Final Fantasy XV - Kingdom Hearts
Part 96
Summary: Two warriors of Light, the Chosen King and Keyblade Master, face an unseen Darkness.
*Final World*
Falling on his back, landing on the cool water surface, and letting it soak into his clothes and back, Sora stares up at the endless skies completely exhausted, and is left panting, watching the clouds breeze by them lazily and slow like sloths. The cool waters soothed his body and despite soaking his clothes, he couldn't care less about it, so weary and done with their current predicament as Noctis sat down beside him with a groan of his own and ran his hand through his hair.
"Back here again…", Noctis groaned with impatience, "Never thought I'd say this, but I'm so damn done with nothing but sky and water!".
Sora couldn't agree more with the frustrated king, on the breaking point himself as he barely blinked at the skies and begins to wonder how much time has passed since their encounter with Yozora. Since they had awoken from their reprieve, both keyblade wielders began their long journey to find their way back to the realm of light and their friends, yet there was no road for them to follow nor any guidance to lead them. All around them is nothing but the endless sky and sea, devoid of all life and yet not desolate like a graveyard.
They would find something now and then, passages ways made of marble that takes them to worlds beyond their imagination. Each world was new and bizarre to them, but none could lead them home to their realm, their worlds even. And every time they fell into those worlds they were fighting for their lives and even going all out they barely survived. Worst of all, they weren't even heartless, but others like themselves.
How much time had passed since then, how long have they been stuck in this world where it was becoming their prison?
Their clothes haven't deteriorated yet luckily thanks to the magic of the fairies, even Noctis' and his brothers had theirs enhanced before leaving Radiant Garden. Though their hairs were longer and in some cases more messy and unkempt than ever, Sora's looked like his hair tried to imitate a porcupine while Noctis' looks more shaggy and unkempt, even a stubble was growing. He tried to shave with a dagger's edge, but Sora reminded him he couldn't save him if his accidental cut were something vital.
He wondered if he was ever going to grow a stubble himself…and wondered what Kairi would think of him with a beard or even some facial hair.
"So, what's the plan this time? Do you wanna risk getting our asses handed to us again or just call it a day?", Noctis asks waving his hand, "I mean…as much as we can call a day". Strangely not since before they fought Yozora this world was forever trapped in an endless sunny day, never again had night fallen upon them. They should be grateful for it, but after what feels like days of searching for the way home, they were missing the night sky and stars. At least when that time came, they could look at the worlds and imagine what was happening with their companions.
"Guess we can give it another shot. I mean, you know the old saying", Sora says with a tired smile, "If at first, you don't succeed, try again". Noctis huffed as they returned to their feet, muttering something. Together they walked the endless road of water looking for whatever was going to take them to another world or wherever. Their silent walk is filled in by the two making remarks here and there about the places they've seen along with comparing those who inhabit those worlds and even ranking which of them were the toughest ones yet. They have yet to find one who toped Yozora.
Both carried their little talk on, but neither were investing their full attention into it, their hearts wondering to those who had returned or remain in the realm of light. The chosen king's thoughts always going to the woman he threw himself into this world to find, wondering how she must bae faring with him gone. He doesn't even know what had brought them to the city nor understand why it was just the two, though Chirithy's words linger on his mind.
They hadn't seen the little guy for a while now, not since he warned them about the risks. Not that it bothered Noctis to be honest, just be nice to speak with someone different for a little change of pace. His thoughts grow from Lunafreya to the others, hoping at least wherever he is, they were enjoying the peace Xehanort's death brought. He wasn't even going to imagine how worried specs must be, or how belligerent Gladiolus is, or heavens forbid distraught Prompto is. He tried using his phone to reach them, as stupid as it sounded, and ended the way he expects.
He kept a close eye on Sora though, not daring to leave him out of his sight for even a second. Paranoia some may call it, but he was afraid if he does look away he'd find himself all alone in this strange place. Bad enough he was trapped here, worse if it were by himself. That…and he was truly worried about him. For the longest time, Sora was being optimistic and cheerful as he always is, making big smiles and boastfully claiming they'll find their way home in no time flat. Truly Noctis believed him and still does to this very moment.
But recently, he could see that faith waver in the face of the time they spent here. Slowly Sora's cheerful demeanor becomes less and less frequent and even forced, like *he* was the one trying to comfort Noctis. Days that lead them to do nothing but walk in an endless march to nowhere or when they think they're making progress by ending up in worlds beyond their own and fighting by the skin of their teeth began to wear on the two more and more to the point where even Sora looked ready to just sit down and do nothing.
He may not be as knowledgeable about this place nor anything else relating to the keyblade and power of waking but Noctis was damn sure sitting around wasn't going to fix their problem nor would it lead them home. And if he were honest, if Sora gives up, then not even he would find the power to keep going. But he couldn't let him fall into the pit of despair, especially when so many people who had become precious to them both were waiting for them to come back. He tries everything to keep them motivated and would mostly tease him about what he was gonna do with Kairi.
Speaking of the red-haired princess would bring him out of that dark corner in his mind and he could see him brighten up at the thought of her, and she became a frequent topic between the two. He was careful with it though, not bringing up how close of a call it was for her during the battle and fixed more on how she managed to pull them out of the fire, how she improved so much with the others, and even brought up Lunafreya a few times for his sake. More and more subjects start to come to them, things like their lives as kids, how this journey had changed them, and even asking what they were gonna do when they find their way home.
"Do you think you wanna see other worlds too?", Sora asked as their walk continues, brighter and hopeful. "I mean…you've probably seen dozens of them by now…maybe when this is over I'll hop over to one or two", Noctis says with an adventurous smile, "Maybe you could recommend a few?". Sora nodded and starts listing off worlds for him to visit with the others, and even suggested a few as a team holiday. The king couldn't wait for the world full of Halloween or the world with the coliseum. He could imagine the thrill of the spectators watching a match between Aqua and Sora.
"So…that other Noctis…", Sora says slowly. "Yeah…weird, huh? I mean you'd think with Ven, Roxas, Xion and Naminé I'd be used to seeing nobodies, clones and replicas", Noctis hummed, "But that was something". Sora agrees quietly and frowns when he thinks back to the other him, and even Kairi when she was possessed by Xehanort's darkness. "It's pretty scary, seeing someone or even you as a different person…one you don't like", he says quietly. "Oh yeah…I mean that guy…it was like another me where everything went to hell and I just…decided everything is my enemy", Noctis concurs.
"But least with you and Kairi, neither of you did it out your will, darkness tends to make the calls whether you like it or not". Sora replied with an unconvinced "yeah" though he didn't press the subject anymore. "But hey, least you two can say silver isn't your color", teases the king while ruffles his spikier hair. Sora laughed and pushes his hand aside and this results in the two throwing punches for fun, alleviating their stress and worries about their friends as well as the current predicament.
After what felt like two hours later, they were still walking through the world of endless sea and sky, nary a passageway or a door to lead them to the next worlds for their unplanned exploration. "Okay world…kinda waiting for a new door or something", Noctis loudly groans, spinning around with his arms open to accentuate his point. Sora folds his arms in agreement, wondering where the door was. Maybe there wasn't another one at this point or maybe they're still looking for one to just appear, that's how it usually worked.
He looks to his left and does a double-take, eyes wide.
"Kairi?".
Noctis turned to him and then follows his gaze to see, small in the distance but he'd recognize that pink clothing anywhere. Far into the distance standing there is none other than the princess of light, staring ahead of her. Slowly she turns her head slightly to the two before suddenly running ahead. "Kairi!", Sora cries out, sprinting after while Noctis follows suit. Splattering the watery ground with desperate running, Sora almost broke into a desperate dash while Noctis follows closely but his guard was up with questions running through his mind.
Why was Kairi here?
"Kairi wait up!", Sora begged as the girl just keeps running like she was playing a game of sorts. Noctis narrowed his eyes when he started to see ripples in the water around them, slowly growing more and more until they form lines straight as a sword. He quickens his running and grabbed Sora just as walls of rushing water erects around them, forming a corridor with the two trapped within. They were back-to-back as the walls slowly turn from water to solid blue walls of crystal, even the ground solidifies into the crystal.
Speechless and confused as this was a first for them, they both looked to see Kairi standing ahead of them facing the two heroes. Her smile was there but there is a sense of mystery and an aura of the unknown around her body, like something about her was off. It suddenly dawns on Sora that the only reason Kairi could be here, was because something happened to her. And he hoped with all the light within his heart it was because she used the power of waking and not because she…passed.
"Sora…", says Noctis slowly and cautiously. He hoped this was a good sign for them but after everything that's happened to them so far, trusting everything was no longer an option for them. Sora walks towards her, Noctis trailing back slowly and at a distance just to keep an eye on her…if it is Kairi. When the boy who had claimed victory over the man who instigated the whole beginning of his journey stood before Kairi, he stares at her and tries to speak but his heart was aching at the sight of her.
He knows deep within his heart, this wasn't Kairi. Not herself but it was an illusion. He knew it the moment she looked at him, her eyes were mysterious and alluring sure but bereft of the love and warmth. Though he feels no terror nor danger from this apparition, instead all he feels is wonder and questions bubbling within his mind. When her heart found refuge in his heart all those years ago, sometimes he saw her here and there and even experience memories or feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
Seeing Radiant Garden in that slideshow years ago, Merlin's old home in the first world he traveled to, the jungle, experiencing her memories of her grandma's story, and even stepping foot into Radiant Garden when Maleficent ruined it. All of them because her heart hides within his for safety. Sora slowly raised his hand to her, desperate to feel her warmth again and hold her, yet he couldn't move closer to her. The apparition's smile was still painted on her face, and slowly she stepped back from him, like a siren.
Noctis stepped closer to Sora as the apparition's heart shined through her chest. Her smile changes into one that is yearning, missing the one who filled her heart. "I miss you…", she whispered, soft and genuine. Sora chokes a bit when Noctis reached him and shook on the spot. "We all miss you both…the pain that was once mended, has been born anew within their hearts", she says, "The connection that once kept us all together is damaged, yet hope is what binds our hearts to stay as one".
"Hope…that you will return to us".
She outstretches her palms and holds out a brilliant light for them, its majesty shines off the walls and floors like the light of Kingdom Hearts pours into the world around them. Both lost hearts stare at it as the apparition begins to glow as well. "Open the door…one more time", she says before she fades away into the light. Noctis and Sora look at each other for a moment's hesitation, before with resolution within their eyes and hearts strengthened, they grabbed the light together. A brilliant golden wall of light shines before them with a loud *clicking* noise echoing through the hallway.
The wall shifts its shape and then forms an ornate door size before the two. "Is that…?", Noctis asks, staring at it. "The door to light…", Sora says. They share one more look between each other. "Where is it gonna take us?", Noctis asked with a weak smirk, "Think back to Yozora?". Sora looks to the door, then placed a hand on his heart and says: "May our hearts be our guiding keys…". Whatever hesitation within their hearts has perished when those words combined with the strength within Sora's heart had left his lips.
Together, they walked to the door of light…
*?*
Stirring himself awake, Noctis groans like he had endured the absolute worst drinking season of his life. And he doesn't even drink, he was just basing this feeling of weary, drowsy, and sickish feeling from what Gladiolus usually tells him what comes with a hangover. He feels something very unpleasant seep down his back and against his neck, itchy and unwanted, but then as his senses return, he smells something pleasant.
Salty air like a beach, the sounds of the tides coming in and out, the cry of a gull, and the warmth of the hot sun. Noctis opened his eyes, flinches when he feels the sun beaming directly into his eyes which prompted him to raise his hand to block out the light as he opens his blue eyes. Slowly he sits up and lowered his hand to see the ocean was ahead of him. Looking down at the sandy imprint of his body, he sees he was on an island.
"Oh great…where are we now?", he asked as he looked to Sora getting up too. But when Sora looks around, his eyes widen and his mouth falls. He starts to look around frantically, opening and closing his mouth before he whispers: "Home…". Noctis raises a brow before Sora faces him with the biggest grin and tackled him, crying "we're home" repeatedly. Noctis is caught off guard by the boy but when he could confirm they were back, that this wasn't some illusion of the light, not even the supposed "cool" guy could hold back the tears of relief.
"We're back…", he sighed before hugging his friend.
Then he paused and had an idea, one that made him jump to his feet and grab Sora in tow. He almost ripped his phone out of his pocket and switched it on. It was a relief that magic electricity could charge a phone even in the Final World. Opening it up, he first dialed Prompto's number since among all of them the man wouldn't be anywhere without the bloody thing. "I-I'm calling someone, maybe they're with the others!", Noctis says as Sora waits with bated breath. It takes a few rings before he could hear his best friend's voice on the other line.
But when Noctis says his name, he heard something fall. "Shit…probably spooked him…", he cursed as Sora bits his lower lip. But when he heard Riku's voice on the other end, which made him sound older than he remembered, he looked to Sora and handed it to the boy. He says his name, and he hears the teary voice that was Riku's and letting his tears run down as well as the confirmed it was him. He was shaking as Noctis was holding his head with his tears and a smile, they were home again.
"H-Hold on! I'll use mine!", Sora says, plucking his phone out from his pocket and hands Noctis' his one back. Using his they had the screen to show off the call unlike Noctis' phone, and immediately Riku picked up in a second.
*Radiant Garden*
The very moment the two were shown on that little screen, all the guardians who gathered cried their names with utter joy as Riku sobbed in happiness. "Sora, Noct!", Prompto cried with joy while the others watched on with large smiles. Only Aqua however asked the big question that needed to be answered by the boys. "Where are you two!?", she begged.
"Destiny Islands! T-the play islands", cried Sora, "We've just got here, look we'll tell you everything but…". "Come pick us up already!", ordered Noctis with an equally teary smile, "Sora's low on hugs right now". "You're gonna get as many hugs as him!", proclaimed Xion, "HUGS FOR EVERYONE!". Noctis laughed joyously before the call is cut and everyone practically dancing with joy and excitement. Lunafreya clasped her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks, he was home, he was just waiting for them. This year of waiting, hoping for the day to arrive where her lover and friend would return to them.
"What are we waiting for then!?", Cindy says, "I'll get the ship going and we'll bring those two knuckleheads home!". "Kairi's gonna be able to wake up when Sora gets here, right?", Prompto asked with uncertainty. "Oh he'll probably pull a prince charming and she'll wake up faster than Roxas or Xion when it's ice cream for breakfast", Lea teases. Roxas and Xion glared at him with the biggest pouts on their faces, the latter crossing her arms and muttered: "You're a bad person…lying to get us out of bed".
"It worked didn't it?", Lea asks with a smirk. While everyone was cheering for the return of their companions, Riku managed to sneak away from them and made a beeline for Kairi's room. Inside and after failing to compose himself, he approached the bed and chuckles with tears still running down his eyes. "They're back…they're home, Kai", he whispered, brushing her cheek with his hand, "Now we just need you to wake up…so just hang on a little longer, ok?". He touched her forehead with his before he jogged out of the room.
Once Cindy got the ship started everyone pretty much dogpiled into the ship and together they blasted off to space, to reunite the lost hearts once more…
*Play Island*
Once their call ended the two wielders of the key stared at the ocean, relieved and at peace at long last. "Man…we're gonna be in so much trouble", Noctis comments when he thought about Ignis and Aqua. Sora laughed nervously, more worried about how Lunafreya and Kairi are going to treat them when they get here. It was fortunate he remembers all the secret places within the play island to hide out until Kairi promises him she won't kill him for worrying her.
Speaking of which…
He turns to the old pathway leading back into the room where a new bond was born, and as the cool breeze washes over him like it was guiding him to the spot, he smiles softly. "Umm…I uh, I'm just gonna head over there for a while", he says gesturing to the secret passage, "Just want to…". He hesitates but only gets a nod from Noctis who gestured to the pier and says he'll go fishing for the time being. He didn't ask what the boy was doing nor what was so important in there, yet there is a knowing gleam in his eyes.
Sora smiled as the king walks to the pier and heads to the secret place.
Sure he underestimated how tall he had gotten and greatly underestimated how small the tunnel was now compared to the last time he was there, but when he found himself standing in the middle of the murals made by himself and his friends, he couldn't help but feel that wave of nostalgia overwhelm him. So many memories had been born in this very spot, dozens of moments that carried on within his heart, where he had met Ansem and used this door to save his master.
The true beauty of this room caught his eye and with a warm smile only one other would see, he kneels before the drawing. His crude line work with his pure white carving of his head facing the girl who had saved him more times than he could count, hands that were drawn to offer the other a star shaped fruit. He placed his hand on her drawn one, and against the smooth cold stone, he could feel her warmth and love for him radiate from it. What was once a drawing out of childish urge, then shifted him to speaking his undeveloped feelings for her, to her reciprocating it.
And then the day before they would go to their greatest battle, they would fulfill this drawing. He placed his head against the stone wall as his smile warms, stopping the tears. Not until he sees her again, not until he could hold her against his chest again, and not until he could leave this chapter of his life behind at long last.
Outside casually fishing away, the king stands in silence as his bait bobbles within the waves of the crystal-clear waters, he occasionally looked at the reflection of the ocean and as he drank in his shaggy and older look, he wonders how long they had been trapped in that world. Slowly his well-being changed to the others and many more worries would arise, how did the others fare without them? He grimaced before he chuckles weakly, certain they were in for a hundred worlds worth of lectures from their older companions.
Still, even with the threat of the worst lecture they will ever receive from their friends, he couldn't help his giddiness and excitement to see them all again. Especially the new friends he's yet to get to know, and most important of all, he dreamed of seeing the woman of his heart again. Benefits of those days within the endless world of sky and sea, he came up with a mental list of things they had to do when the time came. Fishing with her was a start, but also wanted to take her to places they had been, maybe chocobo riding, and heck, maybe even new worlds.
But he had something else to do before anything else.
The waters were stirred and become more unruly, prompting him to look up and grin widely at the sight. Highwind Mark XV was flying over the ocean with the loading bay doors opened, and he dropped his fishing rod when he sees the gang all waving at him, some crying his name, some bouncing around the bay. He shoots a quick text to Sora to get his backside out and be prepared to be dogpiled into hugs. When he finished, he looks up to see them all being teleported to the beach, which he turns and walks down to them.
No sooner did they appear before him, he was immediately tackled into a hug by Prompto, followed by Ignis and then Gladiolus. Tears shedding as he holds his brothers tightly while Cindy ruffled his hair and sobbed happily, the gunner chuckling at the sight of his king while Ignis almost suffocated him with the hug, Gladiolus patting his back a little rougher than he wanted to, but he couldn't care less about it. "You are an absolute ass, ya know that?", Gladiolus insults with a broad grin, "I mean ya had one job and you STILL somehow go and make us worry".
"Sorry about that…", he apologizes with a smirk, "But hey, I'm back now". "And under house arrest for a lifetime", Ignis chastised with a smile, "If we don't chain you to Insomnia first". Noctis laughed at that threat while patting Prompto's back and giving the youngest the wide grin he always gets from the blond and says: "You? Still kept your threat?". Prompto smirked through his tears and bragged he would have posted them on social media if Lunafreya didn't threaten to smash his camera or worse, deny him petting time with her dogs.
Noctis always knew there was a reason he loved that woman.
They break apart to allow Lunafreya, who was unceremoniously shoved by Xion to get closer to him. She nearly stumbled but managed to stand on her two feet and gave the girl a very indigent glare, but the kid gave her two thumbs up innocently. Lunafreya turns to the king, who stands before her with a gentle smile. She approached him and at first by kept it courteous and well-posed like two royals meeting in a ball, even Noctis was acting like the proper gentleman only Ignis could pull off.
Until…
"WILL YOU JUST KISS ALREADY!?", yelled Lea.
Noctis gave him a rude gesture with his hand but the Oracle takes those words to grab the king and pull him into her arms, startling him. She rests her face on his shoulder and quietly whispers: "You're back". Whatever he had to say suddenly leaves his mind and in response, Noctis holds her tightly as he breathes the scent of her hair and relishes the warmth of her skin and body. He faces her and brushed a tear from her eye, then kissed her.
As they embraced each other, Riku turns to the secret place and almost loses himself when Sora emerged from it, giving everybody a sheepish smile and wave. "Hi", he says awkwardly and then stood before them all. No sooner did his voice ring out, Donald and Goofy tackled him into a hug, crying his name and utter relief that he wasn't a figment of their minds, here was the boy they had been searching for so long. The boy held his two longest companions close to him, as one by one he was hugged and cradled into the arms of those who searched for him.
When it was Aqua's turn, he gave her a bow of respect, and the sight of her blue hair returning brought out the light within his eyes. But she grabbed him into the tightest hug she had ever given him, so happy to have him home again and apologizing for not being able to help bring him home. "You are in so much trouble, young man", she whispered through her tears. Sora holds her tight, jokingly agreeing with her threat. Once she broke the hug, he was tackled into a hug onto the ground by Ventus, Roxas, and Xion. The girl cheering he was back.
"Welcome back, "bro"," teased Roxas as the two younger "siblings" nuzzled into his chest. Sora laughed and gave him a bro-fist while Ventus ruffled his hair and Xion singing "he's back". Lea eventually helped him up and gave him a brotherly smile in response while Terra patted his back, welcoming him home at long last. He shares one more hug with Iris, who was playfully chastising him for constantly worry them and even made him swear this will be the last time he sacrifices himself to save everyone.
Sora weakly makes no promises.
Finally, he stood before Riku, almost frowning when took in the sight of his best friend and wondered how much had changed since they left. But no sooner did the two glance at each other, they grabbed each other and hugged tighter than before, almost crying. Finally, this year of waiting to hold his brother back again, to have him return to them and finally put the end of the darkest chapter of their lives. Riku frowns when he feels how thin his best friend was, and even his strength waned from exhaustion from whatever he endured.
"Welcome home buddy…", he whispered. "Good to be back", cheered Sora. Then they faced Lunafreya and Noctis, just as Naminé appeared before the boy. This makes him tilt his head in confusion as he was sure they had a replica for her when Noctis defeated Dark Riku and Xigbar. The king asked the same question, but then he frowns when he does a quick headcount and realizes that there was a certain red-haired princess not among them. "Hang on, where's Kairi?", he asked. Sora's eyes widened with fear but Naminé quickly intervenes and explains.
Since Kairi's slumber, Naminé opted to remain within Lunafreya's heart since no one else could unlock her heart as Sora could. It also stressed nobody would risk it, considering how abnormal their state was and many feared what could happen if they attempted. They then explained what happened to her after Sora and Noctis ventured to rescue Lunafreya and Naminé, Lea revealing what Isa had told them about sharing her light and then the bond between her and Sora. There, Sora placed a hand on his heart with a forlorn look.
"So that Kairi we saw was her light, guiding you", Noctis mused. He then smirked and says: "Guess we've one more heart to rescue, huh?". Sora then grinned…
*Radiant Garden*
Entering her room, Sora shakes with hesitation when he sees her sleeping there. So many memories of finding her in that state wrack his mind, and for a moment he sees the younger girl on the darkened floor in Hollow Bastion. The worst nightmare he had before, him being awake and able to do what he wanted while she remained in this comatose state, never fulfilling her dreams of being with her loved ones. He slowly approaches her bed and takes in how in a year she looked older and more beautiful.
Gently like he was caressing a delicate piece of art, he brushes his hand against her cool cheek, relishing the warmth of her skin. He smiled at her, thinking back to those times she's saved him, bringing him back from the brink of death, giving him the power to defy his fate and guide him to return to the hearts of those who loved him. But now it was his turn to save her from this eternal slumber.
Calling his keyblade, he aimed it at his heart and unlocks it, freeing her light from his heart. The golden orb flutters in the air and then descends into her heart with a small flash of light, bathing the room in a holy light.
When it was done, he dismissed the keyblade, and slowly the girl's eyes finally, after a year, open. She blinks a few times and looks around her room, but then slowly sits up in her bed stiffly, shaking her head and rubbing her temples. Slowly, she turned to Sora, who was already shedding tears of joy to see those wondrous blue eyes facing him again. "Morning", he says softly as Kairi's tears fall like his. She giggled in response before she throws off the sheets covering and leaped into his arms, knocking him to the ground.
He couldn't care less about the slight pain in his back, he just held her in his arms as they cried together, holding each other. They placed their forehead heads against each other and stare into their weeping eyes, but the love between them is so pure and genuine, finally, after this separation had finally ended they could be together again. Sora chuckles softly as he helped her stand, cupping her cheeks and whispered: "You brought me home". Kairi runs her hand through his messier hair and holds him against her whispering: "You're home".
"And…you're also in your underwear", Sora muttered.
Kairi blinked, backed away slightly from their hug, and looked at herself. It dawns on her she was only in a sized t-shirt and her underwear, which certainly explains why she felt significantly cooler when she hopped out of bed. She looks back at Sora, then to herself, and finally back to him with her cheeks going red. She then formed a coy smile and asked: "Are you complaining?". Sora goes rosy in the cheeks and then smirked.
"Nope~", he says, then he formed a sheepish smile, "BUUUUT I think you might wanna throw something on because…everyone else is outside and eager to see you again". Kairi's smile widens and she is already bombarding him with hundreds of questions about his journey, and if he did find Lunafreya and Naminé. This here is when she finally noticed something had changed about her lover, his slight increase of height and his hair was even more untamed and spiky. But still soft and fluffy to rustle, that she confirmed without hesitation.
"How long were you gone? You look older", she notes, but then she sees her hair on her shoulders and then checks the length. A gasp from the girl and she looked at the small table littered with gifts from her friends, followed by her taking in of her room. She walks over to the table and spots a hand mirror upon it and looks at herself. "Wha…how did my hair get so long? And why do I look older…", she asked before she almost dropped the mirror and turns to Sora. "H-How long was I out?", she asks.
"According to everyone? Noct and I were gone for a whole year…and you were in a coma", he says. Kairi looks at him then at herself again and slowly dropped her hands before Sora approached her. "A whole year…I was asleep for a year…", she mused, raising her head to face him, "And you were gone for that long too?". He nodded and once he did, she pulls him into a hug, holding him tightly. He holds her in response, caressing her head and hair, whispering comforting words into her ear as she rested her head against his chest.
"But… it's over now", he says, "It's finally over. No more Xehanort, no more keyblade war, and more importantly". He breaks the hug slightly so they could face each other, smiling wonderfully at her. "No more leaving each other". Kairi nods with a wide smile and kisses him, holding him close as she could.
Once she and Sora compose themselves, they find a robe for the girl to don and once she was comfortable and they both had their fill of each other, they call the others to join in the reunion in full swing. The room is full of their family, Riku immediately wrapping them both into his arms, hugs were exchanged and many of them commenting on Kairi's long hair.
As the two were being cared for and loved by their friends, Sora glanced to Noctis, Lunafreya by his side with a wide smile. They both exchanged a smile and thought the same thing.
"We're home".
A/N:
WE…ARE…DONE!
…well sort've…we've two more chapters to do before we can wrap this story up. But because of what comes next, I decided to have Sora and Noctis come back earlier than planned. Next time we'll get the party and resolution for each team, and along with a few other bits~
So I have no clue if I can push out that chapter before Christmas because I'm gonna be doing a short chapter along with a story for a friend so I make no promises.
QUESTIONS!
Q1: Thoughts on this chapter?
Q2: Sora and Noctis' method of returning?
Q3: The reunion between the two and company?
Q4: Kairi and Sora?
Q5: What are you hoping for next time?
Q5: Wanna a surprise next chapter?
Q6: Would you like to know what became of Kairi's baby chocobo?
Q7: Anyone care about Chirithy?
Also for those wondering, there WON'T be any mention of Melody of Memory in this, for whatever remains of this story anyways. Mostly because at this point it has no real role in this, and admittedly, I'm not a massive fan of it.
Anyways, thanks for reading everyone! Stay awesome but more importantly stay safe!
