If we were Together: A year has passed since their separation, and Riku and Sora have grown both in size and in mentality. Sora slept in her chamber regaining her memories while Riku watched over her clouded in the gray spaces between light and darkness.
Author's Note: We're nearing the end of KH2 and I've already announced that the next two stories that will be coming out will be Chain of Memories, which will be a short and sweet one shot I've named "If I could forget" and my original FemSora story called "If it never happened." which is the KH gang living their lives as normal people... kind of like a Slice of life anime.
I hope you will look foward to it, for once they're complete I will begin 358/2 days, then Birth By Sleep. and finally Dream Drop Distance.
Chapter 22: Light in the Darkness
Somehow Sora knew that Xemnas wouldn't have gone down so easily. All of these mini battles were all still a ploy to give them false confidence in their abilities… a trick. How many times would they have to beat this man down before she could feel like this was really over?
As the castle and the world that never was collapsed around them, Sora and RIku took on each individual form of Ansem that he'd morphed into, whether it was the magella dragonite ship, or the heavily armored tyrant back on his throne as if he'd never been thrown there earlier.
"Riku… I had wanted to thank Namine." Sora confessed to him as they stood facing their new foe. "I couldn't bring myself to say it… not until I felt for sure that thsi was all over."
"Don't worry," Riku poised himself to pounce. "Once we finish this you can thank her all you want!" They launched together. Riku was right, Sora thought as she fought against the mass and took on the dizzying attacks he tossed at her. She could worry about everything else… all the people, and all the problems to face once she was sure Xemnas was taken care of.
It wasn't all that surprising how well she and Riku worked together. After spending so many years sparring with each other on the islands it would seem they'd finally found a rhythm in which they both knew what the other was thinking in the heat of battle. Riku was no longer tainted by darkness, instead his mind was clear and he could feel her impulses, her quick decisions and he reacted on them.
As the armored figure let out a cry their surroundings changed again… Riku and Sora were trapped in a warp of grey, a mixture of light and dark and at the epicenter was Xemnas standing strong and confident.
"Guardians of light…" he spoke to them in that dramatic yet monotone voice of his. "I will not allow it to end this way. If light and Darkness are eternal… then that means that we nothings must be as well!"
"You're right," Riku answered his claims with a surprisingly calm tone. "Light and Darkness are eternal. Nothing probably goes on forever too… but guess what Xemnas?
"That doesn't mean you're eternal!" Sora finished his thought her eyes narrowing in. The two of them stood strong as a team, ready to face anything together. Xemnas looked at them, the light prominent in their auras, but all he could do was let out a dry laugh.
"No more eternal then that radiance of yours!"
"Sora!" Riku shouted and the two of them dodged in opposite directions as Xemnas let out a stinging attack that spun and bent in dizzying directions. Sora dodged and whirled around using her own movement to get behind Xemnas and attack him.
He grabbed her, Sora gasping when he hefted her up by her shirt and sent her up into the air beating his blades into her over and over in a familiar movement that had her letting out small cries of pain. Riku let out a roaring cry beating Xemnas and cutting off his attacks on Sora, but Xemnas liked to pick on her in particular. He believed her to be the weaker of the two, less sure of her movements, more likely to make a mistake in battle, so he concentrated on her, focusing his power to attack and harm her.
RIku felt his protectiveness rising and he brought up a barrier to block the next wave of attacks and looked down at Sora who was quickly downing a potion to heal the damage that had been done. "You alright?"
"Yeah, I won't let that happen again so don't worry about me! ah Look out! She pushed him away and brought up her blade to block Xemnas' blades, she pushed him back landing a solid string of combos that caught him by surprise. With a fire lit in her blood Sora became more cautious and aware and concentrated on fighting him.
They couldn't let each other be weaknesses… they had to work together, Sora thought. She couldn't let Riku shield her, it wouldn't be right or fair. Red bolts of energy blasted her direction. She blocked the first time then had to roll out of the way for the second string. Xemnas' moves were becoming blurry and hard to keep up.
She tried to calm her breathing.. stay calm, focus… feel him out, she told herself. She whirled around catching him as he appeared behind her and she slammed her blade into his face, the sounds of his painful cry echoing in her ears. "Riku!"
"Got him!" Riku rushed Xemnas beating his own blade into their opponent.
Xemnas faded again, and powered up… Sora made the crucial mistake of running right into his path and he released a powerful blast of energy trapping her. She let out a cry of pain as the balls of energy began to drain her of power. Riku tried to jump and interfere but he was pushed back.
He landed on a knee looking up as Sora tried to struggle her way out of the beam, but was taking too much damage. He rose to his feet. "Sora! I'm coming! He rushed, beating back the clones with blasts of dark energy and pacing his run so they didn't catch him off guard. The minute he was under Xemnas he broke the connection sending Sora falling to the ground and landing on her knees panting.
"Thanks Riku!"
"Don't ever do that again!" He lectured his heart easing when he watched her get to her feet and bring up her blade ready for another round.
"Don't worry, I won't."
"You're such fools…" Xemnas laughed, darkness surrounding them and then hundreds of read beams blinking arond like a fireworks show. Uh oh, Sora though and stood back to back with Riku. This was gonna get messy.
As the beams launched their way the two of them circled and blurred spinning their blades blocking the energy beams from harming one another. Every now and again Sora felt the burn stinging one of her arms but she ignored it and kept pushing til all of them had gone.
When the darkness faded back ino the gray Riku grunted as Xemnas' blade smacked across his face sending him fall back. "Riku!" Sora, on one knee stared up at Xemnas his free blade on her shoulder.
"You've lost…" He brought up the blade ready to strike her down. Sora closed her eyes preparing for the hit but it never came. Riku's blade blocked the hit, and he pushed her out of the way taking the full force of the next wave right to the gut.
"No!" Sora stood watching Riku flip over and ran to him. He reached out his blade to her, she took it in hand using it to shield her incoming. She felt Roxas inside, remembered all she had learned from her and her various forms wielding two blades, and she let it rip. She pushed the blade into his gut punching him back, She then sliced and cut and beat into Xemnas without mercy. The final blow she scissored the two blades into his back knocking him up in the air. She landed beside Riku, and with their combined power banished Xemnas piercing him with the light from her blade.
"We did it!" Sora pumped a fist smiling happily. Riku looked around swallowing hard as they became surrounded by dusks.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that." There were thousands of them… and with their powers already spent it took all he had left to fight them back with Sora. He was surprised she was still able to stand after that assault. Maybe he was weaker than he thought. He went to his knees as the last of them evaporated and tried to get his breath back, but he was so tired, his legs didn't want to move.
He felt Sora beside him, her warm hand on his back stroking it comfortingly. "Sora… I can't."
"Don't say another word… it's not over, it's just not." Refusing to give up on him Sora got him to his feet hooking his arm over her shoulder and supporting his weight best she could.
"How can you say that?" Riku frowned at her. "Even if we could go on, look where we are?" He eyed the empty void of the in between world. He heard Sora grunt and bounce him a little to shift his weight on her.
"Oh come off it Riku, you've been hanging around the darkness way too long. You gotta start thinking positive." She turned her head up to look at his, their faces close because of his slouched state. She watched him blush a little in response and had to hold back a giggle.
"Alright… lead the way." Though his legs wobbled he walked beside Sora in a slow steady pace. As they did he let his mind wander, and he wondered what it was about Sora that made her so strong? He'd always thought he'd have to be the one to protect her… a shining knight to protect his princess just like in those old fairy tales her mom used to read to them. Yet she always seemed to be the one to bring him up from his dark places, and save him instead.
"You know… I always thought I was better than you at stuff."
Sora stopped and she eyed him. "I could drop you, yah know."
"Sorry.. my mind is in a weird place." Riku admitted. "Are you mad?"
"Hmm no... " She started walking again. "To be honest, I always thought you were better at things too." Which was why she strived so hard to be just like him… to be strong, confident, cool. She had respected him so much, still did come to think of it. His seriousness, his ability to think and act so logically during battle. There were times she wished she could be more like him.
Her train of thought was interrupted when she spotted a ray of light opening up. "Hey, RIku, what's that light?"
He didn't answer… the two of them just stepping through and coming into a world of eternal darkness. Riku recognized this place, he'd been here before. It was the realm of darkness. Why had the light brought them here?
As they walked along the rocks and sand that made up the ground Sora followed the sounds of waves letting it guide her path. She glanced at Riku and became worried when she saw his pale complexion. He didn't look good. "Riku…"
"Sora… tell me a story."
"Huh?"
"The darkness is closing in around me...tell me a story so I can concentrate on that instead. It'll make me feel better." It was partly a lie… the darkness was affecting him, but he could easily ignore it… he just wanted to hear her voice, keep her talking to him so he could remember that this wasn't a dream. He was here with Sora, she was with him, touching him, talking to him.
"Oh… well okay. Ah I visited Christmas town recently. I met Santa Claus and all his elves!"
"Is that a fact?" Riku smiled keeping his eyes on the ground watching his steps. "I guess I owe you an apology then."
"Darn right you do! It's because of you I'm not on Santa's nice list anymore!" She pouted at him.
"Haha, right….sorry..," His face fell. "I reall mean it. I'm sorry for that,... for everything." He hung his head again. Sora paused her steps to stare at him and her frown increased.
"Riku…" she bit her lip and then cleared her throat. "Well I guess it didn't turn out all that bad. I go to spend all my Christmases with you after all."
His head rose to look up and he offered a small smile. "Yeah, we spent all our holidays together. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween… heck I remember you even gave me chocolate on Valentines day." Sora flushed bright red at that particular memory.
"Yeah well… it's a tradition isn't it?"
"You gave some to Tidus and Wakka too…" Riku's tone soured. "I've never wanted to punch someone so badly before."
"Riiight…" Sora let out a nervous laugh. "Well we were kids, so I didn't know any better."
"Are you saying you know better now?" Riku smirked liking her reaction to this conversation.
"Well yes… from now on you're the only one I'll give chocolate to." Sora smiled shyly, "And in return I expect you to give me those treats for white day."
"Huh?" Riku blinked in confusion.
"Oh Come on, Riku. You have to remember that. Our first Valentines day I gave you chocolate and in return on white day you made me those heart shaped crispy treats my mom taught you to make."
"Oh yeah… I did. Though, you know Sora if you only give me chocolates that also means you won't get white day gifts from Tidus and Wakka." Riku explained knowing she loved to receive gifts. She was such a kid that way.
"Yeah, well, to be honest I never really liked their gifts." Her face began to turn blue at the memories. "Wakka got me a blitz ball and threw it at my face, and Tidus used to give me bugs he would find crawling around on the island. One even bit me once!"
Riku had to laugh at this.
"It's not funny Riku! I could have been poisoned!"
"Get real, even Tidus isn't that stupid."
"Maybe, but I stand firm now. No one is getting chocolate from me but you this year." Sora huffed and kept walking.
"...if we ever get back that is." The dark tone returned and Sora looked at him and at their surroundings. She gave a heavy sigh.
"Riku, you're focusing on the negative again."
"Sorry, force of habit…. oh" He looked up seeing the beach. A dark ocean with an inverted sunset leaving their path blocked any further. "End of the road."
"Yep."
It felt like home, Sora thought. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves, it was why she had followed them to this point, though now it seemed they were stuck here. still if they had to spend eternity in darkness, this was the best place for it.
"Put me down," Riku spoke. "I can walk." He stood up straight as Sora released his arm. She walked from him to get closer to the waves and he watched her on the beach. Their conversation had been light hearted and had made him extremely happy. She was still the same… even in this dark place he aura radiated around him like a beacon. He'd always been afraid his darkness would taint her, but that was smug thinking on his part. Nothing could dim her light… absolutely nothing. He fell to the ground again laying out in it.
"Riku!" Sora rushed back to him concerned for his well being.
"This world is perfect for me." He sat up slowly on his hands and knees. "If this is what the world really is… just this. Maybe I should fade back into darkness."
"Riku.." Sora said with a lecturing tone. He sat up all the way on his knees watching the inverted sun.
"If the worlds are made up of light and darkness… we'll be the darkness."
Sora contemplated his words… then recalled what King Mickey had said when they'd confronted Xemnas before. The worlds were made up of light and dark.. and the only reason they feared the darkness was because of those lingering inside it. So if her and Riku were the darkness they could fight against all things that others were afraid of, and allow them to see the balance of both. It was a noble cause, one she could picture Riku taking.
She smiled and rolled onto her butt lounging back and stretching out her legs. "Yeah… the other side. The realm of light is safe now. Kairi the king and the others are all there."
"That's what I mean… mmm hey Sora, could you help me? I wanna get down to the water?" He asked and leaned on her once more so the two of them to sit together by the water. Once there he pulled Sora in hugging her by the shoulders and pressing his face in her hair. His fingers on her shoulder brush the end of her braid and he brought the hair charm he'd made into view, smiling that she still wore it, just like he wore her pendant.
"I never did finish it…"
"Hmmm? Finish what?" Riku looked down Seeing Sora fumble in her pocket and pull out a cloth bundle. Inside were pierces of synthesis items and shells she'd carved into star shapes and other various items.
"Kairi's bracelet… you made me a hair charm, and I made you a pendant… at the time it didn't feel right that the two of us held something of each other without including Kairi too… but she told me to wait til I found you so we could make it together and give it to her."
Riku let her go so he could take up the items. He looked them over. "Hmmm well we're together now… let's finish it."
Side by side the two of them sat looping pieces through a metal coil to make Kairi's bracelet. As they worked Riku found himself thinking again… and spoke without warning. "I was jealous."
"Huh?" Sora paused her work to look up at him.
"Of Kairi… I was jealous of how close you two were getting. I know it's weird…" Riku admitted not stopping his work. "There was no way for her to take the place in your heart I was after but… I couldn't help it. It wasn't just her either.. I was jealous of anyone who got close to you… and i was afraid that maybe one day I'd be replaced."
"Riku, you idiot." Sora couldn't help but laugh. "No one could replace you. Sure I have lots of new friends thanks to this journey we've been on but I've never replaced you with them. You're special to me Riku." She closed her hands over his. "You always have been. No matter what I never stopped looking for you. I hated being apart from you."
Riku felt the knot in his chest loosening as he watched her face. There were tears stinging her eyes and he wasn't sure what he'd do if she started crying again.
"When the door closed… and you said those words to me. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was so upset… so scared that I'd never see you again, and that I'd never be able to tell you that those feelings you have Riku… they're not one sided."
"Sora…" Setting down the bracelet he cupped her hands in his.
"I love you, Riku." She lifted her face her blue eyes shining as the tears fell one by one but the smile on her face didn't falter. "I've waited so long to tell you, and now I finally can!"
She let out a small gasp when his arms came around her and his mouth closed on hers. The kiss tasted of tears but he didn't care. She had spoken the words he'd longed to hear from her. Here in this dark place that was reminiscent of home. It was a source of light that would forever fill him, and make him feel bright and happy.
Their hands linked together over Kairi's bracelet, a bright light emitting from all three of their charms and shooting out towards the sun. Their kiss broke and they looked out towards it.
"Light…" Riku whispered.
"The door to light." Sora quickly stood and pocketed the bracelet before reaching her hand out to Rikus. "We'll go together!"
"Yeah!" He took her hand and together they walked into the light. Sora felt that familiar falling sensation. Her hand gripped Riku's tightly as they fell down and their bodies hitting water. She felt her grip slip and she quickly kicked to the surface gasping for air and looking for Riku. When he popped up beside her she smiled and looked around.
"Sora! Riku!" Kairi's voice welcomed them, and Sora's eyes immediately found her on the beach of their little island. Ecstatic Sora let out a happy laugh and immediately swam to shore. She was ready to engulf her best friend in a hug, but was bombarded by two familiar figures. Donald and goofy race straight towards her jumping on her and making her fall back into the water.
Riku picked up Mickey the two of them embracing as old friends.
"You're okay!" Donald laughed happily and nuzzled Sora close with Goofy doing the same on the opposite side. She laughed and hugged them in return sitting in the water drenched head to toe but she didn't care. Her eyes lifted up to Kairi. "We're back."
"Welcome home." Kairi extended her hand…. Sora looked at it, smiled and then pulled out the charm bracelet showing it to her. She'd kept her promise, and to seal it she place the bracelet into Kairi's palm and closed her fist tightly.
We're Home.
That was the thing that kept racing through Sora's mind as she wandered the island making sure nothing had changed. They'd been back a week and Sora had gone over every inch of the place, and just as she thought nothing had.. and she hoped it never will. She went off in search of Riku again and found him in their usual spot along the bent paopu tree. He sat on the trunk of it staring at the sunset with such a peaceful face.
"What a small world." He spoke aloud to her when she joined him.
"Yeah, but part of one that's even bigger." She giggled and turned her head up to face him. "Hey Riku.. .what do you think that was? The door to the light?"
Laughing RIku jumped down and looked at her. He tried to come up with a simplistic answer for his reasonings… and decided to point right to her heart. "This."
"This?" She touched her heart staring down then up.
"Yeah…" You were the light, Sora. He smiled as he spoke inside his mind. You brought it with your words, and your open heart. "It's always closer than you think."
"Sora! Riku!" The two looked up as Kairi called out to them. She ran towards them holding a bottle with a message inside. The insignia was the kings, and Sora's hands quickly popped it out and began to read.
I wanted to tell you right away, about memories from the past that sleep within you. And about the pieces that will tie you to your future.
Sora, Riku, Kairi,
The truth behind the keyblade has found its way through so many people and now I know that it rests in your hearts.
Sora, you are who you are because of those people, but they're hurting and you're the only one who can end their sadness. They need you. It's possible that all your journeys so far have been preparing you for this great new task that's waiting for you.
I should have known there were no coincidences, only links in a much larger chain of events. And now the door to your next journey is ready to be opened.
-Mickey.
Sora stared at the paper, reading it over and over wondering what this new journey would entail, and just how long it would be before she would see her home again. Who were these people that Mickey was talking about? What did he mean by these sleeping memories?
"Sora…" Riku placed a hand on her shoulder. "You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah… it looks like my job's not done yet."
"Mmmm, I don't think there's a need to rush. Take some time, think about it. We'll go see Mickey in the morning." He and Kairi left her to her own thoughts. However there was no thinking… she'd already made up her mind.
Sora folded the paper and placed it in her pocket and stretched out her hand holding out the keyblade. "I am who I am because of them… if you're right Mickey, then I'll definitely help." She smiled. Though this time she doubted she'd be taking this journey alone.
The End?
One Journey Ends, and another begins… though this particular Journey still has several stories ahead of it. I will be releasing new fics right away and I plan on releasing them in this order.
If It Never Happened
If I could Forget
If we could do it over
If we had hearts
If this is the End
I may or may not switch out BBS and 358/2 Days depending on which you guys would want out first. It may make more sense to release Roxas' story before Birth By Sleep, but then I got to thinking that BIrth By Sleep could include some beneficial information… but at the same time i don't think it really matters since this is all conjecture.
I may actually even start posting several stories at a time since writing seems to be going so well. I've already finished the first chapters of each fic and I could slowly but surely start releasing them in tandem. I just haven't decided how I wanna do it… soooo
I'll let you guys decide.
Tell me your opinions on the releases and don't forget to include any personal wants or desires for the upcoming fics. Plus be sure to let me know your feelings on this particular fic. Did the ending satisfy you? Was there enough Soriku content? Was there enough battle content? I live for instructive criticism so speak your opinions loud and proud okay?
Thanks for the Support!