Disclaimer : I do not own Kingdom Hearts.

Chapter One - Riku's Death

Riku looked up at Sora with cold eyes, and Sora knew that he would die if he did not get help soon. The blood poured from the deep gash on Riku's left shoulder, soaking his uniform and Sora's handkerchief, which Sora held on the wound.

The monster that had attacked Riku came up behind Sora, and Sora saw its shadow loom over him. Anger flared inside of him and he clasped his keyblade. With a newfound strength, Sora whipped around and drove his sword deep into the heartless' stomach. He stabbed the monster again and again, even after he knew that it was already dead. Kairi came up behind him, touching his shoulder and making him stop.

"It's dead Sora," she whispered in his ear. "You don't need to waste your time on that dead corpse when Riku needs our help."

"You are right Kairi," Sora put the keyblade back where it belonged and again rushed to Riku's side.

"Sora," Riku coughed, face growing paler. His eyes glazed over, looking darker and cloudier. "Sora."

"I am here," Sora replied and Kairi took Riku's right hand in hers. She grabbed Sora's hand with her left hand.

"Sora," Riku coughed again. "Promise, promise me that you will take care of Kairi."

"But you will be ok. Help is on the way," tears brimmed Kairi's eyes and her voice quivered.

"Promise Sora! I don't have much time," Riku coughed and his eyelids slid over his eyes.

Sora shook him, panic in his eyes and voice.

"No! You are going to be ok."

"Sora." Riku opened his eyes again. "Promise me!"

After much time, Sora sighed and nodded.

"Thank you," his eyelids gave way again and his head dropped to one side, blood still pouring from his wound. His hand grew cold in Kairi's and it slid to the ground as his soul left his body.

The tears that Kairi had pushed back came flowing out and Sora pulled her close to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and cried, Sora's arms wrapped around her. He held her close, then kissed her head.

"It's ok Kairi," He whispered, pulling her closer. "It'll be ok."