Disclaimer: I do not own Squaresoft or Disney. Nor Kingdom Hearts or its characters. Not even Sephiroth. But that's not the point. I do, however, own this story, so please do not abduct it. If you want to use it, just let me know. Oh, and please review? ^_^




C L O S U R E




-Prologue-

"Come on, Sora! Together, we can do it!" Riku said, as he appeared from the other side of the door, much to the astonishment of Sora.

A mixture of happiness and complete disbelief seized him at the sight of his friend, for Sora had thought Riku was gone for good. He just stood and stared dumbfounded at Riku. But only momentarily, for the monumental task at hand necessitate more immediate attention. He again leaned his weight upon the door of Kingdom Hearts and began pushing with his fatigued arms - he had been drained from the fight with Ansem, the self-proclaimed "seeker of darkness". Donald and Goofy too, were exhausted from combat. The three of them were barely moving the door with their combined strength. But now, at the sight of Riku, Sora was psychologically rejuvenated and started to push with all he had, trying as hard as he was able to manifest this mental strength physically. He cannot fail. He must not fail. The fate of all worlds hung on the closure of Kingdom Hearts.

With Riku's help, they were now making more significant progress, but not enough as the Heartless Darksides were approaching them at, it seems, a fatal rate.

"It is hopeless!" Donald cried, vocally expressing the fears and despair all of them felt.

Suddenly, all the Darksides were destroyed. Donald and Goofy, surprised at this unexpected development, saw a bright light bursting from beneath the bleak ground, when none other than their King emerged.

"Your Majesty!" they exclaimed, in astounded jubilation.

The four of them noted that King Mickey also had a Keyblade and now understood the sudden defeat of the Heartless. But unlike Sora's Keyblade, its handle was coated silver and its blade blazed with a magnificent golden.

The King held up his Keyblade - a triumphant gesture that inspired much hope in their hearts - and shouted, "Now, Sora! Let's close this door for good!"

Donald too, urged Sora to close the door promptly. But Sora hesitated. He knew what it meant to the world that this door be closed at once, but closing it would be equivalent to committing the fates of his friend Riku and the King to tragedy. Before this, he thought he had lost Riku, but with his unexpected appearance, it gave him hope that they will be reunited. Now, he was required to personally doom his friend to oblivion. Such irony seemed too cruel to not have been orchestrated by satirical hands. It was simply unbearable.

The insightful King translated Sora's hesitation and answered his uncertain thoughts, "Don't worry. There will always be a door to the light."

Goofy, though distressed about the imminent separation from his King yet again, knew that he could trust King Mickey. He turned to Sora and nodded. "Sora, you can trust King Mickey."

But still, Sora remained undecided. He was still wrestling with this tormenting dilemma.

Finally, the long-silent Riku, knowing the relentless nature of the Heartless, spoke up to persuade Sora with a warning, "Now! They're coming!"

Sora saw more Darksides emerging and began to think about the catastrophic consequences that might result if this door was not closed. And the unthinkable outcome effectively wrecked his selfish indecision. He looked up at Riku and sighed, then proceeded to pursue the noble course of action.

"Donald, Goofy, thank you," the King said, with a finality in his voice that the trio did not like.

But their faith in the King could no longer be swayed by personal obstacles. They pushed with all their might and the doors of Kingdom Hearts were moving to a close.

"Take care of her," Riku said to Sora, just as the door was about to be closed shut.

Sora nodded with all the reassurance he could summon to conquer his bursting sorrow.

Then, he and King Mickey held up their Keyblades and pointed it to the door. A bright beam of light shot out from each Keyblade and the door was illuminated with a radiant, lucent brilliance. Then, it vanished.

Kingdom Hearts was sealed.