Disclaimer: I do not own Sora, Kairi, or any other Kingdom Hearts characters involved in this story. Other persons/places mentioned in this story are fictional and are not intended to name any realistic person/place.

Warning: This chapter and/or future chapters may include: Suicide, Self-Inflicted Harm, Alcohol Abuse, Child Abuse, and Minor use of Profanity

Chapter 13: A Vivid Memory

"Kairi didn't kill her mom, Namine.", Riku says boldly.

Namine looks at him in disbelief, "But you said...".

"Yeah, I was there, but it didn't happen that way.", he says as he looks down. "I was walking home from school, when I saw it. Her mom was committing suicide. She didn't give Kairi time to do anything, before she let go of the rusty old rail. I watched as she fell into the river and moss clinged to her hair as she gave he last breathe. I was in disbelief of it all... I just stood there as I watched Kairi jump into the river herself. She started to drown, as I realized she couldn't swim, so I ran down the hill and saved her. She was unconscious when I brought her up to the riverside, so I layed her down and ran to get help. Once they arrived, I left. That's the truth Namine, so will you alas leave her alone?"

Namine and Kairi both look at him in shock.

"Why did you lie Riku? Why did you make up that terrible lie if you were the one that helped me? I... I don't understand.." Kairi questioned.

"I was stupid, I guess... I still had mixed feelings for you. I didn't want you to die but I still wanted to get that sweet revenge. I went too far though, I should have never said such a thing. I'm sorry.", he says to Kairi sincerely.

The two made-up, Kairi and Riku. Although Kairi has suffered dearly due to what Riku had done to her, she also wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for him. She forgave him and he in return started telling others the truth. Namine, after hearing Riku's confession, felt horid for what she had done. She ended up telling Sora the truth, at her own loss and he and Kairi started speaking again. They didn't become bestfriends per say, but everyone was at peace letting go of any grudge that had been held over time. Things started to become easier for Kairi. The truth was alas revealed.

Yet another school year soon aprroaches. It summer time. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, there is laughter in the air. Kairi, Sora, and Namine will be going into 10th grade, while Riku advances to 11th.

Kairi enters her house, she has just returned from the movies with Sora. She had such a great time, it was magnificient.She walks by her father, who happens to be drunk, as usual.

"Kairi, where the fuck have you been?"

"The movies, dad.", she says as she rolls her eyes. "He's been drink," she thinks, "Go figure."

"Don't disrespect you father, you lil shit.", he says as he suddenly punches her in the face.

She lies there in the ground overwhelmed by his actions. He had never hit her before. Never. She holds her hand next to the right side of her face where her father's nuckles had just touched. The pain stings, blood drips from her nose.

A vivid memory onvercomes her mind...

"Shut the fuck up Lisa, you know I'm doing my best!"

"Damn it. You don't understand, do you? You need to get help. Drinking is not the answer!"

"Those damn people won't do anything... I can quit myslef. I'm not even addicted... I just like to drink!"

"Baby, please. Just go see them.", Kairi's mother begins to cry.

"Stop that shit! There's no need for that shit here."

"Please, just go get help.", her mother pleas.

"DAMN IT!", he yells as he grabs hold of her and has her against the wall. "I am fucking fine. Shut up!"

He lets go and she slides down the ground as sobs uncontrolably.

Kairi closes her bedroom door. She had seen enough.

Kairi gets up from the ground and runs to the door. Her father runs after her, determined not let her go. Kairi reaches the door. She grabs hold of the knob and begins to twist, jerking the door open. As she is about to exit, he finally reaches her. He grabs her and pulls her inside once more. The man gives a swing at her again.

Kairi sees as his fist comes towards her, though hasn't the time to react. She is hit unconcious.

She lies on the ground.