I've decided to attempt and continue this, since it just doesn't feel right to let it die. This chapter is relatively short compared to the other two, but that is only because I struggled to remember things exactly as I had them. I hope you enjoy it all the same.


Chapter 3

Sora, Kairi, and Riku leaned against a rock by the Secret Place opening two days later. Donald and Goofy had gone ahead in the Gummi ship to confer with the Queen. They all

periodically checked it for the telltale light of a pathway. Riku as always, was the most vigilant. "I really missed it here…" Sora sighed wistfully. Riku turned and looked down to

find Sora, barefoot and spread-eagled on the beach. Even two years of hard fighting couldn't harden this guy. "Well, I guess it just wasn't fate for us to stay…" He commented.

Kairi giggled at the face Sora made at this, and got up, starting to dance in the sand with her own bare feet. She kicked too high and fell right over, onto her bottom, giggling all

the while. Sora made an effort to imitate her high kicks and hips shakes, receiving raucous laughter from his friends, finally falling square into the rising tide! Kairi was overtaken

by laughter. "Aw, did baby wet himself?" Riku teased. "Does it really look like I wet myself?" he gasped in mock surprise, turning quickly trying to get a clear view of his soggy

behind. He quite resembled a dog chasing it's own tail. Kairi managed to grab his ankles and make him tumble onto dry land once more. "Oh great! Sandy pants!" he groaned

sarcastically. "You're gonna get it for that!" he roared and tackled Kairi. They rolled over a couple of times in the sand, finally stopping a few feet away from Riku, who was

pretending not to watch. Their tackle ended, Kairi on top, her smile dissolving. "I'm really glad you're my friend, Sora…" she mumbled, and kissed him softly on the cheek. Sora

was very still, eyes closed, to enjoy the feeling of her lips. "I…I am too…" he breathed. Kairi gently got off of him and sat in the sand, watching the sunset. The moment was

sobering. When would they ever see this sunset again? 'hey guys! I think they're coming!" Riku called. Kairi and Sora promptly returned to the rock. A slight light was beginning

to form before the entrance. As Kairi watched, she felt Riku's hand brush hers, and he cleared his throat. "I'm glad you're my friend too, Riku." she said grinning, and kissed him

close to his ear. "Geez! It's like someone painted your face, man!" Sora chuckled. Riku hurried to cover his blush by rubbing his cheeks. "I am…too…" he mumbled, a sheepish

smile on his face. "Yo Sora! Where are ya?" a familiar voice called. Sora leapt up. "Yuffie! Aerith!" he called, and ran to hug the two women. Kairi followed soon after. "Oh

I've missed you guys!" Sora sighed, studying them. They hadn't changed a bit. Yuffie approached Riku, arms out for a hug, but paused and lowered them suddenly. They shook

hands. "N-nice to see you…" she said breathlessly. Riku smirked. 'You too." "Alright! Let's go kick some NotQuite butt!" Sora called, and grabbing Kairi's hand, raced into

the portal of light. Once they'd vanished, Aerith approached Riku and put a hand on his chest. "I know it must bother you somewhere in here, Riku, now that Kairi and Sora are

so much closer now. But remember always…they have strong hearts. They will never forget you, no matter what happens." Riku nodded, a smile of gratitude now on his face.

"Thanks…I needed to be reminded." He stepped up to the portal with one last glance at the Destiny Islands. "OOh! Let me go with you! Sometimes even the big boys get lost!"

Yuffie cried, and stood next to him.

Riku rolled his eyes and they entered together. Aerith turned to look at all they were leaving behind. The pure beaches, the palm trees and the peace. She sighed, remembering

when she herself had had to abandon her home…"Let us hope it remains peaceful…" she whispered, and with tears drifting down her cheeks, she entered the portal.