/DISCLAIMER/
I don't own any of the following characters, locations, items, or any other Square Enix or Disney objects. These stories are based off ideas from the game and in my head.
I was interested in starting this story because, in the game, they don't show you what happens between the time that the heroes return and the time that the message comes. I'm sure that at least a few weeks would have had to passed, and I have decided to take full advantage of that.
Kairi leaned on the wooden wall of the watchtower, letting her arms fold over themselves. A breeze ruffled her shoulder length red hair, her grey blue eyes sparkling as she watched the sun rise. She enjoyed the sunset, because it was the time that she reviewed the day with pleasure with her two best friends. But this…this was a crisp feeling, a fresh start. Stretching her arms out, she thought, And it's all mine.
She laughed to herself for a moment. How fast everything had happened, how fast it had all rushed by. How much had happened that she would never have expected…how much that didn't happen that she wished for. She shook her head. It was silly, she knew, to be wishful so soon after. She should be happy that Riku had returned to his light and that Sora…well, she was thrilled that Sora was safe. But she couldn't help it. As Riku with his search for new and exciting things, and Sora with his kind nature and push for justice, she couldn't help wishing sometimes.
Smiling at the sun, she fingered the rope next to her that was dangerously set up to allow anybody to sail across to the sometimes unstable post halfway across the beach. She had never really tried it before…Sora had always offered to help her, but she had been too scared. Maybe now...yeah, maybe today.
Sora tugged the rope on his small boat; he didn't want to lose it now. He straightened up, stretching his arms far above his head. Surprised, Sora saw another small boat at the dock. Squinting at it in the small amount of light, he tried to discern whose it was. After a few moments of studying, he shook his head. He had no idea. He locked his arms behind his head, walking along the beach, enjoying the early morning. He wasn't out here this early often, but he had had a feeling. Besides, his parents were still getting used to having him back, so he knew that some morning time alone would help them adjust.
He weaved his way among the island, climbing through the small wooden shack and climbing down a couple of ladders. As he reached the end of the front side of the island, he had a desire to go through the passage of the wooden wall, to see the back side of the island, to see the morning from there. As soon as he crossed through, he remembered how Riku and he (was it really a year ago?) used to race along here. And Kairi used to start off us. He grinned to himself. Feeling the familiar burst of energy, he rushed forward, leaping across the deteriorating bridge. The white sand flew as his black shoes pounded the ground, his hood flapping out behind him. Cool air slapped against his face, and he closed his bright blue eyes for a moment, letting the sea breeze kiss his face.
Taking a deep breath as he reached the watch tower, he looked up the tall ladder. Riku had always chosen to run across the beach, but he, Sora, had always found the watch tower way more satisfying. For old times' sake. He grinned to himself, and quickly started to pull himself up the rungs of the ladder. Jumping up the last step, he flashed a smile of triumph to the empty watch tower.
Well…I thought it was empty…
Kairi whirled around quickly, her heart pounding as she had heard the sudden clatter behind her, thinking she had been the only one in all of Destiny Islands to be awake. Seeing the quirky guy across from her, the spiky brown hair looking messy, her heart skipped a beat. I wonder if he knows… She smiled at him, feeling a bit nervous. They hadn't really spent a lot of time together since they had returned from the World That Never Was, everything was so busy.
Sora felt a foolish grin come over his face, one he was slowly becoming used to. It had happened before, multiple times really, in the few weeks, when he had been traveling with Donald and Goofy. Like that time in Port Royal with Elizabeth and Will…or in Halloween Town with Jack and Sally… His face tinged a slightly pink color at the thought, and darkened even a bit more when he realized he was blushing in front of her. She's wearing that pink outfit…the one that makes her hair look…nicer…
"Hi Sora," she said, smiling her teasing grin and tilting her head to the side slightly.
He felt a pang at that smile. It happened every time she looked at him that way. "H-hey," he said, clearing his voice that had sounded funny to him, "hey Kairi. Um…ah…what are you doing up here? I mean, this early?"
She blushed a little, as if she was embarrassed to be caught where she was. "Oh, I like coming up here sometimes, to watch the sun rise. It's just that since you," she poked him playfully in the shoulder, "came back, there's been so much excitement that I haven't been able to come up here lately."
Sora faked pain, rubbing the place where she poked him. "Well, now you're here."
Kairi giggled. "Yeah…what are you doing up here?"
He shrugged and looked out over the edge of the tower towards the rising sun. "Just…" he glanced back at her and let a small smile creep onto his face, "wanted to." Kairi nodded and smiled in response, and there was a moment as they just watched each other, smiling. A slight breeze passed between them, and they started back.
"So," Sora said, gesturing to the rope. "You ever go on this yet?"
She shook her head, her dark red hair brushing back and forth in front of her face. Mesmerized, he watched them carefully, wanting to touch them, brush them away so he could see her. She looked up at him again and the heated feeling returned, not wanting to be caught staring at her. "I've still been a little scared," she answered to his question, wandering over to the pulley. He walked up behind her.
"Come on, it's a lot of fun." She smiled and shook her head again, looking imploringly over her shoulder at him. He smiled back. "I promise, you'll be okay. I'll be here, look, I'll even help you." She turned around to face the pulley again.
"Are you sure, Sora?"
"'Course I'm sure."
He gently held her elbows and placed her hands on the pulley.
Sparks.
He placed his hands on her waist, wondering if she could hear the pounding from his chest. For some reason, he didn't want to disturb the quiet around him, so he whispered instead. "Ready?"
"I think so…Yes. Ready."
He gave her a gentle push.
With a playful shriek, she flew down the rope, the pulley swooping her along. She dropped her hands just in time, landing on the post. She doubled over, and his gut clenched.
"Kairi! Are you okay?" he called out, but even as he did, he knew she was. He could hear her laughing. She stood up and waved, her other hand covering her mouth as ecstasy poured out in giggles. She gestured with her hands, motioning for him to bring the pulley back up so he could ride down to the post too. In a few moments, he was there with her, laughing and enjoying the sunrise.
