Here's the second half of the incredibly long chapter I had before
(Sadly I still do not own any of the Kingdom Hearts characters, except for my very own Chika, nor do I ever think I will do…unfortunately.)
Enjoy!
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Chapter 3
"Were almost there." The voice replied. "Just leave these ones…There are none in the castle…we'll be safe there."
Sora was now only a few feet behind and the words were just about audible. "Okay." He replied gasping for air, thankful that the castle gates were nearing. His legs ached and his head spun as he sprinted faster and faster, the Keyblade now clutched in his left hand, wincing as razor like claws scratched his legs and arms, but never faltered. With ragged gasps, he reached the large wooden doors shortly after Riku who was now pushing against the thick panels. With a protesting groan, the doors gave in and swung open revealing the entire hallway of Hollow Bastion's foreboding castle. Sora shuddered at the memories he possessed of this dreadful place, last time he had seen this was when he had sealed the keyhole to this world.
"Wow, the heartless sure got stronger." Goofy chuckled unexpectedly from beneath Donald, both of whom were sprawled out across the smooth crimson tiles of the hall in a mess of arms, legs and feathers. "Don't you think Sora?"
"Yeah…they did." The brunette muttered nonchalantly, bending down to inspect the wounds on his legs. "Fuck!" He hissed, squeezing his eyes tight against the pain.
Riku closed the door behind them before he reached up with a hand to pull down the hood, eyes constantly upon Sora and slightly surprised at his new use of expletive language. "Hey, Donald?" He pushed the heavy fabric over his head and quickly shot the duck a glance, before nodding towards the younger boy. "He could do with some of your healing magic right now."
Donald glared slightly at Riku's brashness and attempted to stand up off of Goofy's back. "I'll do what I can."
Sora straightened himself and gripped his head in frustration. "Argh, I hate this place!" With a sigh he lifted his head to gaze around the room, at the familiar décor the fountain and at the doors, all shut apart from one on the second floor, situated on the far left behind the balcony. "How have you been surviving here without being driven crazy by this place?" He muttered, shaking his head in disgust, simply at the recollections he withheld. Sora heard a curt grunt in reply from beside him and turned to come face to face with Riku. He swallowed hard feeling his heart thud in his chest as he re-looked the silver-haired boy over again just as he had done outside moments ago. However, this time Riku's face wasn't contorted in pain, but he beheld an expression of contemplation.
Riku shifted his gaze from the running water fountain ahead to Sora, who was once again staring right at him. Riku could feel himself being driven insane by this boy; so eager to tell Sora how much he missed him, how he missed his amazingly bright azure eyes and adorable smile. Wanting to pick him up and hold him tight, kiss away all the bad memories that caused the pained look in this face, which was still staring back at him. Riku felt as if he could melt under the innocent expression beaming from beneath him, under those heavy wet clumps of spiky brown hair. Sora's lips curled into a weak smile and his head dropped suddenly in an attempt to hide the blush creeping into his cheeks. The silver haired boy coughed, realizing how he must have been gaping for too long and averted his gaze as well. "We should get you settled in then, once Donald has finished with his healing." He said quickly, trying to avoid his own face from turning a deep shade of magenta.
The duck was slightly amused that the boys seemed, well…shy in front of one another. Never had he seen Sora so quiet, so timid. Spreading the tips of his wings, he managed to center his attention on Sora's wounds, gradually healing him, although becoming weaker in himself. He knew he would need to rest up tonight, and rest up well to restore this energy.
"Thanks Donald." Sora gave the mage a quick thankful pat on the head before reaching up to push away the dripping wet hair from his eyes. "So, is everyone here?" He asked to the retreating figure of Riku, now heading for the stairs on the right. He detected a nod and sighed, following his old friend with Goofy and Donald close at his heels. He bit his bottom lip and stared at the steps as he ascended them, wondering if Riku had missed him as much as he had. Something in Riku's expression told him that he was feeling some positive emotions, but what? Sora couldn't lay a finger on it. Friendship? Or possibly something more? Sora sighed in defeat and put it down as being too hopeful that Riku would actually feel something stronger than companionship.
Sora knew he liked Riku, but he never realized how strongly, until now. 'If only he felt the same about me.' Sora scratched his head and lifted his gaze as he stopped at the top of the staircase, slowly scanning the floor for his friend. He smiled, spotting the figure halt at the entrance to the door.
"Come through here Sora." Riku turned and offered a smile before motioning his friend to follow with a small swooping motion of his hand. He waited until the boy took a step forwards in his direction, and then slipped through the doorway into the library where he waited beside one of the large oak bookcases for him to catch up. It didn't take long for the brunette to appear, his head twisting and turning left and right, inspecting the familiar surroundings, a small look of distasted wrinkled his little nose. At this, Riku couldn't help but smile telling himself how cute Sora looked when he did that. He was immediately jolted from his thoughts as something bumped rather roughly against his leg. Glancing down, he noticed the duck stepping back and giving his head a quick shake, then shoving the oversized dog backwards.
"Watch where you're running Goofy!" He quacked angrily, stamping his webbed feet against the floor.
Riku rolled his eyes playfully and shook his head. "Okay, you ready?"
"Huh?" Sora snapped from his thoughts upon hearing Riku's voice and suddenly realized what had just been said. "Uh, yeah, sure!" A grin spread it's self across his face as he headed for the stairs, this time not waiting for Riku to lead the way. Everything was the same, apart from the second floor he had noticed. Two sofa's were lined against the wall where bookcases should have been and a door, painted dark green was now on the far left, just beyond the staircase. He was sure that wasn't there before. He shrugged, this place had changed some ways, but remained the same in others, he guessed it didn't really matter. Blinking once, he finally comprehended three figures seated in the sofas, one of which was now rising to their feet.
"Sora, Goofy, Donald!" Aries cried loudly, almost jogging over to envelope the boy in a warm and rather welcoming hug. "Oh, it is so good to see you. How have you been? Did you have any problems getting here? We've all been so worried about you three, you know." Finally she released him, eyes wide.
Sora smiled and swore he heard a chuckle from Riku, now standing behind him. "Um, we've been good." He nodded before he continued somewhat hesitantly. "The drive here was okay too, shame there was no warp gates left though." He reached up and placed an arm behind his head, this not going unnoticed by Riku, who smiled at their habit they had both shared during childhood. Sora found Aries nodding understandably as she stepped to one side, revealing a cheery King Mickey and one reserved Cloud still seated.
"It's good to see you again Sora. You too Donald and Goofy, I hope you looked after the Keyblade master well." King Mickey spoke calmly, but joyfully, nodding towards the trio who had just arrived, in a gesture of welcome.
"We did our best Your Highness." Donald spoke loudly and bowed low, giving Goofy a rough jab in the ribs with his elbow to make him follow. "It's been a very interesting three years."
Goofy fell to his knees and almost on his face as he bowed down. "Ugh, Your Highness." He half-laughed, pushing himself up with one of his giant paw-like hands.
Sora turned slightly to watch his silver-haired friend shake his head in amazement at the dog and duck, before he sighed and stepped closer to Cloud.
The blonde man barely looked up, but still nodded once before speaking. He'd obviously realized that it was his turn to speak to Sora. "You are well?" He could feel everyone's eyes linger momentarily over him, but he didn't care as they were used to his blunt and secluded manor. Soon they turned away and watched Sora.
"I'm well." Sora replied hastily, biting his bottom lip and unsure of what more to say. Instead he yawned widely and rubbed his knuckles into his eyes. "Bit tired." He smiled and dropped his arms so they hung loosely by his sides. A tingling sensation traveled from his neck to his cheeks as a heavy hand fell softly upon his shoulder, knowing it was Riku he turned and smiled.
"Why don't you go and sleep? Rest will do you good."
The brunette shook his head dismissively. "No…I can sleep tonight can't I? I'm tired but I know I won't be able to sleep just yet." He heard Aries giggle and turned to look at the young woman. She nodded and stopped, but continued to grin widely, clasping her hands in front of her stomach, Sora took this as she knew what he meant and smiled back at her. "So…where is Leon? Is Yuffie here too?" He asked curiously, surveying the entire room once more for the last two of his friends, whom he had not said hello to yet.
Riku snorted and removed his hand from the boy's shoulder before gracefully stepping past him to head down the room, towards another door. This one was closed. "Come with me, but be prepared for the third world war. They're at it again." He mused gripping the golden handle on the simple wooden door. "You coming Sora?" Turning his head slightly, he watched his friend stroll over and pulled open the door to hear silence. "Or maybe they have finished arguing."
"Squall, that had nothing to do with me and you know it!" Yuffie's voice rang down the hall causing the boys to jump at her aggravated tone.
Riku smirked and shook his head. "Or maybe not." He placed a finger to his lips and stepped through into the next hall, closely followed by Sora.
"It's over now." Leon muttered, seeming to have calmed down since Riku had last seen him. The elder man was resting casually against the wall, inspecting his mighty blade, most probably still scanning the thing for any damage when Yuffie dropped it. "Live for today and not for yesterday."
"Ha!" The ninja threw her arms up triumphantly and sauntered over to the man, both being completely oblivious to their growing audience. Aries and Mickey had now joined Sora and Riku to watch the live soap opera. "So…" Yuffie spat, elation in her voice. "You admit I was right considering you wont argue back."
"No." Leon pressed a thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose and sighed, lowering his sword carefully to the floor. "I'm beginning to think this is pointless."
All Yuffie could manage was sticking her tongue out at the man. "Whatever, you know y--!" She suddenly caught sight of Sora and squealed in delight, throwing her arms open wide. "Sora!" The ninja raced and almost knocked the boy off his feet as she wrapped her arms around him. "Oh Sora…You made it!" The smile lingered as her eyes scanned the room before it dropped. "Where's that adorable Duck and Dog? They are alright aren't they?" She pulled away not too hastily but still, eager to greet her other pals.
"In the library." Aries replied following the girl through to the previous room.
Sora groaned and rubbed his arm where he had been squeezed so hard. "What is it with girls and hugs?" He grumbled, gazing towards Leon, all the while making sure that Riku was close by.
Leon pushed himself away from the wall and walked forward, moving his thick bangs from his eyes. "Hi Sora…talk about coming to my rescue, huh." He sighed, sounding as if he was speaking to himself more than anyone else. "It's good to have you here."
"Thanks." Sora smiled. "It's good to be here…well, back with Ri…you lot anyway." He cringed at having to correct himself and quickly turned to Riku who had raised one eyebrow and was now looking down upon him with mild interest. 'Oh crap! Please don't suspect Riku, please don't suspect.' He immediately regretted his mistake although Leon seemed not to notice it. "It's good to be with the group." He said finally, summing it up as he peeled his gaze from his best friend's. His cheeks burned and his heart pounded, suddenly he felt uncomfortable.
"Well, we can all get back soon…home. That sound's like heaven, a dream." Leon finished before retreating back to his spot.
"Let's make that dream a reality then." Riku instantly spoke up, starting Sora slightly. "We're leaving tomorrow Sora." He whispered, leaning down close to the boy's ear. It was so tempting, so frustratingly tempting, but Riku managed to suppress all his feelings and straightened himself again, silently wondering if Sora did feel the same way as he did. 'I wish' he thought silently. Although he did recall feeling the brunette tremble slightly as he whispered those words into his ear, he felt the warmth radiating from the boy's skin against his cheek and he could smell the familiar scent of Sora. He had been close, so close and it made him tingle inside with a warm kind of happiness and unexplained pleasure. However, he was instantly drawn from his dreamy state as a voice filled the air, the voice so cold it made him shiver upon hearing it.
"So, you must be this Sora boy?"
Riku spun around to see Chika stepping out from the room she was currently sharing with Cloud so he could keep a close watch on her. Her ebony hair was loose and hung silkily over her bare shoulders, making her skin appear even more pasty than normal. Her legs and arms were thin and white, but with the perfectly formed body beneath that purple ankle-length nightdress, she looked beautiful. Riku could see past that though, he'd seen into her soul, it was cold and hard, devoid of emotion she only found happiness in other people's misery. Quickly his head snapped around to watch Sora, shocked slightly as the younger teen gaped in awe. "Don't say another word Chika." Riku warned turning back to her. There was no way he was going to give Sora over so easily just as he had fallen so effortlessly into the pit of eternal hell.
Sora swallowed and turned to his friend, quickly offering a questioning glance to who this girl was. Nevertheless he shut his mouth tight, noticing how Riku had clenched his fists at his side and his face had twisted in what looked like pain combined with anger. "Riku?" The boy attempted to sound calm but the situation made him feel uneasy, there was something about this girl, something wrong and she most definitely didn't belong to their group. Her beauty was of a dark angel, alluring and hard to resist, although Sora still didn't feel attracted to her as he felt attracted to Riku. Closing his eyes, he avoided her stare and turned his back towards her.
A soft laugh tainted the hallway before Chika spoke up. "Can't I even say hi?"
The silver-haired boy seethed, sighing heavily as he marched towards her. "Don't ever, ever speak to him. Never! Don't even look at him, okay!" Pausing momentarily, he waited until he was inches away from her. "You are a witch, you warp peoples minds…just keep quiet for two days, could you manage that?"
"Two days?" She parroted, one eyebrow rising in question as a thin, elegant hand shot to her hip. "Why two days?"
"We drop you off that evening, two days from now." Riku sneered, the corners of his lips rising upwards into an evil smirk. He could hardly wait any longer to rid himself of this girl. Casually, he stepped back watching her mouth drop open slightly in shock at this new piece of information. "Don't talk to Sora, got it." The silver-haired one finished before turning on his heel to make his way back to the brunette, who was still avoiding the girls stare. "Sora…"
The smaller boy turned, but only to look at Riku, he refused to take another glance at the girl fearing he might be drawn into something he may regret. Sora smiled and nodded up at his friend who continued walking, past him and down the wide hall. Eagerly he followed, eyes scanning the floor, the ceiling and the walls, taking everything in. Some things he recognized, whereas other aspects had altered. Everywhere he trod, the floors were tiled and the walls covered by crème and carmine wallpaper. Once it was nice, but as the three years had passed, it was as if the place had begun to decay. Wallpaper and curtains hung in tattered strips and the tiles were now cracked and broken, paint peeled from the walls revealing a murky gray concrete behind. It was shocking how a place could change so much, Sora wondered if it was the Heartless that had turned this place into suck a wreck, or could it have been because the lock was sealed, causing the place to age as it should have done before.
"Come through here Sora."
Riku's voice sliced through his thoughts and brought him back into reality. "Riku?" His head darted left and right in order to catch a glimpse of his friend, but found the hallway empty. "Where the hell are you?" Sora scratched his head in wonder, but continued walking, a grin brightening his face as the silver-haired boy stepped out of a room and waved him down. "Hey!" He mocked jutting his lip out slightly in a pout as he broke into a run, surprised at how far Riku was down the hall.
The elder laughed at this expression of fake hurt and pushed open the door a little wider, just to let Sora in. "You still do that?" He chortled reaching up to grip the zip on his trench coat. "Still the same old Sora. It's good to see, you know." Swiftly, he pulled the zip down and shrugged the coat from his shoulders before throwing it onto the wide bed. He could feel his eyes drift over the younger boy, watching him walk around in circles and stare up at the high ceiling then drop the gaze to the windows, doors and finally to the only object in the room, the bed its self. "I thought you might like to sleep here…it's comfortable believe me."
"Huh?" Sora turned to his friend and frowned slightly. "I wouldn't want to take your room…I'll go find a…"
"No." Riku cut him short, waving his hands in protest and shaking his head. "You sleep here, you need the rest. I can sleep in the library or something."
"But…" Now he felt bad, as if he had evicted his friend.
"Sora." The boy edged closer, and placed his hands upon the others shoulders. "Please, don't worry about it. I hardly sleep anyway." He lied, attempting to convince his friend that he could live without sleep for a while, but just received a curious look. "What?" A smile crept its way onto his lips as he gazed into the bright blue oculars staring back up at him. His heartbeat became painfully fast, as his face grew warmer by the second; he knew he wasn't going to last long standing here, possibly even collapse if his legs became any weaker. "Crap." That was all he managed to mutter before sitting heavily upon the bed. It gave a feeble groan as he shifted his weight and brought his head down into his palms.
The younger teen bit his bottom lip, reticently pondering over Riku's sudden odd behavior. "Uh, you okay?" He asked seating himself beside his childhood companion. He heard a deep sigh followed by a groan, and then saw a nod. No doubt he was utterly confused and lowered his face to Riku's to see if he could catch even a glimpse of the others facial expression. "You sure, you seem kinda…wierded about something." This only earned a laugh. "What's on your mind?"
Riku shook his head. There was no way he was going to reveal his feelings for the boy, not to him anyway. "It's nothing Sora." Forcing a smile on his lips, he looked up and felt his stomach give a lurch. Groaning he flopped onto his back and kicked off his boots, this was soon imitated by Sora who cast him a momentary grin. He had missed that grin for so long.
"Okay. You keep all your big secrets you meanine!" Sora poked his tongue out playfully and linked his hands together behind his head.
All Riku did was smile, just happy having the old Sora finally by his side again.
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Phew! I hope that wasn't too bad, but I'm glad I split it now. Updates might take longer, because I have my GCSE's right now, so free time will be limited. I can't wait till they are over, then I will be freeeee!!
I hope you liked them both, so tell me what you think.
