Forbidden

A Kingdom Hearts Fanfic

Chapter Ten

Riku found that Sora and Cloud were in the park because they were half-way to a cemetery. There was a long walkway that most people didn't really go through because it was so covered by trees that they couldn't see the sky, but that's where the three were going to go. Sora lead the way until they were out the other side of the park, then he slowed to walk next to Riku.

This was a part that Riku was half impressed with and half disgusted with. He never realized there was such a large wood nearby the city, but it looked dead, like it didn't belong there. They walked along a long strip of road, passing a gas station until the woods had another path for them walk through, a long, dirt one.

Eventually Riku spotted a large cross hanging in the sky that connected to a steeple. The steeple was flaked and old, and then that connected to a small church that Riku could swear looked at least a hundred years old. He scowled as he glanced at the rotting wood on the front of the building. He couldn't resist asking. "Does anybody even go here anymore?"

"We would," Cloud started, "But no one's raised any money to put it together again. It's actually pretty nice on the inside, but most people go to the other better ones. This one's just old. Mom wants to fix it up though."

Sora smiled at that. "Yeah, it's on her to-do list to bug all the neighbors into helping." He turned to Riku, who had stopped right before the church for only a moment to look at the cemetery at its right. He was counting the tombstones in his mind, trying to see if he could make a hundred. So far he was half way. "Riku, are you religious at all?"

"Used to be," he replied absentmindedly. 'Sixty-four, sixty-five, sixty-six . . .'

"Used to be?"

"I'm an atheist now." Sora and Cloud both glanced at him for only a second, and then they started walking on towards the cemetery. They decided not to ask another question about it, and Riku was still counting, but he tried to separate other thoughts at the same time. 'I guess religion is important to them . . . Ninety-eight, ninety-nine . . . . Crap, they're one short.'

As far as he could see, anyway. Even if the church was small he still couldn't see behind it.

Sora took the lead again and Cloud followed, then Riku lagged behind as they walked down the rows. Sora glanced down at the tombstones, looking down at their names at checking for the right row. Eventually near the center row they crossed in, walking along until they came in front of a certain one. Sora kneeled in front of it while Cloud and Riku stood back.

Most of the tombstones were elaborated, but not this one. It was barren, with weeds and yellow grass growing around it. It was a round tombstone with cracks and chippings through and through. He wasn't religious anymore, but it was still degrading to Riku. He actually respected the dead.

'So, Leon is dead,' Riku thought. It was obvious to him when he made it to the church, but to read the name 'Squall Leonheart' on the tombstone, it felt like it had been more of a confirmation. He wasn't sad; he didn't even know Leon. He was just curious why they called them that instead of his real name. 'That's just dumb.'

Sora turned to Cloud who gave him the melting ice cream. He placed it like a baby in a cradle in between the long blades of grass, quietly licking some of the strawberry from his fingers. The ants were already peeking out onto the cone. They were going to have a feast.

"Leon's my big brother," Sora repeated. Riku knew he was talking to him and listened intently. For some reason his tone just made it sound important. "But he committed suicide six years ago . . . His girlfriend Rinoa died in a car accident too. They were gonna get married, so when she died . . . he wanted to die too."

"I . . . I see . . ." Riku replied in a small voice. A sad aura seemed to fall around all of them. But at the same time, Riku found something in common with this guy he barely even knew. 'Their lives fell apart . . . nothing made it worth being alive anymore.'

Sora put the flowers on top of the ants and the ice cream. A mesh sounds could be heard, but no one paid any attention. Sora clasped his hands together and bowed his head prayer. Riku noticed Cloud do the same thing, so he did it as well, even if it didn't mean anything.

After that Sora stood up and smiled. "I gotta pee. Hold up for me, okay?"

Riku also loosened up momentarily. He grinned. "Don't get it all over yourself."

"Oh, just shut up!"

When Sora ran toward the church, the awkward silence returned. Cloud and Riku both stared down at the grave, the grass so tall they could barely read Leon's name. The silence reminded Riku of the moment's he was with his father and for a split second, his respect for Cloud diminished. It returned with realization when he spoke.

"I think there are a few gaps needed to be filled," Cloud said, and Riku looked up to him. His stare was somber. Riku didn't exactly understand. "Most people in Sora's- our family, are very religious, so they look down on Leon for committing suicide. Sora always looked up to his older brother. And what's more . . ."

"What's more?" Riku repeated. He was suddenly feeling anxious.

Cloud looked like he was uncomfortable with what he wanted to say, opening his mouth partly to speak, then closing it again. Finally he said it. "Sora feels he caused Leon's death."

Riku stared at Cloud in skepticism. He was waiting for him to laugh and say it wasn't a joke, but he already knew that Cloud wasn't the type to be that stupid. Sora . . . Sora was such a kid. No way did he ever go through worse. Was it worse? Suddenly feeling alone, and being responsible for it . . . Sora knew it? That feeling?

Cloud abruptly turned from grave to disturbed, bringing Riku out of his trance. He looked like he was remembering something and in a panic. As he looked over to the church his body tensed. "Shit."

"What?"

"We've gotta go!"

X x x x x

So, how was this chapter? I'm sorry not much happened here, but I still find that it's okay. XD Maybe? I hope! A little bit more on Leon here, and how it affect Sora and all that great jazz. Yeay for drama! –Waves a little flag- I hope you all enjoyed it. : )

Kage-chan- You know what? That idea never once crossed my mind, but I wish I did it! That would be even better than what I have now, if you ask me. XD I'll need to consult with you guys next time I write a drama! Lol:D

Kori Tenshi- -Does the whole genie and Alladin thing- Your wish is my command! Hey! They had Alladin in Kingdom Hearts . . . how cool is that? XD XD XD

Sky-Pirate-Tat- lol! I've been there before. XD –Hugs- Thank you!

Chibi Tanny- XD Sorry . . . I usually write three, maybe four pages of this story because I write so many stories at once. I'll try to write them longer sometimes though!

Amethyst Blossom- Yes, he is! More and more he'll understand and adapt, change and everything . . . At least, I hope. XD lol! –Hugs- I'm glad you like this story!