Disclaimer: See Chapter One and Two.

"Teenagers...dey tink dey know everything. You give dem an inch, dey swim all over you.

-Sebastian, from "The Little Mermaid"

Lol the above is true! I wrote this as soon as I finished the previous chapter. I just want to get the first fanfic over with so that the REAL adventures could begin. Kairi's gonna have one HELL of an adventure in the sequel :D Enjoy the eighth chapter of the fanfic, I really do hope you won't abandon it!

Chapter Eight: Rescuing the Damsel in Distress

Sora sat on the shore of the sand, holding the unconscious mermaid, the girl of his dreams. The sun was just about to finish setting; the stars were coming out, and it was getting dark.

He wasn't scared, but he was terrified if anything- anything at all- happened to his Kairi.

Hold on, he told himself. My Kairi?

It was forbidden, in a sense, and yet, it sounded so right. She was his.

His Kairi.

He heard some soft moaning, and his gaze once again returned to her face. Her fish half was partly on the water; the upper part was in Sora's arms.

Kairi groaned. Sora looked hopeful as Kairi opened her eyes weakly.

"…Sora?"

Sora grinned. "Hey. Thought I lost you back there."

Kairi smiled, blinking slowly. She felt faint. But she knew she was safe in Sora's arms, the boy of her dreams.

"Thanks for rescuing me, Sora."

Sora smiled in return. "Anytime."

Kairi smiled at him again, and she made as if to push herself up, but her arm gave way and she fell again in Sora's arms.

"Whoa there, Kai," smiled Sora. "You don't look so good."

"I know."

"Who was the guy?"

"Axel," said Kairi. "Some bastard that wants to marry me. He's a mage, or whatever he calls himself."

Sora raised his eyebrows.

"Damn."

"Yeah," said Kairi.

The two just looked at each other. Awkward moment.

The two laughed nervously, and Kairi felt a bit stronger.

"Kairi?"

She knew that voice. Both turned to the sea, where Riku was. Riku swam to Kairi, but stayed in the water.

"You alright, sis?"

Kairi nodded. "I'm fine, Riku." Kairi turned her head to Sora.

"Thanks, Sora, I gotta go."

Sora smiled softly. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"I'm fine, Sora," she laughed. Sora carried Kairi to the shallow water and let her down. Kairi smiled at him one more time, and under silver waves she disappeared.

Sora smiled to himself, the wind rustling, his spiky hair moving back and forth. It was kinda chilly, and he shivered. He was just about to get out of the water when a deep voice called his name.

"Sora."

Sora looked at Riku. Sora managed a smile.

"Riku? I thought you've gone with Kairi."

Riku shook his head. "No, the castle's close by, and I sent some guards. Anyways, Sora?"

"Yeah?"

Riku smiled, nodding his head at him. "Thanks. Thanks a lot. For saving Kairi, I mean."

Sora nodded. "Anytime."

Riku turned, but Sora's voice stopped him.

"You really don't trust me, do you?"

Riku sighed, and turned to face Sora.

"Look, I had a little… accident…"

"I know, Riku," said Sora. "Kairi told me. And I know you don't want to face your memories. I don't think you could forget."

The brunette girl…

Riku shook his head. "I… I don't know what you're talking about, Sora."

Sora crossed his arms. "Kairi agrees with me. You're hiding something."

"I'm not hiding anything! Now leave me alone!"

Before Sora could say another word Riku angrily dove under the water, his aquamarine tail flashing in anger.

Sora just shook his head. Suddenly a stealthy smile crept on his lips.

He would wait.