Disclaimer: The Mad Doctor claims no ownership to the Kingdom Hearts franchise. It belongs to Disney and Square Enix.

Notes from the Mad Doctor: Greetings readers. Here are a couple things I'd like to tell you. First of all, this story is not going to take Re:Mind into account since I created the concept before it even was announced. Also, a warning: it's going to be pretty sad for the next couple of chapters. Anyway, here's the prologue.

Prologue: The King Checks In

Destiny Islands

It was late afternoon on the Destiny Islands. Many of the islanders were currently heading home from work, eating dinner or just relaxing. But one Keyblade Master was far from relaxed.

Lying down on his bed in his room, Riku reflected on many things. Today had marked the end of the seventh month since the Keyblade War.

Seven months since Xehanort struck Kairi down.

Seven months since Sora set out to find her.

Seven months since she came back without him.

Suddenly, Riku's Gummi Phone went off. He immediately looked at the caller i.d. and saw that it was Mickey's number. He answered it and soon the kind face of the mouse king of Disney Castle appeared on the screen.

"Hiya Riku," said Mickey.

"Hey Mickey," said Riku.

"How are things over there?"

"Pretty much the same since you last checked in."

Mickey's face fell. "That bad, huh? Kairi still hasn't spoken to you?"

"No, she hasn't. Whenever we see each other at school or anywhere else, she just turns away and acts like I'm not even there."

"That's awful. And it's not like her at all. Kairi's never been one to hold grudges before."

"Tell me about it. Every time I see her now, it's like I'm looking at a stranger. Kairi always had a love for life much like Sora did. But now that spark that she always had is gone. I'm really getting worried about her."

Mickey gave a sympathetic look. "Gosh, Riku. I'm really sorry. When she lashed out at us a month ago, I told you to give her time. But I'm thinking that her wounds are too great for any amount of time to heal."

"You do know what the only thing that could heal them is, right?" asked Riku.

"Yes. But unfortunately, that may be out of our hands."

Riku sighed. "How did we not see this coming, Mickey? How could we have known how she was really feeling?"

"The truth is, Riku, we did anticipate such a state of mind from her. The problem, however, was that she did too good a job of hiding it that we assumed that she wasn't feeling that way," said Mickey.

"She certainly fooled all of us. But still, aside from Sora, I know Kairi better than anyone. I should have known that she was feeling that way," said Riku.

"I know, Riku. I just wish there was something we could do for her," said Mickey.

"Well, you did send Pluto to her and at least she allows him to be with her so she's not alone all the time."

"He was glad to go there to offer her some comfort. They really bonded during the time she was captured by the Organization. But how are you doing? You holdin' up okay?" asked Mickey.

Riku gave a heavy sigh. "Honestly Mickey, I'm not sure. I keep thinking back to the day at the Land of Departure and I can't help but wonder if we made the right call."

"I hear you, Riku. Even I'm having my doubts now. It did sound like the smart thing to do at the time."

"But was it the right thing? I don't even know anymore especially after what Kairi revealed to us after. And seeing how she's been this past month, I'd give anything to get her back to being herself again," said Riku.

"I know. I hate that she's suffering so much. More than we ever thought possible"

Riku stood up from his bed and walked over to the window. He held the phone up to show Mickey the view of the Play Island in the distance.

"Whenever she's not at school or sleeping, she goes there with Pluto and spends the whole day there. I don't know what she does over there. Although, seeing as how it's the end of another month, I can guess that she's going to send out her monthly letter in a bottle. She's really hoping that those messages will reach him and guide him back to her like they did the last time."

"We all hoped that would work. That's why Donald gave her that magic bottle so she would always have an endless supply of unbreakable bottles with waterproof labels to send her messages. But it's not looking like lightning is going to strike twice."

"There's never a miracle around when you need one," said Riku.

"Anyway, just keep an eye on her as best as you can even if she doesn't want you to. In her frame of mind, I fear for what may happen. I'll check in at another time, but you know you can call me anytime if you need me even just to talk," said Mickey.

"Thanks, Mickey. Talk to you later," said Riku.

"Same to you, pal. Take care," said Mickey as he hung up.

Riku then gazed out the window. From it, he could make out a small spot of pink walk along the beach of the Play Island followed by a yellow spot. It looked like they were on their way to the Secret Place.

As he watched, tears came to his eyes as he broke down and wept. 'It's just not fair. Terra, Aqua and Ven were reunited after ten years. Axel got Isa back as well as Roxas and Xion despite the unlikelihood of that. Mickey, Donald and Goofy got to go home to their loved ones. Even Naminè got a one-in-a-million chance to have her own life. But as for the three of us? Sora's probably gone forever and Kairi and I may never be friends again. Sora, if there was ever a time that we needed you the most, this is it.'

Though the Second Keyblade War was over and the forces of good had triumphed, the price was too great.

The Hero of Light was gone.

His Princess of Heart was heartbroken.

Though the light had won, the world now seemed a lot less bright.

Notes from the Mad Doctor: Sad, huh? And it's only going to get sadder. The events of the Keyblade War and what happened afterward have had rather unfortunate effects on our heroes, not just Kairi. This will be explored in later chapters. I only hope I'm doing a good job writing this story because truth be told, this kind of story isn't my forte. I'm usually better with good versus evil stories so bear with me that I am venturing into unknown territory with all this deep character emotion. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are much appreciated. Stay tuned!