Me: Okay, I've been listening to the Evanescence CD over and over again to get me in the writing mood, so here I am..... writing.

Sora: You just posted chapter 8 yesterday!

Me: And I plan on finishing this chapter TODAY! I don't want to ever fall out of the writing spirit, and I was just given a great idea for the Test of Trust.

Kairi: What, you didn't know before?

Me: Nope.

Riku: (slaps forehead)

Digitaldreamer: At least at this rate her test chapters won't take an entire school year to type like Broken Rainbow's did.

King Mickey: It's her story; let her write it the way she wants.

Menti: I agree with the King.

Me: (eyeroll) That's because the only person you respect is the King!

Menti: (Smirk) Yeah, pretty much.

Yuffie: Hey, it's that bitch who never should have been made leader in the first place!

All: (grabs weapons) ATTACK!

Menti: EEEP! bitch, run...bwa ha ha ha...

Me: Well, on with the chapter. And once again, I'm sorry for it being so short! Hmmm..... maybe I'll put two Tests in this one.... nah, that'd be too
easy! Enjoy the chapter!

Realm of Trust --- Test of Trust

Sora sighed, not wanting to open his eyes to see what was in store for him this time. But curiosity got the better of him and he looked down with the
membils of the Council.

The Scene They're Watching

Sora, eleven years old at the time, stormed down the island, very angry at the moment. Kairi said that it was a stage that Riku was going through, but Sora was beginning to think it would go on forever.

For the past few weeks, Riku had been practical joking Sora like crazy. Somehow, Riku always managed to trick Sora to go here or there and then Sora would have to suffer through getting icy cold water dumped on his head, honey poured over him, stepping on a rake and sending the pole flying into his head, and the list went on. At first, Sora thought it was a bit funny, but then it just got downright annoying.

Sora had tried to talk to Riku, but he would just turn away and get him with a water gun or something. Sora had finally just ran away when Riku asked him to help him find his cat in the forest; Riku didn't have a cat.

Now Sora just walked down the sandy shore line, kicking up sand as he went and sending small fiddler crabs scurrying for the crazy-boy-free ocean. If he can't cut it out, I guess we're not friends anymore, Sora fumed.

Meanwhile.....

"You're being really immature, you know that?" Kairi said.

Riku looked up at her. They were walking along the path that lead around the edge of the cliff, the same cliff that almost sent Sora down into the rock-filled river. Kairi had asked Riku to walk with her, and now he knew why.

"Well?" Kairi prodded. Riku just shrugged and Kairi stared at him. "Why have you been doing all those things to Sora? It's really bugging him..... and me too."

Riku looked at the ground, not knowing an answer. "I don't know," he said softly. (Plot hole? What plot hole?) "It's just; a lot has been going on lately."

Kairi frowned. "That's no reason to take it out on Sora."

"I thought he could take it," Riku said. "I mean, I had to do something to take my energy out on, and everyone else would never talk to me again if I did it to them But Sora is my best friend, I didn't think he would get so mad."

"So the only reason you're taking it out on Sora is because he's your best friend?" Kairi asked, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, I guess so," Riku said. "Does that make any sense at all?"

Kairi smiled "Sort of. I remember somebody telling me that out of love comes hatred; one can't exist without the other. I guess it's the same with you and Sora."

Riku nodded. "Do you think Sora will understand?"

Kairi giggled. "You may have to explain it a bit simpler to him, but I'm sure he'll forgive you!"

Riku laughed. "Thanks Kairi," he said as they continued to walk,

"Heh, no prob-" But she was cut off as she tripped over a root that grew near the large cliff. She cried out in surprise as she was sent over the ledge.

"KAIRI!" Riku yelled, making a grab for her. But he missed, and she went tumbling over. "NO KAIRI!" He rushed over and squatted down on his knees, looking down into the river, white swirling water rushing over the jagged rocks. "Kairi....'' he said softly, eyes filling with tears.

"RIKU!" a voice yelled. Riku looked down once more, this time at a more vertical angle, and saw Kairi hanging off of a rock that stuck out. "Help!" she yelled.

"Don't worry Kairi, I'll get you!" Riku yelled. He looked frantically around for some hand-holds he could use to climb down to her, but found none. "Be right back!" Riku yelled. He ran into the forest and found the longest vine he could. He tugged it out and ran back to the cliff. He lowered down the vine and yelled "Grab the vine!"

"I can't!" Kairi screamed. "If I let go, I'll fall!"

Riku groaned; he had run out of ideas. What now? I need help...... I've got it! If I get somebody, I can lower them down on the vine so they can get Kairi! "Just hold on, I'm going to go get some help!" Riku yelled down.

"Hurry!" Kairi cried. And Riku darted off.

The Beach

Sora was planning on ways of getting back at Riku when he heard frantic footsteps behind him and he whipped around. Riku ran up to him, panting. "Oh, it's just you," Sora snapped, turning back around and walking away.

"No, Sora, wait!" Riku yelled. But Sora did not stop.

"Why should I this time, huh?" Sora called over his shoulders. "To lead me into another trap? I don't think so."

"No, Sora, I'm serious!" Riku said, fighting to catch his breath and catch up with Sora at the same time. "It's Kairi! She's in trouble! She's dangling off a cliff! If we don't help her soon, she's gone!"

Sora paused for a minute at the sound of Kairi's name, but then continued his fast pace. "Yeah right, like I'll fall for that one, you jerk. Where do you get this stuff from, anyway? Is it some secret book I don't know about called 'Ways to Trick Your Friend'?''

Riku came to a halt. Man, he's right. I really have been a jerk. I wouldn't be surprised if he never listened to me again. But I've got to try. "I'm sorry."

At this, Sora stopped and turned around. "What was that?"

"I said I'm sorry," Riku said. "I'm sorry for taking out my anger on you. With every friendship comes hatred, you can't have one without the other. I just really, really wish I could have told you this earlier. Maybe it would have stopped you from being so angry and would have given me some new ways to blow off stem. But Kairi really is in trouble, and we do need to save her. Please, just trust me. You're still my best friend, and I hope I'm still yours. Trust me."

Sora stared at Riku for a moment. "I.." he began, not finding the right words; he had never heard Riku apologize to him. "I forgive you. And I trust you. Where's Kairi?"

Riku grinned. "Thanks," he said. "Come on, follow me."

The Cliff

Kairi could feel the sweat on her hands start to loosen her grip. She wouldn't last much longer..... Where did he go? she thought desperately. Then she heard footsteps of two people.

"Kairi!" Sora yelled, the spike-head sticking his face over the cliff and into her view. "Don't worry, we'll get you! Just hang on!"

"Sora!'' she cried. "Riku! I'm gonna fall soon, hurry!"

Riku picked up the vine that he had left there and tied it around Sora's waist. "Alright, I'm going to lower you down there," Riku ordered. "You hold onto Kairi and I'll pull you both up, okay?"

"Are you sure you can hold both of our weights?" Sora asked apprehensively.

"Don't worry, I can. Just trust me."

Sora nodded, although he still wasn't completely sure. But still, this was no time to doubt his friend. He knew that Riku would never let him fall. He was about to climb down when he felt it.

Another gust of wind blew; they had discovered a while back that the wind blew a lot down on this end of the island. Kairi screamed and her grasp broke.

"Kairi!" Sora cried again. He didn't even have to think..... all he could do was watch her fall in slow motion.... and he dove. He jumped off of the ledge and, as she fell, grabbed her wrists.

Riku's eyes widened and he too jumped off, grabbing for Sora's ankles.

A moment later, the results had shown themselves. Sora held onto Kairi's hands with his as he dangled upside down. Riku had somehow managed to grasp Sora's left ankle with one hand and a rocky with another. Yeah, they were screwed alright.

"How did we get into this?" Riku moaned as he struggled to hold onto his, Kairi's, and Sora's weight with only one arm.

"What now?" Sora asked. "Wait a second... is it just me or is this the second time I'm dangling above the river on this same cliff?"

Riku looked up, ignoring Sora's comments. "We're about ten feet from the top. Okay, Kairi, use one hand to try and find some kind of handhold and then try to find some for your feet. And whatever you two do, don't let go."

Kairi, shaking, removed her right hand and grasped a rock. She then planted her feet in small indents on the wall. Sora just held onto Kairi, making sure she didn't fall. "Riku, try to climb back up and Kairi, use your feet to try and walk up," Sora instructed.

Riku and Kairi used Sora as a sort of rope that connected the three. Riku slowly stepped up the ledge, letting go very quickly every now and then so he could get a new handhold. Kairi used her two legs and one arm to pull herself up. However, she was really being pulled up by Riku and Sora, merely using her feet to balance slightly. Sora tried to keep the three together and unable able to fall apart. He kept his arms tight around Kairi's wrist as he was pulled up by his ankles.

After around ten minutes of careful maneuvering, Riku finally reached the top and pulled himself to the ground. He tugged on Sora's legs so that he also hit ground. Then they both helped up Kairi.

They all took many steps back from the edge and collapsed on the ground, panting. They stayed like that for several minutes until Kairi raised her arms and threw them around Sora and Riku, her head resting between their shoulders. ''Thanks," she whispered, "I'd be dead without you two. I'm so happy I have friends like you guys."

Riku and Sora blushed slightly, and hugged her back. After they broke apart, Riku and Sora turned to look at each other.

"Friends?" Riku asked.

Sora grinned. "Best friends."

Realm of Trial

Sora groaned at the flash of light that followed. This is getting old, he thought as he once again found himself sitting on the chair in the courtroom. He could still remember seeing those moments when he glowed, when he had felt the most trust.

Middi stood up, positively beaming. "Well done, Sora!" she exclaimed. "You have, by far, passed the Test of Trust in my eyes. You let your well-being rest with another, and it was with your trust that you saved a life. I would like to see anyone object to giving this young man a passing mark."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Menti just sulked, knowing that Sora had passed; she could find nothing to deny it.

Sora's ego swelled ever so slightly (Me: Like mine is doing) as he saw the approving gestures of the court and the sulking of that bitch, Menti.

Middi smirked. "Then it is decided. Sora has passed the Test of Trust!" There was applause and Sora smiled.

After a moment, the giddy girl stood up, a flirtatious glint in her eyes. "Hiya, Sora!" she said cheerfully. Menti rolled her eyes. "I'm Heshki, and I'll be your guide through the Test of Love today!" She giggled for at her own joke, and Menti rolled her eyes.

Heshki looked to be around Yuffie's age with baby blue eyes and blonde hair. She had a small figure and a look about her that said she would go for any cute guy that caught her eye. This was very unfortunate for Sora. Kairi really wouldn't like her, Sora thought, but he immediately stopped himself. Thinking about her brought back painful memories. Heshki continued, "Love is to put your caring for somebody else above the care for yourself. Love is a special thing, and exists within all hearts. We will see if your Gift of Love is strong enough. You look cute, I'm sure you'll pass!" She blew him a kiss, and there was another flash of light...

Disney Castle

King Mickey was talking to Leon when Linna appeared, making them jump out of their skins.

"Don't DO that!" Riku roared. King Mickey put a hand on his shoulder in a silent order to calm down as the others walked in, hearing Leon's yell.

Kairi's face lit up when she saw Linna. "How's Sora?" she asked excitedly. "Is the Trial over yet?"

Linna giggled. "He's going in for the third test right now."

"How many strikes does he have?" King Mickey asked.

"One."

Mickey gaped at her. "What test did he fail?"

Linna frowned. "He hasn't failed anything; Menti is just being a bitch."

The men gasped; they didn't know an angel could curse. (Digitaldreamer: They obviously haven't seen much anime then...)

King Mickey nodded his understanding. "I figured as much. I wish you could tell her who Sora is going to be, that would sweetin' her tune."

Riku raised an eyebrow. "What is he going to be?" he asked curiously.

"Nothing, nothing," King Mickey said hastily, although he now knew that they're suspicions had grown too large to be contained for much longer; the only thing keeping them from asking more questions was the fact that King Mickey was, well a King. "I'll tell you later," he promised. "As soon as Sora is back."

Linna sighed. "It will not be easy for him to accept."

"I know," King Mickey said. He then changed the subject. "So, what does the rest of the Council think of Sora?"

Linna smiled. "They are not letting Menti get in the way of Sora coming back to life; they know how good of a soul he is. Especially...." she glanced at Kairi, "....Heshki."

King Mickey smiled slightly; he had a feeling Heshki would develop a crush on Sora quickly.

Kairi frowned. "Who is Heshki?"

"Well, I must return," Linna said hastily. "I will keep you informed."

"Tell Sora to get his ass back here A.S.A.P!" Yuffie called.

Linna giggled as she turned back into misty glitter and floated back to the Realm of Trial.

End

Me: I'm so tired, but I'm done! (yawn) Now I gotta send it to my Beta Reader. She'd better not flame me....

Digitaldreamer: Flame? Why ever would I flame this cr- I mean gorgeous piece of work? (That was a joke readers, don't kill her)

Me: Kill!

Sora: Hee hee

Kairi: I hate that Heshki girl! If she thinks she's getting my Sora, she's going down!

Heshki: Errrr...... (runs)

Kairi: GET BACK HERE!!!

Digitaldreamer: Cat fight! Meow!

Me: Ummm, anyways, like I said, reviews make longer chapters. I'm trying to make a chapter for each Test. See you, review! If you do review, write a wish in there and I will grant it! Byes!