If we were together: After a year's separation Sora goes on a desperate search to find her friends and to defeat the new foes that have arisen. With Riku's last words to her in her heart Sora makes serious deliberation on just how deep her feeling for Riku go.
Author's Note: This is a long chapter because I had originally planned for it to be an extra to be released once the fic was done… but decided to post it now and split it into two chapters. I'd debated what song to give Sora… I felt it should be tied into Disney in some form, or even the game, I ended up with this conclusion feeling it made the most sense and added a chance for a flashback and character story.
Chapter 16: Sora's Song Pt. 2
Aryn gasped for air, panting and holding onto Sora as she carried him to the beach and lay him out. "Aryn? Aryn are you…" She looked down at her own fin… being on dry land her clothes did their thing and transformed her. She sat on the beach in a dress that was blue and more like a slip with how thin it was. "Whoa… that's weird… oh right… Aryn! Aryn!" She shakes him trying to wake him up. "Come on.. .don't pass out on me."
"Is everything alright?"
The new voice startled Sora. she glanced up and spotted Erica, the black haired girl Aryn had rescued. She saw Aryn on the ground and instantly was kneeling next to Sora and turning Aryn over. She tested his breath and heart and sighed with relief. "He's okay, just exhausted I imagine. What on Earth happened to you two?"
"Well it's… Oh Aryn!" Sora drifted off when he began to stir and wake up. When Erica saw his face and eyes her face brightened.
"Oh, it's you… you're the man that saved my life!" She reached out touching his face. For a moment she and Aryn exchanged warm gazes and smiles.
Aryn jolted quickly standing up and stumbling on his new wobbly legs. Erica stood up quickly catching and steadying him before he could fall over. "Whoa easy there... Wow you guys must have really been through something."
"Well to be honest I'm not exactly sure what we just went through." Sora admitted.
Aryn tried to talk but no words came from his mouth. He touched his throat and lowered his head remembering his voice has been taken.
"What's wrong, can't you speak?"
"Uh... Guess not but uhm listen Erica..."
"how do you know my name?" With Aryns arm over her shoulder she turned towards Sora.
"Oh, well I've been around here before and seen you with your dog. That's what those other people called you isn't it?"
" I see, so you both live around here then?"
"Well not exactly um..." She tried to think on the spot. " I'm just visiting the area and Aryn I know lives that way somewhere.." She points out to the ocean. "We're explorers. And kinda stranded here for the meantime."
"I see, well I would like to pay Aryn back for helping me. Why don't the two of you stay with me for the time being?"
Aryn smiled at Erica, he pulled back and after steadying himself he bowed from the waist up in proper princely form... before falling face first in the sand.
Sora let out a laugh and her and Erica hefted him up. They start heading up the walk, but Sora heard Donald's quack and stopped. "Uh you guys go ahead I'll catch up." She shooed them along then rushed back to the water. Back in fins sora splashed towards the others. "Did you guys find Ursula?"
"She disappeared." Donald explained.
"That's not good... We have to get Ursula to reverse this." Sora looked up at the Castle. "Erica will take care of Aryn, so we-"
"No Sora, you have to stay with Aryn." Sebastian spoke up. "We need someone to look after him till we can figure this out."
"I guess you're right, but promise me if things get bad you'll go to King Triton. I'm sure he'll figure something out if we can't."
Open mouth, insert foot, Sora thought to herself later as she stood in the big room inside the castle. Who would have thought that Erica had been a princess? She would spend the night in a grand room with plush beds, tall windows with a view of the ocean and hot bubbly baths. She imagined Aryn was having the time of his life in his own sweet exploring all the new human things. He was being taken care of by Grimsby, Erica's mentor and the Steward of the Kingdom (Until Erica found herself a husband to rule by her side.) She imagined the man was having a hell of a time trying to teach the Aryn how to put on a pair of pants.
"Ah here we go!" Erica pulled out a dress for Sora. A big sweatdrop appeared on the back of Sora's head as she saw the obvious pink color and big ruffle skirt.
"Uh, it's beautiful, eh heh, but do you have anything more casual? I'm not a princess or anything you know." Not to mention she hated wearing pink.
"Hmm well i have some lighter gowns… oh how about this one? It's only one layer plus the corset and slip."
"Corset?"
…
"CAN'T, MNNG, BREATHE!" Sora inhaled and exhaled deeply holding her stomach and wheezing. Her face had gone purple and Erica released the strings letting Sora fall to her knees "Does it have to be so tight?"
"Sorry, It's the latest fashion in the kingdom." She loosened it some. "I suppose you don't really need it so tight since you're still a bit young. How old are you Sora?"
"I'm fifteen, I'll be sixteen soon."
"Just a few years younger than me. Im just about to turn eighteen myself. What about Aryn?"
"Sixteen…" I think, Sora added silently to herself.
"A younger man…" Erica murmured earning an inquisitive look by Sora. She blushed and laughed it off some. "Sorry, sorry, don't mind me. Ah so how long have you known Aryn?"
"About a year now, we bumped into each other while I was travelling and we defeated some common enemies together. Been friends ever since."
"Just friends… so you're not..."
"Huh?" It took Sora a moment and blushing she quickly held her hands up shaking her head. "Oh no no no we're not together." Sora laughed and rubbed the back of her head. "I actually uh.. .have um…" Sora poked her fingers together the blush in her cheeks getting deeper.
Erica studied her face and the smile grew big and hope soared. "You have someone you like?"
Steam practically came out of Sora's ears as she gave a nod. She was a glad a knock came at the door stopping the conversation right there. "Dinner is served your highness."
"Alright, thank you… come on, Sora, Grimsby said he'd meet us there with Aryn."
Sora stumbled some in the attire she was given. It was definitely lighter than the other dresses Erica had shown off but she wasn't used to such frivolity. When they reached the dining room Aryn had his nose pressed to the glass looking at the marvelous view. His face brightened when he turned his head to eye the two women coming in.
His feet were steady, now that he'd had practice walking he approached them and bowed properly before giving their hands a kiss, his lips lingering a little longer on Sora's. He liked seeing her all dressed up, it was a side of her he'd never seen and enjoyed it. Putting himself in the middle he held out both arms and escorted the ladies to their seats.
Dinner was a bit awkward at first. Sora had to quickly convince them that her and Aryn were vegetarians and couldn't eat the crab they'd prepared so salads were quickly provided. Still conversation was enjoyable, Aryn got most of his emotions across through facial expressions and hand gestures. Erica seemed to really enjoy his enthusiasm over everything. She smiled and studied him, her face a bit dreamy and dazed. Grimsby noticed the stare and gave a smile and a look over his shoulder at Carlotta. The two of them shared a look of hope.
Sora noticed it and smiled quickly. The two of them did make a great match, and it left Sora with a dreamy expression of her own. If anything came out of this debacle she hoped this relationship would grow.
The next day Erica showed them around the town and the castle. While the town was filled with life and excitement the Castle was peaceful and quiet, sort of like a quiet sanctuary. There was the library, almost as big as the one in Beast's castle, the gardens and attached walk to the beach they were on, a couple of vast sitting rooms for mingling and business, the ballroom, and finally the best that caught Aryn's and Sora's attentions… the music room.
"Wow look at that Piano!"
"It was my Grandfather's… he very much loved to play." Erica watched Sora approach it and mingle with the keys. "Do you play, Sora?"
"A little… I was a bit of a tomboy growing up, so my mother wanted to sign me up to do some more lady like activities… dancing, gymnastics, and Piano lessons. Dancing was fun, but I didn't care for the tights, same with the Gymnastics, but I do love playing the piano. I only learned a few songs until…" She drifted off thinking of Riku, and their decision to leave the islands.
~Destiny Islands 2 years ago~
Sora meticulously played her scales up and down, her eyes never leaving the pages of her book. Her mother was in the kitchen making lunch, and her father had long gone to work. She was expecting Riku to pop by any minute for lunch, but as impatient as she was she occupied herself with practice.
The door opened and closed and Sora's hands paused on the keys. Riku never knocked, for this was home to him. She started playing his favorite piece a lil impromptu and grinned his direction. "Hey Riku! Mom's making grilled cheese and tomato soup!"
"Sounds great… You still at it? Look just because I said you suck at playing it doesn't mean you have to perfect it you know."
"I know… but it's your favorite isn't it?" Sora didn't look up from the keys, so she didn't see the look of pleasure surprise on his face. "So I'll get better, practice makes perfect, and if I take anything away from these lessons Riku, I wanna at least play this song… so whenever you wanna hear it…" She smiled over at him now. "I can play it just for you."
Riku stared long and hard at her… then with a laugh he grabbed her by the neck and dug his knuckles into her hair. "You dork. what if we don't have a Piano?"
"Ow! Hey! Hehe then I'll just find one… or I could always just hum it."
"Heh… scoot over." Riku moved beside her… and together they played the song… over and over in tandem rhythm and different chords. "So I've been thinking…" He looked over his shoulder to make sure her mom wasn't listening. "I think we should leave the islands."
Sora's hands stumbled a little and she turned her head to look at him. "Huh?"
"We can only explore the same tiny island for so long til we've discovered everything. Frankly I'm bored, and anxious and I want to see more of what's out there."
Sora stopped playing and Riku followed her movements. For a moment there was nothing but silence… but Riku could tell by the look on her face that she was thinking deeply. After a moment she gave an affirmative nod.
"Okay. Let's do it."
"You don't have to decide right away you know." Riku turned slightly to her. "It'll take some time to come up with a plan."
"I know but… if you've already decided on going then I want to go with you." She smiles at him. "Where you go, I go. That's all there is to it."
"Sora…" Riku leaned in, his self control failing him.
"oh!" She bumped a fist into her palm. "We should invite Kairi to come with us!
"K-Kairi?" Riku's face fell.
Yeah! We could help her find out where she came from!" Sora was suddenly giddy. "This is great, I can't wait to tell her!" Sora's jumped when Riku's head hit the keys. "Wha.. hey! Careful you're gonna break my mom's piano!"
~End~
Sora had to laugh a little at the memory. She'd been completely oblivious back then to Riku's feelings. Still it was a happy memory, filled with intimacy and genuine happiness. Sora had been excited to go exploring with Riku, and little by little they made the raft, and collected the food they needed… but in the end they ended up on a whole different journey than what any of them had expected.
In the moment Sora sat at the bench and her fingers brushed the keys going over scales first… and then she softened… one two three…
Erica immediately recognized the song Sora was playing. It was a sweet love song, something her mother had played before she had died. She grabbed up a violin from its stand and waited for a count in before placing the bow on the strings and playing with Sora in harmony.
Sora hadn't expected the accompaniment but she didn't mind it either. She and Erica shared sweet smiles and just let the music flow out of them, soft and warm and welcoming. To Sora it made her think of home… the islands, the setting sun… her, Riku, and Kairi lounging and watching it after a long day of work, fun, and adventure.
Aryn saw the peaceful look on Sora's face, he'd never seen her so content and happy. It was a welcoming sight. Then his eyes drifted to Erica… and his breath was stolen. She was an epitome of royalty… so regal, elegant… and yet she had the same look of contentment on her face. They were alike, and yet so different. Sora was cheerful, energetic, and a bit naive… and Erica while also happy had an air of sophistication and grace.
He loved Sora… he had been so sure of it… so why all of a sudden was he being pulled towards Erica? The song ended, and Aryn's thoughts were interrupted by the pair of giggling girls.
"That was pretty, Erica. How did you know that song? I didn't think anyone outside my home knew that."
"My mother used to play that song on the violin all the time. She taught be when I was just a kid. It's one of my favorites."
"Wow… so it's like our worlds are connected through that song. I wish I could remember what it was called… I always just described it as Riku's favorite song."
"Around here we call it Dearly Beloved…" She watched the blush appear on Sora's cheeks. "Riku… is that the guy who you have feelings for?"
Aryn's chest tightened when he heard that. His eyes widened when he saw Sora laugh nervously and give a little nod. His world was starting to crash around him.
"Yeah, he's my best friend… but recently I've discovered he's had deeper feelings for me.. and it's put my perspective on him off a lil. I thought I wanted us to just be friends but… there's always been something about Riku that has always made my life feel so complete. Now that we're separated… i feel this hole…" She touched her heart her eyes saddening. "I want to find him… tell him my feelings, and answer his."
~Day 3~
This was bad, Aryn thought to himself sitting in his bed watching the day pass. He hadn't bothered to get up and changed, and ignored all the knocks on the door that tried to stir him. Whenever a servant entered he waved them off and pulled the covers over his head.
Why was everything so messed up? Why was he so stupid? He should have asked if Sora loved someone… he should have seen it. He'd blinded himself with infatuation and now had trapped himself in this deal with Ursula. What was he gonna do? He couldn't explain the situation to Sora, and he didn't feel right stealing a kiss from her when she didn't return his feelings.
He half hoped he could just lie here in bed, and pretend it was all just a dream and he would wake up back in the ocean… but that just made his heart hurt worse. He didn't want to leave… he loved being here, the human world was so thrilling and new to him.. and Erica was such a joyous spirit, he wanted to get to know her more.
He tugged the covers off his head staring at the afternoon sun. He had slept half the day away… and soon it would be time to face the music.
" I wonder what's wrong with him." Sora stared at the ceiling as she and Erica finished their game of Chess. "I've never seen him act like this." She wondered if it was the deal he had made with Ursula… She had never gotten the details from Sebastian and the others on exactly why he did this… was he feeling homesick? Guilty?
"I may have an idea…" Erica stood up and put the game away. "I think I'll go talk to him. Why don't you go down to the beach, I'll see if I can get him to come down."
Sora was about to protest, but Erica seemed persistent. So going against her better judgement Sora nodded her head in agreement. She headed outside and pulled off her shoes on her way down the walk to the beach. When her bare feet met the sand and water she felt the little sparkles of magic. The gown she'd had on vanished and was replaced by the blue one she'd appeared in before, so her magical clothes were back, and any further in the water she'd revert to a mermaid again.
~meanwhile~
Erica had caught Aryn standing in front of his bedroom door as if debating to walk out or scurry back in like a crab. His eyes lifted and saddened when he saw Erica approaching him.
"Aryn I think I need to apologise for yesterday. I should have had a little more tact about that." She reached out touching his shoulder. He was warm and strong… but inside she could feel his heart, so young and sensitive and obviously hurting. "I know you have feelings for Sora."
She saw surprise in his face and he looked around a bit as if trying to think of what to do or figure out a way to speak… but nothing came out of his mouth and he couldn't think of a way to express how he felt at the moment. Erica just offered a sad smile and a shake of her head.
"She's oblivious to it, she's in a whole other world I guess… thinking of her home and the one she cares for, not realizing the man she's got standing right next to her is wearing his heart on his sleeve." Aryn sighed and took her hand giving it a kiss. It was a sign of gratitude for the sympathy. "I shouldn't have stated it out of the blue like that… especially when she hasn't told you herself. I guess I was just fooling myself into thinking that you only saw her in friendship way… and that maybe you would come to like me instead."
She couldn't look at his face, not when she was wearing her own heart out in the open like this. "I've been in love with you ever since you saved me that day. Your face, your gentle touch… and even though you can't speak now I can remember your voice… how you willed me to wake, the worry. In that instant I loved everything about you… but when I reached out for you, you had disappeared and I was left alone on a sandy beach. I came back every day hoping to see you again, but you never came."
Aryn's eyes widened and he gripped her hand in his stroking it. Emotions welled up inside him, but before he could do anything else she brushed the tear that had fallen and laughed instead. "Come on, Sora's waiting for us by the beach."
~Sora~
Her eyes scanned the area and she spotted Flounder swimming up to meet her. Sitting on the sand Sora talked with him. "Have the others found Ursula?"
"No, and I'm getting worried. Sora, do you know why Aryn had made that deal with Ursula in the first place?"
"I thought it was because he wanted to be human, so he could meet Erica."
"No Sora… he wanted to become human because he found out you were a human."
"What? That doesn't…" she drifted off thinking back to when they were on the rock. "He couldn't… don't tell me I did it again?" First Riku and now Aryn. Why was she no good at spotting guys feelings?
"The conditions of the contract was that he was supposed to kiss his true love by the third day otherwise he'll turn back into a merman… but I have a bad feeling that Ursula has something more planned for him."
"You're right." Sora's eyes narrowed. "There's no way Ursula wouldn't have found out about me and Riku… and she's using it to manipulate Aryn." still something didn't feel right. Aryn's feelings had to be misplaced right? She liked him, as a friend, but unlike Riku there was no gap, no longing, just… guilt.
Narrowing her eyes Sora stood up. "I can't stay here any longer… I've gotta find Ursula. Flounder we've kept the king in the dark long enough. Go and tell him what's happened."
"Now now, there's no need for that is there?" Ursula's raspy voice appeared and Sora's eyes darted around, but the only thing she spotted was a tall handsome male approaching her. Sora had nearly dropped her guard til she spotted the necklace around his neck.
her keyblade appeared in hand and she pointed it directly at him. "You're not fooling anyone with that guise, Ursula! You let Aryn out of his contract right now!"
"Sorry, Keyblade Master, but this contract is legal and binding." Morphing to Normal Ursula held up a tentacle with the glowing gold contract. "Less than hour your precious friend is going to be mine, and all because you wouldn't give him one lil kiss."
"That's a bull face lie! Even if I did kiss him it wouldn't work. He has to kiss his true love, but that's not me. What you did is take advantage of his feelings and manipulated him, so that contract is no good!"
"Want to prove it?" Ursula laughed and held it out. "Go on, sweet cheeks, blast it with that keyblade of yours, it won't do you any good."
Sora's eyes narrowed, and she fired alright, but not at the contract. Instead she fired at the necklace and it popped off and smashed to the ground. Light streamed from the broken shell pieces and skittered off to the side. Erica and Aryn had just come down the walk and Aryn held his throat gasping and coughing.
"Aryn, are you alright?"
"Erica…" He spoke and laugh when he heard his own voice. "Erica!"
"You can talk! Oh I'm so happy… Gah! What is that?" Erica finally took notice of Ursula who was seething from Sora's dirty trick.
"You insolent little brat!" Ursula lashed out with her tentacles swiping Sora across the face sending her skittering into the water. Aryn rushed forward, but Ursula had already grabbed Sora with her tentacles and dragged her into the Ocean.
"Sora!"
"Aryn, the boat…" Erica pulled a lifeboat out from it's place behind some rocks. "We can go after her!"
Sora wriggled in mermaid form, her key blade trying to nick and cut at her opponent but her arms were bound. She heard Sora's deep laughter and she scowled. Ursule glanced back and grunted at the face she made.
"Oh don't pout those pretty lips at me, I'm not after you, I've a much bigger fish to fry." She turned her attention forward again and let out a yelp as a turtle shell swipes her 's face brightened as her hands are loosened and Ursula is hit again but this time with a blizzard spell from behind. Sora wriggled Free and with a big swing pushed Ursul all the way away.
"Donald! Goofy!"
"Sora! Are you okay?" Goofy stopped his spins and floated next to her, Donald fluttering behind.
"I am now, thanks guys, I owe you one!" Sora turned her attention to Ursula. "Now then…"
"It's a little too late for your heroics now, Sora dear. The sun is set, and soon Aryn will return as a mermaid, and belong to me!"
T
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" A sudden booming voice appeared behind Ursula. The Sea Witch was trapped between the Key bearer and the Mighty King Triton.
"Why King Triton… how are you?"
"Enough of your games, Ursula. You're to stop this ridiculous deal and return my son."
"Oh I'd love to Triton, believe me… however there is a tiny problem concerning the contract your boy signed." She held up the contract. "It's legal, binding, and unbreakable even for you."
Up on the surface Aryn could see the glow of his father's trident as it attemped to blast away the contract. "There…"
"How can you tell?" Erica leaned over the side peeking down at the murky waters. She turned her eyes up and blushed when Aryn removed his shirt. "What are you doing?"
"I'm sorry, I don't have time to explain, Erica… but once this is all over I'll tell you everything." He leans in and hugs her tightly. "Whatever happens, I'm so happy we finally got to meet again."
Erica's eyes widened and she hugged him back her hands pressed to his back. She looked up in his eyes and saw the sun sparkling in them. She lifted her head her lips pursed ready to kiss him good luck… but the boat tipped, rocked from underneath sending them both into the water.
"AH!"
Erica struggled looking around as she held her breath and tried to find Aryn but couldn't see him. She broke the surface coughing and looking around. "Aryn? ARYN!? WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"Nice work boys!" Ursula called up to Flotsam and Jetsam who pulled Aryn's body down by their tails, the young merman struggling with all his might pulling against them. "That was a close one."
The sun had set, Aryn's body had returned to normal and by the contract he was bound to Ursula. Triton, however, was not about to let his only son become a pawn. "Wait, Ursula… you win. Just let my son go."
"Do we have a deal then?" Ursula held out the contract.
"No dad! Don't do it!" He flicked his tail catching Flotsam in the head and he swam fast reaching out to stop his father, but it was too late. Triton's name glowed in bright letters on the contract, and the magic surrounded him, transforming his body into a wilting piece of sea kelp.
Ursula laughed and grasped hold of the Trident. "At last… and now for the rest of you…" She raised the weapon up, and let out a shriek of pain when a sharp spear cut across her arm.
Erica could barely make out the forms underneath the water… but Ursula's black mass had stood out like a sore thumb. She'd ditched the heavy layer of her dress and was in naught but her slip.
"You little tramp! After her!" Ursula sent her minions after her as Erica fled for the surface for air. Sora and her friends stood in the way.
"No, that's enough. I won't let you get away with this anymore ursula!"
Aryn swam passed rushing to Erica who was bobbing in the water panting for air. When he came up he encased her in his arms and held her. "Erica you've got to get away from here."
"No!" She coughed and lay her head on his chest. "I won't lose you again!" She jolted when she felt the bubbling water beneath them. She let out a little scream as they barely missed being speared by the Crown atop Ursula's head as the sea witch had grown out her body to stand tall and intimidating.
"Quick… get to the boat!" Aryn swam her to the little dingy and helped her in just as a tentacle slapped down sending him skidding through the water and Erica's boat span across the surface.
"Aryn!"
"Erica!" Aryn reached out his hand but quickly dodged through the tentacles trying to avoid being hit. He caught sight of Sora and her friends, Sora had let loose, keyblade whirling and shining with power. She could take care of herself but Erica was left vulnerable. He had to get to her somehow.
Below the tides Sora swam through the tangle of tentacles chasing after Flotsam and Jetsam who had tried to tug her under a and stop her from battling. With Donald and Goofy at her side she turned the opposition and sent those "poopsies" frying. "ALL RIGHT!" She shouted and lifted her head to the sky. "Now then, time for the big fish."
She launched herself up and over Erica's boat. The girl gasped when she saw her, her head whirling. "Sora's a mermaid?" She watched with awe as the girl battle Ursula bravely and without fear in her eyes. She had such confident in her face like she knew she was going to beat this monster.
Her eyes scanned the water and she spotted Aryn swimming for her boat. "Aryn look out!" She shouted, be barely glanced up and was able to dodge the tentacle coming his way. "This is bad… I can't just sit here I have to do something… GAH!" She screamed a bit when the trident was knocked from Ursula's hands and stabbed into her boat. It had reverted to its original size making it just the perfect size to fit in her hands.
"You! That belongs to me!" Ursula shouted at her with grimacing eyes. Erica felt the threat in the stare and grit her teeth. She clasped her hands around the weapon firmly yanking it out.
"Fine… then you can have it!" With all her strength and effort she tossed it like a spear straight for Ursula, she gawked when the weapon glowed and beamed like a blast of light and shot straight through Ursula's gut.
"Yeah! Nice Shot Erica!" Sora called out shouting in victory as Ursula crumbled into a boil of ink and darkness. Erica let out a shaky laugh and nodded raising her hands up.
"Thanks Sora!" She heard a splash from beside her and spotted Aryn swimming her way. "Aryn… here take my hand." She held it out for him to grab and climb into the boat. When he didn't reach out to her her face fell. "Aryn?"
She gasped when he ducked under water and she nearly jumped in after him. However his body leaped up and over her head, the glimmering green tail sparkling in the moonlight. "Aryn… you too?"
"I'm sorry, Erica. I wanted to tell you sooner, and I should have tried to explain. I went to Ursula because I wanted to be by Sora's side. She's special, she can go back and forth between human and mermaid allowing her to explore so many worlds."
"I see… so when the two of you were washed on shore, it was just a coincidence?"
"No!" Aryn swamp up to the boat and reached out touching her hand that clasped the side. "No that was before I knew what my heart truly wanted. I do love and care for Sora, but it's a fantasy, something I'll never have and should have never pursued… but you Erica.. you're different. From the moment I met you I felt such a strong connection… I also would come back day after day just to see you, but I couldn't bring myself to close the gap because I was afraid… and I couldn't understand why at the time… but now I know it's because you're the one I really love."
"Aryn…" Erica smiled her eyes going teary.
"I'm just sorry I didn't figure it out sooner."
"That's okay.." She stood up and jumped in the water with him. "This just means i'll have more time to practice my swimming… you'll teach me, won't you Aryn?"
Aryn smiled and lifted a hand touching her cheek. "I'd love to."
~Later~
The Festival had been a rousing success, the song that Sebastian had composed for Aryn's new found love of Erica and the trust gained between land and sea had been the epic conclusion to a beautiful ceremony. Sora had enjoyed singing and dancing with Aryn and his sisters, but it was time to move on, she could no longer linger here.
"Do you really have to go?" Aryn asked.
"Yes, I'm sorry Aryn, but we'll be back to visit I promise. Also I never properly apologized for being so oblivious to your feelings."
"No, that's okay you don't need to apologize for how you feel, Sora. Just tell me… this Riku guy… you're really in love with him?"
Sora's cheeks heated and she looked down and away a little embarrassed by the question. However after a moment she smiled and gave a nod. "Yes… I do."
"Then tell him, Sora." Aryn clasped his hand over hers. "Don't bottle up those feelings, don't hide them. He deserves to know he has the love of such a great girl."
"Thank you, Aryn."
"No, Thank you… without you things could have been worse… and now Erica and I can finally build a relationship the right way. I'll find a way to be by her side again, but legit this time."
"I know you will."
"Oh, which reminds me." Aryn picked up some paper from the stand beside him. "Sebastian copied the music down for that song you played."
"Oh! Thank you, Sebastian… Ah!" When her hand touched the music the pieces of paper glowed with light… under the bars and notes letters appeared… lyrics.
"Oh wow, lyrics to Dearly Beloved!"
"Sing it Sora! Let's hear it…" Aryn motioned Sebastian to have the band start playing… and Sora touched her chest and began to sing…
(Disclaimer: I do not own these Lyrics, They are a Vocal Cover created by Maygrace on Youtube, be sure to check it out!)
Painted skies
Of hopeful sunsets
I still see them
I won't forget
Broken laughter
Bittersweet dreams
Now you're gone
It's all I have left
Something inside Sora began stirring, it was as if someone was singing with her, but a distance whispering voice in the back of her mind
(Roxas: What are these memories?
I'm me… I'm nobody else)
Though our journey's
Far from over
I can't fall now
I'll grow stronger
(Roxas: Slowly forgetting
My true self)
Distance is
Never enough
To keep us from
Where we belong
I'll believe in our hearts, and
I'll find my way back to you
These days we spend apart
We'll make it through
(Roxas: To our friendship, I will stay true)
Painted skies
Of hopeful sunsets
We can share them
We're together…
Sora opened her eyes, tears dripping down her face and she held the lyrics to her chest. It was such a precious gift… and she'll never let it go. "Thank You."
Whew… that was a long chapter… okay so as I mentioned in the disclaimer I did not write the lyrics… I actually found them on youtube and felt that they really represented what I was trying to express. These are just the shortened form so be sure to search for 【Vocal Cover】Kingdom Hearts II- Dearly Beloved =Maygrace=
Next Chapter: The Second Twilight Town