Crowned Hearts Chapter Two

By Blue Dragon

Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie ran along the sand and found the secret area, a place that they had forgot existed. Ever since the big find, where everyone had been mysteriously restored with their beautiful island that had been the last thing on their minds. Tidus held up the Caladbolg, a sword that he had received in his journeys with Wakka and Selphie through the many strange worlds. Wakka had gotten a cool new blitzball called the World Champion, and Selphie had named her nunchaku the Strange Vision.

The three giggled as they remembered how they needed to constantly defend themselves, but now used these weapons instead of the toy ones for little duels.

As the three made their way over to middle, they saw Kairi, still crying.

"Kairi, do you still miss Sora? He'll be back you know" comforted the young Tidus.

"I know, but every time I look at this drawing I think about how much I'm hating life without him!"

"Don't you worry, he and Riku will be back!" said Selphie confidently. Suddenly in a flash of thunder, the very subjects of the conversation appeared in the midst of the party of four.

For a second they all just blinked. And then, Kairi stopped crying and everyone engaged in a series of hugging, and memories.

"Sora! You came back to me! And Riku! I didn't think I would ever see you!"

Riku and Sora almost couldn't believe how much their luck had changed.

"It's great ta see ya Riku mon!" said Wakka.

They all ran out of the secret area and onto the beach, from the pure giddiness brought by meeting again. Everyone noticed the new weapons they all held, including the keyblade holders. Sora was actually surprised that he still had it, even though its purpose was fulfilled.

"I have an idea!" said Sora.

"How about me and Riku against you three with our new weapons! We all seem to have gotten a lot stronger!"

Everyone agreed to the idea, excited by the prospect of testing each others skills. Kairi took her place on the sandy platform outlined by the sun with a good view of the beach area near the crystal blue waters.

"Ready."

Everyone got into ready battle positions.

"GO!"

Kairi gave to go-ahead for an all-out head to head battle that she was looking forward to, to symbolize the happiness of them being reunited.

Sora charged at Tidus, and he prepared a Sonic Blade attack that Tidus swiftly dodged and countered with a new move he had learned called Blitz Ace. Sora just barely avoided the sharp edge and did his equally acrobatic Ars Arcanum. The blows landed solidly on Tidus, but before he struggled for another hit, WHAM! Sora knocked out Tidus with the flat end of his keyblade. Riku was having a hard time trying to hit Wakka and avoid Selphie.

Sora came to immediate assistance and bopped Selphie from afar with Strike Raid. Selphie ended up smacking herself with the Strange Vision, and clutched her head in defeat. Finally, as Wakka powered up for his new move, Aurochs Reels and launched the ball downwards, the combined strength of the Oblivion and the Ultima Weapon clashed and slammed the ball into Wakka's stomach, knocking the breath out of him.

"Yes!"

Sora slashed his keyblade like Leon, who was now Squall again, and Riku spun his as if he were Cloud. The losing trio got back to their feet.

"You guys rock!" said Tidus.

"You'll be big hits at the prom!" added Selphie

"What prom?" Riku inquired.

"Our school is havin' a big blowout, everyone's going to bring a girl, or guy. Everyone has a match! The best couple will be marked as the Crowned Hearts of the dance." Wakka explained.

"I think I know who I'm going with," Kairi said slyly, looking at Sora.

Sora held hands with her and smiled. The two walked off the to village area. Sora looked forward to surprising his parents.

Wakka said:

"I already have a girl, she's a new student named Lulu! She's a cute one!"

Selphie rested her head on Tidus' shoulder and the three went off.

"Later guys!" Riku called after them. They waved in reply.

"As the sun went down, Riku went home alone. His parents actually thought he had been sleeping over at his friend Chuckis' house the whole time, and didn't even notice he was gone, making things less complex.

Riku was glad that Sora and Kairi were together. What more could he want than seeing his two best friends happy? Not only that, but his other friends were in great condition, too.

As he sat on his bed upstairs with a wonderful view of the ocean, he wondered if he would go to the prom he had heard about, especially since he didn't have a girl.

I don't have a girl.

It occurred to Riku that he had really put all his hopes in dating Kairi, but Sora had gotten her. It also occurred to him that she didn't seem as worried about him as she had about Sora. Basically, he was nothing to her if she had him around.

Riku suddenly felt gripped by the feeling of incredible loneliness. The knowledge that he wouldn't have a girl to go with to the prom. He also felt a little left out.

"Geez."

It was still noon, so Riku decided to take a walk out along the beach. After all, he had to do something to keep his mind off of his predicament.

Riku walked out of his village, one of the tiniest of Destiny Islands, and started walking slowly on the sand, letting the waves lightly touch the soles of his shoes.

I'm all alone. I don't really have anyone, when it comes right down to it. How would help me? I wouldn't want pity from anyone. Why did this happen to me? Why don't I have anyone to love?

"Excuse me"

A beautiful voice stopped him dead in his tracks. He turned to see brilliant hazel eyes that belonged to a girl with light blonde hair and a nice smile looking up at him.

"You look a little lonely. What's your name, lonely boy?"

"My name is Riku. And yours?"

"My name is Lisa. Do you need some company?"

"You don't know how much I would like that"

For that moment Riku felt just a little salvation from his newfound torment, just by walking with this pretty girl.

"You don't have a boyfriend, do you?"

Lisa seemed to be caught off guard by the question.

"Not really. You're actually the first boy my age that I've ever talked to"

Riku was flattered to here that. If he was her first, then he might have a chance. He might not have to go to that prom alone.