When Sora awoke, the sun was just lifting above the horizon. He lay still for a moment wondering what had woken him at this obscenely early hour. Rubbing sleep from his bleary blue eyes, the boy finally registered the light tapping on his door.

Yawning widely and scrubbing his hands through ruffled cinnamon hair, Sora groaned and staggered out of bed. He dimly wondered if something had happened to Riku in the night, for he was aware of the darkness that still clutched at the young fighter's heart and of the depression that consumed him. He loved the silver haired boy, but he hated to see him fighting for his life and being unable to help. All he could do was stay beside Riku and hope. Fully awake now and vaguely panicked, Sora yanked open the rough wooden door.

The rising sun kissed the fine gold sand of the beach, turning it a brilliant fiery red. The statuesque palms rustled gently against the vivid azure sky and a sleepy seabird's call floated on the wind. There was no one there. A golden glint caught Sora's eye and he looked down to see a yellow star resting on the doorstep. He reached down to pick up the paopu fruit and his fingers snagged in something hidden under the fallen star. It was a poem.

Ocean Eyes.

The sun came out today.
You were standing there
Outlined in gold,
Embraced in light.

Maybe the sun was always out,
I don't remember much
Except the night sky,
Darkness without stars.
And you
A shadow by my side.

When my azure eyes dimmed
And my soul was dying
You fanned
The fading spark
And protected the fragile light
That was my spirit.

Now the dawn has come
I can see your soul
As you saw mine.

I see
The strength diamond bright
And hints of happy emerald
Entwined with thoughtful blue.
A tapestry of light,
Blended jewels,
Beautiful.

I could drown in your Ocean Eyes
Of fathomless blue,
Welcoming sapphire warmth.
Look at me and I am lost.

I will stand beside you in the sun,
Two angels outlined in gold.
Together in the light.

xxx

Sora found Riku sitting on the wharf, staring at the dancing sea. Without a word he pulled the boy to his feet and into a passionate kiss. The sun rose higher, surrounding them in its gold embrace. On the wharf they stood, outlined in gold, two angels together in the light.