Kairi huddled down under the heavy blanket, glad to have its warmth during the torrential rain she could hear pouring outside. Much like the wool, she was comforted and warmed by its presence, but there were still errant itchy fibers that stuck into her arm as if only to remind her of their unpleasantness.

It was a new beginning. She should be happy…

And those first few amazing days were the most hopeful she had ever felt. Being able to fully mingle with the people in town, offering them assistance and support in such a personal way. She had never even dreamed it could have been possible for her.

But that unsettling unease scratched at her arms all the more as the days continued on. It made it hard to concentrate fully on all her new responsibilities. There were laws to adjust, infrastructure to reorganize, displaced citizens to relocate. And because the dark seed was no longer affecting it, all the water in the kingdom was now flowing according to gravity. Whole swaths of irrigation channels needed rearranging. That wasn't even addressing the general fear and apprehension among the people now that their long held religious beliefs were proven to be moot. The church was in shambles and there was no illusion of safety to protect them.

All sorts of uncharted ground needed, well, charting and she was chomping at the opportunity to fully bring about all the changes she knew this world needed. She was going to set things right, refusing to let her home fall to chaos. With Sora and Riku at her side she had full confidence in moving forward.

...so what was wrong?

Perhaps being back in the castle, even just in the guest house was making her feel cramped. It had far too many connections to her old life.

The wool around her itched even more. Irritated, she threw the blanket off of herself.

Kairi turned her gaze out at the stormy cloud cover over the massive camphor tree. It was still such a new sight, but it's boughs already felt like a long lost button finally re-sewn back onto a faithful well-worn vest. It was something that should have always been there but somewhere along the way went missing. Though she had no actual memories of it, the moment it had returned, she couldn't question its place. It was exactly where it should be.

Yet the longer she gazed at it, the more she felt like she couldn't say the same about herself.

Where was her place? Surely it should be here.

There was an uneven knocking at the door and she called out, waiting for her guest to enter.

While she had half expected it to be Sora, she hadn't expected it to be Sora attempting to balance a number of bowls of soup on a tray. There were at least four. Someone must be hungry.

"Volunteering at the kitchen, I see." She giggled and got up to help him with the cumbersome-looking dishes.

Once the tray was safely set on the table he breathed out a sigh of relief and cheered. "Didn't spill a drop!"

Secure in his knowledge that his delivery was complete, Sora turned his attention to her, giving her a gentle touch on her forehead to check her temperature. "Feeling any better?"

She wasn't lying when she gave him a grateful nod. While she had been quite melancholy before, his presence seemed to immediately dissipate the dreary oppressive sadness leeching from the walls.

Glad to hear it, he swapped his hand out for a quick kiss just under her bangs. At least this time her wobbly knees weren't from being ill. Unless lovesick was a disease? Either way, it was a good excuse as any to justify snuggling close to him for balance.

He smoothed her hair back down and grinned. "I hope kisses are still magic. I wished pretty hard on that one."

It was such a silly thing to say, but she understood what he really meant by it. His over sized smile didn't do much to hide his concern. Maybe she really had been pushing herself too hard, too soon, causing him extra worry...aaand hello, guilt.

"Thank you. I believed it helped a bunch. I really do feel fine now." She gave him a grateful and reassuring smile, reaching up to twirl her fingers though his hair.

The best blessing these past few days had been all the time she could spend by his side. Through that she had learned quite a number of things about him, including just how much he loved having his hair played with. Also that it was far, far too much fun to tease him.

"It's been awfully lonely in here, you know. Are you just here to deliver soup, or...maybe to keep me company?" She leaned in closer, playfully bouncing her finger off an unruly spike or two.

Mission accomplished.

She saw him bashfully avert his gaze and swallow.

"W-uh, well it's just two of, not...alone..."

While he had generally gotten far more bold and comfortable with showing his affection around her, it still pleased her that even the simplest demure smile of hers could make someone as vivacious as him fall into a complete babbling tizzy, unable to finish his sentence properly.

She giggled again, gently tugging on his ear to stop his imagination from dizzily spinning away with him. "I didn't quite catch that. Care to try again?"

"You should rest more, to be safe." From the doorway, Riku's sudden intruding voice was more of a chide than a suggestion.

She jumped with the slightest yelp at the sound and Sora laughed, trying to do his best to calm down the red in his face by giving his own cheeks a few weak slaps. "S-sorry, I tried to warn you he was here."

Kairi stuck her tongue out at the sudden intruder in playful defiance, knowing he had ruined her carefully crafted atmosphere. "Oh, it's only a fever. And mostly gone now, besides."

She erased her rude face in shock when she realized that her cousin was entering as well, but had been previously obscured by Riku's height.

"Oh! Namine!"

"You shouldn't take your health so lightly."

Riku's expression was still quite stern and he dipped his chin in agreement. "You've been working constantly but your body is still recovering. I'm surprised you didn't get faint and collapse earlier."

Scolded. Worst of all, they were coordinated about it. And while Sora hadn't said much directly himself, judging by the look on his face he agreed with the others but was biting his tongue. With a sigh she plopped back down on the bed, wrapping herself back up in the slightly itchy blanket.

"Overruled, I guess."

"Are you sure you can't just slow down a little? An afternoon off here and there?" Sora rubbed her shoulder sympathetically. It was doing wonders to relieve her tension.

Though she wanted to argue back she knew he was probably right. And while she greatly enjoyed all the physical attention he was doting on her lately with his fretting, it was far too difficult to be happy seeing him so...anxious.

"I know I should hold back, but it just makes me feel awful, sitting around, doing nothing..."

Sora hummed a bit uncomfortably, but before he could fully voice his complaint, she pressed a finger against his mouth to silence him.

"I know, I know. If I don't take care of myself first I can't help anyone else. But still..."

He lifted her finger off his lips and clasped her hand in his. Warm. Firm, yet gentle. She felt herself going weak again. At least this time she was already sitting down.

"That's not all I was gonna say. I think part of your problem might be having to come back to this place every night. I mean..." He glanced over his shoulder at the looming portrait of a very old, very dour man glaring down at them all and shivered. "Sir Grumps over there isn't the best company. I was thinking you need a change of scenery."

She tipped her head towards the window, giving him a coy smile. "You mean the massive tree now growing out there isn't change enough?"

Knowing she was purposefully being facetious, he tapped her softly on the nose, releasing her hand back to her. "I actually have something special in mind. Now, I don't wanna say too much because it's supposed to be a surprise, but I ran it past them and they've been working really hard to get the place all fixed up so we can stay there instead. It didn't get too damaged during the collapse, but they kind of want to make a good impression so they're-"

Well, this was sudden. "Stay? Where? And who is they?"

He grinned, not answering a single one of her questions. "Trust me, they're all really excited. Plus...I did promise I'd take you some day. It should all be ready soon, though! What do you think?"

He waited for her response with the biggest smile, perhaps reveling a bit too much in his excitement at being enigmatic. Well, whatever surprise he had cooked up she was sure it couldn't hurt. Besides, he was spot on about that awful painting.

Riku seemed to wordlessly agree, shifting his chair so he didn't have to look at it. "It's not too far from the castle. Moving there shouldn't interfere with any of your work."

"I also think it would do you good." Even Namine weighed in with support, pulling her own chair up to the table.

Coordinated again. They all must have been discussing this for a while. Why did it suddenly feel like everyone was plotting things behind her back? She twisted her face to the side, trying to decide if she should chide them about it.

But one look at that adorably enthusiastic face of his and she knew Sora had already won her over anyway. How could she be angry when he was looking at her like that?

Kairi tucked her legs into her chest under the massive blanket and smiled. "Okay, you all win. We'll go when you say it's ready."

Suddenly remembering something she sat upright, hastily lifting up one finger in interjection. "S-so long as you aren't moving me into your mom's house! I do love her, she's very sweet and has a huge heart, but she also has a tendency to, um..."

"Never stop hugging? Trust me, I've had more than my fair share of that." Riku rolled his eyes, his face reflecting years of endured suffering.

Luckily, Sora didn't seem bothered by the criticism and laughed. "I'm not gonna argue about that point. But don't worry, this place is a hundred percent Riku approved!"

"More like seventy-five."

"Aw come on, way to help me out here..." Sora scowled at him for a moment before merrily plucking up one of the nearby soup spoons and waggling it in his friend's face. "I'll just have to make sure you get the one soup with all the carrots in it."

Riku grimaced and knocked the mocking spoon away. "Don't even joke about that."

Watching the two of them play around, Kairi felt a strong wave of contentment. Having their company was enjoyable on its own. Even when they all had settled down to eat and were sitting mostly in silence to the sound of the rain pattering outside, she felt wholesome and warm. At least in the company of her friends, she could ignore the nagging voice for just a moment that was telling her something still wasn't right.

As she ate, however, the one thing she couldn't ignore was Namine's urgent gaze. Something must have happened during the meeting with Ienzo she had to leave early from.

Kairi gave her cousin a concerned tap on the shoulder. "Is everything alright? I didn't miss anything too important, did I?"

Namine furrowed her brow and set the remains of her dinner on the nearby table rather than push it around any longer with a listless spoon. "I'm not sure if now is the best time. You're still..."

"If it's that important I'll have to make time."

Just like she always did when anxious, Namine reached into her side satchel and withdrew her sketchbook. She didn't draw anything; just raked her fingers along the paper.

"Ienzo...he told me the nobles are growing restless. They want answers about the direction the kingdom will move in. More importantly they are frustrated you haven't officially taken the throne yet, nor had a coronation ceremony. They were content waiting a while but now..."

Kairi sat up in alarm, her blanket tumbling off her shoulders. "But in my initial proclamation I made it very clear I wanted to prioritize-"

"Yes, I know. But it's difficult for those used to the old systems to change so fast. They see no one on the throne as a sign of weakness in very trying times." Tapping her fingers on the blank pages, Namine sighed. "There's just far too strong an undercurrent of anxiety."

"What makes a kingdom strong is its people, not having someone stand up and say 'I'm the ruler' in some fancy over the top ceremony." Kairi slapped the blanket next to her in frustration. Why was this concept so hard for those stuffy headed nobles to understand?

Riku frowned. "Not to sound argumentative, but there is some merit to those types of events, even if just for improving morale. They can be a welcome break for people to celebrate."

While he did have a point, the notion that the kingdom was weak just because she didn't do some parading around with a crown was still upsetting. Sensing her irritation, Sora gave her some gentle rubs up along her back.

"Don't worry about what those fuddies think. What do you want to do?"

His touch was all too comforting, and she leaned sideways so she could rest her head against his shoulder. "I'm not opposed to officially being Queen..."

She closed her eyes, reflecting over her new life as it had been the last few days. "I love this kingdom. I love its people. I want to help them any way I can. Now that I can be among them it finally feels like I can make a difference."

"You already are." Riku did have a tendency to speak brusquely at times, even with compliments. Somehow, though, that made them feel particularly genuine.

Kairi brightened. "It feels so right when I can be there: delivering food rations, collecting medicinal grass, helping prepare community meals...working to fix things from the ground up with all of you together with me. It feels like that's what I'm suited for."

Sora eagerly bobbed his head in agreement, squeezing her tight in a side hug. "There's no hiding how happy you look out there. Like Riku said, you're doing great stuff."

"If I was the Queen, I would still be able to do all of those things, so...there's no reason for me to object..."

Then why did she feel that gnaw of hesitation? Her eyes once more were magnetically drawn out the window to that tree. "All I want to do is help everyone...everyone out there..."

Namine sighed, folding her hands on her lap in her endlessly graceful way. "Do you think I could have a moment alone to talk with her about things? Girls only?"

"S-sure..." Sora's hesitation made sense, and he was clearly having trouble taking his concerned eyes off of her. "Kairi, um...I know this is something you need to figure out for yourself, but...let me know if I can help. Anytime, anything at all!"

She couldn't help but smile at his attempts to be cheerful. It was such an endearing quality.

Re-energized and with great gusto, Sora jumped up and began collecting the empty soup bowls. He then gave Riku a joking prod with his elbow. "Guess we're on dish duty today!"

"Joy."

Before the two of them could leave, Kairi yanked Sora back over to her by the front of his shirt. He yelped, teetering and trying not to drop his tower of bowls but she immediately silenced him with a very soft, brief kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for the soup...and for your loving support, as always. I'll come see you later, okay?"

He shakily exhaled, blushing intensely while doing his best to readjust the dishes in his arms. Even when he finally found his voice, it still came out as a stammer. "Y-yeah, no problem!"

Riku snorted and grabbed two bowls from off the top of the stack. "Come on, before you break something."

Even though he was still a bit dazed, Sora gave her the brightest smile and waved as he was dragged out the door. "L-later, then!"

She nodded back, relishing in knowing that in this moment at least, that enchanted smile of his was meant for her alone.

And it was never going to get old.

Once the two boys had finally marched out of the room, Namine cleared her throat and set her sketch papers on the table. That could only signal the following conversation was going to be terribly, terribly important.

"There's something holding you back. I can see it on your face." Namine said with the utmost bluntness.

"I...can't really deny that. If only I knew what it was..." The world tree just outside the window was so beautiful, its branches stretching up into the endless sky. Kairi continued to stare at it.

"If I may...Kairi, what is it that you are constantly looking for out there?"

Maybe the fact that she was frequently drawn to looking out the window was more obvious than she thought.

Kairi pensively closed her eyes. "When I saw the world from the top of that tree, the land was stretching out far beyond the furthest mountain. I know that land was lost to the darkness for countless generations, but...I couldn't help feeling that there must be something out there. Someone out there. I know it. Our gardens can't be all there is."

Namine turned her elegant and steady gaze out the window as well.

"That's true. It would be foolish to think that everything was destroyed. Humanity has a wonderful way of hanging on even in the darkest of times. You're proof of that."

Kairi shook her head at the unnecessary compliment. "You too! But more to the point, part of me feels responsible for their suffering. Our kingdom has flourished because of the light that was meant to be theirs."

Her cousin rolled her fingers across her sketchbook very slowly, one heavy tap at a time. "While I understand why you'd feel it needs to be personally apologized for, you are in no way actually responsible. Don't blame yourself."

There was no way that Kairi could argue the notion that Namine didn't understand her feelings about the subject. Of course she did. There was likely no one who had been more personally acquainted with her mind.

"I also was thinking...if there are people out there I want to help them just as much as I want to help those living here now. Even if they hate me for who I am, I'd want to let them know they aren't alone anymore. More than ever this fragmented world needs to reconnect itself one way or another."

Namine nodded along to her words. "That all sounds reasonable so far. What if we sent out a representative? Some sort of good-will ambassador of sorts?"

It was a valid suggestion, but Kairi frowned at the thought. "That almost feels like...imagine if a thief, feeling guilty about his past crimes, just writes an anonymous apology letter to the shop owner without actually returning what was stolen, or even having the courage to meet face-to-face. Any apology like that feels hollow and self-serving. If anyone else but me, the one who actually bears the burden of our ancestors, were to meet those living out there...I'm afraid the apology may be taken as an insult or too suspect to trust. The last thing I want to do is create a world of hate and resentment."

Her cousin sighed heavily, straightening out the hem of her skirt flat on her lap. "What are you still confused about, then? It's very clear you want to personally and properly make those amends before you take the crown. So I think you should. That seems to be both problem and solution right there."

Kairi froze, shocked at the notion. "Namine, it's...that may seem alright in theory, but I can't just leave to go wander about an uncharted world, knowing the kingdom is in this state. Everyone is barely holding on here as it is!"

"For now. But maybe in a few months once things have settled down...surely a steward, or viceroy of sorts could monitor things for you until you return?"

Kairi ignored her point entirely, clutching for yet another argument, any argument to deny the nagging realization that what Namine suggested actually made a lot of sense.

"B-but...you've heard the rumors about the monsters as well, right? The shadow creatures the guards say now prowl just outside the kingdom's border? They have been able to fend them away from our gates somehow but who knows what manner of beasts are out there we haven't yet seen. While I can still use my light power, it's unrefined and clunky. I'd be defenseless against them. I can't possibly-"

"I never said you should go alone. Kairi, you know just as well as I do that he would come with you in a heartbeat. Both of them, I'm sure."

Kairi's breath froze in her throat. "But if they do, they will have to leave behind...everything. Everyone else..."

Namine gently placed her hand on Kairi's knee. "I know you. If you don't go out there you'll forever be turning your eyes out to that horizon, wondering if those people will ever find the hope they have been missing. You'll never be truly happy."

A lone tear snaked its way down across her cheek, and she hastily rubbed it away by squishing her face full on into her blanket. Namine was right. Absolutely, heart-breakingly right.

"Sora and Riku have worked so hard to get me here. I want them to be able to enjoy the peace they fought for. Just because I feel responsible for the mess out there doesn't mean they deserve to be dragged into yet another dangerous situation. I could get all of us killed, and..."

"You'll just have to talk to them about it."

The thought of a conversation like that filled her with absolute rocks-in-her-stomach dread.

Worst of all, what if they said they wanted to stay here?

Morosely flopping back onto her bed, she blindly picked at some blanket fibers with her fingers. "There's no way I can leave. You said I could get a steward but who would possibly want to-"

"Honestly, Kairi. I'm here, aren't I? Wouldn't you trust me enough not to destroy things? I know I accidentally spilled that cup of water on your drawing once when we were children but between the two of us generally you are the clumsy one."

A very valid point. After herself, Namine was technically already next in line for the crown. As children they had often pretended that their roles were reversed, just in jest. Namine would pose as the crown princess, while Kairi dutifully sketched her picture with pastels. It had always made Kairi a little jealous at how beautifully regal Namine could look, and how well she could imitate her mother's elegant sitting posture. But games were very different from reality.

"I can't ask you to-"

"I'm volunteering. If that's the direction you want to take, I want to support you. Think things over and do what you think is not only good for the kingdom but what will make you happy."

"What about your happiness? I'd be tying you down here, forcing all my duties on you."

"Unlike you, I actually enjoy meetings. I've already gotten lots of experience just in these last few days helping you get things organized. Obviously you wouldn't be leaving until everything is more stable so that's even more time for me to get a proper handle on everything."

It was true that Namine had been invaluable help. She had also really taken to the political side of everything faster than Kairi had herself.

"I...I'm still not sure. It seems like it could work, but..."

"Also...please keep this a secret between us for now, but I spoke with Ellone. She...heavily recommended for me to study magic under her and I really want to do it."

Kairi's eyes widened. "Magic? As in...memory manipulation? That sort of thing?"

"Maybe..." Namine shifted in her chair anxiously. "She...said I would have a high propensity for it, and wanted me to be her pupil."

While there was a lot about magic that still struck Kairi with fear, especially when she considered how terrifying a sorceress Maleficent had been, she certainly understood the appeal of learning it. At least Ellone was far less daunting a figure, and there was no doubt a recommendation from her carried heavy weight.

"It sounds challenging, but I believe in you." She smiled. "You did always like the stories with witches in them the most, didn't you? Maybe it really is meant to be."

Namine blushed a bit, combing her fingers nervously through the waves of her golden hair. "It will take a lot of daily effort. So as you can see...remaining here is quite beneficial for me."

It was a lot to take in. Kairi's head was spinning, feeling like her fever was coming back full force. What was she going to do…? If Namine would really be happy...then, maybe...

"You should follow destiny when it calls you, my dear." Ellone's voice startled the both of them. How long had she been standing in the corner of the room?

"M-miss Ellone..."

"Oh pick up that dropped chin of yours, it doesn't suit your face at all."

Kairi complied as fast as she could.

The sorceress, looking in high spirits, swayed her way over to the table and plucked an apple off the center tray of fruit, running her fingers in circles across its waxy skin. "I heard you were planning your escape."

"N-no, I want to stay, but-"

The apple crunched loudly as Ellone bit into it without a care.

She chewed, slowly. Maybe casual arrogance was a sorceress thing. Or it just ran in Seifer's family. At least Kairi was glad that she had recovered without too many obvious ill effects of her long captivity.

"The light powers still at your command will come in handy against the shadows. They are notoriously hard to kill, but I think your touch might do the trick."

A stab of panic hit her right in the stomach. "Notoriously hard to...then what if they try to enter the kingdom!? The barrier is gone and if I'm not here to-"

"I've already purified the weapons in the armory so the guards can properly do their job. Otherwise what good are they? You can thank me later. Once Namine learns a bit more magic she can complete the spell herself. Very easy. I'll teach it to you as well. Then no matter where you go you'll be able to fight and bless the weapons of any allies you come across. Without that blessing it would be the same as wielding air."

Even now there were still repercussions of her ancestors stealing the light that Kairi hadn't even considered. The guilt made her heart burn. "If it's impossible to fight them without light, that means so many people were left defenseless this whole time...it's unforgivable."

Ellone waved her hand lackadaisically through the air. "Now, now, that adorable lover boy of yours is quite a charmer. If you have him with you I'm sure you could befriend even the most sour of strangers and show them how earnest you are in trying to fix things."

"L-lover bo...but I haven't even asked him if he-"

The sorceress completely ignored her and took another juicy bite of apple. It was unsurprising at this point.

"Speaking of, I'll let you in a little trade secret: that same purification spell can be used on so many things. You can cast it on objects to bless them, on others for slight spirit rejuvenation and healing, or even cast it on yourself for various...hmm, internal regulation and protection, if you know what I mean."

One wink from the sorceress and, quick on the uptake, Namine gasped, abruptly tipping her eyes down firmly into her lap. Kairi just froze. Surely she wasn't saying...

Ellone continued without a second thought.

"Lets just say as a woman on the road such a skill can be invaluable. It's one less thing for you to concern yourself over, especially as a beautiful young woman just blossoming into adulthood, accompanied by two virile-"

"S-stop. Please." Kairi snatched up the nearby pillow and buried her face in it, horrified.

"It's important to know these things, my dear. The world out there is a dark place that you are unfamiliar with. And there are a great many evils that would absolutely love to take advantage of your naivety." There was a dark threatening tone to her voice that made Kairi shiver, and she lifted her face from its cushioned cover.

"I know I've been sheltered, but...I refuse to believe evil is the only thing out there."

Ellone smiled mysteriously. "This is exactly why you are suited for the job. However, you'll need to properly defend yourself, both inside and out. I recommend you attend at least a few magic lessons and you should ask your sweetheart for some sword practice. I bet he'd also love to volunteer to test out if your purification magic is fully effective."

She winked at her and Kairi blushed, trying not to think too hard about the possible implications.

"Th-that's, I-"

"There are many terrors of the night. Simply waiting here for it to breach these walls will bring nothing but ruin. You must step out there to meet it, extending a hand out towards a better future for everyone."

Kairi couldn't deny the humming voice calling her beyond the horizon or the desire to help anyone trapped out there. And while Ellone wasn't offering her much opportunity to speak during this entire one sided conversation, Kairi couldn't really deny any of what she was saying.

The question remained: would Sora and Riku feel the same way?

Namine laid a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Kairi...take some time to think about it."

"But the nobles want to know soon who is taking over the kingdom, and when the coronation will be…"

This was all so much, so fast, but she knew she didn't have the luxury of time. Unless...she forced them to give her some.

She clenched the blanket tight in her fist, ignoring the scratching fibers digging into her palm and nodded firmly to herself. "Three days. I'll take three days to decide. After that I'll make a public announcement about everything and we can schedule the coronation as necessary. That should be enough of a compromise."

Kairi hoped that in that time she would be able to steel her heart enough to decide what she wanted and find the courage to request such heavy burdens on those she loved.

Namine cleared her throat. "Since Sora's not here to do it, allow me."

With an adorable hesitancy, she bopped her on the head with the flat of her palm. "You aren't solely responsible for this kingdom. Don't be afraid to ask us for help. Especially those two. They literally walked with you towards death itself. I understand you are terrified of losing them, but they are there for you. Always."

Kairi had almost forgotten how wonderful it was to have her cousin back again as a voice of reason. Closing her eyes, Kairi recalled that dark night, and the exact feeling of their hands in hers, taking comfort in the sense of calm it brought her.

"Thank you."

Ienzo hadn't been happy with her request to delay her decision, but she stubbornly held her ground and he wasn't very equipped to argue. She was also somewhat glad that, other than letting her know they were happy to lend advice or an ear should she need it, neither Sora nor Riku had asked her to reveal her thoughts on the looming threat of her coronation, the announcement, or anything. It remained unspoken among the three of them that she was free to make up her own mind.

...And she had exactly three days to do it.

While deciding for herself hadn't been too difficult, actually opening up to the two of them and asking them what they wanted for their future was proving far more troublesome than she had imagined. Hours and hours she stayed up late at night, mulling it over, but was unable to find the phrasing she was satisfied with. Putting off the conversation only made the gnawing fear of it grow, which in turn made it that much harder to mention. As each day ticked by, her time was running short and the pressure worse.

She suspected both Sora and Riku had guessed something was bothering her, but knew better than to try and force it out. Throughout the day during reconstruction efforts they were constantly trying to get her to smile, offering help, and during any break time were introducing her to all manners of games, foods and customs from the little neighborhoods around the castle she had never been allowed to experience before.

For two days her life was wonderful, but each moment spent in bliss cut a little into her heart with the fear that it would end. And all too soon the night of the third day arrived, with her no closer to confessing to them the source of her recent troubles.

Kairi assumed she must have looked particularly agitated the whole day because Sora ended up dragging her away from her meetings early, inviting both himself and Riku into her room still guarded by Sir Grump the painting, now hidden under a thick blanket, to play card games. And not just any card games—they were all ones with nefarious names quite popular among the knights as a way to pass dull nights. More importantly, all involved some form of gambling.

She eagerly went along with it, enjoying the distraction.

"So...because this card is the same suit as the dragon, it's the strongest suit now, right? Does...that mean it beats your card?" Kairi hesitantly tried to make sense of the match up of cards, dice and betting tokens lying on the table.

Sora scratched at the back of his head with a shaky laugh. "Y-yeah, basically."

Immediately, Kairi realized the problem. "Oh! But you don't have any tokens left..."

"Looks that way, doesn't it..." He hung his head briefly with a defeated sigh. "You got me pretty good."

Having barely known what she was doing this whole time she felt a little guilty knocking him out of the game first. "W-wait, I can take back the-"

He quickly reached out to stay her hand, laughing. "No way! Rule number one: there's no mercy in Dancing Dragons. Take your victory, enjoy it..." Sora then glanced eagerly over the table to where Riku was sitting stoically. "...and go kick his butt in my honor."

Kairi nervously glanced over at her one remaining opponent. While Riku was certainly an intimidating one, maybe the pure luck and unnatural talent that had gotten her this far could carry her the whole way.

Sitting up straight, she leaned forward onto her elbows and grinned playfully. "You'd better watch yourself. I'm going to go all out now."

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't." Without a word of hesitation, Riku placed the first card, signaling the next challenge.

With Sora cheering her on she prepared her own hand. It was hard not to feel extra motivated with him snuggling up right behind her to get a view of her cards. Riku snapped and pointed a sharp finger in his direction.

"Don't think you can whisper strategy in her ear without me noticing."

Sora pulled a silly face, taunting his friend. "No way, Kairi can take you down all by herself!"

It was an adorable show of confidence. She focused intensely, not wanting to disappoint him after such a declaration. His eyes carefully scrutinizing her cards did make her feel a little nervous, however.

Without any further fanfare, the battle of the dragons continued, far more fierce than the round before.

She hesitated on her next move, wondering if she was missing an obvious trap. "You aren't taking it easy on me are you?"

The corner of Riku's lip twitched slightly. "Wish I was, at this point."

"Oh. Well in that case..." She gave him a glib apology just as she laid her next card down. Across the table, Riku didn't even bother returning fire; he just sighed and wordlessly flicked the final few tokens over to her that represented the last of his available betting pool.

"That's it, then. Flawlessly done."

This time she gave him a far more sincere nod of her head. "I know how competitive you both are. Maybe I shouldn't play this anymore. I'm sure it's no fun if I end up constantly...um, what did you say it was called earlier? Sweeping the board? I...think I used that term right?"

Riku chuckled under his breath. "...unfortunately."

Still celebrating her victory with cheers, Sora counted out the tokens she had managed to accumulate with widened eyes. "No fun, are you kidding? We could totally clean house with you on our team at the next barracks tournament! That is...if you wanna come?"

He looked so excited at the notion that she knew she couldn't possibly turn down his invitation even if she hadn't secretly been hoping to be brought along to such things.

"I'll look forward to it. Though...I can't guarantee my luck today will repeat itself."

Sora winked playfully. "No problem, we just gotta come up with a team name that will strike fear into anyone who opposes us!"

Riku groaned and leaned back into his chair. "If I'm going to be part of this team then any name has to go through me first."

Undaunted by the restriction, Sora immediately began to mull a few possibilities over in his head. "What about...the Warriors of Light!"

"No."

"Uh...Knights of the Round?"

"I don't think so."

Sora crossed his arms. "Aw, I liked that one..."

Rolling his eyes, Riku leaned into the small card table heavily as he stood up to stretch. "Right, well it's something for you to ponder for next time. I think at this point we are overstaying our welcome. Kairi has a big announcement to make tomorrow in front of the whole kingdom so she should get her rest."

Oh. Oh no, they were leaving.

Just be honest.

So much easier said than done. The two of them likely assumed that tomorrow she was going to stand up and announce her intention to rule the kingdom, maybe even set a date for her coronation. And given their general attitudes so far, both seemed fully accepting of that notion. But if that wasn't to happen…would they still accept her decision? After all, they both had so many wonderful, loving friends here…

Her distracting thoughts gave her too long a pause, allowing Riku to already manage dragging Sora halfway to the door.

Smiling dozily, Sora gave her a slight wave. "Sorry, guess it is getting kinda late. But if you need anything you know where to fin-"

"W-wait." Jumping up, she snatched his hand up in her own, a bit panicked. Her plea came out so forceful, at least, that Riku stopped pulling. The two of them froze.

"Please stay. Tonight is the last...I can't wait on this anymore. It's been unbearable. Night after night I'm lying here and it's all I can think about."

Her thoughts were still so jumbled, and the terror of the impending conversation sent her heart beating in such a flurry it was hard to get her words straight.

Concerned, Sora's brow furrowed slightly. "Hey...I've told you before you can tell me anything. Even if you don't want my advice I can just be an ear to listen. What's wrong?"

The pure raw terror that the future she needed for herself and the ones they might desire were diverging apart was the worst feeling in the world. Being together with them every day filled her with so much joy that the thought of those days ending was horrifying.

"There's something I have to confess. Before tomorrow. You see, the world is so big and there are so many things I don't know but I want to know. I might technically be a woman, nearly a Queen, but I don't feel like it yet. As I am I'm too ignorant, too sheltered..."

Her hands were trembling so much that she had to clasp them together. Sora laid his own hand on top of hers, trying to help keep them steady.

"For what its worth, you have really good instincts and your heart is in the right place. No matter how much experience you have, I think the fact that you want to help as much as possible is maybe even more important. No one expects you to be perfect right away."

His words meant a lot, but he still didn't understand the whole situation yet. She shook her head, trying to figure out how to even begin to explain the rest of it.

"Thank you for always believing in me...but I've already decided on what I need to do to feel like I'm ready. To fully feel like I'm not just a child who can't stand on her own anymore. Though saying it out loud is..."

He tipped his head to the side curiously. "It's okay. What is it?"

I'm not taking the throne. Not yet. I'm leaving. I'm going to fully make up for all the wrong-doings of the past so everyone can start a new beginning, together.

"Well, it's...it's not...I want to exp-no...I want to see th-no..." The right words just weren't coming out. She shivered, pressing herself closer to him in desperation and fear.

I don't want to go alone.

"No...when it comes down to it, what I really want is you. I want you, Sora."

She felt him stagger a bit. "H-huh?"

"Having to go off alone is...I can't bear the thought of it. I...even though it feels so wrong to say, the truth is I want to take you. So, so badly. I almost want to force you to come with me but that's wrong. Your desires are important too, and..."

"W-wait a mi-"

She cut him off, her emotions surging as a whole wave of fear and apprehension washed over her. "M-maybe it's too selfish, but I need someone to do this with me and I really want you. I want you to be the one holding my hand through it all. P-please...if it's you then at least I know I won't be afraid."

There were too many things to say, and she was too afraid to say it. She was hoping that Sora could somehow wordlessly understand, but he was frozen, blinking back at her with a somewhat dazed expression on his face.

"I'm not making any sense, am I? At least...at least stay? Please?"

He swallowed. Hard. Then, with the slightest hint of movement he barely managed to bob his head in agreement. It wasn't really like him to be so hesitant, or quiet.

Riku was the first one to break the sudden uncomfortable silence by clearing his throat. "I see. Not exactly...subtle, but I'll leave you two to-"

"Riku, you need to be here too. I was actually hoping all three of us could do it together. I'm scared but if you are both guiding me th-"

"K-Kairi!?" Sora gaped at her, his face steadily growing more and more flushed by the second.

It was also strange to see Riku with such a speechless expression as well. "No disrespect, but I'd rather...not. Besides, it's late..."

A bit hurt by his cavalier and quick dismissal before she could properly explain, Kairi huffed in frustration. "Please! It's important. If you could just stay and listen? It really shouldn't take too long, if you're worried about time."

It shouldn't if I can actually get the words out, I suppose…

She glanced between the two of them. "Maybe then you can make up your mind if you want to join in or not."

Sora made a strange kind of horrified squeak and Riku continued to look absurdly mystified.

What was their problem!?

She stamped her foot, her face burning with embarrassment and anger, feeling like they were making fun of her somehow. "You two said you were going to be there for me if I needed help and this is incredibly important and I...I only wanted..."

Her eyes betrayed her again as she felt humiliated tears brimming at the corners, threatening to fall. In absolute panic Sora kept frantically looking back and forth between her and Riku, seemingly unable to say anything besides continual distressed stammering.

"Wow..." Riku rubbed at the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Something tells me our messages must be getting crossed here."

She was starting to feel cross herself. Kairi was about to snap back when the more logical part of her brain started kicking at her to pause for a minute. "...W-what do you mean?"

"Well...in the interest of preventing Sora from having a heart attack…" Riku patted a still helplessly dazed, terrified Sora on the shoulder. "Let's just say it sounded like you were, and I apologize for being a bit crass here: propositioning me to listen to and possibly join in with the two of you having an...intimate moment of sorts. With you being particularly dominating, I might add."

"Wh-" Kairi was fairly sure she might have lost consciousness for a moment and she stumbled a few steps backwards. "Don't be ridiculous! O-of course I didn't mean that! Why would you even think that I..."

She glanced at Sora who was still as red as ever, staring very intently at the floor. If it wasn't just Riku who misunderstood her, but him as well, then...

May that very floor swallow her whole. Right now.

Trying his best to explain it, Riku also was struggling to maintain eye contact. "It was a little...difficult not to interpret things that way. Think about everything you just said, exactly how you phrased it."

She tried, but it was nearly impossible since the words had all just sort of tumbled out mindlessly at the time. "I...can't remember now."

Riku groaned. "I can't believe I have to say this. You said, and I quote: I want to take you so badly, your desires are important, hold my hand through it, all of us could do it together...among other suggestive things." He rubbed at his face, clearly uncomfortable. "Can I stop now?"

Oh. Oh, Gods…

She clapped her hands over her face, only peeking out the slightest bit between her fingers.

Riku was valiantly still trying his best to explain, also using his hand as a makeshift shield. "I hope you don't think we are being overly depraved, it's simply with so much potential innuendo like that one after the other without much other clarification..."

That certainly seemed the reason why Sora was standing there like an ice statue. He was probably too shocked to move.

"N-no, I can see exactly why you were both...but I didn't mean it like that! Not at all! I'm so sorry, I wanted to have a conversation about the future, not that. I just didn't know where to begin and it's got me all so nervous and now that I'm out of time I just panicked, and..."

She drooped, absolutely defeated, wanting nothing more than to just hurl herself into the nearest pile of blankets and cry herself to sleep.

Stumbling ever so slightly out of his stupor, Sora exhaled deeply. "W-well, uh...y-you successfully got our attention, at least?"

Trying to brush the awkwardness aside with a laugh, he reached over and gave her cheek a tiny pinch to tease her. "You should've just said you needed to talk about this stuff earlier. I'm not that scary, am I? I know Riku can be sometimes..."

Kairi heard Riku click his tongue testily next to her.

"Of course you're not. I'm scared about what your answer will be. I've been terrified to bring it up the last few days because I don't want to lose...well, this." She gestured to the three of them.

Dropping all his previous joviality, Sora gave her shoulders a strong, reassuring squeeze. "So that's what was bothering you. Kairi, we aren't going anywhere."

"But...that's just what I was trying to say. What if I do? What if I leave here? Would you actually be okay leaving home to stay by my side?"

Sora tipped his head to the side for a moment before casually shrugging with one of his typical carefree smiles. "I'm kinda confused, but I do know one thing for sure: you're my home now, Kairi. No matter where you go, I want to be with you."

"...even if it's going to be a long journey?"

He was silent for a moment, then nodded firmly before sitting promptly down. "Sounds like it might be a long story then, too. Let's hear it. From the beginning this time."

Riku sighed, also retaking his own seat. "As if I could ever sleep easy here knowing you two are off on some mission alone. I assume this is going to affect your coronation and the announcement tomorrow?"

Kairi nodded. "Very much so."

"Blue."

Namine's eyes scanned the piles of colored pastels scattered across the tabletop, searching for not only the requested color but using her own artistic eye to gauge the exact best hue. Ah, there it was. A beautifully calm blue the same shade as a robin's egg. Plucking it away from its brethren, Namine then delivered the chosen color into the hand of the sassy young madam waiting, twirling one of her blond curls around an errant finger.

"Here you are, Miss Relm. Blue, as requested."

Pursing her lips tight together, Relm stared down her nose at the offering. "Yes, well...I suppose this will do. Excellent work."

Namine dipped her chin down in a seated curtsy, paying her respects to the young child merrily scribbling away. She watched the blue pastel scraping along for a moment before returning her attention to her own ongoing drawing. There was something still not quite right about the expressions…

It was the eyes.

Namine lifted her gaze across the room to examine the group of friends still merrily chatting away. While the tears of joy at the long awaited reunion had long since been replaced with laughter, Namine could still see that same beautiful emotion of pure happiness on each and every one of them: even the one named Selphie, who still had her face firmly buried in Kairi's shoulder blades. It was clear from her tight, unending hug that she was hoping to never have to let go of her friend again. And even though the boy named Hayner was playing rough with Sora, prodding him in the arm a few times with a loose fist, it was all teasing, jovial fun.

What a wonderful home for Kairi to move into for a while, reunited with the friends she had lost. Sora really did have a good sense for how to keep her happy. And while Namine herself had been invited her over to come chat with the group multiple times, somehow it felt much more important to catch this moment in time, stenciled down on paper. To have the honor of witnessing such an inspiring scene was enough for her right now. This was Kairi's reunion and she wasn't going to take that away from her. Besides, someone had to keep the young miss Relm, the only orphan currently staying at Penelo and Vaan's care house, out of trouble and entertained. Pence had been accurate when he warned her she was a handful.

Feeling all the more motivated to get the expressions right, Namine adjusted a few lines here and there, comparing and correcting until she heard the light voice next to her pipe up once more.

"Yellow."

Wanting to help out her fellow artist, Namine began scanning the pastels again for a suitable color for a moment before she noticed that Relm had decided to lean over the table, her sharp eyes greedily scanning the pad of drawing paper with Namine's unfinished sketch laid bare on top.

"Hey...that's actually pretty good, you know."

The girl had a sharp tongue, that was for sure. Namine smiled a bit uncomfortably, not sure how to respond to someone judging an unfinished piece.

"Thank you, but there's still something missing."

"Well it's obvious what that is, silly. It's missing all the color. You need more bright colors. Happy colors. Here, I'll let you borrow the yellow."

Relm snatched the chosen pastel off the table and shoved it in her direction. Namine teased it around between her fingers for a moment, considering.

"I suppose you're right. The world really has gotten much more colorful lately, hasn't it."

Relm rolled her eyes and returned back to her own art. "Told ya so."

In many ways an orphanage would normally be considered a rather somber place, a quiet refuge where one would hope not to linger too long. But Penelo had gone out of her way to make it more like a clubhouse for anyone who at any time in their life needed a place to call home. And apparently they had spent some time decorating it up specifically so Kairi, Sora and Riku could all have rooms to stay there. All sorts of people, each with their own flare and personality had all drifted into their family at one time or another.

So, Relm was right. Her drawing really needed to be a whole tapestry of color.

Namine leaned back into the overstuffed sofa and just observed for a while, enjoying the jovial atmosphere.

"Selphie, you really ought to let Kairi go now. That can't be comfortable, can it?" Olette giggled into her hand, prodding at Selphie's shoulder.

"Nuh-uh, nope. She still owes me like ten million missed hugs so I'm not letting go until they're all accounted for."

Pence gave a low whistle. "Ten million? That's gonna take a while. Maybe even all night."

"Hugging all night, huh?" Something nefarious crossed Hayner's mind and he grinned like an imp. "Sora, you jealous?"

"Wha-? N-no..."

"You suuure?" Eyes narrowed suspiciously, Hayner delightfully began searching for any weak point to exploit further.

Sora leaned away from the intense scrutiny, his face lightly tinged with embarrassment.

Jumping right to his rescue, Penelo gave Hayner a solid chop on the top of his head with the side of her hand. "Don't you try to steer things in an unsavory direction. There are innocent ears present, let me remind you."

Selphie huffed in agreement and twisted her face to the side from out of Kairi's back, jutting her tongue out in Hayner's direction. "Yeah, rude. It's not like Sora has his head in the gutter constantly. Unlike you."

"Oh? But isn't that where we all met? We are sort of an unofficial gutter gang."

Olette wrinkled her nose. "Ew! Do not start calling us that."

Shrugging Vaan tipped his head to the side. "He has a point, though. Besides, can you blame him? We've been waiting years for this."

Kairi hummed in feigned curiosity, her eyes displaying the same ferocity as a poised snake. "Oh? For what, exactly?"

"Sora finally getting s-" Vaan suddenly caught sight of her expression and froze. "Suh..."

Riku cleared his throat, having spent most of this time so far leaning relatively unobtrusively against the wall. "Probably best not to continue that thought."

"I'm sure what Vaan was trying to say," Penelo glared daggers at the boy next to her. "...was that we are all so excited the two of you are finally a pair now. And that we support and love you both. That's it."

Olette giggled, bobbing her head around eagerly. "It's so adorably romantic. The fact that Kairi specifically confirmed it in her speech in front of everyone, too." She cleared her throat and posed, hand on her heart in dramatic fashion. "'Sora not only saved my life, but I've entrusted him with my heart forever forward.'"

Both her and Selphie broke down into a fit of excited cooing.

"I only wanted to be honest before possible rumors-" Kairi tried to explain, but the two of them weren't really listening.

"I'm sure everyone already knew because you two are so lovey-dovey together. Don't think we weren't spying on you the other day when you were both out at market street." Selphie snickered and prodded Sora teasingly in the side. "You might've thought you were being sneaky ducking behind those fruit crates to give her a little kiss but I saw the whoooole thing. Too. Cute!"

Kairi tipped her eyes guiltily off to the side, not denying any of it.

While not quite as fawning as the other girls, Penelo also had a light teasing smile slowly making its appearance. "You know, Sora's always been crazy about you, even if he was in denial about it for a while. Just one mention of your name and he'd get so flustered. Just like that face he's making right now."

Called out, Sora tried his hardest to hide his ever reddening cheeks, staring at everywhere but Kairi's direction. "Guys...can we maybe change the subj-"

Selphie forged ahead, glee in her eyes. "And don't even get me started on how helpless he was around other girls, either!"

"Oh?" While hearing this Kairi seemed to immediately perk up, Sora wilted just as much. Poor thing was looking for an escape at this point.

Selphie pressed onward, undaunted by the pleading face of the boy across from her. "First off: sweet as pie, cute to boot and a good fighter? A combination like that does not go unnoticed, let me tell you. He had a fair amount of attention over the years."

Riku snorted. "Try not to compliment him too much or it'll go straight to his head."

Vaan checked over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. "What's that, Riku? Feeling threatened by the potential competition? After all, you were always the most popular one, right? That bad boy aesthetic really did always pull in the attention...exactly how many sweeties have you bagged so far?"

He was perhaps trying to get a rise out of him, but Riku's flat stare shut him down immediately. "Could ask you the same question, but I doubt you'll want to say with Penelo right there."

Penelo's face snapped over to him immediately. "What does he mean by that?"

Ignoring the commotion, mostly made up of Vaan's stuttering excuses, Olette gave Sora a fond little pat on the head. "Either way, despite all the attention he gathered, this dense little ragamuffin of ours was always the most clueless thing in the world. There was this one girl, Eiko, from the Wyvern stables that was always practically throwing herself on him-"

"Boy, did Hayner hate that!" Pence burst out laughing.

"Seriously. He's got a thighs-for-days goddess draping herself over him and his reaction is to ask her if she's tired and needs a chair. Ugh..."

Each second of Kairi's giggling seemed to send Sora sinking further and further towards the floor.

Riku shrugged. "It's not necessarily a bad thing, Sora. At least you're always honest about how you feel so no one can really claim you were leading them on."

"Maybe...but I still feel bad that I might've hurt feelings here and there without really meaning to."

Hayner gave him a consoling pat on the shoulder. "We were all just worried you'd end up being cluelessly single your whole life, wistfully staring at your dear princess from afar."

Selphie waggled her finger in his face. "Because we all knew what the real problem was. Kairi already had your heart completely from the start. No one else stood a chance."

Now it was Kairi's turn to blush and she began uneasily pawing at the frills on her blouse, her eyes drifting slowly towards the certain someone being subjected to their teasing. Accepting his defeat, Sora sighed for only a moment before straightening back up with his carefree demeanor right back where it belonged, a bright smile on his face.

"Guess I can't really argue with that."

Kairi's blush intensified and, flustered, she began fiddling with her bangs instead.

"S-sorry for the trouble..." However, recovering from her embarrassment quickly, Kairi winked at him with the tiniest coy giggle. "...I'll make sure you won't regret it."

Oh? Bold move. Namine silently giggled to herself at the shock wave that rippled across the room in response. She wasn't quite sure if everyone was affected—certainly not Riku, who she saw already rolling his eyes, and Relm, who wasn't paying attention in the slightest. But among the others there was a certain telltale pause and one single, synchronized gulp. In one fell swoop Kairi's words had managed to unleash a charming spell of remarkable potency.

Hayner lightly punched Sora in the shoulder again. "Lucky bastard."

He was clearly trying, but Sora couldn't mask how pleased he looked at the whole situation.

Olette cooed again and whispered something into Kairi's ear but was shooed away hastily. "Olette! I can't, that's-"

Selphie burst into giggles, snuggling into Kairi's back even tighter, if that was possible. "You're gonna have to tell us eventually! No escape!"

Maybe there wasn't, but Kairi's eyes still searched for one. "I...a-anyway I'm grateful everyone was able to find each other and stay close this whole time. And..." She focused on that special someone across from her. "I'm thankful that you kept Sora safe when I couldn't."

Namine, observing closely, in no way missed that look in her cousin's eye. Nor did she miss the expression he was returning just as fervently.

That was the look she still hadn't captured in her drawing.

Innocent love, pure and sweet. Such a difficult thing to fully capture down on paper. But now Namine was determined to get it right.

A creak from the doorway and a firm rap of knuckles on the frame drew everyone's attention abruptly over to the new arrival. "Hey losers."

"Huh? Seifer? What are you d-"

Not even letting Sora finish his question, the knight nodded his head over to where Namine was sitting on the couch. "All ready?"

"Yes, just one moment."

Seifer waved his hand lazily and leaned up against the open doorway. In terms of personal guards, Namine was still getting used to him. He had taken over almost immediately after Beatrix's retirement. His short temper was completely opposite what she had been used to, but Kairi had definitely been right about him. He was a good person deep down inside and was just trying to follow his own sense of justice most of the time. He also had his sensitive side. She didn't think she had ever seen someone cry with such remorse as when Seifer found his friends Fuu and Rai had survived the collapse. There was no doubt at all about his loyalty. Not anymore.

Namine gathered her bag, making sure to say farewell to Relm.

"You're excused. But you'd better show me that drawing the next time I see you."

Frighteningly demanding, that girl. "Yes, Miss Relm."

There was noticeable confusion spreading among the group of friends. She heard twittering whispers as they questioned each other where she was going. Riku's eyes in particular were already examining the situation closely, searching for clues.

"I take it this doesn't have anything to do with reconstruction work?"

"Well..." Namine paused a moment, considering if it was worth just coming clean herself or letting the truth slowly reveal itself on its own. Kairi clearly hadn't breathed a word, and the only other one Namine had specifically spoken to about it had been Seifer, who wasn't one for spreading gossip. If she kept quiet herself she was relatively confident it could stay a secret for some time. But was it really worth the trouble of hiding it?

She could tell everyone about it now. But...the more she considered it, the more fun it was to have it be a little more mysterious. Magic was so much better that way, right?

And she trusted her cousin to keep her promise.

Namine pulled one solitary finger up to her lips and smiled. "It's a secret."

Clapping her hands together, Olette abruptly gasped. "You aren't...going on a date are you? With Seifer?"

"D-date?" Seifer shifted so suddenly in alarm at the accusation that he nearly tripped himself on the lip of the door. "Excuse me!? Unlike some clown-headed buffoons who end up stumbling head-over-heels for the people they're meant to be protecting, I am a professional."

He jabbed himself in the chest with his thumb and tossed a haughty side-eye over to the group.

Pence bobbed his head in mock sincerity. "Yep. Certainly sound like one to me."

Vaan snorted, causing Seifer to snarl back in response. "Hey, punks. Just because Sora is friends with you doesn't give you a pass. I'll take on anyone who wants to sass me."

Selphie finally relinquished her hold on Kairi, folding her arms across her chest impatiently. "Yeah, I really don't think the ever elegant Princess Namine, acting Vicereine of the Kingdom, able to land any guy she so desires would go for one like that, honestly. And if she's even considering it I think she should...not."

Kairi bit down on her lower lip, keeping her voice low. "He's a little sensitive so be nice."

Not seeming bothered at the thinly veiled insult from earlier, Sora stretched his arms up, resting them behind his head. "Well, whatever is going on, Namine, I'm sure Seifer's doing a good job keeping you safe."

"Of course I am, you dimwit. She's the current acting ruler of this place. If anyone so much as looks at her funny I'll knock them into next week."

"Good! That's all that matters, right?"

So carefree, that one, but unendingly sweet. It was obvious why Kairi had fallen for him right away. Namine offered him a grateful smile. She had expected him to be more curious about her secret magic lessons, but this suited her just fine. Sora was...not so good at keeping secrets.

"Thank you. I'm sorry I can't really stay here with the three of you, but please feel free to come up to the guest house any time."

Sora bobbed his head. "No problem. And if Seifer ever makes himself too much of a handful..."

"Oi, I heard that. You looking for a fight?" Seifer cracked his knuckles.

"I'm up for the usual if you are."

"Oh you'd better believe I'm going to trounce you this time!"

Namine adjusted the strap of her satchel over her shoulder and shared a knowing look and smile with her cousin. Those two were probably always going to be like this, weren't they?

Riku lifted himself up from off the wall he was leaning against and tapped both Sora and Kairi on the shoulder. "Speaking of the usual, we are a bit behind on our own schedule."

Kairi only just seemed to register the time and gasped. "Ah, right! Training! I'll go get changed and meet you two there?"

Selphie cheered her on. "Go kick their butts, girl! You don't mind if we come watch, do you?"

Sora shifted a bit, visibly anxious, and Pence prodded him in the stomach. "Uh-oh, someone doesn't look too happy."

"Can you blame him?" Hayner gave a low whistle and dropped himself down onto a nearby chair. "I wouldn't look forward to having to beat up my girlfriend on a daily basis either."

Kairi jabbed her hands onto her hips and tutted. "He isn't beating me up. He's been very sweet this whole time."

Sora gave her a nervous smile. "I'm trying to get more comfortable with it. I know it's important to you to get stronger. At least it's not so bad when you're the one attacking me."

Hayner snickered devilishly once again. "Oh, my mistake there, Kairi. Seems Sora actually likes it when you play rough with him."

"T-that's not what I meant!"

Despite the near constant teasing, Sora was still easily able to shrug off their comments with a laugh and a smile. Maybe he was just used to it.

Olette giggled into her hand and waved. "Pence and I will get dinner started for you guys when you get back. Play nice out there."

Laughter and banter were such wholesome signs of peaceful times. Namine almost wanted to stay and watch more, but knew if she was late to her own lessons she would be in for a severe scolding.

She said her goodbyes once more before stepping out. With Seifer hovering close, they made their way back to the castle. Even in the deep late afternoon the town was still bustling with people working on rebuilding and restoring the normalcy of everyday life. Despite all the weathering the town and its people had endured, endured it did. And while Kairi's initial announcement that Namine was taking control over the kingdom as acting Vicereine and that any official coronation was, until further notice, delayed, was met with initial confusion, Namine was shocked at the near instant turnaround of support and love she received from the people. She had expected nearly everyone to be skeptical of her ability to manage anything, let alone even know of her existence considering most of her life she had been hidden away in the castle unable to function.

Perhaps she owed a lot to her cousin's beautiful speech. Due to her desire for transparency, Kairi had explained in detail exactly what had happened during not only the collapse, but the reason behind the events of Darkfall so many years ago. Kairi had made it abundantly clear that the reason their world remained was because of love, hope and forgiveness. And it seemed the people embraced her words to the fullest.

They were to be a kingdom of kindness, a kingdom that relied on the strength of their hearts.

What started as the tiniest grateful sigh of relief grew steadily, day by day into a rousing call of pride. For a kingdom was its people, and its people still stood. They chose to hold each other close and march into the future together. A permeating sense of goodwill and relief drifted from home to home almost as if everyone had awoken from a terrible nightmare all at once, and could begin to live anew.

One day at a time.

One step at a time.

Together.

And so the days continued onward. Everyone did what they could to walk towards a brighter future. Even the most conservative and traditional figures could not deny the relief that seemed to come with finally sweeping out the cobwebs of deceit from the dark corners where they had been hidden for so long. Namine knew that as month after month passed, and the kingdom became more and more stable, her cousin's inevitable departure would only draw closer. But she wasn't afraid.

She was sure that when that time came everyone was going to stand tall and proud, cheering Kairi on as she held their hopes in her heart, marching out into dark night beyond. Kairi was going to save those lost in the land of shadows, should anyone still be out there. She was going to help the world finally reconnect all its lost pieces back together.

And someday, Kairi was going return.

Kairi would return and finally take her place as the great Queen that Namine always knew she would be someday.

No, there was not be a thing to be sad about on the day when Kairi finally stepped out into the world, with her two dear friends by her side.

That was going to be a beautiful day indeed.

A/N: Please stay tuned for the rest of the epilogue! It's already written and edited, I'm just going to space the upload out a bit to give people time to read this chapter first. I also wanted to apologize here for the excessively long wait to see the end of this story. The truth is, I actually had this whole long final chapter written and ready for editing but my computer crashed and took the whole thing with it. What timing, right? It was...discouraging, to say the least. I lost a lot of motivation to redo the whole thing and shelved the project thinking "it's just an epilogue after all, the story is basically done so whatever" but after almost a year I got a message or two that reminded me some people still cared about the story and were sad it was still technically unfinished. They had been waiting for the conclusion this whole time. To them, I sincerely apologize. At the time it felt too difficult to go back to something after all my hard work had been deleted but I should have put more effort into trying again.

I can't say that this version is better than my first draft. After all, the original was done at the same time as the rest of the story, so I felt much more in tune with my characters and writing style at the time. But I tried to get my ideas down, at least. I hope I didn't forget anything. As a result, sorry if the conclusion is less elegant than it should have been.

Again, the last half/epilogue will be posted once this chapter has been up for a few days and then this story will finally be tagged as "complete".

-A. Moth