Warning: Read the first chapter.
Author Note: I'll try to keep my auther notes short. Thanks for reviewing my first chapter. It is great to know that somebody's reading my story. And I have absolutely no excuse for the late update. I was being lazy. But I will finish this story even if it takes me forever.
"Never was."
The dream was plunged into the darkness for a moment. I slowly opened my eyes to see my dark ceiling. What the hell? I thought in bewilderment. I never had that dream, or anything dream in similar. Only dreams I had before were the memories of my past. I glanced at my clock. It was the two o'clock. Too early, I groaned.
Wearily, I watched the busy dockyard. The sailors were loading their boats with the supplies, with the intention of fishing soon. I heard some sailors were arguing but I paid them no attention. I searched for the familiar boat that I knew for the few years. That boat was always in different place in the dockyard... It took me a while but I finally located the fishing boat.
"Tidus!" Hollering, I stood on the dock just next to the large boat.
"A minute!" He hollered back but I can't see him. I impatiently waited for him to show himself. He finally showed himself after the several minutes, his arms full with the food. "Oh, Sora! You got money?" He dropped the food in the box, and beamed at me. I reached for my wallet while Tidus jumped from the boat, to the docks.
"Thanks!" He grabbed my dollars soon as I picked them out of my wallet. "You're my savior."
"How long you'll be at sea?" I asked.
"About the couple weeks." He said, and shoved the money in his jacket's pocket. He frowned, "You okay? You look like you're about to pass out."
"I'm fine... just tired."
"Okay, okay. I'm busy, sort of." He gave me a smile before heading off to his boat. I simply stood there and watched Tidus at his work. Frankly, sight of Tidus working in the boat was a bit upsetting for me. Each time I'd see him at his boat and it always brought me of the bad memory without fail. I wished far too often that I could lock my memories in the safe box and throw away the key. So I will not recall them again.
"Sora? You won't standin' there all day?" Tidus said with a hint of concern. I snapped back to reality and shook my head frantically. I went on my way out of the dockyard. "Bye, Sora!"
"Good bye, Tidus!" I replied with a shout. Yawning, I headed for the Boat Café. I was so bored so I thought maybe Kairi would be at the café. I thought she was supposed to be in yesterday but for some reason she didn't make it. Must be the college stuff. I sighed, and hated all of it. Kairi, Tidus and Wakka were so far away.
Tidus was frequently out on the ocean, fishing. Wakka was the professional Blitzball player. So I didn't get to see him a lot lately. I wondered what is he doing right now. Often, he'd take off without the word to the inland for the practice sessions. Kairi had the college to attend; unfortunately, the college is on another island. So she was away most of time, at another island. I felt lonely. I wished it were the few years ago where Riku was still alive.
"Never was."
I remembered my dream. I scowled and shoved the dream back in the dark corner of my mind.
"Isn't it nice?" Kairi smiled at me. "Just us alone, out walking on the beach. It's quiet..." I smiled back.
"Yeah."
"You should sleep. You're so pal--- oh look! The tree!" She exclaimed in surprise. I jerked my eyes to look at the tree. It was leaning very heavily, that you could just easily climb and sit on it. I knew that tree. With a flash, the memories came back flooding my mind.
"What're you doing, Riku?" I hauled the huge, wooden sword behind me as I marched to the leaning tree. I glanced at the silver-haired boy who was sitting on the tree. He didn't reply. The sword was too heavy to drag any more so I dropped it.
"Riku?" I said louder at this time. He slowly turned his head to look at me then returned his gaze to the ocean. I was little irritated that he didn't answer my question. I jumped on the tree and walked to him. "Answer me, Riku! Wake up!" I poked him.
"Stop it!" Riku grabbed my wrist, and gave me a glare. "I'm just watching the sunset."
"Oh." He released me and his eyes were back on the sunset. I sat besides him, and then watched the sunset. After the long, quiet minute, I decided by watching the sunset is most boring thing I had ever done. I tried to find out what made it so interesting for Riku to look at for long time. But all I saw is just the plain, boring sunset.
"Aw c'mon! That's so boring!" I jumped from the tree and whined. He rolled his eyes and joined me on the ground. "Another round!" I yelled and made a run for the heavy sword. It belonged to Riku but he said I could use it for one day that is if I don't break it first. Though I'm pretty sure that he will kill me if I did that. Or just maim me. Or maim me first then kill me. I grunted as I tried to get the sword high in the air. I thought I heard Riku snicker.
That's right… That was Riku's favorite tree. I looked at the leaning tree and smiled sadly. Kairi quickly climbed on the tree, and then took a seat in Riku's usual spot. Deep down, I was a bit fuming that she took Riku's place.
"Come here, Sora." Kairi patted on the spot next to her.
"Uh…" I hesitantly glanced at Riku's tree. "No…" I took a step backward, away from the tree. Her face showed the surprise and little hint of confusion. I turned away because I didn't want to see her face. I walked to edge of the ocean, and tried to shove all of those memories back once again.
"Sora, don't be afraid. Come here." Kairi persisted, calling for me. Don't be afraid? But I do… "It won't hurt, I promise." She kept trying, encouraging me. But it will be hurting… emotionally. I shook my head. Abruptly, I broke into run. I wanted to get away from the tree and memories.
"Sora!" She screamed, but I didn't stop. I ran. I didn't know where I am going but I didn't really care. Her cries of my name faded as I ran. It seemed to be forever… I finally stopped but only because I can't breathe. I fell on my knees, trying to catch the air. It took a while. I looked up to find out where I am. I was shocked when I realized where I am.
It was the cemetery. There were the intimidating tombstones surrounded me. The names and dates craved into the rough surface of the tombstones. It was the chilling sight. All of a sudden, I felt so cold. I wrapped myself with my arms as I got on my feet. I wanted to get out of here fast but I was frozen in my place. For some reason, I was also drawn to it. I spotted the familiar tombstone, not too far from me. I gulped the lump in my throat as I recognized it belonged to Riku.
Slowly, I took the few steps closer to the tombstone. I collapsed soon as I reached Riku's tombstone. I stared at it.
"W-Why did you leave me?" I said. There was no answer, as always. "I tried but… but I'm so tired." My eyes ached for sleep, as well my body was pleading for sleep. I caved in and gradually slipped into sleep, front of Riku's tombstone.
"Sora…
"I never left you. Don't you see?
"Wake up, my Sora…"
With a grunt, I pushed myself into sitting up. I opened my eyes to see Riku's tombstone. Huh? I fell asleep in the cemetery? Ok, that's very freaky. I struggled to get on my feet and gave the cemetery the final glance before I leave. How long I had been sleeping? I hoped it was not too long. Without any doubt, Kairi was out there, worrying about me.
I hastened my pace to the beach with the leaning tree. Soon as I reached that place, I looked for her. But she was not there. I sighed. I guess I slept a bit too long time. I was not in mood to linger at the beach so I took off to my apartment. I will call her later to let her know that I'm okay. The white clouds were slowly moving, as if they were trying to cover the blue sky.
I was still tired… but I was not in mood to sleep though. It was only because that I didn't want to see him again in my nightmares.
After the half hour of walking, I finally reached my apartment and entered my room. I snatched the telephone from the kitchen counter and dialed for Kairi's number.
"Hello, You're speaking to Kairi. Who is this?"
"It's Sora."
"Oh! I was so worried about you! Oh, my god. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm feeling better, actually." I jumped on my couch and rested my head on the armrest.
"That's good news. You had been gone for like the five hours now! Next time, try call me a lot more faster?"
"I promise, Kairi." I chuckled weakly.
"Did you eat anything?" At mention of that, my stomach growled viciously.
"Not really."
"Well, you should! Oh, listen. I have to go. The college, you know. Be sure to eat before you go sleep! Bye, Sora." She hanged up before I got a chance to tell her goodbye. I guess she must be in hurry… But it's evening. She always leaves for the college in very early morning. Puzzled, I put the phone down on the coffee table.
However, I listened to her advice and my stomach. I went to the kitchen to find any food that I still have. After the few minutes of preparation, I settled in my bedroom with the sandwich. I'll watch some television and try to stay awake long as possible… maybe I will sleep better when I'm too tired…
But it was harder than I thought because I fell asleep shortly after I finished my sandwich.
I placed my feet exactly on the footprints left by him. I was paying so much attention to the footprints that I forgot about him. I looked up and realized he was so far away.
"Wait!" I yelped, but of course he didn't stop. I ran after him, uncaring that I was destroying his footprints in the snow. "Wait! Stop!" I kept screaming at him but he hastened his speed. Shortly, I managed to catch up with him.
"Go away!" He shouted, but I didn't listen.
"Teach me! Please!"
"No!"
"Pleeeease!" I whined. I was almost running because he was walking so fast. "Please! Please!""Leave me alone!"
"I won't! Teach me first!" I crashed into his back when he halted to stop. I fell down, but surprisingly, Riku was still standing. He whirled around and gave me most scary glare.
"I don't know your name! I don't even know you. Now leave me alone!" He roared, and then he whirled around and broke into a run.
"My name is Sora!" I jumped on my feet and dashed after him. "Teach me how to fight like you!" But he didn't reply. I had been following him for least the ten minutes before he managed to lose me by making a fast run for it. He was a lot faster than I am so I eventually lost him. I scowled when I can't find him anywhere. How mean! I came to conclusion that I will keep following him forever if I find him again until he gives in and teaches me how to fight off the bullies.
I was in awe of him. I watched him fend off my two bullies and sent them running with the tails between their legs. When he didn't even know me. I was determined to be better than him… but I have to learn how to fight first…