Chapter 2: The Search for Hope Within

Sora jumped up awake…yet another Kairi-related nightmare. He wiped the sweat from his brow and observed Donald and Goofy; both of them were sleeping like babies, yet their snores were loud and surprisingly followed each other in-sync. Sora smiled, got up, and walked out of the tent, where he was greeted by the black star-packed sky. What a beautiful sight it was. He tried to find the moon, but it seemed to be hidden behind the clouds. Upon hearing a rustling noise, he lowered his head, and noticed Squall sitting on the grass polishing his Gunblade. Sora approached him slowly, and when he got close enough, he sat beside the depressed warrior.

After a brief moment of silence, Sora began to speak. "Leon, I saw you look at the stars tonight." Squall stopped polishing his blade. "When I do that, I'm either worried about my friends or thinking of the other worlds out there."

Leon slowly placed the Gunblade on his lap. "You sure are bright kid," he chuckled, "It's a little bit of both."

Silence filled the air for a bit. Squall sighed. "I feel that my world is still out there, even though I was informed of its destruction. I can't explain it but…I can still sense my friends are alive."

"I know how you feel," Sora replied, referring to his connection with Kairi and Riku. "That's my motivation. That's why I'm still by your side. I must find my friends even if it seems impossible."

"Thing is; I have no clue on my world's whereabouts even if it still existed."

"Hmm," Sora thought out loud, "I had friends whose situations were exactly like yours, but they were so full of life you know…Tidus, Wakka, and especially Selphie; she was the happiest girl I knew. You should act like her Leon. Never lose-"

"Hold up a second," Leon interrupted, giving Sora a curious look. "Did you say Selphie?"

Sora nodded. "Yup - you know her from someplace?"

"Selphie Tilmitt?"

Sora nodded in reply.

"Can you describe her to me?"

"Okay. Erm…short black hair, blue eyes, yellow short dress, uses nunchucks as weapons, very cheery and spunky. That's about it."

It was the first time Sora had seen Leon smile willingly. "She's alive. Thank goodness she's alive. She's a friend from my world."

"Well that's great news!" Sora exclaimed. "But, I haven't seen her and the others since I left the island," his smile turned into a frown.

Squall placed his hand on Sora's shoulder, "no matter kid. This is still great news. My friends are alive…somewhere…out there…" he trailed off as he looked up at the stars. "One of these stars is my world. I just need to know which one."

"Why don't you pick one?" Sora said, as Squall removed his hand from the boy's shoulder. "You know, to motivate you and stuff. You never know, you've got a one-in-a-billion chance that you're right!"

"You know what? I think I will!" Squall randomly pointed at a star, feeling more excited than ever.

"Glad to see you happy Leon," Sora laughed.

"Kid, just between you and me," Squall started to say, "Leon isn't my real name. I wanted to disassociate myself with my past life to forget as much as possible. I wanted the pain to stop. But now, you've given me hope. I'm Squall Leonhart." He extended his hand to Sora, who gladly shook it.

Sora wanted to pat himself in the back for a job well done. He was happy for Squall's newfound hope. The mere thought of it made him smile. Soon after, he started to yawn.

"You better go back to sleep, kid. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Ok Leon—I mean Squall. Goodnight!" Sora stood up, brushed the dirt and grass off his backside, and walked lazily back to his tent.

Squall gazed back at the stars, a look of determination on his face. Everyone…Rinoa…someday I'll find you. Someday, I'll see you again.