Of Promises and Paopu
By The Ambitious Blank
Disclaimer- Kingdom Hearts isn't mine. Man, this thing gets tiring..
Comments- And the slow deterioration of Riku, Sora, and their relationship continues.. review and I'll love you. ^_^
And for the several of you who asked for more fluff, you got it, later on in this chapter. ^^ I'm being nice to Kairi. _;
As a side note, I'm looking for someone who has AIM who would be interested in some Riku/Sora roleplay. Anyone interested? o_o; IM me at Shinigaami if you are, I'm in need of some good, yaoi-filled roleplay.. ^^
It looks like this chapter is gonna be pretty long.. ah, well. Enjoy. ^_^
~*~
"So you finally come, asking for my help.." Maleficent spoke, smirking down at the boy who kept his eyes so firmly lowered on the ground.. Riku had come, asking for help, asking for power. She smirked.. oh, she could have fun with this.
"..I want to make him sorry." He said, his eyes still lowered.. Maleficent's smirk widened. So.. things were going to go her way, after all.
"I see. Then.. I shall give you the power you ask for.. provided you agree to help me. Come closer, boy." She motioned upward with her hand. Riku looked at her, then approached a few steps closer.
"..I give you the power to control the Heartless!" The witch cried, raising her staff. Riku's body glowed with a neon green power, and the boy shouted in pain. It was as though he were being stabbed a thousand times over.. and it was so cold. Riku screamed, the agony almost too much for him to bear.. and suddenly, he calmed as the pain faded away, his eyes closing as the darkness seeped within him.
Riku remained standing, looking at his hands, then up at Maleficent. She smirked at him.
"Go on, then, boy. Call something." She said, waving a hand impatiently. Riku looked down at his hands, then closed his eyes, and made a motion with his hand, palm upward. His shadow, casted by what dim light was in the room, seemed to split into two.. one of the copies floated forward, rising out of the ground.. and it warped suddenly, changing into the form of Sora. Riku's eyes widened faintly.
"The Heartless will now obey your every whim.. whether spoken or not. They will take whatever form you desire most.." Maleficent smirked. Riku glanced to her, then back to the AntiSora that stood before him. The AntiSora blinked, those hollow yellow eyes boring holes into him.. then it stepped up to him. Riku blinked and took a step back, but the Heartless kept advancing, backing Riku into a wall, as the silver-haired boy had done with Sora. Riku was afraid.. and suddenly, he realized how afraid Sora was.
..was.. was I this.. intimidating? Did I scare him..?
Riku closed his eyes.. trying to remember. Sora's face.. although the boy had tried hard not to show it.. had been terrified. Riku struggled to remember.
..those things I said.. am I that jealous? Did.. did I hurt him?
Oh god, Sora.. I'm so sorry..
Riku opened his eyes, feeling the cold stone of the wall at his back, and the Heartless directly in front of him.
"What is it doing?" He asked, but Maleficent only laughed.
"Only what you desire the most." She said. The Heartless got right up close to him, reaching up and caressing Riku's pale cheek, brushing some of the silver strands out of his face. Riku stiffened.. the touch was so cold. It wasn't anything human.. not that he'd expect it to be. But.. it looked so much like Sora. For a moment, the ice-cold desire for revenge that now surrounded Riku's heart vanished.. and he imagined that this thing was Sora.. just Sora himself. He found himself leaning forward, and his warm lips met those cold ones. The AntiSora reached up to caress him again, and Riku yanked back, slamming his head into the wall, wincing in pain.
..what.. what am I doing??!
He rubbed the back of his sore head with his hand, and looked up at Maleficent, who was smirking at him.
"Remember, boy.. the Heartless now obey your deepest desires.. be careful what you wish for." She laughed, and vanished in a puff of purple smoke. Riku sighed and sank down into a sitting position on the cold stone floor. The AntiSora vanished with a wave of his hand, and Riku buried his face into his knees, his revenge forgotten momentarily.
..what.. what have I become..??
~*~
"..?! Riku!" Sora shot up in bed for the third time that night, covered in sweat, his sheets clammy, his whole body shaking. They'd gone back to the Coliseum to practice their battles before moving on to the next world. They'd met back up with Cloud there, and Leon too, surprisingly. They were training as well, in case the need should ever arise that they needed to protect their respective worlds.
"Trouble sleeping?" Asked a soft, deep voice from the doorway. Sora looked up, blue eyes wide. Cloud stood in the doorway, his cape, armor, and boots gone, wearing nothing but his shirt and baggy pants.
[ A/N: ::Snicker.:: I know all you fangirls are hoping that those are literally the only things he's wearing.. ]
Sora said nothing, just lowered his eyes. Cloud watched him with those glowing eyes of his, silent for a few long moments, before speaking again as he chanced another step further into the room.
"..thinking about him again?" He asked. Sora glanced up now.. he'd told Cloud about Riku the last time they'd been here, before they'd left, after the fight with Cerberus. Cloud had been in bad shape, and he and Sora had talked for a while before Sora had to leave.
"..so who is it you're looking for?"
"..two people. A person who I knew a long time ago.. I'm not sure where he is." Cloud lowered his eyes, looking at his lap. "..and another.. who I also knew.. and who I have to settle a score with. What about you? You're looking for someone too, aren't you?"
"..yeah.. my friends." Sora said. Cloud watched him carefully.
"..and someone who's more than just a friend." He said. Sora looked up, surprised.
"How did you..?"
"..I recognize that determination in your eyes."
"Something's different now.. about you." The blonde warrior said, continuing to eye Sora carefully, his eyes piercing into the boy's very soul. "..you don't seem.. quite as determined to find him."
"..that's because I did find him. He.. wasn't who I remember."
"..I see." Cloud sat down on the other bed in the room, facing Sora. Sora blinked at him.. Cloud had changed, ever so slightly.. he and Leon were together again.. and there was a general air of contentment around both of them. Sora wished he could have the same. He wished Riku was here, to hold him, to comfort him.. to tell him everything was okay. He wanted to go back to the way things were.. on that beach that he thought he was so bored of, where the gulls would call overhead, where the sun shone almost all the time, and where everything was just perfect. He wished for it with everything he had, and when his eyes opened again.. he was met with the same dark room. Sora shuddered, earning a faintly worried glance from the fighter sitting across from him.
"..Sora..?" Cloud questioned, softly.. and before Sora knew what he was doing, he flung himself at Cloud, startling the other man slightly. He was shaking with sobs again, like his first night in Traverse Town.. and he found himself pouring his heart out, telling Cloud everything. The blonde was unsure of himself at first, but eventually relaxed and let the young boy cry, listening and making soft noises of agreement when appropriate.
Eventually, Sora's sobs subsided, and he'd cried himself to sleep, emotionally exhausted. Cloud lifted him carefully and set him down on the bed, pulling the covers over him. A hand was placed on his shoulder, and ice-blues glanced up, met with the familiar blue-grey of Leon's eyes.
"..what happened?" He asked. Cloud shook his head.
"..he might be the Keybearer.. and he might be strong most of the time.. but no matter which way you look at it.. he's still a child." He answered softly, looking down at the sleeping form. "..he can't handle this very well. I'm worried about him."
Leon sighed, looking down at Sora, then back to Cloud, leaning in and kissing the blonde's forehead.
"..Sora might still be a child.. but right now, he has to be strong.. he's our only hope."
~*~
"Will you sit here and wallow in your misery for an eternity, boy..?"
Riku glanced up, his aqua eyes cold.
"..go away."
"..and why? I have given you the power you wanted. You wanted revenge on that boy. He pushed you away. You have every right to hurt him." Maleficent's eyes narrowed. "..you have the power. Now use it.. you owe me at least the help from you that I ask, boy.."
"..I won't forget the way he looked at me.. like I was some sort of monster.."
"That's all you are, boy. That's all you'll ever be. He knows that.. he's simply toying with you, don't you see? Leading you on.." She laughed. "..what a little fool you are, believing his act so easily. You think he's so perfect, don't you?"
Riku glanced up at her. She laughed again.
"..what a little fool. It's up to you, boy. You can sit here and not do a thing.. he pushed you away, remember.. or, you can go and get the revenge you so deserve. It's not that far to go, boy. Perhaps.. if you search for him, you'll be helping me as well, and perhaps you can find a way to restore your other little friend.. Kairi, was it?"
Riku stared at her for a long time, then spoke.
"..why are you helping me? Giving me all these powers and whatever.." He glared at her suspiciously, his aqua eyes glowing faintly in the shadows that surrounded him. "..all for what? So I'll help you capture some stupid princesses?"
"..no, boy.. you make it sound as though I have no sentiment." She reached out and brushed her fingers over the side of Riku's face. "You've been like a son to me. I just want to make you happy.."
Riku snarled and shoved her hand away.
"I seriously doubt that." He growled, then turned and left, heading down the hallway, towards where Captain Hook and his ship were waiting. Maleficent watched after him, smirking.
"..the weak ones are always easiest to manipulate.. don't you think, Maleficent..?" A soft voice spoke behind her. She flinched, then turned around. A man in a brown cloak stood there, his face shadowed.. but she nodded in acknowledgement.
"..indeed." She said, looking down the dark hallway in which Riku had disappeared. "He's insecure.. he misses the Keybearer so much.. and he's starting to forget why. The darkness will take him, and then.." She glanced back to the figure again, smirking. "..then, he's yours to use."
"Very good." The man said, and then vanished, leaving Maleficent alone. Their plan was flawless. There was no way the Keybearer would be able to fight his friend. He would die.. and darkness would reign once again.
~*~
Riku's cold eyes watched as the Gummi Ship slowly approached. A fist clenched at his side, as he leapt down from the crow's nest, sliding easily down the mast, jumping onto the wooden deck of the flying ship.
"..capture them." He commanded. Captain Hook gave him a nasty look, which he ignored. The pirate Heartless swarmed towards where the ship was headed.. and as soon as the three figures emerged, they were caught and dragged toward Riku.
"..R.. Riku..?" Sora stared up at him.. his eyes.. they hadn't changed. Sora felt something wrench within his chest. Riku stared down at him, rolling his eyes.
"..can't stay out of trouble, can you, Sora? You're still too busy running around.. and playing the hero.." He got right up in Sora's face, smirking. "..I'm afraid your journey stops here, love."
Sora's face twisted into a growl, and he wrenched free of the Heartless' grips, smashing them with his Keyblade, and then pointing it at Riku, the tip of it inches from the silver-haired boy's face. Riku stared at him in surprise.
"..you'd fight me, Sora..?" He asked. Sora didn't say a word, just kept his stance, eyes narrowed. Riku snorted.
"..be that way, then.. but would you rather fight me, or risk losing her again?" Riku stepped aside, and there lay Kairi, surrounded by Heartless.
"Kairi!" Sora shouted, jumping forward, only to be grabbed and slammed to the ground by Riku. The older boy twisted Sora's arm behind his back, making Sora yelp in pain.. a sound that Riku was pleased by. He tugged harder on his arm, and Sora squirmed, trying to get away.
"Let GO!" He shouted. Riku smirked.
"What? Widdle Sora can't handle a little bit of hurt?" He pulled harder, and Sora yelled out again. His partners were struggling futilely against their captors, trying to get to their friend, not able to get away.
"Why have you sided with the Heartless?!" Sora demanded,
"..this is what you get, Sora.." Riku hissed, getting close enough so his warm breath brushed against Sora's ear. "..this is what you get.. for betraying me.." He snarled, and kicked Sora away. "..take them down and lock them up. I'll deal with them later."
The Heartless dragged them away, and all the while, Sora watched Riku.. he was holding back tears, it was obvious by how his brilliant blue eyes sparkled.. but the glare on his face was something of such pain, such hatred that Riku had never seen before, it made the silver-haired boy flinch. He closed his eyes and turned away, heading up the stairs to the deck.
~*~
Sora slumped against the wooden walls that contained them, sliding to a sitting position, his eyes on the floor.
"..I hate him.." He muttered. Goofy sat down next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"..you shouldn't hate 'im, Sora.. he doesn't mean it. You know that." He said. Sora kept staring at the ground, saying nothing. Donald, his constant attitude sobered by the sight of his depressed friend, sat down on the other side of him.
"Y'know, kid.. sitting there and whining ain't gonna do you no good." A voice said, from the corner of the room. Sora blinked, looking up. A figure in all green, with shockingly orange hair stood on the other side of the room.
"Who are you?" Donald demanded. The young man stepped away from the corner and into the light. He grinned.
"The answer to your prayers." He said, spreading his arms wide. Donald huffed and rolled his eyes. Sora raised an eyebrow, standing up.
"But aren't you stuck in here, too..?"
"Nah, I'm just waiting for someone.." He shrugged, holding out his hand to Sora. "The name's Peter. Peter Pan."
"I'm Sora." The boy replied, reaching out to shake the offered hand, only to have it yanked away. He snorted indignantly, but Peter ignored him.
"We'll work together, but only until I find Wendy." He said, scoffing down at them, making Sora a bit more irritated with how arrogant he was being. A strange yellow light fluttered into the room, and Sora glanced up. The light floated over to Peter, who held out his hand. Sora looked closer, and could see that the light was a tiny fairy. She spoke wordlessly to Peter, who seemed to understand.
"What took you so long, Tinkerbell?" He asked. The pixie responded in her wordless manner again. "So you found her? What? She wasn't alone..?"
..Kairi.. Sora thought, listening in intently. He couldn't forget.. despite the fact that Riku meant the world to him, he couldn't forget that he had another friend to save, too. Peter scowled.
"Alright, Tink, so can you just open the door?" The light flickered, and then fluttered away from Peter Pan's hand. The door clicked a moment later, and Sora glanced to Peter, unsure of what to say. He rolled his eyes.
"Like I said. We're only in this together until I find Wendy."
"Uh.. right." Sora nodded.. and to all their surprise, Peter rose up from the ground, hovering there. Goofy blinked.
"How come you can fly?" He asked. Sora paused, glancing over his shoulder, curious to find out the answer to this as well. Peter smiled, grabbing Tinkerbell by the wings.
"Anyone can.. all it takes is a little bit of pixie dust.." He said, flying over and dusting them with sparkling gold powder. Sora blinked, feeling no different. Donald jumped up and flapped his wings, then fell immediately back to the ground.. Sora stifled a laugh, but Tinkerbell was laughing outright at the duck, who just rolled his eyes at her.
~*~
"Remind me again why you're here?" Captain Hook demanded, peering close at Riku's face. Riku snorted, turning away.. he was sitting in the windowsill, looking out at the vast expanse of seemingly endless ocean surrounding them. A wrist rested on one raised knee, the other dangled carelessly off the edge of the sill.
"..I'm here because Maleficent said there might be a way to get Kairi's heart back if I help her.. and to get revenge on the Keybearer." He glared at the Captain, annoyed. "..we're to hoist anchor as soon as possible.. Wendy is not one of the princesses Maleficent is looking for."
"But we went to all that trouble to catch her!" Captain Hook shouted, putting the tip of his hook hand beneath Riku's chin. The silver-haired boy didn't flinch, simply looked at him with cool aqua eyes.
"Are you quite finished?" He asked calmly. As the Captain growled at him and stepped back, fuming, he continued. "..we're to hoise anchor as soon as possible, like I said. We're to leave all dead weight behind. Including her."
"You insolent brat! How dare you try and give orders to Captai--" He was cut off as Mr. Smee's voice echoed through the pipes.
"Er.. Captain.. the prisoners seem to have escaped.. and Peter Pan is with them."
"Blast that Peter Pan!" The Captain shouted, slamming his hook into one of the wooden pillars in the room, shattering some of the wood. Riku's eyes followed the splinters as they fell to the floor with boredom.
"Bring me the hostages, Smee! And hurry up!" The Captain shouted into the communication pipe. Riku stood up.
"..I'm out of here.." He muttered, disappearing out through the door.
~*~
"Wendy! Wendy!!" Peter Pan shouted, flying across the room to where he could see Wendy's face, peering down at him through a grate that seperated them. Sora ran up behind him.
"Peter..? Peter Pan?" Wendy asked, peering down at him, hesitating, then cringing as a loud bang could be heard from outside the room she was in. "Ohh.. please hurry, the pirates are coming!"
"I'll be right up there!" Peter shouted. Sora looked up at her.
"Wendy..? Is there another girl up there with you?" He asked. Wendy pointed to another grate.
"Why, yes.. she's right over there.. but she appears to be asleep, she hasn't moved an inch--ohh!" Wendy was suddenly yanked away, and Kairi's limp form was dragged out of visibility. Sora's eyes widened.
"Kairi!"
"Wendy!" Peter shouted. "Come on, let's go!"
They climbed a ladder, entering the cabin room of the ship. A figure stood, his back to them, silver hair ending just past his shoulders. He turned, aqua eyes boring into Sora's gaze.
"Riku!"
"..you don't care, Sora.. stop playing games." He said, narrowing his eyes as he opened a portal. "..I'll help Kairi myself." He stepped through and vanished, the AntiSora rising from his shadow.
"Riku, wait!" Sora shouted, reaching out to his friend, met with only air. He didn't have time to worry about it, drawing his Keyblade and engaging into a fight with the AntiSora. He rushed, forcing down his anger and channeling it into his strength.
I'm such an idiot..
The AntiSora flew back as the blade connected with it. Sora raced after it, tears forming in his eyes, blurring his vision faintly. He wiped them away carelessly, thrusting the blade forward towards his enemy.
..I've all but lost Riku..
Sora's every intent was bent on destroying this thing that looked so much like him.. punishing himself without feeling a thing. He let out a shout of anguish as his blade sank into the creature's heart. It stared at him with a hollow, golden gaze, and Sora challenged it with his own startling blue.
I'm supposed to be the hero..
Slowly, it sank to the ground, the Keyblade having gone completely through it, and vanished into nothingness. His companions stood in the back, unsure of what to say to him.
I have to save them.
Sora collapsed to his hands a knees, staring hopelessly at the floor.
..but why has everything been put onto me..?
~*~
"I told you, boy.. the use of those powers excessively is dangerous. You should have returned here by way of a vessel, not with the use of your abilities.." Maleficent looked down at the boy who lay on the cold stone floor, panting from exhaustion, his silver hair spilled over the stones. "It could cost you your heart, boy."
"I just.. need to be stronger." Riku panted, struggling as he sat up, finally making it to his feet. Maleficent tilted her head.
"It is true, boy.. you have untapped power lying within you.. your true power will lead eventually to your true purpose.."
She smirked inwardly. Riku was reacting as they planned.. he wanted more and more power, and eventually.. it would lead to weakness.
"..my purpose?" Riku asked, swaying slightly and steadying himself against a pillar. She nodded.
"Your purpose.. hidden for now.. but it will all become clear later. You still want your power, boy?" The witch asked, and Riku nodded. He wanted more power.. he needed it. He needed a way to prove himself.. a way to defeat Sora. He closed his eyes as the green energy surrounded him again, fists clenching against the pain. His teeth gritted, feeling strength rippling through every cell in his body. He had to endure this.. he had to. If he wanted victory and the power he so desired, he had to be able to face the pain of recieving it. The glow faded, and he looked up at Maleficent, smirking.
"Nothing will stop me now." A blade shaped like a demon's wing appeared in his hand as he glanced to the small pedestal in the middle of the room. The lime green orb glowed atop it, showing Sora, fighting more of the pirate Heartless. Riku's eyes narrowed as a sudden, unexplainable anger overtook him.. his arm moved swiftly, and the pedestal was shattered into tiny bits that flew in all directions. He stared down at his handiwork, and then began to laugh.
"You're next, Sora! You hear me?! You're NEXT!"
Riku collapsed to the floor, laughing uncontrollably as only a crazy person who has lost everything else in the world laughs.
~*~
"Quite a codfish, that Riku.. running off with that girl without even a goodbye.." Captain Hook said loftily, eyeing the group as they emerged from within the ship. Peter Pan had gone off in another direction after they'd found Wendy, so it was just Sora, Goofy, and Donald again.
"Where'd he go?! Tell me!" Sora cried, drawing his Keyblade and pointing it at the Captain, who only laughed.
"To Hollow Bastion, where Maleficent resides.. but I'm afraid you won't be taking a trip there anytime soon." He held up a lantern, within it hovered a helpless Tinkerbell. Sora faltered, then stepped back, his Keyblade vanishing from his hands. The pirate Heartless advanced slowly. Sora blinked, hearing a ticking sound coming from the water.. the Heartless paused, confused, and Captain Hook froze, all the blood draining from his face.
"It's that crocodile, coming for me other hand!!" He cried, looking positively fearful. "Smee!" He shouted, looking to his first mate, who blinked up at him. "You take care of them!" He said, dashing off and hiding inside a room. "Make them walk the plank!" Captain Hook's orders rang over the ship, even through the thick wooden door.
The Heartless advanced, and slowly, Sora was forced back onto the plank. Looking behind him, he could see the crocodile, jaws wide open.
"Sora! SORA!" Donald was throwing himself against his captor's arms, trying to escape.. Sora kept backing.
"Fly, Sora! You can do it! Just think happy thoughts!" Yelled a familiar voice from seemingly nowhere.. Sora closed his eyes.
..happy thoughts, huh?
..Riku..
~*~Flashback
"Riku! Rikuuuu! Wait for meeee!!!" Sora dashed after his best friend, tripping in the thick sand below him and falling flat on his face. Forcing back tears, he struggled to sit up, wiping at his eyes. When he looked up again, Riku had his hand out, a gentle smile on his face.
"..come on, then."
Sora smiled, reaching up and taking his friend's hand. Riku pulled him up with more force than was necessary, and somehow the brown-haired boy ended up sitting on Riku's chest. Riku blinked up at him as Sora didn't move.
"..so.. you gonna get off?"
"Wellllll.." Sora crossed his arms, pretending to think about it. Riku rolled his eyes, and gave him a lazy grin. Sora leaned down, getting real close to Riku's face. Riku smirked and leaned up to kiss him, Sora pulling away just before their lips touched. The silver-haired boy gave a soft, playful growl, pushing Sora off him and pinning him to the sand, kissing him deeply.
They'd just gotten together a few days before.. problem being, they hadn't told Kairi about it.
"..R.. Riku?! SORA?!"
Well, she knew now.
Both boys looked up, eyes wide.
"Oh shi--" Riku didn't finish as Kairi fainted dead on the sand.
It was a long time before she woke up. She sat up, holding her head and looking to the two boys. They'd brought her inside the small shack with the stairs that led up to the bridge. She shook her head, laughing faintly as she looked at them.
"Y'know, I had the wierdest dream, you guys." She said, still with that nervous laughter. The two boys exchanged glances. They knew what was coming.
"I had this dream that you two were kissing each other on the beach."
"You mean like this?" Riku was never the most tactful at answering questions, and so in response, he grabbed Sora, pulled him close, and kissed him. Sora's eyes were wide, before he found himself almost melting in Riku's arms, just like always. Riku pulled away, brushing a few bangs out of Sora's eyes, before looking to Kairi, who had backed away.
"Look.. I'm sorry, but.."
"No.. no, it's okay." Kairi sighed. "..I.. I guess I never really stood a chance, huh?" She smiled weakly at them. "..I guess.. you two are kinda cute together.. just like Selphie always said you'd be.."
"Huh?!" The pair stared at her, their eyes wide. Kairi giggled at the sight of them.
"..Selphie always thought something was going on between you two.. she told me, and I really didn't want to believe it.. but I guess I have no choice now. She said.. she said you two would be really cute together." She giggled again. "..she also said.. I'd do well with Tidus.." She smiled at them, genuinely. Riku smirked a bit.
"Well, what do you know? Selphie has some insight into things after all.." He said, snorting. Sora grinned.
"Yeah. Thanks, Kairi.. for understanding." He said. Kairi nodded.
"..no problem. But.. y'know.. if you ever change your minds.." She trailed off, beaming at them. "..in the meantime, I think I'm gonna go talk to Tidus." She giggled, leaving the shack. Riku and Sora turned to each other.. no words were exchanged, but Sora soon found himself wrapped in Riku's strong arms, soft lips meeting soft lips.
~*~
Sora smiled happily to himself, then slowly fell backwards, down towards the crocodile's waiting jaws..
If I just believe.. I can fly..
Sora felt his body slow, then slowly come to a stop, just inches before the crocodile's jaws. The croc snapped up, trying to snag him, but Sora flew high above him, coming back into view of the ship.
Goofy and Donald burst from the Heartless' grasp, drawing their weapons and knocking their enemies back, floating up into the air to join their companion. Sora dove downward, smashing through the ranks of the Heartless, destroying each of them. Finally, once they were all gone, Peter Pan reappeared. He'd gotten Tinkerbell free, and hovered down to the door to the room where Captain Hook was still hiding. He smirked, pinching his nose and doing an exact impression of Smee.
"All clear, Cap'n!" He said, winking at Sora and his group. Sora stifled laughter.
"..Smee, is that you? Did they walk the plank?"
"Yessir, every last one of them!" Peter said, his impression completely flawless. Captain Hook burst out of the room, only to be met with the end of Sora's Keyblade. Sora smirked.
"To the plank, Cap'n!" He said. Hook turned, looking for a way of escape, but Peter and the others kept him at bay, walking him slowly towards the edge of the ship. At the last moment, he drew his sword and leapt at Sora, who parried easily with his Keyblade.
"Gotcha!" Sora cried, knocking him back. Captain Hook lost his balance, and toppled of the side of the ship. The last they saw of him was his figure swimming frantically away from the crocodile, who gave chase. Sora slumped against the wall, sighing.
"Sora..?" Peter Pan, concerned with someone other than himself or Wendy for once, furrowed his eyebrows and tried to peer at Sora's face.
"I just.. don't believe it.." Sora murmured. Goofy put a hand on his shoulder. Sora didn't move.
"Sora, are you okay?" Donald asked. Sora looked up, grinning brightly.
"I flew! I actually flew! Wait 'til Riku hears about this!" He cried happily. His companions smiled. Sora floated up to the top of the mast, standing on the very top of the ship, just above the crow's nest.
"Just wait, Riku. I won't give up again.. I won't let you disappear." He smiled to himself, placing a hand over his heart as he began looking ahead at the endless horizon.
Because.. because I have a strong heart. You've always been there for me.
Now.. now is my turn.
~*~To Be Continued...
There you go, people. Fluff. :D Review? Please??