Kingdom Hearts chapter 10

Reunited

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It seemed like an eternity that they sat there together. Namine just held him softly, gazing into his eyes, the room was incredibly dark but it did not matter to them. How they would get back was still a mystery. All doorways had closed. Nothing seemed to be left. Only they and the darkness existed. Suddenly a white slash seemed to appear out of nowhere, and a familiar face materialized in the distance. Riku noticed the shine of a keyblade. Sora?

"Namine, look!" Riku said, touching her cheek gently.

"What?" Namine responded, opening her eyes to see. Her eyes widened as she realized who was there. The very boy whose soul she had almost crushed. And he would not remember her.

"Riku! Namine!" Sora shouted, running towards them. Namines heart leapt. He remembered. "Follow me! The doorway to the islands but it's closing fast!" He added, grabbing Rikus hand and pulling him up. A door became visible in the distance. All three of them ran as fast as they could, watching the silhouette of the door slowly close. They finally reached the door, holding hands and running in one by one. First Namine ran through. Then Sora. But before Riku could get there, the door slammed shut. He looked on in horror at the closed door and pulled at it, but it was no use. He was trapped.

It had been a few months since they had been separated, and Namine spent her days on the dock, gazing out at the water. Sora had become a very good friend of hers, as well as Tidus, Wakka and Selphie. But no one could ever match up to the only boy she had ever loved. Sora didn't let her believe what she thought was the obvious- Riku had died in that lonely place, without her comfort. She wished she could have stayed behind with him; every moment they had shared together replayed itself in her dreams every night. Her only fond memory was the touch of his lips against hers. She held onto it dearly. She would never forget.

It was a Saturday, the night of the annual moonlight lilies gathering was nearing. It was on this night that the souls of those in other worlds were said to return, but she knew it was too good to be true. Even if the lilies that appeared on the water shone brighter then ever, it could not bring back the dead. Yet Soras words came into her mind and she fought away that thought- forcing herself to believe the only thing that had kept her going- he was alive. Tears rolled down her cheeks silently, she had cried so many nights as she waited on the dock for her long lost love to return. It was getting dark out, but no one was gathering for the festival of the lilies. Namine wondered if perhaps they thought that participating would cause them to see her own sorrow at what did not happen- if Riku did not return. The moon soon came out, and she sat by herself on the dock, cold and lonely. She put her hands to her heart and remembered that one kiss- that powerful bond that had kept him alive inside of her. Eventually she fell asleep, clutching a Paupu Fruit that she had picked earlier. The morning light danced upon her body, and as it reached her eyes she opened them, yawning. Pulling herself up, she saw something lying on the beach. Sleepily she walked over, wondering what it was. Her eyes widened and she gasped as she examined it… it was Riku. With tears of joy in her eyes she ran up to him.

"Riku! Wake up! It's me, Namine!" There was no response. In horror she felt for his heartbeat- there was none. Pain washed over her and she clutched her lover in her arms, not accepting that he was dead. Tears streamed down her cheeks and fell onto Rikus, and she sobbed words to him, hoping that perhaps his soul could hear them. "Riku I love you, I will always remember you… please… return someday to me… I want to be together forever…"

It seemed that an eternity passed as she held him, though cold and lifeless his body brought her comfort- she would never love again, but she now knew what true love was… "Thank you for teaching me true love, Riku… I love you…"

"I love you too."

Namines heart leaped, she felt warmth returning to her lovers body and she gasped, holding him and not daring to breathe, lest it all be a dream.

"I missed you Riku! I thought about you every day and night! You were always on my mind!" She whispered, embracing him tightly.

"You're the only thing that kept me alive in that place, Namine… the thought of being with you again."

"Always, Riku? Can we be together always?" She asked, pulling away just a bit to look into his eyes. Riku took the Paupu from her hand and split it in half, taking a bite of his own. Tears of joy filled Namines eyes as she realized what he was saying- if two people shared a Paupu, their destinies became intertwined. She took a bite of the fruit as well, and then another. It was the most delicious thing she had ever eaten.

"How did you survive?" Namine asked, finishing her half.

"Another door. In that dark place… there was another door that had not yet closed. It led me to a place far away from the island, and I journeyed for months to return. Finally I reached the ocean, and I swam desperately to get back to you- but the undertow pulled me under and knocked me out. The water was cold, it felt like it froze my skin, and I think I almost died at that point- but I heard your voice… and I felt warmth returning to my body… here I am."

"Oh Riku… promise me you'll never leave me again." Namine said, gazing into his eyes with the utmost love. In response, Riku pressed his lips against hers, lovingly and longingly. It was then that Namine knew that everything was real. The wound that had scarred her heart so deeply healed over as they kissed, and she returned the kiss without any hesitation. They had shared many moments that had seemed like eternities, but this one was by far the best. She found herself smiling as she kissed him, laughing as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. This was their moment. This was their destiny. Riku took the last bite of his piece of his fruit.

"Yes, my love. I promise we will always be together."

Many years had passed since that day, and Namine found herself on a small, two person boat with the man she loved, wanting to ask him something but knowing he would find it far too early for such a thing. They had been rowing for a while, the atmosphere perfect for her question- but she was too afraid of his response if she asked it. They had been together for so long, it was almost impossible that he would say no- but… she did not want to take that risk.

"Namine?" Riku asked, his eyes shining. His eyes had been shining with love ever since they had shared the legendary fruit.

"Yes?" Namine answered, looking back into his eyes kindly.

"I have something to ask you. It's really important…" His eyes searched hers, and she smiled and took his hand.

"Ask away." She said, feeling that warm feeling she always felt when she was around him. Her happiness turned to shock as he pulled a small box from his pocket, looking into her eyes. Was he about to ask her? Could it be possible? Riku kneeled down the best he could on the boat and opened the box. Inside was a blue ring.

"Riku… are you…" Namine stuttered, unbelieving.

"Will you…" Namine felt joy erupt within her heart, joy she didn't know was even possible- and she smiled and waited for the rest, resisting the urge to lean over and embrace him right that instant. The two words that followed caused any sorrow she had ever felt, any pain from her past, anything- all to vanish and be replaced by unending love and warmth. "Marry me?"

"Yes, yes, yes I will!" Namine said, leaning quickly across the small boat to embrace him tightly and press her lips against hers. The sudden movement caused them to tip over and she laughed, not caring as she held her lover in her arms, warm water surrounding them as they splashed overboard. They both had thoughts of their future racing through their minds, they had so much to say but they did not part lips- and in that moment, both souls understood what true happiness was.