so familiar... Like the image I saw of Sora upon the wall. I... Well, the time's finally come to find out what I'll do form now on because I KNOW Sora won't give up the chase so easily... this hasn't ended... not yet... But I'll be sure to do so... and soon hopefully.\ Riku lowered his eye before leveling his eye contact Cloud, nodded once.
Cloud nodded, a bit weirded out by Riku's behavior, and led the group inside the city through the gate. In the Slums section, Cloud first spotted a large man with a gun for an arm and brown skin with a dark crop of hair on his head. "Barret!"
The burly man turned to see Cloud and his lively, yet rather unusual and unique, group tagging along. He walked up to Cloud nad patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, Cloud. What's your spikey ass doing in the Slums? Aren't you Midgar's gaurdian now? It's disgraceful for your ass to be seen here with your title."
Cloud laughed and moved to hte side, showing Barret Riku and the crew. "Barret, meet Riku, Roz, Zidane, Blank, and Serge," he said, indicating to each person in turn.
Riku nodded at the sound of his name, Roz waved, and the other three gave their own sign of greeting toward the huge man. Barret looked down at Riku who yawned momuntarily and shook his head, looking off to the side, examining the features in the Slums buildings. Barret clapped a hand on Cloud's shoulder nad whispered to him before tapping Riku on the shoulder.
"Hey, boy."
Riku looked up when Barret touched him, fairly annoyed at being called a boy, but let it pass because of his fatige.
"Hey, you wunna meet some new friends? You might enjoy their company. Besides, you can book a room for you and your friends later on in this place, okay? You first need to go to Tifa's 7th Heaven."
Cloud hit Barret on the shoulder. "Hey, Barret, you cna't take him to the bar!"
"I'm not taking him there to get drunk, you idiot!" Barret straightened up to laugh. He started to steer Riku over to Tifa's bar, Cloud tagging behind him, objecting like the boy we once was. Barret laughed again. "Don't worry your sorry ass, Cloud! I'm only going to show him Marlene and the rest of the sorry gang!"
Cloud bit his lip but couldn't do anything for Barret already went and pushed Riku past the swinging doors of Tifa's bar. Riku stumbled once through the doors, almost falling flat on his face if some large animal wasn't in the way to cushion his fall.
Riku groaned, shaking his head, before pushing himself off the large animal which he soon saw as something like a large mountain cat with an orange tanned fur, bracelets on each oth his legs, a headdress just behind his ears, a scar over the cat's right eye, and flaming tail point. But what really caught Riku's intrest was the cat's back hair that looked like spikes, and hte tattoos upon the cat's shoulder and hind leg.
Riku mouthed the number that was the tattoo on the cat's shoulder. He was about to reach out and touch the cat's tattoo when the cat growled, shaking its mane before sitting back. The cat opened its mouth and spoke, catching Riku totally off gaurd.
"Hello, boy. What do you want that causes you to land on me like that?"
Riku pointed over his shoulder and turned to see Barret smirking down at him, his eyes laughing at his behavior. Barret laughed out loud when Riku could only sit there in front of the cat and point. "You have the boy speechless and scared, Red!"
Just then, Roz came in through the swinging doors. "Actually, that's only a part of things with Riku..."
Cloud, leaning against the wall, his face covered in his hands, looked up. "What do you mean? What's wrong?" he said, turning to address Riku.
Riku shook his heda and got up from the ground, taking a seat a young girl pulled out for him, her brown hair long and down past her shoulder blades. Roz took a seat next to him, and soon enough, the rest of the group entered Tifa's small bar.
"See, Riku cannot speak. Not for the time being anyway."
"Why not?" Cloud asked, turning from Riku to Roz.
But before Roz could answer, another voice entered, this one all-too-familiar to Riku; it came from the pinball game that led to the basement of the bar where the AVALANCHE group would meet and discuss things. The whirling of the machine as it moved to the top level was heard and caught everyone's attention. There, on the platform, stood a boy with brown hair.
/Sora...\ Riku thought furiously.
Sora smirked. "I can tell you why he can't talk." He looked at everyone in turn, Riku last so to talk about him while seeing his reaction of his appearance. "You can't talk, Riku, because of Feng's system, am I right? You used the system in the Infiniti and asked for Feng to locate me so that you knew of my status; to know what I was doing, right? But after our little personal incounter, your body was weakened, you were shakened in more ways then one, and since you weren't supposed to be there in the first place, a part of you could not funciton properly. Right?"
Riku narrowed his eyes, sudden hatred toward Sora's attitude. /Don't riddle me and mock me, Sora..\
Sora smirked. "Why not? Why can't I play with my friend?" he said, making Riku curse inwardly as his ability to read his thoughts. Sora waved his hand, dismissing the comment. "Do not try to threat me, Riku, I am stronger then you think. I'm different, remember? I changed..."
/I KNOW that! You think I don't?! The change is all too obvious!\
"You sound like you HATE this change in me. Why so...?"
Riku shook his head and stood up, stopped from leaving when Roz caught his arm. "Riku...? What is he talking about?"
Riku shook his head and made Roz drop her hold on him. /Stay out of it, Roz... Just stay out of it...\
Sora smirked, leaning against the counter of the bar. "Aw... Roz, Riku doesn't WANT you to try and help him." He turned to Riku in turn. "You're always independant, my dear Riku. You were always by yourself, never asking for help. And now that it's being offered, you're not taking it; you want her out of the way, right?"
Riku snapped his head in Sora's direction, glaring. /Shut the fuck up, Sora. This is definitely between you and me... Don't stick words in my mouth.\
Sora laughed. "But how can I project your thoughts? You cna't tlak, so how are going to communicate with your FRIENDS? I'm trying to help, Riku. But again, you don't want any. Here... why don't you go ahead and talk... It'll be MUCH easier..." Sora snapped his fingers, grinning at Riku demonically.
Riku felt something happen in this throat,and when he coughed and gave a short cry of pain, he was surprised he could. Riku rubbed his sore throat, glaring at Sora. "Sora, I don't want your help, even though you offer it. It's not the kind I want. Now leave the others out of this conversation, let alone fight, and walk outside. We'll talk there."
Sora straightened up. "More like we CAn talk there than we WILL talk there, Riku. You can't order me around so much anymore. But if you must... Fine... We'll go outside... Lead the way..." Sora gestured for Riku to lead the way, the expression on his face showing he was only playing around with Riku, enjoying the anger he let off as he silently walked outside, the others making way for both of them to walk through.
Sora scared some of Riku's comrades, some of Cloud's as well when he stopped at the doorway and gave a sudden shout at them, making them jump out of their skin at his sudden action. Sora laughed harshly at them, satisfied that Marlene was crying in the embrace of Tifa's arms, before following Riku onto the porch, moving to the corner of the porch and lenaing there.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Sora said, leaning his back on the corner of the porch's gaurd rail. "You said that you didn't want them involved, and now that they're out of it, now what?"
Riku shook his head, leaning against the wall of the bar, sighing heavily. "I don't--"
"You don't understand? What, that I've changed? You can't've possibly thought that I'd stay the same forever, did you?"
Riku shook his head. "No! Of course not! Just... not so much in such a short time..."
Sora shook his head, some of the malice gone from his features, and especially his eyes. "I suppose not; I didn't expect it either. No one could've. Well, Ansem probably did, right? He's the one who started this all, and made me what I am now."
Riku shook his head, remembering the wicked man with silver hair like his own, and tanned skin. "That bastard..." Riku shook his head at his vulgar language. "I know he was the one who did this, and caused this between us and those who had tight friendships. But must you do... THIS?"
Sora shook his head, eyes closed. "I cannot. Nothing feels right."
"But we can work it out, just like before."
Sora's eyes snapped open and narrowed into a glare. "When, Riku, when? When did we?"
Riku shook his head, his hope to save Sora failing. /God, but why does he have to be so stubborn...\ Riku looked off to the side, not wanting to look at Sora. "Before Kairi came... Before she came and it was only us, and not a triangle. We helped each other out... we healed the wounded and such. Don't you remember?"
Sora shook his head. "Such memories are long gone, Riku... We may have grown up together, but only when we were about eight or ten, Kairi came, and our attention changed toward her. We only had so few years together by ourselves and with Wakka, Tidus, and Selphie."
Riku sighed heavily, desperate, yet dispared. "I know... But..."
Sora shook his head, disappgreeing with whatever Riku might have tried to say. "No. Whatever you're going to say, no. It will not be the same, not ever..."
Riku felt like he just fell ten miles down a cliff. He closed his eyes as his eyes stung. God... If there was one, he wanted that "God" to help him right now; but it didn't seem there was one, so there was no point in pleading for help from something that didn't exsist. Riku left his head hit the wall as he let it fall back to rest upon the hard surface. His eyes stayed closed until he felt soft lips kiss him. IRku opened his eyes and lowered his head until he saw Sora right in front of him.
"...Sora?"
Sora only shook his head, eyes closed momuntarily and lips curved into a small smile. "Shh..." was all Sora whispered as he laid a hand on Riku's shoulder, leaning forward to kiss Riku once more. Sora let his tongue trace Riku's lips before kissing him again, sliding his tongue inside.
"Sora..." Riku tried to say against the younger boy's mouth, but was cut off when the boy sqeezed his arm. /I don't understand...\ Riku thought as Sora pulled away only to hug his larger frame. /He was suddenly angry at me and snappish, but now, he's only... He kisses me, but gently, as if not wanting to hurt me, but before, all he wanted to do WAS hurt me.\ Riku looked down at the top of Sora's head, responding to Sora's show of need of love by wrapping his arms around the boy's waist and resting his chin in the nest of Sora's hair. /Oh Sora...\ Tears formed in Riku's eyes from all the sadness and depression he felt so many times over and over since hte start of this, but kept his tears from shining, keeping them there behind an invisible wall.
But what the two didn't notice was a certain someone watching them on the other building, at the top level, just across from them. He smirked, rather pleased by this show before him. He watched as Riku and Sora pulled apart. /Maybe I'm wrong... Maybe the boy's not as much as a girl as I thought... But he still needs to be shaped...\ The man laughed silently beofre continuing his observance of the two.
Riku and Sora stared at each other for a moment, Sora's face expressionless, and Riku's deeply saddened. "Will you return?"
Sora shook his head. "No. I will not. Not to you... not yet. Nothing is right to me. Death awaits."
Riku's brows furrowed. "What? You're going to keep killing people?"
Sora smirked. "The Heartless are mine, Riku. They are restless, and blood and hearts are what they want. And I'm not KILLING people, Riku. It's more like I'm freeing them from their worries and pain."
Riku suddenly felt disgusted by Sora's sudden change to his alternate personality. "I can't believe you... And you're not freeing them, Sora. What happens if they DON'T want to be 'set free' as you are doing for them? And why would you do such things?"
Sora shurgged. "Like I said, they are restless. They want something, and as their leader, I must let them have what they want. But I do admit, when I'm like this, I give up a tiny peice of myself to them to make them stronger."
"Then you're only killing yourself!" Riku protested.
Sora shrugged, not seeming to care. "I suppose not... But why should YOU?"
Riku was taken back by that question, a pained look in his eyes. "I SHOULD care because you're my friend!"
"Is that all I am to you?" Sora scoffed, turning sideways before looking Riku up and down.
Riku shook his head. "No! No you're not! You're more than just a mere friend to me, Sora..." Riku's voice softed as he continued. "You're more then a friend in my eyes. God... I love you, what else is there to say? If it's an apology, then I can give it. If I must give up my life to make sure you live, then I'll do so. If I must plague myself with darkness and swim in an eternal sea of death to reach you, then I will; I'll swim to reach you. I don't care what task you put before me; I'll do it. But one thing I will NOT do is risk others' lives to complete a task."
Sora stared at Riku wordlessly. "You are certain of that, Riku?"
Riku nodded, his face set with determination. "I am. I will follow you to the ends of the universe, Sora. I swear it. I'll get you back even if I have to kill you to do it."
Sora smirked, amused with Riku's warning. "Are you now?"
"I will. I'll kill us both if I have to. I don't care."
Sora turned to face Riku fully, eyeing him up and down with interest. "You're serious, aren't you? You don't care what happens to yourself as long as I'm me again?"
Riku stared on silently, his silence answering Sora's questions. Sora grinned, his amused level gaining another notch. "Hmm... So you will..." Sora paused to walk up to Riku who now stood up straight instead of leaning against he wall. "Well, good luck to you Riku for I now plan on making this a rather GOOD chase of cat and mouse."
Riku grimaced just as Sora was pulling him down into a rough kiss. When Sora pulled back, he walked away from the bar, lightly hopping off the porch and saluting Riku before disappearing from his sight as he exited the Slums section of Midgar. Riku shook his head, glaring at the ground just before lifting his head nad heading back inside. /So the hunt begins... I'll PLAY your little GAME Sora, and I'll win...\
~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: Okay! there's the next chappie!! ^^ hey, like i said, if you have any questions, go ahead and ask, okay? and don't worry, i'll try and pull up more chappies faster... and heck, visit my site, guys, i wants suggestions and tips and stuff! i'm new to HTML! I need help, okay? oh, and if anyone wants to know, the group will be at Midgar, do the whole FF 7 thing, then travel to HP world (i'm sorry, i jsut HAFTA do it), then CCS, then uh... if anyone has any requests, i'll be happy to add a world! (that is, if i know of it first...) ^^ anyway, yeah! the longer the better! this is only part one of the story, guys! give me more! ^^() but seriously, if anyone wants (a) fav character(s) in this story, please request! please ask! i'll send them in! ^^