Notes: I have to deeply apologize for the slow pace. I'm working on a few real-life issues that are leaving me too drained to do much of anything. Life is really fun now. Also, I stupidly started working on a side-fic for this. It won't be posted until after this is finished, though, as it would give away secrets. But I'm excited about it.
Without further ado… here's the chapter! This is when shit really starts hitting the fan. At least I think so. So… enjoy!
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
In Life and Death
Chapter 24: No Records
"Look… I have a confession to make."
Kashi smiled as he leaned back in the passenger seat beside him. "Shoot."
It was their third so-call date and while Riku rather liked the guy, he felt increasingly guilty for leading him on. "I like you, I do. You're fun to hang out with and you're not bad to look at either. But…"
"You only asked me out to make Sora jealous."
Riku turned in his seat to look at the black haired teen. "You knew?"
Kashi nodded. "I sort of assumed that was the case when you first called."
"This whole time?"
He nodded. "It's been a fun two weeks though. Really has. My sister's pissed at me for saying yes. She telling me it's gross and I'm a sick pervert."
"You don't mind?"
He shook his head.
"I feel sort of guilty, like I was leading you on."
Kashi shrugged. "Like I said, I assumed this was about Sora. My feelings aren't hurt at all."
"In that case…" Riku smiled as he leaned back. "Want to skip the fake date and hang out at my apartment? My friend Kairi's spending the weekend. Could order in and watch some movies or something. She'd probably enjoy it."
Kashi shrugged. "Whatever. I'm easy… I mean… not hard to please." He added quickly when he realized what he said.
Riku laughed as he started the van and pulled out of the pier parking lot. "Since you brought him up first… how did he react?" The question came out slow.
Kashi laughed. "My stupid sister ran right out and told him. They both stopped talking to me, except when she's commenting on my pervertness."
"Shit. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have drug you into this."
He shrugged again. "Where Kit is concerned, I enjoy the silence. Sora's been like a zombie ever since he started hanging around. And he's slowly getting worse. It's obvious that there's something still between you two, that there's more to it that just a stupid fight. I've noticed that every time I see either of you, you have those rings on."
Riku's gaze shifted downwards to his hand that gripped the steering wheel.
"I thought the jealousy angle would work."
"Yeah." Riku shook his head slowly. "That's what Kairi thought too. She suggested it."
"I don't know if he really believes it." Continued Kashi. "Like… he doesn't feel threatened or some shit. I have a suggestion, if you'd like to hear it."
Riku smiled. "Sure."
"There's a new dance club opening up tomorrow. I know for a fact that Kitra is dragging Sora along. I say we go and put on a little show."
"Oh fuck. That is so a Kairi thing to say."
"He can't ignore it if it's shoved in his face."
Riku mulled it over for a second, unsure. "It just… sounds too… I don't know… mean."
"I assume you like the guy, right?"
Riku held up his hand in response, wiggling his ring finger."
Kashi laughed softly. "Think of it as tough love."
"Tough love, huh?" He pulled the van into the parking lot and turned it off. "Fine. 9:00?"
Kashi smiled. "Sure. Kitra's going to freak."
Riku laughed as he climbed out and locked the doors. "Come on. I'm on the third floor."
Kashi nodded and followed him into the elevator and down the hall.
"Kairi?" Riku called as he stepped inside.
"Riku?" Her voice came from the kitchen. "What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were on that fake… date…" She came out of the kitchen and her mouth dropped opened as she eyed the black haired man. "You brought him here?"
Kashi smiled widely as he looked around. "Yeah. We stopped by for a quickie."
Riku's mouth dropped open and he gave the black haired man a slight shove. "Kashi!"
"Oh!" Kairi bounced slightly and clapped her hands together. "I could make myself scarce then."
"Smartass." Riku said with a laugh. "He's in on it, Kairi."
"I hope so." Her hands were on her cocked hips and she had a 'duh' expression on her face. "Because that quickie comment completely goes against your whole 'waiting forever' speech."
"Kairi…"
She rolled her eyes as she removed her hands from her hips and folded them across her chest. "Fine, fine. I won't embarrass you on your date. Promise."
Riku rolled his eyes in answer and turned towards Kashi. "Well… this is it. Living room and kitchen. Bathroom, linen closet, and bedrooms down the hall."
Kashi nodded. "Nice tour."
"I try."
"So boys… what will we be doing tonight?"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"Oh Riku! You have to let me come!"
"Hell no." He said with a yawn as he stretched out on the couch he was lounging on. "I wish you hadn't brought it up."
Kashi let out a laugh as he leaned forward in the chair he was sitting in. "Hey. You never said I couldn't."
"Oh come on! Please?" The redhead looked from one boy to the other.
Riku shook his head. "No. You can play fag hag some other time. It's supposed to be a date."
"So what do you get out of this?" She asked as she turned to look at Kashi.
He shrugged. "Helping out a couple of friends, I guess. Plus feeling up a hot guy."
Like a pop tart popping out of the toaster, Riku jumped off the couch. "Okay, okay. I think it's time for sleep."
Kashi rubbed at his eyes for a moment before stifling a yawn. "What time is it?"
"After two."
"Shit…"
"You can crash here, if you want. Couch pulls into a bed."
Kashi looked up at his and leaned back slightly. "That wouldn't be weird or anything?"
Riku shook his head. "Nah. Kairi and Sora's mom used to share it."
"Sora's mom?"
"She used to… visit a lot." Riku answered slowly.
"They're really close." Kairi added, looking at the floor.
"Seriously? He's always complaining about her, like he can't stand her."
There was a sad tone to Riku's voice as he spoke. "A lot happened over the past year. A lot changed."
Kashi nodded slowly. "Maybe we can turn him around."
"Yeah. That would be nice." With a sigh, Kairi stood up. "Good night. I'll see you boys in the morning."
After she disappeared down the hall, Riku sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Whatever the outcome… thank you. And I hope we can be friends."
"I'd like that."
"There's a closet in the hall with extra sheets, blankets, and pillows. Make yourself at home." With a nod, the silver haired man headed down the hall to his room.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"Kitra… I don't know."
"Come on Sora. It'll be fun. And you've already agreed to go."
"But…"
"You're going even if I have to throw you over my shoulder and drag you there against your will."
He smiled meekly and nodded. "Okay. Fine."
"Good." The abrasive twin said with a nod. "Because I want a dance."
The brunette shook his head at that request. "I can't dance."
"Neither can I." She assured him.
Sora smiled and was starting to feel slightly excited by the idea.
"Kashi was always the dancer."
Sora's smile and excitement faded. "Where… uh… is he today? Haven't seen him yet."
Kitra didn't hesitate as she answered. "He didn't come home last night after his date."
"He didn't… come… home?"
Kitra shook her head. "He called me early this morning."
"And?"
"He stayed at Riku's."
Sora dropped his gaze.
"He won't be coming home today either."
Sora slunk down and turned his gaze to the ceiling. "Oh this is great. Just great."
Kitra watched his reaction in silence for a minute. She didn't quite understand. "Can I ask you something Sora?"
"If I said no, would it stop you?"
She smiled and shook her head. "No."
"What?"
"Why do you care so much?" She leaned forward on the table. "I mean… you guys broke up… what… four… five months ago. Isn't he entitled to date someone else?"
Sora shook his head. "No."
"That doesn't exactly seem right."
He shrugged. "I don't care. He's mine."
"Wait a minute..."
"No." He shook his head. "You wouldn't understand. No one understands."
She tilted her head to the side, trying to follow him. "Then explain it to me."
"I can't."
"Sora…"
"I'm going to go home. I want… need to be alone for a while." He stood up quickly and held up his hand to stop Kitra when she tried to follow. "I'll meet you back here tonight. Promise. We'll go to his club, dance, and make fools of ourselves."
Kitra leaned back and nodded. "See you tonight then."
Sora smiled gently and slipped out the door. When he got home, he found it empty. His mother was back to working full time. He didn't mind it though. It was easier for him to pretend that nothing ever happened. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and pressed it to his ear.
"Sora?" Her voice was surprised.
His feet shuffled across the floor, almost nervously, as he started pacing."Hi Kairi."
"Hey."
"I'm not… bothering you, am I?" He asked slowly.
"Oh no. Just hand on a minute. I'm going to take this in my room." The last part was slightly muffled.
"You're at home?"
"Uh… no." There was hesitation in her voice as she started. "I'm… spending the weekend with Riku… he's… asked me to move in with him after graduation."
"Move in?" Kairi was going to move in to his room? Sleep in his bed? That bed in his room where Riku once slept beside him and rubbed his belly when tiny kicks kept him up and again when tears stained his pillow.
"Well… yeah. He's got a spare room that's just going to waist. Why not?"
The way she said it made him cringe. "So you were there last night?"
"Yes Sora."
"Was… he there?"
"You mean Kashi?"
He cringed again. "Yes."
"They went out and came back after. The three of us stayed up for a while, hanging out. I can see why you like hanging out with the guy. I had a blast! Haven't had that much fun in months. But I excused myself and went to bed. When I woke up, he was still here."
"Oh…"
"I'm glad of it too. Riku really likes him. I haven't seen him so happy in a long time."
He wasn't up to saying more at the moment. "Oh…"
"Sora… it's not too late, you know."
"I have to go. Kit's dragging me to some club tonight. Uncoordinated me on the dance floor." He hung up without a formal goodbye.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"How'd it go?"
Kairi walked past them and placed the phone back on the charger. She bit her lip as she turned around and leaned against the counter. "I may have… insinuated too much."
Riku shrugged. "Maybe it's better."
She eyed him out of the corner of her eye before she opened her mouth. "You do know what he's going to think, right?"
Riku didn't answer.
"What?" Kashi asked as he looked from one to the other.
"They never really dated." Kairi said, her eyes on Riku. "They were friends when they jumped into bed together. Then they moved in together and got engaged."
Riku leaned on the table and drummed his fingers on the surface. "In our defense, we were drunk that first time."
Kashi laughed. "That's a great defense."
Kairi stifled a laugh as she pointed an accusing finger at the silver haired man. "My point is, you guys moved fast."
"There was more to it than that. A lot more and you know it."
She shrugged. "He's still going to make the same basic assumptions."
Riku groaned as he leaned back in his chair. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea."
"Can't back out now." Kashi placed a comforting hand on the shoulder beside him.
"Shit…" After a moment's silence, Riku sighed and brushed him off. "Come on. Since you won't go home, you can borrow something of mine to wear tonight."
"Yours?"
"Unless you want something of mine." Kairi offered as she pushed off from the counter and strode towards the table.
He laughed. "Haven't done any cross dressing for a while."
Her mouth dropped open.
"Kit and I used to… have some interesting adventures."
Kairi and Riku both laughed. "One day, you should ask Sora about our little trip off the island."
Riku rolled his eyes at the redhead. "You weren't even around half the time."
"You weren't either." She retorted, sticking out her tongue.
"I was… around. Just… other places. But I was always watching him."
"Yeah. I bet you were. Very stalker like."
He laughed. "You have no idea." He lowered his gaze and let out a sigh. "At least back then I always knew where he was. What he was doing, even though he didn't know I did."
Her voice dropped, taking on a softer tone. "He spent so long looking for you and you were always right there."
Riku scratched at the back of his neck. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Yeah." Kashi laughed. "I'm completely lost."
"Good." Kairi said with a nod. "Because it's a boring story."
"Oh yeah. It sounds like it."
Riku rolled his eyes and stood up. "Enough talking. Let's go raid my closet."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
The thumpa-thumpa of the speakers reverberated through the whole place. The strobe lights teetered on the edge of inducing seizures. Half dressed people were bumping and grinding on the dance floor in the center. Most of those sweaty bodies belonged to men.
"This is a gay club, isn't it?" They were sitting at one of the high top tables scattered around the perimeter of the floor. Silver and gold glitter had been sprinkled on top of the black table. It sparkled as the lights flashed.
Kitra smiled as she leaned forward to hear him better over the music. "It might be. Is that a problem?"
The brunette smiled and shook his head. "No. You just never mentioned it."
Her smile widened slyly. "All them young, shirtless, sweaty men."
Sora wrinkled his nose. "Are you trying to get me a date?"
"Maybe. You really should…" Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of him. "Kashi?"
"Kashi?"
"Kashi!" On the other side of the room, the black haired male half of the twins was walking towards the dance floor with his silver haired date in tow.
"Shit!" Sora had caught sight of them seconds before they melted into the crowd. He jumped up and attempted to follow.
"Wait a minute!"
"Do you think they saw us?" Riku had to practically press his lips to Kashi's ear for him to hear above the music.
"I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. Now…" He gripped the older's hips and pulled him forward. "Dance with me."
Riku felt vaguely foolish as he looked around at the moving bodies around them. And then he lost himself in the music. Kashi's arms moved to his neck and his moved to Kashi's waist.
Kashi pulled closer suddenly and lifted his mouth to Riku's ear. "Don't turn now, but he's watching."
Riku stiffened at that and a sickening lump formed in his stomach. He had the sudden intense feeling that this was a very bad idea. He started to pull away.
"Focus." Kashi grabbed the retreating man, held him tightly against him, and forced a kiss on his lips.
Riku pushed him away and turned to see Sora's back pushing through the crowd. "Wait! Sora!"
Sora barely heard the voice call his name as he pushed Kitra out of the way and ran towards the door. It was bad enough when Kitra told him and worse when Kairi confirmed it. But he still didn't quite believe Riku had replaced him. But seeing them practically humping and making out on the dance floor pretty much forced the doubts from his mind. Tears threatened his eyes as he pushed through the front entrance and ducked into the alleyway beside the building.
"Sora! Wait!"
His fists balled up as he heard the voice and the footsteps behind him. Without thinking, he turned, swung his arm, and connected with Riku's jaw. "Don't. Don't touch me. Don't talk to me. Don't follow me. Just don't."
Riku stumbled backwards and rubbed at his jaw as he flexed it. That was something he'd never expect the brunette to do. "Shit, Sora. That fucking hurt." Blood flaked the back of his hand as he rubbed it across his lips.
Taking advantage of Riku's momentary distraction, Sora ran past in and nearly collided with Kashi and Kitra.
"Go on!" Kitra pushed her brother closer to Sora, anger on her face. "Tell him what you two were doing."
Kashi exchanged a quick glance with Riku before dropped his gaze to the ground. He flinched slightly at the anger he felt radiating from his sister behind him.
Sora held up his hand and shook his head. "I don't want to know."
After giving her brother another shove, Kitra turned her gaze on the brunette. "They were faking it, Sora. Trying to make you jealous. Kashi just told me."
Sora spun around and glared at Riku, who hadn't moved. "You were pretending to date my friend to make me jealous? You let him touch you and kiss you to make me jealous?" He moved close enough to him to push him.
"Nothing happened." Riku insisted as he resisted the urge to grab the shorter boy.
Sora's eyes narrowed. "I saw you."
"That wasn't real."
"It fucking looked real to me." Sora moved closer and stood on his toes, attempting to make up for the difference in height. He knew he was dangerously close as his voice rose. "Your hands were all over him."
"We were putting on a show. We knew you were going to be here."
Sora shoved against him as hard as he could, throwing the other man off balance. "That makes it better?"
Riku recovered quickly and grabbed for him. "I don't want him. I want you!"
"Fuck you. I don't want you." The brunette spat as he stepped back.
"Sora…"
He couldn't hold the tears back anymore. His hands flew to his eyes as he rubbed them away and turned. He practically flew from the alley and turned the corner, moving out of view.
Riku didn't follow.
Kashi spoke for the first time as he lifted his gaze and scratched at the back of his head. "Look… I'm sorry man. I got carried away…"
Riku held up his hand and shook his head. "No. Don't be. I knew it was a bad idea all along. I should have never called you in the first place."
"I shouldn't have…"
He interrupted him again. "Just go home, Kashi. Forget any of this happened and don't mention me to Sora again. Just leave him alone."
"Riku…"
"I'm sorry. I really did like you."
Kitra stepped towards him. "Hey…"
"Go home." He shoved past them and bolted towards the parking lot. He didn't care if he offended either of the twins at the moment as he left them in the alley. He didn't care that Kashi was wearing his clothes or that his own were still back at Riku's. He didn't even care that his jaw was aching and he didn't notice the small trail of blood that leaked from the corner is his bottom lip.
"Fuck…" Once he got to the van, he moved closer and leaned against it. As he stood there, his phone rang and with a sigh he pulled it out. "Hello?"
"Hey… Riku? Are you okay?"
He sighed as he heard her voice. He didn't want to talk to her and he didn't want to go home and see her. "Why?"
"Well… Sora just called me. He said he was out with Kitra and he doesn't want to ride home with her anymore. He asked if I could meet him at the hotel."
With another sigh, Riku turned and leaned his back against the cool metal and glass of the door. "Well… that's good, right? He's running back to you."
"I guess… but what happened?"
"Basically… Kashi kissed me and I told Sora we were faking."
Regret laced her voice when she spoke. "I'm sorry Riku. I shouldn't have suggested it."
"Don't tell him you did. Just… go, be with him and make sure he's okay. I'm worried about him."
"I'm worried about you."
He didn't mean to snap at her, he really didn't. But at that moment, hearing her once again insinuating that he needed to be coddled, he couldn't control his temper. "Stop treating me like I'm a fucking baby Kairi." He screamed into the phone. "I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself. Go be with Sora." He hung up before she could respond.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"You've reached Connie Bland. Leave a message after the beep."
With a sigh, he pulled the phone from his ear and slipped it into his pocket. He really didn't want to do what he was planning. He had made the last ditch attempt to get a hold of the blonde in an attempt to bypass it. But as, yet again, she didn't answer, he had no choice. He turned the key and pushed the door open.
Months had passed since he last stood in the parking garage. And it was the last place he wanted to be. With another sigh, he pressed the lock button on his keys and headed towards the entrance to Landic Hospital. The front foyer looked the same since he had last seen it. People coming and going. Nurses, doctors, patients… some in wheel chairs.
Riku waited until the receptionist at the front desk was free and headed over. "Hi." He said with a smile.
The man rolled his eyes as he turned. "Can I help you?" He didn't sound pleased.
Riku ignored the man's attitude as he leaned slightly on the counter. "I was wondering if you could tell me if Connie Bland is on duty today."
"Connie Bland no longer works here."
"She doesn't?" That wasn't what he expected to hear.
"She was let go about three months ago."
"Let go? Why?"
"I am not at liberty to say, sir."
Riku eyed the man a moment before nodding. Clearly he wouldn't be getting any information out of him. "Uh… what about Dr. Veronica Verse?"
"I have been advised not to speak about her as well."
"Why? Did something happen?"
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"Why? I have to find Connie. I'm a friend and…"
The receptionist turned and grabbed for the phone. "Sir, I'm going to call security."
"What about the department head… uh… Hael something. Is she in?"
The receptionist rolled his eyes and turned to pick up the phone. He dialed her office number. "Dr. Brunt, there's a man here asking about… your department." He paused. "Yes." He paused again. "Are you certain?" Another pause. "Alright. I will send him up." He returned the phone to its jack and turned to force a fake smile. "She's in her office. I assume you know where and if not, ask the receptionist in her department."
Riku nodded and offered the man a smile. "Thanks for all your help." His thoughts turned to Sora and the times he accompanied the brunette through the white, sterile walls. He found his way easily and stepped through the once familiar doors. What wasn't familiar was the inside. The walls had been repainted and the floor recarpeted. The various pieces of furniture around looked new and the receptionist defiantly was.
"Uh… I'm looking for Dr. Brunt's office." He asked as he walked up to the desk.
"Just down the hall and to your left, sweetie." The elder woman said with a wide smile.
He thanked her and followed her instructions. The door was opened slightly and he knocked softly as he grasped the knob. "Dr. Brunt?"
"Have a seat." She waited until Riku did so before leaning forward on her desk. "Now… can I help you with something?"
He scratched at the back of his head as he leaned back in the chair. "Uh… I hope so. I was looking for two people who worked here. I was told downstairs that they no longer do."
"Connie and Veera?"
"Yes." He said as he nodded.
Hael sighed as she leaned back. "I can try to help you but I can't discuss certain details."
Riku nodded slowly. "Understood. Connie's a friend of mine. I was just trying to locate her. I wasn't aware that she no longer worked here."
"Yes. I regret what happened, because I really liked the girl. But it couldn't be helped with the investigation."
"Investigation? Is she in trouble?"
Hael clasped her hands together and set them on the top of her desk as she leaned forward slightly. "All I can say is yes."
"What about Dr. Verse?"
"She is no longer employed here as well. Can I ask how you know her?"
Riku looked away for a moment. "She was my… friend's doctor." He said slowly.
"A patient of Veera's? What's the name?"
"Sora Tottori."
She turned to her computer and typed a few keys. "How do you spell it?"
Riku repeated the name and spelled it out slowly.
"The name sounds familiar to me. But there is no record of him in the hospital." She turned her chair back around to face him. "We found out that Veera didn't keep accurate records. I'm sorry I can't be of more help."
Riku shook his head as he stood up. "No. You're been very helpful. Thanks for your time."
"When you find Connie, you tell her I'm hopping everything turns out okay for her. I know she wasn't involved."
He nodded and headed back to the parking lot. Once back inside the van, he pulled the phone book of the glove box.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
An hour later found him ringing the doorbell of a door with the number five on it in an apartment building he had never been to before. The door swung open and he offered her a smile. "Hello Connie."
Her hair was pulled back in a lazy ponytail, she was dressed in wrinkled sweats, and there was a scowl on her face. "What the fuck are you doing here?" She let go of the door and turned away, not waiting for an answer.
"Uh… you didn't return my calls." He followed her in and closed the door behind him.
Once the door was shut, she spun around and practically snarled at him. "You should have taken that as a fucking sign."
Her demeanor startled him. Granted, their brief friendship existed only because of a common so-called enemy but he still felt like this wasn't her. "Connie… what's wrong?"
"What's wrong? I'm in a shitload of trouble because of you and your little boyfriend. I'm going to end up in jail for the rest of my life and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm completely fucked." She threw up her arms and spun around, headed deeper into her living room. The place was littered with empty boxes.
He hesitated a moment before he followed after her. "Because of me and Sora?"
"And his stupid fucking bitch of a doctor."
"Veera?"
She spun around suddenly, startling him again, and shoved him. "Don't say her fucking name."
Riku was at a complete loss as his mouth dropped open. "I'm trying to follow Connie, I really am. But… can you start at the beginning?"
Her eyes narrowed and she glared at him for a long time. Finally, she straightened up, crossed her arms, and tilted her head to the side. "Why don't you go first? Tell me what was wrong with Sora. You never did tell me the truth."
Riku flinched slightly at the accusation in her tone of voice and looked away. "I'm sorry about that. Sora… left me and I've been avoiding things that remind me of him. Not thinking hurts less."
Her demeanor changed instantly. Her arms fell to her sides and her face softened. "Oh… I'm sorry. If you'd rather…"
"No. Fair is fair, right? But… it's a long story. Can we sit or something?"
She nodded and turned towards the couch on the other side of the room. She quickly tossed the empty boxes off of it, sat down, and patted the spot beside her. "Come on. Have a seat and make yourself at home."
He seemed almost reluctant as he stepped towards her and took a seat beside her. With a sigh, he leaned back and closed his eyes. When he opened his mouth, he told Connie everything, starting with that night that seemed so long when a storm struck their small island.
He had expected Connie to not believe a word he said when he talked about the Heartless and Kingdom Hearts. He was certain she wouldn't believe that it had been sort of thanks to Sora that interplanetary travel was now possible. He anticipated a freak out when he mentioned Sora's pregnancy.
But she had surprised him. She listened intently, nodding and commenting occasionally, and asked questions when she had them. When he finished, she folded her hands in her lap and leaned back. "This makes so much sense now."
"Huh?" He was still having trouble believing her calm attitude.
"The pregnancy." She said with a nod. "I won't pretend I understand anything about how it happened. But I can certainly believe it happened. The way both he and Veera acted… I knew something weird was going on but… shit!" Her eyes widened as she started connecting the dots in her head. "The missing equipment… the phony conference… the fake operation room… the ambulance… the shuttle…"
Riku was lost. "What? Back up a minute…"
So Connie took her turn. She told her about the fake conference and what happened and what she learned when she returned to the hospital the next day. She told him about Veera's disappearance, as well as the dismissal of Nash Baxter and the transference of Black Trippin. She told him about sneaking into Veera's apartment and being caught.
"I sweet talked the manager's son into giving me a key." She said, shaking her head. "I had no clue the police had found out that's where she lived. And that they had the place under surveillance. The moment I stepped in, I was arrested. They recognized me from the hospital. Then they raided my apartment and found the missing hard drives I'd stolen, as well as proof that I wasn't the airhead the hospital thought I was. I told them what I knew, which was really nothing. I left out you and Sora because I didn't know. But… all the evidence now points to me."
"They think you helped Veera?"
She nodded. "They think I fabricated the conference to give myself an alibi and give Veera the opportunity to take over the wing. Apparently I'm her partner in everything. I tried talking about her roommate, Zing, but no evidence was found that he even existed. So… I'm basically fucked."
"Connie… I will find Veera. I will get the truth from her. I promise you."
She sighed softly as she rubbed at her eyes. "If the police couldn't…"
"I will. I will fix this, okay? Here." He fished his keys out of his pocket and pulled the apartment one off. "This is the key to my apartment. I want you to write down everything you know, everything you remember about Veera, Sora, and me. About the hospital, thefts, everything. Then I want you to take it to my apartment. In the closet of Sora's old room is the ultrasound machine Veera left there months ago. I'm certain it's still missing from the hospital. I'll also try and get my hands on everything Sora has, the pictures and videos, and make copies. Even if I can't find her, we'll prove that you had no involvement."
Her mind started racing as she thought about it. She grabbed the key and nodded. A smile spread across her face. "Okay… yeah I can do that."
"You're not like… being followed or anything?"
She shook her head. "Not exactly. I get checked on every once in a while. But they don't consider me a flight risk."
"Good. Be careful."
"You too. But… what do you plan to do?"
"Track her down… somehow. After I get answers. I have to find out if what's in that urn is really… if it's really them. I have to find a… doctor or someone I can trust."
"Blake Trippin." Connie said, jumping up and clapping her hands together.
"Blake?"
She nodded. "From what I gathered, the transfer was a complete surprise to him. My guess is he didn't know he requested it until he found out he was going. He had no choice."
"So it was a set up… like the conference… and the thefts that were blamed on Nash."
Connie nodded and turned towards her bedroom door. "Wait here a moment."
Riku nodded and waited until she returned a moment later with a small, metal suit-case like box. "What's that?"
She bent down, placed it on the small coffee table, and popped the box open. She pulled out a rather large, oddly shaped phone. "This is a prototype, but it still very much works. Just not available to the normal public yet."
"What is it?"
"An interplanetary universal phone. My father's company handles the legal work for the company heading up the research on interplanetary travel and communication. He gave this to me when he was scheduled to go off planet. I was supposed to go with him but… with the investigation and all…" She let out a sigh. "I won't be needing it. You can make calls from it to any phone, anywhere. And you can receive any call as well."
"Seriously? It works?"
She nodded. "Dad said new towers are being put up on all the planets. It's not perfected, of course. Calls can be lost or dropped more easily the farther you get from towers. And there's like a thirty second delay. But we can keep in touch. I'll help as much as I can from here."
He smiled at her and drew her into a hug, catching her off guard. "After everything… all the trouble… you still want to help."
She let out a laugh as he released her. "Well… I do have an ulterior motive."
"Well… whether or not you're doing it for us or to get yourself out of trouble…"
"It's both."
His smiled widened. "I'm grateful."
"Good. Now… pay attention. Here's how you use this thing…"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
"Wow…" Kairi breathed out into the phone. "So… what are you going to do now?"
"I think I have to find out the truth. I have to find Veera. I have to find out if… if they are still alive."
She slumped down on her bed and stretched out. "So you really think they could be?"
"I… I don't want to think about that. I don't want to get my hopes up or Sora's. Don't tell him anything! I mean it. If he asks… tell him… I went out of town for a vacation or something."
She smiled slightly. The past week had been almost back to normal between her and Sora. He was back to hanging out with her at school, they helped each other with homework, and they were always together. They just never mentioned what happened over the last year or Riku. "You know he's not going to ask."
"I know. But on the off chance he does… make something up."
"Do you have any leads or anything?"
"I'm not sure yet." He answered slowly. "I thought I'd track down that doctor and nurse Sora met with that first visit. Blake Trippin and Nash Baxter. Both were burned by the hospital."
Kairi didn't know them but she vaguely remembered the names. "Do you have any leads on them?"
"Connie said Blake was transferred to Deep Jungle. So I thought I'd go there first. Nash worked for him so maybe he'll know something about her."
She nodded as she pulled herself up into a sitting position. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Actually… yes, there is. That's why I called. I need a few things."
"What?"
He paused before answering. "I need their urn. And that box Sora keeps all the ultrasound pictures and videos, papers, and whatever else he had in it."
Her mouth dropped open. "Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously. I need as much proof as I can get."
"You don't think he'll notice it's all gone?"
"They are my kids, too. I have a right. And I just need him to not notice until I can get off planet."
"Riku…"
"It'll all be returned eventually… but I need it. Can you get it for me or not?"
She let out a loud sigh. She felt wrong deceiving Sora again, but she had to help Riku, even if the chance was impossibly small. "Yes, I think I can. How soon?"
"I was hoping to leave tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Tell Sora to meet you at the movie theater, sneak over to his house, get it, and meet me at the docks."
She chewed on her lip as she thought about it. "I don't know if…"
"Find a way to do it Kairi. I'm getting on the ferry now. And see if you can find his hair brush."
Kairi glared at the phone as she pulled it away from her ear. He had hung up on her. "Okay." With a sigh, she dialed Sora's number and pressed it back to her ear. "Hey Sora." She practically squealed as she said his name.
"Hey Kairi. What's up? You sound excited."
"Oh I am." She tried to lay it on thick. "I'm just dying to see that new movie. Got any plans tonight? The next showing starts in ten."
"Uh… late notice but sure. I'm just hanging at home."
"Meet me at the theater in ten?"
"Sure. I'm getting up now."
A few minutes later found the redhead crouched down behind the bushes in front of her house. She watched as Sora walked out his front door, down the porch stairs, and out of sight down the street. "I can't believe I'm doing this…" She bit her lip as she walked towards his house as casually as possible.
Once on the porch, she pulled out the spare key Sora had given her years ago and slipped inside. She left the lights off as she headed upstairs to Sora's room. She knew where to find all items. The brush had been the easiest. It was on the sink in the bathroom. The urn was on the nightstand beside his bed and the box was in the closet, almost exactly where Kairi had found it nearly ten months ago.
"The box won't be a problem right away…" She said, talking to herself. "But the urn… he'll see it's gone as soon as he turns on the light." She stuffed the box in the empty backpack she had brought with her, wrapped the urn in a towel she swiped from the bathroom, and set it gingerly on top before zipping it closed. She was still puzzling over Sora as she headed down the street towards the docks.
"Maybe… if I keep him out all night and drag him back to my house… maybe I can get him to sleep over…" She increased her speed as she neared the docks.
"Kairi." Riku spotted her before she spotted him. "Did you get it?"
She nodded and pulled the backpack off her back. "Here." She shoved it at him.
"That's your backpack."
She shrugged. "It's fine. I don't really need it."
"It's pink."
She rolled her eyes. "You're gay. You can pull off a pink, girly bag."
It was his turn to roll his eyes as he slung the bag over his shoulder. "Thanks Kairi."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Nothing to Sora, alright?"
She nodded. "You could tell him. You could go together."
Riku shook his head. "I have to find proof first. One way or the other."
She shook her head slowly. "Alright. I'll keep him from noticing for as long as I can."
"Thank you Kairi." He pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket and handed it to her.
She unfolded it and stared at the long number. "What is this?"
"The number to Connie's universal interplanetary phone. Since she's unable to use it, she's lent it to me."
Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. "I can call this number… and you'll be able to get it? No matter where you are? Seriously?"
He nodded.
"Then you better keep me updated." She squealed and then wagged a finger at him. "I mean it mister. I want to know everything you do and what you find out."
With a smile, he pulled her into a tight hug. "Love you, Kairi."
"Yeah, yeah." She pushed him away with a smile. "You too. But I have to run. I was supposed to meet Sora like fifteen minutes ago."
"Take care of him."
"I will." She turned and started towards the theater.
Riku watched her for a few minutes before he smiled and stepped onto the ferry.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
End of Chapter 24. Stay tuned for Chapter 25: Farewell
Author's Notes: BLECK! I have no clue why this chapter gave me sooo many problems, other than the time constraints. The club scene sucks, I know it does. So comment on the suckiness if you must, but I gave up on it. Seriously. This is over a week late. Man. I'm ready for the drama to end and the action to start! I WANTS KEYBLADES AND HEARTLESS! Now!