If If Never Happened
Author's Note: I hope you guys have enjoyed this fic from beginning to end. I hope it didn't feel too rushed. Please look forward to the finale of "If We Had Hearts" and the upcoming continuation of the Fem-Sora universe "If This is The End."
Chapter 18: Epilogue
Summer was coming to a close and students were hastening to complete the summer homework, and enjoy the last bits of vacation they had before going back to highschool hell. Venus and Vanita would stay through the rest of the school year and graduate with Riku, Terra, and the other seniors and live with Master Xehanort for the duration.
Many of the seniors were already discussing what they would do once graduation hit. Terra was heading into the sports program at a Mainland college and looking to try out for various teams and tournaments. Venus had the grades, and determination to go to whatever college she wanted and would follow Terra while pursuing a degree in literature and creative writing.
"What about you, Axel?" Vanita sat on the rail in front of the ice cream shop. He and Roxas cuddled together with Saix and Demyx arguing over the latest set. Saix believed Demyx had been off beat, while Demyx thought Saix had rushed the tempo. "Any plans for after graduation?"
"Eh I'll be working with my uncle at his shop for awhile… but I'm thinking I might pursue a career in music with the numbskulls." He jerked a thumb behind him. "Especially now that I've got a killer new lead singer." Her nudged Roxas who flushed bright red.
"Really?" Vanita raised a brow grinning. "You're becoming a part of the band, Roxas?"
"I thought it was time I lived a little dangerous. Though Axel might regret it when I get stage fright and botch the next show." She took a bite of her ice cream. When Axel kissed her cheek she giggled and smiled. "I know when I graduate I wanna do design, and marketing and I thought I could use the experience to help the band out."
"What's the name of your band again?" Vanita tossed her long mane of hair and sent some tourists a cool flirtatious smile before turning her attention back to the young couple.
"Organization 789" Axel said confidently. "After our class test rankings."
"No offense but in a class of 13 that's not call that impressive. You should just switch it to The Organization. Simpler, edgier." Vanita suggested with a shrug and jumped off the rail.
"The Organization… yeah I like it." Axel nodded and looked to Roxas. "Think you can make us some new posters?"
"Sure thing… hey Vanita." She stood up and grabbed both of Vanita's hands. "I'm sorry about being such a pain. Thanks for helping me get my head on straight."
Vanita looked at her with mild surprise… then laughed.
"Ah no big. We're cousins, we're kinda stuck with each other for all eternity." She wrapped an arm around her giving it a friendly pat. "Might as well make you someone I can tolerate."
"Gee thanks!" Roxas shoved and both girls laughed. "Seriously though." She hugged Vanita tightly. "Thank you, Vanita."
"Yeah…" Axel stood up smiling at her. "Thanks for everything."
"Don't mention it." She looked out at the ocean holding back the need to sigh. "Well I'm gonna go kill some time and take a ride."
"Don't be a stranger." Axel pulled Roxas back to him, his eyes showing concern at the expression on her face. "You know you're always welcome to hang with us."
"Yeah, next time we all hang out together we'll have some real fun. I promise." Roxas promised with a smile.
"You losers make it sound as if I'm never coming back." She pulled the sunglasses from atop her head down to cover her eyes. "No worries, you'll see me around." She waved her hand and strolled off.
~Later~
Straddled atop her bike Vanita watched her sister and Terra walk hand in hand along the beach. They made quite a picture. She'd never seen Ven smile so brilliantly... and Terra finally seemed at ease with himself. They both looked… happy.
"About time, you jerk." Vanita slipped her helmet on and drove off. She loved driving her bike, it felt so free and calming even at top speeds. She needed calm after all that happened. It had been a rough summer... but as fall started Vanita felt the winds of change, and in this case change was for the better.
Those she cared about were content and in happy relationships. She and Venus finally made some true lasting friendships, and their final year of school was proving to be an eventful and joyous one.
...so why did she feel so miserable?
Yeah she was a little down that she wasn't the one Terra wanted. She was down that everyone on the damn island seemed to find their match but her. Why did she bother helping other people when there was no benefit in it for her?
"Tch, no more miss nice guy. From now on everyone is-" she suddenly brought her bike to a stop nearly crashing into the back of a spiffy dark blue car with its lid popped open and three male bodies under the hood.
Didn't that just figure? She grunted in annoyance and flipped up the visor to study what was going on.
"You sure you filled the tank before we left?" Gladio, the tallest one, said stretching his impressive muscular body out.
"I'm positive. Its gotta be the transmission or something if we can't even get it to start again." Prompto, a boy about her age with blonde hair, grumbled.
"Guess we'll just have to call a mechanic." The third male with pin straight blonde hair and glasses efficiently pulled out his phone. He made a started sound when something bumped beside him and Vanita muscled her way in poking her head under the hood. "Pardon me, but who-"
"Any of you clowns got a wrench?" she asked fidgeting with something inside. The men looked at each other and Gladio shrugged walking back to the trunk and bringing her a tool kit.
"You actually know what you're doing there sweetheart?" He leaned in over her watching her work.
"More than you," she mumbled and took the wrench tightening down a bolt giving it a firm shake to make sure it was secure. She then reached inside and flipped some kind of switch before pulling back and closing the hood. "Alright give it a try."
Ignis eyed the other two before walking into the driver's seat and starting up the engine. His smile was quick when it revved up perfectly.
"Everything seems to be in order. You have our thanks, Miss."
"Vanita, and don't mention it." She wiped her hands with a rag she'd found in the tool kit. She started to round the car and paused when a voice yawned from the backseat.
"Is the car fixed yet?" Noct stretched and ran a hand through his messy hair. He stared bleary eyed at Vanita and blinked. "Do I know you?"
"We'll be on our way again soon, and you can thank this nice young lady for her help." Ignis grabbed Noct by the head forcing him into manners. "Don't mind him."
"No big, it's a nice day for a nap." Plus, Vanita added with a quick smirk, who could stay mad at a handsome face like that?
"No really…" he waved Ignis off and got out of the car. "You look familiar." He walked to her, and after getting a closer look at him Vanita's eyes went wide.
"Noct?"
"Vanita?" He smiled suddenly. "Well hell, I didn't't expect to see you out here. How long has it been?"
"Last year of grade school, so about six years I think…" She smirked and crossed her arms. "Still like to take naps I see."
"Hey a guy's gotta get his beauty rest when he can. I almost didn't recognize you… your hair gave you away." He ran his fingers through the thick black locks and had her laughing.
"Oh yeah, gotta be the hair." She crossed her arms. She and Noct had been classmates in grade school. She'd had a baby crush on him for about two years, but had prioritized taking care of her sister rather than making friends. Still she often flirted when she could and he right back at her. "Good to see you. What are you doing out here on the islands?"
"Camping, I just turned eighteen and these guys decided to take me as a kind of manly ritual. Can't complain though as I get to participate in the greatest past time known to man."
"Fishing?" She raised a brow. "I still remember how you brought your first pole to show and tell… you sent the hook flying and it caught onto Steiner's pant leg. You pulled him right out of his seat."
The two shared a laugh and the other three men huddled together. In truth while they did want to celebrate Noct's birthday, the young man had been deeply depressed after his breakup with a girl named Luna. Seeing the two young people converse so easily got their minds working.
"Say Vanita!" Prompto jogged up wrapping his arms around both Noct and Vanita. "If you're not doing anything why don't you join us?"
"Join you?" She turned and raised a brow. "Isn't this supposed to be a manly ritual?"
"Hey, any girl who knows her way around an engine is manly enough for our little excursion." Gladio grinned at her.
"Gee thanks," Vanita rolled her eyes. She felt Noct's hand slide on her shoulder.
"Come with us. It'll be fun."
Don't do it, Vanita. She looked at his hand then up into those amazing blue eyes. Don't set yourself up for heartbreak again. Just don't go there.
"I'd really like it if you came." He offered her a smile. "Please?"
Damn it…
"Alright… you win." She smiled back. What the hell, she thought, four attractive men all to herself for a weekend summer camping trip? She may as well enjoy herself. "Where's your campsite at? I can pack some belongings and meet you there."
"We're camping near Destiny Gulf." Ignis explained. "Noct why don't you go with her? We'll get things set up at camp and see you both there."
"Sounds good." Noct nodded to her bike. "That yours?"
"Yep… not as pretty as your Regalia over there, but I like it." She tossed him the spare helmet and swung a leg over. He got on behind her putting his hands on her hips.
"Show me some moves." He challenged and pressed in tight behind her. Vanita resisted the urge to let out a long appreciative sigh.
"Oh baby… I plan on it."
~Destiny Island~
Sora sat at her usual spot on the curved tree with Riku leaning against the trunk beside her. She almost wished Kairi were there to complete the picture… but things didn't always stay the same. Change, she thought, was inevitable. Before summer started she hadn't quite grasped that lesson. Now that school was about to start again, she would take all the change, and embrace it with optimism.
"I've decided I'm going to hold on on joining the track and field team until next year." she told Riku kicking her legs back and forth. "I want to train on my own and get mentally prepared before I think about competing."
"Sounds good. I'm sure Herc and Phil will be happy to hear you taking it seriously." Riku looked up at her. He frowned when he saw the serious look on her face. "You alright?"
"Yeah… just a little sad. I'm happy that the little island is back to normal… and that people are enjoying it again. I know now though that change is inevitable… and one day the island may be forgotten, and may be left abandoned like before."
"It doesn't have to be." Riku held out his hand helping her down. He kept her hand in his stroking a thumb over her knuckles. "Even when we grow up, get jobs and have children of our own… this place is a part of our childhood. If we pass on the memories here to our children, and let them experience all the good we have… then this place will be special to them to. It's our job to pass that legacy on, and keep the precious memories alive."
"You're right." She smiled up at him. "I've had so many good memories here, Riku. I won't let fear of change or the one bad memory I have keep me from holding onto the good." She stepped from him getting closer to the water. "It's the same with the ocean."
She surprised him by tugging her shirt over her head and stepped out of her shorts. Underneath she wore the red bikini Roxas had shoved at her.
"Sora, what are you- SORA!" He ran after her when she took a running leap off the stone and jumped into the water. He quickly tossed his shirt and pants aside and jumped in after her. Sora swam out to the sea diving under and just letting the water surround her.
She could feel the nightmare of drowning start to surface… but stayed calm. She dove a little deeper and turned around looking up at the bright surface. She saw the shadowed figure of Riku swimming to her, holding his hand out.
His eyes… she thought… even in the dim light she could lose herself in those eyes. She reached a hand out for his, but instead of letting him pull her up she pulled him down and took his mouth. For a few blissful moments they kissed in the salty water, surrounded by the cool water and pressed into each other's warmth.
Slowly they rose to the surface but didn't let go of each other. Sora gasped for breath but kept her face close to Riku's, their foreheads pressed together and looking into each other's eyes.
"Riku... "
"Sora…" He stroked her hair and face. "You leave me breathless."
She laughed a little. The waves gently rocked their bodies but they stayed afloat, their legs kicking around treading water.
"The feeling is mutual…" She pulled away from him slowly and just lay on her back staring at the sky. "Riku… Do you still want to leave the island?"
"What?"
"You're graduating soon aren't you? Are you going to go to college on the mainland? Or are you going to find work here?" She asked stretching her arms out waving.
"I don't know yet… it really all depends." He told her honestly.
"Depends on what?"
"On you."
That caught her attention. Sora floated upright and looked at him.
"On me? Riku I'm two years behind you, I won't graduate until-"
"I know… There is a college I want to go to, but I don't want to go there unless I know you'll be okay without me." He reached a hand out to her. "No that's not right… I don't want to go, unless I know you'll stay with me."
"Riku… are you… asking me to wait for you?"
"Yes. I know now Sora that you're the one for me. So if you ask me to stay then I'll stay… but if I go, I don't want to see you with another guy when I get back. I want to know that you'll miss me, want me, and be true to me just as I will for you."
"Riku…" Sora's eyes looked into his. "I'll never find another guy like you for as long as I live." She touched his cheek. "I don't want you to go…"
Riku nodded soberly and opened his mouth to speak but she touched her fingers to his lips.
"... but I'm telling you to go. I'll miss you, I'll go on wanting you… and I'll be true to you, because it's the same for me. You're the one for me, Riku. So I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."
Riku smiled and he pulled her to him kissing her deeply.
"I love you, Sora."
"I love you too, Riku." She hugged him, shutting her eyes tight to hold back tears at the thought of having to let him go. Still she knew she could do it… knew she had to let him walk his own path, and trust he'll come back to her when he's ready.
~Four Years Later~
Graduating high school had been one of the happiest days of Sora's life. Not only could she say goodbye to textbooks and studying, but she finally had the freedom to do as she'd always wanted. For two whole years she'd picked up jobs in various fields saving up for a special trip to the mainland.
In the three and half years he'd been gone, Riku had visited only a handful of times… three Christmases, her graduation, and Axel and Roxas' wedding. It was strange to think of her sister being a married woman… but she and Axel were making it work. They'd bought a little house on the mainland, but often took the ferry to visit her and their parents.
She and Axel had a full time gig with the band, playing concerts every weekend, and doing events on a regular basis. They were becoming pretty popular too, according to Roxas, and had several albums made.
Donald and Goofy moved to the mainland as well, taking jobs with someone called "Mickey" who apparently was highly respected and kind. She couldn't wait to meet this Mickey person herself.
While college had originally been the plan Venus and Terra had both decided to stay on the island. Venus took online courses to get her teaching degree, and Terra was in charge of several little league sports teams here on the island. They were also engaged and planning a fall wedding. Vanita was Maid of Honor, naturally, and had flown back from wherever she and Noct were travelling at the time to do her sisterly duties. While Vanita hadn't mentioned wedding plans of her own, Sora couldn't help but notice the big fat diamond on her finger.
"That's my secret." She'd winked at Sora but admired it affectionately.
Her friends and family were scattered all over now, but some things never changed. The islands were still her home, and the little island remained as it always had. She made sure to keep it that way. She'd taken a couple lessons from Axel's uncle about carpentry, and building, and did a bunch of the maintenance work herself on the little island when it was needed. The various jobs she took kept her busy, and while she thought of going to college herself, Sora just couldn't bring herself to go through school again.
School life wasn't for her. She did better with grunt work, using her hands and wit to get by. As such she picked up abilities that came in handy such as cooking, cleaning, mechanics, fishing, advertising, and she'd even finally learn to drive a boat by herself.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Venus fretted watching Sora pack for her trip. Venus hadn't changed much as far as her demeanor went… but she'd cut off her hair into a pixie style in a bold and impetuous act. Terra made some fuss… but had grown fond of it as it allowed him better access to her neck and shoulders.
"She's fine, Mooom." Vanita teased as Sora snapped the clasp on her luggage shut.
"Okay, I've got my tickets, hotel reservation, plenty of spare clothes, underwear, hair products, bathroom essentials, and reading material for the trip."
Straightening up Sora looked herself in the mirror to study her attire. She hoped she looked grown up in the pretty summer dress, strappy heels and bolero jacket. Still she couldn't help but feel like something was missing.
She pulled out her purse going through her checklist. Money, keys, filofax, makeup, brush and comb… she paused and pulled out the twin star hair accessory Riku had given her. She smiled softly and stroked the dangling paopu fruits. She pulled out her brush running it through her hair before braiding it and tying the end off with the hair tie.
"There… perfect."
"You look wonderful." Venus smiled. "Does Riku know you're coming?"
"He knows I'm coming to visit, but I didn't tell him it'd be today." She put a finger to her lips winking. "I wanted it to be a surprise."
Vanita smiled and shook her head. Very little surprised Riku… but she'd let Sora have her fun.
"Okay… just be safe alright?" She stood up. "Don't do anything stupid."
"I will, or won't… whichever." She laughed hefted up her bags. She waved goodbye to her cousins as she made her way out. "I'll call you from the hotel."
"Okay!" Venus called back waving and Vanita leaned up on the doorjamb. The two exchanged glances and waited until Sora was half way down the block before hurrying back inside the house. Picking up the phone Venus dialed a number and pressed it close to her ear.
"Hey it's me… she's on her way."
~The Docks~
Sora stood at the docks hugging friends who'd come to see her off. She hadn't expected so many people to show up, and truly felt blessed and loved.
"Thanks everyone, it really means a lot to me." She smiled brightly and glanced back seeing the Ferry pull in. "Well there's my ride." She watched the passengers get off one by one and waited for her chance to board… and gasped when she saw Roxas and Axel step off, followed by someone in a black hoodie.
"Roxas! Axel! I didn't know you were coming today."
"I hear you were leaving and wanted to see you off." Roxas walked to her and hugged her tightly. Axel in turn took his time to hug her and then the two parted.
"We brought you a little going away gift." He told her and motioned to the hooded figure behind them. Sora's eyes narrowed and she cocked her head curiously… and then broke into a huge smile when he pulled back the hood to reveal his face. "RIKU!"
"Hey!" He grinned at her and opened his arms when she came rushing to him. He lifted her up spinning and she laughed happily. "Miss me?"
"Always! Oh my god what are you doing here? I told you I was-"
"I know. I finished classes a little early and have been hiding out at Axel and Roxas' house for the time being. I knew you'd tell them when you'd be leaving so I could be here at the docks when you did."
"Oh…" she stomped her heel huffing. "I wanted to surprise you but you turned it around on me. No fair!"
"Sorry." He chuckled and pulled off the jacket completely handing it off to Axel. He was dressed to impress in a smooth suit and reached into the pocket. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity knowing everyone would be here."
"Everyone?" She glanced back and noticed that the group had gotten larger. Venus and Vanita, Noct, Terra and Aqua, Hayner and the gang, Goofy and Donald, Selphie, Tidus, Wakka, Namine, and even Kairi all beamed at her. "Everyone!"
Tears filled Sora's eyes as she turned to them holding her mouth. Everyone had come to see her off… but why?
"Sora…"
She turned back and had to let out another gasp when she saw Riku on one knee and holding out a black box. He opened it and light shimmered out. Inside was a star shaped diamond in a platinum band.
"Riku…"
"Thank you for waiting for me… but I think both of us have had enough waiting and are ready to start a new life. Marry me, Sora. Travel the world with me and let's finally live out our dream."
"RIKU!" Sobbing Sora covered her face as big fat happy tears spilled down. "I'm dreaming, I gotta be dreaming."
"It's no dream, Sora." Riku took her hand and pulled the ring out to slip it on her finger. "Say yes."
"Yes! YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES!" She jumped into his arms kissing him enthusiastically. Behind her Axel wrapped his arms around his wife as she too broke into tears.
Everyone shed a little tear as Sora and Riku boarded the Ferry. They cuddled close together on the end waving to their friends on the islands. When it was only a speck in the distance Riku turned to her and Sora beamed up at him.
"I can't wait to see the world with you, Riku."
"It won't just be this one, Sora. We're gonna explore all the worlds… and we'll do it together." He took the hand with his ring on it and kissed it.
She smiled wondering how much happier she could be…
...but the smile faded as darkness fell across the sky. Sora looked up held onto Riku.
"A storm?"
"The Door Has Opened."
"What?" She looked back at Riku, gasping when she saw him in a full black cloak and a blindfold covering his eyes. "Riku!?"
"This world is just too small." A voice spoke from behind her and she whirled aorund looking into a pair of gold eyes. The man standing there wore all black his silver hair spiked and handsome face marred by a scowl. "My preparations are nearly complete… I lack only the final vessel."
"Who are you? What's going on? Riku?" She turned back around to find him gone. "RIKU!?"
"This world you've fabricated is too peaceful and unrealistic. A calm and quiet home where everyone receives a happy ending. Humph… a mere fairytale. Soon you will awaken only to dive into the world of dreams again, but this time your dreams won't be so sweet." He held out a hand as if to grab her. Sora backed away shaking her head and screamed as the ferry bucked and sent her overboard.
"RIKU!"
Sora awoke with a start sitting straight up and wheezing in breath. She felt cold… so viciously cold. Where was she? She looked around and knew she was on the little island inside the treehouse. She looked down, saw Riku sleeping beside her and a wave of relief came over her.
"Thank goodness…" She slid back under the covers and cuddled into him. He turned in his sleep pulling her to him and his sleepy eyes blinked open. The candle's they'd lit had all gone to waxy puddles leaving the room dark and cold.
"You alright?" He asked with sleep still heavy in his voice. He gently brushed a tear away. "You're crying."
"Just a dream…" She murmured and comforted herself by laying her head over his heart and listening to the beat.
"Bad?"
"I… don't know." She struggled trying to remember the details. "For a moment I could smell the sea… and felt myself drowning in it… but before that I remember being so happy… it's hard to explain."
"Mmm i can never really remember what I dream about… but if it made you happy then it had to be a good dream, right? So maybe these are happy tears?" He kissed the tears away now and had her smiling.
"Yeah… happy tears."
Still Sora couldn't let go of this vicious fear she had… and clung to Riku as she remained awake, not brave enough to take on the world of dreams just yet.
~The End~
Briry: Yay! Done! If we Had Hearts will be on my list to finish next as I only have a few chapters left in that. Once that's completed I'm going to concentrate on my MHA and Hunter X Hunter fics for a time while I finish mapping out the plan I have for my Dream Drop Distance fic. Hopefully by the time I get that particular ball rolling and or finished KH3 will be out and I can start planning the final installment there.
Next Installment: "If This is The End!"