So, with the results of the poll I took, I'm actually using the top two worlds. The second world people wanted will be this chapter and the top world will be the Christmas in May chapter.

Now, chapters may take a little longer to come out. I'm trying something new by writing chapters physically in a notebook before typing them up. It'll take a little longer, but they will probably be better quality.

Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy © to Disney and Square Enix!

Final Fantasy © to Square Enix!

All OCs © to their respective creators!

Chapter 31: Sweet Sunset

"The air here is so beautiful and fresh."

"It's always like that." Isa smiled.

Roxas looked around the world his guardian came from. They'd left Twilight Town right after school let them out for their winter break. He'd gotten to pick where they celebrated his birthday, and he chose here.

Radiant Garden.

They were going to spend the night and his birthday party here, and after the party, they'd all be going to Disney Town for Christmas.

Tomorrow, was his birthday.

Axel walked beside him, carrying two boxes under his arms as he dragged a suitcase. "The hotel is this way."

"Our families used to do stay-cations at this hotel back when we were kids. I wonder if the same lady is in charge." Isa glanced down at Xion who pulled her suitcase with one hand and held her bear, Stella, with the other arm.

Roxas glanced ahead, spotting a sign. "Is that the place?"

"Yep, that's Stargazer Heights(1)."

On the steps sat an older woman with her gray hair pulled back into a spiked ponytail. Beside her lay an older dog. As they approached, her old eyes lit up with recognition. "Well, I haven't seen you two ruffians in a long time."

"Nice to see you too, Miss Marle." Isa smirked. "Guess what? We're the ones staying in the suite here tonight."

"The one Lord Ansem is footing the bill for? How did you two manage that?"

Axel ruffled the hair of his charge. "That's right. We're here for a birthday vacation."

Marle threw back her head with a groan. "Please tell me you two aren't parents!"

"Legal guardians."

"Oh, you poor kids." She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I'm surprised you're still alive."

The teens could barely repress their giggles at the expressions of their guardians.

Axel walked up to the woman. "The key?"

"Here." She tossed it over before glancing at Roxas. "How old are you turning?"

"Sixteen."

Technically this would be his third year, but explaining that takes WAY too long.

"Sixteen is a good age. Have a party planned?"

"Yeah, it's tomorrow at the castle."

"You guys are connected."

Isa smiled. "We used to work with Ansem, remember? Apprentices."

"I remember. Well, have fun. And by the way, the pool is open late, so take advantage of that."

"We will!"

Walking inside the hotel, they headed to the end of the hall to the "Garden Suite".

"You know," Xion giggled, "coming to this world is always a little funny. Every person we meet from here talks about you two like you're our age and talks about how much trouble you were."

"I'm glad you find out delinquent and frankly embarrassing past hilarious."

They walked down to a large set of double doors. With a turn of a key, they opened the door. Looking around, they found a large living area with doors to four bedrooms.

"Dibs!" Xion ran to the first door.

"Make sure it's not the master bedroom. Roxas gets that room since it's his birthday."

"Ok!"

Isa went to one of the rooms, calling back. "We can go to the pool after dinner. Remember, we're meeting Ienzo and Nami's family for dinner."

"Do you know what the restaurant is?"

"It's new. I think Ienzo said it was called Bismarck."

Axel glanced at the clock. "We need to be there in about an hour, so we better get ready."

"Got it."

"Ienzo!"

The young man waved as they approached, smiling warmly. "Good to see you. Did you settle into the hotel yet?"

"Yep."

Ienzo turned to Roxas. "Happy early birthday."

"Thanks."

Axel glanced up at the restaurant sign. "This place wasn't here before. Who runs it?"

"Someone new. He came from another world."

"Actually, he came with me."

They all turned to see a woman with tanned skin, wavy brown hair, and brown eyes. She wore a leather jumpsuit under a long purple coat.

Beside her stood-

"Nami!"

Naminé giggled. "Nice to see you. And happy birthday, Roxas."

"Thanks."

"So, aren't you going to introduce us?" Naminé jumped as another girl leaned on her head. This girl had black hair that fell past her shoulders, brown eyes, and wore a dark blue cap.

The blonde girl giggled, pushing the older girl off. "Ok! Ok! Guys, this is my family."

The woman stepped forward, golden heeled boots clicking on the stone walkway, as she held out a hand. "Mercedes Anya, former captain of the pirate vessel 'Bold Tides', and current Chancellor of Fortunes."

"Nice to meet you."

The girl stepped forward. "Name's Kyrie, but you can call me Rea. Most people do. And it's easier on Nami's friends since apparently 'Kairi' is the name of that comatose chick in the castle."

"Rea, show some tact please." Snapped another girl. An older girl with short auburn hair and blue eyes. "I apologize for her. My name is Shelke."

Another girl popped into view. "Hello, I'm Lilja." She had dark skin, silver eyes, long blonde hair, and long blonde rabbit ears.

Axel smiled. He now saw this sweet girl, who'd once been a lonely and trapped girl, now stood there, bright and happy with a family all her own.

"It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Axel. This is Isa, Xion, and Roxas."

"Pleasure to meet you as well."

"So, you know the owner here?"

Mercedes nodded. "I should. He is from Lilja's homeworld of Eorzea, and he was the cook on my ship. His name is Lyngsath(2), and I can assure you that he'll give us star treatment. Because if he doesn't, he'll never hear the end of it from me or the rest of the crew. And don't worry about the bill, dinner's on me and Ansem."

"Thank you Miss Mercedes."

"Call me Mercedes, or 'Captain'."

"Yes Captain."

"Roxas?"

The four stood outside the restaurant.

Their delicious dinner finished well, and Naminé went home with her family.

But, Ienzo still had something to discuss...

Something important.

…

"Do you want him there, Roxas?" Axel asked gently.

"If you say no, no one will blame you."

Roxas stared up at the little motes of light that fell like glimmering snowdrops.

He'd talked about this with Jiminy.

And it was time.

"I want Ansem to come to the party." He let out a sigh. "It's time to forgive. And while I'll never fully trust him again, it's time to forgive. I can't hold onto my anger forever."

Ienzo smiled a little. "I'll tell him. See you tomorrow then."

"See you."

They walked back to the hotel, watching the motes of light fall around them. "I'm a little surprised you wanted him there."

"Me too."

The boy smiled. "I had a talk with Jiminy. Forgiveness isn't for Ansem's sake, but for mine. He helped me realize that the reason Ansem became so bitter and led him to become so cruel that he would hurt anyone to get what he wanted was because he couldn't let go of his anger. I don't want to end up bitter and full of anger and hate like he was. I want to let go of my anger and choose to forgive."

Everyone smiled as they walked back to the hotel.

As they walked back into the suite, Xion ran to her room. "Time to hit the pool!" She disappeared into the room, and Isa went to his room.

"Roxas," Axel put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Axel."

"Now, let's go have some fun!"

"Yeah!"

Changing into their swimsuits, the four went down to the pool.

As Axel jumped in, he yelled. "Chicken fight!"

"What's that?"

Axel patted his shoulders. "Roxas, climb on." He ducked under the water, so the boy could climb on.

Isa smiled at Xion before doing the same, so she could climb on.

"Now," Axel smirked, "you two need to try and knock each other off."

"Oh! This is gonna be awesome!" Roxas grinned.

Xion laughed. "Isa, let's kick their butts!"

"Absolutely!"

And, absolutely, Roxas was the first one in the water.

"Come on! It's my birthday!"

"No," called the victorious Xion, "TOMORROW is your birthday. Today, you get no sympathy from me."

"Oh, it's on now!"

"Bring it!"

The next day, Roxas and the others walked into the castle, up to a lounge on the fourth floor.

"This the place?"

"I think so."

With a soft push, Roxas opened the door. "Hello?"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

He jumped as everyone cheered inside.

Terra, Aqua, Ven.

Donald, Goofy, Mickey.

Naminé, Riku.

Ansem, Even, Ienzo, Aeleus, Dilan.

Smiling.

Happy.

Clapping and cheering.

Roxas felt his heart leaping in his chest.

"Roxas!" Ven ran over, throwing an arm around the boy's shoulders. "Come on! We're here to celebrate you!"

Both boys smiled and laughed as soft music filled the room.

People began laughing and talking with each other as Ven pulled Roxas over to a giant three-tiered cake iced in sunset colors. Iced on the side in white lettering was his name.

"This is a gift from me, Terra, and Aqua! We made it together!"

Aqua placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "We made a chocolate cake with sea salt caramel frosting. I hope you like it."

"It looks amazing! Thank you!"

"It was our pleasure." Terra smiled warmly. "Even if Aqua did most of the work since Ven and I aren't the best at baking."

Roxas didn't care. They'd done this all for him, and that was all that mattered in the end.

"Hey, Roxas, do you want to do presents and then cake?"

"Sure!" The boy ran over, plopping down on a couch.

Isa picked up one of the packages they brought from Twilight Town; a box wrapped in paper as blue as sea salt ice cream. "Let's do this one first. This is from your fellow club members and your other friends at school."

Roxas took the box, tearing into the paper as everyone gathered around.

"What is it?"

"Let me see!"

"Wow!" Roxas gasped as he pulled out a brand-new camera. "Wait! Th-this is the newest model! It's super expensive!"

"Akira told us not to buy one for you since all of your friends decided to pool some money to get it for you." Axel smiled warmly as Roxas wiped the newly forming tears of joy from his eyes. "Do you need a minute, Roxas?"

"Take a breather if you need it."

The boy wiped his faced again. "I'm ok... I'm ok." Gently setting the camera down, he glanced around.

"Here." Riku walked over with a bright green gift bag. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks." Roxas reached into the bag and pulled out a large, knitted satchel; the gray yarn had red edging on the top and a black and white checkered pattern on the pockets.

"I figured you'd need something to carry your camera and the rest of your journalism stuff in."

Roxas smiled. "It's perfect. I can carry the camera in it!"

"Well now," Even leaned down, looking at the bag, "that is very well made. Someone put a lot of work into that bag."

Riku sat down. "Honestly, I was worried I wouldn't finish it in time for your birthday."

…

"Wait..."

"You made this!?"

"Yeah."

"I didn't know you were into knitting."

Riku shrugged. "It's been a while since I had enough time to work on a project like this."

"I can't believe you really made this." Roxas gently put the new camera into the bag. "It's really awesome. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Setting the bag down beside him, Roxas smiled as Donald and Goofy carried over a small cooler.

"This is something we like to do in Disney Town for special occasions." Mickey hopped over, opening the cooler.

Goofy tilted it, so the boy could see inside. "It's your own personal ice cream flavor."

"What!?"

"That's so cool!" Xion gasped, grabbing Roxas's shoulders, almost shaking him with excitement.

Donald reached in and pulled off the lid. "We called it Sunset Streak."

Roxas smiled as he saw a creamy yellow ice cream, marbled orange and light brown.

"It's sea salt ice cream for the base, with chocolate and caramel mixed in.

"We're totally eating this with the cake!"

"Absolutely!"

"Of course!"

Roxas grinned.

His own ice cream flavor.

For some people, ice cream wouldn't seem like much of a big deal. But... the foundation of his idea of friendship was built around that simple dessert.

"Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome!" They closed the cooler, and Riku helped Goofy put it on the table by the cake.

Roxas flashed a gentle smile as Ansem timidly approached, holding a book in his arms. The old man seemed timid as he held out the book.

"Even and Ienzo helped me find these, and Dilan and Aeleus helped me put the book together." His voice trembled, as he averted his gaze. "I know that I put you through a harrowing experience. There is no way I could ever fix what I did to you, but I know that even in a digital copy of the world, you have precious memories from that time. I know there are bad ones too, but I saw you have good times as well. Even, Ienzo and I sifted through the data for these."

Taking the book, Roxas slowly opened it.

A gasp escaped his lips as he saw photos of himself, Hayner, Pence, and Olette.

Memories.

All the good ones.

The times that were precious to him. They felt as real to him as the moments with Xion and Axel.

And here they were.

Beating Seifer in a sparring match.

Eating ice cream on the tower.

Debunking the seven wonders.

The Struggle tournament he won.

"Ansem... everyone... thank you." Roxas pulled the book to his chest as tears began welling up in his eyes. "Thank you so much!"

He looked up to see Axel holding out one last box. "This is from me, Xion, and Isa."

Setting Ansem's book on his lap, he took the new package.

When he opened the box, he found a scrapbook.

"You take lots of pictures of other people, but there aren't that many of you." Xion took his hand in hers. "We found every photo of you that we could. You collect memories of everyone, and these are ones of you. You can see how many people care about you. And how much you mean to us."

Roxas squeezed her hand, leaning into her shoulder as he began to look through the book.

He felt the room fill with emotion.

What emotion was it...

Oh.

Of course.

Love.

That's what he felt.

Sniffling, he held both books close. "Thank you everyone!" He wiped his eyes. "Thank you!" He sniffled again before smiling. "Wh-why don't we get cake and ice cream?"

"Sounds like a good idea to me!"

"How the heck am I going to carry home both birthday and Christmas presents?"

Donald laughed. "Well, I hope that the bag Riku gave you can hold lots of stuff."

"It can." Riku helped Goofy and Terra load suitcases into the gummi ship. "I made sure it had room."

Goofy chuckled. "You are going to love Christmas at our home!"

Terra glanced back at his two best friends. "Aqua, Ven, and I attended the Dream Festival. If it's as fun and colorful as the Dream Festival, it'll be great!"

"You'll just have to wait and see." Mickey laughed.

Riku took Naminé's bag, which was smaller than everyone's bag except for Riku's. "It'll be lots of fun. Even though Nami and I will only be there until Christmas Eve."

As Roxas stepped onto the gummi ship, Ven wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "So, how did you feel about your first birthday party?"

"It was amazing!"

"And Christmas will be just as awesome!"

"I'm sure it will be!"

Hope you enjoyed!

Footnote:

(1) This is the name of the apartment building from FF7 Remake, and yes, the owner is the same lady from the game.

(2) Lyngsath Hyllbornsyn is the guildmaster of the Culinarians' Guild in "Final Fantasy 14". He's also the head chef of a restaurant there that is also called the "Bismark".