Silver Haired Savior

The Reuniting of Two Friends

Date Started: 6/26/05

Date Finished: 7/3/05

Disclaimer: Okay, if I owned Kingdom Hearts, it would definitely be weirder than this! Plus, Riku would be all mine!

Author's Ranting:

So sorry this is late! This chapter is dedicated to Sunshine Pie, DieChan, AnimeDutchess, MagicianCyborg, starryskydragon, sweatthangpaige, inuyashapup, and Sai-ryo Aura Feana. Thanks for all of your reviews. I didn't really get a chance to go through and beta it, so if you see any spelling/grammar mistakes ... ignore them! So, without further ado, on with the next chapter!

Two Weeks Later:

Sora slowly lifted his sore and bruised body from the sleeping bag he had been using for the past two days on the camping trip that he was required to take while training with Master Auron. Carefully packing up the items that he had taken with him he reflected on the past two weeks. This trip was the last test he would take before he would finally be able to take on his arch foe. The past two weeks Sora had changed considerably. No longer was he the little kid that could be pushed around by others. No, siree! He was now a strong warrior, able to take on whatever came his way. But inside, he was still the sweet little boy that had been dropped into a world of poverty and hardship at a young age.

The past two weeks had been full of getting up early, going to bed late, and bruises, cuts, and aching in places he didn't even know he had. But Sora had endured all of it, with only minimal complaining. The urge to get back to Riku drove him, like nothing ever had before. He couldn't wait to see Riku's smiling face again. But, unfortunately, he knew he couldn't, not until he was finally rid of Ansem. He couldn't risk Riku like that. Sora had finally realized that he had feelings for Riku, although he would never admit it.

Sora was now best at sword and shuriken, although he wasn't so good at nun chucks. He was okay at hand fighting, but he still felt better with a weapon in hand. Sora only had a couple days left before he would leave, and he was going to spend them training as hard as he could.

Sora started down the mountain, from the highest elevation. It was steaming during the day, but freezing at night. Every student that had ever graduated had to spend two days on top of the mountain, withstanding everything that came your way. You were only allowed to use what you brought, so you had to pack carefully. You couldn't pack too much, because you had to carry it up the mountain. But you couldn't pack to little, because then you may not survive.

These past two days he had battled wyverns, search ghosts, shadows, and at one time a behemoth. He had survived each encounter, never saying a word, thoughts of Riku kept him surviving, kept him battling the darkness. Never once did he falter, never once risking his survival, because the need for Riku was too much to lose. By now, he was almost at the dojo, just a little ways to go. He kept having this feeling, like Riku was coming, but whenever he looked, he was never there.

Sora had finally arrived at the dojo, where he could see Selphie bouncing up and down in excitement, happy that he had arrived back safely. Sora knew that not everybody always made it back from the ordeal. They usually ended up being found by Master Auron a week later. But not Sora. He wasn't going to let anyone or anything interfere with his mission.

Still being the same old Sora on the inside, the very first place he went was, of course, the kitchen. He went inside and found Yuffie there, with a giant pizza. Sora got a plate out of the cupboard and grabbed a couple pieces of the pizza. The first taste he took was wonderful, his mouth finally tasting something other than bread and water for two days. After he had eaten at least five pieces of the pizza, he looked at Yuffie, who was staring at Sora in wonderment.

"You know I always did wonder how you could stuff so much food in your mouth, Sora," Yuffie said with a chuckle. "You know the old grouch is probably looking for you right now. You had him scared to death when you didn't come back during the rain storm last night. Never hang around Selphie when she's scared like that. She'll put bad images in your mind. Gruesome images. Who'd have ever thought that a spunky little girl like that could be so scary."

"Yep, she'll do that to you," Sora said, feeling the bump that he'd gotten when he had foolishly accepted her challenge to spar using any weapon that they wanted. Well how was he supposed to know that she was a master at nun chucks? "I guess I'll go find Auron now."

"Oh, Sora. We heard a lot of loud noises coming from on top of the mountains. What was that?" Yuffie asked curiously.

"Oh, that? You heard that? It was just a behemoth," Sora said coolly, acting as if it happened everyday. When, in fact, he was scared witless for at least a minute before regaining his senses.

"Well, you had better tell my dad. He'll want to know that behemoths are back on the mountain."

"Can do, Yuffie. Got to go," he said, walking out the door.

"Oh, and one more thing. I have to go somewhere tonight, so I won't be back until morning."

"All right. Have fun!" he said as he opened the door outside and put on his shoes. He walked towards the waterfall, where Auron spent most of his time when he wasn't training a student. Sora climbed the small cliff with ease, having lots of practice the past week. He reached the top, and jumped down, to find Auron underneath the waterfall with his eyes shut. Sora cautiously walked over to the rock next to the waterfall, and sat down.

"Who is it?" Auron asked in a trance-like state.

"Can't you tell," Sora said with his trademark grin.

"My eyes are closed, Sora," Auron replied in an irritated tone.

"But I thought you were all seeing," the brunette teased.

"It seems someone has been spending too much time with my daughter, now haven't they," he said, getting out of his position underneath the waterfall. "So, it seems that you have made it back safely, eh?"

"Yup! It was easy!" Sora said, springing up from his rock.

"I heard a lot of noise from the mountain last night. What was it?" Auron asked in bored tone.

"Oh, yeah, Yuffie said you would want to know that you have behemoths on the mountain," Sora said in a carefree voice. "But you don't have to worry about me, because I took care of it easily!"

"Wait a second! You took on a full grown behemoth and lived!" Auron exclaimed, surprised.

"Yeah, it wasn't that hard. All you have to do is jump on its back and whack its horn over and over again," Sora answered with a wide smile on his face.

"It's just that I can't believe someone like you discovered the secret to beating a behemoth, especially at your level," Auron smirked as he walked away.

"Hey! What do you mean somebody like me!" Sora yelled as he chased after the ninja.

Later that Night:

It was midnight and Riku and Aerith stood in the alleyway just like Yuffie told him to do. Riku was wearing a pair of comfortable jeans, and a blue t-shirt that was the same shade of blue as Sora's eyes. He was fidgeting with anxiousness as he waited for the carefree ninja to arrive so that she could take him to see Sora. He missed Sora, and couldn't stop thinking about him. Even in his dreams he couldn't stop thinking about the boy's spiky auburn locks, adorable lips that formed an adorable pout, and finally, those amazing blue eyes, that were a brilliant shade, the color of the bluest ocean, and the color of the deepest, purest, sapphire.

"Riku, stop fidgeting! Yuffie will be here soon! They are really far away, you know," Aerith chastised, wishing she could be in bed right now.

"Oh, I know. It's just that I can't wait to see Sora!" Riku whined. Just then, they saw the sewer entrance moving, and out popped a girl with black hair.

"Hi, Yuffie," Aerith said, walking over to give the girl a hand out.

"Hey, Riku! Are ya ready to go see Sora?" Yuffie asked hyper.

"Yup, sure am," Riku said, walking over to the girl.

"Well we better hurry, otherwise he'll wake up and you won't get to see him. Come on," Yuffie said, jumping into the hole. Riku followed after.

"I'd come, but I have work tomorrow. Bye," Aerith called from above. They walked for awhile and eventually came upon a dead-end. Yuffie reached up and pushed away a covering, and climbed out of the hole, then helped Riku up. He looked up and saw a humungous mountain that looked almost impossible to climb. It was dark, and he couldn't see much but he followed Yuffie around to the side. She pushed away some trees, and revealed a rock climbing path. She quickly started up the path, motioning for Riku to follow. He did, and they were soon on top of the mountain.

"Wow! The view up here is great!" Riku exclaimed, looking down at the scenery.

"Let's hurry. We're almost there, and Sora should be going to bed soon, so we have to get there ahead of time." They hurried up the path, and soon arrived at the dojo. She led him to a small set of buildings around the side, and she showed him Sora's room. "Here, you can hide in the closet. He never looks in there."

"Thanks, Yuffie," Riku said with gratitude. He climbed into the closet, and shut it, leaving it open only enough so that he could see outside. He waited a little while, and he eventually heard some noises outside. He looked out, and saw Sora, looking very exhausted.

Riku watched as he took off his shirt, exposing scarred skin pulled over strong muscles. Riku watched, feeling himself growing angry at the men who had given them all of those scars, knowing that when they were fresh, they caused Sora much pain. He watched as Sora took off his pants, and winced as he felt his arousal twitching. Fortunately for Riku, that was where Sora stopped, otherwise Riku might have jumped out of the closet and started fucking him right then and there.

Sora climbed into bed, and Riku was sad to see him go to sleep, but happy that he at least got to see Sora for a little bit. He still looked like a little angel when sleeping, so naturally he couldn't help but take out his notebook and draw him; his little angel. He made a quick sketch, then just sat there, and watched Sora sleep peacefully.

"Riku … got to save Riku … I won't let you hurt him … Riku …" Sora muttered in his sleep.

'He's – he's dreaming about me?' Riku thought, in surprise.

"Leave Riku alone … he's mine … my Riku …," Sora continued muttering. "Riku … I-I … I lo …"

"Sora?" Riku said, not realizing that he said it aloud.

"Riku!" Sora yelled, sitting up as he awoke. "Riku! I could of sworn I heard him … Riku, I'm coming back to you, I promise," Sora said softly, thoughts of the silver haired boy filling his head as he lay back in the bed. After awhile, he fell asleep, but it was an uneasy one. Only after Riku was positive that Sora was asleep, he crept out of his hiding spot, careful not to make a noise. He looked at the sleeping boy, and it took all of his will power not to jump him right there. He slipped out of the room, and went over to where Yuffie was.

"So, did you enjoy your self?" whispered Yuffie as she saw Riku coming out of Sora's room.

"Sure did," Riku said with his trademark smirk. "Geez, Yuffie, why didn't you tell me he sleeps in his boxers! It's so … cute! Come to think of it, those are my boxers, but who cares."

"So, what are we doing now?" Yuffie asked a blushing Riku.

"I don't know," Riku said, truly confused. "I don't want to leave him, but you said that he couldn't know that I was here."

"Well, before he went in his room, I talked to him. He said that he was going to leave tomorrow so that he could fight Ansem. I tried to talk him out of it, but his mind is set. I think he wants to get back to you. I personally don't think he's ready, but he is going anyways. So, do you think I'm just gonna let him run off like that? Of course not! I'm going to follow him! Wanna come? I heard that you are pretty good with a sword," Yuffie said with a grin.

"He's going! I can't let him do that! Of course I'll follow him, he's like the first real friend I ever had!" Riku cried, carefully hiding the fact that he was, in fact, in love with the brunette.

"Okay, but we're going to have to hide you until Sora leaves. I know! You can stay in the room down the hall. Just be careful not to talk to much while Sora's here," Yuffie said as she led him down the hall. She opened the door, revealing a slightly dusty room. "Sorry, it's a little dusty, but it's the last room we've got open. It's just one night. Tomorrow we can get you a sword. I know a place that makes really good swords, although they are a little expensive. But that shouldn't be a problem for you; you're a millionaire. Sweet dreams," Yuffie told him as she went into her own room.

Riku walked into the dusty room, and being the clean freak he was, he found a broom in a closet, and started dusting after a while, and a lot of cleaning, he finally deemed it to be sanitary. He took off his shirt, and got into bed, starting to have dreams of what his life could be with the adorable brunette.

Sora's dreams were haunted by one man. Ansem. He was having nightmares again, but this time there was no Riku to comfort him. He suffered alone, never leaving this dream, although he wanted to. If he couldn't survive this, then he would never survive a battle with the real thing.

It was a dark, cold room. Sora was shivering, but not from the temperature. They were shivers of fear, because of his stepfather, and he knew that he would be coming soon. He sat huddled up in a corner, waiting for the thing that had been haunting him for as long as he could remember. 'Why me?' Sora asked himself in his head. He didn't have any friends to confide in, so he was all alone. 'Why was I born into a world like this? I'm all alone. Nobody cares. I wish I could just die right here, instead of facing this everyday. I don't want to live.'

Sora stood up and went over to the box where he hid his most precious item. He took it out, and went back to the corner he was huddled in. He opened the small army knife, a token he had taken from a guard. He cut a thin line on his arm, and watched the crimson blood run down his ghostly white arm. He didn't care; the stuff his stepfather did to him was a hundred times worse than this.

He heard a slam outside, and quickly hid the knife. The door to his room burst open, and there he stood, Ansem, the lord of this place, the only thing he ever feared. The man grabbed Sora roughly, and tugged him to the bed. Sora smelled the alcohol on his breath, and instantly knew that he was in for a horrible night. He threw Sora on the bed, so hard that he flew into the wall on the other side. He didn't make a sound, not wanting to give this man the satisfaction of making him suffer. The large man locked the door, and faced Sora with an evil grin.

He walked over to Sora, and saw the deep terror in Sora's sapphire eyes. He looked at the blood running down the boy's skinny arm. The dark blood contrasted with the creamy white skin that covered Sora's frail body. He grabbed Sora roughly, and pulled off his shirt, exposing scarred skin. He threw Sora against the bed, and snatched his arm, and started licking the blood off of Sora, making him shudder underneath his touch. He traced the blood back to the wound, and started sucking on it, making Sora whimper at the pain. He eventually stopped, and he started sucking on Sora's flesh. He started reaching a hand into his pants, touching him in places that he obviously didn't want to be touched in.

"Stop!" he cried, as he squirmed underneath his touch. "If you don't, I'll kill myself!"

"Fine, but now, you get to have fun with my assistant," he said, getting off of Sora. "Sephiroth," he called as he unlocked the door to Sora's "room." More like his cage. The man came into Sora's room, his whip in hand.

"Being resistant again, Sora?" he scoffed at the young boy. "Well, Sora, I guess I'll have to teach you your lesson … again." He stalked towards the boy, who huddled up in a little ball.

An hour later, Sephiroth left, fresh blood on his whip. There were even more cuts on Sora, as he pulled out a shirt, wishing more than ever that he could just die, right then and there.

Sora woke up in a cold sweat, his scars feeling like they were burning horribly. He felt like needed to take a walk, so he pulled on some clothes and went outside. He climbed the short walk to the waterfall, and sat down on the rock. This was where he liked to meditate, because it was always so … peaceful. He sat there, in silence for awhile, thinking in the blissful quiet. 'So peaceful,' Sora thought with a sigh. 'I'll hate to leave, but I want to see Riku.' After awhile, he got up and went over to the main part of the dojo. He snuck over to the equipment room, and took out a set of lock picks that he had "borrowed" from Yuffie. He quickly got the door unlocked, and he went in.

He browsed through the room, looking at the various pieces of equipment. He found the shuriken, and grabbed as many as he could. He grabbed a small bag, and used it to hold the shuriken. He found a good looking sword, and put it in his bag. After awhile, he snuck out of the room, with a sleeping bag, a compact pillow, and a rope. He went back to his room, and gathered what few possessions he had. He had gathered the stuff, then went to his closet. He opened it, and found … was that a pencil? He picked it up and looked at it. He stuck it in his bag, but as he did, he smelled a familiar scent. It was … roses. He inwardly cringed, and felt himself grow even more determined, because he wanted to smell that scent again. He threw the bag over his shoulder, and left in the middle of the night, heading towards the place he had heard that Ansem was in last.

Riku was rudely awoken from his sleep by a rude shaking. He opened his eyes and glared angrily at the person who had woken him from his sweet dream of what he could have been doing to Sora. He looked into the eyes of a very worried Yuffie, and he sat up, knowing something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Riku asked the worried girl.

"Sora's missing. I think he decided to leave early. Get dressed, because we are leaving. Now!" Yuffie said, while pushing him out of the bed. Riku put on his shirt, and followed the ninja out of the room. It seemed that she had already packed, because as soon as he was out in the hall, a bag was thrown at him. He caught it out of reflex, and put it over his back. Riku followed Yuffie out of the dojo, and they soon came upon a mountain path that went two ways. Riku could smell a scent, it was faint, but still there.

"Sora went this way, Yuffie," Riku told the girl, who seemed to be at a loss of which way to go. "Let's go."

"Okay, lead on," Yuffie said, trusting Riku's sense of direction.

Later that Day:

Sora finally reached the next mountain. It was noon by now, and Sora was exhausted. He looked around for a cave, and settled in, to take a small nap. He had just fallen asleep, when he smelled a comforting aroma fill his senses. It smelled like … roses … Riku? Sora sat up with a groan, and looked out of the small cave. Luckily for Sora, it was hidden behind a few bushes, so he could look out and see outside, while nobody could see him. He heard voices, and when he pushed the bushes away so that he could see, he was stunned at the sight before him.

There was Riku, standing there with Yuffie, nose raised to the air. "Yuffie, I can't find his scent! Something must have happened to him!" he said, alarm in his voice.

"I highly doubt something happened to him. The plants up here have strong aromas, making it hard to track somebody by scent. Besides, if I know him, he won't give up that easily," Yuffie said in a carefree voice.

'What is Riku doing here!' Sora thought. 'And who are they looking for? They can't be looking for me.'

"But we have to find Sora before he does something stupid! I can't just let the monster get him!" Riku yelled, still trying to find Sora's scent.

'So they are looking for me,' Sora thought guiltily. 'But I have a feeling Riku didn't find his way up here by himself. Yuffie must have helped him up here! Darn you, Yuffie! I told you not to let him get involved!'

Sora gathered up his things, because he knew that Riku was going to find him eventually. But, since he was happy to see Riku, didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun. He waited till their backs were turned, and then crept out of his hiding spot. He lined up his shot, and then ran and jumped on top of Riku, sending them both tumbling into the ground. He smiled down at the boy now underneath him, and gave him a big hug.

"Riku," he whispered softly in the boy's shoulder.

"Nice to see you too, Sora," Riku said, hugging the boy back. Hey sat like that for a little while, and although he didn't want the warmth to leave, Riku finally had to say, "Sora, not that I'm not glad to have you on me, but could you get off, you're kind of crushing me."

"Oh, sorry, Riku," Sora said as he got off. He didn't want to; Riku smelled so good. "Riku, why are you here? I told you that I didn't want you to get involved!"

"I know, but I couldn't stop thinking about you. You had me worried so much, I had to find you!" Riku said, hugging the boy now that they were in a sitting position.

"Awww, that's so cute!" Yuffie said. They suddenly realized that she was still there, and Riku let go of Sora and stood up, glaring daggers at Yuffie. He helped Sora to his feet, and then brushed himself off. "Come on, let's go," Riku said, wanting to get home so he could be with Sora … alone.

That Night:

They walked for awhile up the mountain, before Sora eventually collapsed from exhaustion. Riku looked at the sleeping boy who had unceremoniously dropped on the ground. Riku heaved him onto his back, and continued along the mountain, looking for a place to stay for the night. They eventually found an out of the way cave, and settled down for the night.

Riku carefully set the unconscious boy down, and pulled out the sleeping bag and pillow that Sora had taken. He gently put Sora in, and took out his own things. He set out his things next to Sora, looked over at the ninja, who had already set her things out and was now asleep. He laughed quietly at this, and got into his own sleeping bag. He closed his eyes, but he heard Sora's voice cutting into his dreams.

"Riku," Sora said softly.

Riku opened his eyes, and saw the half lidded sapphire eyes of the younger boy. "Yes, Sora?" Riku asked.

"Don't leave me," Sora said as his eyes fluttered shut.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Sora," Riku said as he scooted his sleeping bag closer to Sora's.

"Good," Sora muttered, and fell back asleep. Riku watched the brunette a little longer, before he too, was overtook by exhaustion, and fell asleep.

Next Morning:

Riku woke up with a stiff back, but he felt warmth in front of him. He never actually opened his eyes, and snuggled up closer to the source of heat, not wanting to wake up. But, curiosity soon overtook him, and he cracked an eye open wanting to see what was so soft and warm. He saw brown, spiky locks that smelled like roses, and a pillow right next to him. Riku had gotten a rather large sleeping bag, and now Sora was in it. He opened his eyes all the way, and saw an abandoned sleeping bag next to his, and Riku was more confused than ever.

'How had Sora gotten into my sleeping bag?' he asked himself over and over again. After awhile, a horrible thought entered his mind. 'We didn't …' Riku thought as he sniffed the air. Making sure that he didn't smell sex, he finally relaxed. The younger boy started to stir, and Sora looked up, showing Riku two big blue eyes. "Hi, Sora," Riku said, smiling down at the boy.

"Hi, Riku," Sora said, shooting off one of his trademark smiles. "I bet you're wondering why I'm in your sleeping bag, huh?"

"Yeah, kind of wondering. But not like I mind it," Riku said, giving Sora a seductive smile.

"I kept having nightmares, and you were just so … comforting … I couldn't resist," Sora finished, slightly sheepish.

"It's okay, I understand," Riku said, hugging the boy tighter to his chest. He inhaled the scent of Sora's hair, and loved the warmth against his chest.

"Well, if you to love birds are finished, we have to get moving," said a voice behind Riku. He cringed slightly, and slowly got up. He moved the hair out of his eyes, and started putting things away.

They had just finished packing, when Sora declared, "I'm hungry."

Riku laughed at the boy, and dug in his pack. He soon produced three pieces of bread, and passed them out to everybody. They finished eating, and they were soon on the road again. It was a beautiful day out, but the travelers were anything but happy. Yuffie was sulking over lost sleep, and the good food at the dojo. Sora and Riku were both sulking about what they could be doing in bed, and the fact that they knew they were going to be facing terrible danger when they found Sora's stepfather.

They continued along the path, each sulking in their own way, Yuffie in front, Riku and Sora in back. Sora was truly bored. He needed something to keep his mind busy, but he didn't know what. He was right next to Riku, the proximity was driving him nuts. He had felt like he needed a cold shower. A very cold shower. He had realized that he wanted Riku last night, and he couldn't help himself. He had climbed into Riku's sleeping bag, and snuggled up to him. He was so … enticing, that Sora had to be close to him. His scent … his warmth … the comfort that he gave off … Sora couldn't contain his need.

Sora snaked his hand into Riku's, holding him tightly, as if he let go, he would go away. Riku looked at him in surprise, but didn't protest, because he enjoyed the feeling that Sora made him feel. They walked together in silence, letting their eyes and hands do the talking.

They had walked for a long time, when a fog settled in. The three travelers continued up the path, and it finally grew dark. They searched for a cave, and eventually found one in an alcove. They unpacked, then started a small fire inside cave, because it was getting cold out. They had a small dinner of bread and cheese, and then they went to bed. Yuffie was asleep almost instantly, but Riku and Sora stayed up, both lost in feelings and emotions.

Sora couldn't get to sleep no matter how hard he tried, so he lay back and stared at the ceiling of the cave. His mind kept wandering to Riku, and he wished that they were back in the city, warm inside Riku's penthouse apartment.

"Riku, are you awake?" Sora whispered to the boy next to him.

"Yeah," Riku answered.

"I can't sleep," Sora said.

"Me neither," Riku replied.

"Hey, Riku, what are we going to do after this? I mean, if we defeat Ansem, what then?" Sora asked, uncertain of the future.

"First of all, there won't be any 'if' we defeat Ansem. We'll defeat him. He deserves to die after what he did to you. And afterwards, we'll go back to the city. You can live with me, because having you there made me actually want to come home. Besides, I'd be sad without you there, because you are like my muse."

"Okay, but if for some reason I don't make it back, tell everybody … I'm sorry," Sora muttered quietly.

"Don't think like that, Sora," Riku chastised.

"But -,"

"No!"

"Fine …," Sora said, looking sheepish. "Riku … can I sleep with you? I don't know why, but you make me feel better at night. Whenever I'm with you, I don't have nightmares."

"Come on," Riku said, scooting over. Sora climbed in next to him, and Riku wrapped his arms around Sora. He snuggled up to the Riku's warm chest, and they fell asleep like that, together with each other.

Author's Ranting:

Hi, everybody, and sorry for putting this out so late! I tried really hard to get it out for today, but my writer's block kept making me stop. It was really hard to keep my mind concentrated on this. At least in the next chapter, things will start to heat up! Battles, and stuff like that. I've already started working on it, so stay tuned in! I'll try my best to get it out for Saturday. Please leave a review, because they help make me get my lazy butt moving on the chapter. So, review and Ja Ne!