Nihility
Co-written by: Jade and Aniiston
Chapter VI
Amazing
Written by: Jade
Point of View: Riku
As I picked up the unconscious form of my lovely best friend, I came to a realization that there was something going on with that cat. It was a good something, though, for it seemed Keiko was looking out for Kairi's best interest. Beyond the matter, however, it was a bit hard for me to watch for Heartless while at the same time thinking of everything that had gone on.
It's almost hard to believe…
I made my way out of the rickety building and onto the street, studying my surroundings. My home was quite a ways from here, and now that I had rested, I knew my way back, remembering the way Keiko had led the night before.
Strange…
Strange indeed how a kitten would know her way from one place to another in such a place as Pareja. She was only a kitten, after all, and if for over four years she'd been with Kairi, I wondered vaguely how she knew her way around the city.
How'd she get to me, though?
I turned my gaze to Keiko, who was, at the current moment, seeming very tense as she walked beside me, her back straight, steps even. It was then, my friend, that I noticed the difference that seemed to take place in the pearl feline.
Or maybe it isn't a difference…maybe it was there all along.
Her eyes…they were different. I had never taken a moment to look at the kitten thoroughly before, but now that I'm studying her, I remembered her eyes to be black. Now they were two different colors; dark blue and light blue.
How immensely strange.
I sighed lightly and continued walking, devoting all my attention to what was in front of me, rather than what was walking beside me or resting in my arms. I walked for many an hour, hardly being weighed down by Kairi's slender figure. But we eventually arrived at the entrance to Pareja. Passing the item shop, I made a mental note to visit it later, for I was now in dire need of more items since Kairi was coming to live with me.
Finally…
The metal gates swooshed open silently and I walked through. I took a much-needed breath as I turned to look over my shoulder. Indeed, we had gotten back without much interference; in fact, without any interference. I wondered why the Heartless had not tried to ambush me, seeing as I was occupied, but I thought perhaps they were scared.
Shaking my head, I walked up to the eroded building that was my 'home'. I carefully lay my friend to the side, noticing that she was now asleep rather then unconscious and shoved a metal key into the lock of the door. After opening it, I picked Kairi up and walked in, still thinking as I finally got into my condo and locked it shut. I laid her on my bed and pulled a sheet to her chin as Keiko jumped up and sat obediently next to her, gazing at her face. Carelessly, I threw my cloak on a small pile of shirts that needed to be washed and dropped her bag as well as the two short swords.
Sitting down on the bed, I found myself staring at her again. With such intricate beauty, I could've stared forever if she hadn't stirred.
Stirred…
Opening those lovely crystal eyes, she yawned once and stretched. She shot a tiny smile at me, and I only returned it with a nod. After four years of isolation, I almost forgot how to smile.
"What...happened?"
I shrugged. "Heartless." I didn't know why I decided not to tell her the entire truth, but frankly I didn't know the entire truth myself.
"We're at your home?" she asked tiredly, sitting up slightly. I nodded and handed her a potion from my shelf. "Is that from my bag?" I nodded, watching her sip it and put it down.
"Kairi," I asked, staring at my hands, which were folded placidly on my lap. She looked at me. "You need to learn how to defend yourself. I want to train you." Kairi sat up completely. Despite the rigorous hours and time consuming tasks, my defense-less friend was truly just that. Defenseless. Along side the many years of knowing the girl, I had been trained beside Sora, learning various sword techniques and fist movements, but Kairi herself never actually learned any of it.
"I don't think I'd want to. Besides," She seemed to gulp. "I've seen you train with Sora," I inwardly winced. "And it's usually pretty harsh." She gave me a stare.
Resistance.
"Kairi, you may be physically weak, but I'll help you diminish that quality. You need to learn how to fight in case…anything ever happens." I pulled my head up to look into those beautiful light blue eyes. "You have to." But my best friend wasn't giving up without a fight.
"Riku, no. I don't want to. You're not going to make me." I rolled my eyes.
"Why can't you?"
"Because I know you. You'll work me to no end! " She threw her hands up.
"That's the only way you'll learn," I argued.
"Riku…" I stopped her.
"Please Kairi. You know you need it. You don't even know magic. What if I have to leave to get food and you're suddenly ambushed by something or someone?" Kairi's expression was blank.
"No one would. Who'd bother?" I was a little taken aback, but I shook my head upon receiving my outward composure.
"I guess no one. But still, if it ever happens-" Kairi cut me off.
"Fine. I'll train." I looked at her, seeing a twinge of fear in her eyes.
"Why are you afraid?" I asked.
"I'm not afraid!" she answered defiantly.
"You are. Why?"
She sighed.
"I'd rather not get hurt anymore than I already am."
I nodded.
"I know. And I'm going to be here to protect you. But you have to learn how to help me protect you." She looked up and our gazes locked.
"I won't need your protection if…"
"You'll train?" Captivated, she nodded. I mimicked her. "Then it's settled. We start tomorrow." I got up from my spot on the bed and began picking up my cloak and the numerous shirts from the floor.
I looked at her again and asked, "Want a drink?"
She nodded.
"Water, please." I took a glass from the side of the sink and filled it with water before bringing it out and handing it her. "Thank-you," she murmured before sipping it and placing it on the single bedside table.
"Have a good night sleep. We begin training tomorrow."
"Wait!" I turned around. "Where are you going to sleep?" I didn't take time to contemplate that.
"On the couch," I stated simply, going over to it and sitting.
"No, let me sleep on the couch. You keep your bed." She rose but suddenly feeling dizzy, fell down. "Oh my head…" I sighed.
"Sleep, Kairi. You'll regret it if you don't." I lay down on the couch, still awake, but pretending to be asleep so Kairi would as well. Sure enough, the room grew steadily silent except for the sound of Kairi's soft and tranquil breathing.
Amazing how she manages to do that…
